The
T-Bird Times
Skyline High School • Volume 41 • Issue 5 • March 16, 2017
Ag teacher Michelle Keener plays a game of washers during FFA week with her teammate sophomore Kami McComb watching. Keener’s ag classes played different games every day during that week. photo by Justin Brown
Page 2 • Editorial • The T-Bird Times • March 16, 2017
Sparks ignite due to changes in Prom venue KReporter amryn Stark Controversy about some of the new changes to Prom has come up among some of the students in the high school. For the past four years Prom has been held at the Elks Lodge. The juniors decided to make a change to the location and have the dance at the Barker’s Ranch east of town. Another change they made is the removal of a sit-down meal where you are served at your seat. They are having a buffet style dinner, so if you want more, you can help yourself to seconds. Sophomore servers will still be in attendance, but will be at the different food stations serving food along with keeping the buffet organized and clean. One junior took these changes into consideration and passed around a petition for anyone who didn’t agree with
the change and wanted to go back to the old ways. Many people agreed with at least one of his points and signed it, but the petition failed. “I decided to make this petition because nobody listens to me in my class and I wasn’t the only one with these concerns,” junior Jade Downs said. “If they wanted to change something that hasn’t been around very long it would be fine, but a sit down meal where you are served has been a tradition for many years and they should have consulted the rest of the high school before they made this decision.” The changes in Prom are promising because I like to experience new things and keep an open mind. However, I would rather have a sit-down meal where I get my food brought to me. Along with that, having a buffet defeats the purpose of having sophomore servers if
they aren’t actually taking our food out to our table. Having attended Prom since my freshman year, I am very aware that people at Skyline do not enjoy to dance as much as we like to socialize. So I think a change in the location and schedule will keep everyone more entertained. “I don’t think it’s fair to everyone to pay $10 for a meal that is not served to you at your seat,” senior Jared Shriver said. “I also see a problem with the dancing being outdoors considering we live in Kansas and cannot predict weather, nor is it easy to keep our dates attire clean.” Although this is a huge change to the Skyline Prom history, we all need to keep an open mind and make the best of it. Juniors have the right to make their own decision about how they plan Prom and we all need to give them credit for their hard work.
Kim Lee
I do not know enough about the details of the changes, but I like new locations for Prom.
William Wiltshire
Considering I have never been to Prom, I don’t have much of an opinion but I do think it should be more of what the seniors want.
Brynn McKennon
I wish we knew more details. I am not sure how it will all work out because nobody really has communicated anything with us.
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, 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 in-house 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.
March 16, 2017 • The T-Bird Times • News • Page 3
FCCLA takes trip to Kansas City CReporter harly Spitzner During the weekend of March 3, FCCLA sponsor Cherie Haskett took her FCCLA members on a trip to Kansas City. They left around 11 a.m. on Friday and they arrived back in Pratt on Saturday at 7 p.m. Haskett took all six of her FCCLA students. “The kids had earned money and we wanted to take a trip and we also wanted to see how other communities operate, bigger than ourselves,” Haskett said. They took one of the suburbans and drove four and a half hours to get there. She said the atmosphere between students and herself was very enjoyable. “The students were excited and they enjoyed seeing all the different things that Kansas
City has,” Haskett said. The students saw a lot of new things and some were there for their first time. “I have never been there before and it was so much fun to explore and looking through all the new stuff,” sophomore Megan Urban said. They did a lot of events in Kansas City. They went shopping and they visited the Cheesecake Factory. They went through West Bottoms, which is a store with very old and antique things. In the evening they went out eating at a Italian Restaurant. Senior Montana Kocher said eating out with our teacher was very cool “because she is new and she became more like a friend for us.” Kocher enjoyed trying cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.
Senior Montana Kocher and Raul Rios, sophomores Michelle Ramirez and Megan Urban and Silvano Casas, and freshman Kailey Hamm pose for a group photo during the Kansas City Trip. courtesy photo
This trip was a good opportunity to show the students a bigger community and Haskett hopes to do a trip with her FC-
CLA class again next year. “Yes, I hope so and I definitely would like going there again,” Haskett said.
Ag participates in nationwide FFA week MReporter ichelle Ramirez
Freshman Brock Montgomery plays a game of ladder golf in the shop during FFA week. This was one of the many games played each day of that week. They were normally played during seminar. photo by Justin Brown
FFA had a fun week of playing games and other activities during the week of February 20, which was also known as FFA Week. They set up a table in the main hallway and each day throughout the week they asked different agriculture questions. Any person in the school could answer the question on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. At the end of the day the first piece of paper with the right answer would win that day. “I liked seeing kids that are not normally involved to be involved,” FFA president Caden Patterson said. On Monday they had tailgate games during seminar. Tuesday they played Wii games. Wednesday all FFA members cooked for the faculty breakfast. On Thursday it was business
partnership day with Tractor Supply. FFA members greeted all the customers and helped them carry their bags. “I liked going to Tractor Supply to show the people we are helping out the community, also showing everyone how fun FFA can be,” FFA vice-president Kami McComb said. They also had kindergarten through sixth grade coloring competitions each day throughout the week. They would pick a winner from each grade. “I feel like we got to promote little kids by doing the coloring competitions,” McComb said. They also had a scavenger hunt, where there were different clues all around the football field with different tasks to do. The officers agreed that FFA had a fun week helping the school get involved in the activities.
Page 4 • Feature • The T-Bird Times • March 16, 2017
Logan Reece
HReporter allee Burgardt Spring Break is a great time for people to get away and spend relaxing time away from school or home. Some students have exciting plans for the week ahead. From a journalism trip to Washington D.C. or a cruise to Mexico or even a ski trip to New Mexico, students have a lot of fun memories coming their way. “I’m going to Texas for a wedding and this will be my first time going to the stockyards and it is my second time going to Texas,” sophomore Kara Bower said. The experiences students will gain on these trips over break will last a lifetime.
Trayton Audiss Garrett Novotny Michal Cimerman and Ana Lopez-Gil
Kara Bower
Mason Brack Drew Thornburg
Dalton Kenworthy
March 16, 2017 • The T-Bird Times • Feature • Page 5
JOURNALISM TRIP Will Wiltshire, 11 Charly Spitzner, 11 Matthew Giles, 12 Caden Patterson, 12 Hallee Burgardt, 11 Justin Hampel, 12 Madison Tyler, 11 Andrew Withers, 12 Sheldon Miller, 12 Jared Shriver, 12 Dream destination Georgia To visit family and the beach Abby ailstock, 10
Dream destination california i’ve never been there and would love to go also to see the beach silvano casas, 10
Dream destination Sunny place with a beach
Dream destination florida
to tan and not be disturbed
to go to the beach and also beach parties
sherley pedroza-chavez, 10
jesus marquez, 9
Page 6 • Sports • The T-Bird Times • March 16, 2017
Both teams end seasons early MReporter ason Brack Both basketball teams ended their season after an early first round loss in Sub-State. After returning only one starter, the girls team knew that it was most likely going to be a rebuilding year. “Coming into the season, coach told us it would take a while to click after starting a whole new lineup,” sophomore Kayley Cook said.
They picked up six wins and lost a total of 18 games. The ladies ended their season with a 86-16 loss to the four time state champions, the Central Plains Oilers. “From the outside looking in, you see our overall record and say the season wasn’t very successful but we accomplished a lot more than just winning six ball games this year,” head coach Morgan Ballard said. “I felt every player improved as the
Shooting a three, senior Matthew Giles shoots over a Kiowa County defender while junior Carson Lee and senior Justin Hampel crash the boards to get a possible rebound. The team was the fourth seed in Sub-State and got to host one last home game in the Thunderdome. They lost the game 73-46 and ended their season. photo by Courtney Gamble
year went on and we definitely became better teammates.” One personal accomplishment was senior Kamryn Stark earning first team All-League honors. Senior boys, Justin Hampel and Jared Shriver, also received first team honors. For the third year in a row the boys team finished their season with a winning record. “We found out what it took to be successful,” Shriver
said. “This was one of the best seasons I have ever been a part of and we did things we haven’t done in a while.” Even though the boys ended their 14-7 season against Kiowa County with a score of 7346, they had many successful moments throughout the year. One of their most successful accomplishments was winning more games than any previous teams since the 18-6 season in 1994-1995.
During Senior Night, sophomore Gracie Bricker waits for junior Brittaney Smith to roll off the screen. “This season was a learning season for most of us younger girls on the team,” Bricker said. “The seniors were very patient and helpful throughout the season, even though they didn’t have the outcome they wanted.” photo by Madison Tyler
Young track team gets season started AReporter ndrew Withers The fall and winter sports have come and gone, and it is now time for students to represent their school through track and field. A few changes have been made to the meet lineup. They will be attending a meet at Wichita State’s track facility. This meet has been attended in years past, and is being brought back.
The team is relatively young, with a little over 30 athletes. There will be five returning seniors. They include Garrett Bell, Kendall Davidson, Jared Shriver, Kamryn Stark and Ricky Whitfield. All of the seniors have been in track before now, and will bring their previous experience to the table. They will be competing in eight meets throughout the season, and also will have a Regional meet along with a State meet
depending on their performance at Regionals. “I am very excited for the season, even though there won’t be as many girls as I expected,” assistant coach Kathryn McAllister said. “We have a lot of boys out.” The most experience for the girls comes from junior Madison Tyler, and Shriver for the boys. “I am looking forward to watching the team grow, and
trying to qualify for State,” Tyler said. Hopes are high for the upcoming season, due to the fact that Tyler is a returning State qualifier and the large number of boys going out. “To me, the best part of track is the competition,” Tyler said. “I like being competitive against other schools.” The season will take off with the first meet at Kinsley on March 31.
March 16, 2017 • The T-Bird Times • Feature • Page 7
Seniors continue athletic career JEditor ustin Hampel Two senior student-athletes have signed on to continue their athletic careers after high school at the college level. Seniors Kamryn Stark and Jared Shriver each signed at a community college to play sports next year, along with furthering their education. Stark signed at Cloud County Community College with a volleyball scholarship, and Shriver signed at Pratt Community College with a track and cross country scholarship. Stark officially signed her letter of intent at Cloud on February 14 and she will have a school signing with coaches and family tomorrow. “It means a lot that I get to continue my volleyball career and I am very thankful that Cloud gave me the opportunity to do so next season,” Stark said. “I’m really excited to keep playing volleyball outside of
high school.” Shriver officially signed on January 19 at PCC with his parents and coaches in attendance. He then had a mock signing at Skyline with the same people along with his teammates. “Ever since I was a little kid I had always had a dream of being a college athlete. It never crossed my mind to go to school just as a student,” Shriver said. “It means so much to be able to continue doing what I love at the next level and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity. It goes to show that as long as you work hard and follow your dreams you can achieve anything.” Shriver will begin summer training workouts he received from his coach after the State track meet. He starts official team practice in August. Stark also has workouts from her coach to do this spring and summer before beginning team practice in early August.
At Pratt Community College, senior Jared Shriver signs his letter of intent with coach Eric Larsen, his parents and his Skyline coaches. courtesy photo
At Cloud Community College, senior Kamryn Stark signs her letter of intent with coach Molly Skocny and her parents. courtesy photo
Sophomore spends time helping elders MReporter ichelle Ramirez While most high school students spend there time after school dribbling a basketball at practice or head home to watch Grey’s Anatomy reruns on Netflix, one sophomore girl spends her evenings taking care of the elderly. Sophomore Kara Bower is a Certified Nursing Assistant working at Pratt Rehab and Resident Center. She started working there as a Patient Care Tech before she got certified. “Her relationships with the residents are wonderful,” Kara’s co-worker Heather Inslee said. “She always has them laughing and smiling no matter what
kind of day they had.” The residents are very special to Kara. “I enjoy helping others that can’t help themselves,” Kara said. She got a scholarship from Pratt Rehab and Resident Center for her certification classes. She first started working at PRRC in May of 2016, but didn’t begin classes for the certification at PCC until August. By the end of September she was ready for the final. “I was nervous to take the state final, but I ended up passing it,” Kara said. During the summertime she worked four to five days a week. Her hours were different in the summer. Sometimes she would
work from six in the morning to six at night, or two in the afternoon to 10 at night. During school she works whenever she is available from four in the afternoon to 10 at night. Kara’s schedule changes a lot so there are not certain days she works. “I like to work night shift because it’s a lot more calm than day shift,” Kara said. She usually helps the residents who can’t do things on their own. The residents with Parkinson disease need the most help. Kara helps bathe them, feed them, and helps them move around. She carries a pager with her because that is how the employees know when they are needed. On night shift when she
works there is only two or three employees depending on how many residents are there. “It is great working with a high schooler because you can teach them good work ethics at a young age that will stick with them throughout life and to be responsible,” Inslee said. When Kara first started working at PRRC she got paid $8.75 an hour. Now that she is certified, she gets paid $10.15 an hour. Her hard work paid off. “Kara’s best qualities is that she is honest and a very good, hard worker,” Inslee said. “She makes people feel welcome.” Kara’s job as a CNA is just the beginning of her path to becoming a Registered Nurse after high school.
Page 8 • News • The T-Bird Times • March 16, 2017
Forensics team lead by several upperclassmen •Team competes in multiple events in hopes of qualifying for the state meet
MReporter ichal Cimerman Forensics is a professional organization for the many men and women who train American students in the skills of public speaking. Coach Anita DeWeese takes care of 11 kids who do forensics. Four seniors Trent Adams, Kendall Davidson, Jarod DeWeese and Brynn McKennon, and two juniors Jade Downs and Carson Lee. There are four sophomores, Madison Adams, Erik Ghumm, Adison Hampton and Jon Wiltshire. “It is good experience for
students to go out in front of people and perform,” Anita said. Forensics season started in February and students practice in their own time. There are not any special topic for speeches, they can be about everything. All of them practice their speeches. “I did one on the topic of legalizing marijuana and it was pretty nerve rattling,” Ghumm said. It usually takes about one week to learn one speech. Everyone has their own speech specializing in different topics. “My solo is about a cowboy who goes somewhat crazy,” Downs said. There are several meets where students perform. Kids compet-
ed in four competitions so far. There is a League meet, which takes place in South Barber on April 4. Several kids have already qualified for State. “We leave school at 6 a.m. and usually spend the whole day there,” Anita said. “We get back home very late.” Even though they do spend a lot of time learning their speeches and going to competitions, Downs said everything about forensics is special. “It’s the best time you’ll ever have,” Downs said. On March 13 they went to Otis Bison for one of their 12 meets. “Everyone did well,” Jarod said. The Team will travel to Pratt on April 1 and right after that they go to Bucklin on April 3.
Longboarding becomes new popular after school activity RReporter aul Ramirez A group of longboarders have grabbed people’s attention with their fast silky smooth wheels that spin all across Pratt. Junior Tyler Tobin, and sophomores Cade Swonger, Jonathan Wiltshire, Erik Ghumm and Tanner MaGee gather once in awhile to find more longboarders in town. With only one skate park in Pratt, these students ride around all possible and rideable streets they can find, just to have fun and enjoy the art of longboarding. Causing no trouble, the longboarding crew spends two hours or sometimes most of their day to practice new tricks and test their skills. “I have to ride a bike now because of my hip,” Wiltshire said. During football season he broke his ankle which led him into having trouble riding a board.
With high hopes, he feels one day he will be able to ride again with the crew. Sticking together is something that mattered to all of them when a group of BMX bike riders confronted them at the skate park. The situation got worse when one of the BMX members said he wanted them off of the skate park. Claiming the skate park was his, bad language bursted out of his mouth. The longboarders zoomed out as quickly as possible. The longboards can go as fast as 80 mph and can be as long as 33 to 59 inches. “If you have big feet you go slower,” Tobin said. Owning three long boards, Tobin hardly uses them during winter, because of the sharp cold weather. Tobin feels that having friends while riding makes it more fun than riding by himself. As spring approaches, they are excited to get back out to the skate park and keep on a riding.
Musicians play, sing at League Music Festival
CReporter orbin Keeling On March 7 the Skyline band traveled to Stafford High School for the league music festival. They performed in front of a set of three judges who specialize in different musical categories. At League, the choir performed the musical pieces “Elijah Rock” and “Kyrie” a song arranged by John Levitt. The band performed a concert march called “Silver Crest,” and the song “To Challenge the Sky and Heavens Above.” At the festival, the band earned three straight 1s from the judges. Both the band and choir were judged on three main categories; tone, intonation and technique. There were also several other sub categories. They were scored on a scale of 3 to 1, 1 being the best and 3 the worst. The choir received two 1s and a 2 for their ratings. “I like being able to hang out with friends and listen to awesome music, and getting critiqued on your own music is nice as well,” junior Carson Lee said. The band, choir, solos and ensembles will travel to Larned High School for Regionals on April 1 to compete for a 1 rating to qualify for state. If it qualifies, band will go to Pratt High School on April 13 for State. If solo’s and ensembles qualify, they will travel to Salina on April 29 for State.