March 2012 by The Pylon

‘The Dart Game’ making resurgence

Old games that students used to play in the middle school days are being brought back pages 6-7

“It’s an every man for himself type of game with an infinite amount of people playing at one time.” Tristan Alderson Junior

Vol. 88, Iss. 8 March 15, 2012

Inside

Back to being Katie Page 3

Salina Central High School

Heavyweight record (127-254 g.) 1) Jim Reed/Danny Backes 648.67 pounds

1) Sam Elsey 187.36 pounds

2) Lee Weiner 558.53 pounds

T2) Raychel Bieker 141.4 pounds

3) Gavin Smith/Tina Thomas 516.11 pounds 4) Travis Rolfs/Josh Gray 466.62 pounds 5) Robin Booher/ Serena Bell 434.81 pounds

Prom is just around the corner Page 5

Seniors’ sign to play college softball Page 8

Girls’ basketball heads to state tournament Page 9

days until

Spring Break

days until

Summer Break March/April Calendar

Lightweight record (<127 g.)

the bridge

Students make bridges in physics class out of newspaper and glue in order to see which one holds the most weight.

By David Weiner Lead Reporter

Mr. Goodwin’s physics class has just recently embarked on its annual Bridge Project, which requires students to create their very own bridge, design and all, out of only newspaper and glue. The bridges must meet weight requirements, height requirements and be able to have a HotWheels car drive all the way across in order to achieve the optimum grade. “I’m going to have the best bridge,” junior Katie Keleman VDLG ZLWK FRQȴGHQFH “Technically I’ll have the best bridge because one of mine won’t have a weight limit and it’s going to be coated in metal,” senior Brenton Hilbig interjected. Senior Kobe Goodness sat and listened in the corner

File Photo / The Pylon

Physics teacher, Gary Goodwin, begins to see how much a bridge can hold by slowly adding weight. This years bridges will be tested soon. as Keleman and Hilbig went on describing how their newspaper and glue bridge projects in Mr. Goodwin’s

physics class would be the strongest in the class; his chin was propped on his hands and his eyes were glazed over.

T2) Kyle Sheahan 141.4 pounds 4) Brandon Daley 137.87 pounds 5) Beth Blomquist 134.33 pounds

“I don’t know how good my bridge is going to turn out, “ Goodness said while laughing. “My partner’s not that smart so I can’t imagine it being that good.” After the bridges are complete, the true test begins where the bridges are stress tested by a pneumatic pressure device that Mr. *RRGZLQ VR ȴWWLQJO\ QDPHG “The Crusher.” Bridges, depending on their design, either squish or shatter under the force of The Crusher. Some bridges have held well over 500lbs before breaking, while others crumble under the mere weight of the HotWheels car. “Have we started? No. Have we thought about it? No. Are we going to build it? Yes,” Keleman said. Goodwin understands that I always pull through.”

After one year, assistant principal Darren Shupe is leaving By Mackenzie Morris Student life editor

Darren Shupe attends every sporting event he can to support the students and interacts with everyone who passes him in the hallway with a friendly demeanor. Even though assistant principal, Mr. Shupe, will be leaving after only a year, he has made a great impact on this school. After being brought to Salina from the small town of Toganoxi in the Kansas City

March 15 Girls’ swim meet at South March 31 Boys’ tennis at home

area, Shupe was faced with one major concern with this new job he was entering; his family. His wife and kids made the decision to stay in their original town close to their grandparents who were facing health issues. Even though Shupe would stay in Salina during the week and then return home on the weekends, he felt his three boys QHHGHG PRUH RI D IDWKHU ȴJXUH “I ideally wanted my family here, but that’s just not the case,” said Shupe. Taking all of this into

consideration, Shupe has made the decision to leave Central DIWHU WKLV \HDU DQG ȴQG D MRE that will be closer to his family. “This school has great students, a staff who cares and takes pride in their jobs, and supportive parents,” said Shupe. “That’s nice to see in a larger school.” Shupe has truly loved working here with a caring group of staff members and meeting all the students and watching them make differences.

March 15 First girls’ soccer game vs. Andover Central April 1 April Fools Day

March 20 Earth Day April 2 Boys’ golf Salina Invitational

Riley Gates / The Pylon

Assistant principal Darren Shupe sits at his desk last Friday.

March 29 First softball game vs. Wichita SE April 8 Easter Sunday

Page 2

The Pylon

pra nk RANDOMZ idea s

DAY

APRIL

FOOL’S

sham

By Kate Martens

Here are just a few practical jokes for you as you prepare for the upcoming day of fun in just a few weeks. Remember that these are not meant to come off as mean, so be sure that you are pranking a close friend who will get you back good.

tricky

c in

While the victim is asleep, set all the clocks ahead two hours. When they wake up, they will panic and think they overslept and are late for school or work

03.15.12

Sham wows are positive and negative words or phrases that describe the month. These were chosen by the Pylon staff for March. If you have a sham or a wow for the April issue, go to and leave a comment to submit your suggestion.

“Waiting on Spring Break”

*OXH D FRLQ WR WKH ȵRRU or ground in a busy place and sit nearby to watch as people try to pick it up

running

salty

surprise Replace the lotion in your victim’s lotion bottle with mayonnaise.

late

shams

Fun.

Somebody That I Used to Know

Glad You Came

Call Me Maybe

Gotye

The Wanted

have

mayo?

WOWS

Carly Rae Jepsen

Stronger

Part of Me

Wild Ones

Drive By

Starships

Set Fire to the Rain

Kelly Clarkson

may I

- Construction at Ohio/ Crawford - Mice in J-room closet - Daylight savings time - NCAA tournament seeding - Big 12 tournament

iTunes Top 10 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9. 5. 10. We Are Young

Put salt on the victims toothbrush. Then stand by to watch the surprised look on their face

+ Spring break + Last quarter of school + Bridesmaids + New iPad tomorrow + Regional journalism results + March Madness

Katy Perry

Flo Rida

Train

Nicki Minaj

ADELE

Sudoku

2 1

Difficulty: Hard

Trent Bigler, Editor in Chief editor@chspylon.com

Casey Leister, Business Manager

The solution to this sudoku puzzle will be posted on , as well as the next issue of the Pylon.

Sports Nathan Garlow and Carson Jett, editors

Entertainment & Web Eric Luce, editor

webmaster@chspylon.com

Photography Rachel Hodges, photo editor

Videography Dakota Rowlison, editor

photos@chspylon.com

video@chspylon.com

Arts & News Sarah Gage

Feature Emily Wood, editor

Copy Editor David Weiner, also lead reporter

Cartoons Brenton Hilbig and Joe McKenna, cartoonist

studentlife@chspylon.com

sports@chspylon.com

arts@chspylon.com

webmaster@chspylon.com

opinion@chspylon.com

feature@chspylon.com

Staff reporter: Hayley Hager

Solution to February issue of the Pylon

Opinion Sammy Jordan, editor

6 4 3

business@chspylon.com

Student Life MacKenzie Morris, editor

WOWS

7 2

3 5

2 9

1 4

check it

OUT

The Pylon gladly accepts contributions from guest writers on any subject. Please email your submissions to editor@chspylon.com. The Pylon is the official student newspaper of Salina High School Central. It is produced entirely by students of the newspaper production class, daily on chsPylon.com and monthly in print.

J.D. Garber, Adviser jd.garber@usd305.com (785) 309-3578

The Pylon wants to hear your opinion Email your letters, preferably limited to 500 words, to editor@ chspylon.com. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion, DQG ZH ZLOO FRQWDFW \RX WR FRQȴUP WKDW \RX DUH WKH DXWKRU RI WKH letter. Letters may be edited for clarity.

@chspylon

The Pylon

Page 3

03.15.12

Miracles in the midst of struggles A quick Junior Katie Peacock is upward bound after life-threatening accident By Hayley Hager Staff Reporter

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Junior Katie Peacock smiles despite the fact that she has had to catch up on all of her school work after the accident.

At this time last year, junior Katie Peacock was recovering from a life-threatening sledding accident. Now a year later, she ȴQGV KHUVHOI OLYLQJ D OLIH VKH LV more than happy with. “It’s a transition, but that’s just life really,” Peacock said. Over the course of the past year, Peacock went from being weeks behind in school to completely catching up in time for the start of her junior year, having her son, and moving in with the father of her child and boyfriend, former Central student Seth Tramble. “On top of changes with my family and having my child, even my school and career choice has changed,” Peacock said. Peacock began doing catch-up schoolwork while in recovery and continued with home schooling when she returned home to Kansas. She came back to school at the beginning of this year and has worked hard enough to be able to graduate early her senior year and then go to a two-year sonogram tech school.

Ȋ,WȇV OLIH ,W VKRXOG EH ȴQH ,WȇV just a lot harder than it used to be to get by,” Peacock said. From the accident, there are still many things Peacock is deprived the ability of doing. She has been recommended to not play sports and she’s also been instructed to avoid things that bounce or jerk too much, such as riding roller coasters, in precaution of something happening to her head again. Not only does she have the responsibility of taking care of herself, but now a family as well. “People try saying having a child in high school takes away your youth, but my accident took away my youth in every way,” Peacock said. “There is no party scene and no hanging out with friends. Just all family, and I’m ȴQH ZLWK WKDW IRU VXUH ȋ While there have been many struggles Peacock has had to overcome, there have also been miracles. She came back from her accident with a positive outlook on her life and was then blessed by her beautiful son, Jordan Carter. At this point it’s safe to say Peacock is strong enough to create a great future for herself and her family.

Opinions on St. Patrick’s Day vary by student By Sammy Jordan Opinion Editor

The upcoming holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. is well celebrated by beer loving Americans, second graders and soulless human beings... Gingers. If you do not fall under these categories, then St. Patrick’s Day is just another monotonous day in your boring life. The only noticeable difference in the climate of the day is that if you aren’t wearing green, you will be pinched. “I’m like 10 percent Irish but I don’t really do anything,” said freshman almost ginger, Hannah Lamb. “In elementary we drew leprechauns, but if a teacher asked me to do that now, I would just think it’s stupid.” Also a scrooge of St. Patrick’s Day, senior Aaron Giron agrees that St. Patrick’s Day is a waste of time. “In high school, nobody really cares. I’m not Irish, I’m hispanic. I have other things to celebrate, like Cinco De Mayo.” Despite the negativity of most high school students towards St. Patrick’s day, some still remain (cheerful) towards this holiday.

3(:; */(5*, 6YKLY `V\Y `LHYIVVR I\` (WYPS PU THPU VMÄJL

“I believe in leprechauns,” said always cheerful, sophomore Yesenia Perales. Freshman Luigi Perales. “Whenever I see a rainbow, I still look for pots of gold.” Apparently an expert on Irish traditions, senior Kris Lewis interrupted in an elaborate explanation of his Irish conspiracies. Lewis explained that the term “Leprechaun” is a misnomer. “Lep” is an acronym standing for “lower elements police recon” which is the only division of the Irish Leprechauns given clearance to go to the surface (as leprechauns live under ground, apparently). “The pot of gold is also a lie,” explains Lewis. “In order to get fairy gold, you have to catch one and the Lep have a ransom fund that they will use to get the missing fairy back.” While Lewis’ theory is questionable, most can agree that either way, true or false, St. Patrick’s Day is still a meaningless holiday.

Do you know why people wear green on St. Patrick’s day? “Yes, if you don’t wear green, Leprechauns will come into your bedroom, pour sand in your ears and pinch you. And, if they do that you won’t be able to hear.” Ken Beck Junior

overview

The political race is heating up between the presidential candidates. Here is a little summary of each person. Read them so you sound more intelligent next time your friends start name dropping.

Rick Santorum Republican

Has currently won seven state primaries. He is pro-life and is against gay marriage, which has caused some opposition.

Mitt Romney Republican

Has currently won 17 state primaries. This is his second time running for president. He plans to eliminate the health care reform bill.

Newt Gingrich Republican

Has currently won two state primaries. He has been married three times and had two affairs, which has made it hard for him to gain the votes of religious conservatives.

Ron Paul

Republican

Has currently won zero state primaries. This is his third time running for president. His last campaign earned him strong supporters.

96% know why they should wear green

4% don’t know

why they should wear green

Barack Obama Democrat

Current US president. Won by approximately 10 million votes in the 2008 election. Statistics from: http://www.cnn.com/ election/2012/candidates.html

Page 4

Student Life

03.15.12

Top 10 Spring Break

Getaways 1. Cancun, Mexico Main attractions: Barco Pirates Night, Bonanza Ranch

2. Panama City, Florida Main attractions: Gulf World, Betsy Ann River Boat

3. Miami, Florida

Main attractions: Everglades, Seaquarium

4. Europe

Main attractions: Barco Pirates Night, Bonanza Ranch

5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Main attractions: Bay of Banderas, Old Vallarta

6. Acapulco Main attractions: Bungy jumping, parasailing

7. Bahamas Main attractions: Gold Rock Beach, Castaway Cay

8. South Padre Island, Texas Main attractions: Air Padre Kiteboarding, Whaling Wall

9. Baja, Puerto Rico Main attractions: Casa Alonso Museum of Art, white sind beaches

10. North American Ski Resorts

Main attractions: ice skating rinks, tubing hills

Credit to www.studenttravel.about.com

Advertising (785) 309-3578

Shelby Dinkel / The Pylon

The student section cheers on the girl’s basketball team in their first round state game against St. Thomas Aquanis. While some students car pooled together or with parents, over 20 students rode the spirit bus to Topeka. Central had one of the best crowds and student sections representing their team at the 5A tournament.

Bringing spirit to the 5A state tournament First “spirit bus” in years heads to Topeka for girl’s basketball team By Riley Gates Guest Reporter

Full of excitement and anticipation, the Spirit Bus heads for Topeka looking for a victory from the girls basketball team. Sparking interest in fans, the girls number one ranking had people buzzing. With a successful season the fans were hooked.

“I think they [the fans] got the rest of the crowd going by being loud the whole time and made the overall experience more exciting along with the atmosphere of the game.” said freshman Bailey Driver. The Spirit Bus allowed many students to participate who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity. “I thought it was very

fun to ride up there with a bunch of friends to support the Lady Stangs.” said freshman Rashun Allen. +DYLQJ EHHQ WKH ȴUVW time in a long time to do the Spirit Bus, students had a good reaction to it. With approximately 30 fans on board, students sat by friends, listened to music and even slept. Being fairly cheap, the Spirit Bus was very

easy for students to take advantage of by only EHLQJ ȴYH GROODUV WR ULGH Even though they had to pay for their way into the game, it was still a great experience for all who attended, and the players and coaches appreciated it too. “It was great to see that kinda of enthusiasm for the girl’s basketball team,” said head coach Mr. Andrews. “The coolest part

was that it was the students’ idea to do this instead of being lead by administrators.” Coach Hall, who rode down with the students on the bus, saw it as bringing a lot of people together to support the Mustangs. “The kids not only behaved, but really helped bring energy to the atmosphere at state,” said Hall.

A week full of no worries

Students begin thinking of ways they will spend their Spring Break By Brantley Straub Guest Reporter

Spring Break; a week of sleeping in, hanging out, and best of all, no school. That only sums up the basics of it though. While some students just slide by like it’s an extended weekend, others follow some traditions that they can’t see spring break being without. “Our tradition is just to stay home,” said Freshman Zach Hampton. Other students have traditions that are changing a little bit this year, compared to the other years in the past. “Normally every year we go skiing, but this year I;m going to Ohio to see my relatives with my mom while my brothers and dad go skiing,” said senior Maddy Shetlar. Some students, much like Hampton, just want to stay relaxed and enjoy the stress free week ahead of them. After three quarters of tests, research papers, books, and more, a break off of the school

scene is exactly what most students need. Other students, however, decide to leave state and follow more ambitious plans with family and friends. “We usually go skiing during spring break,” said Senior Dalton Hoffman. “I leave state each year,” Junior said Jason Henderson. “I go sea fishing and ride dirt bikes.” Some students will be enjoying this spring break as their “senior trip”. While a couple students will be on cruise ships or by the beach, others will be soaking up the sun in Mexico. You don’t have to have a tradition of leaving state, or going to the moon or anything quite so ambitious for spring break to be special. Everyone has a different idea concerning spring break. Whether it’s a chill week full of asbolutely no plans, or trips full of actitivities out of state, spring break always turns out to be a stress free week full of fun.

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Senior Dalton Hoffman holds a list of all he wants to accomplish this spring break.

03.15.12

Student Life

Page 5

Do YOU How to

ave

have a date

to prom?

52% NO

Hayley Hager / The Pylon Junior Mason Brightbill asks senior Sammie Prester to prom with the help of Mrs. Cullinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creativity during their math class 7th hour.

48% YES

115 juniors and seniors were interviewed on March 9, during M3.

on prom At this time of the year the last thing you need to do is drop a bunch of cash you GRQČ&#x2021;W KDYH RQ RQH QLJKW out. Here are a couple RI WLSV WR VDYH \RX VRPH dough.

Preparing for prom 1. Students get an early start on dates and dresses By MacKenzie Morris Student Life Editor

(YHU\RQH LQ 0UV &XOOLQČ&#x2021;V VHYHQWK KRXU SUH FDOFXOXV FODVV waited in anticipation for the big moment. As the students ZDWFKHG &XOOLQČ&#x2021;V FDOFXODWRU work a â&#x20AC;&#x153;proofsâ&#x20AC;? equation, it began to spell out letters; then words. Č&#x160;6DPPLH 0DVRQ SURP"Č&#x2039; was formed onto the screen and VHQLRU 6DPPLH 3UHVWHU Č´QDOO\ caught on. This was how her GDWH MXQLRU 0DVRQ %ULJKWELOO FUHDWLYHO\ DVNHG KHU WR SURP :LWK SURP VWLOO RYHU D PRQWK away, dates, dresses and plans KDYH DOUHDG\ WDNHQ SODFH EXW the guys especially are stepping up to the challenge this year on asking their female friends to be their date on this special night. Č&#x160;0DWK ZDV WKH RQO\ FODVV , KDG ZLWK KHU DQG &XOOLQV came up with the idea,â&#x20AC;? said %ULJKWELOO â&#x20AC;&#x153;I asked Sammie because I knew I would feel comfortable being around her all night.â&#x20AC;? 2WKHU LPSUHVVLYH SURSRVDOV were completed by juniors -DFRE 0DUWLQ DQG -DFNVRQ 0DWWHN :KLOH 0DUWLQ DVNHG KLV GDWH MXQLRU 0DJJLH 9HUQRQ to prom with a boat that was placed in the South swimming

Scan to see it on your phone!

pool during her practice, that SRSSHG WKH TXHVWLRQ 0DWWHN had a more spontaneous way of asking his date, junior Suzy Weller. Last week, the morning announcements came on, but they ended a little differently. 0DWWHN FRXUDJHRXVO\ UHFLWHG D poem he had personally written for Weller and proceeded to ask KHU WR SURP IRU HYHU\RQH LQ WKH building to hear. This jump start to prom has also began with the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side of preparation. 0DQ\ VWXGHQWV KDYH DOUHDG\ purchased their dress for prom to get that certain stress out of the way. Č&#x160;, DOUHDG\ KDYH P\ GUHVV well actually two, because I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide,â&#x20AC;? said Senior 0DUWLND &KDSSHOO 6KH DOUHDG\ has a date, and also a hair appointment already set up. Her date, junior Damion &RRSHU KDG VXUSULVHG KHU RQH night while she was at dance with rose pettles spelling out â&#x20AC;&#x153;promâ&#x20AC;? on the back seat of her FDU DQG ČľRZHUV LQ WKH IURQW seat. &KDSSHOO KDV QRWLFHG KRZ IDVW SHRSOH KDYH EHHQ SUHSDULQJ for prom with it being a while from now, but that still hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed her anticipation for Rachel Hodges / The Pylon the big night. Senior Monica Burch searches through online sites looking at prom

dresses and accessories during class.

Have a dress exchange

Instead of dishing out the big bucks for a dress you will most likely only wear for one QLJKW Č´QG IULHQGV UHODWLYHV or people on online sites that you could borrow or trade from for a dress.

Less 2. accessories = more $

,I \RX ZDQW WR VDYH PRQH\ keep the accessorizing simple. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a huge necklace, earrings, rings and bracelets FRYHULQJ \RX

Do it YOURSELF

<RX GRQČ&#x2021;W QHHG DQ H[SHQVLYH hair do or celebrity style make up on your face. Instead, do it on your own! You can keep it simple, cheap, and still look beautiful.

Page 6

Feature

arting

03.15.12

through our education

Students spend much of their school day ‘shooting’ each other with darts By David Weiner Lead Reporter

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon Junior Kade True shoots sophomore Austin Huynh with a dart while he is in front of the class. Huynh is frozen because of the invisible dart in his neck. According to the game he cannot move again until someone pulls it out of his neck.

Over analyzing

Relationships

Religious affairs

Moving

Pets

Chores

Paranoia/Phobias

Cell phone

Money (lack of)

Job related stress

Failure/winning

Procrastination

Peer judgement

Family relations

Extra activities

It’s possible that students turn to games like the dart game to relieve stress

Illness

Lack of sleep

Prom

Punctuality

Car (troubles/bills)

Grades & tests

Getting into college

Self-hatred

Future concerns

Parental divorce

Parental jail time

Drinking/ drug use

Paying for college

Home violence

Personal jail time

Pregnancy

Death

Stressor

Are you stressed out?

A middle school game that has students stuck in the hallways, neck bent and calling out for help has made its way to the high school as the school year comes to a close. A name is called, a funnel is made and raised in front of the mouth and a single whooshing sound of an invisible dart is all that is heard before a student is left paralyzed in whatever position they were when attacked yelling for assistance. With little time left in the second semester students DUH ȴ QGLQJ ZD\V WR WDNH their minds off of their VWUHVVIXO OLYHV DV ȴ QDOV come peeking around the corner, spring sports start practicing and for some

their high school careers are ending. Not just the young kids, fresh out of eighth grade, are taking part in the fake dart game, but teachers as well. It appears that our lives have become so stressful and our minds so occupied with our futures that we have, in fact, grown more immature as this comes to a close. Some are about to go off to college, join the military or even just move up a grade; these seem to all be situations that require one to grow in maturity and evolve as young adults, outgrowing past grade school games, but in reality, we all just need a break sometimes. If that means being late to class because nobody pulled an invisible dart out of your neck then so be it.

Points 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 Check if applies

03.15.12

Feature

>> How to play

the Dart Game

A student’s point of view To play the dart game someone must yell your name while holding their hand to their mouth. If you make eye contact with the dart thrower, you are frozen. In order to get the dart out, someone must pull it out from your neck.

-Shakera Ross,11

You say someone’s name and when they make eye contact with you, you pretend to blow a dart at them. When they’re ‘darted’ they can’t move and they have to have someone pull the dart out of their neck. If they have their hand on their face when you call someone to dart them, you become stuck.

-Tyler Benson, 10

>> Quick facts about the Dart Game An unlimited number of people can play the dart game. The ‘lasso’ is a method of getting a dart out of someone’s neck if you are not right next to them.

The dart game is mainly played during school as a way to pass the time.

Evaluation: 200 and Above. Major life Stress: High likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety disorder. Possible grief/loss

issues. Possible relationship issues. Avoid stressful situations and get in control of your life. Learn effective ways to manage stress. 199 – 100. Moderate life Stress: Moderate likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety. Grief/ loss or relationship. <RXȇUH KDQGOLQJ IUXVWUDWLRQ ZHOO <RX KDYH RFFDVLRQDO GLɚ FXOWLHV KDQGOLQJ VWUHVV 100 and Below. Low life Stress: Least likely to get physically sick in the near future or require counseling.

The game doesn’t have a beginning or end. It can be played at any time.

Compiled by Tionna Trarbach and Andrea Mick

Remember these?

Before the dart game, we spent our school days playing paper football, MASH, and other games.

> Cootie Catcher How to play:

Using one hand open and close, picking different options along the way to find out your future.

> Origami How to make it:

For best origami making directions, I suggest looking up steps on the internet.

> Paper football How to play:

Flick the paper football to try and get it to land on the corner of your opponent’s table. If you succeed, you get a chance at an extra point.

Page 7

Silent football secret

A game of unspoken rules provides crazy experiences By David Weiner

the intricacies of the sport by merely watching with extreme concentration until they feel The game of silence. Due to the comfortable enough to jump in. nature of the game it would mean Girls are never to know the rules certain banishment if I were to of the game and are never to be disclose the secrets that encompass allowed playtime, even if they claim the game of Silent Football. For those that they’ve heard how to play or who are not of the male species or have played before with some of are currently not in the know of their guy friends. the game, this piece of writing will If you are a girl, you do not know GHȴ QLWHO\ QRW KHOS \RX XQGHUVWDQG how to play; you don’t. the logistics of the gentleman’s game There will probably be some girl so shrouded in a cloud mystery, but reading this thinking, “I know how will at least explain why you might to play. I play all the time. This guy VHH VRPHRQH OLFNLQJ D GLUW\ ȵ RRU RU has no idea what he’s talking about.” barking like a dog in the middle of I’m not going to tell you not to class. play; by all means, continue playing The rules of the game can never what you think is Silent Football, it’s be explained to new players. cute when you act like you know 1HZ SOD\HUȇV PXVW ȴ JXUH RXW what guy’s are up to. Lead Reporter

What is the craziest thing that has happened during silent football? “A kid had to take his shirt off and spin it above his head in the student section of a basketball game.”

“A kid had to sit in a trash can during a sports practice until a coach told him to get out. “

“A kid had to get duct taped to a pole.” “Two kids had to massage each other with hand sanitizer in the middle of a crowded charter bus.”

“A kid had to swim an entire event at a swim meet with a banana in his swim jammer.“

> M*A*S*H How to play:

Make a paper filled with different options of houses, cars, jobs, ect. that you could have in your future. Pick a number and go around the list crossing off options every time you reach that number. Keep going until there is only one option left in each category.

“A group of us messed up and had to streak down half of our street.” “A kid had to crab walk in only boxers down our street.”

Page 6

Feature

arting

03.15.12

through our education

Students spend much of their school day ‘shooting’ each other with darts By David Weiner Lead Reporter

Over analyzing

Relationships

Religious affairs

Moving

Pets

Chores

Paranoia/Phobias

Cell phone

Money (lack of)

Job related stress

Failure/winning

Procrastination

Peer judgement

Family relations

Extra activities

It’s possible that students turn to games like the dart game to relieve stress

Illness

Lack of sleep

Prom

Punctuality

Car (troubles/bills)

Grades & tests

Getting into college

Self-hatred

Future concerns

Parental divorce

Parental jail time

Drinking/ drug use

Paying for college

Home violence

Personal jail time

Pregnancy

Death

Stressor

Are you stressed out?

Points 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 Check if applies

03.15.12

Feature

>> How to play

the Dart Game

-Shakera Ross,11

-Tyler Benson, 10

>> Quick facts about the Dart Game An unlimited number of people can play the dart game. The ‘lasso’ is a method of getting a dart out of someone’s neck if you are not right next to them.

The dart game is mainly played during school as a way to pass the time.

Evaluation: 200 and Above. Major life Stress: High likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety disorder. Possible grief/loss

The game doesn’t have a beginning or end. It can be played at any time.

Compiled by Tionna Trarbach and Andrea Mick

Remember these?

Before the dart game, we spent our school days playing paper football, MASH, and other games.

> Cootie Catcher How to play:

Using one hand open and close, picking different options along the way to find out your future.

> Origami How to make it:

For best origami making directions, I suggest looking up steps on the internet.

> Paper football How to play:

Flick the paper football to try and get it to land on the corner of your opponent’s table. If you succeed, you get a chance at an extra point.

Page 7

Silent football secret

A game of unspoken rules provides crazy experiences By David Weiner

What is the craziest thing that has happened during silent football? “A kid had to take his shirt off and spin it above his head in the student section of a basketball game.”

“A kid had to sit in a trash can during a sports practice until a coach told him to get out. “

“A kid had to get duct taped to a pole.” “Two kids had to massage each other with hand sanitizer in the middle of a crowded charter bus.”

“A kid had to swim an entire event at a swim meet with a banana in his swim jammer.“

> M*A*S*H How to play:

“A group of us messed up and had to streak down half of our street.” “A kid had to crab walk in only boxers down our street.”

Page 8

Sports

March Madness

Staff Picks Emily Wood

03.15.12

Rhodeman gets full-ride to Bethany

Two softball players have received scholarships for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s season â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is very dedicated. She balances between her job, homework, softball, and her family.â&#x20AC;?

Carson Jett

Taylor Knopp Junior

MacKenzie Morris Nathan Garlow Hayley Hager

Sarah Gage

Senior Reggie Rhodeman prepares for an ground ball during one of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games. By Nathan Garlow Co-Sports Editor

Eric Luce â&#x20AC;&#x153;What does NCAA stand for?â&#x20AC;?

David Weiner

Trent Bigler

Casey Leister

Many players do not remember the last time one member of their team signed with a college for softball, but this year two players have signed with colleges to continue their sporting careers. Senior Regetta Rhodeman will receive a full ride to Bethany College between her scholarships for both softball and jazz band.

Co-Sports Editor

Sammy Jordan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meâ&#x20AC;?

Mr. Garber

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SLWFK FDWFK RU SOD\ Č´UVW EDVH Č&#x2039; Rhodeman said. According to her teammates Rhodeman is a good presence on the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is very dedicated,â&#x20AC;? junior Taylor Knopp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She balances between her job, homework, softball, and her family.â&#x20AC;? Another player that is continuing their sports career past high school is senior Rebecca Garcia who has signed with Cloud County

Ouderkirk replaces Dibbini as head soccer coach By Nathan Garlow

Rachel Hodges

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was interested in Central Christian, but I got a call from the head coach at Bethany so I went on a tour there and fell in love with it,â&#x20AC;? Rhodeman said. Rhodeman started playing her freshman year and has made Varsity each year of her high school career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a utility player, I do mostly everything in the RXWČ´HOG H[FHSW IRU FHQWHU Č´HOG and I do mostly everything LQ WKH LQČ´HOG H[FHSW , GRQČ&#x2021;W

File Photo / The Pylon

Community College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are giving me books DQG WXLWLRQ VR WKDWČ&#x2021;V EHHQ SDLG for,â&#x20AC;? Garcia said. Knopp speaks well of Garcia as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She is willing to make tough plays, she will go for anything; she is also very outgoing and not afraid to get dirty,â&#x20AC;? Knopp said. 7KH Č´UVW VRIWEDOO JDPH WKLV year will occur on March 29, and the players believe that the overall attitude this year is different than it has been in the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we will do better than we have in past years, attitudes of players and coaches have improved so there is a better feeling,â&#x20AC;? Knopp said. 5KRGHPDQ LV FRQČ´GHQW WKDW her team will improve as the season progresses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we will step up and prove people wrong; we have a lot of freshmen this year which should help as we grow together,â&#x20AC;? Rhodeman said.

This year will bring a big change for the soccer team. Not RQO\ GLG WKH\ ORVH VL[ VWDUWHUV they also have a new head coach in place of Mike Dibbini. Dave Ouderkirk has been the assistant coach for the past few years, but with Dibbini leaving he will now be stepping up to Č´OO WKH SRVLWLRQ RI KHDG FRDFK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dave has always been a great leader on our team,â&#x20AC;? VHQLRU &DURO\Q ([OLQH VDLG Č&#x160;, DP JODG KH Č´QDOO\ KDV D FKDQFH

to lead us to victories.â&#x20AC;? According to Sara Ingrassia WKH FKDQJH LQ VWDII VKRXOGQČ&#x2021;W have a huge affect on the team. Č&#x160;, GRQČ&#x2021;W WKLQN LW ZLOO DIIHFW LW in a positive or negative way, it will just be different,â&#x20AC;? Ingrassia said. Junior Shannon Bradbury still believes that there will be certain changes this year with the new head coach. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we will be a lot more conditioned going into this season than we have in the past few years,â&#x20AC;? Bradbury said. ([OLQH DQG %UDGEXU\ DUH

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FRQČ´GHQW WKDW WKHUH ZLOO EH D few new players this year that ZLOO KHOS WKH WHDP RQ WKH Č´HOG â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping that Bailey 'ULYHU LV D JRRG JRDOLH Č&#x2039; ([OLQH said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have a transfer from McPherson, Taylor Lummus, who should get some playing time.â&#x20AC;? Lummus is a junior this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think Taylor will have a big impact on the McPherson game; it is already one of our biggest rivalry games, and now that we have one of their Bullpups it will be even bigger,â&#x20AC;? Bradbury said.

File Photo / The Pylon

New head coach, Dave Ouderkirk, stands on the sideline during one of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games.

03.15.12

Sports

Page 9

By the

numbers a quick look at numbers and stats from the winter sports season

the number of days until the first home track meet at the new track.

Shelby Dinkel / The Pylon

The girls basketball team and fans celebrate after winning the substate championship.

Coach Andrews coaches the team during a timeout against St. Thomas Aquinas.

Oh! What a run Girls basketball team makes first trip to state in 27 years By Carson Jett Sports Editor The girls basketball team this year, led by seniors Maddy Shetlar and Tionna Trarbach, created a season the fans, parents, families, coaches and especially players will not forget. The team made a huge run during the regular season by winning 17 games, and then won both sub-state games, defeating Goddard Eisenhower and South, which got them into the 5A State tournament, and they were 1 of only 8 teams. Beating South in the sub-state championship was one of the season highs. “Words can’t describe beating them. Beating South is one thing, but beating them to go to state is completely different.” Shetlar agreed and added, “We killed two birds with one stone.” After winning substate, the team practiced

Athletes in the mix Devyn Schmitz Soccer Alexis Nevarez Baseball Maggie Vernon Girls Swimming Tara Bradley Softball Jeffrey Michel Boys Tennis

The Pylon 785 309-3578

KDUG WKH QH[W ZHHN IRU WKHLU ȴUVW URXQG JDPH against defending state champions, St. Thomas Aquinas. Before the game, no one was especially nervous, but anxious.

“I am really proud of the way Maddy and Tionna led the team. Their leadership quality is hard to describe...” Coach Andrews

Ȋ7KHUH ZHUHQȇW QHUYRXV EXWWHUȵLHV LQ P\ stomach, but anxious ones. I just wanted to JHW RQ WKH ȵRRU DQG VHH WKH JLUOV SHUIRUP

They’ve worked so hard to get where they are,” said head coach, Geoff Andrews. “I wasn’t really nervous. I didn’t really feel anything. I just wanted to play two games after, that was the focus,” said Shetlar. The team lost the game by two, but after this tough loss, they tried to focus on the good things from the season and not dwell on the last game. “Obviously I want that game back, but more than anything I want the younger girls to have the opportunity again to play three games at state,” said Shetlar. “I am really proud of the way Maddy and Tionna led the team. Their leadership quality is hard to describe. They cared about HYHU\RQH RQ WKH WHDP 7KH\ ZHUHQȇW VHOȴVK RU jealous, just proud of all of their teammates and the success they had as a group.” said Andrews.

On the Spot

Favorite reality show “Biggest Loser” “Caged” “Dance Moms” “Toddlers and Tiaras” “Swamp People”

Bad habit “Serious road rage”

First thing I do in the morning “Press the snooze button”

“Not being able to stand still”

“Turn on my music while I get ready for school”

“Picking my nail polish off”

“Text Sydney back from whatever nonsense she sent me while I was asleep”

“Biting my nails” “Spacing out during class”

“Check my phone” “Hope I’m just dreaming and go back to sleep”

the number of returning starters from last years varsity soccer team.

the number of runs softball scored last season.

321

the number of hours until the first tennis meet on March 31.

the number of returning lettermen from last years baseball team.

the number of home games this spring for all of the spring sports combined.

*For more basketball stats visit www.maxreps.com

03.15.12

Arts

Page 10

Photos of the Month

bing’ ‘Tree Clim therton Brynne A by junior

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Senior Martin Tiernan shows off a sign that means, ‘linking’. This sign is an important part of their production, ‘Children of a Lesser God’.

‘BFFL’ by senior Jack ie Palomera

Spring show brings new responsibility By Sarah Gage

News and Arts Editor

s Faith’ ‘Life Spring Weis erec by senior D

Some people may have thought that it would have been hard for the cast of ‘Funny Money’ to use realistic British accents, but now, a new cast of characters are preparing their ‘deaf voices’ for the production of ‘Children of a Lesser God’. “It’s hard to talk like you’re deaf and not sound like you’re making fun of a deaf person,”

sophomore Miranda Allen said. Allen is playing Lydia, a deaf student. The cast has had to learn sign language as well as making themselves appear deaf to an audience. “As a cast, we have a bigger responsibility to make it look believable and not like we’re making fun of them (deaf people),” Allen said. This play follows Sarah Norman, played by senior Jennifer Stoddard, a deaf

young woman as she works as a cleaner at the school of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in New England. There, she meets young and energetic teacher, James Leeds, played by senior Martin Tiernan, and the story begins. The budding relationship between the two different people starts to develop as he tries to teach her to talk. This moving drama has won two awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, a

Golden Globe, and an Academy Award in 1987 when it was DGDSWHG LQWR D ȴOP The full cast includes: Jennifer Stoddard as Sarah Norman, Martin Tiernan as James Leeds, Miranda Allen as Lydia, Joe McKenna as Orin, Halie Graybeal as Mrs. Norman, Barret Koch as Mr. Frank, and last but not least, Addie Justus as Edna. The show will take place on April 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.

Students compete at annual music contest By Sarah Gage

News and Arts Editor

‘Beautiful N ews’ by senior Ch eyenne Men zie

’ ‘Be Happy r Ruiz n n re Je yfe o m o h p o s by

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon

Freshman Megan Johnson shows senior Nicole Morgan how to handle a flute.

Students piled into buses, instrument cases and music folders in hand. Groups from choir, orchestra, and band prepared to perform their pieces for a panel of judges. This year, the students will travel to Barton County Community College together to compete at regionals. There is a procedure to the contest. The student goes in, plays or sings their solo, and the judge listens. Audiences are allowed and can be “as few as three to as many as thirty”. The judge then rates the performance in different categories and gives a final score. If the performer gets a ‘1’, then they get the chance to

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perform at a state competition later in April. “It can be (nerve-racking) if you put a lot of pressure on yourself,” junior Anna McHenry said. McHenry still gets nervous, even though this is her third year performing at contest. She is not only singing, but also playing a solo on her violin–making it more stressful than if she just performed once. Even though contest can be intimidating, it also has some positive impacts. “(The importance of contest can be) self-validation for some, competition, or resumes for music pursuing people. Some just like the challenge of it and want to do their best to improve,” McHenry said.

03.15.12

Opinion

Page 11

Kudos Call Outs

The Inciteful Lioness Sammy Jordan Opinion Editor

Rachel Hodges / The Pylon Students sit in the student section during a home basketball game early in January. Due to the hounding of our administrators some students are choosing not to even show up to games.

Muffling school spirit Administrators need to lighten up when it comes to student conduct and excitement in student section

club. Instead of moaning because they are forced to stand up (as our student section often does), they moan at a missed basket. They chant â&#x20AC;&#x153;Are you crying?â&#x20AC;? after an impressive point by their team, exciting the crowd. However, our lack of enthusiasm can not be pinned solely on the students. Although our administrators consider this to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;mean,â&#x20AC;? they have to remember that we are not in elementary school. Players do not take it seriously because all

good rivalries include playful student smack talk. Compared to the profanity and vulgar banter advertised on Facebook and Twitter, being reprimanded for chanting â&#x20AC;&#x153;air ballâ&#x20AC;? is like being sent to jail for ČľLFNLQJ VRPHRQH The last game of the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball season was the best that the student section has ever been... and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even a home game. Maring and Montoy allowed the student section to Č´QDOO\ XVH WKH FKHHUV WKH\ KDYH been suppressing all season long.

Shot Down Student Section

South junior and point guard Megan Holloway pulls up from the top of the key, shoots a three... and misses... by a lot. Our student section of about 25 people erupts in a chorus of â&#x20AC;&#x153;air ball, air ball!â&#x20AC;? Suddenly, Athletic Director Greg Maring, lurks out of no where, penetrating the perpetrators souls with his piercing eyes. One look from him and the joyful chants and cheers cease, disappearing with the LQČ´QLWHVLPDOO\ VPDOO DPRXQW RI school spirit left. After this incident, administrators are still shocked at the wimpy turn out of fans. They make futile attempts to boost our enthusiasm with themed games and posters sporadically advertised around the school. Although these are appreciated (Mate Magistra Ramsey), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not enough. Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student section towers over us, intimidating with the sheer size of their numbers. <HOORZ DQG JROG ČÓO WKH ČÚVW rows to capacity, creating a wave of school spirit, while ours is ČÓOHG WR WKH WKLUG URZ LQ D PHUH ripple of maroon. The reason behind their impressive turn out is that their student section is actually fun. As painful as it is to admit, the kilt crew knows how to show their pride, juxtaposed with our Overall Swag and Wranglers

Unfortunately, this was the last game of the season. Basketball season is over, but there is still time to redeem ourselves. With girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming, softball and soccer along with track and boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis and golf, we can prove our support for our school. As cheesy and unappealing as that sounds, high school is as fun as we make it. To the administrators: Loosenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; up. Back in your day, they were hanging Cougars from basketball goals. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably safe to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;air ball.â&#x20AC;?

David Weiner / Lead Reporter

Junior Rachel Cusik calls for changes to be made to prom policies regarding dates I feel that your policy towards Prom needs a second look. The policy attempts to try to create a scenario in which juniors and seniors are both happy. However, this approach LV ČľDZHG DQG XOWLPDWHO\ QHLWKHU SDUW\ LV VDWLVČ´HG 7KH best approach would be to enable juniors and seniors to ask whoever they want to accompany them to prom. Prom is still centered around the upper class-men if they are allowed to take their friends,

Kudos

-The lunch lady duo in hamburger line who call everyone pet names. My heart is warmed every time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m called â&#x20AC;&#x153;baby girlâ&#x20AC;? before lunch. -Prom is in 37 days. Bout to get my dance on. -SPRING BREAK. Seriously, I think we all need this. -First girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swim meet and soccer game today. Go support them and stuff... %XW Č´UVW UHDG WKH DUWLFOH WR the left. -Shout out to Nathan Garlowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother. Hey Laur! 7KH Č´JKW LQ WKH QRUWK hallway last week. Thanks for making my day a little bit interesting, you neâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;erdo-wells. -Research papers for sophomores are done. -Only 35 more school days left for Seniors. Bye! -We are almost done reading the Crucible. Sorry, Mrs. Leech, but 15th century Puritan trials arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t my thing. ,W LV RÉ&#x161;FLDOO\ VKRUWV weather.

Call outs

Letter to the editor: Dear USD305,

The following are situations in which our students and faculty deserve praise for a job well done or to be called out for dropping the ball.

younger or older. This current system awards Additionally the approach those students who are to prom has struggling, but evolved. For the does nothing to Č´UVW WLPH HYHU help those who â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best approach are passing, or prom has allowed would be to enable individuals who even excelling. have been at Students who juniors and seniors Salina Central for to graduate to ask whoever they decide three years, even early are actually want.â&#x20AC;? if they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a short changed. JUNIOR, to attend. They are only able Rachel Cusik Changes to attend prom for Junior such as these one year at most. are incredibly Ultimately, positive, however, Salina Central they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gone far enough. LV D VFKRRO WKDW ZRUNV WR Č´W LQ

but does not work to change outdated policies. Although a month away, it is important to remember what makes Salina Central great. It is not the outdated policies, but the students themselves. The students have responded and they would like the policies changed. Sincerely, Rachel CusikA disgruntled and disappointed high school junior

-I hate selling ads for this blasted newspaper just to provide you miscreants with news. -Shupe is leaving us :( -The unfortunate few without prom dates. -Mice in the J-Room. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about to go Mice and Men on this ish. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be Lenny. -Sucky lunches on Friday... darn you, Lent. -Girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s looking at the same prom dresses... uhRK &DW Č´JKW -Rachel Norris and Cassie Claybaugh are going to Mexico. Lexi Beedy and Carolyn Exline are going on a Cruise for Spring Break. Yeah, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m jealous. -Your mom. -Does anyone even read these? Or am I writing to myself? If you actually read this, give me a thumbs up in the hallway. And by â&#x20AC;&#x153;me,â&#x20AC;? I mean Sammy Jordan.

Page 12

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03.15.12