December Issue

VOL. 46, ISS. 3•SALINA HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH•730 E. MAGNOLIA, SALINA, KAN. 67401• 12.14.17

2

opinion 12.14.17

Tripodium Staff 2017-2018

Editor Kaylee Warren Asst. Editor & Copy Editor Grace Hoge Staff Members Kearra Alvarez Daniela Garcia Alivia Heard Joslyn Jones Abby Teschke Trey Turner Demi Wolters

Editorial Policy Letters to the Editor

The staff encourages letters to the editor from its readers. Letter should be taken to room 219 or mailed to the Tripodium, 730 E. Magnolia, Salina, Kan. 67401 The following guidelines will be used in consideration of printing letters to the editor.

Letters should be no longer than 200 words.

Letters should be signed and must be signed and must include the address and telephone number of the author No anonymous letters will be published.

If it is the wish of the author and editor is in agreement, the author’s name by be withheld.

The letter must not be libelous, obscene, profane and it must not infringe upon copyright. The letter must not be an invasion of privacy or disruptive of the school process.

Tripodium

The Tripodium is dedicated to publishing news, features, columns and sports in an unbiased and professional manner. All new, feature and opinion stories are determined by the staff and they invite readers to contribute ideas to them. The publication is a forum for student expression and will not be subject to prior review by the USD 305 administration.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Unified School District #305 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its program and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District #305 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, ADA, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Unified School District #305 Executive Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 797, Salina, Kansas, 67402, 785-309-4726.

Cover photo: Patrick Staley (’18) focuses on his work in drafting class. photo by daniela garcia

PARKING LOT CHAOS

By Alivia Heard

Attempting to find a parking space in our parking lot was difficult before, but with construction there is an addition to the disaster. Each high school driver knows the struggle of trying to pay attention to other cars recklessly driving, teenagers walking and parents dropping off students.

Students, staff, and parents have gone through different flows of the traffic through the years. To help end the chaos rather than add to it, take time and pay attention to the other cars and pedestrians.

Officer Dani Lemon believes drivers need to be cautious and aware of what they are doing while driving.

The plans for the design of the parking lot after construction came from a meeting with the construction crew and staff members of South. Though the design is not ideal, it has been created to be efficient if students, staff, and parents stay within the lines and arrows painted.

Assistant Principal Julie Falcon explains that the main issue is the students and the patrons do not follow the line parking spaces or the traffic flow.

In all the distress of the parking lot there will be a parent who parks in the traffic flow with the excuse that their child will be right out, or there will be a student who believes they will not be able to find a parking space and will park in the traffic lane. Falcon assures that there are more then enough parking spaces for not only every student driver, but the staff and visitors as well.

Assistant Principal Scott Chrisman is designated to watch the parking lot flow, but is looking for parent volunteers to help direct traffic.

After the construction is over and the parking lot is done, there will be designated lots for staff students and visitors with a more efficient traffic flow.

The back lot is the only parking lot area that is completely finished. The front parking lot is being revised every year and will not be finished until construction is finished next school year.

CHEERS & JEERS

+ Winter Sports have started. + It’s almost Christmas! + Cold weather means bringing out the winter style. + No big twitter fight in over a month.

Hallelujah. + Winter musical is starting rehearsal, and the cast is slaying already. + Winter break is so close. +Debate is killing it, and have had many people qualify for state.

- Gained ten pounds from Thanksgiving.

- It’s too cold for this.

- The parking lot is a disaster area.

- Finals are going to crush the holiday spirit.

- Brochtrup busted his face on a bike.

- Random fire alarms.

- Stop dropping Whitney during the musical rehearsal dance!

- It’s 60 and 30 degrees in the same day.

SEEING DOUBLE

A glimpse into the busy lives of twins Keegan and Maeci Keetan and Conner Exline (’21) Munsell (’19) fraternal twins fraternal twins

Who is...

The favorite? Maeci Messier? Keegan Sleepes more? Keegan Eats more? Keegan Most athletic? Keegan Smarter? Maeci

Both Keegan and Maeci swim.

Their differences include genders and that Keegan plays more video games.

“My favorite thing about being a twin is that I don’t have to do things alone,” Maeci said.

Who is...

The favorite? Keetan Messier? Keetan Sleeps more? Conner Eats more? Conner Most athletic? Conner Smarter? Conner

Keetan and Conner both run and are athletic. Conner also plays basketball, is taller, and is smarter tham Keetan based on ACT scores.

“My favorite thing about having a twin brother is that we can always talk to each other,” Keetan said.

By Grace Hoge

3

feature 12.14.17

Ethan and Mikayla Resley (’18) fraternal twins

Who is...

The favorite? Ethan Messier? Mikayla Sleeps more? Mikayla Eats more? Ethan Most athletic? Ethan Smarter? Mikayla

Ethan and Mikayla are nothing alike except that they have the same parents. Ethan participates in football and baseball and Mikayla plays softball.

“I like being a twin because I’m not the only kid at home,” Mikayla said.

4

feature 12.14.17

SAFE ON THE ROAD

By Joslyn Jones

SAFE is a club ran by Officer Dani Lemon and Colton White (’18).

They want to make sure people are safe when driving. SAFE is not just a seatbelt based club. They want people to wear seat belts, but they also want to make sure no one is distracted while driving.

“Your main focus should be on the road, you shouldn't be eating, texting, on your phone, or anything of that sort,” Lemon said “More accidents happen from distracted driving.”

Distracted driving has become a major issue for the U.S. and SAFE is trying to tell people that distracted driving is not okay, and an accident can be prevented. Many accidents have happpened from drivers being distracted on the road. Along with distracted driving, seat belt use is also something SAFE wants to make sure everybody is doing.

“A seat belt can save your life in an accident, and that's why we want everyone to make sure they are using theirs,” said Lemon.

White is the president of SAFE and likes being a part of something

so important. He enjoys learning and spreading the message about being safe on the road and interacting with others in the club.

He thinks it is awesome that he gets to have a great relationship with Lemon. White wants everyone to know that it's extremely important to wear a seatbelt. It can prevent small injuries and sometimes even death.

Not wearing a seatbelt is against the law and getting caught can result in charges and sometimes court. People that are the age of 18 will receive a $30 citation, underage drivers will receive a $60 citation, and if there is other people in the car a fine will be wrote and sometimes a court case will be admitted. Wearing a seatbelt is serious because in an accident it can be a lifesaver.

SAFE’s mission is to make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelts and paying attention to what is going on around them on the road. SAFE wants to save as many lives as they can by informing people how important these two things are.

Quick Facts SAFE wants to provides traffic safety messages throughout school 147 schools in Kansas participate in SAFE 70 counties are involved in Kansas States like Oklahoma and Kansas have SAFE

Facts about SAFE SAFE meets in officer Dani Lemons office at least once a month, sometimes twice Activites are: Student to student: “Belt-on Day,” Thumb Rings Student to student body: Booster to Belts program, Graduated Driver lisence video, Safety Break!

SAFE group members. photo by Joslyn Jones

S A RE

EATBELTS

F OR E VERYONE

For more information go to ktsro.org/safe

School to community: Mock trial script, Traffic Safety announcement, flyers

5

feature 12.14.17

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?

By Kearra Alvarez

8

1

2

7

3

6

5

4

1. AP American History binder

5. AP Psychology binder

2. Beauty supplies

6. Crasins for snacking

3. A pack of gum

7. The novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

4. Lunch bag

8. 6 highlighters

Want to know who owns this book bag?

Follow @SHSTripodium on Twitter to find out

6

winter

feature 12.14.17

Survival CAR

Car escape tool Amazon $12.99

GUIDE

Jumper cables

As the winter season approaches, it is wise to keep some of these items in your car:

Walmart $12.98

By rs

te

ol iW

em

D

Portable charger Walmart $24.99 Ice scraper Walmart $16.63

Hand warmers Walmart $1.97

First aid kit Walmart $3.49 Warm clothing Walmart $27.89

COLD WEATHER CAR TIPS +Get spray defroster to quickly defrost your windshield +Use antifreeze windshield wiper fluid +Get a windshield snow cover

Cold,

7

feature 12.14.17

but with

Nick Salem (’18) “I’m comfortable in them.

I like the way I look.”

STYLE

American Eagle Button Down $40

What’s your winter style?

Evan Elam (’18) yA

B

ia

liv

“It’s comfy.”

rd

ea

H

Lady Cougar Basketball Sweatshirt $15 Express Jeans $60

Seth Thompson (’19) “It keeps me warm.”

Steve Madden Harkens $90

The North Face Hoodie $50

Dorothy Elston (’20) “I’m extra. It’s a political statement, always.”

Victoria Secret Leggings $75

White T-Shirt $5 Victoria Secret Transparent Tank Top

Adidas Ultraboosts $180

$30

Nike Thermas $60

Nike Tennis Shoes

Thrift Store Plaid Skirt $15

$60

Superstar Adidas $55

8

feature 12.14.17

HOLIDAY CHEER BEF

By Daniela Garcia

8 things to remember during the holidays Your family will not live forever Not every person has a family to be with There are some out in this cold winter without a home That family member who you don’t see often would probably love a call from you Your outdoor pets have more hair than you, but they can still feel the cold You probably cause your parents more stress than you think, especially during the holidays Drive with more care when weather is icier Gifts, no matter how small or strange they may be, are still gifts

Ginger B

read Boy

s

2/3 cup s h 1/2 cup s ortening In a mixin ugar g 1/2 cup m a nd sugar. bowl, cream sho o la sses rtening A 1 egg dd mo mix well . Combin lasses and egg; 3 cups all e the flou soda, cin -purpose n r, flour and nutm amon, ginger, clo baking v e e g 1 teaspoo mixture a ; gradually add s, salt n baking to cream nd mix w soda ed half. Refr ell. Divid ig e 1 teaspoo On a ligh erate for at least dough in n each 2 tl ground c each por y floured surface hours. in tion of d , roll out ginger an namon, ou thickness d . Cut wit gh to 1/8-in.

1/2 teasp cloves h a 4-in. cutter dip o co p 1/2 teasp on salt on grease ed in flour. Place okie oon grou d 2 in nd fo b nutmeg r 9-11 m aking sheets. Bak . apart in firm. Rem utes or until ed e at 350° g Decorate ove to wire racks es are to cool. as desired dozen. . Yield: a bout 2

Simple S Popcor 10 cup s popped popcor n

n orna

ment b

alls

Place p bowl. opcorn in a l arge In a la rge sau 1 pack cepan, marshm a combin ounces ge (10 butter allows, ) large e and sa marshm l Cook a t. allows low he nd stir over m a 1/4 cu p Pour o t until melte ediumd. ver pop cubed butter, Cool s lightly. corn; mix we ll.

With g 1/4 tea mixtur reased hands spoon , shape e salt into 12 p Place o opcorn ball s n Decora waxed pape . r t e a s desired . until se ; let sta t . nd Yield: 1 doze n.

6 flour tortillas ( inches), warmed 2 teaspoons vegetable oil Confectioners’ sugar Cinnamon (optional)

FORE A NEW YEAR

9

See the lights

Red Fox Lane

d n

Marymount Dr

Red Fox Lane

Snowflakes

(6 d

feature 12.14.17

n in half again Fold a tortilla in half, the and once again. sharp knife, Using a clean scissors or ded and cut small triangles on fol outside edges. th sides with Unfold tortilla; brush bo oil. sheet. Repeat Place on a greased baking oil. d an as till with remaining tor or until tes nu mi 7-8 for Bake at 400° lightly browned. as with Dust both sides of tortill namon cin d an ar confectioners’ sug . rm while still wa Yield: 6 ser vings.

Sunset & Ninth St

A Nightmare before Christmas “Over Christmas break, I went to Colorado to a ski resort. While there, my mother and I saw a guy come down a mountain, hit the fence, go flying over the fence, and land on his butt. We were telling my brother and father about it but my brother was so mad because it was him.” Nick Salem ('18) “When I was 11, my brothers got a toy train set, my sister got her first makeup kit, and I got an unabridged version of “Moby Dick.” When I was 13, my brothers got toys, my sister got a tablet and I got a can of silly string. This last Christmas my brothers got a mini drone, my sister got a Polaroid, and I got a can of Artisan Peanuts.” Santiago Vasquez (’20) “When my brother was little, he told my aunt that he had a gift for her, and he reached into his diaper and handed her poop.”

Taylor Cleveland ('19)

10

sports 12.14.17

OFFSEASON WARRIORS

By Trey Turner

The offseason can be a challenging time for many athletes. Each athlete, no matter what sport, must train in a different way over the offseason to ensure success in the regular season. So, what do these athletes do in the offseason?

Boys Basketball

Each member of the boys basketball team works hard throughout the year to improve their game. Forward Isaac Mitchell (’19) uses his weekends to help out the team.

“I ball out on the weekends and get shots up,” Mitchell said.

Forward Brady McAfee (’18) has a similar routine as Mitchell. He also tries to get as many shots up as he can.

“I try to get in the gym and work on my skills and drills,” McAfee said.

The team will face Salina Central tomorrow at Central.

addition to getting in the gym, all members are required to take conditioning. Forward Angie Hall (’18) is very straightforward in her offseason approach.

“I get in the weight room and the gym to keep my game in shape,” Hall said.

Jacie Marcotte (’18) and Allie Valdez (’18) also try hard to get in the gym whenever they can.

“I work on my ball handling drills and shoot in the gym,” Marcotte said.

Valdez has a similar approach.

“I get in the gym and get shots up,” Valdez said.

The girls will play tomorrow against Salina Central at Central.

Wrestling

The girls basketball team is always preparing for the regular season. In

Unlike the basketball teams, wrestlers will take a different approach to staying in shape. Wrestlers have to maintain weight to wrestle in a certain weight class. Brenner Vogan (’18) and Caleb Copeland (’20) travel in the offseason to improve their skills.

“I go to wrestling camps and work as hard as I possibly can,” Copeland

Isaac Mitchell (’19) grabs a rebound while surrounded by three opponents. photo by tatum forrester

Jacie Marcotte (’18) shoots as Allie Valdez (’18) heads for the rebound. photo by tatum forrester

Girls Basketball

said.

Vogan has a similar schedule in the offseason.

“I’ll travel to national tournaments and compete to keep myself in midseason shape,” Vogan said.

The wrestling team will travel to Newton today for another meet.

Swimming

The swimming team takes an alternate route in the offseason compared to the basketball and wrestling teams.

Paul Armbrust (’19) and Trenton Fabrizius (’18) both have similar offseason routines.

“I swim all year for the Salina club team,” Armbrust said.

Fabrizius participates in the same actiivity.

“Each year, I swim for the aquatics club,” Fabrizius said.

Time spent swimming offseason paid off as the team placed first at their first home meet. The next meet will take place at South on Jan. 4.

Brenner Vogan (’18) continues to train while recovering from his injury. photo by trey turner

11

Feature 12.14.17

DEBATING TO STATE

53

students involved

12

tournaments

6

students qualified for state

4

after school practices per week

By Abby Teschke

The debate team has been practicing together since August. The team is led by Megan Hagaman, who has been involved in debate and forensics since she was in high school.

Debate practices during school and after school as a team. They use their skills at tournaments where they debate against teams from other schools.

At tournaments, students argue both sides of a topic. This year’s topic is whether or not the United States Federal Government should increase or decrease its funding and regulations in elementary and/or secondary schools in the United States.

The students compete in groups of two at tournaments.

When debaters argue as an affirmative team, they argue in favor of increased funding and regulations.

The negative team argues for decreased funding and regulations.

Each debate team must be prepared to argue both sides of the topic at each tournament. This can be a difficult task for students.

“Sometimes you have to argue a case that you don’t really believe in,” Asi Lou Mailau (’18) said.

Since most tournaments take place on Saturdays, the participants must leave early in the morning to compete.

Some competitions are specifically for novice (first year debaters) and some are for experienced (students that have participated for over a year).

This year, there are a lot of novice

debaters in comparison to experienced.

So far, the team has been extremely successful.

The ultimate goal of competing is to learn more skills and come together as a team. State is also a goal of participating It takes place on Jan. 12 and 13 in 2018. Some students are already qualified and they look forward to using new skills to compete at the tournament.

“It’s hard work to prepare for state, but it is worth it in the end when you finally get to go,” Brandon Stewart (’20) said.

There is also state for novice debaters on the first weekend of January. The debate team has had six state qualifiers so far, including Santiago Vasquez (’20), Gavin Jones (’20), Tiana Marion (’20), Maya Daily (’20), Brandon Stewart (’20), and Maddeline Lilak (’20).

The team spends most of their time together throughout the season because they practice during class and after school. A majority of the team also does forensics during the spring.

Forensics is similar to debate, but there are many different events and skills involved. Debaters usually do forensics in order to learn new things and gain more experience.

Debate takes a lot of perseverance and dedication, but this year’s team has been willing to put in the work.

Hagaman and the team have had a successful season and they look forward to going to state in the spring.

3

minutes per average speech

Debate students get to work on speeches during class. photo by abby teschke

12

feature 12.14.17

Emily Ross (’20) and Tori Maxton (’20) show the two ways of taking finsta pictures. photo by kaylee warren

How many finstas do you follow?

For Ross, her finsta is a place to post pictures that she would not normally post on her regular Instagram.

“I post random pictures of me and my friends, and pictures of my dog,” Ross said.

The same goes for Maxton and the pictures she posts.

“I put random pictures about my life on it. Practically my whole camera roll is on it, and I post about my feelings, friends, and a bunch of random stuff,” Maxton said.

According to an article on Huffington Post, finsta handles are suggestive, however for most students it is the opposite.

“My handle implies that it is a spam of my pictures,” Maxton said.

With most students finstas, their handle usually includes their name in a weird way.

Whether students follow or have a finsta, it is universally agreed that having a finsta is all fun and games, and a place for a person to really be themselves.

Do you like looking at others finstas?

By Kaylee Warren

Most people use the social media app Instagram to portray themselves in the best way that they can. Selfies usually are well-lit and have an overall concept.

However, students are now finding ways to put themselves on Instagram in a way that they want to. Fake Instagrams, better known as finstas, are becoming more and more popular.

Both Tori Maxton (’20) and Emily Ross (’20) made their finstas because they wanted to jump on the bandwagon with everyone else.

For most finsta users, their account is private and usually they decide who will follow them to avoid embarrassment.

“My finsta is private because I do not want a bunch of random people that I do not know to see that random pictures of me,” Ross said.

But some people do have their account public.

“My finsta is public because if someone wants to check it out and see what is going on in my life they can,” Maxton said.

Do you have a finsta?

FINDING YOUR FINSTA No Yes 6-10 10+ 1-5 0

Som

etim

No

es

Yes

*based on a survey of 217 students

13

feature 12.14.17

TEACHERS TAKE ON TWITTER

By Grace Hoge

In the past decade, the social media site Twitter has become a popular way to update others on one’s lives and opinions.

Many of the teachers here at South have either recently made accounts or maintained them for some time.

Chemistry teacher Nikki Chamberlain is one of many instructors who has a Twitter account the student body is familiar with.

“I use it to promote my class and to promote my students and to share with people what we are doing in chemistry class,” Chamberlain said.

Some teachers use Twitter for educational purposes and to show others what is going on in their classroom.

“I want to show people all of the cool things that my students are doing each day,” Chamberlain said. “I want to show them all the great things that kids can do and how intelligent they are or how amazing they are.”

However, other teachers, such as Personal Fitness instructor Tyler Smith, use their Twitters to give students a glimpse into their personal lives.

“I think it makes us seem more personable. It helps the students know that we have real lives, and we enjoy our lives; we’re not robots.” Smith said.

Whether for eductional purposes or entertainment, the teachers of South High have taken Twitter by storm.

Teacher Handles @JustinEbert @kawendell @sam_sellers @CBrochtrup @SHSChamberlain @SouthHighMakers @thesmithty @PoodleBoy2016 @jasonhooper09 @SHSCougarLibrary @CurtisLStevens @SouthTheatre

14

fun page 12.14.17

Tweet us your coloring page @SHSTripodium

Drawn by Shawna Rohrig

New teacher, New music

15

feature 12.14.17

By Joslyn Jones

Bonilla loves that everyone is this new change that has come their connected and how it feels to be a part way. Lane has been making many new of orchestra. She does not think she changes and is happy with how the will ever stop playing, since it brings so students are reacting towards them. much joy to her life.

One orchestra student, Maria

Bonilla has had the same orchestra Bonilla (’20), has been playing in an teacher for the past several years and orchestra for 12 now and likes some of was affected by the switch in teachers. the changes that Lane has made.

However, she is happy that Lane has

One of the changes is how the made the change by making orchestra a orchestra has a game night. They order pizza and play games. The game night is community now.

“She made it so it's not just a a time for them to talk and get to know school based thing, it involves the each other. It makes them feel even whole community and it's nice to see more connected and like a family. the changes she is making,” Bonilla said

Many students are happy with the

Although the change in teachers During a rehearsal, Alyssa Lane teaches changes Lane has made and enjoy that orchestra. photo by kaylee warren has been a little difficult, the students she also thinks of them as a big family.

are succeeding and cannot wait to see “Everyone is so connected and I

what else Lane can bring to the table in like how it feels like a big family,” said

Orchestra teacher Alyssa Lane is a during their orchestra careers.

Bonilla.

South High graduate. She loves the opportunity to come back and work with the the people who have made her who she is today. Lane finds it amazing that she gets to work at a school that has such a love for the arts and is grateful for it.

When Lane began to work at South, she noticed that the students were apprehensive about her since they had the same teacher for the past several years. Soon enough they became excited and ready to learn from Lane

“They have become excited about the new changes and are ready to learn new music,” said Lane.

Lane enjoys doing new things and introducing the students to new ideas.

Some new things that the orchestra is working on are upcoming concerts and full orchestra. Full orchestra has never been done before here, and Lane is extremely excited she gets to bring this new experience to the students.

“The concert will be a full orchestra, which incorporates both band and orchestra students,” Lane said, excited that she gets to bring something new to the school.

Also, the students did a Trans-Siberian Orchestra arrangement; this included a guitar, drums and electric Daniela Rhodeman (’21) plays the cello during class. photo by kaylee warren bass. This has also never been done at South, and the students are excited for

16 BUILDING A FUTURE photostory 12.14.17

By Abby Teschke

1. Cody Roker (’18) uses a saw to complete his project.

2. Derrick Zwigart (’18) puts finishing touches on his work.

3. Gary Seibel helps to explain the assignment to a student.

4. Zwigart and Roker gather around a table to work.

5. Shane Charlton (’18), Nick Rush (’19), and Colter Stelter (’20) use tools to ensure that their projects look perfect.

6. Drafting students discuss their class work.

7. Patrick Staley (’18) adds details and final touches to his wood work.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7