THE
harbinger...
SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 OCTOBER 16, 2023 VOLUME LXVI
CARLIE’S
ISSUE 4
STORY Sin c e b e i n g d i a g n o s e d w i t h l e u ke m i a i n e ighth gra d e , j u n i o r C a r l i e Fo u tc h c o n t i n u e s to value th i n g s m o s t p e o p l e ta ke f o r g ra n te d a n d have a po s it iv e im pa ct o n th o s e aro u n d h e r
A LOOK INSIDE:
page 3...
The American healthcare system is becoming overly politicized
17... Juniors form Breakfast Club to connect with peers
26... Senior Jake Miller commits to play Division 1 baseball while playing mostly JV
02 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
THE HARBINGER
nationwide news A curre n t e v e n t h a p p e n i n g i n C a r m e l , I n d i a n a accord ing to news p ap e r e d i to r G rac e G u o
THE HILITE
Carmel Incumbent Mayor James Brainard has been in office since 1996 The election for the new mayor takes place on Nov. 7
de sig n b y addi e mo o re
c o v e r d e s ig n b y grey s o n i m m c o v e r p h o to b y c a ro l i n e ma r t u cc i
online Visit smeharbinger.net to read additional preview storie s, ga lle rie s, podc a st s a nd v ide os
CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL CARMEL, INDIANA
Candidates include Republican Sue Finkam and Democrat Miles Nelson
SCAN ME WEBSITE Read the HiLite’s story over the Carmel Mayoral election
SCAN ME VIDEO Watch a feature video about East’s prestigious Blue Knights jazz band
R I G H T An award-winning graphic from The Hilite showing a debate between government officials.
staff list PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm
ONLINE EDITORS Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick
ASST. PRINT EDITOR Addie Moore
HEAD COPY EDITORS Greyson Imm Aanya Bansal
ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Ada Lillie Worthington
HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Riley Scott Liv Madden Kenna Harrington
ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Caroline Martucci Clara Peters Amelie Wong
PHOTO MENTORS Ryan Dehan Molly Miller Paige Bean
VIDEO EDITORS Abby Lee Ryder Hendon
DESIGN EDITORS Veronica Mangine Bridget Connelly
PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause
ART EDITOR
Bridget Connelly
graphic by caitlin follman
ASST. ART EDITOR Caroline Daniels
EQUIPMENT MANAGER Mason Sajna
ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Isabel Balsassaro Avery Anderson
MULTIMEDIA STAFF
COPY EDITORS
STAFF ARTISTS
Connor Vogel Libby Marsh Isabel Baldassaro Maggie Condon Luke Beil Christian Gooley Neva Hudson Avery Anderson Lyla Weeks Preston Hooker
Mary Gagen Luke Beil Paige Bean Ryan Dehan Mason Sajna Alex Sajna Emma Krause Preston Hooker Luciana Mendy
political cartoon a r t b y z a n e l a i n g
K atie Murphy Greyson Imm Maggie Kissick Aanya Bansal Ada Lillie Worthington Addie Moore Emmerson Winfrey Libby Marsh David Allegri STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Sophia Brockmeier Larkin Brundige Mason Sajna Lucy Wolf Alex Sajna Will Griffith STAFF WRITERS Maggie Condon Mary Gagen
Larkin Brundige K ai McPhail Lorelei Galles Zane Laing Will Griffith
ONLINE POST MANAGERS
Sophia Brockmeier Mary Gagen Connor Vogel
PAGE DESIGNERS PRINT SECTION EDITORS Emmerson Winfrey EDITORIAL | Caroline Daniels NEWS | Libby Marsh FEATURE | Veronica Mangine SPORTS | Isabel Baldassaro OPINION | K ai McPhail
SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Maggie Kissick Bridget Connelly
Zane Laing Avery Anderson K ai McPhail Sophia Brockmeier Lyla Weeks Clara Burdick Sydney Eck Lucy Stephens Lorelei Galles
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EDITORIAL POLICY 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 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 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.
The A m e r i c a n h e a l t h c a re syste m i s b e c o m i n g to o politic i ze d a t t h e ex p e n s e of vul ne ra b le p o p ul a ti o n s
C
ONGRESS
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 03
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by c a ro l i n e daniels
HIJACKING
HEALTHCARE ACCESS
RESTRICTED A rundown of t wo piece s of
DELAYED
THE
reauthorization of The President’s
agendas than the wellbeing of its citizens. If
Congress
continues
delay
the
those values.
reauthorization
month that has saved over 25 million
that deliver lifesaving drug treatments, like
members are making it more difficult for
antiretroviral therapy, and other resources
women in the military to access safe abortions
This was due to the concerns of far-right
to HIV patients may have to restrict their
or transgender service members to access their
Republican members. The bill gives resources
work. This would cause people to go without
necessary treatments or surgeries.
to organizations that also provide abortions
treatments they potentially need to live.
along with HIV and AIDS care, despite the money not directly going to abortions. The President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief — an act created to provide support and
PEPFAR,
to
Emergency Plan for Aids Relief this
lives, since its creation in 2003.
of
necessities doesn’t seem to show either of
organizations
Along
the
same
lines,
far-right
The people in support of the new NDAA
If this trend continues, more healthcare
stipulations want to support our troops yet
services will become a divisive topic in politics
still vote to remove the military’s health plan
leaving it unknown what our healthcare system
from covering gender-affirming surgery or
will look like in later years.
support them in their choices regarding their
resources for those struggling with HIV and AIDS in developing countries such as Ethiopia
from getting lifesaving treatment, potentially
Someone’s medical needs shouldn’t be put
or Haiti — expired due to the time limit set
killing people who without access to HIV and
on a ballot. A woman’s choices for her body
on it on Sept. 30 and Congress still has yet to
AIDS treatment to “save the life” of an unborn
shouldn’t be a debate. Gender affirming care
reauthorize the life saving program.
child. They are risking lives because they
shouldn’t be a divisive segment in a bill. No
of
refuse to risk their status — even if the act
one should be sitting on their phone waiting for
the
doesn’t directly support abortions. Their clause
results if they’ll be able to afford healthcare.
This
highlights
a
healthcare
concerning in
the
trend
U.S.
at
expense of its citizens. The delay of PEPFAR came right after the
body.
for this belief is the lifting of the “Mexico City
These acts also directly go against the 14th
Policy,’’ a policy that required foreign non-
amendment that guarantees health equity in
the
profits to not use any fundings from the U.S.
the United States. These new acts are not equal
National Defense Authorization Act with broad
to promote or perform abortion as a form of
at all.
support of both parties for the first time in 60
family planning.
House
of
Representatives
didn’t
pass
The government that we have voted to work
years. The act only narrowly passed this year
A 2020 study by Gallop found that 57%
in our best interests and protect us is working
as many far-right members threatened to vote
of Americans believe that healthcare is the
more in favor of their status and principles
against unless changes were made, according
government’s responsibility to cover. Yet, the
than the health of their citizens.
to NPR.
government can’t even guarantee coverage for
The
NDAA
access
to
both
with the
reimbursing
or
happens on the Congress floor is not what our
of
paying travel expenses related to abortion care
nation stands for and shouldn’t be acceptable.
who respect all healthcare, even if they may
and barring transgender health services for
Our nation is supposed to represent freedom
not agree with it, is a mandatory change our
military members.
and unity but denying people basic medical
country needs to make.
Defense
including
Department
from
Healthcare shouldn’t be a political game to push a group’s ideals, it should be something everyone can equally access without having to rely on people to vote for you to access it. The United States is in the top 50% of healthcare in the world but our country has repeatedly proven that it cares more about pushing
political
People’s
lives
being
decided
by
A program made to help developing countries with HIV/AIDS treatments The Bush administration passed this bill
NDAA To support our troops yet still vote to remove the military’s health plan from covering gender-affirming surgery or support them in their choices regarding their body U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services passed this bill
medically
but
—
passed
Someone’s
PEPFAR
necessary or optional healthcare shouldn’t
prohibiting
stipulations
eventually
a lifesaving treatment for those with HIV.
forms of a c c e ss to he a lthc a re
house
Congress is on the path to prevent people
politicizing
legislation that are barring
what
be completely in the hands of a select group people.
Having
people
in
government
FOR: 8 AGAINST: 1 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.
storie s b y lyla weeks
Briefs...
04 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h
TEACHER TAKE More information about the La tino A r t G a lle ry ADAM FI NK ELS TO N ART TE AC HE R
smeharbinger.net/category/news
THE
lancer
minute
A new v i d e o s e r i e s h i g h l i g h t i n g photos f ro m g a l l e r i e s a n d recapp i n g rec e n t ev e n t s
THE EAST ART gallery is anticipating the
his excitement and the significance this event
unveiling of the newest gallery and show — a
will have on the Latino community at East.
Latino exhibit to present the Latino community
“The whole idea is to try to make the Latin community at East more visible in the sense of
and art to East. The show will consist of four to six Latino professionals that work in the community and
celebrating and acknowledging the diversity of the culture,” Finkleston said.
about half a dozen East students that identify
Due to the shortened week of fall break, the
as Latino. The students will be displaying works
show will have a soft launch reception after
of art that connect them to their culture and
school around Oct. 20 where students can enjoy
heritage.
the show and light refreshments that will be
East art teacher Adam Finkleston explains
served in the East art gallery. It will last through November.
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
PRAIRIE VILLAGE RESIDENTS have recently
“City staff shares frustration along with the
expressed complaints with the late trash pick-
community.” Geffert said, “We are cautiously
up from local trash company Republic Services.
optimistic that things are going to improve and this won’t be an issue for much longer.”
commercial drivers licenses and an increase in
Ever since hiring Republic Services in 2016,
trash trucks breaking down, the trash delays
the company has failed to meet trash pickup
each week have been difficult for the community
deadlines
and citizens of Prairie Village according to City
Council. Just last November they suffered from
Clerk, Adam Geffert.
staffing issues and delays with pickup, which
Geffert, also an East parent, emphasizes the effort that the council is performing to take care
resulted
according
in
Prairie
to
the
Village
Prairie
fining
Village
Republic
Services up to $7,000 in 2023.
of this issue.
EAST REACTS TO NOBEL PRIZE WINNERS THE RESULTS OF the 2023 Nobel Prizes were published on Oct. 5 with categories spanning
awarded
from literature to physiology.
development of the process to produce the
Since 1901, the prestigious award has been
was
significant
in
ARE YOU PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE NEW LATINO GALLERY EXHIBIT?
the
quantum dots having a specific size,” Appier
YES 11% NO
Nobel Prize winners and their c a te gorie s
physics
Pierre Agostini Ferenc Krausz Anne L’Huillier
physiology / medicine Katalin Karikó Drew Weissman
chemistry
fields.
individuals awarded the prize was significant
Moungi G. Bawendi
Alfred Noble, a Swedish chemist, inventor,
in the development of the process to produce
Louis E. Brus
and entrepreneur, left much of his wealth to
quantum dots having a specific size.’’
literature
to
people
and
who
researches
perform in
their
establish the award in 1901.
Appier believes this discovery will benefit
This year, Moungi Bawendi of MIT, Louis
students in Chemistry 1, who will soon be
Brus of Columbia University, and Alexei Ekimov
learning about electromagnetic radiation, as
of Nanocrystals Technology, were awarded for
well as light and the quantum nature of small
their work in the chemistry field. The three
particles like electrons.
discovered that quantum dots are tiny particles that glow when exposed in red and blue lights.
“The fact that only the size of the particle determines
the
light
was
really
important
Chemistry teacher Steve Appier believes that
because it was able to be used on TVs and
this is a noteworthy discovery in the chemistry
computer screens,” Chemistry club member and
community.
junior Anna Holland said. “And so the discovery led to the development of many technologies.”
89%
PRIZE WINNERS
said.“The work done by each of the three
out
discoveries
Visit Instagram Reels to hear staffer Emma Krause discuss these events and see more photos
prize
the opportunity to work with students who might not necessarily consider themselves artists, who will have the opportunity to talk about their culture and the things that connect them to their culture.
notable
given
SCAN ME VIDEO
“The work done by the three individuals the
I’M EXCITED FOR
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 2 v o t e s
PRAIRIE VILLAGE RESIDENTS FRUSTRATED BY DELAYED TRASH PICK UP Due to staffing issues, high demand for
FALL SEMESTER PEP RALLY
“
LATINO ART GALLERY LAUNCHING IN ROOM 225 ON OCT. 20
Alexei I. Ekimov Jon Fosse
peace prize Narges Mohammadi
Riksbank Prize the Sveriges Claudia Goldin
s tor y by n eva hudson
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 05
THE HARBINGER
de s i g n by emmerson winfrey p h o to s by w i l l g r i ffi th, molly miller & imbd
REWRITING the SCRIPT
F
ILM STUDENTS AND teachers
have
been
processing results of the Writers Guild of America
union’s agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers made on Sept. 27. Senior Campbell Carpenter hopes to pursue a career in the film industry after graduating high school. He
attended
the
Toronto
Inter-
national Film Festival while the writers strike was taking place. He followed the strike in the news as it unfolded, and the events influenced what he is looking for when entering the industry. “I think the demands that the writers were asking for are very just,” Carpenter said. “It’s crazy to me how studios that have billions of dollars would not budge for so long.” Members
of
the
WGA
began
striking on May 2, making the total length of the strike 148 days — the
S tudent and teacher reactions to the ending of the Writers G uild of A me ric a n a nd S c re e n A c tors G u ildAmerican Federation of Television a nd R a dio A r tist s strike s
second-longest in Hollywood his-
care plans. It also placed specific
were held up by the strikes, from
industry writers. Streaming com-
tory. English teacher Brian Cappello
detailed limitations on the use of
season five of “Stranger Things” to
panies could produce work using AI
wasn’t surprised that the strike
artificial
screen-
season two of “The Last of Us.” For
as a cheaper alternative to paying
lasted as long as it did.
writing, an area where there was
other projects like “Dune: Part 2,”
humans or craft scripts directly
previously no restrictions.
release dates have been pushed back
imitating the style and inflection of
indefinitely.
writers with work publicly available
“It doesn’t surprise me that it
intelligence
in
took so long,” Cappello said. “When
“I’m definitely going to make
you’re talking about human greed,
an effort to put myself in front of
that has no limits.”
people who are on the more inde-
an
pendent
SAG-AFTRA
The Screen Actors Guild-Amer-
side
of
the
industry,”
Although the WGA has reached
for the AI to study and attempt to
agreement
replicate.
with
the
continues
AMPTP, negotia-
The industry is now gradually
ican Federation of Television and
Carpenter said. “People who are
tions and has not yet resolved their
returning to normalcy after months
Radio Artists — made up of roughly
actually making the movies that will
demands with large streaming ser-
of shutdowns. According to Vox,
160,000
and
be remembered for years to come.”
vices. They are asking for similar
talk shows will be the first thing to
performers — joined the strike on
Over the course of the time WGA
changes to be made, with their pri-
begin airing again, while high-bud-
July 14. According to Vox, the strike
and SAG-AFTRA were on strike, the
mary focus being on the threat
get movie productions will be held
cost the state of California $3 bil-
film community became unsure of
artificial intelligence poses to their
up for much longer.
lion.
how it would impact the future of
profession.
professional
actors
“It’s also a moral issue, I think
the industry.
“I think we’re just scratching
“AI is changing everything and
the surface when it comes to factors
that it’s completely immoral that
“Part of me when the strike was
it’s scary to think that studio exec-
like AI,” Cappello said. “There’s so
they would just thrust aside the
going on was like, ‘Oh shoot, do I
utives would willingly sacrifice all
many positive things that can come
writers and all the craftsmen in
even want to be in this industry
the human work to take the easy
out of [the strike], but the potential
pursuit
where you’re treated very poorly?’”
way out,” Cappello said. “I just
for negative consequences is just as
Carpenter said. “But it did make me
think it’s a shame that they would
great.”
see how far [the writers and actors]
even consider using AI as opposed
will go for what they believe in.”
to human product.”
of
the
dollar,”
Cappello
said. “It’s disgusting to me.” The
Memorandum
of
Agree-
ment increased minimum salaries for writers by 5%, implementing
The production of many high-
According to Harper’s Bazaar,
more secure benefits and health
ly-anticipated movies and shows
this is a concern held by many
DELAY FRUSTRATIONS d ate d ue to t he w r i ter ’s st r i ke
S tudent s expre ss concerns about movie s that have been delayed past their original release
W YAT T M O O N
K EL SEY S TROUD
JUNIOR
JU N IOR
“
I’VE BEEN VERY excited for “Deadpool”
three but if it has to be delayed to give people proper compensation for the hard work that they do, I think that’s an okay thing.
MOVIE: DEADPOOL 3 ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: May 3, 2024 NEW RELEASE DATE: Sept. 6, 2024
“
I WAS LIKE ‘Oh that sucks,’ when I heard
it was delayed. I know it won’t be as good as the original, but I still want to see what it’s about.
MOVIE: UNTITLED DIRTY DANCING SEQUEL ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: Feb. 9, 2024 NEW RELEASE DATE: Summer 2025
CALEN D OMINGUES SENIOR
“
I WAS REALLY disappointed when I found out it was delayed. I saw the last “Spiderman” movie twice because it was so good, but I understand why it got cancelled.
MOVIE: SPIDERMAN: BEYOND THE SPIDERVERSE ORIGINAL RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2024 NEW RELEASE DATE: July 2024
Original release date:
06 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
THE HARBINGER
story & de sig n b y kati e mu r phy
CLUBS IN ACTION Catch u p o n u p c o m i n g e v e n t s a n d d e a d l i n e s for three clubs
INTERNATIONAL CLUB | LOBSTER SALE ON OCT. 21 Th e an nu a l Lobs ter S al e i s re s u mi n g afte r a one-y ear hi at us w i t h p re-o rd ers d ue Oct . 1 6
INTERNATIONAL CLUB IS hosting
last year due to the main organizer
its annual Lobster Sale on Oct. 21 in
John Trewolla passing away, so the club
International Club meets every third
the main gym entrance from 10:30
is hoping to receive more orders than
Wednesday of the month to do crafts
a.m.- noon with orders due on Oct.
usual to make up for lost fundraising.
celebrating European, Asian, Hispanic
“The supplier ships the lobsters in
16. Families can purchase live 1.25 lb
from Maine that morning,” Gallagher
lobsters for $20 each. Proceeds
fund
scholarships
Aside
from
this
fundraiser,
and other cultures and is currently planning a Halloween event.
said. “Usually there are a few extras,
for
but mostly it’s pre-ordered.”
students to study in other countries and help international students pay for
Students can sign up to volunteer
class fees, caps and gowns, yearbooks
and help distribute lobsters by joining
and school dance tickets. Club President
the International Club GroupMe.
Cate Gallagher says this year is special
“[Volunteers] pick up lobsters and
because the fundraiser was canceled
put them in little bags,” Gallagher said.
SCAN ME BUY International Club’s Lobster Sale has raised over $5,000 in past years. “Our goal this year is to sell 400 lobsters,” Club Sponsor teacher Brenda Fishman said. “Students who are planning to study abroad should contact me for information on recieving scholarship funds.” photo by ally griffith
Scan to preorder lobsters before the Oct. 16 deadline
“It’s a fun, unique way to volunteer.”
YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT CLUB | VOTING REGISTRATION DUE OCT. 17 Club me m bers e nco u rag e s e n i o rs to b e c o m e po l i t i cal l y act i ve b y regi ster i ng to vo te fo r t he l o val e le c tion on Nov. 7 YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT Club
and Kansas state residents who will
on and get paid a framed $1 bill that
(YAG)
to
be 18 or older on or before Election
they give back at the end of their
register to vote through presentations
Day on Nov. 7 and aren’t currently
term. They’re really serving just
in seminar classes and by posting
serving a felony sentence are eligible
because they want to create change.”
information on social media.
to register online. YAG Representative
After election results are announced,
“This is a really important election,
and senior Abi Limbird’s mother
YAG will host a politician panel this
and lots of people don’t realize the
Bonnie Limbird is up for reelection
spring with representatives who end
importance
is
encouraging
seniors
on the Prairie Village city council.
up being elected.
Club
She encourages students to reach
“Our vote counts just as much as our
Co-President Eve Benditt said. “So
out to local representatives with any
parents and grandparents,” Benditt
we spoke to every [senior] seminar
questions.
said.
class except one about what’s on the
“I think most people don’t realize
things our government does, and
ballot, like school board seats.”
that [city council members] don’t
have a voice that can be heard and
Students who are valid U.S. citizens
get paid,” Abi said. “They’re voted
not use that voice.”
especially
of in
local high
government, school,”
“We
can’t
complain
BALLOT TOPICS
about
To p i c s u p for v ote on Nov. 7
- Leawood mayor - City council seats - Trustee at Large - four SMSD school board positions
JUNIOR BOARD CLUB | NONPROFIT CHOICES DUE ON OCT. 24 Jun ior Boa rd te a m s w h o w an t to s tu d y a l o c a l no np ro fi t and co m p ete to ear n grant m o ney m ust se le c t a n orga niza tion STUDENTS WHO WISH to participate in Junior
in
Board this year must turn in an organization
or food donation than others,” Yun said. “One
like the Golden Scoop which helps special needs
preference form by Oct. 24.
nonprofit I’ve studied in the past is Della Lamb,
workers learn professional skills and Pete’s Garden
Junior Board is a club where teams of up to seven
which was extra relevant at the time since the
which redistributes surplus food to underserved
students select a local nonprofit to study throughout
U.S. had just pulled out of Afghanistan and the
the year. In April, teams present a pitch overview
organization supports refugees. Also, my family
of their organization to judges to compete for grant
had immigrated here a few generations back.”
healthcare
organizations,
women’s
services
and
seen
memorable
selections
of
nonprofits
Teams must fill out the Google Form with their
said. “Junior Board doesn’t only help with people’s
Board Member Nina Yun suggests forming a team
top three organization choices and attend a meeting
presentation skills, it also teaches students what
with friends and selecting a nonprofit aligning with
on Oct. 24 in the cafeteria during seminar to receive
makes nonprofit organizations special and unique
your interests and personal connections.
their official assignment.
and introduces people to a world that’s outside of
SHARE Coordinator Erin Billingsley has helped oversee the Junior Board program for four years
Register to vote before Oct. 1 7 for students who will be 18-yearsold by Nov. 7
SCAN ME JOIN Join the Youth In Government Club GroupMe to help plan their spring politician panel
TOP PICKS
Nonprofit s that teams a re inte re ste d in
- United We communities. - Uplift “I find projects that I didn’t know as much - Pete’s Garden about before to be more interesting,” Billingsley
money to gift their nonprofit. Senior and Executive
“Certain people are going to be more interested
SCAN ME REGISTER
their own.”
SCAN ME JOIN Join the Junior Board Club GroupMe to learn more about starting a team and picking a nonprofit
de s ign by ri l ey scott
GLOWIN’
OUT THE HARBINGER
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 07 For the final home football game and per formance of the year, band and dance held their annual “G low Show ” after the East vs. Ola the Nor thwe st footba ll ga me
T O P R I G H T Juniors Parker Paben, Lucy Wolf and Grace Demetriou lean in to take a picture with sophomores Jane Rassmussen and Macy Fore after covering themselves in lights for the glow show. “It’s easier to perform with the lights off because it’s a lot less stress, no one can really see you,” junior officer Parker Paben said. “But it’s harder to do the moves because it’s just a lot different, but not stressful at all.” photo by greyson imm
MIDDLE R I G H T Senior Anson Tippie and freshmen William Meyer, Carter Wild and Jacob Lien play their instruments that are lit up by glow sticks during the glow show, which lasted eight minutes. photo by caroline martucci
A B O V E Freshman Charlie Gray tapes lights to his sousaphone while in the stands with other members of the band. Gray said his favorite part of the glow show was doing pre-show rituals with the other people in his section. photo by caroline SCAN ME GALLERY martucci Scan this QR code to purchase photos from this event
B O T T O M R I G H T Senior drum major Davis Muther gets ready for the glow show to begin. Muther was surrounded by football players and cheerleaders sitting beside his podium. photo by greyson imm BOTTOM LEFT Instruments used by the band get wrapped in lights and glow sticks before the show begins. photo by caroline martucci
photo by liv madden
FORGOT YOUR CAMERA?
WE DIDN’T harbiephoto.com
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 09
Opinion
d e si g n by kai mcph ail
smeharbinger.net/opinion
hot take
s tor y by k ai mcph ai l
S taffe r ex p l a i n s a n u n p o p u l a r o p i n i o n a b o u t Dis ney Wo rld
this or that?
Earth” is not all that it
characters and lights are
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 5 7 v o t e s
builds up to be. Whether
employed
it’s the overpriced food,
profit, like winding fairy
carefully
calculated
sidewalks to make walkers
manipulate
feel
YES NO
are.
Specific
colors,
to
maximize
magical
entering
and unhealthy conditions,
Guests are unconsciously
Disney World should not
conditioned to open their
be added to your Florida
wallets
vacation.
but a mickey mouse face
Disney doesn’t allow
a
before
guests or worker abuse
gift
until
shop.
nothing
made of pennies remains. Plus
the
park
heating inside the park,
employees
aren’t
living
and makes you pay for
the “best life on Earth.”
refills
on
Disney’s character casting
water
bottles.
any
food
that
requires
pre-owned
system
is
fountains are scarce and
body
image,
purposefully find.
purposefully you
pay
Water
more
harmful
for
requiring
to
princesses to be a certain
scheme
weight and height. Some
makes
fur
for
members
hard
Disney’s
its
suit-wearing
cast
even
have
to
insane
overpriced and mediocre
strokes
food and drink. Disney
heat
slaps Cinderella onto a
with inappropriate guest
juice box and just like
behavior regularly.
Disney’s “Imagineer”
due
while
others
deal
Disney
World’s
“perfect”
atmosphere
that, the price is tripled. even
created by the flick of a
orchestrate minute details
magic wand is really just a
about the atmosphere and
spell broken at the strike
rides
of
park
planners
to
psychologically
manipulate thinking
guests
they’re
S tudent s have impor tant tasks to complete be fore the ir home work
sto r i e s i n t hi s i ssue’s o p i ni o n sect i o n more fun than they truly
to
art by c a roli ne d a ni e ls
R ecent Instagram polls related to
A M E R I C A ’ S “HAPPIEST PLACE on
system
“I’LL DO IT LATER”
into
having
midnight
with
ARE YOU A PEOPLE PLEASER?
82%
18%
SHOULD EVERYONE HAVE A CUSTOMER SERVICE JOB AT ONE POINT? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 5 7 v o t e s
YES NO
73%
27%
IS THE NFL OVERPLAYING TRAVIS KELCE AND TAYLOR SWIFT’S RELATIONSHIP? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 4 3 v o t e s
YES NO
43%
57%
trending topics
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC CLOTHING STYLE FOR AUTUMN? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 9 v o t e s
the
poisoned-apple reality of maximizing profit.
TAKE OUR POLLS
christian girl autumn
O n c e a Tw i t t e r m e m e , “ C h r i s t i a n g i r l a u t u m n” has become a mood or aesthetic.
Follow the Harbinger on social media to participate in our polls @smeharbinger
@smeharbinger
@smeharbie
@smeharbingerr
L ighthear ted trends from the star t of fall
YES NO
51% 49%
DO YOU THINK CELEBRITY MEMES LIKE “SEEMINGLY RANCH” GO TOO FAR? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 0 1 v o t e s
seemingly ranch
A ft e r Ta y l o r S w i ft w a s re p o r t e d e a t i n g c h i c ke n s t r i p s a n d “s e e m i n g l y ra n c h ,” H e i n z a n d o t h e r c o n d i m e n t b ra n d s a re re b ra n d i n g t o m a t c h .
YES NO
57% 43%
10 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
story b y ave r y an de rs o n
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h p h o to b y mo l l y mi l l e r
AVERY’S little
LESSONS
What Anderson has learned while working at The L ittle
T h i s i s a s u b h e a d y o u h a v e no period on it and
House
it s qu a s i mo da 9 p t i ta l i c e l i ght
house
LESSON 1
RULES
M
PROFESSIONALISM
LESSON 2 Working a customer service job can teach valuable le ssons about not only t he w o r k p l ace b ut al so life in ge ne ra l
Y JOB HAS made me an expert
quick to smile and reply with a “Let me see
comfortable
at sizing 5-year-olds’ feet for
what I can do to fix that.”
more importantly, holding conversations with
when
talking
to
teachers
and
I’ve only been able to hone these people
people who have more authority than me. The
Find me from 3-5 p.m., three
skills by asking my boss questions when I’m
interactive skills that come with customer
days a week, at a children’s clothing boutique
unsure — something that I avoided at all costs
service jobs are the base for a successful future.
— The Little House — in the Prairie Village
when I was first starting out. As someone who
And as far as I’m concerned, skills like these
Shops, giving advice to grandparents on which
dodges asking questions in English class or
aren’t something you can pick up in a junior-
monogram font to use. But since I started
chokes down the wrong order at restaurants,
level English class.
working, I’ve learned infinitely more than just
I can’t Google where the handmade birthday
Inside The Little House, I pick up empty
how to help moms pick out coordinating clothes
crowns are stocked in the store with hundreds
Starbucks drinks and clean out dressing rooms
for family pictures.
of products lining the shelves. I have to ask my
full of clothes. These tasks remind me to do
manager.
simple things for my fellow customer service
navy-and-white saddle shoes.
Since applying for the retail position as a freshman, I’ve become more professional and
Having a job where nothing is set in stone
workers like neatly folding shirts I try on at
with
and there’s no way to prepare for every issue
other stores because I know how much easier
invaluable
that comes my way, has forced me to learn to
that makes the job. I’ve become hyper-aware of
experience doing everything from working the
ask questions when I don’t know something or
how I act around other people in the customer
cash register to answering questions over the
double check a procedure or price when I feel
service industry.
phone.
like I could be wrong.
poised
through
customers,
countless
while
having
interactions gained
I’m not saying to go rethink every time
Just a few shifts into my new job — after I
My previous fear of feeling like a burden if
you’ve asked for your burger to be cooked longer
had learned how to put tags on clothes and how
I ask too many questions has melted away with
at a restaurant or for an extension on an item
the store was organized — I began to acquire
the help of a manager who is always there to
that’s on hold in a store, simply recognizing
the true knowledge that comes with customer
clarify something and co-workers who have
when I can do something small to simplify the
service: professionalism and problem-solving.
no issue assisting me. I no longer have to
job of people in the customer service industry
the
dread going in during seminar to get help on
has helped me become more of a considerate
15-minute-customer-less periods but never
an assignment or staying after class to ask a
person in general.
even noticed until my boss reminded me to
teacher a question because I know that’s what
stand up straight. Over three years of chatting
they’re there for.
At
first,
I’d
end
up
slouching
in
job in customer service. The life-long lessons
While I have always prided myself on being
you take away from it are the true bonus that
back, my posture is better than a ballerina’s,
able to interact with adults in a well-spoken
comes with your paycheck. If you feel like
even while standing in the lunch line at school.
and articulate way, the practice I’ve gotten with
you already know everything that comes with
Then there’s the dreaded part of retail work
adults of all backgrounds and in all different
working a job at an ice cream shop or your local
— angry customers. At first, when a customer
types of situations has only enhanced these
Hen House without ever working a customer
was mad about how we didn’t have the right
skills. I’ve talked to everyone from mothers
service job, I can almost guarantee you that you
size in a dress, I’d apologize profusely. But
to business owners, all while enhancing my
don’t. There will always be something to learn
after about three angry grandmas who were
conversational skills with every little chat.
from a customer service job.
Three
years
later,
I
find
myself
more
LESSON 3 HOW TO CONVERSE WITH ADULTS
LESSON 4 HOW TO COMFORTABLY ASK QUESTIONS
LESSON 5 PROBLEM SOLVING
Because of this, I urge everyone to work a
with moms and practicing having my shoulders
upset about the color of tights we offered, I’m
RESPECT FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE WORKERS
SCAN ME INSTAGRAM Visit The Little House’s Instagram page to see their products and store
stor y by l ucy st ephe ns
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 11
THE HARBINGER
de s i g n by addie m oo re p h o to s f ro m MCT Campus
SWIFTIE CONSPIRACIES
Theorie s Taylor S wift ’s fans are circulating about her and Travi s’ rela tions hip
Travis is Taylor’s 13th public boyfriend “I’ll be 87 you’ll be 89”- “Mary’s Song” from Taylor’s first ablum Travis shares a birthday with Swift’s grandmother Marjorie on Oct. 5
TRAVIS & TAY:
not a hit A stud e n t ’s o p i n i o n o n why Tra v i s a n d Ta yl o r
I
YAY OR NAY? S taffer believe s Chief s player Travis K elce and singer Taylor S w i ft a re t he b e s t ne w c ou ple
IMMEDIATELY WENT into denial when
Just the fact that Taylor named her fourth album
“as if the street lights pointed in an arrowhead
I got a Snapchat from one of my friends
“Red” — the color of the Chiefs — is enough to
leading us home.” I mean how perfect is that —
showing
chest-bumping
confirm that they’re a perfect match in my mind.
she practically predicted this four years before she
someone in Chiefs football player Travis
The couple’s love story was sparked this
Kelce’s suite after he had scored a touchdown
summer when Travis attended the Eras Tour in
I checked social media and without a doubt,
Kansas City. He attempted to give Taylor his phone
my feed was spammed with stories, reactions and
I raced downstairs to my living room TV to see
number on a friendship bracelet he made, which
even fan edits about this couple. With each post
what my friend was talking about, and there she
alone sounds like something that comes straight
my mind was changed — this couple is a power
was — Taylor, celebrating with the Kelce family.
out of a romance movie.
move.
Taylor
Swift
don’t m a ke a g ood c o u p l e against the Chicago Bears.
“
CAMP B E L L A L L D R E D G E SOPHOMORE
I DON’T LIKE how all
of these people are saying they’re big Chiefs fans now and they love the Chiefs only because of Taylor Swift. I also don’t like that every time football’s brought up, it’s connected to her. Even though I love her and don’t want them to break up, there’ll be a whole album about why he’s an awful person and for everyone to hate him if they do.
even met Travis.
The hugs shared between Taylor and Donna Kelce,
It wasn’t until September 2023 when the rumors
Within less than a day I was seeing T-shirts
Travis’ mom, and the many high-fives in the
of this alleged couple were confirmed and Taylor
saying “Loving him was red,” complete with a
suite, instantly hypnotized me.
was spotted at Arrowhead Stadium watching the
Kelce jersey and theories explaining how perfect
Since their first public appearance in Kansas
Chiefs game in the Kelce family suite — the same
this duo is, and I’m here for it.
City at Arrowhead Stadium, Swift and Kelce are the
suite Travis watched Taylor perform at the Eras
hottest new celebrity couple this year.
tour.
Inevitably, there are suspicions that this whole ordeal with Taylor and Travis is just a publicity
After the game, the couple rode away in Travis’
I’m not going to lie and say I was always
snazzy 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible to have
team Travis and Taylor — I didn’t believe the
stunt and that the two aren’t a real couple, but I
dinner at Prime Social, a restaurant on the Plaza
news at first. A few months before Taylor’s grand
Superbowl winner is going to pull off a stunt to
— personally the most romantic thing I’ve ever
appearance in the Kelce Suite, my dad sent me a
reach more publicity. Especially not when Travis
heard. Travis rented out the entire restaurant for
Tweet about the rumored couple. I responded and
has just started his football season, and Taylor is
the two along with the whole Chiefs team just so
told him it was undoubtedly fake news. Taylor
in the middle of her monumental Eras Tour.
Taylor wouldn’t get bombarded by her fans, which
had just broken up with her boyfriend of six years
The insane amount of fame both Taylor and
is just adorable.
Joe Alywn, and honestly, I didn’t think Travis and
Travis have made this relationship skyrocket in
disagree.
No
A-list
celebrity
or
two-time
My all-time favorite football player and my
Taylor would last if the rumors proved to be true.
the media. It quickly became much bigger than
most listened-to music artist — two celebrities
It was when I saw Taylor giving her genuine
just two people dating. Travis and his brother
from entirely different worlds. An A-list pop star
smile through my TV screen and Travis persistently
Jason Kelce mentioned the relationship on their
with 12 number-one pop albums and an all-star
looking up at her, showing her off to his teammates
podcast
athlete with two Super Bowl wins seem like they
and coaches when a switch was flicked and I knew
questions about the rules of football. The official
shouldn’t belong together solely because their
they were perfect for each other.
NFL TikTok account changed their bio to “Taylor
“New
Heights”
answering
Swiftie’s
publicity is through the roof. In no realm would I
It was the fact that Taylor herself had chosen to
ever imagined they would meet, especially not in
be in my hometown, only a 26-minute drive from
In the end, this duo is just two people who
my hometown.
right where I was, that had me thrilled. And I’m
have one of the cutest stories starting from the
sure this isn’t the last time Taylor will make an
very beginning when they first met to now seeing
appearance at Arrowhead Stadium.
Taylor cheer on Travis on the football field. These
Nonetheless, this athlete-popstar power couple is breaking the internet more than anyone could’ve imagined — and I’m here for it.
And come on, she literally wrote a song called “Cornelia Street” back in 2019 with the lyrics,
Swift was here.”
two are truly “endgame.”
12 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
THE HARBINGER
2
d e s ig n b y b ri d ge t co n n e l l y p h o to b y ke n n a h a rri n g t o n
JAMES HAS GONE ON SHARK LAB’S MISSION IS
TRIPS S p a n i s h te a c h e r Pa m e l a J a m e s share s her love for
“ “
shar k s
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SHARK? THE ANSWER CHANGES all the time. A lot of the time I’d like to say, “the one I’m in the water with,” but honestly I think for right now the Great Hammerhead because they’re unique looking and so, so endangered.
WHY DO YOU LOVE SHARKS SO MUCH? THEY’RE REALLY MISUNDERSTOOD. People fear them almost irrationally. The amount of encounters with sharks and humans is really low compared to other things that kill people.
DO YOU THINK THERE IS A STIGMA AGAINST SHARKS?
“
HONESTLY, THE MOVIE “JAWS,” I think that kind of gore is in our cultural subconscious and so whenever people think the word shark, all they see is the blood in the water and people screaming.
RESEARCH EDUCATION
SHARK
LAB
CONSERVATION The travel program that HAS BEEN TO:
Jame s use s to pursue her
lov e for sha rks - MEXICO SCAN ME SHARK LAB - BAHAMAS Learn more about Shark Lab and how to do a similar excursion
smeharbinger.net/category/feature
d es ig n by v eronica ma n g in e p hotos by am elie w on g
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 13
Feature
THIS ISSUE I N
photos
W H AT ’S
BREWING? Coffee Shop staffers share
their favorite drink on the new fa ll me nu
A look inside student life at East in the past two weeks of school
“
I LOVE THE new campfire s’mores latte because it’s a great combination of flavors, and it’s perfect for this time of the year. SENIOR
MICHAEL MULLER | ma n a ge r
HIGH
photo by amelie wong
N ATAL EE SAN DS TRO M S E NIO R
HIGH
BUFFALO
“
A HIGH FROM my week was the
DECA competion because we got out of school, wore business clothes and went out to breakfast. My partner and I also got second in our category.
B O T T O M Physics teacher Miles Martin compares a group’s vector map to his key during a scavenger hunt activity. photo by maggie condon
“
SENIOR
IRA FINKELSTON | o p e ra t i o n s
NORA DORTO N -HUGUNIN FRESHMAN
“
MY LOW IS that I have two Ds.
LOW
LOW
Three students share a high from their week, a low and something random
T O P Sophomore Arianna Kennedy carves her design out of a linoleum square for a linocut printmaking project in art teacher Emma Chalk’s class.
One is in physical science and the other is in my math class which is bad because it’s almost the end of the quarter.
GABE AND ERSON JUNIOR
BUFFALO
A B O V E Junior Anna Whitefield whisks sugar and egg whites to make meringue for her kitchen’s baked Alaska in Advanced Foods. photo by amelie wong
I LIKE THE campfire s’mores latte. It’s a good unique drink, and it’s one of the most popular ones on the fall menu.
“
MY AUNT JUST got married, so I
got to go to that. It was fun, and it was my first wedding. But I had to split a piece of the wedding cake with my mom because there wasn’t enough for everyone.
s to r y by aanya ban s al d e si g n by k at i e murphy p h o to s co u r te s y o f carlie fout ch
Sinc e b e i n g d i a g n o s e d w i t h l e u ke m i a in e ig ht h g ra d e, j u n i o r C a r l i e Fo u tc h conti n u e s to v a l u e t h i n g s m o s t p e o p l e take f o r g ra n te d a n d h a v e a p o s i t i v e im pa ct o n th o s e aro u n d h e r
THE HARBINGER
Inspiring STREN J
UNIOR CARLIE FOUTCH has three lucky numbers. Eleven because that’s her basketball
jersey number, 07 — “not 7, but 07” — because she was born in 2007 and 13 because she was
13-years-old when the doctors caught her leukemia
early. Lucky is a word that has a special meaning to Carlie. Determined, caring, wicked smart — and maybe a little stubborn — are how her family sees her. Though Carlie has spent three years in and out of the hospital attending online school, undergoing and recovering from treatment and being forced to take a break from playing basketball, she remains clever and kind and has returned to in-person school this year at East. On the evening of the Homecoming game, Carlie was decked out in goddess braids, light makeup and her shoulderless black dress in preparation to walk down the track during halftime of the game. It was only her fifth day at East, but she was nominated to be an honorary Homecoming candidate and was announced with the senior candidates. “She came home from the game so excited and perky but yet she was tired,” Carlie’s mother Misty Kramer said. Carlie oftentimes uses a wheelchair to get from place to place to conserve energy. Going to school — something most teenagers take for granted — has been Carlie’s wish ever since her first online class. “She was so happy just to be in school that she
Carlie poses with her mom, stepdad, grandma and uncle — teacher Brett Kramer — after being awarded honorary Homecoming court. photo by caroline martucci
wasn’t worried about whether people would welcome her because she’s in a wheelchair and you don’t see that all the time,” Carlie’s uncle and psychology teacher Brett Kramer said. “I don’t think she was thinking about that at all. She was focused on, ‘I get to go to school. I’m out of the hospital and I feel good enough that I get to go do what a 16-year-old is supposed to be doing on the weekdays.’” Misty says that after all she’s been through, Carlie has become “wise beyond her years.” “If [her siblings are] arguing over something, Carlie is very mature,” Misty said. “She’s like, ‘Look, you guys need to stop because I’m sick. There’s so much more important things in life than all this fighting.’” *** In fall 2020, Carlie tested positive for COVID and spent two weeks cooped up in her room. But after quarantining, instead of feeling better, one of her
SOFTBALL WITH FRIENDS
LAKERS GAME
CHIEFS MEET & GREET
BEST MEMORIES
P h o to s d o c u m e n t i n g C a r l i e’s favorite moment s in t h e p a s t t w o ye a rs
hands swelled up and she had a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
HER JOURNEY
A timeline of Carlie’s life following he r le u ke mia dia gnosis
“I remember very clear
year she was with me becau Carlie’s grandmother and
Dianne Kramer said. “She w was so weak she didn’t feel Days later, Carlie was ta
in Belleville where the doc
bone marrow biopsy. After
had leukemia, she was ru
Hospital in Kansas City, M could be performed.
Misty and Carlie’s step-
with Carlie as the doctors
returned home from Childre
told Dianne what he believe doctors.
“What my son heard was
She’s going to be in the hos
is the best kind to have,’” D didn’t hear correctly.” ***
Carlie was diagnosed wi
— a type of cancer in whic
a large number of abnorma
spring semester of her eigh
Children’s Mercy — about a
home in Belleville — receivin
treatment leaving her sick t headaches and drowsiness.
fatigue a teenager feels whe mom to go to school after but constantly. She’d spend a month in t
in Belleville, back to the hos
10 more days at home. Car
grade graduation because sh
In the meantime, the d
so Carlie could undergo a
in order to clean up any re chemotherapy. She spent her time at
art projects, watching mys
Lifetime Movie Network and
Angie Thomas’s “The Hate and “On the Come Up.” “She loves listening to
plays the ukulele. She lov
siblings and catching up w
drawing, painting, arts, craf
CAUGHT COVID BEFORE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKEMIA
FALL
2020
D
M
J
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 15
FEATURE
NGTH former nurse practitioner
Fight CANCER Items that Carlie’s family recommends
donating to Children’s Mercy Hospital to j oin the fight against cancer
rly on Christmas Eve that
talented.”
use her mom was working,”
***
said. “She really loved the experience and was bragging
And according to Dianne, her great aunts reciprocate
In June 2021, the doctors found a donor.
about the players. She took lots of pictures with them,
Carlie’s love. They traveled four hours from Belleville to
After the bone marrow transplant, Carlie remained
but I think her favorite part was just being on that
watch Carlie be announced on the field during halftime
basketball court with them.”
of the Homecoming game, and when the proceedings
was making cookies and she
“To see her that happy was great in itself,” Misty
SCAN ME BLANKETS VOLUNTEER SNACKS Visit Children’s PRIZES FOR Mercy ’s website to learn more PATIENT BINGO about ways to volunteer NIGHTS
like she could stand up.”
at Children’s Mercy for about two months to recover.
ken to the emergency room
But a few months later, she relapsed.
them.”
***
ended after 20 minutes, they hopped back in the car and drove the four hours back because they needed to
ctors did blood work and a
Instead of immediately receiving chemotherapy for
After spending the past year with Carlie receiving
r the results showed Carlie
the second time, Carlie chose to partake in minimal
treatment in Kansas City — her longest hospital stay
ushed to Children’s Mercy
radiation treatment to spend time with friends and
being almost 100 days — and making the occasional
Everyone around Carlie notices her caring and
Missouri so additional tests
family and participate in the activities she loves —
commute to Belleville, Carlie and Misty officially
genuine personality. Chasity and Carlie’s friend Keirra
starting with sports.
moved to Prairie Village so that Carlie could start
Bates both say that while Carlie was undergoing
chemotherapy again. In November of that year, Carlie
treatment, she would always take the time and effort to
had her second bone marrow transplant.
ask them how they were doing.
-father Ryan Kramer stayed
Over the years, Carlie has played softball, volleyball,
s started treatment. Ryan
cheered and danced, but her favorite sport by far is
en’s Mercy after a week and
basketball.
ed was good news from the
“I’ve loved basketball my whole entire life,” Carlie said. “That’s why I say I’ve been practicing since I was
“
s, ‘Yes, Carlie has leukemia.
Dianne said. “Well, my son
ith acute myeloid leukemia
ch the bone marrow makes
al blood cells. She spent the
hth grade year in and out of
a three-hour drive from her
ng aggressive chemotherapy
to her stomach with terrible
About a month ago, she relapsed for the second
“I pick her up from school and I’m packing up her
time, and the doctors have shifted her treatment from
wheelchair and she’s in the vehicle and she’s like, ‘How
cure to comfort.
was your day mom? I missed you. I love you mom,’”
two.”
spital for a month, but this
Carlie’s first day at East was Sept. 25 — the Monday
SOME PEOPLE DON’T
be home the next day.
of Homecoming week. According to Misty, Carlie
Misty said. “She doesn’t just say it to get something. She says it because she means it.”
enjoyed spirit week, the game and her second high
***
school dance — ending the night watching the movie
realize how privileged they are to be in school because there are some areas around the world that don’t have schools where kids can learn, meet other kids, socialize and play sports.
“Missing” with her date.
Carlie enjoys going to the same school Brett teaches at, and Brett is touched by the kindness of his students.
“The extra great part was her first week being
“It makes me a little emotional because she’s been
homecoming week,” Misty said. “It was an extra pick-
through so much that few go through and so young,”
me-up for her. It’s very enjoyable to see her so happy
Brett said. “I’m so happy for her and I’m so moved by
and have so much fun after all this time.”
how welcoming the student body has been.”
***
Carlie is excited to be back to in-person schooling
Carlie grew up in a seven-person household in
after years of online school while she was in the
Belleville — a city with the same population as East.
hospital. According to Misty, when Carlie is determined
She has six siblings — four share the same mom and
to do something, she works hard to reach that goal.
two share the same dad.
And one thing she’s determined to do is learn as much
en they’re woken up by their
JUNIOR CA R L I E FO U T C H
only two hours of sleep —
When she was old enough in third grade, Carlie
She’s gone to the Renaissance Festival with her
started playing basketball for her elementary school
19-year-old sister Chasity and been “treated” by
“I love learning,” Carlie said. “Some people don’t
he hospital, 10 days at home
team. While undergoing treatment, she had to put
her 4-year-old brother “Dr.” Cooper. She’s had her
realize how privileged they are to be in school because
spital for a month and then
the sport on pause, but she continues to shoot hoops
makeup done for Homecoming by her 17-year-old
there are some areas around the world that don’t have
rlie also missed her eighth
whenever she can.
sister Caitlynn and stayed up until midnight on her
schools where kids can learn, meet other kids, socialize
“She’s like a gnat in basketball,” Dianne said. “A
birthday and her 16-year-old sister Maria’s birthday so
and play sports.”
doctors looked for a donor
gnat is very pesky and you swing around at it, but it
they could be the first ones to wish each other “Happy
a bone marrow transplant
doesn’t go away and it comes at you another way.”
Birthday.”
Carlie would feel the same
he was at the hospital.
esidual cancer hiding after
as she can.
Carlie also enjoys writing — she’s written a novel titled “Finding Myself” about her journey after her
Carlie’s defensive prowess — according to Dianne
Even when she was in the hospital, Carlie made sure
— and ability to shoot with both her left and right hand
to not only check up on all her siblings, but also her
the hospital doing crafts,
make her stand out in a crowd — even catching the eye
parents, grandparents, friends and great aunts.
stery shows with Misty on
of the coaches of the Los Angeles Sparks WNBA team.
One day, she asked Dianne to ask her sisters —
d reading books — she owns
For her Make-a-Wish in July 2022, Carlie traveled
Carlie’s great aunts — what they would like because
e U Give,” “Concrete Rose”
to California to meet the Sparks. She attended one of
she wanted to get them a present that would mean a
the team’s morning practices, shot a few baskets on
lot to them.
diagnosis and life in general. Though Carlie has a diverse set of hobbies, it’s her dream to live in California, play for the WNBA — specifically the Sparks — and pursue carpentry on the side. “Even when things feel like they’re impossible, even though I found out that there may not really be
music,” Misty said. “She
the court — impressing the coaches — and received a
“They’re her great aunts,” Dianne said. “That’s
a cure this time around, I’m just praying and hoping
ves hanging out with her
Nneka Ogwunike jersey in front of the crowd televised
normally somebody that kids don’t pay any attention
that God gives me a miracle and lets me live,” Carlie
with old friends. She loves
on the big screen. The reception ended with a standing
to. But she loves these sisters of mine as much as
said. “I’ve fought long and hard, and I don’t want to
fts. You name it. She’s very
ovation.
she loves me and wanted to do something special for
stop fighting.”
DIAGNOSED WITH ACUTE
MYELOID LEUKEMIA
ADMITTED TO CHILDREN’S MERCY, AGGRESSIVE
MISSED EIGHTH GRADE
RECEIVED A BONE
GRADUATION FOR CHEMO
MARROW TRANSPLANT
EARLY RELAPSE LESS
HAD A 15TH BIRTHDAY
THAN A YEAR AFTER THE
POOL PARTY WHILE PLAYING
2021 JAN.2020 APRIL 2021 JUNE 2021 JAN. 2022 JUNE 2022
JAN.
CHEMOTHERAPY BEGAN
TRANSPLANT
SUMMER BASKETBALL
MAKE-A-WISH AT THE SPARKS STADIUM IN LOS ANGELES
JULY
STARTED RADIATION THERAPY FOR PAIN CONTROL
2023 OCT. 2023
16 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
STUCO PROUD D
He talked with teachers and principals at Indian Hills about unclear food policies in classrooms from teacher-to-teacher to ensure all students were allowed to eat in class. The policy clarification was emailed to all students and teachers as a result.
SM EAST
Jeffrey ’s future plans for East while on StuCo
• more spirit weeks • student-led diversity clubs
• bonfires • movie nights on the football field
le a de rship Through all of their interactions, Blacketer
meetings of the year, senior
about the school. He put out polls and
approachable and friendly he is — two
and Student Body President
surveys
good indicators of future success on
over
asking
his
is
astounded
with
how
StuCo.
Jack Kessler opened up the meeting for discussion like usual. The StuCo
school and what changes they wanted
members were brainstorming a theme
to see. The results were startling —
Blacketer said. “He never hesitates to
for the Homecoming dance, a discussion
only 8% said they liked their school. He
say hi to people in the hallways. He’s
usually led by upperclassmen. According
knew he needed to help.
not scared to be himself, and he’s just
“When
I
saw
[the
poll
results,]
“He’s
a
very
outgoing
person,”
very personable as well. Overall, he’s a very helpful freshman president.”
their thoughts, he was surprised by
I thought ‘Well, that concerns me a
what he saw next.
little bit,’” Jeffrey said. “So I talked
Kessler and Blacketer say they are
Instantly, Freshman Class President
to a bunch of people and heard their
both glad to have such a strong freshman
Braxton Jeffery’s hand shot up, eager to
concerns, so I said ‘Let’s change that.’”
presence in StuCo and look forward to
The following months, he organized several spirit weeks as well as securing of eating in class — one of the main
year,” Kessler said. “I wish him the best
theme ideas and what you think needs to
complaints he heard. Aside from this,
of luck continuing to be personable and
be done, so I appreciate his vocalness,”
his impact can be seen in the meticulous
valuing relationships for the rest of the
Kessler said.
organization
StuCo career.”
his
contributions
to
every
privilege
“I hope he continues to share and
class that voted for you by sharing
of
the
bring new ideas to StuCo throughout the
that you’re actually representing your
with
school-wide
seeing what he accomplishes.
students
school
event,
down to the colorful posters.
Despite what he ends up doing,
At East, he’s hoping to continue
himself by taking the lead for planning
representing
the
his
classmates.
After
Jeffrey wants to make a difference for the people who he cares about most —
float,
the conference, he heard ideas from
spearheading discussions and activities
other schools, like including student-
“I really like getting to know the
in the KSHSAA StuCo conference while
based diversity groups and events like
people I work with,” Jeffrey said. “I
completing
bonfires or movie nights on the football
think it’s just really special,”
freshman
Lancer
many
Day
behind-the-scenes
his classmates.
running.
field, that he hopes to implement at
Constantly working on theme ideas and
East. Through these activities, he says
Blacketer said. “He never hesitates to
planning spirit weeks, he rarely has
he wants to unite the student body
say hi to people in the hallways. He’s
time for anything else. And he likes it
and educate them on less represented
not scared to be himself, and he’s just
that way.
cultures.
very personable as well. Overall, he’s a
tasks
Changed/unified school policy to allow all students to eat in class
while developing his passion for student
what his classmates wanted to change
morning meetings, Jeffrey has involved
IHMS
positive change s in his communit y
classmates how much they liked their
Along
h ow h e plans to continu e in t h e fu t u re
fre shman Braxton Jeffrey has made
his peers on StuCo, wanting to know
“Being on StuCo, it’s very important
Wa y s Jeffrey has alread y l e ft h i s m a r k o n S t u C o a n d
Through his involvement in S tuCo,
of the first Student Council
contribute.
MAKING HIS MARK
d e s ig n b y c l a ra b u rd i c k p h o to b y p a i ge b e a n
URING ONE OF During one
to Kessler, once he asked the group for
Braxton tells the joke of the week at the weekly morning StuCo meeting.
story b y greyso n i mm
THE HARBINGER
to
help
keep
StuCo
“He’s
a
very
outgoing
person,”
Jeffrey’s passion for StuCo leadership
“I kind of want to do something more
is undeniable while he continues to
diversity-related because there’s not
Kessler and Blacketer say they are
make an impact on the communities
a lot of that here, as East is [majority]
both glad to have such a strong freshman
he’s
white,” Jeffrey said. “So that, and also
presence in StuCo and look forward to
I want to do more spirit weeks, and
seeing what he accomplishes.
a
part
of
through
his
active
involvement in the organization. This
passion
first
sprung
in
school spirit stuff like that.”
very helpful freshman president.”
“I hope he continues to share and
seventh grade when he ran for class
Junior and Prom Committee Chair
bring new ideas to StuCo throughout the
representative, signing up just so he
Ingrid Blacketer has spent a lot of time
year,” Kessler said. “I wish him the best
had an activity at school.
with Jeffrey, while having only served
of luck continuing to be personable and
just
on StuCo with him for a few months.
valuing relationships for the rest of the
something to do because I wasn’t really
With Jeffrey being a freshman and not
StuCo career.”
into sports, so I just thought, ‘Oh, I’ll
knowing the details of East, Blacketer
Despite what he ends up doing,
try something new,’” Jeffrey said.
is his go-to person if he has any
Jeffrey wants to make a difference for
questions during morning meetings or
the people who he cares about most —
even helping him secure a trailer for the
his classmates.
“At
first,
it
was
kind
of
He loved it instantly. “I
like
the
leadership
on
StuCo
because there’s a bunch of different people that I get to know now,” Jeffrey said.
freshman Lancer Day float. “He’s just a really great person to work with,” Blacketer said. “He’s
As time went on, he leaned further
always willing to help people and when
into his role in middle school StuCo and
Ms. Fishman will ask for volunteers, he
spent more time at meetings talking to
will always volunteer to help out.”
“I really like getting to know the people I work with,” Jeffrey said. “I think it’s just really special,”
s tor y by ma g gie cond o n
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 17
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by zan e l ai n g
Juniors Francie Garrison, Sophia Beedle and Lulu Stadler talk about physics over bagels at Einstein Bros.
p h o to by carol i n e m ar tu cci
Juniors Camilla Simmons, Lulu S tadler and S ophia Beedle created the breakfast club, allowing members of the
BREAKFAST CLUB
J
.
THE
ju nior c la ss to ge t c lose r
UNIOR LULU STADLER took a pause
turning their dream into a reality. They
emailed Rise to explain that they had a club
“I get to go socialize with my friends and
from debating her Homecoming after-
decided that late start Thursdays could be
meeting there and to see if they could score
also eat really good food,” Root said. “And
party outfit with her friends-turned-
filled with socializing instead of an extra
any sort of discount. Rise was willing to
that’s something I look forward to every
club-members to slather ketchup on
hour of sleep.
give them them 10% off the meal for anyone
Thursday late start.”
her Chick-Fil-A hashbrowns at 7:50 a.m.
Since forming the Breakfast Club in August,
However, before they could fill out the club
application,
they
needed
a
teacher
that was there for the Breakfast Club when purchasing their biscuits.
As for the future of the club, there will be more opportunities for juniors around East
Stadler’s new favorite Thursday morning
sponsor. Chemistry teacher Susan Hallstrom
The first meeting consisted of under 10
to spend the first Thursday morning of the
activity is dining at a local restaurant before
seemed like the obvious choice — being
juniors walking through the doors of Rise,
month with each other. The population of the
school for the sole purpose being to connect
Simmons’
ready to catch up and share a breakfast with
club continues to grow with their Instagram
with other students.
a tennis coach for all three girls. However,
fellow members of their class.
getting comments from both @risebiscuits
Two months earlier in the middle of the
former
chemistry
teacher
and
Hallstrom originally declined because of her
August heat, Stadler was brainstorming ways
tight schedule.
to get more involved in the school as well as
“They
begged
groveled, said
saying “Glad everyone enjoyed their breakfast
expanded to over 10 members.
at Einstein Bros!”
please,
halls of school.
laughing. “They used the whole, ‘We love
Stadler decided to schedule regular meetings
community because going into that was the
you, we want you to do this,’ and I caved and
on the first late start of each month. When
goal,” Stadler said. “To bond our grade and
agreed to do it.”
the first Thursday of October rolled around,
hang out with people outside of our usual bubble of friends.”
She’d seen a group of seniors start and
Hallstrom
‘Please,
commenting heart emojis and @einsteinbros
Fil-A for their second meeting where they
widen her community of friends around the
grow Pickleball Club into an activity that
please,’”
and
Two weeks later, the club met at Chick-
while
At
that
point,
Simmons,
Beedle
and
brings the senior class together. Stadler
The club was approved by administration
they posted their usual Instagram story poll
wanted to make something special for the
in one day after filling out various Google
where people could vote where they wanted to
class of 2025, so she teamed up with juniors
forms.
to
eat. For this meeting it was between Nektar
Sophia Beedle and Camilla Simmons to make
Hallstrom’s room and grabbed her chemistry-
and Einstein Bros. — members voted bagels
the ultimate Class of 2025 club.
themed coffee mugs to take silly pictures
for the win.
“We feel like every grade should have a club that everyone can go to in their grade,”
After
the
approval,
they
ran
announcing that they’d been approved to post on social media as promotion. They created an Instagram account @
waiting to mingle. They snagged the center tables big enough for the
brainstorming and coming up with an idea,
They designed online flyers to hang around
group to all be close discussing
but they settled on the one — breakfast club.
school and asked students in all of their
Homecoming,
Taylor
Once they had the idea they wasted no time
classes to join.
at
game
LET’S GET
MUNCHIN’ R e stau ra n t s t h a t h a v e s h o w n
s uppo r t fo r t he Bre ak f as t C l u b
the
Chiefs
builds
a
stronger
East
Swift and
AP
By September, they had over 100 followers
Biology homework. Junior and
on the Instagram account and immediately
Breakfast Club member Poppy
started promoting their first meeting on
Root’s favorite moment was the
Sept. 14: a “breakfast bash” at Rise Biscuits
lighthearted catchup with some
in the Village Shops.
friends she doesn’t always get
RISE PROVIDED THE club with a 10% discount and commented heart emojis on their Instagram post
it
The girls walked into the bagel shop
breakfastclubsme and a GroupMe on Aug. 24.
In preparation for the first meeting, they
hope
to find an excited group of 15 juniors
There were a slurry of texts back and forth,
Beedle said.
“I
the chance to talk to.
EINSTEIN BROS COMMENTED “Glad everyone enjoyed their breakfast at Einstein Bros!” under the Instagram post
SCAN ME INSTA Meet the founders of the Breakfast Club and get updates by following their Instagram account here
stor y by i s abe l bal d a s s aro de s ig n by kai mcpha i l photo by li v madde n
your STRUT THE HARBINGER
J u n i o r Pa i g e Bean ran a fashion show in the
a u d i to r i u m w i t h student de signers and models
S
on Oc t . 5 TANDING BACKSTAGE WITH the
rest of the group, junior Rubi Marroquin is surrounded by the blinding blue lights, upbeat house music and a closed curtain. She stands ready, talking to her new friend and Fashion Show coordinator, sophomore Paige Bean.
SCAN ME VIDEO Watch a video recap of the fashion show.
STUFF
East’s student-run fashion show occurred on Oct. 5., bringing designers, fans and East families to the auditorium to celebrate student artists and raise money for her ChargePoint Charger project. This project was created by Bean to fund electric car charging spots in the East parking lot. Bean puts a hand to her heart as she struggles to get her words out. She feels rewarded for all her work emailing students, getting permission to use the East auditorium and setting up in person and online ticket sales to prepare for this moment. Since the show got approved in July, Bean has spent the last three-and-a-half months reaching out to East artists who would want to design or model pieces. Her summer spent watching fashion shows at Interlochen Art camp in Michigan inspired her to bring more opportunity to the fashion side of East students. Which resulted in a runway-style fashion show with the theme of the elements earth, water, fire and wind. “I wanted to have something related to the environment that was easy to be creative with and tied back to the initial cause,” Bean said. Model and designer duo sophomores Makena Pruitt and Eliza King spent hours outside of school working on the dress. From measuring to sewing, King was busy crafting up her asymmetrical satin dress that warped around and tied in the front for Pruitt to model in the show. “I would often get texts from Eliza saying ‘Hey I need your measurements for this’
or ‘Hey come on in and try on what I have so far,” Pruitt said. While Pruitt was mostly “hands off,” she was happy to help throughout the entire process even if that meant having to constantly try on Eliza’s designs. Pruitt walked down the makeshift theater runway to the pop background music while focusing on aligning her toes parallel and keeping her feet stationed in her heels. “I walked out and saw a couple of my friends in the crowd,” Pruitt said. “So that gave me a lot of confidence.” King’s dress, designed to fit Pruitt, took over ten hours to make sure it fit her vision for her dress. Between purchasing the fabric and sewing each individual stitch perfectly, King says she spent around ten hours working on her design. “I designed a green dress with a satin fabric from JoAnn’s using my home sewing machine for Makenna to show on stage,” King said. The duo successfully presented the dress leaving King proud of her hard work without matching any particular element. However, not all designers needed a partner to help them throughout the show process. Senior Elsa Thornhill and sophomore Maria Rocca both designed and modeled their own dresses for the show. According to Thornhill, she thought it would be less of a challenge when it came to measurements for the dress. “Some people had other people model their designs but I decided to design my own because it’s easier to sew to my own proportions,” Thornhill said.
After spending the past three years waiting and searching online for an opportunity to design her own piece for a fashion show since her previous fashion show experience, she figured this was her chance. “I did [a fashion show] when I was in eighth grade and I’ve loved fashion ever since,” Thornhill said. “So I’ve been looking for another one to get my designs out there.” Sewing the dress was one of the coolest things she’s ever done, according to Thornhill. “I ended up doing the earth [element],” Thornhill said. “I went to Joann’s and I saw this fabric and immediately got the idea for my dress because it was a pretty mesh and floral fabric.” Fueled by the same interest in fashion, Rocca decided to participate in the fashion show after her mom read about it online. When she couldn’t find a friend to help model for her, she decided to do it solo. Rocca started off following the theme, then later deciding to use an old design idea to make her dress fit perfectly with her expectations. She decided on a black dress with a blue top, blazer, corset and a tulle skirt underneath to puff out the dress. Bean says her favorite part of the whole process was artists emailing her weekly with updates on their design processes. These updates allowed her to collaborate with the designers and navigate her way throughout the final touches of the show. “It was such a cool experience and now I have a dozen new friends I would’ve never met,” Bean said.
FEATURE PHOTO- STORY
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 19
L E F T Junior Rubi Marroquin’s and her model Teagan Vang waits for sophomore Paige Bean to announce the winner of the fashion show while holding hands. photo by liv madden
B E L O W Johnson County Community College student Vangs walks down the runway as a model for Junior Rubi Marroquin. Vang modeled Marroquins “water” dress, inspired by the theme “Elements .” photo by liv madden
BOTTOM RIGHT Senior Georgie Fraser walks behind the curtain to head backstage after debuting her white tulle dress for the crowd. photo by molly miller BELOW MIDDLE Sophomore Eliza king and Makena Pruitt pose for a photos after modeling designer Eliza Green’s green satin mini dress photo by molly miller F A R L E F T Sophomore Eliza King works on stitching fabric for her potential design. King ended up not using this design. photo by paige bean
SCAN ME PHOTO
from a PAGE
to the STAGE
“
Tw o de signers give their procce ss in c re ating their dre sse s ELSA THORNHILL
WELL I DIDN’T have anything specific, I originally had a completely different design around water since the theme was elements, but when I went to the fabric store and saw this gorgeous floral fabric. I knew at that moment that I would make something with it.
Scan this QR code to purchase photos from this event
“
MARIA ROCCA
I TOOK INSPIRATION from more of a costume perspective. I wanted it to be very different so all I did was I found pieces that I liked and put them into the piece that people wouldn’t usually think about doing.
20 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
A & E...
de s ig n by so ph i a bro c kme i e r ph o to s co ur te s y o f h adl ey se i be r t , smevi su al ar t s & pai ge be an 7 p.m.
O C T. 2 1
O C T. 2 1 debate competition
marching band competition
UPCOMING EVENTS Mark your calendars
smeharbinger.net/category/a&e
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
CHECK IT OUT
The art department’s Instagram account features new artists weekly
@smevisualarts
...
Senior Hadley Seibert turned an ankle-length dress into a mini dress for the Homecoming dance
“
a store in The Village where we sell various dresses that are different lengths and patterns. I had my eye on [this one] for a while but it was never in my price range. Finally it went on sale so I bought it for $40 and brought it to my art teacher at East. She helped me hem a seam at the bottom to make it a lot shorter. The dress was originally right at ankle length but I was able to make it just above my knees. I’ve been sewing ever since I got my first machine when I was eight and have stuck with art, especially since most of my classes are art ones.
a r t by jun ior evie ordon ez
“
IT’S NICE TO
get recognition for my art from people other than a teacher or parent. Even if it’s not direct, I still appreciate knowing my work is out there and that really anybody could see it if they follow the account or know what it is. I definitely recommend students follow @smevisualarts because there’s lots of content from classwork to art club opportunities. It’s a good way to be informed about things going on in the art department and with the art students.
ar t b y ju n io r a m elia d i e f e nd or f
AMELIA DIEFENDORF JUNIOR
STEPS TO POST:
I WORK AT
HADLEY SEIBERT SENIOR
PREVIOUS STITCHES:
Ot her p ro j ect s S ei b er t ha s ma de or he mme d
8-YEARS-OLD
SOPHOMORE
COASTERS DRESSES SWEATSHIRT BAGS
JEAN SKIRT QUILT SWEATSHIRT
NOW SCARING
Ho r ro r m o v i e s rel easing at the end of October
and after photos of the art 1 before product
NIGHT OF THE HUNTED
2 Photos are posted on the account
Oct. 20
Art teacher Adam Finkelston takes
Release Date: Where:
SUITABLE FLESH
Release Date: Oct. 27
Where:
In Theaters
Shudder
DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING HORROR MOVIES IN OCTOBER? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 24 6 v o t e s
a r t b y s en io r s a m my sc he f f
YES NO
20%
80%
s tor y b y addi e moore
d e si g n by g reyson i mm p h o to s by mol l y mi l ler
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 21
THE HARBINGER
IT’S NOT
CHICAGO A re vi e w o f th re e l o c al C h i c ago -st y l e d eep d i sh p i zzer i as
BOTH TIMES I’VE stepped off
of sauce are what rank deep dish
the plane and into Chicago Midway
the highest in my pizza-loving
Airport, the only thing on my
appetite. But living 500 miles away
mind is deep dish pizza. I made a
from my favorite restaurant makes
beeline straight to Giordano’s for
it hard to immediately satisfy any
their famous pizza — a staple of
cravings, so I embarked on a quest
the city.
to find the best deep dish pizza in
The crispy crust and overload
Kansas City.
9928 College Blvd. Overland Park, KS
WITH FOUR CUSTOMERS
5 ROSATI’S PIZZA perfectly-cooked crust made
amount of time — only 25
eagerly crammed inside the
my heart happy — the only
minutes — without burning
small takeout lobby of Rosati’s
issue being its lack of sauce.
it or leaving it undercooked,
Pizza, my expectations were
When I picked up a slice,
which Rosati’s did perfectly.
high.
almost all of the sauce slid off.
Although its lack of sauce
When I opened the to-go
The piece was dry without it,
made it taste like a glorified
box in my car, I almost sped
causing me to dip it into the
cheesy bread stick, I’m not
home with excitement. The
pile of sauce from my fallen
completely opposed to going
strong smell of the pizza sauce
pizza like a breadstick.
back. However, the speeding
made me nostalgic for the Windy City. The
gooey
cheese
and
One notable aspect of the
ticket
on
the
way
back
pizza is the crust. It’s difficult
wouldn’t be completely worth
to bake something with such
it.
a thick crust in a reasonable
7820 Quivira Rd. Lenexa, KS
THIRD COAST
5
WHEN I GOOGLED “deep dish
about 35 minutes to come out,
bite,
pizza in KC” the first thing to
I decided to order the meatball
even more. The sauce-to-cheese
pop up and highest rated was
appetizer to soothe my hunger.
ratio was impeccable, and it even
The
After
internet
restaurant
and
stalking drooling
stayed on the slice — which, in comparison to the other pizzas I
the
sauce — which was great to save
tried, is apparently a lot to ask.
over
space for the 10” plate of heaven
the beautiful pizzas, I walked
headed my way. The pizza was one of the
the closest to Giordano’s I’ve
the cheese deep dish pizza. After
prettiest things I’ve ever seen —
tasted without having to buy an
being told the pizza would take
the intense globs of sauce made
$87 plane ticket and fly an hour.
11969 S Strang Line Rd. Olathe, KS
5 OLD CHICAGO
FOR A RESTAURANT that’s
ordered the classic deep dish
pizzas, and the sauce was under
named after the city, you’d
cheese pizza. I was surprised
the cheese.
they
would
know
when the waitress came back
Yes, you heard it right.
On
less than 15 minutes later —
the Old Chicago website
Giordano’s pizzas take around
The easiest way to identify a
they
serve
45 minutes to cook all the way
deep dish pizza is by the large
“traditional Chicago-
through. Despite my worry, I
vat of sauce placed right on top.
style deep dish” —
carried on.
their
pizza.
Wrong.
claim
to
I was already disappointed by the appearance, but to top it all
their pizza, I’m not
in a deep dish pan, but didn’t
off, the crust was undercooked,
sure what they’re
remotely resemble its gloriously
making it doughy and chewy. Oh
talking about.
oversauced
thick
and there was a strand of hair
After browsing
crust looked more like the puffy
on the first piece I grabbed —
menu,
crust on DiGiorno oven-baked
ew.
the
after
I
tried
I
The
Under. The. Cheese.
presented
and
I’d go back to Third Coast Pizza any day of the week. It’s
up to the register and ordered
me visibly giddy. Once I took a
think
increased
meatballs covered in marinara
reason.
had
happiness
two
Third Coast Pizza — and for good
appetizer
my
pizza
was
model.
The
22 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
The NOT-SO
story b y mar y g a ge n
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y l o re l e i g a l l e s p h o to b y rya n d e h a n
A
GOLDEN BACHELOR
The new TV sho w “ G o l d en B ach e lor” is a dista ste fu l t wist on the origina l se rie s MERICA’S QUEST FOR love takes on retirement homes,
hearing
aids
and
social security checks with
ABC TV’s new show “The Golden Bachelor.” Putting a spin on the hit dating TV show “The Bachelor,” “The Golden Bachelor” came out on Sept. 28, with a painfully distasteful display of grandparent “romance.” “The Bachelor” consists of one man and around 30 women who vie for his votes of love until there’s only one left. All contestants on the new show are senior citizens — all sixty or older— and most of the women on the show have been married two or more times. 72-year-old bachelor Gerry Turner was married for 43 years prior to his debut. His late wife suddenly passed away six years ago. According to Gerry, the show provides an opportunity to find the second love of his life. Unfortunately,
as
wholesome
as
Gerry seems, many of the women don’t share that same soft and sweet personality. The majority of the women begin their bachelor debut cracking intimate jokes that would more likely be overheard in a high school bathroom — no one wants to hear their grandma say that.
older
one dates, the bachelor tends to become
age of 60 go on a reality TV show to
women characters to spice up the show,
While
I
expected
spunky
more bold with his approach with flir-
find their second true love — if such a
I was instead cringing at jokes that I
tatious remarks.
thing exists. The intended audience of
wouldn’t want anyone in my family to
Given the nature of the show, dis-
this show might be intended for older
tasteful pickup lines should be expect-
people longing for love, but it’s better
ed, but they’re agonizing nonetheless.
fit for anyone who has time to burn and
time is darling, but there’s something
Hearing a 72-year-old man request a
isn’t afraid of cringing.
unsettling about watching someone my
70-year-old woman he’s just met to
After watching each episode, I found
grandpa’s age make out with a woman
lick icing off of his face was more dis-
myself
turbing than most reality TV shows.
show was meant for. Each person I
hear. The idea of finding love a second
“
HEARING A
wondering
who
exactly
this
Trying to balance that with intense
talked to over the age of 50, including
72-year-old man request a 70-year-old woman he’s just met to lick icing off of his face was more disturbing than most reality TV shows.
flashbacks from their younger years
my grandma and her friends, found the
don’t sit quite right.
show offensive, whereas individuals 25
In
addition
emotional
to
the
rollercoaster
ever-flowing
to 40 enjoyed the idea of the show. Not
of
having a clear audience is yet another
love
and
loss, the intense music only adds to the
letdown of the new series.
chaos, making the show feel like pure
I was looking forward to this show
anxiety in a nutshell.
coming out — I had faith in this being
The show almost feels like a remake
a sweet twist on the typical reality TV
of a rom-com from the early 2000s but
show. Sadly, my expectations weren’t
he just met — no less, a montage of
with a much older cast. The appeal of
met.
back-to-back make-out sessions.
the 2000s rom-coms is found in the
marked a new low for reality TV.
For each disappointing contestant,
naive behavior of the characters —
there’s an equally charming contestant.
something the target audience —teen-
From a pickleball co-captain to a ther-
agers — can relate
apist the pool of candidates provides a
to. That being said,
diverse selection of potential lovers for
not even the targeted
Gerry. Each woman certainly came with
older audience is able
her fair share of quirks, adding up to a
to relate to the raun-
unique bunch.
chiness of the show.
Regrettably, Gerry isn’t always as innocent as he seems. During one-on-
Very rarely do individuals
over
the
“The
Golden
Bachelor”
HAVE YOU WATCHED THE GOLDEN BACHELOR? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 8 9 v o t e s
YES 7% NO
93%
An introduction to the G olden Bachelor himself and G agen’s favorite and least
MEET the CONTESTANTS favo r i te co nte stant s o n t he sho w NAME: Gerry AGE: 72 BIO: After being married to his highschool sweatheart for 43 years, he has been widowed for seven years.
NAME: Ellen AGE: 71 BIO: After her best friend passed nine years ago, Ellen has been longing for another deep companionship.
has
NAME: Sandra AGE: 75 BIO: Sandra emphasizes her need for intimacy.
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smeharbinger.net/category/sports
17
19
7 p.m.
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
Va r s i t y S o c c e r @ S M A C
Va r s i t y Fo o t b a l l
7 p.m.
@ MVHS
WHICH GAME ARE YOU GOING TO ON OCT. 9? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 8 4 v o t e s
74%
VARSITY FOOTBALL
26%
VARSITY SOCCER
varsity tennis
REGIONALS RECAP A run d o w n o f t h e g i r l s’ varsi t y te n n i s re g i o n a l s tourn a m e n t o n O c t . 1 6 a t Ho m e s te a d C o u ntry Cl u b
SENIORS ABIGAIL LONG and Katie Schmidt won first place for doubles in straight sets, and seniors Ellie McDermed and Katie Murphy placed third after losing in the semifinals to Blue Valley Northwest in a third set. Junior Ishya Bhavsar lost 6-4, 7-5 to Blue Valley West senior Sarah Yan in the singles finals, and junior Macy Garwood lost to Bhavsar in the semifinals before placing third.
COACH SHOUT OUTS Varsit y Girls’ G olf C o a c h B e n He n d r i c k s re c o g n i ze s im pre ssive p layers t hi s fa l l s ea s on
B E N H E N D R IC KS HE A D C OAC H
“
OUR BEST PERFORMERS lately as far as
improvement this year have been Addie Sullivan and Georgia Boyd who have done great, and our senior Maren Adams who has improved and is very dependable. Maggie Leonard and Faith Grecian have had their ups and downs but are both really good players. C o a c h i n g Va r s i t y G o l f f o r 3 y e a r s . First year as only Head Coach.
d e s ig n b y i s a b e l b a l d a s s a ro
varsity soccer
ays lef
t
Sports
24 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
1
Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se
19
OCTOBER
7 p.m.
Va r s i t y S o c c e r @ S M N
R I G H T Senior Luke Pearcy carries the ball down the sideline before he is tackled by a defender on the 20-yard line in the beginning of the third quarter. photo by clara peters B O T T O M L E F T Senior Ryan Dehan runs back to his team in celebration after the Lancers scored a touchdown in the first quarter of the game. photo by clara peters BOTTOM RIGHT Head coach Mark Simoneau stands with coaches Shawn Hair and Gregory Welsh as he reacts to a potential touchdown. photo by clara peters
senior night
countdown
UPCOMING EVENTS
21
OCTOBER
11 a.m.
Varsity Gymnastics @ NHS
s tor y by l uci ana me nd y
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 25
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by ma g g i e kis s ic k ar t b y carol i n e dan iels p h o to s by ke n n a h a rri ng t on, r yan deh an & ame l ie wong
IS IT WORTH IT?
Competitive sports cause te e n a t h l e te s to s a c r i f i c e i m p o r ta n t ex p e r i e n c e s f o r t h e
small chance of playing at the college level
I
SMILED BITTERLY as I scrolled
through my friends’ homecoming Instagram stories showing off their sequined
dresses
while
pinning
boutonnières on their dates. But I didn’t have time to swipe up to DM them and ask how the dance was going. Maybe the after party was starting then, but warm-ups for my KC Athletics club soccer game in Springfield started in 20 minutes. I grabbed my water bottle and made sure I had everything I needed in my bag:
started to notice how demanding club
ice cream trips and unbeatable grass
soccer is. Every waking moment revolves
stains hold my favorite memories of the
around training, practice and achieving
sport while I played on my elementary
perfection. I have chemistry homework
school’s team.
to do over the weekend? Too bad. I can’t help but wonder if it’s even worth it.
My goal is to play soccer
today. I vividly remember my parents sitting me down at the dining room
prioritize training over my social and
table and telling me that if I wanted to
school life to even have the slightest
continue playing soccer I should move on
chance of playing in college doesn’t
and start playing on a competitive club
seem to pay off.
team. At the time I knew it was going to
Socializing with friends outside of the
sports bubble has become a rare luxury.
gave one last outfit check in the mirror. My all-blue uniform stared back at me, and I couldn’t help but wish that it was a sparkly, strapless navy dress instead.
Whatever, this is an important game. You’ll just go to the dance next year. A familiar lie I tell myself.
Being involved in club sports at a
high school level puts myself — and other athletes — in a difficult position of
either becoming highly-coveted recruits or playing the sport for fun with no inbetween. I’ve got a tournament but I’ll go to that party next month. I can’t hang out that day, I’ve got practice at 6 p.m., but we can go see the movie next week. I’ve got soccer tonight, I’ll study for the test tomorrow. With team practices three days a week, constant away games over the weekend and individual training on my free days, soccer has become the center of my life. Everything else has to work around it. I wish I could be the athlete that says they’d give up anything for their love of the game, but it’s starting to take too much time out of my life. As
I’ve
gotten
older,
I’ve
slowly
that affects the majority of my time
in college, but having to constantly
“
shin guards, soccer socks and cleats. I
Then in fifth grade, I made a decision
be different, but I wanted to get better at soccer. I made some new friends, got brand
THE CONSTANT NEED
new uniforms and my dribbling skills improved, but as the years went by the level of competitiveness increased — winning became crucial, my passes were
to improve, impress coaches and secure scholarships and offers is turning sports into a high-stakes endeavor rather than an enjoyable past time.
expected to be perfect and there was little room for error. As much as I’d love to play college soccer at a high level, club sports are an
awkward
in-between
of
training
academies and recreational teams. When I joined club soccer, I didn’t understand
I’ve started to miss out on events like
the rabbit hole of the commitment I was
birthday parties, vacations and concerts
making.
because they conflict with my training schedule.
Schoolwork
has
become
Trying to meet the expectations of the
a
sport started to take a toll on my love
juggling act, coming home from practice
for it. Instead of being excited to play,
sweaty, tired and sore doesn’t give me
I began to feel anxious. I stopped caring
much incentive to do assignments.
about post-game ice cream because I was
The sport I used to adore is now
too busy going over every mistake I made
causing me to sacrifice my teenage years
in the game and I didn’t get grass stains
just for the possibility of a D3 college
anymore. I got bruises.
offer. The
Youth sports should foster a love for constant
need
to
improve,
the game and allow room for personal
impress coaches and secure scholarships
growth beyond the field. It’s essential
and offers is turning sports into a high-
for parents, coaches and institutions
stakes endeavor rather than an enjoyable
to recognize the individual needs of
pastime.
each teenager. Young athletes and their
When I first started soccer in fifth
parents should carefully consider their
grade, I played for enjoyment — eccentric
priorities before going down the club
goal celebrations, mandatory post-game
sport route.
NOT ALONE
Other student experience s with club spor t s bu rnou t EMMY BARRET T JUNIO R SWIMMING FOR FOUR YEARS
“
WE HAVE TO be at the pool twice a day, [for a] lot of time and do weights. It’s really hard with school in between.
MARGOT BEAVER SENIOR PL AYED SOCCER FOR 10 YEARS
“
I HATED GOING to practice. I hated
traveling to games. I realized I was putting so much work and time into a sport I wasn’t going to play in college.
MAT THEW WATERS SOPHOMORE SWIMMING FOR EIGHT YEARS
“
[I DON’T HAVE] time to hang out
with friends or do homework. It takes up a majority of my time.
26 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
s to ry by luke b e il
THE HARBINGER
p h o to b y m a s o n s a nj a d e s i g n b y ve ro n i c a m a n g i n e p h o to s c o u r te s y o f j a ke m i l l er
R E L L I M
JAKE
TIME
S enior J a ke M i l l e r c o m m i t te d to Fa r l e i g h D i c kinson Universit y to play Division 1 baseba ll, d e s pite pl a yi n g h e a vi l y o n J V
T
HEN
SIX-YEAR
Jake
on how he can help the team in any way
said. “When that offer came I got choked
Miller laid down on his soft
possible. He can be found playing the
up,
cushioned couch with popcorn
outfield whenever needed and running
doubted by people he’s played for and
in one hand and a remote in
the bases as much as possible.
played with for his whole life, so I think
old
he’s
been
underestimated
and
the other — he was watching a Royals
“I know I’m in a tough spot because
game on his TV. Seeing third baseman
of how good our team is and I know
What drives Jake is the doubt and
Mike
home
we’re going to win games even if I don’t
underestimation he’s faced ever since
runs and Catcher Salvador Perez throw
play as much as I want,” Jake said. “That
he began his baseball journey. From
out players attempting to steal had Jake
being said, I still want to win for my
sophomore
completely entranced in the game.
team.”
always been doing something related
Moustakas
This
was
hit
the
480-foot
moment
playing
professional baseball someday in the future first crossed his mind. Now-senior Jake has completed one quintessential step in that process — committing to play Division 1 baseball at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Jake committed to FDU in August, but the process to get his commitment
“
I KNOW I’M in a tough
spot because of how good our team is and I know we’re going to win games even if I don’t play as much as I want,” Jake said. “That being said, I still want to win for my team.”
JAKE M I LLER SENIOR
it was a nice validation for him.”
year
until
now
Jake
has
to baseball. Whether that be a pitching program
to
grow
arm
strength,
weight training in school or hitting the cages, he always stays busy. “People would tell me constantly that I’m not going to play D1 baseball from friends to even coaches,” Jake said. “One time I asked my club coach if he thought I could play D1 and he just straight up told me no, and that just put
started over a year ago in July of 2022.
Jake stayed in contact on and off with
He attended a baseball camp in New
FDU for 10 months until August when he
Jake’s club coach, Nathan Moore from
York where his level of play immediately
had his official visit. It was then where
Precision Baseball Club, can attest to the
struck an FDU grad assistant’s eye.
he was truly astonished by the campus
disciplined work ethic Jake has. Moore
With a 60-yard dash of 6.86 seconds,
and what they had added from when
has been coaching him for the past two
arm velocity of 90 mph and an exit bat
he previously saw the campus back in
years as he’s played up with college
velocity of 92 mph, it’s no surprise they
October 2022.
freshmen and has seen nothing but focus
had interest in him.
“Everything was brand new from
a fire in me to prove him wrong.”
and determination everyday.
“I was ranked a top-three catcher at
when I first saw the campus in October,”
that camp,” Jake said. “The scout from
Jake said. “They had updated the weight
players
FDU came up to me and said how much
room, it was twice the size of last time,
“Being a great competitor is one thing
he liked my arm strength and hitting and
they were building a whole new baseball
and being a great person is another
told me to come check out the school.”
field and even the dorms looked a little
thing, it’s hard to find both of those in
nicer.”
today’s world, but that’s what he is.”
Although Jake is a Division 1 commit,
“He’s easily in my top three favorite I’ve
coached,”
Moore
During his visit to FDU, coaches had
As for the future, Jake is already
his career as a high school player. The
offered Jake a scholarship to come play
setting goals for when he steps on
reason for this being that the East team
for them. It was instant relief and joy
campus at FDU. He wants to play as a
currently has five other college commits
for Jake as he accepted the offer with
freshman
as of now at the D1 and JUCO levels. One
zero hesitation. The first step towards
College World Series. Even though he
of those commits is at his main position
his goal of playing professionally was in
believes the likelihood of these things
of catcher.
action.
happening are slim, it wouldn’t be the
Jake tries not to focus too much on the
“It always felt like this [FDU] was
fact that he doesn’t play much and more
the right place,” Jake’s father Tim Miller
eventually
get
to
he lpe d him ge t re c ru ite d
74 mph 321
6.86s
BATTING AVERAGE
90.3
CATCHER VELOCITY
60-YARD DASH TIME
% PERCENTILE FOR 60 YARD DASH TIMES FOR CLASS OF 2024
the
first time the odds were stacked against him.
Jake’s stat s from last season that
said.
he has only started one Varsity game in
and
SEASON STATS
JAKE’S STRIKEOUT PERCENTAGE WHILE PITCHING LAST SEASON
STRIKEOUT NONE 37%
63%
stor y by l i bby marsh
OCTOBER 16, 2023 | 27
THE HARBINGER
IT’S GO TIME
d e si g n by l ucy st ephens p h o to by w i l l g r i ffi t h
F
ORMER
EAST
PARENTS
Former East parent s S ara Clark and Tory K rebs go to every home Chief s game and host tailgate s inside of the ir RV
Tory
retire’,” Bret said. “And Melanie said, ‘Well,
emergency (someone else takes their parking
at the front of the lot, the entire tailgate is
Krebs and Sarah Clark have a
what are you waiting for?’ And finally we bit
spot), the pair keeps a $100 bill in the glove
set up. Food, tent, games and all.
game day schedule:
the bullet and bought an old RV.”
box ready to bribe anyone unaware of their unofficial spot.
“It’s like a full-service tailgate, just like
Pull out of the driveway in
After the seats were recovered in bright
Ruthie the RV at midnight before a Chiefs
red faux leather, red and yellow stripes were
The two have driven the red-and-yellow-
game. Stop at the Everyday Mart at 63rd
painted on the sides and TVs were installed
striped RV in the rain, snow or during
guests and even fans of the opposing team,
Street and Hardesty to buy a lottery ticket on
for much necessary pre-game footage — the
Christmas and Thanksgiving — hosting a
upholding the accepting, fun reputation of
the way.
RV was ready to go.
massive tailgate.
the tailgating community and invite anyone
The RV is parked in line at gate 5 just
Since buying the RV from the Weavers
A few days before the game the two send
outside Arrowhead Stadium hours before the
in 2018 Sarah and Tory have kept up with
an email to nearly 100 people, an invite to
gates even open and the two sleep — or at
tradition. Families in the “gate 5 crew” blast
their next tailgate. Guests must RSVP before
least try to — in the cramped RV surrounded
loud music early in the morning and someone
the game and pay $40 for food expenses.
by Crockpots and other pre-prepared food
cooks bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Besides running All Things Athletic — East’s school spirit store — Sarah and Tory
to sign the Chiefs red bathroom door of the RV in sharpie. “Everybody that we bring to the stadium that’s never been there before can’t believe that’s because their stadium doesn’t allow tailgating like Arrowhead does or their fans
said. “We’ve seen a family at [5 a.m.] have a
for an easy set up for guests. And when the
aren’t as generous and kind, but I’ve never
Pringles can chugging contest.”
tailgaters arrive a couple hours before the
heard anybody say they haven’t had a great
game and find their way to parking spot F-22
time at Arrowhead.”
makes a mad dash to get to their
and close family friends Bret and Melanie
“designated” spot. For Ruthie,
Weaver.
that spot is F-22. In all of their years of
the
tradition, Ruthie was born 20 years earlier,
tailgating they’ve never
long before the Chiefs held their two most
missed
recent Super Bowl titles.
spot. The same RV has
their
parking
---
been
parked
Bret and Melanie Weaver first bought
same
spot
Chiefs season tickets after moving to Kansas
single
home
chiefs
City in 2001. After a few years of attending
game
for
the
past
tailgates and cheering on the team, the two
20
years
under
the
fell in love with their adopted home team.
superstition that bad
in
for
the every
At games, Bret began to notice the vans
things will happen to
and trucks, setting up the tailgates before a
the team if they’re
game.
parked
“I said, ‘Well, I’m going to do that when I
new
everything in advance from tacos to burgers
tradition passed on from fellow Chiefs fans
expanded
any
in line waiting for the gate to open,” Tory
games, every single car, truck and even RV
Sarah
welcome
how fun it is,” Tory said. “I don’t know if
every home Chiefs game for a tailgate, a
and
Tory
Tory and Sarah spend nearly $2,000 each
When the gates open four hours before the
Tory
and
week on game day food and two days prepping
keep up the tradition of driving their RV to
While
Sarah
“We’ve seen a lot of really crazy stuff
until 6 a.m. when the tailgate festivities begin.
going to a restaurant,” Tory said.
anywhere
else. In case of an
GAME DAY ESSENTIALS
Ty pi cal items To ry a n d S a ra h u s e f o r t h e i r tailgate s
F2 2
PARKING SPOT
SHARPIES
Each fan who attends
They plan to feed 50- 80
FOOD & DRINKS
CANOPY TENT
F2 2 in the Chiefs parking
t he tailgate is able to
people and spend about
around the size of the
lot as a lucky charm for
s ign the RV door with a
$2,000 on grocerie s each
RV is used for shade
e a ch ta ilg a te .
S har p i e.
tailgate.
du ring the ta ilga te s.
They park the RV in spot
A large canopy tent
28 | OCTOBER 16, 2023
de sig n an d cop y b y sydn ey e c k
THE HARBINGER
p h o to s b y c l a ra p e t e rs
FREQUENT FRIDAYS
A spotlight of the
SCAN ME WEBSITE
upcoming Frequent
Frequent Friday information and other upcoming theatre shows
Fr i d ay shows
Nov.16 Tickless Time
5
TOTAL CAST MEMBERS
SENIOR IAN FLYNN’S Frequent Friday show is an adapted
version of the 1920’s play “Tickless Time.” A comedy based on
LEADING ACTORS:
living off of a sundial. The main characters, Tim and Eloise,
JUNIOR WYATT MOON FRESHMAN CLEMENTINE
keep track of time. As they live their daily lives, they realize
GOGOL
stop using automatic clocks, and only rely on the sundial to that the sundial isn’t as accurate as they previously thought. They struggle to adjust to their new schedule, but they don’t want to go back to using automatic clocks.
Why should others join theater?
“
NORA H ER R IN G
THE COMMUNITY [in theater] is really fun. There’s a lot of really nice people there and there’re a lot of really funny people, I always have a laugh there.
Date TBD TESSA’S
2
nd FREQUENT FRIDAY SHOW
“
IAN F LY N N
I LOVE DIRECTING. That’s something I’m super passionate about. And the theater community is great, and I want to help foster that and keep it going for the future generations.
Dec. Any Body
08 for Tea?
SENIOR NORA HERRING’S Frequent Friday show is an
adaptation of the murder-comedy play “Any Body for Tea?” The show is about three crazy old ladies who are all in love with Dennis O’Finn —their homicide detective neighbor. The play starts with Dennis O’Finn asking to transfer to a different detective unit and then flashbacks to the events that caused him to transfer. How far will the ladies go to get close to him?
Series of Unfortunate Events
SENIOR TESSA HERRING’S Frequent Friday is adapted version of her favorite childhood TV show — “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” It’s a 30-minute simplified adaption of the three orphaned Baudelaire children’s unfortunate life with their evil distant relative Count Olaf. They have to stick together as they escape from Olaf’s evil wrath.
Why did you put on a Frequent Friday show?
Why should people watch your show?
“
T E SSA HER R IN G
[THE CAST] PUT
a lot of effort into [the show]. I spend hours after school working on it. The cast put so much time into memorizing lines and blogging and all of that. It’s just a good way to support us and SME theater.
9
TOTAL
CAST MEMBERS