The Patriot Volume 55 Issue 1

T H E PATRIOT

Shawnee Mission South Overland Park, KS Volume 55 Issue 1 Feb. 5th 2021

A NOT SO FAMILIAR SE ASON

With coronavirus present, many sports players faced having Tto quarantine throughout the season.

Read about it on page 11 and 12

OPINION

FEATURE

A & E

NEWS

Read about the debate between two staffers on whether or not the corona vaccine is worth it or not.

Want to read a little bit about how to regain positive mental health after the horrible time we had in 2020? check this story out.

Page 8-11

If youre curious about how different people celebrated their holidays during the COVID riddled holiday season take a look at this story.

Page 12 and 13

There have been a lot of new technological advancements in the past year. Read all about them in this story

Page 14 and 15

Page 26 and 27

TABLE OF C ONTENTS 1-2

TOC and Editorial

3-4

A Patriot Holiday

5-6

Photo Essay

7-10

Mental Health

11-12

COVID-19 Debate

13-14

Photo Essay

15-16

Athletes who Quarantined

17-18

Coaches Perspective

19-20

Photo Essay

21-22

Black Friday

23-24

Holiday Happenings

25-26

Tech Upgrades

Follow us on Social Media: Twitter:@SmsPatriot Instagram: @smspatriot

MISSION STATEMENT The Patriot is a newsmagazine that aims to objectively present topics affecting Shawnee Mission South High School, as well as connect with readers on issues concerning the student body. Staff members reserve the right to express their views in the Opinion section. These pieces are labeled and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff as a whole, except the staff editorial, which represents the views of the editors. Each section editor designs their own sections pages, unless otherwise specified. Under the First Amendment and Kansas law, The Patriot staff is entitles to freedom of the press and neither the school nor district is responsible for any content or coverage. The staff encourages letters to the editor; they will only be published if signed.

The Editors-in- Chief reserve the right to refuse or edit any letters for grammar, length, and good taste.

STAFF Head Editors McKenna Pickering - Co-Editor-in-Chief Evan Shibel - Co-Editor-in-Chief Katie Hiebl - Assistant Editor-in-Chief Section Editors Annalie Polen - News and Opinion Editor Katie Hiebl - A & E and Features Editor Nathan Judd - Sports Editor Management Editors Reese Woods - Multimedia Editor Evan Shibel - Ads & Management Editor Photo and Deisgn Editors Trinity Clark - Photo Editor-In-Chief L andrea Van Mol - Assistant Photo Editor Jack Wagner - Assistant Photo Editor Repoeters and Photographers Annie Caswell Jake Foil Simon Cox Noel Mohamed Elliot Calvert

A LET TER FROM THE EDTIORS What’s up South?

Hope you all are well. Welcome to the first issue of the 2021 Patriot (finally). This year has sure been something. Obviously this is not how any of us wanted to spend this year. Whether you are a senior not wanting to leave your legacy unfinished, or a freshman still trying to find their way well into second semester now, we would like to welcome you with open arms to our first issue of this year.

Hello, my name is Evan Shibel and I am one of two editor-in-chiefs here at South for the Patriot newspaper. My fellow EIC, Mckenna Pickering, would like to extend the same warm welcome to you all as well. The newspaper, like many other things, is going to be incredibly different this year. As far as we know, we will not be printing a hard copy issue this year, we hope that can change but under the current circumstances, that is not a reality for us. So for now your go to source for all South news information is going to be our website, smsouthnews.com. There you will find feature stories on your peers, photo galleries of your favorite events, updates

SINCERELY,

McKenna Pickering and Evan Shibel

on the sports teams, and full “print issues,” similar to the one you are reading currently.

This year our coverage is going to be incredibly different. We are trying to shift with the ever changing times in news and media around us, so with that in mind we will have two sources of media for you guys to enjoy this year. First, we will obviously keep up with our typical print issue, but we will be focusing more on feature style stories, so if you have friends or you think you have something interesting to share with the school, let us know! Then, our website will be more for your typical breaking news stories, like sports updates, board meeting recaps, and learning model changes.

No matter how you consume our media this year, we hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading our first print issue of the year, and we hope to keep you reading all year.

Sincerely, Evan Shibel Mckenna Pickering 2020-21 Patriot EIC’s

A PATRIOT HOLIDAY

Getting into the holiday spirit with some of our favorite holiday treats.

Reese Woods Multimedia Editor

T

he holiday season is finally here! Even though it may be past holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah, there’s always three things that stay the same; good food, good people, and good times. Staying with the theme of good food, I decided to whip up a few, simple holiday recipes

CLASSIC HOLIDAY COOKES

W

hat better way to get into the holiday spirit than baking some classic cut-out cookies? Not only are they yummy, they’re easy and fun to make with your family.

In a large bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and an egg until well blended. Then stir in the flour, baking soda, and cream of tatar. Cover and refigerate dough for 3 hours.

Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. You can pull your dough out of the fridge and form it into shapes with cookie cutters. Place your shapes onto a cookie sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Once cookies are golden to light brown, pull them out of the oven and let them cool for 30 minutes.

for you to try out yourself.

First, we’ll start off with one of my favorites, Holiday cut-out cookies. No matter the holiday, you can bake these cookies into any shape you like! They’re super easy to make, and super delicious.

YOU’LL NEED...

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup of butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1 egg 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tatar

THE STAFF’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREATS SENIOR MCKENNA PICKERING

Co Editor-in-Chief

“I like choclate covered pretzels becaue they’re yummy and the holiday theme fits them quite well. They’re also fun to make.”

SOPHOMORE JACK WAGNER Photographer

“Peppermint bark is all the best parts of the holiday season combined into one thing.”

SENIOR EVAN SHIBEL Co Editor-in-Chief

“Peanut butter blossoms are always cooked to perfection and they have that wonderful declious choclate kiss in the middle that is the perfect amount of sweeetness.”

NATHAN JUDD Writer

“I like sugar cookies because I get to spend time with my grandma making them that I haven’t been allowed to see since covid.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HOLIDAY SEASON? We asked students what their preferred holiday activities are.

SNOW DAYS “I think the best thing about the holiday season is waking up and looking out the window to see that it snowed. And then your parents come up to your room and tell you school is cancelled for a snow day. I’m pretty sad that we don’t get to have snow days this year.” - Junior Lila Dobbeleare

QUALITY TIME “My favorite thing about the holiday season is Christmas. I like having winter break and being able to hang out with my family and friends.” - Sophomore Jake Smith

HEATING UP INDOORS In the last few minutes of the quarter, with intensity everywhere, the ball is up in the air and freshman Jocelyn Moore is ready to catch the ball.

Photo by Landrea Van Mol

Ryan Owens on his second lap of the 100 freestyle with less than 25 meters to go aggressively trying to keep his lead.

Photo by Jack Wagner

Winter sports are in full swing as teams prepare for the post season.

Swimmer Max Toney after completing the 200 meter freestyle anxiously waiting to see the results of the race.

Photo by Jack Wagner

Dribbling the ball across the court, junior Emma Thurston attempts to make a score to save the dangerously close game against SM Northwest.

Photo by Landrea Van Mol

TIME FOR A CHECK-UP Dear Reader, This past year has been so hard. If you have had a hard year, you are not alone (and even though you aren’t alone, it doesn’t mean that your feelings are any less valid). Last year was nothing short of chaotic. But, we made it through. You made it through. I am so proud of you. I am so proud of us. Even though 2020 highlighted some of the worst parts of human, it also highlighted the best. Our capacity to adapt, to care for one another, and to hope.

Eventually, I think we will look back on last year as a big ol’ lesson and we might even be grateful for it.

This is your reminder to check up on yourself.

How are you feeling right now?

How have you been feeling?

How has your year been going?

Do you take care of yourself ?

This last question is hard to answer because it looks different for everybody. First you have to meet the basic requirements: a proper amount of food and water, a moderate amount of exercise, a good amount of sleep, a regular sleep schedule, decent hygiene.

Taking care of your mind and your soul is a little bit more difficult. You still need basic human things like human interaction and connection, a sense of fulfillment and purpose, and good self-esteem. But you also need to do things you enjoy or things that help you cope with emotions and stressful situations.

Hopefully the articles to come will help you gain some insight on how to better take care of yourself. And don’t forget that they are all connected; taking care of one, is taking care of the others.

I need you to know that you are beautiful and amazing, without question.

You deserve love and all of the contentment in the world.

Please take care of yourself, if not for anyone else, then for me, because I care about you.

Things will eventually work themselves out.

Things will eventually get better.

How has your mental well-being been affected by the pandemic?

Being honest with myself this entire time was difficult, I still am not in my right state of mind. This pandemic made me feel so isolated.

– Britney Palacio

My mental health went down a lot during the pandemic. I think I possibly went through depression but I wasn’t able to be diagnosed for certain reasons. Over quarantine was one of the lowest points in my life.

– Abby Hupe

It has become worse over time. Staying indoors has meant I have become isolated and lost a lot of purpose. It’s been hard to find motivation even with endless time on my hands.

– Halle Bell I’ve felt more down and trapped.

– Karla Ramirez

Sincerely,

At first I wanted to say, well I never go out any way, I don’t see anybody, wont really change much, but being isolated, having the choice of going out taken away has really taken a toll.

Not being able to see friends as often, being scared a lot, it’s hard. I’d say my depression is at an all time high. I struggle to roll over and go to class, not taking care of myself as I should.

Things like that. It’s tough.

– Juliana Martin

SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT Keeping yourself healthy is the most important thing you have to do. It is the basic foundation for your life. The best way to keep yourself healthy is to start with the basics and move up from there.

Have you gotten enough sleep? Was your sleep good quality? Are you eating enough? Is what you are eating balanced and nutritious? Do you drink enough water? Are you staying active? My final question: are you being intentional about these things?

Being intentional is the key to keeping yourself healthy. The idea is to build this fondation of self-care for yourself so you can continue to do this throughout your life. Eventually there can (and should) be a whole system of things in place to keep you healthy. When things get hard, this system will be in place to keep you in better standing to be more resilient and adaptable.

Once you have the basics down, you can start adding little things that you enjoy as well as keep you healthy. If you like art, do some art. Make time to spend with friends and family, even if it is just a little phone call or text message. Do something nice for someone else. Watch funny dog videos.

Talk about how you are feeling with people you trust.(Don’t forget to keep everything in moderation. “[Self-care] doesn’t have to be elaborate, it doesn’t have to be something that’s going to take you half a day, it’s more of just almost like little

REASOURCES

opportunities for you to decompress, take a breath, do something that is going to get you through the day, or reward you for hard work,” South psychology teacher Heather Sheppard said.

What you build into your routine is completely based on you and what you enjoy. It looks different for everyone and not everything works for everyone. Experiment and find what works for you.

The coronavirus is an excellent example of how it can be easier to manage a hard situation with a system of self-care and coping mechanisms set in place. The pandemic has been detrimental to everyone’s version of “normal.” Having no structure and little to no physical human interaction is not very beneficial to our health. This is why we need to create structure and make an effort to replace or find that physical human interaction wherever possible.

“When you’re in isolation, I think that that can just perpetuate those feelings of depression and loneliness, and anxiety,” SMS social worker Johanna Fredenberg said. “[Students] don’t have access to those support systems that they may have if they were in our buildings.”

Do your best to be kind and patient to yourself and others. If you are struggling with anything, please reach out. Ask for help. Tell people how you are feeling.

“If you feel bad, if you feel off, if you feel anxious, if you feel sad, there’s no reason to try to walk in those shoes alone,” Sheppard said.

For emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room SMS Social Workers Johanna Fredenberg – all students last name A-K email: johannafredenberg@smsd.org Helpful Tip: Erin Burvee – all students last name L-Z save these numbers in your phone for quick email: erinburvee@smsd.org access for you or for National Suidice Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 someone else Johnson County Mental Health Crisis Line: (913) 268-0156 Crisis Text Line: twwwext HOME to 741-741

How Can You Take Care of Yourself?

Well I am glad you asked. There are so many different ways to cope and different things work for different people. These are just a few of many examples.

Pay attention to your breathing

Breathe in through your nose, hold, breathe out through your mouth, hold, then repeat.

Drink water & eat well

Don’t forget your most basic of human needs. Drink that water! Eat those vegetables!

Journal

Write anything and everything. It doesn’t have to be structured a certain way or perfect.

Untangle your thoughts, unravel your brain.

I know that journaling is not for everyone, I’m begging you to give it one more try.

Clean – yourself or anything around you

Brush your teeth, take a shower/bath, put on some nice lotion.

A decluttered space can help you have a decluttered mind.

Listen to the music you love

Or maybe even try some calming music like lofi hip hop.

Remember the things you are grateful for Don’t forget to write them down.

Keep active

Walk, run, jump, anything that gets your body moving. Don’t forget to stretch!

Take breaks from social media and current events That kind of stuff can be extremely overwhelming, give yourself a day off.

Do some art

Writing, drawing, painting, photography, music, sewing, dance, coloring, it’s all good!

Go for a walk

It doesn’t have to be a long, just go out, breathe, and take in the sights/sounds around you.

Read something

It doesn’t just have to be a book, find anything that you are interested in and read.

Use progressive muscle relaxation

The goal is to contract and relax every group of muscles you have starting with your toes all the way to your face.

PRO

VACCINATED? A

s the New Year rolls around, hope for a return to normalcy has come in the form of a vaccine for many people. As almost every activity has been affected by coronavirus, the promise of a timely vaccine has been the main solution to the virus.

Throughout the year many precautions have taken place to slow down the spread of this virus. Safety measures such as masks, social distancing, hand washing, and limited gathering has been the creed of our society lately. Although these measures have been proven to help, ordinary life has yet to take place. This return to normal life is brought by the promising manner of the vaccine.

Although there are some concerns pertaining to the vaccine, many of them can be justified. The velocity of the making of the vaccine can lead

Annalie Polen Opinion and News Editor

people to wonder how safe it is. While the vaccine has made a astoundigly fast appearance compared to previous vaccines, technology is at the highest point it has ever been.

Getting the vaccine will not only likely help keep yourself safe but can keep the people around you from getting sick..

According to the CDC, “The U.S. vaccine safety ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority while federal partners work to make a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine(s) available.”

The CDC also explains that many trials have been conducted testing the vaccines. After the vaccines have been given during trials, monitoring has taken place to see the effects. As studies have progressed, parts of the vaccine have been studied further and revised to conclude in the most

safety possible. According to “The New York Times”, the vaccine has had to go through the numerous step process including: preclinical testing, phase 1 safety trials, phase 2 expanded trials, phase 3 efficiency trials, early or limited approval, approval, combined phases, and a a paused time to reflect the studies before moving forward.

As we have made our way through an unfamiliar time, the vaccine can seem just as forgin as the virus. Although there is uncertainty in the air, the vaccine could be our closest hope to returning to normal times.

FACTS - PRO None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

-Center of Disease Control and Prevention

Preliminary research suggests that the vaccine will give The vaccine developers didn’t skip any testing steps, but you better protection than having had the virus. The CDC conducted some of the steps on an overlapping schedule recommends that those who have had COVID-19 get the to gather data faster. vaccine.

-Henry Ford Health System

-John Hopkins Medicine

CON

COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed in the past couple of months.

However, not everyone agrees with many things having to do with the vaccine.

A

lmost everyone in the world has had a rough year, and that is likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of the world has been quarantined, unable to see family or friends, and unable to do the normal social activities a person would do.

There could be a vaccine that could help end the year on a higher note, but about 49% of Americans voted and said they wouldn’t get the vaccine.

The two frontrunners in the race for a vaccine are Pfizer and Moderna, both have warned that their shots are likely to make you sore and have some aches and pains.

Both companies’ vaccinations require two doses, and doctors are worried these side effects could cause people to forego getting the vaccine, or skip the second vaccination.

There has been widespread

Nathan Judd Sports Editor

public concern about certain aspects of the vaccine process.

Concerns about side effects and uncertainty around the effectiveness of a vaccine are some of the biggest reasons people say they wouldn’t get the vaccine.

Another reason some Americans wouldn’t get the vaccine is distrust in their government. Over the past few months the topic Coronavirus, and specifically the vaccine, has been heavily politicized.

Most Americans who are concerned about the effectiveness of the corona vaccine just want to wait and see results before they get vaccinated themselves.

Most of the time throughout history, vaccines have taken many years to develop and be distributed to the public, and many people are worried that there hasn’t been enough

research done or that the vaccine is being rushed. For example, in the early 1900s the world was hit with a very similar virus that we now know as the flu. The Spanish Flu pandemic spread throughout the world, and the vaccine didn’t get approved for around 25 years.

Over 100 years later and the world is dealing with essentially the same problem, one of the biggest differences is the influence social media and news has on the general public. What a person sees on their news feed could drastically change their opinion on the pandemic and the vaccine in general.

FACTS - CON There are only 2 completely approved vaccines,

-Pfizer and Moderna

There are side effects such as swelling, fatigue, fever and headache

-www.FDA.gov

There are only 2 completely approved vaccines

-Pfizer And Moderna

WHAT WE MISSED...

This October, SM South held their traditional homecoming crowning

The homecoming king Erik Smith and queen Lourdes Johnson pose for a picture.

Photo by Landrea Van Mol

Walking down the 50-yard-line, senior Chase Davids poses with his family.

Photo by Landrea Van Mol

While the pacesetters are warming up, senior Aubrey Leal cheers with heart.

Photo by Landrea Van Mol

A NOT

SO

SIMILAR SEASON

Junior Kirsten Womack wears a mask during volleyball games to help prevent athletes from having to quarantine. Photo by Katey Eichorn.

With COVID-19 present, many sports players faced having to quarantine throughout the season.

Annalie Polen Reporter

Many student athletes have been thankful to be able to play sports at this strange time of year with coronavirus still very prevalent. Although sports have brought lots of positivity they have shown to potentially come at a cost. Each sport has done its best to try and follow safety guidelines as best as possible, but there is still some risk at hand.

Sophomore, Sally Foley played volleyball this fall and had to quarantine due to practicing with her teamates.

“It was pretty boring to quarantine and I still had to practice volleyball because I knew we were going to come back. I couldn’t really relax the whole time since I still had to practice,” Foley said.

One of Foley’s teammates, Junior, Maggie Summers also was not thrilled to quarantine but felt it was worth it to still play.

“I am very glad I played volleyball this year regardless,” Summers said.

While having to quarantine and still practice Foley was able to find a way to get out of the house without causing further spread of the virus.

“Usually I would go to the park and do

homework and relax a little bit there then come home and practice,” Foley said.

Senior, Brett Connor also had to spend two weeks in quarantine this fall and miss part of the football season. Although not ideal, he was able to make the most of his situation.

“It was kind of disappointing just because East was a big game and I was looking forward to it. But staying in my room all week wasn’t bad.

There’s definitely worse things that could happen than being forced to stay in your house for awhile,” Connor said.

Sports seasons haven’t looked quite the same, along with almost everything else that has had to change due to Coronavirus. Through these setbacks though, the student athletes have been able to show a go with the flow attitude and gratefulness for getting the opportunity to play.

“I am very grateful that we got to play this year. I would rather spend a year in quarantine than lose my senior year of football even if it turned out the way it did,” Connor said.

Senior Max Close on the sideline showing that with many procations taken, it still wasn’t possible to wear a mask during all times of the season. Photo by Landrea Van Mol.

While the varsity football players warm up and stretch for the big homecoming game, Coach Bob Lisher strikes a powerful pose.Â

COACH CONVERSATIONS A Point of view of this weird and unusal sport’s season through the eyes of the ones who make it happen.

A Written by Jake Foil Reporter

Photos By Landrea Van Mol Assistant Photo Editor

s in person learning approaches, and winter sports all in midseason, we turn our heads towards a large, and well known annoyance. COVID-19 has already started to make a comeback, and not the Patriots down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 comeback, but a terrible, unwanted comeback. With the virus looming over our heads, we are curious, what does this look like for our players and coaches?

Coach Mark Western sits tentatively watching and studying the plays during the girls varsity basketball game against SM Northwest.

Dribbling the ball across the court, junior Emma Thurston attempts to make a score to save the dangerously close game against SM Northwest.Â

With winter sports in full swing, players and coaches alike are handling the season differently. The swim team for example, has started the season off 7-1, one of the better starts for the Raiders team. The boys basketball team, who is currently ranked 3rd for the class 6A KSHAA boys basketball rankings, has beaten rival Shawnee Mission East in an exciting game, a very great start for them. So my question is, has COVID-19 even affected the season? Well if you look at it from a certain viewpoint, yes, but maybe in a good way?

Both swim and boys basketball is off to a great start this year, both teams having only 1 loss. Although, the practices have looked a little different. Social

distancing, masks worn at all times, and a limit with water fountains. Coaches seemed to have handled this well though, making other teams seem weak when in comparison to the Raiders. Coach Brett McFall for example, has a combined 357 points for, and only 277 points against. An 80 point margin, which makes for one of the best in the Sunflower League.

With that being said, COVID-19 has not seemed to impact our winter sports teams in too much in a negative way.

Our players seem to be enjoying themselves, and our coaches have been giving us the wins. And with hybrid resuming, our student athletes will be back in the classroom, ready to learn.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Senior Max Koehn claps the scene “The Break-Up” into action while senior Steven Yuen mans the camera.

Photo taken by Landrea Van Mol

Dolled up as Barbie, senior Morgan Lank holds a poses the costume crewhead Jackson Underwood adjusts her belt.

Photo taken by Landrea Van Mol

The theater department performs their first show in the new black box theater.

The crew is getting ready to record South’s production of Stocking Stuffers in the auditorium. (pictured left to right: Harper Pack, Vincent Antista, Max Koehn, Steven Yuen, Maria Heath) Photo taken by Landrea Van Mol

Popping out of his box, Jack, played by junior Holden Schroeder, expresses his disgust with his job to the Elf Abby Rasmussen.

Photo taken by Landrea Van Mol

WITH A COVID TWIST

Despite the global pandemic, holiday shopping was still in full swing this year.

Written by Sarah Ohlde Reporter

A

s many families find themselves attempting to celebrate Thanksgiving safely with their family this year, another holiday affected by the pandemic is Black Friday. During a normal year stores would be packed with eager customers trying to get the best deals for Holiday gifts or upgrades for themselves. Stories of lines wrapped around the block as dedicated shoppers wait for big ticket items like the new IPhone, TVs appliances and more. With the pandemic, many Black Friday deals were turned extended through the entire week of Thanksgiving and the weekend following.

A lot of stores made on-line their preferred way of shopping

by offering discounts like free shipping. Many even encouraged on-line ordering with in-store pick-up to avoid the rush of people the post-Thanksgiving holiday normally brings.

For example, all Walmart stores opened at 5 a.m. on Black Friday in-store event days. They ensured customers made a single, straight line to enter the store with associates providing customers sanitized shopping carts to help with social distancing.

Many, if not all, stores enforced and followed COVID-19 protocol. This includes social distancing, sanitizing high traffic areas and requiring masks.

TOP DISCOUNT AVERAGES BY STORE (2020) AMAZON - 26.5%

WALMART - 29.2%

ACADEMY SPORTS - 31.5%

TARGET - 28.1%

KHOLS - 51.9%

BEST BUY - 25.3%

COSTCO - 22.0%

MACYS - 56.0%

GAME STOP - 38.8% According to Wallethub

Holiday Happenings

The holidays can be a stressful time of the year. With everyone typically coming together in one place at one time, something is bound to go wrong.

Katie Hiebl Features and A&E Editor

“

Every year me and my brother switch off who puts the star on the tree. It was my year to put it on the star and I was convinced I could put it on without a chair and as I put it on the tree fell over and I caught it by the

string of lights and when we went into the kitchen after fixing the tree and my dog had eaten all of the steak we were about to cook for dinner so we ended up ordering chinese food.

- Senior Grace Vavak

“

One year my family and I were all playing this game where you put the plastic thing in your mouth and everyone had to figure out what

Mouth Guard Game

“

1. Quinn told me that she intended to ask Santa for five tickets to Japan this year. And then she said, “Well, Santa can make anything happen right?”

2. We always get a real Christmas

“

you were saying and it got to the point where we were all laughing so hard that one of us peed our pants.

- Senior Keely Wright

tree, and one year we decided to cut it up and burn it in our fire pit instead of taking it to a dump site. That was the year we learned why Christmas tree fires are so dangerous.

- English teacher Ms. Mcfall

“

One christmas day my family and I were driving to my grandpas house in Jefferson City we saw a man trying to ride his bike with one hand and hold his soda with the other then all of a

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Seat 2A

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sudden at full speed he ran into a dumpster his soda exploded and the wheels on his bike were lopsided but I guess he was ok because he got right back up.

- Senior Mary Novak

“

“

So there I was wearing my new birkenstocks carrying a pillow and a huge blanket. We had just recently gotten wood floors upstairs where my bedroom was I approached the stairs and thought yah walking down with new sandals that have no grip to them

yet is a great idea so I take the first step and automatically slip and fall I literally rolled down the stairs and crashed into the wall where the landing is.

- Senior Olivia Chavez

“

Every year me dad would dress up as santa christmas eve, me and my sister would be getting put to bed and we’d hear santa’s reindeer bells. Wed come out and catch santa putting presents under the tree and then santa would run out the door, change clothes real-

“

“

ly quick then come inside as my dad with a flashlight saying that he saw santa on the roof i was scared of santa for a fat minute and would cry every time i saw him on christmas eve.

- Junior Reese Woods

“

One time during christmas dinner my dog jumped onto the table and ate all of our yams and turkey. Everyone was super upset except for my dad and I who couldn’t stop laughing. Basically in tears from laughing.

- Junior Jake Foil

“

“

When I was 4 or 5 I had a particularly long Christmas wish list and many of the items matched items on my twin sisters list. When we started opening presents on Christmas morning we were so excited to each get one of the dolls on the list we had asked for! My sister, Amy, then stops and says to me “Wait, that is supposed to be mine.” My mom asks “why do you think that Amy?” and Amy says “It was on my list”. Both Amy and I thought that anything on the list was going to be ours!

Throughout this misunderstanding with Amy, I am struggling to figure out my

own doll—it was stuck in the box and I couldn’t see it very well. I then offered Amy my doll because “it only has a head” (and even at 4 knew that was just creepy).

We have this entire thing on video and crack up at the memory.

Now my sisters and I put ridiculous things on our lists for our mom—and always say “it was on my list” when we don’t get it. Still waiting on the pony and purple truck!

- statistics teacher Mrs. Dale

“

OUT WITH THE OLD

The holiday season brings new technology.

n Judd

IN WITH THE NEW

Photos of the new iPhone 12 taken by Jack Wagner.

The holiday season brings new technology Nathan Judd Reporter

Over the last few months of 2020 many different companies have started to release their new technology. Microsoft, Apple and Sony all released their latest products The Xbox series X was released on November 10th while the PlayStation 5 released on the 12th.

They are both the first consoles to be released since the release of the Xbox one and Playstation 4 in 2013. People have been waiting seven years for these companies to unveil their new products, and the price reflects that. The original price of the two consoles was $500, but they became sold out within hours of the release.

Currently the one of the only websites that has them is StockX, an online reselling website, where the PS5 is priced at $960 while the Xbox series X is priced at $750 as of December 2nd.

Along with the release of the PS5 and Xbox Series X, Apple unveiled their latest product: The IPhone 12 and 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 sports a brand new design, reminiscent of the iPhone 5, full 5G support, with great cameras and even better performance.

Some of the biggest downsides of the new iPhone are that it doesn’t come with a charger or headphones like all of Apple’s old phones did. For the starting price of $830, you would think Apple could throw a charger in the box.

Xbox Series X Face Value - 499.99 Resell Price - 700.00

Play Station 5

Face Value - 399.99 Resell Price - 733.00

Iphone 12 Face Value - 829.00 Resell Price - 839.00

HOW ‘BOUT THEM

CHIEFS

In honor of Super Bowl sunday, enjoy this football themed crossword!

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Just like you, the Patriot staff loves their chiefs! Tweet us a picture @smspatriot of your Super Bowl Celebration to be featured on our Instagram story!

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Across 2. The halftime show for Super bowl 55 Our home team 3. Coach of the Chiefs 7. The Chiefs main quarterback 8. Team from Tampa Bay, Florida 9. The final football game of the season which determines the champion of the season 10. The quarterback for the Buccaneers

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Down 1. Three Word slogan used for the Chiefs after a good win 4. The team playing against the Chiefs 5. The city the Chiefs are from 8. Our home team Copy and paste this link for the print/ download version of the crossword! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qteT2H-AkDN60m_ XBSYBQUs-Rs7CjcJb/view?usp=sharing

Answers include spaces!!