Opinion
talon Staley High School |Volume Kansas City, Mo.| 1 VI Issue IV | Talon Volume VII Issue II | November 2014
Table of Contents
Table of Contents Feature
Sports
Fashion Feature
Stagecraft (6) Photo by Tiffany Thompson
The Layered Look
(10)
Photo by Tiffany Thompson
Opinion Feature
Graduation Day (2) Tests No Shave (8) November
Lifestyles
(16)
2 | Talon | Volume VII Issue II
Guys & Dolls
Fall Sports Wrap Up (14) Photo by Marissa Cassaway
All-District Orchestra
(12)
Photo by Tiffany Thompson
Cover Photo Illustration by Keirceten Nelson Design by Abbi Atwell
Staff Page
Staff Editorial
TalonStaff
Missing: Lunch
Dear Staley Thieves, Stealing is wrong. This principle, and law in case you hadn’t heard, has been passed down through civilizations for centuries. The repercussions for theft in those ancient times were the loss of a hand, and many times death by impalement. Although the punishment is nowhere near as horrifying as sacrificing a hand for an extra two chicken strips, some students have seemed to ignore the fact that stealing is still illegal, even in a school setting. While you might not get thrown in the slammer for sneaking past the lunch staff nice enough to make the food you have so skillfully stolen, the forfeit of your personal integrity should be punishment enough for students who have actual values. For those who have deluded themselves enough to think they will magically stop this habit after they graduate from high school, 55 percent of adult shoplifters say they started shoplifting in their teens, according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. We understand the creativity of secretly packing ice cream into a coffee cup, but please try using your ingenuity for something other than selfish school lunch theft.
Photo by Keirceten Nelson Talon is published quarterly during the school year. Talon will accept letters to the editor in CR202 or at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org. Before the letter is published, we will need to verify the writer’s identity with a photo identification. Letters may not exceed a length of 350 words. We will not publish letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption of the education process of Staley High School. Letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will be discarded. Advertisers may contact the business manager at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org, (816) 413-4100 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313.
Sincerely, Talon Staff
Editor-in-Chief Abbi Atwell Managing Editor Paige Hawkins Multimedia Editor Bryttany Holovach Lifestyles Editor Sean Fender Features Editor Paige Hawkins Opinions Editor Abbi Atwell Sports Editor Sean Fender Fashion Editor Dallas Beaulieu Photos Editor Destiny Wilborn Copy Editors Marissa Hubbard Abbi Atwell Reporters Hafsa Sheikh-Hussein Hannah Crites Adrianna McLean Amber Engle Photographers Brad Smith Tiffany Thompson Jamil Thomas-Nunn Logan Dawson Kaleigh Bentz Alayna Lopez Keirceten Nelson Graphic Artisit Chase Vallejo Adviser Cherié Burgett
Opinions expressed in Talon do not reflect the Talon staff’s endorsement of the products or services. Subscriptions are available, $20 for a mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both. Talon is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.
Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 3
Opinion
Tests or Graduation?
Seniors Scheduled to Take AP Tests on Graduation Day Written by Marissa Hubbard
As my, and many others’, high-school life comes to a close after four years, the impatience to finish exams and classes is making students eager for the day we can walk across the stage as a united class. This day, however, will not only be filled with congratulations and jade-colored caps thrown into
the air, but also mind-numbing tests for students thirsty for possible college credit. The day
only those who are devoted enough or not attending graduation. Students who are brave enough
issue not easily solved. The change in venue for graduation last year was a step in the right direction
normally looked forward to by seniors is now being preceded by a stressful Advanced Placement exam both teachers and students have worked all year to be prepared for. Both parties deserve proper attention, as they both could be considered of the same importance. The attendance for the exam will likely be at an all-time low, only including
to participate in both will still have to deal with the anxiety and restlessness that comes with these important events. This will result in inaccurate representation of test scores that will not portray the time and effort students spent putting into the class. With the new rotation of graduation between schools, it’s understandable how this is an
and something I suggest not changing back to the location it was in past years. Seeing as we cannot do much to change a national test, the administration needs to take a look at some way to lessen the burden of exam day for the students and teachers who have devoted themselves to a rigorous course in hopes of gaining credit.
Photos by Keirceten Nelson 4 | Talon | Volume VII Issue II
Design by Abbi Atwell
Opinion
Body Shaming
Pop Culture Begins Notorious New Trend Graphic by Destiny Wilborn Written by Adrianna McLean
Recently, a new phenomenon has sprung about in pop-culture: skinny shaming. Songs like Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” and Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” are catchy, but the lyrics defame skinny women. This is not an uncommon thing. Body shaming is becoming popular throughout all aspects of social media and entertainment. Our society has promoted thin, toned bodies for so long; is it really possi-
ble to promote a thick body without shaming those on the opposite end of the spectrum? On some level, everyone is guilty of degrading someone else for their body; whether it’s our friends, family, people in public, or celebrities. We rarely stop and gage how harsh it is to not only the people being critiqued, but also to us. Over time, we begin to think that it’s OK to skinny or fat shame others, resulting in self-scrutiny. Earlier this year, “Man Vs. Food’s” Adam Richman, who lost weight through healthy eating and relentless exercise, used the hash tag “#Thinspiration”
on Instagram. This is usually a term used to promote eating disorders. When confronted on the term, Richman used insults and offensive comments to defend himself, due to his lack of knowledge on the term he used. The “being skinny is better than being fat” motto is something that is used a lot. Curvy girls have developed a new way of thinking aimed at supporting a heavier frame, but this has led us to bash people for being “too skinny.” Beauty comes from difference. This is the main issue with body bashing in pop culture. We have started to
alienate more people then we are trying to support with negative, pessimistic views and remarks. It’s hard to live in a world where your body matters so much. It’s hard for skinny men and women. It’s hard for overweight men and women. It’s hard for everyone in between. As a society, all we should promote is a healthy body. You can be thick and be healthy. You can be skinny and be healthy. This is the only beneficial way to support somebody’s figure without causing detriment toward both women and men’s body image.
Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 5
Lifestyles
Behind the Scenes of Guys & Dolls Stagecraft Class Creates Set
Students and staff have been working hard to get ready for the musical, “Guys and Dolls.” The Stagecraft class had a big part in helping with the show. “It feels great to be to be helping with the set,” said junior Anthony Liams. “We will be working up until the performance date.” The musical was on Nov. 20-22. The Stagecraft students learned building and painting techniques in the class. Most set pieces and props were created by students and staff. “We learned a variety of skills to help build the sets,”
MEET THE CAST
Nathan Detroit
“I prepared by seeing the movie and just thinking ‘If I were in this time, how would I react to being chased by the cops since I’m now an addictive gambler?’ I’m looking forward to performing it and showing off all of our hard work,” senior Quinn Blades.
6 | Talon | Volume VII Issue II
said senior Brenna Keeling. “Having 3-D pieces gives the musical a lively and realistic feel instead of using only drops that make the show feel 2-D and more like a portrait than a performance.” This year, organization was important to both teachers and students, according to Stagecraft teacher Steve Dains. “We spent a lot of time organizing work this year,” said Dains. “This is the first time in Stagecraft history that they have actively built the set.” Hard work was put into the musical by students.
Written by Adrianna McLean Photos by Tiffany Thompson Design by Paige Hawkins
Working with sophomore Trey Mabion to modify a bench,
senior Jacob Smith drills a hole into the board. Smith said that teacher Steve Dains makes Stagecraft fun. “I think it’s fun, just being able to build stuff,” said Smith.
“I really like the class,” said sophomore Zachary Fowle. “I’m excited for how ‘Guys and Dolls’ is going to come together.” Some Stagecraft students and
teachers, like Dains, are happy with the hard work they have put in to the musical. “It’s going to be absolutely amazing,” said Dains.
Photos by Tiffany Thompson Interviews by Amber Engle
Skye Masterson
“I play a gambler. He runs the crap games. He’s kind of a ‘mob boss’ in his own way. He runs around places and is in charge. I got into it by resembling the time period of the 20s. How people work in the underground and such,” senior Carson Bowman.
Nicely-Nicely Johnson
“I’m looking forward to showing people how talented we are and all our hard work we’ve been doing and showing the audience. This year, since Ms. Trebus is here I feel like the acting part of it is going to be a lot better,” sophomore Tim Lawson.
Dancer
“I am a dancer in the nightclub. I love performing. I’m just excited to be able to do it. This is the first musical I’ve done at Staley,” senior Grace Carlson.
Lifestyles Showing sophomore Jerry Burks how to cut a stool, teacher Stephen Dains prepares the props for the musical. The Stagecraft students have been working on the set a month in advanced. “We’re taking some of the old props that they had, and modifying them so that they work for what they’re doing this time,” said Dains. “We’re also building a few props from scratch.”
Behind the scenes of Stagecraft, junior Lauren Hamre sorts the shop’s supplies. A few students sat in a smaller room and helped the stage craft class to keep their supplies, such as nails, organized. “We’re just pretty much like the librarians for the shop,” said junior Lauren Hamre. “Last year, nothing was ever organized; we couldn’t find anything. Since Dains came in, he’s like, ‘Hey, let’s get this done. Let’s find stuff.’”
Big Jule-Mob boss from, Chicago
“I walked into my audition with way too much confidence and nailed it. I’ve been practicing my accent for a while,” junior Cole Garner.
Stage Manager
“The play is going really well. Everyone’s putting a lot of effort into the musical. It’s nice to have people who actually want to work on it and make it a great show. The play is called ‘Guys and Dolls,’” senior Rae Ann Roberts.
Working to get all of the props finished in time, seniors Anna Ohmart and Courtney Hittle paint one of the tables for a café scene on Oct. 28. Anna has been in Stagecraft for two years. “I was in Stagecraft last year. I really enjoyed building sets and stuff,” said Ohmart. “I really like working with my hands.”
Actress, Gambler, Salvation Army Member
“Our rehearsals are more strict and more focused. We have a lot of practice outside of practice. I’m looking forward to having everyone work together,” senior Haley McDougle.
Pickpocket
“The musical is a lot different this year. It’s more organized and focused. I basically just go up to random people and steal things from their pockets. I’m looking forward to putting on the show,” junior Bridget Politte.
Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 7
Feature
No Shave November Supports A Cause Written by Adrianna McLean Graphic by Keirceten Nelson
You may hear about a lot of men with itchy faces and women with itchy legs this fall season, but as they let it grow do they know what No Shave November is about? “I’ve always participated in No Shave November because I feel that it is my right as woman to freely do so. But after hearing about how everything originally got started, it just added so much more meaning to the cause,” said sophomore Leah Mosher. Letting hair grow has been a trending topic for quite some time now. Some people may do it to support women’s
rights; others may do it simply because they want an excuse to be lazy. Even Abraham Lincoln’s famous “Gettysburg Address” was originally named the “Gettysbeard address” because it was supposed to encourage all men to grow beards that were fuller and hairier than the beards of the Confederacy, according to no-shave.org. This phenomena has now advanced the tradition to help a cause. In autumn 2009, the founders of no-shave.org wanted to find a way that anyone—regardless of age, gender or income—could raise money. No Shave November was their
Love your cut No Appointments Necessary Open 7 Days a Week Costcutters.com S h o a l C r e e k P la z a 1 5 2 & F lin t lo c k 8 1 6 - 7 9 2 - 5 9 7 0
obvious choice. Since nearly everyone spends the same amount of money on grooming, why not use the current November trend to raise money for cancer? The founders understood the hardship cancer patients’ families and friends endure. In the spirit of the founders’ families, they started fundraising and made hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. In 2013, No Shave November partnered with the American Cancer Society to make sure all the funds raised in the annual campaign would be distributed throughout research, prevention, education
and continuing care. No Shave November helps embrace the hair that many cancer patients lose during treatment, and benefits finding a cure. They hope to not only raise money from the current participants, but to also use their cause to encourage other people to join in on the hair-growing fun. “I’ve never done it before, so this is my first year participating. I didn’t know the origins of No Shave November, but now that I do, it makes me want to do it again because it’s for a good cause,” said senior Jacob Pfender.
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Feature Photos by Keirceten Nelson Graphic by Chase Vallejo
Junior Mikayla Spears
Teacher Scott Anderson
Junior Jacob Avondet
“My honest opinion is I’m lazy, and girls and guys can be hairy and happy.”
“It’s been fun. It’s aged me a lot, and I hope when I shave it off, I look young again.”
“I have had a full mustache since sixth grade and beard since eighth grade.”
Who Wears It Better?
Graphics by Keirceten Nelson and Chase Vallejo
Mark Mundell
Clark Mershon
Sharon Roberts
Chad Brinton
Fred Brouchard Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 9
Fashion
The Art of
Start with a simple dress with ruffles on the end, and add a thick sweater that covers to the edge of the dress. Finish the look with tights and kneehigh boots.
For a chic, edgy look, match a plain white tee with a black jacket and a colorful flannel tied around your waist. For an even more layered look, add necklaces and rings.
One new trend is buttoning up a jean shirt with a sweater overlapping so that the collar and cuffs of the jean shirt show. Pair with black leggings and finish with brown booties for a polished look.
The taller the boot, the better. The lean lines from the boot will give the look of longer legs.
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These new tieup shoes are the biggest trend. Whether they are styled as boots or booties, the more complex the better.
Layering Written by Dallas Beaulieu Photos by Tiffany Thompson and Alayna Lopez
Fashion
Fall Back Outfits
We all have those days where we are running late for school and can’t find anything to wear. Here are some outfits that you can put together easily with any basic clothing pieces. Throw on any oversized sweater of any pattern or color. Match with plain leggings and finish off with combat boots.
A plain shirt, army jacket, jeans and Converse are a good alternative to those who don’t want to wear too many staple pieces together.
The easiest thing you can do as a guy is pick up any crew neck sweater, paired with jeans and Converse. This outfit can be put together easily and with any sweater.
The simpler the clothing pieces the better. Start with a plain shirt under a textured jacket. Add dark-wash jeans, converse and a hipster-inspired beanie.
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Laced up to the toe or with thick straps around the ankle, these shoes add a special dimension to the overall look. Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 11
Lifestyles
Student Musicians Prepare for Kansas City Metro All-Districts
Written and Design by Bryttany Holovach Photo by Abbi Atwell
Seven students have been selected for the Kansas City Metro All-District Orchestra. They auditioned with hundreds of other students from around the metro area; it is a huge accomplishment for the students to have been selected, according to orchestra teacher James Freise. After success in auditions, rehearsing is not over. With so much competition, a significant amount of preparation is needed, Freise said. Extra time out of class was a major component; even taking time during the summer to practice was asked of the students in order to make All-Districts, according to Freise. Junior Jennifer Whitehead made first chair cello in the string orchestra; she
said that she was surprised to have made it. The thing Whitehead worked the most on was the scales and excerpts. This is the first time that she’s placed as a lead, which makes All-Districts a new experience, for her, Whitehead said. In addition to Whitehead, Junior Hannah Reilly placed first chair in bass for the string orchestra; this is her first time as a lead. “I was really excited when I found out, because I got a lead this year,” said Reilly. Reilly also said that she tried to practice on a more regular schedule in order to improve at playing the bass. Another student who made string orchestra was sophomore Gensis Castulo, placing second violin and 15th chair. Castulo said she is
All-District Band Results Photo by Tiffany Thompson
All-District Band: Xavier Munoz All-District Band and Jazz Band: Anthony Kasper Honorable Metions: Carissa Kasper, Lilly Loving, Rachel McLees, Natianna Ohmart, Starrla Smith, Mikayla Stupps
12 | Talon | Volume VII Issue II
determined to reach mastery in order for the music to sound fluent. . Placing in all-districts takes on a new responsibility said Castulo. “I would say making all districts is a huge responsibility, because practicing and trying to perfect it is quite a challenge,” said Castulo. When asking students what it feels like to perform, many believe, like sophomore Brittani Lubeck, that it was honor. Lubeck placed second violin and 15th chair in the string orchestra; this is her first year earning a spot in all districts. She said she had to commit every day in order to make it. “Placing in All-Districts felt amazing; I achieved something I’ve always wanted,” said Lubeck.
Even though performing is something, most of the students thrive for, nerves can be hard to get a grip of said Lubeck. Not only was the audition nerve racking, but now the students are preparing for an even more anxiety-inducing performance, according to Whitehead. The performance for all districts is here at Staley on Jan. 10th at 7 p.m. Freise offered some advice for the preparing students. “The best advice I could give them is to take deep breaths, not let nerves get to them and to also have fun while performing,” said Freise.
Student Accepted into Missouri All-State Choir
Photo by Keirceten Nelson
Senior Carson Bowman made Missouri All-State Choir.
Lifestyles
Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 13
Sports
Fall Sports Wrap Up Design by Sean Fender Interviews by Logan Dawson
Varsity beat Park Hill South High School to win sectionals at home, which is a ticket to the state quarterfinals. Seniors Adam Pruitt, David Bodenheimer and Tony Varela led the team as captains on Nov 4. “I thought it was really good that we made it to quarterfinals two years in a row,” said Pruitt. “We made it far, it’s just sad that it had to come to an end.” Photo by Logan Dawson
Taking on, and beating another player, senior Tony Varela looks up the field on Oct. 8. At the home game, varsity plays North Kansas City High School in a conference game. “The season went pretty well. We could have done better, but overall it was good,” said Varela. Photo by Lauren Hudson
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Staley Cross Country had 6 people go to state and everyone who did, placed. State was in Jefferson City, Mo, Oct. 8. “The season was very successful because we focused more on training for state versus training to place well in other meets,” said junior Mikayla Spears. Photo courtesy of Mikayla Spears
Sports This year, the girls made it to state, and it’s the farthest they’ve ever been. Junior Deanna Mace gets ready to serve the ball Sept. 8. “I think it went well that we won conference and had two girls go to state,” said Mace. Photo By Marissa Cassaway Junior Connor McCullough completes a pass on Sept. 26. In the conference game, Varsity beat North Kansas City 55-18. “I think we had a lot of success, but unfortunately we came up short,” said McCullough. Photo by Brooke Bannister Boys swim went to state at the St. Louis Rex Plex on Nov. 7 and 8. Junior Collin Duffy swam in the 200-medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and also the 100 breaststroke. “The whole team was awesome, and we had really great seniors,” said Duffy. “State was amazing. We went in seeded seventh, and everyone swam really well and dropped time.” Photo by Madison Lott Softball went to districts, and lost, but they had a successful season as they undefeated and ended with a record of 21-4. Senior Peyton Herman winds up for a pitch on Sept. 8. “I am so proud of the girls and all of their hard work,” said coach Andrea Holmes. “It was by far the best softball season in Staley History.” Photo by Hannah Mountz In the midst of blocking the ball, junior Breana Kamaka jumps into action with the help of another player on Sept. 11. The girls played North Kansas City High School in a conference game. “We started out rough, and then stared to finish strong and jelled together and helped our play,” said Kamaka. Photo by Christina Chau Senior Ana Doval
Rodriguez tees up and hits a shot on October 6th. Sectionals took place at Paradise Point, where Staley placed 5th. “I had so much fun,” said senior Doval Rodriguez. “In Spain you don’t get to practice as a team.” Photo by Brad Smith
Volume VII Issue II | Talon | 15
Guys & Dolls
Appearing on stage after senior Chris Skram’s introduction are the Hot Box Girls, freshman Ava Delsemme, juniors Hannah White and Alayna Dick, and sophomores Valerie Chandler and Michelle Williams. While performing on stage, they were being watched by male characters. Their roles called for them to act flirty.
Performing a duet, seniors Liz Pace and Carson Bowman sing about love. They were both singing about how they thought the love of their lives should be. “I was trying to establish my idea of the perfect man, and he was telling me, ‘Well, here’s what I think it should be,’ and we end up kissing in the end,” said Pace. “We sing at each other, and then we sing with each other.”
Photos by Tiffany Thompson
Hosting the Hot Box, senior Chris Skram prepares the crowd for the oncoming dancers. Skram said that he made his costume out of two parts of another costume. “I am the master of ceremonies in the Hot Box,” said Skram. “I come out there and announce the ladies.”
Singing with senior Liz Pace, senior Carson Bowman practices a duet for the musical, “Guys & Dolls.” Bowman says that another male character bets him that he can’t take Pace’s character to Havana. “I spend all of the scenes trying to get her to go with me. She’s trying to play it off, and she tries to ignore me, so that’s when we start singing together. I make the move, and she backs out,” said Bowman.
Talking on the phone with another character is senior Quinn Blades. Blades plays Nathan Detroit, one of the lead male characters. “I was talking to Colton Carter’s character, Joey Biltmore, about having my illegal crap game,” said Blades. “Joey needs money for it, but I don’t have the money.”