The Patriot October 2016

THE

October

Patriot

The Next Four Years Shawnee mission south 5800 W 107th St, Overland Park, KS 66207 (913) 993-7500

issue 2 VOL. 51

2016

On the Cover Even though most students are not yet old enough to vote, many get involved in the political sphere by strongly backing the candidate they support.

Photos by savannah morgan Photo Editor

Contents News 4

News to Know New Clubs

3

Opinion

A&E

Presidential Plans

22

Staff Editorial

26

Haunted House

16

If I Were President...

23

Independent Candidates

27

DIY Halloween

Cross Country

18

Q&A with Jackie Stidham

28

Pizzeria Locale KC Calendar

State Gymnastics

20

College Applications

29

Who, What, Wear

21

Senior Voters

30

Twitter Contest

Sports

Features

11

Girls Golf

15

12

Hoops for Hope

13

5

Poetry Slam

7

Band 5k Cabaret

8

New District 14 Building

9

DECA

10

Photo Essay

24

The Debate: Political Parties

Staff

Amelia Holcomb Editor-In-Chief Features Editor Sophia Belshe Assistant Editor-In-Chief Opinion Editor Savannah Morgan Photo Editor Mark Holland News Editor

Tara Phillips A&E Editor Keeli Ward Sports Editor Lily Wagner Web Editor Infographics Editor Madison Holloway Ads Editor

Mission

Avery Woods Copy Editor Miah Clark Editorial Cartoonist Writer Mara Baine Writer Mitch Brock Writer Faith Danaher Writer

Evan Howell Writer

Hannah Carter Photographer

Angela Machado Writer Jill Propst Writer Tess Conley Writer Hannah Underwood Writer Cassandra Awad Photographer

Maxie Crimm Photographer Kice Mansi Photographer Jillian McClellan Photographer Julie Fales Adviser

The Patriot is a news magazine that aims to objectively present topics affecting Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues concerning the student body. Staff members reserve the right to express their views in the Opinions section. These pieces are labeled and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole, except the Lead Editorial, which represents the views of the editors. Under the First Amendment and Kansas Law, The Patriot staff is entitled to freedom of the press and neither the school nor district is responsible for any content or coverage. The staff encourages letters to the editor, but they will only be published if signed. The editor-in-chief reserves the right to refuse or edit any letters for reasons of grammar, length and good taste.

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Table of Contents

News to Know

By Lily Wagner Web Editor, Infographics Editor

Weigel said, “They control the funding for public education.”

The candidates for the Senate seat are Patrick Wiesner (D), Robert Garrard (L), and the Republican incumbent Jerry Moran.

In the House, Jay Sidie (D), Steve Hohe (L), and the Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder are up for the seat representing U.S. House Kansas District 3.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th.

The Clowns Are In Town Tony Budetti poses with Jerry Moran when he visits the classroom.

Photo Courtesy of Tony budetti

Local Elections for U.S. Senate and House Both a Kansas Senate seat and a House of Representatives seat are up for grabs at the Congressional level in the 2016 election. This comes in a year when the Republican majority in both the Senate and House are at risk.

“Without good representatives and senators they see short term goals, regulations are long term projects,” math teacher Ramona

Fear has gripped the nation over a recent bout of clown-related incidents. It started when a clown sighting was reported in Greenville, South Carolina. Since then, more than 100 clown sightings have been reported and several people have been arrested.

“The whole thing is ruining the jobs of real clowns,” freshmen Young Chang said.

Though many sightings have been reported, few actual clowns have been found. In some states it is illegal to wear a mask in public so most arrests being made are of people wearing clown masks, purchasing clown costumes or

making threats.

“I feel like someone is gonna take it too far,” freshmen Katie Cooper said.

In Kansas City, clown sightings have been reported at the Metcalf Tennis Courts and Shawnee Mission East. Stay safe and don’t let this Internet trend get you down.

Hurricane Matthew Hits Southeast U.S., Caribbean

Hurricane Matthew dragged through parts of the Caribbean and up part of the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States early this month.

“My family lives in Jamaica and it didn’t really hit Jamaica that much but I’ve been in a couple hurricanes,” sophomore Caelia Donalds said.

More than 1,000 people were killed in Haiti and 20 were killed in the United States.

In the United States, the storm caused massive power outages and flooding which affects more than a million people.

It topped out as a category five storm, making it the first storm in the Atlantic to reach category five since Hurricane Felix in 2007.

Shout Out To Door Decor Winners

1st Place: Emily Fossoh Honorable Mentions: Aaron Dean, Sam Garbe, and Rebecca Haden.

State Bound

Katy Shults qualified for state. She and the other Lady Raider Golf team members performed great at Regionals. The volleyball double team Kylie Hance and Natalie Prauser finished in 6th place and qualified for State.

South Robotics Team Received second place at the Ozark Mountain Brawl

Debate

Natalie King earned a First Diamond Degree of Membership from the National Speech & Debate Association’s Honor Society.

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Animal Rights, Happy Club Diverse clubs offer students chance for involvement in community,

By Faith Danaher Writer Step into Room 278 on a Thursday morning to find a room full of students discussing the conditions for animals in the circus, the lives of orcas at SeaWorld, or the dwindling populations of endangered species.

Step into room 363 on a Wednesday afternoon to find students playing Minute to Win it games, playing dodge ball, and having a grand ol’ time.

One of the best parts of South is being a part of clubs and activities.

Students have the ability to join a variety of clubs and activities, including some newer clubs such as Happy Club and Animal Rights club.

Happy Club was started this school year by senior Jackie Stidham to improve the happiness at South.

Members of Happy Club attend to boost their own happiness as well as the happiness of others.

“Happy Club is a very happy place, and when you walk in you instantly feel happier, even if you had a really bad day,” sophomore Mia Neaderhiser said.

Neaderhiser joined Happy Club because she thought it would be fun and uplift her happiness. Andrea Dale, a new math teacher who attended South as a student, agreed to sponsor Happy club.

“Our overall goal is to just to build an organization that gives students a place to come and just be happy,” Dale said.

Another option for students to get involved is Animal Rights Club.

Students who are interested in the proper treatment of animals or simply animals in general can join the club to learn about issues surrounding animal rights.

Seniors Corinne Rogers and Matthew Neaderhiser founded the club last year to spread awareness

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Junior Francie Wilson speaks to Animal Rights Club about her choice to become a vegetarian. She says her major influences were her mother and sister.

Photo By Maxie Crimm for animal rights. Last year, Rogers and Neaderhiser used the club to inform the students about issues surrounding animal rights. This year they have even more goals for the club.

“We’re going to volunteer at KC Pet Project, most likely walking dogs, cleaning up after them, and washing their kennels,” Rogers said.

The club will also make dog toys to donate to Wayside Waifs like they did last year. English teacher Samantha Garbe agreed to sponsor the club. She decided to sponsor the club because of her interest and passion for animal rights.

“My goal is to inform people about issues so that they can be more mindful about how their decisions affect certain aspects of the issue, and this year we want to try to reach out and volunteer at organizations that need help,” Garbe said.

Students who join the club engage in presentations and volunteer opportunities to learn about and help animals. Sophomore Alexis House joined Animal Rights club last year to get involved and help animals.

Club Meetings

Happy Club Every other Wednesday After school, Room 363

Animal Rights Club Every Thursday Before school, Room 278

“The club has helped me to see that there are a lot more problems with animals that most people don’t realize and it has made me want to help even more,” House said.

Happy Club and Animal Rights Club are some of the choices for students to become a part of something at South. If you are interested in joining a club, simply show up to the meeting. The next Animal Rights Club meeting is Thursday, Oct. 27 in Room 278, and the next Happy Club meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 2 in Room 363.

Poets Show Their Creativity Annual poetry festival to continue this fall in the courtyard.

By Tess Conley Writer The Friday before Halloween, students will crowd around a small stage, microphone and poets. Some sit on blankets or couches brought out, and some drink the hot chocolate for sale. There is a new Halloween tradition at South, and an opportunity for poets to perform their pieces. Last year Creative Writing and English teacher Caroline Ewing sponsored the first poetry festival.

“I think that the writing culture and the opportunities for kids to share their writing, the platform, has grown significantly over the past few years…and I think that these events are a great place to showcase the successes that the students are having,” Ewing said.

The festival is an outdoor event during the school day that allows any student or teacher who writes poetry to perform in front of a crowd.

“I think it’s great that all the kids get a break from their day, and kids that need to find a place to vent can share their actual emotions and feelings with all the students in a judge free environment,” senior Anton Caruso said.

Caruso hasn’t participated in the festival before, but is in Creative Writing this year and will most likely perform this year.

“I kind of just write thoughts down and Ewing’s class just seemed like a fun class to fill up my schedule, but it became a lot more than that and I’ve just kind of been writing every day since then,” he said.

For lots of students the festival is a good place to share the poetry they have created about their feelings, life, or just topics they want to talk about in an open, nonjudgmental place.

“I think it’s really nice for the school to have because so many people can just participate in something because sporting events

Preparing for the fall Poetry Festival, junior Jenica Kolbeck took part in a free writing when her writer’s workshop class left the classroom to find inspiration.

Photo By Hannah Carter

In last year’s Poetry Festival, senior Emily Wilkinson and her fellow poets performed self-written pieces.

Photo By Savannah Morgan are like the biggest thing people can participate in...I think it’s good that other people who aren’t into sports have another public school event,” longtime poet and sophomore Annie Barry said.

Barry has been writing for awhile, but got competitive when she went to a Poetry Slam at Prairie Fire and performed in the festival last year.

Barry also competed in the Poetry Slam last year, which is judged.

The festival is an opportunity for young poets to get experience performing in front of an audience.

You can see young, talented poets perform poetry and maybe get some inspiration for yourself.

Sophomore Anna Munroe reads her piece on the Halloween themed stage in last year’s festival.

Photo By Savannah Morgan

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9/6/2016 1:34:31 PM

The Marching Band leads the Homecoming parade. Photo By Maxie Crimm

5K: A Healthy Way to Support Band Fourth annual 5k run to raise money for band program.

By Madison Holloway Ads Editor The band will host their fourth annual Rompin’ Stompin Raider 5k Run Saturday, Nov. 5 to raise money for their program. South parent Dr. Kathy Hance and Indian Woods Band Director Megan Hoelscher started this 5k in 2013 to support the music program in the South area.

The race will include live music provided by the band, as well as a professional DJ. Runners will gather in the stadium at 7:30 am. Runners will follow the trail in a loop around Roe Park, then return to the track for a electronic chip-timed finish. The race is 3.1 miles. After the race the top finishers will be rewarded and everyone will get door prizes.

“My favorite part of the race is the end when people gather, alumni

Come to the Cabaret Choir prepares for upcoming concert.

By Mark Holland News Editor The lights dim, The audience gazes at the lit up stage, while sipping coffee and munching on dessert. The Cabaret concert is about to begin.

This concert is different than what the school’s choir concerts usually entail. According to choir teacher Jon Duncan, a lot of set up goes into this once-a-year concert “We dress up the cafeteria like a cool night club,” Duncan said.

return and get to chat with the teachers and it’s like a big reunion of happy, somewhat sweaty, people,” Hance said.

The focus of this race is to support the band, it isn’t about competition.

“We have more runners currently than walkers, but we love our walkers!... This race is more about bringing our community in and seeing what South brings to the community. Neighborhood walkers and runners show up and get to see what a great group of students and teachers we have,” Hance said.

To sign up for the race go to www. smsraiderband.org. The registration cost is $25 per person through Nov. 5 and $30 per person on race day. The money goes into the band booster club fund to pay for various things like the purchasing and maintenance of marching instruments and band equipment, as well as the activities of

the band like their trip to Florida in March. The booster club has found corporate sponsors to fully fund the race itself, allowing for all proceeds to go to the band. Kathy Hance and Megan Hoelscher directed the event again this year and have been planning since April. An average 200 participants and nearly 50 student and parent volunteers made this race happen.

“Set up is fun. It’s not just about competing,” senior Jonas Price said.

They began planning 6 months ahead, determining a date and reserving the stadium with the district, and coordinating with the City of Overland Park.

“The atmosphere is just fun. The participants are polite and hilarious at the same time. I am curious to see if the guy in the Speedo and goggles shows up again this year - he’s pretty fast,” Hance said.

“And we have lights hanging from the ceiling, and we turn down the fluorescent lights so it’s a real cool atmosphere, and we have big round tables that the audience sits at.”

But the setup is not the only thing that’s different.

“Our students perform pop and jazz and Broadway songs, which is a little bit different than our classical concerts,”Duncan said.

With the concert coming up in a couple of weeks, students have been practicing and learning more about the art of singing.

“Rehearsals are going pretty good, We’re getting out of our music, memorizing things,” junior Sean Allen said. “We’re progressing on sight reading quite a bit. So I feel like learning new music in the future will be a lot faster.”

Allen has mixed emotions about

the upcoming concert, but he feels confident.

“I feel nervous and excited,” Allen said.” But I wouldn’t say prepared because we don’t quite know the sets that we’re gonna have. But I know it’s gonna be great because we practice a lot every day.”

Students will receive special training for this concert, according to Duncan.

“Britney Schools, who is Josiah School’s mother, will come in and teach choreography to the students in class,” Duncan said.

The concert is Friday , Nov. 4. It will cost $5 for students with an ID and $10 for adults, and is a fundraiser for the choir boosters.

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Architectual renditions of new center.

Photos from smsd.org

Signature Programs to Move New center for academic achievement being built on old middle school site.

By Jill Propst Writer ith a new building opening next year costing nearly $30 million dollars, teachers and students involved in the Shawnee Mission School District’s specialty courses are excited for the change.

Shawnee Mission South is home to the Project Lead the Way Program. Students from the other four high schools in the district often travel to South to participate in the engineering program. Some South students travel to other schools for different signature programs. Next year, all of these programs will be held in one building.

The new Center for Academic Achievement, as it is called currently, is being built on the site of the old Antioch Middle School at 820 W 71st St. Once the building is opened, there will be a contest for students to create a different name. The building will be home to the signature programs, which include biotechnological, biomedical, and culinary courses.

The medical program is currently held at Shawnee Mission North and the culinary course is at Broadmoor Technical Center. Travel time is an issue for some students who have to go to other schools because they lose

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time to take other classes.

“I only have four hours at South.

I have my core classes and then a transit period and then I have Broadmoor. Honestly it kind of sucks,” junior culinary student Brendan Murphy said.

Broadmoor Technical Center is about 3 miles from South, while the new building will only be about 1.5.

The goal of the location is to bring students together in a more central venue. The hope is to get more students to participate in the specialty courses without needing to travel so far.

“It’s somewhat of a more central location. I almost never get a North student, because it’s so far to come here. We get East students and sometimes West students but to my knowledge we’ve never had a North student. The central location will allow more students to access it,” engineering teacher Greg Thiel said.

For students who cannot drive themselves to the building, buses will be provided to transport students to and from the facility. Although travel time will still be a small problem for some, the students look at the overall benefits.

“I think this building will benefit students’ education by individualizing and providing equipped classrooms for the programs,” freshman Maggie Postier said.

The new building will provide a space for students to bring their ideas to concrete items with new labs and all new equipment.

“The facility itself will allow

students, especially engineering design students, to build what they have designed because they’ll have a really well equipped lab,” Thiel said.

There will be new state-of-theart kitchen equipment as well. The equipment currently at Broadmoor is actually more advanced than equipment in some restaurants.

“I think this is a fresh look into what a really nice kitchen looks like.

I have a job, in a commercial kitchen, and it’s not as nice as the Broadmoor setup. It’s almost an unreasonable precedent because you think that’s what every kitchen is like,” Murphy said.

The facility will also house meeting places for the Board of Education and teachers. The staff will have their own cafe, a fitness room, and an outdoor walking trail.

The building will not only be a great place for learning and creativity, but it will also be aesthetically pleasing. The design of the building includes open spaces and large glass windows. The building includes environmentally friendly features like substantial natural light and a rain garden.

“I’m also very excited because it’s beautiful and it will provide more of an opportunity for everybody in the district to take the specialization courses,” Thiel said.

The building is set to open in 2017, before school starts up again in the fall.

Taking Care of Business New DECA exec board hopes to increase student involvement.

By Mara Baine writer

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he DECA club is in full gear, but this year, they are adding something new to the club.

DECA has officially added a new executive board in order to draw in new members. With jumping from around 20 members last year, to 60 this year, the board is accomplishing their goals.

DECA’s president Evan Offutt joined DECA last year.

“It’s very cool, especially being on DECA last year for my first year, and now jumping just from being in DECA to being president my second year is very cool.

Being able to actually be in charge and make decisions is one of the coolest things to me. So, I like it a lot,” Offutt said.

With other schools around the district reaching high numbers of members in DECA, Offutt is making it one of his main goals to recruit as many people as possible.

“One of my biggest things is trying to attract kids to

Executive Board

Grace Reiman Mackenzie Anderson Ryan Rigler Sam Johnston

Front row, left to right: DECA Executive Board members Sam Johnson, Ryan Rigler, Grace Reiman, and Mackenzie Anderson. Back row, left to right: Vice President Nick Wissel, President Evan Offut , and Vice President of Finance Kevin Sutcliffe

Photo By Jillian McClelland DECA…We’ve grown up to buzz and more awareness 60 kids this year, and trying about it but also hopefully to get those numbers up is increasing the enrollment a big thing,” Offutt said. in DECA. We think this has DECA sponsor Bryce really helped out DECA.” McElroy is also hoping the Having a board in DECA new board will increase is not uncommon, but the enrollment. way Offutt and McElroy “Specifically, DECA are running it is. After will benefit from having preparing presentations those people on the and going through try board because it’s allows outs, there are 6 board more kids to buy into the members, program,” McElroy said.

DECA does many things “You know it’s kind of like to raise money for the club when you have soccer, including the Volleyball or football, or basketball, Tournament that went and you have captains. on Oct. 14, one of DECA’s Those students are kind biggest fundraisers and the of the leaders of DECA, faculty basketball game and they are spreading coming up. the word to their friends “Basically what we’re and to other people about gonna do is organize a DECA. It’s creating more bracket and it’s just gonna

Meet The Team

Cameron Maxey Emma Jarrell

Officers

The VP of Finance: Kevin Sutcliffe

narrow down to two teams, and we’re gonna have a bunch of prizes for the winners at the end and we’re hoping to raise a lot of awareness about DECA,” junior Grace Reiman said.

Much like many other students, first year DECA member, junior Stephanie Rogers, is looking forward to having a board of leaders.

“I think it’s good because DECA is growing more, and more people are joining and the executive board will help organize everything, and it will be good,” Rogers said.

Vice President: Nick Wissel President: Evan Offutt

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In Case You Missed it

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1. At the Homecoming bonfire Tuesday, Sept. 27, many students enjoy the cookout. Sophomore Trevor Locke eats a hot dog grilled by Environmental Ed teacher PJ Borne.

PHOTO by hannah carter 2. Students gathered around after school for the Homecoming bonfire Tuesday, Sept. 27. Students also had the choice to take part in smashing a junk car, eating hot dogs and dancing to music. photo by Hannah carter

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3. The Homecoming crowning ceremony was held before the home football

game Friday, Sept. 30. The Homecoming queen, Molly Wiskur, is being crowned by Principal Todd Dain. photo by hannah carter 4. During the Homecoming crowning ceremony, Principal Todd Dain crowns the winners. Senior Zach Greer won the vote for the 2016 Homecoming king. photo by hannah carter

5. Freshmen girls sharing a laugh with their friends at Homecoming Saturday Oct 1. photo by jillian mcclelland 6. At the Homecoming dance, students join together to dance to the song “Wobble,� song by V.I.C. The song has been a hit song since 2011. photo by jillian mcclelland

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Girls Golf Finishing Out Their Season

By Keeli Ward Sports Editor

The girls golf season is coming to an end.

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onday, Oct. 10, the Lady Raider golf team competed in Regionals. Regionals was held at Deer Creek golf course. South did not qualify as a team to go to State, but sophomore Katie Schultz qualified as an individual. Last year, South got second at Regionals.

This year, State was held at the Country Club of Leawood Oct. 17. At State, Schultz competed against three other girls from around the Johnson County area. The tournament began at 8:30 a.m.

“I’m just really excited.

I mean, that’s all I can say. I went to state last year too,” Schultz said.

There were four teams that competed against South in Regionals this year, including, East, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest and Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Coach Shaun Henry has been coaching the girls golf team for 25 years now.

“My favorite memory was from my first year when South took second in Regionals by one stroke,” Henry said.

Henry sets goals for the team every year, and this year, the goal was to have every girl on the team play in at least one tournament, which was accomplished. “[My favorite thing

Sophomore Katie Schultz, mid-swing, is about to drive the ball down the range.

Photo By Kice Mansi about coaching is] getting a chance to work with kids outside of the classroom,” Henry said.

Although the girls worked hard throughout the season, they still had time to have fun and share some good bonding moments. The girls are close and get along well, which helps them come together when they are competing against other schools in meets.

“We are like a family,” senior Asia Brown said.

Even before the season started, senior Paige

Schultz was working hard in preparation for the season. Paige has been on the golf team for two years here at South.

“I did league over the summer at Overland Park Golf Club, and then I did their three-day tournament,” Paige said.

Both Paige and Brown believe that their biggest accomplishment while playing for the South team has been becoming a better golf player.

“My swing has gotten really good,” Brown said.

Athlete Snapshots

Junior Angel Guzman Soccer

Sophomore Sofie Erickson Cross Country

Junior Graham McCalmon Football

“[I like soccer because] I can do something that I like and that I’m good at with my friends.”

Photos By Kice Mansi

“[One thing that I would tell the younger generations is to] work hard and don’t mess around at practice and it will pay off.”

“[One thing that I would tell the younger generations is] with football, you have to have a good attitude.”

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Ballin’ For a Cause

By Mitch Brock writer Contributions Made By Madi Mendez

Schools from the Johnson County area are teaming up to help the battle against pediatric cancer.

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t the most recent assembly, you stood and cheered for a kid by the name of Kivon Black. Black was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age, and is speaking for many kids with pediatric cancer.

“I had a lot of fun at the other school and when I have the offer to come here it inspires people.

My favorite part is that it’s making an impact on people and inspiring them to help children like me,” Black said about his experience with speaking at assemblies.

Black is one of many who have benefited from a foundation called Hoops For Hope.

“It’s really good that the Shawnee Mission schools are getting involved. It’s really touching that we get to do something fun and exciting while benefiting those who really need the help,” senior Karynn Carroll said.

Hoops for Hope is a student run charity basketball event that was started in the Kansas City area by Blue Valley Southwest. Since then, Blue Valley West, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest, Blue Valley, and

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During the Homecoming assembly Kivon Black told his story on how he beat cancer. After touching many hearts, Black received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Photo By Savannah Morgan Shawnee Mission South have hopped on board the event. Each year, the turnout becomes larger and larger and is growing in popularity within the area. ”I think it’s a great cause and I think it’s a great way for Shawnee Mission South to come together and have some fun. It’s a great recreational way to support the cause,” English teacher Travis Gatewood said.

One of the goals for Hoops for Hope is to have students participate, come together, have fun supporting the cause, and to dress up in their best costumes and uniforms.

“I think it’s a good cause and it’s a great way to have fun and show your support.

I like the idea of people dressing up because it’s a good way to get people excited about donating,” junior Harrison Polen said.

Each team is composed of at least four players and each person on the team donates $20 to the charity.

Proceeds go to pediatric cancer treatment at both

Children’s Mercy Hospital cancer clinics and The Foundation.

Hoops for Hope South staff members are Gatewood, cheer coach Jackie Turner, math teacher Melissa Graham and associate principal Nicholas Platko.

“I think it’s a great resource for families who are struck with cancer and can’t afford to pay for treatment and it helps those families tremendously. I think it’s really cool,” Platko said.

When teams register, they are assigned a preliminary date of either Nov. 8 or Nov. 10. Teams are guaranteed three 10 minute games and there are three prizes for the top three fundraising teams.

“Hoops for hope raised about $40,000 last year and this year they’re trying to raise more money. They want to keep improving the amount donated every year in order to help pediatric cancer as much as possible,” Platko said.

Who can compete in the competition?

Anyone who is in a team of four or more What are the important dates?

Oct. 27- second Team Captain Meeting after school Nov. 8-9- Prelims Nov. 10- Finals Where?

Prelims- Shawnee Mission South Finals- Blue Valley Southwest Why should I participate?

Because you will be donating and raising awareness for pediatric cancer

Prepping For The Big Race South’s cross country team begins their preparations for this year’s State meet.

Photos by maxie crimm Sophomore Mason Fittzmaurice, junior Ryan Bare and freshman Michael Muckenthaler compete against each other in a race to the finish at practice.

By Evan Howell writer ross Country runners are off to a hot start and looking to continue the speedy times as the season wears on. This past weekend, the team ran in the Sunflower League meet at Rim Rock Farms in Lawrence, which was the final meet for the majority of JV and C-team runners.

This upcoming weekend they will be participating in Regionals at Johnson County Community College where they will bring the top 10 runners from League. The League times were not in by press time but are posted on sms.wordpress.com if you’re curious as to how your Raider runners did. The team continues preparation for the Regional races where they will run against a wide variety of competitive runners.

Junior Sara Schafer is on the varsity cross country team and will be competing in the Regionals meet. “[I am looking forward to] hopefully making it to state and seeing our hard work pay off,” Schafer said.

The team is built on a strong foundation of seniors like Mitch Brock and Karynn Carroll, who both have set goals to continue their running careers in college. They are both weighing out options as to where they plan to attend school next fall.

While most people dread running, a group of people who thoroughly enjoy running make up the team, it has to make one wonder, what on earth do these people enjoy about something that so many people fear?

“It’s tough, but it’s very rewarding. It feels good to look back and see my accomplishments,” Carroll said.

Carroll was a top runner last season.

“I like running because it pushes me to my absolute physical and mental limits,” Brock said.

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In the photo above, the whole cross country team is working hard at practice in preparation for the Regionals meet.

All runners are on a slightly restrictive diet put together by Coach JJ Wanamaker, which includes eating things such as almonds and beets. They are also supposed to refrain from eating more than two desserts per week.

The varsity group of cross country runners is dedicated and motivated to getting better.

“I like to help my team out as best I can, and there is something very satisfying about reaching a new personal record,” Brock said of his personal motives for becoming a better runner.

Mason Vick is the only freshman who runs with the varsity and was a varsity medalist in their most recent meet aside from League, at Mill Valley.

“I enjoy running with the older guys; I think it pushes me to improve and beat previous times,” Vick said.

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Flipping Into State

By Jill Propst Writer

Girls gymnastics working hard to win at the State meet.

Photo by maxie Crimm

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his year, South is hosting the State gymnastics competition, Saturday, Oct. 22 in the main gym.

As gymnasts from across Kansas travel to South, the gymnasts at South are excited to host and be able to compete on their own ground.

“I’m really excited because you get to practice on your equipment that you get to compete on so you might do a little better,” sophomore Bergen Cooper said.

South’s Athletic Director John Johnson is responsible for the planning and preparation. But he’s not doing it all on his own; others from the district are helping with the process.

“I’m having help from the other Shawnee Mission schools and the other ADs and coaches. Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s kind of divided out,” Johnson said.

The girls have been working hard this season and hope to do well at this competition to represent their school.

“I’m really proud of them, especially varsity, three of the girls have gotten back handsprings on beam and they’ve learned them in a week and usually it takes years and years. I’m really proud of their effort and how much they’re putting into the sport,” senior Faith Ndavi said.

There has been talk that this will be the last season for high school gymnastics in Kansas. The sport is losing many coaches and judges. There are four gymnastics teams in Olathe, two in Lawrence, and five in Shawnee Mission.

Out of these 11 teams, there are only five coaches. There are also only around 12 to 14 judges throughout the whole state. It is important to have coaches and judges involved in the sport who understand it and are able to give the right calls and be able to teach others.

“Good quality coaching is really important in gymnastics because of the unique nature of the apparatus.

You know, you want somebody who has experience on the bars or on the beam. On my end of it that’s the most important thing,” Johnson said.

Funding is another factor in the consideration of

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Sports

Sophomore Bergen Cooper competes her balance beam routine at South’s last gymnastics meet.

dropping gymnastics. The equipment that is needed is expensive and the money they are given is not enough to cover the costs. Gymnastics is also a high injury sport, causing people to be more afraid to participate. The number of participants has gone down throughout the years.

Many girls are also participating in club gymnastics, making them ineligible to compete for the school. The girls are not particularly happy about the possibility of the sport being cut, just like anyone would be if something they love was taken away. The upperclassmen do not think that it is fair for the underclassmen when they themselves spent their high school years growing on the team. If the sport is cut, then these underclassmen will not have the same opportunities.

“I’m really devastated. Especially because I’m a senior, I know for the underclassmen this is their outlet and it’s really sad because they have a love of the sport. It’s not like any other sport you can do. I just think It shouldn’t be taken away from them,” Ndavi said.

With the possibility of this being their last chance to showcase their talents and spend time with the friends they’ve made, some girls are looking back and appreciating the time they did have.

“Knowing this is the last year for gymnastics makes me sad, because gymnastics has helped so many girls gain discipline, build confidence, and make friends that we will have for years, so it’s going to be something I miss, as well as the rest of my team,” sophomore Hannah Carter said.

The South team, along with East, are trying to keep the sport going by creating the hashtag “#SaveKansasHsGymnastics” and tweeting it out to the Kansas State High School Activities Association in an attempt to convince them that the sport needs to stay in hopes that this will not be the last State gymnastics competition.

Presidential Plans

54%

of Americans think that the government is doing too many things

53%

LGBT Rights Immigration Environment

Education Economy

of Americans in big cities think the economy is getting better photo by michael bryant

photo by pam panchak

In this file image, Hillary Clinton speaks the crowd at West Philadelphia High School on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 in Pennsylvania.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the audience Sept. 22 at the Shale Insight Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

Clinton plans to...

Trump plans to...

- invest in infrastructure, manufacturing, research and technology, clean energy and small business to help the economy.

They’ll be paid for by closing tax loopholes for the upper class.

- cut taxes on the middle class

- bring back jobs to the U.S. by renegotiating or withdrawing from NAFTA trade deal - cut taxes for every income group to stimulate the economy

- establish universal preschool - double the investment in Head Start early education services - make community college free - reduce the burden of student loans

- invest in school choice (alternatives to public education) - ensure that the opportunity to attend college, or to pursue a trade or a skill set will be easier to access, pay for and finish

- tackle climate change by cutting energy waste and American oil consumption by a third - rely on renewable energy - continue Obama’s Clean Power Plan and launch a $60 billion Clean Energy Challenge

- deny global warming and climate change - make America energy independent - protect clean air and clean water - rescind Obama’s executive environmental actions

- create a path to citizenship for current illegal immigrants - extend Affordable Care Act to all families, regardless of immigration status - accept more refugees

- build a wall between the Mexican and United States border to keep out illegal Mexican immigrants - deport undocumented immigrants - suspend immigration from countries compromised by terrorism

- pass the Equality Act and continue Obama’s equality executive actions - support efforts in the courts to protect people from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation

- appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn the 2014 nationwide marriage equality ruling

30%

of Americans in evangelical communities think the economy is getting better

64%

of Americans worry about global warming “a great deal” or “a fair amount”

30%

of Americans in evangelical communities think the economy is getting better

65%

of Americans favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants

87%

of private college admissions directors say they are losing applicants to debt fears

statistics from gallup.com

Features

15

We asked Raiders what they would do if they held the highest office in the nation. by sophia belshe Assistant editor-in-chief opinion editor

photos by maxie crimm and hannah carter

“I’d install

a flat tax system so everyone pays the same. I’d probably make marijuana legal, but for medical purposes, not so that anyone is just going out and buying it. I’d strengthen relations with other countries so we’re not feuding with

“The first thing President Ben Smith would do,

is he would get rid of the personal income tax.

He would then decrease military spending and pull out our troops from the rest of the world and stop imperial America from being imperial America... After he brought the troops home, he would take the trillions of dollars that we’re spending on the military and still keep a strong national defense, but take the excess trillions and invest them into downsizing the government slowly, and slowly outsourcing government jobs and positions to private businesses. Completely abolish the Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security and the NSA, as well as abolishing the Federal Reserve and returning the United States to the gold standard... He would repeal almost every federal tax there is, and make a government so small you could barely even see

”

it.

- junior Ben Smith

others.”

- junior

Joe McAtee

“I would work

on equality for all people, meaning LGBT, black and white, alien vs. U.S. born, all of it.

That’s what I would work on.”

- Secretary Diane Johnson

“

I would ban pennies, and probably nickels, and I would try to rewire the education system, and maybe not be that successful, but then I’d try again, and hope for better. I would also try to address social issues in the United States. In addition to banning pennies and probably nickels, I would replace paper bills with dollar coins, cause those are cheaper to make. Even if I didn’t replace paper bills, the United States is the only country where all the bills are the same size, which is really difficult for blind people, so I would put braille on paper money, or at least make them different sizes - junior Joy Knowles

”

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Features Features

“I would try to be a likable person,

“If I were president of the United States

so people wouldn’t hate me, but that’s bound to happen. I feel like some people are too mean to any sort of presidential idea that’s supposed to help any sort of minority or immigrants. People don’t really respond to it well. I guess I would try to talk to the other people around me and think of what good action to do to immediately try to help the people that are suffering the most. People who are being discriminated [against].

People who are having a tough time.

I’d also want to make America a fun place to be, but then everyone would want to come here. I’d want to make it a place that people want to come [to], but not too many people so that we become over populated. I’m not trying to share my house with another family. I’d try to make it a place that people feel welcomed to come to, not worried about a wall or getting shot, because all of those are serious issues happening now.

I would do as much as I can to close the wage gap. It’s a very important subject ” to me because I have many female - junior Robyn MacDonald relatives, and especially that were nurses or doctors, that wouldn’t get as much consideration because they were female.

It’s the 21st Century… it’s my century, and I think it’s about time that we get [wage If I were president, equality].”

I would try my best - junior Annaleigh Hobbs to secure a firm financial future for America, because you cannot operate I’d probably as president or as a country from a point neglect all my of strength if you presidential don’t have financial strength. I would duties [and] live clean up the tax code, it up till I got possibly, and I would make immigration, impeached. health care, and - senior Anton education primary Caruso issues,” - AP government teacher Tony Budetti

“

“

”

Features 17 11 Features

Q

A & with

senior Jackie Stidham To encourage a positive and caring environment at South, senior Jackie Stidham created Happy Club. The club meets every other Wednesday in Room 363 and is sponsored by Andrea Dale.

BY mara baine writer PHOTO BY hannah carter

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What was your purpose behind starting Happy Club?

Will Happy Club ever do anything outside of school?

It’s to make an environment where every student can feel a part of South and be part of an activity without having any sort of qualifications, so you can just be involved without having talent or anything, just do it.

Like I said, we want to do some community service, we haven’t really decided and I kinda want to see with the people who actually come. I want them to have some influence in it because I don’t want it to be solely delegated by me. I want it to be that anybody can feel that they’re in charge because I think having leadership makes people happy. I also want to bring back the Share Your Love Wall because I heard a lot of people say last year that really helped them. They thought it was really cool to see those positive comments.

What type of activities go on in the club?

Well we’ve only had one meeting so far and we did Minute to Win It games. We had like 15 people show up and then this week [last week] we were planning on having a game of dodgeball and we kinda wanna get involved in community service and try and get involved with the nursing home across the street, so that way you can spread happiness throughout our community as well as our school.

Why should people join?

I think that it’s a club where there’s no qualifications, students with all backgrounds can get involved. And that way you can meet people who are outside your niche that you typically have at South and to get involved with other people that you wouldn’t normally see in your everyday life, and I think that’s a really cool thing.

Why do you think South needs a Happy Club?

I think in the past we’ve had a lot of tension between groups of people and people don’t always get along with each other, and I think it’s a good opportunity for people to find others that they can get involved with and just be happy with them.

What type of people do you hope to attract to the club?

People of all backgrounds, I would love to see people literally every group background, grade, no matter what I want to see everybody there. Just so that way you can meet new friends that you wouldn’t think you would ever meet before.

Has the Happy Club affected people already?

I saw a couple girls show up that I had never seen before, and I thought that was really cool. I think they had a lot of fun at the first meeting and I didn’t think I had ever seen them before. I thought it was really cool to see somebody that had really never been involved before.

What are the best ways to stay happy?

I think it’s important to not worry about what anybody thinks about you and that it’s important to focus on what makes you happy as an individual and remember that there is always people who love you and there’s always gonna be an upside to any bad situation so always look at the positives in life and keep on truckin’.

How do you get people to join Happy Club?

I think it’s just word of mouth, and there’s also a Twitter page, @SMSHAPPYCLUB, and that’s really cool to try to tell people when it is. We’ve also had announcements. I know Ms. Dale has been telling all of her classes. She’s super excited about it. It’s kind of been helpful to see everybody get together and advocate for it.

Can people join Happy Club at any time and how long into the year does it go?

Of course, you can join any time, and you can come for any amount of time; you are not limited, you don’t have to stay the whole time, you can stay for two minutes and leave, it’s whatever you want to do. It’s every other Wednesday. Sept. 14 was our first meeting and we hope to keep going so that way through all the season when students don’t have other activities they can always get involved, if they aren’t with something else.

How did you start the club?

So you have to go and find a teacher sponsor, I’ve been trying to start this club since last year. The beginning of last year, when we had a lot of negativity in South, like concerning suicide, and suicide awareness, I tried to start it then, and I could not find a student sponsor, so I have spent a year looking for one, and since she’s a new teacher she was just now available. Ms. Andrea Dale is the sponsor, and once you have a sponsor you have to clear with them they’re the sponsor, then you have to go and get a form, which I emailed Dr. Dain. He then got me a form and with the form you fill it out and they say “Yep I’m the sponsor” “Yep we’re good to go” and then you’ve got a club.

How do you think the Happy Club will affect South?

I’m hoping that people will actually show up. I know South has kind of some trouble with getting involved, and you know, people are kind of insecure and don’t feel comfortable with putting themselves out there, and I think that’s kind of the culture of South, but I’m hoping that by getting people of all different backgrounds, people will feel like there is a friend there, always, and I can just perpetuate that image.

Features

19

photo illustration by maxie crimm

Applications, Recommendations, and Visits, Oh My Seniors stay motivated through the college application process. by hannah underwood writer enior Colleen Bontrager checks her email. Delete, delete, delete. Endless emails from colleges about applications, recommendations, decisions and visits. Most seniors looking into going to college after graduation feel the struggle of the overwhelming line-of-fire of deadlines.

The process of preparing for the future usually begins with taking the ACT or SAT, depending on the university requirements. Some students are one-and-done, but others spend countless hours studying, retaking and retaking the tests until they get the score they want. Next, research. Since most applications open in August and are due for priority deadline Nov. 1, it is necessary to know which schools to apply to and what it takes to be admitted.

One of those students who has spent countless hours on the college process is senior Colleen Bontrager. She is applying to Notre Dame, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Minnesota, University of Kansas and possibly Vanderbilt or Emory University with the intended major of Chemistry.

“I’ve been preparing to get into these schools basically since elementary school,” Bontrager said. “It’s a lot of work.”

Many seniors spend their high school years creating the perfect resume for themselves, taking part in extracurriculars, maintaining grades, and taking AP classes. Bontrager is a member of the Varsity cross country and track teams and has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll all four years. “[Participating in everything] is overwhelming because you don’t get a lot of free time, but I sort of enjoy it. I like keeping busy,” Bontrager said.

However, some students choose to focus less on academics and extracurriculars; senior Sunny Huettner chose to focus on soccer.

Huettner verbally committed to play soccer for the University of

S

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Features

South Dakota, a Division I school, her sophomore year. “[When I was looking at schools], I was looking for both academics and athletics,” Huettner said, “I wanted to go to school for soccer, but the academics needed to be good there as well.”

Now that Huettner had the soccer commitment taken care of, she could focus on retaking the ACT. She has already taken it once, but she plans to take it again in October.

“I want to take it a couple more times in October and in the spring to get more academic scholarship money,” Huettner said.

Likewise, Bontrager also took the ACT twice. However, she only retook it because University of Minnesota requires the ACT with writing for admission.

When it comes down to making a decision, Bontrager has her priorities already established.

“Academics comes first, then price and personal preference,” Bontrager said. “If I get into Notre Dame, I’m probably going to go regardless of price. But I won’t go to MIT unless I get a lot of money because it’s very expensive.”

For Huettner, her decision came down to the team, the coaches, and the environment. “[University of South Dakota] is in a small town, which I really wanted to go to,” Huettner said. “It’s far enough from home but also close enough.”

She was also drawn to the family-like aspect of the team, which is coached by a husband and wife duo.

“The soccer team is like their family, and I’m just like one of their kids,” Huettner said.

Although Huettner’s college process is almost over, Bontrager’s has basically just begun.

“I started revamping essays I’ve written in the past when the college essay topics came out this June,” Bontrager said. “I have started applying, but I haven’t submitted anything yet.”

With a long road of processes ahead, Bontrager and Huettner look forward to the future that awaits them.

18 or Older: Senior Voters The first step for new voters is filling out the Kansas voter registration form. photo by savannah Morgan

By Angela Machado Writer

In addition to choosing plans for the future, seniors are choosing the next president.

M

any say that the future of society is in the hands of young voters. The pressure for 18 year olds to exercise their right to vote is increasingly higher due to controversial policies having a greater effect on this generation.

“My vote matters because this is our country and who we elect will have an effect on us,” senior Justin Nicholas said.

“I haven’t registered. I need to get on that.”

Throughout the halls there are many different political views: from those strongly supporting their political party to those who couldn’t care less about the nominees and how they plan to run the country.

“I am going to vote for Hillary because I feel like Trump will not benefit the country in a way will benefit me and my future,” senior Britney Demars said.

As of Oct. 5 Demars was not registered to vote but planned to before the Kansas deadline of Oct. 18. Even if you missed the deadline, to register for future elections you will need a Kansas ID and a document to prove your US citizenship.

Senior Olivia Mark enjoys her AP government class because she gets to engage and be socially aware of all the political issues going on throughout this election.

“The more knowledgeable you are about the facts the more opinionated you get,” senior Olivia Mark said.

Mark is unable to vote in this election because she will still be 17.

“I just turned 18 this summer and I don’t think I’m more

qualified to vote than when I was 17,” Demars said. “I mean if you’re like a six year old and you pay a lot of attention to policies and things like that they’re probably more knowledgeable than some of the adults.”

This year many seniors have had to actively participate and pay attention to politics in order to form a proper opinion on who they believe should win this year’s election.

“I don’t really want either of the candidates to win and I wish I had a better choice but it’s really exciting and entertaining for this to be my first election,” Demars said.

Growing older means you start to form your own ideas and opinions, not relying on your friends or family to influence you. That’s why being a young voter is important: because you finally get to voice your own ideals through the process of voting. According to gallup.com 7 in 10, teens say that their political ideology is about the same as their parents’.

“My political decision, especially this year, has a lot to do with how they view race and topics about race and how they want to improve the inequalities with race,” Demars said.

At some point the transition from being influenced by factors such as income, occupation, education, gender, age, religion, ethnic background, geography and family changes to factors like the specific candidates and key points.

“What influences my political decisions are more my personal views and opinions on things,” Nicholas said.

Nineteen percent of the voters in the 2012 presidential election were 18-29 years old, and the youth vote was a decisive factor in the 2008 and 2012 elections. The right to vote is fundamental in a democratic society. Don’t be left out – vote and your voice will be heard.

Features

21

Staff Editorial

Editorial Cartoon by Miah Clark

A

lthough both candidates from the major political parties are coming in with over 50 percent disapproval ratings, the highest in decades, we cannot simply decide not to vote this election day. Voting in democratic elections is a fundamental right that is denied to people all over the world, and when Americans ignore their responsibility to choose their leaders, they undermine the United States’ entire political system.

Democracies only work if citizens take an active part in politics. Even if it means voting against one candidate rather than for the other, all citizens should participate in elections, as the outcome affects every American in very real ways: from taxes and funding to Supreme Court justices and rulings.

A crucial part of being active in the political process is being an informed voter. It is now easier than ever to follow the campaign trail, thanks to the internet and social media. This includes researching third party or alternative candidates (Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian

22

Opinion

Gary Johnson are both on the Kansas ballot).

According to the United States Census Bureau, only 56.6 percent of the surveyed population reported that they voted in the last presidential election and only 65.1 percent are registered. The two reasons most often cited as reasons not to vote were disinterest and being too busy.

Both those excuses are weak, as is the perception that voting in a dependable red or blue state is useless. Votes in these states don’t count as much as votes in swing states, but they still count.

If we could even get voter participation to 75 percent, the political map would look strikingly different and the public could push for more relevant issues.

Political apathy and disinterest should also be fought at school. Social Studies teachers have a responsibility to educate and encourage discussion on issues so that students hear both sides of the arguments and can develop their own opinions. If we foster an environment of respect and

understanding now, we can hope to fight the current polarizing effect of politics in the future.

Responsibility ultimately lies on students to keep an open mind when discussing politics. To immediately dismiss a proposal or idea based on party affiliation is ignorant and only fuels the country’s current state of disunity.

Even though only a fraction of the school will be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election, it is imperative that all students pay attention to the developments made on the campaign trail, stay informed about issues, develop their own opinions and ultimately decide on a candidate to support.

Presidential election days come only once every four years, so clear your schedules, put on comfortable shoes, and go vote.

9/9 editors agree with the views expressed in this editorial

With Libertarian and Justice for All Libertarian Gary Johnson is rising in the polls and becoming a viable candidate in the presidential race.

E

ven though the polling of the Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson is low, my support stands with the man of humanistic rights.

As a more liberal-minded millennial, many of my views center around the humanistic standpoint of politics. Johnson supports many of the same ideas I do, making him a better fit candidate than those of the Democratic and Republican parties.

In the past, third party candidates have not been in the spotlight or even close to the light for that matter, but since the election is drawing such slim pickings, many people are turning in every direction to find some gleam of hope.

Johnson is adamant about downsizing the military and the costs that come with it. On average, the United States military spends $601 billion a year. Instead of spending this excessive amount of money on a military that is already one of the biggest in the world, we could be

Green Party: Jill Stein

using that money to better develop not only our country as a whole, but all of the rights we stand for as a nation.

Women’s health has been a large topic of discussion throughout the election as well. Johnson believes in a woman’s right to choose abortion until viability of the fetus which is a topic I am very passionate about. With many candidates choosing to vote against abortion rights, this makes several people lean towards Johnson’s campaign.

Immigration laws have become a hot topic because of Republican candidate Donald Trump’s outwardly spoken views. While Trump leans

The Other Guys

- Abolish student debt - Guarantee tuition-free education from preschool through university

On the Issues Education

- End fracking, tar sands, offshore drilling, oil trains, mountaintop removal, and uranium mines - Transition to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030

Environment

- Protect LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination

LGBT Rights

By Tara Phillips A&E Editor Photo by cassandra awad conservatively on the matter, Johnson believes that legal immigrants are welcome in the country once referred to as the “Great American Melting Pot.” “A 10 foot wall just requires an 11 foot ladder,” Johnson wrote in his book titled “Seven Principles of Good Government.”

Johnson has qualified to be on the ballot in all 50 states which is the first time since 1996 that a Libertarian party nominee has appeared on every state’s ballot.

While Johnson has his downfalls, just as any candidate does, his views are progressive and could potentially initiate a revolutionary change in the success of the government.

Voters everywhere need to realize that they don’t only have the option of Democratic or Republican candidates, but that Libertarian and Green party candidates are contenders and have voices that need to be heard.

While third party candidates stand little chance of being elected, they bring to light ideals that have become major influences in our societal and personal lives. The Libertarian party and Green party stand for individualistic views that cater to the general population as well. They allow for a personalized political view and an alternative option to the main identified parties.

Libertarian: Gary Johnson

- Eliminate Federal Department of Education and give control to state and local governments - The proper role of government is to enforce reasonable environmental protections - Federal government focusing on regulations that prevent future harm - The government should ensure marriage equality, but churches should have the right to deny a gay couple a marriage

Opinion

23

The

Debate Democrat:

By Tess Conley Writer he 2016 presidential election might be the most important election yet. Not because the candidates are the best from both parties; they actually might be close to the worst.

Having Bernie Sanders dominate some of the primary polls has made the Democratic party much more liberal, and the current polls shown on major political channels show that the Democrats dominate with minorities. I think that Hillary Clinton is running for all the right reasons, and represents the Democrats well. She has 44 years of national and global political experience, and has helped America improve nationally, globally, economically and individually for all classes, races and sexes.

The Democratic party stands for a more liberal country and is the “party of the people” – people being Americans, immigrants, and refugees. Immigration and taking in refugees isn’t a problem that we have to solve, it’s in our roots, so it’s more of just remembering what we built our country on, and following those ideals, but of course still being educated when making decisions. Donald Trump thinks that immigrants are taking the jobs of “real Americans”. The reality of it is that we need to create a bigger platform for jobs for all, where all people can make substantial money and live life with a sense of accomplishment.

Another concern with immigration is national security, which is a valid concern. As long as we have solid leadership and continue to update to the latest technologies, our country will remain strong.

We just need to eliminate extra spending and focus on keeping our military up to date. But protecting the country and global affairs aren’t the only important issues.

We also have to protect Social Security and strengthen our healthcare for all classes of people. Similarly, we need to protect Planned Parenthood, which informs people about unintended pregnancy and practices safe abortions.

Next, black lives do matter, and we have to stand up for them and start taking the logical side of issues and use liberty in court cases. We have to make unbiased decisions and release all critical evidence. Finally, we have to crack down on gun control, and establish stricter laws.

I think that the biggest problem with this election is that people don’t like either of the candidates, so their resulting action is to not vote. You have to pick the better of two evils and think about the effect of each candidate globally and nationally, in which overall Clinton has the most experience and will improve the most. Moral of the story: Do not complain about the next president if you do not vote.

T

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Opinion

Political Parties Edition

Republican: T

by Hannah Underwood Writer

he 2016 Presidential Election is, in a nutshell, a mess. We have two candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, who have the worst ratings in American history. They constantly pick at each other on Twitter, make inappropriate comments on each other’s appearances, and laugh at each other’s stupidity. The United States needs a leader.

The United States needs a leader who will take care of their country. As of July, there were 136 mass shootings only within the year of 2016, one of which being the deadliest shooting in American history at The Pulse Nightclub (49 dead). Total government debt is predicted to be at $22.4 trillion by the end of this year. Our nation’s liberties, along with the rest of the world’s liberties, are being threatened by the Islamic State in Iraq, Syria, and the Levant (ISIL).

I believe that the only man or woman capable of solving these problems is a moderate Republican.

Why Republican? By the numbers, there are 248 Republicans and 192 Democrats in the House of Representatives, along with 52 Republicans and 44 Democrats and 2 Independents in the Senate. Along with many other Americans, I have been very frustrated with the lack of virtually any productivity in the Senate due to Republicans in Congress consistently preventing President Obama from taking even the most basic of actions, thanks to our lovely policy of checks and balances within the three branches of government.

Therefore, it will take a Republican to be able to work efficiently with the majority Republican Congress. Do you like getting things done? Because I definitely do.

Why a moderate Republican? Our leader needs to be not just a Republican, but a moderate Republican because Congress is supposed to work harmoniously. I believe that everyone deserves a say when it comes to representing the people of the United States, and some Democrats and Independents have ideas that Republicans may not have to offer. A moderate Republican would be more likely to be open to Democratic ideas in order to reach a compromise for policies.

Once the executive power and Congress are able to work together and be productive, then our major issues can be addressed.

All in all, I am not at all a fan of simply voting for the party you usually vote for, because maybe they aren’t the best fit for the state the nation is currently in. There are times when America needs a Democrat, and there are times when America needs a Republican.

Not everyone will agree with moderate Republican ideas, and that’s OK. But I like things getting done and a moderate Republican can take us there.

PHOTOS BY JILLIAN mcclelland

Opinion

25

Entering the Belly of The Beast Kansas City is home to some of the most popular haunted houses in the country, including The Beast and The Edge of Hell. by avery woods Copy Editor

H

ead to Kansas City’s West Bottoms on a Friday or Saturday night in October and you’ll find excited crowds waiting to enter dilapidated buildings as music from certain radio stations blasts and elaborately dressed actors weave through the throng to scare those waiting in line – an average night for the haunted houses there.

As you pass by the Edge of Hell, you’ll see a man in a mask brandishing a chainsaw and chasing customers down the street; at The Beast, there’s a man on stilts as the “Beast.”

My haunted house experience was on a Friday night at The Beast.

The “Beast” was walking among those in front of the haunted house.

A line already stretched from the entrance into the street. Luckily, I had previously bought tickets with a skip-the-line pass.

Tickets for any of the haunted houses in the West

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A&E

People wait anxiously in line to enter The Beast, the best haunted house in Kansas City.

photo by kice mansi Bottoms are $27 each, and the pass to skip the line makes the tickets $37.

I joined a much shorter line and passed through the metal detectors, then merged with the regular line. Our thumb prints were scanned.

The woman who scanned my finger smiled at me and said, “Good thing you wore white – we’ll be able to see you much better now.”

If she meant to intimidate me, she succeeded. My family and I went upstairs and immediately a woman in a mask with very long fingers approached us, beginning our 40 minutes of terror.

The makeup and special effects furthered the fearful atmosphere. There was good acting as well – one part depicted early twentieth century London, where “Jack the Ripper” and his victim did a good job

playing their parts.

The sets overall were very elaborate. One of the first parts you walk through is meant to be a swamp in the deep South, and the sand beneath our feet was real. There was a live alligator beneath us. The “forests” you walk through have trees made of real wood.

I’d say that The Beast definitely impressed me, but it seemed almost too dark at some points. What I didn’t enjoy was the mazes that you were supposed to get through, in complete dark, bumping into other confused customers.

I thought the ending was anticlimactic (you go down a steep slide). I’d give this haunted house a seven out of 10 because the effects were good, but I thought it just wasn’t scary enough.

The Beast is located in Downtown Kansas City’s West Bottoms.

The Beast

($27) Reviews: 2.5 on Yelp 1401 W 13th St Kansas City, MO 64102

Macabre Cinema

($27) 1222 W 12th St Kansas City, MO 64101

The Chambers of Edgar Allen Poe ($27) 1100 Santa Fe Kansas City, MO 64101

The Edge of Hell ($27) Reviews: 3.5 on Yelp 1300 W 12th St Kansas City, MO 64101

DIY Halloween Costumes Halloween is a holiday known for costumes and candy. To help with the dilemma of what to be, we’ve come up with a few ideas. by miah clark writer, editorial cartoonist photos by cassandra awad

(Donald Trump) you will need: grey/black blazer, white button up shirt, red tie, orange face makeup (dark foundation)

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round the age that people enter high school, Halloween costumes become less and less of a priority. With students’ attentions turned more towards passing classes and cramming for tests, few are prepared by the time October arrives.

It isn’t that the celebration of the holiday loses its importance – high school students still have the opportunity to enjoy a trip to a haunted house or attend a Halloween-themed party. But with trick-or-treating, a taboo practice for young adults, and schools not always providing the

SNAPCHAT FILTERS: Take your love for Snapchat to the real world with these filter-inspired headbands and face paint! you will need: headbands, flowers, butterfly cutouts, glue, face paint

chance to dress up, costumes lose their spot as a top priority.

Luckily, South still allows students to dress up for Halloween. Clubs like KSMS even encourage it. Every year they host a costume contest during lunch, where students and teachers with the best costumes are able to win prizes.

In an attempt to restore the Halloween spirit, we’ve arranged some do-it-yourself costumes that won’t steal your study time, but will keep you and your friends cute and in character for the upcoming holiday.

(Hillary Clinton) you will need: red pantsuit, white blouse, red lipstick

DONALD TRUMP AND HILLARY CLINTON: Halloween isn’t the only important and upcoming event this fall. Prepare your look for the polls with these election-winning costumes.

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New Pizzeria Brings Fresh Flavor Pizzeria Locale is a new restaurant stacked high with fresh ingredients and new flavor. by evan howell Writer izzeria Locale is a new addition to the Oak Park shopping center and a partner restaurant to Chipotle Mexican Grill.

The vibes in the large dine-in are very similar to those in Chipotle.

The walls are lined with unique pictures taken in Naples, Italy by a photographer who works specifically for Pizzeria Locale.

The pizza is fantastic, and if you enjoy salads this is a good dive for you as well.

They have a build-your-own option where you can put just about anything that comes to mind on your pizza.

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Pizzeria Locale opened August 15 and is located off of 95th and Quivira. It is a fresh new style in American based off Neapolitan style pizza.

photo by stephanie moberg They also have eleven specialty pizzas you can order from their menu. I chose to try the Hawaiian pizza which came topped with smoked mozzarella, ham, pineapple and scattered jalapeños.

I also tried a plain ol’ pepperoni pizza. The pizza does immediately seem higher quality and the taste follows that too because of the use of fresh ingredients.

I enjoyed both of the pizzas that I ordered. All the prices are easy on

your pockets, if you’re looking to save money.

The service is nice. You’re greeted with a warm welcome when you first walk in and are never kept waiting as they take pride in just how fast their massive rotating kiln oven can cook your pizza.

If you’re looking for a quick pizza craving fix and appreciate natural ingredients, this is definitely a place you should stop at.

Kansas City Calendar Pumpkin patch season: Sept. 16-Oct. 31 Friday&Saturday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sundays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Weekend admission: $9

Louisburg Cider Mill

Pumpkin patch season: Sept.24-Oct.30 Friday: 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Admission: $11

Shuck’s Corn Maze

Worlds of Fun Haunt

Evening of Cabaret

Pumpkins on Parade

Dia de los Muertos

Event date: Nov. 4 in the cafeteria Friday: 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $5 for students with ID, $10 for adults

photo by jenna fackrell

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Pumpkin patch: Oct. 22 Saturday: 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Admission: Free

Haunt season: Sept. 17-Oct. 31 Friday: 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Saturday: 6 p.m.-12 a.m.

Admission: $29.99

Event date: Nov. 6 at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: Free

W h o, W h a t, We a r

By Tara Phillips A&E Editor photos by cassandra awad

Fashion trends are sweeping the nation. From hairstyles such as space buns, to self-expressive piercings, to Vineyard Vines, fashion creates a way for people to show who they are.

“I think piercings are one of the biggest forms of self-expression, so that’s kind of why I got mine done.”

-senior Julia Cunningham

“I guess it’s just inspired by necessity... keeping my hair out of my face because I have so much hair. Trying to keep it cute and fresh at the same time.” -senior Olivia Love

“I would describe my style as good looking, comfortable, but yet modern.” -junior Angel Guzman

“I think that if your body is a temple you should be able to decorate it however you want.” -senior Julia Cunningham

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Students tweeted @SMSPatriot their nomination for president @emmabossross nominated English teacher Tim Williams

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@kullathanyou nominated retired teacher Art Wells

2nd

Tw i t t e r C o n t e s t 3rd

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@IbEdkut nominated @Lukespringett nominated sophomore Micah Sarmiento junior Creighton Young First Place in the Twitter Contest wins a $10 giftcard to QuikTrip.

Next month’s contest is “What are you thankful for?”

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YOU BELONG AT PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY SENIORS: Rumble in the Jungle is Nov. 5!

Sign up at pittstate.edu/rumble Includes campus tour, lunch, and ticket to Gorilla Football!

#BeAGorilla

EDUCATION INSPIRES DREAMS. WE PROTECT THEM.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI, 53783, ©2014 006441 - 7/14

Kathy Wegner Agency 4591 Indian Creek Pkwy Overland Park, KS 66207 (913) 649-7200 kathywegner.com

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At Carolyn’s Cousins Pumpkin Patch, the tractor took people around to pick their pumpkins. Carolyn’s bakery has a lot of sweets and cider to snack on during the hunt for a perfect pumpkin. They’re located at 17607 N.E. 52nd Street Liberty, MO 64068 and are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. photo by Jillian mcclelland 2. Freshman Simone Kohl serves the ball during a varsity home game. To watch the girls, join them at their next game Oct. 22. photo by hannah carter 3. Freshman Pheobe Holmes, sophomores Hannah Carter and Bergen Cooper are the only three gymnasts that competed in the all around meet. Here they are seen waving to the crowd of cheering fans. photo by Maxie Crimm 4. Boys soccer both walk and ride in the Homecoming parade Friday, Sept. 30. Show support at their next game tonight, October 20. photo by savannah morgan 5. The cast of “Les Miserables” sing in the second annual Homecoming parade. “Les Miserables” will be shown through Oct. 22, students get in for free with a student ID. photo by savannah morgan