Clipper The Seaman
Volume 85 Issue 3
3 6 10 22
Nov. 20, 2015
Inside: Retirements
Teachers with many years of service announce their retirement plans after this school year.
Moving day
Seaman Middle School prepares for the big move to the new building before second semester.
Holiday shopping
Whether it’s Black Friday or Cyber Monday, some helpful tips can help shoppers get the bargains.
Talk ‘Derby’ to me
Sophomore Mattie Ritz and her family enjoy the competitive side of roller skating through roller derby.
Seaman High School 4850 NW Rochester Rd. Topeka, KS 66617 Visit seamannews.com for late-breaking stories and all of our journalism projects. Senior Jenna Erickson hugs C.J. Thurlow as Princess Medea enters the scene in the fall play . “The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza” ran Nov. 12, 13, 14 and 15. (Photo by Katy Mulqueen)
2 Nov. 20, 2015 NEWS Vinduska announces retirement intentions “It is time... by Mason Diederich editor After 41 years of working in the Seaman district, Mr. Ron Vinduska has decided to retire. Mr. Vinduska has been the principal here for the last 14 years. He was first hired as a history teacher in 1975 and by 1991 he became the athletic director. In 1995 he took over as the assistant principal until 2002 when he became the head principal. “It really is time to move on,” said Mr. Vinduska. However he is not sure about what he wants to do next. “I may work something parttime, because I do need more time to spend with my grandchildren,” said Mr. Vinduska. Mr. Vinduska has been recognized highly throughout the district as well as the state. He has been the district’s teacher of the year, Kansas principal
of the year and also the girl’s basketball coach of the year. The only state championship that the girls basketball team won came when Mr. Vinduska coached. Another achievement that he is proud of is the growth of the dualcredit program. “We have figured out an effective way to work with Washburn, and it has given seniors meaningful courses to take,” said Mr. Vinduska. Seaman leads the county with 343 students enrolled in these classes. Mr. Vinduska is comfortable with his decision. When he contacted the Clipper staff with his announcement, he said, “After much soul-searching and a long talk with Tammy, it is time.... grandkids and golf courses await!“
www.seamannews.com Favorite school lunch: anything with potatoes and gravy
GRANDKIDS & GOLF COURSES
await!”
PRINCIPAL RON VINDUSKA Favorite memory: State Champs 1991
with Assistant Coach Kevin Hoffmans
•Best golf score? 81 •Ever have a hole in one? No •Do you believe in miracles? Yes
Bloomfield builds houses, memories during tenure by Shyanne Osterhaus staff writer
Mr. John Bloomfield/ Photo by Shyanne Osterhaus
After teaching for 32 years, industrial tech teacher Mr. John Bloomfield is retiring at the end of this school year. Mr. Bloomfield has spent his entire teaching career here at Seaman High School. After retiring Mr. Bloomfield claims he has no specific plans but he wishes to continue doing what he has always done, although he admits that he won’t miss the 80-mile commute he has to drive to work every day. “I’m going to continue to build and create things at home,” he says. “I’m just going to continue being me, but on my own time frame.” After 32 years of teaching, Mr. Bloomfield has definitely made memories he will cherish forever. “The most memorable part of my
teaching here at Seaman is when someone outside the district took it upon themselves to establish our partnership with Habitat for Humanity,” Mr. Bloomfield says. “I will never forget that, and it made my tenure here fun and worthwhile.” Out of all the aspects of teaching, Mr. Bloomfield says he has enjoyed building with the students the most. “I never looked at this as a job,” he explains. “It’s just me doing the things I love with the people I love.” Although Mr. Bloomfield is looking forward to what retirement will offer him, leaving Seaman High School will not be an easy task. “Being able to be here for 32 years has been a tremendous blessing to me and my family,” he says. “It is not going to be easy to just walk out and no longer be a member of this staff.”
3 FEATURE Nov. 20, 2015 Vacation to Cuba in retirement plans for ‘Scarby’
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by Lauren West staff writer The noise of discussion and papers fill the classroom. As Mrs. Scarbrough looks at her class, she can’t help but feel sadness wash over her because she knows that this is the last time she will be teaching greek mythology. The moment is bittersweet for everyone in the room because they know this is the final year for their teacher before she retires. Ms. Scarbrough taught at Seaman High School for 29 years. This year she teaches all seniors, from freshman comp through Washburn to workplace reading essentials. She has put some thought into what she is going to do when she leaves SHS. “I work part time for Washburn University, and I hope to continue that. I’m planning a trip to Cuba and I’m looking forward to some time with my cute little dogs. And I’m going to go back and reread a bunch of stuff from college and see what I think about it now,” said Scarbrough. Even though she is excited about retirement, Scarbrough will miss her
“I just love
TEENAGERS
and it’s really great to be
INVOLVED
in their lives at a really exciting time....” KATE SCARBROUGH Ms. Kate Scarbrough/ Photo by Suzanne Marshall
students. Her love for teenagers and teaching has grown more and more throughout her years at Seaman High School. “I just love teenagers and it’s really great to be involved in their lives at a really exciting time, when they’re on the verge of adulthood but not quite there yet. I just really enjoy how they think, and I really enjoy spending time with them,” exclaimed Ms. Scarbrough. Even though she was the teacher, Ms. Scarbrough felt that she was being
taught every day by the students. She may be retiring but she still cares for and will always be concerned for her students. “My students have taught me a great deal. In recent years my students have taught me that many more students than we realize live in hardship. But they still continue to come to school and graduate, and we need to be more aware of their circumstances. We need to advocate for them,” said Scarbrough passionately.
by Mason Loy/ staff writer
Love of books continues into retirement Cushioned armchairs, rows upon rows of books, a safe haven for any avid book lover to escape the craze of life outside of the library. For some, the mention of the word ‘library’ triggers eye rolls and a quick turn in the opposite direction. However, there are the few that feel the burst of happy butterflies in their stomach when they step foot in a library, the ones who open a book and escape into their own worlds, blissfully oblivious to the reality around them. Marian Sweany, librarian, is one of those people. Very soon she will be retiring from the library where she has spent so many years. She has been surrounded by books all of her life; she had her first job as a librarian
when she was in high school. “I’ve done library things forever and I just didn’t really think I could do anything else,” Sweany says. Mrs. Sweany has been at Seaman for 17 of her 34 years working as a librarian,and through her time here has even sponsored a book club. Prior to Seaman, she worked at St. Mary’s High School for 15 years. She chose to pursue the path of a school librarian rather than a public one, because she liked the interaction with high school students. Though Mrs. Sweany could easily affirm that her favorite part about being a librarian was putting the right book in the hands of the right person, she had a tougher time providing her
favorite librarian moment. “I just really like it when a student says ‘Hey, remember that book you recommended to me? I want another one just like it!’” Mrs. Sweany does not yet have many plans for retirement; she is mainly hoping to do anything that she wants with her new free time. “I just recently started working at Barnes and Noble, so I hope that I can do that, too, and help more people find good books,” Sweany reveals. Through her many years at Seaman High, Mrs. Sweany has come to love the staff and students alike, and will miss those daily interactions. Sweany concludes, “It’s just been a wonderful, wonderful
Mrs. Marian Sweany/ Photo by Sami Reed
time working here and people always ask me why I want to retire and I say, ‘Because I’m old enough and I still love my job and I love the staff and I love the kids, and I don’t want to retire when I hate it.’”
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Nov. 20, 2015
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Mural design underway in Writing Center by Leann Isaacson staff writer Many students take advantage of the writing center in the library. It’s very helpful for those who need extra help with their papers. But students and staff that go in may start seeing something new on the walls. Seaman High is getting a new mural and it is going in the writing center. The English department came up with the idea for the mural. “Our department meets twice a week and we were just throwing out ideas.” Ms. Kate Scarbrough said. Their logo, Write Here, Right Now, is going to be the main theme of the painting. “We wanted to make it inviting and comfortable.” Mrs. Stephanie Munoz-O’Neil is the main art teacher to organize it. “Ms. Scarbrough approached me and said ‘Hey would you be interested in helping with a mural?’” Munoz-O’Neil said. She is working on the outline of it during her spare time. Some of the writing center students are helping with the mural as well as some art students. “Sometime before Thanksgiving we’re going to have a lockdown to fill it in and paint it.” Ms. Scarbrough said. The mural should be up and completed by Thanksgiving.
Mrs. Munoz-O Neil stenciling in her letters on the Writing Center Mural. (Photo by Leann Issacson)
Writing Center Hours of Operation Monday-Thursday: Before and After School Seminar, must sign up in advance Friday- Before School
Important yearbook deadlines loom for seniors With Dec. 1 just around the corner, seniors need to get senior pictures turned into the yearbook room in C2. “If you are having problems making that deadline, be sure to tell me so we know that a picture is on the way,” said yearbook adviser Kelly Neiman. “We have some important printer deadlines before second semester, so it’s very important that we have open communication so that everyone’s favorite se-
jostens.com TODAY!
nior picture gets in the yearbook.” To check on senior picture status, there is a wall of pictures just outside the yearbook room. As soon as yearbook staff receives senior pictures, they make a copy and hang that on the wall. A star beside a picture means that the staff has also received an activity sheet. “I always worry that a picture will get lost in email. With pictures on the board, we hope that will help seniors
and staff stay on the same page,” said Neiman. Yearbook staff also mailed senior spotlight advertising info to senior parents. Those who want to purchase an ad need to have that information to the yearbook office before holiday break. “Senior pictures, activity sheets, spotlights. It’s a lot to remember, so be sure to let us know if we can help you. out in any way,” said Neiman.
$70 standard/ $75 personalized
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FEATURE
Nov. 20, 2015
Superintendent search underway by Mason Diederich editor With the announcement of superintendent Mike Mathes’ retirement, the district has begun the search for its new leader. Through the assistance of Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), a timeline has been established. The new superintendent will be announced at the December board meeting. At the August board meeting, Randy Weseman of KASB attended to discuss the timeline and qualifications for the next superintendent. The first on the agenda was for brochures to be sent out across the state to each district as well as universities.
“The brochures were also posted online at kansasteachingjobs.com so that people across America could apply,” said superintendent secretary and clerk of board Brenda Burgett. These brochures included all of the qualifications that applicants must possess. Also included was some information about the district and data, of which applicants should be aware. Focus groups were created to represent various groups in the district. KASB met with these groups which included administrators, directors, staff, parents, students, and community members. They were asked what characteristics they valued in the next superintendent. These characteristics fell under the category of the typical
Debate success continues throughout season by Sophie Darting STAFF WRITER The debate team is having major success this year. The varsity debaters won the Silver Lake tournament, took second at the Emporia tournament, and fifth in the opening tournament. Officers of the debate team are President, Cassidy Harden, Vice President, Dameon Boland and Historian; Coby Worcester. The leading debaters have been Emily Stanley and Peyton Wettengel on varsity and Reagan Propps and Jillian Roy on JV. This year’s debate topic is: “The United States federal government should substantially curtail its domestic surveillance.” The debaters research and present an argument, with evidence, about this topic. The argument will either be affirmative, agreeing with the topic, or negative, disagreeing with the topic. The debaters don’t get to choose whether they are affirmative or negative; they will be affirmative for five rounds and then the next five rounds they will be negative. The judges listen to the arguments that are presented by two teams of two and then after five rounds, they
determine who is the best team. Emily Stanley and Peyton Wettengel made Seaman High history at the Debate Coaches Invitational when they got a bid, which had only happened two times. “I do debate because I like getting to explore topics that I wouldn’t be able to explore otherwise, and I love being surrounded by other like-minded individuals,” junior Emily Stanley says. First-year debaters Ashlyn Schuetz and Noah Belt got 5th at Newton in Open. “One of the reasons I love coaching debate is because it’s really fun to watch the first year kids figure the whole thing out,” says debate coach, David Ralph “I love seeing how well they do in their first competitions.” Being in debate can help develop or improve public speaking skills, and it also gives experience in law. “I am looking into post secondary law, and debate helps any kind of fear of public speaking. It also teaches you good organization and time management skills,” says junior Cameron Charity. “I strongly encourage other people to do debate because it is like having a second family and it really helps with your people skills.”
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leader a person would want, including honesty and integrity. KASB will use these characteristics to screen the applicants prior to presenting a list to the board. As of right now the district is in a holding phase as applications start to arrive. The process will speed up after Nov 18 when applications are due. Interviews will be scheduled with the ultimate goal to find the next superintendent. The final candidates will interview and take a tour of the district. “This will be a whole day process for each candidate,” said Mrs. Burgett. On Dec 14, the new superintendent of USD 345 will be announced. The new superintendent will take office July 1, 2016.
VikingVOICES What is the hardest class you have taken? “English. You actually have to do stuff.” Caleb Drane, 10
“HJLA because books have always been a problem for me. I despise books, they give me headaches and boredom.” Hector Solis, 11 “Honors Trig/ Pre-Calc because it’s using stuff I already know but making it more challenging and you can’t forget domain!” Maria Grimes, 11
s
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Middle school begins relocation by Roland Westling
staff writer Although construction is nearing an end on the new Seaman Middle School, there is still a great deal left to be done. One major task that has yet to be completed is moving all of the books, equipment, and other miscellaneous items that will be reused from the old middle school. The moving process is expected to take up the majority of November and December, and should be all done by the end of Winter Break. “We start moving some of the industrial tech equipment on Nov. 10; Dec.1, we are moving the library, and Dec.14, we start moving the wellness room exercise equipment,” said SMS Principal Traci Hammes. Teachers will have to move their personal belongings to the new middle school themselves. “ All teachers will start moving classroom belongings and must be moved out of their room by Dec. 18,” said Hammes. With the exception of the students, nearly every other SMS staff member will participate substantially. The role of the students will be a minor one, only requiring them to move personal items. “They will move their belongings out of their current locker to their new locker,” said Hammes. Even though most of the moving will have taken place by mid December, students will wait until then to move their belongings. “ Students will move their books/ personal belongings on Dec. 17,” said Hammes Despite the new SMS’ proximity to the old, movers will be hired to move the items the school owns. “The district will hire moving help,” said Hammes.
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Graduates share advice for current students to use by Bethany Piel staff writer Throughout the years, it has been a question by many students on which classes are the best to take during high school for their future. While every student has a different opinion, all are helpful. Former student Bradley Piel 2015 stated, “Intro to business and personal finance were very helpful for getting a basis on how the economy works, how graduate Kendall businesses function, and looking at what you need to know in the future.” However, over the years the business classes have become utilized less by students. In 2008 the requirements for sciences classes changed and students were then required to take three instead of two. This caused students to begin taking less business classes thinking it would be easier to balance their work. While some students thought this was helpful, other students such as Kendall Leatherman 2015 said, “The business classes were the most helpful throughout high school and I should have taken more advantage of that instead of taking classes that weren’t helpful toward my major.” One factor that students come across when choosing classes in high school is what they are planning to major in during college. Counselor Steve Alexander found that when he asked former students which classes prepared them the most for college, every one thought English, social studies, and math were the most beneficial. However, Brandon Stromgren 2014 thought otherwise. He mentioned, “As much as teachers stressed the need to be a good writer
for college, I have only had to write a few papers and they weren’t graded very hard.” Another main key for classes to pick is to try and take as many classes that are for a college credit as possible. Mackenzie O’Brien 2012 said, “Even though it may not sound fun, take advantage of opportunities to earn
“The business classes were the most helpful throughout high school and I should have TAKEN MORE ADVANTAGE of that ...” Leatherman
college credits because it is a great way to get a head start and you’ll be glad you did later on.” While classes with college credit are provided here at Seaman, Kylie Dillon 2014 stressed, “If there were more classes you could take for college credit, that would be helpful so kids could get some of their prerequisites finished faster.” The main piece of advice that most former students have is to not wait until the last minute to figure out what major to choose. While choosing a set major right away isn’t essential, it’s a good idea to narrow down the options before enrolling in that first year of college. Claire Williams 2014 said, “Find internships and job opportunities that you think you might be interested in for a degree. It is also important to find opportunities outside of school, such as volunteering and shadowing in the community to find your interests and dislikes in the workforce.” Making sure to use the opportunities to explore what students enjoy is a key essential during high school so they don’t find themselves pouring out their time and money into something they’ve discovered isn’t enjoyable later on.
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Nov. 20, 2015
High school experiences changes since 1920 establishment by Shyanne Osterhaus staff writer Since the beginning of the Seaman school district in 1920, Seaman High School has been located in multiple places and many construction alterations have been performed on the current high school itself. Classes officially began at Seaman on Oct 4 of 1920. The district was named after Fred A. Seaman who helped found the school and served as the first principal. The total enrollment in all four grades was 65 with five students being in the graduating class. The original high school
[
was located where the U.S.D. 345 district central office is today. The graduating class of 1922 was made up of 19 seniors and was taught by a total staff of eight teachers. At this time the only sports Seaman competed in were football and basketball. In 1922, the football team went undefeated. Six years later in 1928 there was a senior class of 60 students. The number of students in each class increased dramatically every year. Between the years of 1928 and 1946 there were between 12 and 15 teachers. 1954 was the last year Seaman High School was located
where the central office is now. In 1955, classes began at the current Logan Elementary School. By the year 1958, enrollment reached 483 students and was taught by 22 dedicated teachers. School was in session at the new high school for 16 years. The year 1970 brought another move, and this time a permanent one. The third location of Seaman High School has not changed, yet numerous structural additions have been made to the original building. Different wings have been added to the school and in 2008 the fresh-
1920- First high school opened
FIRST WING: Construction on the current high school began
1970- construction finished and the new high school was dedicated
man center was completed. Changes were also made to the woods and metals shops and the auditorium. Currently a new middle school is being built and throughout the years, multiple elementary schools have opened and closed. The location of Seaman High School may have changed but the district has continued to thrive and grow with the same mission in mind: to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world. (All information provided by Seaman High School yearbooks)
]
1955- the current Logan Elementary became the location of the high school
2008- freshman center added
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Nov. 20, 2015
Lang recovers from transplant by Kennedy Mirowski staff writer Mrs. DeeDee Lang, para, was diagnosed with a kidney disease in August of 2005. The disease is called FSGS, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. FSGS is scarring of the functional unit of the kidney. “My kidney disease was life-threatening. I was in stage five of kidney failure and that is the last stage,” says Mrs. Lang. If she did not find a match for her kidney, she would have started dialysis back in August of 2015. A person lives longer with a transplant rather than being on dialysis. Mrs. Lang was approved to be on the transplant list on April 1. She then was told about her living donor in June of this year. “I was overjoyed and started crying because it was the best news I have ever received for the past three years as my function continued to drop,” says Mrs. Lang. On Oct. 13, Mrs. Lang’s cousin, Katie Palmer, gave one of her kidneys to her. Mrs. Lang’s surgery took about three hours, and she was in recovery for six hours. Her rehabilitation will be about 12 weeks.
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KIDNEYS
12 3000 “I was
OVERJOYED
and started crying because it was the
BAD HABITS=HURT KIDNEYS
BEST NEWS...”
MRS. DEEDEE LANG
“I have to take antirejection medicine for the rest of my life, which in turn makes my immune system really weak,” says Mrs. Lang. Mrs. Lang will have to be very cautious to stay away from sick people and constantly wash her hands. Her recovery is going well so far, she expects to be back at school on Jan. 5.
Clipper
DID YOU KNOW
The Seaman
Editors Business/Ad Managers Photo Editor
Mason Diederich, Jakob Ready Brenlee Yingling Marcy Anderson
Staff Stone Brackett, Sophia Darting, Leann Isaacson, Kennedy Mirowski, Shyanne Osterhaus, Bethany Piel, Roland Westling Adviser Kelly Neiman, MJE To submit a letter to the editor, the letter must be 300 words or less in length. All correspondence must be signed. The goal of the staff is to report school and community news and suggest ideas for improvement. We welcome your opinions and will do our best to publish what you have to say. Views in this newsmagazine do not always represent those of the faculty or school board of USD 345. The Clipper reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of material that is libelous, obscene, invading privacy, infringing on copyright or disruptive to the educational process of Seaman High School.
$262,000 cost of a kidney on the black market
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Substitute teachers give positive reviews for students by Mason Diederich editor
Ever dread the normal routine of coming to school? Sometimes the day can take an upward swing when sighting that favorite substitute teacher. How do these people get here? There are some qualifications these subs have to follow. Kansas, of course, has some requirements that include paperwork and two years of college. Each sub must have 60 college credits. The district also has some required internal paperwork. When teachers know they will be gone that day, they put in for a sub on the district’s system. The system automatically starts to call available subs until one takes the job. There are usually 20 to 25 subs available for the high school leading to why students see the same familiar subs throughout the year. “There are usually four to 10 teachers gone each day, but leans more towards the four,” said Mr. Mike Monaghan. The highest number of teachers gone this year is 18 for an Apple workshop. That used almost all of the subs that are available. After each day, substitutes are required to fill out a piece of paper that talks about the behavior of each class. Students should be glad to know that each sub has given a positive review.
U.S. teachers take off an average of
during a typical 180-day school year info from educationnext.org “They absolutely love to sub here at Seaman. I mean it when I say it, you kids do such a good job being mature,” said Mr. Monaghan. One of the most common subs here at the high school is Dr. Mike Culp. After retiring he really missed kids and decided to come back. “Seaman is the only school I sub at because of the great kids. It really is you guys,” said Dr. Culp.
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Substitutes bond with students during school by Roland Westling staff writer Substitutes play a key role in educating America’s youth while the normal teacher is out of the classroom. Often times the behavior of students will vary based on whether or not their regular teacher is in the room, making it essential that substitutes are able to adjust and adapt to handle any group of students in any classroom situation. Substitute teachers usually choose this occupation because they enjoy educating and bonding with students. While subbing, the teachers tend to enjoy their time filling in with little trouble. “The more often you sub for students the better the experience is and the more you get to know them,” said substitute Charles Epstein. Although substitutes in the Seaman district have generally have pleasant subbing experiences, an occasional bad experience is not out of the question. “The worst subbing experience occurred when I was subbing for a second grade class last year, it was a two day assignment and the first day was horrible. They didn’t listen, follow directions, and had no respect for their fellow students. However, on the second day their behavior turned around completely and my overall experience was much better,” said Epstein.
Seaman works with Boys and Girls Club to keep kids active by Sophie Darting staff writer Seaman High School Physical Education Department was one of the lucky applicants to receive a federally funded PEP grant, also known as, the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant. Applicants are required to create a new program that helps students make progress towards meeting state physical education
requirements, such as developing a competency in motor skills, learning concepts, actively participating, and achieving a high level of physical fitness. This particular grant is designed to award money to local education agencies and community-based organizations to help them enhance and expand physical education programs for K through 12 students. The grant is worth over half a million dollars. The money
is being used to provide support for students, provide training and education to teachers and staff members, for the purchase of physical education equipment, to initiate new physical education programs, as well as to purchase new equipment for the Wellness Center, including all new treadmills, ellipticals and a new row machine and strider. It is linked with the Boys and Girls Club after-school program so the elementary
teachers are working together with the staff members from Boys and Girls Club to make sure that all of the students involved in the program are physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. “The grant is a more hands-on sort of approach,” says Claudia Welch. “We want to make sure that all of the kids know that they have to get 60 minutes worth of physical activity a day in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
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Cyber Monday becoming new face of Black Friday by Jakob Ready editor
“I like to shop for items
In today’s modern society, more and more people are turning towards shopping online for everyday-items. Less consumers are moving away from their sofas and into the store . But who can blame them? After all, it is easier to click a mouse on the couch than it is to drive to the store. There are many advantages of purchasing items online, these advantages include: it is more convenient, faster, and there is a much better selection online than there would be in one store. “I like to shop for items online better than going to a store,” said Hailey Reed. “It is way easier and more convenient for me.” Because online shopping is easier than going to a store, more people are doing it. According to statista.com, over 40 million shoppers from 2010 to 2016 are turning away from the lines and opening up their laptops (Statista.com). Along with more convenience of not having to leave the house, online shopping offers more selection than a
better than going to a store.”
ONLINE
Senior Hailey Reed
store. Because of the vast majority of online shopping websites, it is easy to find the item and checkout with two clicks of the mouse. In addition, going to the store takes time. Why drive 20 or so minutes when one can stay in the comfort of their home and purchase the item right off the screen? Around Christmas time, retail stores will be jam-packed with shoppers trying to purchase last-minute Christmas items for their loved ones. No one wants to fight over the last item on the shelf, or especially stand in the hourlong line to checkout. In contrast to the speed and convenience of online shopping, it also has its setbacks. Sizes and quality are often misinterpreted when shopping online. It is hard to tell the quality of an item by the picture on the screen. And let’s be honest, do those size charts on
the bottom of the screen really help? Black Friday has been a key shopping day in the modern era. Stores open at midnight on the Friday following Thanksgiving to receive the deal of a lifetime. However, with the advances in technology and the advances of laziness, more consumers have turned to cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving, and is, in many cases, similar to Black Friday. The only difference, the consumer can stay in the comfort of their own home and purchase their son’s Xbox without getting into a brawl in the middle of the electronics aisle. According to Digiday.com, more than $2.29 billion were spent last Cyber Monday, and this year sales are expected to exceed $2.80 billion (Digiday).
After feasting, some go shopping by Leann Isaacson
staff writer It’s a day full of discounts, crowds and Christmas shopping. It’s one of the scariest days for retail associates. It’s one of America’s favorite past times. Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving when stores open up early and give out the best discounts of the year. Many stores open up as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Some people stay in line all night or day just to wait for the doors to open. They want to make sure they get the best deals. Black Friday is an opportunity for buying those “big” Christmas presents, things like electronics, appliances and
furniture. Black Friday got its name in the 1960s. Back when accounting records were kept by hand, red ink indicated loss while black ink meant they were getting profits. The name refers to when stores would move from red ink to black ink. It became the unofficial day for Christmas shopping, even though half of the “day” takes place on Thanksgiving. Retailers do this because of competition with other retailers. They want to be the store with the best deals and they want to draw the biggest crowds. However, a big crowd is heaven for thieves. One tip on keeping them away is to be vigilant in stores by using cash instead of credit cards will help from fraud.
RESEARCH Check consumer reports and reviews. Just because you got the item cheap does not mean it is a good deal. BRING ADS Some stores can match a lower advertised price. You can also call out the store on their lowest price. KNOW STORE POLICY Stores may become stricter on return and exchange policies. If you know what they are, you know which stores to avoid. COMPARE PRICES Search for the best deal on a certain item. Some stores offer lower prices than others.
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Apple launches newest addition to smart phone lineup by Jakob Ready editor Apple has introduced the 12th edition of iPhone, the iPhone 6s, the company’s newest model of their smartphone lineup. Apple claims that “the only thing that has changed is everything.” The new iPhone includes a vast majority of new features, including: 3D touch, a faster processor, and more color options. “The battery is really good,” says one of the few new iPhone users at Seaman High, Hannah Weaver. “The 3D touch is also pretty cool, even though I forget to use it most of the time.” The newly introduced iPhone includes a new way to interact with the smartphone. 3D touch senses how much pressure the user has applied to their screen and offers actions the user can take from there. For example, the user is on the home screen of his or her iPhone and lightly applies a bit more pressure to the camera app. Four options will appear, take selfie, record video, record slowmo,
and take photo. The user can then select from the four options, and the iPhone will immediately snap a selfie, shoot a video, or direct the user into the camera application straight into a photo mode, such as slowmotion. The 6s’ camera makeover will not disappoint with more megapixels and video more than four times clearer than Hd. The new camera has a state-of-theart sensor, a new image signal processor, advanced pixel technology, and focus pixels; in addition, the camera also has 12 megapixels, where the first generation iPhone had 2. “Personally, I think the camera is really bad,” said Weaver. “However, I used to use the Galaxy S6 and the camera might not be that bad for the people who have grown up with iPhones.” Live photos has also been introduced into the new iPhone. This concept takes the vivid 12 megapixel photo and adds the movement and sound taken before and after the photo was taken. The user can even set the live photo as the lock screen wallpaper, and relive the moment over and over.
A new level of efficiency and performance also lies beneath the 6s’s display. The A9 chip is the fastest and most advanced chip in any smart phone. The faster chip allows the user to experience faster gameplay and less sluggishness from the iPhone. The new iPhone comes in a variety of colors never before seen for the iPhone. Gold and rose gold have been added to the color options that one can choose. Apple has also introduced their new iPhone Upgrade Program. This program allows a user to get a new iPhone every year and the coverage the user wants with AppleCare+. The program lets the user receive a new iPhone every year on any service provider at low monthly payments. No more waiting for the carrier contract to end. Just trade in the current iPhone for a new one, and the program begins automatically. “All in all I am very pleased with the my iPhone,” said Weaver. “It is pretty easy to use and the design is prettier than the Galaxy S6. I am pleased with my decision to switch to the new iPhone.”
iPhone 6s
A9 chip is the fasted and most advanced chip in any smart phone
3D touch senses how much pressure the user has applied to their screen, and offers actions the user can take from there.
The new camera has a state-of-the-art sensor, a new image signal processor, advanced pixel technology, and Focus Pixels
This program allows a user to get a new iPhone every year and the coverage the user wants with AppleCare+.
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Art teacher shares talents with Topeka community by Amanda Munoz staff writer Her studio scattered with broken tile, art teacher Mrs. Margaret Ramberg worked for four weekends steadily piecing every broken tile and every glass marble to create her original design for “Ichabod Around Town”. Washburn University chose Mrs. Ramberg’s design as one of 23 which will be located throughout the city. Her project will be in NOTO arts district. Mrs. Ramberg’s project “150 Years in Stride” is one of nine sculptures that can be seen around Topeka. The other 14 will be put up during the spring of 2016. Each statue will remain at its location for a year. Each artist was given a budget of $1500 for their five foot, 150 pound statue.
All projects were funded by Bartlett & West. Each person was given a basic white statue which they could design any way they wanted. Mrs. Ramberg used 80 broken white tiles, 120 broken blue tiles, white clear glass marbles, letters made out of ceramic material, mirror for the numbers, and a book for the Ichabod to hold for this project. “Fitting the tiles and grouting on a curvy and 3D sculpture was the most challenging part of this project,” she said. Designing the Ichabod was time-consuming for Mrs. Ramberg “ It took me four weekends Saturday and Sunday and I worked about five to six hours a day.” She got the idea of mosaic tile from when she did a project at KU when she was a grad
150 Years in Stride: Mrs. Margaret Ramberg stands next to her sculpture she entered into the Ichabod Around Town contest for Washburn University. (Photo by Suzanne Marshall)
student. “I did this project because it was a personal challenge to do something, a public sculpture, and it was something to get out of my comfort zone.”
This was a great way to honor Washburn University’s 150th year. “Seeing the complete project after it was all done was my favorite part.”
Most Ichabod statues find home in center of city A. “A Good Day to You” Artist: Larry Peters Location: Westar, 8th Street and Kansas Avenue B. “150 Years in Stride” Artist: Margaret Ramberg Location: NOTO Art Center, 935 N. Kansas Ave. C. “Excellence -- 150 Years and Going Strong” Artist: Colton Anderson Location: Washburn University Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave. D. “In the Black” Artist: Patricia Kahn Location: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, 120 S.E. 6th Ave. E. “Now and Then” Artists: Peggy Clark and Martha Imparato
Location: Topeka Capital-Journal, 616 SE Jefferson St. F. “Topeka BouleBod” Artist: Barbara Waterman-Peters Location: Capitol Federal Savings, 1201 Topeka Blvd. G. “Tribute to Aaron Douglas” Artist: Susan McCarthy Location: Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (at the 11th Street and Washburn Avenue park) H. “Prairie Horizons” Artist: Matthew Richter Location: St. Francis Health, 1700 S.W. 7th St. I. (Not on the map) “You are Washburn” Artists: Washburn Rural High School art department students and faculty Location: Shuler Education Center, 5928 S.W. 53rd St.
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Nov. 20, 2015
13
Madden Mobile sweeps country by Roland Westling staff writer Whether it’s Cam Newton, Alex Smith, or Peyton Manning most current NFL players can be obtained in the free hit IOS and Android game Madden NFL mobile by Electronic Arts. Madden Mobile, as it’s popularly referred to, is based upon players and events in the current NFL season, and has become more of a lifestyle choice than a game for many students. “I spend at least four hours playing it daily, and I ceased to have friends because of this,” said Junior Reese Emert. Each new Madden Mobile season comes with a new season of players. Players are divided up into four groups based upon their overall rating: bronze, silver, gold, and elite. “My favorite player is Frank Gore, he’s my running back and I rack up a lot of yards with him,” said junior Nick Steiner. When it comes to putting the atheletes to use the player has a large variety of strategies at their disposal, providing them with many opportunities to beat the opponent in this turn based football game. “When I’m driving I like to run the majority of the time because my team is better at running than passing,” said junior Ethan Stallbaumer. The in-game currency, coins, play a crucial role in improving one’s team. Coins can be earned a variety of different ways, whether it be competing in live events, playing head-to-head, participating in the standard season, or auctioning off players. “I spend my coins on Pro Packs because I want better players,” said junior Zach Burns. Coins can either be spent on purchasing a variety of packs containing random players and collectables (used to complete sets which reward better collectables or players), or buying players directly from the Auction House. “I spend my coins on Pro Packs because my team is awful and it needs to get better,” said Stallbaumer. Some of the most popular newer features to Madden Mobile are tournament mode which allows players to compete
The Madden Mobile Franchise has existed longer than most NFL players have been alive 56 percent of current NFL players were born in 1989 or later, after the release of Madden Madden Mobile is ranked 46 on Apple’s list of the highest downloaded free apps photo provided by http://www. people.com/people/package/gal-
with their league’s head-to-head against other leagues, as well as championship mode which allows players to compete for ranking in their own league. “My favorite part of Madden Mobile would have to be the league mode because you can play with and against your friends in tournaments,” said Steiner. Although many students enjoy the game for its resemblance to the NFL
or the ability to collect players and create a unique team some still find the appeal to lay within its competitive aspects. “My favorite aspect of Madden is being able to play with my friends (that I still have) and competing on a worldwide scale,” said Emert.
“I spend at least,
FOUR HOURS PLAYING DAILY,
and I ceased to have friends because of this.”
MADDEN MOBILE ENTHUSIAST REESE EMERT
www.seamannews.com 14 Nov. 20, 2015 FEATURES Downtown Topeka begins renovations for the future by Brenlee Yingling ad manager Downtown Topeka is making major changes to enhance the atmosphere around the city. The renovations are to be done by the spring of 2016. Two archways are in the process of being built on South Kansas Avenue. The archways each weigh several thousand pounds and are the stepping-stone to showing people that downtown Topeka is changing. Three million dollars has
been raised from private donors to redo the buildings from the 600 to 900 blocks of Kansas Avenue. Over 22 buildings in the downtown area have been sold so far. The buildings are said to be used for retail, restaurants, and residential developments. Pocket parks, which are small parks accessible to the general public, will also start showing up around downtown. Mars Inc. has funded a pocket park with an M&M candy theme, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway has sponsored
VikingVOICES
a train sculpture, and two performance areas will be added for art or musical performances. There will be a fountain and life-size sculptures added as well. The sculptures will feature popular Topekans such as Vice President Charles Curtis; Atchison, Santa Fe Railway, and Topeka founder Cyrus K. Holliday; and Washburn University benefactor Ichabod Washburn. Sculptures in relation to the Brown v. Board of Education decision are also in the works as well. These parks should
If you could appoint anyone to be the President, who would you choose and why? “Mr. Monaghan would make a great President because he is such a great listener and has a wonderful heart. He has a great spirit.” Ms. Allacher, staff
“I would pick Ryan Zeferjahn because he throws a heater.” Hunter Williams, 12
“Ryan Gosling because he is hot.” Kamryn Nickel, 9
“Morgan Freeman. He does a great job acting like one in the movies.” Matt Schlossman, 11
be finished this fall.This is in hopes that downtown Topeka will become like a downtown plaza. Four million dollars have also been funded from the city to shorten Kansas Avenue’s five lanes down to three lanes. This will be used to widen sidewalks and give more space for events to begin. These renovations are being done in hope to grow and develop downtown Topeka into a popular gathering spot for the cities residents. (Information provided by the Topeka Capital Journal).
15 FEATURES Nov. 20, 2015 Stormont-Vail opens new Trauma Critical Care unit www.seamannews.com
by Brenlee Yingling ad manager Stormont-Vail Healthcare has recently opened a Trauma Critical Care unit. This new center specializes in traumaspecific patients after resuscitation in the trauma room. Stormont has been a trauma center for multiple years but they now have a new emergency department/trauma department, which cost millions for the building alone. Stormont is certified as a level-two trauma center; the only level that is higher is a level one. To be a level-one trauma center you have to be in affiliation with a medical center such as KU Med. This is because a neurodoctor must be in the hospital 24/7 to be a level one. “Stormont-Vail is committed to bringing the best services to the community as it possibly can. That is why we became a dedicated trauma center with the College of Surgeons specific guidelines,” said registered trauma nurse Karen Pryor. There are certain accidents that determine whether the incident is a trauma or just an
emergency situation. Falls are one of the highest traumatic events. Stormont sees everything from violent crime, such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, or assaults. Motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle crashes and farming accidents are also common traumas. There are two levels of trauma. Level one trauma requires more staff to respond such as blood bank and anesthesia. To qualify for level one, the patient has to need immediate airway or circulatory intervention such as intubation and blood products; the patient has to have low blood pressure (hypotensive), which is systolic blood pressure under 100. The patient has to have a gunshot wound to head, neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis, significant blood loss or an amputation, which is an extremity cut off above the wrist or ankle. Level-one trauma patients are less likely to live. When a level one trauma is reported, a button is pressed to alert the hospital and that automatically costs the patient thousands of dollars just by pressing the button. Level two traumas are vari-
ous injuries dealing with altered mental status, abdominal or chest pain, spinal pain, pelvic instability, stabbings, etc. Stormont-Vail handles both level one and two traumas because they are certified by the state to take whatever level of trauma might be coming in. If they feel that the trauma is too complex, they will fly the patient to KU Med. Level one and two traumas are just to categorize the patients of their severity. Many of the nurses are very passionate about their jobs and love what they do. “I love being a trauma nurse because I’m challenged and have to critically think all the time. Traumas are never predicted, so when the family finds out about their loved ones, it’s very important to me to do what I can to comfort them. The patients and their family are vulnerable, and as a nurse it’s my job to advocate for them and I enjoy that part of my job as well,” said registered trauma nurse Carly Steinlage. Some days no traumas come in while other days there will be backto-back traumas all day.
“When there is a change of season, it seems to be cyclic. When there is bad weather, holidays, gang warfare, we seem to have more traumas,” said Pryor. The trauma team consists of a closely-knit group that has specific roles for the trauma unit. In the trauma critical care, there are two registered nurses and a tech for both the day and night shifts. There is also a trauma surgeon on call that has to be there within 15 minutes of the call. During the hiring process, Stormont only hired one registered nurse right out of school and one from another facility. Everyone else that transitioned into the new position was already a Stormont Vail employee. “Personally trauma is my passion and the reason I wanted to become a nurse. When you can help a person recover to their former lives from a tragic accident, that is emotionally rewarding for me. To see our patients walking and talking, enjoying their lives and families is such a blessing,” said Pryor.
MOST COMMON TRAUMA INJURIES Causes: • Motor vehicle collisions • Sports injuries • Falls • Natural disasters Injuries: • Brain injury • Spinal cord injury • Spine fractures • Amputation • Skull fracture • Collapsed lung
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Homeless rates increase throughout the district by Mason Diederich editor The economy of Kansas has been tough on many of USD 345 families. The homeless rate has steadily increased throughout the state as well as our district. The statewide average of free/reduced lunch is at 40 percent. Seaman is below that with 38 percent but in 2002, Seaman was at 12 percent. This means that over the last decade the district has experienced a 26 percent increase in people who need some help paying for lunch. “We want every student who is hungry to get a meal. Sometimes students may not feel comfortable asking about free or reduced price meals. We want students to know they do not have to talk to school administrators, or
even anyone at Seaman High School. They can just call us at our office and we will provide assistance. We keep all information confidential,” said director of Seaman food nutrition Kaye Kabus. Homeless does not necessarily mean living on the streets. This could mean living with a friend and their family, older siblings, or even in the shelter. State laws require the school to report if a student is homeless. At Seaman, students in this situation need to talk to a counselor. According to Counselor Dawna Edmonds, there are usually more women than men that report that they are without a home. “I usually don’t ever know if a kid is going through this, a teacher or another student
Homeless rates in Kansas cing
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e ons s r e 0 P ic - 29 n s o s r e ch sn eles m o h
To t po al ho pu m lat eles ion s -2 ,78 3
Vet e hom rans ele expe ssn r ess iencin - 39 g 3
s
lie mi
fa n i ns cing 1,250 o s Per erien sness exp eles m ho
“I am
WILLING TO DO ANYTHING
for a student that needs help,
AND I KNOW
that any of the other counselors would do the same.” COUNSELOR DAWNA EDMONDS tells me,” said Mrs. Edmonds. Realizing that the district is experiencing this, many clubs have decided to help. The school has a pantry where kids can go for food.. There are also donations for personal hygiene items as well as a clothes bank. “The school has plenty of resources for these students; it’s just getting them to acknowledge it and get help,” said Mrs. Edmonds. Students interested in
college education can qualify for a Pell grant for financial aid. The counselors want kids to know that they are willing to help students out and will do anything for them. Encourage friends in need to a teacher or counselor. “I am willing to do anything for a student that needs help, and I know who any of the other counselors would do the same,” said Mrs. Edmonds.
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OPINION
Nov. 20, 2015
As tattoo popularity increases, so does society’s disapproval my skin would be there for the rest of my life. Knowing this, I chose As tattoos become to get one anyway. more prevalent, with My tattoo is not approximately one tattoo large and most days my parlor being added to the clothing hides it. Yet, maps every day, there has people still think that been rising accusations it wasn’t a wise idea. against society stating It was my decision to get that people with tattoos a tattoo, not the decision are often looked down of society. So why should on by their peers (facts. society care if I have one? r a n d o m h i s t o r y. c o m ) . So far, I have not A poll conducted by experienced any major the Pew Research Center repercussions from showed that 40 percent society because of my of people aged 18 to 29 tattoo. Other people have at least one tattoo. are not so lucky. Why society looks Businesses turn down down on those with potential employees tattoos will always be a because of the tattoos question in my mind. they have just because the A tattoo is simply a marks on their skin are permanent ink marking seen as “unprofessional.” on one’s skin. A tattoo does I personally believe that not define who someone is, in the future people will and it does not define that no longer care if you have person’s character. It would a tattoo, and showing your be the same as judging tattoos won’t be looked someone‘s character based down upon as much. on if their ears are pierced. Tattoos are simply a People should not be way to express yourself judged by the magnitude and possibly honor of their tattoos, no an important concept matter how “trashy” about your family. certain members of Unfortunately, society society think tattoos are. doesn’t understand that My decision to that is all tattoos are, get a tattoo was not and society continues one I took lightly. to discriminate against I understood that people with tattoos. what I got etched onto by Shyanne Osterhaus Staff writer
Designed by Kennedy Mirowski
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Nov. 20, 2015
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Candidates compete for younger generation by Kyser Dougan political analyst/guest writer Politics may seem like an old man’s game, but by the presidential election of 2016, 370 current SHS students will be eligible voters. Candidates are well aware of the potential voting power of the youngest demographic. According to the US Census, the last presidential election found 38 percent eligible voters in the 18-24 age range. Candidates are trying to speak the language of today’s Centennials. “Yaaas Hillary!” is one of Hillary Clinton’s t-shirt designs and is a way she is trying to connect with teens and young voters. Many other candidates are also trying to connect through social media sites like Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram. In fact, Cruz and Clinton announced their campaigns on Twitter. CNET senior editor, Dan Ackerman believes if candidates don’t use social media they seem old fashioned. He said, “It’s a very direct way to connect with no filter.” He also said young voters crave direct interaction with candidates. Candidates like Carly Fiorina, Martin O’Malley, Marco Rubio, and Rand Paul all have Snapchats and update their stories whenever they are campaigning.
Statistics from the Chicago Tribune
The candidates also use Twitter. Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders live tweet the debates of the other party. In addition to trying to connect through social media with their voters, Sanders and Clinton are trying to reach out to young voters issues. One of those is making college more affordable. Sanders has a plan to make all public colleges and universities tuition free. At the Democratic debate, Sanders said he would pay for this through a tax on Wall Street speculation.
He also has mentioned several times that he believes the top 1 percent should be taxed more. According to CNN, Clinton has a 10 year, $350 billion plan to make college more affordable. She wants to provide incentives to states so they will provide “no loan tuition at four-year public colleges and universities.” She plans to cover the cost by “limiting expenditures for high income taxpayers,”.
El Niño strikes again by Bethany Piel staff writer El Niño is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns. The cycle begins when warm water in the western tropical Pacific Ocean shifts eastward along the equator toward the coast of South America. Normally, this warm water pools near Indonesia and the Philippines. During an El Niño, the Pacific’s warmest surface waters sit offshore of northwestern South America. While it usually brings mild winters throughout the Northern states, it is
seen that this winter will be stronger. The northern and central states are predicted to have more snow and wetter winters than usual. This year’s El Niño is predicted to last all the way to the spring of 2016. El Niño often occurs irregularly, but it occurs approximately every two to seven years. http://www.livescience.com/3650-elnino.html
Images provided by Google
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Kansas City Royals win World Series: #takethecrown by Sophie Darting staff writer Now that the celebratory haze has cleared up, it is time for the Royals managing team to start thinking about the 2016 season and free agency is one looming factor that could make or break the 2016 season. The Royals have many free agents after this season including left fielder Alex Gordon, second baseman Ben Zobrist, right fielder Alex Rios, outfielder Jonny Gomes and pitchers Johnny Cueto, Ryan Madson, Chris Young, Jeremy Guthrie, and Franklin Morales. Alex Gordon is a fan favorite and known as the face of the franchise. He also happens to be the longest-tenured Royal. Ben Zobrist has also been a huge contributing factor to the Royals’ success this season after he was traded to the Royals from Oakland. The Royals managing staff hopes to retain Alex Gordon and Ben Zobrist to fill the gaping holes in right and left field and to improve their offense for the 2016
Top left: Fans celebrate as Kelvin Herrera passes Top middle: Jonny Cueto gets involved with the fans at the parade Right: Fans celebrate by ripping off their shirts to honor the teams MVP, Salvador Perez Bottom: An estimated 800,000 people showed up for the Royals parade in Downtown Kansas City after the Royals clinched their first World Series title since 1985. (Photos provided by Bethany Piel)
“I think that they are going to offer Gordon however much money he wants so that he will sign back with the Royals.” -Ryan Zeferjahn season. “I think that they are going to offer Gordon however much money he wants so that he will sign back with the Royals,” says senior Ryan Zeferjahn, “I think they will also have the same approach with Zobrist. He is a key player that we will definitely want and need back for the 2016 season.” After having a phenomenal 2015 season, including a World Series Championship, the Royals have some high expectations to meet. The Kansas City Royals have finally made their mark on history. After a 30 year long drought, the boys in blue beat the New York Mets in five games to win the World Series, littering Citi Field with champagne.
This record-breaking postseason run by the Royals has proven to be one that nobody will soon forget. The road to the World Series victory was not an easy one. The Royals beat the Houston Astros in five games in the ALDS and then beat the Toronto Blue Jays in six games in the ALCS. Loyal fans celebrated with their world champs during a parade around downtown Kansas City when they returned from New York on Tuesday, Nov. 3 that included the players riding around in trucks and a rally at the end of the parade where the players thanked the fans for their support by giving their own individual speeches. According to SHS secretary Mrs. Deanna Brady, 185 students were absent on parade day.
Nov. 20, 2015 21 SPORTS Concussions remain destructive threat to athletes www.seamannews.com
by Shyanne Osterhaus staff writer A football player hops up off the ground right after being hit hard by a player on the opposing team. His head hurts, his vision is blurry, and he is extremely confused. Chances are the football player has a concussion from his head hitting the ground after he was tackled. Concussions are very common in contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Football is the most common sport to receive a concussion during participation, with approximately a 75 percent chance (concussiontreatment. com). Between 136,000 and 300,000 high school football players suffer from a concussion every year. In the 2014 football season three football players died from head trauma related injuries and the year before six players died (cbsnews.com). “I typically see 1520 concussions a year,” Seaman athletic trainer Mike Longhofer says. “But it varies from year to year.” A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head, a fall, or any other injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull (webmd.com). In most cases, there are no visible signs of a concussion on the external surface of the body, which is why a concussion can be so dangerous and harmful if not properly treated. Concussions can usually be recovered from in a couple weeks after the concussion is received. In serious cases there could be long-term effects. Most people don’t know
that an athlete doesn’t have to pass out or lose consciousness when receiving a concussion. In fact, fewer than 10 percent of sportsrelated concussions involve a lack of consciousness. The symptoms of a concussion are broken up into four categories: sleep, emotion and mood, physical, and thinking and remembering. An athlete with a concussion could experience confusion, the inability to fall asleep easily, dizziness and unusual mood swings. Athletes who believe they may have a concussion should see a doctor for diagnosis right away. The doctor will ask questions about the injury and also test memory, strength, balance, and coordination. After being diagnosed with a concussion, recovery is typically very simple. Get as much sleep as possible, avoid any strenuous physical activity, and reduce time spent on electronic devices. Ways to possibly prevent a concussion include wearing the proper protective equipment while playing in sports or participating in physical activity. While this does not guarantee a concussionfree life, it is a good way to attempt the prevention. “Understand that no single piece of equipment can totally prevent concussions,” Mr. Longhofer says. “Helmets are designed to prevent skull fractures, not concussions. Mouthpieces have anecdotal evidence that they help reduce the risk of concussions, but their effectiveness cannot be proven. Education is most important. Recognize the symptoms and report them,
Concussions by the numbers
1 in 5
high school athletes will suffer from a sports-related concussion during the season
47% of all reported concussions occur during high school football
78% of concussions occur during games, as opposed to practices
90%
of people with a concussion do not lose consciousness
4-5 million concussions occur annually
Information provided by cdc.gov don’t hide them. If athletes play while concussed, they are risking further injury that may lead to permanent symptoms and potentially death.” One way Seaman has attempted to prevent concussions in sports was with the use of the concussion bands worn by the soccer players in the previous season. This season, only one player wore one of these headbands. “It was the parents’ decision for their soccer player not to wear the concussion
band,” head soccer coach Craig Rocastle says. “They didn’t really do too much since it was only a piece of fabric and it doesn’t really provide much prevention against concussions.” Concussions may not seem like a serious injury, but after enduring more than one or two they could potentially have a long-term effect on the brain and learning abilities. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a concussion to earlier diagnose the injury.
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Nov. 20, 2015
Talk derby to me
SPORTS
www.seamannews.com
Sophomore making strides in extracurricular sport by Dylan Russell staff writer Getting ready for the upcoming bout, Mattie Ritz, dressed in her bright leggings, rainbow spandex, safety equipment, and skates takes on a different persona as “Mini Me” for 50 minutes. A sophomore at Seaman High School, Mattie, has played roller derby competitively for seven years. “ I have skated since I was three years old, and have competed since I was nine,” says Mattie. She plays for the Kansas City Junior roller warriors, as a blocker and jammer. “Some bouts I get to block, but I am mostly a jammer.” says Mattie. Mattie discovered Roller Derby from her mother, Ritz Crack-Her, who played for the Capital City Crushers and her step dad, Sk8r Dude, who also played and was a referee. “ We are a skating family, We all love the sport,” she said. Mini Me, Mattie’s second persona, was created by her mother, who thought that Mattie played like her.
“Once you start the sport and
FALL IN LOVE
with it, you can
NEVER GET ENOUGH.”
SOPHOMORE MATTIE RITZ “I did not have any good name ideas, so I chose Mini Me,” says Mattie. “Mini Me” has won multiple awards for being an outstanding player, along with several opportunities, like being in an American Girl Doll commercial and a Roller Derby documentary. “ The opportunities are great, but the sport is better,” she said. Mattie wants “Mini Me” to continue to grow, and play for much longer. “Once you start the sport, and fall in love with it, you can never get enough of it,” she says.
‘Mini Me’ Mattie Ritz, 10, enjoys the competitive skate world as a roller derby jammer. (Photo by Randy Pace)
Swimmers add dive team, competitive edge to meets by Shyanne Osterhaus staff writer This year in addition to a swim team, Seaman is offering a dive team for the first time. Previous to this year, Seaman has not been able to score points in the diving category because no one on the team was coached in diving. At a swim meet there are 12 total events that the team as a whole can earn points during competition. One of those events is diving. Due to the fact that Seaman has never had a diving team, the points received in this event have always been zero. Fortunately, with the addition of a dive team comes the possibility of earning more points and placing higher as a team than Seaman has able to before at swim meets. “I think this provided an added opportunity for athletes,” assistant swim
Amy Watson, dive team coach for multiple city schools coach Andrew Taylor says. “Without diving we haven’t been able to finish as highly as we could have and now I think we will be able to finish higher at important meets like city and league.” The swim season has just gotten underway, and there are multiple boys who are interesting in participating on the dive team. “I have had moderate interest in this event from the boys on the swim team,” Coach Taylor says. “At least four or five are going to participate, and I already have a few girls who have always wanted to dive who have already told me they wish to do it.”
All events in a swim team not including diving are scored based on the position in which the swimmer finishes. Diving is different. “Points are awarded to the diver based on the difficulty of the particular dive and the form in which it is completed,” Coach Taylor explains. “There are a variety of different aspects that go into the scoring.” Seaman’s dive team is going to be coached by the dive coach from another high school. Coach Amy Watson is a diving coach at Topeka High with over seven years of experience. All coaches believe the addition of a dive team will increase the overall team performance for the season and help the team place higher in the most important and competitive meets. The season kicks off with the first meet scheduled for Dec. 2 at the 501 Natatorium.
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Nov. 20, 2015 Sydnie Crow Soph. 3rd in #2 Singles at City
SPORTS Bailey Chinn Jr. 6th in Singles at Regionals 5A State Qualifier
Mallory Lantz Sr., Brenlee Yingling Sr. 1st in #2 Doubles at City 6th in Doubles at League 5th in Doubles at Regionals All-City Team 5A State Qualifiers Shyanne Osterhaus Jr., Sarah Knight Sr. 1st in #1 Doubles at City 1st in Doubles at League 2nd in Doubles at Regionals 12th in Doubles at State All-City Team All-League Team 5A State Qualifiers
at City; 2nd at League; Girls Tennis 1st 1st at Regionals 10-5-1; JV 10-2-2 Boys Soccer Varsity 2nd at Regionals The All-League and All-City teams have not yet been decided as of printer deadline.
Football
Varsity 2-8; JV 1-6; Freshmen 4-5
The All-League and All-City teams have not yet been decided as of printer deadline. Sydney Marney Sr. 6th at Regionals 5A State Qualifier
Tory Darting Jr. 10th at Regionals 5A State Qualifier 27th at State
Sarah Forrer Fr. 5A State Qualifier
Sydney Kirmse Jr. 10th at Regionals 5A State Qualifier
Girls Golf
7th place League meet; 3rd place 5A Regionals meet; 12th place 5A state meet
Brooke Fender Sr. 2nd Team All-City
Taylor Stirton Jr. All-City H.M.
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Cross Country Colton Sturgeon Jr. 16th at League 5th at Regionals 7th at City All-City Team All-Regional Team All League H.M. 5A State Qualifier Chris Schneider Jr. 5A State Qualifier
John Forrer Soph. 16th at City 5A State Qualifier
Noah Loethen Jr. 21st at League 9th at Regionals 9th at City All-City Team All-Regional Team All-League H.M. 5A State Qualifier Nathan Heinen Soph. 15th at City All-City H.M. 5A State Qualifier
Jordon Jensen Jr. 18th at League 3rd at Regionals 8th at City All-City Team All-Regional Team All-League H.M. 5A State Qualifier
Dawson Podlena Jr. 4th at League 2nd at Regionals 4th at City 11th at State All-League Team All-City Team All-State Team All-Regional Team
Rick Brading Girls Cross Country City Coach of the Year Rylee Neigenfind Sr. 1st Team All-City
Volleyball Varsity 18-23; JV 22-14; Freshmen 23-12
Boys: 2nd at City; 3rd at League; 2nd at Regionals; 7th at State
Katie McLaughlin Jr. 17th at City
Kaylee Snell Sr. 2nd at City 4th at League 2nd at Regionals 21st at State All-City Team All-Regional Team All-League Team Avery Bocquin Soph. 7th at City 15th at League 4th at Regionals 32nd at State All-City Team All-Regional Team All-League Team Riley Fisher Fr. 10th at City All-City Team 5A State Qualifier
Katy Mulqueen Soph. 4th at City All-City Team 5A State Qualifier
Hannah Gillespie Fr. 15th at City 5A State Qualifier
Emily Jowers Soph. 5A State Qualifier
Avery McCarter Jr. 1st at City 3rd at League 1st at Regionals 17th at State All-League Team All-City Team All-Regional Team All-State Team
Girls: 1st at City; 2nd at League; 1st at Regionals; 8th at State
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Nov. 20 , 2015
VIEWFINDER
Page designed by Sami Reed Sophomore Lexi Shaw works on her project in jewelry class. (Photo by Torey Moten)
Freshman Brandon Umbarger-Hoy scares passers-by at the FFA/FCCLA Haunted trail. (Photo by David Marshall)
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Hailey Reed and Andie Sodergren receive their $10,000 check for the Unsung Heroes Discovery award. Both were surprised when the subject of their project, Tran Ngoc “Harry” Huge, made an appearance during the school assembly. (Photo by Faith Barr)
Mrs. Lisa Martinez poses with her husband Luis and new baby, Malinai (ma lee NIGH) Elizabeth. Malinai was 20.5 inches long weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces. (Photo provided by Lisa Martinez)
Megan Skoch & lab partner Riley Fisher classify cell types on cell day in Mrs. Woodman’s biology class. (Photo provided by Mrs. Woodman) Jessica Grist takes a selfie with centerfielder Lorenzo Cain during the Royals World Champion parade. (Photo by Jessica Grist)
Seaman Players are named Champions of Character for their skits for the Character Counts/Safe Streets Coalition. (FRONT) Andrea Lichter (MIDDLE) Sage Hernandez, Tobias Mikkelsen, Kyle Kleiner (BACK) Travis Alt, Stryker Morgan, CJ Thurlow, Errick Guzman, Abby Noyes. (Photo by Jamie Slack)