Sterling Cub Reporter: October 2016

Sterling High School | Volume 3 | Issue 1 | Oct. 2016

CUB REPORTER NEW KING, QUEEN CROWNED PG. 6

Student starts business Pg. 3

SHS welcomes new staff Pg. 4

Sterling High School |

Injuries foster advancement Pg. 12 | Oct. 2016

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EDITORIAL

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

STAFF

EDITORS: • Dallas Lackey • Lexi Rose REPORTERS: • Will Duton • Lindsay Gilmore • McKiah San Miguel ADVISER: • Todd Vogts GRAPHIC ARTISTS: • SHS Graphic Design Class ADVERTISING SALES: • Sterling Publications Staff

POLICIES 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.

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO Homecoming King J.J. Oden and Queen Lexi Rose pose together immediately after the ceremony. “Winning homecoming was amazing,” Rose said. “I was so honored to be nominated by the student body.”

(Photo by Grace Rowland)

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Crown of Recognition One of the many highlights of a senior’s year here at Sterling High School is the homecoming election. For some, the thought of getting nominated for homecoming king or queen is far greater than anything else. However, if you’re not well-liked or involved in extracurricular activities, it is safe to say you have a slim chance of being nominated.

So, why is it we only give our accredited seniors, who have worked extremely hard to gain as much recognition as they can, only one chance to be fully recognized and honored by the student body?

Now, it is not every senior’s desire to be nominated for this kind of thing, and that is understandable, but why not give the untold seniors who do more of a chance?

We, as a publications staff, understand that Cub Royalty was a huge production in years past, not only for

the high school, but for the community as well. It took a lot of time and effort to organize and host an event of this magnitude. Nevertheless, if activities such as this are used appropriately, they can be very rewarding and enjoyable for all.

We strongly believe that another chance for the seniors to be recognized in a more “formal” fashion would be appreciated.

This should take the form of a winter homecoming along with the fall homecoming. We should always be looking for more beneficial opportunities — whatever it may be directed towards.

Whether it be for a class with only 30 students or a class with 300 students, every qualified and deserving senior should get a chance to be given the “crown of recognition.”

— For the Editorial Board

F m t Th “ D

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.

FCCLA held a movie party in the south gym.

They showed “Million Dollar Arm.”

“October is definitely my favorite month; you get free candy on Halloween.”

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JUNIOR MIA STINEMETZ, spotted with a sucker that was given to her, explains why she loves the month of October.

90 80 70 60

Students give blood, save lives

50 40 30

The football team falls to 20 Sedgwick, 34-35.

10 0 (Photos by Morgan Anderson) Senior Emma Horsch gets her blood drawn at the annual blood drive on Sept. 6. “I want to go into the medical field and help people as a nurse,” she said. “That encourages me to give blood, knowing my donation could possibly save up to three lives.”

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NEWS

Additions welcomed to the SHS family Will Dutton As students walk down the halls this year, they are apt to see three new faces; a janitor, counselor, and science teacher represent new hires at Sterling High School this fall.

“It doesn’t surprise me that they’re transitioning well,” Principal Bill Anderson said. “They all come in with an incredible amount of experience.”

John Dellinger, the former Sterling College groundskeeper, is looking at all the positives of working here.

“At my age, I’m always looking forward to going indoors,” he said. “I don’t have to be in the inclement weather when I don’t want to be.”

While students will mostly see Dellinger doing his job around the school, there is plenty more to him than what meets the eye.

“I like to spend as much time as I can on the golf course, and at the lake,” Dellinger said. “I like to bottom fish and just hang out in the peacefulness.”

While Dellinger has his work to tend to, that doesn’t seem to stop him from getting the most out of the people around him.

“The kids are the neatest part,” Dellinger said.

Another new face to the staff is Tina Wohler, taking on the position as the junior and senior high school counselor.

“I like the different variety every day brings,” Wohler said.

“Some days are more career-focused, while others are more about personal stuff. I’m very excited about working with the junior high kids during this transition part of their lives.”

Taking on a new task can be difficult for some, but Wohler seems to have plenty to look forward to, including working alongside Jill Rowland, high school health teacher and girls’ basketball coach.

“She’s been my best friend since seventh grade,” she said.

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While handling both Jr High, and High School students all week can be stressful, Wohler tries to make the most of her time outside of school.

“I like talking with my friends,” she said. “Going to travel and seeing my friends from college. I like to walk with friends, and hang out with different families and barbecue.”

Wendy Calderwood has also joined the Sterling High School fami and gets to work along her own family member.

“My students probably don’t know that my brother works here,” she said. “Hopefully not many, anyway.”

Calderwood brings many years of teaching and coaching to Sterling high school.

“I taught high school science at Ulysses high school for the last eleven years, and coached volleyball and tennis,” she said.

Switching workplaces can be tough when you’ve worked at one place for many years. Calderwood, however, did not have this problem, and has had an easy time transitioning.

“A couple of the main reasons were Sterling High school’s good reputation for academics and character, and that my parents live in Buhler and they need some help.” she said.

Alongside being a high school science teacher, Caulderwood is also a published author, having written the book “Kirby Kids: Into the lungs.”

“Before my kids were born I had the idea to write a fun science book,” she said. “I really enjoyed writing it. Some people have even asked me if I will write a sequel, but I think I’m okay for now.”

The newest members our staff will likely prove to be an asset to the growing SHS family.

“I’ve been more than impressed with these individuals,” Principal Bill Anderson said.

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Keepin’ A

LID

On It

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S

(Photo By Lexi Rose) Junior Casey Duft demonstrates how his product keeps the trash off the streets and in the can.

“When I tie this on the dumpster, it secures the lid down,” Duft said.

tarting a business is usually a goal people set for themselves after high school or college, but that is not the case for Sophomore Casey Duft.

Duft has began a trash management business with inspiration from Brian Richter’s entrepreneurship class.

“I like the fact that Casey is trying to be an entrepreneur,” said Richter. “He is attempting to solve a problem and figuring out how to do so for others.”

One of the key points of being a successful entrepreneur, according to Richter, is solving a problem, and Duft is doing just that.

“After a basketball game I noticed a lot of trash cans had open lids and trash was getting everywhere,”said Duft. “I then came up with the idea to figure out a way to make them stay put.”

Duft put a lot of hours into his thought process for his product, and Sterling High School |

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experimented with how to make his product work.

“It all began in my garage with cement, rope, and rubber,” said Duft.

“I poured cement into a solo cup and put the rope in the middle of the cement while it dried. After the cement was dried I dipped the cement into rubber, so it would not scratch up the trash cans.”

Because of entrepreneurship class, Duft has continued to advance his business.

“I spoke to Mac Stromberg who told me to get a patent, which is a piece of paper showing no one else can make my product.”

After putting Stromberg’s advice into action, Duft was able to apply for a patent and is waiting on it to get approved.

“For now I am just waiting before I start to sell my product,” said Duft, “I am hoping to sell my products in stores and have a mass production.”

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| Oct. 2016

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FEATURE

F

our years of coming to the same place and seeing the same people everyday could get old to anyone.

Between managing homework, family time, social lives, and sometimes even a job, some are anxious for that four years to be up. However, seniors seem to be making the most out of all the memories they can, including those of homecoming.

From being nominated to attending the dance, homecoming week has so many different ways to involve the stu-

Dallas Lackey

Editor

@DallyEL

dent body.

“I think our school does a great job of getting everyone involved,” junior Taylor Petz said. “Homecoming week is always such an exciting time for everyone, so it’s something to look forward to. We, as cheerleaders, always try and pick themes that everyone can easily partake in and enjoy, so that helps everyone get excited for the game on friday.”

Starting Monday as students walked in the door dressed in red white, and blue, and continuing until the final song was

played at the dance, homecoming week was anything short of boring.

“I thought homecoming week this year was gucci,” senior Max Fulbright said.

“A lot of people dressed up and actually participated.”

This year’s themes included a wide variety from students dressing as “tacky” as possible, to getting more “posh” than they ever have.

“I think I liked the themes more this year than any other year, and I participated more than usual

(Photos by Lexi Rose) Timmy Gee, SHS sports fan since 2012, waves the Sterling flag at the start of the homecoming football game. “I love all the Bears,” Gee said. “Yay king and queen.”

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(Photos by Taya Wilson) Left: Junior Quarterback Kenan Comley prepares to attempt a pass during the homecoming football game.

Right: Sophomore Conan Ball approaches his blockers on a punt return during the homecoming football game.

Bottom: The fire burns at the annual Homecoming bonfire.

because they were easy to work with,” Queen nominee Bethany Anderson said.

As the week went on and the students kept showing their spirit, it all led up to Friday’s festivities, including the district-wide pep rally.

“The pep rally was awesome,” senior King Nominee J.J. Oden said. “It was so enjoyable, very loud, and tons of fun.”

During the pep rally, the nominees took part in a few games, including competing against the other classes to see who was the best inchworm. The games, however, were affected drastically when Queen nominee Niki Dowell was rushed to the Emergency room that day.

“I was so angry,” Dowell said. “I had to miss out on the fun, and since I was nominated I should’ve played the games, but physically I couldn’t.”

Included in these games was the annual newlywed’s game.

“I really enjoyed the newlywed game the most,” Anderson said. “Kyler kept making me laugh, and was hilarious when he would react to the question. It definitely helped that we won.”

King nominee Kyler Comley agreed,

and had more to say about the game and homecoming in general.

“Bethany and I are both pretty high spirited people, so playing the game with her was a blast,” he said. “Both the newlywed game and the pep rally in general were awesome. It was cool knowing that you’ve grown up and looked up to past candidates, and that I was probably an example for one or two of the kids in the stands.”

While the pep rally is something the students look forward to, homecoming week still leads up to the big game.

“I really appreciated that people looked up to me enough to nominate me, but when it came down to it, I was happy for whoever won and was ready to play,” King nominee Joel White said.

But before it came game time, the big moment was upon everyone: the crowning.

“I was so nervous,” Anderson said.

“The main thing going through my mind was ‘Kyler better not let me fall,’ then right before they announced the names, it felt as if time froze.”

For the winners, J.J. Oden and Lexi Sterling High School |

Rose, it was a moment of clarity.

“Winning homecoming was a huge honor; it helped show me that people really do recognize me for my compassionate personality, and ultimately that’s what I want to be known by,” Rose said.

After crowning, fans got to partake in another exciting event: the football game.

The team ended up beating the Moundridge Wildcats with a final score of 54-20, taking home the win on homecoming night.

“It felt good; going into a new league we haven’t known what to expect, and that made winning on homecoming even more important,” senior Ethan Proffitt said. “Thankfully we won by a lot, and I was glad with how the whole game went down.”

Following the win, the nominees made their final memories at the dance.

“Going to my last homecoming dance was bittersweet,” Rose said. “I know that as time goes on, I’ll achieve and experience bigger and better things than something as trivial as dance, but I really am thankful that we get to partake in these kind of events.”

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| Oct. 2016

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OPINIONS

Seniors: Thank all teachers While going through the college application process, many students are asking their favorite high school teachers to write letters of recommendation for them. This is a great way to receive scholarship money and add a quality person of reference to a future resume, but have you ever heard of seniors asking their fourth grade teachers for these letters, or any other K-6th grade teacher for that matter?

Why is giving credit to the grade school teachers, who helped shape us as young students, a rarity today?

Why do we tend to forget about the teachers who walked the halls with us for seven years — a time frame longer than middle and high school combined – and laid the foundation for the young men and women we are today?

As I think of my academic subjects of strength, Reading and English immediately come to mind. Although, if I’m honest, those two subjects haven’t always

been my strong suit. I owe a big thanks to two Title I Reading teachers I had in my early grades. One day after school, I remember expressing excitement to my mom because my reading teachers told me they were going to cut me loose that day because I “was ready to fly on my own.”

Yet, I followed this with, “Mom, I don’t think I can fly without them.” But I did.

These two teachers helped increase my reading comprehension and created a warm learning environment.

I think it’s appropriate for us to ask our high school and our grade school teachers for recommendation letters.

Don’t be shy about giving them a shout-out. Ask them to write a recommendation letter. Go ahead, invite them to your graduation party. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them, even if nobody else does. Never forget they were the ones who helped lay a solid foundation.

COLUMN BY WILL DUTTON @DuttonWill

Show respect, stand for national anthem

COLUMN BY MCKIAH SAN MIGUEL @kiiiaaahhh

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During the singing of the national anthem of this year’s preseason, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49’ers, refused to stand as the national anthem played. Since then, he has continued his disrespectful actions and has not stood for any of the games this year. Although it is not required for one to stand during the anthem, it is what is most respectful.

As a spectator of the game, I disapproved of Kaepernick’s actions, because we have soldiers who put their life on the line for our country. This man did not have the decency to stand for those who have fought for his family, his country, and his rights, such as his right to play football as a career.

Just due to it being what is most respectful, I do not expect him to jump on the bandwagon because of what his career is and what all of his teammates do.

Kaepernick has his reasonings as to why he didn’t stand; it is rumored that

race relations had a strong impact behind his actions.

In an exclusive interview Kaepernick stated, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.

To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

While some of the content of his statement is true, I strongly disagree with how he is choosing to react to it.

Kaepernick is an influence to all those who watch — football from children to adults. While his reasonings could be understood, I believe he should’ve looked past them, purely for the good of those who are influenced by him. Kaepernick should have stood for the anthem, not only out of respect for his country, but out of respect for those who look to him for inspiration.

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SPORTS

Dynamic Duo Leaders in hard work, effort show football team the way

A

Lexi Rose

professional football player once said, “There’s so many things that goes into making plays. It’s about teammates trusting one another and working together.”

While this is true about professional football, it is also true about highschool football.

“Playing football is about building relationships with the guys next to me,” senior running back Joel White said.

White, along with fellow senior running back Edward Weiner, have worked over the years to gain the abilities they now have.

Because of their hard work and determination, they get to play a big part in what makes up our school’s football team.

“A lot of what we do is geared towards both Edward and Joel’s strengths,” head coach Tyson Bauerle said. “A big reason behind what we’re doing is what they have available for us.”

Utilizing the experience and strengths that the two have, the team is capable of successfully executing plays.

“Last year Joel and I worked together,” Weiner said. “We knew that going into this year we would be really able to use our strengths to the team’s advantage.”

Not only does the pair set the team up for success as a whole, they provide motivation and inspiration for younger players.

“I see how well they work together and support each other,” junior defensive end John Schweizer said. “It inspires me to do the same for my teammates around me.”

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(Photo By Lexi Rose) Senior runningback Joel White rushes the ball for a first down against Marion on Sept. 30. The game ended with a score of 44-14, making it the Bears’ second loss of the season.

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@lexxi_rosse

The coaching staff said the work, time and effort White and Weiner have put in results in them being capable of leaving a lasting impression on all of their teammates.

“Both have been a huge benefit to the younger guys because of their leadership qualities,” Bauerle said. “Joel is a vocal leader.

Edward leads more by example.”

Taking into consideration Weiner’s injury during the Sept. 9 home game against Sedgwick, it is a great possibility that they could be faced with obstacles.

However, White is assured the team has what it takes to overcome them.

“It has made several guys rotate in and play new positions,” he said. “There’s room to improve, but they have done a great job of stepping up.”

Credited to all of the hard work and determination the two have, they have been accredited a meaningful and unforgettable nickname.

“We call ourselves the Dynamic Duo,” Weiner said. “We work together and compliment each other really well.”

Putting aside the merit of being a “dynamic duo,” White and Weiner said they are looking forward to seeing what the other players take away from their abilities.

“Football is about doing something that I love and that I’m passionate about,” White said. “I want the guys to see my willingness to be a role model for them.”

(Photo By Taya Wilson) The girls varsity team huddles around head coach Jennifer Mantz during a tournament in Inman. “Coach Mantz really does a great job of pushing us to be the best we can be,” senior volleyball player Bethany Anderson said.

Volleyball squad thrives off of senior leadership Dallas Lackey To some, being a leader can be very intimidating. To others, like senior volleyball players Niki Dowel and Bethany Anderson, it can be a whole lot of fun.

“I really enjoy being one of two seniors,” Dowell said. “I have been looking forward to it for a while because of the impact past seniors have had on me, and I want to leave a lasting impact on my younger girls.”

Last year the volleyball team had six seniors, so having just two this year could mean a decrease in leadership.

However, that doesn’t keep Dowell and Anderson from working together to provide the guidance that is needed.

“Niki and I agree on a lot of things, so there isn’t much argument between us,” Anderson said. “It gives us an equal opportunity to help and take the younger girls under our wing like we want too.”

While it is one thing to be a leader, it is a completely different topic to accept someone’s leadership.

“Our senior girls’ leadership is really motivating,” junior Lexi Edwards said. “Bethany always keeps a smile on our faces, and Niki makes sure we never give anything less than our best.”

No matter the situation, Dowell and Anderson seem to have

Editor

@DallyEL

an idea of what they want to do.

“I personally really love the girls we have. We haven’t had any issues with attitude or anything,” Dowell said. “I think Bethany and I have done a good job of doing more for our girls than just being here, and we plan on keeping that up.”

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(Photo By Taya Wilson) Senior tennis player Maddie Thrasher practices her hitting drills during SHS’ preview night on Sept. 26. “It’s going to be a tough road and there is a lot of really good competition out there, but I feel like I’m ready to take them on.”

SPORTS

Thrasher comes back better than ever Lindsay Gilmore January 21, 2016. One step. One dribble. One second. One scream. One season over. One long journey ahead.

When senior Maddie Thrasher tore her ACL during a basketball game her junior year, she worried about the effect it would have on the rest of her athletic career.

“My first thoughts when I tore my ACL were pretty negative.

I thought as though I was letting my team down,” Thrasher said.

“I knew that I would never play with this group of senior girls again, and that all of the success and recognition the team got, I wouldn’t be apart of. I thought that I would grow apart from those teammates that I had just began to really bond with. By far the worst thought I had was that I would never play sports the same as I did before and I’d never get it healed back up correctly.”

After getting into an operating room as quickly as she could that week, Thrasher was again greeted with some bad news when she woke up. Her meniscus had also been damaged during the game.

“At first they thought that it wouldn’t be the worst-case scenario,” she said. “They didn’t know about the meniscus until they went into surgery, so when they told me it would be a longer road ahead than we had originally thought, I was very upset and scared.”

Due to the damage to the meniscus, Thrasher’s rehabilitation would be affected.

“I knew rehab was going to be a pain before I started it because my doctors said that the surgery wasn’t the worst of it, but the rehab was,” she said. “I was ready to work hard and get back, but I wasn’t prepared for how long it was going to take and the challenges and frustration that were going to weigh on me.”

After six months of rehab Thrasher was able to return to activities.

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“When I started tennis up again I wasn’t feeling too good.

My knee was amazing and strong, but mentally I wasn’t ready for it. The thought of re-tearing it and going through another six months of rehab scared me to death,” she said. “But towards the end of summer when I got my brace it really helped me through that weakness I’ve had, and now I feel as confident as I did last year.”

While mostly overwhelmed with confidence and the excitement of being able to play, Thrasher has a fear factor in the back of her mind. Not only about a re-injury, but expectations for herself.

“Not knowing whether I was going to be fully myself again was what really scared me the most,” she said. “The fear of not playing as well as I did before, and not doing a very good job relearning my fundamentals was a big struggle for me.”

Even with the hardships and struggles of a serious ACL tear like Thrasher encountered, she still manages to take many positives out of the situation. Circumstance can be a great way to change someone’s perspective, and Thrasher says hers was changed dramatically.

“With this injury I have come to appreciate the little things.

All the things people dreaded and complained about before going to practice made me so angry because I would have given anything to take their spot. I’m not going to complain about those things anymore, because now I know what it’s like to be on the sidelines.”

Many of those who supported Thrasher during the process couldn’t wait for her to be back to her athletic self, but no one was more ready for the future than Thrasher herself.

“What I’m looking forward to most this season is going back to state, playing my hardest, and getting better than third place, hopefully,” she said.