A&E: FUTURE PLANS
WIRE
TAKING FLIGHT
Reflecting on the class of 2026 as they prepare for their futures
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Coming into journalism, none of us thought of our- selves as leaders. As soph- omores, we all started the year with different ideas of what our time on newspaper would look like. None of us had any interest in pursuing journalism as a career; rather we viewed it as a way to connect with the school at large.Being leaders in the news room has taught us to value our complementary talents. What made our time on staff valuable wasn’t just writing or designing stories, it was the process of col- laborating with others and solving complex problems. Despite our different niches, we found our synergy as editors. As we look to our future and prepare to leave our time in
C101 in the past, the skills we’ve learned have created the building blocks for what we actually plan on pursuing. Avery will take her ability to use design as a tool to connect with others into her future major of visual communication design. Maddie’s capability to develop efficient processes and understand how people work will benefit her as she studies business management. Quinlyn’s confidence in her art and leadership ability has grown during her time on newspaper, providing a foundation for her future studies in art education.
Seniors, we have covered your stories these last three years, and we’re looking forward to watch- ing you write your next chapter. Congrats, class of 2026.
2025-26 JAGWIRE STAFF
Editors in Chief
avery clement
editor in chief
maddie martin
editor in chief
quinlyn peters
editor in chief
Online Editors in Chief
maddie martin
online editor in chief
evan leroy online editor in chief
Photo Editor
eva hernandez photo editor
@millvalleynews1
Copy Editors
madelyn mulryan copy editor
kennedy botkin copy editor
Managing Editors
natalia castillejos ramírez managing editor
gracyn schreiber managing editor
Analytics Manager
oliver feiring analytics manager
JagWire Office
5900 Monticello Road
Shawnee, KS 66226
Phone: (913) 422-4351
Email: jagwirenewspaper@gmail.com
Website: www.mvnews.org
Adviser: Kathy Habiger khabiger@usd232.org
Staff
doreen mahugu writer/photographer
mya franco writer/photographer
ryan bloomer writer/photographer
cal bierl writer/photographer
asher clement writer/photographer
emma cooper writer/photographer
kady coulibaly writer/photographer
avery curry writer/photographer
bella davidson writer/photographer
jason sweany writer/photographer
lucas pennel writer/photographer
@MillValleyNews
JagWire, a monthly publication of Mill Valley High School, is printed by Valley Offset Printing
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.
Seniors Nate Petrowsky and Katie Davis win most likely to be high school sweethearts superlative Thursday, April 23. photo by jason sweany
PAGE 22
After 25 years at the school, journalism teacher Kathy Habiger will retire at the end of the year, leaving behind a lasting legacy on the journalism department. photo by doreen mahugu
At the FNHS meeting, seniors Quinlyn Peters and Liberty Bouskill present about what they are going to do for the remainder of the year, Thursday, April 9. photo by jason sweany
After diving for a catch, senior Blake Jay throws the ball to first base, Thursday, April 23. photo by evan leroy
A FINAL GOODBYE
I remember my first official day in the USD232 in August 1996, signing my first teacher contract in a dimly lit basement room, brown paneling on the walls and orange shag carpet on the floor. Sitting down at the folding table and using that blue Bic pen to sign my name, I remember thinking to myself, “This is only a temporary job. I’ll move on to one of the bigger districts and escape this small town world just as soon as I can.” Thirty years later, I’m saying goodbye to the only teaching job I’ve ever had. I’m saying goodbye to a district I’ve watched adapt to a changing community. I’m saying goodbye to administrators who have supported me and my program at every step in my career. I’m saying goodbye to a school that has been my home away from home, full of my closest friends and amazing educators. I’m saying goodbye to a school no longer mistaken for “Blue” Valley, thanks to the accomplishments in and out of the classroom and on and off the field.
Perhaps the hardest thing to say goodbye to is helping students produce publications that document our history each year. I’ve had 631 students on yearbook and newspaper staffs over these 30 years, and every year their passion, their talents, their work ethic and their humor kept me going. Together we produced 219 newspapers and 30 yearbooks and thousands of posts on the Mill Valley News website. Together we laughed until our cheeks hurt, we traveled around the country to conventions, we answered thousands of circle time questions, we kept grinding even when we were cranky, we ate too many Goldfish and Oreos, we edited millions of stories, photos, designs and posts, and no matter what, we did what it took to get the job done. The plaques on the walls in C101 and banners hanging in the main hallway are permanent evidence of the award-winning work we did. And all the memories we made along the way will have a permanent place in my heart.
As I start my next life adventure, I will always remember “We ARE Mill Valley.” Thank you for 30 amazing years.
High school makes up such a small percentage of people’s lives, only four of the many in a lifetime. Yet within these years, it has often felt like it is this time that defines the people we are for the rest of our lives.
While high school can be an enlightening and pivotal piece of life, it isn’t the whole world. High school doesn’t have to define who we become, and life after high school can be a chance to break away from the things that have defined us.
We have lived inside a bubble with scaffolding created by family, friends and staff at the school. They have provided knowledge and safety to aid in learning and growth, but it is now time to expand our worlds and see what life outside of the safety of high school can offer.
Whether graduates are going
to college, straight to the workforce or enlisting in a branch of the military, there are endless opportunities to meet new people, see new places and have entirely
It is now time to expand our worlds and see what life outside of the safety of high school can offer.
JagWire seniors
new experiences. It is important that in this next stage of life, we are committed to pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones. So much growth happens during these four years, but it
doesn’t have to stall as we move to a new era. There will always be opportunities for growth. This senior class should face those new opportunities and potential challenges head on.
Change is a terrifying prospect no matter the phase of life, and this next phase of life will present so much change, but that change can foster growth. We must be ready for that change in order to see that growth, because no growth comes from staying comfortable and avoiding things that scare us.
The lessons we learned during high school are extremely important and valuable, but the rest of life has so much more to give. There will be new faces and places, new ideas and beliefs. In our life after high school, we should strive to push ourselves and aim to see more of the world than the last four years have shown us.
PUSHING FORWARD
Leaving high school means leaving your comfort zone and venturing alone into bright new horizons by jagwire seniors
ARIZONA
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Tanav Sood Information Systems
ARKANSAS
Kinley Ruder
Biology
CALIFORNIA
IN BLOOM
IN BLOOM
2026 graduates prepare to blossom into their lives after graduation
INDIANA
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Hayden Kelo Psychology
BUTLER UNIVERSITY
Lauren Fenemore Health Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
IOWA
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Ella Florez
Undecided
Gwen Kline
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
Grace Holland
Film Production
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Steven Butler
Marketing
COLORADO
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
Claire Cooper
Pre-Nursing
Sienna Suderman
Music
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Josey Crossley Vocal Performance
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
GEORGE WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY
Jordan Powell
International Affairs
GEORGIA
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
Karington King
Biology
IDAHO
BRIGHAM YOUNG
UNIVERSITY
Josh Bateman
Undecided
Piper Ross
Elementary Education
Ben Wallace
Undecided
FRIENDS UNIVERSITY
Jeredy Nilges
Health Science
FORT HAYS STATE UNIVERSITY
JaKhai Carter
Undecided
FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Micah Ammann
Certified Technician
Jackson Lucht
Business
Brandon Neis
Architecture
IOWA WESTERN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Ryan Gleason
Construction Management
WILLIAM PENN UNIVERSITY
John Duld
Mechanical Engineering
KANSAS
BAKER UNIVERSITY
Adam Bailey Business
BENEDICTINE COLLEGE
Jaxon Garcia
Business
Ella Kaemmer
English and Classics
BUTLER COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Kamden Dick Exercise Science
COFFEYVILLE COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Miles Brown
Construction Technology
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Emma Avila
Elementary Education
Tori Brown
Technical and Professional Writing
Chase Jackson
Business
Leah Konen
Nursing
Quinlyn Peters
Art Education
Jordan Schierbaum
Human and Health Performance
Anderson Strack
Business
Business
GARDEN CITY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kate Ledesma
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
JOHNSON COUNTY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Madilyn Alderson
Elementary Education
Rylee Bialek
Dental Hygiene
Rohey Ceesay
Liberal Arts
Eden Christian
Undecided
Aubrey Cliff
Radiologic Technology
Tori Comelie
General Education
Ethan Cooper
General Education
Beckett Coleman
Psychology
Carson Curry
Sports Health
Zach Darr
Undecided
Katie Davis
Environmental Science
Winter DeHaven
Graphic Design
Blake Dierks
Fire Safety
Rylee Dolan
Dental Hygiene
Cole Eckland
Undecided
Devin Edwards
Undecided
Lillian Gibson
Business
Abass Gooley
Undecided
Ian Hernandez
Plumbing
Alexa Hocker
Dental Hygiene
Kait Hood
Nursing
Tommy Hopkins
Undecided
Benjamin Houdek
Undecided
Scott Houghton
Drama Education
Jayden Johnson
Culinary Arts
Alex Kempker
Physical Therapy
Dalton Mize
Psychology
Palmer Norman
Marketing
Bianca Pepe
Nursing
Nathaniel Petrowsky
Education
Cameron Plaud
Welding and Manufacturing
Landyn Price
Psychology
Paityn Reynolds
Business
Lily Ricket
Paralegal Studies
Mya Sanders
Radiology Technology
Kaitlyn Shinkle
Interior Design
Mylah Vanderhoorn
Education
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Mason Akehurst
Electrical Engineering
Abby Allen
Pre-Nursing
Lydia Barngrover
Architectural Engineering
Ainslie Belt
Pre-Law
Jamie Boggs
Music Education
Jake Brown
Finance
Lola Dumler
Undecided
Dylan Everhart
Finance
Eva Hernandez
Criminology
Gavin Hurt
Finance
Blake Jay
Business Administration
Griffin Judd
Business
Ashlyn Keim
Kinesology
Nadia Kindt
Geology
SIGNINGS
Ayden Kostus
Finance
Sydney Lenon
Elementary Education
Mallory Lux
Human Development and Family Science
Bella McPeake
Human Development and Family Science
Annie Newell
Elementary Education
Maddie Parizek
Accounting
Rider Rew Agriculture
Connor Rokey
Biology
Paige Roth
Business
Carson Schmidtlein
Chemical Engineering
Izzy Simms
Interior Design
Callie Smouse
Undecided
Gabe Sommerfeld
Electrical Engineering
Lily Suman
Biology
Austin Sutton
Computer Science
Brynlee Sword
Marketing
Ian Weatherman
Electrical Engineering
Aubrey Williams
Hospitality and Event Management
Laney Wood
Elementary Education
Bear Zigmant
Business
MID-AMERICA
NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Max Bolan
Kinesiology
Baiabi Chongan
Cybersecurity
Ayden Mosley
Undecided
MCPHERSON COLLEGE
Michael Fitzpatrick
Business
NEOSHO COUNTY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Greyson Davis
Business Administration
PITTSBURG STATE
UNIVERSITY
Brody Baker
Safety Management
Janiya’h Bilberry
Nursing
Eva Hood
Social Work
Cadence Peterson
Business and Environmental
Sustainability
Leilah Perry
Exercise Science
Finley Rose
Nursing
Hayli Scheffler
Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
Cru Akin
Criminal Justice
Kaidence Alston
Psychology
Nick Baird
Biological Anthropology
Careen Biseko
Medicine
Ryan Bloomer
Sports Journalism
Mia Bollella
Pre-Nursing
Bailey Bret
Diagnostic Sonography
Owen Brookshire
Anthropology
Macy Brunner
Health Services Administration
Callie Caldwell
Business Administration
Zachary Chang
Mechanical Engineering
Avery Clement
Graphic Design
Callaway Clifton
Nursing
Mackenzie Clifton
Pre-Med
A Cormany
Psychology
Jack Daly
Pre-Law
Melia Davis
Undecided
Kate Dresvyannikov
Pre-Med
Ellyott Edwards
Biomedical Ethics
Aiden Emerson
Mechanical Engineering
Sydney Epperson
Finance
Lily Feuerborn
Elementary Education
Cannon Fields
Finance
Max Fierro
Engineering
Aliya Fisher
Physical Therapy
Bryn Foltz
Applied Behavioral Sciences
Barron Fox
Chemistry
Mya Franco
Psychology
Kyndal Geis
Marketing
Sophia Grieco
Nursing
Evie Grover
Psychology
Ben Gosch
Engineering
Allison Graber
Business Marketing
Gus Goetsch
Business
Phoenix Johnson
Environmental Science
Stella Harryman
Exercise Science
Abby Haney
Business
Andrew Heideman
Political Science
Fabian Hernandez
Electrical Engineering
Brody Hicks
Environmental Studies
Rachael Johnston
Nursing
Ella Jones
Speech Language Pathology
McKinley Kendall
Fine Arts
Gavin Kosmala
Undecided
Alex Kriks
Marketing
Maggie Kriks
Engineering
Jacob Krosky
Nursing
Abbie Kroupa
Unified Education
Brynlee Kristensen
Behavioral Neuroscience
Graham Kruger
Biology
Grant Kuchynka
Engineering
Emma Lee
Media Production
Rachael Lee
Chemical Engineering
Dib Lopez
Nursing
Mariana Loya
Undecided
Ava Lucht
Social Work
Jackson Macheers
Journalism
Addison Maier
Exercise Science
Jagnoor Mann
Finance
Ava Mendez
Elementary Education
Madelyn Mulryan
Undecided
Grayson O’Brien
Psychology
Mackie Olson
Marketing
Mallory Olson
Behavioral Neuroscience
Mia Plumberg
Psychology
Prachi Pooni-Richard
Sports Management
Max Reynolds
Engineering
Parker Riffel
Finance
Cat Rivas
Animation
Madi Roberts
Pre-Nursing
Cayden Rotich
Accounting
Jenner Scobee
Dentistry
Will Schieber
Music Education
Dillon Schmidtmann
Aerospace Engineering
Corinne Schwindt
Biology
Hiya Sood
Political Science
Hannah Stephensen
Nursing
Miley Strathman
Finance
Reagan Thate
Psychology
Jack Thomas
Civil Engineering
Kaitlyn Tracy
Psychology
Lilli Verbenec
Nursing
Landon Vincent
Finance
Ethan Walter
Finance
Keegan Wootton
Human Biology
Addison York
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
UNIVERSITY OF SAINT MARY
Tyler Laningham
Sports Management
WASHBURN UNIVERSITY
Jessica Biggs
Nursing
Tristyn Jones
Legal Studies
Reece Riedel
Business
WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Madison Davied
Forensic Science
Austin Harvell
Finance
Kian Kinney
Aerospace Engineering
Doreen Mahugu
Biology
Averi McCormick
Nursing
Grady Wilson
Electrical Power Generation
WICHITA TECHNICAL
INSTITUTE
Carter Crist
Heavy Equipment Maintenance
LOUISIANA
NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Olivia Nzioki
Nursing
MINNESOTA
GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS COLLEGE
Sam McCoy
Choral Music Education
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
TWIN CITIES
Ana Rios
Medical Laboratory Sciences
MISSOURI
MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Taylor Goodwin
Metallurgical Engineering
MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Emma Carbajo
Health Science
Riley Thomas
Criminal Justice
NORTH CENTRAL MISSOURI COLLEGE
Dylan Mothersbaugh Science
NORTHWEST MISSOURI
STATE
Emma Brooks
Elementary Education
David Johnson
Political Science
Jenna Lloyd
Chemistry
Reggie Reece
Business
Bryce Shorten
Business
ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY
Mae Reynolds
Biology
Kylie Stegner
Physical Therapy
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL
MISSOURI
Carter Clark
Nursing
Kaylen Foster
Marketing
Jamie Ricker
Undecided
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Lila Cobb
Nursing
Hayden Horn
Exercise Science
Riggs Lamborn
Business
Gus Malone
Business
Evie Tindell
Photojournalism
MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Nathan Turvey Engineering
MONTANA
MONTANA STATE
UNIVERSITY
Ethan Austin
Pre-Nursing
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Liberty Bouskill
Cognitive Neuroscience
NEBRASKA
CHADRON STATE COLLEGE
Landon Stockwell Business
HASTINGS COLLEGE
Elliot Fischer Finance
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Claire Burson Nursing
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
KEARNEY
Hayden Heller
Exercise Science
Nick Philhour
Physical Education
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Brayden Repp
PGA Management
Elaina Weese
Accounting
Maddie Vinh
Biology
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
OMAHA
Ethan Culver Aviation
NEW YORK
AMERICAN MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC ACADEMY
Evan Leroy
Musical Theater
UNITED STATES MILITARY
ACADEMY WEST POINT
Drew Yockey
Undecided
OKLAHOMA
OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Layla Gonzalez
Exercise Science
OKLAHOMA STATE
UNIVERSITY
Sophie Van Inwegen
Sports Media
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Parker Aucoin
Pre-Nursing
Harrison Guest English
RHODE ISLAND
JOHNSON & WALES
UNIVERSITY
Sam Grenz
Culinary Arts
SOUTH CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH
CAROLINA
Sarah Allerheiligen
Data Analytics
SOUTH DAKOTA
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Jaxon Masek
Aviation
TENNESSEE
LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY
Caleb Hayes
Mechanical Engineering
TEXAS
TEXAS CHRISTIAN
UNIVERSITY
Maddie Martin
Business Managemen
TEXAS STATE
UNIVERSITY
Aleesha Fisher
Radiation Therapy
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Beau Peterson Business
WASHINGTON
UNIVERSITY OF
WASHINGTON
Voilet Shields
Marine Biology
WISCONSIN
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE
Sydney Nash Biology
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Noah Kim Psychology
WORKFORCE
Parker Chalupnik
Construction
Carsen Flowers
Tariq Reid
Auto Reconditioning
Prabjot Kaur
Real Estate
Adam Mack
Elevator Union
Josie Whitsitt
Certified Nurses Assistant
Liam Perez
Electrician
TRADE SCHOOL/ CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Kasey Alderman
Electrician
Jack Alley
Electrical Lineman
Stella Beins
Cosmetology
Tatum Enslinger
Cosmetology
Lily Mott
Cosmetology
Saige Pretz
Welding
Jacob Reitz Electrical
Nick Reitz
Carpenters Union
Brooke Seymour Industry Dance
Savannah Seymour Industry Dance
Pete Williams
Welding
THE BRIDGE
Brandon Estis
Hank Moulin
Marshall Habib
Miles Raven
Savannah Allen
MILITARY
ENLISTMENTS
Landin Arnold
Navy
Austin Beashore
Marines
Marcus Covey
Air Force
Lukas Isenberg Army
Chayce Johnson
Airforce
Quinton Nielsen Airforce
UNDECIDED/ GAP YEAR
Abby Abebe
Jared Anderson
Sam Bowling
Marissa Burrow
Jack Carpenter
Dominic Davila
Daneka Jones
Rachel Joseph
Abby Musil
Jocelyn Paulsen
survey of 125 seniors
MOST LIKELY TO...
From discovering new elements to winning Grammys, seniors believe their classmates fit these superlatives
by mya franco writer/photographer
by cal bierl writer/photographer
TO DISCOVER A NEW ELEMENT
MILEY STRATHMAN
“I’m going to school for accounting and finance, so I would probably run an accounting firm.”
CAMERON PLAUD
“I don’t really feel different. I don’t know if it is as justified, as I feel like some other people deserve their award.”
RACHEL JOSEPH
“I am a little confused on how or why I got voted but I am very grateful guys.”
IAN WEATHERMAN
“I would name my element Carsonium after my hero, Carson Schmidtlein.”
BECOME A CEO
BE HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS
NATE PETROWSKY KATIE DAVIS
“[My favorite memory together was] when there was that tornado, and we had the day of school off. We got together a group of friends, and went to a creek.”
“I feel great. We should probably get married next week. Honestly, I think this alone was a proposal.”
photos by eva hernandez and jason sweany
CREATE A FASHION BRAND
HARRISON GUEST
“Well, obviously [I would thank] my mom, but I would also thank Beyoncé, because she keeps me singing every single day.”
SIENNA SUDERMAN
“I would write my own songs and sing [pop].”
ANNIE NEWELL
“My fashion brand would focus on probably either bridal or just formal wear.”
LYDIA BARNGROVER
“[I would focus] on shoes, I love heels, so I would do a bunch of fun types of heels.”
WIN A GRAMMY
COACH A PROFESSIONAL TEAM
REECE RIEDEL
“I’d be pretty intense [as a coach]. I’d try to be nice to the players, but at the same time [I would] give them what I feel, you know?”
BLAKE JAY
“I would coach football, and I would coach the Buffalo Bills, because I just like the program. I’m a big fan of Josh Allen.”
MAKE SOMEONE LAUGH
LILY SUMAN
“I am a little shocked [that I won], but I am very happy and pleased.”
PALMER NORMAN
“I love making people smile. It makes my day, and it just makes me feel good that I can fix up their day if they’re having a bad one.”
SENIOR OPINIONS
SENIOR OPINIONS
QUINLYN PETERS
When we came back to school after COVID-19, I took it as my chance to reinvent myself. I spent so much of middle school bringing the most palatable version of myself to life. I did only the things I was good at, only spoke when I thought I would add something and stayed within my comfort zone in the hopes that I would never have to go through the mortification of messing up. But when I got to high school, I found a problem with the way I had been living my life. The comfortable little box I spent so long building for myself worked too well. I was involved at school, hung out with friends and from the outside, I was the most social
I had ever been. But deep down, I was disappointed because I believed the person I was didn’t align with who other people thought I was.
The past four years, I have been bringing myself to break out of the mold I created for myself: I tried a sport I knew I would suck at, stopped caring about others’ opinions and reduced the pressure I put on myself academically. But instead of floundering, my grades got better. I slept better. Some doors shut, sure, but other opportunities opened themselves up to me. Instead of dooming me to failure, learning to step out of my comfort zone helped me rise to who I have always known I could be.
EVAN LEROY
Istill remember the first day of sophomore year. I was sitting next to all my friends in a class that all the upperclassmen said I would love, but I was miserable. The teacher spent the entire first day talking about how much homework and effort I would have to put into this subject that I didn’t care about, then ended the class by assigning a 50-page reading. I decided that was it, and I walked into my counselor’s office and dropped that class. Dropping out of that class was one of the best decisions I made in my high school career. I watched my friends cancel events and stay up all night studying for tests, while I was able to enjoy my free time. While my friends were learning about a
subject they didn’t care for, I was taking classes that helped me prepare for life after high school. I still see students make the same mistakes I made. “My friend told me to take this class,” is a phrase I hear far too often. While having classes with your friends is fun, passing a class with time to be yourself is more important. After college, no one’s going to care what AP classes you took in high school. AP classes exist to help students with interests in degree programs that require students to learn those skills. There are so many unique and fun classes the school has to offer, so use your time to find a new passion instead of stressing about a class that won’t help you in your future.
2025-2026 STAFF
2025-2026 STAFF
AVERY CLEMENT
As a deeply empathetic person, I have spent my whole life fixed on what others feel and think. Every time I made a decision, I worried about how it would affect other people or if my actions would live up to their expectations of me. Through my growth in high school, I learned how crucial it is to do what you are passionate about rather than doing things to fit others’ expectations.
In high school, I prioritized getting as involved as I could, whether that was filling my schedule with numerous AP classes or trying to join every club possible. Though I wouldn’t recommend this overwhelming strategy, it helped me to realize
the things that I was actually interested in. The clubs and classes I was in for the purpose of pleasing others quickly led me to feel burnt out and unmotivated. I was scared to not make these commitments though, because I did not want to disappoint those around me.
As my time as a high schooler comes to an end, I have learned that putting your time into your passions rather than into pleasing others is key. As scary as it is, prioritizing your joys will ultimately allow you to feel more motivated and inspired. Instead of suppressing parts of yourself to impress others, focus your time on making yourself proud and exploring your passions.
MADDIE MARTIN
For so much of my high school career, I was completely opposed to asking for help. I believed I had to be able to do all my schoolwork and juggle all my responsibilities without help, and that asking for assistance meant seeming unintelligent or weak. However, I’ve learned that the only way to get better is to ask for help.
Honestly, I couldn’t have done it all on my own. I learned that delegating work to other staff members and allowing my other editors to help me made me a better editor, asking teachers for help and taking extra time outside of class made me a smarter student, and I was a livelier, more supportive friend when I
could admit life was easier with people by my side.
I had to accept that I needed people to help me. When I finally asked for help, it didn’t make me weak or unintelligent. In fact, it was exactly the opposite; it made me better. What I couldn’t do, someone else could. From those people, I became smarter, stronger and more independent.
It took a lot for me to say, “I can’t do it all,” but it made things easier. I didn’t have to carry every responsibility on my own. Even taking the small step to reach out to someone and ask for help was huge. I was finally able to learn from others and see genuine growth because trying to do it all only hurt me.
MADDIE MULRYAN
Growing up, I always believed that I would become a software engineer. I would watch videos of women in STEM and think they were so cool. In elementary school I put myself on a path to become an engineer, and I didn’t look back. Don’t get me wrong, I still think that engineering is impressive, it just isn’t something I want to do anymore. I came to this realization late in my junior year and beginning of my senior year, but since I always believed engineering was my career path, I didn’t allow myself to explore other options during high school. High school should be the time that you use to consider all of the possibilities you have for the rest of your life.
Throughout high school, I primarily took engineering and physics classes, not being open to other kinds of classes. Engineering always seemed like a steady path that would lead me to a high paying job, so I didn’t allow myself to see what else was out there. I believed it would be easier to just do engineering even if I wasn’t completely interested in it, since trying to find what I would be interested in seemed like such a daunting task.
Now that I’m entering college, I’m taking the time I need to see what else I could want to do. While college is a good time to seek out other opportunities, I wish I had taken the time to explore my choices during high school.
EVA HERNANDEZ
The saying “High school is the best four years of your life” is a cliché for a reason. As graduation sneaks up, I finally understand the truth behind it. Lately, I find myself looking back at memories of Friday Night Lights with the marching band, side quests with friends, laughing at an inappropriate time in class and the nights I spent dancing with friends completely unbothered by what the next day would hold. As my time in high school has dwindled, there have been noticeable changes in what my peers prioritize.
I have always been someone who is focused on now. Whether it was walking out of the house in a mismatched outfit or diving into a new hobby, I lived purely
in the present, not afraid of what anyone might think. But as my college career edges closer, I have seen a shift in my peers. Everyone is so hyper-focused on their future and five-year plan that they are missing the best parts of high school that are happening right in front of them.
While these four years might not be the best, this class should strive to live in the moment and embrace the time we have left. The future is coming, but don’t let it distract you from the present. Use these final moments to live in the now. Wear that weird outfit, cheer a little louder and put down your to-do list with homework or college plans to enjoy the life you’ve built here before it becomes a memory.
OLIVER FEIRING
Throughout high school, I’ve consistently had two main passions: medical science and fashion design. Most students can find a degree that intersects their interests— I haven’t. As I entered senior year, I was left to make the ultimate decision: would I study something that would make me money, or something I could express myself through?
Like many other art students, I chose the former, and I will be studying pre-pharmacy at the University of Kansas in the fall. That being said, I can’t help but think: what if going to school for fashion was an easier sell than this? I know what fashion school is worth, I could line up a scholarship or internship in seconds,
and I already have a decent portfolio. But when I would tell people that I wanted to go to school for fashion, I was typically met with an eyeroll. When it comes to the arts, I feel that any degree in art, design or performance is brushed off as being virtually worthless.
That being said, consumer arts are incredibly valuable to society. Commercial art plays a crucial role in business and should generally be held to the same level of respect as any other career in business.
Although it isn’t yet as supported at the same level as science or business paths, there should be a future in which people feel comfortable going to school for the arts.
DOREEN MAHUGU
As freshman year rolled around, my parents urged me to join any clubs and activities that could build up my resume. I took their advice and joined organizations that would showcase my academic prowess, like Scholars Bowl, National Honor Society and eventually co-president of Science Olympiad.
What my parents, and many other adults, failed to recognize was the importance of fun, creative activities. Not necessarily as resume boosters, but rather just to enjoy my time in high school. This is not to say I didn’t love my academic clubs, but joining activities like the National Art Honor Society, Coloring Club and even Newspaper helped balance the
work it took to be a member of more mentally demanding clubs. I always planned on a career in STEM, whether that was helping patients or discovering a new microbe in a lab. Although joining Newspaper didn’t exactly improve my resume in this field, it instead gave me a community and an outlet to explore my creativity. It’s important to balance future goals and aspirations with pleasure.
Rather than dropping out of everything academic, I blended demanding extracurriculars with whimsical hobbies and interests. High school isn’t just an important step towards the future; it is an enjoyable stop in life, with side quests that fulfill whatever your heart desires.
MYA FRANCO
The
Throughout my high school career, people often came into my life for a short amount of time. They were great, but we would eventually drift apart. Most of the time, there was no huge argument, just mutual acknowledgement that we would never speak again. But somewhere in between these short lived friendships, I started to realize that the people you associate with are a reflection of yourself and your values.
This idea caused me many struggles because of how long I had known many of them. These people that I spent a lot of my time with had started drifting away from me and becoming different people. This made me
realize that some people aren’t meant to stay in your life forever, because the price of change is everything a person once was. It took me a long time to accept the fact that I can’t prevent people from changing, but in the process I realized that I was changing. I changed little things like how I cut my hair or my mannerisms as well as how I see the world and my opinions. My time in high school has taught me one thing, change is not a bad thing, no matter how brutal the process is. To have the ability to change is a blessing in itself, but accepting it is an entirely different challenge. Change is inevitable, and at the end of the day, to change is to grow.
RYAN BLOOMER
High school is a time of self discovery and figuring out where you fit in. Yet I spent a lot of it trying to please others. From the activities I did to the music I listened to, I did it for others, and I knew it wasn’t me. I kept trying to please others to the point where I felt like I wasn’t living for myself. It was intimidating to try and be myself when I was worried about what my peers thought. But, living for myself was one of the most self fulfilling things I could’ve done. There’s no downside to being yourself and finding hobbies you like to do and friends who enjoy the same things as you.
Don’t be afraid to stand out
and make a scene. It will all come out in the wash and make your mark everywhere. In a world where everyone wants to fit in and be “normal,” individuality is one of the best traits you can have. High school is a very small chapter of life; it’s a waste of time to be worked up about how others perceive you. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.
One way I was able to freely express myself was finding a group of like minded people who I felt I could be myself around. Finding this group has been an amazing experience for me and came with memories and relationships I will cherish, thanks to my friends and family.
WORDS OF WISDOM
As seniors get ready for graduation, teachers provide them with advice for their futures
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by natalia castillejos ramírez managing editor
SARA SEDGWICK
by kennedy botkin copy editor
You’re going to have days where you’re sad, and it’s okay to be sad. I spent the first week of college crying in my room at night because I didn’t know anybody. You will feel lonely, and sometimes we don’t like to lean into that, but you just have to get through it. Because that’s where you have to start. Then you slowly start to build those communities.”
JON COPELAND
People who go far away succeed, and people who stay at home succeed. It doesn’t matter. There are success stories from any of the paths that people take. Everybody needs something different. The important thing is that you’re authentic; that you know what you do is really going to serve you and put you on a path toward what you want to do with your life.”
ASHLEY AGRE
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It’s so hard because these people have been your whole world, right? But what’s crazy is there’s so much more out there; you get off into this next phase of your life, and there are so many people that you find are your people. Wherever you go, your community grows and grows. You [will] have lots of different little groups of people who mean something to you, and that’s one of the great things of life: getting to experience so many different people, cultures and experiences and learn something that you didn’t know here.”
SAMANTHA MACAULEY
” ”
Starting something new is always going to be scary. There’s no way to get around that, but you’ve got to look forward to the new experiences that you’re going to have, and the new friends and memories that you’re going to make. Think less of what’s scary and more of what to look forward to. Be brave. Go outside your comfort zone, because that’s where the most fun is.”
photos by lucas pennel
STAT STACK UP
STAT
Data about the graduate class of 2026 based on responses from 209 seniors
by madelyn mulryan copy editor
38% attended the WOCO dance freshman year
91% had a job in high school
said freshman year was their favorite said sophomore year was their favorite said junior year was their favorite said senior year was their favorite
88%
68% dated in high school
16% said Chick-fil-A was their favorite lunch used AI on an assignment
66% parked where they aren’t supposed to
12% have done donuts in the parking lot
42% skipped a class
MAKING MOMENTS
MOMENTS
The moments that made this year’s senior class unique and defined their high school experience
Hearing the stories of the A hall bathrooms; it was a war zone
Getting a class with my best friend for the first time
Being on the cheer team and watching the program grow while getting to be a part of the positive change
When it rained during the fire drill and we all went home
Staying the night for Relay for Life for the first time ever
Filming a music video for U.S.
History with some of my best friends
Getting into the United States Senate Youth Program and getting to go to Washington D.C.
Freshman year cross country, going on trips with the team
Getting to go to Europe the summer before my senior year
Dressing up for football games
LAYLA GONZALEZ DALTON MIZE
My favorite memory from senior year was winning state bowling because it was the first time in our school’s history [that we won state]. It was really exciting and a career high for me.”
Winning regionals at home my junior year for soccer
Shawnee Mission Northwest buzzer-beater junior year
Going to the mall after the gas leak sophomore year
Getting to leave school early and have a shortened schedule
[My favorite memory was] on the way to a choir performance, we had a bunch of music blasting and we were just singing our hearts out in the car.”
My favorite memory from senior year was homecoming week, specifically powder puff because I got to hang out with all of my friends at practices.”
CLASS FAVORITES
Three memories that resonated with this year’s graduates
CREATING MEMORIES
Seniors use crafts to reflect on and remember the past year
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JOSEY CROSSLEY
Scrapbook
I wanted a way to remember senior year. I love crafting, and it takes me back to when I crafted for fun. Now, I get to do it in a sentimental way.”
MALLORY LUX
Sweatpants
I pinned [paper cutouts] on my old Mill Valley shirts and cut them out so I had little letters. Then I sewed them on my sweatpants.”
” ”
KATIE DAVIS
Bucket List
When you’re a senior, work can take over your life, so planning the list made sure we [could] do the fun stuff that we want to do.”
design by avery clement
photos by jason sweany
FOREVER FRIENDS FOREVER
Three friendships that have remained strong through high school by avery curry writer/photographer
RACHEL JOSEPH & RACHAEL LEE
MACKENZIE CLIFTON & EMMA LEE
Friends for years 11
She’s a genuinely kind person and she’s really welcoming and open to everyone. She can talk to anyone and make them feel welcome.” -Rachel Joseph
I like how she’s nice to everyone. She’s really driven. She can be a bit of a procrastinator, but she works pretty hard. I’d say she’s super smart, super humble. ”
Met at JCPRD
Met as partners in class
We were partnered together in class and we did a lot of stuff together. We’ve added people to our friend group, and now we hang out every weekend.”
KEEGAN WOOTTON & OWEN BROOKSHIRE
He’s never really in a bad mood. He’s very light hearted and always joking, and seems to always be relatively happy.”
He’s always there and willing to do stuff all the time. He’s always asking, ‘You want to go do something?”
Met while in trouble together
My favorite thing about her is that she’s always very supportive and even when we fight, we get over it. ”
Friends for years 12
Friends for years 11
-Rachael Lee
-Emma Lee
-Mackenzie Clifton
-Keegan Wootton
-Owen Brookshire
photos by kady coulibaly
photos by jason sweany and eva hernandez
The class of 2026 has had an impact on numerous clubs at the school, from starting their own to expanding current ones. These leaders aim to inspire collaboration and service among the student body.
As the founder and president of the school’s Kansas Association for Youth Club, senior Jordan Powell’s main challenge at the beginning of her tenure was outreach.
“The hard part wasn’t getting it approved by the district or the school,” Powell said. “It was get-
” ”
My goal as a leader is to delegate as much as possible. I believe that people engage in the things that they help create.
Senior Jordan Powell
year. To increase membership, Bouskill has aimed to create a welcoming environment as part of her impact.
“I try my best to make every- one feel included,” Bouskill said. “I don’t want to seem super strict or over the top with rules or any- thing, and I don’t want to be annoying about it. I just try to make sure everyone feels included and feels comfortable talking and contributing to the group.”
Leadership style is important to turn plans into fruition, and a common strategy for effectively managing a club is to encourage club involvement. Powell believes in distributing tasks to maintain cooperation.
“My goal as a leader is to del- egate as much as possible,” Pow- ell said. “I believe that people en- gage in the things that they help create.”
As co-president of Youth for Refugees for the last two years, senior Will Schieber also encourages collaboration, while emphasizing an egalitarian structure.
” ”
ting kids wanting to be involved in another activity that had to do with service and leadership, be- cause there are a lot of clubs that have those pillars as ingrained in their club.”
Another service-based club is the French National Honor Society. Although the honors society previously existed at the school, senior Liberty Bouskill helped reestablish FNHS last year and got promoted to president this
“My impact has really been in how our leadership is set up,” Schieber said. “Even though [se- nior Avery Clement] and I are presidents, if the treasurer or secretary or anyone brings up an idea, it’s treated with equal importance.”
Schieber encourages future leaders specifically to find opportunities that continue their club’s mission.
“If you can’t find anything that directly applies to the core value of the club, don’t let it just get stuck in the mud,” Schieber said. “Try to find something beneficial to the community in some way.”
LASTING
by cal bierl writer/photographer
LEGACIES LEGACIES
As the year comes to a close, seniors prepare underclassmen to carry on their clubs’ mission
NEW BEGINNINGS
Senior leaders give advice to their clubs as new leadership begins
FNHS President
Liberty Bouskill
“[My advice for future leaders] is to talk about [French National Honor Society], make sure people know what events are going on, and make sure it’s something you’re passionate about and want to be part of.”
Youth for Refugees
Co-President Will Schieber
“My advice to the people looking to the future of the club is to broaden our range. What we’ve struggled with recently in the past year or two has been that local organizations are kind of hard to come across.”
KAY President
Jordan Powell
“Anyone who’s truly passionate about service and student leadership will be a phenomenal president and will continue the club as long as that stays the main goal.”
by ryan bloomer writer/photographer
FINAL WALK- FF
by maddie martin jagwire editor-in-chief
NEXT UP TO BAT
Seniors who committed for college baseball
This year marks a historic one for the baseball program as the team prepares to say goodbye to an important senior class
The baseball program is getting ready to say goodbye to a monumental graduating class with 12 seniors and an entire starting lineup of seniors.
Assistant coach George Walden has observed how unique this class is and the impact they’ve had on the program in their four years.
“Everyone has improved and plays really well. That goes back to all of their hard work and dedication that they’ve put in throughout life,” Walden said. “We knew about this group when they were in seventh grade. We wondered how good they could actually be. We are finding out now.”
Even before they came to the school, this class had the opportunity to be very successful. This year they are living up to that with a season record of 17-3. Head coach Jeff Strickland attributes some of this success to the high standard the seniors set.
“They don’t make excuses if something doesn’t go right, you see why it didn’t go right and correct those things,” Strickland said. “Nobody is going to outwork
these guys.”
Senior Elliot Fischer always tries to keep a steady presence for the younger players.
“You need to show good body language to show to the younger guys that you can handle your- self and lead by example,” Fischer said.
Beyond the leadership seniors provide, Strickland has seen this senior class flourish off the field.
“They’ve matured as baseball players, they’ve become better students and better people [who are] more responsible for what goes on in the classroom as well as on the baseball field,” Strickland said.
Beyond their high school suc- cess, nine of the seniors will continue their baseball careers in college. Fischer, who will play at Hastings College next year, emphasizes the lessons baseball taught him.
“Baseball is one of the hardest sports mentally,” Fischer said. “The number one thing that I’ve taken from baseball is no matter how many times you fail you’re always going to succeed at some point, so just keep trying.”
Aftering getting an out, senior infielders Beau Peterson and Blake Jay high-five, Thursday, April 23. photo by
ELLIOT FISCHER
College
DYLAN MOTHERSBAUGH
RYAN GLEASON
Western Community College
evan leroy JACKSON LUCHT
LIFETIME LEGACY
MV I AM
ARECEIVED:
s her time at the school concludes, journalism teacher Kathy Habiger’s passion and commitment leave a lasting impact on the school’s journalismIndepartment. her 30 years as a journalism adviser, the department has seen lots of success, but for Habiger, student journalism is about the lessons students learn.
“I want [my students] to leave the program and say ‘I’m prepared for life,’” Habiger said. “I would hope that when kids leave the program, they remem- ber those things over whatever plaques are hanging on the wall.”
Since she is one of the original teachers who came to the school when it first opened 26 years ago, her time at the school shaped her career.
“The friends that I’ve made here, the students and the administrators [that I’ve gotten to work with] have been fantastic in supporting journalism and watching our program grow,” Habiger
Providingsaid.students with guid- ance has always been at the fore- front for her, for current yearbook editor-in-chief Gracie Pollicita, Habiger’s guidance was vital.
“I’m going to mainly miss having a mentor,” Pollicita said. “Habiger has taken on that role
of guiding me not only in journal- ism but also throughout school.”
Former Mill Valley News and JagWire editor-in-chief Emma Clement remembers Habiger for this same guidance.
“I think [Habiger’s] legacy is being the students’ biggest sup- port system [by] advocating for them and what they want to do, while still pushing them to produce good journalism,” Clement said.
Habiger’s legacy can be seen in 30 yearbooks and hundreds of newspapers but for Habiger it’s the moments she shared with her students.
“I have had some really tremendous kids,” Habiger said.“I don’t remember anything bad. I remember the crazy stuff we did and trips we took. The work nights, the food and all the publications too, but mostly it was just the times that we had together.”
After dedicating so much time to journalism throughout her ca- reer, Habiger is ready for the new challenges and adventures the next phase of her life will bring.
“When you do something 30 years in a row consecutively without stopping, you don’t try other things, and I think it’s time to do that,” Habiger said. “Right now, [I want to] explore things and see what happens.”
KATHY HABIGER HABIGER
by natalia castillejos ramírez managing editor
After 30 years of teaching journalism teacher Kathy Habiger is retiring leaving behind
photo by doreen mahugu