Oriole April 2018 issue

Augusta Oriole April 2018 Volume 85, Issue 6

The

Augusta High School

2020 Ohio

Augusta KS 67010

(316) 775-5461

www.orioleonline.com

AHSnewspaper@usd402.com

’Game of Tiaras’ creates comedy, laughter Aubrey Stueven Reporter

Tisdale’s character changed throughout the play.

“My character goes from being a sidekick to wanting to portray her own vision of hat she once was The cast of the school play presented “Game of and still could be. In the end, she ended up beating Tiaras” in the auditorium April 6 -7. everyone out and came out on top.” Tisdale said.

Director Tim Laner chooses the play every year, The cast rehearsed every day after school for keeping in mind who may be auditioning. seven to eight weeks.

“I decide by the number of students who audi“The average rehearsal times go from 3:15 p.m. to tion and who the seniors are,” Laner said. “I read 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, except on Wednesseveral plays before making a decision. I chose days when we go until 6 p.m., ” Tisdale said.

Game of Tiaras because it is hilarious and fun to put The spring play did not bring the turnout that together. It is based on a famous HBO show called many had hoped for and expected.

Game of Thrones, so “I was disappointed I was hoping it would in our turnout. I know I portray Pocahontas, and my ultimate goal part of it was the cold get people interested,” Though most of the weather, but there isn’t was to have as much fun with it as I could cast was seniors, a few a reason that the audiup-and-coming students while still following most of the script. torium should not be portrayed important almost full both nights.

- Emma Tisdale (11) characters as well.

In comparison to other “We have some great underclassmen who audidistricts that have to add days to accommodate their tioned and participated in the productions this year. crowds,” Laner said.

It is sad to see such talented seniors move on, but Laner felt the amount of effort put in, as well as there is always a younger generation ready to take cost of production, did not equal the turn out. over,” Laner said.

“We rehearse for almost eight weeks and to have Game of Tiaras took female actresses and turned a low turnout always bums me out. We also rely them into murderous Disney princesses. on ticket sales to keep our theater program going,” “I play the Little Mermaid. She plans to kill her Laner said. “It gives us less money to produce shows sisters and take the kingdom. She overcomes a lot of when people don’t show up. Musicals are not cheap opposing forces,” Haley Walker (12) said. to produce, just and FYI.” Actors had their own take on their characters.

The sound crew had new equipment to use.

“I portray Pocahontas, and my ultimate goal was “We had new body mics we had to deal with, but to have as much fun with it as I could while still fola big thank you to Dr. Black for purchasing new ones lowing most of the script,” Emma Tisdale (11) said. and getting us up to 15 body mics now,” Laner said.

Stueven

The characters stand at the front of the stage bridging the intermission to the second act. Each character had a different sign representing what character they played. Photo by Aubrey Stueven

The guards fight Snow White, Samantha Dudeck (10), off the stage. Ellie, Kayla Knoll (12), and Cinderella, Josie Hand (12) watch with smug expressions. Photo by Aubrey Stueven

“

”

Standing with his daughters, the King, Keeton Sims (12), decides how to split his kingdom between his three daughters.

He decides to split it in two parts. Photo by Aubrey Stueven

Keeton Sims (12) stands atop the massive set built for “Game of Tiaras”. Sims played a geriatric king. The king ruled over all of the English territory. Photo by Aubrey Stueven

Snow White lays murdered on the floor after being beheaded for accusing Cinderella of planning to kill the king. Snow White was played by Samantha Dudeck (10). Photo by Aubrey

Local Relay Recess event plans underway Noah Coldwell Reporter

Sam Derby (10), Raul Leedy (10) and J.C. Bailey (10) set up boxes and hurdles for the 2017 Relay Recess. The 2018 event is scheduled for April 27. File Photo

Every year in April, The American Cancer Society (ACS) organizes the Relay Recess event. This year, Augusta elementary school students will participate in Relay Recess April 27 in Hillier Stadium.

According to the ACS web site, The Relay Recess program helps drive home the message that it’s never too soon to adopt healthy habits in an effort improve overall health and prevent cancer,” This event is open to all elementary schools in the district.

The ACS said Relay Recess is a great way to build school spirit and establish closer relationships among teachers, students, and parents.

The activities students participate in are up to the schools in attendance. In past years, the events have included a series of obstacle courses made to challenge students in a fun and exciting way.

As part of last year’s Relay Recess, students

crawled through a box tunnel, hopped through hula hoops and ran cone course. Frisbees were also part of the day.

“There was a frisbee game that I enjoyed quite a bit, and the fact that they offered free water was pretty nice,” Gavin Barker (10) said.

Some years, the weather for the event is fairly warm, so water was needed.

High school students in gym classes and members of National Honor Society, andother groups help set up the course, run events during the day and work with the elementary students as race through the course.

The event has been a tradition in Augusta for a long time and has taken place nearly every year.

Some high school students have good memories of when they participated in the day.

“Having a full day of recess, which was my favorite school activity, was always the highlight of my year. I’m very excited for my little brother to try it for himself,” J.C. Roberts (11) said. “He likes the outdoors just as much as I do,” Roberts said.

2

News

The Oriole

April 2018

Memorial park to be Drumline beats their built for Augusta teen way to hockey game Lindsay Baugher Reporter

their stores. This will give the parents and kids something to do that do not live on the north side of town,” Troy Community members Troy and said.

Jenny Palmer donated land downThe park adds a new element to town for a future play park to be built downtown for people of all ages. in memory of their late son Dalton “It gives people something fun to Palmer. do. He was just about bringing joy to Dalton passed away in an ATV acpeople’s lives and making entertaincident his eighth grade year in 2014. ment for himself so this will definitely Dalton’s parents said they wanted be a good thing in memory of him,” to do something to Jenny said. keep his name going.

Many people are “I’m always going happy about the to say I want to carry park being added to on Dalton’s name, so Augusta. there’s that side of us “I think it is a great and the family, but way to remember then, on the other him, and it really side, I want to promote reminds me of when business, since I am a my friends and I business owner in this would always go to town, and I support the park by my house Augusta 100 percent,” every day after school Troy said. and play basketball,” When Mayor Zac Burton (11) said.

Matt Childers said a Dalton loved to park downtown was play outside and at Dalton Palmer pitching in a baseneeded, the Palmers parks. ball game. Baseball was Dalton’s donated a lot they “I want people to favorite sport to play. Photo courtesy owned located across know that Dalton Jenny Palmer from the city building. loved to play and play “For what it was going really, really hard. He would be all to be, as far as a play park and the over something like this play park that other incentives that it does for the they are wanting to build,” Jenny said. city, I thought, it [the lot] would be a Being with his friends was one of great place to put,” Troy said. his favorite activities.

The new “He loved park will help being with memorialize his friends.

Dalton’s life in Being with his Augusta. friends was “Kids will probably the ask questions most imporand say ‘Okay, tant thing to we go to this him. He liked park, this to go and hang park is named out at parks this, so who and just do was that after crazy things. all?’ it will be He was kind Dalton Palmer with his brother Colton Palmer and good for them of wild,” Jenny his sister Keely Palmer. This was the families last to know that,” said. vaction with Dalton and they went to Aspen, CloJenny said.

His friends rado. Photo courtesy Jenny Palmer The park will learned how to have more high-tech equipment. be fearless from growing up with him “Some of the equipment is going and playing with him. to be taller than the building that is “I want people to know that Dalton there, it is a high-tech, newer kind of was the type of person that could put development that they have come up a smile on your face, no matter what with,” Troy said. kind of mood you were in. I grew up The park will help buisness on the playing sports with him and he tought south side of town just like the park me to be fearless,” Burton said. on the north side of town did.

The park is going to have Dalton’s “Compare what [a park] has done saying incorparated withing it. His for the north side of town bringing saying was “You always have to try people out there because imagine something you aren’t good at.” all those people downtown walking Troy and Jenny hope the park will through people’s shops and seeing make people happy.

Aubrey Stuven Reporter

to use their tickets at the later date.

This was the first time in a few years the drumline had performed The drumline performed during the for the Thunder.

Wichita Thunder hockey game April 3.

“The drumline has performed “Their instructor, Mr. Nate Johnat the Wichita Thunder several son, has selected their best show from times since 2006. They have also this year for [the] performance. They performed at The Wichita Force, practice during band period and every and before that, The Wichita Wild, Monday night,” band director Todd arena football team,” Hollis said.

Hollis said.

“We hope to continue the tradition Johnson graduated from Augusta in the future.” in 2013 and returned to work with Former English teacher Kaye the drumline. The drumline had was Ward and her husband were forced to Thunder supcancel its porters and the first scheddrumline. The uled perforcouple passed mance Feb. away in 2017, 21 due to icy so the drumline roads. dedicated its “I think performance to everyone them. was disap“The Drumpointed. We line is dedicated were really to the memory Drumline stands on ice facing each other. This looking forof Mrs. Kaye was the groups last performace together. Photo by ward to that Lauren Burrows Ward. She game and taught English didn’t know if we could get refunds for at Augusta high school and middle the tickets,” Connor Davis (11) said. school for 42 years and was an avid Performing at the game provided a supporter of the Wichita Thunder. larger audience for the drumline after Kaye and her husband Forrest were perfroming at the home basketball longtime season ticket holders games. and sponsored individual players “I was really excited to play in front through the years. Each and every of a bigger crowd than we normally time that the Augusta Drumline do at basketball games although I did would play for the Thunder, Kaye get nervous stepping out on the ice in and Forrest would come over to front of so many people,” Davis said. where we were sitting and wish Families who purchased tickets for us well and congratulate us on our the original performance were allowed performance,” Hollis said.

Mathletes attend relays Noah Coldwell Reporter Pittsburg State University hosted the math relays April 10.

The relays series of tests students took with the cumulative scores tallying points per team. Students can participae in several events during the competition.

“I participated in the senior potpourri, the senior probability and statistics, junior competitional math, and I had one relay,” Gabe Fox (11) said.

Students competed against all different grade levels and placed according to their performance.

“In the senior events, I didn’t do very well because I was outmanned, but in my junior event, I placed third,” Fox said.

Twenty-five students signed up

wtih math teacher Jayson Schwinn to attend the math relays this year.

“I just did some tests and screwed around for the rest of the day, that’s all we do,” Gavin Kocher (11) said.

It’s available for all high school students who would like to compete in the math based tests.

“I got 6th place in one of my events in my first year, which was a cool experience. I look forward to doing math relays again next year,” Julianna Meinecke (10) said.

Although many students do not know about the relays, tthey can be an exciting opportunity for those who are interested “I was originally bribed into signing up, but I loved it. Although the definition of a mathlete is someone who partakes in math competitions, I would enjoy not being called one as of now,” Meinecke said.

The Augusta Oriole Staff 2017-2018 Mission and Policy Our mission as the staff of the 2017-2018 Augusta Oriole is to provide the student body with newsworthy information and entertainment in a professional and timely manner. The Oriole serves as an open forum for student expression in Augusta High School, encouraging all sides to voice their opinions in order to better serve the entire school community. Signed letters to the editor of no more than 250 words are accepted and may be edited for style, grammar, length and taste. If a student or faculty member would like to submit an article or comic please turn it in for review by the 1st of each month. The Editor-In-Chief is responsible for all content approved. The Oriole is published every progress term, with exception of the online edition and in accordance with the Kansas Student Publications Act is written, edited and produced by the Digital Media Design and Production students with the guidance of an adviser. Contact ahsnewspaper@usd402.com questions or concerns.

Editor-In-Chief: Bailey Pennycuff Adviser Julie Barker

Staff Lindsay Baugher Noah Coldwell Maddy Foy Gracie Johnson Charles Lighty Michaela Lord Tatum Moore Aubrey Stueven Sadie Williams

The Oriole

Opinions

April 2018

Nation-wide walkout conducted poorly Noah Coldwell Reporter A nationwide school walkout was organized to memorialize the 17 victims of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. This event took place in many schools across the country.

The event was discussed on social media in the month prior, organizing a 17-minute period where students would gather outside their school buildings and peacefully sit to memorialize the victims.

In theory, this was a wonderful plan that I thought was touching and thoughtful for the families. However, I think the way the activity was carried out at our school was out of hand and

disrespectful.

The issue of gun control has been one of the most heavily debated topics at hand for the past few years and is now beginning to gather more and more attention from celebrities and politicians.

“What we need are laws that do everything possible to keep assault rifles out of the hands of people who want to shoot our kids,” talk show host Jimmy Kimmel said.

I agree wholeheartedly that we need to do something to prevent school shootings Parkland’s from happening.

Many debates have been held to try and offer some solutions for the problem, but none yet have yielded any

Tyler Smith (12) and Skylur Stephens (12) hold signs signifying their pro-second amendment stance. Two groups protested during the walk out March 24. One group formed by the building, and the other group gathered on the track. Photo by Gabby Wheatley

ideas that would guarantee a solution.

I encourage the discussion of these topics, and I enjoy seeing other students get involved in these discussions, but the way the memorial was carried out at AHS was immature.

Although some students were sitting in silence, there were groups of students standing and arguing with other students. Signs were made reflecting either sides of the gun control issue, and pictures and opinions were spread throughout social media afterwards spreading more opinions.

I think it is good to be well-educated on political topics, yet I do not believe that being hateful and disrespectful toward others is a good way to go about it.

Jack Mansfield (10), Charlotte Ehrmann (12) and Bayleigh Jones (12) hold up posters supporting their views on the gun violence in schools.

These are few of the posters created by students for the walk-out.

Piercings in athletics cause injuries Lindsay Baugher Reporter

infection if something were to go into the wound then the wound have an infection from the piercing getting Wearing jewelry in a sports practice ripped out. or game can be dangerous, but jewelry Piercing’s and other jewelry should and piercings are not the only dangers. not be allowed in sports in order to For the majority of the time I have keep the athletes safe and to prevent participated in sports, rules against any jewelry from being lost or broken. wearing jewelry have been in place.

Jewelry should be left in locker These rules are necessary to keep the room to reduce risk of injury and to athletes safe. keep any jewelry that is important to In middle school, all jewelry except an athlete safe. The worst feeling is losfor runner’s watches in cross country ing something that means a lot to you. and track and field were banned. According to NF Rule 3-1-1,4-1-7: Jewelry Wearing jewelry in a sports practice must not b e worn except for religious or game can be dangerous, but jewelry or medical medals and these need to and piercings are not the only dangers. be taped to the body with no chain For the majority of the time I have and under the uniform. participated in sports, rules against Injuries due to piercings can hapwearing jewelry have been in place. pen without athlete contact. If athletes These rules are necessary to keep the had their belly buttons pierced, the athletes safe. piercing could get ripped out because In middle school, all jewelry except it was caught on a jersey. for runner’s watches in cross country Earrings can also cause harm, if a and track and field were banned. Acplayer was hit in the head with a ball or head butted another player, the backs of the earings could poke or even cut the side of the head.

Necklaces can get caught in workout equipment if they are too long.

Necklaces be could allowed but should only if at a short length, close to the neck, to keep them from getting caught or grabbed. They could also fall off, so they should just be left in the locker room.

In wrestling, no jewelry can be worn, not even silicon bracelets. This protects the wrestlers from things like ringworm being hidden and get scratched by anything.

British tennis player Katie Swan wears Face piercings could be ripped out earrings and a necklace during her tennis if not small and close to the skin. This matches. Swan has been based in Wichita could cause serious injury and even since 2013. Photo by David Iliff. CC-BY-SA 3.0

cording to NF Rule 3-1-1,4-1-7: Jewelry must not be worn except for religious or medical medals and these need to be taped to the body with no chain and under the uniform.

Injuries due to piercings can happen without athlete contact. If athletes had their belly buttons pierced, the piercing could get ripped out because it was caught on a jersey.

Earrings can also cause harm, if a player was hit in the head with a ball or head butted another player, the backs of the earings could poke or even cut the side of the head.

Necklaces can get caught in workout equipment if they are too long.

Necklaces be could allowed but should only if at a short length, close to the neck, to keep them from getting caught or grabbed.

They could also fall off, so they should be left in the locker room.

In wrestling, no jewelry can be worn, not even silicon bracelets. This protects the wrestlers from things like ringworm being hidden and get scratched by anything.

Face piercings could be ripped out if not small and close to the skin.

This could cause serious injury and even infection if something were to go into the wound then the wound have an infection from the piercing getting ripped out.

Piercings and other jewelry should not be allowed in sports in order to keep the athletes safe and to prevent any jewelry from being lost or broken.

Jewelry should be left in locker room to reduce risk of injury and to keep any jewelry that is important to an athlete safe.

The worst feeling is losing something that means a lot to you.

3

Parents strictly enforce rules Aubrey Stueven Reporter As many students know, the burden of strict parents can be overwhelming. I believe this burden is a blessing in disguise.

Having strict parents can cause many adolescents to feel they can’t do anything, including going to parties or hanging out with their friends. When it comes to these emotions, I have fallen prey just as others before me.

I feel the majority of these emotions are irrational and are due to the immaturity of teenagers as a whole. In most circumstances, the parents are trying to protect their children.

Having a curfew and not being allowed to stay out until two in the morning every night during the weekends is a common way teenagers are restricted in what they do.

The safe environments strict parents create are provided through knowing where their children are at all times, and making sure they know who they are going to be with. If their child does not come home at the designated time, they know what they said they would be doing and who with.

I grew up watching my friends being allowed to do whatever they want with no adult supervision, but now I realize that I am far better off with the strict parents I have and the protection they give me, verses the blind freedom and unpredictability of my other friends.

I am normally required to be home at 11 p.m. on the weekends. My parents are always asking where I am going, what I’m doing, and who I’m gonna be with.

The few times I’ve been out past this time, I have been in major trouble, because I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.

Going to spend the night at a friends house always makes me feel like I have more freedom, because I feel like I can do things I wouldn’t normally do.

Once at a friend’s house, we left her house to eat iHop at 1 a.m., and another, we went over to a group of friends house to hang out. I ended up being out way past the time my parents deem acceptable.

Although I find these small circumstances exciting, I realize the importance of my parents knowing where I am, because they deserve to know where they can find me if they need to.

4

Features

The Oriole

April 2018

Those involved in activities seek recognition Tatum Moore Reporter Those students who are not involved in sports are involved in other school activities but do not feel they get the recognition they deserve.

These students are involved in activities including StuCo, NHS, science olympiad, forensics, robotics, drama and many others.

“We are as much a part of the school as any of the sports,” Jack Mansfield (10) said.

Mansfield is involved in NHS, StuCo, Drama and Forensics.

These students feel they work just as hard to prepare for activities such as tournaments as athletes do.

“It takes time, especially the studying and making sure everything is ready and getting your volunteer hours,” Kalie Dudeck (12) said.

Dudeck is involved in robotics,

NHS, and science olympiad.

Mansfield says though athletes work out and work hard, those involved in other activities work with their brains and hands.

Cassidy Dresher (11), a NHS member, believes they work hard to get the 10 hours of service they need.

“We sometimes get up at 5:00 in the morning doing the same repetitive

thing for seven hours, just to make a difference,” Dresher said.

People believe sports get more recognition for many reasons. “[Sports] brings in the most money,” Dresher said.

Others believe people know more about sports and find them more interesting.

“People know about [sports],” Dudeck said. “Let’s be honest, this is a small town, and we’re all sports Dudeck wishes that Augusta would give robotics, science olympiad and NHS the same attention we give sports.

“For some of the schools we go to for robotics, it’s just like our football events, so why don’t we get that,” Dudeck said.

Though these students do not want personal recognition; they do want their clubs to be recognized better, along with their peers.

“I don’t like being in the spotlight, but for other people,” Kalie Dudeck (12), Jack Mansfield (10) and Cassidy Dresher (11) hold signs showing the school activities they are involved in. All three students are involved in multiple groups. Photo by Sadie Williams Mansfield said.

Objects in classrooms show teachers’ personalities Michaela Lord Reporter Many teachers decorate their rooms with posters, memes, and much more.

Some of the decorations have a story behind them, and some are just for fun.

For example, the journalism lab, room 204, has several small, rubber ducks in different place around the room. The story of the ducks goes back to a 2011 fall workshop when a professional journalist critiqued the past year’s yearbook. “ “In that critic, they felt like they hadn’t done anything right, so when they came back to school they were really down on themselves and not excited to do anything” journalism adviser Julie Barker said.

Barker felt she needed to help the students deal with their emotions so they could confidently move forward with the year. She went back to a lesson she learned from her mom.“When I was a kid, my mom would tell us that if we had a bad day, to be a duck because water just rolls off a duck’s back,” Barker said. “ Barker purchased little rubber duckies for each student , as a reminder to be a duck, let things roll off. Some of the students took their ducks, but others have been hanging out in the room.

Along with the story the objects may have meaning.

“For me, it is a reminder of some of those kids, and what work they did and the good stuff they did and the history and tradition of what we do, and then it’s just something fun,” Barker said.

Even if the reason is irrelevant to school they may still be fun to have in a classroom.

“I have them to liven things up. I hate bare rooms. All of the posters I have are things that I really enjoy, and also they are kind of science fiction or related to nerd culture,” science teacher JoAnna Strecker said.

The objects placed in the classrooms may cause enjoyment and spark memories.

“I enjoy the memories that it brings when I see it,” science teacher JD Hand said.

Hand has his childrens’ artwork on his cabinets in his classroom.

“Josie [Hand (12)] likes it and Jett [Hand (9)] doesn’t seem to care, because I asked him. If they didn’t like it I would take it down,” Hand said.

The types of artwork he has in his classroom bring him joy when he sees them.

“They have elementary classes do placemats for the football team for the pregame meals, and those are from Jett [Hand (9)],” “The rest are Josie’s art projects,” Hand said.

Science teacher JoAnna Strecker has this poster on the wall in her classroom. Different posters with different references.

Photo by Michaela Lord

The Oriole

Features

April 2018

5

Some choose to dress nice for school Different experiences form fears

Sadie Williams Reporter

Two types of people walk around the halls: those who dress up for school and those who roll out of bed and into the parking lot.

“I love dressing up I once read that the more dressed up you are the more confidence you have, which I find to be true,” Braxton Hubbart (11) said.

Some students choose to dress more comfortably in their day-to-day attire.

“I usually wear jeans, casual house shoes, and a hoodie,” Daniel Stewart (11) said.

Dressing nice takes more commitment, especially in regards to the amount of time and effort put into getting ready in the morning.

“I don’t dress up very often because it takes more work to get ready in the morning. I like to get up and leave

pretty quickly,” Dalton Tolbert (11) said.

Often times, students start the school year caring about how they look; however, by the end of the year they do not care as much about what they wear.

“I usually try to dress nice, especially my freshman and sophomore year but this year I’ve learned to just get dressed in something comfortable and go on with the day,” Hubbart said.

Regardless of what one wears, most people agree that differences remain between dressing up versus down.

“I think there is a difference between dressing up and not. Many

times people base you off of your appearance, which can be a very big thing for teenagers to go through,” Hubbart said.

Students do not always dress well just to impress their peers.

Hubbart, for instance, chooses to dress more formal on important days for a lift in her spirit.

“Another part to that is also with the confidence boost it gives me by looking nice,” Hubbart said. “Many times on test days I tend to dress nice to boost my confidence before the test.”

Stewart expressed similar sentiments.

“There is a difference in your appearance, like how put together you look and how people look at you changes,” Stewart said.

What one wears to school is a personal choice, but most students agree that people think of you differently depending on what clothes you put on in the morning.

Seniors audition for college scholarships Tatum Moore Reporter Many seniors send in applications to apply for colleges, but some seniors have to travel to and audition for the colleges they want to attend.

“It’s not like other college programs where you apply and are based off of an essay or just your grades in general.

This is a talent assessment in whether or not you’ll be accepted,” Josie Hand (12) said.

Hand is auditioning for bachelor of fine arts programs.

Most auditions are for a music related scholarship. “[I tried out for] an instrumental scholarship at Butler Community College,” Seth Thompson (12) said.

Along with instrumental scholarships, choir scholarships are also offered.

“I’m trying out for music just to get a music degree,” Bri Bushell (12) said.

“Any choirs that they possibly have, since I’ve been in show choir and acapella before hopefully to go into music education.”

Sometimes these auditions require

the students to travel long distances.

“The farthest I’ve traveled would be Florida State, but we flew there which wasn’t bad,” Hand said. “The longest car ride was to BYU, which is in Utah which was 16 hours.”

Others travel and audition at more local schools.

“So far, the farthest I’ve travelled would probably be about two hours away,” Bushell said.

Before making these trips hours of work go into preparing for the audition.

“I’ve been practicing and getting ready for this moment since before second semester even started,” Bushell said.

Some feel they have been preparing their whole lives for auditioning.

“I sort of consider it like everything I’ve worked on up to this point has been for it, but specifically finding my material and stuff I started researching colleges my junior year, and I started the summer after my junior year working on material,” Hand said.

Others have spent many years working one-on-one with private

719 W 7th Ave Augusta, KS 67010 (316) 775-2254

502 State St, Augusta, KS 67010 (316) 775-1648

teachers to help prepare.

“I had to prepare two songs and many scales to play at KU and K-State, but due to my years of private lessons and practicing, I felt ready for the try outs,” Aaron Watkins (12) said.

Though some audition at multiple schools, they normally have a few schools they most want to go to.

“It’s a toss-up between Newman University, Friends University and Hastings College,” Bushell said.

For others, it depends on the best scholarship or program.

“There are plenty of good programs; it’s just a question of whether or not they accept me,” Hand said.

Neither Bushell nor Hand have received a scholarship, yet.

Thompson received the Instrumental scholarship from Butler Community College to cover his books and tuition, and Watkins has been accepted to both the University of Kansas and Kansas State University’s engineering programs with scholarships for his academics.

1503 Washington Augusta, KS 67010 (316) 775-0700

Michaela Lord Reporter From the fear of snakes to the fear of bridges, fears are a part of life.

People are afraid of objects, animals, or insects.

“I am afraid of snakes,” Sophie Stevens (10) said.

Sophie has a reason for being afraid of snakes, but not everyone has a reason for their fear.

“My brothers would always tease me with them by killing garter snakes, and throwing them at me,” Stevens said.

Other times people are afraid of conditions that are rare.

“I am terrified of small holes. It is called trypophobia,” Alexis Barrier (10) said.

The explanation for a fear may be simple.

“The holes just look disgusting,” Barrier said.

People may be afraid of bugs, such as spiders.

“I am terrified of spiders,” Julianna Harrold (12) said.

The fear may be present because of a bad experience in past years.

“When I was younger a spider jumped on me, and it freaked me out,” Harrold said.

Though rare, some people are afraid of dogs.

“I almost got bit by a rabid dog, so now I am scared of them,” Amanda Ankrom (11) said.

Being afraid of heights is common.

“I am afraid of bridges, because they are really high up and if I take one wrong step I can fall to my death,” Lauren Burrows (11) said.

One may never know who is hiding in a costume, and that can cause fear.

“I also fear mascots, like Chucky Cheese, because they are big and scary, and you never know who is in there. For all I know it could be a pedophile,” Burrows said.

6

Features

The Oriole

April Fool’s pranks create mixed feelings Sadie Williams Reporter America was divided into two groups on April first: the pranksters and the pranked.

“I think April Fools is a fun day but sometimes it can be over the top,” Sophie Johnston (10) said.

Some students have endured pranks that would unsettle anyone.

“The best prank that I have ever seen is when my little sister put Saran Wrap on the toilet seat,“ Johnston said.

Although harmless, the prank held disastrous consequences for the next person who wanted to use the rest room.

“So when you had to pee, it got all over you,” Johnston said.

Luckily, Johnston was not the intended target.

“My older sister was the one who walked into the bathroom next, so it was really funny,” Johnston said.

Unfortunately for her sister, some clean up was necessary.

“When she was pranked, she was pretty mad because she had to shower and clean up the bathroom,” Johnston said.

Johnston has assumed the role of the prankster from time to time. However, the purpose was more self-serving than making a joke.

“The best prank I have ever pulled

was making fake puke so I didn’t have to go to school,” Johnston said.

Brice Helton (10) has a much more positive attitude in regards to the inevitable pranks.

“I like it because I think it makes jokes better to do. Jokes that normally wouldn’t be okay to play on people are more okay-ish to do,” Helton said.

Helton’s appreciation for April Fool’s comes from his love of pulling practical jokes on those close to him.

“I think the best prank I have pulled was that I put toothpaste in an Oreo and gave to my dad,” Helton said.

His dad was less enthusiastic about the prank than Helton was.

“He was just really grossed out at first, but now he can laugh about it. That took a while though,” Some people take pranks more seriously than others. As a result, their pranks are much more elaborate and hard core than Helton’s toothpaste filled Oreo.

“My brother, he woke up his whole family and yelled ‘Fire! Fire! Fire!’ and woke everyone up and got them outside,” physical education teacher Cynthia Phillips said.

“There was no fire, he just wanted to mess with his family,” Phillips said.

The intensity of a prank may vary, but most people would agree: it is far better to be the prankster than the pranked.

April 2018

r e 2 t 018 s a E

Families celebrate holiday Michaela Lord Reporter Chocolate bunnies, decorated hard boiled eggs, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ are all part of different Easter celebrations throughout America.

Some people have more traditional annual plans on Easter Sunday, such as going to church or hunting eggs.

“I go to church with my family every year,” Luke Price (12) said.

“I don’t think there is any specific age to stop hunting for eggs. I never want to stop,” Price said.

Some agree with Price’s reluctancy to stop hunting eggs, while others say there should be a limit.

“I think it’s a good idea to stop hunting for the eggs when you hide them yourself

and forget where you put them,” Braden Jergensen (11) said.

Although some families celebrate Easter in all the familiar ways, other families have unique ways of celebrating the holiday together.

“My cousin likes to make nasty food on purpose,” Savannah Higgins (11) said.

“One year he mixed puffy Chee tos and shredded cheese in a bowl,” Higgins said.

While some families just color and hide the eggs, others have a more different and funny way of celebrating.

“After hunting for the Easter eggs, my family has the older kids get slingshots, and we try to hit each other with the boiled eggs,” Katie Warne (9) said.

Although traditions vary among families the majority of experiences with the spring holiday are fun and positive.

Athletes participate in sports for various reasons Sadie Williams Reporter

enjoy them,” Presley Williams (11) said.

Williams gained insight and experience from her participation in track and cross country.

“I have gained a sense of what it’s like to be on a Although it is a common belief that most high team and how to stick with something even if it is terschool athletes want to take their sports to the collerible or hard,” Williams said. giate level, students have various reasons for competOftentimes, children go into sports in order ing in athletics. to imitate an older individual who inspires “I have participated in sports since I was them. four years old when I started baseball with my “When I was little, I thought the older kids dad as one of the coaches,” Luke Price (12) said. that played sports were cool,” Morgan PennycPrice participates in a plethora of sports. uff (9) said.

“I play football, basketball, and I do track Pennycuff has progressed since she began right now. I have also played baseball, some participating in sports. wrestling and golf during the summertime,” Price said.

“I stay in shape, and I learned how to tolerPrice had multiple motivations when choosate others better,” Pennycuff said.

Jayden Marlnee (11) has a deeper motivation ing which sports to play. for playing her sport, basketball.

“I started playing sports because my friends “I love basketball because I just enjoy workwere participating, and I enjoyed them,” Price ing together with other people,” Marlnee said. said.

She has worked hard in basketball for as He was also subjected to familial influences long as she’s played. This determination comes when choosing which sports he wanted to from a deeper connection with the game, and learn. the prospects of it in terms of her future.

“Plus, with golf, I could be with my grandpa, “It is something I love and succeed highly and I really loved that. He taught me all I know about golf,” Price said. in,” Marlnee said.

Jayden Marlnee (11) stands with the sub-state champions plaque the girls Although he has no plans to continue partici- basketball team received when they won their sub-state tournament in From loving the game, to pleasing one’s pating in athletics in college, Price enjoys comparents, students participate in athletics for a March. Marlnee also participated in off-season leagues to hone her basketball skills. Photo courtesy Jayden Marlnee. peting in them as long as he is in high school. wide variety of reasons.

“I still play sports because they keep me fit and are a great way to interact with others,” Price said.

Other students began participating in sports against their will but learned to enjoy them as time went by.

“I participate in sports because my parents wanted me to stay in shape and because I’ve actually started to

The Oriole

Sports

April 2018

7

Staff attempts shot at 2018 NCAA mens bracket

Tatum Moore (10) picked her bracket on a system where she picked the higher seed to win when the seeds spread was far apart, when the seeds were close together she chose the lower seed to win.

Charles Lighty (11) chose his bracket based off of basketball knowledge. Lighty watched collegiate basketball all throughout the year.

He mostly watched teams in the Kansas area.

Lindsay Baugher (11) picked her bracket based on the uniform she liked the best. Baugher picked West Virginia to win because she liked the navy blue and yellow paired together.

Loyola-Chicago’s emblem is similar to their tournament performance. A giant “L.” Not even Loyola’s Sister Jean could pray enough.

Noah Coldwell (10) chose his bracket based off of previous basketball knowledge. Coldwell mainly watched Kansas, Wichita State, and Texas Christian University.

Aubrey Stueven (11) chose her bracket based off of a coin flip. The higher seed was heads and lower seed was tails. Lets just say she was not flipping her lucky penny.

Michigan won the left side of the bracket and broke Loyola-Chicagos’s dream. Although they still couldn’t secured the championship.

Gracie Johnston (11) chose her bracket based on the team she thought had the hottest coach. If she could not pick between the two the higher seed would win.

Villanova’s emblem is a “V” with a Wildcat, take two of their logos and it shows how they did in the whole tournament.

The Jayhawks were not favored by Vegas in almost every game they played in. Until they were completely mauled by Villanova.

8

Sports

The Oriole

April 2018

Golf tournaments begin Injuries affect players

have been in previous years,” Drew Hess (11) said. “We lost important players and did not bring in enough to For the spring season, Garfield elfill their spots.” ementary third grade teacher Merrick Hess’ expectations for the team are Holtzinger moved from assistant boys not very high. golf coach to the head golf coach posi“As a team, plain and simple, tion, and social studies I do not expect much. If we can teacher Jake Sims make something happen, it stepped in to fill would be great,” Hess said. the assistant coach “Honestly, as a team, I do role. not see it happening.”

“The new However, coach has more three of the knowledge about six vargolf in general, and sity golfers, he went out of his Nuessen, Hess and Gray have way to help us returned to the team this season. get good deals “My hope for the team is that we on equipment,” have two to three people go to state Martin Nuessen this year,” Nuessen said.

(12) said. “He Last year’s state champion, Jake is more involved, Becker, graduated and is playing golf and he will be this year at Missouri Southern State able to help us get University. better.”

“Losing our seniors is going to Nuessen competed make winning tournaments as in the state tournaa team very hard,” Gray said. ment his freshman and In golf, the goal is to have sophomore years. the lowest score possible.

“My hopes for the “The scores will be higher” season is to go to Hess said. “We the state tournaDrew Hess (11) practices his swing on the graduated two of ment and try and driving range. Photo courtesy Drew Hess our top four, and place top five a when you only take six to a tournacouple times,” Nuessen said. ment, it is a fairly large blow.”

The overall environment has Despite the team having low expecchanged with the coaches. tations, multiple golfers have set goal “The biggest change has shown in for themselves. practice,” Trevor Gray (11) said. “It’s a “My hopes for myself is to just be more competitive and fun place.” a better tournament golfer, if I can The team lost two golfers from last get myself to play like I do in practice season. rounds, my season should go to plan,” “My hopes are not as high as they Hess said.

Gracie Johnston Reporter

Maddy Foy Reporter Some sports injuries are severe enough that players can not play at all or are limited to being able to play only some of the time.

Olivia Mandeville (10) said she has a shoulder tear and Grady Tole (12) has an injured knee.

Mandeville’s injury limits her play, while Tole can not play at all.

Care of athletes teacher Brandon Terry helps students learn to care for anyone who may be injured or need to have knees, ankles, shoulders, etc. be wrapped and taped, like an athletic trainer would.

“It is a health science class. It is practical in the fact that you learn how to wrap/tape ankles,” Terry said.

Terry said the care of athletes class is helpful to see what students may want to be when they are older.

“You get to see if you are interested in wanting to be an athletic trainer or in a job that uses these skills,” Terry said.

Terry teaches his students how to do tasks an athletic trainer might perform.

“We do all sorts of taping. The knee, the shoulder, we do it all,” Terry said.

The class covers more than just wrapping/taping.

“We go over CPR and other things an athletic trainer would do,” Terry said.

Tole was injured during the beginning of football season.

His knee injury will not let him play baseball, yet, but he hopes his doctor releases him to be able to play before season ends.

“It affects me by not allowing me to play baseball,” Tole said.

With Tole not playing baseball, the injury affects the team.

“It affects the team by not having their catcher,” Tole said.

Tole is in physical therapy for his knee injury.

“I do lots of physical therapy,” Tole said.

Tole is not exactly for sure when his knee injury will be better or healed enough for him to be able to play baseball.

His injury could heal before baseball season ends.

“I am supposed to get released mid-season, so it is getting better,” Tole said.

Mandeville is on the softball team, but her injury limits her in softball.

“The doctor said it could likely be a SLAP tear which stands for Superior Labral Anterior Posterior.

It is basically a labral tear where the bicep and Labrum connect,” Mandeville said.

Her shoulder injury affects her in softball and to what she can and can not do.

Mandeville is not in physical therapy, but she thinks she will be back to 100 percent in a couple of months.

Softball players elect two team captains for season Charles Lighty Reporter Int the first two games, the softball team has gotten off to a solid start with wins over Winfield for their first doubleheader.

The first game resulted in a score of 3-1 and the second resulted in a score of 9-1.

In the next doubleheader of the season, two more wins were gained against Mulvane. The first game ended with the score of 13-3 and the next ended 10-8 with one extra inning.

The softball team is under the leadership of captains Katie Payne (12) and Bailey Pennycuff (11).

Players chose team captains based on their leadership abilities and maurtiy that they show.

This is the first year the team has had captains, giving Payne and Pennycuff an opportunity to get their foot in the door of history.

For Pennycuff, it is a new opportunity for a chance to thrive and prove herself as a leader.

“Being a captain gives me the chance to impact the team more so than my freshman and sophomore years playing varsity,” Pennycuff said.

“I feel like I affect the team and what our team does on a daily basis, as well as the performance we put forth.”

Being a captain affects more than

the outcome of the games.

“Obviously our record at the end of the season matters a lot to all of us, but I’m trying to be the best teammate on and off the field as well. I try to make my teammates better people outside of the game,” said Pennycuff.

Being the captain also helps Pennycuff progress and gives her a benefit next year.

“I think that it will be a lot easier to lead the team next year, even if I’m not a captain next year. We only have two captains, but everyone on the team is expected to be a leader,” Pennycuff said. “Next year, I will be more confident in what I do. There are times this year I try to help people, but I am hesitant because I don’t want to sound bossy, but next year, I will have the experience and trust.”

Pennycuff is not the only one with the opportunity.

For Payne, the opportunity gives her the chance to show how much she has improved during her high school career and show she is not only ready for college but that she is a positive leader and can help the team.

“To me, being a captain is being the team motivators. I think Bailey and I are motivators and depending on how we are doing in the season, we figure out if we need to keep hyping the team up or start hyping them up even more,” Payne said. “Although, I don’t

think we will have to do too much motiviating. We have a pretty good team this year and I think we will be really good with the amount of freshman talent we have and with the returners.”

Being captain brings a few benefits as well as being the team leader.

“Collegs will ask if you are the team captain and if you have any all league awards,” Payne said. “Seeing an athlete with captain on their resume will look a lot better and [colleges] will prefer them instead of one who hasn’t been captain of their team.”

Team captains Bailey Pennycuff (11) and Katie Payne (12) chest bump before their game. Photo courtsey Katie Payne