JagWire Newspaper: Issue 21, Volume 3

JW

JAGWIRE

Mill Valley High School | Shawnee, Kansas Volume 21, Issue 3 | Feb. 16, 2021

THE ISSUE OF IDENTITY

A look into what makes students who they are

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Inside Cover Cover by Tatum Elliott

February 16, 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Hey Mill Valley!

Welcome to the third issue of the JagWire! After a brief hiatus of publishing exclusively online, we are happy to be distributing to everyone now that we are back fully in-person.

this with the Mill Valley community. We have two more issues to follow this year and are excited to keep bringing you new content. Have a great third quarter, Jags!

Your Editors,

-

Tatum Elliott

jagwire.tatumelliott@gmail.com

Tanner Smith

jagwire.tannersmith@gmail.com

Anna Owsley

jagwire.annaowsley@gmail.com

Ben Wieland

jagwire.benwieland@gmail.com

people don’t know exactly what their identity is, this issue has something for everyone.

We are so excited to bring you this issue in-person and can’t wait to share

Photo Editor Evan Sherman

jagwire.evansherman@gmail.com

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

The Kansas Student Publications Act guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are guaranteed for professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights, including the rights of freedom of speech and the press, insofar as published items may not contain libelous, slanderous or obscene statements, may not incite or promote illegal conduct and may not cause a substantial disruption to normal school activity. This law also prevents censorship of any kind by the adviser, building or district administration.

jagwire.hannahchern@gmail.com

jagwire.stevencurto@gmail.com

part of many student’s lives. Even something as simple as a person’s hair color can be an important part of how some-

Censorship Policy

Hannah Chern

Steven Curto

changes that have happened as a result

5900 Monticello Road Shawnee, KS 66226 Phone: (913) 422-4351 Fax: (913) 422-4039 Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High .

Editors in Chief

Online Editors in Chief

Whether it is through a person’s reli-

JagWire Office

STAFF

Professional Associations

Assistant Editors Aiden Burke

jagwire.aidenburke@gmail.com

Quinn Franken

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Kansas Scholastic Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Journalism Education Association Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City The 2019 JagWire earned an All-American rating from

Reporters & Photographers

member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

Gabby Delpleash

Editorial Policy

jagwire.gabbydepleash@gmail.com

Avery Gathright

jagwire.averygathright@gmail.com

or a letter to the editor to the JagWire, you can do so by

Jordan Prestia

journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any

Hayden Resch

jagwire.jordanprestia@gmail.com jagwire.haydenresch@gmail.com

@millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

Madelyn Welch

jagwire.madelynwelch@gmail.com

FIND US ONLINE Mill Valley News - mvnews.org @millvalleynews

@millvalleynews1

Mill Valley News

JagWire

Design & Illustration by Tatum Elliott

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Staff Editorial

FIGURING IT OUT

High school is a great time for students to try new things and discover who they are Gabby Delpleash Writer/Photographer

Tanner Smith Editor in Chief

A

wide variety of clubs, mentors, and experiences allow a place like Mill Valley to play an important role in self discovery.

We’ve all heard the anecdote “high school is where you are supposed to find yourself.” In 2021, high school students have a lot of pressure on them. They are expected to know exactly what it is they want to do with the rest of their life and what university they plan on attending to achieve that. With all of this pressure, they often forget to slow down and explore their options.

High school is a wonderful time

to try new things and learn new skills as well as embark down the path of self-discovery. If teens go through high school stressed out about deciding what they’ll do with the rest of their lives, they may miss out on the opportunities before them.

Whether it be friends or personality, the fact is from the time students first walk through the doors of high school to the time they walk across the stage to accept their diploma, things have changed. But just because that one senior isn’t the same naive freshman they once were, doesn’t mean they know who they are or who they want to be.

At a place like Mill Valley where a wide range of clubs, sports, productions and publications exist for students to partake in, they all have one thing in common: individuality.

The idea of finding yourself is

based on your goals and ideals, it’s about knowing what you want. It’s not about what your parents want.

It’s not about what your boyfriend or girlfriend wants. It’s not about what your friends want. If you try to shape yourself around someone else’s idea of perfection, you’ll always fall short.

Embrace your own idea of happiness, chances are you’ll be more satisfied with the outcome.

The four years spent at Mill Valley is an experience that plays an integral part in defining who one is, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s okay to not know who you are by the time you graduate. The early years of adulthood are packed with many defining milestones that mold us. Whether you’re the tallest kid, the shortest kid, the quietest kid, or the loudest kid, high school is the time to get to know yourself.

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February 16, 2021

ME, MYSELF AND I-DENTITY Hannah Chern Editor in Chief

Steven Curto Online Editor in Chief

Experiences and life lessons impact students’ identities and shape their lives

SENIOR LAUREN JARVIS

of the largest impacts on my identity is dance. “ One That’s so cheesy, but it forced me to have an abundance

of confidence and I have been forced to ‘fake it till I make it.’ That is something that has stuck with me and I have done for all my life.”

JUNIOR LARISSA THOMAS

faith plays a major role in my identity, as it impacts “ My everything that I do... I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica a

few years ago, and my experiences there definitely inspired me a lot in my faith journey. I also had to face challenges such as injuries and loss that ultimately allowed me to grow deeper in my relationship with God. These experiences have given me the opportunity to embrace my faith.”

SENIOR ELLIE TRIBBLE

largest thing impacting my identity is Christ. Everything “ The that I do, I do with or for Christ. I constantly strive to be the

best person I can be and to love others the way Jesus did and still does. I am always proud to be a Christian, even when I’m made fun of or joked about for my beliefs. I know I was put here to be a light and criticism is something I just get to deal with. I take it as a compliment.”

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

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SENIOR TAYLOR MOSS

religion impacts my identity and my outlook on life “ My because it ... allows me to see everything from a bigger picture.

I have been told when I align myself with the teachings of my church I am brighter, happier and kinder to those around me.

My height impacts my identity because it shapes others’ perception of me. I have been told I intimidated people before they got to know me solely based on my height.”

JUNIOR COLLIN RULE

have an insanely large impact on who I am. I spend “ Cars most of my time working on and building my own car or

helping my friends with theirs... I think that [cars] pretty much consumes all of my time in a good way. I don’t know if cars have made most of my personality, but around people but I am usually pretty laid back. I also enjoy helping others especially with their cars or driving.”

SOPHOMORE LAYLA CORDILL biggest impact on my identity would be my family, friends “ The and all of my interests, whether it’s music, art, movies or just getting to interact with my favorite people it impacts my identity in a big way. I would like to think that when people first meet me they notice my personality. I want people to be able to be comfortable around me and be able to talk to me.”

SOPHOMORE MALLORY BOTTS has had a large impact on my identity and still “ Music continues to today, as I have made it a big part of my life. I truly love playing my guitar and singing and hope to continue it for a very long time. Throughout my life, I have always had a bit of trouble finding a hobby I was good at and also enjoyed. I have dabbled between different interests like sports, music, etc. I think I have finally found my true talent and interest, which is music.”

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Design by Gabby Delpleash

February 16, 2021

CREATING THROUGH

COSPLAY w

atching anime is an experience that for many does not extend further than the screen. For senior Jaclyn O’Hara, though, anime is an outlet to express herself through cosplaying her favorite characters.

In 2017, O’Hara first realized that she could do cosplay after discovering it online. To achieve the most accurate look possible, O’Hara often uses the internet to find photo references to perfect her cosplaying.

“I’m like a perfectionist, so I have to make sure that it looks the best it can look, so for the wigs, I look at a picture of the character, and I really look at how the hair goes, and how short it is exactly, and measure it with me,” O’Hara said. “Another thing is the makeup… it really changes, shapeshifts you… Cosplayers are shapeshifters. That’s basically what it is.

She takes cosplaying seriously, but O’Hara encourages others to explore it and have fun.

“Cosplay, first of all, is very much self-expression. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Any age can do [cosplay, it] really doesn’t matter,” O’Hara said. “And it’s just really showing your love for a character that you see on a screen and bringing it to life.”

Both of O’Hara’s parents support her cosplaying, taking photos for her and even cosplaying with her.

“Sadly, I’ve seen my cosplay friends, some of them, their parents aren’t that supportive of it, and I’m really thankful that my parents are supportive of it, and my brother too,” O’Hara said.

“They’re very supportive of my cosplay, they think it’s cool and hype me up.”

O’Hara has found that cosplay has improved her personality and even taught her an important lesson.

“Don’t judge people by the way they look. If you do judge, then you’re really missing out on a really good person under the cosplay,” O’Hara said.

“I learned that the hard way. I judged, and I was mean. I didn’t know. Now, I really like meeting and getting to know different types of people. I’ve noticed they’re all people, not creatures or monsters, they are people.”

Avery Gathright Writer/Photographer

Senior Jaclyn O’Hara transforms herself into her favorite characters As Alois Trancy, senior Jaclyn O’Hara gazes at the camera showing off her blue-color enhancing contacts to match the character accurately. | Submitted by Jaclyn O’Hara

Donned in a cape and top hat, senior Jaclyn O’Hara poses deviously as the half-human, half-demon Black Butler character Ciel Phantomhive. | Submitted by Jaclyn O’Hara Suited up and gun pointed with precision, senior Jaclyn O’Hara poses as D. Va, a fictional character from the 2016 video game Overwatch. | Submitted by Jaclyn O’Hara

CAPTURING CHARACTERS

Characters O’Hara has cosplayed as over the last few years

Shoto Todoroki My Hero Academia

D. Va Overwatch

Ciel Phantomhive Black Butler

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

PLAYING PRETEND

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How participating in theater allows students to take on new identities while acting Avery Gathright

T

Writer/Photographer

aking on a new identity on stage is a daunting idea for some, but others find it to be an enjoyable opportunity.

One such person is sophomore Asa Esparza, who has been acting since the age of seven. Esparza enjoys the escape from reality that theater provides her.

“The best part [about theater is] definitely being able to be someone else for a while, not having to worry about problems that may be happening, and getting to focus on the show and what’s going on,” Esparza said.

“It’s also really fun to interact with others while in character, it adds depth to the relationships in the show and your friendship to other cast members.”

Esparza appreciates the freedom theater offers.

“The best part about theater is ... being able to be someone else for a while.”

Sophomore Asa Esparza

“Every role is a new opportunity to test the identity and how you think the character is, someone’s interpretation of it will never be exactly like yours,” Esparza said. “And since we double cast all the shows here at Mill Valley it’s always fun to see how different people see the roles differently from their counterpart in the other cast.”

Taking on new identities can be stressful, but sophomore Carter Harvey enjoys exploring new characters. “[Theater] can be a lot of fun, but it can be a lot of stressing,” Harvey said. “Sometimes you get the character right away, and you can just relate

Practicing singing one of his parts in “The Pirates of Penzance,” sophomore Carter Harvey is set to play Frederic. The musicals Sullivan cast is scheduled to perform on Thursday, Feb. 18. | Steven Curto

to the character, and other times it’s a completely different character. Personally, I like doing that more, an outthere character, it is really fun to do.”

According to Harvey, acting has been beneficial for his friendships.

“It makes it easier for me to communicate with other people, and it has just brought me a whole lot closer to friends. It really can open your eyes to certain things,” Harvey said.

Similarly, Esparza believes theater

has helped her discover herself, and hopes that others will have similar experiences.

“Theater has changed me in a lot of ways. I’ve learned new skills, tested my limits, become more confident, discovered what roles I like, and I’ve improved my social skills,” Esparza said. “Theater has done so much for me and I hope others try theater and see what they discover about themselves, you may be surprised.”

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Design by Hannah Chern

February 16, 2021

FINDING SELF IN A FANDOM

Through her BTS fan account, junior Lacey Marr connects with people similar to her

Inspired her love for BTS, junior Lacey Marr opened a fan account on Instagram. | Hayden Resch

Anna Owsley

I

Online Editor in Chief

n less than two years, junior Lacey Mar’s Instagram fan account @ notalgicpark for Korean boy band BTS has accumulated almost 100,000 followers – and each follower means the world to her.

When Marr first listened to BTS in 2019, she fell in love with each member’s talent and the group’s powerful lyrics.

“They’re really talented; they can sing, dance, they’re really funny. Their

lyrics are really meaningful when you translate them,” Mar said. “I really like their message too – loving yourself and stuff like that.”

Their songs truly struck a chord within Marr, guiding her toward defining her identity and who she wants to be.

“Before I found BTS, I didn’t really know exactly who I was and their music and their lyrics really helped me find myself, find my own personality, and helped me grow a lot as a person,” Marr said.

Having connected so deeply with the music and group, Marr sought

THE TOP FAVORITES 134340

Someday, you’ll also understand my words My seasons were always you My cold heart is 248 degrees below zero It stopped the day you erased me Album covers: ibighit.com

people to share the experience with and soon realized that she would have to look further than her school and friends to find that kind of the community. That’s when she created the fan account that would connect her with thousands of other adamant fans.

“A lot of people I feel like are in the same position as me. They don’t know a lot of people in person who like [BTS] … so it’s easier to find people online who are in the same boat as you,” Marr said.

Marr believes that the far-reaching influence and adoration of BTS’s music goes to show how powerful their music is, particularly the lyrics’ relatability and “comfort” vibes. “[BTS] has a lot of fans from all over the world, which I think is also a really cool thing,” Marr said. “Their music is in Korean, but they connect to so many people from different places despite their language.”

Just as the band left its mark on her life and identity, Marr hopes other people give the band a chance and discover what makes the music so meaningful.

“I know at first it may sound strange to listen to a group that doesn’t speak your language, but if you really read their lyrics and just give them a chance and appreciate how much talent they have … I feel like they’re just really special … and I think a lot of people would like them,” Marr said.

Marr’s favorite BTS songs with translated lyrics Black Swan

The heart stops beating When the music starts to play Tryna’ pull up Seems like time has stopped Oh that would be my first death I been always afraid of

Telepathy

Although we’re far apart now Our hearts are still the same Even if you’re not by my side, yeah Even if I’m not by your side, yeah You know we’re together

JagWire

Design by Anna Owsley

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THE ROCKET LEAGUER Senior John Scarpa finds his community and identity through playing Rocket League Ben Wieland

w

Online Editor in Chief

hen John Scarpa’s friend tried to sell him on Rocket League in seventh grade, he couldn’t have been less interested in the novel soccer-with-cars video game. Five years later, Scarpa’s earned more from Rocket League than he ever imagined: a community of online friends and teammates, a host of unforgettable experiences, and a scholarship to Baker University.

Scarpa always wanted to be part of the esports community. Though he describes himself as a typically quiet and shy person, he always connected with others online — Scarpa has a group of friends from across the country who he met on Xbox 11 years ago — and felt like he could fit in.

Despite playing a variety of shooters like Rainbow Six Siege throughout elementary and middle school, he couldn’t find a game he truly clicked with. Then came Rocket League.

“When I began following the Rocket League esport around freshman year, I decided to stop playing casually,” Scarpa said. “I always have had the drive to reach the top, but I just never found the right game. Then, I began training in Rocket League.”

Scarpa knew he couldn’t grind alone, so he sought out communities of like-minded competitive players.

“I didn’t think it would be easy to climb the ranks by myself, so I started finding groups where I could keep learning along with ranking up,” Scarpa said. “Everyone you meet cares about their rank, and they’re all differently skilled. I’ve even seen 12 to 15

SCARPA’S STATISTICS Scarpa ranks among the best of Rocket League’s 40 million players

Using a pre-bought gaming computer build, senior John Scarpa drives through a practice mode course on Rocket League to improve his advanced movement skills for future competitions. | Evan Sherman

year olds be at the higher ranks, which is pretty crazy.”

As Scarpa continued to improve, he became more immersed in the esports community surrounding the game.

For Scarpa, following the esport is one of the highlights of Rocket League.

“The pros and analysts are exhilarating to watch, and the game is very simple to understand,” Scarpa said.

Scarpa’s most memorable moment as a Rocket League fan was attending the Season 7 World Championships in New Jersey. He watched Renault Vitality win their first-ever RLCS title, helped set the world record for the longest continuous wave (28 minutes!) and called the event “an experience I will never forget.”

Today, Scarpa sits comfortably in Rocket League’s top divisions. Next fall, he’ll attend Baker University on a gaming scholarship while pursuing

PLAYER LEVEL

a business degree. He hopes to then combine these two pursuits; Scarpa’s already met an owner of local Rocket League esports team KC Pioneers.

Ultimately, Scarpa credits Rocket League and its community for his development as a person.

“Online gaming helps me be more confident and goal-oriented,” Scarpa said. “Watching Rocket League pro players and analysts has shaped me to believe that the harder you work, the better you become. Also, through new skills and mechanics, the game has taught me to never stop learning.”

Scarpa suggests that anyone with the opportunity to try Rocket League should take advantage of the chance.

“I recommend everyone should try the game,” Scarpa said. “It has opened doors for me, from my education to teaching me to be myself. It’s helped me find friends with similar interests and meet new people.”

TRN SCORE

281,772.0 Champion Top 7%

#170,690

out of 10 million players

Top 4.1%

STATS 12,890

WINS

41,271

GOALS

6,963

MVPS

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February 16, 2021

FINDING THEIR OWN RHYTHM

Senior Jon Pursell and junior Drew Morgan express themselves by producing music

Over the course of senior Jon Pursell’s life, music has become, as self described by Pursell, “an integral part of [his] identity.” | Submitted by Jon Pursell

Ben Wieland

A

Online Editor in Chief

t four years old, senior Jon Pursell knew he loved music — but he didn’t know how to work a radio. Unable to listen to his favorite songs on repeat, Pursell noodled around on an old, rickety keyboard to reproduce their melodies, and developed his own crude music notation system.

At seven years old, junior Drew Morgan first discovered his own musical obsession. To escape from reality, Morgan began to write his first songs and lyrics.

Today, the musical styles of the two couldn’t be more different. Pursell composes classical piano pieces; Mor-

gan writes verses and produces hiphop tracks under the stage name “Lil Paula.” However, as musicians, they do share a few common traits: a love for the art they produce and consume, and a deep appreciation for the people and communities they’ve encountered on their musical journeys.

As the years went by, Pursell refined the melodic imitations of his childhood and became a studious pianist; he describes his classical genre as “criminally underrated” and strongly recommends the works of composers like Sergei Rachmaninoff and Gustav Mahler. Working with multiple teachers, he continued to learn the instrument.

Eventually, Pursell began to write his own compositions. Pursell strug-

gled to draw inspiration while staring at the keyboard — he’d begin to practice and lose track of time; instead, according to Pursell, most of his musical ideas come to him while showering or going on walks.

Over the years, he’s grown to love the community.

“Each community has been super welcoming. With a hobby as niche as classical composition, there’s no room for exclusion,” Pursell said. “All of the pianists I’ve known over the years have been super kind to me.”

Morgan, on the other hand, only started recording music in 2018. With the exception of his most popular song “Double Cup (ft. Secluded),” which Morgan produced in a KCMO studio, all of his tracks have been mixed in

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

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TRACK BY TRACK

All of the songs junior Drew Morgan has released on Spotify under his stage name “Lil Paula”

1.

“IDK”

2. “NO CAP” 3. “FREE DREW” Rapping into the microphone on stage, junior Drew Morgan, also known as Lil Paula, performs at The Roxy in January of 2020 and November of 2019. | Submitted by Drew Morgan

Morgan’s home studio in his bedroom.

So far, Morgan’s written and produced eight songs, six of which are available on Spotify under his stage name “Lil Paula.” In addition to his recorded singles, Morgan also performs live; his first show was in November 2019, and since then, he’s performed at least one live show every month.

For Morgan, learning to become a part of the hip-hop community has been a highlight of his musical career.

“The rap community is a very competitive but fun community to be a part of. At first I was more focused on trying to prove myself as a rapper, but I realized that’s not what it’s about,” Morgan said. “It’s about the music you make, not the persona you are.”

In the future, Morgan hopes to tour outside Kansas City and Missouri and release his album in 2021. Pursell, on the other hand, won’t pursue music professionally — he says he “would hate for my favorite activity to one day feel like a chore.”

Wherever their future music plans take them, Pursell and Morgan agree on one thing: creating music has been a crucial part of their lives so far.

“Music as a whole is an integral part of my identity. Ever since I could reach the keys, music has been my outlet,” Pursell said.

Morgan shares that sentiment.

“Music has a huge soft spot in my heart and always will,” Morgan said.

“I think that it definitely changed my life for the better.”

4. “TERMINATOR” 5. “DOUBLE CUP” (FT. SECLUDED)

6. “KING”

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February 16, 2021

COVID-19 SHAPES CLASS OF 2021

Tanner Smith Editor in Chief

Ben Wieland Online Editor in Chief

Seniors share how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped their final year of high school

Taking a selfie, senior Ellie Boone and junior Bret Weber smile under their masks during the Relay for Life purple bomb on Monday, Jan. 25. As student body president, Boone has spent the year brining students together in new ways during COVID-19, like assisting with the RFL purple bomb. | Elise Canning

ELLIE BOONE FOUND CLASS UNITY IN NEW WAYS

S

enior Ellie Boone feels that COVID-19 has made it difficult to plan for normal senior experiences.

“COVID has definitely hindered the goals I wanted to accomplish my senior year,” Boone said “I wasn’t able to plan school events in StuCo.” The pandemic forced Boone to find new ways to interact with seniors.

“I have been tested in my leadership, where I’ve had to find new ways

to engage with the student body,” Boone said. “Social media has definitely helped in this aspect, where we’ve been able to promote school spirit. I have also found unity with DeSoto during this time, as we created a district-wide service project and raised over $5,000 thousand for a local homeless shelter.”

With the pandemic, Boone feels it has been hard for seniors to have a senior identity.

“It has been hard, especially for se-

niors, to come together since we haven’t been given those shared experiences of blue bomb and prom, which is such a huge part of the senior culture,” Boone said.

Even with the struggles, Boone still feels that seniors have been able to come and work together.

“Even though the attachment to the senior class might be less than it has been in the past, I still feel a sense of unity,” Boone said. “We can all confide in each other through the shared experience of COVID.”

JagWire

Design by Anna Owsley

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Senior Delaney Fields was recognized as a homecoming candidate Friday, Oct. 16. | Attey Field

Cheerleaders wave to on-lookers during the senior-organized homecoming parade Sunday, Oct. 18. | Damara Stevens

A

DELANEY FIELDS PRIORITIZED POSITIVITY

F

LEIF CAMPBELL LEARNED HOW TO ADAPT

s she watched last year’s senior class have prom canceled and graduation restructured, senior Delaney Fields decided she needed to adjust her expectations for her own senior year.

“I went into this year with low expectations, so I wouldn’t be disappointed,” Fields said. “Anything that we get is a bonus now.”

Though she’s continued to search

or senior Leif Campbell, learning to live with an underwhelming senior year has been both a struggle and a necessity; though he supports the health and safety precautions taken, he also hasn’t been immune to their effects.

“It’s made senior year terrible,” Campbell said. “We need to take whatever precautions necessary, even if it means going fully online for the rest of the year, but obviously we all want to be in person and back to

for positives, Fields admits she has missed out on events she looked forward to. As homecoming queen candidate, she didn’t get the chance to participate in the homecoming parade, an event she “always loved going to.”

Fields also regrets not being able to see her fellow seniors in their final year together before going separate ways.

“It’s really sad because we have been going to school with each other for a long time,” Fields said. “This

year we haven’t seen a lot of people we would otherwise.”

She remains determined to look on the bright side, though. With the additional free time she’s had this year, Fields — a former soccer and basketball player — decided to pick up running as a new hobby. She’s also spent more family time with her two sisters.

“I think everyone should try to stay positive,” Fields said. “We should focus on the things that we are able to do.”

school full time.”

One part of senior year Campbell especially looked forward to was blue bomb: as a senior, he’d be drum captain, playing in the band and dancing in the foyer during the raucous event — and then he wasn’t. Missing out on traditions like blue bomb, Campbell believes, has deprived him and his classmates of their senior identity.

“I don’t feel like a senior when I walk through the halls,” Campbell said. “We do feel less connected, because we’re not collaborating to

make cool things happen around the school.”

Despite all the hardships of his unprecedented experience, though, Campbell is proud of the resilience and adaptability he and his fellow seniors have shown.

“We’ve learned how to adapt the learning model in numerous ways. We are more flexible with our time than ever, which is nice,” Campbell said.

“We have all learned to accept the situation and move on in our lives the best we can.”

With being in the optional remote learning model, Guzman has had to modify the way she learns.

“It has been different having to adapt to this new style of learning at home and having class through a computer,” Guzman said. “I’m very used to seeing people every day and sitting in a classroom but after a semester of being remote I’m starting to get used to it.”

In addition to changing how she learns, Guzman has had some difficulty adapting to a lack of face to face

contact with other students.

“It’s hard to stay connected to others when you don’t see them face-toface, especially when you got to know other people through classes.”

Although it has been difficult, Guzman still feels there is still a lot of time left.

“I think seniors can still have a meaningful year by making the most out of the rest of the time we have together. It’s our last semester and we still have graduation to look forward to,” Guzman said.

BRIANNA GUZMAN CHERISHES WHAT’S LEFT

S

enior Brianna Guzman has felt this year has been very different than how she envisioned it as a freshman.

“Prom was the event that I always looked forward to the most as an underclassman,” Guzman said. “I always expected senior year to be the best year of high school, the year that I would make the most memories. Although it hasn’t been the year I always envisioned, I will definitely have many memories.”

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February 16, 2021

CHANGING WITH THE WORLD

The pandemic has changed identities and altered students’ way of life throughout all the havoc Steven Curto

O

Online Editor in Chief

ver the course of this past year, amidst a global COVID-19 pandemic, everyone’s lives were unexpectedly put on pause. In an unprecedented move, Kansas Governor Laura Kelley, on Friday, March 17, 2020, ordered K-12 schools closed for the rest of the academic school year. Following the cancellation of in-person instruction statewide, in line with 22 other states, on Thursday, March 28, 2020, Governor Kelly issued a temporary, statewide, stay-at-home order for non-essen-

FRESHMAN

AUBREY WESCOTT “I would say COVID-19 definitely had an impact on my identity because it showed me how strong I truly could be. This virus has been very hard for me personally, but I have been able to persevere and deal with whatever comes my way, which was hard for me before the virus occurred.”

tial workers. With students having an abundance of extra free-time on their hands, many learned new hobbies or life lessons that have altered their personality and have had a significant impact on their identity. Although COVID-19 restrictions, other than the Johnson County mask-mandate, are less prominent now, many students say that the COVID-19 global pandemic, despite all of its negatives, helped reshape their world view and allowed for them to better understand themselves.

These students shared their stories of persistence, and despite the difficulties they have collectivity faced, they overcame them and became a new, stronger person with a new identity.

JUNIOR

SYDNEY WOOTTON

“I have become more myself over the pandemic. COVID-19 has definitely made me focus on myself rather than on other people.

I feel like before the pandemic I wasn’t as self aware... just because of the amount of time I had alone ... It made me actually dive into my identity and what I truly want and believe than before.”

SOPHOMORE

LUKE SHIDELER

“If COVID-19 has affected me in any way it has made me realize how social I am. When I was in quarantine I got bored very fast... I feel like COVID-19 has caused me to see the global efforts to contain the virus. Many people including me are tired of the pandemic and want things to go back to normal.”

FRESHMAN

LUCY ROY

“I don’t think it was COVID that sparked a new part of me, but I truly believe in the lockdown in March of 2020, I had time to focus on my self and have taken more time than ever to work on myself and become a better person.”

JagWire

Photos by Gabby Delpleash and Design by Quinn Franken

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QUARANTINE ACTIVITIES

Ideas to keep oneself busy during quarantine or isolations LISTEN TO A PODCAST

JUNIOR

SOPHOMORE

“I think [COVID-19] gave me time to focus on some of the smaller details of aspects of my life. I used the free time I had to heal, strategize, and become closer with God, so I am walking out of this a better person than I was before it happened. Of course, it took time and patience to find a new normal, but I’m appreciative of it.“

“[COVID-19] changed me by forcing me to stay at home more and not be around friends, which also brought me closer to family. This made me realize that I have other people around me besides my friends and people that grew up with me and trust me, which has made my life better.”

KI’RE JACKSON

MALIN RAMIREZ

MEDITATE

LEARN ORAGAMI

DISTOPIAN MOVIE MARATHON

SOPHOMORE

ISAAC STEINER

“[COVID-19] has impacted my identity, not directly, but instead prompted me to introspect because of all of the time I had on my hands. I ultimately ended up thinking about larger existential questions and dealing with life’s big questions.”

SENIOR

PRATHIK GADIRAJU

“COVID-19 has most definitely had an impact on my identity.

Throughout the past year, with the struggle of learning and teaching myself from home sometimes, I’ve learned to work a lot harder when it mattered most for my grades.”

The Maze Runner

DIVERGENT

THE

HUNGER GAMES

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Design by Hannah Chern

February 16, 2021

IT’S OK NOT TO KNOW

Contrary to society’s popular belief, it is acceptable to not understand your personal identity completely Anna Owsley

H

Online Editor in Chief

igh school is a great time for identity crises. As we attempt to enjoy our last four years of freedom from adulthood, we often face pressure from society and those around us to figure out who we are and what we’re going to do with our lives.

Navigating these years can feel overwhelming as we’re faced with an endless stream of life-altering decisions, whether it be finding a sport or activity that defines your interests, a friend group that will define your high school experience, or a career path that will define your life mission.

But what makes these decisions even more difficult is that they are too often conflated with identity. Defining oneself with a specific set of traits or goals – such as being a tennis player or a future doctor – can take away from what life, especially as a teen, should be centered around.

Pixar’s latest animated film, Soul, provides the perfect illustration of the

dangers that stem from society’s obsession with this idea of having one specific “purpose” or identity in life.

Soul follows the story of a man named Joe who, having fallen in love with jazz when he was young, spends his life tirelessly pursuing a career as a musician

“Defining oneself with a specific set of traits or goals... can take away from what life, especially as a teen, should be centered around.”

Senior Anna Owsley

because he believes it’s his “reason for living.” He discovers by the end of the movie that this mindset had led him to neglect meaningful relationships, undervalue opportunities to help oth-

WHAT IS IDENTITY? Personal Identity “A set of beliefs one adopts or accepts about themselves. Our identities never stop forming, although they may or may not change significantly after certain ages. We are either editing or reinforcing them through every experience and interaction.”

ers’ and, most importantly, overlook the beauty in living itself – everything from enjoying a steaming piece of pizza to appreciating his mother’s love.

Knowing what you’re passionate about in life is by no means a character fault, but Joe’s story represents the far-reaching, societal obsession for individuals to have or pursue one (most important purpose) identity or defining trait. That’s not what identity is, though. We aren’t the sport we play or the job we go to, we’re defined by how we treat others, the relationships we form with those around us and the memories that form when we live in the moment. I personally find this to be very freeing because it means that we don’t need to have our lives figured out and we certainly don’t need to have ourselves figured out.

We should all spend more time enjoying the present rather than obsessing with labels and future plans (that will likely change), and and it’s okay to not know where exactly you fit into this world, because we should enjoy where you are right now is far more important than defining it.

Psychology teacher Kirsten Crandall explains how personal identity works in terms of human psychology The Human Brain: “Our brains are natural prediction machines. So, when we ask the question, ‘Who am I?’... we create a label in which to categorize ourselves and make ourselves feel more safe and predictable. However, a lot of our deciphered patterns are riddled with bias and inaccuracies.”

‘The Looking Glass Self’ Concept: “We use social interactions like a mirror to see ourselves. We use other people’s words, actions, and feedback to measure our worth, value, and identity. We cannot help but be internally defined by what we think others see in us.”

‘Perception is Reality’ Mantra: “Your personal identity is your road map, built by and then travelled upon by you so protect and police it. Let it grow and expand and let there be seasons of construction and deconstruction. You approve what gets paved in cement.”

JagWire

Design by Hannah Chern

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FAMILY TIES IN FRANCE S

Gabby Delpleash Spending time in France has influenced senior Sofia Nicot’s identity Writer/Photographer

enior Sofia Nicot considers her French roots to be an important part of who she is, practicing the culture as a member of French NHS, French Club, and completing French courses 1- 4.

Over 350 languages are spoken in the U.S., according to the 2020 Census Report. While English is the predominant language of America, some citizens like senior Sofia Nicot choose to embrace their strong native roots.

Nicot, who is of French and Cuban descent, integrates French customs important to her family into her everyday life, making her native French heritage an integral part of who she is.

Nicot has been traveling to France since she was a baby and had visited the country five summers in a row before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The entire side of her father’s family reside in France along with her mother and brothers.

“My French roots are shown through our cooking at home although we also make lots of Cuban food too. We also have some TV channels that are in French to stay updated with what is going on in France,” Nicot said. “At times it is difficult [to be away from France] since I feel very

separated from lots of people I love.”

Furthering her involvement in her native culture, Nicot had become an active member of French NHS and French Club as well as completing all four French courses, according to French teacher Charisse Highlander.

“Everyone should learn another culture and language because there are only benefits to doing it.”

Senior Sofia Nicot

“As a student, [Nicot] still learns things in her native tongue of French and she’s very willing and very eager and very curious about the things we’re learning with French grammar and vocab,” Highlander said. “In these societies and clubs that she’s a member of she is very willing to share her knowledge of the language and culture with others.”

Along with Highlander, French

NHS officer senior Taylor Moss credits Nicot’s prominence in the school’s French community to her eagerness to share her culture with others.

“I met Sofia through the French program; through all these different clubs she’s been able to show her native roots through the music that she provides and through her ideas for what we can do as a group for NHS and French club,” Moss said.

Defining herself through “taking a lot of pride” in her French roots, Nicot aspires to use her cultural background to educate others on the world around them.

“Everyone should learn about another culture and language because there are only benefits to doing it,” Nicot said.

“You become more open-minded which everyone should be, especially with everything that is currently going on Shop in the Faire du world.” shopping

FAVORITES IN FRANCE Activities Nicot does during her trips to France

Eat crêpes Manger des crêpes Go to beach Aller à la plage

Visit family Visiter la famille

Fishing Pêcher

Watch the sunset Regarder le coucher du soleil

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February 16, 2021

THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGION Exploring three students’ relationships with religion

Steven Curto

Madelyn Welch

Online Editor in Chief

Writer/Photographer

As a non-denominational Christian, junior Jordin Harris says “TikTok is to blame” for her religious awakening. She says being religious has changed her outlook on life and is now proud to be a Christian. | Jordan Prestia

JORDIN HARRIS

A

fter spending her newfound abundance of free time this past year watching TikTok for hours on end, junior Jordin Harris said she experienced a religious awakening, after she was overcome with creator content regarding Christianity flooding her feed.

Prior to this past year, Harris often felt extremely embarrassed about her non-denominational Christian religion, but after encountering countless social media posts regarding Christianity she felt a new emotion towards being Christian—appreciation for her religion and religious identity.

“I used to be ashamed of being a Christian because I thought my fellow peers would judge me for it. I

After being inspired by social media posts on Christianity, junior Jordin Harris experienced a religious reawakening

no longer care if others judge me for my faith. I am proud to be a Child of God,” Harris said. “I make it known to all that I am a Christian.”

Over the past year, Harris’ newfound passion for her Christian religion have helped her evolve into a less anxious and depressed person.

“These changes have helped me as a person because I have given a lot of my worries and fears to God. I used to struggle with anxiety and depression severely and I still have my moments,” Harris said. “Through Christ I have completely ridden of my depression by simply giving this problem to him. I still struggle with anxiety every so often but I have definitely grown through my awakening.”

Through rediscovery, Harris has

grown more comfortable with herself and has become more compassionate, all of which she believes was achieved through Christ. She recommends that all students wanting to get more involved in religion do research and look for life groups or Christian peers.

“My faith is a huge part of my personality. My optimism and loving personality stem from my love of Christ. I try and embody Jesus, and that shapes how I act and function,” Harris said.

“If you have any friends or peers that you know are really involved in their faith then ask what they did… finding peers that identify with the same religious backgrounds as you can be a first step in your journey.”

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

ADDISON MCLAUGHLIN

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Through her faith, senior Addison McLaughlin finds purpose in life

T

hrough her involvement in religion, senior Addison McLaughlin believes that her connection with her non-denominational Christian faith has had a direct influence on her identity.

Since the age of four, being religious has been at the forefront of McLaughlin’s life – she’s devoted her life to Christ through being a member of the worship team at Westside Family Church.

One way that religion has had an impact on her identity is through living her life judgment free, although at times, she believes that her beliefs often alter people’s perception of her.

“My religious views impact my views in my everyday life, but not in the way that most people think,” McLaughlin said. “I believe in the idea that it is not my place to judge others for their decisions and loving everyone how I love myself.”

When McLaughlin is onstage with the worship team at Westside Family

Church, she feels a calming presence and feels like she has a purpose in life, and she believes that she will be at peace with life after death.

“When I stand on the stage to glorify God, I feel almost like I’m losing myself in Him. It’s a very surreal and calming feeling. My outlook on life has definitely been affected by my religious affiliation because I know I have a purpose on this Earth,” McLaughlin said. “I guess that’s just part of life – the not knowing [what happens after death]. But I feel like I have less of the not knowing in my life because I know God.” McLaughlin thinks that religion has added to her personality and has been an essential factor in keeping her on track.

“I would say that I think I am a kinder person today than I would have been if I did not have religion in my life,” McLaughlin said. “It is something that has always been a constant.”

As a non-denominational Christian, senior Addison McLaughlin considers her religion the reason she is grounded in life. | Jordan Prestia

AVERY KUEHL

Being non-religious helped senior Avery Kuehl follow her own path

S

ome students choose to not make religion a priority in their lives. One such individual is senior Avery Kuehl, who decided to break away from her non-denominational Christian faith.

Kuehl said that though her and her family attended church on occasion, she was still extremely weary and skeptical about the whole concept of religion.

“We went to church as a family on and off when I was little, but neither of my parents were very religious,” Kuehl said. “I never really believed in religion even when we went to church.”

She believes being non-religious has aided her in keeping an open mind about other non-related issues.

She sees this as a benefit to being non-religious.

“I think that being non-religious helps me to see some issues with less bias and approach things with an open mind,” Kuehl said.

Kuehl believes that since no one

truly knows what happens to oneself after they perish, one shouldn’t worry about it, and rather partakes in the theory that, “if you do good things, good things will come back to you.”

Though Kuehl is happy with her decision to not be religious, she recognizes that there are some things she can’t benefit from.

“I would say that religion does give many a very good sense of community and that is something I do miss out on,” Kuehl said.

For anyone questioning their religion, Kuehl says to choose your own path and make sure that no matter what, and above all else, you are doing what you perceive to be best for you.

“Make sure that you are making the right decision for you and not being influenced by anyone else,” Kuehl said. “Religion should be a personal choice no matter what you believe and no one should be forced to think a certain way.”

Due to not affiliating herself with any religion, senior Avery Keuhl lives by the idea “if you do good things, good things will come back to you.” | Jordan Prestia

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EXPRESSING IDENTITY

Aiden Burke

C

Assistant Editor

ountless students find themselves at a loss when it comes to figuring out who they are; to many of these students, the LGBTQ community provides a refuge that allows them to uncover more about themselves.

For senior Madelyn Augustine, finding herself was a process that took Junior Alex Tracy views gender and sexual identity as subjective, and therefore does not directly assign themself any identity.

They prefer to identify as being a “more general term of queer.” | Evan Sherman

Tanner Smith Editor in Chief

many years.

“I didn’t know that the LGBT community existed until I was probably 11. Then there was a lot of like, ‘Oh, that’s cool, but that’s not me,’” Augustine said. “Then very suddenly, ‘That is me.’”

Junior Alex Tracy went through a similar process of finding themself.

February 16, 2021

Sexual orientation and gender expression’s impact on identity

“I think around my freshman year, I just kind of realized a lot of things about myself,” Tracy said. “Typical labels weren’t really fitting me or anything. And I don’t think I ever really formally came out or anything.”

Senior Alayna Sappenfield has felt that finding herself has helped her to feel more comfortable.

“I feel like my confidence level has definitely gone up,” Sappenfield said.

“I’ve always been an insecure kid, but at some point, you just get tired of that insecurity of it. So being gay has been pushing me to accept myself and all my insecurities.”

One major difficulty Tracy had was coming out to people who didn’t understand their perspective.

“I think the only actually hard part [about coming out] is explaining it because there are people who have no concept of any of this at all,” Tracy said. “It just makes no sense to them.

But even those people don’t really care.”

Although Augustine has been open about her identity, there are situations where she has felt she needed to keep it to herself.

“There have been instances where I have been afraid and there have been instances where I have purposely kept it from people just because either I didn’t think they had to know or I was

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

21

too nervous to see what they would say,” Augustine said.

Tracy believes that people shouldn’t focus on the things that make them uncomfortable—they should just do what makes them satisfied with themselves and what gives them euphoria.

“There have been instances where I have been afraid, and there have been instances where I have purposely kept it from people...

Senior Madelyn Augustine identifies as bisexual, which by her account means “attracted to two or more genders.” She likes to be very open with her identity but is careful about who she tells. | Evan Sherman

Senior Madelyn Augustine

“For a lot of people they just try their new pronouns, and sometimes that makes them feel really good,” Tracy said. “Don’t focus on the things that give you dysphoria. It should be the things that give you euphoria and make you feel good; that is the stuff that you should pay attention to.”

Through the whole process Sappenfield feels it is important to remember that it is important to be true to

what you believe.

“Don’t be afraid of what people think,” Sappenfield said. “That’s one thing that stopped me from discovering myself because I was insecure and worried about other people.”

For people having trouble with their identity, Augustine feels it is important to not rush into anything and to ask for help.

“You’re going to be unhappy. You’re going to be confused. I know because

I was for a number of years,” Augustine said. “I didn’t know what was going on. I was constantly anxious. I was really upset. You take the changes as they come and you process them on your own time. Whatever anyone else says ‘you change your mind too much.’ ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about’. ‘It’s just a phase’. Ignore them. This is your thing, and nobody else gets to tell you how you feel about it.”

GENDER & SEXUAL ORIENTATION CONTINUUMS Gender and sexual orientation can fall anywhere on these spectrums and continue to change

SEX MALE FEMALE INTERSEX Biological sex refers to the objectively measurable organs, hormones, and chromosomes

GENDER IDENTITY WOMAN

GENDERQUEER The personal sense of one’s own gender

MAN

GENDER EXPRESSION MASCULINE FEMININE ANDROGYNOUS The way a person demonstrate their gender through the ways they act, dress, and behave

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

ATTRACTED TO WOMEN ATTRACTED TO MEN ATTRACTED TO ALL/BOTH/NONE A person’s identity in relation to the gender(s) to which they are sexually attracted

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February 16, 2021

FAMILY FIRST

How having a big family impacts students’ identity Aiden Burke Assistant Editor

Madelyn Welch

M

Writer/Photographer

Freshman Ellie Walker and junior Lauren Walker pose with their family. | Submitted by Ellie and Lauren Walker

any students who grow up with larger families feel that the influence of a larger family has broad impacts on their character and identity.

For senior Emily Feuerborn, who grew up with two older sisters, a younger sister, and a younger brother, having older siblings led to her maturing quickly compared to others her age.

“I just matured younger because I realized that the things that people my age are worrying about are not really that important,” Feuerborn said. “Having two younger siblings made me more of a leader because I have to be a good role model for them.”

Coming from a family of six, freshman Ellie Walker believes that her family has influenced her to be more social and personable, as well as providing a group of people to hold her accountable.

“A lot of different personalities in the family can help me get along with different people or hold me accountable,“ Ellie said. “I would say that having a big family is important to me because it helps me

SEEING IN DOUBLE VISION “A lot of people say that [Sadie and I] are the same person, but in reality we have completely different personalities and mindsets. My favorite thing about being a twin is that you’re never alone and that you can always have someone to count on.” - Junior Maddie Wise

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

come out of my shell more when I’m with my family.”

Feuerborn echoes the sentiment that growing up with a large family led her to become more extroverted.

“Being around a large group of people just at my house got me to be more social, talk more and be more outgoing,” Feuerborn said. “If I was an only child, I would probably be a lot more sheltered, quiet and reserved.”

Ellie’s sister, junior Lauren Walker thinks that having a larger family led to her developing similar interests to those of her older siblings and influencing the interests of her younger siblings.

“[Siblings] can be your best friends, and they are always there for you.”

Junior Lauren Walker

“Having sisters we tend to have the same interests, so my older sister did cross country then she convinced me to do it because she had so much fun with it,” Lauren said. “I kind of convinced [my younger sister] to do it so we have evolved into having the same interests because we want to spend time together.”

Feuerborn thinks that her brother has started to imitate and “shadow” her. “[My brother] is like my little duck.

Recently, he’s been picking up on my signals and my lingo,” Feuerborn said.

“He doesn’t mock me, but he just kind of does the same things as me. He just

picks up on my character traits, and he just kind of shadows them.”

According to Lauren, having a larger family can positively impact someone by giving them constant company while they’re growing up, thus giving them someone who is always there. “[Siblings] can be your best friends and they’re always there for you …

Having a big family is always fun,” Lauren said. “I feel like it brings out the fun side in our personalities when we are together because we laugh” Feuerborn agrees that having a bigger family results in her family being much closer and more connected.

“Since I have a bigger family, we’re closer than we would be if I had two or one siblings. There’s always someone on the main level, there’s always someone in the basement,” Feuerborn said. “No matter where you are , there’s someone with you. You’re never alone. If I had only one other sibling, I could be on the main level, and no one would be there.”

Never being able to be by yourself has its downsides, according to Feuerborn. There are many times that having an inescapably close household makes it impossible for Feuerborn to get time to herself.

“You’re never alone,” Feuerborn said. “[My sister] would have been in the room with me. I would be mad and ask her to leave me alone and leave; but it’s also her room, so she can’t.”

Feuerborn and Lauren agree that at the end of the day, having a larger family ultimately led to them being happier and always having someone to talk to.

“You always have someone there to hang out with, have fun with or talk to if you’re going through something,” Lauren said.

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Posing for a family portrait, senior Emily Feuerborn smiles alongside her siblings. | Submitted by Emily Feuerborn

Spending time with her family of eight, senior Emily Feuerborn poses for a photo | Submitted

by Emily Feuerborn

Juniors Maddie and Sadie Wise reflect on what it is like to be a twin

“[Sadie and I] both work toward different goals in life, but people assume that because we’re twins we want to do the same things as each other. My favorite thing about being a twin is having someone there to motivate you when you’re down.” - Junior Sadie Wise

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Design by Quinn Franken and Content/Photos by Hayden Resch

Hair is one way people control their appearance and express themselves to the world

Sophomore Brianna Bruno Sophomore Briana Bruno thinks that changing and dying her hair has become reflective of her personality because of how people see and perceive her hair.

“I do trust myself with my hair,” Bruno said. “When you usually see peo-

ple with dyed hair you usually think they are loud and outgoing, and I have a very loud personality.”

Bruno thinks that one nice aspect of dying hair is how it changes how people see you. She continues that “when you get new hair, you want to show it off - it’s fun.”

Junior Aubrey Beashore Junior Aubrey Beashore changed her hair during quarantine because it felt refreshing and freeing to her.

“I like to change or dye [my hair] because it feels refreshing,” Beashore said. “I also like to do it because quarantine makes you feel bored and

I just like it better.”

Beashore continued that it might feel weird at first, but ended up liking it in the end.

“The first time, it’s going to feel weird,” Beashore said. “Giving it a shot can make you feel good about it.”

Sophomore Madeline Hanna To sophomore Madeline Hanna, anybody who is considering dying their hair should just “go for it” since it’s their own hair.

“If you don’t like it then it will just fade out anyway,” Hanna said. “My

mom was against hair dying until I convinced her; it is your hair and you can do what you want with it.”

To anyone who is unsure about whether or not to dye their hair, Hanna recommends using temporary dye to start out and try new colors.

Senior Amanda Mills There are many stereotypes and jokes about redheads floating around which senior Amanda Mills finds herself at the end of. Rather than falling in line with these stereotypes, Mills incorporates her hair color into her personality.

“I feel sometimes that having red hair makes me outgoing,” Mills said. “I stand out already because of my hair color so I just am more outgoing.”

At the same time, Mills doesn’t like to bring up her hair color to avoid jokes and stereotypes in conversation.

February 16, 2021