PHOTO BY BRYSTAL HUDLIN
Varsity volleyball players huddle around in celebration after makeing a play against Neodesha at home Oct. 7. The Lady Cubs won both matches against Caney Valley and Neodesha.
Period positivity
Two HHS students worked toward getting a new policy passed by the USD 258 Board of Education for their 2024 STAR Event.
Coming up with a STAR Event idea for FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) can be a difficult, but junior Jo Ellison and senior Victoria Melendez knew exactly what motivated them. The girls’ main focus was to get free menstrual products in all of the women’s restrooms at the school. They believed girls shouldn’t be afraid of not having the products they require.
Story by Addy Borjas
“We were inspired by our life and other girls in the school,” Ellison said. “We have watched countless girls struggle with the lack of products.”
The pair completed their own research, surveyed girls in the school, interviewed the school nurse and sent out a petition around the school to get the products provided.
“We wanted to find a way to make others not worry about whether they would have products when on their period,” Melendez said. “We achieved this by attending school board meetings, getting signatures, and letters of rec-
ommendation for different staff at our school.”
First, the duo presented their idea to Dr. Amber Wheeler. The pair wanted to present their idea to her first to be prepared for any pushbacks they could encounter when presenting to the school board
Their second step was to propose their idea to the school board Nov. 6, 2024. All members of the board voted in favor of adding the policy to the handbook for this school year.
The girls went on to present their event to judges at districts, securing gold. Their next stop was state in Wichita, the girls
once again secured gold but were unable to gain a spot for the nationals competition.
“We were very proud of our results,” Ellison stated. “Sadly, not qualifying for nationals, but we still feel like we made an impact on our school and community.”
FCCLA takes on nationals in Florida
Nine FCCLA students earned the opportunity of a lifetime, representing their school and community July 4-10 in Orlando FLA. at the National Leadership Conference.
After working tirelessly for months, the following students placed among the top competitors at the state level: graduates Cassidy Friend and Sydney Bumstead, juniors Addy Borjas, Carlie Weilert, Hadley Galloway, Jo Ellison, Kinley Hart, Thatcher Mueller, Jack Works (who was unable to attend) and sophomore Brystal Hudlin. This was Friend, Works, and Mueller’s second time qualifying for nationals.
The students left for Orlando July 4 and stayed through the 10. While the team was there they attended workshops, redtalks (similar to TEDtalks), leadership sessions, conferences and more. While FCCLA was the main focus of the event, they still wanted to have their own fun on the side. The first full day on the trip the crew visited Disney World.
“A lot of stress can build up from the pressure,” Hudlin said. “Being able to get my mind off the stress and enjoy Disney
made the trip even more memorable.”
Their second day consisted of more workshops and conferences, along with two event presentations. Hudlin presented her STAR event in the morning, with Hart and Galloway following. The group then took an excursion to Seaworld.
The next day was full of the three final STAR event competitions. These included Borjas and Weilert, Friend and Bumstead following, then Mueller and Ellison ending the day. Since Works was unable to attend NLC, Ellison stepped up and volunteered to take his spot to present with Mueller.
“Jack and I worked really hard to make it to nationals,” Mueller said. “When
Story by Addy Borjas
we faced some complications, Jo didn’t think twice about stepping up to help us.”
The last couple of days were spent relaxing and hopping from session to session, waiting for results to arrive. When they finally did, Galloway, Hart, Mueller, and Ellison found they all placed in top 10, being able to be recognized on stage during the STAR event ceremony. As for the rest of the group, Friend, Bumstead, Borjas and Weilert secured gold; Hudlin earned bronze.
The evening of July 8 was spent at Universal Studios. The crew broke off into smaller groups, some going on roller coasters, while others stayed grounded exploring the different attractions. The last full day of Nationals was spent in ceremony rooms, supporting the top 10 members walking the stage. They ended the trip with an after party at Aquatica water park.
“Overall, the trip itself was very fun and rewarding,” adviser Jodee Nickell said. “I love seeing our students get national level recognition for their hard work.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF
Editor Addy Borjas
Melendez and Ellison present their proposal to the Board of Education Nov. 11, 2024.
National qualifers pose for a picture with adviser Jodee Nickell before entering a conference.
(1) Flyer Jordan Hencey, so., is put up into a liberty stunt at a home game Sept. 26 against Eureka.
(2) Senior Rylee Woods waves to the crowd during the introduction of the cheerleaders. (3) Junior Ella Schomaker faces the crowd cheering at home against Eureka. (4) Senior Mallory Sinclair kicks and spirits towards the crowd during a cheer. (Middle picture) Dancers Ella Schomaker, jr., and Adalyn Hillmon, so., perform during halftime to the song “Level up” by Ciara.
EAT. SLEEP. Cheer. REPEAT.
Early morning alarms, 6 a.m. coffee runs and stretching stiff muscles — cheerleading and dancing aren’t for everyone. Every morning, the girls wake up for 6:30 a.m. practices to prepare for the football season.
“If it is possible, I would wish for a later practice,” Adalyn Hillmon, so., said. “I don’t like waking up early, but I enjoy exercising and hanging out with my friends.”
Hillmon is the only sophomore on the dance team; the other dancers include juniors Carlie Weilert, Jaide Marvin, Maleah Gordon and Ella Schomaker, as well as senior Mallory Sinclair. The dance team also added a new face this year, Hope Thompson, jr. Eleven girls make up the cheer team.
This year marks Coach Jordan Mason’s sixth year leading both squads, and to begin the 2025-2026 season, the ladies attended Butler County Community College. The girls learned two new cheers and a band dance during the three days at the camp. Sophomore Jordan Hencey was accepted into the UCA All-American cheer program after performing the two cheers and band dance.
“Cheer camp definitely taught me a lot and was full of positivity,” Piper Goss, so., said.
‘What cheer means to me?’
“Cheer is a way for me to express myself while also being able to go to all the football games,” Rylee Woods, sr., said. “I enjoy being able to cheer with all of my friends and getting to see the crowd all hyped up.”
-Captains Edition-
“I cheer because I love being part of something bigger than myself,” Ella Schomaker, so., said. “It is such a fun and sociable sport that has taught me confidence and how to lead others.”
“Cheer was something I got into originally for the people, and now I stay in for the friends who feel like family to me,” Mallory Sinclair, sr., said. “Cheer is the joy of building lasting friendships in the moments you share.”
Unlike other fall sports athletes, dancers and cheerleaders practice before sunrise Monday through Thursday. This year, the cheerleaders are focusing on stunting more frequently to entertain the crowd and experimenting with new moves at practice before Friday’s big game.
Story by Braylynn Watson
Jaide Marvin, jr., and Jordan Hencey, so., go up into a prep stunt during the end of the third quarter at home on Sept. 19.
Page Editor Braylynn Watson
Cheerleaders share an emotional prayer with Humboldt and Cherryvale football players after the football game in Cherryvale Sept. 12.
ALL PHOTOS BY BRYSTAL HUDLIN AND KAROLINE COVEY
ready set GO!
Story by Jack Works
The Humboldt High School cross country team has been off to a strong start this fall, setting personal records and earning some medals throughout the season.
The season began in Anderson County on Sept. 4. Freshman Aspen Wimsett took first place with a time of 15:23 in the two-mile newcomers race. Savannah Koch, sr., Willow LaCrone, so., and Kara Culbertson, fr., also ran in the newcomers race. Carter Collins, so., placed seventh in the boys’ newcomers race. In the JV races, Teghen Jaro, sr., placed 12th in the girls’ 5K, while Jack Works, jr., led the boys’ JV runners with a fifth place finish.
On Sept. 11, the Cubs ran at the Girard Invitational and saw continued growth. Wimsett earned a medal with an 18th place finish in the varsity girls 5K, setting a new personal record of 25:16. Tori Melendez, sr., medaled as well, finishing 25th. On the boys’ side, Works ran a PR of 20:44, placing 33rd in the varsi ty 5K, while Collins set a PR as well.
At the Caney Valley Sprint Meet Sept. 16, the team ran in a fast-paced race of a mile and a half. Wimsett, Jaro, Melendez and Mallory Sinclair,
season records as of october 9
sr., all medaled at this meet. Works led the boys’ varsity runners with a 17th place finish, earning a medal as well.
The team faced a tough challenge at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence on Sept. 27. Wimsett ran her fastest 5K of the season. Emmitt Carson, jr., and Works both ran significantly faster than their times at the same meet last year.
The Columbus Invite Sept. 30 brought some PRs for the JV girls. Sophomores Raegan Marple, Alexa Ellis and LaCrone all set personal bests.
The Cubs brought a small group to Central Heights on Oct. 2. Representing the girls’ JV team, Marple finished 13th and Culbertson 20th in the 5K. Carson ran solo in the boys’ JV race and finished 24th in the 5K.
The team’s home meet was originally scheduled for Sept. 23 but was delayed due to rain, and was made up on Oct. 6.
The meet at Osage City on Oct. 9 saw personal records once again. Wimsett ran a new PR of 23:25 and placed 23rd. Works set a new personal time of 20:20, while Collins beat his previous time by over 3 minutes.
Jack Works- 20:20
Emmitt Carson- 21:48
Carter Collins- 22:34
Aspen Wimsett- 23:25
Tori Melendez- 24:56
Liam Smith- 25:14
Teghen Jaro- 25:39
Mallory Sinclair- 27:47
Most recently, the Cubs ran at the Tri-Valley League meet in Neodesha. Wimsett took 7th place and Melendez finished in 8th. Ultimately, the girls took home a 2nd place plaque.
The Cubs are currently preparing for their regional race. Already off to a good start, the team is focused on finishing the season strong.
1 4
Kara Culbertson- 29:17
Raegan Marple- 29:38
Josey Ellis- 30:06
Willow LaCrone- 32:05
Jo Ellison- 32:08
Alexa Ellis- 36:12
Editor Jack Works
2
4
(4) Tori Melendez, sr., ascends a slope at Anderson County, the Cubs first meet of the season. Melendez ran a 27:57 and placed 15th.
(1) Seniors Mallory Sinclair, Josey Ellis, and Teghen Jaro, along with Jo Ellison, jr., start off their race at Humboldt, Oct. 6. (2) Aspen Wimett, fr., completes the final stretch of the Humboldt meet with a time of 25:11, Oct. 6.
(3) Junior Jack Works rounds a corner at the Cubs home meet, Oct. 6.
PHOTOS BY OLIVIA WHEATLEY
PHOTO BY NAHLA JENKINS
PHOTO BY MALLORY SINCLAIR
Court is back in session Lady Cubs win Tri-Valley League
With the 2025 season underway, the Humboldt Lady Cubs varsity volleyball team has amassed a 22-8 overall record as of Oct. 8, showing strong play in both district and non-district match
Kicking off the season, the varsity Lady Cubs team consists of four seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen. Early on in the season, the Lady Cubs earned a 2-0 road win against St. Mary’s Colgan with scores of 25-22 and 25-23. They later faced Neodesha at home Sept. 8, losing 25-23, 25-20 despite notable performances from Skylar Hotten stein, sr., who recorded 10 digs and 2 aces.
“After a tough loss I learn from my mistakes and see what I can learn from it and improve it for the next game,” Hottenstein said. “I have to keep performing so my teammates can count on me.”
On Sept. 27, Humboldt secured a 2-0 victory over Iola, winning 25-20 and 25-21. The team also faced a loss against Burlington Sept. 27, falling 25-10, 2523, with Ricklyn Hillmon, sr., leading the offense with 6 kills. In a non-conference match, Humboldt dropped a close game to Baxter Springs, losing 25-21, 25-20. Laney Hull, sr., and Lakyn Meadows, jr., each contributed to 5 kills in that effort. Oct. 8 the Lady Cubs fiercely dominated Caney Valley 2-0 and had a tough fight ultimately defeating Neodesha 2-1.
The Lady Cubs stand at first in the Tri-Valley League, positioning them well for post-season competition. The Lady Cubs will go on to compete at Eureka leading up to regionals Oct. 20.
“I think the varsity team has been playing really well lately and are continuing to get better every day,” Terry Meadows, head coach, said. “I feel we have a real good shot at winning regionals and doing well at substate.”
Story by Kamry DeLaTorre
I have to keep performing so my teammates can count on me.
On the right, a collage of photos taken across the 2025 volleyball season featuring various varsity Lady Cub players.
PHOTOS BY ADDY BORJAS, KAMRY DELATORRE, AND BRYSTAL HUDLIN
HHS football enters rebuilding year
The HHS Cubs football season has had its share of ups and downs, step-ups and injuries, as well as wins and losses. This season started with the thought in many minds of how it would all be an uphill battle, with the loss of nine seniors who brought lots of experience and skill, leaving a large shoe to fill for the 2025 team. Then came a crucial injury bug that left many players out for the season and future sports, or even life-altering surgeries, but even with all of these setbacks, these players and
coaches have battled through adversity to try to compete this season.
Leading to a 2-4 record on Oct. 13, with wins being against Bluestem with a score of 28-6, and the first home win against the Erie Red Devils at the homecoming game, with the score of 42-12.
“I believe this year is a learning experience and a rebuild year, where there will be ups and downs, but we continue to strive to be better every day,” Kolton Hanson, so., said.
But all of the sudden, changes
From concussions to ACL tears
From concussions to ACL tears, it all started with sophomore Weston Johnson tearing his ACL the summer of 2025, putting him out for the season. Followed by sophomore Kolton Hanson getting a concussion in the first week of practice.
Then, the JV quarterback, Mason Miller, tore his meniscus while playing against Labette County in the opening jamboree, putting him out for the rest of the season. Just after Miller’s injury, sophomore Remington Strickler fractured his foot playing at the jamboree, but he has still been able to play this season. Playing against the Cherryvale Chargers, the varsity running back, sophomore Ty Shaughnessy, went in for a hit, landing wrong, causing him to break his fibula, chip a tibia, and dislocate an ankle, which caused him to need surgery. Recently, freshman Braxton Fitzmaurice, dislocated his kneecap during JV versus Neodesha. The injuries the cubs have sustained have led to an extreme deficit in talent and a life-altering change to multiple players.
Sophomore Broc Ivy also sustained injuries
have also led to four losses with two back-to-back against Caney 38-0, and Cherryvale 35-16. Then another two back-to-back against Eureka 34-6, and Prairie View 56-14.
“It is by no means over, and I expect our Seniors to finish strong with the remainder of this football season,” Logan Wyrick, head coach said. “When your time playing football is over, it is completely over. It is unlike any other sport; you have to take advantage of the time available for this great game and enjoy it.”
Season record
After asking him
9/5 @ Caney 38-0 L 9/12 @ Cherryvale 35-16 L 9/19 vs. Erie 42-12 W 9/26 vs. Eureka 34-6 L 10/3 vs. Prairie View 56-14 L 10/10 @ Bluestem 28-6 W
Stories by Owen Works
Floats and parade
Powderpuff
Addy Borjas
PHOTOS BY HHS PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF
CCCC officially opens to the public with community event
1) Cubs Community Care Center (CCCC) employees and children celebrate the opening of the center with a ribbon cutting Oct. 8.
2) Dr. Amber Wheeler takes part of an interview with the news stations regarding details about the center.
Cubs Quest program begins at HES
Humboldt Elementary School Oct. 17 launched “Cubs Quest,” which allows students to explore activities that will let them spark creativity, be imaginative and grow life skills.
The idea was brought to life after making the decision to revise the school’s old “hobby days” that they held in the past, giving students a chance to learn both practical and social skills.
“Cubs Quest was inspired by the idea that every student has unique strengths, interests and passions waiting to be discovered,” Misti Czarnowsky, elementary counselor, said. “We wanted to create opportunities for students to explore beyond the classroom, try new things and find activities that bring them joy and confidence. The program also
grew out of a desire to help students learn healthy ways to cope with challenges by doing things they love and connecting with others who share similar interests.”
The school will be offering a variety of clubs ranging from painting, craft club and Pokémon club to sports club, boys to men and young detectives. With the start of this program, the school wants students to grow a sense of confidence and curiosity and find new interests and talents they hadn’t realized before.
“It gives them another reason to look forward to school because they know it’s a place where they can learn, grow and have fun being themselves,” Czarnowsky said.
Story by Brystal Hudlin
Humboldt Promise covers tuition
Story by Kenton Nassir
A new initiative started by a local family is helping Humboldt students go to college and the workforce by easing the expenses on them. Janie Works, one of the founders of the program, said helping students advance through higher education in an affordable way is important to her and her family.
“We just wanted the Humboldt kids to be able to afford that,” she said. “And not have to worry about how they were going to manage getting some higher education. Because it could be college, it could be trade school. The sky’s the limit.”
Thus, The Humboldt Promise was born. HHS 2025 graduate Colden Cook, who now attends Wichita State University, said the program has assisted him in his post-high school endeavors.
“It made me completely debt free for college,” Cook said. “And I don’t have to worry about paying bills.”
When Janie and her husband, Joe Works, approached the family — their four adult children — about the idea, everyone was on board.
“They wanted to do that,” she said. “They wanted to do it right away, so the Class of 2025 could use it.”
Humboldt Promise Coordinator Helen Kenny advises all students to apply.
“You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain,” Kenny said.
Requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA and generally 50 hours of community service over the course of your four high school years. Specifically, the class of 2026 needs 12.5 hours of community service. The class of 2027 should get 25; it is 37.5 hours for the class of 2028 and class of 2029 and beyond needs 50 hours. Some community service activities include: recycling, helping at the animal shelter, helping at the food pantry and more.
“What I’m finding is lots of students are coming in to see me with their own requests for what they can do,” Kenny said. “Students are eager to get involved.”
With this new program, the hopes are that those who grew up here will return to the community after advancing their education or career goals.
“We just hope they’ll just come back to Humboldt and use all of their talents and all their skills that they’ve learned,” Works said.
PHOTOS BY ALEXIS MCCULLOUGH
New Teachers for USD 258
Elizabeth Melendez 1st grade teacher
“I came back to Humboldt because I graduated and grew up here! I am excited to get to teach in my hometown!”
‘25-26 Class Officers
Seniors
President: Mason Sterling
Vice President: Skylar Hottenstein
Secretary: Josey Ellis
Treasurer: Rylee Woods
Stuco Rep: Layne Ellison & Laney Hull
Shayla Robinson
HS/MS art & 6th grade science teacher
“I was excited to grow as an educator in a close-knit community like this one.”
Madelyn Proper Kindergarten teacher
“I liked the small town feel and having such a great community of teachers to work with.”
Nicole Lucke
Kindergarten teacher
“It was time to come home and be with my kids.”
Sophomores
President: Bryer Grisier
Vice President: Connor Newman
Secretary: Adalyn Hillmon
Treasurer:
Weston Johnson
Kaely Cole
4th grade teacher
“I love my co-workers and everything we do to make elementary school magical for the students of HES.”
Kason Siemens
Head boys basketball coach/full-time sub
“Being a Humboldt graduate, it was a no brainer to come back home and give back to a place that gave so much to me!”
Stuco Rep: Nathaniel Seibert & Braydie Whitworth
Juniors
President: Jo Ellison
Vice President:
Kamry DeLaTorre
Secretary: Jean Yumba
Treasurer: Broc Ivy
Stuco Rep:
Carlie Weilert & Lakyn Meadows
Freshmen
President: Owen Works
Vice President: Riley Lassman
Secretary: Ellie Carlson
Treasurer: Rhylee Wilkerson
Stuco Rep: Carlin Hart & Braxton Fitzmaurice
Editor Carter Collins
USD 258 Humboldt Board of Education
Superintendent Dr. Amber Wheeler
President Josh Wrestler
Vice President Joyce Allen
Nathan Ellison
Ashley Johnson
Drake Tilman
Sandy Whitaker
Andrea Newman
“Our
Ravin Printing 1526 S. Santa Fe Ave., Chanute (620)
Humboldt Industries 1020 Highway 224, Humboldt (620) 473-2279
Ash Grove Cement Co. 1801 N. Santa Fe. Ave., Chanute (620) 433-3500
Bridge
Bridge St., Humboldt (620) 469-8427
Construction 570 1400th St., Humboldt (620) 875-1234
Inc. 4115 S. Johnson Rd., Chanute (620) 431-2199
Church of Christ 111 N. Rutter Chanute (620) 431-2741
Bridge Street Books 808 Bridge St., Humboldt (620) 469-8427
DID YOU KNOW?
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,800 pounds!
That’s heavier than a small car.
Be the first to find all 3 ghosts and win a prize!
Once found, report to Mrs. Phillips’ room
Halloween Word Scramble
Morgan Dillow- Oct. 18
Carson Peters- Oct. 19
Anna Waggoner- Oct. 24
Madelynn Comstock- Oct. 25
Bailee Berkenmeier- Nov. 5
Brooke Berkenmeier- Nov. 5
Kacen Lucero- Nov. 6
Riley Lassman- Nov. 9
Teghen Jaro- Nov. 14
Rhylee Wilkerson- Nov. 16
Aaron Lew- Nov. 18
Reylynn Jones- Nov. 18
Victoria Melendez- Nov. 21
Darryl Farrill- Nov. 25
Jordan Hencey- Nov. 26
Layne Ellison- Nov. 29
Bella Comstock- Dec. 1
Sydnee Wilson- Dec. 2
Weston Johnson- Dec. 3
Ricklyn Hillmon- Dec. 7
Jadey Ellis- Dec. 7
Breckin Guenther- Dec. 7
Taevyn Baylor- Dec. 8
America Sinclair- Dec. 8
Emmitt Carson- Dec. 9
Raegan Marple- Dec. 9
Maxtyn Mueller- Dec. 10
Mason Sterling- Dec. 10
Kinley Hart- Dec. 12
Jean Yumba- Dec. 13
Rowan Grisier- Dec. 15
Alexis McCullough- Dec. 18
Fall Birthdays
Page Editor Jack Works