Log Issue 2, 2015-16

Oct. 16, 2015 KC, MO

The Northmen’s

LoG

Transgender Views • Smothers’ Adoption • DIY Costumes

Issue: 2 Vol: 51

Letters from the

Editors

Hey Oak Park! Mabrey Wathen is the name, and managing is my game. This year Maddie Russell and I are CO Editors-in-Chief for The Northmen’s Log newsmagazine.

For our second issue of The Log this year, we wanted to have more in-depth stories produced and a nicer flow between the Hey everyone it’s Maddie here, one of your TWO Edi- different topics tackled in the newsmagazine. We have three tors-in-Chief of The Log’s 2015-2016 school year. In order big topics in this October issue, which include: Halloween, to manage our extra large staff this year, we’ve defootball and being transgender. cided to split the role between myself and The For the Halloween feature, you’ll find mini narLog’s other editor, Mabrey Wathen, to effecrations about students here at OP who have wittively put out higher-quality content. nessed paranormal activity.

This second issue was one of the most If you want to read about football, read controversial issues we’ve ever put out, coach Roach’s story and find out about OP’s which included the very sensitive topic female football player. of transgender teens. Much uproar has Our transgender people feature was a conbeen caused in other media because of troversial one that may bring negative and our transgender homecoming queen positive feedback, but definitely a topic that senior Landon Patterson. Oak Park has needed to be shared. You’ll find stories about been praised and insulted because of this four students’ struggles and triumphs through decision, but there are several other sides to their transitions. be told, including some views from other transOP has a massive amount of love and respect togender teens inside the building. In this issue, they ward one another, which makes OP the best high school in have shared their stories of how they found themselves. the North Kansas City School District.

The cover of this issue also reflects the transition of This year we’re hoping to push the limits and get more stubecoming transgender. Each of these students had a life dents and staff to read the newsmagazine. If you see somebefore their transition, and just because their appearance thing you like or find something absolutely amazing, spread has changed, doesn’t mean they are any more different the word. than anyone else at OP. Please turn the page and immerse yourself in the content. If OP and its students are one of a kind, and with this you would ever like to write any comments, questions or story year’s Log we’d love to display our individuality through suggestions to myself or Maddie, feel free to drop them off in the rest of this year’s issues. room E134 to Mrs. Geabhart.

Maddie Russell Editor-in-Chief, Opinion Editor Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief, Feature Editor, Recreation Editor Nathan Roppa Sports Editor Tessa McGinnis Art Editor Joseph Haas People Editor Remy Tran News Editor

Carson Egbert Photography Editor Dakota Ake Writer Kaylynn Arshaq-Ali Writer Malinda Berry Writer Courtney Calhoon Writer Bailee Treat Writer Evelyn Vilingia Writer Adam Yazell Writer

Mina Buchholz Staff Stella Chow Staff Michaela Corbin Staff Logan Fiedler Staff Kiara King Staff Lindsay Shofler Staff Miranda Thompson Staff Christina Geabhart Adviser

“The Northmen’s Log” will publish eight times during the school year. “Log” staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society.

Therefore, “Log” encourages readers to participate in the discussion by submitting Letters to the Editor in room E134, by email

to christina. geabhart@nkcschools.org. Letters cannot exceed 350 words and must be signed. “Log” will not run letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption to the education process of Oak Park.

Advertisers may contact the teacher at christina.geabhart@nkcschools.org.

Subscriptions are available, $20 for a

mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both.

Opinions expressed in “Log” do not reflect student, staff or school district endorsements of that opinion, product, or service.

“Log” is a member of NSPA, MIPA and Quill and Scroll. “Log” is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

Design by Maddie Russell

Contents News Opinion 2 Brewing the Storm Smothers’ Adoption Clubs A to Y

OP Writers 4 OP Writers School Lunch

Recreation

Feature 6

8 Costumes to DIY for

Paranormal Activity Trick or Treat

People

Sports 9

Becoming Transgender

12 Coach Roach Playing with the Boys Freshman on Varsity Design By Maddie Russell

Brewing the Maddie Russell Editor-In-Chief

Over the last few years, the theater department has put on some pretty spectacular musicals with some outrageous effects. From trampoline stunts in “Footloose” to the amazing light effects in “Legally Blonde,” who would’ve thought the shows could get any more complicated?

With this year’s musical “Singing in the Rain” the show just got a little more complex by including a real rain storm on stage.

“In the script, it says it rains on stage. That means we need it to rain,” musical director Brian Gehrlein said. “Necessity is the mother of all invention so no matter what, we have to figure it out. That’s how it starts in the theatre. The script tells us what we need to accomplish--never telling us how to do it--and we figure out the best way to make it work.”

How the rain will appear is simple: through a sprinkler and hose system. The water will travel from the faucet in the scene shop and flow into a hose in the ceiling of the main auditorium over the stage connected to PVC pipes attached to sprinkler heads.

“They are similar to what you find in your lawn,” Gehrlein said.

Although Gehrlein said

2

Storm the contraption was easy to construct, there were other factors that made the task a bit harder to conceive. Although the rain will soon fall into perfect droplets, where is that water going to go?

“Some conflicts we are encountering so far are how to contain the water on stage once it starts filling up,” Gehrlein said. “One idea we have is to build a small barrier to block the travel of the water keeping it where we need it. We are looking to water proof the stage and most of our scenery in that scene, as well as prevent the water from going too far so it doesn’t affect the musicians.”

One of the other main concerns were keeping the actor’s costumes dry in-between performances.

“Only one set of an actor’s costumes will ever get wet,” said junior Dean Foreman.

“They’ll have one set that will never get wet, one set that will only get wet, and then another set used as a backup in case something happens.”

Foreman plays Cosmo Brown, a character who dances in the storm in the final scene.

“I’ve never done anything quite like it before,” Foreman said. “Out of all of the shows I’ve been in this is

News Design By Remy Tran

October 2015

Junior Dean Forman, seniors Chaun Tanguay and Mackenzie Nelson practice their lines for the “Singing in the Rain” musical.

Seniors Chaun Tanguay and Mackenzie Nelson and junior Dean Forman practice their vocals.

definitely the most ambitious of them all. The rain, the quick scene changes, and the fanciful costumes are all going to make for an awesome show that I can’t

wait for everyone to see.”

“Singing in The Rain” runs Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 12, 13, and 14. Adult tickets are $8, and $5 for children.

The Smothers’ Adoption:

A Story of Triumph

Callie and Stephen Smothers have quite an experience to share a heartfelt journey through cancer and their adoption process.

It all began when Callie was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2011. They were told she would be infertile after surgery, so they made the decision to adopt. They decided that she would be two years cancer free before they would adopt.

In May 2014, the Smothers made a booklet/profile of information for families who were interested to place their child with them. The process was not small or simple, it was very hard work.

They filled out large amounts of paperwork, found letters of recommendation, and had home studies done to be sure their home would provide a safe environment.

On Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, Callie was in her first inning of the softball game when she received a call that a family was interested in their booklet. On that same day, they received a call to come pick up their baby. He was born Sept.

9. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 21 inches long. The Smothers’ named him Isaiah Rhys Neil Smothers, particularly because the book of Isaiah had helped Callie through her journey of cancer.

She said, “God has given me hope.”

According to Callie, God had helped her through cancer and their first adoption which did not work out.

As the Smothers’ held Isaiah for the first time, Callie recalled, “It was overwhelming, we felt immediate protection from him.”

Theirs was an open adoption, which means Isaiah still has the chance to get to know his birth family.

Callie said, “It was a decision made out of love.”

The Smothers’ had a close call adoption two years ago. They were two weeks away from having a child and even went to doctor appointments with the birth mother when her mother decided to parent. They had a girl’s nursery all made up for the previous adoption that had fell through, so that is what they had prepared for Isaiah when they found out.

When Callie and Stephen traveled to pick up Isaiah, their family and friends were very helpful, watching their home and dog when they were in Kansas and buying some boy essentials for Isaiah. Stephen’s sister was also the labor and delivery director at the hospital.

For two weeks, the Smothers had to stay in Kansas because their home study and other paperwork needed to be completed, they traveled to many different places in that time to complete these.

Before the adoption, work and coaching took up most of their time. they would do whatever needed to help their students. Now they have to

Clubs from A to Y

According to the Activities Office, this year more than 30 clubs work within OP. Here’s just a few, with more listed online at www.NorthmenNews.com at http://tinyurl.com/ o3f4lt9 Anime-Gamers Club: Sponsor: James Dye james.dye@ nkcschools.org Cheer: Sponsor: Kelsey Mayabb kelsey.mayabb@nkcschools.org Family Career Community Leaders of America, FCCL: Sponsor: Megan Lacy & Sarah Lorenson megan.lacy@nkcschools.org & sarah.lorenson@nkcschools.org

Evelyn Vilingia Dakota Ake Writer Writer

balance their students with their new child.

“We still love our jobs,” Callie said.

The Smothers hope Isaiah learns to love people like they do. They also want him to have a purpose and know that he is in their family for a reason.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 was the court date when the adoption was scheduled to be official and a legal document states Isaiah is theirs, that Isaiah will be a Smothers.

“He is a gift we continually get to unwrap.”

Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief

K-Pop Club: Sponsor: Sarah Christus sarah.christus@ nkcschools.org OP Fresh: Sponsor: Heather Brennan heather.brennan@ nkcschools.org Pommies: Sponsor: Stephanie Coomes stephanie. coomes@nkcschools.org Student Council (STUCO): Sponsor: Bryan Edinger & Joel Pabon bryan.edinger@nkcschools.org & joel.pabon@ nkcschools.org Thespian: Sponsor: Brian Gehrlein bryan.gehrlein@nkcschools.org News Design By Remy Tran

October 2015

3

Give it Up For Marching Northmen Joseph Fabac Freelance Writer

One of the main things that goes through an incoming freshman’s mind is, “I hope I make friends right away.”

Then there also is, “I hope people will accept me.”

That was me the summer before my freshman year. Sixth grade through eighth grade, I was in band. In eighth grade, my friends and I were set on not doing band in high school.

“We’re going to get made fun of,” we thought.

Eventually, when it came to the decision in eighth grade for signing up for our high school classes, my friends and I were convinced by the teacher to

participate in band in high school.

The very first day of band camp came up, and I immediately loved it. I met many different people from many different backgrounds, but all with the same interest: music.

As I was meeting everyone, I was shocked by how every single person got along. It was a family atmosphere, and no one was excluded.

As the year went on, I got to know people better. I made some really good friends with people I would not have known if it wasn’t for band.

As the marching season went on, I noticed how competitive people and

other bands were at competition. Seeing different drum lines but especially ours gave me goose bumps. Just seeing everyone cheering and getting hyped before performances gave everyone a competitive edge.

Finally, at the end of the year I ended up lettering and winning the Most Improved Freshman Award.

Putting blood, sweat and tears into something you love really pays off in the end. The passion that some people have for music is incredible and it makes an impact on everyone else to do better as musicians, as well as people.

Good Peer Pressure?

James McDermott Freelance Writer

I never realized it before, but the other day my friend was drugs, and then from there it’s just a downward spiral of trying to get me to join the tennis team. He kept asking me wrong-doings. and some of my other friends that were sitting with me, with I guess that was idiotic of me to think that all peer presthe excuse that they needed more players. sure was bad. Even though I ended up sucAlthough it’s probably true, for some reason cumbing to his words. I mean why not? TenThere’s a I was really skeptical. I guess in my mind I was nis could be fun; I might as well try it. good kind of just thinking, “Hey, I don’t even know anything So my main point is that I never knew that about tennis so I don’t think I should.” there was a thing such as good peer pressure. peer pressure?

Then, he kept bugging me about it, and I It could lead to many things like fun times, a said, sarcastically, that he was peer pressuring better future, and you could meet new people me, and he said that it was good peer pressure. and make friends.

Puzzled, I started thinking to myself, “There’s a good kind To me good peer pressure means when the people around of peer pressure?” you push you to be better, and that doesn’t really sound like I had never thought about it before, I was under the as- a bad thing. I mean who doesn’t want to be better than they sumption that all peer pressure was bad because of all the already are? bad things I hear come from it. Like how people start doing

“

“

Congratulations to the writers who were featured on Opinion in this issue.

Want your work to be featured? Stop by room E133 and talk to Mrs. Geabhart.

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Opinion Design By Maddie Russell

October 2015

“

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“Half Rotten”

“U

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co ok ed

“G r

School Lunch or School

Adam Yazell Writer

School lunch -- as soon as second block is over, we turn our attention to food. There are so many students who buy a school lunch every day, however there are also students who bring their lunch from home. What does everyone really think about the food that’s served in the school cafeteria?

For lunch, freshman Allen Mitchell thinks the school could improve the food by hiring actual cooks.

She also thinks there shouldn’t be any pre-cooked food, and the only good foods are the fries and cookies.

“I would eat anywhere else.”

Sophomore Renée McClanahan also eats the school lunch. McClanahan says it tastes bad and is either under or overcooked.

She also says, “The milk is half rotten.”

“Food requirements made me less healthy actually,” McClanahan noted.

Junior Amy Gruschka brings her lunch from home.

She says, “Student lunches are ok….

[They’re] really greasy and don’t seem very good for you.”

She brings her lunch because it’s healthier than school lunch.

“I would rather spend my money to bring food than unhealthy school lunch.”

“More variety of foods every day,” Gruschka said this would make the food better.

Junior Allee Armitage also brings lunch from home.

”

ea sy

”

Gruel

Armitage said, “Only two meals here are remotely decent: barbecue chicken and mac and cheese.”

She says the nutrition value was very low and that the food was not good for you.

Armitage also notes, “[The food is] more expensive than it should be.”

The manager of the cafeteria, Leiann Eikean, said preparing the food is, “Not difficult at all. What the district purchases makes it easy to prepare.”

She says she wants more choices for food, and she believes students won’t eat what the guidelines say and that takes away from the benefit.

“Students have favorites they really like, and the rest is garbage.”

Opinion Design By Maddie Russell

October 2015

5

“We were moving into an older house. As we were moving in, we were told that the previous family living there died. There was the grandpa who lived with two of his grandsons. We were told that the grandpa had murdered both the sons and himself. The stairs leading to the basement would creak if you only put a lot of weight on the steps. They would creak a lot at night sounding as if someone is walking up and down the stairs. We took a flashlight that shown a blue light to the floors and bathroom just being curious and found what looked like blood smeared on the kitchen floor, in the tub and bathroom floor. Also, you could see little hand prints coming from the bathroom tofreshman Maria ward the kitchen.”

Aponte-Ramos

Paranormal Activity Remy Tran News Editor

Courtney Calhoon Writer

“It was about 5 a.m., the sun was just getting up. I had been coming back from fishing all night and I was sleeping at my grandpa’s lake house.

When I got in bed, I didn’t shut my bedroom door. From my bed I could see the kitchen. When I went to sleep, I rolled over to face the door. When I looked out of the door I saw him: an old man with blue jeans, a white T-shirt and a red baseball cap, waving right at me. I rubbed my eyes to mark sure I was seeing right and sure enough he was there that old man, waving. But when I got up to walk to the kitchen, just like that he was gone, I shut my door and went to sleep. Later on I asked my grandpa about it and before I even told him he said, ‘Was he wearing a red hat?’ I told him yes and he said, ‘Yea that’s senior Antonio Herrera your great grandpa Pete.’ I didn’t believe in ghosts before that night but I do now. Pete has been dead for 18 years.”

junior Kyle McClease

6

“I was at home sick one day, laying in my parents’ bed. As I was watching TV, I saw out of the corner of my eye something fluttering by the doorway into my sister’s room. I got up to investigate and there was nothing there but my two dogs, that were just laying down.

On another day I was just chilling in my room, when I heard something clawing the hard wood floors. I got up to search for my dogs to find them both laying on the bed in my sister’s room. I went down to find scratches all over the wood flooring, but the dogs remained on the bed.”

Feature Design By Mabrey Wathen

October 2015

senior Jennifer Mai

“We have a family ghost that we tend to call ‘Chelsea.’

Chelsea usually opens and closes doors, and often turns on and off lights. There was one time when my cousin and I were laying on the couch with a blanket, then someone or something suddenly pulls the blanket off so we thought it was Chelsea.

At my cousin’s old house, there was a baby monitor where the other receiver was broken, but if you turned it on and listened for a while, you could hear a baby crying. There were a few times when I was living with my dad. I was in school and swear someone was telling me their name and it wasn’t my friend. Also I would also see a person sit next to me and I’d look again, and they weren’t really there.

My mom told me it was kids whose souls were lost I guess and they were trying to talk to me. She told me to start praying and I did and it eventually stopped happening. Even though it still happens sometimes, but I pray.”

Trick or

Treat?

Are you trick-or-treating this year?

105 students were polled

Gummy Bears= 47 yes Sour Patch Kids= 58 no

Remy Tran News Editor

Courtney Calhoon Writer

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Schedule your visit TODAY!

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Pittsburg State University 800-854-PITT (7488) • Pittsburg, Kansas Feature Design By Mabrey Wathen

October 2015

7

Costumes to DIY for

Mabrey Wathen Editor-in-Chief

Oh my gosh. There’s only 14 days until Halloween and I don’t have any clue what to dress up as, what do I do???

Does this sound like you right now? Would you consider yourself an expert procrastinator? If you answered yes to either of the previous questions, then you’re in luck. Why not dress up as a Disney princess, a rock n’ roll star, or a Hunger Games tribute like these students did…

The Hunger Games DIY Costume: senior Marie Scalzi as Katniss Everdeen from the 74th Annual Hunger Games What you need for this costume: *black t-shirt *black pants or leggings *combat boots or other black or brown shoes *safari or cargo jacket *makeup *flat iron or curling iron *props Steps to achieve the look: 1) If desired, look on the internet for how to make an easy bow and arrow to use as extras for your costume.

2) Apply natural looking makeup, if you want any makeup at all, and fasten your hair into a side braid.

3) Put on your t-shirt, jacket, pants and shoes.

4) Grab your props and prepare to be the next District 12 champion.

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Recreation Design By Mabrey Wathen

October 2015

Disney Princess DIY Costume: sophomore Karlyn Olson as Aurora from Sleeping Beauty What you need for this costume: *formal dress *jewelry *crown *nice shoes *makeup *flat iron or curling iron *prop that goes with chosen princess (like a flower for Aurora, or a book for Belle) Steps to achieve the look: 1) Once you’ve chosen what formal dress you want to wear, like an old homecoming or prom dress, pick the Disney princess that best goes with your dress.

2) Then, apply makeup and fix your hair using your chosen princess as inspiration.

3) Get your prop and slip on your dress, shoes and jewelry.

4) Have a magical time, but watch out for when the clock strikes midnight.

Rock n’ Roll DIY Costume: senior Chuma Humphrey as Paul Stanley “The Starchild” from Kiss What you need for this costume: *black t-shirt *belts *bracelets *black shoes (like Doc Martins) *black or silver pants, jeans, or running tights/spandex *face paint Steps to achieve the look: 1) Put on your t-shirt before you paint your face, so the paint won’t smear if you try to put it on afterwards.

2) Once you’ve chosen which Kiss band member, or other rock n’ roll star you want to portray, use a picture for inspiration as you paint your face.

3) After the paint has dried, carefully slap on the rest of your costume: putting a couple belts around your waist as well as across your shoulders.

4) Turn up the stereo and rock n’ roll all night long.

Not My Body...

Oak Park contains a handful of transgender students, including junior Ronon Bryant, junior Daniel Lukenbill, junior Nataliee Jefferson and senior Landon Patterson. These kids have opened the eyes of many students and faculty to the LGBTQIA+ community.

After the student body successfully elect-

ed Patterson as homecoming queen in September, OP has made global news.

Thanks to this handful of students, the North Kansas City School District looked into specific policies that apply to students who bend the rules of gender normativity.

“I’ve only first started meeting our transgen-

Carson Egbert Photography Editor Bailee Treat Writer

der students within the last handful of years,” said GSA sponsor and counselor Kathie Mahan. “When I first came to Oak Park, we had mainly gay, lesbian, bi and pansexual kids.

The transgender students are finally beginning to feel safe enough to come out and be who they are.” continued on page 10 People Design By Mabrey Wathen

October 2015

9

Sharing

their stories...

Nataliee Jefferson

“When I was little I used to play dress up with my cousin. I always knew, Involved in volleyball deep down, I was trans. I came out my freshman/ “Being transgender sophomore year. [My is something where, family] always knew deep down, you knew I was different. I was that you were supposed to be the other nervous about [coming gender and not the out], but I knew they one you are now.” would always love me for me. They were happy for me and they supported me. [My biggest struggle] was the people. I was nervous about how people would react. That

Landon Patterson

“I realized I was trans when I started high school, but the thoughts started weighing on me my sophomore year. Coming out to my family was a nerve-racking experience.

“It was already hard for me coming out as “gay” in middle school, but I had to come out twice, which was scary, especially since I was coming out as trans. I was really scared cause that was a lot different than being “gay,” it wasn’t really known much.

“This was something that would change my life completely, and I didn’t want to disappoint my mom cause I wouldn’t be her little boy anymore. My main struggle with coming out was worrying about what people would think.

“Then I finally came to the realization, that this is about what will make ME happy. Growing up I had always felt different. I always felt like the other girls but I knew I was different. I didn’t have the long hair and I wasn’t treated like the girls. I was constantly taunted for being feminine. I had people always calling me “gay’ and “fag.”

People Design By Joseph Haas

October 2015

was the only real struggle, other than people getting use to my name. I had so many friends that cared and supported me. I wasn’t treated different, I was treated like the woman I was.

The woman I am. “[My friends] said they already knew. My friends used female pronouns and I didn’t even ask. They treated me the way they saw me and it was amazing. I’m thankful to have so many friends that support and care for me. My parents understood me and who I was.

“They helped me get to where I am (i.e. starting hormones). They support me one hundred percent and love me as their daughter.

“I am going into modeling soon. Later on, I want to do hair and makeup. I want to attend Rockhurst college. I don’t really mind where I go, as long as I’m able to get a degree for cosmetology.”

“My friends supported me one hundred percent, which was relieving. They all considered me one of the girls already, so it wasn’t really a big deal to them. I would have to say my biggest supporters are my Involved in sister and Mom. They cheer, choir, have my best interest at Oak Street Singers heart and love me for and leadership who I truly am. They “The gender you have no problem were assigned at with me being trans birth doesn’t match and do anything they the gender you feel you are on the can to support my deinside. It’s being cisions. trapped in a body My future plans are that doesn’t match to one day be a makehow you feel up artist and fairdresser you are.” with my own salon/business. I also would love to be and LGBTQIA+ activist/spokesperson. As of right now I’m undecided on what college, but will be attending Donna’s Hair School.”

Ronon Bryant

“I’ve pretty much always known I was trans, but I only came out about six months ago.

“To be transgender “My mom was means that you do not very confused. After fully fit into the body awhile, she started that you were given at calling me her son birth. It means that, for and using male prome, I am a boy inside a girl’s body and I’ve nouns which made me always felt like that feel good about myself. my entire life.”

My sister, on the other hand, was not very understanding. Whenever she would call, she’d call me her sister. My father only recently gave me his views on it, and they’re not very nice. My own impulses as a child were very oppressed by my grandmother. She made me have long hair and wear dresses. I was uncomfortable with people calling me ‘she’ and ‘her’. Most of all, I was uncomfortable wearing makeup and my grandma used to put it on me all the time.

My biggest struggle with coming out as trans is acceptance. We live in a society where the LGBTQIA+ community has been put into the Involved in theatre, GSA, Science Olympiad and Color Guard

Daniel Lukenbill

“I realized I was trans when I was three, but I accepted it when I was in seventh grade. I fully came out this January.

“My mom accepts me, though she doesn’t really understand. My grandparents gave me hell at first, they’re starting to come around though.

“The hardest part is dating. I’m either too much or not enough for people physically. My mom is my biggest supporter besides senior]

Kathie Mahan, GSA Sponsor

“I’ve worked with at risk kids for a long time. I’ve worked with a few kids who have been kicked out of their homes for their sexualities. My heart really goes out to them and their parents that are trying to struggle through something that can be very confusing. I like to help in making sure we have a safe place on our campus for

spotlight, but it could be Russia. We’re in a fairly reserved school district and they’re trying their best to accommodate for transgender students and I really praise them for it, but it’s the comments from students. Students that have been raised in households with certain beliefs and ideals have a hard time accepting things that go against them, but I have to accept them for that just as I want them to accept me. It’s not being able to use the men’s bathroom. It’s a security issue. I wish we had gender-neutral bathrooms, it would be so much easier.

“I came out to our GSA May 31st and the immediate support was overwhelming. Mrs. Koster is phenomenal with it all. My friends have been really supportive. I’m a part of a lot of supportive departments and groups like theatre and GSA. [Junior] Erica Dykes is definitely my biggest supporter.

In the near future, when I turn 18, I’m going to donate my eggs to help save up money to help with my transition. I want to put off fully transitioning a little longer, until the transition process improves for male-to-female patients. I haven’t decided what line of work I want to go into yet, but I’m interested in becoming a marine biologist or a professional theatre techie. I plan on moving past the gender dysphoria and depression.

James Macken.

“In the future, I want to go into the international investing market and make art. I want to be wealthy and establish theaters and performance centers that challenge the status quo.”

LGBTQIA+ students to exist.

“For students that are in need of a safe place, our Gay-Straight Alliance meets on Tuesdays; we would love if they would venture in and feel safe with us. I would hope that anyone in need of someone to talk to would come visit any of our counselors. We also have an enormous student body that is very safe and very open to our students. There are also internet sources, but I always caution against those for

Involved in theatre, AP art, Art Society and GSA “[Being transgender] is an extra road that fate decided I needed on my journey through life.”

safety reasons.

“GSA is open for every kind of kid at Oak Park. It is a gay-straight alliance, and I can’t emphasize enough that it is important for us to have our supportive straight students, or allies, come in too. It’s for our entire community; we are gay, straight, transgender, pansexual, bisexual. It’s a group for everyone that wants to talk about issues and concerns around sexuality and making sure that we keep Oak Park informed.”

People Design By Joseph Haas

October 2015

Varsity Underclassmen Maddie Russel Editor-in-Chief

What is it like being on varsity as a freshman?

Jordan Harris

Skyler Benjamin

“It was good, I didn’t think I would [make it] but I got the congratulations in paper so I was excited.”

“It’s a lot of work and it’s tough but with the homework and the practice and then the practicing at home it’s a lot of work but it’s worth it.”

“Once the practices began, it got really frustrating. We were learning dances really really quick but once you perform them and everyone is watching you, it’s just fun to be out there where everyone knows who you are.”

“I was excited [when I made Pommies Freshman year] and it gave me a lot of performing opportunities.”

“I have to get up at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays for morning practice and that’s pretty rough and it’s affected my life because it’s actually something to do in high school like if I didn’t make it I would’ve been okay with it but since I made it it’s just kind of exciting for your high school opportunities.”

“I like it, I enjoy it, I like it because it’s good bonding [to be able to] with other pommies and you learn to work together in so many different ways, it’s actually really cool.”

Not Just One of the Guys Nathan Roppa Sports Editor

Volleyball, cross country and softball are the sports that you would usually associate with girls options for the fall sports season, but one senior Jasmine James has done what no one else has thought of doing, James plays football for the Northmen.

“I feel kind of good for myself since I’m the only girl, I feel like I’m kind of alone knowing that I am the only girl, seeing that I am gutsy and strong to play a man’s game, but over all I feel proud of myself.”

James loves the sport of football and fell in love with the sport when she was a kid.

“I really love the sport and growing

Senior jasmin james smiles at the JV home game against the NKC Hornets on Monday, Oct. 12.

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Sports Design By Nathan Roppa

October 2015

up, it is the only sport I really like to watch and the only sport I really like to play.”

James encourages other girls who would like to go out for a dominant male sport to let nothing stand in their way if it’s what they love “If you have the love for football for example than go for it, don’t let anything hold you back. Stay strong for what you believe in and if you want to play a sport that you only see guys play and you love it, then take the chance to do what you want don’t let anyone tell you different, don’t let anyone tell you no, if you have a chance then take it if that’s what you want to do.”

Coach Roach Nathan Roppa Sports Editor

the Roaster

The start of a new school year also brings new teachers and coaches. One of these new additions to the school happens to be a new coach, Kyle Roach.

Roach is a football coach teaches team sports and flex. Roach has been coaching football for a total of 27 years and all those years he was a head coach.

Roach has many distinctions and awards on his very impressive resume including Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Class III Coach of the Year 2005-2006, Dream Team Coach of the Year Class III and

IV 2005-2006, assistant head coach 2005 and head coach 2007for the Missouri All-Star Game, served on the Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association for three years as an officer and 10 years as president 1989-1999 and Missouri Football Coach Hall of Fame. With this impressive resume, why did Roach choose to come to OP of all places?

“Why OP? I was very impressed with coach Keeton and the coaching staff and how they go about doing things the right way. To help develop young men.”

Everybody has been very eager and excited to have Roach at OP. “He’s a phenomenal human being ive known him for 23 years and he’s in the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame,” said Keeton.

The respect and bond a coach has with his players is one of the most important things for a coach to have.

“He’s probably the most relaxed, helpful, encouraging and understanding coach we have had and he can help with any position there is with any plays and steps that are needed,” said senior Jordan Williams.

Sports Design By Nathan Roppa

October 2015

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Before the Kickoff

2:45 Immediately after school, football teammates head up to the wrestling room for a brief relaxation period.

3:10

Maddie Russell Editor-in-Chief

3:20 Oak Park’s football team comes together to share a meal together before they head to the field.

4:50

Players begin to file down to the trainer’s room to get taped up.

5:10 Players arrive to pace the field to get into the mindset of the game.

5:20

Trainers carry water and medical supplies to the field.

5:30 The cheerleaders practice their stunts and cheers to prevent any mishaps.

Design by Maddie Russell

6:00

Students gather together in the parking lot at the DAC for a tailgate where they grill some food and paint up before the game.

The band arrives at the DAC to warm up their instruments and prepare for their new show “Star Wars.”