The Spirit '15 Feb Issue by The Spirit of Truman

THE

of ‘15

SPIRIT

Truman High School

3301 S. Noland Rd. Independence, Mo. 64055

Volume 51 Issue 3

New Leadership, New Direction, New Year!

Valentine’s Special

MLK Essay Winner

Cover Story:

NHS Induction

Sports Tourney News: Girls B-ball & Wrestling Receiving their membership certificate, juniors Cole Caswell and Gage Calton walk across the stage at the National Honor Society Induction. A total of 44 new members were inducted in NHS. Photo Credit: THS Media Taylor Hickman

Coach Webb Chiefs Coach of the Year

Scan for THS Media website: www.thsmediaonline.weebly.com

January-February 2015

Children & Guns NO LOGIC

editorial

news

Chiefs Coach of the Year 8 hour day at THS

news

Black History Poem The Importance of Black History

NHS Induction MLK Winner makes History

editorial

advice

Wrestling takes second Hart named PrepVolleyball.com All American

Valentine’s Makeup 101 Valentine’s Day Poem

sports

Valentine’s Day Special

cartoon

Editor’s Statement:

The theme for this year is the new leadership, new direction, new year. This 2014-2015 school year the THS Newspaper Staff is looking forward to a successful year! Bringing you the most current and popular news. We really hope you enjoy reading the newsmagazine as well as having a great successful year with us!

Get your exclusive on Truman’s news, sports and clubs. Follow us on Twitter @THSNewsMedia. Also like us on Facebook: THSNewsMedia. Leave us your feedback!

Editor in Chief: Melynda Robinson Managing Editor: Kane Mobley Adviser: Robyn King Reporters: Gregory Miranda Wanda Wolfe Alana Campbell Jazzmin Matchette Michaela Bishop Cartoonist: Eric Etzenhouser Photo Editor: Carly Hall Assistant Photo Editor: Katrina Shepherd Photographers: Amanda Newberry Jessica Armstrong Taylor Hickman Wanda Wolfe Kirstin Huber Kendra Amos Ani Hedrick

Public Forum Statement

The Spirit is considered a public forum for student expression. We will accept criticism in the form of a letter to the editor. Letters may be delivered to room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. All letters become property of the spirit. The Spirit is produced by students for students however, a faculty adviser provides guidance.

Truman High School 3301 S. Noland Road Independence, MO 64055 (816) 521-5350 thsnewsmedia@gmail.com

Become a Guest Columnist: Guest columns can be typed and submitted to Room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. The content must be school appropriate and is subject to change at the editors’ discretion.

New Leadership, New Direction, New Year...

January-February 2015

of ‘15

SPIRIT

THE

table of contents

editorial

Children, Guns and Shootings: NO LOGIC by Melynda Robinson, Editor

Recent shootings in Kansas City has sparked metro wide concern. Although gun control has always been a hot topic in American society, the most current issue is random shooting. Since October, 2014 alone there have been five random shootings which resulted in four deaths of the following: • JaQuail Washington (7 months) • Angel Hooper (6 years old) • Machole Stewart (ten years old) • Khalif Hampton (sixteen years old) The fifth victim, a 4 year old, thankfully survived only suffering with minor wounds. All but two shootings took place in Kansas City, Kan. The other two taking place in Kansas City, Mo. The youngest, 7 month year old JaQuail Washington, had returned home Sunday evening with his mother Balethia Washington at 10:30 p.m. Soon after, bullets pierced the home of seven, instantly hitting JaQuail and his mother. While his mother was mildly wounded, JaQuail died later Monday morning. To this day, they are still in the dark on the possible suspects. While the whole neighborhood and family is in mourning, grandmother of JaQuail, Wenderlin Gardener, explains who she thinks could be the possible shooter. “A coward. That’s who would do this,” Gardener said. 6 year old Angel Hooper, had just walked out of 7 Eleven with her father just to purchase some bubblegum. When she was fatally shot by a passing car firing off multiple rounds. The family as well as south Kansas City, Mo. was left devastated. At first there were no leads, but as the days wore on, evidence began surfacing.The local surveillance videos were being deliberated. Metro Police realized the tape contained a stolen car, contacting the owner, they soon found out that the boyfriend of the owner, LeAndre Smith, frequently uses the car. The same day, Smith’s girlfriend had stated she and Smith had attended a family friends get together. Afterwards, he had dropped her off, when she said his friend Howard Chase (IV) got into the passenger seat. She soon then claimed after that, the two were gone for about thirty to forty five minutes. Another witness prior to Smith’s girlfriend claimed earlier, Chase was present during a

Photo Credit: Google

fight between to women. The witness said he had been videotaping a fight, following him revealing a gun, an AK-47, that was later identified as the murder weapon. Around the same time, police identified a stolen car, a black Mazda Millenia, with bullet holes. Taking the two witnesses in for questioning about the car, the police also found out, they too had been shot while pulling into the 7 Eleven. The same time supposedly Angel Hooper was shot. These, and other countless witnesses have linked Chase and Smith to the crime. Although they both have tried to suggest they were somewhere else during the crime, both cellphone signals have both linked them exactly at the crime scene Ten year old, Machole Stewart, gathered with her family that night to watch The Kansas City Royals take on The San Francisco Giants in the World Series. When all of a sudden a group of bullets sprayed through the house. Instead of diving to the ground, Stewart rushed to the back rooms of the house, only to get struck by a stray bullet. The beloved girl instantly died. Many organizations including radio stations have opened up their tip lines, for any anonymous caller. So far the only leads they have gotten is that “the

bullets were intended for Machole’s 19-yearold brother,” after having an altercation with another man around his age. Responding to that, Martika Stewart, Machole’s aunt, makes a statement about her death. “She didn’t get to live her life and she was just 10 years old,” Martika Stewart, said. “All I ask is for someone to give her justice,” Stewart exclaims. “Anyone who knows Machole knows you are going to laugh when she comes around, this baby didn’t deserve this. She didn’t get to live life at all,” Stewart says. High School freshmen and sixteen year old, Khaliff Hampton, rallied his young nephews down the steps as he heard gunfire outside. Only to be shot in the back of the head as he ran down the steps. Hampton was said to had gotten in a fist fight the day before the shooting occurred. In an interview his brother stated that after he fought, he had assumed that had been the end of the dispute. There has still not been any leads on the case. Hampton’s cousin, Damein Williams, describes what it was like at the crime scene. “It all happened so quick,” Williams explained. “No one ever expected something like that to happen.” The question is now, what do we do about guns? Many people feel strongly that we should ban all guns. Others oppose saying, we should have stricter gun laws including background checks. You can never give back a life, but maybe finally cracking down and having an attitude that ‘enough is enough’ will prevent more lives from being lost. If you have any tips/info please do not hesitate and call the TIPS Hotline: 816.474.TIPS Text tips can be sent to: 274 637 include “TIP452” in the text. *All calls and texts remain anonymous.*

January-February 2015

news

Shaking hands with former Chiefs offensive lineman, Tim Grunhard, Coach Gregg Webb is named the Chiefs Coach of the Year. A $500 grant was awarded to the Truman football program. Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

Coach Webb named Coach of the Year by Gregory Miranda

Coming off a disappointing 0-10 season back in 2013, Coach Webb in only his second year as our Head Coach has etched his name in Truman football history. Leading the team to a plus .500 record of 6-5 including Truman’s first ever playoff win which is good for Truman’s second most winning season in school history. With a complete overhaul of the team, Webb lead Truman to impressive wins over Liberty in our very own homecoming thriller, ending in a final score of 31-28. As well as wins over Park Hill, North Kansas City, Marshall and a shut out of school rival, William Chrisman 34-0. Coach Webb’s high powered, dynamic offense lead by the two headed monster in junior Quarterback, Dean Clemons alongside Missouri’s leading rusher with a total of 1,056 yards, junior Jordan Salima, managed to score 30+ points in every Truman win this season.This drastic and impressive improvements led Webb to be Kansas City Chiefs Coach of the Week back in September, awarding the Truman’s football program a $500 grant for player safety and equipment as well as a complementary football signed by the Chiefs head coach

January-February 2015

Andy Reid. Webb is also a finalist for the Kansas City Coach of the Year which is the award he will be receiving on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in between the basketball double header presented by former Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Lineman, Tim Grunhard. This year was different compared to years passed said Webb. “The kids took what we’re doing more seriously. We also got rid of problem players,”

“The kids took what we’re doing more seriously,” Webb said. Webb said. “This year was more about X’s and O’s then baby sitting.” What will keep the excitement going in seasons to come and not being content with this season alone, Webb believes the key is to keep wanting to build off this year. “We need to find the best group of kids that will never be satisfied and continue off last season,” Webb said

If you were pleasantly surprised with the season, you’d be with Webb as well. “I knew, during summer workouts that we could be pretty good,” Webb said. “I am pleased with what we were able to do this season but I’m also disappointed that we didn’t make more noise in the playoffs,” Webb said. “Injuries hurt us as well, if you factor key players back in its different.” Coach Webb is already planning for next season. “We have a pretty good upcoming senior class that will hopefully take on the leadership role and guide the younger players,” Webb said. Also adding his high hopes for the future, “We need to start thinking about competing for State Championships because that the reason you play and our goal.” Webb has exceeded the students expectation but surpassed his own which was to win 4-5 games but midway through the season he felt completely different about his team. We are proud of Coach Webb and appreciate the excitement he has brought to the school through football and it seems that we have much to anticipate in the future with Webb running the show.

Tentative 2015-2016 Bell Schedule

news

Highlights to having an 8 hour day: • Additional elective • Gain College hours • Not having to choose between two electives • No Focus

THS moves to an 8 hour day by Gregory Miranda

Truman will be implementing yet another additional change to your school schedule that you may or may not like. If you hate Focus, keep reading because as of next year, there will be no more grueling 90 minute Focus class. If you usually use Focus to catch up on homework and/or sleep you’ll no longer have that opportunity. And If you were one of the lucky ones that received a fun focus class be aware that our new eight hour school day will now consist of one additional elective. The reasoning for the this change to have eight hours in one day.

Photo Credit: Google

“The eight hour day was implemented to have students would have more chance to take more credits and more classes,” head principal Pamela Boatright said. “Academies will have back to back classes. This provides more opportunity to take some of those electives that were limited on the number of credits a student could take,” she said. “It’s to open more opportunities to have more selections.”

Next year will be the deciding factor of whether the additional hour helps or not and if anyone will miss 90 minutes of Focus. You can find the new additional classes available on the school district website http://sites.isdschools.org/career_ academies under the tab of High School: “Program of Studies”

January-February 2015

news

NHS 2015 Induction Ceremony by Wanda Wolfe

On Jan. 28, 2015 Truman inducted 44 new members to National Honor Society. NHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just honor roll, NHS serves excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. There are many ways to get accepted into NHS. The first one is maintaining your GPA. It has to be 3.0 or a B average. Although freshman aren’t yet eligible for NHS their grades still start to matter their freshman year. “It was something I wanted to be a part of since starting high School,” senior Kirstin Huber said Second is be a leader, third is to volunteer and keep a log of where you volunteer at and what you do and for how long. “I was proud that my hard work such as all the volunteering hours have paid off,” junior Kendra Amos said. Fourth be active in extracurricular activities at school, fifth be respectable. The individuals that vote for the new members into NHS are teachers and faculty members of the school. Students that are eligible must be sophomores, juniors and

seniors. They have to attend the school for one semester, exemptions are usually made for children of military families, based on a good recommendation from other schools. Sixth would be to work hard on your application, seven is obtain a majority of the votes of your chapters faculty council. “Please congratulate the new members of NHS Members,” NHS sponsor Kathy Fiztpatrick said. “Our current officers also did a great job with the ceremony.” Let’s congratulate the newest members of NHS.

Photo Credit: Google Images

NHS 2015 Induction class inducted 44 new members. The induction ceremony was held Wednesday, Jan. 28. Photo Credit: THS Media Taylor Hickman

CONGRATULATIONS!

Jordyn Adrales Morgan Adrales Kendra Amos Jessica Armstrong Carly Beck Sierra Browne-Jenkins Justin Burton Gage Calton Cole Caswell Jasmine Clevenger January-February 2015

Aso Fuiava Micah Hall Ian Harmon Jacob Hayward Chase Holman-Eddleblute Connor Holtcamp Andrew Huber Kirstin Huber Marie Jackson Brayden Jensen

Blake Jones Emily Juliana Ethan Kimbrough Karly Kinsey Lindsey Knight Hailee Kramer Rachel McKiddie Jacob McLeod Myles Odom Ashley Peña

Lauren Powers Laura Presler Jordan Salima Kelsay Sander Sariah Sauni Briana Savidge Lillian Schnakenberg Katrena Smith Miah Stiers Trinity Tart

Becky Tebe Isaac Torres Kylie Waterworth Tabitha Williams

news

“Snow Bowl”held at THS by Melynda Robinson

Preparing for the competition to start, THS student senior Kearstin Stimmel and teacher Becky Schubkegel asked questions at the “Snow Bowl” also known as Scholar Bowl. THS held the competition open to area schools. Photo Credit: THS Media Amanda Newberry

As the competition rolls around, the THS Scholar Bowl team readies their pencils as they quiz each other. On Saturday, Jan. 13 THS Scholar Bowl team hosted the “Snow Bowl” competition. Although the team didn’t compete, they contributed a helping hand to their fellow peers. The Scholar Bowl is actually an academic competition, where students compete against other teams from other schools. With questions mostly consisting of: math, science, literature, history and also cultural trivia. Last fall, the team managed to score second overall at the Independence Invi-

tational for Independence high schools. Since Scholar’s Bowl is a winter activity, it starts in October and usually finishes around March. To join, all you have to do is show up and tryout. Tryouts are usually

“It’s a lot of fun, it’s being able to be around people who are like minded,” Hermanson said. held in the fall in October. The requirements are very simple: you must be passing

all of your classes and be consistent and reliable in showing up. Matthew Hermanson, Head Adviser of the Scholar’s Bowl explains the best thing about Scholar’s Bowl. “It’s a lot of fun, it’s being able to be around people who are like minded,” Hermanson said. “If you’re good at being smart, and knowing things and sometimes you stick out in class and don’t blend in. Some people even give you a hard time for that. So in a way, this is a place where you can be really good at that and you can be with people who are good at that too.”

MLK essay winner makes history by Gregory Miranda

Senior John Williams’ essay over MLK awarded him a $300 college grant. Photo Credit: Gregory Miranda

Students were given the prompt of “Act Like You Care” to write an essay on the subject given. Some students might be opposed to the prompt because it is such a broad subject but this posed no trouble to senior John Williams. He wrote about the selected topics of bullying and to spread an urgency that you need to care about standing up for what’s right and not just to pretend to care. “I’m thankful that the people who rooted for us, for the different various rights did not just pretend,” Williams said. “That was what my whole story was about.” Williams based his “Act Like You Care” prompt on the iconic, influential African-American civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. expressing his further

influence in today’s society. Through his essay it sparked the interest of many and in return was awarded the Juan Alvarez Scholarship Award which is a scholarship granting William’s $300 in college funds and when he enrolls in the fall he will receive that money for academic use. While the $300 college fund will be most helpful, Williams discovered some surprising news when we was awarded. “What was really interesting was that the program has been around for 17 years and I was the first African American male to actually receive the award,” Williams said. “Its very interesting and exciting thing for me, you’d think since its a MLK award that many people of my race would’ve won but I’m excited to be the first.”

January-February 2015

news FREE Community College by Wanda Wolfe

According to CNN 500 percent is how much college costs have increased between 1985 and today. Wages have increased 140 percent over the same time period and that’s why Americans owe $1.4 trillion in student loans debt. College costs in 1985 were $10,000 would have been $21,947.12 today but instead today college cost over $50,000. As President Barack Obama has stated in his new proposal to pay for two years of community college there are many things that are not set in stone just yet. There are some things that are set for what Obama wants to do with paying for college and their is also set requirements for the students that want the two free years. The cost that Obama is looking at for what the federal government is going to pay for each student is going to be $3,800 in tuition. They want the states to pick up the remainder of the cost of tuition. This proposal will benefit 9 million students. Under Obama’s plan, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelors degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce - all at no cost to them. The cost will be worked into the presidents 2016 budget proposal. According to Whitehouse.gov the requirements for the students wanting the two free years of college are the students must attend community college at least half the time, they must maintain a 2.5 GPA and make steady progress towards

January-February 2015

Photo Credit: http://www.citysearch.com/

completing their program. The community colleges will be expected to offer programs that are either 1) academic programs that fully transfer credits to local public four year colleges and universities, or 2) occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates. Community Colleges must also adopt promising and evidence based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes. The federal funding will cover three quarters of the average community college. Participating states will be expected to contribute the

Photo Credit: www.collegerag.net

remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students. They’re also expanding technical training programs. President Obama also proposed the new American Technical Training Fund, which will expand innovative, high quality technical training programs across the country. Specifically, the fund will award programs that: have strong employer partnerships and include work-based learning opportunities, provide accelerated training, and accommodate part-time work. Bryce McKibben, former Associate of Community College Trustees policy analyst who recently became a policy advisor to Democrats on the senate education program has noted potential flaws. The program could end up doing more for less needy students than those who need it the most because low-income applicants may already be covered by Pell grants and other federal aid. Advocacy groups including CAP, which has counseled the Obama administration on higher education issues, have promoted ideas to spur both federal and state funding to boost college enrollment. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam, whose brainchild Tennessee Promise Program strongly influenced Obama’s proposal. Beginning this year, any high school graduate in that state is eligible for two free years of community college tuition under the Tennessee Promise.

news THS students sing in state choir ISDschools.org website

Missouri’s best high school musicians, including three from Truman High School, were afforded a unique opportunity during the Missouri Music Educators Conference. Truman students juniors Abigale Becker, Val Mathenia and senior Rosie Smith were part a select group of Missouri students chosen to work with a world-renowned conductor and then present a concert for the state’s music educators. More than 200 students auditioned and Becker, Smith and Mathenia each earned one of just 32 spots in the choir. “It was a rigorous process,” said Kim Evans, Truman High School vocal music director. “In order to make the state choir, students needed a near-perfect audition. They had to sing their solos beautifully and sight-read perfectly because just one point can make or break a student.”

Before the Jan. 31 concert, Becker, Smith and Mathenia attended multiple rehearsals to learn the all-state literature and Evans said all three were extremely excited for the opportunity to represent themselves, Truman High School and the Independence School District. “We could not be more proud of these students,” she said. “Their achievement represents not only hours of dedication on their part, but on the part of teachers and parents too and it demonstrates we can hold our own against surrounding districts.” The four-day conference was held at the Tan-Tar-A Resort at the Lake of the Ozarks. Choir members juniors Abigale Becker, Val Mathenia and senior Rosie Smith were chosen to perform in the state Choir. THS had three members to make the state choir out of the 32 spots. Photo Courtesy: Kim Evans

The Coterie’s Young Playwrights Roundtable includes two THS students ISDschools.org website Two Truman students, Shealyn Hedrick and Matthew Bourgeois, join a select group of other Kansas City-area high school students as members of The Coterie’s Young Playwrights’ Roundtable. Those two were accepted to the highly-acclaimed program following their completion of The Coterie’s Reaching the Write Minds workshop, a unique dramatic writing program for emerging teen playwrights. Hedrick and Bourgeois were chosen out of more than 400 students from across the Kansas City area. “Being part of the Young Playwrights’ Roundtable is a great accomplishment,” said Jeff Church,

The Coterie’s artistic director. “We are excited about the submissions we have received from young writers throughout the area.” Hedrick, Bourgeois and other Roundtable members will meet and discuss their developing plays during a series of Sunday afternoon work sessions. Some of the plays will go directly from paper to stage and be featured during The Coterie’s annual Young Playwrights Festival in May. Established in 1979, The Coterie is a non-profit organization providing professional theatre and educational outreach programs to students across the Kansas City area Sophomore Shealyn Hedrick and junior Matthew Bourgeois were selected as members of The Coterie’s Young Playwrights’ Roundtable. The two were selected from over 400 area students. Photo Credit: www.isdschools.org

January-February 2015

feature

BLACK HISTORY MONTH POEM

by Antonio Franklin

First we were slaves that the people owned Kept the chains on a brotha couldn’t be alone In unity communities we try’na build upon & make the people stand as one not get stepped on I trace a man’s name back called Carter Woodson the son of a former slave guess his dad was taken but let’s fast forward to the time when smarts is what you needed To expand the mind & find out what you will achieve & so he taught himself the basics of the education had some knowledge for the better so that he would make it Woodson’s family couldn’t do it because money was an issue They couldn’t send their son to school that was like a missile Straight to the heart but the pain didn’t last forever Because when high school came around it got a whole lot better At the age of 20 Woodson finally got in school Graduated in two years I say that’s living proof Of a man who took a chance & seeing he had one I called him a champ when it’s all set & done Bet he made himself proud & his mother proud to All that learning took some time & put to some good use This is Black History Month a month the we can learn From all the other people in the moment just to earn A moment in the spotlight so I’ll do the greatest thing Congrats to Rosa, Malcolm X & also Dr. King There’s a challenge from Obama he said choose a better history but to choose we have to know & some how that’s a mystery that’s why we try to figure out we only know so much from media to newspaper just to keep in touch but when you only know so much how much can you say enough to straighten all the people out and to keep the faith this is for the people who see things that they can do I guess we all have a limit so how will you choose to use your voice as a weapon who will come & view you as a leader of a month now that lit a fuse up under the followers so we can stop the violence & lead us into happiness & no more being silent The end is finally near & we finally get to vote hardwork & dedication is what he put in most of the speeches that he gave now I call it hope dreams can come true & to add to that note In the ‘60s and ‘70s equality came this was something to acknowledge they got treated the same the kids get to know a man who paved the way for them just for them to have a dream I call that there a win racism is over but it still exist today sometimes feelings carry on & never go away thank you for encouragement for us to have a dream we’re free at last we’re free at last letting freedom ring

January-February 2015

Photo Credit: www.nyu.edu

The Importance of Black History

editorial

by Walter Canady Black history is much more than just the remembrance and celebration of black heroes. Black history month should be seen as the reminder to African-Americans to proceed to persevere through the obstacles set in front of us. We have been blessed to have ancestors that had the heart and will to sacrifice themselves and things they love to pave the way for us now. From slavery, to the Jim crow years; all the way up until now. Black history should really be seen as American history, but not until the year 1926 black history was recognized and celebrated in just one week out of the year called “Negro History week.” But in the year 1979 it was re-named Black History Month, and celebrated throughout the month of February. This alone is another accomplishment in the history of African Americans. African Americans had one of the biggest roles in the construction of the United States, in fact the reasoning of slavery was to do just that. Africans were eminent at skills like building, agriculture

Photo Credit: http://www.cityofparkland.org/793/Cultural-Diversity-Programs

and cleaning. These are all the things that learning about you, where your people would be needed in the cultivation of the come from and how did your culture United States. So would it be right to say make it this far, I mean it is your story, and that slaves were the true “founding fathers” learning about your history may create a of America? future for you and your people. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, Unity; the state of being united or joined, “Our lives begin to end the day we combined into one, oneness. Martin and become silent about things that the other black heroes stood for this word. matter.” Martin Luther King is a well Malcolm X said, “We need more light known leader in the African American history, one of many black leaders, but what he is saying here is that we as not only black people, but as humans have to stand up for what we believe in, and prioritize what we put our efforts in doing. People like Frederick Douglass, Marcus Garvey, MalPhoto Credit: http://www.royalafricansociety.org/analysis/bacolm X and many more used sil-davidsons-africa their life trying to create a way about each other. Light creates underfor someone else’s. Researching about standing, understanding creates love, love your own history should be not only creates patience, and patience creates unia priority to African Americans, but ty.” Our black ancestors worked very hard it should be a must to every culture. to put this generation in the great position Do not wait for your cultures history we’re in, its time for us to create a way for to be taught, go get it! We spend time the next. Marcus Garvey declaimed, ” A on social media, watching reality people without the knowledge of their past shows, and just all around wasting history, origin and culture is like a tree time. The time that you are given without roots.” should be used to feed your brain,

Photo Credit: https://sunnydelyte21.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/coming-attraction-2/

January-February 2015

advice

Melynda’s Makeup 101 by: Melynda Robinson With Valentine’s Day coming around the corner, the look we’ll be going for this time around is, a rose gold neutral eye. That can either have a bold red lip or a neutral pink lip. In this I’ll cover both high end and drugstore products. With these you can achieve the same lovely look. Also remember that, you don’t have to buy high end products. If you can’t afford something, there’s always an drugstore dupe for it. So if you’re not really into makeup, don’t feel the need to purchase a high dollar product when you’ll probably only use it once. Our main focus for this look depends on two things. Number one being, what you

are exactly doing with your valentine (going out to dinner, spend a night in, etc). The second thing is whether you want to have a bolder eye look, or a bolder lip look. For a bold lip you need to remember you need to keep the eyes subtle. Remembering that the main focus will be your eyes. For a bold eye it’s vice versa, keeping Photo credit: pinterest.com the lips neutral will draw attention to your eyes. A really good high end rose gold eyeshadow palette I recommend and will be using this Valentine’s Day is, the Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette. Good dupes for this are: Sonia Kashuk Eyeshadow Quad in ‘Rose Gold’, Maybelline Color Tattoo (try to go for pink or gold colors) and Maybelline ‘The Nudes’ eyeshadow palette. The first step to any eye look is to prime the lids. Eye primer makes the eyeshadow last longer, takes any pigment out of your eyes and also makes the colors look vibrant. A good high end eyeshadow primer that’s high end is

Photo credit: instagram.com/dressyourface

January-February 2015

Photo credit: Google Images

the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. For drugstore I recommend ELF eyeshadow primer. You can also use concealer. After you prime your lids, the first you want to do is define your crease. Since this is a neutral look, a light matte brown will work. I’ll be using the color ‘Faint’ in my crease from the naked 3 palette. Next you’ll want to apply the gold. I’ll be using Maybelline Color Tattoo (gold shade) for the gold base. Adding the color ‘Trick’ (from Naked 3) to set it. Finally topping it off with golden flakes from Glitter Injections. For eyeliner, it’s your choice rather or not you want to apply it or not. The same thing goes for lashes. Next, I’ll be taking the same brush and eyeshadow that I used in my crease, to smoke out my bottom lash line. Doing this, will make your eyes look bigger. Now moving onto the lips, I ended up going for red. For high end I recommend: Mac ‘Ruby Woo’ and ‘Russian Red’. For drugstore I recommend Revlon Colorstay Matte Lip Balm in ‘Striking’. Make sure you apply a good lip balm before you put any lipstick on your lips to moisturize them,and also preventing your lips from looking crusty. Another good trick is, after you’re done with putting your lipstick on, to line your lips with concealer. This will make the color look brighter and bolder and also clean up any that might be around your mouth. For the your face, you can really go in any direction. In no way is this the only way you can do your makeup. This was just a description of what I would do.

Photo credit: Top: glitterinjections.com Right: maybelline.com Above: sephora.com

feature

Valentine’s Day Poem by Antonio Franklin

This is to my sweetheart the love is in the air Affection through my words my heart I wanna share The roses are a sign of how I really feel inside They’re beautiful like you now my feeling’s I can’t hide Been crushing for the longest you can say I’ve been a flirt Me beating around the bush is never gonna work This is to that special someone that I’d like to know Way better as a person & in due time see we’ll grow Into something special promise I won’t break ya heart Reds the color of the day & that’s just where it starts The pain you feel it’s cutting deep but see I’m here to heal Any broken pieces of your heart I’ll come & fill Up with love & cupid’s arrow pointing right at you I wanna aim right at your heart as I come for the truth Of what true love really is & seal it with a kiss Be mine for now I’ll hold you down I see her beautiful bliss I’ll take the lead you follow me & now we start to dance The rhythm is so captivating as I hold your hand We dance the night away for fun but now I take the chance Of asking you to be my girl I’ll ask you in advance Would you be my Valentine I’ll keep your heart safe Love is my protection & I’ll give it all the way Love can’t be fixed but I know it can be found Like a broken heart that I’ve seen upon the ground Picked it up & asked myself could I be the one The one to put your heart together & it can be done The love is real I feel it now your heart just skipped a beat The touch of it is heaven sent you make it all complete The person I can’t live without I’m looking at today spilling my emotions & my heart upon the page God has blessed me with her presence through the good of grace will take it slow your heart will know just how to set the pace each & everyday I’m with you love is in the air I love you you’re my valentine we make the perfect pair

Photo Credit: Google Images January-February 2015

sports THS place third in 37th Annual Truman

by Taylor Simms Saturday, Jan. 24 Truman played Rockbridge at the 37th Annual High Schools Girls Basketball Tournament, for third place, at home. The girls came out ready to play. Truman started out with a set back as they lost the jump, but that wasn’t going to stop them. They immediately went into 23, or zone, defense and fought hard. Zone defense is two girls set up at the top of the lane and three down by the basket. The play is meant to deny the shot and allow for maximum rebounds. Truman’s defense was very tough. Rockbridge shot a three and the Patriots took over. They attempted a layup but lost control and lost possession while they fouled. Rockbridge has now gotten a chance at four free throw and made three of the four. Truman fought back with a press. Went for a layup and the ball was turned over. Rockbridge scored two points and was fouled again, made free throw. Bri Savidge stole the ball, shot and lost the rebound, but Kierra Collier stole it back drove and but didn’t make the basket. Rockbridge got the ball and made two points. Sydney Paialii got the ball and made the first shot for Truman, to put the score at 3-14. Rockbridge now has possession but the Patriots are denying the ball. Lexi Hart stole the ball and Collier shot another shot to make the score 14-5. Now, they coming back because they stole the ball back again and got another three points to make it 14-8. After a while of tug-of-war with the ball back and forth the quarter ends with the score 19-8. The second quarter starts again with the girls refreshed with Sasha Quarles, Kierra Collier, Lexi Hart, Sydney Paialii and Bri Savidge. The second quarter starts out really well with Savidge shooting another three to make the score 19-11. Rockbridge wasn’t giving up yet, because they came right back and shot another three to make it 22-11. Rockbridge stole the ball back from Truman and shot but missed and Hart stole the ball back. Hart was fouled in Zone defense. After Hart’s free throws, Rockbridge scored another two points. The score is now 24-11. Truman’s defense is really strong because

January-February 2015

Soaring in the air, junior Lexi Hart hovers over Lee’s Summit High School player for the jump shot. Truman won 41-20. Photo Credit: Russ Crick Photography

Rockbridge couldn’t seem to keep control for more than a few seconds. The score is now 28-11. Brody Byrd now comes in to the game and is immediately handed the ball she shoots a three and makes it. Score is now 28-14. Rockbridge comes back though with two more points not making it any easier for Truman. Score is now 30-14. Rockbridge tries to stall with ten seconds left and Coach Steve Cassity calls a play and they attack. They get the ball Rockbridge knocks it out of play. Truman now has the ball with three seconds, and Paialii throws the ball up from half court and makes it. The second half ends and the score is 30-17. Truman is fighting hard and it is paying off. The third quarter starts with Sasha Quarles, Brody Byrd, Lexi Hart, Sydney Paialii and Bri Savidge. Right off the Patriots get another two points. Lexi drives and was fouled she got a double-bonus, or two free throws and the score is now 30-19. Truman steals the ball and has possession, Byrd passes to Hart she shoots and score to make the score 30-21. The Patriots are coming back. Truman denys and gets the ball to make it 30-23. Rockbridge has ball and they score. Score is now 32-23. Erin

Davis comes in for Byrd and she scores two points for 32-25. Truman gets into Zone defense and steal the ball back and Hart passes to Davis and she scores three more points. 32-28 Rockbridge scores two more making it 34-28. Hart scores two. Rockbridge scores a couple more and the quarter ends with 43-30. Fourth starts out not so good. Rockbridge scores after jump ball and the score is 4530. Patriots deny but with all effort Rockbridge still scores and the score is 49-30. Hart gets rebound but loses control, and then fouls. Rockbridge makes one basket. Savidge makes another two pointer and it is 50-34. Byrd breaks away but runs out of time and sadly Rockbridge wins 50-34. “Even though, we lost I think it went pretty well,” junior Lexi Hart said. “Our main player did get as many point as she usually does so that’s a good positive thing, and I think mainly we just lost because of our rebounds.” Truman girls played really well, their defense was really good. They fought all the way to the end. Rockbridge wasn’t better but they got the best of them this time. Read more Truman sports stories at ISDsports.org

sports

Wrestling takes 2nd by Greg Miranda

In their first few tournaments Truman has been posting impressive results especially in their tournament hosted by Grandview where the boys took second with senior Kurt Kaiser reaching the final round. Senior Kurt Kaiser spoke for himself when asked about his personal performance as well as what he believed came out of this tournament. “I feel like we could’ve done better, we had kids that stood up and did well but other laid on their back and got pinned,” Kaiser said “If we all work together to have

a set goal, if we all decide to not get pinned or be their kid by decision then that would do well.” Kaiser’s focus was really to have the team to not put himself in difficult situations and give everybody a fighting chance. “Have a goal of not getting pinned because when you get pinned it puts you in the whole six points and those add up pretty quick,” he said. Kaiser also believed that some standout during the tournament were junior Jonathan Gosserand as well as his brother Kane Kaiser who was unable to perform due to injury but

Photo Courtesy: Brad Jones

is overall impressed by his performance this season. Kaiser was also particularly impressed with freshman Julian Dickinson’s performance putting five to six of his opponents in headlocks as well as sophomore Kane Williams. Kaisers sets goals moving forward. “Hopefully we have some kids go to state this year, it will be my last year and I would See Wrestling page 15

Senior Night for Girls Swim Team

Hart named PrepVolleyball.com All American THS junior Alexis Hart was named PrepVolleyball.com All American. PrepVolleyball.com, Inc. is an Internet newspaper that covers girls’ volleyball, high school and club, from a national perspective.

Senior night was held for the 2015 Girls Varsity Swim Team on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Congrats to the following Seniors: Alana Campbell Courtlynn Kenslow Katie Olsen Tara Olsen Audrey Powell For results visit ISDsports.com

View Hart on the All American listing below via the ISDsports.org website.

Junior Lexi Hart (left) broke the THS School record with 26 kills in one match. Hart broke the record on Aug. 26, 2014. Photo Credit:Russ Crick Photography

Seniors swim in their lanes at Senior night. Meets are help at the Aquatic Center. Photo Credit THS Media Kirstin Huber

January-February 2015

entertainment

Sony hacked by Gregory Miranda

We’ve all wanted to see a movie before it comes out and know what happens before anyone else but this is not the way we envisioned it. Sony Pictures on Nov. 30, first discovered that their systems had been hampered with leading to the leak of several new film releases such as “Fury” starring Brad Pitt and Shia Labeouf and the “Annie” remake featuring Jamie Foxx which resulted in what Sony calls a loss of billions after leaked films were available for free download. The trigger to all of this, Seth Rogen and James Franco’s controversial film “The Interview” which

is based on Rogen and Franco’s characters being called upon by the CIA to assassinate the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, on what is supposed to be a live interview with the Kim Jong Un, a big fan of their news broadcast.

it “Disrespectful” and threaten “Merciless” actions after being informed of it. After being informed of the news, Rogen acknowledges that it is a sensitive topic but brushes off criticism and believes that the best humor comes from serious topics and still believes the film will be hilarious and “hope (Jong Photo Credit: http://www.expertel-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sony-Make_Believe_LB.jpg Un) he loves it.” While this may seem harmless now, we With this in mind some are pointing the finger at North Korean vigilante group, all might want to take this a bit more seriGuardians of Peace or GOP for short. The ously after North Korean officials deemed reasoning behind the hack is believed to be the film, “An act of War” and threaten out of disrespect of the North Korean leadSony producers to stop production on any er after seeing the trailer for himself called films resulting in billions of dollars in loss.

The one and only McCartney by Kane Mobley

On Christmas Eve of 2014, Kanye West released a single featuring the living legend, Paul McCartney. It was a collaboration for the ages, and a very surprising one at that. The song is titled, “Only One,” and features vocals from only Kanye. When the collaboration was first announced, people were surprised. After about a week or so, most music fanatics had heard the song. However, nothing was more surprising than tweets made on the subject of the song. Multiple people were seen tweeting about how it was “nice” of Kanye West to give someone such as Paul McCartney a chance. It was as if they truly didn’t know who McCartney was, or had even heard of him. One thing that stands out, is that even by some act of God chance that you honestly have never heard of the man, the least you could do is look him up. Before you go on the Internet and publicly make an ignorant statement, you should do

January-February 2015

man for trying to help this McCartney fellow with his career. Most people saw it as a joke, thinking it couldn’t be true that someone could lack that much basic knowledge. The thing that really takes me away, is that how could you even joke about that? People either crave attention or just aren’t cultured. If it was a joke, I see it as disrespect towards a man who has so much influence on why music is the way it is today. Paul McCartney is a living legend and has already cemented his name as one of the best. Whether you were jokPhoto Credit: www.dailymail.com ing or not, in the words of the some research. late Biggie Smalls, “If you don’t know now This ended up being a popular trend. you know.” (And if anyone doesn’t know Suddenly several Twitter users were who Biggie is, I have no words for you.) tweeting about how Kanye West is a great

by Kane Mobley

When it comes to journalism, broadcasting, reporting, etc. There’s many that do it well. There’s some who do it great. But there’s only one guy who did it, and was as cool as the other side of the pillow while doing so. In case you haven’t caught on yet, his name was Stuart Scott. Stuart Scott passed away on Jan. 4 of this year, at the age of 49. Behind he left two daughters, a girlfriend and tons of people worldwide who looked up to him. Scott co-hosted his first episode of SportsCenter in 1993. He brought style to the table, and forever revolutionized ESPN, and the way sports was brought to viewers. Scott added popular catch phrases such as, “Booyah” and, “Cool as the other side of the pillow.” For a lot of people, Stuart Scott is the reason they watch SportsCenter now. To say the least, he was a living legend. His work ethic, his delivery, and his person-

Stuart Scott: “Rise Up”

sports

lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live,” Scott said. He lived everyday to the fullest. Never would Stuart slow down. Stuart Scott will be remembered for more than just being a broadcaster. Scott was an innovator. Photo Credit:www.usatoday.com He created a certain style, and it’s been carried on by others ality was unlike anyone else. He was a go-getter, and was always focused. After 21 since Scott first aired on SportsCenter in years of memorable reporting on ESPN, he ‘93. He brought hip-hop to the table, and was relentless. His ambition along with his was finally awarded. talent, is what made him a legend. He is a Scott accepted The Jimmy V Award hero to others with the same battle, as he for Perseverance at the 2014 ESPY’s. His gave them courage. Some would call Stuart memorable, emotional speech left some Scott the best to ever do it, and many with tears, including myself. He shared a quote which will be remembered for a long would be first to second that opinion. time by others fighting the same battle. “When you die, it does not mean that you

Wrestling Cont’d by Greg Miranda love to go to state which is our main goal,” Kaiser said. “Me, Jonathan (Gosserand) and my brother (Kane Kaiser) and really hope to see them do better next year.” Assistant Wrestling Coach, Brad Jones delivers his perspective on this tournament and what he took from it that could be productive and helpful to the guys. “A lot of improvement, it’s the first time we wrestled as a team together,” Jones said. “Supporting everybody and make sure everybody was doing their best.” Jones also is not worried about the future due to the teams depth, chemistry and leadership at all grade levels. “Improve the program by having more guys coming out and to bring home more trophies as a team,” Jones said. “Everybody is really improving this year it’s tough to pick out just one person in particular that stands out but we’re looking to take a couple to state, but you never know what

Preparing for the match, junior Kane Kaiser takes a stance with his opponent. Photo Credit: THS Media Katrina Shepherd

happens at districts.” Leading the leadership department, Jones believes that junior Jonathan Gosserand and Sophomore Jacob Overbay. Jones personally thinks the most important thing to keep in mind for the guys before their

matches is a plan. “To have a game plan, you got six minutes and it goes by quick if you don’t,” he said. The teams hopes they can achieve their goals towards State and make the seniors have a memorable last year.

January-February 2015

Comic Corner

comic With Eric