2022-2023, Print Issue 2

Co-Editors

Editorial Policy

Letters to the Editor

The staff encourages letters to the editor from its readers. Letter should be taken to room 2117 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.

By Jocelyn Hamilton Cartoons By James Villanueva

Schools should provide period products in restrooms

South Speaks

Freshman Class

By Isabelle Greenemeyer

Menstrual Cycles: the stigma around the term is profound and many are left unsure when it comes to daily struggles in school. One of these are period products in bathrooms. Currently at Salina South High School requires students to pay 25 cents in restrooms for a tampon or sanitary napkin, the only other alternative is to ask the school nurse. Many students are comfortable asking for these products, but this is not where the issue lies, we should have the right to these products when needed. If these period products were provided free in our school bathrooms this would allow for less class time wasted, and provide products to lower income students who cannot afford to buy their own.

According to a study conducted by Forbes, 57% said they feel their school doesn’t care about them if they don’t provide free period products in the bathrooms. A clear majority (85%) said they think that public schools should provide free period products. If schools provide students with products in bathrooms this saves the student a trip to the nurse, back to the restroom, and then back to class. Currently, five states require free menstrual products in restrooms as of 2021. Salina high schools can continue this change in school systems by providing products in restrooms, allowing for students to feel safe and comfortable.

Many students across America can not afford period products for themselves, Twenty-three percent of U.S. students struggle to afford menstrual hygiene products according to a 2021 survey by Thinx and PERIOD, feminine hygiene companies. Students not being able to give themselves their own menstrual products allows for a sense of individuality and freedom.

Along with the benefits, certain issues may follow suit. School nurse Alysha Pierce thinks that this solution would be temporary because kids would start taking them when they don’t actually need them.

Although this is a possibility, if students take multiple products it may be a sign that they cannot afford those products at home.

Salina South High School prides itself in setting its students up for success, and providing comfort for students would be doing just that. Our school can become an example to other school around Kansas sharing our pride and our faculties care for students. We can continue this legacy by providing free menstrual products in our school restrooms.

South Speaks: Teacher’s Version

“I think it would be temporary because I honestly think that kids would start taking them.”

Sophomore Class

Junior Class

Senior Class

What’s your opinion on the recent events that have been happening at school?

“I am on birth control and I do not have a period because of that, so when I get my period it is at random. I have no idea that it’s coming, it is extremely sudden, and I am usually unprepared for that.”

-Chris Strowig

“It would be less of a hassle.”

-Andrew Vasquez

-Alysha Pierce, school nurse

“Providing free menstrual products in the bathrooms would be a great idea because there are many girls that are embarrassed about their cycles.”

-Ashlyn Lundblade

“If people would like products in the bathrooms they should have it, but they should make sure its safe.”

-Que’raun Brooks

“I think providing menstrual products in female bathrooms would benefit female students by limiting the anxiety and stress that come with having to use those products at school.”

-Shelby Mann, science teacher

A Green Salina

What our city has done and what you can do to make the community eco-friendly

By Jocelyn Hamilton

Salina has been working hard to become more eco-friendly as a whole. According to Salina’s sanitation fund the adopted budget for 2022 and 2023 is almost $300,000 each year.

“Sanitation provides residential refuse collection for 15,000 households weekly, collecting about 17,000 tons of waste annually. Additionally they operate a drive-thru recycling program (SDRC). The SDRC collected around 535 tons of recyclables in the first year of operation,” said City of Salina website.

In addition to the Drive-Thru Recycling program, there are private companies in Salina that can also pick up recycling for an annual fee. One of these companies is Recyclops; their annual fee is $10/month for every other week, and there’s an option for weekly pickups that costs $18/month.

If recycling isn’t an accessible option that would work in day to day life, thrifting is also a choice. Going to thrift stores is an amazing way to help locally; Salina has multiple thrift stores like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, the DAV and more. Buying clothes from thrift stores stops the possibility of the clothing going into a landfill, and these stores give accessible prices for those who can’t afford high quality and sustainable clothing options out of pocket.

“I’m happy that clothes aren’t going to landfills, especially since fast fashion is making it’s way to the trash, but I’m upset that clothes aren’t as accessible for lower classes as they need to be,” senior Aubrey Powell said in regards to the accessibility and benefits of thrift stores.

A huge issue that affects the environment is the fast fashion industry. The definition of fast fashion is “inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.”

According to HealthyHunamLife.com tons of this inexpensive and poor quality clothing makes its way into landfills each year. Not only is fast fashion horrible for the environment, it’s produced in unliveable work conditions, with only two percent of workers earning a living wage. Some

of these brands being Shein, Ali Express, Wish and many others.

Fast fashion is notoriously cheap and sustainable options are notoriously expensive. Although sustainable clothing is a higher price, if a person took the cost per wear calculation into account it’s actually the same price or cheaper than fast fashion. Cost per wear is the calculation of taking the cost of the item divided by the times you wear the article of clothing. For example, if a person buys jeans from Shein for $12 and wears that item four times, the cost per wear would be $3.

Fast fashion is based on trends and the garments aren’t made for multiple wears and washes, meaning multiple wears aren’t possible. Now compare that to $60 jeans; a person would wear those at least 60 times in the couple years they’re worn, those jeans are $1 per wear. Even though these sustainable options are more expensive at first, in the long run they last longer, are better quality, and help the environment.

Junior Emily Billings explains why she thrifts.

“I thrift because I love how I don’t have to spend $50 on a pair of brand new jeans when at Goodwill. For example you can buy jeans that have been used, but are still in good quality,” Billings said.

Eco-friendly options can also be personally implemented. This could be using reusable water bottles, metal straws, reusable plastic bags or plastic wrap.

During the summers Salina is home to a couple farmer’s markets that are not only environmentally friendly, but supportive of small businesses. One farmer’s market that is open all year round, is the Harvest Farmer’s Market. Open 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays at 1325 E Cloud Street at the Emmanuel Salina Church. This market includes local produce, meats, baked goods, honey, cut flowers, craft, soaps and more.

Caring about the environment isn’t something that someone needs to change their entire lifestyle for. There are options everywhere, all people have to do is look.

The Salina Drive-Thru Recycling Center is located on 125 W. North Street, on the corner of Santa Fe Avenue and North Street. Open Wednesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m-6 p.m.

The SDRC is a no sort facility that accepts a wide variety of recyclables. This resource is free to the public.

Goodwill Salina is located on 2640 S Planet Ave. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m-8 p.m. On Sundays open 12 p.m-6 p.m. Prices average around 99 cents to $15. Shirts cost $2 and pants cost around $5.

The Salvation Army of Salina Kansas is located on 1137 N Sante Fe Ave. Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m-4:30 p.m. Prices averages around $1 to $12. Shirts costs $2.50 and pants cost around $5-10.

Workers at the Drive-Thru Recycling Center help unload recyclables from cars. photo by jocelyn hamilton

Charities Make the Difference

By Jocelyn Hamilton

Charities in Salina are all helping with different problems that face the community. Salina Rescue Mission helps with providing places for those who don’t have stable living conditions and the Salina Emergency Food Bank helps with providing food for those who are struggling to get fed. The charities that call Salina home are making a difference and impact on those who are in need.

Salina Shares’ website states, “The mission of Salina Shares is to share our time, our lives and our resources to enrich the lives of others.” They have projects going on all year round, in the summer they have “Flurry of Flip-Flops” and hang flip-flops on gates of Kenwood Cove. They also have “Christmas Givings” which helps families prepare for Christmas throughout the entire year. Salina Shares is always accepting donations and volunteers year round. To help Salina Shares in regards to Christmas this year, you can drop off donations at their office (155 S. 5th Street), or buy an item off their Amazon or Target wish list that is provided on their website at SalinaShares.com.

Another notable organization in Salina is the Salina Emergency Food Bank. They provide a multitude of services including: food bank distribution, the Backpack Program, Senior Food Boxes, Emergency Assistance, etc. The food distribution times are Monday from 1–2:45 p.m. & 5–6:45 p.m. Times from are Tuesday – Friday: 1–2:45 p.m. The Backpack Program uses counselors around the county to identify students who are in need of extra assistance in regards to food, and provide child-friendly, shelf stable and high protein food to those who need that assistance. Senior Food Boxes give shelf stable boxes monthly to seniors who are on fixed incomes. Emergency Assistance can be obtained when you call ahead, this assistance creates opportunities for help with prescriptions. To help the Food Bank you can donate online at SalinaFood.org or by mail. You can sign up to volunteer on their website as well.

These are just a couple of the many charities that help those in need in Salina. These organizations truly affect the community and lives of those in our community, any help has an impact and is appreciated.

1. Donations wait to be given out at the Salina Emergency Food Bank; this food included baking mixes and other items for the holidays. photo by jocelyn hamilton

2. Karen Couch, director of the Salina Emergency Food Bank, helps fulfill orders for food distribution with another volunteer. “Curing Hunger... one cart at a time” says the food banks website. photo by jocelyn hamilton

4. A set table at Salina Shares free Thanksgiving meal waits to be eaten at. This event lasted all day and was open to anyone. photo by jocelyn hamilton

5. Volunteers get an order for a Thanksgiving dinner and call out what food needs to be plated. photo by jocelyn hamilton

3. Volunteers at Salina Shares help serve food for the yearly Thanksgiving meal open to all. photo by jocelyn hamilton

FEATURE GET TO KNOW DOWNTOWN

By Yasmine Eison

Nature’s Art, Blushe Boutique, The Bath Pub, Ad Astra and The Second Realm are some of the downtown businesses that continue to grow and thrive because of the support Salina brings them. All of these businesses use social media like Instagram, Facebook and their own websites to promote their shops.

Nature’s Art sells crystals of all different colors, shapes and sizes including those that people can wear or put on display.

Originally known as C and P Lapidary, Pat Brewer runs the business with his granddaughter Caitlin Link. Brewer works on cutting rocks on his days off on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays.

Link is in charge of the social media, but Brewer promotes the business with a Google promotion page as well. The business also sells their products through Etsy. The owner chose the location of the business to save money, and he likes the downtown atmosphere. His suggestion for business growth is good customer service and prices.

The Bath Pub is a business that sells self care products and essential oils. Their products are made with plant based ingredients that are great for the skin. The Bath Pub also provides a service that lets customers make their own unique scents and soaps. They are involved with local activities and have done events like the annual wine walk.

Sadie Simpson is a manager at the Bath Pub, and Antonia Webb is one of the employees of the shop.

“The best selling product would have to be the exfoliating body scrub,” Simpson said.

Nature’s Art displays its cut and detailed crystals and rocks in different shapes and sizes. photo by yasmine eison

Another downtown business, Blushe Boutique, is owned by Pam Welsh. They sell clothes, shoes, accessories and self care products.

“People are fun and it’s like a home away from home,” employee Brynn O’Hara said.

The Bath Pub displays all its bath bombs, salts and products. photo by yasmine eison

Ad Astra Books and Coffee House owned by Tammy Jarvis. She sells food and drinks while having shelves of different books that are sold or read by patrons.

The Ad Astra Books and Coffee House is known to have a good atmosphere for focusing and studying

Her business has been open for 11 years, and reopened in November at their new location.

Second Realm, one of the newest downtown businesses; they have been open for six months.

They sell board games, refreshments and have community D&D games.

The owner, Brianna Murphy, explained she started her business from her college fund. She said that the best thing about having a local business is that she can

Ad Astra Books and Coffee House displays different dishes used for refreshments. photo by yasmine eison

EXPLORING THE ART OF COOKING

By Lillian Ardis

Culinary internships, one of the many at Salina South High School, play a part in the school and the community.

“I enjoy being a culinary intern,” senior Maritza Castro said.

There are two types of culinary internships, community interns work at restaurants such as Seraphim Bread and Tucson’s.

The school interns stay at the school working at Salina South’s coffee bar, Common Grounds.

Culinary interns at Salina South are responsible for running the coffee bar, filling cookie orders, planning and producing bake sale items, and assisting with the daily operations of the culinary department.

“We sometimes help other culinary classes cook,” Castro said.

In the past, they have catered a luncheon at the board office for 35 people; they also provided hors d’oeuvres for the Building Bridges event.

Senior Samantha Cox helps with Salina South’s Common Grounds and also coordinates the bake sales.

“I enjoy working with other people that enjoy cooking, and creating new bonds,” Cox said. “I think it’s great being an intern, seeing people’s reaction to what I make, I love that.”

Seniors Yadira Escobedo and Abby Valles make an order in the coffee bar. photo by lillian ardis

Salina South High School culinary interns finish catering for the USD 305 Building Bridges event. photo by denalyn vasquez

Senior Yadira Escobedo hands coffee to a student. photo by lillian ardis

Senior Abby Valles pours milk into the expresso. photo by lillian ardis

Kallie Fulton

State of

Salina South High’s AP Art Students work

By Adele

Q: What is the theme of your portfolio?

A: Religious Trauma through the viewpoint of a woman/young girl.

Q: What inspired or led you to pursue this theme?

A: My personal experiences with hypocrisy and childhood trauma within religion.

Q: Why is art important to you & why should others care about art?

A: We wouldn’t be anything without art. It’s everywhere. It brings people together and is used to express anything. It’s an amazing thing.

Q: What is your favorite art medium?

A: Mainly graphite and charcoal but I also love photography and acrylic paint.

Q: What age or period in your life did you start pursuing art?

A: Probably around eight years old.

Q: Do you intend to pursue art as a career?

A: Hopefully. I want to just create art for a living but also maybe incorporate film. That would be fun.

Q: Who is your favorite or most influential artist?

A: Frida Kahlo. Her story and actual art is just really cool and impactful.

Q: How would you describe your personal art style?

A: I guess I mainly do realism but I’m trying to branch out and try less stressful art styles. When I first learned how to do realism I thought it looked so cool and kind of just went with it from that point on.

Students at Salina South are able to express themselves through the many art classes that are offered. South’s AP Art program allows students to take their art studies to the next level through the creation of a portfolio, consisting of 15 pieces or more and revolving around a common theme. The portfolio is submitted to College Board and scored at the end of the school year. This year’s program currently has four seniors enrolled and their artwork covers a wide variety of topics and subjects.

Artwork by senior Kallie Fulton

Seniors Kallie Fulton and Taegen Norris focus on completing art pieces. photo by adele gerry.

Senior Brianna Fortune sketches a drawing. photo by adele gerry.

Artwork by senior Brianna Fortune

the Art

work on creating themed art portfolios

Adele Gerry

Alondra Mendiola

Taegen Norris

Q: What is the theme of your portfolio?

A: I originally picked Mexican Heritage but now it’s focused on my grandpa and the effects of old age.

Q: What inspired or led you to pursue this theme?

A: My grandpa truly is my heritage so that’s why I’m using him as the subject.

Q: Why is art important to you & why should others care about art?

A: Art is expression and has influence on people. It’s also a way for people to universally interpret things.

Q: What is your favorite art medium?

A: I only really work with acrylic so it’s hard to know but I also like spray paint and oil pastels.

Q: What age or period in your life did you start pursuing art?

A: Maybe like first grade but I started taking classes freshman year.

Q: Who is your favorite or most influential artist?

A: There’s a lot. I like Picasso because his work isn’t traditional. It was the first time I realized art did not have to be perfect.

Q: How would you describe your personal art style?

A: It’s mostly realism. I sketched what I saw. My dad told me to sketch out pictures and then I started to experiment with color.

Q: What is the theme of your portfolio?

A: What it means to be human. Whether that is emotionally, physically or spiritually.

Q: What inspired or led you to pursue this theme?

A: I really wanted to define and portray humanity in a way that people can feel in their heart. I think by portraying and beautifying this, it can bring us all together.

Q: Why is art important to you & why should others care about art?

A: I’m huge on self expression and everyone needs some type of expression in their lives. If people don’t have that, they can become stuck.

Q: What is your favorite art medium?

A: I use almost anything I can. If it’s around me, I’ll use it. Mainly acrylic paint and office supplies, but I’ll try anything.

Q: Do you intend to pursue art as a career?

A: I plan to do art but not in the way everyone would think. I plan to do art education because I believe I’m best at explaining and helping others express themselves through art.

Q: Who is your favorite or most influential artist?

A: Ludwig van Beethoven. It’s beautiful how he expresses his art through sound and music.

Q: How would you describe your personal art style?

A: I think it’s very surreal and sometimes even disturbing even though that’s not the intention behind it.

Artwork by senior Taegen Norris

Artwork by senior Alondra Mediola

FEATURE SAVOR THE CULTURE

By Jose Garcia

Maggie Gon, an owner of Momoya, makes sushi during lunch. photo by jose garcia

The outside of Momoya Ramen Sushi as lunch starts to bring in customers. photo by jose garcia

Momoya is a ramen and sushi restaurant near the Central Mall on Ninth Street. The restaurant is owned by a couple from China named Maggie and Logan Gon. The Gon’s have owned Momoya for three years. The average cost for food at Momoya is about $10 a meal. The average price for sushi is around $6. The most popular food at Momoya is the fried rice and ramen. The most popular sushi at Momoya is the Big John Roll and the Las Vegas. Freshman M’Lynn Harris frequently eats at Momoya.

“My favorite thing to get from Momoya is the fried rice. I also really enjoyed the service, the atmosphere of Momoya is very calm.” said Harris.

Momoya Social Media/Hours Instagram: Momoyaramensushi Facebook: Momoya-Ramen and Sushi Website: momoyasalina.com 2100 S 9th St Open Mon-Tue 11am-10pm Thur-Sun 11am-10pm

The logo for Seoul USA designed by the owner Joomi Bobbett. photo by jose garcia

The outside of Seoul USA in between lunch and dinner service. photo by jose garcia

Seoul Korean is an authentic restaurant near Walgreens on the corner of Broadway and Crawford. The restaurant is owned by Joomi Bobbett. Bobbett has lived in Salina for 26 years and Seoul Korean has been run in Salina for 10 years. The average price for a meal is about $10. The most popular food is kimichi, the sampler, bimbimbab and mandoo.

“My favorite thing to get from Seoul USA is the beef bulgogi, white rice, kimichi and sprouts. I like the scenery, music and the atmosphere is very calm.” said junior Ayella Ordonez.

Seoul USA Social Media/Hours Facebook: Seoul USA Korean Restaurant Website: seoulusareastaurant.meanufy.com 750 S Broadway Blvd Open Monday closed Tue-Sun Lunch Service11am-3pm Tue-Sun Dinner Service 5pm-8pm

Family Owned Cultural Restaurants to dine in around Salina

Pancho’s is a Mexican restaurant near Walmart on Ninth Street. Pancho’s general manager is Alondra Moreira; Moreira runs the location in Salina as well as the location in Lawrence. Pancho’s has served food in Salina for 11 years. The average price for a meal at Pancho’s is $7. Senior Alan Chang was asked his favorite food to get at Pancho’s is.

“My favorite food to get is the carne asada burrito. I go to Pancho’s around twice a week. I highly recommend students to go to Pancho’s,” said Chang.

Pancho’s Social Media/Hours

Facebook: Pancho’s Mexican Food Website:panchosmexicanfoodks.com 3029 Riffel Dr Open Mon-Sun 24-7

Auntie Rita’s is downtown, across the street from Martinelli’s. This family owned restaurant has been at its current location for two years. Auntie Rita’s is owned by Kavelle deVaughn Gordon. The restaurant’s name, Auntie Rita’s, came from Gordon’s aunt who was known for her love of cooking. The most popular food at Auntie Rita’s is the jerk chicken and curry chicken. The average price at Auntie Rita’s is $11 for a meal.

“My favorite food is the jerk chicken. I also love that the restaurant is authentic and the atmosphere is very calm,” said Maritza Castro in regards to her favorite parts of Auntie Rita’s

The logo for Auntie Rita’s in front of the Jamaican flag. photo by jose garcia.

Auntie Rita’s Social media/hours

Facebook: Auntie Rita’s Jamaican Cuisine 145 S Santa Fe Ave Suite 100 Open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm Sunday 12am-6pm

The outside of Pancho’s at night, with the usual rush. photo by jose garcia

The outside of Auntie Rita’s during dinner service. photo by jose garcia

A sign on the right side of Pancho’s resturant. photo by jose garcia

EDUCATION

The USD 305 district provides many opportunities for high school students to begin their post-secondary education.

These take the form in advanced placement, blended, concurrent, and dual-enrollment courses.

Higher education courses cost money for college credit. However, tuition for these classes is less than what students will pay after graduation.

If taking a college course that’s not an advanced placement class, it is important that students check to see if the class they attend will transfer to their desired university.

To check, students can visit the Kansas Transfer Portal that houses all Systemwide Transfer (SWT) courses by the Board of Regents.

This site provides a list and a portal to identify whether or not your credit can be accepted by another University.

Since the district works in cooperation with many colleges, the chances for a student to find a transferable credit to their desired post-secondary institution are heightened.

USD 305 works with Bethany College, Hutchinson Community College, Kansas State University Salina, and Salina Area Technical College to grant most of these college credit opportunities.

However, some students aren’t aware of these possibilities. So, to understand the importance of these classes, it is essential to explore the opportunities offered to Salina South and Central students.

Advanced placement

USD 305 provides over 15 advanced placement (AP) classes. AP classes are courses at the college level taken in the high school setting. These classes are weighted courses that can increase a student’s grade point average (GPA) past the four-point scale.

However, to gain college credit for taking these courses, students must take the AP Exam for the corresponding class.

An AP Exam score is scaled zero-tofive. The student’s score determines how qualified they are to earn college credit.

The College Board outlines that if a student obtains a score of one, there is no recommendation that the student receives college credit. If a student scores a two,

then they could possibly receive college credit. Scores three to five are considered qualified scores; however, it’s still up to the college to determine whether the score is accepted.

Sophomore Elizabeth Lovett currently takes AP World History taught by Kevin Poland.

“I like the challenge and how it will get me ready for college courses,” Lovett said, “There’s more work and you actually have to study and put time outside of school.”

She plans to take the AP exam this May.

“I already started notes and plan to keep studying using the study guide that Mr. Poland provides,” Lovett said.

Lovett plans to take AP classes in the future because she enjoys the challenge.

at K-State Salina second semester.

Concurrent

Concurrent courses are instructed by qualified teachers in USD 305 high schools.

Currently, Salina South only offers concurrent courses through Salina Area Technical College.

Students at Salina South, like senior Alexander Figueroa-Castro, are taking advantage of concurent courses offered by the district.

Figueroa-Castro currently takes AP Physics, considered a concurrent course and not an advanced placement course by the USD 305 district.

“AP Physics is offered at Salina Central High School, but South students can still take the class,” Figueroa-Castro said,

LOOKING AHEAD

Salina South students take on higher education in high school

By Francisco Guardado

Dual-Enrollment

Dual enrollment courses are offered through an institutional agreement between higher education and high school’s.

They allow high school students to enroll for college classes and earn college and high school credits.

Currently, USD 305 works in coordination with Kansas State University Salina. Students from the district can travel to campus and actually earn the college experience.

Junior Lola McBride took public speaking at K-State Salina with Dr. Ruth Mirtz.

“I really liked It because I felt like I learned more because I was in a class with more advanced students,” McBride said,

“It was also nice because I also felt more comfortable expressing my ideas in front of older mature people. I also liked receiving college credit.”

McBride discovered dual enrollment classes through her counselor at South High, Jim Allen.

She is plans to take a Sociology course

“Unlike other advanced placement classes, AP Physics college credit is provided through Salina Tech. So, students aren’t required to take the AP exam.”

Blended

Like concurrent courses, blended classes are taught by qualified high school teachers.

In these courses, teachers work in coordination with a college instructor who grades the student’s assignments. These classes are taken at the high school campus in the USD 305 district.

Senior Merissa Bailey-Rios took HCC General Psychology with Hutchinson Community College during their junior year of high school.

“I really liked getting college credit while staying in the high school,” Bailey-Rios said.

Despite the benefit of receiving college credit, blended courses can have its downside.

“It was hard not being able to ask the one who grades our assignments better questions,” Bailey-Rios said.

Steps to enroll for dual courses

1. Ask your counselor if you qualify and can enroll in an dual enrollment course. They will send in your student application.

2. If you get accepted, pay your class fee(s). The Pre-College Coordinator at K-State Salina, Jordan Funk ,will send you your schedule and payment reminders.

Blended

Student Feature

photo courtesy of denalyn vasquez Adrian Aranda Senior

Senior Adrian Aranda will have an associates degree in Applied Business through Kansas State University Salina by the time they graduate Salina South High School in May 2023.

Aranda first encountered dual enrollment courses through a counselor introduction.

“My junior year was the first year they started doing the PolyCats Program and I decided to enroll,” Aranda said.

Ever since, he has enjoyed the merits that this opportunity has offered.

“My favorite part of dual enrollment is how much more affordable they are while I’m still in high school compared to if I would’ve taken the classes after secondary,” Aranda said.

He goes on to say that college courses at K-State Salina feel no different that classes in high school.

Aranda recommends that students at Salina South take advantage of dual enollment through K-State Salina.

“I definitely do recommend others to take dual enrollment classes. You get a feel of what college classes, professors, and being on campus will be like before being a full time college student. Not only that, but now I have a two year head start,” Aranda said.

Aranda plans to attend Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall.

OUTLOOK ON THE

By Lillian Ardis and Anreya Ordonez

At the beginning of the school year Unified Bowling was introduced as a new sport.

The Salina high school bowling team went to the regionals competition on Nov. 8 and finished in fourth place out of 14 teams which qualified the team to state.

At the state competition on Nov. 18 Salina’s bowling team placed 3rd with a total of 934 at the state tournament.

The Salina South participants at the state competition were freshman Collin Welsch, Dayton Brown, sophomore De’Yauntrie

Senior Montanna Packett prepares to catch the ball in practice for the Dec. 2 game. photo by francisco guardado

Morton and senior Aviana Ordonez

Salina’s unified bowling team finish the state competition. courtesy of linn exline

Junior Quevon Purucker shoots the ball at practice. photo by francisco guardado

Junior Mason Gardner swims butterfly at the Dec. 1 home meet. photo by maritza castro

WINTER SEASON

As the fall sports season comes to a close, Salina South High school begins its winter season. Salina South’s winter season includes girls and boys wrestling, basketball, and swimming. Bowling begins soon.

GIRLS WRESTLING

Last year, sophomore Ninel Garcia was one of the first girls in Salina South history to qualify to state,

“The biggest challenge for me is being in a new weight class and familiarity with who I am wrestling,” Garcia said.

Garcia looks forward to the season and to wrestling meets at Washburn Rural and Central High school.

Though the main competition she looks forward to is regional and state competition.

“With making it to state as a freshman last year I hope to make it again as a sophomore,” says Garcia,

“I’ve improved so much from last year and I hope to place at state to show it.”

BOYS WRESTLING

“I love that I have the opportunity to wrestle among my friends,” junior Deacon Mcdonald said,

“I look forward to working hard with

my teammates.”

McDonald looks forward to competing at the central meet because he placed first at the meet last year.

“During practice, I always make sure others are doing their best,” McDonald said.

“This year I want to win a high percentage of matches, to work hard and to not give up.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

“I’m excited about Friday’s game because it’s the season opener and we have a lot of determined individuals on our team this year,” senior Montanna Packett said.

The Salina South girl’s basketball team on Dec. 2 went 30-42 losing to Goddard Eisenhower High School. However, despite last season they continue to push forward.

“I look forward to improving my skills and confidence on the court, and being a leader on the team,” Packett said.

“I will accomplish this by continuing to work hard, playing with passion and no fear, and by encouraging my teammates and motivating them.”

The game Packett looks forward to most this year was the Salina Central ver-

sus Salina South game on Dec. 16 against Derby at Salina South high school.

BOYS BASKETBALL

“There’s nothing I really don’t like about basketball, I love competition,” junior Quevon Purucker said.

“I look forward to the central and andover game,” said Purucker. “I like the size of the team and cheering on teammates.”

The next Salina South boys basketball game takes place on Dec. 16 against Derby taking place at Salina South High School.

BOYS SWIMMING

The first Salina South boys swimming meet took place on Dec 1 when senior Hayden Smith qualified for state.

“I think that we all did very well and I’m looking forward to more,” junior Mason Gardner said.

“I want to try and break a minute in the 100 freestyle, I just have to practice harder.”

Gardner explains, “I’m looking forward to the away meets and having fun with the team.”

The next swim meet for Salina South takes place on Jan 5 at Salina South.

Junior Deacon Mcdonald prepares to wrestle. photo by chloe jeffries

Sophomore Ninel Garcia wrestles at the Dec. meet at Valley Center high school. courtesy of jackie lari

SOUTH

Dresses

to Impress

“Shaggy

“I’m an outfit repeater,” sophomore Destiny Gonzalez-Keophaymany said.

“I like the 90s,” freshman Pete BernardoWagner said.

“I just wear what I’m comfortable in,” sophomore Carson Wellbrock said.

“What mood I am in depends on the oufit I choose,” junior Hannah Hutton said.

“I get my inspiration mostly from my bestfriend and Pinterest,” senior Susie Beachy said.

“I’d probably say loosely based on the late 70’s punk movement but not too aggressive with it.” sophomore Nash Murdock said.

“Style over comfort,” sophomore Hao Tran said.

“I just pick out a specific item and style it,” freshman Zee Cain said.

from Scooby-Doo,” senior Jesse Stelter said.

All photos by Isabelle Greenemeyer