Central High Times - Volume 112, Issue 2 - Winter 2025

THE WINTER ISSUE

The Hunchback of Notre Dame MYP & CP Field Trips Movie Reviews

Contents

FRONT COVER

Townspeople in The Hunchback of Notre Dame watching Esmeralda dance.

Photo by Julia Matson

EDITORIAL POLICY

The Central High Times is a student-produced publication of the Central High School journalism department. The staff and adviser strive to create an open forum for students and teachers. We take responsibility for accuracy and fairness and for work to be unbiased and responsive to the needs of readers in order to encourage the submission of readers’ ideas. We promise to practice honesty, to run the paper as a business and to avoid printing material that is legally considered obscene, libelous or private.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY

The Central High Times encourages the submission of ideas or comments from readers. Letters to the Editor must contain no more than 150 words. Letter to the Editor submissions should be typed, printed, signed and delivered to Central High School’s journalism office (room 024) or sent to keodell@spsmail.org with the subject line “Letter to the CHT Editor.” The Central High Times reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical and spelling errors and for space limitations.

ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP POLICY

The Central High Times has the right to accept, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time. Advertising will not contain any statements, illustrations or implications offensive to good taste or public decency based on the opinion of the Central High Times staff (i.e. any content containing anything racist, sexist or illegal for high school students or violates journalistic principles). Advertisements accepted by the Central High Times staff are not an endorsement from the staff, adviser, administration or Springfield Public Schools District. Advertisements should refrain from attacking competitors unfairly or disparaging their products, services or methods of doing business. If your organization would like to advertise in the Central High Times, or if you would like to provide a financial sponsorship for the Central High Times, please contact the adviser, Kori O’Dell, at keodell@spsmail.org. Sponsorships begins at $25 per year, advertising pricing begins at $50 per issue, and all money raised goes toward our printing budget.

ADVISER Kori O’Dell

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lucy Caplinger

PAGE DESIGNERS

Reese Wood & Emma Lewis

ASSISTANT PAGE DESIGNERS

Abbott Schmidt, Sarah Greene, Jack Herr

COPY EDITORS

Sarah Greene, Jack Herr, Reese Wood, Emma Lewis, & Ari Abbott

Back

SENIOR REPORTERS Ari Abbott, Chloe Wootton

Maggie Moore, Todd Gao, Abbott Schmidt, Dane Scholz, Reese Wood, Avery Rapp, Olive Eck, Emily Huggins

THE CHT Volume 112 Issue 2 CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

423 E. Central St., Springfield, MO 65802

CONTACT keodell@spsmail.org

FONT FAMILIES Function, Century PUBLISHER PrintGroup

INSIDE BACK COVER

Graphic by Avery Rapp.

what’s stranger thangrowing up?

The first season of Stranger Things came out in 2016 and I was in third grade. I am now a senior in high school as the last season, number five, is coming out.

The progression of the series has paralleled my own life, representing such vast amounts of change. I have always held such a dear fondness towards the show and the characters, but in my rewatch, I am realizing how many details and plot points I have forgotten.

Anytime someone asks “Have you seen Stranger Things?’ I answer immediately with a smile, because yes! I have and I love it.

I feel the same sort of nostalgia with high school. As I reflect on the four years I have spent here at Central, I don’t necessarily remember all of the specific activities that I have been a part of, but rather the feelings I have associated with those memories.

I have been so excited for the new season since the eighth grade, but now that it’s ending, I wish I could go back and watch all of the episodes for the first time.

I can’t even begin to count how many times I have told my friends that I am so ready I am to graduate, to go to college and get out of Springfield. Now that I am here, my feelings are more complicated.

It’s weird because, really, all that I have been excited for is moving on. Continuing and seeing what’s next. It’s such a harsh realization

that this is all I have been doing my whole life–continuing.

So, this new understanding that when my dad told me ‘It will be over before you know it,’ is simply and completely true, I have decided to start savouring.

As I rewatch Stranger Things, I am excitedly making up theories and watching TikTok edits of the characters as if I have never seen them before. I am remaining in the moment and excited because, cheesily enough, it really is about the journey.

As I apply to colleges, (and get in, MIZ!) I am choosing to care about the little stuff, to continue going to classes and even keep making new friends.

After four years of announcements telling me that “graduation is the destination”, I am beginning to comprehend that focusing on the end is not Ideal. For me at least, and probably my readers too, caring about the process of getting there makes the destination so much more meaningful.

When I watched the first episode of Stranger Things, I was intrigued and curious. I was eager to learn more about the characters and to understand the world it was set in. I wanted to be a part of the universe, I wanted to be in the moment.

When I first came to Central, I was looking

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

forward to meeting new people and learning about as much as I could. I remember vividly deciding that I was going to be this importantlysmart IB student. I was set on being prepared and intentional. Getting all A’s was a very big deal to me. Why would that change just because these specific four years are coming to a close?

Allowing my life to be dictated by this idea of ceremony and forcing endings to be final pushed me to close doors prematurely. Just because graduation is supposedly the end goal does not have to mean that the journey is less important or should be rushed.

I am surprised that Stranger Things is what made me realize this. I am currently rewatching the whole show and feeling so many things. I wouldn’t say that it’s my favorite TV show, but I would say that Stranger Things has been with me through the most formative years of my life. With the age that I am, it feels like I have truly grown alongside the characters.

I am thankful for the fact that I can reminisce, that my experience in high school has been so complex that I care to look back at the photos and the memories and remember them. This nostalgia is something that I will probably never forget, even if I fail to hold on to every specific moment, I will always have that fuzzy, warm feeling.

Lucy Caplinger, age 5, grinning at the camera. Photo courtesy of Lucy Caplinger.

Lucy Caplinger, senior year, smiles at the Japanese Stroll Garden. Photo courtesy of Lucy Caplinger.

Lucy Caplinger in 2019, at the age of which she first watched Stranger Things. Photo courtesy of Lucy Caplinger.

THE HUNCHBACK

OF NOTRE DAME

MAGGIE MOORE REPORTER

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is set to open at Central with three open showings and a final student matinee on November 17. This production is based on Victor Hugo’s novel and features songs from the Disney movie.

Director Amanda Boes has been a member of the Central staff for the last six years. Previously an English teacher with occasional involvement in drama, Boes is focusing solely on theater this year.

“This is what I have always wanted to do, you know? I’m passionate about drama and theater. Right now I’m really just living the dream.”

Nearly 100 students are participating in the play, including the tech crew, the lighting crew, and the active actors. Boes has decided to rely entirely on staff and students this year,

“The students are the ones in this play; they are putting this together, they are putting this on. I have decided not to hire out this year when I know all of these students are capable of making ‘The Hunchback Of Notre Dame’ possible.” Boes said.

In the play, Quasimodo, played by Ethan Meyer (9), is a curious young man with a hunchback who is seen as an outsider in Paris. Frollo, portrayed by Luke Douglas (10), serves

as the antagonist, ensuring that Quasimodo remains hidden away in the bell tower.

Frollo took Quasimodo in after the death of Frollo’s brother Jehan, played by Nate Downer (10), due to illness. Quasimodo, the son of a “normal” man and a Romani woman, played by Bayta Hemphill (10), faces a harsh fate in a world that rejects him, remaining hidden as the bell ringer.

As Quasimodo grows, he realizes that the only entities he interacts with are the gargoyles in the bell room. This realization of his isolation inspires him to escape and explore the beautiful town he overlooks.

Along his journey, he meets Esmeralda, played by Emma Lewis (11), a courageous and compassionate Romani street performer. The similarities between Quasimodo and Esmeralda are subtle, but their contrasting appearances speak volumes.

“Everyone has worked so hard, I mean we have spent so much time on this, and I’m so proud of our performances. Everyone really did come together and brought their best,” Douglas said.

Boes has chosen to take a step back and allow the students to take the lead. From choreography created by students to lighting and tech, every aspect of the production has involved teamwork. Even the props and costumes are designed and made by students.

“These kids have potential,” Boes said. “This is just one of the many times they have proven that to me, and I hope to see them give it their all again next semester during ‘Radium Girls.’”

For months, these students have been working long hours before and after school to ensure that their peers, friends, and family have an outstanding performance to look forward to when they take the stage.

The remarkable turnout highlights the student body’s enthusiasm and commitment, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the arts.

As the actors and actresses delighted with

the performance, Central Chamber Choir, led by Mr. Eichenberger, provided background music, applying additional suspense, curiosity, and character to the play.

Colorful light and unique backgrounds were assisted by Central’s staff member Kyle Wallace, along with many Central students coming together to make the performance worthwhile.

“The student matinee alone brought an estimated 170 students; throughout the other performances, we had seen many other students, and an abundance of staff and families coming to support us as we put the play on.”

By definition theatre performance is “a live, public presentation of a story or artistic expression, using elements like actors, music, and stagecraft to entertain an audience.” Similar things can be presented in many ways every day.

“ I have been doing theatre since I would say, 4 years old. Through many different outside sources. However, at Central, I have found that theater as a whole has been so accepting, and really makes me who I am. Being able to express myself in so many different ways and personas has really made me who I am.” Douglas said.

Ethan Myer (9) and Emma Lewis (11) perform Top of the World. Photo by Maggie Moore.

Gargoyle Aidan Friesen (11) throws petals at Ethan Myer (9) in his imaginary wedding. Photo by Landon White.

NO KINGS PROTEST SPRINGFIELD SPEAKS OUT

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In recent months, the No Kings organization’s protests have gained popularity all over the country, and have specifically gained traction in Springfield. Citizens are able to congregate to spread awareness for things they deem important.

“Because love is what we need, and freedom and rights that everyone is entitled to due process, and you come out and you stand with people,” Sherrie Miller, a Springfield resident, said to reporter Michele Skalicky of NPR.

These protests have taken place in-town at various locations, like street corners, in Springfield and surrounding Missouri towns. Even with inclement weather, protesters remain excited and willing to stand for what

they believe in.

“Rain, sleet, or snow, there’s nowhere that we won’t go,” said Scott Gay, a Springfield rally attendee said in an interview with a KY3 reporter.“It’s good to be on what I consider to be the right side of history, to be heard.”

From senior citizens, to seniors in high school many Missourians claim to be affected by the Trump administration. And may even consider his actions to be unlawful. This sparks protesters to stand up for their values.

“Because bit by bit, our president is disobeying the law, and he isn’t being held accountable,” Janet Southard said in the same NPR interview.

These protests have brought together

Springfield Citizens from various backgrounds and communities all over the city.

This movement is bigger than Missouri.

“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger,” the group’s website states. “‘The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.”

For those interested in joining the protest, or learning more about The No Kings Organization, visit their website at NoKings. org.

Policies and Procedures: UPDATED

ARIANA ABBOTT SENIOR REPORTER

There is an increase in student discipline as a result of the cell phone policy, as many students do not follow the new rules. Administration has increased enforcement of student ID badges, but so far no discipline has been issued.

“Our referrals have increased astronomically because [of] cell phones, and anytime a phone is turned into the office, the first offense is a conference, the second offense is a day of ISS. So it was a very jarring change,” Ashley Felton, assistant principal, said. “Should [students] have always not had it out when [they] were in class? Yes, but now [it’s] something that we have to be more strict on.”

With the ID policy being implemented in middle schools, the goal of the administration is to help students build the habit of always having their ID. As a result, consequences for students not wearing IDs have not always been enforced.

“Per the student handbook, [consequences are] a conference and lunch detention. We have not issued any discipline for it yet,” Pamela Foster, coordinator of site interventions, said. “We’ve just been trying to get students to recognize that [if] they don’t have an ID, [they need] to pull out the replacement form, [we are] trying to build that habit of putting it back in [their] backpack at the end of the day [and] having it the next morning, just trying to build that culture.”

While following the ID policy is required, there are incentives for students wearing IDs.

“We’ve given out candy [and] we’ve given out Bulldog Bucks,” Foster said. “We are also connecting it now to Second Chance Breakfast, so if you want to come late and still be able to get breakfast, you have to have your ID.”

Since the cell phone ban is a law, there are

no incentives for obeying the policy. However, students have benefited from the ban, as it encourages students to interact with each other.

“Some cool things that I feel like I’ve seen at lunch is I’ve seen people bringing cards and playing cards like UNO, or just some regular playing cards, and different things like that during either gold space time or lunch instead of everyone on their phone and eating and no one really communicating,” Felton said.

While the rules regarding cell phones and IDs are imperative, student attendance is what matters most.

“When you’re here, that gives you more opportunities to ensure that you’re doing what you need to do to graduate,” Felton said. “The ultimate goal is we want students to graduate college and career ready…When you build those habits, that makes your adult life a lot easier.”

TARIFFS FOR CHRISTMAS

EMMA LEWIS

REPORTER

In the closing ballad “New Deal for Christmas,” the cast of renowned musical Annie celebrates the end of the Great Depression; just in time for the holiday season. The spunky orphan and her peers praise President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, whose economic policy aimed to reduce prices on goods for all burdened by the economic crisis. A few movie remakes and one century later, unfortunately, the same isn’t true for current Christmas budgets. Although today’s Americans are certainly far from the severity of the Great Depression, executive policy may not be supporting our holiday wish-lists; it could be doing quite the opposite. Tariffs associated with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy have not only limited grocery lists, but also children’s gift wish-lists, suggesting investigation as to how we have gotten here in the first place

WHAT ARE

TARIFFS?

A tariff is a tax on goods paid by the importing party, typically put into place by a national government. These import taxes are often motivated by goals of keeping consumer goods homegrown, resuscitating domestic industry, or responding to other acts of economic warfare. Despite their well-meaning intentions, critics point out that no country can be entirely self-sustaining. In the shortterm, tariffs can cause price shocks, the brunt of which being borne by lower and middle income families. In the long-term, retaliatory tariffs from other countries can cut profits and employment for companies that export to foreign nations.

For President Trump’s campaign, the role of the tariff was uniquely valuable. Although controversial, many voters viewed tariffs as a means of aligning with an America First policy - prioritizing our own country’s industry and decreasing reliance on foreign countries. Throughout the election, Trump discussed a universal, baseline tariff of 10%, regardless of whether the country hit with the tariff is an ally or adversary. Most relevant to Christmas shopping, Trump set out to impose a 60% tariff on China, the world’s largest exporter of goods since 2009. (BBC, 2025).

INITIAL IMPACTS

ON SPRINGFIELD

As of November of 2025, average American tariffs on Chinese exports stand at 47.5 percent, down from the peak of 127.2 percent in May of this year. In retaliation, Chinese tariffs have reached 31.9 percent. While the impacts of these tariffs have majorly been observed in automotives and apparel, this Christmas season, toy manufacturers have been signaling a rise in prices.

Even before the holiday season, tariffs uniquely impacted the Springfield community. Rising prices for consumers were most apparent after the repeal of the De Minimus exception, the rule that allowed packages less than $800 to enter the United States free of tariffs.

“Usually, it’s like 25 per t-shirt,” Springfield citizen Jordan Dinkens explained in an interview with Ozarks First. “So, if I’m getting like four shirts, then

“I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO BE PAYING A TARIFF ON TOP OF THAT.”

When it comes to gift shopping, consumers and manufacturers alike have had to adapt. Unfortunately, supply-side changes that work to cut production costs exacerbate the price toll placed on families.

“There have been a number of manufacturers

IMPACTS ON

CHRISTMAS

that have made it clear that they’re going to, in order to adjust to tariffs, do things like remove batteries - so the batteries would need to be a separate purchase.” Director of Shopping Content with CNET Russell Holly said.

According to ABC News, a minimum of 80% of toys are produced in China. As the nation in the most inflammatory trade war with the United States, consumers have simultaneously had to shift spending patterns and shorten wish-lists.

“On a positive note, tariffs have kept me from buying as many things from China,” Speech and Debate Coach Karissa Talty said. “Other than that, I would say the prices have definitely gone up. It hasn’t actually affected my Christmas shopping as much, but I feel like I’m getting less for the amounts of money than what I would usually get. Meanwhile, my kids are getting older and wanting more expensive things such as a 3D printer or Nintendo Switch 2, so that could be contributing to this phenomenon.”

While Springfield citizens may not be feeling the same sort of joy as Annie and her fellow orphans, hope for Christmases throughout the remainder of Trump’s second term is certainly not a lost cause. Awareness of what nation a company carries out production in, as well as what delivery companies are most impacted by tariffs, can help to combat the impacts of current economic policy. Meanwhile, political engagement and speaking out regarding how tariffs have impacted one’s own day-to-day life can make a difference. With grassroots efforts, next holiday season, Americans could have our own New Deal for Christmas.

Speech and Debate Coach Karissa Talty discussing with her students at Marshfield High School. Photo by Emma Lewis.

THE LOSS OF SNAP BENEFITS

MAGGIE MOORE REPORTER

SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, have recently undergone significant changes due to the ongoing government shutdown.

SNAP is a monthly, federally funded program intended to ensure that low-income families can put food on their tables without worrying about where the next meal will come from.

This situation has created a ripple effect that will affect approximately 41.7 million people in the United States, or around 12.3% of the nation’s population.

These changes pose a serious concern, especially for vulnerable groups like lowincome students and families.

These changes had gone into effect immediately; effects like Partial payments had been distributed. In November, only about 65% of the typical monthly payment had been distributed. Other issues, like strain on food pantries, and new requirements had been put into place.

Students at Central rely on food stamps and benefit from free or reduced breakfast and lunch once they enter the school environment. Addressing basic needs such as hunger is crucial for academic success; if a student is hungry, it becomes nearly impossible to concentrate on their studies.

Organizations like No Kid Hungry and Feed The Children, along with the National Institutes of Health, have proven that hungry students often fall behind in academic performance

compared to their peers who have regular access to nutritious meals.

The link between proper nutrition and cognitive function is well documented, and the disruption caused by recent changes to SNAP benefits could mean more students will struggle in their educational pursuits.

As of October 1st, the government has been officially shut down due to Congress not passing a budget for the new fiscal year. This is officially the longest government shutdown in history.

The shutdown did not just halt government operations; it forced many vital programs to stop functioning, leading to increased unemployment and uncertainty for families who rely on governmental support.

“As a government teacher, I find the shutdown to be aggravating,” Matthew Brunner, a government teacher, said. “When you see the system break down, you see these families and individuals that need help and assistance not being able to get what they need.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment among educators and community members who witness firsthand the ramifications of the shutdown on those in need.

“SNAP benefits are meant to help families that may not be able to afford an appropriate amount of food for their families. Food stamps are divided by qualifications and distributed by family.”

Initially, November SNAP benefits were delayed; however, multiple states had received full November SNAP benefits. Yet many other states had only been capable of providing partial benefits. Missouri’s SNAP benefits plan was built on the expectation that some SNAP benefits would be delivered by mid-November,

but amounts may be adjusted, and uncertainty has been acknowledged due to a lack of knowledge about how long this shutdown might last.

Despite the alternative resources available for families in need, the situation remains dire. Organizations such as 2-1-1 provide valuable information about local food banks and assistance programs, and websites like 211.org can connect families to immediate help.

For those seeking more localized assistance, organizations like the Kansas Food Source and Harvesters.org are also available, offering crucial support to those affected by the cutbacks in governmental aid.

“I wish I could do more for my students. It breaks my heart to see an amazing, engaged student disengage into an isolated, silent kid because they cannot get proper nutrition at home,” said Julie Gugel, a Central FACS teacher deeply committed to her well-being.

Through her involvement in initiatives like Girls for Good and classes such as culinary and human development, she strives to provide a supportive environment. Gugel’s observations underscore the broader issues of food insecurity that students face.

Many worry about their next meal, and for many, school food is a crucial lifeline that helps them navigate their day-to-day lives. However, the current government shutdown exacerbates these challenges, making survival increasingly difficult.

“Many students struggle and worry about food security, and many have no idea where their next meal will come from,” Gugel said. “And school food is what gets them through. But right now the shutdown is making survival nearly impossible, and I find myself asking how I can help them.”

As of November 13, 2025, the government shutdown had come to an end after 43 days and officially reopened. However, many families are still feeling the repercussions of the situation. Even though the government has indeed opened back up, Rome was not built in one day. Cause and effect may still play a part in the rebuilding of systems as families begin to get funds back and return to a government shutdown-free life. “It’s families needing food; it should be a natural right. Why are we taking this from them?” Gugel said.

YOU BETTER SING!

One of the various ways to get involved musically at Central is through choir. Eric Eichenberger, Central’s choir director, teaches Scholars Choir, Choir One, Two, Concert and Chamber throughout the entire year.

“In our upper level classes, we teach a lot of musicality, technique, and learning to sing effectively and musically,” Eichenberger said. “[In] beginning level classes, we talk a lot about how to read the notes and understand what’s happening on the page, and just getting some good foundational techniques for singing.”

The choir does several different things, mainly performing in concerts and competing with other school choirs.

“Right now, we are working on the Hunchback music for the play because they need support on the Latin, but normally we just work on our songs for the upcoming concert,” Brynn Whisenhunt (11) said.

AVERY RAPP, REPORTER

Last year, Central’s chamber choir got the highest grade in the All City competition.

“It’s pretty special because especially for a chamber choir, we have a pretty small group,” Whisenhunt said. “It’s not as small this year, but it just makes everyone pretty connected and we also just have a very good team. We’ve won a lot of competitions and we do well at our concerts and things. So I think since Central isn’t really like a sports school, we are, we are shown more in, like, things like music.”

The choir’s next concert will be on December 8th, where they will perform their Christmas and Winter music in the school’s auditorium.

“As we prepare for those things, we just focus on fine tuning elements of the song, making sure that things sound very clean and accurate and have some very musical passages so that it gets loud and soft, and sounds are very hard,” Eichenberger said. “We try to make it sound professional.”

BEHIND THE BRASS

This school year serves as a turning point for Central’s Marching Band, the group reaching new frontiers for performance and competition alike. The first year marching competitively in 25 years, the transition from playing at soccer games to football games, and a high for All District Band auditions have cemented this year as a milestone in Bulldog band history.

“We’ve been building up to it for the last couple of years,” Director Stacy O’Neal said. “We felt like it would be a good time to try it out with the switch of directors and just go for it!”

This season, the group competed at the Mountaineer Classic at Mount Vernon High School and Valhalla at Parkview. As one of the three Head Drum Majors, Grace Park (12) gained a unique perspective as to how such meets shape the band.

“It was definitely nerve-wracking, a new experience for everybody,” Park said. “I think being able to work together through it made it a lot easier. We had a lot of support from our techs, and our band director Ms. O’Neal guided us. It was difficult and stressful at times, but overall it was a really good experience.”

In the midst of this transition, Central High School formally dissolved their football team just weeks before marching season was set to begin. The band had to adapt quickly to a new environment for

EMMA LEWIS, REPORTER

performances: soccer games.

“I play soccer and I’m in the band,” David McDowell (11) said. “It was a lot of fun to see bigger crowds come to soccer games, but it was challenging playing soccer and then immediately having to go play my trumpet. It’s definitely something I’ll look back on and have some good memories from.”

As the band transitioned in both where they performed and whether or not they competed, dedicated students went one step further by auditioning for the All-District and All-State Bands. 20 students from Central made All-District, 15 were eligible to audition for All-State.

“The District and State music is released early on, and so I’ve been practicing for it since this last summer,” Park said. “Honestly, the harder part is being consistent. It is difficult but,you just kinda gotta picture the end goal of it.”

After All-State auditions on December 6th, Madeline O’Toole (11) received 10th chair clarinet, Park received 14th chair, and Rylan Thompson (11) received seventh chair trombone.

“Even the students who don’t end up making the band, they still put in all this time practicing, which makes our band better,” O’Neal said. “It makes us able to play more fun music and learn it quicker, and then,just like anything, the better you are the more fun it is. It’s just going to make the whole program better.”

Jude Lewellen (11) performs during Central’s halftime show. Photo by Emma Lewis.

Chamber Choir supports vocals in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Photo by Landon White.

GOLF GOLFIN’ GALS, GOLFIN’ GOOD!

SPOTLIGHT

EMILY HUGGINS

REPORTER

The girls golf team at Central is determined to do well in competitions and beat their biggest competitors Kickapoo and Glendale.

“We finished 3rd in our Conference Tournament,” John Collins, girls golf coach, said. “We finished 2nd in our District Tournament and Phoebe Lin was the Medalist for the District Tournament. We qualified as a team for the State Tournament since we finished 2nd and we sent Phoebe Lin, Camilla Lu, Gentry Goode, and Finley Loethen to the

didn’t at the previous tournament, then work to correct what we could.”

Because of their own work and them working as a team they were able to place in tournaments and sent some of the girls off to state.

The girls golf season has come to an end and throughout the season the girls have changed and improved.

“My favorite memory this year would be my 3 seniors that I have been so blessed to coach

State Tournament.”

Placing in tournaments and winning awards was because of them. They practice a lot and put in the work to be able to play and win.

“Practice can last 1.5 hrs or an hour. Tournaments usually determine how we practice and for how long,” Collins said. “Practice usually consists of hitting range balls, working on our short-game, tweaking little misses from a previous match or tournament.”

Sometimes, golf isn’t always about placing in tournaments and winning awards individually. The golf team is there to help each other out and improve as a team.

“As a team, we usually had one-on-one putting or chipping competitions at the practices before,” Gentry Goode (12) said. “We would also discuss what went well and what

since they were freshmen: Gentry Goode, Finley Loethen, Ellie Pierson. They are just the best young ladies and seeing each of them improve each season is very fulfilling as coach,” Collins said.

The girls golf team has about ten tournaments each season, they also practice a lot, and place in the top ten at almost every tournament. Coach Collins is very excited to see how far they have come from the season to the end.

“It is very exciting as a coach, when you have a great team like I have had the past 2 seasons,” Collins said. “We have won several tournaments and finishing 2nd last year and 7th this year was such a wonderful experience. Seeing Phoebe Lin win several tournaments as the medalist is a lot of fun too.”

EMILY HUGGINS REPORTER

Finley Loethen (12) has been playing on the girls golf team since her freshmen year. Loethen went to state this season along with two other girls. The state tournament was a two day tournament and they finished seventh in class 3.

“Golf, it’s a very calming sport and you can kinda slow your mind down when you’re playing,” Loethen said. “Another big part of why I kept playing was because my best friend since elementary, Ellie Pierson, played with me.”

There are many reasons people like golf; it might be because of the competition, teammates, or environment.

“My favorite thing about golf is that we get to play outdoors on very pretty courses,” Loethen said. “The past two years at state the courses have been so pretty and a nice environment to play in. This year I also got to play with my younger sister, Matilda Loethen, which is always fun.”

For Loethen golf can help her keep a calm mind but golf has also changed the way is in school.

“I got a lot closer to the girls on my team, I also found myself applying principles in golf to school, things like patience and thinking slow I consciously think about in both the sports I play and school,” Loethen said.

Because of golf, Loethen has become friends with her golf team. As the team helps to improve individually but also has a team.

“My teammates were really nice and everyone got along very well,” Loethen said. They all had their own light that they brought to the team and by the end they all felt like my best friends.”

Phoebe Lin takes a short put. Photo by Cooper Lawson

SOCCER SPOTLIGHT

TODD GAO REPORTER

Gavin Luo (11), from Central is a distinguished player both on the field in addition to other activities. Apart from being a passionate player on the boys soccer team, he has a diverse background of extracurricular and leadership activities, including serving as the Vice President of Fundraising for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America).

Gavin shared how his passion for soccer has evolved over time.

“I started playing soccer when I was 4, because it was just something that my parents wanted me to do. And since then, I’ve just been playing, and it’s been going well,” said Luo. “It used to be my parents making me play but I grew into it and I really like it now. I liked it for a while, I love it.”

Soccer is a place where Gavin’s work ethic and skill shine.

“He is outstanding as far as consistency, games, practices, training. His work ethic is the highest, and then his attitude on their field,”Nathan Cardoza, Luo’s soccer coach, said. “Every single player makes mistakes, but how they react to mistakes is important. And what I try to teach my players is the reaction is more important than the mistake. Are you gonna be negative about the mistake, or are you gonna get back in the fight?”

Apart from displaying his work ethic, Gavin also notes about some of his best memories when playing soccer.

“My best memory would be winning districts,” said Luo, “in district tournaments, we beat every single team that we had already lost to previously.”

KICKING OFF THE SEASON

TODD GAO

REPORTER

The boys soccer team is a group of determined individuals that are able to represent Central due to their frequent practices, cooperation, and desire to support Central. They are a welcoming team with a focus on building cooperation, rather than winning alone.

“Our practices are dependent on the week, dependent on the training needed, and dependent on the opponents we have coming up,” Nathan Cardoza, soccer coach, said. “Generally we start with our skill base and get ready to step into the training element. It is then generally possession based and then we divide it into defensive drills, offensive drills, scoring, or passing. Generally it just depends on the weekend and the opponents coming out.”

Despite a strict training regimen, the soccer team values a very welcoming environment for all. Rather than seeing how young an individual was when they first started to play soccer, the team is more focused on if you display a strong work ethic. The program believes that as long as a player has passion and a strong work ethic, they can succeed.

“What’s great about our program is that anyone is welcome and anyone can learn,” Cardoza said. “We have had players that had never had a soccer background before come in, and as long as they have a good work ethic and they are positive and training. They are gonna get into playing no matter what.”

The boys soccer team mainly participates in large tournaments hosted by a statewide association, which will typically begin around early November.

“Districts start at around the first week of November and it is hosted by Missouri State High School Athletics Association (MSHSAA) They determine what class you are in by how big your school is and then what region you are in in the state. That determines what class you’re in” Cardoza said. “For your seating it depends how well your schedule goes, and then we have a coaches meeting where the coaches from around the district all meet together. We vote on each other to determine who is the one seat, the two seat, the three seat, all the way down to eight. That will determine who you will play in districts, and it turns into a single elimination tournament. So once you win you progress, if you lose you’re out. So you could be out the first game”

The boys’ soccer team is more than a sport and more than just winning. The team has a lucky coincidental winning history of winning districts every few years, but the main focus isn’t just about a trophy. It is also about teamwide improvement, communication, and cooperation.” Cardoza said, “It is kind of funny; our history is about every four years, we win districts.” “Soccer is a very, very team sport, it is not based on one individual player. It’s across the board. It’s about support. You are counting on everyone to fulfill their role. This is a team sport at the end of the day.”

The soccer team plays a game. Photo by Emma Gugliotta

SOFTBALL:

SWINGING ON!

DANE SCHOLZ

REPORTER

The season for softball has ended and the time for reflection has begun. Now that practice and games have ended, players are able to think of ways to improve for the next season. This season they put in the time practicing every day from 4 pm to 6 pm. After all of this work they ended up going 0-17. Despite this, they have plenty of time to improve for future seasons. Arwen Garrison (11) participated in softball this year and had comments about it. “We could have been more dedicated and put in more effort, but I think that we did well as a team,” Garrison said.

The softball team participated in many games this year and were very close to victory at one point. Their games include a match against Hillcrest, with a score of 7 to 19, Ozark, with a score of 6 to 17, and Parkview, with a score of 5 to 20. Jerrod White is a coach in the Central softball team. “Our best game was against Humansville. We rallied back from down ten runs to tie the game, but eventually lost. It was a fun night watching the girls compete. We had 14 girls reach base by being tough and earning a Hit By Pitch,” White said.

Softball trained during the season with daily practices. In addition to this, they participated in off season practices. They also did weight lifting for conditioning before the season began.

“We have a high-intensity plyometric warm up, followed by a structured catch routine, then we break into individual positions or team systems. Ultimately, we finish with conditioning, administered through baserunning practice,” White said.

This year Coach Burkholder and Coach White lead the Central softball team. They were in charge of scheduling events, practices, and any needed counseling. Additionally, they are in charge of management of equipment and administrative work such as any paperwork that might need to be handled, along with their regular practice duties handling training and sportsmanship. “Coach Burkholder does a great job demanding intensity and positivity with our team. She coaches first base and handles our pitchers,” White said.

Players in the softball team stated that they had a positive learning experience during the season this year. Some said that they gained connections that can last through future seasons. Participating in any sport can give a valuable social experience along with teaching discipline to participants. “My experience was positive generally, I worked well and participated with other athletes on the team, which is always an experience that contributes to me positively,” Garrison said.

The end of the softball season presents good opportunities for everybody involved. Offseason practices present an opportunity to improve skills in the sport. There is also plenty of time for personal reflection on the part of team members. All of these factors can lead to an even better season next year. “I think I did pretty good because I worked hard throughout the season, but I will try to do even better next time,” Garrison said.

SOFTBALL SPOTLIGHT

OLIVE ECK

REPORTER

Journey Wildschuetz (12) joined the Central softball team this year, deciding to take a risk and try something new during her last year of high school.

“I tried out as soon as I heard,” said Wildschuetz. “I was like ‘Oh, it’s my last year. I want to see if I like it.’”

Many students are inspired to join sports after talking to friends and family. Wildschuetz remembers the first time her friend recommended softball as a sport.

“One of my friends was like ‘You should join softball,’” said Wildschuetz. “I [was] like, ‘Oh, I should!’”

Each game is a blank slate where athletes can start anew. Wildschuetz enjoys being on the team, and highlights the excitement of each game.

“When it was our first game I felt very excited,” said Wildschuetz. “[Everyone was] working together and being supportive of each other.”

Teamwork is a key part of many sports, not just softball, and it can be very beneficial for future careers. Wildschuetz wants to help animals as a career.

“My dream job is to work at a doggy daycare,” said Wildschuetz. “[I’m going to] Drury University.”

Central’s softball team spends a lot of time working together, and they form a strong team bond and sense of camaraderie. Once teammates spend enough time together, games feel less like a chore and more like a group hangout.

“The best thing is how we’re all like a family,” said Wildschuetz. “This is probably the best team I’ve ever worked with.”

Photo by Maggie Moore

Photo by Maggie Moore

TENNIS SPOTLIGHT

JACK HERR REPORTER

Grace Park has been playing tennis since eighth grade and is now finishing her senior season. Park is involved in a variety of activities across Central, including Band, Cabinet, and Women in STEM; she learns something from each of them.

“Tennis has taught me so much, but if I had to choose one thing, I would say resilience,” Park said. “Winning is great, but my losses have taught me a lot more, especially the importance of bouncing back even stronger.”

Through adversity, Park has persevered and remained a supportive presence for her teammates.

“Definitely tearing my ACL midmatch was one of the most challenging experiences I had this season,” Park said. “It was difficult knowing I couldn’t finish my last season of tennis. At first, it was hard seeing the rest of my team play without me, but over time every win they achieved felt like my own, and I was grateful to see so much improvement and teamwork.”

The emphasis on the successes to others speaks to the kind of person Park works to be. “I would say I’m pretty easy to get along with and will try to make friends at every opportunity,” Park said.

Park expresses an appreciation for the people around her.

“I loved getting to work with my amazing teammates, Coach Cox, and the managers,” Park said. “My family, especially my siblings, inspire me in school, tennis, or wherever I am.”

This “wherever I am” extends to Park’s plans after graduation, where she hopes to continue spending her free time playing tennis and playing music.

“After high school, I’m planning on studying medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor,” Park said.

SERVING UP

VICTORY

REPORTER

The girls tennis team remains dedicated to continued improvement, with practices nearly everyday and a focus on camaraderie.

“I really love the team. Especially this year I think that one of the best things about the season is how fun it is to play, grow, and hang out together throughout the season,” Adelaide Trumble (12) said.

Tennis is an individual sport, but that doesn’t mean teamwork doesn’t play a role in victory. On the team, success is celebrated as a group.

“What makes Central’s team special is our community,” Hannah Skinner (11) said. “We show up for each other even when we’d rather be doing other things, and there are no rivalries among teammates. The team’s biggest strength is our desire to win and continuing to play even when things aren’t going well: our overall fighting spirit.”

For Central, there is a special emphasis placed on being respectful and positive, even if things don’t go as planned.

“On our team we have the motto of having good sportsmanship and having fun no matter the outcome,” Trumble said. “I think that this distinguishes us from other teams and allows us to still have good attitudes and cheer each other on through losses and wins.”

Every time one picks up a racket, goes to a practice, or plays in a match, there is a lesson to be learned.

“One of my biggest takeaways from the season is that hard things are worth doing,” Skinner said. “There were many days when I didn’t want to go to practice or want to have a three-hour-long match, however it was ultimately worth it.”

Perseverance is a value that is rewarded in tennis.

“A lesson I learned this season was that it’s not all about winning. I bumped up to varsity for the first time this year and I lost a lot, but I found that I improved a lot,” Trumble said. “I was able to focus on genuine improvement rather than just winning. Some of the biggest challenges associated with tennis are developing your own skills to keep up with the competition.”

There are 10 seniors on the team. Next year, the team will be heading in newer directions. There is a core of younger players who will step up to take the seniors’ place.

“[Lower varsity] They’re nearly all sophomores or freshmen, so there is much more to come, playing wise.” Skinner said. “Similarly, because the same people will be involved on the team next year, it will provide a sense of history among players.”

Optimism is high to see what the future holds. Lessons from the graduating class will be passed down and absorbed.

“I’m super excited to see all the wonderful things that the team is able to do next year once we are out of the conference and look forward to more seasons of bulldog wins!” Trumble said.

Lucy Caplinger (12) Photo by Julia Matson

JACK HERR

Lilyanna Loudermill (12) Photo by Paige Bodnar

SERVING UP SUCCESS

OLIVE ECK

REPORTER

This year, the Central Volleyball Team got its first opportunity to play at the homecoming game.

“Our opportunity to play [at] the homecoming game was a life-long memory for our program,” Suzi Bryant, volleyball assistant coach, said. “We would love the opportunity to do it again. We loved representing Central and the sport of volleyball for our community.”

Like many other volleyball programs, Central recognizes communication as a key focus.

“Volleyball is such a great sport that helps people not only improve their athleticism, but also their teamwork and communication skills,” Nadia Finan (10) said. “Talking on the court is such an essential component to the game, and playing volleyball will help you come out of your comfort zone.”

Volleyball comes with a lot of pressure to get better; many players have to balance their schedule with schoolwork commitments. The team supports each other, and they work together to figure it out.

“I love the connection that I have had with my teammates and the opportunity I have been given to express my competitive energy,” Zella Schopp-Gosnell (12) said. “My least favorite part would probably be the stress that comes with it, but I also think that learning to fight through stress is important.”

Volleyball has a lot of benefits. Not only do athletes have to focus on skills, but also on how they play mentally.

“School volleyball can really help your teamwork and communication skills,” Finan said. “We learn to talk to each other effectively and always work to bring each other up.”

Photo by Marissa Hollis

Working on the mental side of the game can take a lot of work, and being part of a team can help support a volleyball player’s journey.

“I think that volleyball can be a really mentally difficult sport,” Schopp-Gosnell said. “[It] gives the players the opportunity to bond with each other through adversity.”

In order to have an effective team, players need to spend time with one another. Whether that time is spent on practice or outside of school, it doesn’t matter; it is essential.

“What I love about being on the team is all the people in it,” Finan said. “Everyone is just so supportive of each other, and it is just an amazing environment to be in. Whenever one of us is down, we lift each other up.”

Another thing that is important in the team’s success is the unity within the team. If the team feels uncoordinated, then it won’t play as well on the court.

“The volleyball community is very empowering and also extremely united,” Finan said. “The people on JV talk to people on Varsity, and people on Varsity talk to the freshmen. It’s all just so connected. Instead of being 3 distinct teams, it’s more like we are one conjoined team.”

Each game is different, and playing a sport like volleyball requires focus. The more focused a team is, the better they will play on the court.

“I thought that the Neosho game was really fun,” Schopp-Gosnell said. “We really clicked as a team, and you could feel the focus and the energy from every player.”

VOLLEYBALL SPOTLIGHT

OLIVE ECK REPORTER

Sophia Stratton (12) is a member of the Central volleyball team, an experience that is not only athletic but one that emphasizes community.

“My favorite part of being on the volleyball team is definitely the bond we had,” Stratton said. “I have been on a lot of teams, but we were never as much of a unit as we were this year… it truly felt like we were playing for each other, not ourselves.”

Helping others is what Stratton wants to do as a job, too.

“My vision for the future is to go to college,” Stratton said. “Right now, I am most likely going to the University of Arkansas. There, I will major in biology, following the Pre-Physician Assistant pathway.”

Stratton first tried out for volleyball her freshman year, motivated by her family to pursue the sport.

“My mom inspired me to join the volleyball team,” Stratton said. “She played volleyball when she was young, and I wanted to be like her.”

Stratton has continued to learn new techniques and grow her skills each year. She also worked on how to use her emotions to strengthen her game.

“This year, I learned how to channel strong negative emotions I might be having inside my head into strong positive emotions,” Stratton said. “Whatever negativity I was feeling inside, I put that much energy and more into lifting my teammates up. I can use this skill with my future patients by remembering that I am there for them, not myself.”

Stratton enjoyed being on the volleyball team and plans to play intramural volleyball in college. She says that the community was ideal and that she enjoys her time on the Central volleyball team.

“I love being on the volleyball team,” Stratton said. “I think it is more of a community than you would expect. If there was a disruption in our dynamic, the whole team worked to mend it. We were each other’s biggest cheerleaders!”

The volleyball team prepares for their game.

The volleyball team focuses during a game. Photo by Sydney McCaskill

COLORGUARD

SPOTLIGHT

CHLOE WOOTTON

REPORTER

Whether it’s through her airborne rifle or the spaceships she hopes to build one day, Claire Szura is soaring. As a senior in the IB Program, the classwork is just one part of where her time is divided.

“I’m involved in robotics,” Szura said. “And I’m also involved in choir, Unaccompanied Minors, IB Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society… and there’s a couple more.”

With little more than a semester left of high school, the future is right around the corner—but Szura has plans. While Central doesn’t offer a class for it, she’s intrigued by aerospace engineering and plans to study it in college.

“I’ve always been interested in space and planes. I’d like to work more on spaceships than planes, but both are really interesting fields,” Szura said. “I’m looking at S&T, Purdue, and KU. Purdue has a really active Color Guard that I learned about when I was looking at them; they got third at Color Guard Internationals in ‘23.”

Out of all her activities, Color Guard is the most demanding. The recent necessity to prepare for competition added another layer of difficulty, on top of what it already takes to do the sport.

“[Guard taught me] how to be committed, because one thing about Band is that you have to be there every day to learn it… for a lot of the other activities I do, it’s like, ‘you can miss this practice, it’s fine’, but for Guard, you have to talk to the coaches and get cleared to not be there,” Szura said.

Regardless of the balancing act required to stay involved in Guard, Szura believes it’s worth it.

“I fell in love with it after sophomore year, and it was a lot of fun,” Szura said. “If somebody’s stuck, everybody will try and help them. It’s like a big friend group where everyone works with each other.”

WAVIN’ THE FLAG

CHLOE WOOTTON

REPORTER

Central Color Guard has been around for years, but the 2025-26 season signifies something the team hasn’t engaged in for decades: competition. Color Guard and Marching Band have both made adjustments since they perform in conjunction, but Color Guard hasn’t changed their preparation too extensively.

“Last year was really nice because we used it as kind of a ‘prepping year’. We went to competitions to prepare [for this year], and watched the flow of what others did… so it was really helpful for the competitions in the fall,” Brooke Goodin, Guard Coach, said. “This year hasn’t really changed much, we’ve just extended practices a little more.”

While teamwork is an integral aspect of the Color Guard team, Goodin attributes part of that success to the leadership of the Guard seniors.

“I have three section leaders—Aleyse, Evelyn, and Claire—and they’re all very helpful. They do a lot of work that I would say is unseen, like getting flags ready, getting equipment ready, getting the tarp down. They do a lot of extra things that are very beneficial for me because I’m doing a lot of side work to prep for the rehearsal.”

Another new development this year is the introduction of a Guard class, preventing students from only being able to rehearse during practices or on their own time. Alongside Goodin, Assistant Coach Makayla Trieu stops by during practices and class. While she hadn’t originally planned to, she began coaching for the leadership experience… and of course, the fun atmosphere.

“I like seeing them grow. It’s only been three months since the first day of school and they’ve grown so much,” Trieu said. “In high school when I did Guard, it was definitely a different environment. It was a lot more strict and traditional, and that’s really what Goodin and I wanted to avoid. We wanted to balance working hard, but also having a lot of fun.”

Guard runs year-round, but Color Guard (with band, outdoors) runs during summer and fall while Winter Guard (individual, indoors) occurs during winter and spring. The team can fluctuate due to these changes, but the team stays tight-knit regardless.

“It’s pretty easy to fit in, especially ‘cause it’s such a small group,” Bella Goodfriend (11) said. “It’s a very open group, and it’s a lot of fun. We make jokes, and when Band kids come to play with flags, we’ll teach them how to do basic tosses and drops and stuff.”

In addition to their performance with Marching Band, Color Guard has performed at Mount Vernon, the MSU Homecoming Parade (where they swept their category), and several others. Overall, the team has felt satisfied with the outcome of their first competition season.

Emma Dull (10) performs with her flags at Central’s halftime show. Photo by Emma Lewis.

Claire Szura (12) teaches a band member how to throw a flag. Photo by Emma Lewis.

BOYS BREAKING RECORDS

ABBOTT SCHMIDT

REPORTER

For the first time in Central history, this year, the boys Cross Country Team qualified for state competition at the class four level for the first time in over 25 years.

“Our boys qualified for state as a team for the first time since 1999, which is a really big deal for us. We’re top ten, they were ranked top ten in the state which was great. We had three girls qualify individually and two girls got all state and we had a boy get all state as well. So it’s the most all state athletes we’ve had since at least probably the 1970s.” Jake Burch, cross country and track coach, said.

Central Cross Country changed from a class five school to a class four school this year, giving Central the competitive advantage as a large class four school.

“We were moved down because our population numbers for the school have dropped,” Ronald Timm (11) said. “We swapped places with Farmington… We were always kind of at a disadvantage ‘cause we were the smallest class five school and now we’re kind of at a bigger advantage because we’re probably the biggest class four school.”

While Timm individually qualified last year, he said this year he had a less nervous experience because the whole team qualified.

“I think something people don’t quite understand about cross country is the amount of closeness you get with people,” Timm said. ”You can’t count the thousands of hours that go into it and how deep bonds connect people I didn’t even know. Like this year, I would say I’m pretty good friends with and like people I met last year I am very deeply connected with [them]. I think it’s just those bonds that really, that really like make you a team.”

Next year, the team will lose only one senior, which makes the remaining varsity spot competitive.

“We have a very deep team and then the rest are juniors and a couple sophomores. So there’s only really one spot left available. So it’s gonna come down to who’s willing to work for that one spot and who’s willing to get after it. A lot of that is gonna come from, you know, our sophomore and our freshman class. It really just depends on, you know, how, how hard we work.” Timm said.

Consistency is the biggest way to improve quickly at running, Burch said.

“When your friends are doing it it’s a lot easier to stay motivated and keep that discipline. But I think that’s the biggest thing that’s changing is people just consistently doing it and a lot of our people that started doing it and showing up in the off season are now juniors so they have years of experience and it just stacks and builds on itself.” Burch said.

XC SPOTLIGHT

ABBOTT SCHMIDT

REPORTER

Ronald Timm (11), the team captain of the boys cross country team, got AllState recognition for cross country this year. Timm, one of three cross country athletes at Central, placed 21st in the state wide cross country competition.

“[Last year,] I got my own box, and that was really nerve-wracking because I’m running against the fastest people in the state. This year was a lot nicer because I had my team with me. But it’s also very nerve-wracking because you have teams from all over the state that you’ve only heard about, and now you’re actually having to race against some of these powerhouse schools.”

As a sophomore, Timm individually qualified for state competition, running without the rest of the varsity team. This year, the team qualified as a group for the first time since 1999. This allowed Central to compete against powerhouse schools that usually dominate.

“We went against people that we’ve fought with for the last couple years. There was a kid from Farmington who, me and him have very similar times and it gets nerve-racking because it’s that last championship race. You wanna be able to do good there.” Timm said.

Justin Russell (12) and Ronald Timm (11) leading the group.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

Ronald Timm (11) running at a cross country meet.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

Ronald Timm (11) and Dominik Quinn (11) finishing the race.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

SPOTLIGHT

ABBOTT SCHMIDT

REPORTER

This year, Maisie Rockne (9) individually qualified for state wide competition for girls cross country, becoming the first freshman to qualify for state on the cross country team.

“For like being my first time, [districts] was one of the biggest meets that I’ve been to. I was kind of scared, especially when I would see other people finish and they’d fall down the finish line. It was kind of terrifying, but it was very exciting.” Rockne said.

Rockne has been running long distance for two years and has since become one of the varsity members for girls cross country. Most of the girl’s varsity team are freshman or sophomores, and the team is very supportive and close, Rockne said.

“When you finish, everyone’s super excited to hear what your time is, how you felt like in your race and making sure if you’re crying you’re okay.” Rockne said. “It’s a very positive environment.”

In the future, the team plans on increasing its roster and training for next year.

“I am really excited [for next year] because we think that we’re going to like being placed in districts. Be able to improve and hopefully go to state.” Rockne said.

GIRLS ON THE RUN!

ABBOTT SCHMIDT

REPORTER

This season, three varsity girls on the cross country team individually qualified for state competition. Maisie Rockne (9), Rachel Lee (11), and Victoria Li (11) all individually qualified for state competition this year, with both Rachel Lee and Victoria Li getting All State recognition.

“So this year we had our largest team that we’ve had at least since before COVID.” Jake

Burch, cross country and track coach, said. “Our girls team multiple times ran the fastest one through five average that we’ve had in the history of the school and almost qualified for state as a team just by a couple of points.”

While some members of the team individually qualified, the team as a whole barely missed qualifying for state.

“Our district was awesome. Everybody ran lights out. I mean we had a ton of pressure on us to qualify. We were extremely close and we just missed it. If our top five would’ve ran it ahead of one more person, we would’ve gone [as a team].” Audrey Ward (10) said. “We ran lights out though and like we couldn’t be more proud of our team. We had the fastest 5K average in school history for our girls team.”

All State athletes Rachel Lee and Victoria Li, who placed 25th and 28th respectively, both faced personal challenges during state competition.

“Rachel, she did get All State after being injured all year, which is insane. And then Vicky Lee, one of our varsity runners, ran lights out,

like she was about to pass out. She passed out and fell over right before the line twice and still managed to make All State, which was pretty crazy.” Ward said.

Some goals for next season include recruiting more members and qualifying for state competitions, Ward said.

“The next step is just getting more numbers for girls, which would be awesome. We’re constantly trying to recruit and maybe get them involved in track and coming to running camp with us in the summer. Like getting anybody involved that wants to be involved and consistency is key.” Ward said.

Because of Central’s non-standard feeder pattern, it’s difficult to get new members to join, but said new members often improve quickly and have good experiences with the team, Burch said.

“It doesn’t really take a whole lot of talent or anything special to be good at cross country. It’s just consistently showing up to practice, showing up to off season runs, running all summer and the growth people can make from June first if they start and they come to practice all summer to even like halfway through the season is incredible. People could never run more than a mile without walking or running five to six miles with our upperclassmen,” Burch said.

Girl’s varsity running the final stretch of the route.

Photo by Paige Bodnar.

The Central team running at the Marshfield meet. Photo by Paige Bodnar.

Maisie Rockne (9) running at Marshfield. Photo by Paige Bodnar.

SPLISH

SPLASH

As the 2025 season comes to a close, Central’s Boys Swim has made staggering strides, breaking records and reaching new heights for team camaraderie. All the while, the team has Been faced with an upcoming challenge next season: navigating the transition from being a part of the Central Ozark Conference to being an independent school.

“I was inspired to join the swim team initially to challenge myself,” Brayden Miao (12) said. “Swimming is one of the hardest sports, and being good at it means good cardio, strong muscles, and optimal technique, which requires knowledge of physics and biology. What inspired me to continue to swim was the supportive and hype team environment.”

At the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State Championships this year, Miao broke school records in two events; he swam 57.24 in the 100 Breast which earned him third at state and 50.92 in the 100 Fly which earned him second.

“It’s their hundredth anniversary, so AllState swimmers got a special edition medal which looks sick,” Miao said. “I spent the two weeks leading up to state recovering from unexpected knee and shoulder problems, and I had to fight mentally and physically to maintain my stamina. That journey is why I consider this my greatest achievement.”

Another record-breaking swim at state was Evan Schmutz (12) in the 100 Backstroke, who swam 55.22. As a fellow team captain and fouryear member of the team, Schmutz is incredibly proud of the growth the group has made.

“Watching Central’s rise to the top was really like a dream,” Schmutz said. “I remember my freshman year, teams like Glendale just seemed in a completely different league and I never really imagined we would reach the top with them. That didn’t stop the team from trying.”

Schmutz believes that the team truly started dominating around last school year.

“I remember beating Glendale for the first time at the Central Ozark Conference (COC) Championships,” Schmutz said. “It was honestly surreal. Hearing our name called at the end, receiving the plaque, everyone getting super hyped, it was amazing.”

Prior to state, the team reached a historic

EMMA LEWIS

REPORTER

achievement that swimmers refer to as the “three-peat”: Central placed first at all three championship meets. The group won All City for the first time in school history, taking the title from Glendale. They won the South West Missouri meet (SWMO) for the second year in a row, as well as the COC for their last year competing.

“One of our biggest reasons why we left the COC and now going independent next year is essentially to establish a culture in a different way for our athletics,” Athletic Director Michael Dalangin said. “When it comes to our athletics as a whole, we’ve noticed that student engagement has dropped due to the competition that we see in the COC. Transitioning to the independent league next year, we now have full range on who we’re playing. We can still compete against all these big schools around us, and we can also compete with other schools that had not necessarily originally been on our schedule.”

Switching to the status as an independent school, Central will no longer be able to participate in any COC tournaments. The group will still be able to qualify and participate in State, but the announcement has dampened morale for much of the Boys Swim Team.

“Personally, as captain, I’m very disappointed in this decision,” Miao said. “This team has been on a roll since last year, with no signs of slowing down. We’ve made school history by competing at meets like the COC. There are so many juniors, sophomores, and freshmen who put themselves out there this year, and taking a huge meet like COC away from them is a slap in the face.”

Schmutz explained that COC was one of the few meets that Central gets to race against Glendale, who, according to Schmutz, is Central’s biggest rival.

“The team was not happy about Central leaving COC,” Schmutz said. “However, I think that it also made winning COC this year even more important as it was our last chance to do so, which helped to motivate everybody to swim their hardest. Personally, I think that leaving COC is a bad choice, as now Central won’t have a conference championship in any sport, and it’s something that is going to lessen the experience of all athletes at Central.”

SWIM SPOTLIGHT

DANE SCHOLZ

Micah Hahn is a freshman currently participating in the diving team for the diving team. He joined diving this year, and he doesn’t participate in any other school sports, but he likes to ride bikes as a hobby.

“I was brought to diving through gymnastics and the other diver on our team, Thomas Klepper,” Hahn said.

This year Micah followed a training routine separated from the rest of the swim team. He and Thomas Klepper had daily practice for 1 to 2 hours every day, as well as practice every other day while off season.

“It’s a good way to learn dedication to something because you have to do it over and over again,” Hahn said.

This year Micah regularly went against Glendale high school in meets regularly. He ended up going to state level competition with the rest of the swim team. At meets, he was only required to stay for diving, but would regularly stay to cheer on his fellow teammates.

“Dive teaches good sportsmanship because you have to cheer for everyone, not just your teammates,” Hahn said.

Other than learning and practicing his skills in diving, this year Micah also made valuable connections and friendships. He participated in swim events such as dinners to connect with other members of the team. He also claims to have made friends with other dive team members outside of Central, such as in the Glendale diving team.

“I love diving because all of the divers and swimmers are like a community.” Hahn said.

TODAY. STEP INTO TOMORROW

Your

first choice for college starts here!

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

STEADY SUPPORT FLEXIBLE OPTIONS REAL RESULTS

to explore our programs, find out more information and to apply! Scan the QR Code

LIONS, TIGERS, MASCOTS, OH MY!

JACK HERR REPORTER

For most colleges in Missouri, acceptance deadlines are just around the corner. Though it usually is not a primary contributor to decision making, the qualities and history of a college’s mascot can give insight into the character of the university at large. With tigers, panthers, and bears alike, Missouri has a wide range of mascots to choose from.

Located in Springfield, Drury chose to be the Panthers in 1896. Pouncer the Panther is the official mascot of Drury University. Dressed in basketball togs, he represents one of Drury’s major athletic programs. The men’s team earned a 14-13 record in the 2024-2025 season, as well as a distinction for academic performance, the National Association of Basketball Coaches Team Academic Excellence Award. This exemplifies Drury’s motto “excellence in academics and athletics.”

Boomer Bear is the mascot for another college in Springfield, Missouri State University (MSU). He can be spotted at the MSU volleyball, basketball, and new Division I football games. Boomer Bear has been MSU’s mascot since 1984, a more specific character compared to the more ambiguous bear mascot chosen at the school’s founding in 1906. Since then, Boomer has served as an important figure for MSU’s athletics, faculty, and students as they work to graduate in one of MSU’s 90+ Undergraduate programs. Boomer is described as a personable character and represents MSU’s focus on development in “Public Affairs” for students.

The University of Missouri or Mizzou’s mascot shows state pride. Truman the Tiger; Truman is named after the one and only president to come from Missouri, Harry Truman. Like Truman the Tiger’s namesake, Mizzou has achieved a variety of firsts for Missouri including being the first public university west of the Mississippi, hosting the first homecoming, and being home to the world’s first journalism school. Mizzou’s mascot is the

tiger because of a tradition that dates back to the Civil War. During that time, guerrilla bands would raid small towns like Columbia regularly. In anticipation of a particularly large raid, the people of Columbia banded together into a militia, known as “The Missouri Tigers”, and successfully intimidated the ne’er-do-wells into passing by Columbia completely. This story, and the mascot that resulted, tie into Mizzou’s stated values of discovery, respect, excellence, and responsibility.

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is one of the more prestigious universities in Missouri. A private institution with a focus on research, WashU has over 100 undergraduate programs to choose from. Combining brains with brawn, in 1995 WashU moved to replace its outdated “Battling Bear” logo with a newer design, citing a “ Modern renaissance of Washington U. athletics.” Today, Washington University competes at the Division III level, notably being ranked first in women’s soccer for their conference.

The Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) is located in Rolla. The school has a heavy focus on research, with the majority of S&T’s students engaging in the study of engineering, business, sciences, and mathematics. S&T’s mascot comes from the university’s origin; the passage of the Morrill Land-Grant Acts rewarded Missouri for the creation of what was then known as the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. Today, Missouri S&T’s athletic programs are known as the Miners in homage to this history. Joe Miner is the official mascot of S&T. He is known as a rugged, individualistic, determined, explorer, a paradigm of the traits S&T hopes to foster in its students.

College mascots can provide valuable insight into the character and unique Missouri history of any school one is considering. Every mascot, and every school, has a story worth learning.

Central students have attended many colleges.

Photo by Jack Herr

GIFT GUIDE SMALL BIZ

SARAH GREENE

REPORTER

Baked By Victory

@bakedbyvictory

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“[I sell] baked goods, cakes, cookies, cookcakes, breads, sometimes, like, really anything,” Victory Stine (11), owner of her own baking business, said. “...I have a Christmas tree box. There’s Christmas cookies like peppermint, bark ones, ginger snaps, chocolate covered pretzels, Christmas tree brownies.”

Stine has been operating all of this and last school year, both inside and out of the school. “Right now, it’s going really well,” Stine said. “It has taken a little bit of a hit since I haven’t been able to sell in school. But overall, I think people outside of school have been buying more because I’ve been taking orders more instead of just bringing stuff to school.” Like many, baking started out as a passion project for Stine, and she was encouraged to start selling her products.

“I’ve always enjoyed baking, and I always did it for fun and would just give people stuff, and then people just gave me the idea of starting to sell stuff,” Stine said. “My favorite part is… I just like seeing people smile whenever they try it. Like, whenever they’re like, ‘oh, this is really good.’”

Stine is taking orders both in person and through socials, and is selling her holiday sampler boxes with 16 items for $20.

Hann Made Nails

@hann.made.nails

Hannah Snyder (12) taught themselves how to do nails and began a nail business in between their sophomore and junior year of high school.

“I started doing it as, like, a hobby between my sophomore and junior year, and then I just kept going,” Snyder said.

As a business owner and home-based nail tech, Snyder had to create their own pricing.

“I have a set of, like, baseline pricing and baseline design. It’s like $5 to $15, just depending on how difficult a design is,” Snyder said. Snyder began their business, Hann.Made.Nails, as a hobby and so that they could hone their nail skills. They have other stronger passions that they hope to go to school for as well.

“I thought about continuing after graduation,” Snyder said. “I thought about maybe doing it during college to make some money. I think it could be a fun career, but I am more passionate about nursing.” Snyder has found more than money, they have used their nail business as a creative outlet.

“I like showing off different creations and having people show me their ideas,” Snyder said.

Emily’s Art @emilyys_artt

Emily Neal (12) runs her own painting and art business, taking commissions and selling paintings that she makes.

“I run my own art business where I take commissions for people,” Neal said. “Just for practice I make, like, hundreds of paintings, just for fun, and I need to get rid of them, so I do little fairs every once in a while.”

Commissions are more expensive than pre-made paintings, but Neal aims to keep them affordable for her mainly student audience.

“Since I’m a student, I don’t really feel comfortable making it expensive, so I sell most of my things for $5 to $20,” Neal said. “The most expensive painting I sold was $100.”

Neal accepts commissions when she can, but paints on her own almost every day.

“I paint at least one thing a week. Oftentimes I would do something every day. Not all of them are made for the intention of selling, in fact it’s just my own practice. I might do one commission every month or week, depending on scheduling.”

Neal adores painting, and plans on continuing her hobby and business into college and beyond.

“I like seeing artists that inspire me, and seeing them do commissions and sell their paintings is really inspiring to me and makes me want to try to get out of my comfort zone,” Neal said. “Since I’m a pretty quiet person, I’m not too fond of, like, putting myself out there. So having the ability to do that through business is kind of scary, but it’s an experience that I enjoy.”

OUT OF THE DOG HOUSE

Field trips are a great way for students to get a more hands-on learning experience. They allow students to engage with the community, volunteer, and learn how they can make a difference.

MYP 10 FIELD TRIPS

The MYP 10 students went on a field trip to fulfill their service requirements and learn about local organizations. The students chose between the Ozarks Food Harvest, the Watershed Center, or the Springfield Community Garden.

“Part of the requirements for the MYP program is for MYP 10 students to participate in Service as Action,” Shawnna Wilson, MYP Community Engagement Site Leader, said. “This means that all MYP 10 students should participate in some form of volunteerism/ community service. In addition to this service time, students explore the impact of service as action within their courses and curriculum. After the service is completed, students are provided avenues to reflect on these experiences.”

The students engaged in different activities at their chosen volunteer sites. Each activity showed them how they can make an impact and help their community.

“For [Ozark’s] Food Harvest, they had us packing bags for elementary students that they would be able to give kids,” Jodi Pitts, MYP 10 teacher, said. “They had things in them like soup and juice, and shelf-stable milk and snacks- things they could create a meal from… We packed 2,628 meals [and] 438 bags.”

At the Springfield Community Gardens, the students learned about how the garden helps support families in need. They were also able to help harvest plants.

“We helped farmers who were voluntarily serving the community, pull weed-like plants from a field of plants,” Malachi Wright (10) said. “The plants made everyone feel calm and grateful for the services that the garden provided.”

The Springfield Community Garden trip was not only educational, but also an insightful moment between students. The experience made them think about the deeper impact of

ARIANA ABBOTT REPORTER

the garden and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of their mission.

“During our time at the Springfield Community Garden, students sat in a circle while shucking peas and discussed the ways in which they felt grateful for the volunteer experience,” Wilson said. “I think this moment was really impactful because students saw the greater purpose in the work they were doing for our community… As a teacher, I enjoyed seeing students take pride in something they did and express gratitude for the ability to serve. Not all students in that group knew one another prior to this short visit, but suddenly, during this moment, it felt that they were all now connected and had developed a small community of kids with a shared vision.”

Students at the Springfield Watershed participated in more active and more physical volunteering. “We moved rocks from a little creek and repaved and graveled some trails,” Cooper Oldham (10) said. “We used pickaxes and shovels and put some rocks in a bucket… and we moved them to [a] dirt trail and [poured] the rocks out.”

Even though the students were hard at work, they were able to have fun and play with each other.

“During our time at the Watershed Center, students pretended to play Minecraft while using the pick-axes on the rock,” Wilson said. “It seemed silly, but it somehow encouraged this highly motivated and collaborative work environment that got the job done efficiently. All students were invested in this project, and at the end, one of our students was gifted an arrowhead found on site by our host.”

The MYP 10 field trips will happen every year for as long as the class is offered. “It’s always gratifying to see that [the students] feel good about the impact that they’re making, that they can kind of have that feeling of ‘I’d like to help others,’” Pitts said.

The MYP 10 students went on a field trip to fulfill their service requirements and learn about local organizations. The students chose between the Ozarks Food Harvest, the Watershed Center, or the Springfield Community Garden.

“Part of the requirements for the MYP program is for MYP 10 students to participate in Service as Action,” Shawnna Wilson, MYP Community Engagement Site Leader, said. “This means that all MYP 10 students should participate in some form of volunteerism/ community service. In addition to this service time, students explore the impact of service as action within their courses and curriculum. After the service is completed, students are provided avenues to reflect on these experiences.”

The students engaged in different activities at their chosen volunteer sites. Each activity showed them how they can make an impact and help their community.

“For [Ozark’s] Food Harvest, they had us packing bags for elementary students that they would be able to give kids,” Jodi Pitts, MYP 10 teacher, said. “They had things in them like soup and juice, and shelf-stable milk and snacks- things they could create a meal from… We packed 2,628 meals [and] 438 bags.”

At the Springfield Community Gardens, the students learned about how the garden helps support families in need. They were also able to help harvest plants. “We helped farmers who were voluntarily serving the community, pull weed-like plants from a field of plants,” Malachi Wright (10) said. “The plants made everyone feel calm and grateful for the services that the garden provided.”

The Springfield Community Garden trip was not only educational, but also an insightful moment between students. The experience made them think about the deeper impact of the garden and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of their mission.

“During our time at the Springfield Community Garden, students sat in a circle while shucking peas and discussed the ways in which they felt grateful for the volunteer experience,” Wilson said. “I think this moment was really impactful because students saw the greater purpose in the work they were doing for our community… As a teacher, I enjoyed seeing students take pride in something they did and express gratitude for the ability to serve. Not all students in that group knew one

another prior to this short visit, but suddenly, during this moment, it felt that they were all now connected and had developed a small community of kids with a shared vision.”

Students at the Springfield Watershed participated in more active and more physical volunteering. “We moved rocks from a little creek and repaved and graveled some trails,” Cooper Oldham (10) said. “We used pickaxes and shovels and put some rocks in a bucket… and we moved them to [a] dirt trail and [poured] the rocks out.”

Even though the students were hard at work, they were able to have fun and play with each other. “During our time at the Watershed Center, students pretended to play Minecraft while using the pick-axes on the rock,” Wilson said. “It seemed silly, but it somehow encouraged this highly motivated and collaborative work environment that got the job done efficiently. All students were invested in this project, and at the end, one of our students was gifted an arrowhead found on site by our host.”

The MYP 10 field trips will happen every year for as long as the class is offered.

“It’s always gratifying to see that [the students] feel good about the impact that they’re making, that they can kind of have that feeling of ‘I’d like to help others,’” Pitts said.

THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY

To reward themselves for their hard work, the Central Botanical Society took a field trip to the Kauffman Memorial Gardens and Powell Gardens in Kansas City. The experience encouraged the students to think about the importance of gardens and to engage in nature.

“We work hard all year, but summertime is particularly challenging because of the heat,” Paul Epps, Botanical Society sponsor, said. “This is a way to reset and remember why we work so hard. The hope is everyone will come back inspired to keep working hard and to make our gardens something other people will want to see and spend time in.”

The trip was also an educational opportunity for the students to learn more about gardens and to think of ways they could better the gardens at Central. “We were encouraged to take pictures, talk about what we liked, [and] we could talk with Mrs. Nelson or Mr. Epps if there was anything that we thought we might want to try at our gardens,” Lydia Davis (12) said

The gardens were as relaxing as they were informative. The students were able to soak up the tranquility of nature and the gardens. “It was really peaceful,” Davis said. “One of them has like a water feature and like tons of butterflies everywhere.”

This field trip is one that occurs every

year, but it isn’t only for students in the Botanical Society. The trip is open to all students interested, as Epps wants every student to learn and appreciate gardening. “There are so many aspects of gardening that is good for the soul--food, beauty, design,” Epps said. “You develop all sorts of skills like patience, knowledge of soil and plants, how to incorporate design elements like pattern, line, texture and the tool handling skills used in cultivation, harvesting and even building structures. When we start this process, it often seems like we fail, but when you go to a place like Kauffman Gardens, Powell Gardens, or Missouri Botanical Gardens, you see what perseverance can create.”

The IB Biology II class took a trip to Dickerson Park Zoo to learn about conservation efforts for endangered species as a part of their human conservation unit. Madison Cochran, IB Biology II teacher, and Paul Epps, Environmental Systems and Societies teacher, hosted the trip.

“The students have to create a conservation plan where they are assigned an endangered species, and they have to do research and… look into what conservation efforts are currently being done, what still needs to be done, and what still needs to be done, because these animals are still critically endangered,” Cochran said. “So to give them kind of more hands-on experience in this, we go to the zoo to look at what conservation efforts are being done there and to just get an idea of how to better educate the public on these sorts of issues.”

Students were encouraged to explore the zoo, take pictures, and get inspiration from the zoo’s conservation efforts to create their conservation proposals.

“It was really cool to see, like, all the different conservation ideas being implemented,” Zella Gosnell (12) said. “It gave me the idea for the nursery project that I used on [my project].”

The field trip was unstructured and allowed students to break into groups and explore the exhibits. Gosnell’s group was able to see many active animals, a highlight of her trip.

“My group was really lucky because we had a bunch of animals that got super active as we came over,” Gosnell said. “We saw the tiger running and rolling around, we saw the otters eating, [and] we saw the mountain lions playing.”

This was the first year that IB Biology II took a field trip to the zoo, and the experience encouraged the students to do deeper research and inquire about the animals. Since the field trip was such a success, they hope to make it a recurring trip every year.

“I loved it as much as a giraffe’s neck,” Epps said. “It was kind of relaxing [and] it was really neat to see how much the zoo has improved. It was also a great way to inspire students.”

IBCP

The Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) I and II classes also went on service field trips. The trip is a part of a program called Give Five, which Central is a pilot school for.

“We took some juniors and seniors through the PPS I and PPS II to different locations of non-profit organizations because we are setting up a program through Give Five… an organization that connects people to non-profit organizations in order to not only volunteer,” Larry Shaefer, PPS II teacher, said. “They are trying to work with these non-profits to complete some sort of task that they’re having problems doing. The other part of why is [that it] is… outside of school and has real implications. Instead of going through some sort of scenario that doesn’t have… any impact or real impact on the community. This is an opportunity for them to actually have a real impact and see results in the real world.”

The students rode a bus around town visiting various organizations. These organizations included Crosslines, Springfield Public Works, and 4 Fathers. “I really liked getting to tour [Crosslines] because I’ve been there a couple times and I just really like the way that everything is set up for people to feel… special and important,” Eleanor Rogers (12) said.

Each student learned about the mission of the organization, their impact, and how they can participate in their initiatives.

“I went because I wanted to see different opportunities to volunteer at since we have volunteer hours to fill, and I wanted to see if there were ones that I could help with,” Rogers said.

While it is unknown if the field trip will occur again next year, Shaefer hopes to continue providing students with more opportunities to get a hands-on learning experience.

“I feel like [these are] experiences kids will never forget,” Shaefer said. “It’s so powerful to move them outside of a normal day. And it’s a naval thing to have them on a bus; it’s an experience.”

IB BIO: THE ZOO

MYP 10 students working at the Springfield Community Garden. Photo by Shawnna Wilson.

TO SERVE: KEY CLUB

Key Club was established on May 7, 1925, at Sacramento High School in California. Created by Albert C. Olney and Frank C. Vincent, it is the longest and oldest student-led, high schoolfocused service organization. The Key Club has since spread throughout the United States.

“I am honestly not sure how long Key Club has existed for. It is an extension of Kiwanis International, which was established in 1915.” Zella SchoppGosnell (12) said. “Central’s chapter came back into existence a few years ago.”

Kiwanis International is a philanthropic organization that helps those in need, mainly the homeless and the disabled. Key Club is a way for high schoolers to get involved.

“The purpose of Key Club is to make the world a better place through service.” Jodi Pitts, Key Club sponsor, said. “We are a service organization, and we organize ways for students to give back to their community.”

Key Club is great for those who want to volunteer, but it’s also ideal for students in IB who need to fulfill their volunteer hours. The IB program requires CAS hours to graduate with an IB Diploma. The “S” in CAS stands for service, which you need at least 50 hours for.

“The purpose of Key Club is to gather as many people as possible to help give back to the community around us.” Dhruv Patel (12) club Treasurer, said. “I think that Key Club is a great club for people to get volunteering hours and for others to hang out with friends while also doing something beneficial.”

Key Club serves people living

throughout Springfield, it helps multiple different organizations throughout Springfield by providing them willing volunteers.

“We volunteered at various locations, such as Girls on the Run 5K, Bass Pro’s Paint the Run, Discovery Center, Convoy of Hope, and Ozarks Food Harvest,” Pitts said. “Students also did a sock & hygiene drive, the proceeds of which went to the Veterans Coming Home shelter.” Volunteering for Key Club not only allows you to volunteer for your community, but it also allows you to earn many rewards.

“If you volunteer 12 hours over the course of your four years of high school, you will get a cord to wear at graduation!” Lena Satterwhite (12) and Club Editor said, “If you volunteer 18 hours, you will receive a medal!”

The Key Club is also very strongly student-led, being more or less completely controlled by the students.

“My favorite aspect is watching students lead.” Pitts said, “Senior students who accrued at least 12 hours in volunteering earned a cord for graduation, and those who had 18 hours earned a medal.”

Key Club is always looking for new members, so if one is interested, one should talk to Mrs Pitts in room 229.

“Our members receive a spreadsheet with a few volunteer events in the area each month, listing the time, date, location, and any special instructions.”

Zella Schopp-Gosnell (12) said.

“Membership for the year is closed, so only existing members can access this, but everyone interested should sign up next year!”

REPORTER

REESE WOOD

TODD GAO

REPORTER

This year, Central has demonstrated environmental awareness that completely overshadows other schools. Environmental awareness is washing over our school with the launch of the dedicated “Green Team,” an initiative led by Paul Epps, an Environmental Systems and Societies teacher.

“Green Team is the combination of two different clubs we had last year,” Epps said. “The first was Envirothon, which is a team that competes against other schools about environmental issues like soil and land use, forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology and a current issue. The other club is Missouri Green Schools, which is a group that chooses a project to help make Central a more green school called a Quest.”

The Green Team is an extracurricular activity that impacts the community in

GOING GREEN: GREEN TEAM

many ways, from cleaning and protecting the environment to advocating for change. While it is impactful, the club has very few requirements.

“The requirements for being in the club [are] simply a desire to help make our environment cleaner and more sustainable. There are no dues or number of meetings you need to attend,” Epps said. “We hope you attend all the meetings; however, we recognize that people are often involved in multiple clubs.”

The current Green Team has 21 members, but they are highly encouraging more members to join; a large number of supporters is needed to achieve the goals the green team has.

“The impact of our club has been growing every year,” Epps said. “This year our goals are to win the State competition in Envirothon, As an Envirothon team, we pursue excellence

MYP10 EMBARKS

The MYP 10 Project Lab at Central High School has empowered students to not only explore their interests, but also create projects that benefit the Springfield community at large.

“While the course itself isn’t required, to complete the IB MYP, students must complete the Personal Project,” IB MYP Coordinator Sarah Keeth said. “The Personal Project gives students the opportunity to practice the skills they will need if pursuing a full IB Diploma or Career-related Program and the long-term projects required for each.”

Currently, Jodi Pitts and Whitney RussellIce teach MYP 10, and there are approximately 100 sophomores taking the course.

“It’s a very important class,” Avril Figueroa (10) said. “It helps you learn more about what you’re passionate about - things that could not only help you, but others.”

Figueroa used the project lab as an opportunity to speak out on issues that were

not merely personal, but political. Her final project was a documentary, highlighting the experiences of those who have faced stereotyping or racial profiling during recent immigration reforms.

“The goal of my project was for people to be aware of what’s happening in our country, and how unfair this whole process is for people.” Figueroa said. “Not everyone that is coming into this country is to do harm, but instead to make a difference in their lives.”

For Youmna Issolah (10), the course also provided a space to combine passions with preparation for her future career.

“My project is a coloring book for little kids, and it’s a medical theme,” Issolah said. “When I was younger I liked to draw, and now, I want to be a doctor!”

The coloring book lists facts about specific medical tools, simultaneously teaching children and familiarizing them with objects that may

in the study of soils, forestry, wildlife, and aquatic ecology. As part of Missouri Green Schools, we put this learning into action by promoting sustainability within our school and community—restoring habitats, adopting streams and streets, reducing waste, planting native species, hosting environmental education events, and supporting greener transportation. Through service, scholarship, and outreach, we strive to build a healthier and more environmentally conscious future.”

The goal of the Green Team is to benefit the entire community, the environment, and the students themselves.

“Our mission in Green Team is to empower students to understand, protect, and improve the natural world,” Epps said.

EMMA LEWIS REPORTER

be intimidating at first glance.

“When you’re a little kid, medicine and the doctor’s office, it’s scary,” Issolah said. “I just wanted to make these coloring books, since coloring is a stress reliever! It’s a fun activity – You can color and learn at the same time.”

As the course progresses into the 20262027 school year, changes will be made that further recognize and encourage students who have undertaken the course.

“We will be recognizing students who complete the IB Middle Years Program requirements: Personal Project, language acquisition courses, and subject group course completion,” Keeth said. “Students who complete the MYP requirements will earn an orange cord to wear at graduation, an invitation to the MYP celebration, and recognition at the senior awards assembly!”

WINTERTIME BUCKET LIST

LUCY CAPLINGER

EDITOR IN CHIEF

As the snow begins to fall and winter break approaches, students begin to have a lot of free time. If you find it hard to find things to do, here are some recommendations!

REMINISCING

The winter months are widely spent inside, shivering. This time indoors can lead to reminiscing.

An easily accessible activity to participate in this winter could be asking those around you, like your parents or older family members how they have spent Christmases or holiday breaks past.

Many begin winter with decorating, which a lot of the time involves sentimental decorations. Similarly, plenty of people have certain personal traditions they take part in to start the freezing season right.

If you don’t have any traditions, this winter break could be a good opportunity to create some!

In your wintery freetime you could take time to acknowledge your loved ones through holiday cards or letters, or even buy them gifts to let them know you love them.

Winter can be hard for everyone, so it is a good time to show up for those that you care about.

OUTSIDE MAGIC

For some, the frosty weather just means to buckle your snow shoes and zip up your coats.

If seeing your breath outside excites you, now is the time to check out Bass Pro’s new ice skating rink in Springfield. Admission is $15.00 and it’s a great way to spend a chilly weekend alone or with your friends.

A cheaper outside route to having a fun winter day is to go sledding or build a snowman. It’s up in the air how much snow to expect, but when and if it comes racing down hills and collecting snow in the front yard is a popular way to stay occupied and get outside.

If you’re up for heading outside, but are looking for something less exhilarating, seeing holiday lights is fun and usually free/inexpensive. Notable places in Springfield are the Bagwell lights, which you can view from inside your car.

An outside light experience is Gardens Aglow, which is held at the Mizumoto Stroll gardens and hosted by the Friends of the Garden Association. This attraction is a walking event and costs around $6.00, depending on the criteria of the purchaser.

WINTER ON A BUDGET

If you’re worn out from all of that outdoor activity, an inside option might be the way to go.

Winter is a great time to save money and explore cheap, but entertaining and fun ways to spend time.

Taking a warm bath is a great way to end a cold winter’s day. This is also the time for long sleeve pajamas and big fuzzy robes! Getting cozy can help you get a good night’s rest to face the cold day in the morning.

If snow and ice isn’t your thing, having a wintery uniform is a good way to combat the freezing weather and have an intentional snuggly night.

READ AND WATCH

With the predicted snow days, winter is the perfect time to cozy up on the couch or in bed and finally get to that movie or book that has been put off for a later date.

Enjoying wintery or holiday-time media is a cheap and easy way to spend snowed-in free time and experience all the vibes, snuggled up inside!

Dash and Lily on Netflix is a great example of a Christmas favorite. This limited series follows two teens, one who hates Christmas and the other who is obsessed with it. The two main characters pass back and forth a red leather diary and get to know each other through a scavenger hunt in Christmasy New York.

For readers who don’t celebrate or enjoy Christmas, reading a novel set in winter could be a better alternative. Beartown by Fredrick Backman takes place in a European hockey town. The story follows a large cast of characters and follows the hockey team and the people surrounding them.

Winter can be whatever you want, if it’s outside exhilaration or a cozy night under a blanket, make this winter break count.

FUN FREE OF PHONES

EMILY HUGGINS

REPORTER

You are sitting on your bed, light from the window peers into the room. It seems like the perfect day, but you’re so bored. Looking at the phone in your hand,a wave of boredom rushes over you. However, there is nothing to do besides scroll on your phone or watch TV.

¨Painting and drawing are also excellent ways to entertain yourself. If that feels too intimidating, you could also grab some coloring pages to fill,¨ Bethany Mincks, art teacher, said.

There are many things to do without spending time on technology or being bored at home.

¨There are a lot of arts and crafts that are great ways to entertain

REESE WOOD

DESIGN EDITOR

In my non-professional opinion, weather is the study of butterfly theory and making predictions out of chaos. It’s way easier however considering we know what signs we are looking for. The art of predicting snow is a field of meteorology that I do not fully understand, however I do understand the art of rain prediction because of a little thing called Convective Available Potential Energy, or CAPE as I will refer to it as. Fortunately, depending on the CAPE level we can use known charts relating to storm classification to roughly predict snowfall.

So, how does one go around predicting such? First thing we need is to look at the radar going on around Alaska and the Bering Straight, most

yourself without technology. Learning to sew, knit, or crochet are great ways to relax.¨ Mincks said.

But, doing arts and crafts aren’t the only ways to have fun without technology.

¨[I] Create a garment or a home decorative item on my sewing machine,” Kimbala Ellis, I’ve made elaborate window treatments, upholstery, wedding gowns, and quilts, to name a few! I’ve sewn for myself, my daughter, and for clients; it can be a good source of income,¨ Kimbala Ellis said.

Most crafts are made for oneself but crafts can also be made for other people or animals.

¨Colder months, I like to crochet,

in the summer I have a pollinator/ Missouri native flower garden and I make habitat friendly housing like bird houses, pollinator boxes, squirrel houses, etc..¨ Katherine Campbell said.

Sitting on your bed looking at all the craft and fun things you’ve just made. A smile forms on your lips when you realize it’s night time. The whole day was taken up with doing crafts instead of being on your phone. As you drift off into sleep, you think about what you will do tomorrow.

WEATHER WHAM

of the weather for Missouri comes through the Polar Jet Stream, which bobs and weaves throughout the Midwest, traveling North to get around the Rockies and heading South over the planes. This essentially creates a funnel which helps generate high amounts of CAPE from it mixing with warm weather from the Gulf. This high CAPE is a leading cause for the creation of the Dixie and Tornado alleys which I specialize my knowledge on.

But I digress, one of the essential parts of weather forecasting and interpretation is an information gathering method called Atmospheric Sounding. Weather balloons are the tools mainly used for these atmospheric measurements.

Half of the fun for weather prediction is using non-scientific prediction tools. Such as old sailor superstitions. But in some cases these are actually quite effective for prediction. A good example of this is seeing if the famous “Winds of November” come early to the great lakes. This year, the winds came in force very early. This clues me in that it will be a more violent winter with plenty of snow.

This year is going to be an absolute banger for the cold winter because of an ocean event called “La Niña”, this will cause the ocean to become cooler compared to average and push the wind North creating some very strong winter phenomena.

Movie Reviews

WICKED FOR GOOD

LUCY CAPLINGER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

After a year of anticipation, “Wicked: For Good,” the second half of the Wicked adaptation, has been released. Going into this movie I have to admit that I had incredibly high expectations and simultaneously limited knowledge on the plot. Overall, the movie was good. I had very high hopes considering the first movie was one of my favorites for 2024.

The coloring and cinematography in this movie was great. I think that the costumes were incredibly intentional and told a story of their own. This is specifically apparent with Glinda’s costumes and how she goes from only pink clothing in this first movie to a purple and blue dress and a black coat in the second. To me, this signifies her growth as a character and the importance of her connection with Elphaba in the story arc.

Another major strength in this movie is the wholeness that is portrayed. As a second half of a story, the responsibility “Wicked: For Good” had was to not only create an appealing movie, but an ending that directly connects to the previous half of the story. I think this movie does that very well. I definitely was satisfied with the ending.

A weakness of this movie is the music. Don’t get me wrong, “Wicked: For Good” has some of the best songs from the musical, but it also has some of the worst. Comparatively, the first movie is a zero skip album. So far, I like about half of the songs in this sound track. Specifically For good and No Good Deed. I feel like I need to add that as a movie this was very surprising. I definitely went into the theater expecting one thing to play out and walked out with my jaw dropped and tears in my eyes. Because, what?

All in all, “Wicked: For Good,” was exactly that: good. I enjoyed the story and thought that the actors continued to do well. Personally, though, “Wicked: Part One” was a lot better and also more rewatchable. What did you think? Email me at LucyCaplinger12@gmail.com to let me know your opinions on the music, costumes, acting, and beyond!

“Regretting You” is a coming-of-age movie based on the novel by Colleen Hoover. It follows mother-daughter duo Morgan and Clara as they navigate falling in love with the wrong people after a tragic accident leaves Morgan’s husband and sister dead. The film stars Allison Williams as Morgan, McKenna Grace as Clara, Mason Thames as Miller, and Dave Franco as Jonah. “Regretting You” is supposed to be an emotional story, one that makes the viewer cry, ache, and feel hopeless. However, this movie adaptation failed miserably.

The casting is one of the only things the film did right. Grace and Thames had amazing chemistry, and Grace and Williams perfectly captured the tension and raw emotion between their characters, though the dialogue was uninspired.

I also really liked that the producers changed a few plot lines to better develop some characters, such as Morgan’s side plot of finding her passion for interior design. It added the depth to her character that I craved when reading the novel. Outside of the cast and a few minor plot additions, there is little positive to be said about the adaptation. I wanted so much more.

Nothing about the way the story was portrayed did the complex relationship between Morgan and Clara justice. The intricate dialogue Hoover meticulously created that expressed the nobility of Morgan’s actions was not in the adaptation. There were so many quotes that were a punch to the gut in the novel that were absent from the film, and it left me feeling underwhelmed and bored.

I also hated how the film excluded the relationship between Clara and Jonah. There were many moments between the pair in the novel that captured teenage rage and hurt that were left out. As a result, the conversation about family and the unconventional ways families can exist was missing.

Overall, this film was a waste of time. I was left wanting more from the characters and a refund for my movie ticket.

2

CHLOE WOOTTON

SENIOR REPORTER

Governmental corruption, oppressive ideologies, and maltreatment of minority groups—prevalent topics within political media, and also “Zootopia”. Needless to say, the sequel to the 2016 blockbuster had a lot to live up to.

To recap, “Zootopia” followed the story of Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they exposed the Assistant Mayor’s framing of predator animals as dangerous, and “Zootopia 2” is a similar story. In addition to navigating their new police partnership, the sequel follows Judy and Nick as they uncover how the wealthy Lynxley family framed a snake as dangerous, resulting in reptilian expulsion from the city a century prior. The format was both the movie’s best feature and biggest mistake. Following essentially the same concept (Judy and Nick expose a corrupt scheme and deliver justice) provided logical continuity, expanding on the same world, characters, and themes the original introduced. Yet, “Zootopia 2” feels extremely predictable when placed into the context of the first. Familiarity is valuable, but it shouldn’t limit originality.

ARI ABBOTT SENIOR REPORTER

Nick and Judy’s relationship is another aspect that seems repeated. Despite the revelation the pair had at the end of the first movie, Judy is still domineering (e.g.: forcing Nick to help her investigate) while Nick refuses to take risks (e.g.: begging Judy to run away). This lack of true character development can be attributed to the ridiculous timeskip between the movies… a mere one week, despite “Zootopia 2” releasing nine years after the original. Such a miniscule difference leads to confusion when comparing the two, as diction, special effects, and cultural references are blatantly contemporary—while the timelines are supposedly one week apart. Regardless, “Zootopia 2” is an entertaining and amusing watch. The humor is witty and pleasing for any age, new and old characters alike feel lively, and the animation is vibrant, tonally varied, and nothing short of astounding. Frankly, it’s a movie anyone can enjoy, whether you’re captivated with the hundreds of pictured species or enraptured by the parallels between Zootopia’s conflicts and those within our own society.

REESE WOOD

REPORTER

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

7 OCTOBER, 2023 the militant terrorist group and political organization, Hamas, attacked Israel. What followed was two years of brutal guerrilla fighting. Although the war hasn’t officially ended as of when this magazine comes out, an unstable ceasefire has been brokered.

The questions that need to be asked and answered by high school students throughout Springfield Public Schools and the world are: What happened? Why did this happen? Who are the key players? Why should you care?

After the Second World War and the Holocaust, the allies determined that it would be in the best interest of the Jewish people who survived to have a dedicated land for their own safety.

The United Kingdom would give up parts of her territories in the Middle-East to establish Israel. This had the side effect of displacing many people who had been living in the land that was given over to the new state of Israel. This caused lots of tension in the region leading to multiple wars.

These issues should matter to you because of the implications on world wide politics, the way in which President Trump handles this situation will likely define his presidency, as well as the way in which the US conducts its foreign policy. The complexity and controversy of this issue has further polarized American politics.

See box on the right for list of important events in the modern history of the reason.

This multitude of events lays the scene for the complex political relation that we see in the modern day Levant. But, now leading up the big one, the modern Hamas Israel war.

This war in specificity has been brutal for all parties involved. Modern Gorilla Warfare tactics have been implemented by Hamas. The resulting mass civilian casualties have spurred high criticism from many countries throughout the world.

The United States, with much help from Egypt, was able to bring the Governments of

Palestine and Israel to a meeting room and discuss terms of ceasefire. Israel was heavily pressured by President Trump to agree to a ceasefire agreement which he and his cabinet created.

The ceasefire itself is a deal that benefits both sides, that is if neither side breaks the ceasefire. The deal promises the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas as well as the remains of all deceased Hostages. This has been the main driving factor for Israel continuing the war.

As of 11 December 2025 the first phase of the ceasefire has more or less concluded. The first phase of the ceasefire would see partial withdrawal of Israeli troops as well as exchange of prisoners from both sides, mainly the sick and the elderly.

The Second phase, however, is not going smoothly. The second phase of the plan is mainly the exchange of the Israeli Hostages in exchange for Palestinian Prisoners of War.

The beginning of the second phase has seen a multitude of reasons. As of 11 December, 2025, Hamas has claimed upwards of 700 times since the signing of the ceasefire on 10 October, 2025. In response, the Israeli government assured that its actions were purely defensive actions with the office of Benjamin Netanyahu saying on X “directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip,”.

Inside of the ceasefire Trump stated that a possible pathway for Palestinian statehood exists, this part of the ceasefire agreement Israel has taken great issue with. Until then the Ceasefire states that a “Technocratic” state will be operated. This sounds dystopian to me, but all-in-all what it means is that a multitude of oligarchical leaders will rule Palestine and try to build its infrastructure up.

In the end, the resolution of this conflict will serve the interests of many international communities. I believe that this ceasefire ensures the best and most fair realistic outcome for all groups involved.

1948 - The first Arab-Israeli war. The first Arab-Israeli war was closer to a civil war which involved fighting between Jewish and Arab militant groups.

1956 - The Suez Conflict saw Egypt invaded by Britain, France, and Israel. This came after the Egyptian government sought to nationalize the Suez Canal.

1967 - The Six Day war, started after Israel did a preemptive strike against Egypt, then fought and defeated Jordan and Syria in 6 days.

1973 - The Yom Kippur war began after a surprise attack on Israel by Egypt led to crushing defeats against Israel, even pushing Israel to almost a state of collapse. Through luck Israel was able to survive and push back.

1987 to 1993 - The First Intifada, the First Intifada was the first major Palestinian uprising against Israel.

2000 to 2005 - The Second Intifada, the Second Intifada was the second major Palestinian uprising against Israel.

Between 2005 to 2020 there were three wars in the Gaza strip.