Staley Talon, Volume 13, Issue 3, May 2021, Staley High School by Staley News, Staley High School

P.8-9

Teachers Give Final Goodbyes

P.12-13

Prom: The Roaring ‘20s

P. 20

Top Music Choices Over Past Four Years

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES (P.18-19)

TALON Senior Issue

Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Volume 13 Issue 3 May 2021

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Table of Contents

INSIDE THIS ISSUE SENIOR FEATURE

22-23 04 SENIOR FEATURE 24-25 Debate Champion Photo Feature 05 State SENIOR SPORTS Sign To Universities To Play 26-27 06-07 Althletes Sports SENIOR FEATURE 28 Words From Most Admired 08-09 Parting Teachers LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT 29 10 Tips For Upgrading College Dorm SENIOR FEATURE 30 Graduate With Associates Degree 11 Seniors SENIOR NEWS 31 Class, Guests Take To Dance Floor For Prom 12-13 Senior SENIOR FEATURE 32-33 Class Receives Future Predictions From 14-15 SAGE Eighth Grade Selves 34-35 SENIOR FEATURE 16-17 Seniors Going Out Of State 36 SENIOR FEATURE 18-19 Seniors Recognized By Fellow Classmates LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT 20 Seniors Share Top Songs During High School FEATURE 21 SENIOR Seniors Recreate Childhood Photos Students Compete For No. 1 Spot In Class Rank

FEATURE

Humpty Dumpty Display Brings Joy

NEWS

Building, Education System Renovated

FEATURE

Librarians Explain LMC

OPINION

Free Britney Movement Spreads Across Social Media

LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT

Online Shopping Increases In Popularity

SPORTS

Athletes Share Superstitions

FEATURE

Student Entrepreneurs Share Stories

LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT Best Picture Oscar Nominees Rated

LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT

Love Languages Explain How People Love

SENIOR SIGNATURES

Signature Space For Seniors

The 2021 graduating class was in kindergarden when Staley High School first opened and is the first class to be Future Falcons from year one to graduation. Cartoon by Cassie Ford

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Table of Contents

Write the editors a letter

Talon publishes quarterly issues 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 veritable disruption of the education process at Staley High School. Letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will be discarded. Advertisers may contact the adviser at cherie.burgett@ nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313. Opinions expressed in Talon do not express the staff’s endorsement of the products or services.

Talon is a member of NSPA, MIPA, MJEA and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

TALON STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF HANNAH MOORE RACHAEL MUELLER MANAGING EDITORS CASSIE FORD CHARLIE WARNER COPY EDITORS CHARLIE WARNER RACHAEL MUELLER ADVISER CHERIE BURGETT

ON THE COVER Seniors Corbin Shores and Sydney Walters celebrate the graduating class of 2021 by throwing their caps outside Staley High School. Junior Hannah Moore took the photo May 6.

STAFF ARCHIE DINWIDDIE ISABELLA DORRINGTON LANDYN GOLDBERG BREANNA HART CYNNIE HATCH FALLYN KOWALSKI JUPITER MARIER BRIANNE TREMPER DAMIEN VARGAS GRACE WINKLER COOPER WYGLENDOWSKI

ON THE WEB StaleyNews.com

Staley News

@staleynews

@staley.news

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Battle of the Brains Students Compete For No. 1 Spot In Class Rank

n a student’s sophomore year, their class rank is made available to them. Class rank is based on a student’s weighted GPA, so the more AP classes they take, the higher they are ranked. After the class rank for seniors Sasha Bell and Caleb Frieson came out, they realized that Frieson was in the first spot, and Sasha was in the second spot. “It was actually expected that Sasha would come out on top because he’s the smart kid of our grade,” said Frieson. Once Bell and Frieson knew that they were right next to each other in rank, a friendly competition was born to see who would end up on top. This resulted in them taking AP classes they typically wouldn’t take. “We’ve both taken a lot of the AP and college-level classes to get a high weighted GPA,” said Bell. To make sure one wouldn’t outdo the other, they would have to sign up for the same classes, even if they weren’t interested in them. Bell explained how they both ended up taking AP Art History when it wasn’t entirely necessary. “Neither of us really wanted to take that just because Art I would’ve been 100% easier,” said Bell. ”But at the risk that one of us would take AP Art History and the other won’t, we both ended up taking it for our Fine Art credit.” Frieson said the class load he took on for this competition ended up getting pretty stressful. “There were many points, in the past two years especially, where I was like, ‘Why am I doing all of this?’” said Frieson. “There were many points where I have just been stressed out of my mind, but I made it, so that’s all that matters.” Whether they were planning

on it or not, this competition ended up paying off in more ways than just straight As. Frieson will be attending Masschusetts Insttute of Technology this fall. Bell will be going to Texas Agricultural and Mechanical University. As their last year winds down, Frieson was in the No.1 spot as of May 4, 2021. Written by Charlie Warner Photos by Charlie Warner

Sasha Bell, 12 Caleb Frieson, 12

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

STATE CHAMPION

or the first time in school history, the debate team has a state champion. Senior Mamus Ogolor earned the state championship in Lincoln-Douglas Debate April 24 at the MSHSAA State Tournament. Ogolor said it was a big accomplishment for him for his high-school career and that it was something amazing to be able to walk out of high school with the championship. “For the past four years, I’ve always been right there, whether it’s qualifying for state or nationals or our regular tournaments. I’ve always been so close but have never been able to truly get to the top of the hill,” said Ogolor. “To know that I’m going out of high school as a state champion, the best in Missouri, makes me feel that all of the hard work I’ve dedicated into this activity for the past four years has paid off.” Photo by Cassie Ford

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Sports

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature Congratulations Seniors...you made it! “Creativity takes courage” is a quote from French artist, Henri Matisse, that applies to everyone, not just artists. As you take the next steps in your life journey, I hope my lessons learned from Matisse will make a difference for you. First, be open to change because from that will come your next opportunity. Matisse switched from law school to art school while he was bedridden after appendicitis. He found a “kind of paradise” in painting after his mother bought him a paint set to speed up his recovery. You will spend the rest of your life at your job, so finding your paradise will make work something to look forward to each day. The second trait is desperately needed across our world today…respect those that are creatives; those that do, look, feel, think differently. Matisse had a rebellious reputation in art school because he wanted to do things his way. He was inspired by other modern artists that were demonstrating their creativity in ways not accepted by the academics. Because of him and others, he changed art forever. When you see someone doing something unusual, dreaming something that seems unreachable...be inspired, celebrate them and dare to be different yourself. You have something to add to our world that could change us forever! Lastly, don’t be afraid of mistakes. Matisse painted as he was instructed, then experimented with more modern ways unafraid of making mistakes. His work wasn’t celebrated at first, yet he continued to evolve, building along the way. Similar to the way his art career started, it ended. Late in life, he was again bedridden from cancer, making painting difficult. He moved to painting papers, cutting shapes and gluing them down, developing a whole new process of his paradise that is still admired today. Throughout his life, it would have been easy to quit or go with the “norm.” Think about the conversations his parents had to have with him when he wanted to switch from law to art, and yet he persevered, grew, and influenced all of us with his art for decades beyond his death. No mistakes or lost opportunities; just new circumstances that opened new doors. So go out, Falcons…make mistakes and learn from them. Always be open to change as the future depends on it and spread respect all around. Have the courage to find your paradise and please come back to share with your Staley family. We will miss you, but we also can’t wait to see what your future holds!!!

Mrs. Cox

WHO’’S YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER? WHO Sabrina McGraw, 12 Jairus Tapp, ELA “My favorite teacher is Mr. Tapp because he really cares for his students and puts a lot of personal time and investment into our success which really makes me as a student appreciated.”

Evie Rodenbaugh, 12 Carol Toney, AP Research “My favorite teacher is Ms. Toney because she shows so much care to each of her students, and you truly tell that she is passionate for her profession.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

BON VOYAGE!

Photos by Cassie Ford Graphics by Cassie Ford

Parting Words From Most Admired Teachers

Dear Class of 2021, I am honored to be asked to write a final goodbye letter to the Class of 2021. Unfortunately, I am probably the worst writer on the planet and my letter will probably be made fun of for all of its grammatical errors, speling erors (wink, wink), lack of direction, and lack of overall wis-dom. But I will try my best just for you. However, let’s be honest: if you have taken my class, I have pretty much said all my thoughts about the future and even said my goodbye directly to you on the last day of class. But I will leave you a couple of final nuggets to chew on as you walk out the doors of Staley High School. I always say “be happy” and “be nice to each other.” These are great words to live by. But, COVID-19 this year taught me a new lesson. As those of you who know me, from psychology class, I am a behaviorist…I do not like biology and science. I believe we learn from our envi-ronment and our personal life journey. So, COVID-19 and all of its crazy issues reminded me that the best teacher in life is our own personal experiences. We learn so many things from life’s events. However, we don’t all learn the same lessons from them. For example, I learned that I need live, personal, human interaction to succeed at teaching and learning. On the other hand, some of you learned that a good computer and strong cup of coffee suffices for you to learn. In other words, we all learn different things from our experiences. But the bottom line is… LEARN FROM THEM. GROW FROM THEM. BE A BETTER PERSON FROM THEM. So, as you leave Staley High School, please remember to Be Happy, Be Nice, and Learn from Life’s Little Adventures. If you do all of those things, you will live a wonderful, fulfilling life. It has been a pleasure to teach you, get to know you and, most importantly be a champion for each of you and your life, however you choose to live it. Best of luck to each of you!!! Sincerely, Mr. Scott R. Anderson Your Friend for Life

Tabitha Rhinehart , 12 Julie Fantozzi, FACS “One of my favorite teachers is Mrs. Fantozzi because, first of all, she is so funny, she does things her own way, she bends the rules and makes the class fun in her own way.”

Nick Bergman, 12 Darryl Johnson, ELA “My favorite teacher is Mr. Johnson because he’s amazing, tells some awesome stories and has one of the best classroom enviornments in the school.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Dorm Living 101 Tips For Upgrading College Dorm Written by Isabella Dorrington Graphics by Cassie Ford

Simple Shower Solutions When living in a dorm, usually students have to use a communal bathroom. Make sure to get a shower caddy to make it easier to carry around the essentials. Get some kind of water-resistant sandals or slippers so as not to worry about ruining a pair of shoes. Another good thing to have is a robe so that walking from a shower to the dorm room is easier and more discreet.

Storage Shortage Depending on what kind of dorm, usually it comes with little closet space for clothes. Using hangers and soda tabs, students can stack clothing items. By putting a soda tab on the hook of a hanger, students can hang another item on the tab. This makes students have a lot more space in their closet to hang more things. If it’s a dresser instead of a closet, try rolling clothes instead of folding them. By rolling clothes it gives more room in the drawer.

Cool As Ice If a dorm doesn’t have an air conditioner, it can get stuffy and hot. Put a glass of ice water in front of a mini fan to cool down the room. With just a fan, it would only circulate heat, but the ice water gives off chilled air. Another thing to try with a mini fan is put a dryer sheet behind it. The dryer sheet makes the air that is being circulated smell good so the dorm smells fresh and clean

Schedueling As a freshman in college, it can be hard to get used to a new schedule. Take a picture of the schedule, and put it as a lockscreen. Not having to unlock a phone when trying to find classes makes things a lot easier.

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Achieving Higher Education Seniors Graduate With Associates Degree

Written by Fallyn Kowalski

Sadie LeMunyon, 12 When she found out about the opportunity to earn an associates degree while in high school, LeMunyon said she was really excited. “My junior year we had to watch this presentation about Early College Academy. When I saw the presentation, I was like, ‘Hey that sounds really cool,’” said LeMunyon. “‘Two free years of college. You can get them out of the way and graduate with your associates degree. That sounds amazing.’” LeMunyon said she wanted go right into a career after high school instead of doing more school, and the most challenging part of the journey was the amount of work. Jackson Gilbert, 12 Taking college classes during high school was an opportunity to get done with college earlier and save money, said Gilbert. He said the program catered to the interests of the students, and he took classes that interested him, but juggling the workload wasn’t easy. “Have a plan. You have to make sure you get assignments done as soon as possible because the second you procrastinate with one class, it starts to fall into the other classes,,” said Gilbert. Gilbert said it’s not as hard as people think it will be and that the hardest part was the first semester. The transition from high school to college was difficult. “As long as you’re up for a challenge, it’s one of the best things you can do to prepare yourself for college.” Claytin Webber, 12 Senior Claytin Webber said pursuing his associates degree was an amazing opportunity and a great journey. It allowed him to learn new things while also being in a new environment and allowed him to come out of his shell a little more. “I was 16, and there were a bunch of people who were 18 plus, which made me kind of nervous when I started,” said Webber. “Now, toward the end of this journey, I would say I’m a lot more open than I was. I am still introverted, but I would say I’m a lot more open to talking to people now and expressing myself.”

A Look Into The Future Seniors Predict Where They’ll Be In 10 Years

Mekhi’ya Brummall, 12 “I will be completely done with college and hopefully have a good job. Personal life wise, I hope to maybe be engaged by then or meet the person I want to marry by then. I plan to go into social work, either medical or child welfare.”

Matt Brines, 12 “My goal is to have gone to college for four years and studied criminal justice and gone into the police department and hopefully be a police officer.”

Lauralei Loftin-Howard, 12 “I’m hoping to have become a nurse. I’m going to have gone to William Jewell for four years studying nursing, so I’m hoping to be a nurse at Children’s Mercy.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior News

Senior Class, Guests Take To Dance Floor For Prom Graphics by Cassie Ford After missing their junior year Prom, seniors Leah Hayes, Cara Cannova, Luci Saladino, Collin Birch, Emily Cox and Sydney Hadsall wait to see who is annouced Prom king and queen May 1. “We all came together, and it was a great turn out,” said Hayes. Photo by Archie Dinwiddie

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior News

At Prom May 1, senior Marcus Castro is crowned Prom king for the class of 2021. Castro said that before the crowning people had gone up to him greeting him and telling him that people had voted for him. “It’s just humbling, especially when they announced it,” said Castro. Photo by Cassie Ford In the Fieldhouse, senior Hayley Beaver is crowned Prom queen May 1. Beaver did not expect to win or even be nominateed. “It was so unexpected for me,” said Beaver. “When my name was called, I was just so shocked. It was so cool to have that honor.” Photo by Cassie Ford

While snapping a picture at Prom May 1, seniors Brayden Day and Emani Guerin pose for a selfie. Day was surprised about how normal things felt while attending. “It helped get things back to normal, and it really made me feel better about the way things were going,” said Day. Photo by Cassie Ford At their senior Prom May 1, seniors Katelynn Dodd, Isabella Cambiano and Jason Gibson dance out on the floor. For a while, it was unknown if seniors would get a Prom. “Getting together for one last time, kind of like our final hoorah before we’re out of here,” Gibson said was his favorite part. Photo by Cassie Ford

During Prom May 1, students gather together do the wobble. Senior Maddison Bremmer said the energy at Prom was ecstatic. “I thought it was going to be boring and that no one was going to be there, but it was just so fun,” said Bremmer. “The energy in the room was just contagious. Photo by Cassie Ford

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

SAGE Class Receives Future Predictions From Eighth Grade Selves

Photos by Rachael Mueller Graphics by Rachael Mueller

What’s going on in the world? “Trump is President.” Who are your best friends? “Troy, David, Ryan, Chelsea, Nani and Sophie”

What’s going on in the world? “Biden is president, and COVID-19 is starting to die down.” Who are your best friends? “Troy, Noah, Brock.”

What are your strengths? “Arms, piano, baseball, singing, smart-ish”

What are your strengths? “Lifting, baseball and math.”

What are you concerned about? “Making baseball and basketball teams in high school and playing in college.”

What are you concerned about? “Making good grades in college.”

What is your style selection? “Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.”

What is your style selection? “Jeans or shorts with any T-shirt.”

Former ‘Stars of the Week’ Give Eighth Grade Selves Advice

Makena Thomas, 12

Spencer Adamson, 12

“You’ll find people that fit good. Don’t make yourself fit with people that don’t make you happy.”

“Stick with what you enjoy.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

What are your future plans? “Graduate high school and college and hopefully travel.” What are some of your memories from this year? “SAGE with Ms. Coppess. The suckiest field trips of all years.” What are your strengths? “Organization and reliability.” What are you concerned about? “Having a boring high school and college experience” What music do you listen to? “One Direction, Twenty One Pilots, Fall Out Boy, Bastille, Ed Sheeran, Chainsmokers and Panic at the Disco.”

What are your future plans? “Finish high school with Gold Medallion, go to UCLA and study medicine, get my doctorate and become a pediatrician.” What’s your favorite telivision show? “‘Prettty Little Liars and 13 Reasons Why’.” What’s trending right now? “Spinner fidget toys, dabbing, water bottle flips.” What are you concerned about? “Not having any friends in high school.” What is your style selection? “Birkenstocks, PINK shirts, chokers, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe.”

What are your future plans? “Graduate at Truman State and hopefully travel.” What are some of your memories from this year? “Football games, Homecoming parades and the tennis roadtrip.” What are your strengths? “Organization, initiative, reliability and ambition.” What are you concerned about? “Not being sucessful.” What music do you listen to? “Joji, The Neighborhood, The Weeknd, BENEE, SZA.”

What are your future plans? “Go to Mizzou, get a pre med degree and go to med school.” What’s your favorite television show? “Euphoria.” What’s trending right now? “Sheesh’ and ‘Ice In my Veins’.” What are you concerned about? “Getting too stressed in college and dropping out.” What is your style selection? “Converse, mom jeans and crop tops.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Cali. Kan.

Mo.

Ark. Eryn Perkins,12 Q: What college are you going

to? A: “Stanford University” Q: What are you studying as of right now? A: “As of now, I hope to double major in English and drama.” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “It was kind of the fact that their acceptance rate was 4%, and I looked at that as a challenge, and was like, ‘Let me try.’” Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “After college, I want to move to New York, work a little on Broadway or television and writing.”

Rylee Sapp,12

Carter Kinslow,12

Q: What college are you going

Q: What College Are You Going

to? A:“University of Kansas” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “I knew the campus and the amazing traditions they hold there.’ Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “I hope to find a job I love and raise a family of my own.”

To? A: “Northwest Missouri State” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “I loved the astmosphere.” Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “My hope for after college is to be a physical education teacher.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Oh The Places You Will Go

Seniors Going Out Of State Graphics by Cassie Ford Photos by Hannah Moore Interviews by Hannah Moore

N.H.

Kennedy McGrath,12 Q: What College Are You Going

To? A: “University of New Hampshire” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “I really like their marine lab, the Shoals Marine lab. It is the same one that Cornell University uses, and I just thought that i would get the best experience with my degree there.” Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “Since I am Majoring in Marine Biology, I kind of want to go into something with ocean conservation or marine science. Just something like that.”

Ala.

Madison Bremer,12 Haley McAtee,12 Q: What College Are You Going

To? A: “University of Alabama.” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “I got the National Merit Scholarship there, which pays for five years of tuition and housing.” Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “After college, I am planning to go to med school and hopefully working with Doctors Without Borders.”

Q: What College Are You

Going To? A: “University of Arkansas” Q: Was there anything super special that made you know it was the school for you? A: “It was super special to me because I fell in love with the scenery of the campus and the importance they put on their deeplyrooted traditions.” Q: What do you hope to do after college? A: “After college, I hope to possibly run my own business.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

2021 Senior S uperlativ es Seniors Recognize Fellow Classmates Photos by Hannah Moore, Selena Escutia, Cassie Ford Graphics by Hannah Moore, Cassie Ford

Most School Spirit

Leah Hays

Remington Asta

Next Einstein

Caleb Frieson

Sasha Bell

Most Likely To Be An Entrepreneur Mason Gates

Aaliyah Aramjoo-Hull

Next Picasso

Autumn Adams

Spencer Addis

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Feature

Most Likely To Be TikTok Famous

Audrie Shepherd

Mason Gates

Most Likely To Be A Comedian Nicholas Childrey

Remington Asta

Most Likely To Win An Oscar

Tyler Richards

Mackenzi Mason

Best To Bring Home To Meet The Family Hayley Beaver, Fabian McLeod, Aaliyah Aramjoo-Hull

Most Likely To Travel The World

Aaliyah Aramjoo-Hull Makanani Grace

Most Likely To Be A Pro Athlete Troy Wansing

Yesenia Arnau

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

Class of 2021 Soundtrack Seniors Share Top Songs During High School

PLAY ______ Old Town Road Lil Nas X 7 EP

Graphics by Charlie Warner

SICKO MODE Travis Scott ASTROWORLD God’s Plan Drake Scorpion Levitating (feat. DaBaby) Dua Lipa, DaBaby Levitating (feat. DaBaby) The Less I Know The Better Tame Impala Currents The Spins Mac Miller K.I.D.S. bad guy Billie Eilish WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) Kid Cudi, MGMT, Ratatat Man On The Moon: The End Of The Day Sunflower Rex Orange County Sunflower Tongue Tied Grouplove Never Trust a Happy Song

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

any students grow up taking plenty of pictures to remember moments later in life. Some have been doing this since they were very young, showing how they change over the years. As seniors are wrapping up their last year of high school, they recreated memorable childhood photos and discussed how their life has changed since then.

Dawson Walker “Life has become more interesting and full of adventures.”

Drew Sallman “I have had amazing experiences and met great people who have helped shape me into who I am today.”

Isabel Guerra-Harris “Life has been a lot more interesting, and I’ve changed a lot.” Written by Grace Winkler Photos by Grace Winkler Graphics by Grace Winkler

10 22

Talon Talon Issue Issue23 Volume Volume13 13 Lifestyles Feature & Entertainment

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Feature

... Humpty Dumpty Display Brings Joy

or seven years, now Mona Roberts, better known as Mama Humpty, has been making North Oak Trafficway a nursery rhyme. In her yard, she has many different bird houses hanging from each tree. A few years ago, construction widened North Oak Trafficway in front of Roberts’ house, and she said she didn’t feel safe. “They raised the street up so high that I made the city put the wall in to protect us from crashes,” said Roberts. Roberts described herself as whimsical and wanted to add a Humpty Dumpty figurine to embellish her yard after the wall went up. “When they put the wall up, I said, ‘I want a Humpty, and I’m going to find a Humpty’,” said Roberts. For every holiday, Roberts dressed Humpty in costumes that she made herself. Kids from all over the neighborhood would come and see Humpty sitting on his wall and take pictures with him. Roberts put out

bowls next to Humpty filled with toys like whistles, coloring pages and balls for the children to take. Then, one summer in mid July some people decided they wanted to put Tannerite on each side of Humpty. Tannerite are explosive targets people use for target practice that blow up when shot. They shot at the targets while driving away, and Humpty exploded into multiple pieces around Roberts’ yard. Roberts decided it would be best if she didn’t put Humpty back up on the wall for a while. “I thought, you know, there are still good people left in this world. I would have eventually replaced him but needed healing time,” said Roberts.“I left remnants on the wall for him so people would know what happened to know how mean people can be.” Humpty stayed off the wall for about eight months until one of Roberts’ neighbors’ dads brought her

a new Humpty from his statuary store. “He brings a lot of joy to all the ages, and it just so happened that one of my neighbors brought him back. It was a very joyful moment,” said Roberts. Roberts also put up a mailbox next to him so kids could give him letters, and she kept every one of them. “I tell the little kids that come to pet his head, It’s good luck,” said Roberts. Roberts wanted all the attention to be on Humpty, so she wished not to be pictured. Mama Humpty also encouraged anyone to go by and see Humpty. She woud have his mailbox out and some toys for the kids. Written by Isabella Dorrington Photos by Isabella Dorrington, Brianne Tremper Graphics by Isabella Dorrington, Rachael Mueller

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

Paving New Pathways Building, Education System Renovated

ext year’s freshman class had a different way to make class schedule choices that may end up helping them when choosing their career -- Pathways. While students from the North Kansas City School District have previously had the option of choosing their own classes, starting in the 2021-2022 school year, the incoming freshman class schedule will look much different. “The school board challenged North Kanas City Schools to redesign the high school experience for students,” said Meagan Halphin, the school’s college and careers facilitator. For the new method of education, they took all the information about how other schools around the country were transitioning. This new system consists of four main “schools.” Within each of the schools, there are three Pathway options, with the exception of the School of Health Sciences and Services that only has two pathway options. For example, there was the School of Business, Leadership and Entrepeneurship, and it holds Pathway options consisting of Media Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism,

along with Business and Finance. The other three options are School of Design, Innovation and Technology with the Pathway options of Engineering, Computer Sciences and Creative Design.

“WE HAVE STUDENTS NOW IN OUR UPPER GRADES THAT ARE FOLLOWING THEIR AREAS OF INTERESTS AND SELECTING THE COURSES THAT ALIGN WITH THAT. THE PATHWAY MODEL ALIGNS THAT A LITTLE BETTER FOR STUDENTS AND EXPOSES THEM TO MORE POTENTIAL CAREERS.” PRINCIPAL LARRY SMITH ED.D.

Another is the School of Health and Services with Health Sciences and Health services. There is also, the School of Public Services and Communications holding Journalism and Media communications, Law, Public Safety and Community, along with Education and Human Development. “We have students now in

our upper grades that are following their areas of interest and selecting the courses that align with that. The Pathway model aligns that a little better for students and exposes them to more potential careers,” said principal Larry Smith, Ed.D. Many kids have no idea what they want to do when they are older. The goal with Pathways is to get all students to be career or college ready after leaving high school. “We did this whole high school redesign because we want all kids to be college and career ready. Whatever your post-secondary plan is, we want you to be ready and to have a plan kind of going out of high school,” said Halphin. Being a part of Pathways will not only let students explore more options and expand their interests but will also allow them to interact in professional occupations. “I think we have over 240 business partners that have agreed to partner with us. So, they have actually been helping us write curriculum for classes and give us feedback on some of the things we are doing,” said Halphin. Written by Hannah Moore Photo by Hannah Moore

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

This is what part of the hallways look like while construction on the building occurs to add the new additons.

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

Bookin’ It To The Library Librarians Explain LMC

s the one-year mark since the start of COVID-19 passed, it was evident how different the world had become. There were new rules and regulations to keep people safe: social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands. Not only did Covid affect the structure of the school’s classrooms, but it also affected the functionality of the library. Library media specialists Elizabeth Ferguson and Theresa Christal took precautions to ensure the library was a safe space for students. Before Covid, the library media center was seen as a quiet space to relax and get things done. “We’ve always seen our library as kind of a hangout spot that’s always been popular where people could gather and get together,” said Ferguson. Before, students were welcome to the library before school for Advisory and during lunch. Due to Covid, students could no longer do that. “Because we’ve had to be so distanced, that doesn’t really get to happen,” said Ferguson. “Before school, everybody has to go to the Fieldhouse or a designated area, so there’s not the same kind of opportunity to group up and just kind of relax and spend time here.” To reduce the spread of Covid, the librarians started certain practices when students came into the library. “Students have to sanitize their hands,” said Ferguson. “We spread out our furniture so that people don’t crowd together.” Library books go through a quarantine process to guarantee they are safe for students. There was a book-return cart set up in the front corner of the library. The cart had the day of the week on the side. Once the books were collected, they went into a quarantine area. “When a student turns in a book, it has to sit for four days before we can do anything with it,” said Christal. The librarians said this process was pretty simple to maintain. “We are able to very easily get

a visual of when things are collected and when they are safe to put back on the shelf,” said Ferguson. Covid also affected the job of being a library media specialist. Christal said everything they were doing was different. Before Covid, they were able to fully interact with students and help them. Ferguson said because of Covid, they didn’t get to know people as well. Similar to other classes, the library started moving materials online. They started doing a lot of tech support.

“SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH REASONS TO TAKE A STEP BACK AND GO,‘I’M GOING TO READ SOMETHING THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY WORLD.’ AND IF THERE’S CONFLICT, IT’S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CONFLICT.” ELIZABETH FERGUSON, LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST “Teachers, admin, students, helping them to navigate that online portion that they haven’t really had a chance to navigate until this year,” said Christal. Ferguson said Covid allowed people to show appreciation for technology. “I think for everybody, but definitely for us, Covid has been a time that is on one hand a struggle to keep up with what we can do to help, but on the other hand it forces everybody to really confront what technology can do for us and what we could be doing,” said Ferguson. Covid also led the library look into buying more eBooks and audiobooks.

“We’ve started buying more digital eBooks and audiobooks that we were reluctant to do beforehand,” said Christal. The pandemic has also affected reading within the classroom. ELA teacher Stephanie Robertson said quarantine left a lot of downtime. “There wasn’t anyone saying, ‘Give this a try,’ or ‘We want you to read this,’” said Robertson. “So, it’s hard to get kids back into the habit, I guess, of reading even just a little bit or for a little amount of time.” Robertson said students enjoyed reading more when they weren’t asked to dissect their book. “My job is to guide students or get them to learn to recognize those things on their own and understand them and get them to think about how it might impact their enjoyment of what they are reading,” said Robertson. Ferguson and Christal said the popular genres of books this year were fantasy and suspense. “I think everyone sitting at home watched a lot of true crime, and I think that a lot of those Netflix documentaries that everybody watched got everyone really thinking about suspense and crime and that sort of thing,” said Ferguson. Christal said fantasy was a popular genre because it allowed people to escape reality. “Sometimes it’s just a little much to think about the realities and conflicts going on in society,” said Ferguson. “Sometimes it’s good for mental health reasons to take a step back and go, ‘I’m going to read something that has nothing to do with my world.’ And if there’s conflict, it’s a different type of conflict.” Although there have been quite a few changes to the LMC, Ferguson and Christal encouraged students to read and check out books. “We just put out next year’s award nominees, and we definitely encourage everyone to check those out because there are some really great ones,” said Ferguson.

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

Need A Good Book To Read? “The Secret Life of Bees,” by Sue Monk Kidd is a fiction book following the life of Lily Owens. The book takes place in South Carolina in 1964 where Lily lives with her dad T. Ray. Her mother died when she was little, and her mother’s past has always sparked an interest. One day, Lily’s standin mother Rosaleen gets into some trouble with racist white men, and Lily decides to make a plan of escape. They make their way to Tiburon, South Carolina, a town that holds all the answers to her mother’s past. They stay with the Boatwright sisters where Lily not only learns about her mother, but she also discovers herself as well.

“One of Us is Lying,” by Karen M. McManus is a suspense and mystery novel about five high-school students who end up in detention on Monday at Bayview High and have never talked or associated with each other. Here’s the catch: only four of them make it out alive. Police investigators say Simon’s death wasn’t an accident. Simon had a gossip app, and he had planned to post about the other students on Tuesday, which make them suspects in the investigation of his murder. Who killed Simon?

“Concrete Rose,” by Angie Thomas is the prequal to “The Hate You Give.” The novel is about 17-year-old Maverick Carter, who is the son of a former gang leader. His dad is in prison, and Maverick takes it upon himself to take care of his family while his dad is gone. But how does he go about it? Dealing. He has everything under control until he finds out that his girlfriend is pregnant. All of a sudden, he has a baby to take care of while still maintaining school and dealing. Then something comes along that offers him the chance to succeed in a life. But you can’t just walk away from a gang. What is he going to do? Maverick has to figure everything out for himself.

Elizabeth Ferguson Library Media Specialist

Theresa Christal Library Media Specialist

Stephanie Robertson ELA Teacher

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphics by Fallyn Kowalski

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Opinion

Free Britney

Free Britney Movement Spreads Across Social Media

n 2007, superstar Britney Spears suffered a mental health crisis, which happened publicly due to heavy paparazzi coverage at the time. After her crisis, Spears lost custody of her two sons to her ex-husband. After Spears’ public breakdown, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for a mental health evaluation. She was then put under a “temporary” conservatorship that has been in place for 13 years. Conservatorships are meant to protect the conservatee. Conservators’ jobs are to protect a person who is deemed incapacitated or not mentally stable enough to manage their own finances and property. A conservator’s job is to make sure that the protected person has food, shelter and is fed. One of the most notable cases of a conservatorship is Britney Spears which gave her father Jamie Spears the power to oversee as well as make decisions over his daughter’s career as well as her health, finances and her personal life. He was granted conservatorship in 2008. He remains conservator even today. The third party being Bessemer Trust, which is a company that oversees families, businesses and endowments, according to USA Today. This temporary conservatorship has been extended four times, and there is a court case in session to end her conservatorship. During these court hearings, Spears has been strongly opposed to having her father

remain her conservator. Since she has requested this and shown massive improvements in her mental wellbeing, her wishes should be respected and her father should be removed from his position. “My client has informed me that she is afraid of her father,” said Spears’ lawyer to the judge in charge of her case in 2020, “She will not perform again if her father is in charge of her career.”

With social media having grown immensely in the past 13 years, the news about Britney Spears’ conservatorship has been trending since the 2019, but #FreeBritney has been around since 2009 with the site freebritney.net launching. This site has provided information on Spears’ case for the last 11 years, but interest peaked in February 2021 due to the

FX documentary, “Framing Britney Spears” being released on Hulu. “I heard about it from a TikTok,” said sophomore Alexis Newton. “It was on my For You Page a lot.” The debate about whether Spears needs a conservator has been trending, with one opinion being she is mentally stable enough to control her own life, given that while under her conservatorship Spears was able to hold a Las Vegas residency that lasted four years as well as release an album. While Spears’ father’s attorney claimed that, “People were harming her, and they were exploiting her. Jamie saved her life,” said Jamie Spears’ lawyer on Good Morning America. It is clear that Spears does not want her father to remain her conservator, and since she is a grown woman why should her father still remain that, especially if she feels unsafe in the situation. To help Spears get released from her conservatorship, there is a #FreeBritney petition on change.org. Another way to help is by boycotting Britney Spears’ products, given that she isn’t making as much money from it due to the conservatorship. This is a good way to take a stance with Britney. Finally, spread the word. Writen by Brianne Tremper Graphics by Rachael Mueller

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 News

hen stay-at-home orders were starting to be put into effect, it was recommended to practice social distancing. Along with social distancing, many stores and businesses closed their shops. In a short amount of time, online shopping started to become more prevalent. While online shopping was an option before the pandemic, people were left with it as a main option. It lead many to order and purchase their everyday items from groceries to clothes to even cleaning supplies online. Sellers started to make their businesses online accessible. While many use online access for everyday needs, shopping still can be a quick pick-up hobby, in-store or not. Written by Cassie Ford Graphics by Cassie Ford

Survey of 200 Students

Josh Schmidtlein, 11

Alexis Stafford, 11

“I prefer online shopping because during these uncertain times, it’s much safer than going in person.”

“I prefer in-store shopping because I actually know what I’m getting firsthand instead of waiting the few days or weeks to see a product that I might or might not like.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Sports

Sports Superstitions

Athletes Share Superstitions Written by Charlie Warner Photos by Charlie Warner

t is not uncommon for people to have superstitions or a certain tradition when it comes to how they prefrom a specific task they repeat often, especially in sports. For example, an athlete could have a lucky charm or old piece of equipment they keep around for good luck. Some athletes have superstitions about how they always do something pregame or what accessories they wear. Some spring sport athletes have superstitions or traditions.

enior Victor Cascio played varsity golf. He always treated his club heads with respect and set them up nicely, unlike people who just toss them on the ground. Cascio said it is important to treat his gear with respect so it will respect him back in a sense. This started two years ago at the conference tournament when Cascio hit a bad tee shot with his driver. “Coach Tingler told me it’s because (my) club head was just lying on the ground, (I) didn’t treat it with respect,” said Cascio. Cascio said he has set his club heads a certain way ever since then. He also said that if he did not follow suit and put up club heads the way he normally did, he would feel nervous about his next shot.

Golf, Victor Cascio, Senior

ophomore Kyla Nguyen ran varsity distance track. Whenever she was competing, Nguyen always had her watch and a hair tie on her right arm. She started doing this her freshman season of cross country. “Without it, I just feel really weird and uncomfortable,” said Nguyen. In addition to that, she explained that she always did things in multiples of two. She wore two things on her wrist, as well as doing warm up stretches in an even number.

Track, Kyla Nguyen, Sophomore

Baseball, Braydon Cowan, Junior

unior Braydon Cowan played baseball most of his life and played on JV. Whenever leaving the dugout and walking onto the baseball field, Cowan was careful to not step on the chalk foul line. “It will give you and your entire team bad luck for the rest of the game,” said Cowan. “When I was about 11 years old, my dad told me about this. And ever since then, I’ve been super conscious not to step on the line.” This superstition is widely held by many baseball players, and Cowan took a lot of care not to break it by stepping on the foul line.

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Feature

Student Entrepreneurs Share Stories

Noah Allwood ‘20,Easton Allwood, 11 KCMO KICKS Anthony Marti, 10 Gaming Communities What is your business? “I run large gaming communities with influencers ranging from a few million subscribers to tens of millions. I work with them personally, and I also manage their content to make sure it’s all cool and dandy.” How/Why did it start? “I started a while ago, and I’ve gained contacts over a few years and built up my list of people that I’m pretty close with.” What has it taught you for the future? “I think it’s definitely taught me how to talk to people and how to be professional in various environments.” How do you want your business to grow long term? “I want my business to grow exponentially. I want to

make sure it can continue grow and become self sustained so I can go away from it and it will keep making money.” Is this a longterm project? “It’s something I’m going to work on forever. Getting contacts and having people that you can come to about anything is fairly important. Having large YouTubers and TikTokers in your arsenal of people you know is nice to have.” How has Covid impacted your business? “Covid actually hasn’t impacted me at all. Everything I do is online, so I don’t have to go physically anywhere to do any of this. Luckily, I’m online school, so I don’t have to worry

What is your business? “We run a business where we get shoes for retail at certain spots, get shoes from people locally and buy and sell for higher prices to make our profit.” How/why did it start? “We first started through our dad. He had a lot of old shoes that he wanted to get rid of. He said to throw them up on your stories, post them on Instagram. At first we weren’t really into it, and then we really found out we can make money off of it.” What has it taught you for the future? “If there is a fail in the business, do not let it hold you back. We have been scammed out of a lot of money before. It’s just a minor setback for a major comeback.” How do your want your business to grow long term? “We’ve talked about opening up a store before. We have seen a lot of resellers get a storefront

and get a website too, and that’s kind of an inspiration, but I’m not really sure how much farther we are going to take it.” Is this a long term project? “Regardless of what [Easton] wants to do, my only goal is to open up a store. I’ve thought about that since I walked into college, that after I turn 25 I will be owning my own store, and I will never work for someone else.” How has Covid impacted your business? “Negatively. Shoe events have completely lost numbers on how many of those we can attend and how many of those we can vend at. Shipments being late from USPS. They have done a terrible job.” Written by Landyn Goldberg Photo by Anthony Marti Photo courtesy of Raneto Bentley

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Lifestyles & Entertainment

“The Trial Of The Chicago Seven”

rom start to finish, this movie is witty, punchy and gorgeous. Between the truly talented cast, amazing cinematography and funky score, veiwers will be utterly captivated for the whole movie. “The Trial of the Chicago Seven” follows the trial of eight men who attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention to protest the Vietnam War. The cast, made up of names including Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne and Michael Keaton, gives the movie soul, punch and even at times a humorous air to a serious topic. The struggle between the defendant and their heinous judge keeps viewers ever so invested in the end result of the mens’ trial. The movie itself has a wonderful rhythm to it. The movie and accounts of events are easily digestible for a large case. “The Trial Of The Chicago Seven” is an enjoyable and addictive watch.

And The Oscar Goes To...

Best Picture Oscar Nominees Rated Best Actor Nominees

Anthony Hopkins, “The Fathers” Steven Yeun, “Minari” Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Gary Oldman, “Mank” Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”

Best Actress Nominees

Andra Day, “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday” Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman” Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman” Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”

Best Supporting Actor Nominees

Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago Seven” Leslie Odom, Jr., “One Night in Miami” Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”

Best Supporting Actress Nominees

Amanda Seyfried, “Mank” Olivia Colman, “The Father” Youn Yuh-jung, “Minari” Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Lifestyles & Entertainment Best Picture Winner Timeline “Nomadland”

he movie“Nomadland” follows a widow named Fern in her life as a modern day nomad. The story shows Fern and the communities of people that she meets who share her lifestyle. A majority of the supporting cast is made up of individuals who actually live the nomadic lifestyle. The cinematography of the movie is utterly breathtaking, and the writing is gorgeous. The movie itself is very quiet and slow, however it makes up for that with a beautiful story of community, life, loss and making the most of the time on earth. Frances McDormad once again gives a stunning performance as Fern and displays wonderful chemistry with her costars. This movie is a beautiful depiction of the connections human beings have with each other, nature and life. “Nomadland” is an absolutely gorgeous movie and a deserving winner of Best Picture.

Written by Rachael Mueller Graphics by Rachael Mueller

“Mank”

pon first look, “Mank” is a wonderfully nostalgic true recounting of a man by the name of Herman Mankowitz’s time in Hollywood during the 1920s. The movie features parallel timelines of Herman Mankawitz’s life both during the peak of his writing career in Hollywood and his life after a car wreck that leaves him bedridden for most of the days. While the movie itself is beautiful to watch with it’s enchanting score, extravagant sets and beautiful costumes; it feels incredibly long. The movie is yet another story where Gary Oldman portrays an arrogant man from history while shifting his appearance back and forth for the film. The idea of the movie is charming, however the movie itself is just another industry biopic that could have been left untold.

2020 Parasite

2019 Green Book

2018 The Shape Of Water

2017 Moonlight

2016 Spotlight

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Lifestyles & Entertainment

Love Languages Explain How People Love

here are many different ways people can express their love, but it mostly boils down to five main Love Languages. This includes physical touch, gift giving, words of affirmation, quality time and acts of service. According to the book, “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Commitment to Your Mate” by Gary Chapman, the principles behind communicating love can be very important and useful in many different relationships. A person’s love language can reflect how they show love but also how they would like to be loved by others. Written by Grace Winkler Graphics by Grace Winkler

Quality Time

uality time is a Love Language that many people can express. A person with this way of expressing love does not want to just sit around on their phones with someone; they want that person’s undivided attention. Quality time spent with this person is more important than the quantity of time spent with this person.

Acts of Service

ome people show affection through acts of service, like doing thoughtful deeds that will be helpful for the people they love. This can include doing the dishes when they know the person they love does not like doing the dishes or any other chore.

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Lifestyles & Entertainment

Physical

he Love Language of physical touch is when a person feels affection and wants to show love by touching (hugging, holding hands, etc.). Touch is one of the first ways that people are shown love when they are first born; coincidentally some people grow up to express love through touching. Avery Adair, 9 “My Love Language is probably quality time because it is very important to me to spend a lot of time with people I love to show them I care.”

Gifts

ome individuals feel loved when they receive gifts. For these people, it isn’t completely about the gift but about the thought behind actual the gift. The fact that someone was thinking about them is how they view affection. Malary Scaggs, 10 “I think my Love Language is physical touch because it reminds me that I’m not alone. I like hugs a lot because it makes me feel safe and protected. I think I also show love through words.”

Words of Affirmation

nother Love Language is words of affirmation. This means that some people feel loved and express their love through verbal communication. Any form of encouraging, appreciative or reassuring words are what people with this Love Language need to hear, whether it is through text or spoken out loud.

Dennis Chadliev, 10 “I think my Love Language is physical touch and quality time. I show how I love people through touch and seeing them often.”

Talon Issue 3 Volume 13 Senior Autographs