e h T
Bluestreak
The Official Publication of the Andover High Student Body
Table of Contents News News in Brief
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Dr. Kuhlmann’s #AHStrojanfam
6
Advisory Schedule Update
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New Staff, Who Dis?
6
8-9
opinions
4
Power of Editorials
10
Power vs. Parks
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sports Crough’s Crew
12-13
12-13
a&E Back to School Buzz
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Summer Trends
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20
Photos Photo of the Month
16-17
Senior Late “Evening”
18-19
Big Blue Review
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September 2016 - Issue 1
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The Trojan BlueStreak Staff editor-in-chief Emma Starks managing editor Elise Lindemann copy editor Ashley Dorf design editor Emily Stybr assistant design editor Hayley Jones assistant design editor Sophie Braynock in-depth editor Grace Ball lead writer Ashley Shandy
sports editor Ben Smith photo editor Julia Schneider assistant photo editor Kamilla Sims web editor Stuart Jenkins staffers Natalie Anderson Megan Aune Avery Balderston Hannah Brumfield Ashlee Courson Bayli Ellerman Josie Hufman Ben Johnsen Annalise Matheny Abigail Parker Rachel Root Kaitlyn Seabrook
From the Editor Welcome back Trojans! We at The Trojan Bluestreak are excited for this new year with a new team. This is the first year for more than half of our newspaper staff, but the team is full of talent. This issue highlights many of the new additions and changes going on at Andover High School. We hope you will read it cover-to-cover so you will be wellinformed and ready for a great school year. You may notice we have updated our editorial policy and have taken a moment to explain the purpose of our publication. We hope you will better understand the difference between news features and editorial columns. (See page 12 for more details.) We encourage feedback and welcome your ideas about how we can better communicate with our audience. Be sure to follow us on social media for more frequent news and watch for our monthly publication of The Trojan Bluestreak. Go Trojans – spear ‘em!
Emma Starks
keep up with the latest news in between issues on our website!
ahsbluestreak.com Follow us on twitter!
@ahsbluestreak
September 2016 - Issue 1
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News in brief National Honor Society has created a fundraiser to raise money for a boy named Michel Mugisha. Michel is a refugee from the Republic of the Congo. His mother and brother were killed by a genocide group in Congo who are attempting to kill a large amount of the natives. Michel and his father were able to escape and now live in Wichita. The NHS club is aiming to collect clothes, food items and school supplies. “It is a great opportunity to help those in need and it really opens your eyes to what is occurring in the world today,” senior Abbey Phelps said. NHS is having members sign up to bring certain supplies to help out Michel and his father. “NHS strives to help others and make a difference with the community.” Phelps said.
- ashleySHANDY Courtesy photo
On July 17 in McAdams Park, a large event called the First Steps Community Cookout was held. The cookout took place instead of a protest that had been planned for that Sunday evening. This local event brought together nearly 2,000 people. This included law enforcement and other people who were originally going to be involved in the protest on Sunday. It all started with Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay had a lengthy meeting with Black Lives Matter activist A.J. Bohannon to discuss problems with the community and plan the barbecue. Around the country, the cookout gained attention. After it took place, more than 700 stories about the event were published around the country. Soon after the event, Ramsay was invited to visit the White House to discuss community policing. Sadly, Ramsay had to turn the offer down to serve at a wedding and is planning to visit another time.
- averyBALDERSTON Photo courtesy of Manny De Los Santos, Wichita Eagle
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September 2016 - Issue 1
The Trojan Bluestreak’s monthly digest of events around the community
There has been a lot of talk about new businesses opening around Wichita, but what’s really happening? Not long ago, there was confirmation that a Designer Shoe Warehouse, or DSW, will be coming to Wichita this year. It will be opening in Greenwich Place. Nearby, there will be a third Wichita Ulta Beauty. Along with these stores, there will eventually be a HomeGoods, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls in the same area. There are also two new restaurants that will be coming to Wichita this September. Parsnipity Café, which will be serving salads and comfort foods opens September 6 in the atrium of the Epic Center. Meddys, a Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant, will open on September 27 on Greenwich. A popular new juice shop opened on Douglas in July, called 86 Cold Press. They are known for their interesting flavors and textures of juices. Wichita and its growing areas are the platform for many new businesses in the future.
- averyBALDERSTON
Photo by Elise Lindemann
Courtesy photo
Kansas is known for its outstanding sports programs. But Augusta resident Liz Willis takes sports to a whole new level. Willis, a member of the Andover YMCA, has been training for the 2016 Paralympics, set to take place later this month in Rio de Janeiro. Track and field has been Willis’ longtime sport. “Track and field just as a sport is no more important to me than playing basketball or participating in debate and forensics or school plays. It is what is discovered behind running that is so meaningful.” Willis said. She is scheduled to compete in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 400-meter dash, an event Willis says she has never ran. The local community has supported Willis by hosting fundraisers for her trip to Rio. Besides money, they have given Willis plenty of moral support; the pride of a local athlete attending a prestigious international event is special. “It is not only exciting to be going to Rio but to help people in the community become active and take steps to positively improve their lives no matter the obstacles which each individual faces in our daily journey through life,” Willis said. Willis, an athlete who has already defied odds, is ready to make a splash at the Rio Paralympics.
- ashleyDORF
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NEW principal Leads the way: #AHStrojanfam Dr. Kristen Kuhlmann brings fresh changes to Andover High School Students and staff are saying “goodbye” to summer and “hello” to a new school year... and a new principal. Dr. Kristen Kuhlmann joins Andover High School, replacing Bob Baier, who retired after 18 years. Kuhlmann is off to an enthusiastic start getting to know the people at AHS and setting goals to continue the standard of excellence in the Andover district. On the first day of school, the senior class welcomed Dr. Kuhlmann with an office full of balloons and flowers showing their excitement for their new principal. Many seniors also arrived early on the first day of school to see their new principal’s reaction. Prior to Andover, Kuhlmann was an executive director of secondary education at Emporia schools. She has also served as the women’s athletic director at Emporia High, assistant principal at Maize South and Emporia, and principal at Derby Middle School. With the new and current staff, Kuhlmann is eager to start out the year. She says she is looking forward to creating a highly functioning team among the Andover staff and to serve them as a leader. “I am loving the staff! We have an amazing group of educators!” Dr. Kuhlmann said. With social media being such a big part of the current generation, many students have noticed pictures and information on Kuhlmann’s Twitter. “I believe it is important to tell our story. All too often, news that is shared is only when something bad happens. I prefer to celebrate what is good!” Kuhlmann said. Even after being in education for 21 years, Kuhlmann’s goal still remains the same: to give the students the best education they can receive.
-graceBALL Courtesy photos
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September 2016 Issue 1
7 Things You Did NOT Know About Dr. Kristen Kuhlmann on’t ss. Just d e n k a e w solute it.” re my ab a s t maple on u n g o in t t “D u p ruin it by “I am a Chie fs, Royals and Jayhaw k Fan.” “Seafood is my favorite food.”
“I am currently addicted to ‘Stranger Things’ on Netflix.” “I have alwa ys known I wanted to b education. e in I love what I do.” “I love chucks. I wear them all the time and have several colors. I need to get Andover blue now!” n in the a bone or bee n e k ro b r e v e “I have n hospital.”
NEW year, NEW ways One of several new changes for the 2016-2017 school year is the advisory schedule. On Wednesdays, there will be a different bell schedule with advisory moved from the end of the day to morning, in between 2nd and 3rd hours. Along with a different bell schedule, students have been reassigned to grade-specific advisories every day of the week. With the help of Andover Advantage Foundation, both Andover high schools and middle schools will be implementing a new program called Ramp Up to Readiness. In 2015, the Kansas Commissioner of Education, Dr. Randy Watson, introduced Kansans Can. The focus is to prepare all Kansas students with the knowledge and skills to be successful, no matter their future career path. “In adding this program, we hope to provide all students with information and skills to continue the tradition of excellence we have come to know here at Andover High School,” said Assistant Principal Amanda Grier. Ramp Up to Readiness will provide AHS students with weekly lessons that focus on academic, financial, personal and college admissions readiness. Student lessons will be specific to the appropriate grade level and will prepare students with needed information to be successful. Parents will be updated often of the different topics students cover in seminar and how they can be included in the learning process.
-meganAUNE September 2016 Issue 1
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New staff, who dis? Meet the new faculty members of Andover High School
Ms. Underwood There are many new staff members at Andover High School this year. Kimberly Underwood is Andover’s new counselor who took over after Sue Coffman retired. Underwood was born in Emporia, where she was a teacher for two years. This is her first year being a counselor and her third year being in education. “I heard that Andover is one of the best schools in Kansas so I wanted to come!” Underwood said. She attended Olpe High School, which is about 11 miles from Emporia. She graduated from Emporia State University. “Since I have been here I have felt so much support from the staff and everyone,” Underwood said.
-ashleySHANDY
What college did you go to? Emporia State University
What do you teach? I am the counselor for freshmen and juniors. How many years have you taught? For two years as a teacher; this is my first year as a counselor.
What’s a fun fact about yourself? I came from the same
Mrs. Hallford
What college did you go to? I went to Baptist Bible College and I am going to KU now.
What college did you go to? Washburn University
How many years have you taught? This is my eighth year teaching.
How many years have you taught? This is my first year.
What do you teach? Choir
What’s a fun fact about yourself? I worked at Disney World during college.
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Mr. Elder
September 2016 - Issue 1
What do you teach? Math
What’s a fun fact about yourself? I was a bouncer in college.
Mr. Crough What college did you go to? Fort Hays State University What do you teach? Weights
How many years have you taught? I have been a teacher for 10 years and a coach for 12 years. What is a fun fact about yourself? I have twin boys that were born on my wife’s birthday.
Mr. Conley What college did you go to? Pittsburg State University What do you teach? Resource
How many years have you taught? 22 Years
What is a fun fact about yourself? I have a daughter that goes to Andover.
Mr. Woods What college did you go to? Pittsburg State University What do you teach? Math
How many years have you taught? Seven years
What is a fun fact about yourself? I have known my wife for nine years but have been married for three. September 2016 - Issue 1
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Staff Editorial
BLUESTREAK editorial policy
The Trojan Bluestreak is a newspaper and public forum that is backed by the First Amendment. Freedom of speech permits members of the Bluestreak staff and the student body to express their opinions in the form of editorials or other opinionated articles. The views presented in opinion pieces do not represent the view of the Bluestreak as a whole. If you would like to submit an opinion piece for possible publication, please contact Mr. Conover in Room 112. The Bluestreak will not publish any piece that is evident of libel, plagiarism, profanity, obscenity, falsification, or similar distasteful elements.
<<Ashley Dorf>>
Editorials vital to a rounded publication The Trojan Bluestreak is quite a unique program. Our staff prides itself on producing a publication of high quality and of utmost enjoyment to our readers, the student body and staff. The art of creating a newspaper is not just about reporting the facts, however. Part of our goal as a newspaper is also to entertain or to persuade, in the case of editorials, another display of unique journalism. These opinions that are expressed by editorials should be embraced as a display of free speech, not a hatred of people or their thoughts on life. This attribute needs to be recognized in life in general; opposition is normal. Often the best ideas stem from the dissatisfaction from those that already exist. And certainly, opposing opinions should not commit the old ad homonym fallacy, attacking the person rather than their views. Writers have the right to advocate for what they believe in and a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political party or stance on immigration should not define their personality. Editorials should be the platforms to advocate for change, not the belittling of others. A sufficient one carries a sense of urgency and uses logical points to make an argument. Personal experiences can help the author connect with readers. Taking stances on issues are not the only ways that newspapers can express opinions, either. Advice columns and letters to/from the editor still give insight into the minds of the journalists without as much persuasion. In major newspapers across the country, editorials express the opinions of certain geographical areas, and it is fascinating to compare the views of these diverse cultures. While The Los Angeles Times might publish an editorial promoting the idea of climate change, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution might argue the inverse point of view. I admit that the idea of writing editorials was initially troubling. When I first joined the Bluestreak staff, I was afraid to express my
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opinion because of a suspected vulnerability to disagreement. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end up writing editorials that year anyways, but I have learned that journalists cannot back down from challenges. All in all, the diversity of our student body should be embraced in the form of editorials. Freedom of speech permits the discussion of issues that may be uncomfortable, but they cause us to stop and think about the issues at hand.
Power vs. Parks <<Elise Lindemann>> Koch brothers aim to privatize national parks Asking someone where their parent works in Wichita is usually not very monumental. The answer often rests in two industries: aerospace or Koch. The Koch brothers and their corporation have created a plethora of jobs in the area. They have also donated mass sums of money to create facilities such as the North Wichita YMCA, WSU’s Charles Koch Arena, and the in-progress Mark Arts (formerly known as The Wichita Center for the Arts). They have undeniably been a strong force in growing the Wichita area into what it is today. It is easy to appreciate the Koch brothers for their positive influence on the area. However, the nice buildings and jobs are only surface-level. The Koch brothers are kings in this community. Their millions of dollars hold power in every penny. Yes, sometimes this power is used for good, but that is not always the case. Though their money has provided a nice place to live in Wichita, their wallet is also supplying an organization whose mission is to privatize national parks. They plan on selling forests to fossil fuel-producing companies. The Koc h brothers might be the reason for the roof over a Wichitan’s head, but they could also be the reason that populations of moose and grizzlies are forced evacuate their homes in Yellowstone National Park. Displaced animals could cause a significant drop or even extinction of certain wildlife populations. Without the parks to call their homes, they will die off or start making their way into cities and towns. As fun as it would be to have a pet bear in the backyard, it is just not safe for either party. The elimination of parks does not only shrink the population of wildlife animals, but of plants and trees as well. The national parks are so much more than just beautiful and breathtaking places in America; they help us live. The plants consume carbon dioxide, a chemical that causes global warming, and they produce oxygen, a chemical that we breathe. Without trace, our quality of life would
decrease significantly. As a recent visitor of a national park I cannot bear to imagine them being eliminated. Though my normal life in Wichita is pretty mundane, for a week I was an adventurer. I experienced lakes of rich turquoise glacier water and gazed upon mountains so steep I’m not yet convinced that even the mountain goats could scale them. The distance from city life allowed me to witness a meteor shower and hear an almost complete still silence. I looked into a bear’s eyes and shared a snack with a squirrel. These experiences have allowed me to appreciate these parks in a way I had not known possible previously. Although the displaced wildlife and global warming are significant factors in support of keeping the national parks, to me this is not the most concerning part of this issue. By eliminating the parks, the millions of people who visit them each year miss out on these incredible experiences. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. For the past 100 years, exhilarated travelers have been welcomed through the gates of the national parks to explore the nature beyond. In 2012 alone, 282 million people came to experience the parks. You can put a price on oil, but these experiences are priceless. The Koch brothers are too blinded by the hunger for profit off of oil to notice the dying animals, the quality of the air, and loss of experiences. We are growing into a society that values money over anything else. Though the elimination of national parks may never happen, the idea is backed by more supporters than just the Koch brothers. People tend to avoid the negative consequences of their actions when they are awarded money. It is common to go against one’s morals to get ahead. Anything to feed the greed.
September 2016 - Issue 1
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New Football Coach Looks to score
Coach Crough brings renewed energy to the AHS program
As the football season begins, the expectations grow by the day. With new head coach Tony Crough at the helm, players have been talking about a new “energy” that this year will bring. One of the things causing that new energy is the changes to the weights program this summer. Crough has implemented a new system called RACK Performance. It is a virtual weight room manager that uses an advanced timing system to tell each athlete what lift they should be doing, how many times they should do it, and for how long. Crough has been using this system since he was a head coach at Great Bend High School. This summer has been a total flip for the players. They have been going to practices, camps and have been competing in seven-on-seven exhibition games. “I’ve noticed a different energy in the weight room and on the field. All of the guys are much more excited for the season and the new offense,” said wide receiver Luke Windish. The team started their summer activities just a week into the break with a team camp at Andover District Stadium. Crough used this camp to install a new offense that Andover had not seen before. Just two days after the camp finished the players and coaching staff loaded up on a charter bus and traveled to Pittsburg State University for an annual camp that Crough had been a part of previously. The camp brings in teams from nearby states and lets them go head to head in full pads. This camp gave the coaches an opportunity to see what talent would flourish when facing an actual opponent. Along with the new complexity of learning new offensive and defensive schemes, there is bound to be a learning curve. To help with this, Crough signed the Trojans up for seven-onseven football. Andover had not participated in these exhibitions in the last few. Seven-onseven football is the same as 11-man football except without the offensive or defensive linemen with the exception of a center on offense snapping the ball. Another way Crough has been trying to improve the team is by adjusting the practice schedule. The Trojans started the season with a “two-a-day” practice regimen consisting of one practice at six in the morning and another in the afternoon. They use a period timer which breaks the practices into 24 different segments lasting five minutes apiece. The reason for implementing the new timer is to keep the athletes active the whole time they are on the field. These fast-paced practices prepare the team for how games will feel. Crough has also decided to platoon this year, which means each player will only play on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Since Andover will be playing against other big 5A schools this year that also use a platooning system, Crough saw a need to give his players more rest. Because athletes are only playing half as many minutes, he believes this will maximize their effectiveness on the field. Each player had the option to choose where they wanted to play at the beginning of the season as long as Crough believed it was what was best for the team. The coaching staff has also changed from last year. With the addition of three new coaches besides Crough, players have been able to get more individual attention. This has caused players who haven’t played the past few years to be motivated to come out for the team this year. “When I saw Coach Singhisen was going to be out there, I just had to play,” said wide receiver Michael Bell. The Trojans start their season with a home opener against Salina Central which went 4-5 last year.
-benSMITH
New head football coach Tony Crough calls out signals to his players at Andover District Stadium. The Trojan football team held an open practice after Big Blue Review on August 24. Photo by Megan Aune
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In between plays, offense and defense break off into separate huddles. Coach Dustin Murray talks with the defensive line about strategy.
Photos by Megan Aune
Defense tries to stop the strong Trojan offensive. Moments later, Evan Bell receives a pass in the endzone for a touchdown.
Croughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crew Coach Base..........................................................Offensive line Coach Hager..........................................................Linebackers Coach Murray..............................Defense/Defensive backs Coach Bohanon................................................Wide receivers Coach Pope...........................................................Defensive line Coach Woods........................Wide receivers/Running backs Coach Singhisen...............Quarterbacks/Defensive backs
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Back to School Buzz #FirstDayofSchool
Senior Year Tweets
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September 2016 - Issue 1
| Summer 2016 Trends | Chubbies shorts
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` APP TREND: POKEMON GO! “Gotta catch ‘em all!” This is the motto that should bring back memories to anyone who grew up with a Nintendo handheld gaming system and a Pokémon game cartridge. Now, the game nearly everyone has been waiting for, has been available on mobile devices for nearly three months. Pokémon GO! is a free game released by Niantic, in cooperation with Google, where players can catch digital “pocket monsters” by walking around until one appears on their screen. What started as an April Fool’s joke three years ago has now grown to be one of the most played games, quickly reaching the number one spot on the App Store within the first week after its release. While the game has had a very rough start, not only in the United States, but also with its international release, Pokémon GO! has also been very successful and many more major updates are anticipated.
-stuartJENKINS
Source: google.com
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September 2016 - Issue 1
Photo of the month
>> Members of the Class of 2017 celebrate the start of senior year riding a roller coaster during Senior Late Night on August 26 at All Star Adventures in Wichita. The event is a back-toschool tradition for the senior class. “I think this photo is unique because everyone’s faces express such joy,” said photographer Julia Schneider. The photo of the month is selected by the Bluestreak staff as the best image out of all photos taken for the issue.
Photo by Julia Schneider
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SENIOR LATE “ ” EVENING Photos by Julia Schneider
Big Blue Review AHS sports and activities kick off the year AHS Cheerleaders perform their routine at Big Blue Review on August 24 at Andover High School.
Nathan Emond and Trevor Terrill smile with the Trojan mascot during introductions.
Photos by Kamilla Sims and Ben Johnsen
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Emily Stybr and Grace McDonough perform. During the Trojanettesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first performance of the year.
The Andover Madrigals prepare to sing the National Anthem at Big Blue Review.
Maloree McMinn performs at Big Blue Review. This was her first performance on the Varsity Cheer team.
Senior Nathan Hammar laughs while being introduced. He plays on varsity soccer and is a kicker for the football team.