Griffin Rites May and Senior Edition

Griffin Rites

May 14, 2014 Vol. 44 Issue 7

Senior Edition Vol. 44 Issue 8

s! n e ag thi p i 48 E w E U SU ISS L S I an ECIA SP

f

News 3- 4-5- 6-

7- 8-

Charity “Plunge” goes big Teacher retirement SkillsUSA going to nationals K.C. Shooter subdued Mass murder in Calgary Mysterious plane disappearance Movie Reviews

Opinion 10-

11-

12-13 Prom candids 14- Attention: Class of 2015, it is

time to get ready

Senior Edition

15-42- Graduating students

Sports

Entertainment 9-

Etc.

Testing Stress Traffic lights needed Fast food health considerations

43- Baseball 44-45- Cheerleading 46- Boy’s golf

Boy’s tennis 47- Track

Football/Volleyball plans 48- Soccer

Staff members and policies Editor-in-chief Carolanne Murray Copy editor Chloe Minnick Photo editor Allie VanHouten Senior editors Brian Albertson Kimberly Crockett Veronica Saldana

Photographers/reporters Allie Davis Savannah Moore Kayla Pendergrast Ariel Thompson Jeff Thompson Tannar Walden Adviser Dr. Shannon Rennaker

Section editors Emily Elliott Brianna Hartleb Amber Murray

CONTRIBUTING: Writers and layout and design from the Journalism One classes: Amanda Haas Azul Allende Brehanna Abramson Carly Chapman Casey Jones Chase Williams Eli Stenner Emilee Sedgwick Jocelyn Egeland Kamryn Cain Katie Ferguson Kayla Alvarado Kaylah Arteaga Kierra Kingsolver Kolby Knight

Lan-Nhi Tran Madison Mead Mallery Zion Marena Draskovich Marley Kennaly Mary McCormick Nijah Harris Paige Hale Phuong Luu Quincey WIlliamson Rachel Adamson Rion Dulcoulombier Ruweida Kulane Sarah Harper Sylvie Engdahl Tana Dobson

,

The Griffin Rites staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by example and lesson.

We welcome letters to the editor and reserve the right to edit them for grammar and length, but we will not change ideas. Letters may attack policies but not people. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to Dr. Shannon Rennaker attention at 5815 NE 48th St., Kansas City, MO 64119. Subscriptions are available for $13. Advertising space is also available. Please e-mail srennake@nkcschools.org or call 816.413.6000 ext. 8594 for information. Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, Journalism Educators Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Small project turns big success World-wide challengers plunge for donations

By Carolanne Murray

P

lunging into cold water in the effort to help fivemonth-old baby in Tarkio, MO has gained attention around the world.

Five-month-old Landon Shaw has a rare form of cancer that started in his kidneys and traveled to his brain. The “Plunge for Landon” involves jumping into cold water, challenging others to do the same and donating money to help pay for his treatment.

“We started it so that if you are challenged you need to jump in cold water and challenge three people in 24 hours,” local business owner and board member of the Tarkio R-1 schools Lydia Hurst said.

Hurst helps facilitate the fund-raising for Landon and is financially accountable. Hurst says many people are now starting the plunge themselves, without being challenged initially.

“The people that aren’t challenged are taking the initiative to start it. They are actively participating and making the world a better place,” Hurst said.

Originally, the plunge started from a group of guys challenging each other to jump in cold water. Gradually, with help from Facebook, the plunge became a sensation.

“It got a lot of attention on Facebook and then we started thinking we should do it for money. The first thing that came to mind was Landon,” Hurst said. “It’s God who had a plan and we’re just lucky to be a part of it; we’re very grateful.”

Overall, (as of 5/7) the plunges have raised 248,251.43! and the Facebook page has over 50,000 members.

“We have a team of volunteers that we have to utilize right now because we have a lot of checks coming in, which is a wonderful problem to have,” Hurst said.

The plunge has spread to 27 different countries through family members in other countries, foreign exchange students that brought it back to their home and soldiers serving overseas that want to help the cause. Celebrities have also help to spread the popularity of the plunge.

“We have had Jason Motte, the pitcher for the Cardinals, do it and there’s been talk of having people like Ellen, she’s been brought up a lot, and Jimmy Fallon

CALENDAR May 14 - Baccalaureate

7 p.m.

Auditorium May 15 - Senior Graduation

7 p.m.

Community of Christ Auditorium May 26 - No School Memorial Day May 29 - Last Day of School Early release 10:45 a.m. has been talked about,” Hurst said.

While celebrities are helping to raise awareness of the cause, Hurst believes it is the students that are making an impact too.

“The kids are the ones that are really making a difference because it’s hard for an adult to say ‘no’ when they see the generosity of the kids,” Hurst said. “Our world is just filled with generosity. The kids are learning about paying it forward. We need to do more of this; we need more of this in the world.”

Although he is less than a year old, Landon has spread hope and brought people, in both Tarkio and around the world, closer together by uniting them for a common cause.

“Landon has done more in his five months than most people have done in a lifetime. He has taught us that we should live each day to the fullest,” Hurst said.

Hurst says that anybody can participate in the “Plunge for Landon” and encourages people to start it in their own community.

“Don’t wait to be challenged. Go out there and do it; try to reach it out fat and wide,” Hurst said. “Pediatric cancer is definitely something we need to work on in this country.”

Donations to the Shaw family can be sent to Flower Mill 606 Main Street Tarkio, MO 64491.

Donations can also be made on-line through PAYPAL at teamlandon102112@outlook.com.

NEWS

3

Hector trades in cat dissections for cruises

By Veronica Saldana

A

fter one too many cat dissections, anatomy teacher Dennis Hector will be retiring.

Originally, he wanted to be a medical technician, but turned to teaching because he likes interacting with people.

“I realized that I don’t like working with machines all day,” he said.

He is going to miss working with the students and teachers on a daily basis. “[The best memories are] lunch with the science department members. I’m going to miss the chance to do dissections and watch the students have fun to see who excels and who doesn’t” Hector said.

After teaching for 30 years, 28 here at Winnetonka, Hector is leaving because of the constantly changing environment.

“Things have changed and we’re doing more to teach

the test, not to teach the subject matter,” he said.

Although it is his job to teach the lessons, Hector did not escape his teaching career without being taught a couple of lessons himself.

“Students have taught me to be patient. Some taught me that they really do care, but they don’t have the capability to make As,” Hector said.

As far as future plans go, Hector does not know exactly what he is going to do long term. He does have a cruise planned this summer. “[I am] going to celebrate our 30 anniversary with my wife by going on an Alaskan cruise with some college classmates. I might look for a part time job or I might sub.

We’re going to take it easy for a couple of months,” he said.

Even after his episode over Thanksgiving break, Hector denies it having to do with his retirement.

“I don’t think it does. It’s made me realize how precious life is,” he said.

Anatomy teacher Dennis Hector and senior Danielle Cravens dissect a cat. Hector has been teaching for 30 years.

“I will miss all of the people that I work with and certain classes of students,” Hector said.

Photo by Brianna Hartleb

4

NEWS

Catlett retires from Cerner and coaching

By Brian Albertson

A

fter 18 years working of being the Cerner Scholar Instructor and Performance Based Specialist, Canette Catlett will be retiring.

As a Cerner Scholar Instructor, Catlett’s job was to overlook the students in the Cerner program.

“I am one of five team members that oversee 30 Cerner Scholars from nine different school districts, during the nine month school year,” she said.

As a Performance Based Specialist Catlett role was to insure students succeed.

“I work with WHS students that need to add a class into their schedule in order to graduate on

time. It’s my responsibility to set up the class logistics to work with the student’s flexibility, which in turn allows the student to maintain a regular school schedule and to meet their goal to graduate on time,” she said.

Catlett will miss the relationships she has made with her colleagues.

“The family like atmosphere that has been established at Winnetonka, after 18 years I have seen a few colleagues come and go but always have witnessed a true feeling that each of us care about one another and extending that care to the student body,” she said.

Catlett is also stepping down as head golf coach.

She has been the head boy’s and girl’s golf coach at Winnetonka for 11 years. “[I will miss] seeing student athletes excel and growing through sport and competition,” she said.

Though she is retiring Catlett is not going to slow down.

“I will be working part-time, traveling, golfing and whatever I want to do. I also will be working on community projects, to start giving back as a community member one project will be working at dog shelters throughout MO,” she said.

Catlett does not know who will be her replacement, but Nathan Stephenson will be taking over as the head golf coach.

Magnum Opus defined through teaching for Popejoy

By Brianna Hartleb

memories was performing at Carnegie Hall. Another was having a flash Mob at KCI airport,” Popejoy said. hoir teach Janice Popejoy is retiring from teaching Students are having mixed emotions about her over 20 years. leaving. “At first I was sad, but I’m happy for her because “I have only taught at Winnetonka for 13 years,” she gets to spend some time with her family, which is choir teacher Janice Popejoy needed. It’s hard said. because it’s gonna be She has been deciding our senior year and to retire for a few years. it is sad to see her “This year has been a target go, especially when date for the past four years. we are really close to A variety of events lined up her. We always look that made it just the right to her for advice and time,” Popejoy said. it is upsetting she is Family reasons are the not going to be there main reason why she is to get advice from,” leaving.

Madison Janice Popejoy and her students learn choreography. Al- junior “She felt that it was time for though she is a teacher, her students teach her. “They have Dodd said. her to go, due to her wanting taught me to expect the unexpected; they will never disThe new choir to spend time with her family. appoint. They are teaching me in these last two weeks of will be a teacher from She wanted to return the school how to say goodbye,” said Popejoy.

Kearney. Even with a Photo by Tannar Walden favor because her husband new teacher coming let her pursue her dreams of becoming a vocal music in, they are keeping the traditions and curriculum in place. teacher,” junior Emma Estivan said.

“I don’t expect there will be many changes in traditions During her time as a teacher, she has made many that first year. I hope that the traditions of excellence and memories with her students. “One of my favorite rigor will continue,” Popejoy said.

C

NEWS

5

Winnetonka SkillsUSA represents National competition on the horizon

By Brian Albertson

O

n the week of June 23 through the 27 senior Issac Ray and 14 others from Northland Career Center will compete at the SkillsUSA national competition.

SkillsUSA nationals will be held here in Kansas City. “Nationals are in Kansas City. It’s a whole week of conferences, meetings and different things like how to write a resume and then there is the competition itself,” Ray said.

Ray’s law enforcement and crime scene investigation instructor, officer Derrick Bruns, believes Ray has worked hard to get to where he is.

“I am extremely happy for Isaac.

He has worked very hard over the

last two years to get himself to the national level of competition and to be recognized by experts in his chosen career field,” he said.

Ray won first place in two events at state on April 3 through the 5.

“I won first place in Careers Pathways Government Public Administration and Criminal Justice Written, which is a test on skills related to law enforcement,” he said.

Ray will compete at nationals with others on a team in the Career Pathways Government division category.

They went to several places to seek advice.

“I am on a team of three, we are working with the KCPD to learn more about the crisis intervention officers and worked along with the Tri-County Mental Health System and

learning how to go about portraying it to the judges,” he said.

Ray and the others also help each other to prepare for competition.

“All of their fellow students have received several hours of training on how to be a positive, productive speaker and presenter. So when Isaac and his team practice their presentation they have plenty of feedback and constructive criticism to aid them,” Bruns said.

People from all over the country will be coming to compete.

“At nationals there will be people from all 50 states and the six territories coming to the Kansas City area, we sell out hotels from downtown all the way up to the KCI airport,” Ray said.

Police charge alleged shooter

By Allie Davis

T

he Kansas City highway shootings hit a little too uncomfortably close to home and school.

There have been ten shootings in the Kansas City area, seven in the Grandview Triangle area, and then one in Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, and Leawood area.

“I’m sure people at Tonka would be affected if they knew that it happened so close to home because it could have easily been them,” said senior Katie Wiggington.

On April 9th a woman stepped forward in a worry that she was being followed by the famously anonymous highway shooter, so she wrote down his license plate number and took it to the police.

Then on April 11th police were given a warrant to put a GPS tracking device on the shooter’s car; the stakeout then took place.

The highway shooter has since then been arrested and is now in the custody of the Kansas City Police Department and is charged with eighteen felonies.

6

NEWS

“I think the shooter deserves to be in jail for the rest of his life, killing someone who is obviously not mentally stable doesn’t teach them a lesson,” said Wiggington.

Even though no one was killed and only three were shot, many shots were fired putting many at risk.

“Now it’s not safe to drive without being concerned with all the violence, makes you wonder if you are next,” said sophomore Jacob Taylor.

Even though the shooter has been arrested Wiggington, Taylor, and Carter all sadly think that an incident like this will happen again. “It’s scary something like this happening so close to home I am just glad it wasn’t anyone from Tonka, it is definitely an eye opener,” said math instructor Mrs. Carter.

With the police department, FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives working on the case they are assuring that they have the man in custody and things from now on sure be a lot safer on our every day outings.

Five Canadian university students fatally stabbed City’s ‘worst mass murder in Calgary history’

By Kaylah Arteagah, Guest writer

A

pril 16, 2014, a University of Calgary student went on a stabbing rampage that resulted in five of his peers being fatally wounded. Mathew de Grood is the alleged killer who attacked an offcampus party. Approximately 20 people were at the party when the attacks occurred.

De Grood is currently under evaluation to determine if he is fit for trial. The attacker is the son of a 33 year veteran of the Calgary police department.

His evaluation should be complete in the next week.

Several secondary students gather to celebrate end of year Monday afternoon. Matthew de Grood was

working before he came to the party. The police chief of Calgary determined this as, “This is the worst mass murder in Calgary’s history.”

Winnetonka High School, English Language Arts teacher, Andrea Caspari was interviewed about this news story. Do you worry about all the violent offences that have been happening this year?

“I am definitely worried about the violence directed toward schools and among students themselves. Its very unnerving to have to worry about someone intruding or putting my students at risk. It is also very scary to think that a student would get so angry that she/he might want to harm herself/himself or others”.

TIMELINE of events leading to the stabbing:

•De Grood writes down lyrics and posts that he was accepted into law school.

•Neighbor Doug Jones told News that he notices 12-20 students going inside after it got dark.

•De Grood leaves work; Between the times he leaves work and the time the 911 calls was made, he arrives at the party and starts targeting people.

•Just after 1:20am someone inside the house made a call to 911 while the stabbing was happening.

•Sometime around when the police are called; de Grood leaves the party on foot.

•Emergency officials arrive to find 3 dead; one female inside in life-threatening conditions while another male was on the lawn in the same life-threatening conditions as the female.

•Flashing lights and sirens wake the neighbors at 1:30.

•1:50am the suspect is caught.

•At 2:00am de Grood is subdued.

•Just after 6:30am police tell News that the two surviving victims die in the hospital.

•At 8:54am police publicly announce the deaths in emailed news released.

•At 10:48am sources confirmed de Grood is the son of Inp. Doug de Grood, a 30-year veteran of the Calgary police service.

•12:02pm Police chief speaks and says-“they have never seen five people killed by one individual, it was horrific” •At 5:46 de Grood is charged with murder.

NEWS

7

Disappearance could be biggest mystery ..............of decade, century?

By Marley Kennaley, Guest writer

O

n March 8, 2014, twelve Malaysia crew and 227 passengers from 14 different nations were on Flight 370 and they just disappeared an hour after take off. This incident is one of greatest mysteries of all time. Experts are not close to finding out what happened on Flight 370. The one thing that is certain is there could not be any survivors.

One of the passengers was flight engineer and the prime suspect to the disappearance. There was not anything special in the cargo besides 3 to 4 tons of mangoteens, but three days after the disappearance people found out there was potentially flammable batteries, identified as lithium-ion in the cargo but we are still aren’t not sure what caused the plane to disappear.

Pulse signals were detected in the Indian Ocean giving searchers hope. Australian-led search teams have been looking for signs of the missing jetliner in the southern Indian Ocean since March 18. The search is now entering the third month and Austrailia officials are asking for financial help.

According to USA Today, Warren Truss, Australia’s deputy prime minister said, “The three major countries involved in the search, at this point, expect to share that cost with other governments and private companies.” Malaysia, China and Australia are doing mot of the leg work and acquiring the finances needed.

8

NEWS

“Rio 2” typical deficient sequel

By Amber Murray Blu, Jewel and their children were supposedly the only Blue Macaws in the world.

When Blu’s human companion, Linda finds the feather of a Blue Macaw, he realizes that his family may not be alone.

The family makes the two thousand mile trek to the Amazon to search for the flock.

Throughout the movie there is an illegal logging operation going on near the site of the supposed Blue Macaws that threatens to tear down the rain forest.

Jesse Eisenberg, the voice of Blu, was nominated for an Oscar in 2011, and won the Best Actor Award in the Boston Society of Film Critics.

Anne Hathaway, the voice of Jewel, has won an Oscar for Best Supporting Role in Les Misérables and has won a Golden Globe Award.

As Blu and his family begin their journey to the Amazon Nigel, the Cockatoo, plots to kill Blu for ruining his life.

As the story progresses Blu must learn to keep his

Minnesotan roots while learning how to survive in the vicious Amazon.

The rainforest is beautifully animated in this movie. The colors really make the forest seem alive and the animals looked realistic for an animated movie.

Another great part of this movie was the music. All of the songs enhanced the plot and helped the movie progress.

During the movie Blu meets Jewel’s ex-boyfriend and begins to get jealous.

This attempt at a love triangle was unnecessary and caused problems between Jewel and Blu that could have been avoided if the ex did not exist.

The other problem I had with this move was the multitude of subplots.

Almost every character had its own small plot within the larger plot. Two of the birds were looking for talent to bring back to Rio. Another was learning where she fit in the world. Yet another was trying to kill Blu. These were all interwoven to make the movie.

Although I found some parts of the movie to be a bit confusing, the overall movie was an adorable family movie.

I give ‘Rio 2’ a B.

Movie title does not live up to description

By Jeff Thompson

T

ranscendence was fast-paced, and disappointing.

Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp), along with his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany) are working to create a sentient computer that will surpass human intelligence The scientists’ plans are stopped when a member of the Revolutionary Independence From Technology (R.I.F.T.) shoots Will, which will soon kill him.

Will’s intelligence is uploaded onto a computer, which asks to be connected to the Internet to grow in knowledge.

Worried the computer may not

be Will, Max and Evelyn plan to shut the program down along with R.I.F.T. and the FBI. Johnny Depp is best known for The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Edward Scissorhands.

Rebecca Hall is best known for The Prestige.

The movie had some well done special effects, but overall was boring and unoriginal.

Action scenes were almost nonexistent and didn’t add to the story.

The plot was empty and lacked a climax or even a clear antagonist.

The entire movie ran on the overplayed ‘technology takes over’ ideal that has been the focus of pop culture since the 20th century.

It was tiring watching the same

basic plot in yet another sci-fi film.

It seems even Johnny Depp could not save this botched attempt at a futuristic thriller.

I give Transcendence a D-.

ENTERTAINMENT

9

Timed testing practice helpful

By Carolanne Murray

S

tandardized testing is an important part of school, but the pressure to do well these tests causes many students angst.

Annual testing is required in all 50 states due to the No Child Left Behind Act. In accordance to this act, standardized tests are administered to students every year.

According to CNN, “standardized tests have long been used as one measure of a student’s progress in core subjects. But now, federal funding hinges on test results.”

The No Child Left Behind Act requires that each state rate schools based on the results of their tests in order to receive federal funding.

In addition to being required for funding, teachers are evaluated based on their students’ test scores.

Students have been made aware of the importance of these tests on the funding received.

While teachers and administration try to lessen the pressure and stress around these testing times, the exams are important and students are pressured to do well.

Students are required to take End of Course Exams, most are required to take more than one, and this causes anguish within many students.

On top of all these important tests, they are timed, which increases the amount of pressure on students.

If all tests taken in school were required to be timed, then the anxiety this causes in students would be lessened.

Many tests, including the ACT, an important factor in college’s decisions, are timed.

All tests taken in schools should be timed and similar to the standardized tests that students are required to take, so that students are not as pressured and can perform better.

Immense traffic creates need for stoplight Student entrance traffic light would benefit school

By Chloe Minnick uses, students, teachers; all leaving school at the same time.

This immense traffic creates an increasing need for a stoplight at the student entrance.

After five wrecks, one would think the

B

10

OPINION

school would realize having officers direct traffic is not enough. Not to mention the fact that it is dangerous to lock Deputy Childers between cars coming at him in all directions.

The downsides of having an officer direct traffic go beyond the long lines and dangerous conditions.

To have these officers outside, they only allow for one lane of traffic to be open. It slows traffic flow when one car is headed past the school.

In the morning and after school, the line to leave and enter the parking lot is ridiculous.

It takes at least five minutes to enter the school in the morning and at least 10 to leave afterward. This causes students to be late.

A traffic light would allow people coming from both directions into the parking lot fairly and much faster.

I understand it is not solely a school decision to build a light. But, if they cared about student safety they would fight

for it.

Childers has been fighting for a traffic light for a few months.

“It would keep me out of the road so I could do traffic control like running radar and keeping the parking lot safe,” Childers said.

With buses, parents, students and teachers traveling down 48 street I think a light at our intersection would be beneficial and preserve the safety of everyone who uses the road on a daily basis.

Fast food destroys health

Kayla Alvarado, Guest writer

F

ast food uses chemicals that can be dangerous for our health.

People need to think the next time they are going to buy fast food and investigate what is in their food before they eat it.

The reality of fast

food restaurants is it is destroying us. We eat it with no regard to the harm it does to our bodies.

Once there were quaint, locally owned, organic restaurants but now there are huge corporate chain restaurants where you can drive up and get a meal in under a minute.

According to undergroundhealth. com, “there is a growing body of research that is finding out how junk food is hard wiring our brains for cravings.” The brain sends the message saying it wants more and more.

The ingredients in fast food are not healthy. Most of meat from any of the major chains has artificial colors, emulsifiers, MSG, stabilizers, trans-fats and hidden ingredients under generic labels.

Most of the seasonings in the food cannot be found at your local grocery store. But, some can be found at your local hardware store like low toxic antifreezes, play sand, silicone caulk, soap and sunscreen.

According to sciencedaily.com, “eating fast food two or more times a week was also found to increase the

risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 27 percent.”

All fast food holds piles of harmful ingredients. These pieces cause people to lose their physical health and wellness Sodium is needed, but it can also be dangerous in large amounts. Most fast food has harmful amounts of fat, sodium and sugar. Some fast food restaurants mention that they reduce calories and sodium but not as much as they admit to.

People should avoid eating fast food too much in order to protect their health.

Tonka Boy’s Basketball Camp June 2-5

9 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. Grades 9-12 only Fee $40 includes T-shirt!

Contact Todd Magwire at Tmagwire@nkcschools.org

OPINION

11

Unmasking 2014

12

ETC.

prom attendees

ETC.

13

Class of 2015 are you ready for college?

A

re you graduating in 2015? Right now is the time to review your checklist of responsibilities to be prepared for high school graduation and the transition to college. It is not something that happens overnight; it is a process. In fact, the student and the family need to start now. Use the summer to start making targeted decisions. The first thing will be answering the question: What do I want to be when I grow up? Of course now is the time to be realistic. Working in the medical field as a doctor or a nurse is not the right answer if one is not good at math and science. Choose something that you already show strengths in and that can be realistically achieved.

Think about any activities that the student has participated in with the guidance counselor’s office such as career surveys or the ASVAB test. The student has been given information regarding strengths and interest surveys and this information needs to be considered.

A general idea of a type of career needs to be chosen.

What kind of training is necessary to achieve this goal?

The student needs to determine if a technical school certificate, two-year community college or a four-year college or university is the best decision for training.

Many students assume they will go to a four-year college however this is a time for practical decisions are made. Is the student’s career choice and salary possibilities going to warrant the school of choice and amount of time spent in school or training? Be sure to make choices that are fiscally responsible.

Finances need to be determined. How much will the training/education cost? What will the family be able to do, for the student financially? Will the student and the family need to take out student loans? While researching, possible places to go to school, look at the tuition and other fees. Will the student go to school near home and live at home, or will the student leave the home and live in a dorm or have to rent their own apartment? The family needs to make the decision of where the student will go to school based on career choice, financial sources, and overall chances of success.

Throughout the student’s senior year deadlines need to be carefully followed. Many schools have

14

ETC.

early deadlines for applications that allow the student early entry and sometimes more opportunities for scholarships. Parents need to do their taxes as early as possible in the year of graduation (after January 1) because they will need it for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid; the FAFSA is required by most post-secondary schools to be filled out to determine how much the family will be responsible for, how much free aid in grants a student may receive and how student loan eligibility will be determined. Also, all A+ Scholarship Students are required to fill out the FAFSA as part of the program.

Throughout the year, and especially starting in January of 2015, scholarship opportunities will start to become available. Seniors will be responsible for keeping track of announcements to see what local scholarship applications are available and most importantly deadlines should be adhered to. Students who are working hard would be advised to have all of their scholarship applications turned in a week early: check for proper signatures, be prepared to share financial need, get appropriate letters of recommendation, etc.

Families may want to consider stocking up on dormitory and personal hygiene items each month, if their child is going to a four year school or living away from home. Parents need to starting helping their student adhere to schedules and keeping deadlines to stay on track and to get prepared to be independent and successful college students.

One of the most important things to remember is to never pay anyone to fill out applications for you. (many web sites may make inexperienced people feel like it is required). The school guidance department will have several helpful sessions to help families with the FAFSA and all other scholarship and college applications.

Helpful web-sites: www.studentaid.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov www.aie.org/Scholarships

This marks the beginning of the

Senior Edition In recognition of the

Class of 2014 =

Indicates the senior was nominated for the “Big W” award

WHS SENIOR EDITION

15

r o f d e r a p e r p Be

e g ] e l l o c [

By Rachel Adamson, Guest writer

TEven for the most level-headed students, it can be very ransitioning from high school to college is a big step.

stressing and overwhelming. So here are a few steps to take in order to be prepared and successful in college: Save money You should have money set aside for college spending.

Even if your college is already paid for by your parents or by scholarships, you will have extra expenses like movies, food, shopping, parties, gas and other extracurricular college activities. You do not want to be burdened with a job on top of all your new studies and social life. Get a summer job and possibly a part-time job while attending college.

Go back-to-school shopping.

This may be fun for some and huge let down for others.

However, it has to be done in order to be prepared!

Do some research before you go shopping so you know what size sheets fit the bed provided, how much is in the dorm etc. While you are out shopping do not forget school supplies like pens and paper so you are ready to go on the first day of school.

Get organized.

This is a key step to being successful in college. Learn to be organized and stay that way, do not get lazy about it. Day planners are a great way to get you organized, they also help you avoid the temptation of procrastination. It is also a great idea put all of your assignments and papers into one place so you always know where they are. Setting up a place to study will also help to avoid procrastinating.

16

CLASS OF 2014

Prepare for emergencies.

Unfortunately, bad things happen to all of us no matter how careful you are. You need to know what to do in an emergency. Know your insurance policy as well as keeping your insurance card in your dorm. You should also have all of your health records forwarded to the appropriate offices.

Your health information will be needed on file in the case of an emergency. Knowing how and where to get your medical information is a very important step in being prepared for college.

Take a campus tour.

Get to know the layout of your campus and what the environment is like. It would not be fun to be wandering aimlessly on the first day because you do not know where your classes are.

Talk to your parents.

Whether your parents carry a fanny pack or rock the Converse, you still have to talk to them after you graduate high school. Whether you want to admit it or not your parents know more then you do and one of them have probably attended college. You can get useful advice from them, after all they did raise you so they know what you need for college.

Have fun!

Most importantly have fun at college. It is a whole new experience and probably your last time ever attending school, so make it worth it. You can keep up with your studies while enjoying yourself as long as you use time management. You are finally living without your parents and making your own decisions, have fun with it while still being responsible.

What do I need to bring to COLLEGE?

BEDDING

Unless you want to sleep on a bare mattress, then you will need to bring some bedding. Make sure you check what size of bed

HANGERS

It’s not fun to show up at school with a ton of clothes and no where to put them but you closet floor.

CLOCK

Yes, you still have to keep track of time in college, so don’t forget to pack your clock.

HEADPHONES

Dorms can be very noisy.

When you are trying to sleep or do homework you will probably want to put on your headphones to drown out the noises of your school mates.

LAMP

Instead of keeping the whole room lit while your room mate is trying to sleep just have a little bedside table lamp.

POWER STRIP

TRASH CAN

You will need a place to put your trash.

TOILETRIES

These are easy to forget in the excitement of packing. Just do not forget them, you will them almost everyday.

BE PREPARED!

Dorm rooms do not have many outlets, and you probably have a lot of things to plug in. So, you will need a power strip to house all of your plug-ins.

SENIOR EDITION

17

From Students Jackson sees hope in the Navy

By Allie VanHouten

D

efending our country might be put off for senior Jackson Giebler.

“I will be joining the U.S. Navy and will be a Boatswains Mate,” Jackson said.

A Boatswains Mate is the first rate in the Navy, an emergency response member. Jackson plans to deploy July 10, 2014 to North Shore, Illinois.

“I will do a lot of firefighting, security and rescue swimming. I will also do miscellaneous mechanical work and upkeep,” he said.

Unfortunately with only the need of a high school diploma, Jackson ran into a medical issue.

“Jackson was diagnosed with Posterior Uveitis, a disease where white blood cells attack his eye,” father Darren Giebler said.

The disease has symptoms that affect his daily life.

“It causes very blurry vision and could lead to possibly becoming blind in that eye,” Jackson said.

The military has strict regulations on determining who is allowed in, medical issues being a top priority.

“We are waiting on the doctors to get clearance, allowing him to leave for the Navy or if he will get medically released,” Darren said.

If he is not allowed to go into the Navy, Jackson has recently started working on a backup plan.

“If I cannot go into the Navy, I will attend Maple Woods College with the help of A+ and I will work on majoring in business,” Jackson said.

Because they did not expect a medical issue to stir things up, Jackson is behind in college readiness.

“I never thought I would get an eye disease so I never filled out scholarships and I never filled out a

18

CLASS OF 2014

Getting sworn in, senior Jackson Giebler is taking a huge step towards his future. “I was a little nervous, but I was excited. It was a big step because I was realizing that I was actually enlisting,” he said.

regular college application,” Jackson said.

These events have added stressors to his parents also.“For me the most frustrating part was the uncertainty of what will happen with his future.

He had a plan laid out and it is heartbreaking to see his disappointment,” Darren said.

His parents along with his peers are supportive of him no matter what the results are.

“Never assume your plans are going to be perfect, always have other options to fall back on,” Darren said.

to Soldiers Benoit trades college for travel in the Navy

By Chloe Minnick

F

rom sea to shining sea, senior Ian Benoit has decided to join the Navy.

He had the idea to enlist during the summer of 2013 and decided to commit. He was officially enlisted on June 6. “[I decided to join] to serve my country and travel the world,” he said.

Benoit has been preparing for basic training in Chicago, Ill. “I go to meetings every month and do work outs, too,” he said.

On June 19, 2014, he will be leaving for basic training. He has expected his life to be completely different. “[I will have] no sleep, daily work outs, people screaming in my face and a buzz cut,” Benoit said.

Even though there will be no outside contact with his family or friends, Benoit says he is not nervous to ship off.

“I just feel prepared. I know I did the right thing by enlisting,” he said. “I’ll miss my family, but I think I’ll be fine.”

Unlike other students who join the Navy, Benoit will not be joining the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC).

“I’ll be a logistics specialist. [I decided not to join] because I just don’t want to be an officer,” he said.

After basic, Benoit will go to Mississippi for A-School and Connecticuit for submarine school.

“It’s going to be cramped. I’ll have no phone, no communication,” he said.

After the Navy, Benoit does not know exactly what he wants to do. Right now, he is focused on getting through basic training. He is more excited than nervous when it comes to diving into his new life.

“I’m excited to see new places and finally moving out of Missouri,” he said.

Amberson takes on technology in the Marine Corps

By Emily Elliott

E

static about joining the Marines, senior Bryce Amberson wants to be a technician.

“I want to be a technician because it’s working with electrical wiring, radios, tanks and those kinds of things,” he said.

His family has all had a military background, but his father and grandfather have had the most influence on his deicision.

“Since my father was a marine I

have that influence and I feel I should follow his footsteps,” Amberson said.

He has chosen to join the military for a free college fund.

“The Military GI bill already pays for college so if I want to go to college after I will be able to free of charge,” Amberson said.

Training is already in session to get him prepared for this career.

“The physical training is for boot camp and we run, lift weights, play sports and just work on building muscle,” he said.

His goal is to make a full career out of this. “ I can get retirement pay and so on for my future,” Amberson said.

He is interested in learning to become a pilot if he goes to college.

“I really want to be a pilot.Maybe if I chose to go to college I can train to become a pilot as my new career in life. My grandfather did that in World War II and he is my biggest role model,” Amberson said.

SENIOR EDITION

19

Lejla Ahmic 2 Year school: x-ray tech “Even though there will be things in life that happen, that may make you think you can’t do it, never still until you try!”

Brian Walter Albertson Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College transfer to Missouri University of Science and Technology: Engineer “The only thing that can stop you is yourself!”

Sarah Jenkins Alexander Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley: Radiology “Always take advantage of Taco-Tuesday.”

Angela Marie Anzalone Marcelo Julio Arias Studying kinesiology and exercise science “Follow your heart. Even when everyone tells you to do different.”

Monica Elena Armenta Studying radiology “No matter how hard things get, always keep your head up.”

Jeremy Martin Arts Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Try your best!”

Cameron Drake Atkins Military: Army Combat Engineer “Keep your head high and be open minded.”

Brian Albertson

Elizabeth Ann Allen Kansas City Art Institute “High school is going to be hard, so don’t mess up!”

Adrian Josiah Alvarez School of the Art of Chicago- SAIC “When in doubt, twerk it out.”

Bryce Ashlin Amberson Military: U.S. Marine Corps- p. 19 “Do not drive down the wrong side of the road. That is dangerous.”

JaMarcus Teron Anderson University Central Missouri: Athletic Trainer “Don’t slack off your first two years of high school because it will be hard to make it up the next two years.”

William Kegan Austinson Aaron Caleb Badgett

Bryan Baker

Bryan Christopher Baker Emporia State University “A smart man knows a tomato is a fruit, but a wise man knows not to put it in a fruit salad.”

Alexis Caitlin Barreto Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College and then transfer to University of Iowa: Majoring in Nursing Oncology and minoring in Business “Don’t wait until your senior year to get your life on track, work on it all four years.”

Michael McKenzie Anderson Early graduation

Michelle Anderson is currently an intern at the Cerner Corporation through the Cerner Michelle Renee Anderson Scholars program. “I have accepted their Missouri University of Science and paid full time internship for this summer.”

Technology: Engineering Management She is also the special events chair of the “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I Youth with Vision, a group of 8-12 graders took the one less traveled by, and that has who strive to create drug free communities. made all of the difference.”

We serve as the youth advisory council for the local prevention teams. The focus is to decrease alcohol and drug abuse by teens.

20 CLASS OF 2014

Tristan Lee Bartley

Gabriel Bautista Metropolitan Community College “Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real.” -2Pac Rylee May Bayless University of Missouri Kansas City: Early childhood education “Just do it!”

Justus Harrison Bearden David Jon Beeson Ian Philip Benoit Military: U.S. Navy-P. 19 “Hugs not drugs.”

Marco Adolphus Blackman David Scott Blair Bachelors in Finance “Deal with procrastination, if you are not living in the future, you are doing it wrong.”

Tasha Renee Dawn Blakley Anthony Ray Blount Chef school Maurice Abel Bogart Barber School “Don’t focus on the small things, look at the big picture: life.”

Annika Neele Bohn Cole Patrick Boswell Going to get a job “Try your hardest. If you dont get the help you need, go tell someone.”

Daniel Joseph Boulden University of Arizona: Business Administration “Be yourself, don’t let people criticize you.”

Jake Hunter Bovard Ozark Christian College: Bachelor in Music and Worship “My life means nothing if I don’t love. A purpose and worth is found in Jesus Christ.”

Waylon Drew Brashear Train to be a police officer “It is not the size of the player in the game, it is the size of the game in the player.”

Veronica Lynn Braun Missouri-Western: Elementary Education “Everyone falls down sometimes, the difference is who gets up and who doesn’t.”

Melissa Joyce Bright Sarah Elizabeth Brim Heritage College: x-ray tech and medical assistant “Senior year is unlink any other. Make every moment of your senior year count, you only get to do it once.”

Dominick Joseph Bristow 4 year school: Engineering “It takes more strength than faith to be kind.” - Mahatama Ghandi Christian Marzelle Brown Metropolitan Community College transfer to University of Missouri Kansas City: Radiological Technology or Nursing “Don’t rush high school or growing up!”

Gabriel Lynn Brown Maple Woods Community College “Live life as you want to.”

Branisha L. Browne Imani Keshae Brummall University of Missiouri-Columbia “Stay true to yourself.”

William Alec Buchanan Training for I.T. Manager Administration “Go with the flow in life and enjoy the ride!”

SENIOR EDITION

21

Senior pushes

Madison writes and illustrates his own book

By Emily Elliott

S

enior Michael Madison is in the middle of writing a book of his own.

His book is being written and illustrated fully with his imagination mind and creativity.

“It is basically a sci-fi fantasy hybrid in a postapocalyptic world where a group of genetically engineered immortals have set themselves up as gods. A ‘fallen’ member of their number opposes his brother and sister to free mankind from the deception. In the middle is a Gunslinger who could be pro instrument for either side but has to decide what to believe. That’s basically the story,” Madison said.

He is creating a map to go along with his book as well.

“I have started with the map.

Most of my friends have gone through all the ones I have made and I basically just figure out the geography and different cultures then move into character and start plotting,” Madison said.

Others are also interested in the map he is creating.

“The reason books have maps to go along with them is to connect the places with the characters. Even though I haven’t fully seen the map I am excited for the overall result,” Melissa Camarda said.

Creating a map to go with a book has always been something Madison was interested in.

“I’ve always liked maps in books I read, so I pulled inspiration from them and enjoyed discovering the landscape and all. Its actually really fun,” Madison said.

The map is helping him fully capture the image for his book.

“It is helping me brainstorm and think of new ideas,” Madison said.

His friends are expecting his imagination to flourish throughout this book.

“The mind of Michael is still yet to be seen. He is probably the most intelligent person I know,” senior

22

CLASS OF 2014

Kole Evans said.

Writing a book while going through school and theater is becoming a challenge for Madison.

“I work on it on and off. I am still planning everything and I have taken a bit of a break now, but I’m still working on the map,” Madison said.

He has been working through stages and taking his time with each chapter which all takes a lot of time.

“It’s gone through different stages. I am doing several other projects that all end up converging, so I guess you could say I’ve been working on it for about a year and a half,” Madison said.

The book he is writing was inspired by the books he usually reads.

“The genre of his book is very popular right now and Michael knows a lot about a wide variety of books which will help him detail his characters and relate his book to real life. I think it will all turn out really interesting,” Camarda said.

Madison will go through the publishing process when he has finished his book.

“If he gives it his all, mind and effort, he should be able to get his book published if he really wanted too,” Evans said.

Other writings Madison has done have been related to fantasies as well.

“All of his writings are original and unique. His fantasies are just mind-blowing,” Evans Said.

He expects to be finished with the final draft of his book in approximately a year. Madison plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

for publication

SENIOR EDITION

23

Angela Skye Buckl Park University: Business “What is man but a mass of thawing clay?”

- H.D. Thoreau

Already a business owner!

Amber Marie Chapdelaine 2 year school: Health Care “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Niccolette Marie Chargois Kyle Raymond Clabough

Selena Christine Buckner Missouri State University: Nursing “Don’t be stupid, stay true to yourself because when everyone else is being stupid, you’ll be the only cool kid. It may cause you to only have a few friends, but at least you’ll know who you are.”

Matthew Lee Bundy Johnson County Community College “Be on time, and at school.”

Matthew Bundy

Samantha Grace Burnett Suhey Campos Stevens College “Be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you what to wear!”

Berta Canet-Torres Exchange student: Manresa, CATOLONIA Spain “Don’t let anything or anyone get in your way; take advice from those who love and care about you, and you’ll be on the right path.”

Tyler Patrick Carrell Park University: Education with minor in art “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.”

Alexa Adriana Castro

24

CLASS OF 2014

Austin Thomas Clay Metropolitan Community College: Welding/ Technology “Get all your credits done early so you can relax your senior year.”

Austin Jeffrey Cobb University of Central Missouri “You will only go as far you allow yourself!”

Logan William Coleman Maple Woods Community College: Pre-engineering then transfer to Missouri University of Science and Technology “Don’t take other people’s opinion too seriously. The less you care what other people think about you, the happier you will be.

Act yourself, you will find true friends. Be honest.”

Mark Anthony Cook “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t” Kourtney Anne Cooper University of Missouri Central: Major in Music Education “Don’t take high school for granted. Despite what you may think, you do learn things that are useful in everyday life. It’s way cooler to show up to class and get good grades than to get high or party.”

K o u r t n e y Cooper is a member of the Girl Scouts and recently earned her Gold Award. “I made and donated fleece blankets to North Care Hospice and Palliative Care Centerthe place where my grandma Mary stayed when she was battling cancer. I know that giving back to North Care for everything they do for families would make my grandma very proud of me.”

Shelby Christine Cornett Holli L.E.V.I Couch Maple Woods Community College: studying Nursing and working at Cherry Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation “ Be yourself and people will love you.”

Madison Ann Cox Metropolitan Community College “Be yourself.”

Mileen Juanita Cox 2 year school: Nursing “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.”

Becca Gabrielle Crafton Work: Babysitting “Live long and prosper.”

Stephanie Cruz Alexander Lane Cutting “No.”- Rosa Parks Alexandrea Jeaneane Daffer Celena Caitlyn Daffer Sean K. Daldrup Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Never give up on your hopes and dreams, let your friends guide you to the right path.”

Benjamin Gia Bao Dang Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “ Work at your own pace.”

Jessica Ann Craig Maple Woods Community College: Criminal Justice “Don’t fall behind it might be worth goofing off now, but in the long run it won’t get you anywhere” Danielle Catherine Craven Stephens College, Columbia, Mo “Passion is the way to success.”

Rachelle Nicole Cravens University of Missouri-Kansas City “Be unique” Kimberly Ann Crockett Maple Woods Community College: Graphic design “Don’t let people tell you that you have to go to college or a specific school or topic. Do what you want to because this is your year make it Kimberly Crockett worth while, make it memorable, have fun but not to much fun.”

Daniel Jesse Cruz Early graduate

SENIOR EDITION

25

Brooke Leanne Daniel Work: Tattoo Apprenticeship “Don’t stress too much, everything will fall into place.”

By Veronica Saldana

N

eedle in hand, senior Brooke Daniel permanently imprints her art on human flesh.

Art has always been an influence in Daniel’s life, but it was not until the summer before her junior year that Daniel realized it was her passion. Tattooing is like art therapy to her.

“It’s much different than paint on a canvas. The body is your canvas and it is displayed all over rather than just in a museum,” Daniel said.

Her favorite thing about tattooing so far is the emotional connection to the tattoos. “[My favorite part is] the stories behind the tattoos.

Those are the ones that mean the most to me,” Daniel said.

Daniel has not mastered tattooing, but considers it to be a progressive career.

“I’m still learning and that’s the thing about the art of tattooing is that you are constantly learning and getting better. I am currently under an apprenticeship at ‘Lucky U Daniel posted this photo on her Facebook page. She feels Tattoo’,” Daniel said. that her apprenticeship is equal to a college education at this Tattooing is a career Daniel sees herself in for at point in her life. least another four years due to her contract for her apprenticeship.

Her favorite part of tattooing is the experiences she is exposed “[After the four years,] I can decide to stay or go on my own. to while doing something she loves.

I think I’ll probably stay for a while after that then eventually open “[I like] all the cool people I get to meet. There is never a dull up my own shop, but we’ll see,” she said. moment at the shop. We’re always making jokes and laughing, As far as school goes, Daniel thinks she is going to wait to listening to music and making art. It’s just all good vibes,” attend due to the hands-on experience she is already experiencing.

Daniel inspiration for tattoos lies within the stories of the “There are schools out there for tattooing, but I don’t trust individual tattoos she draws. them. I feel like the only way to really learn and get the feel for “Somebody is going to come in and get a piece of art on their yourself and what works for you is to be in a shop and surrounded body that’s going to be there forever because of some significant by that entire environment,” she said. reason. It’s always fascinating to hear about it. The fact that I can do Although Daniel has not technically done a full tattoo, she has that for someone is super inspiring. I just want to do my very best,” drawn a couple of lines.

Daniel said.

“It’s a little nerve racking. Not so much the drawing aspect of it, but more so using the machine in general. It’s way different than using a pencil or paintbrush,” Daniel said.

Allie Ray Davis William Woods University: Biology “Try to be like the turtle, at ease in your own shell.”

Andrea Rashell Davis

26

CLASS OF 2014

Kyriece Lynette DeVine Bol Mayak Dhukpour

Kelli Irene Dittmann Chicago Art Institute: Graphic Design “ Always try your hardest, also don’t procrastinate eventually the work will catch up to you.”

By Savannah Moore

S

enior Kelli Dittman has transformed her love for photography into a form of a business to make money.

“People who want senior pictures done just ask me and I charge them an amount,” Dittman said.

She has been published twice, and she won multiple awards at this years school Art Show.

“I won first place for AP Studio Art, third for exhibit, and Best of Show,” Dittman said.

She has developed her own little set up at home that has not been made a studio yet, but she Look for Dittman’s contact information and hopes to one day have one of her other photos on Facebook.

Photo by Kimberly Crockett own.

Alexander Chase Edmundson Missouri State University “Do...or do not. There is no try.”- Yoda John Karydan Elkins “Understanding is key.”

Tanna Renee Elliott Art school in Colorado “ Be proud of who you are.”

“It’s no studio, but I have my big Macs on a desk and then my favorite pictures surrounding them on my wall,” Dittman said. “It’s nice to look at.”

Dittman has not been slacking in the profits area of her mini business.

“I’ve made all together about $280,” Dittman said.

She uses her dreams of having her own business when she is older as her motivation of sorts to keep her going.

“Just the fact that I’m really good at it and it’s the job I want when I’m older makes me love it even more,” Dittman said.

Chelsea A. Engstrom University of Missouri-Kansas City “Nothing lasts forever.”

Mikayla Marie Eugenio University of Kentucky “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Gregory Allen Evanoff Kole Tanner Evans University of MissouriKansas City “OK here’s the facts, I know you all hate school, so do I. But all you have to do is keep pretending it’s not horrible and before you know it you’ll be out of here.”

SENIOR EDI-

27

Olivia K. Evans University of Missouri- Columbia “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

Always be yourself and love life.”

Megan Lee Fairfield Missouri Science and Technology: Biological Sciences “Do what makes you happy.”

Tyler Anthony Farrell Military “Don’t be afraid to stand out and do something you’re interested in.”

Marissa Dawn Fish Military: U.S. Army “God gave you this life with all the challenges because he knows that you’re strong enough to live it.” - Miley Cyrus.

Markel Cortez Fluker Missouri Western University “A man can be as great as he wants to be if he has the drive and will to fight for it.” Vince Lombardi Jessica Anne Frost Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Don’t slack off or you will regret it senior year.”

Achol John Gak Alicia Nicole Garcia University of Missouri - Kansas City “The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of life everyday.”

Charis Terza Fleur Medical School

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” - Marilyn Monroe

28

CLASS OF 2014

Alicia Garcia

Elena Franciscanita Garcia Missouri State University: Fashion merchandising management “No matter what happens always move forward.”

by Quincey Williamson, Guest writer

“

You shouldn’t care about what people think when it comes to what you really want,” answers Elena Garcia, 18. This was in response to asking, what lessons has she learned while in high school? Elena has gotten very involved in school in her four years at Winnetonka High School and has really made something of herself. She has put herself out there in the most positive ways that she could. Elena has some big plans for after high school and some inspiring Garcia models one of the dresses that advice to those not graduating this she made for herself. year. afterwards.

Getting involved in your school For some students, being involved can be difficult for some students; in a school sport can make it hard however, Elena was able to get to be involved in other aspects of very involved and balance her time school, but not for Elena. “As long well. In Elena’s four years of high as you manage your time right, it school she was a part of the Varsity isn’t hard,” she says. “Being involved Competition Cheerleading Squad is worth it because it gives you so (Captain), Varsity Dive Team, Decca, many new experiences.”

Art Club, Stucco, National Honors While in high school, Elena got very Society, JA, and A+ Scholarship involved in the fashion program here Program. at Winnetonka. She took her first “Getting involved in your school fashion class (Clothing and Fashion also gets you involved in your 1) her sophomore year and since community also, and it gives you then has also taken Clothing and more opportunities. It also looks Fashion 2, Fashion Merchandising, good on resumes and applications and Apparel Construction which are for jobs and colleges.” Being a part all the fashion classes Winnetonka of the cheer team was a big part of offers. “I like art and have been Elena’s high school years. sewing since I was little,” she “Being in cheer has taught me responds with when asked what patience and how to be a part inspired her to take this class? Some of a team.” Her favorite memory big projects that Elena has made was from cheer was getting a big water her Homecoming dress, her Prom gun fight and getting in trouble dress, another formal dress, and a

lined coat. Elena wanted to make her own dresses because she did not see anything in stores that she thought she would feel amazing in.

Her favorite dress she has made was her Homecoming dress. “It started out as just an idea and turned into an extravagant dress from fabric I came across. The feather fabric I bought from a fabric store on the Plaza had actually already sold the fabric. But one of my friends talked the owner into letting me buy it anyways!” The process for making these one-of-a-kind dresses is much harder than one would think.

First she brainstorms some ideas of what she wants. Next, she draws some quick sketches for a more visual effect and then begins putting patterns together to make it happen and come to life. This whole process on the average takes her about two months.

Coming across unusual fabric can be hard, and if Elena could buy all of her fabric from anywhere in the world, it would be the Fashion District in Paris, where she has bought fabric from in the past. Her teacher, Mrs. Rosario takes her students on trips around the world to let them have the opportunities of touring colleges, seeing where they could intern or end up in the future, and of course shop for fabric!

“I think more students should become a part of the “fashion program” because it shows and inspires them to be creative.”

After high school, Elena plans to go to Missouri State for two years and then transfer to a school in New York. She hopes to be a buyer or a fashion event coordinator.

SENIOR EDITION

29

Sativa Abagail Garcia 2 year school: Vet Tech “Stay in school.”

Hannah Victoria Gates Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.”

Ashley Noel Gotz Metropolitan Community College: General Education “That if you go through life with strength, courage, and wisdom, you can overcome any trial you come up against.

Never give up hope.”

Tyler Aaron Gebauer University of Central Missouri: Safety Sciences “Enjoy high school while you’re in it, It goes by too fast.”

Matthew Brady Geehan University of Missouri Kansas City “Share smiles and kindness everywhere you go, you never know what they’re going through.”

Jamie L. George Cosmetology School “ A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” - Steve Martin Jackson A. Giebler Military: U.S. Navy- P. 18 “Live up everyday, you’ll never know if you’ll see the next.”

John Dylan Gillock

Andrew Green

Dillon Thomas Greene 2 year school: Automotive “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Megan Lee Grisham Early Graduate Michael Alexander Hale Metropolitan Community College “Pay attention. Don’t let it slide by. Keep working.”

Victoria Elizabeth Hall Metropolitan Community College: Zoology “Love yourself so no one else has to.”

Zachary Lee Gimpelson Park University: Business/ Marketing “Be concerned with your character rather than your reputation because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Christopher Andrew Harbison Law school “Never take anything too serious and have fun in high school”

Caleb Joseph Glotfelty University of Minnesota: Twin Cities “Don’t wait until the last minute to do things because eventually you will suffer the consequences.”

Naida Gonzalez Community College: General Education “Sometimes things are out of your control. Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world.”

30

CLASS OF 2014

Andrew Glen Green University of Missouri-Columbia “Those who are involved and challenge themselves find opportunities for success. Connections are key.”

Stephen Lord Harpe Notre Dame University “Greatness is a choice.”

Stephen Harpe

Micaela Antinee Harris Early graduate

Christopher Jordan Tyrone Hill Kansas City Art Institute “You get out what you put in, so the more positive things you put in, the more positive will come out. With great power comes great responsibility. Be a super hero.”

Rajean Janae Haygood Early graduate Eric Jon Heggstrom Military: U.S. Coast Guard “When life gives you hardship, use it as a reason to try harder, not to give up.”

Sydney Morgan Hellerich University of Missouri “Enjoy your time in high school because it goes by quick.”

Sierra McClinton Henderson Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “All things are possible once you put your mind to it. Never sell yourself shor.t” Sierra worked as an intern at Maple Woods Elementary School and with the Adventure Club each day with Kindergarten through 5th grade students each Monday-Friday.

Paige Ranae Houser Park University “Patience isn’t the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”

Anthony Robert Hudson

Work: Warehouse 1 “Try hard.”

John Edward Huenefeld IV Working “Prove yourself in all you do.”

Cole Walker Huff Adam James Hughes Studying animation “You have years of growing up to do, but even then you’re just a bigger kid with more toys that had to wise up a bit, but never drop being a kid altogether. There will be times when you need that part of you in life, imagination and all.”

Javier Francisco Hernandez “When theres a will, theres a way.”

Rebecca Guadalupe Herra Metropolitan Community College: Penn Valley “Stay focused.”

Schyler Elizabeth Holder University of Missouri-Kansas City “Make mistakes, but learn from them.”

Javier Hernandez

Tara Dawn Hicks Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Treasure your time in high school. It feels like forever but it goes by fast. Don’t take it for granted.”

Johannes Rudolph Hildebrandt Missouri University of Science and Technology “Be involved and shoot for the stars!”

Natasha Lynn Hughes Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Do as much as you can to get involved, whether it be a sport, club or part of the journalism department. It is worth it, trust me you won’t regret it!”

Tiffani Anne Hunter University of Missouri “Stay strict to your studies even if it means missing out on that one movie with your friend, but don’t allow yourself to get lost in your routine; Be spontaneous and enjoy the day.”

SENIOR EDITION

31

DeSheya Janee Michelle Huntsucker Early graduate Medina Husic University of Missouri- Kansas City: Pre-dentistry

“Don’t ever lose yourself in the process of achieving your success. Motivate yourself on a daily basis and don’t depend on others. At the end of the day you are your own true friend” Last summer Medina tutored young kids and helped them with their reading and school project they had to complete. She is also involved with a dentistry internship. She helps with patients, “Which has been a life learning lesson for me.”

Kyle Iohp “Do your best and don’t give up.”

Maleke D. Kelley “Work hard, play hard.”

Sarah JoAnn King Kansas City Art Institute “Never regret anything that made you smile.”

Sabastian U. Laile Exchange student

Dallas Danielle Jackson

Tin Huu Lam Alyssa Jenkins

Ryan Matthew Jeschke Truman University “Involve yourself in everything that intersects you. Don’t leave high school with regrets.”

Courtney Elizabeth Jimerson Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Do your work and it will get you far in life.”

Shelby Lauren Johnson Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Do one thing everyday that scares you.”

Adhel Cetibut Jok Iowa Central transfer University of Iowa “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

32

John Brian Keeney “Keep up with your studies.”

Kolby Christopher Knight Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Life is like a roller coaster, it’s very unexpected so be ready for anything.”

Tynell Iohp Early graduate

Alyssa Marie Jenkins Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Be yourself.”

Zaria E. Jones “Be mortal with morals, do what you want to do because you only have one life, with that being said do it in consideration of others.”

CLASS OF 2014

Rebecca Dawn Lank “School is like an ocean you just have to keep swimming.”

Tymon Eugene Leathers Jr. “Stay on top of things because if you get too behind it is hard to catch back up.”

Elizabeth Nicole Liechti Washington University in St. Louis “It’s never too late to change who you want to be.”

Shelby Nicole Linder Missouri State University Amie Nicole Lindsey

Jessica Nicole Lockhart Rockhurst University “The pursuit of knowledge has never lead someone anywhere bad.”

Courtney Justine Long “Never feel like you have to change your self. Be happy with who you are and not who the world wants you to be.”

Cara Marie Losh Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Don’t take anyone for granted, they can be gone in the blink of an eye.”

Hannah Christine Lounsbery Oklahoma Baptists University: Digital Media Arts “Life is too short to do something you are not passionate about.”

Sarah Kay Lynch Planning to join the military “Don’t slack off, if you work hard enough at the beginning it will pay off towards the end.”

See page 22-23 for more information Michael Anthony Madison

Alexander Henry Martin Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “You can go far if you try.”

Alexa Rae Martinez Santa Monica College: Fashion merchandising “Don’t fall behind!”

Louis A. Maya-Hutson University of Missouri-Columbia “Keep your grades up...You’ll need it for the harder years. #Senioritis.”

Amber Mae McCormack Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Come to school and do your work.”

Marcus Anthony McDonald Working for Toyota: mechanic “Never give up because the next best thing could be right around the corner.”

Kenton Herford McGraw III Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College: Musical production “Do what you want to do, don’t let others tell you what to do.”

Makayla Destiny McIntire Early graduate

Nathan Mitchell Magrone Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College: Psychology “Take school seriously because it’s the most important thin in the long run.”

Stephanie Anne Manthei University of Central Missouri: Pre-Vet “No matter what anyone tells you, you can truly do anything you put effort into and have enough desire to complete.”

Dannia Marie McMiller Amelia McPherson Metropolitan Community College Penn Valley “Get your work done; do no procrastinate or you will regret it.”

Jacob Lea McReynolds Alicia Nicole McWilliamsChavez Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College: Counseling “Always stay true to yourself.”

Rachel Nichole Marquez Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College: Nursing “Don’t get behind in work and never give up.”

Alicia McWilliamsChavez

SENIOR EDITION

33

Bradlee Johnathon Meador “Don’t drop out of school.”

Hailey Leanne Mercer Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Get to know the people around you before you leave them.”

Logan Christopher Mercer Missouri State University

Bradlee Meador

Mackenzie Mehlhaff

Logan Mercer

Mackenzie Koerner Ruysser Mehlhaff Metropolitan Community College “Get involved in whatever you can.”

Kirsten Marie Mersman Isse Aweis Mohamud Arabelle Sophia Monge Avila University “Everything in life is either a blessing or a lesson.”

Maitland Alexander Lawrence Mehlhaff Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Conquer your fears, and I promise you will conquer death.”

Maitland Mehlhaff

Benjamin Eugene Melvin University of Missouri-Columbia: Chemical engineering “Don’t let others influence the activities you choose to do. Do what you want, no matter what your friends say.”

Benjamin Melvin

Aaron K. Mends University of Iowa: Pre-dental “Don’t chase success. Work hard and listen and success will chase you.”

Madeline Jolee Moore University of Missouri-Columbia: Business Marketing & Public Relations “You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Ashlee Nicole Morris Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Strive to be the best you can be.”

Diamond Loise Mosby-Norris Park University: Biology “Let no one change you and be true to yourself because in the end you are the one you have to live with, no matter what, for the rest of your life.”

Carolanne Renee Murray University of Missouri Columbia: Nursing “If you can get through your junior year, you can conquer anything.”

Carolanne Murray

34

CLASS OF 2014

Lynn Thomas Navratil Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “It doesn’t cost a thing to make someone smile”

Soleen Omar Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Don’t be scared to express yourself.”

Christopher A.O’Rear Going to work “Don’t do drugs and stay in school! Give it all when testing.”

Savannah Noel Neill Johanna Kursten Nelson Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College transfer to University of Missouri-Columbia “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”- Dr. Seuss

Rikki Renee O’Rourke Going to work Carley Jo Oxford Chris O’Rear

Jeremiah Robert Palomo “No matter how tough things get, always try never give up.”

Raven Ciara New Alabama A&M university “Work for what you want and don’t give up until you get it.”

Jonah David Parker

Kane Chanh Nguyen Rockhurst University “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

Meghan Ludene Parker “Listen. Learn. Acknowledge the world around you, especially the small things.”

Amanda Jolyn Paul Northwest Missouri State University “ Regret nothing because at one point you wanted it.”

Minh Nhat Nguyen University of Missouri- Columbia “Do what makes you happy and live life with no regrets.”

Tin Dang Nguyen Studying Filmaker “Do what you love, no matter what is happening.”

Angela Nigro Community College: General Education Nadia Noor University of Missouri-Kansas City “Have fun you are only in high school once. Live it up.”

Pius Ngang Nsoh-Awasom Jr. “What an elder sees sitting, you cant see, even if you climb a tree.”

Bryce Richard Pennington

Jaevon Dominique Pennington Going to work “I may be legally blind and I can’t walk well but still did the impossible.”

I Bryce Pennington

Taylor Morgan Perez Columbia College in Chicago: Theater and American Sign Language “Don’t mess around, don’t stress. Have fun. Don’t take high school for granted.”

SENIOR EDITION

35

Angel Pham Michael VIncent PhIllps Going to work “Find who you are and don’t let anyone change who you are.”

Tristen McKinley Prince “The sign of intelligence is that you are constantly wondering. Idiots are always dead sure about everything they do in their life.”

Tanashis Todd Purifoy Lindenwood University “Dream big.”

Terrence Michael Pickering Kelsey PIcraux Community College “Time flies by whether you had fun or not.”

Joshua Richard PInkney Northwest Missouri State University “The day you stop worrying about someone else’s success is the day you will start to succeed.”

Abigail Joyce Poe Park University: Elementary education “Think positively. Never let other people bring you down.”

Austin Timothy Pool Park University: Education “Never outgrow your imagination.”

Drew Alec Powers

Darren Roy Pypes Early graduate German Andres Quejada Jessica Ramirez Penn Valley Metropolitan Community College “You’ll know who your real friends are when you graduate.”

Samantha Malinda Ramirez University Missouri-Kansas City “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, rather we are spiritual beings on a human journey; so take your time and enjoy your journey on becoming a human.”

Isaac Andrew Ray University of Central Missouri: Criminal Justice “Who you are now is who you make it. Give it your all because you deserve the best.”

Aerin Lana Rennaker Hannibal-La Grange University: Education and American Sign Language “Pay attention in class, and actually do your work. Don’t wait until the last minute.”

Chase DanIel Prince Military: U.S. Air Force “Don’t be rude.”- 10 outta 10 Montana Christine Prince Aerin Rennaker

This section of the Griffin Rites is dedicated to the Class of 2014 graduates, their families who have supported them, and the faculty and staff of Winnetonka High School. Every effort was made to speak with each graduate to find out about their post-secondary plans and to get their advice for next year’s classes. Some students have graduated earlier or have had off campus schedules and could not be contacted. Several students may have changed their plans since they were interviewed. Graduates were invited to submit a youth photo. The Journalism One classes were in charge of a large part of this issue with the guidance of the regular staff members.

36

CLASS OF 2014

Tristan Lane Reuscher Working at Midway Ford Truck Service Center “Don’t be afraid.”

Kyle Wayne Ridout Marines “If you try and at first you don’t succeed, keep trying.”

Ryan Cole Rockford Early graduate Jeffrey Lynn Johnson Roderick Police training “Live life to the fullest don’t let people walk over you.”

Stephanie Rojas Studying to be a dental hygienist “Don’t get distracted in useless things. Get yourself together and work hard for your goods.”

Amber Alyssa Rondon Northwest Missouri State University: Psychology “Take school and academics seriously from the start, but don’t forget to have fun and make memories on the way.

Boris Anthony Lee Roston Working for Ford “Chase your dream even if you miss you will be with the stars.”

Afag John Roup “You have to see the invincible, to do the impossible.”

Ryan Kincaid Rutherford Esai Saenz Northwest Missouri State University “It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.”

Sierra Marie Saenz University of MissouriKansas City: Medical school “Find yourself. Be who you want to be, not who others want you to be.”

Yukinobu C. Sakata University of Missouri or Truman State “4, 3,2,1, and it’s gone. Live and never let go.”

Veronica Saldana University of MissouriKansas City: Pre-dental “Do not mess up your GPA or you will cry.”

Sarah Kathleen Sampson “The journey doesn’t start at the beginning, it begins at the end.”

Grace Ann Schmidt Stephens College: Fashion production and design “Love what you do and do what you love.”

Cortney June Roush Tyler W. Roy “Be Involved.”

Michael A. Ruiz Community College

Wiliiam Brian Schutz Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Gailya Anne Scott

Yannel Selina Russell Military: Navy “You are your own light.”

SENIOR EDITION

37

Hayley Michelle Sharpe Missouri State University “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.”

-Dr. Seuss

by Eli Stenner, Guest writer

roles. As much as she loves performing in musicals she likes to do Improvisation even more. Improv may be her place of expertise, ayley Sharpe recently played performing on a team that won Judy, a lead in our school a state Improvathon in 2011. play- “Rebel Without A Cause”.

Her favorite role that she has The play is about teenagers in ever played was the Mad Hatter the 1950’s trying to find their way in “Alice in Wonderland,” which in life. Hayley is a 17-year-old is also the biggest role that she senior and has been a big part of has played in, followed closely the theatre community most of

by Judy in “Rebel Without a her life, with 10 years of theatre Cause”. experience, tallying up a grand Hayley plans to keep her acting total of twenty-six shows. career going after high school, Sharpe loves acting in stage though she isn’t completely plays, but she enjoys musicals sure where it will take her, she even more. In fact, her favorite and everyone else around her play that she has performed in is Hayley Sharpe in “Rebel are very confident she will be “Godspell” (a musical). Her first Without a Cause. very successful in whatever she high school play was the musicalchooses to do and wherever she “Spamalot,” which was put on chooses to go.

by Winnetonka High School last semester, she played a Laker Girl and various other

H

India Marie Shaw University of Central Missouri-Minion Pro “When you don’t know how to make a decision about something, flip a coin. Regardless of what it lands on, when it’s in the air, you know what decision you need to make.”

Adrian Gemal Sheppard “Live a little, don’t just exist.”

Anna Marie Sinclair Cosmetology “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”- Elbert Hubbar

38

CLASS OF 2014

Cheyanne Dawn Sisney Early graduate Marcus Laval Skinner Shelby Rebekah Sloan Bachelor in Science : Nursing “Always do your best, and don’t let other people tell you can’t do something or you are not good enough.”

Cody Patrick Smith Early graduate

Shelby Sloan

Amy L. Spieler Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “Be involved even if you don’t play a sport, there is always something you can do and be good at.”

Gage Anthony Spring “Moderation is a better policy than Zealotry.”

Michael Donovan Stancic Missouri University of Science and Technology “Hope remains when pride is gone, and it keeps you moving on.” -Willie Nelson Sara Ann Steel Viktoriya Galinova Stoycheva University of Missouri-Kansas City: Nursing and Anesthesiology “Be yourself, work hard for your dreams and enjoy every moment. Surround yourself with good people and live your life to the fullest.”

Ian Redmond Sullivan Kansas State University: Interior architecture and product design “High school is a stepping stone of four years. Life keeps moving so hold on and don’t get caught up in drama.”

Melanie Lyann Summers Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College: Veterinarian Tech “When you are looking at a major, make sure it’s is what you love to do and not for money.”

Abigal Ruth Swinney University of Central Missouri “Step out of your comfort zone to meet new people, because you never know who could change your life.”

Zachary Stephen Swope Truman State University “If you are passionate about something, by god, go out and do it. Don’t let anybody tell you not to.”

Derick Allen Taylor Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “As long as you are happy with yourself, it doesn’t matter what others think.”

Gregory Blake Taylor Missouri State University “Don’t slack off but do all the sports you can.”

Ryan Jacob Terrell Lindenwood University “Slow down... Think... Breathe... Oxygen is good.”

Jacob Daniel Terry Emma Kathryn Thibeault Maple Woods Metropolitan Community College “To live will be an awfully big adventure.” -Peter Pan Andrew Joseph Thomas Latrice Tarell Thomas “Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Kalena Ronay Thompson Missouri Western University “The bull doesn’t know what you did yesterday.”

Tyler M. Tilton-Lagermann Metropolitan Community College: Audio engineering

Abigail Swinney

Tyler TiltonLagerman

SENIOR EDITION

39

Sydney Ann Tolander Kansas State University “Do something you love. It will never be boring and you will always want to keep improving.”

Viola Julius Toma Missouri Western University “Its doesn’t matter what your parents say, what your teachers teach, what the kids at school think, or what your pastor preaches; if your not hurting anyone and it makes you happy, keep right on. Do what makes you happy and be an individual.

Be that one character that breaks the mold and be yourself ” Emi Shelia Torres Early graduate Sydney Ann Torres

Cade Gabriel Walsh

Olivia Voss-McReynolds

Hayden McKenna Ward Studying broadcast journalism “Never, ever stop dreaming big, crazy dreams.”

Rebekah Lynn Ward Working at O’Reilly Auto Parts “Words are just words If you don’t like them, erase them and begin again.”

Jacob Dylan Wayman Planning to join the U.S. Marine Corps “Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They are there to let you know that something is worth it.”

Joshua Alexander Tran “All it takes is will power.”

Alexis Marie Van Houten Morningside College- IA “Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”

Jack Robert Veraguth

Olivia-Frances Maysie VossMcReynolds University Missouri-Kansas City ““If you try to do your best there is no failure.”

Dalton Layne Welch Working for General Motors “Live everyday like it’s your last.”

Allie Van Houten

Derric A. Vong

Christen Aimee Wheat Pittsburg State University “Though high school may not seem important, it is the first step towards your future as an adult.”

Sarah Josephine Wheat Pittsburg State University: Pre-Med “Don’t give up on yourself or your education.”

40

CLASS OF 2014

Hannah Marie Wheeler University Missouri-Kansas City: Psychology “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”

Trey Christopher Whitson Katelyn Rae Wigginton University Central Missouri “Be nice to everyone. Try your best. Freshman year grades count. Be true to yourself. Don’t forget family first! Stay involved.”

Brittni Sue Willadsen Studying to be a vet tech “Never give up no matter what. Your will will pay off.”

Cortes Marquise Williams Studying Social Work “Don’t let anyone tell you that your different, stay positive and move forward.”

Michael Ray Williams Megan Kelsey Willis University of Central Missouri: Animal science “Don’t fall under peer pressure. Be who you are and don’t change for anyone.”

Claira Jannet Wilson Iowa Lakes Community College “Don’t take things for granted.”

Winnie Hakim Wilson Park University “Your high school experience is what you make it. Get involved and work hard!

Manage your time wisely.”

Brandon Keith Woolery

Christian Wayne Young Missouri Baptist University “Be the change you want to see.” Ghandi

by Kierra Kingsolver, Guest writer

S

enior football player, Christian Young has been very involved in his four years of high school. He got into football freshman year, although he didn’t have the intentions to.,“My parents made me play.” But after a couple months, he began to love the sport. He made many memories and had a lot of fun with his four years of football.

Young was one of those students who didn’t really want to get involved in anything, but he did anyways. He is now planning on going to college to continue his life in football.,“I am really thankful my parents wanted me to join,.” Christian said, “It gave me the chance to be all I can be.” When asked what his favorite memory was, he hesitated. He’s had so many memories it was hard for him to choose just one. He finally came up with an answer. His favorite memory was when he played Liberty North, and they came back the next day to play. His favorite part of game day would have to be when he was announced in the starting line up. He had a great time and he’s going to miss Winnetonka High School when he leaves.

He plays football with his little brother, Micah. It’s his favorite thing he’s done in his life.

“It’s an interesting experience, and I’m glad I get to share it with my brother,” he exclaimed.

Although this is his last year at Winnetonka he is going to continue his football in MO Baptist with his free scholarship. His advice to upcoming freshman wanting to play football is to be on time and NEVER let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. “Always follow your heart,” he said.

SENIOR EDITION

41

CONGRATULATIONS,

graduates!

Parents, families, teachers, administration, and friends who helped make this TONKA graduation:

Possible Rewarding Important Dignified Exceptional

42

CLASS OF 2014

Season winds down

By Marena Draskovich, Guest writer

B

aseball has been underway and the boys are over halfway through their season.

The guys are improving as the season progresses and are excited to continue the season.

“I am looking forward to getting better and working hard with my teammates,” freshman Brad Willis said.

The freshmen this year include Brad Willis, Dakota Taylor, Ronnie Wiggington, and Daulton Freshman Dakota Taylor practices his throwing skills. He enjoys Freeman. Playing baseball is playing baseball because of the team bonding. “I love playing with not easy, and it continues to get my teammates and winning games,” Taylor said. harder as the boys get older.

Photo by Emily Elliott “I have been playing baseball since I was four and now the Goals have been set for the rest of the season, “I just opponents are getting harder, so we all have to step up want to keep working hard and win a lot of our games,” our game.” Freshman Dakota Taylor said.

Taylor said.

Concentrating during the game is what its all about.

It can be pretty difficult starting and learning how to “I just try to think of what I would throw while play baseball. batting,” Freeman said.

“I suggest you perfect your fundamentals and don’t mess While playing outfield and shortstop, catching the ball around if you want to be a baseball player,” Freeman said. out if front of you is very important.

Athletes always have to be planning for their future.

“I always wear glasses while playing outfield, if I don’t I “Just keep working hard and follow your dreams can never find the ball” Willis said. and you can be the baseball player you want to be” said Balancing social life, baseball practice and schoolwork Willis. gets pretty difficult, “I try to do my homework during intervention” Willis said.

SPORTS

43

Cheer cuts down squad size

Smaller numbers will give team an advantage “Due to us having a small team we have a better chance at going to nationals because it is really his year things are changing for Winnetonka’s cheer expensive to get in. It costs about $1,500 per person,” team in a big way and they are having a big impact. junior Morgan Thummel said.

“No boys tried out so we made some choices to With no boys for the upcoming year, the team has what we wanted to do, reason being, we did not have as to learn how to fill the shoes of the graduating boys. many people try out as we have in the past,” assistant “We will have to fill in the back spots, because that cheer coach Cynthia Jackson said. is where the boys were since they were strong enough, Even though the numbers are small this year, it plus we will have to teach the girls how to work those gives the team an advantage. positions,” Thummel said.

These changes made the girls nervous for tryouts.

“I was scared during tryouts because only 12 could make the varsity competition team,” sophomore Autum Ladehoff said.

The coaches are not the ones who pick their team, the future of the girls trying out lay in the hands of strangers.

“We have judges come in and judge so we do not really get to pick who makes the team, it is so no one picks favorites. Plus we will have outside views,” Jackson said.

Since there is a smaller team the conference for the team changes. They went from being coed large down to varsity small.

“Co-ed large is a lot stunting and you can do more with the strength of the guys.Varsity small is mainly tumbling and more dance based due to the small numbers,” Ladehoff said.

Along with the downsize of the team, they will also be losing a coach.

“Alvarado is having a baby so she will not be returning next year. As of right now the coaching staff consists of myself and head coach Amber Stichler. We are looking for a third coach at the moment. We have had people apply but we have Freshman Joslyn Jenkins hugs freshmen Zoe Goss as they look not interviewed yet. We have to make sure that at the cheer results. Jenkins has only been cheering for one year. our choice is the perfect fit for our girls,” Jackson “I was kind of upset about the results because all of my friends said. are moving up to varsity, but I was okay with it,” Jenkins said.

The results of who made the team was

Photo by Brianna Hartleb posted April 11.

By Ariel Thompson

T

44

SPORTS

Results reveal new challenges

By Madison Mead, Guest writer

H

ave you ever wondered what goes on during tryouts for certain sports? During cheerleading tryouts for example, the participants have to learn two chants, one long cheer, a dance, and also jumps. The whole process is four days long, with tryouts being on Thursday.

Incoming freshman, Ali Scalzi said, “The scariest part of tryouts was thinking I was going to mess up while trying out.” Trying out can always be scary if you haven’t ever had to tryout for something before. If you’re a returning athlete it’s not as scary.

Junior Jordan Timmermeyer says, “The scariest part of tryouts this year was there was such a decrease in the amount of girls on the team that I was scared for my position.”

Cheerleading is an all year sport, with only a few weeks off in between the previous season and tryouts.

The tryouts for the 2014-2015 season were in April and the first practice was on April 21st.

Coach Cindy Jackson says she is, “Excited for the new

year, and new challenge.” A lot of changes were made on the team this season including cutting the number of girls on the team on both Varsity and JV. In previous years, Varsity has been a large coed squad with about 26 people on the team. However this year, they’re going all girl small, with only 12 girls on the competition floor at a time.

JV has previously had about 18 girls, now dropping to 12 also. The decrease in positions creates a new challenge to overcome. The coaches must now think of new ways to create an interesting routine with half as many people.

Varsity team: Angela Giammalva, Zoe Goss, Casey Heller, Chanel Holden, Autum Ladehoff, Jessica Lopez, Madison Mead, Marie Scalzi, Meghan Shipley, Sydney Smith, Manthita Tandia, Morgan Thummel, Jordan Timmermeyer, Sophia Timmermeyer, Tannar Walden and Dakota Warner.

The junior varsity team: Alexis Coltharp, Ali Scalzi, Casey Nelson, Emani Fontenot, Gabriella Mathews, Haley Fowler, Joslyn Jenkins, Michelle Jimenez, Susie Dakorson and Sydney Bardwell.

SPORTS

45

Boy’s golf takes third at conference

By Brianna Hartleb

T

he boy’s golf team ends a great season taking third overall at conference.

“The season went really well. We had two golfers, junior Braden Bush, and senior Blake Taylor, who made first team all conference. Sophomore Patrick Spieler was the only golfer who who was all conference honorable mention,” assistant golf coach Nathan Stephenson said.

The season went well besides the weather.

“My favorite part was watching the boys enjoy their success,” Stephenson said.

Scores keep on dropping more this year than last.

“My score had dropped more this year, so I have gotten better. I hope for my score to keep dropping next year,” Spieler said.

Spieler is hoping much does not change next year.

“I’m not expecting a lot of changes next year for the team, besides getting some new golfers, hopefully,” Spieler said.

With coach Canette Catlett leaving there will be a new coach next year.

“I’m pretty sad, that she is leaving, but she has been a great mentor and a great coach. I have

At Paradise Pointe Golf Complex Smithville, MO junior Bradon Bush chips onto the green. The tournament took place on April 28. “[The hardest thing about golfing at this course] is all the water,” Bush said.

Photo by Carolanne Murray

learned a lot from her. I will be the head coach next year for boys and girls golf,” Stephenson said.

When a sport ends they always loose the seniors.

“We are loosing our only two senior golfers and we will greatly miss both of them. But I have gotten seven or eight eighth graders that signed up at time for Tonka, so I hope they do come out. Plus anyone can still come out,” Stephenson said.

Boy’s tennis focusing on possibilities

By Allie Davis

E

nding the season at ease but not quite ready to finish their tennis career.

“I will continue playing tennis after I graduate just for fun,” senior JaMarcus Anderson said.

Even though the record of the season does not quite display the talent of the team, it is agreeable by the team that they are getting better.

“We have lost some matches that we should have definitely won,” said senior William Schutz.

Even though some matches were

46

SPORTS

lost the season ended well.

“We had a solid season. Our scores are in the 500’s,” assistant coach Joe Wendt said.

Looking past the record, the coaches are helping lead their players into the tennis players they need to be.

“The players are doing very well at learning what they need to learn,” said coach John Morris.

The coaches wanted to practice more, however the weather denied them.

“If I could have I would have put a bubble over the tennis courts so we could have played during snow and

rain, then we would have had more practice time,” Wendt said.

Districts are coming up quickly where our tennis team will be playing North Kansas City.

“I think we have a chance of winning as long as everyone is focused and wanting to win, for the team” said Anderson.

Having team bondings occasionally, usually going out to eat is a hopeful way to selfless thinking at districts.

“I think if we set our mind to it we can win,” said Schutz.

Throwers aim for districts

By Kayla Pendergrast

L

aunching off the season with record-breaking throws, this season has been one for the books.

“We are doing awesome, so much better as a unit and our individual results have improved greatly,” coach Jessie Pfautz said.

Not only have the individual results improved but their technique is flawless.

“Instead of going through the motions, we broke it down into steps and worked on the technique a lot,” senior Diamond Mosby-Norris said.

As well as improving the technique they have worked on becoming more of a team.

“This year we work more as a team rather than in different groups which has helped us all push each other to do better,” sophomore Deenia McMiller said.

Not only have our “modern day warriors” become close as a team but they are an unforgettable group.

“They are such a fun group of kids that work so hard to accomplish everything that they have,” Pfautz said.

They proved their strength in all their meets, but now it is on to the “big leagues”.

“I’ve made it to districts before but as a team we have a high chance of taking most of us this year,” Mosby-Norris said.

Some returning throwers that have made it to districts before have high hopes for the underclassman.

“We are stacked up well and I have no doubt we’ll finish in the top three because we have done it before, but I have high hopes that we’ll make it to sectionals,” Pfautz said.

As well as the upperclassman, the underclassman have hopes to make it out of districts.

“I have been to districts my freshman year and we have a good chance of getting past districts with ease, but I hope to go to state,” McMiller said.

Even though the team has broken many records this season they plan to keep perfecting their technique for districts. The first round of districts will be held at Staley on May 17.

Football and volleyball team up Players seek to improve their leadership skills

By Savannah Moore

F

ootball and volleyball are planning on working together in different ways during summer, beginning this month.

All of the volleyball girls and some of the football boys are doing 60 page leadership packets. “[It’s] a look inside the mind of a female high school volleyball athlete,” volleyball coach Jeff Fogel said.

Many of the athletes doing the packets are thinking that they are the coach’s way of choosing captains.

“It’s a pretty cool way of choosing captains if you ask me because you get other people’s opinions, not just the coach’s,” junior Devon Smith said.

The biggest difference between the football and volleyball assignments is the number of people doing it on both teams.

“With the football team being much bigger than the

volleyball team I think the coaches narrowed down their numbers a little and picked certain people who they feel would be best for it,” freshman Baylee Gilliland said, “I believe coach Fogel knows we can all be leaders if we mentally and physically apply ourselves.”

Coaches have been very optimistic about the outcome of the packets, but both seem to have different expectations of the players.

“I think there will be a better choice in captains as the upcoming year rolls around,” Gilliland said.

Along with the packets, football coach Terry Vickers will be leading the volleyball girls with lifting drills.

“It’s a good chance to see what they’re made of,” Vickers said.

Fogel is excited to see what Vickers comes up with to make the girls do.

“Two great minds think alike,” Fogel said.

SPORTS

47

A season to remember

By Emily Elliott

S

occer comes to an end with a successful season for each team.

Varsity, JV and C team have all been productive through games and practice.

“It’s been a very productive season. C team is full of freshman who will continue next year, and varsity and JV have both been competing very well,” Coach David Flynn said.

Even the new soccer players enjoyed their first season playing. “I’m doing good and getting better every day and it has just been so much fun,” freshman Lejla Skender said.

The varsity players agree the season has been one to remember. “The season has good really well. It is the best season Winnetonka has had in a long time,” Sophomore Kara Constanzo said.

Both teams have grown as the season played Sophomore Kiera Hall expertly dribbles the ball before a big out “We have gotten a lot better at keeping pos- game. She enjoys the energy she gains from playing. “The session and not driving into a play to get beat,” competition gets you energized and you want to play harder,” Hall said.

Costanzo said.

Photo submitted by Sarah Lynch The teamwork has escalated from the first of the season. “The teams have got really good comjust have fun with it,” Skender said. pared to the other years. They come out enthusiasOther players are worried that the team will have tic and ready to play with each other,” Flynn said. more to work on once the seniors have left. “I am reNew players agree that the team bonding is one ally bummed about the seniors leaving. Next year we of the best parts. “My favorite part about soccer has will have a lot to work on because we wont have any to be my team. They are all so amazing and I am so defensive players, ” Costanzo said. happy I have met these people,” Skender said.

Altogether the coaches expect the rest of this Soccer is a big part of each player’s lives. “I love season to be a good one. “I expect C team to get a everything. The wins, having a team to lead and fight couple more wins, JV and Varsity will get tough after for, making coaches proud, even being extremely sore our game against Raytown.

They will all have to play and covered in turf burn after a hard match,” Costanzo tough to get some good game in,” Flynn said. said.

The next Varsity and JV game will be held May Even though the seniors will be leaving, most of th on the football field.

JV starts at 4:00p.m. and Var14 the team is already excited for next years season. “I’m sity starts at 5:30 p.m.. looking forward to winning more games and for next year to be able to play twice as better than now and

From: Winnetonka High School

5815 NE 48th Street

Kansas City, MO 64119

48

SPORTS

TO: