JagWire Newspaper: Volume 21, Issue 5

JW

JAGWIRE

Mill Valley High School | Shawnee, Kansas Volume 21 | Issue 5 | May 21, 2021

TO THE CLASS OF

2021

2

Inside Cover Cover by Tatum Elliott

May 21, 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Hey Mill Valley!

Welcome to the fifth issue of the JagWire! With this being our final issue as editors, we want to take the time to thank you all for continuing to read the JagWire, regardless of if you are a remote student reading this online or an in-person student flipping through the pages of a physical copy. We are immensely appreciative of the support you have shown us.

In this issue, we focused on the lasting impact of the graduating class of 2021, and wanted to highlight all that they have already achieved and the plans that they have set out before them. Whether it was being a role model for an underclassmen, finalizing their commitment as a collegiate athlete, or simply sharing memories of their time at Mill Valley, we wanted to showcase the positive influence of this year’s senior class on the

community.

We also want to share our gratitude for the senior staffers for the JagWire newspaper, and their immense commitment over the years. Without their hard work, this newspaper would not be what it is today.

For the last time in our high school careers, we are so proud to share this issue of the JagWire newspaper with you all. Have a great summer, Jags!

Your Editors,

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 School, is printed by Valley Offset Printing, Inc.

Censorship Policy

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.

Editors in Chief Hannah Chern

jagwire.hannahchern@gmail.com

Tatum Elliott

jagwire.tatumelliott@gmail.com

Tanner Smith

jagwire.tannersmith@gmail.com

Online Editors in Chief Steven Curto

jagwire.stevencurto@gmail.com

Anna Owsley

jagwire.annaowsley@gmail.com

Ben Wieland

jagwire.benwieland@gmail.com

Photo Editor Evan Sherman

jagwire.evansherman@gmail.com

PUBLICATION INFORMATION JagWire Office

STAFF

Professional Associations

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 NSPA and an All-Kansas rating from KSPA. It is also a member of the NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

Editorial Policy

We value your opinions. If you wish to submit a column or a letter to the editor to the JagWire, you can do so by handing it in to a member of the staff or to the print journalism room (C101). Additionally, you may email any member of the staff with opinions, as well as tweet us at @millvalleynews. Anonymous content will not be accepted. Please understand that we have the right to edit all copy that runs in this publication.

Assistant Editors Aiden Burke

jagwire.aidenburke@gmail.com

Quinn Franken

jagwire.quinnfranken@gmail.com

Reporters & Photographers Gabby Delpleash

jagwire.gabbydepleash@gmail.com

Avery Gathright

jagwire.averygathright@gmail.com

Jordan Prestia

jagwire.jordanprestia@gmail.com

Hayden Resch

jagwire.haydenresch@gmail.com

Madelyn Welch

jagwire.madelynwelch@gmail.com

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

@millvalleynews1

Mill Valley News

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

BLOSSOMING

3

IN THE DA DARKNESS

After a difficult year, seniors should be proud of all the challenges they’ve overcome Tanner Smith Editor in Chief

I

Ben Wieland Online Editor in Chief

n 21 years of Mill Valley’s history, no year has ever demanded so much flexibility and resilience from students, teachers and staff. From the ever-fluctuating learning models of hybrid, remote and in-person to the abrupt seminar schedule shift during third quarter, everyone at Mill Valley has remained ready to adapt to new changes. While this year has been more difficult than any before it, it has also been a learning experience and a lesson in perseverance.

For starters, teachers have done an outstanding job of modifying their curriculum to fit the new realities of education. Whether they were migrating their lesson plans onto Canvas, working with students over Zoom

or finding ways to keep students safe from COVID-19, teachers — and other staff in the building — were working overtime all year to make the learning experience as enjoyable and smooth as possible.

“Students were asked to make sacrifices this school year and ... rose to the challenge.”

JagWire newspaper staff

Students were also asked to make sacrifices this school year and, by and large, rose to the challenge. In-person students dealt with constant fluctuations between three different learning

models and ever-changing schedules; meanwhile, optional online remote students shifted their entire mentality towards school as they fought through seven-hour school days on Zoom.

One particular group of students persevered exceptionally well during this school year: Mill Valley’s seniors. After a tumultuous final quarter last year, many were expecting a less chaotic final year of high school; nevertheless, when difficult decisions were made to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 that prevented seniors from experiencing traditions like the homecoming parade and blue bomb, they rolled with the punches. As this year’s senior class graduates they are perhaps more prepared for change than any group in recent history.

This school year has been demanding for everyone — and that’s the understatement of the century. However, the perseverance of our school’s staff, students, and especially seniors has been an impressive accomplishment.

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May 21, 2021

SENIOR CLASS STATISTICS Seniors respond to questions about their identity and high school experiences Survey of 135 seniors

What was your favorite year of high school?

Have you ever gone to a school dance?

Freshman 10%

Yes 84% No 16%

Sophomore 33% Junior Did you use a locker throughout high school?

Always

10%

Sometimes 44%

Never

46%

33%

Senior

24%

How would you rate the food from the cafeteria?

16% 18% 46% 1 7% 3%

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

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Have you ever pulled an all-nighter to study?

Have you ever been interviewed for the newspaper or yearbook?

Yes 81% No 19%

Yes 4 1% No 59%

Did you stay single throughout all of high school?

Yes 42%

What is your political affiliation?

Left-leaning

41%

Right-leaning

28%

Moderate 31%

No

58%

How would you rate your high school experience?

1% 7% 24% 56% 12%

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ROLE MODEL

May 21, 2021

Avery Gathright Writer/Photographer

Madelyn Welch

RELATIONSHIPS Writer/Photographer

How friendships between underclassmen and seniors impact students’ lives

RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Senior Karch Crawford and sophomore Cree Crawford value their sibling relationship

S

Sophomore Cree Crawford and senior Karch Crawford say they have a lot of great memories. One thing they enjoy doing is “driving places together, [they] always have fun doing that.” | Submitted

iblings, and long-time best friends, Senior Karch and Sophomore Cree Crawford, have always had each other’s backs.

Though Karch is a senior and Cree is a sophomore they still have a close relationship.

Cree enjoys looking back on times she spent with Karch at the state fair when they were younger, where her brother would earn the pair free rides.

“My favorite memory with Karch was when he and I went to the state fair as kids,” Cree said. “My mom would limit how much money we spent, however, Karch had a way of manipulating the operators. Due to

by Cree Crawford

Karch’s charm we rode a ton of free roller coasters in our youth.”

Since they were kids, Karch has been a role model to Cree, which Cree credits to the fact that “he is determined, kind, and has great integrity.”

Though Karch does not believe that being a role model to his sister is a lot of pressure, he prizes the fact that

During cross country practice, siblings senior Karch Crawford and sophomore Cree Crawford run together Monday, April 26. | Steven Curto

life.

“Being her role model is honestly wonderful. I love that just by being me I’m able to be someone she enjoys spending time with,” Karch said.

“There’s no pressure or responsibility, but I value being her role model a lot.”

Karch believes that he makes a good role model to Cree due to their similar personalities.

“I can’t truly understand how or why I’m her role model, but I know that she enjoys my humor,” Karch

said. “Honestly, I think me and her are very similar and we always have each other to rely on.”

Cree is thankful that her brother has always been there for her when she was afraid and believes this showcases his true personality well.

“Karch has always been one to vouch for me and speak on my behalf whenever I feel scared,” Cree said. “In this aspect, I see his true character as being kind and compassionate, which is something I admire.”

One thing that Karch wants his sister to learn from him is that when life gets tough she still has support from the people around her.

“If I could only give her one major lesson, I think it would be important for her to know that life can be tough and upsetting, but she’ll always have people who care about and support her.”

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

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DANCE TEAM DUO

Senior Tyler Bret and freshman Macy Bidnick have bonded through school and competitive dance

S

After the Silver Stars recorded their routine for the National Dance Association Championship, senior Tyler Bret and freshman Macy Bidnick pose for a photo together Tuesday, April 13. | Submitted by Tyler Bret

enior Tyler Bret and freshman Macy Bidnick, who have been long-time friends, have a relationship that brings their families closer together.

The two girls met in elementary school, and have enjoyed bonding together over their shared interest in dance. Because of their friendship and shared hobby, Bret is a role model to Bidnick.

Although she enjoys being a role model, Bret admits that the responsibility can be sometimes be burdensome.

“It’s fun [but] sometimes it’s a lot of pressure to be looked up to by someone,” Bret said.

The girls spend a lot of time together through dance, allowing their friendship to grow, and Bidnick is thankful for Bret, saying that she is

“nice” and “drives me to dance everyday.”

Additionally, Bret has been a posinoting that “[Bret] taught me how to have fun.”

Though Bret is older than Bidnick,

by Bidnick.

“I get impressed when she stands up for herself to upperclassmen when they tell her what to do,” Bret said.

The strong friendship between Bidnick and Bret extends further than just the two of them, and Bret notes that their families are close with each other.

“Our families are very close so we spend lots of time together and we got to be in the same dance family this year which allowed us to spend extra time together with team bonding and

BONDING IN BAND Senior Ella Greenup and freshman Kate Marten formed a friendship through symphonic band

A

lthough their friendship is still young, senior Ella Greenup and freshman Kate Marten have already had a positive impact on each other’s lives.

Greenup credits herself for starting the two’s friendship during band in January.

“I basically started it because, in band, we were doing solos and ensembles and I wanted to do a quartet,” Greenup said. “She was the only person who played [the bassoon] so I was like ‘Hey, you want to join us?’ so that’s how it started.”

According to Marten, Greenup has made adjusting to high school an easier experience for her.

“Considering that I’m a freshman and I’m new to Mill Valley and all the COVID-19 things, even in the middle of January, she’s just helped me a lot with knowing what to do,” Marten

said. “I had to get signed out the other day and I didn’t know where to go, so she told me” Due to the way Marten “balances everything really nicely, like her schoolwork, her sports, [and] music,” Greenup believes that she is a good role model, even for upperclassmen like herself.

Marten believes that the pair’s similar plans for the future are one of the reasons that their friendship works.

“Ella’s career choice is a very similar career that I would like to go into,” Marten said. “She’s majoring in music education at K-State, and that’s also what I’ve been considering, education or even music education.”

Laughing while conversing about band Thursday, May 6, senior Ella Greenup and freshman Kate Marten get Sonic with one another— an activity they do often together. | Steven Curto

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May 21, 2021

What is your favorite high school memory?

Meeting my best friend Running at cross country state with my friends Winning state for dance

Relay For Life

Going on drives on the weekends in spring

Going on a school trip to France and Spain

State football game Traveling to Disney World with the band

When [Mr. Stickland] crumbled a Pop-Tart on a student’s desk

When I successfully “Joe Mama”ed Mr. McLeod his first year at Mill Valley

The musical

FINAL

FEELINGS

Seniors reflect on their overall high school experience

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

It’s OK not to get all A’s

Blend your foundation better

Go out

on weekends and meet people and don’t be embarrassed

Pay more attention in math

Meet more people,

say YES more often Get involved in as many things as possible

Don’t associate with people that don’t make you feel good/happy

Stop being cringe

Chase the bag Stop caring what others think of you

Express yourself a little more. Dress how you want and stop worrying about how other people see you

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

What was your proudest accomplishment?

Coming out

Getting my license

Beating depression

Overcoming my shyness

Getting accepted into my dream school

Anytime I did even moderately well on a math test

Committing to play a DI sport

Band getting a 1 at the Harry Potter show

Winning state football

If you could redo one thing in your high school career, what would it be?

I’d spend less I would join more clubs because I wish I was more involved

I would stop being friends with toxic people earlier I would go to see more theater productions because those are really fun

Nothing, it got me to where I am today

I wish I would’ve tried harder to make friends

I wouldn’t try so hard and just have more fun

time stressing about school work

Take harder classes Go to more school events

Despite the irregularities of this school year, what is something you enjoyed about being a senior?

Being reunited with my seminar

I’ve enjoyed feeling more comfortable in who I am

Going back full time second semester and getting to see everybody

Being part time all year I’ve enjoyed seeing how resilient everyone in this senior class has been

Having more freedom I enjoyed being able to be a leader for my class this year

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May 21, 2021

TAKING AN

alternate path

For some seniors, the next step after high school does not involve attending a four-year university

WORKFORCE

MCKENZIE WHITE

Pursuing a job in the insurance industry––by simply taking a 50-question license test to join the agency, as opposed to paying for a college degree––was an easy decision for White since the job checks all of her boxes.

“I’m excited to start my journey now and not wait until after years of school.”

A

midst a sea of college-bound seniors, senior McKenzie White is thrilled to be breaking from this traditional college path and instead diving right into the working world. White will be supervising as a head guard at a Lenexa pool throughout the summer and will then join her dad in working at Healthcare Solutions Team.

Senior McKenzie White

“I realized it was the right path for me because all I’ve really been interested in is being financially stable. I want a job and I want it quick… I think putting all my money into school and a place to live is risky when I don’t truly know what I want to be in the future,” White said.

White is thrilled for the job, “knowing that the outcome will be amazing” after having witnessed her dad work a

WORKFORCE JagWire: What are your post-graduation plans?

Meg Carey: Aspiring tattoo artist. I’ve been interested in becoming a tattoo artist since my freshman year… because I love drawing and knew I wanted to draw for the rest of my life, and tattooing is a way to do that while making good money. Being able to put a work of my own art on someone’s body for, hopefully, ever is incredibly inspiring to me.

JW: How did you know entering the workforce was right for you?

MC: College is very expensive and my parents said I would be paying for it myself. I also don’t think people should go to college unless what they want to do requires it – school is very binding.

JW: What aspect of post-graduation life are you most excited and most nervous for?

MC: To be doing what I love for a living. I’m excited to wake up and feel like I’m there, at the top. I’m most nervous for getting an apprenticeship. With COVID, most places aren’t doing them anymore so it’s going to be a challenge to get one.

Anna Owsley Online Editor in Chief

flexible schedule, rarely on weekends and at a high salary.

“I will be scheduling appointments with my dad and for other people who are interested in insurance. If my dad sells a policy, I get 20% of the money,” White said. “And I will also be able to sell my own insurance policies.”

To prepare to handle her own finances and work with others’, White took an online Dave Ramsey class.

“I learned a lot about saving money and how to become wealthy…” White said. “I hope to apply that in the real world.”

Though she is optimistic about the job, White knows the absence of school friends might give her transition to post-gradation life a rocky start.

“I’m nervous about making friends.

I will be taking a few business classes at [Johnson County Community College] but all my friends are going to college,” White said. “I run on social interaction and I’m nervous I’ll crash into a depression.”

Regardless of this fear of isolation, White holds much hope for the future.

“I’m just excited to start my journey now and not wait till after years of school,” White said.

MEG CAREY

JagWire

Design by Hannah Chern | Photos by Gabby Delpleash

MARINE CORPS

AIDEN HAZLETT

JagWire: What went into your decision to join the military?

Aiden Hazlett: I’ve always had interest in the military because my great grandpa is a World War II veteran who is still alive and his stories inspired me to join.

JW: What branch are you enlisting in?

AH: I am joining the Marine Corps this summer, and I chose it because I wanted a challenge in my life. I’ve always taken the easy way; now I want to go the hard way.

JW: What are you most excited and most nervous for?

AH: [I’m excited about] becoming a Marine and experiencing the world around us. [I’m nervous about] my first day at boot camp because it’s a whole new world I’m going into and I know it’s gonna be really hard to complete.

MARINE CORPS

GAGE KIRKPATRICK

JagWire: When did you decide to join the military, and what went into that decision?

Gage Kirkpatrick: I decided I wanted to join the military around first semester of junior year. I looked at what was going on in my life at that point and didn’t know if college was right for me at the time. I looked at other post-graduation options and the military really stood out to me.

JW: What branch are you enlisting in?

GK: I’m joining the Marine Corps because of the brotherhood that they have and ever since I stepped into one of the USMC recruiting stations, I’ve wanted to become a marine.

JW: What are you most excited and most nervous for?

GK: I’m most excited for graduating basic training. [I’m nervous about] starting basic training because of having to get used to everything.

MARINE CORPS JagWire: What went into your decision to join the military?

Xander Hart: Years of thought went into my decision; it wasn’t an overnight thing. I had a lot of military influence in my life so I’d always been exposed to it.

JW: What branch are you enlisting in?

XH: I’m enlisting in the Marine Corps...for several reasons. The first being family ties to the Corps – having my uncle and great grandfather serve in the Corps made me biased as a kid. The second being the professionalism and the presentation of Marines blew me away. When I first met the recruiter it left quite an impression on me that no other college or military recruiter had. They were very upfront and gave me no promises.

JW: What are you most excited and more nervous for?

XH: I am most excited to see where my future will go with the Marines. I’m glad to finally be able to move forward in my life. I’m most nervous right now to get out there. Bootcamp doesn’t scare me or make as nervous as watching my days count down. I’m nervous but excited to just go; I’ve been waiting a long time for this and now it is in reach.

XANDER HART

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May 21, 2021

TAKING THE A look at where the class of 2021 intends to pursue their post-high school plans

Based on responses from 261 students

NEXT STEP

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Out-of-State Students

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2.

Arkansas

3.

Nebraska

191

1

Most Distant Destinations

2

1.

1 1

San Francisco State University 1,809 miles away

2. California State University

2

1

Out-of-State Students

In-State Students

1

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1,753 miles away

3. Boston College

1,442 miles away

1 1

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14

THE ROAD

Arizona

AHEAD

Arizona State University Sophie Lecuru Biological Sciences

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Brodie Scott Aeronautical Engineering

Grand Canyon University Brianna Guzman Biology Pre-Med

University of Arizona Parker Trollinger Business

Arkansas

John Brown University Hope Dmyterko Film

University of Arkansas Lauren Acree Interior Design Molly Carr Biology Pre-Med Cael Denney Finance Landry Haydock Nursing Aaron Kephart Education Nicholas Lightcap Marketing Lucas Mahoney Marketing Addison McLaughlin Biomedical Engineering Kate Midiros Pre-Med Allison Pham Finance Avery Rutkowski Pre-Dentistry Eleanor Schaffer Education Emma Schaffer Early Elementary Education

California

California State University Ashleen Toor Business Administration/Pre-Dental

May 21, 2021

The class of 2021’s post-high school plans Based on responses from 293 students

San Francisco State University

Emporia State University

Colorado

Hutchinson Community College

Eleanor Boone Political Science

Colorado School of Mines Carson Dulitz Mechanical Engineering Ethan Kremer Mechanical Engineering

Florida

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Isabelle Bonn Aeronautical Engineering

Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho Audrey Hereth Seth Jeanneret Computer Engineering Taylor Moss Psychology Kimberly Schein Graphic Design

Iowa

Central College

Sydney Stadler Psychology

Illinois

Loyola University

Quinten Blair Undecided Business Major

Quincy University

Greyden Gustafson Business

Kansas

Baker University

John Scarpa Business Administration Emma Schieber Biology

Benedictine College Caiden Casella Undecided

Kennedy Eyberg English Brian Casper Business/Technology

Jacob Hartman Sports Management Carsyn Turpin Business/Technology Quinten Wittenauer Psychology

Johnson County Community College Makayla Beach Illustration/Drawing Garrett Beashore Primary Education Brett Blackburn Criminal Justice Alex Bonnstetter Carpentry Colton Brake Jordan Cafter Undecided Chloe Carr Nursing Edison Chieu Engineering Anna Chlopecka Secondary Education Quinn Colborn Undecided Noah Collins Business/Sales Eric Cowen Engineering Alexya Cummins Coby Enslinger Engineering Brady Gabbert Psychology Simon Hall Education Sophie Hannam Marketing Billy Hopkins Business Sonya Houghton Dental Hygiene Jayden Hunt Business Hunter Johns Business Dylan Johnson Pre-Med Rajpreet Kaur

JagWire

Drew Kline Mechanical Engineering Garret Lindsey Mechanical Engineering Luke Lovell Mechanical Engineering Cooper Marsh Construction Management Blake Martin Noah McCoy Undecided Noah Moreland Business Luke Parker Business Administration Madison Powell Biology Payton Raether Business Madeline Reynolds Psychology Karissa Rhodes Computer Graphics Dace Riddle Marketing Alayna Sappenfield Special Education High Incidence Thomas Sellen Emergency Medicine/Fire Science Joshua Sitcler Music Katherine Turner Dental Hygiene Trey Worcester Mechanical Engineering

Johnson County Community College & Washburn University Madison Larson Forensic Chemistry & American Sign Language

Kansas State University Andrew Archer Business Sophia Armendariz Biology Jonathan Atchley Criminology Taggert Baker Computer Science George Beal Marketing Michael Brown History Jacob Burton Accounting Colin Cahoy Business Administration Aidan Cannon Architecture

Design by Tatum Elliott

Chloe Carson Agribusiness Cole Clauder Mechanical Engineering Cameron Coad Marketing Aidan Cohorst Business Management Nicole Crist Operations & Supply Chain Management Emma Cross Dietetics & Nutrition David Cunningham Pre-Dentistry Bethel Desta Politcal Science & Criminology Anna Giefer Business Emily Gipson Biomedical Engineering Ella Greenup Music Education Caden Gurwell Business Management Jenna Haase Psychology/Human Development Saxton Hall Business Avery Hansford Secondary Education Emily Harris Mackenzie Harris Pre-Physical Therapy Megan Haymaker Samuel Hecht Engineering Corbin Herron Construction Science & Management Emily Hertel Electrical Engineering Emma Hookstra Communications Taylor Huddleston Animal Science Peter Janssen Business Austyne January Undecided Lauren Jarvis Data Analytics Makenna Kacsir Psychology Addison Kemp Business Nicklaus Mason Business-Marketing Aidan Maxwell Architecture Kyle Mayfield Mechanical Engineering

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Patricia McClain Speech Pathology Cole McClure Architectural Engineering Madeline McDonald Business Grace McLeod Computer Science Emma Moore Criminal Justice Grace Moser Elementary Education Kyle Moylan Business/Engineering Samuel Myers Construction Science & Management Braden Nielson Computer Science Ryan Phillips Psychology Cameron Pilchard Computer Science Andrew Powers Construction Science & Management Jon Pursell Computer Science/Software Engineering Jaden Ravnsborg Ellie Reese Marketing Tyler Reishus Civil Engineering Kylee Rimbo Architecture Henry Roth Business Benjamin Scott Business Ainsley Shank Integrative Psychology Christopher Tennant Accounting & Entrepreneurship Ava Van Inwegen Education Keaton Verdict Finance & Accounting Katherine Weigel Architectural Engineering Claire Werner Psychology Alexander Whipple Computer Science Jordan White Chemistry

Kansas Wesleyan University Jackson Penny Business

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Kansas City Kansas Community College

Connor Habiger Physical Therapy Jason Kingsbury Computer Software Development

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Elle Zars Elementary Education

Neosho County Community College Emma Garrison Elementary Education Lucas Pringle Engineering

Pittsburg State University Brady Bidnick Hannah Evans Accounting Emily Feuerborn Secondary Math Education Kolten Jegen Business Management Alayna Olivarez Business Management Payton Oliver Secondary Education Abigail Peters Nursing Taylor Sitzmann Undecided

Southwestern College Avery Norman Health Sciencecs

University of Kansas

Anthony Angelotti Electrical Engineering Tandeep Bassi Undecided Olivia Boone Interior Design Zachary Botkin Computer Science & Mathematics Morgan Botts Visual Communication Design Julian Brillantes Excercise Science Leif Campbell Business Administration Hannah Chern Biology Pre-Med Kaiden Cook Visual Communication Steven Curto Psychology Isaac Daschke Computer Engineering Caiden Dean Political Science Abigail Drumm Social Work Kinley Drummond Early Childhood Unified Education Alexander Fauth Biology Pre-Med Cooper Foltz Nursing

May 21, 2021

John Fraka Electrical Engineering Tessa Grier Business Samuel Hanson Atmospheric Sciences Dalton Harvey Business Gwyneth Hayes Environmental Studies Samuel Jaworski Biology Luke Kappes-Sum Business Administration Alexander Konon Psychology Ted Kouris Business Madison Jensen Pre-Nursing Erin Kruckemyer Nursing Avery Kuehl Architecture Isabella Loya Biology Pre-Dental Colin Maddox Chemistry Alexa Marney Business Nathan Milberger Psychology Amanda Mills Education McKayla O’Brien Business Anna Owsley Economics & Sociology Hollander Platt Mechanical Engineering Morgan Prosser Business/Marketing Ryleigh Reigle Psychology - Speech Pathology Track Amanda Reynolds Architecture Olivia Schroeder Undecided Olivia Sisney Undecided Molly Smith Visual Communications Jack Starcke Music Education Joshua Stove Mechanical Engineering Addison Stover Neuroscience Kaitlyn Sutton Nursing Josie Taylor Engineering Ariana Totta Broadcast Journalism Ellie Tribble Psychology & Social Work Manoj Turaga Computer Science Stella Uriarte Journalism & Mass Communications

University of Saint Mary Olivia Christensen Business Aaliyah Gonzalez Nursing

Washburn University

Cole Knappen Emma Nentwig Psychology Tyler Smith Forensic Chemistry

Wichita State University Evan Sherman Computer Engineering

Kentucky

University of Louisville Lily Fleetwood Psychology

Louisiana

Southern A&M University Vania Barnett Nursing

Massachusetts Boston College Ashley Williams Chemistry

Brandeis University Cory Schiffman Physics/Chemistry

Michigan

Saginaw Valley State University Cali Rhodes Graphic Design

Mississippi

University of Mississippi Callie Shryock Criminal Justice

Missouri

Columbia College of Missouri Tanner Jones Environmental Science

Lindenwood University Madelyn Augustine History

Northwest Missouri State University Samuel Leaver Undecided Grace Lohman Undecided

Missouri Southern State University Hannah Beashore Dental Hygiene Caroline Waldron Biology

JagWire

Missouri State University Anna Judd Nursing Kylie Overbaugh Hospitality Leadership

Design by Tatum Elliott

Tennessee

Cumberland University

Trade School

Texas A&M University

Jacob Burmeister Electrician Parker Johnson Undecided Alijah Pilarz HVAC Nicholas Whisler Plumbing

Mia Colletti Nursing Molly Ricker Undecided Peyton Wagoner Computer Science

Texas Tech University

Military

Tyler Bret Pre-Pharmacy Alexis Claeys Broadcast Journalism Tanner Smith Communications & Political Science

Kendall France Criminology Paige Goetsch Business

Matthew Reynolds Sports Management

Missouri Western State University

Texas

University of Central Missouri

John Lehan Computer Science

Theresa Bell Business Finance

University of Missouri

University of Missouri Kansas City Sofia Nicot Biotechnology Navdeep Kaur Accounting

Karch Crawford Medical Field

Utah

University of Utah

Virginia

University of Virginia Benjamin Wieland Psychology

Washington D.C.

William Jewel College

Georgetown University

Nebraska

Howard University

Tyler Hartwich Business Administration

Creighton University Delaney Fields Biology

Midland University Gabriella Hantla Nursing

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ava Bredwell Claire Dinslage Pre-Health Hunter Gray Civil Engineering

New York

Barnard College of Columbia University

Claire Burke Human Rights & Political Science

Pennsylvania Penn State University Tatum Elliott English

South Carolina Limestone University Avery Keopke Graphic Design

Adam White International Politics

Courtney Mahugu Computer Science

Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison Prathik Gadiraju Computer Science

Undecided

Carlie Bradshaw Isabella James Collin Montgomery Jaclyn O’Hara Business Alex-Andrea Owens Noah Puccio Construction Management Niklas Shaw Alyssa Starkey Cosmetology & Interior Design Alaina Traiger French/Anthropology Adam Trauernicht Business Miguel Vaca-Romero Computer Science

The Bridge

Aidan Parker Charles Peterson Rylan Rothgeb

Ashton Belt Alexander Brewer Air Force Gabriel Fisher Air Force Alexander Hart Marines Aiden Hazlett Marines Gage Kirkpatrick Marines Alec Schmidt Navy (Physician’s Assistant) Carson Sosna Air Force

Workforce

Meg Carey Andrew Gawith Izzy James Anthony Negrete Joshua White McKenzie White

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May 21, 2021

MOST

Anna Owsley Online Editor in Chief

LIKELY TO

Madelyn Welch Writer/Photographer

The senior class of 2021 vote on which students best fit different superlatives Survey of 135 seniors

Most Likely To Live Outside of the United States Adam White

“I’m not sure how I won considering we have classmates with families in foreign countries, but I’ll try my best.”

Sofia Nicot “Receiving this title is pretty dope. I think it’s somewhat accurate since I want to have a place in France and in the U.S. to make travel easier and see family more frequently.”

Most Likely To Become A Meme Andrew Archer

“I’m pretty surprised I was voted most likely to become a meme, but it makes sense.”

Bethel Desta “I really hope I got this because I’m funny, not funny looking.”

JagWire

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Most Likely To Be Each Other’s Bridesmaids

Emily Harris

Emma Hookstra

“I think it’s so funny that we won, but I agree with the vote. We’ve been friends for so long, so I hope it comes true.”

“Emily and I have talked about being each other’s bridesmaids, so it’s kind of funny that we won, but it’s exciting. I hope it comes true.”

Best Bromance

Michael Brown

Colin Cahoy

“Honestly, I was surprised because I never thought people would describe us like that, but we have been best friends since the fifth grade and always poke jabs at each and joke around.”

“I was shocked, but we have been friends since preschool so that’s probably what people noticed.”

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May 21, 2021

Most Likely To Go To The Olympics Ethan Kremer

“It’s pretty cool to have been voted for this. It’s kind of weird to think about it now, but maybe one day it could happen.”

Lily Fleetwood “I love it. Now, I’ll get to tell my kids I got voted most likely to go to the Olympics in high school.”

Most Likely To Have An Award Named After Them Ben Wieland

“It’s pretty cool to get picked for one of these. I’d be pretty surprised if an award was named after me, but I guess anything can happen.”

Hannah Chern “It’s honestly an honor that my peers believe that this could happen to me one day since being named after an award would mean I have done something impactful.”

Most Likely To Be A Spy Luke Kappes-Sum

“It’s great to know people think I’m sleazy like that, but I’m not gonna be a spy.”

Madelyn Augustine “I think I’m one of the least subtle people I know, so this was extremely unexpected!”

JagWire

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Most Likely To Be The Next Gordan Ramsey Kaiden Cook

“Did I win because of my last name?

Because I can’t cook.”

Jenna Haase “I’m kind of surprised people voted me for this award, but I have a little baking business so it’s pretty fitting I guess.”

Most Likely To Break A World Record Leif Campbell

“Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this, so it’s fun to be recognized like that… I don’t necessarily have any goals to break any world records, but you never know what could happen!”

Peyton Wagoner “When I saw that I won, I was super excited. It made me feel like my classmates saw me as a hard worker and someone that had talent.”

Most Likely To Survive The Zombie Apocolypse Alex Whipple

“I was incredibly surprised because I’m more of a whimsical guy.

That being said, I’ve definitely got some contingency plans lined up just in case, so I think I might have some jolly good fun blowing up zombies. I just need to work on my cardio.”

Lauren Jarvis “I was surprised that’s what I received since I don’t have many survival skills, but after thinking about it, I could start to see how I would. I’m glad that I’ll be the one to survive.”

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May 21, 2021

moments

MEANINGFUL

Seniors involved in JagWire newspaper reflect on their own high school experience

NEWSPAPER NUMBERS

Breakdown of the class of 2021 JagWire staff’s total published newspaper work

191 stories

96 designs

88 photos

34 illustrations

IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN OPINION Tanner Smith

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Editor in Chief

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nce again, I sit in front of my computer writing an opinion. Although I have always had a lot of — at least somewhat controversial — opinions, I never had felt the need to share them. When I was first presented with the opportunity to write an opinion for the newspaper, I laughed thinking “why would I ever do that?’ It turned out to be the best thing for me.

After a month or two of dodging opinion writing I finally was convinced — or more accurately was required — to give it a shot. The choice was mine, I could write about anything I wanted. The problem is, when you have as many opinions as I do, it’s hard to just think of one thing.

I started off small, writing about why students shouldn’t get after school

jobs. As is the case with most stories, I figured a few people would read it, and I would never hear about it again.

I was sorely mistaken. Whether people agreed or disagreed, they made sure to tell me. Friends, parents and even other members of the staff would tell me what they felt was right and wrong.

This opened my eyes to an important idea: everyone has an opinion and — even if it is controversial — it is vital to share it.

So, I continued, writing nearly 30 more opinion pieces ranging from serious political topics, to movie reviews, to even an article about the dangers of conspiracy theories. Through all of those articles I received plenty of dissent — especially on my more partisan opinions — but it didn’t matter. What matters was that I put pen to paper, made a cohesive argument and was willing to defend it, something people should never be afraid to do.

JagWire

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HAVE A LITTLE FUN Hannah Chern

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Editor in Chief

ver since middle school, academics has always been a top priority on my list. School first, extracurriculars next, free time last. This was the structure I obeyed for the majority of my time in high school, never allowing it to change order. So, when it came to the thought of missing a class, I always thought, “What new content did I miss? What do I need to catch up on?” This became a fear, so I always avoided missing school.

When it came to journalism, there were out-of-state conventions that I could attend, but I always automatically shut down the idea of going because missing a week of school was not something I ever wanted to consider. However, when I mentioned not going to my mom, instead of agreeing with me, she told me I should go and not worry about school.

After days of debating and con-

vincing, I finally found myself flying to Anaheim and, a few months later, to Washington, D.C. Both times, the same fear of missing school filled my mind, but after I found myself exploring the coasts, the worries of school left my mind, and I found myself having the time of my life exploring new cities. To this day, I still remember running around Disneyland at 1 a.m. in Anaheim and eating Cajun seafood boil with my friends in D.C. Looking back, I’m glad my mom convinced me to go on the journalism convention trips, as backward as that sounds. When I think back, I don’t remember the classes or assignments I missed. I’m only left with the wonderful memories I had going to Anaheim and D.C. with my friends; I get to leave high school with the memories I created with my friends. Sure, academics are very important and should be in one’s priorities list, but it shouldn’t be the one thing that dictates one’s life.

School only makes up a portion of one’s life; memories last a lifetime.

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IT’S JUST NOT THAT DEEP

I

Tatum Elliott Editor in Chief

know that I am supposed to write an opinion about the lessons I have taken away from high school and the impact Mill Valley High School has left on me, but no matter how many times I try to write that opinion it just doesn’t feel truly genuine, rather, it feels like I’m a middle-aged man giving eighth graders a motivational speech at the end of their middle school graduation.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of amazing things that have happened to me as a result of trying out different clubs, meeting new people, and truly involving myself throughout high school, but more than anything, I think it’s important to reiterate that high school is not the end all be all in the grand scheme of things. Now, as I head off to a university that’s over 14

hours away from my home, I realize just how small my little home at Mill Valley was.

During high school, I felt like everything I did was immeasurably important. Every assignment, every test, and every mistake felt like it could make or break me. Losing my 4.0 GPA to a B in ACT Prep my junior year left me in tears, but what I learned looking back is that those moments do not define who I am; high school will not define who I am.

It can be really easy to get caught up in day to day life at Mill Valley, a life marked by homework and quizzes, and exams and speeches, but no matter how serious everything appears to be, no one should let temporary worries prevent them from taking risks and living their life to the fullest. More than anything, people should know that high school is only a part of life, not all of life, and at the end of the day, it’s not that deep.

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ENJOY YOUR TIME IN HIGH SCHOOL Steven Curto

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Online Editor in Chief

eflecting on the past four years of my high school experience has allowed me to realize that I never took advantage of the fun aspects of being a high school student. I was so focused and self-consumed with taking the most challenging classes, having leadership positions through clubs and newspaper and working at Panera — all in the hopes of having a compelling application when applying to prestigious universities — that I never had time to experience going to a basketball game with friends, or participating in activities that really make high school fun and enjoyable.

Freshman year, before the rigour of my classes was extremely challenging, I would hangout with friends several times a week and attend soccer and

basketball games, but as I’ve progressed through high school and got busier, I lost sight of the fun aspects high school offers students. Although I’m proud that I challenged myself during high school, I wish that I took advantage of more of the opportunities that make high school so memorable.

If I could offer anyone advice for high school, it would be to not make the same mistake that I did. Allow yourself to self indulge in having fun experiences, because at the end of the day, these are going to be the memories you’ll remember when you’re older, not the stress of studying for exams, or the late-night crying fits. I still believe that challenging yourself is important, but so is your mental health, and forging a better balance between class workload and free time than I did, will be extremely beneficial to one’s high school experience.

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REMEMBER TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT

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Anna Owsley Online Editor in Chief

ndecisiveness has always been my greatest weakness. I grapple endlessly with choices to determine what will bring me the most joy and success and least regret. So, I spent most of my time during high school obsessing over the “perfect” variety of classes, extracurriculars and personal choices to make myself look good on paper. Yet, that isn’t what made the past four years the very best of my life – chance opportunities, surprising friendships and spontaneous decisions is what made it the best.

I’m indecisive because I know that anything can potentially be life-altering. Suffering through AP Chemistry for college credit proved to be a critical life lesson in persevering through endless tears, and my last-minute impulse to complete a JagWire applica-

tion gave me three years of memories I will always cherish now and in the future.

It’s at the verge of graduating that I’ve finally accepted how critical a balance between these types of experiences –– planning versus living –– is.

I don’t regret prioritizing school above all else in my life, but it’s eye-opening to look back at my high school career and pinpoint the experiences that will always stick with me, like competing at the state debate championship as a timid freshman or travelling to Washington D.C. with journalism despite mountains of homework: moments where I stepped far outside my comfort zone.

I have mastered the art of considering the future, and now, I’m ready to live in the moment, replace overthinking with some spontaneity and use each day as an opportunity to experience everything that makes life worth living.

Design by Hannah Chern

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FOCUS ON A FEW ACTIVITIES

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Ben Wieland Online Editor in Chief

f I could repeat my last four years, there are very few things I actually did — activities, classes, extracurriculars — that I would choose to undo. Instead, most of my regrets are decisions I didn’t make, or opportunities I passed up on. In high school, even when something doesn’t seem like your perfect cup of tea, it’s usually worth your time to at least give it a shot.

My best personal example of this doesn’t even come from during the school year. During the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I had the opportunity to travel with the cross country team on a sightseeing, hiking, and running trip across Colorado. It was a tough decision to go — I wasn’t a particularly good ath-

lete, and had just a few good friends on the team. Nevertheless, I decided to join the team on the trip, and it was absolutely the right decision; I had a blast during my time on the trip and grew closer with everyone, especially my roommates.

Now, just because you enjoy something doesn’t mean you need to do it for all four years. Some of my best memories — that trip, late-night debate tournaments with my friends, shootarounds during freshman basketball practice — came from activities that I quit before even becoming an upperclassman.

By the time you become a senior, it’s usually good to narrow yourself down to a select few commitments — otherwise, you risk becoming overwhelmed. Before then, though? My advice would be to try every activity or experience you possibly can and see what sticks.

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LEARNING SHOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY Evan Sherman

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Photo Editor

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here is no one right way to go through high school. Every high schooler has something different that motivates them or makes them happy, whether it be pursuing sports, joining multiple academic clubs, becoming a part of the National Honor Society or taking as many advanced classes as they can. Whatever it is you want to pursue or do during your time in high school, your first priority should always stay the same: learning.

I have tried many new things in the last four years. I have been a part of debate, forensics, theater, robotics, part time jobs and the newspaper you’re reading right now. Thanks to high school, I have learned programming, photography, philospohy, journalistic writing, how to invest, and am

familiar with many different fields of science. Learning as much as I could has always been the goal of my high school experience, and now I have a plethora of paths I can take with my life when it comes to the future.

The message I’m trying to send to readers, to students, is not to join as many clubs and AP classes as you can and overwhelm yourself with responsibilities. It is important not to take on more than you think you can handle at once. Whatever it is you like doing, now is the time, to learn and get as good as you possibly can at it, and try to diversify yourself.

College is when you should hone in on a specific field of work that you like best, which is why it’s important to try everything now. If you think you might be interested in something but aren’t sure, give it a go. Worst case scenario, you may end up learning something new.

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THE

COMMITS

Showcasing athletes who’ve committed to play their sport collegiately Gabby Delpleash Writer/Photographer

Ben Wieland Online Editor in Chief

AVA BREDWELL

Softball at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

CHRIS TENNANT Football at Kansas State University

“I think I’m most excited for the intensity and having all-day practices. I’m most excited for the games and being in big stadiums with lots of people in them.”

“I’m excited to spend a lot of time with the girls and get to know them. I’ve been wanting to play college sports for all of my life, so I’m excited to see what that life is all about.”

Photo by Sydney Wood

Photo by Emma Adams

JagWire

Design by Jordan Prestia

ETHAN KREMER

Football at Colorado School of Mines

Photo by Attey Fields

“I love the campus and the coaches.

They’ve been awesome for me throughout the entire process, so I’ve really felt a connection with them. It felt like the right place.”

LILY FLEETWOOD Pole Vault at Louisville University

“I can’t wait to meet and train with the vaulters there. The girls have such a close-knit relationship, and they also work super hard in school and track and support each other in everything they do.”

Photo by Maya Parks

JADEN RAVNSBORG

Volleyball at Kansas State University

“I’m excited to travel with the team and to get to know the girls.

I’m kind of nervous for this summer because of the lifting and practices but I’m most excited to travel and play the top teams in the nation.”

MORE SIGNINGS

WRESTLING Brodie Scott

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

University-Arizona Carson Dulitz

Colorado School of Mines

Caiden Casella

Benedictine College

SOFTBALL

SOCCER

Greyden Gustafson Quincy University

Hannah Beashore

Missouri Southern State Emma Schieber Baker University

Lainey Waldron

Missouri Southern State Avery Norman

Belle Bonn

Southwestern College

Aeronautical

University of

Embry-Riddle

Mia Colletti

University-Florida

Central Missouri

SWIM

University of

Aaliyah Gonzalez

University of Saint Mary Cali Rhodes

Saginaw Valley State

BOWLING

Jackson Penny

Kansas Wesleyan

GOLF

Nick Mason

Kansas State

FOOTBALL

Quinten Wittenauer Hutchinson CC

Molly Ricker

Central Missouri

Peyton Wagoner University of

Central Missouri

BASEBALL

Cooper Marsh

Johnson County CC Blake Martin

Johnson County CC Lucas Pringle

Neosho County CC Sam Leaver

Northwest State Missouri

Hutchinson CC

TRACK/ CROSS COUNTRY

Kansas State

Washburn

Jacob Hartman Sam Hecht

Kolten Jegen

Pittsburg State Cole Knappen

Photo by Damara Stevens

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Washburn

Tyler Smith

Carsyn Turpin

Hutchinson CC Elle Zars

MidAmerica Nazarene

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Design by Quinn Franken

GROW &GLOW

UP

COLE MCCLURE

“Over the years, and especially during high school, I was able to become the person I am today. Aside from the physical differences, the challenges I’ve faced have given me the confidence I need to be myself in my day to day life. For years I felt like I had to hide who I was, and after coming out I didn’t have to worry anymore.”

MADDY REYNOLDS

“Freshman year I was really insecure. I was in the closet and was afraid to express myself. I’ve since come out, and now I express myself through my clothes, hair and makeup. I’ve grown more confident with myself, and now I’m truly happy with who I’ve become.”

SOPHIE HANNAM

“I have glowed-up in some ways since freshman year. I definitely have a better fashion sense and I dyed my hair darker. I definitely have changed in maturity as well. I’m more empathetic and open to listening to others. I am also way happier than I was then because I now surround myself with the people I want in my life, and they bring out positive aspects of myself. I don’t try to impress anyone anymore because I shouldn’t care about random people’s opinions.”

May 21, 2021

Seniors reflect on how they’ve changed since freshman year Steven Curto Online Editor in Chief

JagWire

Design by Quinn Franken

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FUTURE FORECAST Avery Gathright Writer/Photographer

Looking ahead, seniors predict how their lives might look in 10 years

LEXI CLAEYS

S

NEW

“I will hopefully be working at a news station or with a sports team, either doing social media work or being a producer of some sort. My dream would probably be a social media coordinator for the Chiefs, so I’d live in Kansas City, but probably not Shawnee. Eventually, I want to have two kids, and obviously, be married.”

RYAN PHILLIPS “In ten years, I see myself as a psychologist who has a nice family. I may or may not have kids by then. I will probably not still live in Shawnee. I have long wanted to move to Colorado.

I will be a psychologist, maybe even a psychology teacher.”

ELLIE TRIBBLE “I want to do something in the field of social work or psychology, maybe developmental or clinical psychology, just working on people with schizophrenia and stuff like that.

A clinical psychologist in a hospital where you can deal with more severe cases would probably be my dream job. [A goal I have is] traveling more. I think that would be fun.”

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May 21, 2021

ALUMNI AD VICE Aiden Burke Assistant Editor

Hannah Chern Editor in Chief

Former Mill Valley students give college advice to the senior class of 2021

NATHAN GREENFIELD Class of 2020 | Enrolled at the University of Kansas

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors when it comes to choosing a roommate?

Nathan Greenfield: Be open to new people … just find someone who you kind of vibe with and who you know you’re not going to get into big conflicts with.

JW: How can people get more involved in college?

NG: When I got to campus, there were a lot of events to showcase the student organizations … go to those and just be out on campus and people will approach you and talk to you about joining clubs.

ELIZABETH JOSEPH

Class of 2019 | Enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

JW: How can seniors take care of themsevles in college?

Elizabeth Joseph: Invest into interpersonal relationships because that is what college is all about. That also includes going to office hours or emailing professors more about questions. Focus on forming relationships and doing more spontaneous fun things with people, and not just focusing on school all the time.

EJ: Eating something that tastes good and nourishes your body [in college] is kind of hard. Figuring out how you can cook yourself is really important.

For me, being able to cook for myself and go to the gym also gave me a sense of freedom and control in my life.

HANNAH BARNES

Class of 2019 | Enrolled at University of Missouri

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

Hannah Barnes: Give it time. Don’t be upset if your freshman year isn’t what you expected. It’s not supposed to be an awesome thing. It’s supposed to be a year of finding who you are and finding new people and adjusting to a new space for the first time. Give yourself time to really let that soak in, and don’t be so hard on yourself for needing some extra time to find those areas.

JW: What is a piece of advice seniors should know regarding college classes?

HB: Go to class. That’s really all you need to do to succeed. I made the mistake freshman year of taking a bunch of 8 a.m. classes, so every morning it was a pain to have to get up at 7 a.m. and hike all the way across campus, which led to me skipping maybe a few too many classes.

JagWire

Design by Tatum Elliott

MEGAN OVERBAUGH Class of 2020 | Enrolled at University of Kansas

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

JW: What should new college students do if they need help?

Megan Overbaugh: Keep a schedule as best as you can. Try to stay on top of deadlines and not let yourself get overwhelmed because it’s a lot easier to stay on top of things, stay prepared, and perform well in school if you give yourself the room to breathe.

MO: Colleges have a lot more resources than you would expect. At KU, they have a writing team you can get writing feedback from. Find people who can answer your questions because there’s a lot of people who know things that can be helpful to a new college student.

ANDREW TOW

Class of 2020 | Enrolled at Pitt State University

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

JW: How can seniors take care of themselves in college?

Andrew Tow: Have a plan to meet people when you get to college. Your first couple weeks are when you will meet some of your best friends.

Getting out there and meeting new people is super important to have a fun college experience.

AT: Going to the gym with my friends has been a great way to stay in shape because they make exercising a lot more fun. It’s a nice break from doing school work in my room all day.

Taking care of my physical health usually helps my mental health to fall into place.

AVERY LIBY

Class of 2020 | Enrolled at Kansas State University

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

JW: How can people get more involved in college?

Avery Liby: I would tell seniors entering college not to have any expectations. I went into college having a really specific view of how I thought it would be and it’s nothing like I thought.

AL: Getting involved this year has been hard because of COVID-19’s effect on the activities. What’s helped me is going to the gym, keeping my door open to meet people on my floor and trying to go out as much as possible.

NICO GATAPIA

Class of 2020 | Enrolled at University of Kansas

JagWire: What advice would you give seniors entering college?

Nico Gatapia: You don’t need to know what you’re doing or what major will be. The major you pick isn’t totally set in stone so it’s perfectly fine to change your mind later down the road.

JW: What is a piece of advice seniors should know regarding college classes?

NG: Knowing the reputation of the professors is super important. Talking with upperclassmen that have taken the class will help tremendously with knowing what you’re getting into.

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THE PAST BOTTLE FLIPPING

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Gabby Delpleash

YEARS Writer/Photographer

A look at pop culture trends that stood out to seniors

TIDE POD CHALLENGE

FORTNITE

“I feel like the challenge was the most interesting part of water bottle flipping.

I guess it was considered an impressive thing you could show off to people. I’ve participated in bottle flipping, but not nearly as much as some people.”

SENIOR JASON KINGSBURY

“I think that the Tide Pod challenge was popular because of the idea that you would be gratified by others by doing this challenge. I have not participated in this trend because it is very dangerous to the body and possibly even deadly.”

SENIOR SETH JEANNERET

“Fortnite has become big in culture because it’s a fun game to play with all of your friends. I did play Fortnite with all my buddies. I was probably one of the worst players in the school. I would play to hang and talk with my friends.”

SENIOR PETER JANSSEN

HARRY STYLES’ FINE LINE

FIDGET SPINNERS

AMONG US

“I listen to [Harry Styles] just as much as I listen to anyone else. Harry Styles wearing dresses and [other feminine clothing] has also contributed to his popularity because I, along with the mass majority of people my age, supported him for it.”

SENIOR ABBY DRUMM

TIK TOK

“Fidget spinners became popular because once one person had it, everyone wanted it. When they first came out, the spinners started as a distraction, like playing a game on your phone that everyone else in the grade had.”

SENIOR JOSIE TAYLOR

“The biggest moment in pop culture has been TikTok and how popular the app has become over the years. Once one person got it, everybody got it. With all of the dances and trends and life hacks stemming from the app, the popularity of TikTok kind of took over everything.”

SENIOR MOLLY RICKER

“I have played Among Us before. I think that teens and kids like to play these kinds of games with their friends because it’s a fun, challenging thing to do.”

SENIOR MEGAN HAYMAKER

SOCIAL MEDIA

“Widespread internet growth is the most defining thing in high school. The growth of Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram has allowed us to express ourselves in the most personal of levels.”

SENIOR CAMERON COAD