Sterling Cub Reporter: May 2016

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MAY 2016

In the Winning Groove Volume 2 • Issue 8

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May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 1

NEWS

Briefly Stated

Zero to

Have you ever wondered about all the cool stuff going on around SHS, and then thought of all the unfortunate stuff to happen? Here’s your guide to all the hot, and cold, stuff going on at SHS.

Junior Dallas Lackey got 10th during a home tournament.

The whole golf team got 1st place overall.

“America is one of my three favorite things. Those three things are America, Jesus, and Freedom.”

100

FRESHMAN GARRETT SANKEY talks about his favorite movie, “The Campaign.”

The above quote is one of his favorites from the movie.

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Seniors walk out of SHS with certificates

50 40 30 20 10

Freshman Nikki Clark prepares to shoot during at shooting club.

0 (Photos by Morgan Anderson) Senior class of 2016 members hold up their Financial Literacy Awards during graduation practice.

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO

Sophomore Taylor Petz leaps through the air while practicing for a dance in her studio. “The hardest dance move is probably any turn,” she said.

“You have to focus on keeping your abs engaged and spotting what’s in front of you so you don’t get dizzy.” (Photo by Kylah Comley)

2 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

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Forensics team wins 2nd at state champs

(Photo by Alex Veliz) Freshman Grace Rowland tweaks the design of a page for the yearbook.

Journalism takes 2nd in 3A state contest ALEXIS VELIZ Cub Reporter This year both the yearbook and the magazine staff made it past the regional competition to compete at state journalism in Lawrence, KS. This resulted in the team coming in second at the state level.

“I was really nervous because I thought that I would be absolutely terrible because I am not the best at writing stories,” sophomore Reagan Mantz said. “After we got going and actually starting writing things came more naturally and it was a lot of fun.”

Senior Kylah Comley got honorable mention in infographic and achieved the title of 3A/4A state champion in news writing.

“I tried not to get my hopes up because sometimes I feel really good about my events, and then I don’t even place,” she said. “But I was really excited to find out that I was one of the best news writers at state.”

Freshman Morgan Anderson entered with a partner for yearbook theme and graphics.

“I definitely found my strengths through state because I didn’t know that I could work well with someone else,” Anderson said.

Journalism advisor Todd Vogts feels the different projects that the staff has been doing throughout the year has prepared them for both the regional and state competitions.

“In this program we focus on real-world situations.

Students have real deadlines, and they have to produce real works of journalism,” Vogts said. “By its very nature this course is very hands on, and that prepares them when it comes time for contests that outsiders see and critique and that has to be done in a certain time frame.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

LINDSAY GILMORE Cub Reporter The tradition of forensics at Sterling High School is one that is known throughout the community. Just look at the three banners in the Ora Shields Activity Center, and you’ll see that expectations can be held high for those participating in State Champs.

“When people see the banners filled with state forensics championships in the gym, I think it’s easy to assume that winning state forensics is easy. It’s not,” said senior Hannah Hendricks, who placed first individually in informative speaking. “There are hours of preparation and practice and individual work with coaches necessary just to qualify for state. There is a lot of pressure to perform well. We are Sterling Forensics, and none of us want to disappoint the school, the coaches, or ourselves.”

As Hendricks said, preparation is key when looking to bring home a trophy. That preparation paid off, bringing SHS a second place trophy and a multitude of individual medals, despite some challenges with judging.

Eight of the 15 Sterling competitors placed in the top six at the competition, five of those placed third or higher. In addition to the medalists, three others were semi-finalists.

“I was happy with how far I went, but disappointed because I didn’t make it to finals,” junior Niki Dowell said. “I know that I can make it there next year, though, because of how the coaches work with you.”

Junior Max Fulbright, who placed second in duet acting with his partner, senior Ben Millhouse, and fourth in his humorous solo, said that he and the team were extremely proud of their accomplishments.

“I felt that the team was very happy with our placement after doing well all season,” he said.

For a complete list of state results, please visit www.sterlingstudentpublications.com.

Sterling, Ks (620) 278-2244 www.aldenst8.com May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 3

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NEWS

(Photo by Baylee Maskil) Math teacher Robin Webb teaches during her 6th hour, Teaching as a Career, class. “It’s crazy during the spring time, and classes take a big hit because of sporting events,” Webb said.

Students, faculty work to end year on high note DALLAS LACKEY Cub Reporter Saying that Spring is a bit busy could be considered an understatement by most.

Between athletics, forensics, music festivals, and the annual one-acts, it would seem almost impossible for someone to be able to keep their grades up, but students and teachers alike do their best to make sure everyone is eligible for all events.

“It’s difficult because I can’t stop when students are gone, especially in afternoon classes because they miss a lot of class for sports,” math teacher Robin Webb said. “So I try to encourage them to see me in seminar and make sure they plan ahead for these activities.”

With so many activities going on, stress can pile on students as they try to get everything in and keep their grades up to avoid ending the year on a rough note.

“I get really stressed,” sophomore Lucas Weigel said. “It affects my everyday life, like at practice it can be really hard to focus because I know I have a lot of homework to do.

I think everyone gets stressed, though, so I stay calm and know I can get it done later.”

While the teachers can help some, the majority of it rests solely on the students.

“I’ve got a lot going on, and it’s hard to maintain good 4 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

grades while doing a sport because it’s so time consuming,” sophomore Aniston Ramsey said. “I try my best to stay on top of it.”

Sports take up a lot of time, and it can seem like they take up even more time when you need to do homework after you get home from practice. Although, that doesn’t stop athletes from getting their school work done.

“I just make sure I will have time to do it,” Weigel said. “I try to restrain myself from other activities to make sure that it gets done.”

When it comes to focusing on grades everyone has their own routine, or ways to make sure they get everything they need to done.

“I do a little bit at a time so I don’t feel like I have to cram it all in at once,” junior Will Dutton said. “I talk through scheduling time to work on my homework with my parents, and they help a lot.”

As the school year winds down and finals come up, students are doing their best to keep their grades up, while their teachers are trying to offer as much help as they can.

“For the most part, I don’t have to push the students too hard,” Webb said. “There are always a few that fall behind, but most stay on top of things so they can pass the class and not have to see me again for another year of it.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

EDITORIAL

In the blink of an eye

As the 2015-2016 school year comes to an end and I sit and reflect on this past year, there are many great memories that come to mind. From the production of “Babes in Arms,” to making it to state volleyball for the first time in school history and having one of our own win the prestigious Gore Scholarship, I would say we have had a pretty memorable year.

I realized while reminiscing that it’s hard to remember some of these KYLAH COMLEY things because of how fast this year has gone, and not only this year, but all of high school. Kenny Chesney was definitely not lying when he wrote the song, “Don’t Blink.” It all runs together, and it’s sad to think that in a couple of weeks we will all be going our separate ways.

Although, leaving SHS will be sad, it also brings excitement. We, the 2016 graduating class, have a bright future ahead of us. I look forward to hearing about Brayden’s business he started, Eric’s welding career, how teaching high school is going for Mac, reading Emma’s novel, buying Erin’s artwork, and many more.

With that, I would like to give a special thank you to my fellow seniors who have made these last four years incredible.

I truly believe that we made an impact here at SHS. We’ve changed the atmosphere, and we are leaving the underclassman in a great environment.

I also want to thank the other students at SHS for making my experience at Sterling so memorable. We should be beyond grateful to be placed in a community and school district filled with people who care about us.

Lastly, I would like to thank the administration, faculty and staff for being so supportive of myself and my classmates.

Without the love, criticism and support from the adults in this building, we wouldn’t be the students that we are today.

As I sit in the library and look at all the books, all the words that fill this room, I think about how we, the graduating class, will soon fill the world with our words and talents.

Even though one chapter in our own book is coming to an end, we will soon be ready to embark on our next chapter, how ever many miles away that may be.

The Sterling High School Cub Reporter and all subsidiary publications are designated forums of free speech.

The print edition is published October through May of each school year by the journalism class at Sterling High School. It is distributed for no charge throughout Unified School District 376 buildings and the Sterling community.

The first copy is free. Subsequent copies will cost $1 per copy. For information about being added to the subscription list, contact Todd Vogts at 620-278-2171. Letters to the editor are welcome. Email them to editor@sterlingstudentpublications.com. All letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters subject to editing for legal, grammatical and factual reasons.

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Journalism means something

When I stepped into Sterling High School for orientation day of my freshman year, I couldn’t help but think about how great the year was going to be. I was going to have so much fun, hang out with friends all the time, play the sports I loved, and learn a little on the side. Little did I know that I would be missing out on something very special.

Journalism.

LINDSAY GILMORE My freshman year was nothing like I expected, it was far worse (I won’t go into details because this is not a pity-party column). So, after Mr. Vogts’ convincing and pleading, I applied for yearbook and magazine and hoped that it would make for a better sophomore year.

It definitely did. I found that the group of people involved in journalism were the people I fit in with the most, and the people I had the most fun with. Journalism gave me lifelong friends and amazing memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

As well as helping me in social aspects of my life, it also taught me that sometimes the things that challenge you the most, are also the most self-rewarding. Going into yearbook and magazine my sophomore year, I didn’t realize how much work went into them. I don’t think anyone really does until they partake in any of the publications. The amount of hours I have spent in that lab since I became involved in journalism is probably more hours than I’ve spent watching Netflix (that’s a lot).

I was stressed at times and often felt overwhelmed while working on The Cub, but I can’t compare anything to the feeling that I got, and still get, when I see the finished product. That gratification and rewarding feeling is something that I will carry into everything I do.

Journalism has changed my life in ways that I never even knew it could, and the only thing I would change would be getting into it earlier. My freshman year would have been changed entirely.

It takes up time, and sometimes I wish that I was taking a nap, rather than in the lab on a Sunday, but every single hour has been worth it to me.

STAFF

Sterling High School

CUB REPORTER

& www.sterlingstudentpublications.com 308 E. Washington, Sterling, KS 67579 Phone: 620-278-2171 • Fax: 620-278-3237

Editor-In-Chief: Kylah Comley Reporters: Alex Veliz, Lindsay Gilmore, Dallas Lackey, Lexi Rose, Anna Tuszynski

ADVISER Todd Vogts

ADVERTISING SALES Student Publications Staff

GRAPHIC ARTISTS SHS Graphic Design Class

May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 5

MOVES LIKE FEATURE

Sophomore excels at unique sport KYLAH COMLEY Cub Reporter

48 hours. 2,880 minutes. 172,800 seconds. That’s how long sophomore Taylor Petz spends dancing each month. That’s enough time to fly to Paris and back, twice. Or to drive the 2,800 miles across the United States.

Petz currently practices dance on Mondays Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in Hutchinson at Judy’s School of Dance, though she started her career in Great Bend at a small studio when she was just 4 years old.

“When I was little, my mom just kind of put me in dance because at my studio you could start at basically whatever age,” Petz said. “That’s just 6 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

kinda the one sport that I actually stayed in. She made my try soccer and tee ball and basketball and all that stuff, and dance was the only thing that I wanted to continue.”

According to dictionary.com the definition of a sport is: “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Some might question the thought of dance being considered a sport, but Petz believes that there should be no hesitation at all.

“I mean not a lot of people probably realize or take the time to realize that we (dancers) do the same things that other athletes do,” she said. “We condi-

tion. We do ab work. We practice, and we work on all of the same stuff that people playing other sports do.”

Not participating in many extracurricular activities at school could sometimes cause strain on her relationships with fellow classmates.

“I would go to school and a lot of my classmates would have a basketball game or something the night before and they would all be talking about it, and it’s hard to relate because I wasn’t there and they weren’t with me,” Petz said. “So just relating with what everyone else is participating in at school and what I do outside of school is hard sometimes. I feel that it has gotten a lot easier, though, because it doesn’t really www.sterlingcubreporter.com

JAGGER

R O L Y

TA

bother me anymore because I know that we all aren’t the same people and we all have different interests.”

Relating to classmates is just one of the many challenges Petz faces through dance.

“I think one of the hardest parts about being a dancer is working with other people sometimes,” she said.

“Just because we all dance differently and trying to make sure our dances look good and we all look the same is something that is really hard. You can’t really sub someone out in the middle of a dance. But we all work really good as a team, I think, so that helps us to get along.”

Petz specializes in her solo routine but also competes with her competition team from her studio throughout the school year.

“My competition team competes in www.sterlingcubreporter.com

about four competitions through the school year. We travel to Oklahoma and Wichita for the competitions.

We started learning our dances in the summer, and then we compete those dances that we learn throughout the whole year,” she said. “But I typically enjoy doing solos more just because it allows me to be who I am in a way.

I get to pick out what song I dance to and stuff like that.”

Participating in both the solo and the team division requires constant practice.

“I always enjoy going to dance practice. Whenever I have dance, I’m ready to go,” Petz said. “I think since we don’t have it everyday so we can do other activities, it’s always something I’m and excited to go to, and I never get tired of it.”

Though Petz never loses interest for

her passion, her body often becomes fatigued from the long practices and competitions.

“I get tired all the time. I have really low blood sugar and blood pressure, and so I have to always make sure that I have food in my system, I take this energy drink to keep me going and that somewhat helps,” she said. “After I get done dancing, I can get really light headed and shaky. I mean when I’m dancing it affects me, but I just try to push through it and not get tired.

Certain dances are harder than others, but it’s not too bad.”

Though Petz has recently faced this medical diagnosis, she doesn’t let it derail her success.

“You have category placements, May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 7

and they pick the top two out of that category. And then the highest award is the overall top scorer, and that’s who’s scored the most points during the whole competition,” she said.

“I’ve gotten overall a lot times, I can’t remember each one, but this year I normally placed first or overall with my solo routine.”

In November Petz had the opportunity to take dance classes in Oklahoma City with her studio. Halfway through the class, she was pulled out by an instructor and offered a scholarship.

“The scholarship goes to this tap festival that is in Washington D.C. and basically it paid for my whole dancing that I would do there,” she said. “I wasn’t able to go this year. I’m planning on going next year, and they will still let me use the scholarship money.”

Petz has found success in her passion, but she isn’t satisfied with her dance career just yet.

“My main dream, ever since I was little and knew that I wanted to dance, has been to go to dance at Juilliard in New York City. My other two options are going to a performance arts school in California or Wichita State, both to dance at,” she said. “What I want to do after college is professional dancing, and, more specifically, commercial dancing, which is like all the background dancer you see on awards shows and things like that.”

Regardless of what the future may bring for Petz, dance will always play a part in who she is.

“I wish that students knew that dance is really important to me,” she said. “Because of dance I feel like I can be who I am honestly. Dance has always been there for me, I can just turn on the music and start dancing.”

DANCE DANCE EVOLUTION

There have been many costumes debuted by Petz in her 12 years of dance.

Bellow are a few of the characters she has embodied throughout her career.

(Courtesy Photo) Sophomore Taylor Petz preforms a dance with her competition team from Judy’s School of Dance. They received first place in overall competitive large group. “Hip-hop is one of my favorite styles of dance,” she said.

8 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

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May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 9

NEWS

Spring plays feature new talent in roles LINDSAY GILMORE Cub Reporter The 2016 spring plays at Sterling High School featured many new faces alongside some of the more seasoned actors at SHS. Director Rebekah Wagley chose two one-act shows for the spring performances. Senior Kaci Wilson starred in “Miss Nelson is Missing” and juniors Niki Dowell, Dallas Lackey, Preston Nichols and Maddie Wagley starred in “That’s Not How I Remember It.” “I thought the plays went very well, especially for the amount of young people that were in them,” Dowell said.

While lead roles went to some more experienced actors, many supporting roles were filled by first-timers.

“At first it was really nerve-wracking, and I was really scared I was going to mess up a lot,” freshman McKiah San Miguel said. “Once we got to showtime, I was more excited and really confident in myself.”

Both shows were performed on two nights, March 31 and April 2.

“The opening night people [of the audience] were more energetic and involved,” Nichols said. “I feel like the second

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night, there were less people there, and it was a tougher crowd. It was harder to keep our energy up. Most people were worn out already from a music festival earlier in the day.”

Audience members were quick to praise the younger actors in their roles, saying they were impressed at their abilities and can’t wait to see them perform in the future.

“I was very impressed by Dalton Stewart. He had me laughing the whole time,” senior Holly Davis said. “All of them worked really well with each other, which made for a great show.”

With the upperclassmen leading the way, both shows garnered plenty of acclaim. Senior Sydney Wilson won the SHS best supporting actress award for her role as Jane, Lola’s (Wagley) Mom, in “That’s Not How I Remember It.” “Sydney did a very good job playing a mother excited for her daughter. It was an honor to be fake married to her,” said junior Max Fulbright, who played Lola’s Dad. “We have been counterparts for three years now in spring plays, and it’s been a lot of fun working with her.”

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FBLA qualifies, prepares for nationals ALEXIAS ROSE Cub Reporter

The majority of students at Sterling High school are involved in many competitive extracurricular activities. During the 2015-2016 school year, business teacher Eric Wenzel introduced a new extra-curricular club to SHS. Despite Future Business Leaders of America being a firstyear program, three of its members gained the opportunity to head to Atlanta for the national FBLA competition.

“Qualifying for nationals was very exciting because it was a new opportunity I had to take on,” senior Jessica Ricker said. “Seeing our team’s success was great.”

Approaching a national competition for any extracurricular activity can be tricky, but Wenzel has set plans for preparation.

“I want to wait for the school busyness to wind down before we really start preparing,” he said. “Then we’ll look at our rubrics and nitpick at what judges could be looking for.”

While going to nationals is an earned prerogative, two out of the three qualifying members had to make the decision whether or not they would be able to go.

“When we got back from state I knew I had to decide whether I was going to nationals or on a mission trip,” junior Maddie Wagley said. “I was ready to tell our team that I was going to nationals, but I realized that I was really being called to go to Guatemala.”

Qualifying for national FBLA has left some of the members reflecting on what they got from it.

“Qualifying for nationals was a very exciting experience.”

Ricker said. “It’s left a huge impact on my senior year and has helped me prep for the next step in my life.”

Even though nationals isn’t until late June, the members attending could already be found preparing.

“Our biggest concern right now is funding,” Wenzel said.

“This big of a trip comes with a cost, but I am sure our community will step up and help us fundraise.”

Other members who didn’t make it to nationals could also be found preparing for what they’ll do next year in FBLA. “There will definitely be more opportunities to network and just experience and excel in the business world,” freshman Cooper Galyon said.

Some members can be found reflecting on what they learned this year.

“It’s definitely improved my soft skills,” Wagley said.

Considering this is the first year for FBLA, it has already had a positive impact on its members and Sterling High school.

“FBLA has made me confident when taking the next step in my life,” Ricker said. “I’m really excited for nationals and for the new members that will be able to gain something from this in the years to come.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

(Photo by Alexias Rose) Seniors Brayden Hossman, Jessica Ricker, and junior Maddie Wagley receive their third place award at the state FBLA competition, qualifying them for nationals.

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May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 11

SPORTS

Schissler brothers look to lead linksmen to state LINDSAY GILMORE Cub Reporter With high hopes of winning a State Championship, the Schissler brothers are returning to the links this year with confidence and camaraderie that is unlike any other.

When Zach, a sophomore, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma this past February there were thoughts that the hopes of a sought-after State Championship run would be severely crushed if he could not play. Zach, however, has been fighting like a true champion. As of April 29, he has placed in the top three at two meets while undergoing chemotherapy treatments and even beating his older brother Nick, a senior, in a playoff hole on their home course.

“Some people would be upset if their younger brother beat them, but the only thing I can be is proud of him,” Nick said. “He’s going through a lot, and I feel like him beating me or coming really close and placing high at meets is really good for him. He’s filling his spot well. I think I could do a little better, but I’m really proud of him for doing what he’s doing.”

With the Schisslers leading the way, the Sterling High School golf team has placed first in three out of its five meets so far in the season, and the rest of the varsity team is working hard competing for the elusive State Championship that has been unattainable in the past few years.

“This being my first year out for golf, I want to help win state for the five guys who have done nothing but support me and push me to be the golfer I am now,” junior Dallas Lackey said. “As a team, we want to win it for the two guys that are going to get us there — Nick and Zach. Nick has gotten second all three years he’s been to state, and Zach has a lot going on outside of golf. To end their year on a high note is all we want to do. They’re my brothers.”

(Photo by Grace Rowland) Sophomore Taya Wilson, senior Sydney Wilson, and sophomore Lexi Edwards race in the girls 100 hurdles. Sydney placed 1st, Taya 2nd and Edwards 3rd.

Wilson earns honors at WSU track meet ALEX VELIZ Cub Reporter This year’s track team has had a multitude of both individual and team success and improvements so far this spring season.

“Our quarter miles are getting faster and our four by eight are getting faster every time they run,” head track coach Keith Patterson said. “Our young ladies are doing really well too. Our throwers are coming along nicely.”

Among some of the successes the team has had this year was senior Sydney Wilson winning the most valuable track athlete at the K.T. Woodman meet.

“I definitely think I worked really hard in track and it nice being recognized with this award.” Wilson said.

“This year we have good senior leadership and some really strong underclassman, so state is a possibility.”

Boys tennis sends four to state tournament KYLAH COMLEY Cub Reporter

When regional tennis rolled around on May 7, junior Kyler Comley was leading the Black Bear charge. Comley was sporting a 15-1 record heading into the tournament. He finished regionals placing 4th, cashing in his spot for state.

“Going to state is a special honor,” he said. “Only six get into the tournament from each regional, and we had a very competitive regional, so I’m very honored and excited.”

Juniors Max Fulbright and Edward Weiner also secured their spot at the state tournament on May 13-14 in Wichita, 12 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

placing 4th in the doubles division.

“I was expecting us to do well at regionals, and I wasn’t expecting to get the four seed at state,” Fulbright said. “But Edward and I played well together and probably had one of our best meets this tennis season.”

The final SHS member to make it to state was freshman William Weiner, finishing 5th in the singles tournament.

“I’m really excited because it was always my highest goal to go to state, especially as a freshman,” he said. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and I’d have to work hard, but I’m really glad that I was able to accomplish my goal this year.” www.sterlingcubreporter.com

Softball team builds chemistry, reaches 12 wins DALLAS LACKEY Cub Reporter For the seniors on the Sterling Black Bear softball team winning more than 12 games was starting to look impossible, but on April 25 they moved their record to 13-1 with six games remaining in the regular season.

“The group of seniors we have has hit 12 wins twice, so it was nice getting past it that early in the season,” head coach Tyson Bauerle said. “We just have a lot of weapons this year.

In the last we’ve had good players, but this year we can really rely on anyone top to bottom.”

The only sport Sterling offers with more players on the field at one time is football, so to be as successful as the girls have been requires team chemistry, which this team doesn’t seem to be lacking.

“I think that our team chemistry is different than it’s been any of my other years of high school,” junior Lindsay Gilmore said. “I think that, that has a lot to do with our success so far this season. When a team can mesh together like we do it’s an amazing thing. Pair our chemistry with all of the talents that we have on this team and it’s a deadly combination.”

Team chemistry can be built in many ways, and the girls have managed to get closer as each day goes on.

“We brought back a lot of experience, and we also have a strong bond. We want the best for each other. We always have each other’s back. We’re more than just the ordinary team. We are a family,” sophomore Raegan Mantz said.

It’s hard to think of something that has more chemistry than a family, and based on the success the girls have had this season, being considered a family might be the way to go.

“The chemistry we have is almost unreal. We’re one big, crazy family,” senior Jody Gunther said. “And while we all want to win, we realize that there is more to the game than winning.”

Seeding for regionals will be based of regular season records, and this year the team looks to cross the bridge they haven’t been able to before.

“Finally getting past 12 wins in a season was a big accomplishment for us seniors,” senior Kylah Comley said.

“But we aren’t finished yet. We’ve been so close to getting past the hump and having a great season in the past, and I think this year is the year that we can push past being an average team and be great.”

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Projections & Reflections A handful of seniors reflect on their time in high school, and project what they want to do with their lives.

Alexias Rose

“I prefer animals to humans,” senior Shelbi Fenwick said.

Fenwick plans to be a vet-tech, and decided last year while shadowing other vet-techs at the local clinic that she wanted to work with animals, and has learned that they can sometimes be your best friend.

14 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

“I’m the only senior going into the military,” senior Tristen Vagts said. “A lot of my classmates will stress about college while I’ll be stressing about how many lives I can save.”

Vagts made the decision to join the military last year.

“Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable,” senior Jessica Thorpe said. Thorpe’s quote comes from the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11. As a person who doesn’t handle stress well, she was able to find strength and assurance in God. www.sterlingcubreporter.com

“In the end, you only regret the chances you didn’t take,” senior Nick Schissler said.

Schissler has realized, during high school, that exploring new things is worth it, because you can’t go back if you miss it.

“Senior year was one of the best years of my life,” senior Zane Nichols said. Nichols hopes the effect the senior class has installed in him will continue to do great things for the underclassmen now, and those to come.

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“People get caught up in these four years, but you don’t realize it’s just a small hill compared to your whole life,” senior Emma Lambert said. Lambert, who viewed her time in high school as a mountain, has been able to put her life into perspective and realize its worth.

“Don’t just listen to music, let it fill you.

Feel what you’re listening to,” senior Ben Millhouse said.

Millhouse has been involved in choir his entire high school career, and believes music can have a strong impact on anyone who’s willing to listen and feel.

May 2016 • Sterling Cub Reporter • 15

ENTERTAINMENT NOTE: Killer Serial Fiction is a part of Sterling Student Publications. It is the home of creative writing by Sterling High School creative writing students.

Stories appearing here are works of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. These stories are presented for entertainment purposes only and are not intended to be read as being part of Sterling Student Publications news coverage. For more stories, visit www.sterlingstudentpublications.com/fiction.

The Journey Begins

BY ZANE NICHOLS

Continued from April 2016 . . .

“Shikamaru,” he replied in a monotone voice.

“Well it’s nice to meet you Shikamaru. I’m Sakura.

And this is Sasuke.” She pointed to Sasuke and he nodded in conformation. “We are all very good friends and--” “I know who you guys are. Now you know me. Let’s just get this thing over with and win. Okay?” Shikamaru interrupted.

Naruto giggled. “I like this guy! Straight to the point and ready to win!” Everyone gathered in a circle around Kakashi in their groups, listening intently for the next instructions.

“Finally. I was beginning to wonder if I shouldn’t have just made that task the evaluation test. It seemed to be difficult enough for some of you. Anyway. Each of the groups will be evaluated by their teamwork in this mission. Each group will be given 4 marbles on a string. You have the choice. Whether to put all the marbles on one team member or divide them up. The objective, capture as many marbles, as a team, as possible. The winning team will receive a special award. There are no rules. Use everything you have been taught up to this point to win.

Alright. Everyone, grab your marbles.” Everyone shuffled around to get their marbles from the basket in front of Kakashi. “Divide them up as you please. You have one minute.”

Instantly Naruto put himself up to take all the marbles. Sakura suggested “Maybe we should give 2 to Sasuke and 2 to Shikamaru. That will allow Naruto to attack people and obtain more marbles. I’ll help protect and attack.” The team decided that was a great idea. They voted and that was the plan.

“Ready? Go.” Announced Kakashi without warning.

Naruto quickly snatched 3 marbles from the oblivious group in front of them. Sakura took the other two to the other side of the field. Along the way they snatched 16 • Sterling Cub Reporter • May 2016

9 more marbles from passing groups, but also lost 2 marbles. Naruto used his shadow clone jutsu to make 7 more of himself. They all scattered quickly and used the paralysis pressure points they had been taught at the beginning of the year. Two of the clones were struck with practice shurikens and disappeared into dust. The other clones worked sneakily together. Using one of them as a distraction and using the other as a flank from behind or above to hit the pressure points. “Very clever tactic Naruto,” shouted Sensei Kakashi. Naruto taking pride in his work, continued to press on. Three more clones disappeared as they were attacked from above in the trees.

Naruto smoothly obtained the deceased clones marbles and returned them Sasuke.

As soon as he returned, Kakashi was yelling “Times up! Stop attacking now and report to the center of the field with your number of marbles.” Sakura arrived shortly after Naruto and reported their number. 32. They felt very accomplished in that number. And they were even more satisfied as they listened to the other teams report their numbers. The last group reported and Naruto and his teammates screamed in celebration.

“It seems our victors dominated that challenge. Well done. Naruto had some very strategic attacking moves.

Sakura executed the plan well. Shikamaru and Sasuke displayed great defense. Very impressed with all of you.

You deserve this reward.” He handed the group a letter.

Naruto obnoxiously ripped it open and began to read.

“Please report to me for a top secret mission that is at the top of my priority list. Hurry. It’s signed by the Hokague!” They group was in shock. The prize was a special mission assigned to them by the most powerful person in the country.

“Well. You better not keep them waiting. Go,” said Kakashi. The group sprinted off into the distance and shortly left eyesight of everyone standing there in awe and jealousy. www.sterlingcubreporter.com