Volume39issue4

T-BIRD TIMES

THE

Skyline High School

Volume 39, Issue 4

December 19, 2014

tbirdtimes.com

Seniors Justin Holtz and Colin Little film a clip for their video. Their newscast, along with previous stories are available on tbirdtimes.com photo by Logan Reece

Exclusively Online

Dustin Weber and Colin Little made a segment about the preseason basketball tournament.

Colin Little and Justin Holtz did a feature story about students who have parents at school.

Alyssa Allphin and Joaquin Corona produced a news story on students and their tattoos.

What’s Inside?

Opinion...................pg 2 News........................pg 3 Feature............pg 4-5, 8 Sports................. pg 6-7

Video added to schedule

by Mason Brack Reporter

Last spring publications adviser Judy Hampel did a trial run of a video class.

This semester, video became an official class.

The class gives students a creative outlet outside of the normal fine arts classes.

“We were very lucky to get two new video cameras and mics to start out the semester,” Hampel said. “They are much easier to use than the DSLR cameras that we had been using the past two years.”

In the class the students learn how to put together video sequences, how to use special effects like green screen, and the fundamen-

tals of audio production.

They also have been live streaming sporting events with High School Cube.

“I think if someone needs a fine arts credit and they think photography, yearbook or band isn’t for them, then they could go with video,” junior Alyssa Allphin said.

Students learn what the different parts of video production are. They do everything from interviewing, to anchoring, to editing their videos. The class brainstorms different ideas for their videos and they have two to four weeks to complete them. They start by getting ideas, interviewing, getting B-roll footage, then they put the footage into

iMovie or Final Cut Pro and put it all together.

“The biggest challenge of the class is keeping the students on task, because if they procrastinate, the production schedule falls way behind,” Hampel said.

The class posts their work on tbirdtimes.com and will show their videos during seminar today. At the assembly the students will be showing five videos they have created and will give the weather forecast for over Christmas break. Drinks and popcorn will be provided.

The entire newscast will take about 15 minutes.

“Honestly I’m scared because they might be a little embarrassing, but we worked hard,” Allphin said.

Page 2

December 19, 2014

Forget about the presents Christmas time is definitely here. Nativity scenes are set up, Lemon Park is lit up with lights, and Christmas music is playing every other song on the radio.

In the craziness of this time of year, we may start to forget what the reason for Christmas really is.

More than 70% of Skyline students identify Christmas as a religious holiday, while less than 30% of students think it is more of a cultural holiday. However, even for the nonreligious students, Christmas should mean more than opening presents.

For Christians, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. They celebrate by gathering with friends and family and

giving gifts, symbolizing the story of the three wise men.

Not only that, but many churches do community dinners, collect money for charities, and do food and toy drives for people less fortunate. These things are what make Christmas so special. Too many people forget what Christmas really is about. Too many people get sucked up in the retail frenzy that surrounds Christmas. We forget that it is not about who can get the most expensive gift, or who goes on the coolest vacation.

There are a couple really easy things that we can do that help us remember that Christmas is more than just about fancy things. For one, we can sit down with our

families and enjoy the time together. Get off the phones, and talk with people who may not be around all year.

Participate in the family traditions, because the people there aren’t going to be around forever.

Another thing that we can do is spend some time, money or both on others.

One of the best ways to do that is picking an angel off of an angel tree. When you do that, you buy clothes, toys and other things for kids in need. It is a great way to make you appreciate what you have, and it betters someone else’s Christmas and your own. Being generous makes you feel good, and it makes other people’s day a little brighter.

by Justin Holtz

vegetables and the different sauces, it just does not appeal to me.

“I do not like all the vegetables and stuff they put into food and most of it is too spicy for me,” senior Dustin Weber said.

The fact that Pratt has five different Mexican restaurants is just outrageous. Two of them are taco shop places that I actually enjoy since tacos have become so Americanized. The other three restaurants are semi-authentic restaurants that all serve the same thing

with a different name.

“Since Pratt has so many Mexican restaurants it is what I have always eaten, so I have always liked Mexican food for as long as I can remember,” sophomore Andrew Withers said.

I don’t mean to bash on a whole culture’s cuisine. I am sure it is the greatest food in the world to them, but I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy when it comes to food.

If it doesn’t look appealing or has things that I do not like in it, then I’m not going to eat it.

Too much Mexican food in Pratt Reporter

Pratt has five Mexican restaurants that are either taco shop type places or semi-authentic Mexican restaurants that sell the same thing but have a different name.

I am not a fan of Mexican food. I was born in America and prefer the deep fried things like cheeseburgers, or a nice big steak.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good quesadilla, but when people add nasty

Staff Reporters ......Mason Brack Editor ................. Austin Gilpin Jenessa Corbet Madison Golden Justin Hampel Photographers........Lucas Cason Justin Holtz Lexie Maloney Layton Kenworthy Sheldon Miller Landon Lee Logan Reece Colin Little Rance Tucker Caden Patterson Kamryn Stark Adviser................ Judy Hampel

Opinion The T-Bird Times is an open forum for student expression. The mission of the T-Bird Times editorial page is to engage all students and patrons in a search for democratic solutions.

The T-Bird Times’ editorial voice, expressed in the form of editorials, columns and articles, is a part of that search, but only one part.

The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of other students, the adviser, faculty, administrators or the Board of Education of this district.

The T-Bird Times, a member of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and the American Society of Newspaper Editors, is published by the 21st Century Journalism class at Skyline High School, 20269 W. Hwy. 54, Pratt, Kan., 67124. The T-Bird Times is printed inhouse and distributed to high school students and staff. The pages can also be found online at www. tbirdtimes.com.

The T-Bird Times will strive to live up to the highest standards of professional journalism. The T-Bird Times endorses the First Amendment of the Constitution and will not publish material that could cause disorderly conduct or invade the rights of others. Any material that is not original will be given full credit, and The T-Bird Times will acknowledge any mistakes by correcting any errors that are brought to the attention of the staff.

The staff welcomes letters to the editor from patrons and students.

Letters to the editor must be signed and the staff reserves the right to edit letters for libel and grammar.

News

December 19, 2014

Page 3

Sophomore boy first at Rudolph Run

by Kamryn Stark Reporter

The fourth annual Rudolph Run was held Dec. 6.

The Rudolph Run was a fundraiser to help out the After Prom. It raised about $790. The money will be used for prizes and renting attractions for After Prom.

The run started at the corner of 3rd Street and Main Street. From there, they went down south Main Street and through Lemon Park. After they went through Lemon Park, the participants went through 6th Street Park and around the pool. Following that, they went back up 2nd Street, and to Main Street, which led them back to where the race started.

Each male and female

first, second and third place runners got a prize. The first place male runner was Garrett Bell with the time of 22:28. The second place runner was Mike Neifert and the third place runner was Matt Swonger. In the female division the first place was awarded to Andrea Taylor with the time of 25:33.

The second place runner was Mindy Wiltshire and the third place runner was Amanda Meiklejohn.

“I really enjoy running 5Ks and I also just like to run,”sophomore Garrett Bell said. “I haven’t done the Rudolph Run before, and was most excited to run through Lemon Park to see all of the lights.”

There were a total of 60 runners, 40 of which prereg-

Mexican restaurants popular in small town

by Caden Patterson Reporter

There are many Mexican food restaurants in Pratt, but there are different perks at each one.

El Dos De Oros is by far the most popular Mexican restaurant voted on by 60 Skyline High School students. It was also voted best chips and cheese and second best value.

“My favorite Mexican food place is Dos,” sophomore Andrew Withers said. “I always get the Pollo Bandito.”

According to the survey, even though El Dos is the most popular, Taco Bell and El Dos have the best deals.

“I think that Taco Bell is

the cheapest,” Withers said.

Other Mexican restaurants around town include, Playa Azul, El Trancazno, and Taco Delight.

Taco Delight is a fast food Mexican food restaurant that has been in Pratt longer than any other Mexican restaurant.

The most recent Mexican restaurant added to Pratt’s selection is El Trancazno. It is located on North Main.

“El Trancazno isn’t very fancy, but the food is decent,” sophomore Rance Tucker said.

El Trancazno is not as well known as the other Mexican restaurants in Pratt.

If you like Mexican food, Pratt will have something that you like.

Courtesy Photo

Some of the juniors and seniors help direct the runners on where to go on the night of the run. Junior Joel Hendershot played the cowbell and the drum to motivate the runners. “Even though it was cold, I still had fun,” Hendershot said.

istered. Out of the juniors and seniors, 29 of them paired up with someone and

they had to scatter around the course and help tell the runners the direction to go.

57%

El Dos best overall Mexican food

Taco Bell El Dos &

tied best value

60%

El Dos best chips and cheese

December 19, 2014

Page 4

Making the holidays

memorable

a spaze.”

Traditions for younger kids may be to to build lifelong Reporter write Santa letters, bake him cookies or memories with both wake up early on Christmas morning to see your family and friends. what Santa brought.

As people grow older, the way they see As kids get older things change and Christmas changes. You don’t see it as a they start to realize that Christmas is not tree filled with presents under it anymore. all about what Santa You probably start brought. It is about thinking of it as spending time with faman opportunity to see family come “I look forward to spending time with ily that you may never home, old friends family and friends. I also look forward to see and making new memories and traditions. returning from getting a break from school.”

Students at Skyline have college, and other - Jessica DeWeese,11 various traditions. people you may “We usually play not get to see that Rotten Rudolph,” DeClue often. said. “Everyone gets a gift What Christand we trade or steal each other’s gifts.” mas means changes to people as they go There are many different versions of this through different stages of their lives. When game in which generic gifts can be traded they are in grade school, it’s all about the or stolen. presents under the tree.

“We always play Dirty Santa at grandma’s “Riley is very excited. I usually look forward to seeing it,” senior Gunner DeClue house,” sophomore Brynn McKennon said.

Whatever your traditions are, they make said about his little sister. “When Christmas Christmas better. morning comes she’s usually even more of

by Madison Golden Christmas is a holiday

The Christmas TOP 8 Songs

Movies

Silent Night Carol of the Bells Mary Did you Know?

The First Noel Jingle Bells Joy to the World Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree All I Want for Christmas

Elf A Christmas Story A Christmas Carol The Santa Claus White Christmas Christmas Vacation It’s a Wonderful Life How the Grinch Stole Christmas

voted on by the SHS staff and students

ature

December 19, 2014

Page 5

Family

Traditions tyler tobin,9

We go to each side of the my families’ house and have individual Christmases. We also play Naughty Santa.

Raul rios,10 I go to my cousin’s house and we bake.

photo by Lucas Cason

ashley mead,11 I go to my dad’s house in Oklahoma. I wear pajamas all day long on Christmas.

cara konkle,12 I go to my grandmas on Christmas Eve and our family gets together and we have dinner.

photo by Madison Golden

Meagan Householter, the Assistant Director of the Sawyer Virtual Academy, decorates her door with snowflakes that she made. “I wanted to be festive and I like cutting out different snowflakes, plus they can stay up all winter, not just Christmas,” Householter said.

Sports

December 19, 2014

Page 6

Both teams place third in tournament

by Landon Lee Reporter

Last week Skyline played in the annual T-Bird Classic basketball tournament.

Skyline hosted three teams in the tournament including Medicine Lodge, Pretty Prairie and Stafford.

As in year’s past, a 3-point and free throw competition were held. Sophomore Kamryn Stark placed second in the 3-point competition and junior Payje Orler got first place in the free throw competition. Sophomore Jared Shriver placed second in the 3-point competition for the boys while senior Tristen

Hogan placed fourth in free throws.

“I would say it was pretty challenging,” sophomore Madalyn Owens said. “It was fun to go out there with my team and give it all we got.

I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m really proud of my teammates. They all worked hard.”

Each school’s boys’ and girls’ team finished with the same placing. The Medicine Lodge Indians finished in first place, the Pretty Prairie Bulldogs finished in second place, the Skyline Thunderbirds finished in third place, and the Stafford Trojans rounded out in fourth place.

Junior Bailey DeClue Forward

How long have you been playing basketball?

I have been playing basketball for five years.

What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?

Just being on the team and winning games.

Why did you go out for it?

I go out for it to keep in shape for track and I enjoy playing it.

How do you think the season will go this season?

I think that it will go pretty good as long as we play good and don’t give up.

On the first night of the tournament the Skyline teams played Stafford. The Lady T-Birds easily defeated Stafford. The boys beat them in a narrow victory, after a halftime comeback.

Junior Brady McComb led the Thunderbirds with 29 points in the victory, McComb won MVP of the tournament with a total of 62 points in three games.

“I felt it went pretty well but we could have played much better,” freshman Logan Reece said.

Both Skyline teams were defeated Friday night against Medicine Lodge, who went on to take first

place. Junior Bryce McKennon was taken out of the game in the third quarter due to a mild concussion, and was not able to play against Pretty Prairie the following day. Pretty Prairie took advantage of the absence of McKennon with their size. The Lady T-Birds also saw a starter go down during the tournament. Junior Payje Orler received a concussion and a jaw injury on Saturday. Both Orler and McKennon cannot play for the rest of the semester.

Both teams fell to the Bulldogs on Saturday, who finished the tournament in second place.

Sophomore Logan Reece Shooting Guard

How long have you been playing basketball?

This is my first year playing it.

What is your favorite thing about playing basketball?

Being able to play defense and to guard the guy with the ball.

Why did you go out for it?

People told me I should, and I thought it would be fun to play.

How do you think the season will go this season?

I think it will go really well. We are getting better each day.

Who do you look up to the most?

I look up to Betsy because she is always hustling and she never gives up.

Who do you look up to the most?

I look up to the four captains because they have helped teach me the game of basketball.

What do you guys do for pregame?

We pray and hope for a good game, listen to music and receive pep talks.

What game do you look forward to?

When we play Pretty Prairie again. I just don’t like them that much and I want to win.

Sports

Page 7

December 19, 2014

College switches to playoff format

by Justin Hampel Reporter

Prior to the season, college football created a new way to crown a national champion, the College Football Playoff. The playoff replaces the commonly criticized Bowl Championship Series.

The playoff consists of four teams playing a semifinal game on New Year’s Day and the winners meet in the National Championship.

The BCS system just had the number one and number two teams face each other in

one game to be crowned the national champion. The CFP has the number one team play the number four team, and the number two team plays the number three team. The CFP succeeds the BCS, which was in place for 15 years.

“I like the playoff better because the undefeated teams that finish with a lower ranking will have a chance to play for the national title,” sophomore Trent Adams said.

The inaugural playoff consists of Alabama, Ore-

gon, the defending champions Florida State, and Ohio State. Alabama and Ohio State will play each other in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana. Oregon and Florida State will face off in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Both games will be played on New Year’s Day. “I feel like the top three teams are correct but I think they gave a big name school (in Ohio State) a spot after they played one good game,” senior Blake Lee said. “They have the worst

loss and TCU has one loss to another team in the conversation and they also came to play every week, unlike Ohio State.”

A lot of people have had mixed reactions about the final spot and some people have different opinions about the third spot as well.

“I don't like that Florida State has beaten nobody teams and Baylor and TCU have beaten better teams,” Adams said.

The National Championship will be played in Arlington, Texas, on Jan. 12.

He said that buying and selling players is his favorite part of the game.

Earning player packs is one of the ways to improve the team to win football games against the computer or head-to-head matches against other players.

Another popular aspect of Madden is the ability to make or join leagues. It allows friends to play against each other and compete for

the top rank of the league.

The movement of players is handled by an analog stick on the screen allowing you to move the players in any direction. On the other side of the display is an action button that changes depending on the situation.

Before each play, tapping on the screen snaps the ball. Spins, jukes and hurdle actions are used by pressing the action button when

controlling the ball carrier during the play.

When on defense, players attempt to block passes, sack the quarterback or hold them behind the line of scrimmage until the fourth down to prevent the opponent from scoring.

Overall, Madden Mobile creates a gameplay experience that no other sports game has matched on a mobile platform.

New game takes over high school

by Layton Kenworthy Reporter

The new game that has become popular at Skyline is called Madden Mobile and it is available for Apple or Android devices.

Since the high school football season is now complete, former players have turned to this virtual game to stay occupied in the off-season.

“Some students in second block, Justin Hampel, Andrew Withers, were some guys that told me about it,” athletic director Andrew Nation said.

Originally made on consoles such as the Xbox and PlayStation 4, the popular game has been made for mobile devices and tablets.

It is popular because of the personalization of creating your own NFL football team.

“A lot of other kids had it so I thought I would try it,” sophomore Brayton Fletcher said.

December 19, 2014

Page 8

Feature

Son, Mom battle for who knows Dad best

by Colin Little

Kristi Nelson

Michael Nelson

Biggest Pet Peeve

Things not organized

People don’t pay attention

Kids who don’t do work

Favorite Celebrity

Star Trek Schatner

Mr. Roberts

Albert Einstein



Favorite Sport to Watch Favorite Cartoon



Football

Sponge Bob

Favorite Pop

Root Beer

Favorite Movie

Star Trek

Favorite TV Show Favorite Thing to Do

Fishing

Favorite Food

Steak



 G.I. Joe 

Football

Football

G.I. Joe



Big Bang Theory

Joshua Nelson, 9



Root Beer

Diet Coke

Christmas Story

Christmas Vacation

The Big Bang Theory

ESPN

Playing New Technology Ice Cream

Teach Spaghetti

Senior girl finishes senior year early

by Austin Gilpin Editor

I am going to miss not being able to play sports and not seeing my friends at school and just being at school with everyone.

Graduating early is one option students at Skyline have to get an early jump on their college education or career.

Sophomore year, senior Tiffany Timm decided that was the path she wanted to take.

“I wanted to graduate early because I wanted something new and to get a head start on my life,” Timm said.

After Timm’s graduation in December, she plans to go to Pratt Community College until May, then transfer to Washburn Tech. in Topeka. She plans to major in nursing.

For Timm, deciding to graduate wasn’t an easy de-

cision. She said talking with people she trusted helped make the decision a little easier.

“As the time came closer it was hard to say if I wanted to graduate early or not, because it’s not bad going to school,” Timm said. “My parents advice was ‘If you want to do it, you should do it’ and they said they would support me.”

Timm doesn’t yet know if she would encourage others to graduate early.

“Be sure you know that is what you want because you are graduating early and you are leaving everything behind,” Timm said.

High school principal Herb McPherson said that graduating early isn’t for everyone. He said to talk to people you trust and con-

sider everything, because it is something that you can’t get back.

“The decision is personal,” McPherson said. “I would not have graduated early. Some students are physically and mentally ready for change.”

For students considering graduating early, the requirements are relatively simple. Students must have the required credits to graduate, and the student and their parents must submit a letter to the superintendent and principal.

Timm and McPherson agree graduating early is not a good option for everyone, but Timm is still happy with the decision she made.

“I don’t have any regrets about graduating early,” Timm said.