Trojan Bluestreak Issue 3

BLUESTREAK 1744 N. Andover Rd. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 32 Issue 3, November 5, 2014

Special Edition: The Split

An in-depth issue dedicated to the decision to open andover’s second high school thirteen years ago

Comparison of Athletics and Academics pg. 6-7

what’s inside >> The Cause of the Split and Further Actions pg. 4-5

Different School Traditions pg. 24-25

Special Issue Preview Why We Split The Rivalries What if We Never Split 5A/6A Powerhouse

Editorial Trojan Nite vs. Rumble A House Divided

3 4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11

BLUESTREAK STAFF Meg Plank editor-in-chief Ashli Ellerman managing editor Anna Schrag design editor fun editor Monica Goldberg content editor Megan Curry copy editor Madi Hearne visual editor Lily Farha business manager

12-13 14-15 16-17

Gloria Mares news editor Paige Schlitter photo editor Hayley Landers assistant photo editor Kristen McPherson online photo editor

18-19 The Divide Line Sharing District Stadium 20-21

Madison Martinez features editor/ columnist Haley Rowe columnist Grant Cohen sports editor

22-23 The Budget Different School Traditions 24-25

Elizabeth Hartley writing coach Brittiany Clark in-depth editor Abby Beaver page editor Katherine Dakan web editor Addy Maples pop culture editor

By the Numbers Back Cover

26-27 28

Yousef Krichati social media editor Carly Flake writer/photograher Josh Norlin cartoonist Cary Conover adviser

2

Contents NOV 5, 2014

Special Edition: The Split

Andover High School

Andover Central High School

What makes this issue special...

It may be hard to believe, but 13 years ago there was only one high school in Andover. One school, one athletic team, one family working to achieve excellence.

Such a small town with two high schools? The idea seemed unfathomable at the time. However, the split created lots of opportunities that could not be achieved as a larger school: smaller class sizes, better chances to participate in sports and higher learning potential.

After years of planning, 2001 not only brought a new high school to the town of Andover, but also one of the biggest rivalries in the state.

With smaller schools there would be fewer people at athletic tryouts, providing more opportunity to progress as an athlete. Smaller class sizes provide more opportunity for students to truly get to know others and become closer as a graduating class. However, the decision to divide was a huge controversy among the administration, students and others living in the community.

The questions were endless: Where would the new school be built? How much would it cost? Where would the boundary between the schools be drawn? Should we even follow through with the split? All these factors played a tremendous role in the final decision.

As for students, where you lived would now determine where you would graduate high school. When

I moved to Andover in 2008, my family and I purposely settled in a house on the “Old School” side of town.

We did this so my brother and I were able to attend my mother’s alma mater.

As for the current teachers, they were given the opportunity to decide whether they stayed or left. Most stayed, and a few moved across the town to the newest addition of Andover: Andover Central High School.

It is strange to look back and think about the past, but that’s exactly what this issue is about. It’s about taking a step back in time and really studying all the aspects and decisions of the issue at hand in 2001.

It is about analyzing the “what if’s…” and “how come’s…” It is about answering the questions we have about the past, present and future of Andover and Andover Central.

Andover High is currently about one hundred students under the population when the school split.

Growing about 20 to 30 students per year, we are due for another split. That is, if the administration wishes to keep schools small and intimate.

You never know though; only time will tell. History is known to repeat itself.

–megPLANK

3

Introduction Nov 5, 2014

Looking Back

Teachers and Students Reflect on their Experiences During Split Thirteen years ago Andover’s one and only high school outgrew itself and students were forced to separate into two different schools.

The citizens of Andover knew that something was going to happen about the overcrowded school in the years leading up to the actual split. Back in 2000 there were around 110 more kids attending Andover High School (AHS) than there are currently. There was no Gym A or 700 hall, so the building was much smaller and much more crowded.

The administration and the community debated whether to simply add on to AHS to make it into one large school, or split into two schools to better accommodate growth. In 1998, the bond issue passed to provide funds to build Andover Central High School (ACHS). After that it was just a matter of the community voting on school colors, the school mascot and other school decisions.

The Andover community, parents, teachers, and even students all got a say in the new school. Sedgwick County was also able to participate in the voting because AHS students overlapped between Butler and Sedgwick Counties.

“During our junior year it was kind of weird, we voted on the mascot and picked colors which was fun but everyone was already fearing the actual split,” AHS alumni, and now an ACHS counselor, Erin Eilert said.

Seniors that lived on the north side of Andover went to Andover High School–“Old School” as it became known– and the seniors who lived on the south side could choose to go to either AHS or (ACHS).

“I lived in Terradyne at the time so I got to go to AHS and I was pretty happy about that. Most of my friends were also going there too,” Andover graduate and AHS history teacher Andrea Daughtery said.

Though she got continued going to school with many of her friends, her one best friend had to move to Central.

“She was a sophomore and we ended up losing contact. That was partly because I moved away my senior year though,” Daugherty said.

She did end up moving back to Andover after college and they re-connected. Now they are best friends again.

As it came time to split there was a lot of debate about which teachers would leave to teach at ACHS and which teachers would stay at AHS. Some of them got to

4

In depth NOV. 5, 2014

choose whether or not they would stay or go, but others did not get a say in the matter.

“Teachers who had been here the longest got to choose. I chose to stay here because of Student Council,” AHS foreign language teacher Vicki Hadley said.

There were mixed emotions about the split. Some people were excited while others were unhappy. Dividing up the school meant that friends would be split up, as well as couples and colleagues.

“I was sad because I was split apart from some of my closest colleagues but it ended up being a good thing. I love teaching in a smaller school and it is very beneficial for the students too,” AHS history teacher Joel Schaefer said.

Most students that attended AHS around the time of the split would agree that it was a good thing rather than a bad decision.

“I am a fan of the split. So many kids have gotten to do things they wanted to do because of it. I think there is still a sense of community even though we are split in two,” AHS English teacher Mike Lee said.

Lee was one of the teachers who chose to move to ACHS during the split. He had been teaching at AHS for three years then moved to Central to coach football and teach the Butler English Composition 1 and 2 classes. While there, three of his children were in the same building as well.

“There was nothing negative about me leaving to teach at Central. I was there for six years, then moved back to Andover High,” Lee said.

After the split, the first day of school was much different. Going from a school of 900 students to around 600 was a big change.

“When you pull out 300 students from a school it makes a big difference,” AHS principal Bob Baier said.

Eilert agreed that there was a noticeable difference in the atmosphere of the school.

“The first few months after the split were fine but it was just kind of weird not seeing everyone there,” Eilert said.

Baier was AHS’s principal back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s when the idea of the split was first brought up.

“At the time, there were ten classrooms in modulars (temporary, portable structures). There were also five lunches,” Baier said.

Continued...

Though the transition went smoothly, there was still some tension between the two schools. Because everything at Central was brand new, it made some people at Andover High angry. Also when one school succeeded in a certain activity or sport, the other school became jealous.

“There was some animosity in the first year. Little things were kind of blown out of proportion,” Lee said.

Students today still very much feel the rivalry, but it was even bigger back then. Andover High graduate and current ACHS teacher Rebecca Fleming saw it in most of the school activities.

“It didn’t really affect our learning, other than just the natural excitement on days of games and events,” Fleming said.

To her, the split created a fun competition. But when it came to activities like Trojan Nite, there was a little more tension.

After the split, Central created Rumble and that caused

some nastiness. The kids kind of felt like Trojan Nite was their thing and they didn’t want them to steal it,” Hadley said.

At the time of the split, past AHS teacher, Bill Coffman described the rivalry as “playing your brother in anything.

You want to beat him but after the game is over you are still a community.”

Even though the two schools had some serious tension they still felt like one class and not two separate schools.

“We had our ten-year reunion recently and our entire class came back, including the students who moved to Central,” Daugherty said.

Students soon realized that the schools had split for their own good.

“Looking back now, it was the better decision to split schools because I would not want to be in a huge high school as a student. So I think it was for the best overall,” Eilert said.

-ashliELLERMAN

Courtsey Photo

courtesy photos

in depth NOV. 5, 2014

5

A-town: Athletics & Academics

Looking at Past Events of Both Andover High Schools With the division of the school came an inevitable cross-town rivalry in both academics and sports.

Since the split, Andover has competed against Andover Central in every sport. For the past three years, Andover has defeated Central football, but lagged behind in volleyball, only winning last season. Scores for other fall sports such as crosscountry and tennis have bounced back and forth between the schools.

“We do like seeing our name above Central’s when it comes to competition, but at the same time it is still a healthy rivalry,” Cross Country Coach Justin Hill said.

Because football has an actual home field to defend, the rivalry between the two schools can be amplified, creating serious competition. According to Head Football Coach Mike Lee, the origin of the rivalry stemmed from the fact that with the split, the players knew each other and had grown up playing together and then the very next year they were playing against each other, creating an emotional atmosphere.

“The rivalry has just grown from there because it was so big initally from the brotherly-like relationship the players had; it established the importance of it. The kinds of games played, the local attention and the community as well as the student body involvement just fueled it,” Lee said.

The players as well as the talent on each team may change every year, but the rivalry is unwavering.

“It[a football game] is always a highly competitive evening, regardless of how good either team is,” Lee said.

Senior Kristen McPherson said part of the reason playing Central is a bigger deal than other schools is because the two are compared more often.

Ac HS 6

News Nov. 5, 2014

“In volleyball, we[the volleyball team] want to be the best in Andover because of the pride and bragging rights that come with it,” McPherson said.

When the schools were first divided, the board promised that academically, the same opportunities would be provided by both schools. The difference comes in the different courses being offered every year.

“We offer the same curriculum in both buildings, just some courses don’t fill up during enrollment so they get dropped. That is why this year, Central has a section of Econ that our school does not,” Andover Counselor Sue Coffman said.

The teaching style is also different, as Central has a certified teacher for dual credit speech, Ms. Jodee Hobbs, just as Andover has Mrs. Cathy McGuire to teach dual credit calculus.

“Andover Central also doesn’t have a shop because they are expensive to put in and fund so they have to come to our building for those classes,” Coffman said.

According to usnews.com, the AP participant passing rate is higher at Andover, with 69 percent compared to Andover Central at 61 percent, but Central has the upper hand in the exam pass rate at 67 percent to 62 percent.

For national recognition, Central received a bronze model, ranking them among thwe top high schools in the country while Andover narrowly missed the cut.

“Every year scores bounce back and forth between schools, but the district as a whole remains in very good academic standing,” Coffman said.

- monicaGOLDBERG

AHS Drawing by Josh Norlin

7

News Nov. 5, 2014

To Stay Or To Go? Staff Members Analyze Personal Decisions During Split Nearly every student on Andover grounds is aware of the experienced counselors at each building…I liked my job and I great Andover School District (USD 385) split in 2001. With a had a very good group of volleyball players coming back and all new school less than three blocks away, boundaries were drawn of them stayed together so it was an easy decision for me,” Coffand students were transferred based on their place of residence. man said.

But is even a small fraction of the student body aware of the Some teachers seemed to dread the split. Others were more alternative? What if the split had never transpired? or less indifferent. A larger school with more students and staff “If the split had not occurred, I think we would have a situahas many advantages that smaller schools do not get, but the tion similar to Derby. We would have had to find ways to add on same is true of smaller schools. to the school with multiple additions…The whole school experi“I would have stayed regardless of us splitting or not. I enence would be a lot less personable,” Andover Social Studies joyed a large staff with a number of personalities and ideas, but teacher Brad Reams said.

I also like knowing my colleagues a little more as well,” Andover Population alone makes the thought English teacher Mike Bogner said. virtually unthinkable. Without rebuildA large school is ideal for some students “I would have stayed ing, or drastically renovating, there and staff, those who like an expansive variety regardless of us would be no conceivable way of conof peers. However, others feel larger schools splitting or not.

I enjoyed a large lose their character as they gain bodies. tinuing Andover traditions devoid of the staff with a number of persondivide.

“I am not sure whether I would have “This building is bigger now than alities and ideas, but I also like continued to teach in the Andover District it was then, but neither school is big knowing my colleagues a little [without the split]. One of the aspects I like enough to hold 1600-1700 students,” Anabout teaching is the community feel of a more as well,” dover English teacher Mike Lee said. school. As a school gets larger, it can lose the Enrollment was at an all-time high - mikeBOGNER strong bonds between teachers, students, and in 2000, with 941 students alone in the the administration,” Reams said. building. Hallways were packed and As for scoring and grades, there is not classes had been growing for some time. much noticeably distinctive from the pre-split era. Students “The last thing you wanted to be doing was going ‘upstream’ remain fairly habitual from year-to-year in terms of motivation between classes,” Lee said. and inclination.

The split was anticipated for many months prior to the “Good students do the work and do well now just like they actual event. Committees formed to decide the best plan of acdid then,” Lee said. tion. The new building that would be Andover Central had to Average scores are often controversial topics among staff be built. Parents and students had to be informed of the school and Board of Education members. With a larger student body, board’s final decisions. more tests are taken overall, meaning the higher scores are “Everyone knew it was coming quite a while before the split. likely to get lost in the mix.

There was a lot of research done on what size schools were the “If I had to estimate, I believe scores would be lower due to best for students, and teachers were added along the way so we the sheer number of students included in the total,” Reams said. would have experienced teachers in both buildings,” said AndoWhile “there was certainly not unanimity about a second ver counselor and varsity volleyball coach Sue Coffman. high school,” (Terry), the district division was a necessary ploy.

Many facts were considered during the splitting process.

The classes at Andover were simply too large, the halls too Studies were conducted to determine the optimal sizes of crowded. The split helped these issues, and fixed many more, schools to best serve the students as well as the teachers. A but it also brought many new opportunities to the district. study conducted by a team of faculty and students at Wichita “Extracurricular and leadership positions were increased for State University determined that high schools are optimally all students,” Terry said. sized at approximately 600-900 students.

While the rivalry between the two schools is stronger than “More students participate in smaller schools and conseever, academically both are considered by many to be excelquently are less likely to drop out,” Senior Fellow and Educalent places to receive a diploma. The teachers are accomplished tional Leadership facilitator, Andover Superintendent at the and are proven to be good at what they do. The students put in time of the split, Pat Terry said, based off WSU study findings. proportionate effort to have their schools positively represented, The class of 2002, as well as the staff (based on seniority), at both within the city limits and beyond. The halls buzz with the “Old School” was given the option of which school to attend, but usual hustle and bustle of high school lives. underclassmen had to abide by the new boundary lines. Many “I have nothing but positive thoughts of my six years there. knew well in advance the plans to divide the district, and many Both buildings are very good schools with excellent teachers struggled with this decision. But for Coffman, the selection was and solid students. I liked the students at Andover Central, and easy.

I’ve liked the students here,” Lee said.

“We had added 2 counselors, so we had 4 before the split; -meganCURRY that way we all knew what was going on and we would have 2

“

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FEATURE NOV. 5, 2014

“Would you rather merge together or stay separate?�

62% of students interviewed from AHS would rather stay two separate schools.

In a poll of 100 students from each school, the majority of students prefer to stay two separate schools rather than merge into one.

38% of students interviewed from AHS would rather be one school.

47%

of students interviewed from ACHS would rather be one school.

53%

of students interviewed from ACHS would rather stay two separate schools.

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FEATURE NOV. 5, 2014

Combination for Domination Coaches Imagine What Athletics Would Be Like if the Schools Had Not Split Before Andover split up into two schools, the Trojans were came a successful program in 4A state. ranked as one of the top 4A powerhouses in the state. They

The Jags made the state playoffs in 4A and 5A eight dominated athletics, excelled in academics, and made Andover times since the split and continue to build on a strong tradition High the school to beat. that was influenced by Andover.

When Andover Central was created at the beginning

“The four years that I was (at Andover) I learned quite of the 2001-2002 school year, many students and faculty had to a bit. It definitely helped being a coach before and it has showed move. Starting from scratch, both schools have had success and a little bit since I moved to Central,” Hermann said. failures in their sports.

Although Andover and Andover Central have never

For the Trojans football team, they failed to make the met in an actual state playoff game, the rivalry goes beyond that. playoffs from 2003-2007, losing to Andover Central in the rivalry For basketball, it is a matter of which school gets the bragging games. Current head football coach Mike Lee returned to his rights. old school in 2008 after spending the last five years at the new No matter how each team is performing, they understand building. that the Andover-Andover Central game is their biggest game of

Upon Lee’s return, Andover made the 4A playoffs in the year.

2008 for the first time since 2002. They made a deeper run in “The game itself is such a fun game. That game has so much 2009, losing to Hayden in the Sub State final. meaning for both schools. I wish it was that

In 2010, both Andover and way for every game,” Hermann said.

Andover Central were promoted to 5A. But what if that rivalry was combined into Andover Central continued their success and one school? How would the basketball team qualified for the playoffs in each year they perform if they were combined? were in 5A until 2014.

Hermann said that the team would be ex Andover had some trouble getting tremely talented and would have no problem used to 5A football, playing a hard-nosed being competitive against other teams, basing -jesseHERMANN schedule that consisted of playing powerhoushis opinion off of the state team in 2000. es like Derby, Maize, McPherson and Kapaun “(Andover) would be one heck of a 5A Mount-Carmel. basketball team. But overall, (the split) has In the last two years, the Trojans have dominated the field been good for kids because of the opportunity they get,” Herin the city of Andover. Making the 5A playoffs each year, they mann said. swept the Jaguars 17-14 in 2012, and 14-13 in 2013.

Not only did the split bring a positive opportunity for all

With his time at Andover Central complete, Lee said athletes, it also had some down sides for athletes of 2001. The that coaching his two sons while they were playing and being on split was very hard for them, as a lot of their teammates became the sidelines with current Jaguars coach Tom Audley brought a their rivals. unique experience that has helped his coaching career.

“I “It was really hard because I had grown up with those kids,” learned a lot from working with Coach Audley,” Lee said. “He is former Andover volleyball payer and current JV volleyball a very good coach and when you get to spend a lot of time with coach Andrea Daughtery said. a really good coach you learn to succeed.”

During the time, the senior class of 2002 in Andover

If the two schools combined, no doubt they would be got to choose which school they wanted to attend. In volleyball, a 6A school, as their enrollment would be greater than 1600 the seven seniors decided to stay at Andover and that helped the students. They would be moved into division 1 in the Ark Valley Trojans win the 2002 4A state championship.

Chisholm Trail League and have a schedule of playing Derby,

“We basically had a 5A volleyball team in 4A level. (The Hutch, Maize, Salina Central and Salina South in league play. seniors) were why we were so successful and also the fact that

Certainly the circumstances would be tough, however, we were really good,” Daugherty said. it would not be impossible to find success at the 6A level with

The Andover community has imagined what athletics the combined talent they would have. would be like if the school had stayed into one. Many agree that

“If we stayed one school, we would be very successthe split has been good for both schools. ful. But you also have to look at how many people never see the

“ The split has been a good thing. Not many schools field. It has worked out really well,” Lee said. have a rivalry like Andover-Andover Central and a lot of people

In some sports, Andover struggled to maintain their wish they had one like that. It’s a great thing,” Lee said. stride while Andover Central had no problem finding success.

Andover Central obtained former Andover head basketball - grantCOHEN coach, Jesse Hermann, from the split. Central immediately be-

“

“[The split] has been good for kids because of the opportunity they get,””

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Sports NOV. 5. 2014

What Would Our Football Team Be if We Never Split?

Andover & Andover Central’s Combined 6A Football Senior Roster #

Pos.

Andover Central

Wt. (lbs.)

#

Andover

Pos.

Wt. (lbs.)

LB

170

RB

185

RB, DE 176

7

RB, LB

180

10

Lewis Thomas Cole VanEpps

7

Kevin Olney Jace Brown Jace Peckham

K

195

11

Coen Rasmussen

QB, FS

180

10

Tyler Harris

WR, DB 168

12

OLB

205

33

Leon Hoffman Doug Hoffman

RB, DB 185

13

OL, DL

227

16

Landon Lawson Kenton Criser Jake Dusenbury

OL, DL

231

19

Tommy Fiszel

OL, DL

201

Jack Hall

OL, DL

292

20

K WB

70

Austin Law Jacob Zaki Chris Hess

Garrett Farha

C, TB

165

72

Brandon Kaupa

OL, DL

231

Nathan Braynock

OLB

165

86

Kevin Burke Dionte Lett

TE, DE

209

Dante Butler

DE

220

TE, DE

178

Ethan Gonda Conner Mahan

TE, DE

195

DT

250

Anthony Jackson Nick Showalter

DT, MLB 195

Levi Krolikowski Zach Seabrook

OL, DL

214

TE

225

2 3

50 52 68

88

25 26 41 42 52 56 57 70 85

WB, DB 153 RB, LB

185 145 160

OL, DT 239

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>> haleyROWE

Looking Ahead Columnist looks into the future and into a possible third high school in Andover and the rivalry between the three.

In the past couple of years, there have been some speculation as to when the ever-growing Andover will

require anotherhigh school.

When asked about this likelihood, Andover principal Bob Baeir had this to say: “As of right now, discussions have not started concerning the possibility of a third high school. There are lots of options that the Board of Education will need to consider in the near future. I’m sure that there will be ample opportunities for community input in the future.”

So while we do not know if, or when, this school would come to fruition, we do know that the district has purchased 40 acres of land, to at some point in the next couple of years, build “something.”

When Andover first split into two separate high schools,

enrollment was at 941 students. Today AHS is at 849 students, growing 20 to 30 kids per year.

Though we cannot say for certain that this will happen, my question is this: how will the addition of a third high school affect the rivalry between Andover and Andover Central? Will it be as strong as it is now? Will “Old School” turn its attention to what will then be the new “new school”?

Maybe the Trojans and the Jaguars will even join forces against them. I can feel you cringing as you read that last bit, but the ‘possibilities are endless’, as they say.

That being said, we should accept the fact that if this high school is to be built, the clash will never be the same. It will change the entire dynamic of our town.

Even if we were to continue on, business as usual, with Central, the opposition will be weaker, less intense than it is now, because somebody else will be in the loop.

This will likely not affect anyone attending high school right now, but I say we take a moment to appreciate the way things are. Because, hey, everybody loves a good rivalry.

W. 21st St.

staff

EDITORIAL

Martin Elementary

land for future school E. 159th St.

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Editorial NOV. 5. 2014

Crossing the Line

Editor discusses the effects of social media on the rivalry

Whether it is a buzzer-beater shot that gives you the chills, or an absolute beat down that makes your adrenaline pump, supporting the Trojans throughout my four years at Andover has been incredible. Winning is fun, but what is even more enjoyable is beating your biggest rival.

Andover versus Andover Central, in my book, is the greatest high school rivalry in the history of high school rivalries. Maybe I am biased because in less than six months I will be an AHS alumna, but the rush you get on that Friday night when both AHS and ACHS take the field, or court, is unlike any other. Ask any Central or Andover student, I have no doubt they will say THE biggest and most agonizing game of the year is the Andover vs. Andover Central game, no matter the sport.

Sure, being apart of the most heated rivalries in Kansas can be fun, but sometimes it can go a little too far. Cheer battles between student sections are humorous and can bring the athletes excitement and

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rivalry basketball game.

Photo by megPLANK

VOTE

staff

>> megPLANK

energy, but basing each other and starting unwanted drama on social media can be a bit much.

The whole “Think Before You Post” slogan doesn’t seem to have much of an effect on high school students who are “Twitter Fighting” trying to “roast” other students. Yeah, we go to different schools, but we live in the same community. Don’t you think that means we shouldn’t let the rivalry bleed over into other parts of your lives, such as social media? > Andover High QB Cole VanEpps gets These unwanted Twitter and Facebook posts spark from promoting a greater effort, taken down by an Andover Central player which can also promote unethical behavior during this year’s rivalry game.

Photo by megPLANK in the pursuit of success and victory. As students and athletes, we get caught up in the moment of victory. We make rash decisions to hit the post button without thinking because we may think something is humorous and will win over their followers.

I have been a part of the Andover Swim Team for four years now, and our coach still looks over all our Tweets. If he finds something that is questionable and could effect the reputation of the swim team, he will confront the whole team and most of the time we are punished with “Killer 100’s.”

Being a part of the cross-town rival is definitely amusing on the athletic and academic side, but when we get that social media notification it can be a big bummer. The rivalry will always have a place in my heart, > Andover High center Dante Butler goes and I will forever cheer on the Trojans, but up for a shot while three Central playwe can, and should, choose to lose all the ers attempt to stop him during last year’s social media drama and negativity.

“Do you believe that sometimes the rivalry between AHS & ACHS can go too far?”

NO... 15 Staff Members YES... 17 Staff Members

Editorial NOV. 5, 2014

13

NITE

TROJAN

Comparison of School Spirit Events Trojan Nite happens once a year at Andover High School and takes place at the beginning of the school year in the fall, normally in the first few week of October. Trojan Nite is one of the biggest events of the school year and also considered one of the most stressful for many student council members.

“I love Trojan Nite and it is a lot of fun to plan and be a part of, but it also takes a ton of time to get everything planned. We have to make sure everything is completely done and it all looks good before we put it on the field for the night. It is hard to get everything and everyone organized for all the events. It is definitely one of the most stressful events of the year,” junior class president Jenna Rose said.

Preparation for the event begins the day school starts, class meetings are held and - maddyBISHOP ideas for colors and gods are decided right away. Once the main ideas are created, floats, costumes, and t-shirts are drawn out and work begins immediately. Each class chooses a student’s house and covered work space to store their projects and create their ideas.

One of the more difficult aspects would be the sewing of costumes and the building of the floats. Parents come out to help their kids, but the students do most of the work. Each grade has a budget that they cannot exceed; it is used to buy paint, fabric, wood, and many other supplies.

On the night before the big event, students rush to put the finishing touches on their floats and props.

“

Then they load everything up and prepare to up meet at at the district stadium the next morning.

The morning of the event, students wake up early and head to the stadium to put up the float, test it and make sure everything works, and set it all out to be judged later in the day. Once finished setting up, students have a break before they make their way to a student’s house to get ready for Trojan Nite. To get ready, athletes are painted their specific colors, changed in to their costumes and begin practicing for their events.

“I love getting ready for Trojan Nite.

It is fun to be painted cool colors and the costumes look good. But the actual events are my favorite, I like competing against other grades and seeing what everyone’s floats and costumes look like. It is just a really fun night and I am glad I participate in it,” junior Maddy Bishop said.

At the stadium, once all the classes have walked in and are at their designated areas, the events begin. Athletes run around the field competing in their races and cheering on their student section.

The night begins to end, the scores are said and the classes congratulate each other on their victories.

“I like competing against other grades and seeing what everyone’s floats and costumes look like,”

> Freshmen gladiators team up with the seniors to win the tug-of-war competition against the juniors and sophomores on Oct. 19. Ultimately, they won the battle and boosted their score with the seniors finishing in first place and the freshmen in third. “It was a great bonding experience with the underclassmen,” senior Ethan Gonda said.

Photo by trevorNEWTON

14

FEATURE NOV. 5, 2014

- elizabethHARTLEY

RUMBLE

in the

specific athletes that are voted in to participate in each Rumble in the Jungle is a big event at Andover event. At Andover Central, every student is encouraged to become involved in the night and in the different Central. It takes place in the spring, normally in April. games throughout the evening.

“To sign up, we have students come during their Rumble is its own unique version lunch to get a piece of paper that lists all the games of Trojan Nite, but has many different aspects. with descriptions and they rate the top three games that they would like to participate in,” Similar to Trojan O’Connor said.

Nite, Rumble has each Trojan Nite school spirit is grade compete against each shown with props made and the other in games and activities wearing of each class’s shirts from and every grade has their own the current year and the previous theme. In Trojan Nite, each class years’ throughout the week of the chooses a god or goddess to repevent. During the week before Rumresent them but in Rumble, each ble, Central shows their spirit in a class is assigned a different creadifferent way. The students decoture: freshmen are water creatures, - quinnO’CONNOR rate their grade’s hallways accordsophomores are flying creatures, ing to their mascot and on Friday juniors are land creatures, and they hold an assembly for the boys’ seniors are cats.

‘Buff Puff’ teams and the girls’ ‘Powder Puff’ teams.

“Some differences from Trojan Nite are that we do “I think every year people get more and more exnot build floats, we are not really as big on body paint, cited about Rumble,” O’Connor said. and we do not have princes or princesses. A lot of Trojan Nite and Rumble are each recognized as aspects of Trojan Nite and Rumble are similar, but we memorable events for the rival schools, and traditions do have different traditions and events that we do,” will carry on with future classes.

Central junior and student council member Quinn O’Connor said.

- elizabethHARTLEY Unlike Trojan Nite, Rumble does not have

“

“I think every year people get more and more excited about Rumble,”

> Andover Central students compete in the tug-of-war, similar to the event in Trojan Nite, at their school spirit event Rumble in the Jungle.

Courtesy Photo from Andover Central

FEATURE Nov. 5, 2014

15

Two Miles Too Far

The Separation Between Family, Couples, Friends After a year and a half at ACHS, Hayley ended up Two schools separated by a simple county division line; pulling families and friends in two different direc- transferring back to Andover. tions... Literally. The ACHS and AHS rivalry has been “Wrestling has been a major part of my life since the day I met Andover Wrestling coach Brett Fiene. an on-going tug-of-war to win overall town represenAfter becoming a wrestling manager, it really helped tation for the past 13 years. me discover who I was. I transferred back because I The somewhat recent rivalry is that of pure commissed my team and my friends,” Hunn said. petition. There is a silent clash of athletics, academics, and other Although Hunn is finishing the rest “We text conof her high school career at AHS, the school-wide statistics. Although the stantly, first thing struggle for superiority is very real, in the morning and bond she has with Law has not faded.

“Having Alli at Central was never the students within ACHS and AHS last thing at nighthard to deal with. We are both very have otherwise created long-lasting it’s what keeps us independent. When it comes to outrelationships with ‘opposing’ stuclose,” side activities involving our schools, dents, allowing for a general com- kelseyRAWCLIFFE we usually go back and forth to those munity to be built between the two different functions. Sometimes, I’ll go schools.

“I met my best friend the first time we spoke, when to a Central game instead of an Andover game and vise versa.” Hunn said. she came up and asked if we were related,” Andover Hunn says that she does not mind the fact that her High School senior Hayley Hunn said. best friend goes to a different school.

While Hunn is currently a Trojan, she attended “I just don’t like the fact that we can’t walk together Central second semester of her freshman year through at graduation,” Hunn said. her sophomore year.

Eventually, Hunn and Law eventually realized that Hunn has been best friends with Andover Central High School senior, Alli Law, for over four years. Their they were, in fact, related.

“I was talking to my half-brother, Billy. He told me friendship grew exponentially after having several that both of our biological last names was ‘Landers’, mutual classes. and that we are really cousins through a line of mul“She came over one Friday after a Central football tiple generations,” Law said. game. She became part of the Hunn family as soon as she stepped in our front door,” Hunn said.

“

>Senior Hayley Hunn and bestfriend Alli Law strike a silly pose for a picture before Andover Central’s High School Homecoming.

Courtsey Photo

>Andover High Senior, Kelsey Rawcliffe and Central Senior Jeff Doshier pose for a picture while on a date.

Courtsey Photo

16

Feature Nov. 5, 2014

Kelsey Rawcliffe, another AHS senior, has ties with a Jaguar student, Jeff Doshier. The pair has been dating for the past 11 months.

We officially met when he tried setting me up on a blind date with his best friend. I ended up liking him instead. We first dated freshmen year for two weeks. I totally fell for him and chased him for two years until he eventually gave up and asked me out again,” Rawcliffe said.

Doshier and Rawcliffe share a mutual opinion when discussing the difficulties of attending different schools.

“It makes the time we see each other more cherished and special,” Doshier said.

Outside of mandatory class time, the couple attends certain school functions in support of one another.

“At the AHS versus ACHS game, we were both

Q & A

Ashley Beamon

Do you like “Yes, it allows that you me to grow and your relationships friend with people attend from other different schools.” schools?

Morgan Borovetz

really defensive of our school’s teams in a teasing way, until Andover won. He didn’t want to talk about it anymore after that.” Rawcliffe said.

Doshier and Rawcliffe see one another outside of school regularly, and keep in touch during the day.

“We text constantly, first thing in the morning and last thing at night – it’s what keeps us close,” Rawcliffe said.

From relationships to friendships to family connections, Andover High School and Andover Central High School harbor many intertwining similarities than just what meets the surface.

“Contrary to popular belief, both Andover and Central contribute to one another more than people like to confess. And, I think that’s a good thing,” Hunn said.

- maddieMARTINEZ

Michael Bell

“Yes, because I get to see her just as much and it makes us closer.”

“Yes, it’s more special when I see her.”

How do you deal with them attending your “rivalry” school?

“We get to see how they feel about us.

Not all of it is bad.”

“It doesn’t affect our friendship.”

“I think it’s kind of attractive.”

How often do you see each other?

“Every Wednesday and Sunday.”

“On special occasions.”

“Once a week.”

316.684.9600 mkec�mkec.com 411 N Webb Road Wichita, KS 67206

Industrial & Energy Transportation Public Works Land Development Architectural

17

Feature Nov. 5, 2014

Andover High School

photo by: lilyFARHA

Andover District Office

Andover City Hall

The Great

Analyzing the measures taken to divide the city of Andover into two school districts When the district decided Andover had reached its capacity, Butler County had to be divided equally to balance the diversity of the schools.

“The one good thing I can think of about the boundary lines is that it allows both schools to be ranked as 5A. There’s nothing better than a cross-town rivalry,” sophomore Mia Hayes said.

Unlike the Maize School District, where students are allowed to choose their school, Andover guidelines were established by a committee of administrators, parents, and teachers. In forming the boundaries, the committee looked at housing of free and reduced lunches and the size and placement of future developments.

“The guidelines are used to ensure that the schools’ populations are as evenly distributed as possible,” Principal Bob Baier said.

Despite the boundary lines, which runs up and through the heart of Andover, the schools are willing to accept special transfers. In addition to special transfers, teachers and administration can decide where their child or children would like to attend school.

“Cafeteria workers and custodial staff are also permitted to enroll their children in Andover schools. Actually, any full-time Andover district employee can bring their children here, no matter where they reside,” Baier said.

Hays falls into one of these special categories: her mother teaches at Cottonwood Elementary. However, the Hays family did not always attend the Andover side of the divide.

“My brothers were in high school when the schools split, and they decided to give Central a chance,” Hays said.

During their time there, Hays said her brothers did not adjust well to the new school and staff. They returned to Andover High after only two months at the new school.

“After they came back, none of my family had the urge to go to Central. We kind of just followed them here,” Hays said.

-gloriaMARES

18

IN-DEPTH NOV. 5, 2014

Andover Square

Andover Central Walgreens

High School photo by: lilyFARHA

N. Andover

The “Old School” District

White Tail Rocky Creek Hawthorne Reeds Cove Stonebridge Reeds Cove Reserve Monarch Landing Chestnut Ridge Cornerstone Terradyne Preston Trails Caywood St. Andrews Pinnacle Country Club Court Overbrook North Point

E. Central Ave

Divide

The “New School” District

Crescent Lakes Shadybrook Green Valley Montana Hills Belle Terre Flint Hills Tuscany St. Clouds Place Bridgefield North Meadows Oxford Court Aspen Creek Beaumont Place Cottonwood Point Reflection Lakes Willowbrook Heather Lakes

19

IN-DEPTH NOV. 5, 2014

Sharing is Caring Sharing the town’s athletic complex adds to heated rivalry The Andover District Stadium has been in the Andover school district for over 20 years and has been home to the Trojans and the Jaguars since the schools split in 2001. The stadium has witnessed many wins and losses from many sports, throughout every season and continues to be the host of Andover events year-round.

The current Andover High School (AHS) building was finished in 1981 and the district stadium was built years before as an add-on to Cottonwood Elementary. The stadium was refurbished with new turf about 14 years ago.

District Stadium is shared between Andover and Andover Central High School(ACHS); event and sport schedules are split equally between the district.

“The athletic directors from both schools – Brent Riedy and Doug Carr – work with the schedule to make sure that our home dates do not conflict. Our league works with us to eliminate any problems. Salina and Goddard have similar arrangements concerning only one district stadium. We all work together to make it work,” Andover High School Principal Bob Baier said.

As many people would agree, Andover and Central rivalry games have always been a big deal to anyone from either schools.

Having the home court advantage

has always been a plus side to watching a game, but obviously both schools cannot have the advantage of being the home team. “ Which school is ‘home’ and which school is ‘away’ is ultimately a league decision. That is why there have been times when AHS or ACHS have been the ‘away’ team two years in a row,” Baier said.

Both high schools are both nearly at full capacity of students in classrooms and will continue to grow as more students join the district. There have been rumors of a third school being built, but no plans are set. As of right now, there are no plans of Central receiving their own personal stadium but as the schools grow things could change.

“As we continue to grow, there will need to be plans to eliminate the overcrowding that will happen to AHS. As of right now, there are no specific arrangements. I can tell you that if there is a third high school built, there will need to be another stadium built somewhere,” Baier said.

The stadium has been around for many years and will continue to serve as a popular spot for USD 385 schools to gather to watch athletics or participate in activities held by the schools.

- elizabethHARTLEY

> The District Stadium stands in the center of Andover and hosts every event for the USD 385 district. The District Stadium is the home to sporting events and school activities.

Photo by Addy Maples

20

News nov. 5, 2014

The Infamous “A”

Vandals of Andover cause commotion “This time Valley Center spray painted a giant ‘V’ in the center of the field, facing the away side, I am not positive what year, maybe the fall of 2002. I did not hear of anyone getting caught and punished for the crime, but we all believed that it was Valley Center students. I know that the ‘V’ disappeared, but I am not sure how it was removed,” Andover Alumni and now teacher Andrea Daugherty said.

The vandalism has been mostly taken care of and the field is being cleaned up and restored to its original form.

“I was really surprised when I heard about the ‘A’ because I have never witnessed something like that happen. It was actually really cool to see it and how good it was and also how big it was on the field,” junior Julia Corrieri said.

That’s a Fine Piece of A >> The ‘A’ was drawn on the field Friday before the big rivalry game and caused an uproar between the schools. Past and present students talk about the vandalism on twitter and flaunt their school pride.

>>@inyoureyelder

- elizabethHARTLEY @ @Scholfinator:

Trojan Twitter

The news of the big blue ‘A’ that was painted in the center of District Stadium traveled quickly around the Andover school district on the Friday before the anticipated rivalry game against Andover Central. The vandalism caused an uproar in the USD 385 district and authorities reacted, quickly investigating the situation.

The ‘A’ still faintly remains on the center of the turf field and has not been fully removed. It has not yet been decided how the removal will proceed.

“Our district still has a couple options to remove the paint. Hopefully one of the solutions with work,” Baier said.

As imagined, Andover Central was not happy about the vandalism covering the field shared between both schools. The damages had to be paid for out of district funds and the clean-up was not easy and still has yet to be completely removed.

“I thought the ‘A’ was really creative and pretty funny. I do not know who did it but it was cool to see it so big on the field, I do not know how it was removed, or if it has been removed, but I thought it would have been cool to keep it on the field,” junior Emi Hayashi said.

As chaotic as the situation was for the district, this is not the first time the stadium has been vandalized.

“So proud #TearInMyEye”

@ @Kinglenz11:

“Winning the rivalry on and off the field- Andover High School

@PeareReilly: “Don’t act like your school wouldn’t be hype if you did it first. isn’t jealousy the best form of flattery? #Atown @Dmapes: “Andover high coming up on the day of the rivalry game, love it.”

“Legendary”

21

NewsE Nov. 5, 2014

Dividing the Budget The Use of Funds Between Andover and Andover Central Budgeting is a key component in the split district. It is necessary that each school has proper funding and resources. When Andover High School(AHS) divided, changes occurred in order to make the schools receive the same amount.

District money comes from the State and local property tax. Houses and businesses in Andover pay property tax to fund the schools. The amount of money spent to build Andover Central High School(AHCS) is estimated at 17 million dollars.

Many factors lead to the necessity of building a new school. Former Superintendent Pat Terry was involved in the determination of whether or not ACHS would be built.

“AHS was growing fast. We couldn’t keep adding on to the building and there was limited space. Then there came time for an election on choosing to build new schools, and it was passed,” Terry said.

The vote to build a new high schools won 52 to 48 percent.

When budgeting a new school, current enrollment, enrollment projections, program types, and school size are considered. A bond issue is passed, and money is borrowed that then has to be paid off by the district.

An amount of money for supplies and equipment is provided, according to how many students there are per school.

Enough teachers and other staff are then assigned to meet the needs of students.

AHS has slightly more students enrolled than ACHS, therefore its budget is larger. The accounts are kept separate among schools.

The total expenses budgeted steadily increase year to year. The budget for the 2014-2015 school year allows 30,469,240 dollars for total expenses. This includes services

22

in depth NOV. 5, 2014

and supplies needed for each school in the district.

Regarding maintenance and upkeep costs, AHS is also more expensive due to it being an older facility. The roof, floors, air conditioning units, etc. need to be repaired more frequently. Costs vary from year to year.

It has been 12 years since last building a high school, and a new school may now be needed again.

Current superintendent Greg Rasmussen understands why the possibility of a new building would be proposed.

“If the district keeps growing, we will have to seriously consider a new school. I’d say the decision to build is at least three years away,” Rasmussen said.

If the new school were built to the approximate size of AHS, its cost would be about 30 to 35 million dollars.

According to a study conducted by Wichita State University, the ideal population of a high school is between 600 and 900 students. This means that students who attend schools this size have a higher rate of achievement.

One of the reasons why the high school originally was split was based off of this study.

“Community meetings were held and people were separated into small groups to discuss the pros and cons of building a new high school. We thought it would be best to follow the study and only have the ideal amount of students in one school, so it would not be too crowded,” Terry said.

There are currently 789 students enrolled at AHS and 781 at ACHS. “We have two awesome high schools. Two of the very best in Kansas. We are fortunate to have such great facilities, kids, staff and parents. State budgets are tight but we do well with the resources we have in Andover,” Rasmussen said.

-brittianyCLARK

Money Spent Per Student 2014-2015 Graph measures cost per Andover student separated into different categories

Total Expenditues

11,501

Instruction

5,893

Debt Service

2,204

Administration and Support

1,092

Operation and Maintenance Food Service Transportantion Student Support Captain Improvements Instructional Support

0

932 432 282 261 203 192

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000 12000

Dollars **Information from USD 385 Budgets Statistics

23

in depth NOv. 5, 2014

Differential Customs Same Town, Opposing Styles

The Andover split has created much more than two schools and a rivalry. It has created many new traditions that will affect generations for years to come.

‘Trojan Nite’ has been a tradition of Andover since the 1970s and is one of the main events of the year. The split forced Andover Central to create their own, thus ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was born. The two occur in opposite seasons, with Trojan Nite in the fall and Rumble in the spring, and consist of different events. The purpose is the same: a fun day to promote class unity and school pride.

Another post-split tradition of Andover and Andover Central is the winter homecoming. Rather than having a second formal dance, the two schools throw a casual dance with a neon theme. The only difference occurs in the names: Glowstick Get Down and Blacklight Ball. Each dance is held after the homecoming basketball game in the schools’ commons with neon decorations, blacklights, and glow sticks.

New graduation traditions have been created as well.

“We have a senior walk-out where the seniors walk out of school for the last time. Another graduation tradition we have is to walk from the church to the school before the ceremony begins. The class that’s graduating presents a rocking chair to that grade’s favorite teacher during the graduation ceremony! That’s a big one!” Andover Central senior Hadley Hanna said.

The senior classes themselves have also added new traditions.

“Senior girls chalk the school before the first day and the

boys come torture us in masks and throw water balloons,” Andover Central senior Masen Stamp said.

The Andover seniors participate in an annual Ride-YourBike-to-School day, where they bike to school together and attempt to evade principal Bob Baier and make it inside.

Another tradition for the seniors is the homecoming court. Each school nominates four boys and four girls from the graduating class for a chance to be crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Both schools hold a pep rally and send the candidates to lunch the day of the homecoming football game.

“We have an assembly and the candidates always play an embarrassing game like putting in headphones and having to sing a song into the microphone for the whole school. After, they go out to eat for lunch every year,” Stamp said.

The final tradition created by the school split is the Andover versus Andover Central rivalry games. Though they are different sizes, the two schools continue to compete against each other in every sport. The games are typically played in the regular season, but many athletes consider them to be as significant as a title game. To sophomore Erin Seabrook, it is one of the most important games of the season.

“You get bragging rights and you get the chance to play in one of the biggest rivalries in the state and we get to represent one of the best schools. It makes your season ten times better when you beat them!” Seabrook said.

- carlyFLAKE

What’s your favorite school tradition?

“The whiteout game against Andover Central when we throw baby powder.”

Junior Trent Paske

24

POP CUlture NOV. 5, 2014

“I like the whole aspect “My favorite tradition is of Trojan Nite because it’s that the football team sings creative school event.” the fight song after a win.”

Junior Julia Corrieri Senior Austin Brown

“My favorite tradition is that the football players ring the bell after a win.”

Senior Bailey Kilian

Not-So-Different Traditions

Courtesy photo from Andover Central Publications

Photo By blakeCHRISTOPHERSON

While the two schools have many different traditions, they also have similar ones. At Andover Central’s Rumble in the Jungle the classes play Blind Banana Split, which is much like Andover’s wheelbarrow race. In the game Blind Banana Split the boy participant is blindfolded while pushing the girl to collect as many balls and bananas as they can, the group with the most wins. At Trojan Nite the blindfolded boys hold the girls legs while the girls direct them through an

Photo Courtesy Angie Thomas

Photo By megPLANK

Fall homecoming at both Andover and Andover Central both feature an assembly introducing the canidates.

The canidates also participate in interactive games. For Andover’s game this year they had a dance-off. For Andover Central’s game participants played jousting with noodles.

Pop Culture NOV. 5, 2014

25

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21

NewsE Nov. 5, 2014

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SPECIAL EDITION NOV. 5, 2014