The Harbinger Issue 12 2021 by The Harbinger

the harbinger. SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILL AGE, KS 66208 MARCH 22, 2021 VOLUME LXIII ISSUE 12

CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS The Mangine family is made up of multiple ethnicities, which can create challenges, but they know it is something to be celebrated

A LOOK

INSIDE A preview of the upcoming Marvel projects being released throughout the year

22 A&E

FEATURES Hauberk staff finds creative ways to capture the year during COVID

“There won’t be all the same events and in a lot of pictures people are wearing masks, but the yearbook is one thing that can can just show us...the highlights of our school year.”

lucy hartman | senior

28 SPORTS

Junior Jahir Contreras is named Wrestling State Champion

02 | INSIDE COVER

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

ONLINE

STAFF L IST

PREVIEW

@smeharbinger

@smeharbie

STO R I E S TELL ME A STORY

COMPETITIVE ROWING Scan to read Elizabeth Mikkelson’s feature story on junior Ella Heide who participates on a competitive rowing team and hopes to commit to the sport in college

Scan to read Caroline Gould’s story on sophomore Sneha Thomas’ read-aloud volunteering project

GA L L E R I E S SIGNING DAY Scan to view Megan Biles’ gallery of the 13 seniors who participated in a signing day to celebrate their continuation of their athletics in college

CA RTO O N

cover design by catherine erickson cover illustration by celia condon

VIDEO GETTING A LICENSE DURING COVID Scan to view Marian Bryant’s video on a few tips and tricks to help young drivers get their restricted licenses during COVID-19

PRINT EDITORS Catherine Erickson Rose Kanaley ONLINE EDITORS Riley Atkinson Lauren West ASST. PRINT EDITORS Celia Condon Annabelle Moore Sydney Newton ASST. ONLINE EDITORS Sophie Henschel Campbell Wood HEAD COPY EDITORS Phoebe Hendon Allison Wilcox PHOTO EDITORS Sarah Golder Trevor Paulus Julia Percy ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Noelle Griffin Elise Madden Megan Stopperan MOBILE MEDIA PHOTO EDITOR Megan Biles VIDEO EDITOR Lawder DeSantis Sydney Williams VIDEO TRAINING EDITOR Roberto Galicia BROADCAST EDITORS Megan Stopperan ASST. BROADCAST EDITOR Liv Olson Natalie Scholz PHOTO MENTORS Taylor Keal Megan Biles Annakate Dilks MJ Wolf Emma Kate Squires STAFF WRITERS Sophie Lindberg Madeline Funkey Elizabeth Mikkelson Lauren Dierks Cesca Stamati Lily Billingsley Caroline Gould Peyton Moore Mia Vogel Lyda Cosgrove Kelly Murphy Anna Mitchell Grace Allen Kate Heitmann Caroline Wood Ethan Enderle Ben Bradley Paige Zadoo Tommy Paulus Emma Brown Nora Lynn Greyson Imm August Hyde Christian Gooley Liv Olson Winnie Wolf

COPY EDITORS Catherine Erickson Rose Kanaley Lauren West Riley Atkinson Phoebe Hendon Allison Wilcox Celia Condon Annabelle Moore Sydney Newton Sophie Henschel Campbell Wood Winnie Wolf Kelly Murphy Caroline Wood Lyda Cosgrove Kate Heitmann Caroline Gould Lily Billingsley EDITORIAL BOARD Catherine Erickson Rose Kanaley Lauren West Riley Atkinson Phoebe Hendon Allison Wilcox Celia Condon Annabelle Moore Sydney Newton Sophie Henschel Campbell Wood Lily Billingsley Lauren Dierks SECTION EDITORS EDITORIAL PRINT Lauren Dierks NEWS PRINT Caroline Wood ONLINE Lyda Cosgrove OPINION PRINT Lily Billingsley ONLINE Grace Allen FEATURE PRINT Peyton Moore ONLINE Caroline Gould A&E PRINT Tommy Paulus ONLINE Kate Heitmann SPORTS PRINT Cesca Stamati ONLINE Anna Mitchell DESIGNER EDITORS Tommy Paulus Elizabeth Mikkelson PAGE DESIGNERS Annakate Dilks Maggie Merckens Cesca Stamati Lily Billingsley Caroline Gould Peyton Moore Mia Vogel Lyda Cosgrove

Anna Mitchell Madeline Funkey Grace Allen Kate Heitmann Caroline Wood Nora Lynn Sophie Lindberg August Hyde Christian Gooley ART EDITOR Celia Condon ASS. ART EDITOR Sophie Henschel Natalie Scholz STAFF ARTISTS Sophie Lindberg Lauren Dierks Nora Lynn Christian Gooley STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Ella Hans Emily Pollock Hadley Chapman Jill Rice Lily Mantel Maggie Merckens Molly Schumm Rachel Bingham Sabrina Dean Tristen Porter Macy Crosser Maggie Klump Charlotte Emely Kate Beaulieu Amina Sankpill VIDEO STAFF Lawder DeSantis Sydney Williams Liv Olson Roberto Galicia Marin Bryant SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Annabelle Moore ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Sophie Henschel Celia Condon Liv Olson SOCIAL MEDIA STAFF Lauren Dierks Mia Vogel Kelly Murphy Grace Allen Ethan Enderlie Paige Zadoo Lauren West Riley Atkinson Rose Kanaley Lyda Cosgrove Maggie Merckens Nora Lynn Sophie Lindberg Madeline Funkey ADS MANAGER Caroline Wood CIRCULATION MANAGER Lyda Cosgrove COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Anna Mitchell CONTEST COORDINATOR Celia Condon

design by lauren dierks illustration by natalie scholz

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

EDITORIAL | 03

M A N D A T E M AY H E M Politicians shouldn’t be lifting mask mandates and should instead be listening to the CDC’s advice

F O R : 1 1 AGA I N ST: 0 The members of the editorial board who agree with the viewpoint of the editorial are represented by for, and those who disagree with the viewpoint are represented by against.

E D ITO R IA L PO LICY The Harbinger is a student run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The content and opinions of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quotes material may be confirmed

e coordinate them with our outfits, stuff extras in our glove compartments and refresh the Athleta website hoping for a restock — masks are nothing new, and putting one on in public is now as routine as locking our cars. Masks have been mandated in Kansas City since July 3, 2020, and with President Joe Biden promising that all adults will be vaccinated by the end of May, it seems that the days of staying six feet apart and holding in sneezes in public may finally be almost over. But right as we’re nearing the end of the pandemic, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that masks are no longer mandated and businesses are allowed to fully reopen on March 10. It’s irresponsible — and even ignorant — for politicians to go against the CDC’s safety precautions, and it’s even more irresponsible for people to follow them blindly. The end is in sight — we can all handle wearing our masks for a little longer if it means safety for everyone around us. Lifting mask mandates simply because people are “over” the pandemic is not the answer. Just because politicians have the power to lift mask mandates doesn’t mean they should. The CDC is where we should be looking for information regarding masks. And according to CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield, “Cloth face coverings are one of the most

powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus — particularly when used universally within a community setting.” The CDC is releasing information from research done by scientists and medical professionals, not politicians hoping to gain political traction. When listening to information relating to COVID-19, we need to be able to tell the difference between someone who is educated on the topic and someone who simply wants to gain popularity by reopening their state.

When listening to information relating to COVID-19, we need to be able to tell the difference between someone who is educated on the topic and someone who simply wants to gain popularity by reopening their state. While it’s still unclear what effect this mask-lifting mandate will have, one thing has been made obvious — it came at just the wrong time. Although cities in Texas can still enact a mask mandate, Abbott’s decision comes with a bigger meaning — he’s implying that COVID-19 is over just months before a majority of the population can be vaccinated. This lack of mask mandates aren’t just an issue in Texas — in Kansas, only 57 counties have a mask mandate in place, leaving at

least 14% of the state population living in places without a mandate, according to the Kansas Health Institute. And across the state line, Missouri is one of 17 states without a statewide mask mandate. With spring break in less than two weeks and hundreds of East students headed to Florida, the presence of masks is becoming even more important. Florida never had a statewide mask mandate to begin with, and Gov. Ron DeSantis is now working to erase city-wide mandates throughout the state. We’ve been wearing masks for seven hours straight during in-person days, learning how to sneak a sip of water without infecting others. We’ve worn them while taking the ACT, working our after school jobs and even while playing school sports. Just because politicians are becoming impatient with stopping the spread of COVID-19 doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be responsible for ourselves and those around us. The use and effectiveness of masks has become an increasingly polarizing political issue, but our own safety shouldn’t have anything to do with your politician of choice. Politicians like Abbott and DeSantis are working against statistics proving the effectiveness of masks and lifting mandates without any evidence that they’re no longer needed. New Zealand is practically back to normal with full clubs and busy streets because they all wore masks and cooperated when

with the sources. The Harbinger encourages letters to the editors, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content thought letters may be edited for clarity, length or mechanics. Letters should be sent to room 413B or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail. com.

the first wave hit. Italy just tightened their guidelines and imposed an Easter lockdown, which will help them to contain the spread. The protective measures other governments put into place and that the citizens followed will help them return back to normal — meanwhile countless Americans are risking others’ lives maskless. After over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, the country is finally making strides in vaccinations, and things are starting to feel normal. We can go on the spring break we missed last year, school is transitioning to fully in-person and we now have student sections at spring sporting events. But even though it feels like we’re nearing the finish line, don’t celebrate too early. Putting on a mask doesn’t take more than two seconds, and it can still work to stop the spread of COVID-19 before we are all vaccinated. Even if you find yourself somewhere without a mask mandate in the next couple of weeks, remember that it’s not the experts that are making those rules. Think about those around you, and continue to do what you have been doing everywhere from school to restaurants. Hopefully a year from now we can travel out of the country for spring break on planes packed with maskless strangers. But for now, listen to the professionals when it comes to COVID-19 precautions.

04 | NEWS

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by caroline wood photo by amina sankpill

NEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

Catch up on school, local and national news by celia cond on

N AT I O N A L

A one-dose COVID-19 vaccine has been approved

THE U.S. FOOD and Drug Administration has approved a third COVID-19 vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson. The vaccine follows the approval of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, however this vaccine works differently: it requires only one dose. Although the single-dose vaccine provides convenience for the receiver, doctors and COVID-19 specialists hope that the one-time shot will attract those who feel skeptical about taking a second after taking one and those who can’t wait four to six weeks for the effectiveness of the shot to kick in. “Johnson & Johnson is really geared towards a certain kind of patient,” East parent and Registered Nurse Julie Zadoo said. “All those non-compliant people that will not come back for the second one. They go home, they read your neighborhood reaction, they freak out, they won’t come back. The fact that you can capture it with one vaccine, that’s what sets it apart.” While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine doesn’t

EAST

provide as much protection as the other options because it’s 66% effective compared to the upper 90% of the others, the vaccine has shown less flu-like symptoms after receiving the first and only dose. “It’s not the Cadillac,” Zadoo said. “It’s not the gold standard. The gold standard would be the Pfizer and Moderna, because they pretty much offer 95 to 98% [effectiveness.]” Zadoo hopes that those who are skeptical of the vaccine will continue to educate themselves — although many believe the technology is new and untrustworthy, it’s been studied for over a decade. “I think people need to know it isn’t something they just whipped up in a year, they’ve been working on the beginning of the vaccine as a cancer drug for 30 years,” Zadoo said. “80% of that template for that vaccine was already being made for something else. And then they just modified the end [last 20%] of the vax. Basically sequencing to make it the vaccine.”

A B O V E | A sign in Harmon Park showing the new layout for the skate park which is soon to be renovated during spring of this year.

A PRAIRIE VILLAGE Council meeting was held on March 15 about the COVID-19 adjustments for the city’s public pools and the renovation of Harmon Park. After having to make the disappointing decision to close the public pools last summer due to COVID-19, the Council was hopeful to reopen them during the 2021 season, according to Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson. “We’re hiring lifeguards, we’ve hired management staff, we’re doing upgrades to the pool and doing everything we need to do to get it ready for an opening,” Mikkelson said. “And I fully expect it will open.” The council plans to have the pool running again by April, and will adhere to COVID-19 guidelines as they’re updated. The council also finalized some of the decisions regarding the remodeling and reconstruction of Harmon Park. “We’re going to move a couple of the

SMSD decides to allow students to attend spring sports events

THE SHAWNEE MISSION School District announced that spring sporting events will be allowed 100% viewing capacity. After having to limit the audience for fall and winter sporting events to only family members of the athletes, the Athletic Board was excited to finally be able to allow students to view spring sports such as soccer games, track meets, tennis matches and more, according to East’s Athletic Director Debbie Katzfey. “We follow the CDC — ‘We’ meaning, Shawnee Mission — follow their guidelines,” Katzfey said. “We went ahead and did whatever they told us to do [in the fall and winter.] And now pretty much they’re saying it’s safe to get back together.” While sitting in bleachers for outdoor sports,

The Prairie Village Council met about changes and renovations to the public pools and parks

LOCAL

spectators will still be asked to wear masks and remain about three feet away from others. The only exception being swim and dive events, where students are allowed limited spectators due to the sport taking place indoors. “For the Aquatic Center, each kid still just gets two spectators, whether that’s two friends or mom and dad,” Katzfey said. “We use [the bleachers] for teams, not spectators. And so when they have these meets, we’re limited on how many people can even go in the Aquatic Center.” According to Katzfey, the Athletic Board and administration as a whole is looking forward to seeing students once again in the stands cheering on their peers.

practice tennis courts,” Mikkelson said. “There is a brand new, all-inclusive playground, this will be accessible to children with disabilities, all kinds of fun equipment for kids of all ages.” It was important to the members of the council to make sure that those who use the skate park most got to listen to and help form plans, according to Mikkelson. “We brought out a design firm from California, with former pro skateboarders that are running this thing, and they know the coolest ‘googlies and wooglies,’” Mikkelson said. “And when we actually have had multiple listening sessions with skateboarders — a lot of Shawnee Mission East and other kids came and told us what they wanted.” The park remodeling will begin on April 5, and is estimated to be complete by this fall.

UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS SUN

MON

21 28

22 Multiple Schools 4 p.m.

TUES SMW 3:30 p.m.

Olathe West 7 p.m.

WED Lincoln Prep 3:30 p.m.

KCE 3:30 p.m.

THURS Olathe East 5:30 p.m.

SMN 3:30 p.m.

TEAM KEY FRI Multiple Schools 3:30 p.m.

BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL

SAT

BOYS VARSITY TENNIS

26 2

27 3

GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL GIRLS VARSITY SWIM VARSITY TRACK & FIELD

design by nora lynn

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

IMPLEMENTING DIVERSITY W

NEWS | 05 SCAN ME | PACKAGE Read more from our online diversity package here

SMSD is working to promote inclusivity within literature and curriculum, but the process is in need of improvement by riley atkinson ith the spark of attention towards social justice movements in the past year, the SMSD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, teachers and curriculum review teams have worked to improve inclusivity within literature and curriculum. But despite the district’s efforts to implement diversity, some students feel the process still requires improvement, as they aren’t seeing clear differences yet. Senior Morghan Golloher, who has been in the district since kindergarten, is ready to see change after experiencing a childhood that she feels lacked a crucial aspect of education: representation. “I had an atypical kind of experience in the Shawnee Mission School District going to predominantly white schools as a biracial child,” Golloher said. “I did not have the representation in my peers, in my teachers and especially in the history that we learned about and the literature that reflected that history.” Sophomore Anohita Paul agrees that the district’s literature and curriculum lacks diversity. Most books she reads for class are written by white authors, even “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which educators often display as a staple of representation. Paul and Golloher feel there are plenty of opportunities to feature authors from different cultures — Golloher thinks it would be even more beneficial to invite authors of color to classrooms so they can foster in-depth conversations that East teachers, a vast majority of whom are white, may not be able to fully understand. Golloher saw some progressive improvement in inclusivity while reading books with more diverse characters in middle and high school. East English teacher Samantha Feinberg thinks that is partly because they got older and their teachers felt the class was more mature to handle cultural topics. Golloher still feels the district and teachers should improve the way racial topics are communicated so that it becomes a normal discussion and that minority characters are represented in positive ways — not just as oppressed groups. She wants to see visible change, and the district has yet to communicate to students what they’re working on. SMSD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Dr. Tyrone Bates also sees this as something they should work on. “We need to do a better job of finding the platform to ensure students know, ‘Here’s what’s coming down the pipe, here is what we are currently engaged in,’” Dr. Bates said. “As we’re studying, and doing some practitioner

work, it seems very distant and slow, but it is par for the course.” In the past year, Dr. Bates provided the coordinator of the social studies curriculum review team with a rubric to look at future novels and classroom materials that SMSD can use both at the district level and for individual teachers. The rubric looks at several points like whether “The curriculum features visually diverse characters, and the characters of color do not all look alike” and “Characters of color are not assumed to have low family wealth, low educational attainment and/or low income.” The curriculum review team is trying to pull out harmful topics in literature, such as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” because the N-word is used around 200 times. Dr. Bates stated that the district-level screening of classroom material for diversity every year is a new district focus in alignment with their strategic plan, but there are teachers throughout the district who have commonly used a screening process for their personal classroom. “We also are going to provide teachers with a tool to help them in their classroom if they look at supplemental materials, making sure that they are debiased, that they are inclusive and representative,” Dr. Bates said. To provide more reading recommendations for any interested students to dive into books and hold meaningful conversations, district-wide Project Lit groups — groups that read monthly diverse books to discuss them together — were implemented in the past year. The members are

Racism isn’t born, it’s taught, and if you start young when students are able to foster their own ideas and start to put together, ‘What is right, what is fair?’ and, ‘How do we treat one another, how do we want to be treated?’

morgan golloher | senior from all SMSD high schools and pick which book to read each month. So far they’ve read “Clap When You Land,” “Slay” and more. East librarian Jennifer Robinson said only one East student has shown up to the Webex meetings, but hopes that when they start meeting in person this month, the number will increase. They also struggled to advertise the opportunity with a mostly-virtual school year, so she’s meeting with other district members to find ways to increase involvement for next year. She feels as of this past year, Project Lit’s biggest impact on East was that it provides an opportunity for all of the recommended books to

be added to the library. This year, her personal goal was to do a diversity audit on the library, where she goes through all of the books to notice what perspectives are missing in the provided literature. She noted that’s an ongoing process. “My goal is that when you walk in the library, you find a book that resembles you as a person,” Robinson said. Despite these actions from district employees, Golloher hasn’t clearly seen or heard about significant change and feels some teachers struggle to foster conversations because they haven’t been properly trained or provided with enough experience — she’s often singled out as the only person of color in her class. “A lot of the time, people become complacent and are unwilling to learn what is offensive now versus what may not have been offensive 20 years ago,” Golloher said. “Oftentimes, we don’t see the direct effect that it has on students, but when you’re in a conversation about diverse literature and you’re referring to the two minority students in the class, you’re having an issue there.” Paul also feels that diverse topics are often taught in culturally-insensitive ways, and she hopes teachers and the district will widen their knowledge and educate themselves on how to foster in-depth conversations. To help staff members understand the history of race and deep equity work and better discuss those in-depth topics, the district organized a required instructional fair where the staff could pick which sessions they attended. In past years, the number of a participants in a training session was around 30 — but this year the sessions were between 100-150, according to Dr. Bates. Feinberg feels teachers are typically more likely than most students to look at race as a taboo topic, but she hopes their perspectives have shifted due to the nationwide increase in attention to inclusive efforts. She also stressed that the district should hire teachers who are willing to facilitate important conversations, whether that be in elementary school or high school. Paul has noticed that outside of full-class readings, teachers offer up diverse options for outside reading, which she feels is great — but she thinks most students won’t jump to expand their mindset unless it’s required. Both AP and IB English curriculums already include several culturally-inclusive novels, according to Feinberg and Gibbs, and they’ve noticed students are often very receptive to fullclass conversations when they’re held. “There’s never a bad time to start these conversations and to continue these conversations to make sure that the students we have in our classrooms see themselves in the works that we read and for other students to

be able to recognize that their experience isn’t everyone’s experience,” Gibbs said. “Literature is a powerful way to expose us to things that we aren’t familiar with.” SMSD virtual kindergarten teacher Deana Seaman feels that a student’s attitude towards diversity can be more accepting if the exposure to inclusivity starts early, and has always recognized how welcoming and receptive elementary students naturally are to diverse characters in literature. She’s intentionally collected diverse books for her own classroom, and this year specifically, she’s provided other teachers with recommendations to do the same. deep eq•ui•ty

a co m p re h e n si ve a n d syste m a t i c p rofessi o n a l d eve l o p m e n t p ro cess a i m e d a n d p ro d u c i n g t h e d e e p t ra n sfo r m a t i o n s t h a t a re n e cessa r y to c re a te e q u i ta b l e p l a ces of l e a r n i n g fo r t h e n a t i o n’s ch i l d ren

“When George Floyd was murdered and when Black Lives Matter protests happened around the world, I was really passionate that we need to promote a positive, culturally-responsive classroom,” Seaman said. “We need to look at people who are different from us and celebrate the differences instead of clinging to what [we] have always known.” Golloher feels that if her elementary school teachers would’ve learned how to foster diversity and hold conversations, her classmates would be more apt to respectfully listen to what other people have to say. “Racism isn’t born, it’s taught, and if you start young when students are able to foster their own ideas and start to put together, ‘What is right, what is fair?’ and, ‘How do we treat one another, how do we want to be treated?” Golloher said. “If you start those conversations young, then they can identify the issues within their community, within their school environment. Feinberg thinks the district will always have improvements to make to foster as diverse and inclusive of an environment as possible — and much of that comes with representation and conversation. She hopes this year of social justice is opening up minds to alter curriculum and literature to represent all cultures and that teachers will educate themselves to better foster conversations. “Four years ago, when I [talked about diversity], people would be like, that’s kind of out of left field,” Feinberg said. “And now I think it’s more on the forefronts of everybody’s mind, although opinions and perceptions might vary, it is on the forefront of many more people’s minds. So the conversations have been different. And I think that’s really good.”

06 | NEWS

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by elizabeth mikkelson photo from pantrygoods.com

FARM-TO-PANTRY

PRODUCTS Pantry Goods Market, a zero waste grocery store, will be opening in Kansas City in April

by kate h e it ma n n

antry Goods, a low-waste Kansas City grocery subscription service, is opening a storefront on 39th street in early April, partnering with KC Tiny Greenhouse, Soap Refill Station KC and Green Utopia. The new store will feature all items from their online catalog, with the addition of the best selling items from each store they’re partnering with. The Pantry Goods delivery service — which has been available in KC since last January 2020 — will still be available to customers alongside the launch of the storefront. The delivery dates are based on zip codes, with some delivery dates consolidating when the new storefront opens. Junior Jake Foil and his family started receiving deliveries from Pantry Goods last June. Foil is excited for the new storefront, though he’s not sure if his family will visit the storefront often due to its distance from the Prairie Village area. “I think it [will be] convenient for a lot of people throughout the community,” Foil said. “I think there is a delivery fee, so if you don’t want to pay that delivery fee, it’s good to have it there for you to go pick up.” While most low-waste grocery stores feature bulk bins where customers tare and fill their own containers, the Pantry Goods Market will only feature pre-packaged items in glass jars or paper bags, with the exception of the meats. According to Marcelle Clements, owner of Pantry Goods, this idea was decided on based on convenience factors and COVID-19. Clements believes the future of zero-waste is returnable packaging, rather than having consumers bring their own containers, which can be time consuming. COVID-19 was a large factor in committing to pre-packaged goods — the self-scoop bulk bins at Whole Foods and Sprouts have been closed for over a year now. “I really don’t see COVID-19 going away,” Clements said. “We’ve been warned a few times, because of our rising population, that this is probably not the first or last pandemic

that we’re going to experience. So [bulk bins] just doesn’t seem like a sanitary solution.” Pantry Goods Market is selective with its produce, only selling from organic, sustainable and local farmers. Most of the produce is only available for limited times, such as the strawberries, which are only available during May and June. According to Clements, transporting foods long distances, such as Mexico or California, isn’t possible without the use of plastic because it’s essential for preventing produce from spoiling quickly. “I think a lot of people think, ‘Oh, plastic! [There’s] so much of it! It’s silly!’— as it is,” Clements said. “But when it comes to food, if we didn’t use plastic, there would be so much more food waste, and we’re really having a huge, huge problem globally, [with] food waste.”

I’ve always had this desire to do more, when it came to sustainability here.

marcelle clements | owner Pre-packaged products from Soap Refill Station KC, a bulk soap and cleaning supply store in Waldo, will also be available at Pantry Goods, along with food storage goods and plants from Green Utopia and Tiny Greenhouse KC. Soap Refill Station KC will have prepackaged cleaning staples, such as hand and dish soap, body wash, laundry detergent, bath bombs and face masks. Soap Refill Station KC specializes as a bulk store where customers can fill their own containers. As of March 13, Soap KC has refilled over 20,500 bottles with their products. Green Utopia is a women-owned homegoods store that focuses on stocking products that are either eco-friendly or reusable and are maker-made, with only about 25% of the goods sold coming from manufacturers, according to owner Gabriella Sanders.

“I’m just ready to work with the there are many actions consumers can do community,” Sanders said. “That would be to reduce their waste, she also believes that my favorite thing I can’t wait for.” the blame shouldn’t be on the consumer. Clements worked with SCORE KC and Instead, it’s important to pressure companies the Small Business Development Center of and lawmakers to form policies that hold America for several years before opening the companies accountable for that 23%. delivery service to refine the concept. She was “It’s also difficult sometimes because it’s all able to work with mentors to analyze the cost political because people don’t want to vote on of running a low-waste store. She also talked different things,” Clements said. “But, there to other low-waste stores around the world, are definitely solutions that we can implement. from Vancouver, Canada to Cape Town, South I think people just need to be brave, and they Africa, where Clements is originally from. need to realize that this is a challenge. It’s a Through the process, she realized that the problem and it’s impactful and it’s not going space they’d been touring at the time was away.” too big for them. Instead, Clements decided to open Pantry Goods as an online store to test if there was enough demand in Kansas City before fully opening up a storefront. “It just feels like the next step for us,” Clements said. “We may outgrow the space in a year or two, or it might be five, we’re not sure. We’re just starting ONLINE ORDERING STEPS small.” Clements wanted to create more options for consumers to shop low-waste. “I’ve always had this desire to do more, when it came to choose choose build checkout sustainability here,” Clements your your your & said. “There was nothing like food packaging subscriptions delivery [this] in Kansas City. I just thought, ‘Well, let me really try and do something that STOREFRONT LOCATION: helps people at least have options.’ I feel like there’s 901 W 39th Street, KCMO very few options when it comes to reducing your waste, especially when it comes to SCAN ME | WEBSITE food.” Scan here to go to Pantry Goods’ website to learn more According to the about the idea behind the Environmental Protection business and the company’s mission through zero-waste Agency, 23% of materials sent products to landfills are packaging and containers. While Clements believes that

PANTRY GOODS

design by riley atkinson photo by charlotte emley

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

NEWS | 07

TW E AK I NG

THE TESTING The IB program has undergone changes due to COVID-19 precautions

by emma brown

ast’s International Baccalaureate program underwent curriculum changes, transitioning from projects and presentations to more individual work, as well as modifications to the end-of-year exams, due to COVID-19 precautions. Throughout a traditional year, IB students focus on a discussion-based group setting, developing presentations and improving public speaking skills. But with the district shifting to online classes and smaller in-person classes, juniors and seniors alike have faced challenges in learning these essential IB skills. In order to receive an IB diploma, students are required to write an internal assessment, an individual exploration essay on a topic included in the curriculum, and take a final exam for each class. But because IB exams are cumulative of two years’ worth of learning and much of IB has been online for both juniors and seniors, the IB Organization shortened the exams.

We have to cram in a lot of our IB externally graded research papers [and] projects. It’s been a rough ride. They have modified the tests so that’s good, but not nearly enough.

paige good | senior According to East teacher and IB Coordinator Meredith Sternberg, IB took out roughly 30% of the material in each assessment to accommodate for what was lost in terms of teaching time. They adjusted the assessments to what the students could do, and what the teachers were able to get to during the year. “IB testing has definitely changed,” junior Grace Kloster said. “I know for my biology test, I would’ve normally have had three papers, one multiple-choice and then I think two papers open-ended. However, they changed it so they only have two papers.” Some juniors are eligible to take some of their exams junior year if they have already completed prerequisite courses, but most students will take each course for a total of two years, then take final exams at the end of their senior year. While seniors are preparing for their final tests, juniors are concerned for what next year holds. Content next year will be stressful, but with the unusual learning situation, there’s been a lighter workload than what juniors expected when joining IB, according to junior Jack Rhodes. “I think that it will be more beneficial to have full in-person classes during senior year to better learn

the content and be better prepared for the IB tests at the end of the year,” Rhodes said. Since IB classes are intended to help students prepare for the IB exams at the end of their senior year, teachers are trying to create as much opportunity for projects and presentations as they can under the hybrid school conditions. According to Sterberg, the program is very reliant on student discussions and presence. “This program is so interpersonal, interconnected and discussion driven it just is almost impossible to translate to an online platform,” Sternberg said. “I am impressed by my students and amazed by the faculty at SME and what they are able to do in the strangest of circumstances.” According to Kloster, this situation isn’t ideal for students because they’re missing the opportunity to practice IB-formatted tests, and if next year’s tests are back to normal, they won’t have much experience with the process. “I think senior year will be kind of a shock when compared to junior year because we will have more [internal assessments],” Kloster said. “Also [there will be] a lot more tests compared to this year.” But it’s not just the juniors, IB seniors are facing similar obstacles. According to senior Paige Good, they have to complete all of their tests and essays at the end of their senior year before summer. Currently, they’re tackling internal assessments, exam prep and typical required IB coursework — and they feel swamped. “We have to cram in a lot of our IB externallygraded research papers [and] projects,” Good said. “It’s been a rough ride. They have modified the tests so that’s good, but not nearly enough. We’ve really only been learning for about a year if you tack off the COVID.” IB tests go on all throughout May, most being split over the course of two days. — but this year it will be different. For math, there haven’t been any changes, but for sciences, history, English and other courses, most of them have removed portions of the tests so it will not take as much time. After students around the globe were faced with an unprecedented year of education, the IB program offered schools the option to forgo the exams. While Sternberg, responsible for making the decision, felt students were prepared enough for them to be held. “Exams have always been where our students really shine,” Sternberg said. “The exams help counterbalance the internal assessments and the papers that they submit. One of the things I like best about IB is that they don’t just assess a student in one test on one day. The work they do is over two years and exams are one part [of it] — an important part.”

A B O V E | Senior Paige Good sits in her IB Theory of Knowledge class discussing internal assessments with other IB students. photo by charlotte emley

IB SUBJECT GROUPS The broad topics IB subjects fall into

interdisciplinary studies individuals & societies the arts

mathematics studies in language & lit. sciences

TESTING SCHEDULE The core IB classes’ testing schedule

MONDAY, MAY 10 ENGLISH A LIT. HL & SL PAPER 1 ENGLISH B HL & SL PAPER 1 & 2

TUESDAY, MAY 11 MATH ANALYSIS AND APPROACHES HL PAPER 3

THURSDAY, MAY 13 SPANISH B HL & SL PAPER 1 & 2 HL = HIGHER LEVEL SL = STANDARD LEVEL

08 | OPINION

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by lily billingsley

OPINION

HIGHLIGHTS

TA K E O U R P O L LS @smeharbinger

A look into student opinions and the opinion section

R O YA L R A T I N G S

@smeharbinger

@smeharbie

ST U D E N T TA K E S

America’s opinions of the royal family following the Oprah interview

DO YOU REPOST SOCIAL JUSTICE INFO-GRAPHICS ON YOUR INSTAGRAM STORY? Instagram poll of 180 votes

44% YES 56% BRITS ARE SYMPATHETIC AMERICANS ARE SYMPATHETIC 30% OF 70% OF TOWARDS HARRY AND MEGHAN TOWARDS HARRY AND MEGHAN

17.1

M I L L I O N P E O P L E WATC H E D THE INTERVIEW LIVE

DO YOU THINK THAT IT WAS A GOOD DECISION TO DISCONTINUE THE CULTURALLY INSENSITIVE DR. SEUSS BOOKS?

62%

Instagram poll of 191 votes

48% YES

OF AMERICANS APPROVE OF HARRY AND MEGHAN

52% NO

*According to survey done by YouGov

THIS WEEK IN TWEETS B U T T H I S M O M E N T — T H E B EG I N N I N G O F T H E E N D

THE

B OT TO M

LINE

T H AT

“ F RO M A P E R S O N A L I T Y, L E A D E R S H I P, A N D WO R K E T H I C

O F O U R S O C I A L H A LT — I S G O I N G TO B E O N E O F

T H E G R A M M YS N E E D D I V E RS E

STA N D P O I N T — H E C H EC KS E V E RY B OX . H E ’S A L S O A

T H E H A R D E ST PA RTS F O R A LOT O F U S . C H A N G E

C R E ATO RS

AU D I E N C E S

M A M M OT H M A N W H O I S G R E AT I N T H E R U N GA M E

— E V E N C H A N G E FO R T H E B E T T E R — I S TO U G H O N

M O R E T H A N D I V E RS E C R E ATO RS

A N D H I S L E N GT H S H OW S U P I N T H E PA S S I N G GA M E .”

A LOT O F P EO P L E . L E T ’S A L L G O E A SY O N E AC H

AND

N F L D R A F T S C O U T C H ATS A B O U T T H E TO P I N T E R I O R

OT H E R .

G R A M M YS .

O F F E N S I V E L I N E M E N I N T H I S Y E A R ’S D R A F T .

NYT OPINION| 3/16/21

WAS H I N GTO N P OST | 3 / 1 5 / 2 1

K A N SAS C I T Y C H I E F S | 3 / 1 6 / 2 1

AND

AU D I E N C E S

NEED

THE

HOT TOPICS R O YA L F A M I LY

THE GRAMMYS

What Harry and Meghan said in the Oprah interview is awful and shocking, but at the same time not overly surprising. I hope this leads to more people taking a critical look at the British monarchy.

Since there haven’t been any concerts this year, it was cool to see how different artists performed their new hit songs. It’s always fun to see all the different genres performed in one night.

I loved Matt when he was with Tyler Cameron, but I didn’t really like him as the Bachelor. I also wish that the season had ended with someone winning.

jilli foley | senior

caroline sandstrom | junior

jack haulmark | senior

THE BACHELOR

design by annakate dilks photo illustration by macy crosser

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

NNOVATE THE

OPINION | 09

RECALLED DR. SEUSS BOOKS

Three of the six recalled Dr. Seuss books and an explanation for why they were recalled

And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street (1937)

OUT-OF-DATE

A character described as Chinese has two lines for eyes, carries chopsticks and a bowl of rice and wears traditional Japanese-style shoes.

Children’s media and toys becoming much more progressive to fit modern times shouldn’t be seen as “sensitive” or “soft”

If I Ran the Zoo (1950)

Two men said to be from Africa are shirtless, shoe-less, wearing grass skirts, carrying exotic animals, and depicted with monkey-like features.

On Beyond Zebra (1955) It depicts a stereotypical Middle Eastern man as having a dark mustache, billowing pants and riding a camel in front of a pagoda A B O V E | A gender neutral Potato Head toy replaces the fazed-out Mr. and Mrs. Potato heads toys to be more inclusive.

by lyda cosgrove

“DR. SEUSS BOOKS: Cancelled” — those words were plastered on my Instagram stories and across news networks for days. Following the announcement, outraged social media users took to multiple platforms, ranting about how children will be raised too “soft” and that cancel culture has been “taken too far.” When Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced the discontinuation of six Seuss books in early March, they explained that the ‘books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,’ and they want to be a company who ‘represents and supports all communities and families’ — a decision that’s completely necessary and well overdue. At first, I understood the frustration and passive-aggressive tweets. They’re classic stories that were a big part of some of our childhoods. But can you honestly tell me your world has been completely rocked by the fact that no more copies of “On Beyond Zebra!” will be printed from now on? I too grew up reading stories like “If I

Ran the Zoo” and “McElligot’s Pool.” As a three-year-old, I wasn’t phased nor aware of the racist caricatures in the books — but that’s the point. We as a society become more educated and aware everyday of how to respect others and what can be perceived as offensive, and a child’s young and innocent age doesn’t change the importance of that. Just because culturally insensitive drawings of a Japanese man were acceptable when the book was published 84 years ago doesn’t mean it’s acceptable with today’s standards. Sure, there are plenty of other significant problems going on in the world, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pay attention to these seemingly smaller, but equally as necessary, issues. Instead of whining about how future children will never get to experience the “classics,” we should be asking ourselves “Why has it taken so long for us to realize the disrespect in these stories?” According to a study conducted by the Association for Psychological Science, children begin to form racial biases as early as three years old, and those biases become fixed by the age of seven. The offensive terms

and drawings in the Dr. Seuss books can quickly impact the young kids reading it. It’s important for kids to learn what is and isn’t okay when it comes to respecting other cultures, religion and sexualities, along with anyone else that’s different from their own.

The progression in toys, books and movies is not an overreaction, it’s basic respect and the morally right thing to do. The discontinuation of racially insensitive books isn’t the only way children’s media has evolved. Books and toys are already much more culturally conscious and diverse than what I experienced only 10 years ago. From the content warnings on Disney+ before potentially offensive movies like “Pocahontas” and Mr. Potato Head changing its name to simply “Potato Head”, current and future generations of children are starting to see diversity and acceptance normalized in their

daily lives. Would I have become a more understanding LGBTQ+ ally if I’d grown up with gender neutral Potato Head toys? Maybe, maybe not, but today’s children will certainly benefit. The idea of non-binary and gender neutral being normalized in day-to-day toys will eliminate the taboo conversations around sexual orientation and identity. The progression in toys, books and movies is not an overreaction, it’s basic respect and the morally right thing to do. Today’s children are not going to be “too sensitive” or sheltered. And even so, what’s wrong with sensitivity? Sensitivity plays into compassion, and I think we can all agree the world needs more compassionate people. We have to realize the the world we live in today is not nearly the same as it was in the 1930s. We’ve grown, and we’re continuing to grow and continuing to learn. So let go of the past and recognize how far we’ve come. I promise the world will still turn even without “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.”

Aesthetic 10 | OPINION

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

ACTIVISM

design by sydney newton photo by hadley chapman

Wanna go to a party??

Guys wear your masks!!

Yes!

Social media users need to stop promoting content they don’t follow in real life

by august hyd e

probably spend upwards of half an hour every day tapping through Instagram stories — t’s a great way to keep tabs on friends and family, look at artwork and get a dose of current events. Due to their impermanence, Instagram stories have become a popular way to discuss social issues without taking up any space on your main feed. Every week, there seems to be a new watered-down social justice concept spread en masse. Three lines of text, a pastel background and an easy-to-digest idea make for a compelling reshare for hundreds of thousands of people. On the surface, it looks like real progress is being made, but is reposting an infographic really making a difference? In the beginning months of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless posts touting slogans like “flatten the curve,” “stay home” and “wear your mask” spanned the stories of nearly everyone I followed. Admittedly, I posted them too. They seemed useful: they spread a message that I agreed with and let others know my stance on the issue. After a little while, I began to notice that some of the people posting these infographics on their main stories were the ones partying or hanging out with their friends — the opposite of “flattening the curve.” Pictures of indoor and unmasked social gatherings were appearing on nearly every account I came across. Unfollowing those who were breaking regulations — the same ones they told others to follow on their own stories — became a frustrating game of Whack-a-Mole. Every time I thought I’d rid my feed of the hypocrisy, more would surface — and that was just the public accounts. Prior to COVID-19, most ‘finstas,’ private Instagram accounts for people to post about more personal topics, were populated with posts about petty drama, fights with parents and unflattering pictures of friends — all things that would be embarrassing to post on one’s main account. As COVID-19 infographics convinced people that it was embarrassing to partake in unmasked indoor gatherings, pictures of the gatherings were posted to finstas instead of main accounts. The accompanying captions would often allude to the idea that these posts would lead to backlash if posted publicly. These people who continued to break guidelines and put others in danger were able to quell their guilt by “raising awareness” on their main Instagram stories. A clear mindset had developed: these rules are for everyone but me. This type of hypocrisy didn’t start or end with COVID-19 infographics. A recent TikTok trend consisted of people contrasting their peers’ story posts to their actions: High school bullies reposting the bubblelettered message of “spread kindness,” people with homophobic partners insisting that “love is love” and People known for starting sentences with “I’m not racist, but…” posting that “Black Lives Matter.” These posts can give many a false sense of what their

peers are actually like. Social media has long been a way to highlight strengths and conceal weaknesses, but now, it’s increasingly common for people to project the image of someone who says and does all the right things without any of the actual effort. Another major issue with the current use of social justice infographics is the pace at which misinformation can spread. Popular posts often display uncited claims and statistics that many people, including myself in the past, have a tendency to take at face value. Even if a certain post that fails to list their sources delivers information that is entirely correct, it sets a dangerous precedent that fact-checking before you share is unnecessary. While there are many ways that reposting an infographic can be performative, unhelpful and hypocritical, it’s possible to use the eye-catching medium in productive ways. If you see an infographic you want to share, there are steps to take to ensure that your repost will do more good than harm. Always verify the information in posts you share. All it takes is a quick Google search. Try to cross-reference at least two trusted news sources. If you find a credible source, include it in your story post along with the infographic. That way, others can do their own research and better understand the subject.

Every time I thought I’d rid my feed of the hypocrisy, more would surface — and that was just the public accounts. Reflect on your own actions and beliefs. Do you truly agree with the post, or is it just a popular statement that you think others will agree with? ` Ask yourself what the post is trying to accomplish. Social justice infographics are often created by brands in order to gain free promotion for their products. This is particularly common among accounts posting about environmental issues. Is the post trying to convince you to reduce your plastic usage, or is it trying to sell you an expensive, reusable grocery bag? Observe whether the post has a specific call-to-action, such as a petition to sign, an organization to donate to or public office to call. If a post contains high-quality, verified information but has no call-to-action, you can do your own research and include ways that people can help in your story post. While raising awareness is important, it’s even more important to put the knowledge you share to good use — and to encourage others to do the same. If there’s a social cause you care about, sharing high-quality infographics can be an effective to spread information and encourage others to get involved — just be sure you know what you’re promoting.

THE COMPARISONS WHAT PEOPLE SAY

POST ABOUT STAYING HOME

POSTING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

POSTING “SPREAD KINDNESS”

WHAT PEOPLE DO

GO OUT TO A PARTY

SUPPORTING FAST FASHION

SPREAD RUMORS

REACHING OUT Popular activist Instagram accounts that people repost

@ @ @

CH N G F E M I N IST I TSF E M I N ISM

design by annabelle moore photos by sarah golder

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

OPINION | 11

EMB RACE THE FEMININITY T H E T E R M I N O LO GY

T H E N UM B E RS

*Information from berry.edu and merriam-webster.com

Feminism

*Information from thecentraltrend.com

Noun \ fem-i-nism

A BELIEF IN THE SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC EQUALITY OF THE SEXES

Misogyny

4 2%

Noun \ mi·sog·y·ny

HATRED OF, AVERSION TO, OR PREJUDICE AGAINST WOMEN

26%

Internalized misogyny can unknowingly start at a young age and linger into future years, causing uncalled for judgements and supression of parts of oneself

of females between 18-24 have experienced barriers in the school or workplace because of their sex

of Boomers and 34% of Gen Xers have experienced these same barriers in work and educational environments

SCAN ME | GLOSSARY Scan here to view “A feminist glossary because we didn’t all major in gender studies” by usatoday.com

by catherine erickson

ecause it’s freaking stupid!” Red in the face, I hurled the worst “curse” word I knew at my mom. My size four bare feet violently stomping up the stairs, I hoped to shake the floor enough for my mom to feel — who sat stunned at the kitchen table. This was possibly an overreaction to being asked why I didn’t want to get my ears pierced. But for 8-year-old me, getting my ears pierced was the first step toward becoming a “girly” girl. It was a gateway to being grouped with the girl who wouldn’t play kickball because she wore a skirt to school, or who religiously listened to Justin Bieber on her iPod touch. I had to maintain my reputation as the tomboy who could ring the bell at the top of the climbing rope in gym class and rocked cargo shorts on picture day. In my mind, there was no overlap between these two groups. And anyone who had their ears pierced definitely did not belong in the latter. It wasn’t until the past few years that I recognized these thoughts as indications of internalized misogyny from years of being trained to see women as the butt of the joke and watching myself and other women be underestimated because of our gender. Only recently have I made it a point to actively combat the subconsciously sexist ideas that the gender dynamic within our society has led me to inflict upon myself and others. Hearing seemingly innocuous remarks in elementary school like, “You throw like a girl” or, “I need two strong boys to help me” taught me to equate femininity with weakness. I knew I wasn’t weak. But how would my crush who thinks pink is repulsive know that if I show up to school with pink fingernails? I avoided things I saw as “girly” at all costs, and while in elementary school this manifested itself in always opting for sneakers over flats and sandals, my judgements began to extend beyond myself as I got older. In middle school, I scoffed as I walked past girls who curled their hair before school. Even now, I sometimes catch myself wondering, “Why is she trying so hard?” as I glance at a student with eyeshadow and winged eyeliner.

These displays of femininity by other girls became evidence to me that they were simply conforming to gender stereotypes — using it as an excuse to dismiss them before I even got to know them. Makeup meant they were ditzy. Skirts meant they were unathletic. Without knowing it, I perpetuated the same stereotypes I tried to prove wrong, fully believing that feminine girls couldn’t throw a ball or help a teacher carry a heavy box of books. I believed that embracing a more feminine side would cause me to lose parts of my identity that are stereotypically masculine. Could I still enjoy month-long camping trips and intensive hikes if I also liked to pamper myself with face

myself apart. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about being a more masculine girl, and it doesn’t mean you’re any less of a woman. However, make sure you’re presenting yourself this way because it’s what makes you happiest, and not because of pressures from others or the subconscious expectation that femininity indicates weakness and diminishes your value. Don’t make the mistake I did in using traditionally feminine characteristics as an excuse to make assumptions about others or hide parts of yourself. Rather than making snap judgements about another woman based on how she dresses or her interests, I’ve learned to appreciate it. The steady hand needed to apply eyeliner and the patience required to style hair every morning are qualities I’ve finally realized are admirable, after years of avoiding these customs. I now make a conscious effort to no longer think, “Why is she trying so hard?” but rather “Good for her.”

Feminine women are not weaker or falling victim to the “submissive” gender role. Femininity is strength and confidence and self-expression.

masks? Could I continue to be competitive on the GABL basketball court if I also admitted my celebrity crush on Ross Lynch? My solution was to suppress these parts of myself, which was truly my loss — do you know how relaxing it is to get a pedicure? I missed out on so much in the struggle to set

The brutal truth is that gender stereotypes aren’t going away anytime soon. However, being cognizant of the language I use and my own preconceived notions has allowed me to embrace my own feminine side and shift away from making assumptions about others based on how they present themselves. I no longer let these stereotypes influence views of my own worth — or the worth of others. Feminine women are not weaker or falling victim to the “submissive” gender role. Femininity is strength and confidence and self-expression. You can choose to tan at the beach rather than swim and still be a successful math and science student. You can be interested in fashion and still be an athlete. You can have your ears pierced and still play kickball at recess.

6 COLUMNS DESIGN

CARRIE HEMBREE owner/designer

913.226.1862 cbhembree@gmail.com www.6columnsdesign.com

photos by elise madden

THE HARBINGER | SEPTEMBER 09, 2020

design by peyton moore photos by eise madden

FEATURE

FEATURES | 13

HUMANS EAST NORA

HIGHLIGHTS

I T ’S S I G N I N G D AY

ALFERMAN

13 East seniors celebrate their continuation of their athletics in college

by caroline g ould

R I G H T | Senior Hope Robinett, twin sister of signee Hanna Robinett, hugs junior Tess Roman, sister of signee Mia Roman before the ceremony begins. photo by megan biles

During her English multi-genre project sophomore Nora Alferman decided to research the pink tax.

B E L O W | Senior Hanna Robinett smiles as the gym claps after her announcement of commitment to Tulsa for women’s golf. Her parents and Dave Hanson, the head coach at East, were supporting behind her. photo by rachel bingham

SCAN ME Scan to read the rest of Caroline’s Q&A with Nora Alferman

HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN PINK TAX? “It’s not exactly a real taxation that the government does. It’s not really involved with the government at all. It’s more of companies upcharging products made for women or more feminine people in general. So, generally, something intended for men would be a lot more cheap than something intended for a woman.”

the

S TAT S 7 % on average women’s products 8% cost more than mens 1 3%

for toys and accessories for adult clothing

the weirdest

A B O V E | Senior Caroline Coleman signs her letter of intent. Coleman is committed to play soccer in the fall at Pepperdine University. Coleman had verbally committed early her sophomore year. photo by megan biles

Students share their weird food combinations on an Instagram questionnaire

FOOD COMBOS I A WE HN

M AC

U EL BE

E AISI SHEE

egg on basically everything

F SO

pancakes and ketchup

applesauce and mac and cheese

for personal care

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT PINK TAX IS UNFAIR? “You shouldn’t have to pay more money because you’re a woman, it doesn’t make sense. Like, the prime example is that women’s razors, marketed toward women, are the exact same as the razors marketed toward men, but they’re usually twice as much.”

IF YOU COULD, HOW WOULD YOU SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF PINK TAX? “It’s more about holding the companies accountable that make the product. One of the things I noticed was that with small convenience stores who sell these products, you can’t be protesting these stores because they’re just trying to stay afloat and sell their products. The ones that are deciding the prices more are the companies that make these products... So it’s more about holding the companies accountable for upcharging [feminist targeted] products.”

14 | FEATURES

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

WORKING LIKE A DOG

design by catherine erickson

Students volunteer at animal shelters and boarding facilities to gain experience or simply offer assistance by cesca stamati

meet

caroline &squishy BREED

bully mix

FAVORITE ACTIVITY

walks with many breaks

FAVORITE TREAT photo by jill rice

ice cream to soothe teeth

meet

shannon &dominic BREED

black lab mix

FAVORITE ACTIVITY

receiving pets in the canine cuddle room

FAVORITE TREAT photo by jill rice

anything peanut butter

meet

erin& barkevious BREED

german shephard

FAVORITE ACTIVITY

back scratches

QUIRKS photo from erin hansen

loves jumping up and giving hugs

HER FRIENDS MIGHT not be able to stomach observing a surgery, even that of an animal, but senior Caroline Eason sees everything from neuters to hematoma removals when she sits in on surgeries at Great Plains SPCA animal shelter where she volunteers about twice a week. While it’s not the typical job of the animal shelter volunteers to watch surgeries, Eason’s interest in helping animals and possibly becoming a veterinarian herself led her to her to watching the operations when she’s not walking, training or grooming the animals. She first asked the workers at the shelter’s Vet Center if she could poke her head in during the operations over a month ago, and has been watching them ever since. On her first day sitting in the operating room, Eason saw five spays and eight neuters. “They gave me a stool in case I passed out and said everyone did watching their first one,” Eason said. “But I was totally fine, I thought I would be

squeamish but I wasn’t.” Observing the animal doctors, Eason now knows how to work animal respirator machines and many types of sutures and blades, along with the basic anatomy of cats and dogs. She hopes that this knowledge about the basis of animal surgery will help her if she becomes a veterinarian. Plus, she hasn’t passed out during any of them — a good sign she can handle the blood. Eason’s considering starting the pre-vet track next year and seeing where it takes her. She thinks of her volunteering as an internship to give her some background knowledge and help her decide if veterinary work is the passion she wants to pursue. “Hopefully [my love of animals] will determine the path of my life,” Eason said. “I know that vets have the highest depression rate, so hopefully I’ll find a way to make it fulfilling, and I think shelter med could be an interesting career because you get to do every kind of surgery.”

DURING HER FIRST day volunteering at Wayside Waifs, then-freshman Shannon Burns was overwhelmed with the with the cluster of dogs surrounding her as she took a brown and white border collie mix out on a walk. When she came back inside for their cuddle time, the dog — named Jamie — did something she hadn’t expected: he curled up next to her and rested his head in her lap. “That was the moment when I was like, ‘This is something I wanna do. I love this so much, he trusts me as a volunteer, someone he’s never met,’” Burns said. “I’ve never forgotten him doing that.” Now, three years later as a senior, Burns volunteers at least once a week at Wayside Waifs and co-heads the SHARE project for the shelter with senior Megan Stopperan. When she volunteers at Wayside Waifs, Burns takes dogs outside for walks and then cuddles

with them to give them some human interaction. She loves socializing with shy dogs to make them comfortable around humans so they have a better chance at getting adopted. “Once I get to walk them and they get more comfortable with me, that’s fulfilling to me because I see them come out of their shells, so I really enjoy seeing that part play out,” Burns said. For her monthly trips to the animal shelter with her SHARE project, Burns brings volunteers to fold towels and organize for a few hours. Last month, they hung up the Valentine’s Day cards of people who made donations to Wayside Waifs. This month, they toured the Wayside Waifs campus and helped feed the dogs treats. “I feel like the SHARE project has kind of expanded my experience with helping animals past just me volunteering there myself,” Burns said. “Now I’m able to share my love of animals with everyone.”

JUNIOR ERIN HANSEN first began working at On the Ball, a doggy daycare and boarding facility, to spend time around cute animals and make some extra cash. But since she started almost a year ago, the job’s given her relationships between countless dogs and their owners, but most importantly, it’s given her experience in the career she plans to pursue — an ecologist. Hansen works at the daycare about three days a week, and what she does every day varies. Sometimes it’s grooming dogs, and sometimes it’s preparing meals in the boarding room or being a “dog-tender” and chaperoning the pets. “I’ve always loved working with animals,” Hansen said. “I really wanted a job that I could work with animals ‘cause it’s always come very easy to me and very natural, so when I heard that somewhere was so close that I could be around

animals 24/7, I jumped at the opportunity.” She loves interacting with both the dogs and their owners, and forms bonds with them when she debriefs the owners on how their pet did that day. She’s fallen in love with some of her regular customers: a Golden Retriever named Lombardi and a German Shepherd named Barkevious that half-tackles her every five months when he comes in. After college, she plans on using her passion for animals to work with wildlife, either at a national park or as an in-the-field lab scientist to test the environment and combat deforestation. “Being able to find a job’s given me experience in the real world working with animals and kind of gives me a taste of how out of high school it’ll be,” Hansen said.

design by sophie henschel photo by molly schumm

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

FEATURES | 15

CERNE R L E ARNER Senior Claire Baker is participating in the Cerner Scholars program to further her knowledge of computer science

by greyson imm

he interview was a blur. All she could remember were the nervous breaths she took and the sweat dripping from her face as she anxiously answered her buzzing phone. There was nothing in that moment she wanted more than this internship. A week earlier, senior Claire Baker learned of the Cerner Scholars program from an email that her mother sent her. The email, taken as an excerpt from East’s daily announcements, stated that ‘Applications for the Spring 2021 Cerner Scholars program are now open.’ Her application was in by the next day. “My mom saw [the Cerner advertisement] in the daily announcements and just decided to forward it to me not thinking I would be interested in it — just for kicks,” Claire said. “I looked more into it and really thought a lot about it, long and hard.” Claire’s passion for computer science and programming began during her junior year after she visited the tech corporation Garmin’s Headquarters for a tour hosted by Girls in Tech KC. The purpose of this event is to motivate girls to stay involved in STEM during and after high school. After the tour, she instantly fell in love with the computer programming world and knew it was an area she wanted to pursue a career in. Claire thrived off of the realworld problem solving and math and science components that the subject provided.

She had no clue at the time that the early exposure to the computer programming world would land her the internship of her dreams only a year later. “She really enjoyed [the tour], so then she got a little bit more involved with it,” computer programming teacher James Kelly said. “There’s not a lot of female coders in the world, so that was really good that she could got interested in it, because it’s very rewarding.” As a student who’s taken classes in school ranging anywhere from Computer Programming to Intro to Computer Dimensions, Claire was eager for the opportunity to take her passion to the next level by getting to work alongside professionals in the coding and technology fields. “Since I wanted to pursue data analytics in college as a major, [this internship] seemed too good to be true for me,” Claire said. “I love the idea of getting some hands-on experience with topics that interest me before I head off to college.” A few days after her interview, Claire received a Dell laptop, keyboard and monitor sitting on her front steps from Cerner — along with a letter welcoming her to the program. She began her virtual internship at Cerner at the beginning of this year attending trainings, answering help desk requests and making sure all of the employees had the equipment they needed.

At first, Claire was apprehensive about meeting her supervisors. Much to her surprise, however, Claire’s Cerner team — a group of associates to support her throughout the internship — was quick to greet her, even slipping in jokes between computer clicks.

Since I wanted to pursue data analytics in college as a major, [this internship] seemed too good to be true for me.

claire baker | senior “I came into this internship thinking that everybody would be like, ‘Work, work, work. Business, business, business’ all the time,” Claire said. “[My team] is so laid back, and they’re the funniest, most awesome people that I’ve ever worked with. My team is the reason why I also love this internship so much, because I’m able to joke around with them and have fun with them while still learning.” The internship is based heavily around talent development for skills like computer programming and corporate management. But Claire’s favorite take-away is feeling like she’s truly contributing to something important and making differences — much like she would if she worked as a fulltime employee at Cerner, providing health

THE SCHEDULE

Claire’s daily internship schedule

1:00 p.m.

Log on for the day Check in with Cerner team Join Microsoft Teams call for training Hands on application of training

2:30 p.m.

Log off for the day

technology solutions to all around the world. Claire’s mom, Julie Baker, recognizes that Claire’s knack for memorization has been very beneficial in her classes, and knows they will help her in the future that could potentially involve a career in STEM. “She’s always excelled at math and science, and her memorization skills are amazing,” Julie said. “She’s able to quickly memorize difficult choreography, which has also helped her [in] dance classes. So it’s that memorization skills that got her interested in math and science. We had talked about different careers in computer science, and she indicated that she had an interest in data analytics.” Her internship is such a momentous milestone because being a Cerner Scholar gives her a chance to represent others like her — she is one of only three female interns and the only intern from Shawnee Mission East. “The idea of being a girl in a maledominated industry makes me feel so important,” said Claire. “I’ve grown up taking classes like Intro to Computer Programming. I’m actually in one right now, and I am the only girl in the class period. So, I would really like to show young girls that being in this stuff is really cool. And if you’re interested in data analytics and technology, you shouldn’t be afraid to enter a man’s world. It just feels like it’s like taking a little step for girls in STEM everywhere.”

TASKS O N TASKS

Claire’s other jobs within the internship

1 2 3 4

Go through scheduled employee trainings

Answer help desk requests with Remedy software program

Create FedEx shipping labels to mail equipment to employees

Remotely install software on employee computers

16/17 | FEATURES

THE FUNCTION

by kell y mu rp hy akeout boxes filled with veggie-free lo mein and extra white rice, bowls of Doro Wat chicken stew, a bag of fortune cookies and plates piled with fried sambosa pastries covered the Mangine family’s kitchen table. For most families, this meal would be a mix-and-match medley of leftovers. For the Mangines, it’s anything but accidental. This was Feb. 10, the anniversary of seventh grader Josie Mangine’s adoption from Ethiopia. Normally, the Mangines would celebrate the occasion with carryout from Elsa’s Ethiopian Restaurant in Old Overland Park. But today Josie’s sister, freshman Veronica Mangine who was adopted from China, insisted on picking up Chinese food as well. Ever since Josie and Veronica were adopted, their parents Valerie and Charles ‘Buddy’ have made it known that their heritages should be celebrated. Although the transracial dynamic brings challenges, they’ve developed their own family traditions and ways of incorporating all three cultures into their household. “I’ll be honest, before we adopted Josie I was worried about telling my parents because I didn’t know how they would feel about [Buddy] and I adopting a child from Africa,” Valerie said. “But all of our families have embraced the girls without holding anything back.” However, non-family members can be more hesitant and feel the need to take a second look. When the girls were younger, children at the playground had a hard time understanding that they were siblings because they looked so different. Parents wouldn’t always realize that Valerie was Josie and Veronicas’ mom until one of them addressed her as “mom.” A few years ago, Josie and her friends caught up with Buddy in line for food at their country club and an employee, unaware that the two were daughter and father, scolded the girls for not waiting their turn. But as a whole, the family focuses on the positive experiences

and understands that most people have good intentions — like women with ethnic hair offering to help Valerie style Josie’s hair or elderly women making sure Veronica stayed tightly swaddled as a baby.

“I’ll be honest, before we adopted Josie I was worried about telling my parents because I didn’t know how they would feel about [Buddy] and I adopting a child from Africa,” Valerie said. “But all of our families have embraced the girls without holding anything back.”

valerie mangine | mother “I’m very thankful that I’m in a world right now where people are so supportive and my daughters have friends who don’t even question their race, they just love them for who they are,” Buddy said. Buddy also acknowledges that the world isn’t always so accepting, and there still is a long way to go. Growing up in Chanute, a predominantly white Kansas town of less than 10,000 people, Buddy had a teacher with multiple adopted Vietnamese children. He remembers seeing them walk by, feeling like that wasn’t right. “Now, it hurts me to the bone that I ever felt that way because it was just a loving guy with his kids,” Buddy said. “That was so sad that I ever felt that that was so different because it’s not, it’s just a family.” Since Buddy’s mindset has done a 180, he wants to ensure that his girls always treat everyone around them as equals. Following the events of this past year, he and Valerie have had discussions with their girls about racial unrest. Valerie and Buddy wish they could protect their children from the racism

seen across the U.S. today, but they know how fast news spreads — Veronica and Josie heard about what happened to George Floyd on social media before they did — and how important it is for their children to understand what’s happening and why. “Black people are definitely treated worse sometimes,” Veronica said. “So I’m glad that something’s happening about it.” As a transracial family, they have to adjust to the realities of three different cultures and prepare their kids for potentially life-threatening situations. After a receiving a speeding ticket from an overbearing cop at an inconvenient time, Buddy later used the incident as an opportunity to make Josie aware that some police officers can be unfriendly or even racially profile. He explained that if she’s with a group of friends and one of them does something they’re not supposed to, she could be found guilty by association due to her skin color. While ensuring the girls grow up informed, Valerie and Buddy want them to learn about the cultures of their birth countries as well. They try their best to balance teaching Josie about Ethiopian culture and teaching Veronica about Chinese culture at the same time. “What’s even trickier than having children that are different ethnicity from us is having children that are different ethnicities from each other,” Valerie said. “Because you feel like you need to do as many activities for Josie and teach her about Ethiopia, as we did for China. So just trying to do that and developing an appreciation in them for their sibling’s culture as well.” For Ethiopia, Valerie learned about the Ethiopian Kids Community group through Facebook. The group holds a weekend-long family summer camp in Minnesota with traditional Ethiopian games, music and food that the Mangines try to attend every other summer. Besides the activities, it’s a rare opportunity for adopted Ethiopian families to connect with each other. “I feel good that my girls are seeing that there are lots of other families that look like ours,” Valerie said.

EXPL AINING CELEBRATED TRADITIONS CHINESE NEW YEAR

TRADITIONS ORIGINS

GENNA (OR GANNA)

They al September unsuccessfu bread, the M to Elsa’s. “I love [ good friend When t dances and non-profit where Vale Mangines p the Chines envelopes f eating oran Even th from afar, and Ethiop the adoptio rather go t have decide is to let the

Is there look like you loo and love josie m

“When Valerie said

Background information celebrated holidays and

TRADITIONS O

Started as winter sacrifices to gods

Ethiopian Orth

Slowly developed over 3500 years

Developed from

TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS

TRADITIONAL

Fireworks are set

Breaking the 4

Avoid sleeping, or throwing out garbage etc.

A large feast f

Children get lucky money in red envelopes

Playing “Ye Ga similar to field

*information courtesy of History.com, ethiopianonlinevisa.com and chinesenewyear.net

O F FAMI LY

design by tommy paulus and elizabeth mikkleson photo courtesy of the mangine family

lso celebrate Genna, the Ethiopian New Years, in by having a traditional Ethiopian meal. After a few ul attempts by Valerie at making injera, an Ethiopian Mangines have taken their annual Genna celebration

[Elsa’s] food, it’s really nice,” Josie said. “I’m pretty ds with the people that work there.” he girls were younger, they attended Chinese lion Harvest Moon Festival events held by a Kansas City called Families Blessed with the World’s Children, erie used to serve as a board member. Now, the prefer to honor Veronica’s heritage informally — with e New Years traditions of giving and receiving red filled with money, eating noodles for long life and nges for prosperity. hough the girls have learned about their cultures Valerie and Buddy are eager to show them China pia firsthand because they haven’t been back since ons. Veronica and Josie, on the other hand, would to Florida or stay local instead. Valerie and Buddy ed to follow what they’ve read about adoption, which e kids decide when and whether they want to return.

really a way families are supposed to e?” Josie said. “It doesn’t matter what k like as long as you guys are family e each other.” angine | daughter

do that.” Meanwhile, to celebrate the girls’ heritages, they’ve decorated their home with some keepsakes including a wood-carved giraffe sculpture, porcelain cricket box from the Ming Dynasty and painting of girls carrying water from an Ethiopian coffee shop. But they’re careful not to go overboard. They do not want to interfere with their girls’ fitting in, as much as any other parents would. “It’s not in their face,” Buddy said. “I’m not going to go out and buy an Ethiopian garb and wear it around the house.” Valerie and Buddy are also adamant that they’re just average, loving parents and shouldn’t be placed on a higher pedestal because they “saved” Veronica and Josie from a life of poverty in their birth countries. According to Buddy, both girls have strong backgrounds — Josie’s birth father was a leader in his community. Rather than viewing the girls as lucky to have been adopted, they look at themselves as lucky to have adopted the girls. Valerie and Buddy are proud to be part of a transracial family, and they’ve instilled that pride in their girls. “Is there really a way families are supposed to look like?” Josie said. “It doesn’t matter what you look like as long as you guys are family and love each other.”

and if they want to do it, we’ll make it happen,” d. “But until then, we’re not going to push them to

n on some of the Mangine’s d the holidays’ origins

ORIGINS

hodox Christmas / New Years

m Byzantine Empire

L CELEBRATIONS

40 day Christmas fast

full of Ethiopian meals

anna Chewata,” a game hockey The Mangine family on trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan in 2012.

The Mangine family celebrates having three different ethnicities in their family, despite the challenges that come with it

18 | FEATURES

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

DISTA N CE D DOCUMENTATION Restrictions from COVID led Hauberk staff photographers to find new ways to capture photos

by caroline wood

rawling under a ping pong table with a Nikon D500 camera, Hauberk Assistant Photo Editor and junior Katherine Hamilton tries to find a space in the small basement, making sure to stay out of everyone’s way. She’s taking pictures of five freshmen girls doing their own workouts to prepare for the volleyball season since their conditioning camp was canceled. Between the district restricting the number of Hauberk photographers for COVID-19 safety when shooting sports, less events to take pictures of and not being in-person most of the year to take pictures of students during school, Hauberk photographers like Hamilton have had to alter the way they capture the year. The staff has pushed themselves beyond solely taking pictures of classes and athletics like in previous years to focusing on how the pandemic affects students socially. Photographers have captured distanced Fantasy Football draft parties, virtual Speech and Debate tournaments, students shoveling their driveway and students working the drive-thru outside at Chick-Fil-A. “We’ve definitely reached out to more people about little group hangouts,” Hamilton said. “It sounds like something where it’s nothing, but it kind of represents this year. We’ve really wanted to cover the small moments, like friend groups hanging out in someone’s backyard or walking together in a park.” With students not being in-person for the first part of the year, a lot of clubs haven’t met. Editor of the club section and senior Ava Peters, along with her other co-club

editors, anticipated this would be the case, but have continued to reach out to club sponsors throughout the year to cover the clubs that are meeting. “With clubs, it’s pretty difficult because a lot of clubs just aren’t happening in the first place anymore,” Peters said. “And then, the ones that are happening, some of them only meet virtually or some of them just haven’t met more than once, and so getting pictures of clubs meeting has to be really organized and we have to just be really aware of what’s happening so that we don’t miss anything.” The Hauberk also held club photo day during seminar four times — when it typically only takes them two days — because they had to take two separate photos of each cohort for every club. Plus, with seminar now being at the end of the day, the turnout was lower because many students don’t stay for the full length of seminar. “We didn’t get as big of a turnout as last year [for club photo day], but we did have a lot of people show up for club pictures,” Peters said. “It was nice to see people still being passionate about their clubs and being involved even in such a weird situation.” Sports will still be covered in the yearbook, as they were one of the only consistencies of this year. However, since SMSD only allowed one yearbook photographer to shoot solely from the bleachers at all fall and winter sports events besides cross country, Hauberk has struggled to get enough quality pictures. These restrictions also made it difficult for Hauberk to train new photographers because so much of their learning process comes from watching experienced photographers omit. So, Hauberk and Harbinger photographers emailed a list of 21 reasons they deserve

design by sophie lindberg photo by elise madden

A B O V E | Hauberk photographer, senior Quinci Cartmell, takes photos of boys baseball practice from a distance.

more photographers at events and should be allowed to shoot from the sidelines to 13 district employees. The district did eventually grant photographers permission to be on the sidelines, even though they were still limited to only one photographer per staff. “It’s a lot harder to learn and explain through Webex, and we did try to have a brunch over the summer and teach them stuff,” co-Head Photo Editor and senior Lucy Hartman said. “But, it’s really hard to learn without the process of trial and error, and it’s a lot easier if someone’s there to help you.”

We’ve really wanted to cover the small moments, like friend groups hanging out in someone’s backyard or walking together in a park.

katherine hamilton | junior Now with spring sports, students are allowed to come and watch the games, and there is no limit on the number of photographers. But with the yearbook deadline set for April 2, they won’t be able to cover much of the season. The yearbook deadline was originally a week later, but they pushed it up when the end of the year was moved because they want the seniors to have their yearbooks before graduating. With the entire book being due on April 2, the Hauberk staff is rushing to get the rest of their photos, captions and designs together while also proofing the pages. “Getting the yearbook turned in is stressful any

year, but especially this year, when things have been so hard to complete and there’s still a bunch of missing holes,” Peters said. “We just really have to pick up the pace ... and put [in] a lot of time and just a lot of extra work to communicate with each other and contact people.” Hauberk had their first “Late Night” on March 10 — which typically happen every other week throughout the year — where everyone on staff meets at the school for at least two hours to work on the yearbook, print off pages, proof writing and edit photos. Staffers have also been coming after school and on their asynchronous days to work on the yearbook. “One of the best parts about yearbook is everyone being together in class and getting to work together, be creative and give a bunch of feedback or just share information they’ve heard or share ideas,” Peters said. “It’s definitely not the same when half the class is on Webex and the other half is in person. You just don’t get that flow, that same flow of feedback and creativity.” Peters feels this year has been challenging and has tested the staff’s creativity in trying to capture the ways the school has adjusted to the pandemic — as well as the Hauberk. “[The yearbook] is the one thing we can make normal this year, even though it’s obviously not normal,” Hartman said. “There won’t be all the same events and in a lot of pictures people are wearing masks, but the yearbook is one thing that can just show us ... the highlights of our school year. There’s been so much craziness happening, and everyone still wants to remember this year.”

PHOTOGRAPHER RESTRICTIONS ONLY ALLOWED ONE HAUBERK PHOTOGRAPHER PER GAME

ONLY ALLOWED TO SHOOT FROM THE STANDS AT GAMES

MASKS WORN AT ALL TIMES ONLY ALLOWED TO SHOOT HOME GAMES

design by celia condon

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

FEATURES | 19

BE N E F I TTI N G BO GOTA Former East teacher Alaina Shelton moved to take over as principal at a K-12 school in Colombia

by rose kana l ey

tudents always had questions when they walked into former math teacher Alaina Shelton’s room for their Algebra 2 class. Am I in the right place? Do you share a room with a social studies teacher? The international map covering the wall threw them off — they were used to posters of fractions and multiplication signs. Sure, Shelton was a math teacher, but she’s always looking to share her love for internationalism with her students. “I have always had a very international heart,” Shelton said. “[I told students questioning the map], ‘You are in my room once a day, you are going to learn some math today. But you might also learn about a foreign country that I happen to know somebody in.’” It’s possible the map on her wall foreshadowed her future — Shelton is now nearing the one-year mark of working as the Principal at El Camino Academy (ECA), a 400-student, K-12, non-profit Christian school in Bogotá, Colombia that serves foreign, missionary and other Christian families to train bilingual future leaders. She was finally able to leave the United States and move in with her two roommates in Bogotá in January after setbacks from COVID-19, and is working with her students in-person two days a week after previously working remotely. It was never in Shelton’s plan to move specifically to Bogotá and work with ECA, although she’s always wanted to teach abroad. Her plan was always to teach internationally and leave the United States after college — anywhere but the U.S., where she’s spent a majority of her life. She spent her summers working with Teach Beyond, a program placing teachers in educational experiences globally, where she originally ended up at ECA in the summer of 2016. “That first trip in 2016 was the first time that I had spent any more than two weeks out of the country,” Shelton said. “And then being able to work every summer, so 2016, 2017, I was here in Colombia, and 2018, 2019, I was in Greece — that was amazing.” In January of 2019, Shelton received a call from a former colleague during her summer at ECA. There was an opening at the school for an administrative position — and they wanted her. “I kind of blindly said yes,” Shelton said. “I knew that things were going to be a little dicey, but I didn’t really know what that was going to look like. So really

[I was] just trying to live on faith and to believe that this is what the Lord has for me, and that this is where I needed to be in the world doing education.” Since arriving in Bogotá, Shelton’s dived into her new role at ECA — training new teachers, designing curriculum and working with students. While teaching in Johnson County came with a staff of over 90 licensed teachers, Shelton’s staff in Bogotá is only 14, with many having more than just teaching backgrounds, such as engineering and nursing. Shelton appreciates the unique value that having a variety of experienced professionals teaching subjects brings — and she loves to help them brainstorm how to teach different units. On one day, Shelton will spend an hour with the health teacher, previously a nurse, brainstorming what content to include in the drugs and alcohol section before going to work with a student she’s individually teaching math to. Shelton is grateful that many foundational pieces of learning curriculum, like graphing lines or understanding a book’s plot, stay the same no matter where you are. While the education is similar, living in Bogotá altered her day-to-day life — but she loves the change. She never knew she would find excitement in discovering her favorite foods, peanut butter and trail mix, in Colombian grocery stores.

I have always had a very international heart. [I told students questioning the map], ‘You are in my room once a day, you are going to learn some math today. But you might also learn about a foreign country that I happen to know somebody in.’

alaina shelton | former teacher Shelton may have to walk a half mile to get to the grocery store while carrying all her groceries in her backpack, eat more carbs to keep up with the 8,500-feet altitude elevation and plan her daily runs before the 6 p.m. sunset, but these little changes are worth it as she experiences this new life. Shelton always encouraged students to leave their comfort zones at East. Educating young people and training future leaders isn’t new to her at all. “I tell every student that I’ve ever had the opportunity to speak to, ‘Spend whatever time you can

abroad and get to understand the big gigantic world that God has created,’” Shelton said. “Because there are so many things outside of our little Johnson County bubble.” Senior Sarah Bingham had Shelton as a teacher during her freshman and sophomore year, and still remembers seeing the different places Shelton traveled to on her wall. She valued Shelton’s commitment for making students excited to travel the world, and to making them always feel welcome. “She’d ask you about how things were going, and I felt like she actually cared about what you’re talking about and what was happening in your life,” Bingham said. “She gave a really welcoming environment.” There are certain aspects of East Shelton admits she misses — spirit days, keeping score at sports games, visits from the coffee cart. She even keeps one of her favorite East T-shirts in her room. More than anything, she misses the collaboration with the large groups of teachers at East, given her current small school department. Math teacher Adam Cumley has known Shelton since college when he was sent to observe teachers at Lawrence High School, where Shelton was working at the time. Having known her, he wasn’t surprised by her move and change in roles — he’s seen her strong adaptability. “We get along well, we help each other if need be,” Cumley said. “[Shelton] was always very thorough, so if you ever need anything from her, she was always there.” Her adaptability aids in her success teaching in a new culture. While Shelton’s not completely fluent in Spanish, it’s her second language and she’s spent a great deal of time studying it — she is able to speak with her students consistently in Spanish or let a taxi driver know where she’s headed. As for the future, Shelton is unsure. She’ll remain in Bogotá until June when she returns for her wedding, but will continue working with ECA remotely through at least September. With her fiance working with the U.S. Department of State, the two will be moved to different embassies globally about every three years starting in the fall. But Shelton knows that wherever in the world she ends up, she’ll be happy experiencing the world as she’s always planned to, teaching no matter where she is. “Right now, I’m theoretically moving to a whole other country in September, and I have no idea where I’m moving,” Shelton said. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen quite yet, but I know it’ll all work out.”

CLASS AT CA M I N O A breakdown of the student life at El Camino Academy

70% OF STUDENTS PRACTICE CHRISTIANITY

STUDENTS ATTEND SCHOOL

2 DAYS A WEEK

THE SCHOOL IS ALLOWED TO REACH

35% CAPACITY

SCAN ME | Learn more about El Camino Academy in Bogota, Colombia

BOGOTA IS 8,500 FEET IN ALTITUDE 4 DEGREES NORTH OF THE EQUATOR

WAGSTAFF CARTMELL

EXPERTS IN HIGH STAKES LITIGATION CALL: (816) 701-1100 | EMAIL: RECEPTION@WCLLP.COM

design by tommy paulus photos courtesy of apple, imdb and netflix

A&E

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

A&E | 21

Catch up on what’s trending in the arts and entertainment world

HIGHLIGHTS

TO P O F T H E CH A RTS PL AYLISTS

RECENT RELEASES PODCASTS

P L AY L I ST | LO U N G E JA Z Z

MOVIES

L I K E S | 1 ,9 9 9

RUN TIME | ~15MIN

RUN TIME | 13H 14MIN

The Atlas Obscura Podcast is a guide to all of the worlds strange and amazing places. The show is short, yet packs a punch with its storytelling.

This playlist is all encompassing jazz. Jazz is a genre I don’t usually listen to, but this playlist has all of the classics.

SERIES:

P O D C A ST | AT L A S O B S C U R A

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

GENRE: FANTASY

RUN TIME: 1HR 57MINS

SUMMARY: This movie is Disney’s latest project, which follows a young girl saving the world with the last dragon left. The plot is very interesting and all ages should definitely add it to their watch list.

P L AY L I ST | C L ASS I C 70 S H I TS LIKES | 2,016 RUN TIME | 6H 3MIN

This playlist has all of what the ‘70s has to offer. Some soft rock and disco all combined into one composition of ‘70s grooves.

P O D C A ST | L A B R E GA

MOVIE:

RUN TIME | ~20MIN

COMING 2 AMERICA

This podcast is an anthology series about life in Puerto Rico. Through investigative journalism, this 7 part series highlights the struggle of life in Puerto Rico.

GENRE: COMEDY

RUN TIME: 1HR 50MINS

SUMMARY: “Coming 2 America” is the long awaited sequel to “Coming to America.” While it’s not as iconic as the first, it’s still a good watch.

GRAMMY WINNERS Artist: Fiona Apple

Artist: Taylor Swift

Award: Best Rock Album

Award: Album of the Year

Album: Fetch The Boltcutters

Album: Folklore

SERIES SERIES: TELL ME YOUR STORIES

GENRE: THRILLER

RUN TIME: 45 MINS PER EPISODE

SUMMARY:

Artist: Dua Lipa

Artist: Nas

Award: Best Pop Vocal Album

Award: Best Rap Album

with very dark secrets, ergo the title.

Album: Future Nostalgia

Album: King’s Disease

Horror Story veteran Lily Rabe

This series covers three people all The cast is incredible with American headlining the show.

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

22 | A&E

bey nd the end game shang-ch i and the july

the

WHILE MARVEL STUDIOS’ “WandaVision” answered the “What next?” question fans had been asking ever since 2019’s Endgame, the show’s finale has left vintage comic nerds and casual viewers alike begging for more content. But throw your anxieties away — fans might be used to Marvel projects releasing every one or two years, but with their new affinity for streaming services, expect to see regular updates to the MCU through Disney+ releases all year long. Mark your calendars, Marvel fans — with 10 confirmed 2021 releases, you’ll want to be ready.

falcon and the winter soldier

the

legend of ten rings

by p h oeb e h en d on

the

With a mix of Disney+ and in-theater releases, Marvel Studios is giving fans new projects all year long

black

widow

in theater s march 19

in theaters: MAY 7

IF YOU LOVED 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War” and the birth of veteran Sam Wilson’s snarky frenemy relationship with

KICKSTARTED IN 2019,

design by peyton moore

AMONG SUPERHERO FANS, Black Widow stans haven’t been the luckiest. Over 20 movies into the MCU and not a single

death — after multiple delays, “Black Widow” will be released in of martial arts, becomes involved with a group known as the

“Avengers: Endgame,” with Steve Rogers passing the Captain

takes place directly following the events of “Captain America: Civil

to navigate the modern age after recovering from seventy years two are forced to team up to defend America in the absence of many beloved heroes.

and operatives to unravel a dangerous conspiracy.

Baron Zemo and CIA agent Sharon Carter, both of whom fans the reveals they’ve been waiting for.

comics. vel edition moment you won’t want to miss.

loki

u 11 n e

fueding fandoms

LOKI ACTOR TOM HIDDELSTON’S paychecks from Marvel didn’t stop

Which Marvel project are you most excited?

D ec

spiderman 3

MARVEL STUDIOS HAS done their best to keep the plot of the third

hold the most excitement for fans.

32 % 68 % coming super soon what if...? 11 epi sodes PREMIERS

SUMMER 2021

hawkeye 6 EPI SODES PREMIERS

LATE 2021

*From an Instagram poll of 188 votes

Raimi might have in store for viewers. Doctor Octopus, respectively, with Foxx having portrayed a version of the

Marvel presents multiple new movies and shows this year

Ms. Marvel 6 EPI SODES PREMIERS

2021

the eternals NOV. IN THEATERS

design by grace allen photos by megan biles

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

A&E | 23

GET

WITH IT Jinkie’s Coffee and Hangout is a ‘70s themed coffee shop in Overland Park A B O V E | A J i n k i es e m ployee stands behind the cof fee bar waiting to take o rd e rs a n d m a ke cof fe e for customers.

by allison wilcox

riving down 151st Street, you’ll barely notice Jinkie’s Coffee & Hangout in the concealed strip mall tucked in between a Phillips 66 and an IHOP. Upon entering the seemingly bland store from the outside, I was skeptical, until I saw the blue and orange accented walls and the cheerful employees greeting each customer. Jinkie’s is a ‘70s-themed take on your average coffee joint. The store’s ambience embodies “That ‘70s Show” with the bubble font menu, a wall coated top to bottom with record labels and peace sign emblems on every table. Even the bathroom stayed true to the theme with hanging disco balls, quotes from the ‘70s and flowers painted on the walls. The only thing the shop was missing was a radio station to play ‘70s hits.

While the shop served classic drinks like lattes and mochas, there were other menus hung around the store featuring “groovier drinks” and the seasonal spring menu. While the shop served classic drinks like lattes and mochas, there were other menus hung around the store featuring “groovier drinks” and the seasonal spring menu. Although the Charm-a-licious drink featuring a cereal milk latte topped with whipped cream and Lucky Charms was tempting, I opted for the fan-favorite specialty drink — the iced cookie dough latte. The drink is described as a traditional latte with cookie syrup and a secret house syrup. Just by looking at it, I’d give it an A+ in the presentation category — the chocolate drizzle around the cup seemed professional and matched the perfect light honey color I look for in a latte.

Since the cashiers described the cookie dough latte as one of their sweetest coffees and being practically a dessert, I expected a major sugar rush. While the latte was definitely sweet, it was no sweeter than my usual vanilla or caramel iced latte from Starbucks. Since all I could really taste was chocolate, I wondered if the secret syrup was some kind of vanilla and chocolate mixture. I’m all about sweet coffee, so I would’ve preferred a few more pumps of the cookie dough syrup to give it more of that advertised cookie flavor. Apart from the vast selection of coffee, Jinkie’s offered a variety of baked goods from chocolate chip cookies to homemade poptarts to lemon poppyseed bread to eat alongside your coffee. I tried two of their sweets: the lemon poppyseed bread and chocolate chip cookie. The picture-perfect looking bread disappointed with its dry texture — making it obvious the bread had been sitting in the open case for hours, if not days. While the center of the bread was more appetizing with its lemon drizzle, part of me disliked the citrus icing that seemed to make the bread taste too wet compared to the rest of the dry bread. The chocolate chip cookie on the other hand was anything but dry and tasted much more fresh. The thick cookie was baked for just the right amount of time — giving a doughy taste while still having crisp edges. Although Jinkie’s is a bit of a hike being about 20 minutes from the East area and the coffee isn’t anything spectacular, the ‘70s experience is well worth the trip. When you’re looking for a change from the usual Starbucks or Dunkin’ run, I would recommend Jinkie’s for its lively atmosphere and unique environment — you might just spend over an hour like I did enjoying the ‘70s vibes and hangout space.

SP R I N G SP ECI A LS Jinkies specials during this season

CHARM-A-LICIOUS

FLOWER POWER

CEREAL MILK LATTE TOPPED WITH LUCKY CHARM MARSHMELLOWS

SWEET HONEY ROSE LATTE WITH PINK MOCHA DRIZZLE

PEPPERMINT PATTY

KEY LIME PIE MOCHA

MINT CHOCOLATE FUDGE SWIRL LATTE

WHITE MOCHA MIXED WITH A SECRET HOUSE KEY LIME SAUCE

ME N U FAVO R I T E S Allison’s top picks from Jinkies

C O O K I E D O U G H L AT T E $ 4.75 C H O C O L AT E C H I P C O O K I E $ 3.75 L E M O N P O P PYS E E D B R E A D $ 3.75

70’S F E ATU R E The themed decorations around the cofee shop

RECORD WALL

VINTAGE PHONE

ALBUM PICTURES

24 | A&E

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

LEVEL UP

design by lauren west photos by julia percy

A level-by-level review of the multi-story River Market Antique Mall

ANTIQUING LEVEL 3

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 1

by tommy paulus

hen you think of antiques, your mind usually draws up images of old green lamps and porcelain dolls — paraphernalia from from the “good old days.” However, the River Market Antique Mall provides a new way to go “antiquing.” The River Market Antique Mall feels years older than it actually is, with the creaky wood floors and the tall ceilings. The washed brick building, however, has a modern feel that gives a “not quite thrifting, not quite antiquing,” shopping experience. With polaroids strewn across the tables, I felt a glimpse into the 90s. I could practically imagine friend groups gathered around stereos and family roads trips guides by an atlas. Before I was inside, I questioned how the owners could fill four floors up with different kinds of antiques — needless to say I was pleasantly shocked with what I found. There are even old diaries expelling the thought of teens in the 40’s — Yes, Margaret was late that to the sock hop. When inside, you’re heavily encouraged to store any large bags in the lockers located at the front of the store, free of charge. Doing so is definitely is a must-do as I precariously avoided shattering a hundred crystal Coke bottles circa 1957. I would have never forgiven myself. The mall is comprised of three shopping levels and a basement that doubles as a thrift/vintage clothing store. Upon entering the four-story building, I was immediately bombarded with a cacophony of bright colors and outdated patterns — some might call it tacky, I call it beautiful. The building houses upwards of thousands of hand-me-down products from Persian rugs to an 80’s “Barbie in Outer Space” box — in mint condition of course. Shopping around is a free for all to find any interesting or funky item you like. Each floor has its own unique sections, along with the usual old-smelling books tucked into every book shelf and as much outworn decor as possible. When I was walking around the main floor, I felt as if I was strolling in a collective time capsule of everyone’s grandma who couldn’t quite let go of all the knickknacks they collected over the years. There were old postcards and cigar boxes, along with a black patent leather couch and 60’s lighting fixtures, which I found exceedingly groovy. After exhausting your walking shoes on the first floor, it’s time to ascend to the second floor. I appreciated the use of the creaky floor boards with

A N T I Q U E T I PS B A R G I N W I T H WO R K E RS F O R T H E P R I C E YOU WA N T

BASEMENT

R E N T A LO C K E R TO STO R E L A R G E B AGS TO AVO I D K N O C K I N G I T E MS OVER

license plates bolted into the gaps — though some might find it annoying to hear the shoppers exploring items on the higher levels — it added a rustic feeling to the complex. The second floor was home to the larger items. I’m talking Patrick Swayze posters and Persian Rugs. An interesting pairing with these larger items were the kitchen appliances plucked right from the 50’s. Instead of a Frigidaire, you could drop a couple thousand on a pastel green oven. This doesn‘t cover any repair costs, which would most likely be necessary to get it to work. Next is the third floor. This level is somewhat a mix of both the first and second floor, mainly because it has a lot of the “less likely to be purchased” items like a jar and buttons. However, the lack of consumption is made up for by the jaw-dropping items. On this floor, you can pass by the 10-foot-high Christmas tree made completely out of blue glass bottles or creepy toy dolls from the ‘20s, which gave me quite the jumpscare.

When I was walking around the main floor, I felt as if I was strolling in a collective time capsule of everyone’s grandma who couldn’t quite let go of all the knickknacks they collected over the years. When I reached my fill of gaudy, in a good way, antiques, I carefully walked down the rickety stairs, leaving behind a trail of squeaks, and headed to the basement. This section is tightly packed with vintage clothing and smells just like a grandma’s closet. This is where I spent most of my time actually browsing with intent because compared to the other floors, I wasn’t just stumbling upon items. Here I found graphic tees with bands and fitted lenin pants along with some funky, yet intriguing shoes. All of the items that I took a liking to all seemed to have their own background stories and their own separate lives. I really enjoyed thinking about what kind of person wore each item as they all were weathered or altered in some way. The character in each garment is so interesting compared to the old soccer jerseys and work t-shirts from Savers. The River Market Antique Mall might be an antique shop, but it’s also an art museum and — as corny as it sounds — a time capsule back into the quirks of the past.

STO R E I N F O O P E N E V E RY DAY F R O M 1 0 A . M . to 6 P. M . 816 - 2 2 1- 02 20 1 1 5 W. 5 t h S t . K a n s a s C i t y, M O 6 4 1 0 5

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by mia vogel photos by ella hans

A&E | 25

P HU K E T

I’M V EGA N Sushi Karma recently released an online vegan menu, “Phuket I’m Vegan”

by mad eline funkey

ne of my favorite pastimes is trying hole-in-the wall sushi restaurants around KC. I was excited when I discovered the year-old restaurant Sushi Karma, located in Mission at 5820 Johnson Drive. In addition to traditional sushi, the restaurant has a vegan online menu called “Phuket I’m Vegan.” As a health nut who’s not quite ready to make the full transition into a vegan lifestyle, my friends love giving me a hard time for my occasional vegan cravings. As soon as I found that restaurant, I didn’t hesitate dialing their number to order takeout. Scrolling through their menu, I was intrigued by the unique options — pumpkin spice fried rice, yellow curry and stir-fried eggplant — but opted for the ‘Noodles’ section instead. I found just what I was looking for — vegan Pad Thai. Wanting to try out as much of the menu as possible, I added Vegetable Spring Rolls and their Tom Kha coconut soup to my order. When I called in my order for pickup,

the employees were very enthusiastic and accommodating. They were quick to give details about the Pad Thai, saying that they highly recommend it. After a short wait of 30 minutes, I headed to Mission to pick up my order. Pulling up in front of Sushi Karma I could hear jazz music playing outside making for a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere. The workers were very generous, handing me my order within 30 seconds of walking in. With the bag in hand, I scurried to my car eager to get home and eat. The aroma of the vegan Pad Thai filled every inch of my car — which made me press the gas pedal a little harder in a rush to get home and so I could dig in. I evaluated the Pad Thai’s quality based strictly on three factors: flavor, presentation and texture. Opening the box, the aromas of ginger and lime were apparent. The noodles were presented beautifully with bean sprouts, peanuts, tofu and vegetables neatly placed on top, giving a satisfying crunchy texture in addition to the noddles.

I was hesitant about the tofu in my Pad Thai after a previously negative experience with soggy and bland tofu. Thankfully, each inch-long-cube was satisfying and flavorful with its coating of Pad Thai sauce and crispy, cooked exterior.

While being satisfied yet not painstakingly full, I would say my first trip trying out the “Phuket I’m Vegan” menu was a success. And if you’re looking for a light palette cleanser between each bite of Pad Thai, the Tom Kha coconut soup is perfect. It comes with a hefty 16 oz serving — ideal to split with friends or to keep for leftovers. The chunks of mushroom and broccoli added a nice texture to the coconut soup. However, the flavor was bland and left a bad aftertaste in my mouth — I realized I’m not a big fan of coconut. I won’t be ordering

M A D E LIN E’S AL L-VEGAN ORDE R PA D T H A I | 5 STA RS

Three food items, their ingredients and a ranking out of five stars

SPRING ROLLS | 5 STARS

vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, peanuts, tofu and veggies

this item again, but my mom was more than willing to take it off my hands and enjoy my leftovers the next day. With the combination of the glass noodles, cabbage and carrots, the vegetable spring rolls were light, with me wanting to have another one. It came with a side of savory peanut sauce, which was an excellent dip that tied the whole dish together. The biggest downfall of the spring rolls was their price: only two for $8. I felt like I could’ve eaten at least four, so I was disappointed by the small portions. But, I can’t deny they were better than any Bo Lings or Red Snapper spring rolls I’ve had in the past. While being satisfied yet not painstakingly full, I would say my first trip trying out the “Phuket I’m Vegan” menu was a success. Compared to other authentic Thai restaurants I would come here first seeking out the vegan menu. I will definitely drag my friends along the next time I’m craving some savory, delicious Asian food.

cabbage, carrots and glass noodles in a crispy pastry roll

TO M K A H | 4 STA RS

flavorful coconut soup with mushrooms and tofu/veggies

26 | PHOTOSTORY

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

After learning his niece was diagnosed with leukemia and would lose her hair to chemo, East teacher Brett Kramer met with some of his students at Harmon Park to shave his head in support

design by sarah golder

B E L O W | After cutting off small sections of Kramer ’s hair, senior Caroline Kuhlman sets the sections onto the arm of his chair to move them out of the way. photo by julia percy

R I G H T | S e n i o rs J u l i a Pe rc y a n d Ca ro l i n e Ku h l m a n p a r t K ra m e r ’s h a i r i n to s m a l l se c t i o n s a s p re p a ra t i o n to sh a v i n g h is h e a d . photo by sarah golder

A B O V E | Seniors Claire Perkins Rock and Julia Percy film seniors Caroline Kuhlman and Rose Kanaley as they shave Kramer ’s head for his Facebook Live. “I wanted my niece to be able to see it happen because she is at Children’s Mercy,” Kramer said. “I made it into a fundraiser for my hometown, so I live streamed it so they could also see it.” photo by sarah golder R I G H T | To support his niece, Kramer, recruited seniors Claire Perkins Rock, Rose Kanaley, Caroline Kuhlman and Julia Percy to help him shave his head. “It was an experience that I’ll never forget, just because it was so unique and the circumstances were special, considering it was in solidarity with his niece,” Perkins Rock said. photo by sarah golder

A SHAVE FOR SOLIDARITY

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by cesca stamati

SPORTS | 27

SPORTS

HIGHLIGHTS Updates, schedules and quotes about the sports season

B R ACK E T E E RS Students that take part in making March Madness brackets

I’m a huge KU fan so that was a huge factor [in how much I love March Madness]. I also love the thrill of the games going on and trying to have a perfect bracket. I do get like every device in my house to watch all of the games at once.

ELLE GEDMAN SOPHOMORE

THOMAS GOGEL SOPHOMORE

TO P | Senior Sullivan Goettsch gets ready to do a face-off against a Millard West player in the middle of the second half. photo by maggie merckens A B OV E | Senior Sullivan Goetsch dodges a Millard West player as he runs down the field. photo by maggie merckens L E F T | Junior Max Holzbeierlein runs down the field as he looks for a teammate to pass to at the end of the second half. photo by maggie merckens A B OV E | Senior Will Wynn runs down the field with the ball as he tries to dodge a Millard West defender. photo by maggie merckens

SIGNING DAY

I’ll fill out several brackets and research, then enter them into pools. I’ll usually do pools with friends and family everyone puts in $20 and winner takes all. I’ve won bets with friends because I’ve had the least games picked wrong.

M A R C H M A D N E SS P O L L S ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN MARCH MADNESS? Instagram poll of 198 votes

55% YES 45% NO DO YOU MAKE BETS ON YOUR BRACKET? Instagram poll of 175 votes

M A R C H M A D N E SS CA L E N DA R NCAA games coming up soon

51% YES 49% NO

MAKE YOUR OWN BRACKET Scan the QR code to access the Harbinger website and view the gallery of Signing Day from March 15

MARCH

SECO N D ROU N D | EI G HT GAM ES

MARCH

27-28 SW E E T 16 | E I G H T GA M E S

MARCH

29-30 ELITE EIGHT | F OU R GA ME S

Scan the QR code to access ESPN’s website and fill out your predictions for March Madness

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by anna mitchell photo by noelle griffin

SPORTS | 29

COACHING ON AND OFF

THE FIELD

Shawnee Mission Girls Lacrosse coach Lance Turpin has coached daughter Morgan Turpin all throughout her life, changing their dynamic between home and the field JV coach Lance Turpin and daughter Morgan Turpin joke around after an hour-anda-half long practice on March 15 at the Indian Hills Middle School turf field .

by chri sti an gool ey

printing to the sidelines during water break and throwing up three times all over the grass, sophomore Morgan Turpin rushed back to the field, trying to reposition herself and refocus on the game in front of her, as her coach, and dad, yelled at her to keep going. He knew she wasn’t playing like herself, and that she needed to get motivated fast. “People were like, ‘Yeah, your dad’s just being so mean to you today,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, I know,’” Morgan said. “I knew I couldn’t really do anything, but I was still there doing it.” Morgan’s dad, Lance, has been her lacrosse coach since she started playing five years ago. She feels it’s strengthened their relationship, although challenging at times, and allowed her to become a stronger player. “He definitely is harder on me than he is the other kids because he can be, and I can’t necessarily come home and complain to him about it,” Morgan said. As a coach, Lance only gets a sideline perspective of a game, meaning he can’t always see the details of the team’s better plays, but definitely sees when there’s a clear bad pass. That’s where Morgan can help him understand the details of the players’ plays. “She’ll pick up things like if midies are

dropping their hand and things like ball carrier — things that I can’t see,” Lance said. With the advantage of their strong relationship, Morgan reports back to her dad on those specifics after coming off the field, giving Lance the opportunity to critique players on actions he doesn’t catch from the sidelines. “It’s like having eyes and ears on the field,” Lance said. Lance ensures he never shows favoritism towards Morgan, and never allowed her to be captain until eight grade, when he felt she truly deserved it. “She’s just really knowledgeable on the game and the rules, so it made sense for her to be able to kind of interface with the reff,” Lance said. As a sophomore on Varsity, Lance feels she is a talented player, especially for her age. Sophomore Calleigh Nachtigal has seen how well Lance works with Morgan, even having a whole field set up in their backyard. “Her dad would go work with her like everyday taking her to East just to practice, she just knows the game so well,” Nachtigal said. Even though their relationship is coachand-player on game days and practices,

TURPIN’S TEAMS

they don’t let it affect their father-daughter relationship. They try to leave all the lacrosse talk at practice to separate the relationship between Lance being a coach and being a dad. For Lance, it’s important to have a strong relationship, whether it involves lacrosse or not. Lacrosse is just one thing that brings them together, but they still try to find other outlets.

He definitely is harder on me than he is the other kids because he can be, and I can’t necessarily come home and complain to him about it.

morgan turpin | sophomore “We have fun doing things together,” Lance said. “We’ll cook dinner together, so we do other things together, lacrosse is just one thing that we do together.” Lance’s lacrosse coaching doesn’t stop at practice — it’s not unusual for him to take Morgan up to East to practice shooting or do other drills on the weekends or during the off-season. According to Morgan, she never feels forced to do these extra drills, but she

knows he’s always there to help. “Sometimes he’ll say, ‘You looked a little rusty today,’” Morgan said. “Maybe you should go practice,’ but it usually is me choosing to go.” Even though Morgan and her dad are close, they still have arguments occasionally. Lance expects Morgan to always do well in practice and games, which can lead to issues. With this season being Morgan’s first on varsity, this is her first year being coached by someone other than her dad. Although she loves having her dad as her coach, Morgan has been able to play from a new perspective with her new coaches. “When she’s playing travel, I like being able to watch somebody else coach her,” Lance said. “I’m never too proud to watch what some other coach is doing to see if I can learn something.” However, her dad is still helping to coach, whether that be on the car ride home or from the bleachers. When Morgan travels with her other lacrosse team, her dad says it helps him too — he learns things he can do and as a coach. He learns different ways to coach and things he should be doing. “It was always strong. Whether we had lacrosse or not, we are always gonna have good relationship.” Lance said.

Lance has coached several of Morgan’s teams from kindergarten to today

corinth dragons

prairie village outlaws lacrosse

shawnee mission girls lacrosse

2009 - 2015

2014 - 2019

2019 - now

The Corinth Elementary girls recreational soccer team

The beginning of Morgan and Lance’s lacrosse career

Girls Coach Turpin leads the JV

Lacrosse

team for the high school girls lacrosse team

30 | SPORTS

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

design by annabelle moore photo by trevor paulus

FL AG FO OTB A L L E RS East boys play recreational flag football as a way to tighten their friendships and have fun

THE B ASIC RULES

OF FLAG 1 2 3 All passes must be forward and received beyond the line of scrimmage Only direct hand-offs are permitted — there are no laterals or pitches anywhere on the field

The ball is dead when it hits the ground, the offensive player’s flag is pulled, the carrier steps out of bounds or the carrier falls

*Information from nflflag.com Seniors Sam Fountain, Nick Gunter, Will Bolinger and Hudson Inman walk together in preparation for their next down during their rec flag football game.

by win ni e wolf

ry scooping their game day preworkout on the lower field, seniors Hudson Inman, Sam Fountain, Nick Gunter, Will Bollinger and Colin Fitzgerald prepared to play in their weekly Sunday recreational flag football game. Inman discovered the flag football league, Flag Football Association, in February while tapping through the Instagram story of a work friend, who is the commissioner for the local high school league. After sending the poster in a groupchat with his friends, he received immediate interest, and their team was formed and officially in the league within a day. They call themselves “DOI” — according to Inman, there’s no particular meaning behind it. The guys kept saying it until it stuck, and it eventually made its way to becoming the official team name. The team does little preparation each week but has two intentions before each game: emerging victorious and having a good time. Having substantially won the three games they’ve played this season, the team hopes to win the playoffs at the end of the season in five weeks to show off their skills, according to Inman. The team’s success comes from a

SCAN ME | VIDEO Scan to watch Lawder DeSantis’ video on the rec flag football team

combination of their spirit and sheer luck that the other teams haven’t been as good as they expected, according to Sam. “I think we are good, on a scale of team chemistry because we’ve been friends for so long,” Inman said. “It’s easy for us to get it rolling when we want to.” Despite this luck, the team has only completed one official hour-long practice, of which was before their very first game. “We went over plays, did an offense and

We’re definitely competitive, but we’re not taking it too seriously because we know that we have a good chance of winning, and obviously just want to have fun with it.

hudson inman | senior talked about routes for our receivers to do,” Sam said. “We worked on a little bit of defense and passing off to receivers, but it wasn’t really structured.” Because the majority of the team plays for East’s baseball team, it often conflicts with making time for flag football practices. Their

typical practice consists of texts on their group chat asking if they know any players on the opposing team and trying to get a basis on how good they might be. Their coaches — seniors Calvin Cattaneo and Caroline Coleman and junior Henry Fountain — are there to fill the league’s requirement and act as additional friend support. “They just kind of do it themselves,” Henry said. “They have plays that they came up with, routes to do, and hand signals. Once they put a hand signal up, they know what to do and will go from there.” Though DOI tends to take the game into their own hands by making their own plays, the players still give a level of respect, combined with occasional joking around, to their coaches. To extenuate the idea that the league really is for fun, DOI brings in guest players like their coaches and sideline spectators when they’re drastically ahead of their opponents. “If the score’s not close, I get to play, which is pretty fun,” Henry said. “That’s the best part about coaching them for sure, and then making them do pushups or something if they mess up is funny.” Senior Lucille Winter watched DOI play at each game with her friends — for both the socialization aspect and to support

their friends. Bringing food and snacks as they sit on the sidelines, their friend group discovered the ideal COVID-friendly activity to hang out. While the opposing teams that DOI plays are typically larger by a few players, ranging from freshmen to seniors, they don’t often have spectators and prefer to take the game more seriously. Team DOI, on the other hand, thrives on their enthusiastic cheering section which lightens the mood. “When it gets super interesting, we’re active watchers, cheering them on as one does,” Winter said. “But if they’re winning by a lot then we’ll mess around with them on the sidelines and convince them to let us play.” With just about five weeks left in the flag football season, the seniors have been working alongside everyone’s individual schedules to get in as much practice time as they can on the weekends, with the ultimate goal of winning playoffs.] “I’d say the whole thing is a combination of playful and in-it-to-win-it,” Inman said. “We’re definitely competitive, but we’re not taking it too seriously because we know that we have a good chance of winning, and obviously just want to have fun with it.”

design by photo editors

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

THE CATEGORY IS...

PHOTOSTORY | 31

StuCo held their annual Trivia Night over Webex, with each team in a different classroom answering questions L E F T | Senior Ellie Peters held her answer sheet for the first round to be collected and tallied by a StuCo member. Peters team’s theme was “RIP senior year.” Peters said, “We all dressed in black in honor of all the things we did not get to do this year, it was also just easy to wear all black.” photo by megan stopperan

A B O V E | The IB team, “IB Guessing”, consisting of seniors Aidan Novo, Wylie McCoy, Sienna Sun and Grace Strongman consulted an answer with their teacher Meredith Sternberg. Senior Wylie McCoy said, “My favorite part of Trivia Night was to be able to participate in something with my friends outside of school in a safe setting.” photo by megan stopperan R I G H T | StuCo member writes the competing trivia teams’ names on the sign-in board. photo by trevor paulus

A B O V E | Senior Reese Althouse contemplates an answer with Assistant Principal Dr. Susan Leonard during the Kansas history category. Althouse says, “Majority of [the questions] I had absolutely no idea on answers, some of them were very obscure but interesting to find out the answers to.” photo by trevor paulus L E F T | After their win, the senior team “Ballers with Brains” including Franzi Zuckart, Kennedy Kaufmann, Megan Biles, Sarah Bingham and Lauren West celebrate and take a timer picture to post on their snapchat stories. West says, “I’ve done trivia night for the past three years with the same group of girls, so being able to finally win with the same group is a memory I’ll always have.” photo by trevor paulus

SCAN ME | HARBIEPHOTO Use this QR code to purchase photos from trivia night

32 | ALT COPY

THE HARBINGER | MARCH 22, 2021

D A R O AT HOME

THE

design by sydney newton

by g ra ce a llen IF YOU’RE HIDING out from COVID this spring break, the Kansas City area has plenty of exciting activities without the airport-induced stress. Here are some COVID-friendly activities nearby to help you make the most out of your staycation.

A glimpse into COVID-friendly options if you’re staying home for spring break

L AWRENCE DAY TRIP JUST 45 MINUTES from East, Lawrence, Kan. is the perfect short trip for those wanting to get away for a day or two. The downtown area on Massachusetts Ave is filled with shops and restaurants. From the movie theater turned into

an Urban Outfitters to brunch spot The Roost, Lawrence will surely keep you busy. And if your looking for a more indoor options, Lawrence offers a variety of museums, such as the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, the Spencer Museum of Art or the Watkins Museum of History. You can even squeeze in a drive around the campus on your way back and visit Rock Chalk Park.

COOKING CL ASSES ALL AROUND KANSAS City, there are options for cooking classes that can be taken privately or in groups that you can sign up for online. The Lenexa Public Market offers cooking classes for families each month that are instructed by local chefs. Many of their classes are based around healthier meals and eating options, and include free tastings

N E LSO N G O LF COURSE THE NELSON ATKINS Museum of Art recently opened a COVID-friendly mini art-themed golf course on the front lawn of the museum. Each hole on the nine-hole course resembles an art piece inside the museum. You

KC BBQ TOUR IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a classic Kansas City activity and working on an empty stomach, a self-guided tour of Kansas City’s best barbeque is the way to go. From classics like Gates and Joe’s Kansas City to lesser known barbeque joints such as Smoketown BBQ or Florella’s, there’s

can schedule a golf session via the Nelson’s website, with tickets priced at $16 for adults and $10 for any siblings under 12 that tag along.You can even schedule a visit to the museum after playing for a nice cool-down walk.

FLINT HILLS IF YOU NEED some alone time but hate staying inside, find some outdoor solitude in the Flint Hills. Just three-and-ahalf hours away, the Flint Hills is full of traits and historic sites, with opportunities to visit the Sante Fe Trail or Red R o c k s

of what they make during the class. If that doesn’t sound up your ally, The Culinary Center of Kansas City, Taste Buds Kitchen and Blue Garlic Cooking Studio also offer a variety of classes. This activity will create a nice change from your usual takeout-dinner.

State Historic Site. Don’t worry, if history isn’t your thing, there’s many places to eat and shop nearby. Stop by Water Edge Restaurant for breakfast, or the Sweet Granada if you’re craving chocolate. There are options to stay overnight in the area, but since it’s a relatively short drive, you can make it a day trip with some strategic planning.

plenty of options to chose from. All the barbeque spots in Kansas City are currently offering i n d o o r seating and to-go orders, giving a COVIDfriendly option.