TALON Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Volume VIII Issue V May 2016
Senior Edition Senior Class ofEdition 2016
201 Table of Contents PG. 4 A Letter From the Editor
PG. 14 Blast from the Past
PG. 5 Cartoon Corner
PG. 15
PG. 6-7 Signed for Service
PG. 16-17 @2016GradPartyFashion
PG. 8-9 Teacher Letters to Seniors
PG. 10-11 Senior Superlatives
Alumni Advice
PG. 18-19 Sports Commitments PG. 20 Alex Wilson Tribute
PG. 12-13 Mr. Falcon
This issue of Talon is dedicated to the Staley High School Class of 2016.
On the Cover Senior Issue Class of 2016
Photo of Bryttany Holovach by Maddy Benda 2 | Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon
For an outfit that is perfect for a graduation party, pair a high-low top with a pair of skinny jeans. To upscale an outfit, slip on a pair of heels. Paint your nails a bright color like red for a pop of color to your outfit. Photo by Christopher Spry
16 Staff Editorial
DON’T LET FEAR STOP PROGRESS
It’s important to graduate from high school without any regrets. As a staff, we see lots of potential within the class of 2016. It’s a class of dreamers, explorers and doers. The fears that we each carry with us could keep us from going to the places we’ve all dreamed of. We hate to imagine what our lives would be like if we all allowed our fears to decide our fates throughout our lives. The problem with this is that so many of us are afraid to get outside of our comfort zones. Many of us have gone to school together for seven years, yet we have mostly stayed in the same groups for that entire time. We have the same friends we did when we were 12, and we rarely form true, lasting friendships with people in other groups. We are so afraid of rejection or facing an awkward situation that it stops us from finding some amazing friendships. As high school draws to a close and countless opportunities open up for us, our challenge to the class of 2016 is to get outside the comfortable routines that we all live in. Try something new. Be fearless, or at least don’t allow fears to hinder new experiences. If the entire graduating class of 2016 did this, we’d be unstoppable. There is so much potential within the walls of Staley. High school was a safe bubble for us to learn in, but now it’s time that we go out into the world and try out for the team, make new friends and challenge ourselves to get outside of our comfort zones. -Talon Staff Seniors
TALON STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Abbi Atwell EDITORS IN TRAINING
Maddy Benda Emilie Kerr STAFF
Lane Burch Bryttany Holovach Alexis Howard Hafsa Hussein Jessica Jordan Alayna Lopez Rita Sargent Christopher Spry STAFF ARTIST
Amber Lewis ADVISER
Cherié Burgett
Denotes senior
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 adviser at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Pkwy, 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.
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Opinion
Letter From The Editor To Talon Readers and Staff:
It has been an honor to spend the last three
years of my high school career as the Editor-in-Chief of Talon. Through all of the interviews, photographs, and stressful late nights, I have always felt a sense of pride in our school. Being able to bring the news to my peers through the magazine and StaleyNews.com has been a privilege and one of the highlights of high school for me. An even more important highlight has been getting to know the people of Staley better through being part of the journalism department.
This year’s staff is more like a team than ever
before because we bonded over tons of food and long nights. Over the years, we have won countless awards at state, local and national competitions. We have made a name for ourselves and my hope for the magazine is that the name we’ve made will only become more respectable with time. In the years to come, the staff will have to live up to the time we won “Best of Show” at National competition.
Regardless of how the competitions turn out
next year, my hope for the staff is that everyone remains close. This year we have finally found our “happy place” when it comes to the staff working as a team. We disagree at times, but we have always managed to work together regardless. I have been blessed to work with the staff and become friends with everyone. I am excited to see everything that the staff will accomplish in the years to come. -Abbi Atwell Editor-in-Chief
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Corner
Cartoon
Cartoon Cartoon by Amber Lewis
Begiinning of Senior Year
End of Senior Year
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Signed to Service SENIORS COMMIT TO THE MARINES Written and Photos by Christopher Spry
Seniors have to make some of the biggest decisions they’ve ever had to make, such as whether to go into the work force, college or the military. Seniors Connor Carmack and Michael Boydston have made the decision to join the Marines after graduating high school. The process of joining the Marines isn’t easy; it takes a lot of dedication to complete the program. The Marines have been America’s expeditionary force since 1775. Marines are deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively in a time of crisis. The process of joining the Marines involves sending in a request form, then once
accepted, performing an IST (initial strength test), which includes a flexedarm hang, 44 crunches in two minutes, and a timed run. In addition to passing this test, applicants are also required to be in an acceptable weight and body fat standard, according to Marines. com. “I went to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) and took my physical and my ASVAB. Now I go to personal training until I ship out for basic training on Aug. 1,” Carmack said. “I plan on doing this for 20 years until I can retire.” The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a test that used to determine
qualification for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces. The Marines are an elite branch of the U.S. Military. Honor, courage and commitment, the core values of the Marines, define how every Marine in the Corps thinks, acts and fights according to Marines. com. “To me, it’s the opportunity to be the best I can be mentally and physically by always being challenged to my limits and to do something that the normal person doesn’t want to do,” Boydston said.
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Lifestyles
Teacher Letters to Seniors Jairus Tapp
AP Language and Composition
To the Class of 2016: Goodbye. So long. Farewell. Adios. Why do we even bother waving goodbye any more? With Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, whatever weird social media site will pop up next week, we now possess the means to keep in contact with whomever wants to stay in contact with us. How wonderful! Actually, it isn’t wonderful. For many of you, this connectivity is just an umbilical cord you refuse to cut, but cut it you must if you want to experience all that life has to offer. Sure, you can be friends with people from high school. Sure, you can still reminisce; however, too much effort exerted at reconnecting, or never disconnecting, stunts your abilities to grow. How can you go forward if you are always looking back? Look, these formative years have been exactly that: formative. You have become who you are. You were probably a tool as a freshman. Now look at you. You are slightly less of a tool now. You know what that is called? Growth. If you want to keep growing (and not be any sort of tool at all) then when you leave this place, leave it. I permit you to keep a few of your chums close by, but say goodbye to the rest. And I mean a real goodbye—don’t ever see them again, at least not intentionally. Should you bump into a former friend in the future, wonderful. Let serendipity, the beautiful coincidence of life, take control. Should I never see or hear from any of you again, so be it. I will assume that you are enjoying your life, experiencing that which you can only dream of now, and I will think back on your time here at Staley with fond memories. Best Wishes, Jairus Tapp
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Lifestyles
Scott Anderson
AP Psychology
Dear Class of 2016, I feel very honored to be asked to write a final goodbye letter to the Class of 2016. 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, spelling errors, lack of direction, and lack of overall content. 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. One: Be Happy!!! Life is way too short to go around complaining, whining, sulking or just simply being mopey. Please, get up in the morning, smile, laugh and have a good time. I am not saying don’t take life serious or to not challenge other people’s ideas or points of view, but rather I am saying just do it with some tact and grace. The world is not fair, so I will let you in on a little secret: It is a lot kinder and more forgiving when you present yourself in a happy manner. Plus, it is just good for your overall wellbeing to just be happy. Second: Be Nice to Each Other!!! Many of you are saying…he stole that from Ellen Degeneres. Maybe I stole her line but I have tried to live that philosophy my whole life. Treat each other with respect and kindness. You may not always agree with people or the choices they make but that doesn’t mean you have to treat each other with cruelty. Simply be nice to each other. Say hello to people as you pass them. Greet people/employees at a store. Listen to what other have to say. To put it simply: treat everyone with respect and kindness. So, as you leave Staley High School, please remember to Be Happy and Be Nice and 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 your life, however you choose to live it. Sincerely, Mr. Scott R. Anderson Your Friend for Life
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Feature
Senior Su
Photos by Emilie Kerr
Most Likely to be a Fashion Designer Jillian Turner Landan Ginther
Most Motherly/Fatherly Holly Schmidt Abbi Atwell Paul Henton
Most Likely to be on ‘Saturday Night Live’ Bre Kamaka Jared Vawter
Most Likely to be a Pro Athlete Sarah Wyland Jack Duffy
Most Likely to be a Superhero Victoria Norris Joe Eller
Most Likely to Have Their Own Reality TV Show Paige Hawkins Landan Ginther
Most Likely to Ask for a Charger During First Block Alle Pattillo John Bastarache
Most Likely to be President of the U.S. Abbi Atwell Tristyn Bowling
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Feature
uperlatives Most Likely to Take a Selfie During Their Own Wedding Avery Morales Jared Vawter Emily Bennett
Most Likely to Travel the World Alexis Jensen Collin Duffy
Most School Spirit Isabelle Pekarsky Saul Armendariz Lobera
Most Likely to be Caught Sleeping in Class Monica Aguila Joe McNally
Most Likely to Win a Grammy Alayna Dick Cole Garner
Most Likely to Win the Lottery but Lose the Ticket Lindsay McElwee Zach Hockemeier
Best to Take Home to Mom and Dad Holly Schmidt Ward Mershon
Most Likely to Brighten Your Day Bre Kamaka Cole Garner Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon | 11
Mr. Falcon Feature
SENIOR BOYS COMPETE IN PAGEANT
During the talent portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Zach Hockemeier dresses up like Napoleon Dynamite and does the dance from the film to the song “Canned Heat.” “We had rehearsal the day before the competition,” Hockemeier said. “I didn’t start practicing my talent until 5:15 p.m.” Photo by Monica Aguila During the talent portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Toni Iiams, who won the title of Mr. Falcon, performs a dance solo. He performed his dance at a state competition and placed second. “I guess I liked the fact that I am leaving a legacy,” Iiams said. Iiams was crowned Mr. Falcon at the end of the night. Photo by Monica Aguila
For the swim portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Hunter Swift did the wave with his stomach, and he won the swimwear competition. He said he saw some little girl on a cruise ship do it and was inspired. “I thought the stomach wave was cool, so I started practicing,” Swift said. Photo by Monica Aguila
For the talent portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Saul Armendariz has his armpits and the back of his thighs waxed by his girlfriend senior Abbi Atwell. He won the talent award. “I joked around that I could wax his legs, and he took me seriously,” Atwell said. Photo by Kelsey Bennett 12 | Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon
Feature
During the talent portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Seth Otis wrestled with junior Charlie Genisio. “I got inspiration from wrestling practice and watching WWE as a kid,” Otis said. “It looked fun.” Photo by Kelsey Bennett
During the talent portion of Mr. Falcon, senior Jack Duffy, who won Mr. Congeniality, performed with a ukulele for the first time in front of an audience. The performance was a mashup Duffy found of Twenty One Pilots. “I liked how it sounded,” Duffy said. Photo by Monica Aguila
During some downtime in Mr. Falcon, senior Hunter Swift started an imaginary roller coaster in the middle of the stage. “I started an imaginary roller coaster because someone in the audience told me to do it,” Swift said. Photo by Monica Aguila
For the swimwear competition, senior Jared Vawter pulls down multiple swim trunks and ends with wearing a Speedo. “I needed an original idea to add some creativity to Mr. Falcon,” Vawter said. Photo by Kelsey Bennett
At the end of Mr. Falcon, everyone was asked to say their last words. When it came to be senior Zach Hockemeier’s turn, he made a reference to his talent performance. “I said, ‘Vote for Pedro,’” said Hockemeier. Photo by Monica Aguila Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon | 13
Blast From the Past Lifestyles
TEACHERS SHARE HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOS
“I had an amazing business teacher in high school. He made accounting look easy, and I loved the class. College accounting was another story!” - Kelly Rule, Business Education “I was going to study Business Management.” -Scott Anderson, Psychology “I wanted to be a librarian or a teacher.” -Karen Davis Brown, English Language Arts “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. There was never a question about that.” -Barbara Madden, Math “I was going to Mizzou for Broadcast Journalism. The best laid plans…..” -Jessica Hoffecker, English Language Arts “I have always been interested in law enforcement. I loved mystery shows like Law and Order. Unfortunately, I had a hand injury my junior year at Oak Park and was (and still am) unable to fire a gun. Because of my unique and pretty severe injury, I became really interested in the human body. I took lots of science classes in college and decided to major in Cell and Molecular Biology.” -Andrea Holmes, Science 14 | Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon
Alumni Advice
Lifestyles
STALEY ALUMNI GIVE ADVICE TO SENIORS
You’ve made it this far, so don’t give up. If you don’t know what you want to do with your life, don’t worry, you’re not stuck. You certainly aren’t alone either. Take your time to figure out what it is you want, and once you know what that
College can definitely be scary at first, but it will be some of the best years of your life. My advice for future college freshmen is to get involved on campus; you’ll definitely meet a lot of new people. This will also help you
make connections which will help you out in the future. When it comes to classes you need to study every night and actually read the book. Time management and how to prioritize are a few important
is, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from doing it. If someone continually belittles your career path and/or college major (I’m looking at you, English majors), get them out of your life. You don’t need that kind of negativity. If you want to be a
writer, write like you need it to survive. If you want to be a doctor, become the best doctor you can be. Do whatever makes you happy with people who make you happy. - Destiny Wilborn, Class of 2015
Congratulations! You did it! In just a few days, you’ll be walking across the stage and receiving your diploma. That means that in just a few months you’ll be saying goodbye to the home you’ve grown up in, the family that loved you regardless of the mistakes you made, and the friends that stood beside you through it all. Make the most of the last few months at home. The last few months that your mom will do your laundry, or make you dinner, or ask you what time you will be home, but most importantly,
thank them for doing that without you even asking. Make the most out of the time with your friends. Go out and explore Kansas City because you will miss it, regardless of how tired of it you may be right now. Don’t work the summer away because the goodbyes will come faster than you may think. But remember that as terrifying as these goodbyes may be, it can also be one of the best feelings in the world. No longer do you carry that stereotype that followed you in high school. No longer are you the jock, the teacher’s pet, the rich-kid, the band geek
things you’ll need to be successful. College is very different from high school; it’s a fresh start, and it is definitely what you make it. - Ana Howard, Class of 2013
or whatever your label may have been. You are now just you. You are the only one that can write your story, and this is only the beginning. College will come with an overabundance of hellos. You will meet so many amazing people in the next few months that will become your home away from home. Enjoy your summer and your college experience, and never forget that your friends and family will always be there. Good luck and congratulations. - Brooke VanSickle, Class of 2015 Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon | 15
@2016GRADPARTYFASHION Written by Alexis Howard Photos by Christopher Spry
The upcoming graduation of the class of 2016 means graduation parties. Having to decide whether to dress formal or casual can be tough. To meet in the middle of those two for girls, add a statement watch or a pair of heels/boots to up a laid back outfit. For guys, wear a button up and roll up the sleeves with a pair of jeans.
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For both girls and guys, slip a cardigan over the outfit to add a classy style. For girls, add earings or a bulky necklace for more sparkle. Adding a bright nail color will add more of a summer vibe. Make sure not to over accessiorize or layer too many patterns over each other.
POST- 708 DAYS OF HIGH SCHOOL FOLLOWERS- 377 SENIORS FOLLOWING- CLASS OF 2016 Lifestyles
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Sports
Senior Signings TWINS SIGN TO PLAY SPORTS AT SAME COLLEGE Written by Emilie Kerr
Photo by Christopher Spry
For many seniors, it’s a hard decision to choose the school that they want to go to. But for seniors Annie and Felicia Raybourn, the decision was more apparent. Felicia and Annie are twins, and they have always gone to the same school. Although Felicia wanted to have her own experiences in college, they both ended up choosing the same school. “I wanted to go to school together because it would be weird not to,” Annie said. Annie signed to Baker
University for golf, and Felica signed for volleyball. When they were younger, they danced, played basketball and played volleyball together. With all of these sports came a lifetime of memories. “Beating Oak Park was one of my favorite memories,” Felicia said. Annie started taking golf lessons when she was much younger but didn’t start playing seriously until she was 15, and she then played throughout high school. “One of my favorite memories was getting all
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district this year,” Annie said. They said it will be nice to have someone they know with them at college. “I think it will be comforting,” Felicia said. For seniors, it can be a hard decision to choose when and where to college, but for these twins Felicia and Annie, the decision was easier than they thought.
Sports
SENIORS CONTINUE SPORTS CAREERS IN COLLEGE Faizol Bouchard Kyle Cambrice Sean Cooley Mercedes Daniels Micah Daniels Kaisee Davis Ryan Dorian Jack Duffy Jackson Frazier Jordan Jenkins Bre Kamaka Michael Kilpatrick Abby Klein Megan Klein Jake Lewis Sam Marks Mitchell McCallister Connor McCullough Joe McNally Hunter McMahon Ward Mershon Ross Messina Jason Needham Lydia Parker Annamarie Raybourn Felicia Raybourn Mikayla Spears Hunter Swift Monterio Whiles Sarah Wyland
Football Football Baseball Soccer Football Cross Country Football Baseball Cross Counrty Softball Volleyball Football Softball Soccer Football Baseball/Football Baseball Football Baseball/ Football Baseball Baseball Baseball Baseball Soccer Golf Volleyball Cross Country Baseball Football Volleyball
Northwest Missouri State University Peru State College Washburn University Central Methodist University Evangel University Park University University of Northern Colorado Missouri State University Northwest Missouri State University Central Methodist Universtiy Johnson County Community College Washburn University Missouri S&T Park University Drake University Baker University Fort Scott Community College Quincy University Baker University Coffeyville Community College Columbia College Cowley County Community College Central Methodist University Park University Baker University Baker University Park University Jefferson College Baker University University of Northern Colorado
Volume VIII | Issue 5 | Talon | 19
Alex Wilson
Oct. 5, 1999- March 24, 2016
TEEN REMEMBERED AFTER CAR CRASH Written by Emilie Kerr
He was just finding his faith, love, and planning his future when his life was cut short. Sophomore Alexander Wilson died on March 24 in a car crash in Cadwell County, Mo. “He was a look to the future kind of person,” said his dad Wes Wilson. Throughout his life, Alex was very close with his sisters. He had two younger sisters, Samarrah, 6, and Lottie, 9, and one older sister Jasmine, 19. He also left behind his mom, Bonnie, who is expecting another child and his dad Wes. “He was willing to do anything for his little sisters,” Wes said. As a family, they went on a lot of camping trips. During these trips Wes explained that they rarely ever had a bad time together. Aside from going on camping trips, they also went to San Antonio over the holidays. “We rarely ever had a bad time,” Wes said. In San Antonio, there was a girl he was planning on trying to win over. He would write ways to woo her in a notebook. Then when
he died, Wes gave that notebook to her as a gift, and she said that if he would have done any of these things, then they would have gotten married in the long run. Alex was also very patriotic. Wes said that Alex appreciated all veterans, and he would go out of his way to talk to any veteran he saw. His dad and uncle were both in the military. “He wanted to be just like us,” Wes said. Sophomore Allen Green and Alex were friends since fourth grade. “He really cared for other people,” Green said. Alex worked at Sonic, where he made many friends. One of these friends was Parker Rawley. “He helped me learn a lot of stuff at Sonic and made me a better worker,” Rawley said. Business teacher Kelly Rule called Alex quiet, but brave and resilient. She said he knew himself well enough that what others said didn’t matter to him. “If you know who you are, you can overcome anything,” Rule said.