The Eyrie | December 14, 2018

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018

Chiefs still top team in NFL

Despite departure of Kareem Hunt (p. 15)

Eyrie looking for new staff!

Students should join for several reasons (p. 5)

School hands out laptops Transition goes well aside from few issues (p. 2)

Students have fun, volunteerinG Giving back with school out for semester (p. 8 & 9)

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EYRIE VOLUME THIRTY-EIGHT, ISSUE THREE

OLATHE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL

1640 E. 151 St. OLATHE, KAN. 66062

WWW.EYRIEONLINE.ORG

@FALCONSCREECH

@THEEYRIEOS

page 2 – December 14, 2018

the EYRIE

NEWS

Performing arts groups during Holiday Magic Emily Gray Holiday Magic continues through the week of Dec. 10-14. Holiday Magic is a week of performances from all of the performing arts groups.

The band performed Dec. 10.

They performed a variety of classical Christmas music was played along with a mashup of Christmas songs.

Mason Romero, sophomore, plays tenor saxophone.

“I get ready for the concert by practicing my instrument and reading over the music.,” Romero stated.

The orchestra performed Dec. 11.

Jaxon Gilner, sophomore, plays the viola.

“This concert is different than the others we have because it is more holiday based and more people recognize the songs we perform. I practice a lot to get ready and we also have one or two after school rehearsals to prepare,” Gilner said.

A mixture of both classical and fun Christmas music was performed.

The choir performed Dec. 13.

They performed a Christmas medleys out of classic Christmas songs with a jazz spin.

Ethan Christiansen, senior, sings in Southside Choir and Chorale.

“I like this concert because it is more laid back then the other concerts we have to do and we can wear festive outfits,” Christiansen stated.

To prepare for a concert, Christiansen looks over the music the day of the concert and listens to the music if there is a recording of the song.

Theatre is going to perform Dec. 14.

There will be two different plays performed.

Repertory Theatre will be performing a one-act radio version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

The other play that will be performed is “Deck the Stage.”

It features short scenes and monolouges that are performed and directed by Advanced Repertory Theatre.

Holiday magic was and continues to be a successful week from all of the performing art groups.

DECA DECA is a program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

Students who are apart of DECA can travel and compete at the regional level which may require traveling, such as DECA’s trip to Washington DC last school year.

To be a member of DECA the student must be in high school. Students can be asked to act out the solution to a prompt applicable in real life business scenarios.

Falcon Service Club

Students and teachers have problems with new laptops Students received Dell laptops, one of the newer models Students received laptops on that has the ability to switch to a Nov. 12, and for the most part, “tablet mode.” the transition from paper to David Robertson, junior, internet went quite well for some had issues obtaining his laptop teachers. However, there are still in the first place. “When I was some issues to be ironed out. prompted to log in, it did not accept my credentials no matter how many times I entered them,” Robertson said. “They gave me another laptop, and fortunately, it worked.”

The students are not the only one who suffered issues. photo by Alek Mackey Kiley Michaud, Teachers meet in the gym to discuss and give English teacher, said out the new laptops. Many issues were discovthat she “had to ered the first day while giving them out. reschedule the district McKinley Schrader

SNAP/ shots

writing assessment” for one of her classes due to the time of handing out the laptops.

The laptops were handed out throughout the week during students’ English classes. They provided both a laptop and a charger cord and gave the students instructions to install the Global Protect VPN, meant to restrict their access to websites unapproved by the district.

“One of the main issues I can see in the future for these laptops is that a lot of people I know have already disabled the VPN that they ask you to install,” said Robertson. The VPN was meant to block websites despite being connected to different Wi-Fi networks, but now that people have disabled it, they

are able to access these websites unrestricted.

One of the issues that lingered for a few weeks was an issue with the laptop chargers. “When you plugged the charger into one of the outlets at school, it wouldn’t charge the laptop,” Michaud said. This problem has since been remedied, but caused inconvenience for people who couldn’t or hadn’t charged their laptop at home.

Although many issues remain, many teachers have found them to be “quite useful,” Michaud said. “I was able to create kahoots and quizlets for my students to help them study, and some of the assignments I’ve made have been through Google classroom. It makes things very efficient,” Michaud said.

The Falcon Service Club, sponsored by Heather Springer, is a team of students who plan all the events students get the opportunity to participate in. In the month of November, FSC has rallied together to raise money for the children battling leukemia.

All money will be sent to children battling said illness in hopes to lower the costs for treatments.

In December, FSC plans to do a “cram and cocoa” event and decorate cookies for the support staff in the office. FSC also plans to make meals for the homeless shelters around the city.

No More Falcon 50 There will be no more Falcon 50 after the students return from winter break. Students will be using the old schedule where they will eat lunch during their fifth hour and lunchtime is shortened to 25 minutes.

This will last from Monday Jan. 7th until Friday Jan. 11th.

The school is back to this lunch schedule for the first couple of weeks because they are reminded that Falcon 50 can be taken away and most students will not need help from teachers at the start of the semester.

the EYRIE

NEWS

December 14, 2018 – page 3

Theater department performs two holiday plays Maddie Black The Olathe South Theater Department is performing two holiday plays on Friday, Dec. 14 as part of Holiday Magic.

Both shows will feature backdrops and snow.

David Hastings, theatre teacher, says “It’s great for the whole family.”

The Repertory Theatre class is performing a one-act radio version of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’

The cast includes: Haley Cogbill, Duante Davis, Anna Hastings, Rylee Herr, Antonio Monteleone, Brandon Plumb, Antoine Sanders, Emma Sayler, Kale Sheffer, Sarah Tolman, and Emily Tucker.

Hastings said “we did a very long version of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ last year, but this is a different script.”

The next act is “Deck the Stage.” Hastings says, “It features short scenes and monologues that are directed and performed by the Advanced

Repertory Theatre class.”

The cast includes: Brooke Audano, Shaun Carier, Khadija Ceesay, Ethan Christiansen, Peyton Consani, Chealsie Crum, John Dawkins, Ashley Delana, Jordan DeLeon, Spencer Foster, Nicholas Harris, Madison Kindig, Evan Nugent, Joseph Patterson, William Phillips, Dylan Stuart, Jonathan Swanson, Leah Tariku, Lynndsie Taylor, and Megan Weldon.

Each show is rehearsed during class and within each class period they get through 1/4 of the play.

“The objective was to have all the character work, blocking, and lines done before Thanksgiving Break,” said Hastings.

Hastings said his favorite part of teaching theatre and directing plays “is watching students learn and grow.

I am definitely seeing this happen in our class holiday plays.”

Choir showcases Christmas pieces Khadija C. and Hannah H. Southside Singers have been busy this holiday season.

In each section, there are four sections.

Altos have five singers, the sopranos have six, the tenors have seven, and the basses have six.

The altos are also accepting a new member for the next semester.

Singers traveled down to the Polar Express on the first day of celebrating the holidays to sing to second graders from various Olathe elementary schools.

Some were dressed as elves, some as hobos, and the rest as train conductors and portrayed a part through their songs.

They handed out candy canes to both the children and the adult to spread holiday cheer.

Then, the group sang at the Olathe Community Center at Olathe Live.

They sang a song called “Peace, Peace” with middle school and elementary school choirs.

Jacob Berezowski, junior, enjoys singing with the base section during the large repetoir of Holiday tunes.

Berezowski says he values choir like a family.

The singers then went on to a Ladies Luncheon for the district officials.

Singers had to learn a large chunk of music to be able to attend these festive events.

Larissa Coughlin, freshman, enjoys listening to the choir because “they have good harmonies.”

“Jingle Bell Rock” was among one of the songs sang in the Holday Jazz Trio.

The other two were “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and The group plans to go down

and sing at the Olathe Medical Center for sick and injured children and their families to spread more joy.

Singers often carol in the commons during fifth hour and for the office staff.

During the choirs Holiday Magic concert, they will be singing with the other choirs and the Madison Place Elementary School Special Chorus.

They will also be singing songs such as “Wassail Song”, the King Singers version of “Jingle bells”, a piece entitled “Dingadinga-ding” and the Holiday Jazz Trio.

The Southside singers are also planning of joining the caroling choir to sing at various nursing homes.

They might have a busy schedule, but the choir enjoys singing at all the events scheduled.

page 4 – December 14, 2018

the EYRIE

OPINION

Holidays in school put into question Megan Stoerman With the holidays fast approaching many find themselves wondering how appropriate it is for holidays to be celebrated at school.

This chilly time of year is a jovial and merry one for most as holidays are celebrated outside of school, but to what degree should these celebrations be taken into the school halls.

In high school, holidays are never really celebrated aside from the occasional ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ from a staff member or fellow peer. Holidays are never pressed upon students and it is a very merry yet not pressuring atmosphere.

Everyone is bubbling with the excitement of winter break, but it never gets to be too much and students should always remember that being respectful of

others is critical to the holiday season.

Leaving the celebrations of the holidays outside of school is best in order to not offend anyone.

The school itself never makes students celebrate or makes them feel uncomfortable, and boundaries are always respected by fellow peers.

According to Clint Albers, principal, it is very necessary that

we “respect all students and ethnic backgrounds” when holidays are brought up and talked about.

As long as everyone is respected, not feeling pressured and nothing is too drastically celebrated it is fine for the occasional talk of holidays to be brought up and discussed.

Being mindful and respecting of everyone and different religions and holidays is key when it comes to this festive time of year.

the EYRIE Olathe South High School 1640 E. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66062 www.eyrieonline.net (913) 780-7160 / FAX (913) 780-7170

Member of KSPA, NSPA, JEA, CSPA CSPA Gold Medalist NSPA All American & First Class Award Quill & Scroll First

TV castings should be more diverse Khadija Ceesay For years, Hollywood has been putting out films featuring a predominantly white cast even when there clearly needs to be more diversity.

To say there are perfectly good African-American, Asian, Indian, etc., models and actors in the industry who are willing and capable to do the same work as white passing people is an understatement.

La Llorona, for example, is an upcoming film about the Latin American legend that has been passed down from generations of Latino families about a young woman who supposedly drowned her children after

finding out her husband has become unfaithful. The casting of the movie has received a lot of criticism because the main characters who face La Llorona’s curse are white instead of Latino.

Linda Cardellini plays the main character whose children are in danger and faces backlash for “whitewashing Mexican culture.” People are also upset because Cardellini plays a social worker instead of the story being told from the point of view of a Latino family.

Shows like “On My Block” have gotten similar tension because the main actress, Ronni Hawk, is white and plays a Latino

teen whose parents run the risk of getting deported.

This type of white biased casting is detrimental to the more diverse populations because it shows absolutely no representation within the shows and movies that we choose to watch every day.

The movie Crazy Rich Asians is a great example of cultural and racial typecasting while still keeping in the bounds of what any and every one would enjoy.

This movie shows a cast of those of Asian descent from different parts of Asia, and even AsianAmericans.

TV is not the only place that we need to up the appearance of

diversity, but also in magazines, modeling and fashion in general.

Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid have received backlash because of a few pictures they have posed appropriating African-American culture.

The stars have been seen darkening their skin, wearing afro wigs, and even enunciating the size and shape of their lips to make them seem more black.

There are many beautiful, diverse, and capable models and actors out there to play the right parts and play them well. All cultures, races, genders, sizes, and sexualities deserve to be represented.

Advisor Heather Springer Co-Editors Tristan Allen Mara Gee Opinion Editor Khadija Ceesay Sports Editor Alex Burbidge Feature Editor Faith Holliday Hannah Holliday Business Manager Megan Stoerman Entertanment Editor Maddie Black Media and Webpage Mckinley Schrader Reporters Tristan Allen Maddie Black Alex Burbidge Khadija Ceesay Mark Elliott Alyson Gad Emily Gray Mara Gee Faith Holliday Hannah Holliday Nalia Lowry McKinley Schrader Megan Stoerman Amanda Turvey Photographers Katherine Dickerson Alek Mackey Samantha Ricks Paula Shockey

the EYRIE

OPINION

December 14, 2018 – page 5

Gun control must be strict but not unfair Gun control is a touchy and widely-debated subject in the United States, with nearly 40 thousand people being killed with a gun in 2017, per the Gun Violence Archive. This is a key issue that many politicians base their campaign around; the now-controversial Second

com men tary Alex Burbidge

Amendment.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) supports far more Republicans than Democrats and in turn, most Republicans have a very pro-gun stance. President Donald Trump has gone on record as saying, “I’m a fan of the

NRA. I mean, there’s no bigger fan. I’m a big fan of the NRA,” back in March.

Trump has also expressed his support for taking away guns from the mentally ill, something that is not legal under today’s laws but is desperately needed.

This would be a great first step in creating a safer country.

Much more thorough background checks would also be a great success. Stephen Paddock, the gunman in the 2017 Vegas Strip shooting, showed signs of depression when he purchased his firearms. He was also in possession of 24 guns in his hotel room, 22 of which were automatic rifles.

However, as some suggest, banning all guns is not the answer.

Semi-automatics, machine guns and assault rifles are the cause of many of the mass shootings perpetrated around the country,

including the Vegas shooting and the Stoneman Douglas shooting less than a year ago. Banning those wouldn’t be an issue for the majority of gun owners.

Though a nationwide assault rifle ban was proposed in 2015, but the bill did not pass. With numerous deadly incidents happening in the past three years, it is safe to say that a new bill would have a good chance of passing today.

However, convicing a majority of Republicans to agree to this law would be a stuggle and in their eyes would be an infaction of their guaranteed Second Amendment rights.

The issue comes when people start suggesting that hunting rifles and handguns also be banned for the “safety” of people. Getting rid of handguns would only create more danger for civilians as when illegal guns

are used to commit crimes, only the police would be able to fight back, while hunting rifles are still routinely used around the world for sport and food.

The Japanese have ultrastrict gun laws and it would be to the United States’ benefit if they adopted similar policies.

Screening procedures include background checks by police and mental and drug tests at hospitals. Additionally, only licensed hunters are permitted to own shotguns and even then, they are forced to renew their licenses every three years.

Whatever solution politicians have for the ongoing gun crisis, it needs to happen as soon as possible. With more and more people being killed each day because of a seemingly ignorant attitude towards the problem, it’s only a matter of time before the next major shooting occurs.

speak

OUT

What’s your New Years Resolution?

“My New Years’ resolution is to lose weight.”

Ezra Stanley Senior

Students should apply for newspaper staff The Eyrie is looking for new people to join the staff, and there are many reasons why students should consider applying.

Each issue of the Eyrie has a little bit of everything, from serious news, to sports highlights, opinion pieces and features. Reporters cover many different topics throughout the

com men tary Tristan Allen

year, so there is a good chance they will cover something they are passionate about.

The Eyrie also has a website, eyrieonline.org, that will cover even more than the physical issues.

Applying for a position on the Eyrie does not require too much to begin with. Students

just fill out an application, and should have no problem making the staff if they passed their most recent English class.

No prior experience is needed, and all new staff members will be trained either before they start or while they are writing stories for the newspaper.

Students can even acquire a technology credit needed for graduation through the Eyrie.

In order to write stories, a reporter needs to find sources, and sometimes a source is going to be someone a reporter had never met. Being on the newspaper staff will help members break out of their comfort zone and even learn more about their school and the people that go there.

This year, the Eyrie broke tradition by changing page 16 from a sports page to a more personal page. This means that staff members now have

more freedom to write about whatever they please (within truth and reason) and see their work published and distributed throughout the school.

Next semester, the Eyrie will completely revamp its look. It will have more of a magazine feel, which is trending with school newspapers currently.

Writing for the paper also helps students develop effective and concise writing skills, which certainly come in handy when writing papers for English.

If staff members like writing for the paper, they can definitely stay on staff for multiple years.

With some time and hard work, members can eventually become editors. They can influence how an issue looks, such as what topics are covered in the paper. Being an editor will help students develop leadership skills and look great on college and scholarship applications.

The Eyrie is also looking

for photojournalists. They will be provided high-end cameras and take pictures of sporting events, theatre shows and many other things going on at school.

The pictures photojournalists take might even end up in the yearbook.

Regardless if a staff member is a reporter or a photojournalist, staff members will work with Mac computers and learn how to use programs like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, which can be used in many different career fields.

Staff members will also have the ability to compete in year-round contests to win scholarship money and to travel across Kansas and the United States to the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) and the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) conferences, where they can compete in more competitions, learn new skills and win more money.

“My New Years’ resolution is to go to the gym everyday.”

Alex Cafferty Sophomore

“My New Years’ resolution is to be nicer to everyone.”

Mayci Armstrong Junior

page 6 – December 14, 2018

FEATURE

FOCUS . . . on senior standouts

How does Bennett Junkins dive?

ACTIVITIES: Soccer, BRAVE, I Choose to Live, Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Chess Club, NHS, Spanish NHS

WHAT animal would you like to be reincarnated as?

A flying squirrel because they can fly, run fast and they don’t regurgitate.

Bennett Junkins, senior, is included in many activities at school.

Junkins is part of the swim team.

“I swam when I was younger, so I decided to do it in high school too,” Junkins said.

Last year, he placed 5th in varsity league in the 100-meter backstroke. He also broke the school record with the 100-meter backstroke.

Junkins is also part of Falcon Mentors.

Falcon Mentors welcome the new class of incoming freshmen to the school by showing them around on freshman orientation day.

“I like seeing the new class come in every year,” said Junkins.

Junkins is also involved in Falcon Flight crew and student coun-

cil.

Junkins is painting a mural in the 900 hallway. Each picture is meant to represent different sport at school.

Junkins is president of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS).

To be involved in NAHS, students have to be enrolled in an art class and have at least a B-average.

In NAHS, students work on a community service project and go on field trips to visit professional artists.

Last year, Junkins also won “So You Think You Can Dance: Olathe South version.”

He competed with Maya Burke, senior, during pep assemblies throughout the year.

Junkins was also voted Homecoming king this year and was crowned at halftime during the homecoming football game.

How does Sandi Van Meter spend her senior year?

“The best part about being a senior is making the most out of everything, because a lot of the things are the lasts of high school.

It is also nice because senior’s barely have any homework, so I can enjoy my time,” said Sandi Vanmeter, senior.

She is making the most out of her senior year by being involved in choir leadership team, National Honor Society, President of Spanish club, Falcon Alliance, Senior Committee, Falcon Mentors, two choirs and Tennis.

Along with taking tennis lessons and community service outside of school.

She says that the best part about being in two different choirs is that she gets to experience two different things. “A large choir and a small choir are very different, which makes it

fun to be in both,” Vanmeter said.

“I stay organized by writing everything down in my planner to make sure I get everything done,” Vanmeter said.

These activities, Vanmeter said, “will prepare me for college by making me a good leader, keeping me organized, and responsible for all that I have going on.“ When she was younger, she wanted to be a teacher, but when she got to high school she decided that she wanted to “become a doctor so I can help others and impact them,” says Vanmeter. She plans on attending Kansas State University to study pre-Medicine and to join the new physician assistant program starting in 2020.

“Some of my favorite classes have been anatomy and physiology, baking and teacher aid,” Vanemeter said.

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five

The five questions: ❶ If you could relive any childhood moment, what would it be? ❷ What is at the top of your bucket list?

❸ If you could be someone else’s shadow, who would it be? ❹ What is the worst song ever written? ❺ What food do you crave when you are sad?

Jordan Frampton, Freshman Q1: “Back when we didn’t have school.”

Q2: “Watch the Cardinals win a Super Bowl.”

Q3: “Patrick Mahomes.”

Q4: “Matt Ox Overwhelming.”

Q5: “Ice cream.”

Tyler Ostroszko, sophomore Q1: “Winning the World Series back in fifth grade.”

Q2: “Visit Russia.”

Q3: “Chris Pratt.”

Q4: “Let it Go.” Q5: “Salami.”

Ian Wiley, junior Q1: “Living in New Zealand.”

Q2: “Travel the world.”

Q3: “My shadow because I don’t want to be someone else. I want to be myself.”

Q4: “Depends on my mood.”

Q5: “Pizza.”

Blake Hanneman, senior Q1: “Back in pee-wee football.”

Q2: “Skydiving.”

Q3: “My brother.”

Q4: “Broccoli.”

Q5: “Mashed potatoes.”

WHAT animal would you like to be reincarnated as?

A German shepard puppy because they are cute.

ACTIVITIES: Band, Science Olympiad, Friends of Rachel, I Choose to Live, BRAVE, German Club

Mrs. Planker, English Teacher Q1: “My first time sledding down a hill” Q2: “Travel to Italy” Q3: “Kelly Rippa” Q4: “Short People” Q5: “Anything with melted cheese”

the EYRIE

FEATURE

December 14, 2018 – page 7

Holiday spirit among students and teachers alike Faith Holliday

Decorations have been an important holiday tradition of millions of Americans for decades.

For Jackson Lindamood, sophomore, Christmas decorations are just another way of life.

“They bring life into your house and bring holiday spirit,” Lindamood said.

Holiday decorations can be extremely expensive, but the Lindamoods found a way to get around this.

“My mom works at Hallmark, so I get 50 percent off of everything,” Lindamood stated.

The Lindamoods also decorate the outside of their house.

“I have lights on my trees and bushes outside. I also have a giant hearth around my door,” Lindamood said. “We also have a snowman that plays Christmas music.”

Tristan Allen, senior, has a different large snowman that plays Chritmas music for passerby.

As for what decorations

are inside of their house, the Lindamoods go all out.

“We have a lot of Keepsake ornaments and regular ornaments from Hallmark,” Lindamood said.

Lizzy Simpson, junior, has a giant Christmas tree in her home.

“You literally can’t see the branches of our tree,” L. Simpson said. “We have so many ornaments.”

The Simpsons also have many decorations outside of their home.

“We have an inflatable Santa, huge snowflakes, and lights,” Simpson stated.

Austin Lafferty, senior, likes to change it up.

“One year we had a blow up Snoopy and Mickey Mouse,” Lafferty said.

Elyse Musil, junior, also has a nontraditional setup.

“We have two trees and decorations scattered throughout the house,” Musil stated.

Avery Cash, junior, likes to keep things traditional.

“I have a tree in my living room next to my desk filled with

photo by Alek Mackey

Christmas decorations set up in the library near the conference rooms. Many classrooms and hallways are decorated to celebrate the holiday season. pictures and stuffed toys from other Christmases,” Cash said.

Amanda Turvery, junior, decorates her bedroom with Christmas lights.

The lights “put [her] in the holiday spirit” and “make [her] feel festive.

Ashlee Troutt, sophomore, also decorates her bedroom. “I hang ornaments around my room and blast Christmas music,” she said.

A recent trend has expanded for this holiday season: tiny Christmas trees.

Tiny trees are useful for small college dorm rooms and teenagers’ bedrooms.

Many students also have fake fireplaces because many are not allowed to have fire in their rooms.

Christmas decorations are very important to many families.

of all, Holliday enjoys “spending time with [her] family... and the chocolatey goodness.”

Tristan Allen, senior, has many Christmas traditions with his family.

On Dec. 24 every year, his family goes to his paternal grandmother’s house to celebrate the holiday. There, they exchange gifts with one another.

Later in the night, Allen’s family drives home. Before going to bed, the children open up one gift before Christmas day. These gifts are usually pajamas, which they sleep in over night.

On Christmas Day, the Allen family children usually have to wait a few minutes after waking up before going out into

their living room and opening presents.

English teacher Heather Springer said, “My husband and I buy Hallmark ornament every year and hang them on our tree.

It’s really fun to go back through the years and remember why we picked out the ornaments we did.”

This year, Springer has run into some problems with her ornament tradition.

“Our new cat won’t stay out of the Chrirstmas tree, so our tree is still bare.”

Everyone has their own traditions during the holidays.

Whether it be decorationg the house, or having a family meal, they’re all their own traditions.

Families celebrate traditions McKinley Schrader

As the holidays come closer and closer, many families across the world prepare for their various traditions. But just what are some of these traditions?

Alek Mackey, sophomore, “takes a road trip to Nebraska to see [his extended family], and [they] have a large family dinner.”

The most “exciting part,” Mackey says, “is opening the presents with the family.”

Samantha Ricks, senior, traditionally “visits family in Texas,” and just like Mackey, they “have a family dinner.”

Hannah Holliday, junior, has a tradition in her family where they “make pancakes and waffles for breakfast” on Christmas. Most

December 14, 2018 – page 8 “I’m going to go home and sleep.

Maybe even play some video games!”

- Kaden Downs

sophmore

“I’m going to be packing to move to Wichita.”

-Brooke Hawthorne,

senior

“I want to go on vacation.”

- Officer

Jaegers, SRO

Students travel across country, others want to, during break Khadija Ceesay

Many people are traveling to interesting places during the holidays to visit family and or experience something new at the end of the year.

Some, like Kendal Grish, senior, are going out of state to see family. She’s visiting her family in Chicago.

She said she’s going sightseeing in the city and if she could go anywhere else, she’d visit the Bahamas because it’s beautiful and warm.

Kayla Underhill, senior, would also prefer someplace warm like

Mexico or Cancun to spend the chilly holiday.

Ryan Stueve, sophomore, is going to see his grandparents and extended family.

He says he is going to, “talk with [his] family and eat good food.”

There are some students that are going out of town for sportsrelated competitions and events.

Fletcher Smith, sophomore, is traveling to Oklahoma for a competition. He plans to head down to the movies with his friends and if he could be anywhere else he’d go to California because of the “nicer-

“I’m getting together with friends to do a gift exchange.”

- Claire Miller,

senior

than-Kansas weather.”

Stueve said if he could go anywhere else, he would visit Vatican City, “because I saw a snow fight in Saint Petersburg square and it looked cool.”

Others, like Emma Skinner, freshman, is staying home and traveling to the plaza with her family to see the lights and take pictures.

Some people do not travel for other reasons, but there are always places that they would like to go if they had the chance.

Jack Cannell, freshman, said he would go to Venice if he had the

chance.

He said it’s because “the art and food is fantastic.”

“I would want to go to Colorado so I can snowboard.” Said Nicky Gilt, junior, who isn’t doing much for the break.

Alex Burbidge, sophomore, is heading out to Moab, Utah because he enjoys hiking there and taking cool pictures. He would stay in Kansas City for the holidays no matter what.

Others like Boston Randall, sophomore, would rather go to places like Disney World because he “loves the atmosphere and the

“We are all conjoing at my grandmother’s house for Christmas break.”

- Evan Peters,

senior

weather.”

He also comments that he would visit New York if given the chance because he likes big cities.

Tristan Allen, senior, plans on staying in town for the holidays, but he would like to go to Seattle to watch the Chiefs play the Seahawks.

There is always a fun way to spend the holidays, whether it is going somewhere near or far, or staying in to relax and catch up on sleep.

And it’s never too late to venture out and try something new for the holidays!

December 14, 2018 – page 9 “I plan to go to New York with my family.”

- Carter Ison, freshman

I’m going to Plainville Kansas to see family.”

- Rakiyah Kos, freshman

Student volunteers help out others Hannah Holliday

With the holidays around the corner, several students are already in to the giving spirit.

Sydney Rottinghaus and Brenda Santiago, juniors, are leading DECA’s project to help the Jadon’s Hope Foundation. Jadon’s Hope is a “local organization, started by the parents of a Rolling Ridge elementary student with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).” SMA is the number one inherited genetic killer of kids under two.

The foundation helps to fund research and support families.

Students can get involved by attending events such as a food truck gathering. A trivia night is in the works for some time in January.

“I’m going to make a turkey for my family.”

- Tami Gabbert,

secertary

“We are going to visit some cousins in Busan and we’ll also go to Seoul [South Korea].”

- Eric Shin,

sophomore

Rottinghaus also volunteers at the New Hope Mobile Food Pantry.

To anyone considering volunteering, Rottinghaus says to “take a risk and try it” because “it’s very rewarding once you find a cause you truly care about.”

The food pantry is always accepting new volunteers. More information can be found on their website.

Peyton Fair, junior, volunteers at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau and at Mission Southside during summer and winter break.

She volunteers because she enjoys “giving back to the community and helping others.”

Josepha Kamseu, senior, enjoys “seeing the smiles of kids and their parents” as she volunteers at her

church and at the Gardener Church of the Nazarene. She enjoys helping out with kids, meeting new people, and helping out the community.

Kamseu started volunteering in middle school when her “youth group pastor started talking to [her] about it.”

“I would say try [volunteering] because you might change as a person or give out a more positive vibe to people that you don’t know.”

There are many opportunities for students to volunteer at school Many teachers need babysitters for for conferences, and many are looking for student aides for next year and next semester.

“I’m going to South Dakota over winter break.”

-Morgan Kern,

junior

page 10 – December 14, 2018

the EYRIE

ENTERTAINMENT

Students not eager to see December releases Tristan Allen The Eyrie surveyed students about recent and upcoming movie releases they might want to see during winter break and their general feelings towards the box office today.

“Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” was the most anticipated film among the survey participants. Many students however did not want to see any upcoming films for a variety of reasons.

Some of these reasons are related to the films’ content, or lack of.

“There is only money in film now instead of a theme or nice experience,” Kale Sheffer, junior, said. “Films are mostly just super-

There is only money “ in film now instead of

a theme or nice experience. Films are mostly just superhero and that’s it.”

—Kyle Shaffer, junior

hero and that’s it.”

Another problem students felt was present in film today was how formulaic it can be.

“Movies are pretty predictable once you watch the first one,... so I just watch fun action movies,” Caitlyn Brownlee, freshman, said.

Some people feel that movies are not original anymore.

“I think the problem is a lack of unique ideas. The majority of films are almost the same,” Maryna Kucinich, find grade, said.

Students also felt there were things theaters could do to convince students to see more movies.

Athena Westphal, senior, wanted theaters such as AMC to have better movie times and prices, more available seating and cheaper food.

The survey found that, following Spiderman, the next most popular movies were, from most to least, “Aquaman,” “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Bumblebee.”

Students also saw or wanted to see movies released before and during Thanksgiving break, such as “The Grinch,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Creed II” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

EYRIE

December 14, 2018 – page 11

1. Meet The Robinsons

it’s a

MUST three movies that should definitely be on your list

2. Creed 2

“Creed 2” is a great sequel to the original Creed. Both Creed movies are additions to the iconic Rocky movie franchise. The concept is still about boxing, but this time in the Creed movies, Rocky is coaching his late friend’s son Adonis Creed. Adonis Creed deals with being the son of a popular boxer who died in the ring at the hands of Russian boxer, Ivan Drago, and struggles to accept who his father was.

In “Creed 2,” Creed is challenged by the son of Ivan Drago to a fight. The movie shows Creed’s internal struggle of having to face the son of his father’s killer. It also shows both Creed’s and Drago’s point of view and how they both are fighting to prove something of themselves.

“Meet the Robinsons” is an animated movie from 2007 about a boy named Lewis who just can’t seem to fit in. Lewis was an orphan and never knew his parents, but keeps trying to find a new family. One day, after a blowout with one of his newest iventions, he meets Wilbur, a kid his age, but from the future. Wilbur takes Lewis to the future in his time machine, asking for his help to defeat the “bowler hat guy.” Lewis is introduced to Wilbur’s crazy family, the Robinsons, and needs to fix Wilbur’s time machine to make it back to his time period. This movie is a great family movie that both entertains and educates about living in the present rather than the past.

3. Bone Gap

“Bone Gap” is set in a mysterious and quiet little town where Finn and Sean Sullivan are living at the time of their dear friend, Roza’s disappearance.

Rumors circle around pertaining to her whereabouts but Finn knows she did not go willingly, she was taken by someone Finn can’t recall the name or face of.

Follow Finn and Sean as they search their town for clues that lead them to unfortunate people and places while trying to reveal to their town that they are more than the lonely, crazy boys that everyone thinks they are.

page 12 – December 14, 2018

FEATURE

Short film shows LGBTQ+ struggles Aly Gad Johnathan Swanson, senior, recently published a short film about the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community goes through, as well as the overall complications of love.

“I had a story that I knew needed to be told,” Swanson said, “I had seen some of the struggles that some close people in my life had to go through, whether that be acceptance, self-discovery, or love, and knew that it was something that needed to be expressed.”

Swanson not only acted in the film, but edited, wrote and directed the entire thing. He also wrote and recorded all of the music played during the film.

Ethan Christiansen, senior; Dalton Hayse, freshman at Mid America Nazarene University, Joseph Patterson, senior; Megan Weldon, senior; and John Dawkins, senior, also acted in the video.

The whole production took well over half a year.

“I started writing the script and the music back in March,” Swanson said, “but filming didn’t start until September.”

Swanson created this film for the YoungArt Cinematic Arts Competition, the deadline for submissions was October 12th.

“I’ll know if I placed by the end of December. If you place then you get invited to the National YoungArts week up in New York. First place is eligible for

up to $10,000, along with master classes and valuable education opportunities,” Swanson stated.

Swanson is planning on making more of these short films, based on the positive feedback his first film has gotten.

“I’m working on new projects already,” Swanson said.

New computers inspires debates Emily Gray New laptops at school have started many debates about how useful they really are.

Maya Burke, senior, says that she isn’t sure they’re helping her learn but they are a convenient thing to have in class.

“I’m blessed we have them, I just think our money could have gone to something more useful. A lot of people already have internet access so it’s just another device that some of us don’t get a great deal of use out of,” Burke stated.

The use of laptops has also not been included in many classrooms. Teachers are also trying to incorportate the laptop into their lessons.

Ashley Gregg, junior, claims

she hasn’t used her laptop for anything, especially for anything related to school work.

“We haven’t used our devices at all yet in the classroom, but I don’t use it in class at all for something not school related,” Gregg said.

Some students disagree with how much restraint is on their laptops.

Tyler Boutte, junior, thinks the laptop isn’t helpful for anything because of how many restrictions are on it.

“It’s way too restricted to be used for anything. Plus, most teachers don’t know how to use them or simply don’t need them.

The computers are just an added

liability and ten pounds,” Boutte stated.

Still other students believe that the new laptops are a good thing and can help them achieve more in school.

Kennedy Elton, junior, thinks that the laptops are more benefical than not.

“The laptops are quicker and more efficient than running to the computer lab and plus they’re fun to use,” Elton said.

Hector DeLeon, junior, doesn’t believe that the laptops are helping him learn better, but they are useful for in class activities.

“I’m satisfied with what the laptop has, it has all that I need,” Deleon stated.

the EYRIE

the EYRIE

December 14, 2018 – page 13

HORIZONS

Senior wants to become doctor Mara Gee Leah Tariku, senior, has “always wanted to choose a profession [that involves] helping others,” she said.

Tariku decided she wanted to go into dermatology during the summer before her junior year. Before then, she wasn’t sure which path she wanted to take.

“I looked into my interests [to figure it out],” she said. “Also, I don’t want to be super poor.”

She finds it interesting how changing oneself in slight ways can improve one’s level of self-esteem.

Tariku is also interested in making health care services – such as skin care products - more affordable to those with a lower income.

To prepare, she’s “taking all the science classes [she] can,” she said. She is also constantly looking for shadowing opportunities.

The schooling Tariku needs before she can start practicing begins with

four years of undergraduate studies, then she needs four years of graduate experience, and lastly, needs to be a resident for three years.

“The dream is to go to Columbia [University] in New York, or NYU [New York University] because med school is free,” Tariku said. “But realistically, I’ll probably end up going to KU.” After all her schooling, Tariku plans to “get a job at an office in the area, maybe [get] a business partner,” she said.

She hopes to one day start her own practice in the Midwest for good clientele reasons and because she “really like[s] Kansas,” she said.

With her experience, she’ll also be able to start her own skin care line,

Students talk about space in school club Faith Holliday

Astronomy club is sponsered by Alison Wulff, science teacher It meets every Monday after school from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The club has discussions about various topics such as aliens, astrology, the credibilty of zodiac signs, and whether or not the Earth is flat.

They also watch documentaries on the subjects they discuss.

Lilee James, senior, has been in astronomy club for one and a half years.

James encourages students to join the club because “the people are super sweet.”

She believes that the club will “help [her] with her future classes.”

work with Botox, do lip injections, and even diagnose skin cancer.

“I would love to live out of the country [to help in] hot climates [where] skin cancer is more prevalent,” she said.

Scholarship Box Scholarship: Mid-America Nazarene University Scholarship Challenge Deadline: January 25, 2019 Amount: Varies Criteria: Academic scholarship. Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA or minimum 25 ACT/1150 SAT. Apply to MNU.

Scholarship: Hy-Vee Foundation Scholarship Deadline: February 8, 2019 Amount: $1,000 Criteria: High School Senior employed with Hy-Vee who began employment on or before Sept. 15, 2018 or a son or daughter of a full, regular, or part-time employee.

Scholarship: Olathe Rotary Club Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2019 Amount: $1,000 Criteria: Graduating high school senior, pursuing post high school education in the culinary arts and sciences such as Hospitatlity, Nutrition, Food and Beverage, Dietetics, Food communications, Food Chemistry, and Culinary Management.

Scholarship: SevenDays Make a Ripple, Change the World Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2019 Amount: $1,000-$5,000 Criteria: Graduating high school senior, complete a project of kindess, essay over project, and attend an awards ceremony for winners on April 9, 2019.

Scholarship: Olathe Junior Service League Scholarship Deadline: March 1, 2019 Amount: $1,000 Criteria: Recipients are determined based mainly on thier community service involvment.

page 14 – December 14, 2018

the EYRIE

SPORTS

Offseason decisions loom for tanking Royals Alex Burbidge

The offseason in Major League Baseball is often seen as the optimal time to improve a team. The Royals certainly could use improvement if they wish to start competing again in the coming years.

The obvious move to be made is trading Whit Merrifield, second baseman.

Coming off a season in which he led MLB in hits (192) and stolen bases (45), his trade value is currently at its absolute maximum. However, he will be 30 years old in January and by the time the Royals are in their competing window again, he will likely be 35 or older.

Another area the Royals need to improve in is their horrific bullpen. While a rebuilding team should be given a pass for having a bad bullpen, there is no excuse for the abomination the Royals rolled out in 2018. Having Jason Adam, Blaine Boyer, Justin Grimm, Brandon Maurer, Enny Romero and Burch Smith, pitchers, on a Major League roster is

The school bowling team will have their first game on Jan 16 at Royale Crest Lanes at 3 p.m. against Lawrence Free State & Shawnee Mission West.

A week later, the team meets at Olathe Lanes East to take on Olathe Northwest, Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission Northwest.

The bowling team consists of four freshmen ten sophomores nine juniors and six seniors.

There are currently 29 bowlers this year.

w5.925 x h3.95

photo courtesy of Associated Press

unacceptable, with all of them having ERAs all over 6.00.

Dayton Moore, Royals general manager, has already started to make moves, acquiring Billy Hamilton, outfielder.

This move, however, makes no sense for the Royals. Their outfield already consists of Jorge Bonifacio, Brian Goodwin, Alex Gordon, Rosell Herrera,

Brett Phillips and Jorge Soler, and adding one more player to the mix doesn’t help the Royals’ logjam. Additionally, Hamilton is one of the weakest hitters in baseball, with a slash line of .239/.299/.626.

Signing promising young talents and trading for prospects should be the main goal this offseason, as well as inviting some of their minor

leaguers to Major League Spring Training. Those who were snubbed from September call-ups last year should have no problem getting an invite and even make the Opening Day roster. Don’t be surprised if Richard Lovelady pitcher, sneak their way onto the Major League roster, as well as slugging first baseman Frank Schwindel.

college sports. Students accept D1 scholarships so that they can be noticed by professional coaches.

The NCAA two other divisions, Division II and Division III, which are made up of smaller schools. Division II has partial scholarship aid for student athletes while Division III does not offer athletic scholarships.

Evan Foster, senior, announced on his Twitter on July 28 that he received an offer from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo. to play football. In the past season, Foster played at the quarterback position.

The School of Mines is a

NCAA Division II school.

Brandon Ryan, senior, accepted an offer from Butler County Community College (BCCC) in El Dorado, Kan., to play baseball.

Since BCCC is a community college, the school plays in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Jai Haynes, senior, received three different offers to further his academic and athletic career.

He played defensive back on the football team.

On June 3, Haynes announced on Twitter that he received an offer from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Miss.

The school is classified as Division II. The offer was followed a few months later on November 21, when he announced that he received another offer from MidAmerica Nazerene University (MNU), in Olathe, Kan. MNU competes in Division I National Intercollegiate Athletics program. This group mostly serves private schools that On the same day, Haynes announced he received his third offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State (NWOSU) in Alva, Okla.

NWOUSU is an NCAA division II school.

Seniors accept athletic scholarships Mark Elliott Colleges are offering upcoming high school prodigies with hopes of sports in their future.

There are 5,300 colleges in the US that can offer the top athletes scholarships. There are 351 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) D1 (division one) schools across 49 states. D1 schools are considered to be the best schools for athletes and have the most population in schools.

D1 schools are the schools that compete for the highest competition in sports and is the highest watched/broadcasted in all of

Bowling season gets underway in January

Boys swimming attends several meets this month The boys’ varsity and JV swimming teams competed on Dec. 3 at Chisolm Trail Middle School against Shawnee Mission East and Shawnee Mission North.

On Dec. 7, the swimming team attended a varsity invitational at Summit Trail Middle School.

They took on other schools in Olathe, Lawrence, Shawnee Mission and the Blue Valley school district.

Wrestling team competes in Iowa for tournament The varsity wrestling team placed 16th out of 40 teams at the Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic in Iowa, which took place Dec. 7-8.

Four varsity wrestlers medaled at the Council Bluffs meet: Dallas Koelzer, junior; Gavin Brown, junior; Blake Jouret, freshman, and Max Knard, senior.

A squad of JV wrestlers brought home the title from the Bishop Miege Varsity Invitational in Roeland Park, Kan. at the same time.

the EYRIE

Boys teams start season differently

With this winter season approaching, the basketball team has been practicing and playing hard during their season.

The varsity team is 1-2 so far, according to MaxPreps.com The JV and varsity teams will play Olathe West on Friday, Dec 14 at 5: 30 and 7 p.m. respectively.

On Dec. 20, the JV and varsity teams will have another away game against Shawnee Mission North at 5 and 6:30 p.m

There are 46 games in total for the varsity, junior varsity, sophomore and freshman teams, two games for sub-state for varsity and three state games for varsity as well.

On December 15, JV & Varsity will be participating in a Community Service Project. As well for Sophomore & Freshman will be participating on January 19 from 9-10:30 a.m a community service activity.

Girls team 3-0 to start basketball The girls’ basketball season is just beginning and the girls are doing great so far. The Lady Falcons won the championship at Olathe East beginning on December 4, when they played against BVSW and won with a score of 47 – 33. December 6, they played Liberty and won with a score of 41 – 27.

Finally, on December 7 the Falcons took home the championship, winning against OE with a score of 46 – 34. As of Dec 10, the Lady Falcons are ranked #4 in the state. Previously the Lady Falcons won the state championship in 2010 and took 14 trips to state in a row.

SPORTS

December 14, 2018 – page 15

Sporting KC loses in conference finals Amanda Turvey On Nov. 29, Sporting KC suffered a 3-2 loss versus the Portland Timbers in leg two of the western conference finals.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff system awards the team that scored the most goals in the series, so the loss in leg two ended their 2018 season.

The 2018 MLS preseason started with three consecutive wins while the regular season opened with a shocking loss to New York City FC. As the season took off, Sporting KC welcomed Johnny Russell, forward who soon became one of the top goal scorers of the 2018 season, following Daniel Salloi, striker, with a total of 12 total goals scored during the whole season.

Russell scored 10 goals during the Major League Season, along with 2 goals during the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Sporting KC was defeated in the quarterfinals of the Open Cup

by Houston Dynamo.

The disciplinary record for Sporting KC totaled 46 yellows cards and only 2 records for the entire season.

For the 2018 season, Sporting KC welcomed a series of new or

photo courtesey of Associated Press

returning players including two new homegrown players. Tyler Freeman, forward, who initially was the second youngest singing in club history at 15 years and 266 days, was replaced by Gianluca Busio who was signed at 15 years, 89 days.

Freeman has yet to appear during MLS regular season, while Busio has already made his first appearance and scored his first goal.

Sporting Kansas City’s 2018 season marks the club‘s 23rd year in Major League Soccer. Kansas City was introduced as one of the 10 charter members of MLS on June 6, 1995.

Four months later, the league unveiled the nicknames, logos and uniform designs for the franchises, including the Kansas City Wiz. Sporting KC also represented Major League Soccer in the 2013

-2014 CONCACAF Champions league, finishing atop Group 2 with an unbeaten record in the group stage before falling to Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the quarterfinal round.

In 2019, the regular season is scheduled to begin in March while the MLS Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin somewhere in late October to early November as the MLS season concludes in December.

Chiefs still top NFL team after team cut Hunt Tristan Allen The Kansas City Chiefs are 112, first in the American Football Conference (AFC), and first in the AFC West at the end of week 14.

After the week six loss to the Patriots, the Chiefs kept their flow and won four straight against the Bengals, Broncos, Browns and Cardinals. They lost the Monday Night matchup against the Los Angeles Rams 51-54.

While Patrick Mahomes, quarterback, is a great playmaker, leading the league in touchdown pass percentage (9.5), the 51-54 loss against the Rams suggests that he is not the best quarterback to hope on in late close games. He

threw back-to-back interceptions on the last two drives. Keep in mind, however, that he is only 23 and should improve in late game situations with age.

Just before the week 13 game against the Oakland Raiders, Kareem Hunt, running back, was cut from the organization on the same day that TMZ published a video emerged of him kicking a woman in February.

Spencer Ware, running back, took over the starting job in Kansas City in week 13, but his first start of the season was lackluster: Mahomes had more rushing yards on less attempts. Ware improved against the Baltimore Ravens, recording 75 yards on

15 carries, but the Chiefs are still missing Hunt.

The past two games against the Raiders and Ravens secured the MVP award for Mahomes.

While he played better before, he showed an ability to step up as a leader at such a young age.

He allegedly called a players-only meeting shortly after the release of Hunt, and while the game against the Raiders was closer than it should have been, he pulled out the win in the last minutes. He also managed to force overtime against the Ravens and pull out the win.

Eric Berry, safety, practiced for the first time in months leading up to week 13. He did not play

against the Raiders or Ravens.

The defensive line is improving this season: they are second in the league in total sacks (42) but are 25th in rushing yards allowed.

Chris Jones, defensive tackle, leads the Chiefs with 11.5 sacks.

Dee Ford, outside linebacker, is not far behind with 11 sacks.

Mahomes has 43 passing touchdowns through 13 games this season. The clock is ticking to break the single season record for most passing touchdowns (55), but it is still possible for the young 23-year old quarterback.

A recap of the Chiefs versus Chargers game on Thursday Night Football can be found on eyrieonline.org

the EYRIE

MY TURN

December 14, 2018 – page 16

H. Holliday’s soon-to-be published work, “Paper Daggers” I. Breaking my heart is not an honor Yet there you stand With that stupid smile And my pieces on show Stapled to your chest.

II. You waited until I made a home in you to burn it down.

I hope the smoke chokes you like seeing you with her choked me.

III. I am not scared of feeling.

Maybe that’s why they always sink in slow lies While I dive headfirst into the truth.

IV. I told you that I didn’t want to be able to scream that you promised.

You promised anyway.

And now here I am, my heart screaming “you promised.”

And here I am, trying to forgive you.

Not for your sake, but for my own.

V. Healing is not gentle.

My healing shakes me like the earthquake of you did.

Only this time the shaking will repair me instead of tear me apart.

VI. At one point I realized that the reason I felt so safe in the midst of the lies was because I had myself.

I am the sword I needed.

VII. My Sunday school teacher said that I must have “words like honey.”

But why should I when the fire dripping from my lips is just as sweet?

VIII. Radiant is all I strive to be.

Nothing can take my light, Not even you.

IX It is better to forgive radically Then to forgive cautiously in little pieces.

Your heart is freer that way.

X. I decided that you were worth the broken heart.

Guess what?

You weren’t.

But the lessons you taught me were.

XI. You sealed your promises with kisses like saliva seals envelopes.

But the envelopes always come unstuck after a while, don’t they?

XII. You only get to fall in love with your heart whole once.

Please be patient.

XIII. I convinced myself that you were mature enough to love me.

I didn’t realize that I have been to the ends of the earth and back and you are too scared to leave your hometown.

XIIII. My poetry flowing from my lips can never seem to reach my heart to warn it.

XV. You told a story that wasn’t yours to tell You will never understand the pain you caused Some people are not under your spell.

XVI. I’ve been bargaining with the universe again Begging for your constellation freckles to align in front of my eyes again Hoping for your black hole eyes to captivate me again Waiting for your nebula heart to engulf mine again But stars don’t last forever And neither did you.

XVII. My heart no longer chooses lovers that put out their cigarettes on my soul. My heart chooses me.