The Booster Redux March 2022

Feature Pg. 4 Here we go again

Feature Pg. 2 Coach Papa Opinion Pg. 3 Cultural Representation

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The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School

Pittsburg, KS

1978 E. 4th Street

Vol. 102 Issue 2

How a committe of teachers and new program are helping struggling freshman Words by | Ashlan Brooks

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here’s a new program at PHS called the Academic Detention program (AD). It began after a small committee of tutors and teachers came together with administrators to devise a way to help freshmen students who have multiple failing grades.

The committee was led by geometry teacher Kristopher Crotts and was brought together by their mutual concern for the grades of the freshman class.

When the program started, 20 freshmen had three or more Fs and over 60 had two or more.

Because of the newness of the program, it’s only able to support the number of freshmen students who have three or more Fs. “(AD) is a chance for kids that are falling behind [to get the help they need],” Crotts said. “We’re not going to let you just fail. We’re going to give you opportunities, we give you time, we’re gonna give you help, so that you can succeed. And that way, especially freshman year, it keeps you on track to not only graduate, but stay on with your courses, so that we don’t have to get into credit recovery.”

Principal Kelynn Heardt is appreciative of the work that Crotts and the committee put into helping the freshman class succeed.

“I’ve always been a firm believer in letting the teacher leaders solve [problems],” Heard said. “And Coach Crotts stepped up and just started planning.

Great things, ideas and programs happen because our teacher leaders step up and see a need, and help us with that need. We can’t do what we do here without the teachers stepping up and figuring out ways to help our kids.”

Because there is an overwhelming number of freshmen who meet the requirements for AD, the program doesn’t have the resources to expand to other classes at this time.

At the beginning of each week, counselors will determine which freshmen are eligible for the program and send them a notice in the form of a letter and phone call to their parents. If a student is notified, they are required to attend detention Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of that week from 3:35pm to 4:35pm.

If a student misses their scheduled AD time, they will be required to go to Friday Night Academy (FNA) from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

English teacher and AD tutor Abbey Cummings believes that the transition from middle school to high school is the cause of many students’ failing grades.

“I think [the AD] is necessary because I think that our freshmen are having a hard time transitioning to high school,” Cummings said. “[We need to] sit down with them and take it day by day. [We need to] go over their Canvas, go over their homework, make sure that they’re doing it daily instead of waiting until it all piles up.”

Before transitioning to PHS, the freshman class learned under standards based grading, a grading system that assigns a number from 1 to 4 instead of a letter grade. The system also allowed students to redo assignments for a chance to earn a higher grade. Cummings attributes this policy to the freshman class’s struggles at PHS. “A lot of them will wait until the last minute or until that due date is passed,” Cummings said. “It’s a lot different than standards based grading and they have a hard time getting their work done. The switch seems to not be working very well.”

Crotts hopes to make the transition to PHS easier for future freshmen by setting up meetings between eighth and ninth teachers to discuss ways to acclimate students before they make the switch.

“As a freshman, you just can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel yet. So you come in and you make some bad decisions, you fall behind,” Crotts said.

“Next thing you know, by the time you’re junior and senior, some classes and things you want to do you can’t do because you didn’t get on the right track early.”

Since the program started, the number of freshmen in the program has gone from over 60 to 43 students, a fact that Heardt says proves the success of the program.

Cummings boils her involvement and the need for the Academic Detention program down to one question.

“Do we just sit back and watch people fail?”

Cummings said. “Or do we try to help them?”

State champions:

A rt

by | As

hlan Brooks

Four seniors become first in school history to win first place at State Debate Championship

The team earned this honor of being state champions, despite facing challenges new to them.

Seniors Owen Miller, Katie Rodriguez, Joy Lee and Jacob Mathew “This was my first time competing with Owen Miller [this year],” became the first ever Pittsburg High School debaters to win the 5A Rodriguez said. “Our first round, we lost and I got the four, which is State Debate Championship at the 5A 2-Speaker State Debate Tourthe worst speaker point you can get. That was a wake-up call for me. nament.

It was a really stressful moment because I didn’t want it to be like that “We are one of the smallest 5A schools for the rest of the tournament, but we took competing at state and the other schools that loss, easily adjusted and made it work.” have many resources we do not,” head DeThe teams competed in a total of eight debate coach Julie Laflen said. “I just love being bate rounds with both teams ending records ...it is possible that a small community able to show others around the state what being 7-1, leading them into the semi-finals. school like Pittsburg can win state” these kids are capable of. It takes talent and Both teams won their semi-final round on a hard work to earn a state championship, and 3-0 decision, making these seniors the 5A Joy Lee, 12 that’s exactly what these kids [have].”

State Debate Co-Champions.

CoState Debate Champion For these four students, winning state was “Winning a State Debate Championship is not only impactful to themselves but also for just like winning it in basketball or football the debate legacy of students to come. you have to beat everyone else to make it to “The fact that this was our last debate finals and then the last team standing wins,” tournament ever, throughout all four years, Laflen said. “I want people to recognize that this isn’t just one team it was a really nice pay off,” Lee said. “By winning state, we show the who achieved this honor, we were the only two teams left, which is underclassmen that it is possible that a small community school like something that very few schools ever get to say.”

Pittsburg can win state.”

Words by | Sarah Alcantar

Seniors Jacob Mathew, Joy Lee, Katie Rodriguez and Owen Miller pose with their champion plaque. Photo provided by | Julie Laflen

2

FEATURE

March 2022

Coach Papa Softball coach Dave Turnbull coaches grandaughters and team despite recent diagnosis Words by | Greely Arck

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enior Hannah Gray is at her dad’s house with her younger freshman sister, Hailey, on a normal Thursday night.

She gets a text from her mom telling her to come to her grandparents’ for dinner.

The girls’ stomachs are in knots as they drive out to meet their family.

After having dinner and making small talk, the girls sat in the living room alongside their cousin, freshman Heather Mowdy.

“We were really skeptical because this seemed prompted,” Hannah said. “Heather, Hailey and I kept thinking that they must have had something to tell us.”

Finally, the news was revealed. Their grandpa, David Turnbull, was informed that there was a mass surrounding his pancreas.

“I think it’s definitely opened my eyes a little more,” Hailey said.

“As a freshman, I was so excited to have my grandpa as a coach and then one day this news just got thrown on me and changed so many things.”

According to Hannah, the diagnosis affected everybody in the family, except Turnbull.

“He said, and I quote, ‘I ain’t scared of no tumor’,” Hannah said.

“From that moment on he has always had a positive outlook on the whole situation, which has helped all of us stay optimistic during everything.”

Despite the challenges of both cancer and a knee injury, Turnbull continues to fill the role as assistant softball coach at PHS. “I don’t want him to get worse because he is coaching but I also know that he needs to be coaching for his mental health and that he doesn’t want to be anywhere else,” Mowdy said. “I don’t think that I will be able to step foot on a field if something happens to him, but it also makes me cherish this time that we spend together on the field.”

Turnbull’s love for the game has not been a recent development, and has grown much bigger now that he gets to coach his granddaughters.

“I’m probably harder on them than the rest of them,” Turnbull said.

“When I hit them ground balls, I hit them a little bit harder and farther away from them.”

Before retiring in 2010, Turnbull worked as a math teacher at Pittsburg Community Middle School. During those years, he also coached softball and golf starting in 1976.

Now, four members of the family are all a part of the PHS softball

Senior Hannah Gray stands at first base with her coach and grandpa, David Turnbull. Photo provided by | Hannah Gray team, and love the dynamic of playing together.

“I think it has definitely brought us closer because not only are we family, but now we are friends and teammates,” Hannah said. “It’s also really funny because we all play the same position, we all play second base.”

Even though Turnbull retired, he came back to coach softball the next year, filling a spot as assistant coach.

“After my granddaughters started playing travel softball, that got my fever up a little bit. “ Turnbull said. “We are a tight knit family and we enjoy doing things together.”

While Turnbull is still their grandpa outside of the game, he remains their coach on the field.

“We call him ‘Coach Papa’ because he wants us to call him coach,” Hannah said. “It started as a joke I made my freshman year but now Hailey and Heather have caught on too.”

The whole team has now adopted the name and has shown Turnbull support during his battle.

After informing her teammates about the diagnoses, Hannah and

her grandfather were overwhelmed with prayers and text messages.

“It has really shown me how much they really are my teammates,” Hannah said. “Occasionally I’ll have teammates come up and hug me or ask me how things are going and it warms my heart.”

Although Turnbull is not available to be involved as he was previously, the team has made it a mission to include him in practices, and treat him no differently than other coaches.

The team has also made light of his situation in many different ways, including pushing girls around in the walker he uses.

“I think my favorite part [of coaching] is the girls,” Turnbull said.

“Watching their improvement and watching them grow not only in softball, but in life situations amazes me.”

Even through illness and difficulty, Turnbull strives to never let these things come between him and coaching the sport he loves.

“I look back over the number of years I have coached and I’m just so thankful. I hope as long as I can continue to be an asset to the school, I can stay,” Turnbull said. “If I ever don’t become an asset to the school, it’s time for me to get it.”

Returning from overseas Costello moves back from German military base Words by | Alyssa Cosens

Words by | Addi Foster Members of Pittsburg High School National Honors Society (NHS) students participated in the Polar Plunge on Feb. 12.

Senior Joy Lee, NHS chapter president, participated in the Polar Plunge by helping NHS fundraise as much money as possible for the special olympics.

“It will help [the special olympics] a lot,” Lee said. “Using the funds from our NHS chapter and the community will go straight towards the special olympics so that none of the actual athletes will have to pay any money in order to participate.”

Each year, Crimson Villas allows the community to use their pool for the Polar Plunge. This year, NHS raised $600 to help fund the special olympics by passing a bucket around the girls and boys basketball games.

Gary Ausemus, AP Calculus and Advanced Math teacher, was selected by the student body to participate in the Polar Plunge. PHS was awarded for most participants at the Plunge.

Some people may be skeptical about doing the Polar Plunge considering the water’s temperature is below freezing.

“It’s a really good fundraising activity to not only support the special olympics,” but also, at the same time it brings the community together…,” Lee said.

“At the polar plunge itself there’s a lot of fun that goes down with the participants.”

Another student that participated in the Polar Plunge is Senior Alyvia Swartz, Social Media Coordinator for NHS. She participated by keeping track of funds, preparing fundraisers, recording who is jumping, and jumping along with the other NHS members. “...I want to continue the tradition NHS has with its involvement in the Polar Plunge,” said Swartz.

“I also love how all of our members are coming together to support the Special Olympics through this fundraiser.”

Swartz believes there are many reasons as to why someone should participate in next year’s Polar Plunge.

“I think someone should participate because the Polar Plunge is an easy way to get involved in the community…it is a fun activity that can easily help many people at once,” said Swartz. “Even though it is extremely cold, it is also a fun way to bond with those who are in the same group as you.”

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members participate in and fundraise for annual Polar Plunge

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Taking the plunge: National Honor Society

Photo by

Senior NHS members Caleigh Ratzlaff, Haley McCabe, Paige Morey, Caroline Haake, and Madelaine Bishop jump into a freezing pool during the Polar Plunge. Photo provided by | Tom Swartz

Freshmen at PHS, Chloe Costello grew up in a military family. The government has stationed her dad in many places causing her to live and travel throughout Europe.

Before living in Europe, Costello lived in Virginia, but she has moved several times throughout her life. For her, moving was hard. “You get used to a place and, all of a sudden, you have to move to a brand new location that is unfamiliar,” Costello said.

When Costello was around nine years old, her dad, a member of the U.S. Army, was to be stationed in Hohenfels, Germany, a smaller town in the German state, Bavaria. Her family decided it would be best to move with him, and they did.

She was very nervous though, she had never been in another country, let alone lived in one. The whole idea was bizarre to her, but there was a little piece of her that was thrilled.

“Going to a new country and leaving all my friends was very different from moving to just another state like we’d done before,” Costello said. “I was also young and could only focus on the fact that we were moving again.”

After a while there, she realized how great it was. There was so much to see in Europe that she ended up enjoying her time in Germany more than she did in America.

While she was in Germany, she lived on a military base with other Americans and had a lot of opportunities to travel. She traveled to places like Rome, Paris, and Budapest.

Traveling was her favorite part about Germany.

“It was so unique,” Costello said. “The places I saw were unimaginable.”

She wasn’t fully immersed in German culture because she lived on a military base with fellow Americans. This meant she never got the chance to learn German fluently, she did however learn a little.

“Living on a military base wasn’t abnormal to me because it was what I had known,” Costello said. “It was smaller than what my family was used to but overall the functions of the base were similar to the places we had lived in in the United States.”

And while she didn’t go to a German school, she said that schools there were very different from here.

“They value different things and children learn languages like English from a very young age,” , Costello said.

According to Costello, almost everything about bout Europe was different from America. In some ways better than others.

“It was a unique experience and we’re hoping ing to go back to visit Europe again one day… since ce we ended up moving [back to America] a yearr early,” Costello said. “...moving back was a lot ot harder personally. I was older and wasn’t fond of moving back to Kansas and leaving Europe.”

For her, even though she was young, Germany will always have a special place in her heart and she will never forget about that time in her life.

3 OPINION Cultural representation March 2022

Booster Redux Staff & Policy Editors-in-Chief Ashlan Brooks Hannah Gray

Online Editors Ashlan Brooks Hannah Gray

Social Media Manager Mattie Vacca

Multimedia Editors Emma Barnhisel Natalie Ruiz Alaycia Harris

Business Manager Katie Davis

Staff Sarah Alcantar Greely Arck Bethany Blessent Francisco Castaneda Alyssa Cosens Hailey Gray John Lee Heather Mowdy Kate Poling- Cummings

Adviser Nicole Foster

The Booster Redux Pittsburg High School Student Publications 1978 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, KS 66762

Hispanic culture.

One thing I found interesting about both films is that the realities of Hispanic cultures are being shown. Hispanics immigrate from their hometowns for a better life and the realities after that, and in the two films, they show this.

In “Encanto”, Abuela flees her town due to a war happening and in the middle of that. Abuela loses her husband in the middle of it, leaving her to raise her three children alone.

This idea is also shown in “Coco”, when a character named Ernesto de la Cruz flees to a different area in order to make a name for himself.

Another idea that is present in my culture is the families assuming what is best for the child. In “Coco”, Abuela makes the decision for Miguel to join the family tradition by being part of the family business, ignoring Miguel’s innate passion for music.

This is paralleled in “Encanto” when Abuela continues to doubt Mirabel and doesn’t trust her to do anything important for the community. Mirabel does not receive her powers which makes her weak to her grandmother’s eyes and not worthy of anything.

Seeing other aspects of my culture shown in Disney movies is exciting.

It shows that we as Hispanics have a beautiful culture. Although it can be challenging in many ways, we all are connected as one at the end of the day. At the end of the day, I have high hopes to see what Hispanic culture Disney brings to light.

Words by | Francisco Castaneda

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n Nov. 12, 2017, Disney released “Coco.” “Coco” is a movie based around Día de los Muertos. Día de Los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 & 2 in Mexico. The celebration is to remember all the loved ones who have passed away.

The film follows main character, Miguel Rivera, on Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as he attempts to reconnect with his passion for music against his family’s wishes.

Disney does an amazing job at portraying Día de Los Muertos and parts of the Hispanic culture.

The details in the film including ofrendas (alters), glowing marigolds and sugar skulls used to represent people in the land of the dead, help the film portray the Hispanic culture.

Another movie that portrays the Hispanic culture is “Encanto”, which was released on Nov. 24, 2021.

The movie is based on a traditional Hispanic family with powers.

Magical powers are given to the kids when their doors are open, giving them unique powers. Unlike the rest of her family, Mirabel did not receive powers and is doubted by all of her family. Mirabel tries to help whenever she can in order to make up for her absent powers, but gets shut down by her Abuela Alma making her feel useless.

From holding cultural ceremonies throughout the film, to the bonds the families hold, it really makes “Encanto” a special film for the

Hispanic traditions

Art by | Sammy Irish

Ofrendas, or alters, are often put up in homes to recognize and pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.

Art by | Heather Mowdy

Sugar skulls are used to represent loved ones who have passed. They are often placed on ofrendas as a memorium.

Art by | Mattie Vacca

The powerful pitfalls of positivity be nd

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The PHS Student Publications Department and newspaper class produce The Booster Redux. Please call us with comments at 620-235-3200.

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Castaneda recognizes Hispanic culture in Disney

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Senior Hannah Gray shares her take on toxic positivity

Words by | Hannah Gray

Everyday we are bombarded with immense pressure to remain positive. We receive endless advice telling us to “always look on the bright side,” or to “see the silver lining.” Even when faced with loss, illness or tragedy, we are taught to push negativity to the side in order to remain happy and content.

While there certainly should be something said for possessing a sunny disposition in life, this habit of avoiding our real feelings by using truisms is detrimental to happiness in life, and encourages toxic positivity.

Dictionary.com defines a truism as “a self evident, obvious truth.” However, when used as a literary term in everyday conversation, a truism is often a bland statement.

These statements can seem wise, but are usually meaningless and empty.

Truisms are a major factor that has contributed to the growing overgeneralization of happiness during all stages of life. This ineffective and harmful generalization is known as toxic positivity.

Toxic positivity can be found all around us, and might even be us. When going through a loss, we might be told that “everything happens for a reason.” After being disappointed about something we were looking forward to, we might tell ourselves that “it is what it is.”

While these sayings are meant to show a positive outlook on situations, doing this can force a person to stay silent about struggles. We are covering up the human right to feel emotions, and therefore cover up the real human experience.

Not only does this cause suppressed feelings in an individual, but it can also cause problems within our own self authenticity, and how well we can connect with our inner self. In addition to denying ourselves the ability to heal and move forward from trauma, or life events.

Licensed Psychotherapist Whitney Goodman is the individual behind a popular Instagram account named “sitwithwhit.” She is also the author of her first book titled,

“TOXIC POSITIVITY.” In the book, Goodman uses her knowledge as a therapist, personal experience and scientific research to show how positivity has become a normal weapon.

“From good vibes only bumper stickers, to scroll after scroll of prettily-designed Instagram affirmations, to “Life is Good” T-shirts, and gurus promising you’re the only one positive thought away from a good life, we’re constantly swallowing messages of positivity,” Goodman said. “If the key to a full life is positive thinking, then why are so many of us still miserable?”

Similar to the book, her instagram account updates daily posts about how to understand your feelings, move forward in life and how toxic positivity can influence the ability to heal.

Goodman also owns the Collaborative Counseling Center, a private practice based out of Miami, FL, where she uses her information and research about the growing topic of toxic positivity as a tool during sessions. “[Using platitudes] puts pressure on getting over or understanding,” Goodman said on her website. “Instead of just saying ‘everything happens for a reason,’ we need to try to listen, and affirm and validate that it’s ok to be confused, upset, angry, etc.”

Although excessive positivity can be harmful, it is important to note that there are many benefits to simply thinking positive. The Mayo Clinic, for example, lists several including longer life span, lower stress levels and stronger immunity.

However, the problem with positivity arises when it is overdone. Positivity should not go as far as to trivialize or silence an individual’s struggles, pain or emotions.

In order to move on and heal from traumatic life events, people need to educate themselves on how they can display signs of toxic positivity, and how it can manifest in the people around them.

By educating ourselves on how to properly sit with our emotions, all of us will be better off mentally and emotionally.

4

FEATURE

March 2022

Cast and characters Photos by | Francisco Castaneda

Kate Thueson Sophie Sheridan

Ella Rhuems Ali

Mallory Womeldorff

During a scene in Mamma Mia, seniors Mallory Womeldorff, Sophie Casper and Kate Thueson perform a song while freshmen Alyssa Cosens, Willie Jones, Ben Bolinger and junior Max Battaglia dance behind them. Photo by | Francisco Castaneda

Here we go again

Lisa

Sophie Casper Donna Sheridan

Aunyx Estes Tanya

Drama department performs “Mamma Mia!” Corin Cooper

Words by | Hailey Gray

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ittsburg High School theater department performed “Mamma Mia!” for the first time in school history on Feb. 17-19.

“Mamma Mia!” takes place on a fictional island off the coast of Greece. The story follows Sophie, played by Kate Thueson, as she prepares for her wedding day. After coming across her mother’s journal, Sophie learns that three men have the possibility of being her father. She invites all three to her wedding in the hopes of discovering which is her dad.

Theater Director Caitie Almond has been teaching theater for five years. However, this is her first year teaching it at PHS. “My favorite part of directing “Mamma Mia!” has been researching and learning about the Greek island,” Almond said. “I love the creative and energetic dance numbers.”

Senior Sophie Casper has participated in theater since she was in third grade. In the play, Casper plays Sophie Sheridan’s mom, Donna.

“I think I’m a lot like [Donna],” Casper said. “[We are both] strong willed and love our family a lot. Sometimes I lose my own priorities like Donna does. She doesn’t prioritize her happiness, she prioritizes her

daughters.”

Similar to Casper, freshman Ben Bolinger has also been doing theater since he was in third grade. Bolinger is ensemble for most of the show, but he also plays Father Alexandrios who, in the show, is the priest for the wedding.

“I love the songs, I think they are so full of life and energy,” Bolinger said. “It just brings this really fun and happy tone to the show.”

Similar to “Mamma Mia!”, every show that has been performed by the theater department this year has been a first for PHS. “I wanted to start off our first season with shows that are new to the PHS stage and the community,” Almond said. “I intentionally chose a season that would highlight our talented senior girls, while still providing excellent opportunities for other performers.”

According to Casper, her favorite part of the production is the music.

“It’s really fun to sing and dance and to get to be a part of something that’s just fun and light hearted,” Casper said. “I think that’s why people come to watch.”

Rosie

Nityan Doonauth Sky

Will Williams Pepper

Tate Campbell Eddie

Keller Erwin Harry Bright

The Walls

The Balcony

The cream colored walls are made of painted plywood and two by fours. They are extremely lightweight and made with low-cost materials.

The balcony is held up by support beams and is strong enough to hold groups of dancers.

The Plants The fake ivy is meant to simulate an island setting.

The Doors The tavern doors are built wiht double hinges, allowing them to swing both inside and out to make entering and exiting easier for the performers.

Trent Toth Bill Austin

Ben Shawn Sam Carmichael

Ben Bolinger Father Alexandrios

Words by | John Lee

Setting the stage: Pandemic affects consrtuction of Mamma Mia set

During the creation of the PHS production of Mamma Mia, complications arose as the cast and staff of the show got temporarily quarantined.

Senior and set director of Mamma Mia, Ashley Singh, said that these quarantines affected the production of the show.

“Most of the people who got quarantined had lines, or had an important part backstage,” Singh said, “It was pretty difficult.”

Additionally, as the tech crew got quarantined, the feasibility of set production also dropped.

“For things that we absolutely have to get done, I’d say we have 15 to 20 percent more work to do,” Singh said. “But…I’d say we need to finish 35 percent more if we wanted to add extra things like a window or if we wanted to make a set piece very

specific to the time.”

And in order for Singh and her crew to get the necessities finished, they have had to put in extra time and effort into rehearsals.

“It’s definitely affected us quite a bit, just how much we stay here every night. I would say we’re doing a week’s worth of extra time,” Singh said.

On top of all of that, the entire cast has had extra stress put upon them because of the time they lost.

“I think everyone’s stressed out, because we’ve had some leads that were quarantined,” Singh said, “It’s been crazy…it was very hard for me and the rest of the cast to have to work without someone who was a major singer.”

The process of creating the set that the audience sees on stage has been affected by COVID as well, through budget and accessibility issues.

“Because of the price increase of lumber from COVID, lumber skyrockets [set costs] so much,” Singh said, “We spend $100 on just four 2 by 4s.”

Singh and her fellow set builders have had to recycle old set pieces in order to avoid a high budget.

“We’ve been recycling so much. I would say about 75 percent of this set is recycled from lumber that we’ve found, or some things that we’ve borrowed,” said Singh. “But we’re thankful for that because otherwise it would cost more than a couple thousand dollars to put on a set this big.”

But despite all these setbacks, Singh, with her four years of set building and with her crew, created the set she was hoping for.

“I believe in our tech people,” Singh said. “We have people who are dedicated to staying hours after rehearsal.”