The Clipper December 2020

THE CLIPPER

VOLUME 30|ISSUE 2 | DECEMBER 2020 | PLATTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

05. THE Show

MUST GO ON Fall musical replaced with showcase

Table of Contents A look inside

Feature 03. Giving Students a Voice Students comment on new discussion board

Written by Porter Schoen 04. PC Personalities Learn meaning behind, influence of personality types

Written by Sophia Zimmerman 05. The Show Must Go On Fall musical replaced with showcase

Written by Allen Ainsworth and Emilia Wisniewski

06. Post-Election America 2020 Presidential election affects politics in U.S.

Written by Audrey McCoy

Opinion 07. Eight Months and Counting Hybrid schedule or online schooling better for everyone

Sports & Wellness 11. Sweat Through the Cold Students transition to winter workout routines

Written by Alison Baker

Written by Emilia Wisniewski

08. Winter Fun For Everyone Activity ideas to participate in this holiday season

12. Built Different Being physically healthy includes many different body types

Written by Peyton Gann

Written by Sophia Zimmerman

09. Spreading Christmas Cheer Give back during the holiday season

13. Senior Celebrations Activities celebrate committed seniors

Written by Audrey McCoy

10. Stop Cramming, Start Understanding How to be successful in mid-term test taking

Written by Jacob Flynn and Tatianna Tafolla

Written by Jacob Flynn

14/15. A Pirate Win Recapping PCHS athletics fall season

Written by Victoria Sanders

On the Cover

Alone on the stage, senior Mallori Klopfer sings "Someone to Watch Over Me" from "Oh, Kay!" The showcase included 12 songs from different musicals, like "Funny Girl" and "Kiss Me, Kate."

Photo by Piper Ruwe

Staff

Page Editor Sophia Zimmerman

Staff Writers Alison Baker Allen Ainsworth Emilia Wisniewski Jacob Flynn Peyton Gann Porter Schoen Tatianna Tafolla Victoria Sanders

Photographer Claire Graves Editor-in-Chief Audrey McCoy Adviser Kari Johnson

03. December 2020

Principal Keith Jones hosts weekly Zoom calls every Friday, as part of a student outreach initiative. On Friday, Dec. 4, the call featured Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

Graphic by Claire Graves

Giving Students a Voice Students comment on new discussion board Written by Porter Schoen

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his year, principal Keith Jones introduced a new activity to students’ Personalized Learning Times: a digital discussion board designed to allow new opinions to be heard.

“We’re bringing kids back at full capacity so that was a topic that kids wanted to talk about. The election was big, so how can you not talk about the election and how it’s going to impact our high school?”

This is important to Jones for several reasons.

Some students have called the discussions a place for different opinions to be heard.

“I want to be able to stay connected to students, and this is an avenue for me to do so,” Jones said. “Secondly, I think student voices are important. Especially with COVID, since I can’t get into classrooms as much as I want, giving students access to me on a consistent basis every week and coming up with topics for us to talk about, I think it’s been beneficial for students to buy into what’s going on and for them to feel like they’ve been heard or are asking questions directly.”

“It’s always a cool thing to just sit down and talk to people, see what their views are and see what their opinions are,” freshman Dominic Pitarys said. “I feel like Dr. Jones is trying to tap in with us and see what we think, see what’s currently going on, because we as freshmen are the newest generation to the school, and I feel like if you get responses from the newer grades coming in you can improve it for future generations.”

Topics for the discussion board are chosen by Jones based on current events or frequently discussed topics within the student body.

“It’s going to open a lot of conversations for students that we typically wouldn’t have in the classroom regularly,” Ruwe said. “I think it’s going to connect us all together in a different way that we didn’t expect.”

“Some of it’s been led by what’s going on in our community or what’s going on in the school,” Jones said.

Senior Piper Ruwe said these discussions can unite the student body.

Others acknowledge that there may be room for improvement.

"I feel like it has to be more announced,” Pitarys said. “The only reason I found out about these is that I’ll walk into PLT and our teacher is like, ‘Hey, Jones is doing a discussion board, join the Google Meet,’ and I was like, ‘Oh. Okay.’ It feels like there should be an email sent out when it’s happening.”

Goals for the discussion include establishing a direct link to students to talk to administrators and encouraging trust between the two groups.

“Hopefully, I think that we can build trust and that kids can feel like, “Hey, even though he’s the principal I can ask him a direct question about something serious,” Jones said. "It also lets me know where our student body stands.”

Pitarys said if more people participated in the discussion board, it would have a greater impact.

“You can always join,” Pitarys said. “I feel like your opinion should be heard no matter what.”

04. Feature

8

PC

Personalities

Learn meaning behind, influence of personality types

Written by Sophie Zimmerman

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he enneagram test is a personality test based on the enneagram theory that deciphers how people view the world and manage their emotions. It characterizes nine different strategies by which the human brain interprets its surroundings and relates to others and itself.

While sun zodiac signs only make up one piece of the puzzle when it comes to astrology, it is often the most popular and most talked about. Your sun sign is based on your date of birth and represents your basic preferences, core personality traits and interests.

Aries March 12 - April 20

Adventurous, energetic, confident, impulsive, impatient, quick-tempered, quick-witted Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, Robert Downey Jr.

Taurus April 21 - May 21

Patient, reliable, persistent, determined, jealous, possessive, stubborn, greedy Dwayne Johnson, Travis Scott, Megan Fox

Gemini May 22 - June 21

Versatile, adaptable, intellectual, youthful, eloquent, superficial, cunning, inconsistent Marilyn Monroe, Carole Baskin, Donald Trump

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Intuitive, imaginative, protective, creative, moody, overemotional, clingy Robin Williams, Ariana Grande, Meryl Streep

The Challenger Eights see themselves as strong and powerful and seek to stand up for what they believe in.

-Agent, Event planner, Journalist, CEO

7

9

The Peacekeeper Nines like to go with the flow and let the people around them set the agenda.

-Teacher, Artist, Travel agent, yoga instructor

The Enthusiast Sevens want to have as much fun and adventure as possible and are easily bored.

-Actor, Trainer, Travel agent, Chef

1

The Perfectionist Ones place a lot of emphasis on following the rules and doing things correctly.

-Architect, Surgeon, Accountant, Real estate agent

2

The Giver Twos want to be liked and find ways that they can be helpful to others so that they can belong.

-Professor, Doctor, Nurse, Working for or starting a non-profit organization

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The Skeptic Sixes are preoccupied with security, seek safety, and like to be prepared for problems.

-Lawyer, Dentist, Banker

5

The Investigator Fives seek understanding and knowledge and are more comfortable with data than other people.

-Engineer, Researcher, Journalist, Web Developer

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4

The Individualist Fours want to be unique and to experience deep, authentic emotions.

-Artist, Designer, Writer, Counselor

Leo July 23 - August 21

Generous, creative, broad-minded, faithful, intolerant, patronizing, bossy Kylie Jenner, Whitney Houston, Barack Obama

Virgo August 22-September 23

Modest, shy, intelligent, reliable, overcritical, anxious, perfectionist, harsh Beyoncé, Keanu Reeves, Mother Teresa

Libra September 24 - October 23

Charming, easygoing, sociable, indecisive, flirtatious, self-indulgent, gullible Kamala Harris, Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds

Scorpio October 24 - November 22

Determined, emotional, powerful, passionate, jealous, compulsive, obsessive, secretive Katy Perry, Marie Antoinette, Joe Biden

The Achiever Threes want to be successful and admired by other people and are very conscious of their public image.

-Entrepreneur, CEO, Stylist, Marketing Director

Sagittarius November 23 - December 22

Optimistic, funny, straightforward, philosophical, irresponsible, restless, superficial, careless Ted Bundy, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus

Capricorn December 23 - January 20 Practical, patient, careful, ambitious, impulsive, stubborn, brutal while angry Dolly Parton, Betty White, LeBron James

Aquarius January 21 - February 19

Humanitarian, loyal, independent, honest, friendly, detached, unpredictable, rebellious Michael Jordan, Harry Styles, Paris Hilton

Pisces February 20 - March 20

Sensitive, kind, selfless, imaginative, vague, weakwilled, lazy, oversensitive Rihanna, Albert Einstein, Justin Bieber

05. December 2020

THE

Show

MUST GO ON

Fall musical replaced with showcase

Performing a number, senior Maddie Kunz, junior Emily Barber, and seniors Emily Clark, Kylie Edmunds and Kaitlyn Reeves stand on the stage. This was the sixth performance of the night of Nov. 18.

Photo by Piper Ruwe

Written by Allen Ainsworth and Emilia Wisniewski

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everal spotlights shone down on the center of the stage in the Wilson Auditorium. Around this time of year, when the stage would be occupied by dozens of thespians, a single actress stood singing all by herself on the empty platform. The theater department decided to do a showcase, a mix of songs from different musicals put into one show, instead of the fall musical because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We have to be really cautious of how we perform on stage and what our audience members experience,” theater teacher Erica Glidewell said. “Usually my hope is ‘I hope that the show is wonderful and everybody enjoys it,’ but I know that’s going to happen. I just hope from a safety perspective that everything goes well.”

The audition process for the showcase

needed to be conducted virtually.

Students were given a choice to sing any musical song they wanted and given a monologue to perform as well.

“The auditions were interesting, for sure, because they were virtual,” senior Mallori Klopfer said. “But, because we did Sound Express auditions virtually, I was used to it.

It wasn’t too bad, but I recorded my songs so many times [that] I had to go through and find the perfect one.”

Many aspects of a regular theater production had to be changed to abide by COVID-19 guidelines. Along with a limited amount of costume changes and no more than 90 people in the audience, sound and the micing process needed to be adjusted too.

"We can’t have people using more than one

microphone because of restrictions, and we have to spread everybody out," cohead of sound, senior Taylor Stephens said. "It’s kind of dragging the process out a little bit.”

Nearly everyone who auditioned for the showcase made the cut and got a significant part. All thespians need to be alone on stage when performing their number, one most of the students chose themselves, except on the last song, “Seasons of Love,” from the musical “Rent.”

“I think at this point, everyone is doing the best that they can, and that there is no way to please everyone,” junior Maddy Darst said. “They’re doing the best they can to keep it interesting and keep it fun. Some schools didn’t even try to have sports or even try to have school. Even though it is a very hard time, I think we’re very lucky.”

06. Feature

VicePresidentelect Kamala Harris will make history as the first woman and first woman of color to hold a presidential office.

Post-Election America 2020 Presidential election affects politics in U.S. Written by Audrey McCoy

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n the lead-up to the American presidential election, there was tension, questions and concerns about what would happen in the U.S. Not much has changed.

Graphics by Audrey McCoy

President-elect Joe Biden’s team is taking action to work towards a transition of power. President Trump, however, continues to claim fraud, and his advisory team has stated that he will be the first president since 1801 to refuse to partake in the historical tradition of the post-election peaceful transition of power.

Before the election, it was estimated that the risk of post-election violence was high and the first of this came on Nov. 14, when the “Million MAGA March” drew thousands of Trump supporters to the U.S. capital.

President Donald Trump tweeted, “Hundreds of thousands of people showing their support in D.C. They will not stand for a Rigged and Corrupt Election!” Some violence broke out when counter-protesters showed up, and about 20 people were arrested.

Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in as the newest Supreme Court justice Tuesday, Oct. 27, the third to be appointed under the Trump administration. Her nomination was met with disapproval, with many claiming it was dishonorable to hold hearings while an election was underway.

According to ABC News, at 48, Barrett is the youngest member of the court and will be there for generations. She will make history as the 115th justice and just the fifth woman to serve.

On Twitter, Trump has remained consistent in his claims that results around the country were tainted by massive ballot fraud. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued a statement that said, “While we know there are many unfounded claims and opportunities for misinformation about the process of our elections, we can assure you we have the utmost confidence in the security and integrity of our elections, and you should too. When you have questions, turn to elections officials as trusted voices as they administer elections.” The officials issued a statement on Nov. 12, that said the Nov. 3 election “was the most secure in American history.” President Trump countered the statement in a tweet Nov. 13 and said, “This Election was Rigged.”

Student Opinions on the Results of the 2020 Presidential Election: “America is going to begin to heal, after the four years of torture it has been under.”

“I think there will be a great amount of tension, and the widespread amount of misinformation will not help. All these unsupported claims of voter fraud and the whole controversy about mail-in-ballots are taking the attention off more important issues surrounding our country. I do not believe the recounts will yield a number great enough to hand President Trump the victory, and the country needs to turn its attention to the President and Vice President-Elect and the transition of power.”

“The amount of misinformation being spread about supposed fraud in the election is frankly appalling, considering the complete lack of evidence of any fraudulent ballots. The fact that people will just believe anything a person says without a factual base is disappointing, to say the least.”

“It’s not over yet. This election has had fraud all over the place, and just because the media calls it, doesn’t mean it is over.”

“If they can prove the fraud and Trump wins, there is going to be a lot of unrest.”

Biden is now projected to have won the same number of electoral college votes as Trump did in 2016, while also defeating the president in the popular vote by more than 5 million votes.

"I think that no matter what happens people should just respect the winner and their party."

"All claims of any form of fraud either need to be supported with some form of evidence or otherwise completely dismissed."

07. December 2020

Eight Months and Counting Hybrid schedule or online schooling better for everyone Written by Alison Baker

F

irst hour classes filed into their seats, each desk spaced about two feet apart, which is the best that can be done in smaller classrooms, and students wore their masks.

This would show the safety guidelines being followed. The problem is, classroom environments are not a static image, and in ones like this first hour, it is impossible to separate the six feet necessary, people are eating and drinking, which results in touching of the face and breathing without a mask, wearing their masks under the nose.

But ultimately it culminates in incidents like this: Students were tasked with making a foldable graphic organizer for their notebook. The paper and scissors are kept in one box, which students all file behind, jostling inches apart, all touching the same box, sifting through it, touching each pair of scissors, while the person behind them does the same. It undoes any precautions taken, each student touching the same box, and then putting them back without sanitizing them.

If one student is to test positive for COVID-19, everyone has been exposed and has a chance of getting the virus.

This is a fact: Coronavirus cases are surging in Missouri. Students have noticed some of their classmates disappearing for a week, some have come in through virtual meets, and parents are getting emails about kids in their child’s class having COVID. And it keeps getting worse. How can all students and teachers be expected to return?

There’s not much to say in favor of going back, besides the obvious reason of it being hard on the parents, which it has been since day one. But, it is important to consider the teachers, the bus drivers, the custodians who come in early to keep the school clean.

There’s no denying that it has been hard to adjust during this time, however it is clear that the attempts to live alongside COVID19 are not working.

It’s important to take action to stop the spread of Coronavirus with any means at our disposal.

Everyone must do their part.

08. Opinion

Favorite holiday traditions:

Favorite winter movies:

*Out of 101 Student responses

Graphics by Peyton Gann

*Out of 101 Student responses

Winter FUN FOR EVERYONE Activity ideas to participate in this holiday season

Written by Peyton Gann

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s hard as it is to find fun things to do for the holiday and winter season that is quickly approaching, there are lots of fun activities to do safely inside and outside. Whether it's decorating a Christmas tree or ice skating, these traditions can still be appreciated in this COVID-19, holiday season.

Staying in and not hosting people this holiday season are the safest options, but that doesn't mean that this year can't still be fun. Creating a new holiday tradition with family could be one way. There are many options: making gingerbread houses, watching a favorite holiday movie, driving around looking at Christmas lights, etc.

Students shared their favorite holiday traditions.

Each year sophomore Noah Johnson and his family decorate their house with Christmas decorations and lights, while listening to Christmas music.

Decorating the house for the holidays with family and listening to Christmas is something that families can do to spend quality time with each other this holiday season.

Holiday baking could be a nice way to celebrate, stay safe, and maybe even spread the Christmas spirit to others.

Each year sophomore April Bobowski and her family always takes a week just for baking cookies for her family that lives out of state. They bake a different cookie each day of the week, such as toffee pecan on Tuesday and thumbprint cookies on Thursday.

Staying in and watching holiday movies is another idea of how to celebrate the season. Sitting around the house in some Christmas pajamas, snuggled up with a favorite blanket and a great movie could be a fun way to spend the holidays with family as the winter season approaches.

Staying in isn't the only option this year. Ice skating is another winter tradition that can safely continue this winter. Crown Center is still open this year with half capacity. Sledding, playing in the snow, and building a snowman are all outside, winter activities that could be fun even this year.

From listening to Christmas music and setting up the Christmas tree with family, to baking cookies of all different kinds to send out to family and friends, holiday fun can still continue this year. Staying careful should still be a priority, but continuing family traditions can also be one.

Although this holiday season will look different, the spirit of this time of year is the same. Celebrate the season and be COVID-safe, but still joyful.

09. December 2020

Local places to donate this holiday season:

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Operation Breakthrough helps support the community by providing holiday gifts and meals to families in need in central Kansas City.

Volunteer opportunities and information about holiday and winter programs can be found on their website operationbreakthrough.org

Give back during the holiday season

Written by Audrey McCoy

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s the air grows colder and Christmas takes over stores and music, it’s easy to fall victim to the commercial nature of the holiday season.

This season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it’s often easy to forget that for a lot of people and families in our own community, it’s not.

While rushing around to make sure each important person gets the right gift and that each fun tradition is done, don’t forget those who may not be so fortunate. During the holiday season especially, it is important to be mindful that not everyone has the resources most might be lucky enough to have readily available. Remember that many families go without gifts during the holiday season, and sometimes even without a hot meal or a warm place to sleep.

Giving back and volunteering provides the opportunity to help fellow citizens when they need it the most and when better to give back than the holiday season?

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, people who volunteer report having better health, selfesteem and personal satisfaction than nonvolunteers.

When helping those in need, it’s easy to feel good. Volunteering stimulates feelings of euphoria and promotes the release of endorphins, which could give self-esteem a much-needed boost during a vulnerable time of year for seasonal depression and poor mental well-being.

Anyone can make a difference in a struggling individual’s life by simply finding out ways to help. Making a difference doesn’t have to be donating a lot of money to a charity, it could simply be sending holiday cards and letters to people in hospitals and nursing homes, donating old sweaters to a clothing drive, or offering to pay for the person behind at a coffee shop or drive-through.

For some people, the holiday season is a lonely, stressful time. Small but meaningful actions, could really improve someone’s day.

Giving back in any way makes a difference.

Find somewhere to volunteer or donate some Christmas gifts to a local program.

Anything can help, do something to help others this year.

The importance of giving back during the holiday season is evident in the way it affects others, but it can also improve mental and emotional health.

The true spirit of the holiday comes from giving back, giving thanks, lending a helping hand to those in need and spreading joy to those around us.

Share the Warmth Winter clothing drive hosted by PCHS is seeking donations of new or gently used warm clothing items. Collected items will be donated to Hillcrest in Platte City.

Winter clothing items could also be donated to Hillcrest, The Welcome House, The Salvation Army, RefugeKC, Project Warmth

Graphics by Audrey McCoy

10. Opinion

BERRIES such as strawberries and blueberries are believed to produce blood flow which helps improve certain parts of your brain that processes learning and memory.

CITRUS FRUITS like grapefruit and oranges help overall brain function and are shown to ward off mental decline and also improve learning and memory.

EGGS can specifically be helpful the morning of a test. Eggs have lots of proteins such as vitamin B12. Having a low level of vitamin B12 in your system impairs brain function. Lutein is also in eggs and helps improve visual and mental function.

DARK CHOCOLATE and cocoa products help reduce mental strain and fatigue, improve blood flow to the brain which helps improve memory, as well as improve reaction time on mental tasks such as test taking and studying.

Brainfoods to help with cognititive function

STOP CRAMMING, START UNDERSTANDING

Information from Healthline Media

Graphic By Tatianna Tafolla

How to be successful in mid-term test taking

Written by Jacob Flynn & Tatianna Tafolla

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s the first semester inches towards a close, students begin to celebrate festive holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s, but it also marks the beginning of another nightmarish season, midterms.

Every year it comes around, and every year students must prepare for a potential make or break test.

With midterms approaching, it is important for students to prepare themselves to achieve a good grade. Follow some of these tips to help earn the best possible score on finals.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) suggests that the days leading up to a test is the best time to set things aside and open up to the world of studying. For about four to six days a week, students should try to study each class for

15-45 minutes: make flashcards, review notes and go through previous quizzes and tests to solidify understanding.

It’s also important to avoid multitasking while reviewing because it makes your brain feel fizzled out and less focused while trying to gather information. Let cramming run its course and actually start studying and reviewing slowly and over time instead of shoving a bunch of material into your brain before an exam. This helps with retaining and applying information.

The Life Sciences Education (LSE) publication encourages students to collaborate with peers to make their learning more meaningful. Making learning personal and talking things out with peers is something that helps reveal new ideas or understandings around a study topic.

The night before a test, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends sleep before midnight and to get 8-9 hours of sleep to be mentally prepared for a test.

The morning of, test-takers should eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast as morning consumption boosts energy levels and vigilance while also helping students get proper nutrients. Setting up a good morning routine to get students going is also helpful: listen to music, exercise or do a little writing in the morning to prepare.

When that midterm exam is handed to you, remember that these test-taking strategies can make or break a grade.

Read the full questions, mark off wrong answers and use common sense to limit the answer pool. Proofread, double check your work and most importantly, try your best.

11. December 2020 In the wrestling room, freshman Markus Delfin runs across the mat. At least once during the week, the Strength and Conditioning classes go to the wrestling room.

Photo by Allen Ainsworth

During seventh hour Strength and Conditioning, the class works out in the wrestling room. Men's Strength and Conditioning classes are held during first, fourth and seventh hour.

Photo by Allen Ainsworth

Sweat Through the Cold

Students transition to winter workout routines Written by Emilia Wisniewski

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s the leaves on the trees changed to shades of red and yellow, the temperature dropped greatly.

During the months of October and November, Platte City underwent changes in the weather, with temperatures fluctuating from 70 degrees to 30 degrees throughout the months. The unpredictability of temperatures made the transition from fall workout routines and sports into winter easy.

“I dance and tumble at Beatnik’s dance studio, and I’m on the high school swim team,” freshman Zoe Sutley said. “[My sports are] a little bit easier during the winter because there’s not as much going on. It’s a lot harder to do it in summer and spring because there is a lot more that’s happening.”

According to a survey sent to the student population, out of the 71 students who responded, 62% of students reported to have some kind of exercise or workout routine during the winter season.

“My routine consists of working out during weights class and going to basketball practice,” junior Brody Fulk said. “I have been playing [basketball] since first grade, and I normally play year-round, but it was hard with other sports and COVID-19. [I like exercising in] spring; it’s just so nice outside.”

High school sports for the winter season started in the first week in November. These winter sports include girl’s and boy’s wrestling, girl's and boy's basketball, archery and girl’s swimming.

“During the winter, I am in advanced weights and also swim,” senior Avery Nix said. “I like swimming, just not in the winter because it’s cold. But, I like to swim to stay in shape, and I do enjoy weights.”

There are great benefits that come with working out in the winter. During the cold winter season when people are exercising outside, there are more calories being burned in the colder temperatures because the body will try to regulate its core temperature.

“My winter workout is going to look a little different this year because of COVID-19 and the hybrid schedule, but it usually looks like working out with the soccer team and working with coach [Courtland] Ingram,” senior Emma Murray said.

Murray said that during the warm months she works on agility and basic strength for tennis.

“Workouts that I do with the school in the summer usually don’t feel as tough," Murray said.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, affects around 10 million adults in the United States, according to Psychology Today.

Some common symptoms for SAD are having low energy, having problems sleeping and feeling hopeless. Not much is known about how one develops SAD, but it’s often contributed to low levels of serotonin and melatonin. SAD can be managed by doing 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day.

“I just do cross-country, so it’s just normal practices with lower intensity and lower [recovery] times,” sophomore Tanner Johnson said. “I’m always opposite of whatever season it is. If it’s winter, I like running in the heat. If it’s summer, I like running in the cold. But, as long as the wind isn’t blowing or it isn’t snowing, winter is great.”

12. Sports & Wellness

Graphic by Claire Graves

Built Different Being physically healthy includes many different body types Written by Sophia Zimmerman

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verybody is different, and every body is different. A person’s body size and shape are influenced by multiple factors such as genetics, nutrition, culture and society. These forces influence how a person looks and what characteristics they may have. This also influences what a person must do or not do to stay physically healthy.

Physical function may often be talked about less than physical appearance when discussing health. The word “healthy” has been tied to a person's physical appearance by society, culture and the media. Diet culture has resulted in people being deemed healthy or unhealthy based only on their physical appearance.

“Having cardiovascular health, making sure we take care of our heart.

Also mind-body, so making you stretch and work on your flexibility and your core. Then also strength so having or building muscles and having the strength in your body to keep your body healthy and keep it going. True health connects all three of those.” YMCA Healthy Livings Director Starla Bargmann said.

Physical health shouldn’t be measured by what a person looks like but rather by how a person feels and functions.

"What healthy means to me is somebody who is taking care of themselves in the best way possible while also doing things to keep and make their-

body function as well as they possibly can,” Bargmann said.

Being healthy should be functional and practical. Take bodybuilders as an example.

They can have a lot of strength, but there are competitive bodybuilders who can’t touch their own toes, so they are missing the flexibility part of the triangle.

"Just because two people may eat and drink and do all of the same activities, doesn’t mean that their bodies are going to look exactly alike,” health teacher Ashlyn Brantley said.

“Somebody may be more prone to have thicker thigh muscles, or somebody's just a little bit leaner.”

Everyone’s genetic makeup is different. No two people have the same genetic code besides identical twins, therefore everyone’s appearance looks different. Every person’s genetics influences weight, body size, bone structure, shape and height differently.

Genetics also influences thyroid, metabolic rate and hormones which can affect how a person’s body looks. All body sizes can be healthy. A person’s ideal body is one that allows them to be capable, energetic, feel strong and be nourished.

“What somebody's body looks like doesn't always determine if they're actually healthy or not,” Bargmann said.

13. December 2020

Senior Celebrations Activities celebrate committed seniors Written by Jacob Flynn

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port and activity seasons have struggled to maintain function this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but through all the struggles and trials, students and advisers have remained determined to finish their season. As winter activities begin, fall activities have come to a close with either a final competition or show, and while it is only the final exhibition of the season for some, it’s the finale for seniors.

“The cheer team is like my second family,” head cheer coach Gail Martin said. “We get to know each other very well as we spend many hours together. It's not just about practicing and cheerleading at games. It's also about bonding and becoming a closeknit family.”

Traditionally seniors take on leadership positions within their respective activities.

Seniors who have been with an activity for years grow close to their teammates and the activity as a whole. Senior swimmer Luke Harms said he appreciated what the swim program gave him.

“Swim and the swim team has meant endless opportunities for me to get to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Harms said. “Finally getting to be a senior

was a great experience, and I hope the underclassmen were able to learn something from me, like I did from those before me.”

Senior send-off festivities are often unique to the activity: in swim, seniors swim a final 50 yards however they choose as the team watches from the sidelines and cheers for them. The cheer squad this year had a celebratory breakfast set up by parents.

These moment traditionally happen during a "Senior Night," for each activity or sport, where seniors are announced with their parents and have a moment in the spotlight. Senior band member Macie Moore shared her senior night experience.

“The seniors give an armband to an underclassman to carry on their ‘legacy,’” Moore said. “I was excited to give my armband to [junior] Katie Ley because she’s a fellow female baritone player, and she hadn’t received an armband before.”

Senior night’s main purpose is to be a closing for students who have dedicated so much time to their sport or activity.

“It [the final 50] gave me a true feeling of closure,” Harms said. “Like, this is my very last practice; this will never happen again for me.”

Senior night isn’t just a closing for a

The boy's swim team's senior swimmers and managers: Ava Jonkman, Sage Nichols, Jacob Flynn, Luke Harms and Ryan Dye line up with their parents at senior night to receive praise from the crowd. [not pictured: Drake Lacina] Photo courtesy of PCHS Swim Twitter

chapter in students' lives, but it also serves as an important memory of their participation as whole.

“Seniors have earned the right to be leaders after all of the time they have invested in the program,” Martin said. “It’s [Senior Night] important to me because I want them to have fond and fun memories of their time cheering.”

This year certain activities have had to be reworked or canceled all together due to COVID-19.

“My final year of band was the least exciting because of COVID,” Moore said.

“Pride Band was probably my favorite thing about band, but we didn’t get to do it this year.”

Moore isn’t the only one disappointed by the restrictions required due to COVID-19.

Harms also suffered losses from his final year of swim with a lack of traditional swim team bonding activities such as Pirate drill or goal journaling, yet he still has a positive outlook on things.

“My final year of swim went about as well as I could’ve hoped for, despite all the obstacles COVID brought this year," Harms said. "It was great to be able to be there with my parents to celebrate the last four years.”

14. Sports & Wellness

In a game against Grain Valley, senior Halle Magee scores a run.

The softball team beat Grain Valley in their quarterfinal game 3-1.

Photo by Emilia Wisniewski

A PIRATE WIN Recapping the fall sports season

Preparing to serve the ball, senior Aly Anderson plays on the home court. The volleyball team won conference against Raytown South.

Photo by Claire Lowry

Written by Victoria Sanders

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thletes had to overcome the obstacles that COVID-19 threw at them, such as competing with face masks. Coming into the new school year, student athletes were unsure if their seasons were still happening, but by following the COVID protocol, each sport was still able to have their season.

Losing a lot of key starters from past seasons, the boys soccer team had to put in extra work for this season. The team had to figure out how to learn to play with the new team. Coming up short of making it to state, the boys team put up a fight against Smithville at district finals. Leading the game for the first half, the soccer team ended up losing 2-1.

“We were winning up to the last five minutes of the second half,” junior Austen Plymell said. “It was really sad because Smithville just got an extra boost of energy, and they scored two goals and beat us before we could go

into overtime.”

After an in-season record of 9-1, the football team advanced into postseason. Heading into the semi finals, the boys prepared for a rematch against Webb City where they won 24-21. The team then faced Jackson High School for the state title in Jefferson City, but they lost 42-7.

“I think the biggest thing is the class that we are in,” senior Colby Rollins said. “Obviously we moved up from Class 4 to Class 5, which has a whole lot bigger teams, and a whole lot harder, and that causes a big challenge and threat, but the team we have, I’m not worried about.”

As a team, varsity girls golf had nine wins and won conference champions for the fifth year in a row. For the first time since 2003, the girls golf team

sent a whole team to state, placed fifth as a team and lost by one stroke.

The junior varsity team had a successful year as well, winning the majority of their matches and four tournaments.

The girls ended up as JV conference champions.

“In previous seasons, I think my scores were definitely a little bit better, but the aspect of the team worked a lot better which improved the dynamic between everybody,” junior Eden Shipp said.

The softball team ended their season with a 19-1 record. Varsity advanced all the way to state and lost to Webb City to eventually take the third place trophy. The junior varsity team had a good season as well, ending with a 10-0 record.

“We got the [pitching] machine out, and we would practice different pitches,” senior Grace Heater said. “We would do continuous reps, then we also did situations almost everyday to be aware of different ones. Teamwise, our chemistry

15. December 2020 Before the buzzer goes off, junior Carson Howe gets ready for the 100 backstroke. Backstroke is the third to last event in a typical swim meet.

Photo By Emilia Wisniewski

Continuing the Pirate tradition, senior Collin Tyson holds the anchor. The Pirates won 33-13 against Staley at districts.

Photo By Emilia Wisniewski

was good, so that brought us closer, and it probably made us play better.”

The volleyball team went 12-4 this season. They advanced to state and placed third after a loss to Parkway West and a win over Nerinx Hall.

“We were the first team to ever make it to state, which means we did pretty good,” junior Mary Grace Hunter said.

“We played games against harder teams, like Class 5 teams, to prepare us because we knew we would see better teams there than in our class and conference here.”

The boys swim team sent eight boys to state this year. Sophomore Collin Burton finished 23rd at the state swim meet in the 100 butterfly, and swam a 53.77 in the 100 Freestyle. Junior Dylan Bietz swam a 51.34 in the 100 free getting 20th place, and 21st place in the 50 free with a time of 23.10. The 200 medley relay (Ryan Dye, Christian Yocklin, Burton and Bietz) placed 21st place at state with a time of 1:48.17. As a team they ended up tying for 35th in the Class 1 state championship.

“Our team prepared for the postseason by tapering the last couple weeks in practice to stay in shape but not exhaust their muscles,” junior Zach Sill said. "I think our swim season as a

About to sink a three-footer, senior Mannon Bigus, sets up the shot. The golf team won conference champs for the fifth year in a row.

Photo By Leah Albright

team did pretty good after having lost a decent chunk of our team this year from graduates. Individually, I think I did moderate. I dropped time in a few events but gained time in others.”

took 8th place at state. The boys and the girls both sent teams to their Class 4 state competition. Bjustrom and senior Maddie Klippenstein both took over the 10th fastest state time in school history.

The girls tennis team only had one senior this season. Most of the varsity was made up of juniors. The girls team sent their No. 1 doubles team to districts, and they took fourth place.

Junior Molly McBratney took first place and claimed the district championship to qualify for state.

“Team-wise, we’re the best average girls for a team in a long time," senior Ryanne Rhude said. "I think the mix of freshman and seniors was really good.

Our workouts taper off so we're more in shape, because two weeks before is actually how fit you are for the race.

Whenever we get into the postseason, we start to taper so you’re still running and staying in shape but not making yourself too tired.”

“I thought our team had a very good season this year because it was a very developmental year. We had a whole team of juniors, and there was a whole new varsity team, and it was really new to us,” McBratney said. “I thought my individual season went really, really well this year just because I went from No. 6 last year on the team to No. 1. I was district champ and qualified for state which was a really big stepping stone for me in tennis.”

The cross-country team also enjoyed success. The boys won their Class 4 district, and senior Blake Bjustrom won first to have honors as district champion. The girls team ended in third place at districts, qualified to send five girls to state. The XC teams

While wearing face coverings and overcoming COVID, the football team made state in Class 5 for the first time, volleyball had their first trip to state, and softball made state in Class 4 for the first time. Golf made state outside of Class 1 for the first time, and cross-country had two 8th-place state team finishes.

“I would say this season, while less fun without the locker room, was a success as we all got to practice together," junior Zach Sill said. "Although it could’ve been better I think it was pretty good, everything considered.”