TalOn
Staley High School Kansas City, Missouri Volume 11, Issue 1 September 2018
Top 5 Candidates Page 8-9 Learn About The Falcon’s Nest 4-5 CosT To Belong 12-13 Teacher Becomes Citizen 16
Inside this issue 4-5
News
8-9
Feature
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Opinion
Think Before You Act Promposals Not For Everyone
12-13
Cost to belong
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Lifestyles & Entertainment
TalOn
Staley High School Kansas City, Missouri Volume 11, Issue 1 September 2018
Top 5 Candidates Page 8-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top Five homecoming Candidates
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Learn About The Falcon’s Nest 4-5 CosT To Belong 12-13 Teacher Becomes Citizen 16
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Student section Traditions
Staff Editorial
16 Talon staff decided to represent homecoming in a more minimalistic graphic sense to tie in the centerfold, which is about the top five queen candidates. One of the yearbook editors, senior Haley Anne Mahusay, designed the cover of this issue.
Class of 2017 Donates Falcon’s Nest
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15 On the Cover
News
Sports
feds Warn against Dragon’s Breath Lifestyles & Entertainment
Students Share Backpack Essentials Feature
Teacher Earns U.S. CitizenshiP
Letter from the editor: Dear Readers,
We’re back, and Talon is ready to publish even more news for our student body. Talon staff itself has undergone a lot of change since last year, considering seven of our staff members graduated, including one of the editors. But, it’s out with the old and in with the new. I am still editor-inchief, and now we have a new managing editor, junior Makenzie Hooton, and a new group of people who are learning
the ropes of journalism. This summer, the magazine went through a complete revamp. We attended a camp at the University of Kansas and redesigned the table of contents and cover, chose new fonts and gave more structure to the overall style of Talon. With that, not only are we changing the look of the magazine, we have also made the decision to publish more issues. In the past, we have published five issues per year, but we have challenged ourselves to
publish seven this year. It will be a big task, but we will meet the deadlines necessary to meet our goals. Since it is the beginning of the school year, we decided to highlight some changes that have been made throughout the school, like the new hangout spot upstairs on pages 4 and 5. Also, it’s homecoming season, so we decided to give you some information about queen candidates on pages 8 and 9. Talon is a finalist for
a Pacemaker award for the first time in school history. We intend to keep the ball rolling and bring it home in November and earn an All-Missouri ranking at state in March. But, our main goal is to make a publication that informs the student body on important issues, while also making a magazine our staff can be proud of. Sincerely, Senior Haylee Roberts Editor-In-Chief
TALON STAFF Editor-In-Chief: Haylee Roberts Managing Editor: Makenzie Hooton Adviser: CheriE Burgett
Staff: Autumn Adams Sara Almansouri Lonyae Coulter Makanani Grace Dylan Holovach
Hailey Milliken Kara Morley Rachael Mueller Kayla Pospisil Alexa Schulte
Lexi Valdez Jack Warner Bryce Windsor
CONTACT US:
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 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 and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.
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Before school in the Falcon’s Nest, senior Brooklyn Hannan works on homework Sept. 18. Hannan often used the space to work on her Exhibition project. “It’s a nice place to sit and be able to focus before school,” said Hannan. Photo by Rachael Mueller
A Bird’s Eye View
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news
Hanging out in the Falcon’s Nest Sept. 18, seniors Marissa Garza, McKenzie Marley-Hines and Riley McCarthy relax before going to class. They sat there in the morning before school. ”It’s nice to have something to sit down and hang out with all my friends in the morning,” said McCarthy. Photo by Rachael Mueller
e n o m Fro n o c l a f r e h t o to An
Class of 2017 Donates Falcon’s Nest
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gift from the class of 2017, the Falcon’s Nest is a place for juniors and seniors to study in a quiet, comfortable place. “It’s an area that some alumni had a vision for. It’s a really nice area that has a lot of possibility,” said assistant principal Kevin Kooi. In the future, Kooi said he planed on hosting morning meetings with counselors for the seniors, along with having meetings in the nest for students to learn about specific programs the school offers. “We are getting ready to add an Apple TV up there so that it can be used for presentations,” said Kooi. “Eventually, we are going to add some carpet up there too, perhaps over winter break.” Toward the end of last school year in the area where the Falcon’s Nest currently is, an Art Gallery wall was installed, displaying students’ artwork. That was in preparation for the Falcon’s Nest, Kooi said. “The class of 2017 wanted some furniture up there to allow the upperclassmen, specifically the juniors and seniors, to have a place to sit before school or other times that are appropriate during the day to work on homework or to just sit and visit,” said Kooi. “We clearly have the room up there.” The area fills up with students in the mornings. “I loved the idea of the study area when
I first heard of it, I think it is a nice thing to have,” said senior Riley McCarthy. Seniors began to notice the Nest the first few days of school. The furniture was arranged into a circle and the desks near the railing. Currently, it is arranged in two semicircles back to back. “I love the new Falcon’s Nest, but I do miss it being in a circle. I feel like the circle would allow for more of a classroom discussion kind of feel,” said senior McKenzie Marley-Hines.
“I loved the idea of the study area when I first heard of it, I think it is a nice thing to have.” Riley McCarthy, 12 The Falcon’s Nest is available for students before school or after school. If classes wish to use it, it is available during the day, too. It cannot be used during Falcon Time or lunch because there isn’t supervision. “One thing we want kids to know is there is a camera over there, so we’re going to be
able to see pretty clearly anything that’s going on over there -- good or bad. We want students to certainly take ownership of that area and be respectful of the furniture and the materials up there, because it was quite expensive,” said Kooi. It is open for Ecampus students only if they have an Advisory day with teacher Shiloh Dutton if they want to come in and use it, and it is available before and after school. The administration would prefer students to come with their class and not with a pass. There needs to be some kind of supervision to be up there, according to Kooi. “In the mornings, we have a number of teachers and administrators walking around, so that’s how we kind of get away with it in the mornings and after school. However, during classtime, we can’t always guarantee that someone will be over there, so we would prefer that the students over there be supervised by a staff member,” said Kooi. Kooi said he has big plans for the area. “We just want kids to take pride in it and respect that area so that it can be beneficial for all the kids,” said Kooi. Written by Alexa Schulte Graphics by Rachael Mueller
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spirit Traditions
Traditions In Place To Leave A Legacy
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school’s spirit and pride are built throughout many years of tradition. As students pack into the stands on a cold Friday night, dress up for spirit themes on Fridays, lead lighthearted Twitter wars online and document the travels of a “spirit stick,” it shows how 10 years of spirit are accumulating to create the atmosphere students learn, cheer and play in today. One tradition that has been a focus is the student section. For many fans participating in the theme to the cheering and intensity of the crowd, it is an experience enjoyed by many students. “I love the atmosphere of the whole thing, from the chants to singing along with music,” said junior Seth McGrew. “At the Park Hill South game, we made
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a tunnel for the players to walk through after the game, and it gave me such a sense of Staley pride.” Besides the student section, there is a lot more that goes on in the aspect of spirit at school. The student section plans the themes for football games, and Student Council plans the spirit weeks, bringing together the student body. The spirit week of homecoming is a tradition that students have gotten more involved in throughout the years. “This year, we are really trying to emphasize getting everybody involved. We want to make sure freshmen are included in everything, so they can start their Staley experience off well and continue it throughout their four years,” said senior Student
Council vice president Alana Vawter. A developing spirit tradition at school is the spirit stick. The stick covered in streamers and a Falcon head travels to many schoolsporting events.It started with 2017 alumni Isaac Esquilin. Esquilin won the spirit stick in a StuCo contest and used it to lead the student section. Now, when not being used, the spirit stick stays with Vawter. “We believe if students have a fun high-school experience, they will want to make it fun for the future Falcons too, so that it becomes a lasting legacy,” said Vawter. However, with great pride comes great responsibility. The students must remain respectful and responsible while showing pride. The
school enforces the MSHSAA guidelines for sportsmanship as well as including sportsmanship guidelines in the student handbook. “We always want to maintain our level of respect for our opponents and abide by the guidelines that MSHSAA has set. We continue to work with our student leadership on our themes and other student body requests to better our gameday experiences,” said assistant principal Kevin Kooi. Spirit leadership is working to incorporate all students in the school spirit culture. By doing this, it is the goal to create a legacy. Written by Jack Warner
Spirit Week
Matching Monday:
Talia King, 12, Brooke Iiams, 12
Toga-Over-Clothes Tuesday: Jackson Pfender, 12
At the Black Out for Childhood Cancer football game Sept. 7, the student section cheers after a good play. The Black Out game has been a tradition for the past nine years. The cross country team runs the game ball from Oak Grove Park to the District Activities Complex to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer. “Cheering gets me very pumped for Friday night football games and leading the cheers in the blackout game was a great experience,” said senior Katelyn Kiser. Photos by Kayla Pospisil
SENIOR TAKEOVER
Walking Yearbook Wednesday: Brooke Iiams, 12, Carly Hays, 12
Where: Staley High School When: Friday, Sept. 28 at 6 A.M. Who: Class of 2019 The tradition of Senior Takeover started two years ago when teacher Scott Anderson wanted to give the seniors an exclusive event. Not only is it a special event for the seniors, but it gives the underclassman something to look forward to. “We come and we make a giant mess and dance to music and it creates an exciting atmosphere for everyone,” said senior Carly Hays. The seniors come in to school at 6 A.M. to throw streamers, put up plastic wrap and toilet paper to kick off the homecoming weekend.
Throwback Thursday: Talia King, 12
Neon Falcon Friday: Quinten Arello, 12
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Get to Know The Top 5 Homecoming candidates share about themselves Written by Kayla Pospisil Photos by Haylee Roberts
Haley Anne Mahusay
Favorite color: Yellow Favorite snack: Pizza Rolls Favorite song: “All Too Well,” by Taylor Swift Activities: Softball, Choir, Student Council, Soccer, Guitar “I definitely feel honored. I was really shocked when I saw that I made top 10, but if anything, it just made me really excited to know that I made it.”
Favorite Color: Black or gray Favorite Snack: M&Ms Favortie Song: The entirety of the “Mamma Mia 2” soundtrack Activities: Yearbook, Science Olympiad, NHS, Beta Club, Scholar Bowl, Tennis, Orchestra, Class Officer “It was really unexpected. I always watched people I didn’t know be up for homecoming queen, and it feels weird to be a senior and knowing everybody who’s a candidate, and I would be happy if any of the top 10 won.”
Paige Shelley Favorite color: Blue Favorite snack: Chocolate Favorite song: “Shut it Down,” by Drake and “Speechless,” by Dan + Shay Activities: Adaptive PE, Student Council “It’s exciting. I was so happy when I found out. I didn’t expect it, but I’m really glad.”
Saylor Smith 8
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Favorite color: Blue Favorite snack: Peanut butter or frosting Favorite song: “All I Want for Christmas is You,” by Mariah Carey Activities: Student Council, Softball, NHS, Leadership, FCCLA, Yoga Club, STTV, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and YoungLife “I feel really grateful to be up for top 10. I’m super excited for homecoming this year, and it’ll be really cool to be on the other side of it.”
Alana Vawter
Kelsey Vogel Favorite color: Yellow Favorite snack: Grapes or watermelon after a tennis match Favorite song: Any song by Ariana Grande Activities: Tennis, Choir “I’m really grateful that the school voted me in for this experience, and I’m really excited to see where it will go.”
Top 10 Haley Anne Mahusay, McKenzie Marley-Hines, Kelsey Vogel, Paige Shelley, Karson Davis, Alana Vawter, Dajana Johnson, Saylor Smith, Alexa Schulte, Carly Hays
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Staff Editorial
Think Before You Act Students Need To Be Cautious With Their Actions
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taley has been open for 10 years now, and since then, the student body has developed a stronger sense of school spirit. With that, the student body as a whole needs to make sure to represent the school in a way that would make alumni and current staff and students proud to be a Falcon. Social media is more influential now than it has been ever before, and the rude behavior doesn’t help build our reputation. There are several Twitter pages not directly associated with the school that are run by students who talk trash and start drama. It may not seem like a big deal since that has seemed to become a part of the culture we live in now, but when we attach Staley to an account or wear spirit wear, that ties it back to our school. In the past, we have had the reputation of being rich, entitled kids who think we can do whatever we want. There have been times where the student section has even disobeyed the administration when it came to how they acted at away games, like when they threw powder at the
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Liberty North Football game last year. Is this really the reputation we want to continue to label ourselves with? We don’t want to go down the same path as before. This year, we are off to a positive start, and we need to make sure to continue that trend. We are diverse, we are sportsmanlike, we are involved. These are standards that we set for ourselves and that we need to continue to live up to. The people publicly representing the student body need to be sure that they are behaving in a way that they would not be ashamed of. Not even just in the student section, they also need to be aware of their actions when they are on social media and when they are competing in a school sport or activity. Check yourself before you wreck yourself -and others. What you do reflects on all of us. Just because there is an opportunity to be obnoxious and rude, that doesn’t mean that it should be taken advantage of. We need to make sure that Staley is a positive environment for everyone.
TALON
STAFF EDITORIAL
Check it Before You Wreck It
Editorial Cartoon by Rachael Meuller
Cute or Over The Top?
Promposals Not For Everyone
Prom•pos•al /pram’pozel/ n. an elaborately staged request to be someone’s date to prom
“A promposal is a sweet gesture...”
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chool dances are a huge part of the high-school experience, and with that comes finding a date. What better way to accomplish that than candy on a poster? The day of the dance, groups of friends go to beautiful places around the city for group pictures of them all dolled up. Who wants to be the one person standing on the side without a date? This adds to the pressure to ask or be asked to the dance, presenting the opportunity to be romantic and creative, which some people run with, coming up with extravagant plans to ask their date. Naturally, those end up on social media. Now, a few viral videos later, we have a trend -- promposals! Romantic gestures can be very meaningful and incredibly appreciated. The planning that goes into the ask is what makes a good promposal. Being thoughtful and thinking of the little things makes the other person feel special. Everyone likes to be the center of attention every once in a while, and a promposal accomplishes just that. From teddy bears to food to banners, the opportunities are endless. Luxurious or sentimental, a promposal is a sweet gesture that requires time and thought, which is what makes them so adorable. Being considerate and cheesy is the whole point of a promposal. Written by Makanani Grace
“they are wasting time and money...”
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n today’s high schools, the norm is to be very extra, dramatic and a little obnoxious when asking one’s potential date to a dance. Signs, flowers, food and more are all common ways of attempting to be creative to ask someone to a dance. However, it seems that the more creative and different the “promposal” is, the more attention on and off social media the couple may get. Often times these attention-grabbing acts are not really a surprise to the person being asked to the dance. These people typically know they are going to the dance already. Sometimes they even know they are going to be asked. People think that they are being creative and thoughtful by doing this. In all reality, they are wasting time and money just for a picture. What is the point of taking this picture before the dance? Everyone knows that, even though pictures are posted after a “promposal,” dance pictures will also be posted. This is all drawn from an issue teenagers have today. Everyone wants attention. We are all guilty of it. People are willing to do just about anything to get likes and retweets. To put it simply, all it takes for two people to go to a dance together is an agreement between them. Whatever opportunity someone has to cut out drama, they should take advantage of it. Written by Jack Warner
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By The Numbers A Breakdown of The Cost To Belong By hAILEY mILLIKEN, Haylee Roberts, Bryce Windsor
Emeralds - $50 participation fee - $345 NDA Pom Camp at University of Kansas - $30 makeup and eyelashes
Tennis - $50 participation fee - $30 team fee
SOCCER
- $30 team jazz shoes - $20 two pair of team tights - $300 for team apparel that they get to keep all four years
- $40 for drinks for the team
- $60 Nike sideline shoes plus stones
Source: Coach Jacob Sullivan
Source: Coach Andrea Holmes
- $50 participation fee -$20 team fee every other year for training shirts, team bonding activies and meals Source: Coach Johnny Chain
This is why I play
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“I do it because it’s been a big part of my life for many years.” -- Collin Riggins, 11
“I just really appreciate the sport. The whole group of girls work together really well. When I step onto the court, it is just another competitor.” -- Haleigh Evans, 11
“It’s another way to further express my feelings through the school with people I love to be around.” -- Olyvia Young, 12
Soccer
Tennis
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Football - $50 participation fee
Cross Country - $50 participation fee
- $100 for Friday pregame meals - $100 for Staley summer camp - $275 for college summer camps
-$15 to supply water and Gatorade for the team at meets
- $50 participation fee
- $15+ for spirit wear
- $10 game day shirts
OPTIONAL - $300-$400 for camp or summer trip
Source: Coach Todd Warner
“My older brother and sister ran, and they always told me how much fun it was. They really liked the team atmosphere, and they both made best friends through it.” -- Luke Winkler, 11
Cross Country
Volleyball - $50 camp fee
Source: Coach Phil Lite
Source: Coach Julia Weber
“I have grown up with it my whole life. It has been in my family, and it just clears my mind from everything else that is going on in my life. I just love the game.” -- Dawson Parks, 11
“I play because it helps me when I am frustrated, and it takes my mind off of things. Overall, it is just a really fun sport to play.” -- Jada Davis, 10
Football
Volleyball SPORTS
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Dragon’s Breath is one of the newest desserts, and it’s made with liquid nitrogen mixed with cereal puffs and produces vapors out of people’s noses and mouths. They can also dip it in a strawberry or chocolate sauce for extra flavor. Photo by Lonyae Coulter
Clearing the Fog FEDS Tackle Trendy Treat Troubles
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ragon’s Breath is a popular treat that’s been making its way around social media, because of its unique look. When eaten, it produces a smoke effect that comes out of the mouth and nose, so this entertaining visual makes it easily Instagrammable and enjoyable for just about every age group. Senior Kyleigh Taylor went to GoCha Tea and Beverages on North Oak to try the snack. “It was really cool. I felt kind of nervous at first, because they
told us to be cautious because it was so cold. It was like cereal and tasted pretty bland, but it was more for the experience,” said Taylor. The dessert is made out of crunchy cereal puffs, much like Fruity Pebbles or Cap’n Crunch. Liquid nitrogen is then poured all over the snack until completely covered, which results in the liquid instantly freezing the cereal. Recently, there has been much discussion about the safety of eating the dessert. The
Food and Drug Administration warned against its consumption on Aug. 30, because it carries the risk of damaging skin and internal organs. Senior Jade Greene went as far as FROZEN2 in Olathe, Kansas, to see what Dragon’s Breath was all about. “My overall experience was good, but I thought it was pretty scary when you first hear about it. The employees made it very clear and way less scary though,” said Greene. In addition to this dessert causing breathing issues, it has
given people severe burns and breathing problems. For a boy in Florida, the treat triggered a severe asthma attack last month, according to The Kansas City Star. Brittany Elaine, an employee at FROZEN2 in Olathe, Kansas, talked about the dangers. “I don’t really think there’s much danger. Other than the super cold liquid nitrogen at the bottom of the cup, I haven’t seen anyone have breathing issues because of the Dragon’s Breath,” said Elaine. Written by Hailey Milliken Graphics by Autumn Adams
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LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT
How to pack your pack Students Share Backpack Essentials By Sara Almansouri, Lexi Valdez, Makanani Grace, Makenzie Hooton
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Alyssa Lightfoot, 10
Danny Mcgurn, 9
“I choose headphones, because I always listen to music at school.” Alyssa Lightfoot, 10
“I hate having my hair messed up at school. I know that it sounds kind of corny, but I am very conscious about how my hair looks because it has a mind of its own. Sometimes it can get a bit messy.” D’Karia Bascom, 12
“A sandwich, because that sandwich is GAINS.” Marwan Kirkwood, 11
“I always have my phone on me, because it’s an easy way to contact people, and if I need a calculator, I can pull out my phone real quick.” Danny McGurn, 9
D’karia Bascom, 12
Marwan Kirkwood, 11
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Takahashi Becomes American
In his Art 1 class, Manabu Takahashi teaches about 2D and 3D shapes Sept. 13. Takahashi has been an art teacher for eight years. “I was teaching students on still life projects and how to make things more realistic,” said Takahashi. Photo by Bryce Windsor
Teacher Earns U.S. CitizenShip After 32 Years
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t 4 months old, art teacher Manabu Takahashi moved to the United States from Japan with his parents for his dad’s job, relocating to St. Louis. And after 32 years, Takahashi is an American Citizen. “My parents were actually living in the United States before I was born, but they took me home to Japan, because they wanted me to be born a Japanese citizen. They came back to America after that,” said Takahashi. On Aug. 22, Takahashi officially earned his U.S. citizenship. “I could have done it earlier, but I waited mainly for a lot of personal reasons,” said Takahashi. “I just realized as an adult, it’s really time I take responsibility, take action and become part of the society.”
Takahashi said he got asked a lot why he waited so long to become a citizen. He was even asked while at his nationalizing ceremony. “A lady from China asked, ‘It’s about identity isn’t it?’ I realized I didn’t want to let go of being Japanese. My family and I, that’s kind of our connection,” said Takahashi. “I guess I had a little bit of fear that by becoming American, I might lose that.” Once he became a U.S. citizen, Takahashi did have to give up his Japanese citizenship. “Now that I’m an American, I don’t feel like that. Now, it’s totally OK,” said Takahashi. Takahashi said he grew up with many Japanese customs in his household, because his parents wanted their children to experience the traditions.
“My Japanese home is not the typical Japanese home, but they did try to keep some of the tradition growing up,” said Takahashi. He said that in many Japanese households, children have different relationships with their parents than in typical American households. “I didn’t have that close relationship that most American families had, such as we never said, ‘I love you’ to each other growing up,” said Takahashi. He went to Japan a couple of times when he was younger but hasn’t gone back since 2007 to visit family. “I can speak to my parents in Japanese, but I call it broken Japanese, and it’s funny, they have broken English, too, and so we kind of meet in the middle,” said Takahashi.
The students who had Takahashi were very proud and excited for him. “Takahashi had shared his journey with us in class, and he even missed a few days of school for it. I was super excited when I found out, because I know it means a lot to him, and he had been working toward it for a while,” said senior Bristol Riley. Takahashi said his family and friends were also very proud of him. “My family came to my ceremony, and so did Mr. Brent, who is a very close friend. It was very nice, and everyone was proud,” said Takahashi. “It was a very exciting and heartwarming feeling just to know that when you take the oath and once you’re finished, that you are a new citizen.” Written by Alexa Schulte Graphic by Autumn Adams
Takahashi’s Life Timeline Quotes from Takahashi
1.) “When I was 4 months old, I moved to St. Louis. I grew up in St. Louis.” 2.) “Band was my entirety of high school. I thought that was what I wanted to do. I ended up changing my major in college to education.” 3.) “I got to study abroad in Europe; the picture is actually Florence, Italy. I got to really explore being an artist. I really loved art history.” 4.) “I was really eager to get into the ‘real world.’ North KC accepted me, and I accepted their offer and decided to come here and teach. I had never been to KC before, so it was like a new beginning.”
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Art by Manabu Takahashi
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