December Issue 2020

The

Bell

December 2020

Volume 97, Issue 4

Liberty High School lhsnews.net

Contents

Letter from the Editor

Staff

Editor-in-Chief & Ads Manager

Regan Johnston

Managing Editor & Copy Editor

Emma Stauffer

Online Manager & Indepth Editor

Paige Hodges

Opinion & A&E Editor

Derek Katzer

News, Asst. InDepth & Co-Sports Editor

Caty Franklin

Asst. Copy, Features & Co-Sports Editor Spotlight Editor

Reporters

Lejla Aganovic Shane Bass DJ Binns Lucas Kilgore

Editor-in-Chief

Ethan Atkins Alex Klein Ari Revella Lucia Umbreit Sadie Watkins

Photo Jay

Managing Editor Section Editor

Photographers

Julissa Balderas Jenna Berry Kendin Bittiker Richard Burns Grace Bushroe Chloe Gerardy Jadyn Chapman Nicholas Dillon Kalea Faubion Katie Glasford Claire Hamilton Santana Hiatt

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Sarah Blankenship

Charlene Nguyen Emma McDonald Hattie Ludwig Bianca Jackson JP Ngugi Brynna Namanny Tianna Owens Brenna Oxley Collin Parker Dhanita Patel Henley Schmalz Erynn Sly Aidan Thieme Emra Tmusic Aidan Waggoner

It’s the end of the first semester, which brings about the last issue of The Bell for the 2020 school year. For the last issue of the year, the staff decided to focus on what has improved this year, but also what we can do better as we move into 2021.

One thing that staff and students have improved on in 2020 is their ability to adapt and overcome challenging times. The music arts department, in particular, is showing their problem-solving skills while working around the COVID-19 restrictions to bring music to our school (Page 6).

The LMC is also working on its own improvement. It’s been under construction since April, and when it is done and open to students and staff, it will have a more modern look, more features for students and more space (Page 8).

The Spotlights for the December issue worked on their own betterment, as well. Freshman Nya Riak focused on her art and family to stay relaxed after a stressful year. Sophomore Sam Brusven started working on his future and started a volleyball team. Junior Reyna Myvett focused on being a good person and a positive influence in every activity she is involved in. Lastly, senior Ryan Pfannenstiel has helped his cross country team achieve their goals (Pages 10-13).

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the school again had to consider what precautions need to be updated or put in place to prevent further spread of the virus (Page 14). While students were wondering why physical school has not shut down yet, the administration had to consider what would be best for everyone.

Speaking of what’s best for everyone, the leadership team of The Bell decided to use December to talk about what they think should be improved in society, from how we view educators, going outside of traditions and ‘the norm’ to relieve stress and how society treats people considered different.

The Bell also wanted to improve student’s and staff’s music diversity in December by reviewing popular songs related to Chrismas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (Page 20).

Lastly, senior athletes at LHS talked about how they improved their skills and their outlook in order to join the college-level of their sport (Pages 24-26).

With this issue, The Bell hoped to remind students and staff of all the accomplishments they achieved in 2020 and of all the ways they can improve in 2021.

Correction

On page 17 of the November issue, freshman Cadence Brier’s name was spelled incorectly.

On the Cover

Symphonic orchestra violinists and sophomores Kennedy Graham, Jana DeVaul and freshman Bailey Moehlman sit at rest before playing at their concert on Dec. 1. The orchestra opted to not have an audience, instead they recorded the concert for family and friends to watch at home.

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

The Bell

December 2020

Contents

Contents

Features

06

Take Note,COVID-19

Reported by Lucas Kilgore

News

08

Booked for Construction

Reported by Lucia Umbreit

06

Photo by Tianna Owens

Spotlights

10 11

13

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

Freshman Nya Riak

Reported by Sadie Watkins

Sophomore Sam Brusven

Reported by Ethan Atkins

12

Junior Reyna Myvett

13

Senior Ryan Pfannenstiel

Reported by Caty Franklin

Reported by Derek Katzer

Contents

lhsnews.net

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Contact Us Design by Aryonna Straws

Want more stories? Check out The Bell’s website at lhsnews.net or scan the QR code below.

Liberty High School 200 Blue Jay Drive Liberty, MO 64068 Editor-in-Chief Regan Johnston (816)-448-1272

rjoh3357@lps53.org

Adviser Jamie Gumina (816)-736-5353

jamie.gumina@lps53.org

Twitter @TheLHSBell Online lhsnews.net

Questions, Comments or Concerns?

If you have questions, comments, concerns or a topic you want The Bell to respond to, write a letter to the Editor.

Your letter must be a maximum of 250 words and appropriate for an undewrage audience.

Writing a Letter to the Editor does not mean it is gaurenteed to be published.

Submit your letter to:

Opinion Editor

Derek Katzer dkat7119@lps53.org or

Editor-in-Chief

Regan Johnston rjoh3357@lps53.org

Newsbrief

Blue Jays in the Hall of Fame

The cheer team was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Nov. 15.

Reported by Emma Stauffer

Members of the Varsity cheer team filled the HyVee arena on Nov. 15 as the team was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, alongside other teams and individuals from across the state of Missouri. The team was nominated and then chosen by a committee.

“Our 11 State Titles and numerous national appearances and placements, as well as our involvement in the community, stood out to the committee,” head cheer coach Brenda Moats said. “It is the top honor a program can receive in the state of Missouri. We are the only program from Liberty schools in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.”

The event consisted of a press conference, prior to the ceremony, as well as a reception for friends and family members of the team. The ceremony featured videos for each of the inductees, as well as the opportunity to comment on themselves or their program.

“It was cool seeing clips of the Liberty Cheer Program winning state back in 2008 and 2019,” senior Aubrey Fleckal

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December 2020

said. “Every girl who has gone through LHS Cheer has worked so hard to maintain the legacy of the program.”

After the ceremony, they enjoyed a luncheon, seated on tables sponsored and donated by former and current cheer families. All athletes and alumni in attendance went home with a personalized plaque.

Fellow cheerleader and senior Angel Graflage was blown away when she learned of the accomplishment, and was extremely proud.

“I was so proud of my team and teams before me,” Graflage said. “I know what

it’s like to be put under the stress of our reputation and to be rewarded was just a really nice thing.”

Moats is proud of her team and all of their accomplishments and is grateful to be their coach, through all the highs and lows.

“It’s an honor to represent LHS and the community,” Moats said. “They work hard on and off the court. The school and community only gets to see a snapshot of what these athletes do- they are truly gifted and I am honored to be their coach.”

Photo Courtesy of Brenda Moats

Contents

Contents

InDepth

14

Snapshot

Reported by Lejla Aganovic

Opinion

18

Can I...?/Find Comfort in the Chaos Opinions by Regan Johnston & Emma Stauffer

19

Lack of ‘Educators in the Making’ Opinion by Paige Hodges

14

Photo by Emma McDonald

A&E

20

Holiday Jams

Reported by Ari Revella

Sports

24

24

Making it Happen

Reported by Sarah Blankenship

Photo by Katie Glasford

Contents

lhsnews.net

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Features

Take Note, COVID-19

A look at how music classes combated COVID-19 while still staying safe for students, staff and families.

Reported by Lucas Kilgore

Design by Sarah Blankenship

As school continues, music classes had to make many decisions over the past few months regarding what they would do to protect students and staff from COVID-19.

Many things had to change including concerts, rehearsals and learning. Students and teachers have been combating this and staying safe at the same time, which is harder than it sounds.

The school’s choir classes have discovered new challenges in their learning.

“It’s almost nothing like choir in some ways,” junior Gabriel Baldia said. ‘There’s no leveling, so I can’t hear the people in front of me and the people behind me can’t hear me.”

This has made it very important to have every student doing their part in the music learning process, there is no small role.

“We just have to make sure we aren’t making mistakes, but we are very prone to mistakes when we can’t practice every week,” Baldia said. “We don’t have the same amount of time to spend just working a song and talking about it.”

COVID-19 is very rough on activities like singing. Wearing a mask damages the sound that singers produce and can make singing very difficult, but to the choir safety comes first.

“I don’t feel like it is easier at all,” choir director Rika Heruth said. “I am really struggling to sing, talk and run a high energy rehearsal with a mask.”

Despite these current situations, there is still a positive side.

“Liberty High School choir students are amazing,” Heruth said. “They have the best attitudes and are handling our COVID-19 restrictions with perseverance and cheerfulness. They come to class with great energy and joy, ready to learn and make beautiful music with their friends.”

Orchestra has faced some of the same troubles as choir. Though they are not

Photo by Tianna Owens Juniors Alyssa Pendergraft and Mallory Chapman practice the solfege while singing. The choir concert was supposed to happen on Dec 8, but it was cancelled due to the amount of cases affect the choir students. “We really have to use time efficiently. We don’t have the same amount of time to spend just working a song and talking about it,” said junior Gabe Baldia.

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December 2020

Features

Features

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

using their mouth to produce music, COVID-19 has certainly hindered their communication and abilities to learn and perform music.

“Classes honestly aren’t that much easier or harder on the students,” junior Ariel Chen said. “For conductors, things get more challenging, though. It’ll be harder to keep the orchestra together and blend.”

Tackling music with two different groups of students is also a challenge that music classes have to face.

“We play the same music,” orchestra director Michelle Davis said. “We will have one rehearsal before the concert. We will combine classes for one rehearsal. I don’t mind smaller numbers because I can get to know them on a more personal level, and I can really individualize the instruction.”

The band also has many challenges to face. The wide diversity of the instruments in the band makes it especially challenging.

“Last year, we were able to warm up on our own and then go through our scales and such,” senior Avry Asby said. “This year we still play the music the same but, especially for marching band, it was quite different because we all weren’t able to perform together or play together. It was always just a different group of people at every performance which is frustrating.”

Like all classes in the school, band is taking many precautions to ensure the safety of students during the school day.

With all the music classes, safety is valued over anything else.

“We have to stay six feet apart in the stands we have to keep our mask on when

we are not playing,” Asby said.

COVID-19 has certainly made it harder for music classes to function but it has not made it impossible. With the bright directors and the resilient students, music classes are functioning and doing what they do best: making music.

Photo by Collin Parker Top: Symphonic orchestra members and senior Annabeth Henson, juniors Kegan Maynor and Sophia Rakestraw and freshman Ethan Whitney performs at the concert on Dec 1. In the past, everyone would have a stand partner. Now, everyone gets their own stand to follow the social distancing guidelines. Bottom: Band members and freshman Natalie Smith, junior Jamie Phelan, senior Aaron Rearick, sophomore Adeline Shipman and junior Keegan Watkins practice their sheet music in preparation for their concert in January. Many instruments now have a cloth or shirt that covers the opening to minimize the spread of COVID-19. “This year we still play the music the same, but it was quite different because we all weren’t able to perform together or play together,” said senior Avry Asby.

Features

lhsnews.net

7

News

Booked for Construction

The LMC construction is almost finished and students are excited to see the new library.

Reported by Lucia Umbreit

Design by Caty Franklin

Photo by Julissa Balderas

lllThe LMC faced a major renovation. The project started in late April and continues now, delayed by shipping and extra unaccounted-for projects. The goal of the project was to update the library, which hasn’t been changed since 1996, and to add features who allowed the space to better serve students and staff.

The library received all new furniture, and everything was put on wheels to accommodate for mobility. An extra video studio was added and a separate VR studio.

Students can also expect new carpet, paint and other smaller convenience additions.

However, it’s unclear when the library will be completed and ready for use. The construction team has run into shipping delays and has also made changes based on safety, once they began digging into the project.

“A lot of people always ask us when it’s going to be done and we have absolutely no idea because the date has changed throughout the whole process,” Library Media Specialist Lori Reidel said. “We’ve

just learned to be patient and flexible and when it gets done it will be fantastic but we don’t know when that will be.”

Mobility is a huge feature of the new LMC. Every single piece of furniture will be on wheels, including the bookshelves, tables, chairs and desks, to allow the library to host programs that require more space.

“It was important to have our shelving be mobile so that we could use the space in a lot of different ways and it would be really easy to reconfigure how the furniture looks,” Library Media Specialist Christine Anderson said. “Aside from the shelves that are attached to the wall, everything can be moved out of the way so that if a large group wanted to come in and set it up differently they could.”

Another big difference are the changes to the production studios. A small part of room 301 was turned into the new audio studio, and the VR setup has its own studio. The old video studio will remain and then there is an additional video studio

connected to KLHS that will be shared.

Junior Reagan Manis is a student in broadcasting who is excited about the developments in the audio and video studios.

“I definitely use the audio and video studios a lot because they have better microphones in there, and they’ve got instruments and stuff in there for recording voice overs and whatnot,” Manis said.

Smaller features were added to make the library more convenient for students and staff, including sliding glass doors.

“Our new sliding glass doors separate the Nest so that it can close if classes are using the other side, and those are really nice,” Reidel said.

The LMC got a new water fountain, water bottle filler, more power strips for charging, new paint and new laptop tables that can hold computers and phones. The new

Photo by Emra Tmusic

Librarians Christine Anderson and Lori Riedel prepare to move into the reconstructed library. The library hasn’t been remodeled or updated since 1996. “Everything’s mobile, so all things are on wheels: the bookshelves, the tables, chairs and the desks,” Anderson said.

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December 2020

News

News

Photo by Aidan Waggoner

speaker system will work throughout the entire library, not just the front.

Once completed, all of these features together will be able to bring new programs and speakers to the LMC. “We can host more things too because we can move things to the side,” Reidel said.

“So different programs that other people bring in, now we would be able to host that whereas before we were pretty limited.”

“I’m most excited about the new books and all the new stuff that they’re getting,” sophomore Thomas Pulliam said. “I check

out books a lot.”

In the meantime, there’s still many ways for students to stay involved with the library. The library website is a great resource for finding research tools.

Students are also still able to check out books by placing a hold and will receive an email when their books are ready for pickup. Book Club has gone virtual and meets most Wednesday on Zoom at 1:15.

The LMC continues to hold contests like the pumpkin decorating contest and gingerbread decorating contests. Students

can also participate in email activities, like book trivia.

“I liked every activity that I did,” freshman Tabitha Sloan said. “I think I liked the quiz and trivia activities the best, especially the first week when we got to name orange things because I found that fun and simple and easy.”

The new library is sure to be amazing for staff and students, but in the meantime there are many ways to still utilize the LMC’s resources.

Visit the LMC website to learn more about the LHS library

Photo by Kendin Bittiker

News

lhsnews.net

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Spotlight Freshman

Nya Riak

Riak shares how she keeps organized and stress free during COVID-19.

Reported by Sadie Watkins Design by Ethan Atkins

It has been found that art is a great stress reliever, not only does it help with anxiety and depression, but it can help students cope with strong emotions such as anger and frustration according to Harvard Health Publishing. Freshman Nya Riak has discovered for herself the benefits of using art as an outlet.

“It takes you away from everything else, like social media and other issues,” Riak said. “It just puts you in a peaceful mindset.

I like doing it outside when it’s warm.”

Riak loves to paint, sketch and sculpt out of clay. She has been practicing for years, and has found that it was a great hobby during COVID-19.

Riak had also been spending time with her family. Spending time with family is a great way to reduce stress, especially when fun activities are included according to Riley Children’s Health. She incorporated her love of art into spending time with her little sister Adaw by doing activities like crafts and painting. “‘What I like about her is that she’s very energetic,” Riak said. “She can keep you happy a lot, if you’re sad she can do something and you’re automatically happy.”

She loves her family and looks up to her older siblings Ring and Aluel Riak as her role models.

“The reason why I pick him as a role model is because of the way that he interacts with people,” Riak said. “He’s someone you should look up to.” Riak also mentions why she looks up to her older sister Aluel. “My older sister is really great, she gives really good advice and she’s been through what I’ve been through in some situations and I can just ask her.”

As for school, Riak tries to be very organized so she does not fall behind.

She has incorporated her love of art into her school planning in the form of bullet journaling by decorating the calendars and trackers with little sketches and colors.

“It helps you plan your life out,” Riak said. “It has weekly calendars, and what you do is hand draw them and it goes with art and sketching. It’s very therapeutic, it helps your mental and physical health.”

Riak said this method has seemed to help significantly because her teachers had nothing but positive reviews. Ellen Meade, her history teacher, speaks on how she has been in class this year.

“Academically she is phenomenal,” Meade said. “She works hard, she does her homework, she knows her content, she participates in class and she’s just awesome. I love her because the first thing she will do is ask if I’ve sprayed the desks, and if I haven’t she will go and spray them and clean them for everyone which is nice.”

Riak looks forward to joining an art class next year and has a positive outlook on her school life and social life. Even though she has had two different siblings go through LHS, she plans to pave her own path and enjoy her highschool experience. According

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Spotlight

The Bell

December 2020

Photo by Santana Hiatt

to her friend Grace Owen, her experience socially and academically has been positive so far and that positive footprint is becoming more evident.

“She was kind of quiet at first, but once you got close to her she opened up and was very funny,” Owen said.“I like her sense of humor and how she can talk to anyone. It doesn’t matter who it is, she’s chill.”

Riak’s Sisters, Aluel and Adaw.

Photo courtesy of Nya Riak

Sophomore

Sam Brusven

Brusven talks about his passion for volleyball and his many talents.

Designed & Reported by Ethan Atkins

fffSophomore Sam Brusven has several talents. From music to sports, he has a very extensive list of activities under his belt.

“I like making music, running cross country, hanging out with my friends, cooking food and playing volleyball,” Brusven said.

Making music is one activity that he really enjoys.

“When I get bored, I’ll pick up my guitar and make something up,” Brusven said.

“Then I’ll record it and add onto it with other instruments.”

Brusven’s future is very important to him.

He would like to incorporate as many of his favorite things into it as possible.

“I wish to have a wife, kids and a dog named Charlie,” Brusven said. “I’d like to go to college and I’d like to pursue cross country and volleyball and get better at those. I’d also like to eat a really good sandwich sometime.”

Brusven wants to go to college for journalism and online media to make a change in the world.

“People like to lie and I like to expose people who lie,” Brusven said. “I want to give people a neutral view on every topic, that way there is no corruption.”

Something that is very important to Brusven is volleyball. He’s been playing for awhile and wants to start a team in school.

“Me and my friends have been playing a lot of sand and indoor volleyball recreationally over the last five or six months,” Brusven said. “We were all

Spotlight

playing one time and I said hey, I want to play more than in a sand pit at Stockstale.

Why isn’t there something like this at school? So instead of pouting that there wasn’t, I made it happen.”

Brusven is working out all the kinks and is getting everything prepared for when the team plays.

“We are going to have a winter preseason, it’s to find out if the people on the team want to continue playing or not,” Brusven said. “In the springtime we will get a coach together and make varsity, JV and C teams. We’ll start attending meets and practicing consistently.”

Sophomore Jon Kazmaier, has known Brusven for a while and has lots of good things to say about him.

“He’s definitely an extrovert unlike me, he’s always really nice,” Kazmaier said.

“He’s always complimenting others, even when it’s not to their face.”

Kazmaier says that Brusven has a good work ethic that most people definitely lack.

“He is definitely a hard worker,” Brusven said. “His day is full of all kinds of things.

He works a ton, he tries really hard at running, and of course his volleyball stuff, he’s really pushing that to make it work. He wakes up at six and goes to bed at nine and still does all that stuff.”

It’s not just Brusvens friends that have good things to say about him, but biology teacher and cross country coach Jordan English too.

“Sam works hard and has fun doing it,” English said. “This makes him a strong leader. Sam is always willing to answer questions and talk in class even when he isn’t 100% sure he has the correct answers. He brings a level of vulnerability to the class that leads to more learning for everyone around him.”

Photo courtesy of Sam Brusven Photo by Chloe Gerardy

Spotlight

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Spotlight Junior

Reyna Myvett

Myvett wants to leave a good impression on her peers through her involvement in competitive theatre and choir.

Reported by Caty Franklin Design by Ethan Atkins

fffJunior Reyna Myvett is involved in many different activities, but never fails to leave a positive impact on many people around the school.

This year, Myvett is a choir section leader and is taking AP Music Theory to help her with her involvement in Thespians and other theatre department productions. In the past, she has taken both Advanced and Competitive Theater.

“Competitive Theater taught me a lot about writing persuasively and being able to speak in a way that people would actually listen to you,” Myvett said.

Director of choral music Rika Heruth is appreciative of the positive attitude Myvett always brings to her classroom.

“Reyna is very sweet and very kind,” Heruth said. “You can tell that she cares very much about her peers and about the people on her team.”

In her role as a section leader, Myvett is responsible for keeping the alto section of the choir together and helping them learn the music and to succeed.

“She’s such a bright spot,” Heruth said.

“She always has a great attitude and she’s very cheerful, energetic and shows a lot of care and concern, not only for the success of her team but for the success of those people around her. She has always been a standout. She’s a really hard worker. She has a lot of talent. She’s really a leader in her program.”

Outside of school, Myvett likes participating in the leadership and worship teams of her church’s youth group; Native Youth Kansas City.

“I just grew up into it and all of my

friends and siblings were in it, it was just something that I enjoyed,” Myvett said.

One of Myvett’s friends, junior Mallory Chapman, is grateful for her friend’s thoughtful personality.

“Reyna is the most kindhearted and caring person you will ever meet,” Chapman said. “She has such a heart for new people and is a leader in all that she does. Having a best friend like that has made me a stronger and better person and I will be forever in debt to her.”

Both Myvett’s love for music, theater and her kind personality came from her family and their impact on her life.

“My entire family is super musical, but my dad is a prodigy,” Myvett said. “He is very musically intelligent and I’ve learned a lot from him. My mom is a really good person, so I’ve always strived to be more like her.”

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Spotlight

The Bell

December 2020

Photo by Brynna Namanny

Whether it’s on the theater stage or on the choir risers, Reyna Myvett is sure to leave her mark on the people around her.

Check out the LHS Choir Website.

Senior

Ryan Pfannenstiel Pfannenstiel describes his passion for cross country and his role as a leader.

Reported by Derek Katzer

fffTorrential rain. Dark clouds as far as the eye can see. Mud sloshing with every step.

These conditions may not seem appealing, but it was on a day like this that senior Ryan Pfannenstiel had his favorite cross country meet.

“My favorite race was Forest Park in St. Louis in 2018,” Pfannenstiel said. “It was really muddy and it was pouring the entire

day. It was not good conditions to run, but it made it very enjoyable to run because of how bad the conditions were. It didn’t help our times or race fast, but it was definitely a fun experience.”

Pfannenstiel joined the cross country team his freshman year, after transfering from a private school. His coach and science teacher Jordan English took notice of his desire to get better at cross country by seeing his dedication and commitment towards the sport.

“For cross country, distance running is a sport that takes a high level of commitment,” English said. “I see him being consistent with his work. He sets big goals with the team and he shows up, follows through, is dedicated and committed to getting better. That takes a lot of hard work.”

Pfannenstiel worked hard, eventually running his best with a time of 17:32 at a Lee Summit North meet his senior year.

It wasn’t his own zeal or dream that pushed Pfannenstiel forward, but rather the team.

“The season just ended and we took 3rd

Spotlight

at State which was a really big goal that we had,” Pfannenstiel said. “At the beginning of the season, we set out to be one of the podium teams, which is top four, and for us to get third was a huge accomplishment.

It’s nice to have personal goals like try to run as fast as you can, but at the end of the day, all that I really cared about was getting the team the trophy and bringing it back to Liberty High School.”

Pfannenstiel gave his all to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of the team’s major goal.

“I love the competitive atmosphere,” Pfannenstiel said. “If you go to any of our races, there’s always a big adrenaline rush with everyone all tense up and ready to get out there and give it their all.”

In order to accomplish the team’s dream, Pfannenstiel stepped up as a leader.

“In relation to cross country, I take a leadership role and help lead the team and especially the younger freshman,” Pfannenstiel said. “A lot of it is controlling the flow of practices. Making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. Another big thing is holding people accountable. If something is not happening the way it should, I like to be the first person to speak up about it.”

Teammate senior Brady Maher took notice of Pfannenstiel’s role as an athlete and a leader within the team.

“As a teammate, he’s always there to pick you up when you need him,” Maher said.

“He’s a really hard worker, not just in cross country, but in school as well. He has that mental toughness that every runner needs to be good.”

English appreciates his commitment.

“He brings consistency and a work ethic that is contagious and infectious for the team,” English said. “Guys know that he is going to show up and work hard and that he will hold others to a higher standard.

Kids like that, it’s like having another coach on the staff.”

Check out the cross country website.

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

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SNAP SHOT Updates on COVID-19 and a glimpse into how the rising number of cases have affected learning.

Reported by Lejla Aganovic Design by Paige Hodges

Background courtesy of shutterstock .com

When school started again this fall,

school districts and local governments across the country felt conflicted on whether schools should attend as normal (in-person at normal capacity), or if there should be restrictions. At the start of the 2020-2021 school year, many districts in Clay County chose to return to in-person learning, including Clinton, Kearney R-1, Missouri City, North Kansas City, Park Hill, and Smithville R-II. Furthermore, middle and high schools in the LPS district established a limited hybrid learning schedule with restrictions, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. However, staff and students have still been susceptible to contracting COVID-19 despite these restrictions.

Cases in the Clay County area have rapidly increased within the last few months. As stated on USAfacts.org, on December 2nd, there were 4,837 cumulative cases, from January 24th to December 2nd, and 85 newly reported COVID-19 cases. As a result, many local school districts moved to an all-virtual plan, including Park Hill. North Kansas City and Staley High School closed for two weeks before Thanksgiving to clean the school.

“I think it’s smart that schools are shutting down,” junior Jonathan Fang said. “As long as you have a plan and are

prepared, it’s a good idea to shut down because it will reduce the chances of people getting COVID-19.”

According to the LPS COVID-19 Dashboard, cases rapidly increased throughout the district within the last few months, which required the creation of additional regulations to limit further expansion.

From November 14 - 20, there were 71 positive cases among students and staff in the district, 285 close contacts and 356 total people in quarantine.

There was much speculation about the administration’s decision to go completely virtual. However, according to the LPS COVID-19 Update from Dr. Jeremy Tucker, on November 20, the district plans to continue their current learning models beginning on November 30.

“The goal in all of this is to try and keep us in school as long as possible while also keeping our students and staff safe,” COVID-19 Task force member and assitant principal Mike Sharp said.

Becky Kovac and Health Aide Jessica Westfall. Administration members David McDorman, Mike Sharp, Hillary Hunter and Pam Davidson are also part of the force.

Furthermore, students and staff who test positive are required to be in quarantine for 10-14 days.

LHS COVID-19 Task Force

The LHS COVID-19 task force is a team of staff members responsible for tracking the number of cases and communicating with those who test positive or have to quarantine. The members of the force include the school’s health professionals, led by nurses Karla Hausman and

Two students cut out golden foil to add to their projects while displaying COVID-19 classroom regulations in Mrs. Rhode’s sculpture I class.

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December 2020 InDepth

Photo by Jady n Chapma

n

Students who are determined to be in close contact must be quarantined for 10-14 days, due to the incubation process learned through research from professionals at the CDC, Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Clay County Health Department.

When the attendance or nurse’s office is informed of a positive case or close contact to an affected family, McDorman and Sharp begin contact tracing. They look at the family and siblings of the student who may have been exposed, as well as the student’s seating charts, and notify those

think that’s a lesson learned,” Sharp said. “In terms of space, you should wear your mask, wash your hands and keep your distance.”

Along with this, the COVID-19 Task Force hopes that the school eventually returns to an in-person learning schedule.

However, Sharp believes that many events would need to occur before that possibility.

“We have to get cases to go back down to a reasonable amount, or in a perfect world, zero cases,” Sharp said. “The vaccination piece would help significantly. Everybody puts schools under a microscope, but really if the entire community cases go up or down, we usually see the same reflection.”

There are various factors that push the district to move to a fully virtual model of learning. While there is no specific capacity of cases, according to Dr. Tucker’s COVID-19 Update, one possibility would be if the district received a directive from public health officials or higher governmental leadership instructing schools to close down. Others include the district determining concerns so widespread and extreme that it was the best choice to close down, or if the school could not be properly staffed.

uyen Photo by Charlene Ng

Changes in the Classroom

who were in close contact. Davidson then blocks out their attendance.

After the student has been in quarantine, they must be symptom and fever-free for at least 72 hours before returning.

Likewise, when the task force members are given updated information and guidelines about COVID-19 from medical officials and centers it is published on the school’s website. The task force implements preventative measures due to the current enforcement of maskwearing, social distancing, and reportment of symptoms. Sharp hopes that these measures will prevent further transmission of COVID-19.

“If we take a lot of the things that we’re applying to school into real life, then I

Classrooms have physically changed due to enforced mask wearing and social distancing. A classroom which once held over 30 students now holds around 15 at a time.

Bigger classrooms, such as the orchestra class, have markers directing students where to go.

Moreover, Fang is a fully virtual student who goes to Orchestra class in-person once a week.

“I believe that the back is a safer area because in the middle of the class everyone is staring and breathing in your direction, even with masks,” Fang said. “Orchestra is not a respiratory activity and it’s safer than choir, which is a very vocal activity.”

Social studies teacher Jordan Moree has modified or cut certain lessons and units due to the limited days in school.

“It’s a lot less activity and group-based projects, which is around 80% of my class for Psychology and AP U.S. History,” Jordan Moree said.

Photo by Jadyn Chapman

Continued on page 16.

Top right: Senior Annabeth Henson practices on her viola before the performance on Dec 1. Bottom: Senior Storm Alicie works on her art sculpture and makes sure to social distance from other classmates as required.

InDepth

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“We do a lot of projects in American History for freshmen, which is harder to do when we only have two days a week where they’re in-person.”

Moree has also noticed a decrease in the engagement of his students, due to the stress of the course and the lack of inperson learning.

“There is definitely a move to try to get everything done on Monday and Tuesday night so that they have the rest of the week off on those virtual days, which causes a lot of stress,” Moree said. “They might forget to do it because they’re trying to get everything else done earlier.”

Moree is also planning on having finals for each of his classes, although they will look different than past years.

“The final schedule of two weeks of testing was redesigned to allow further learning in classes,” Moree said. “In my courses we are a little behind the normal schedule so additional time to add information will be beneficial for students in

uyen

Photo by Charlene Ng

class to ensure all content is covered for the AP test. We will still have a test to end the semester, it just won’t be as large as years past.”

Solutions

Students and staff believe there are many ways the school can reduce the spread of COVID-19. Many think that contact tracing should be more efficient and include more people.

“Anyone who’s at risk of being in contact with someone who is known to have tested positive should be quarantined and tested,” Fang said. “This includes the entire class the person was in, because even if they are on opposite sides of the classroom, it doesn’t mean that they are safe from risk.”

While this idea sounds good in theory, it is not completely feasible. Sharp believes that the school’s contact tracing system is already efficient.

“I personally cannot think of any situation that would need an entire class to be tested,” Sharp said. “It’s important to note that everyone in that classroom would have to be symptomatic and we haven’t had any situations where that would be necessary.”

However, one solution the school has available starting Monday, December 7, is a rapid testing site for students and staff in the district. It is a drive-through site located in the former maintenance building outside of LHS. The testing is free and available for people determined to be a close contact and present symptoms of the virus.

“It’s nice and convenient because the test results will be available in approximately 15 minutes and are 97% accurate,” Sharp said. “If you get tested you just park to the side and wait until your results are available.”

Currently, staff members already have access to the site. Students who wish to receive a rapid test must call the nurse’s office if they appear to have symptoms, are a close contact and wish to get tested. Sharp hopes that this will benefit individuals in the school that have previously been required to go through a time-consuming process.

Photo by Jadyn Chapman

From a different perspective, students believe that mask wearing and social distancing are not enforced, making cases become higher.

“They should enforce mask-wearing, washing your hands and making sure kids aren’t crowded, but distanced out more so that we don’t have to do this for much longer,” freshman Emily Guenther said.

Top right: Student diligently works on a clay sculpture project in Mrs. Rhode’s classroom. Bottom left: Senior Grant Owen practices on the xylophone as he displays proper classroom protocol by wearing his mask.

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InDepth

Find the Candy Canes

Opinion Can I…?

The ridiculous questions I have to ask myself as a trans man.

Editorial by Editor-in-Chief Regan Johnston “Can I go to the bathroom?”

“I don’t know, can you?”

I’m sure every student has heard that phrase from a teacher at one point or another and internally rolled their eyes and corrected themselves to: “May I go to the bathroom?” But for me the topic of going to the bathroom always circles back to “I don’t know, can I?” The reason the “may I” turns back into “can I” is because there are several factors I have to consider before using a public restroom: What are the chances of getting mean-mugged in the women’s restroom?

What are the chances of getting mugged in the men’s restroom? How safe or LGBTQ+ friendly is the space I am in? Can I just hold it until I get home?

Don’t get me wrong, not every transgender or gender non-conforming person has this issue or makes such a big deal out of it. But unfortunately, I have been blessed with heaping amounts of anxiety and overthinking that makes me

Photo by Derek Katzer

care about what other people think and plan for worst-case scenarios: What will I say if someone asks me if I’m in the right bathroom? What will I do if I’m not allowed into the bathroom?

On top of that, I have over-protective

Design by Derek Katzer parents who say things like “I’m just worried someone will attack you” every time I bring up what I struggle with as a trans person. I wasn’t really worried about getting jumped in the bathroom before, but hearing my parent’s concerns has made me come up with a whole new set of questions to ask myself: Do I even know how to defend myself? Who can I ask to come with me to stay safe?

With all these questions going through my mind, I find myself having to ask one more: Why do I even have to ask these questions when I’m going to the bathroom?

Honestly, I do not care what bathroom I use, I just want to feel safe and secure enough to use public restrooms again. I don’t want to walk across the entire school to use the nurse’s bathroom or ask a male friend to come with me to the men’s room to feel safe. It’s a personal issue, something I have to work on to gain confidence, but it’s also a societal issue. So ask yourself: why does it matter which restroom I use?

Find Comfort in the Chaos

Remember to care for yourself in these confusing times.

Editorial by Managing Editor and Copy Editor Emma Stauffer My mother has always had one strict rule when it comes to the winter holidays: decorations don’t go up until after Thanksgiving.

And yet, for the first time, we rebelled, tearing down the fall decor in our house one windy Saturday in early November, replacing it with holiday decorations almost a month earlier.

As we placed the ornaments on the tree to the tune of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, despite the at-the-time 70° weather saying otherwise, I could feel the comfort of the holiday season wrapping me in its serotonin-inducing blanket.

There is something about the warmth and family spirit of the holidays that is so comforting to me, and I think we could all use some comfort during these confusing times.

As someone who suffers from anxiety, there have been aspects of this pandemic that have been difficult, such as being in quarantine or struggling with making

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December 2020

Photo by Charlene Nguyen

decisions regarding school and the reopening of society. Obviously, I have it good compared to a bunch of people and I am grateful for that. I am thankful for all the doctors and front line workers and my heart goes out to everyone who has lost a

Opinion

loved one to the virus.

I have found that it’s really important to take a step back and check in with myself.

How am I doing today? How are my stress levels? We are all coping with the state of the world in different ways. What is important is that we are coping and moving foward.

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to soar, and our daily lives continue to change, we must take care of our mental health and to care for each other. The pandemic has affected all of us to some degree. We need to take care of each other and do things that bring comfort to ourselves and improve our general wellbeing.

Participate in self care. If you think putting up holiday decorations early or some other unconventional behavior will put you in better spirits, do it. Take care of yourself, because it’s important.

I know things are confusing and scary right now, but we just have to trust.

Opinion

Lack of ‘Educators in the Making’

The shortage of educators is becoming worse and there are many reasons why.

Editorial by Online Manager and InDepth Editor Paige Hodges I want to be an educator. I want to know what it feels like to see students’ faces light up when they have a realization. I want to share my love of learning in hopes others will love it as much as me. I want to experience the intangible rewards of teaching so many teachers rave about.

As cliché as it sounds, I want to make a difference. For me, teaching seems like a dream job, so why has the country been experiencing a shortage?

According to research conducted by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the teacher shortage in America is estimated to reach 200,000 by the year 2025 (up from 110,000 in 2018). In addition, “the growth of Latino teachers has not kept pace with the rising Latino student population — and the number of black teachers is shrinking,” an article by a Stanford graduate wrote.

The shortage of qualified and minority educators is a crucial factor regarding the quality of education. Class sizes are rising, but the number of teachers is not.

Photo courtesy of Paige Hodges

I understand teaching is not for everyone and that a teacher’s salary is not very appealing to some people. What I don’t understand is people’s lack of respect for the profession. It has become common for me to hear “really, just teaching?” after I

explain my future goals. I don’t get mad at people who say this because their words are only a reflection of society.

The shortage of ‘educators in the making’ is not solely due to the low salary or woes that come with the job description, but what society deems as success. Parents are directing their kids into specific careers — not including teaching—they feel will help them obtain a “successful life”; the most fortune, comfortability, or power.

What they fail to realize is teaching is arguably one of the most rewarding and powerful jobs in the world. Each teacher has the opportunity to shape and affect hundreds of young lives over the course of their career.

They have the power to stand in front of students every day and be a window into the world around them. Teachers can build spirits, break spirits (hopefully this does not happen), and promote growth.

If teaching is not a “successful job,” then I don’t know what is.

Find the Holiday Words Winter Snowing Kwanzaa Christmas Hanukkah Celebration

Opinion

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A&E

Holiday Jams A review of popular fun and traditional holiday songs.

Reported by Ari Revella

Design by Derek Katzer

Photo by Aidan Thieme

Photo by Kalea Faubion

Although the holidays look different, most of our traditions are still intact. For me, music is one of the most important

parts of the holidays, although I’ve never given much thought to holiday music. I’ll be reviewing songs, both a traditional “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is one of the most covered Christmas songs ever.

From Pentatonix, to Nat King Cole, to Niel Diamond to Mariah Carey, it has been covered by more than 1,000 artists. Several artists have twisted how the song sounds. I love when bands and choirs make the song sound super dramatic, as if it’s in a musical.

The softer and slower renditions are nice to listen to as well. Overall you can’t go wrong with any version of this song.

and modern song ranging from All I Want For Christmas Is You to Maoz Tzur, from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

9/10

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

8/10 Being one of the most, if not the most, popular Christmas songs of all time, “All I Want for Christmas is You” can be recognized by almost anyone. This song is 24 years old and it still charts #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 every holiday season. As someone who grew up on 90’s and 2000’s rock and R&B, I had this song on repeat every year up until a few years ago. It’s an amazing Christmas song, however, after listening to this song for so many years, I got tired of it quickly.

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The Bell December 2020 A&E

Nina Simone Ain’t Got No, I Got Life

10/10

Kwanzaa focuses on seven organizing principles. Unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. I found songs, made by people who celebrate Kwanzaa, that focused on one of the seven principles and reviewed them. Nina Simone’s classic 1968 song “Ain’t Got No, I Got Life” reflects on the principle of self-determination, and it does a fantastic job of representing it. It was one that stuck out to me. The song is broken up into two parts, the first part is using a minor groove to help display the story of Simone’s lyrics, the perspective of someone who doesn’t have anything to their name. But after a quick bridge, energy builds and Simone asks, “Why am I alive anyway?” The second half begins with the lyrics reflecting on what the person does have.

A&E

The Flaming Lips Sing it Now, Sing it Somehow

The Flaming Lips are a classic psychedelic rock band, formed in 1983, most known for their 2002 album, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.” In 2019, the band, along with a few other acts like HAIM, Jack Black, Yo La Tengo and Adam Green, came together to release a compilation Hanukkah album, “Hanukkah+,” covering Hanukkah songs along with making their own. “Sing It Now, Sing It Somehow” is an original song made

by The Flaming Lips. While the sentiment and spirit of Hanukkah is there, it just sounds like an ordinary Flaming Lips song.

It’s still pretty good, but you would think they would do more with the theme of the holiday.

Landing on his classic 1994 album “Illmatic,” “The World is Yours” is about the urban life in New York City and the tragedies that come with it. While seeming farfetched, the song’s principle is purpose.

In the start of the song, Nas doesn’t have much hope for himself. But dreams of a future with a son, that son learning from his mistakes, eventually lifting them both up. It’s a classic rap song from a classic rap Me genuinely one of my favorite album, and nu Nas songs to date. I’m shocked to find out that it lines up with the principles of this holiday so finely.

7/10

Roughly translating to “Rock of Ages,” “Maoz Tzur” is a Jewish hymn written in the 13 century, commonly sung during Hanukkah. The song is about divineintervention and it’s honestly a really warm and beautiful hymn. I love the spirit, the song brings and the multiple renditions I found made sure to keep that spirit. My favorite of the bunch was Sufjan Steven’s rendition, using the hymn as an interlude for his holiday album “Silver & Gold.” In a word, lovely.

9/10

Nas - The World is Yours

9/10

Moaz Tzur

Page 20 photos: Students have many tools that compliment their ability to focus, for example, music. Seniors David Williams and Camden Gobel listen to music while completing their classwork.

Many students find that listening to music allows them to put more focus towards their work because it eliminates the distracting sounds made by the surrounding environment.

A&E

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Games

Gift Flow

Who are you getting gifts for?

Family

What is your relationship?

Parents, grandparents

Sibilings, cousins

How long have you both been friends?

Friend

A while

Not long Out of school activities

How do you know this person?

Acquaintence

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December 2020

Games

In school activities

Games

Ideas Chart How do you act around each other?

Do you know their personal interests?

Why do you want to give them a gift?

What school activities?

Special gift

Serious We joke around

Small, but nice

No Yes

Gift card

Something nice to do I want to know them better

Classes

Time together Special gift

Sports or Extracurriculars Games

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Sports

Making it Happen

A spotlight on three senior athletes, Maya Gaona, Amayiah Hall and Ashton Maloney commit to play in college.

Reported and Designed by Sarah Blankenship

Playing soccer has been a huge part of senior Maya Gaona’s life since she was four.

Her parents signed her up to play when, and now soccer has become her passion.

“I go to have practice with my club team from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., two days a week,” Gaona said. “Other days, I go do personal training and lifting every single day to make sure I’m physically prepared.”

Gaona put all of this hard work into becoming a better player and a better person and it has led her to being signed to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Although GCU wasn’t the first college Gaona signed to, she had to make the decision on where to go.

“I was actually committed to UMKC first,” Gaona said. “The coach then moved to the Grand Canyon, so I decided it would be best if I moved there.”

With the help of Lady Jays soccer coach Tyler Nash, Gaona gets to play with her favorite coach at GCU. GCU is a long way from home, but Gaona is ready for the challenge.

“I’m definitely looking forward to being on my own and figuring things out without being so close to home,” Gaona said.

Home isn’t the only thing Gaona will miss. She has been on the Lady Jays soccer team since her freshman year, and has made many friendships and bonds with the players and coaches.

“You get to play with a bunch of people you know and the coaches are amazing,” Gaona said. “ It’s always really fun and I’m definitely going to miss it a lot.”

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Maya Gaona

Top: Senior Maya Gaona moves to strike the ball to score on the opponent’s goal. Gaona has been playing soccer for fourteen years. “Being able to play with my friends has always been super fun”, said Gaona Bottom: Senior Maya Gaona races against the Lee’s Summit varsity women’s soccer team. Gaona personally trained every single day to be physically prepared for her games. “What I really enjoy about soccer is scoring goals and winning games,” said Gaona.

The Bell

December 2020

Sports

Photos courtesy of Maya Gaona

Sports

Amayiah Hall

Photo by Katie Glasford

Creating lifelong bonds with friends is the main reason senior Amayiah Hall loves the game of softball so much. Her passion for softball helped her gain confidence and encouraged her to work hard and contact coaches for recruitment.

“I sent tons of emails,” Hall said. “That was key to getting recruited from a player’s end. Your coaches can only do so much but if you don’t put in the effort to get recruited as well, then good luck.”

Picking a school with a softball program that would check off all of her boxes was important to Hall. The school’s softball team needed to be D1 and be affordable for Hall’s family.

“I chose Butler Community College because they have an amazing softball program,” Hall said. “Although I was looking toward D1, the money was not there due to COVID and I got an amazing offer at Butler. Especially since they play D1 teams and feed D1 with full rides. How could I say no?”

Hall experienced many different

emotions when she was finally committed to Butler Community College.

“I felt excited, nervous and relieved all in one,” Hall said. “I did question if there

could possibly be something bigger and better for me, but after truly weighing it, it came out on top.”

Top: Senior Amayiah Hall keeps her eye on the ball as she sprints to home base. Hall played softball competitively since she was nine years old. “Through softball I have met some of the most amazing people that I can’t even imagine my life without,” said Hall. Bottom: Senior Amayiah Hall is all smiles as she signs to Butler Community College, with her best softball moments spread across the board behind her.

“Softball has really shaped me as a person, it has taught me many lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” said Hall.

Photo courtesy of Amayiah Hall

Continued on Page 26 Sports

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Sports

Ashton Maloney

Being committed to a college was a big step for senior Ashton Maloney but her journey has just started.

“I am signed to the University of Texas at Austin,” Maloney said. “I will be playing for the number three softball program in the whole nation.”

Maloney started preparing for recruitment in eighth grade and hasn’t stopped since. Maloney pushed herself to put more time into working out and training which has enhanced her work ethic as a person and player.

“We email coaches, go to camps, play in exposure tournaments and so much more all while not being able to talk to any coaches until Sep. 1 of our junior year,” Maloney said. “My official recruiting began in Sep. of 2019 when I was officially eligible to be recruited and I talked to a couple other colleges and went on visits and then I chose the University of Texas.”

Playing at the highest level has made Maloney the player she is today. By being on a traveling team to get more exposure to college scouts has done just that.

“In preparation for college, I have been continuing to play softball at the highest level,” Maloney said. “I play with and against players from all over the country going to play at D1 colleges.”

Maloney has put all of her effort, time and dedication into her passion, playing softball competitively.

“As a player I think that the biggest change for me since I have started playing this game is my work ethic,” Maloney said.

“I used to play this game and think that I could get by on talent alone, but I realized that yeah I could be good, but if I wanted to be great then I would have to put in more time, more reps, better workouts and push myself so much harder to get to where I want to be.”

Photos courtesy of Ashton Maloney

Top: Senior Ashton Maloney moves up to bat. What Maloney loved most about her sport was the competition. “I love to succeed and whenever you hit a ball or make a diving catch, the way you feel after is unmatched.” Maloney said. Bottom: Senior Ashton Maloney slides across the ground, racing against the opposing baseman. Maloney has signed to the University of Texas at Austin. “Softball has brought me my closest friends and has opened so many doors for me,” Maloney said.

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December 2020

Features

French Teacher

Jessica Lumetta

Reported by Shane Bass

“

Design by Regan Johnston

Senior Anna Dority

In Madame Lumetta’s class, you aren’t just learning French.

She goes out of her way to teach you about college and life.

“

”

Junior Sam Alexander

She always has a way of making learning fun and interesting. Her method of teaching always makes information really easy to retain and understandable.

”

“

Sophomore Grace Fisher

She is very understanding and can connect with students easily. She is always willing to work with your schedule and be flexible. She makes you feel like she cares about every student in her class.

”

Photo by Emma Tmusic

27

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