MHS Mentor Volume 100 Issue 4

M theMENTOR

Sept. 18, 2012

Manhattan High School, Manhattan, Kan.

News volume 100 issue 4

BOE puts forth new school changes for next year Naomi McClendon Entertainment Editor

terest will be discussed.

Earlier this year at the winter retreat, the USD 383 School Board of Education discussed a few topics that could result in drastic change for the high school.

These changes aren’t about textbooks or a new curriculum, but something students might actually care about. If you came to school at 7:40, enjoyed a Chipotle burrito for lunch or even went to seven different hours today, you might be sadly disappointed when (or if) these new topics pass. Over the next few months, four topics of in-

For many years, seniors have enjoyed sleeping in for two hours and leaving school early to sleep some more. Through the eyes of many, though, Senior Release is simply a danger to students (and other community members who must share streets with teenage drivers) and a hindrance to education. The topic will be discussed at the BOE meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

SeniorEarlyRelease:

Morning Times:

Start

Right now, high school

starts at 7:40, and elementary schools start around 8:40. If a decision is made, the starting times of schools could be switched. Although an extra hour of sleep seems great, there are many negative consequences.

If it started at 8:40, high school wouldn’t end until about 4:00, which poses tons of problems for athletics, after-school activities, and students with jobs and homework. The topic will be discussed at the next BOE meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 19.

they’re not at school — lunch. But there’s a chance that next year all lunches would be closed.

Because of the nice new cafeteria, it seems reasonable to close lunch, as open-lunch can be a safety-hazard and a reason for students to be late to (or skip completely) their sixth hours. But closed lunch poses a few problems itself: limited food options, increased student fights and altered schedules due to multiple lunches. The topic will be discussed at the BOE meeting on Wednesday, Open/ClosedLunch: Oct. 3.

For many students, the best part of the school Block Schedule: day is the part where It might seem weird

to run every week like finals week, but for most other 6A schools, block scheduling is the norm.

A block schedule would certainly mean more efficient learning, but it also means monotonous school days and more difficulty recovering from absences. The topic will be discussed on a later date.

gry for student opinions.

Whether it be through an e-mail, a letter, or at best, an appearance at the next School Board Meeting, let your voice be heard.

Unless you don’t care about how you spend seven hours a day for the next two or three years of your life, you should be concerned. Luckily, you have a say in the matter, and actually, your voice is the most important.

The school board is hun-

College speakers visit school N ew s cien ce text b o oks Marisa Hoang staff writer Have any college plans been buried in the back of your mind? Come check out the guest speakers for different colleges during both lunch hours.

The counseling department highly encourages students to come check out the different college booths to get a feel of what each school has to offer. Students can sign

up for letters and emails for information on each college at the specific college booth. Even for those who have decided which college to attend it’s good to see what all is out there and compare notes. For those who are not sure they want to go to a post secondary school, that’s okay, too.

Just take it into consideration. Many colleges offer a wide variety of opportunities.

Last week’s visit was from Baker University Monday, Sept 10. Washburn University was today. Tomorrow, MHS will be visited by Kansas State University. Look out for the University of Kansas on Thursday, Oct. 4, Sterling College on Tuesday, Oct. 9, Highland Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 23, and Pitt State on Thursday, Nov. 1.

provid e more learning opportunities Dheepthi Perumal Multimedia Editor

The science department of Manhattan High School had a major step forward with new textbooks for most science classes. Altogether ten types of science textbooks were ordered this year for AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Zoology and Botany and Biology 1 for the Manhattan High School East to be treated for PertusCampus. The new textsis just in case they were books still go along with infected,” Runyan said. the curriculum so the “This disease has had teachers do not have to such an impact in my take extra time to change life. I can only sit and take it easy. And being on prednisone, you gain a lot of weight.”

Immunization and booster shots are given due to how infectious this illness can be. These shots are required here at MHS to be able to stay in school. Any students who are not caught up with shots will be released from school now that a case of Pertussis has been confirmed at MHS. Once the students who do not have their of high school students shots are released they reported non-medical use of can be gone for up to 21 Vicodin days after the last reported case.

“I think people need to get their booster shots because even if you were of high school student revaccinated as a baby you ported abuse of Oxycotin are still a potential victim of this terrible disease. I wasn’t vaccinated, and the consequences really of seniors said they obsucked. The bright side tained prescription drugs by for them though it that a friend of a relative they’ll only have it for a Courtesy of drugabuse.gov month compared to my three-plus months,” Runyan said.

Pertussis affects students’ health life Julianne Harkness staff writer Pertussis has made an appearance here in Kansas. It is now infecting students here at Manhattan High. What is Pertussis, and why should we be worried?

Pertussis, otherwise known as Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes uncontrollable coughing. This coughing makes it hard to breath and may induce vomiting. When an infected person coughs it causes a deep whooping sound that is unmistakable. The symptoms of Pertussis start off like a common cold: running nose and a fever. Diarrhea can also occur. The infection itself lasts between six and 10 weeks.

It can affect people of all ages.

Manhattan student Seth Runyan said, “At first I could have sworn it was bronchitis because I get it all the time. So I went to the doctor and got my antibiotics and prednisone and hoped for the best. However, things got worse. I began

to cough and be unable to breathe. It’s hard to explain but it was like I was screaming all the air out of my lungs and I was all out when I tried to inhale. No air whatsoever was coming into my lungs. My eyes would fill with tears from the pain and it took around two minutes to control my breathing.”

In order to be infected with Pertussis, you have to be at least three feet away from an infected individual. The incubation period is anywhere between 10 and 12 days.

In order to be tested for Pertussis, blood has to be drawn and nasal swabs are taken. Once an infected person is hospitalized, they are always isolated and any visitors have to wear isolation gowns, gloves and masks.

Once infected, Runyan was quarantined for five days and given a five day Z-pack. Anyone Runyan had come in contact with after being infected had to get tested and treated as well. “My parents, the babies my mom babysits, their parents, my brother and sister, my nephew and sister-in-law all had

their lesson plans.

“I am very excited for new textbooks. They’ve been so over due, it has been over nine years that MHS has gotten new textbooks for the science department,” science department chair Gary Shwandt said. “The old textbooks were trashed and ripped up.”

The textbooks are a new edition to the high school, yet some science classes did not get new textbooks for the 20122013 school year. Those classes include Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, Atmospheric Science and Geology. Because

of the funds for the high school science department were limited, those four classes will get the textbooks next year. The textbooks were chosen by the teachers and each textbook is up to date to give the students of MHS current information in order to best learn the subject.

“The textbooks the teachers chose give many opportunities for the students to understand the context better,” Shwandt said. “Also, one major aspect of the new textbooks is that they are online as well.”

SADD hosts inspirational event The Background

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Conner Bliss Trending Co-Editor September is national recovery month and Students Against Destructive Decisions along with several other organizations held a free lunch last Friday at the Manhattan Fire Station. The lunch was held from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. and consisted of a guest speaker a balloon launch and Lunch.

Club sponsor Kari Quinton said that the goal was, “To recognize people who are in recovery (from drugs and alcohol).” and that, “celebration of prevention and recovery.”

The event started off with a guest speaker who was a recovered alcoholic and drug addict who told

the story of her life how she started out from a healthy normal family and ended up deep into alcohol and drugs.

Club vice president Alyssa Frey said, “A lot of us ended up in tears from the speech, it was really powerful.”

Quinton agreed and said, “she had a really real story and her story really reached out and touched students.”

After the guest speaker attendees wrote messages of hope and tied it to a balloon and let it go.

Lunch followed.

Frey thought it went really well and Quinton agreed and said ,“I was really impressed that so many students came and really represented MHS well.”

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the MENTOR Opinions US must not dwell on past griefs Question Sept. 18, 2012

Seth Runyan

staff writer

Sept. 11, 2001. This is a date that this country will forever hold in its heart and mind. Last year was the 10th anniversary for the tragic event. It had an extreme impact on our national security.

Ten years later, the city of Manhattan, N.Y., worked hard for a Ground Zero memorial site on the area where the buildings were located. This site is also where the premiere memorial ceremony is held, with that first being on the 10th anniversary. After 10 years, one would think that the country

would find closure and would end the full-day memorials.

But this seemed to not be the case this year, despite the dramatic decline in appearances of family members of the victims at this year’s ceremony. It seems the majority of people found closure with 10th anniversary last year, couple with the memorial site being open alongside it.

I am one of these people, and I even forgot that it was 9/11 last week. It didn’t even occur to me until I got home to see the memorial shows on nearly every network.

I seem to not be the only one to have overcome this depressive period in the nation; some people are now even comfortable speaking about 9/11 in a humorous, irreverent way. This only causes me to question that after 11 years,

should we, as a nation, continue the annual ceremonies, with every network having memorials?

Or should we stop so we can heal as a nation?

Think about it: do we still mourn over the date of Nov. 22, 1963? Don’t know the date? Well, it’s the date J.F.K. was assassinated. How about this: Aug. 25, 2005? In case you don’t remember Hurricane Katrina, it was another tragic event to hit the U.S. that is close in caliber to 9/11. This occurred almost four years after the attack, and it seems as though the nation as a whole is fully healed and have nearly forgotten about this event. Pearl Harbor is a good model for how to handle a national tragedy. We briefly acknowledge it each year with respect and then move on. How many years will it take to treat 9/11 the

same way?

I believe that if we continue to recognize the event this way every year, the tragic event will lose its meaning. Eventually people will stop caring for the event. It would be more meaningful if we do these types of national memorials every five or so years and then eventually just have segments rather than a full day dedicated to 9/11.

I believe if we do this, the respect level will be higher than it is right now. We must overcome this tragedy as a nation and remember 9/11 in our own way, whether that be visiting the actual memorial, a simple thought about the day, or whatever you see fit. If we go down this path, it would benefit the nation and the lives lost on that tragic date, because a nation can only collectively mourn for so long before it doesn’t care.

Gender stereotypes evident in football sisters Ada Davis-Nouri Guest Writer Sexism is so intertwined into the functioning of our society that sometimes we reinforce its negative aspects through our own actions without any sort of conscious realization.

There are many examples of this, but one that has caught my attention lately is the MHS Football Sisters.

My understanding is that each sister chooses an MHS football player and throughout football season bakes some sort of treat for him before each

game to show support for the him and the team.

On game days each sister also wears a football jersey with her brother’s name and number, topped with the word “Thugettes.” To me this seems the perfect microcosm of our society and its views on the expectation that women are to dote over their men.

To my knowledge, none of the women’s teams at MHS have brothers nor do any of the coed teams have siblings, because of course this would be utterly ridiculous. It is only the highly revered, supremely macho foot-

ball players that get this kind of attention from their adoring girls.

In the Football Sisters’ defense, I don’t think any of them feel they are being used or are in any way participating in an activity that is demeaning to themselves or their gender. They feel they are doing it simply to support their friends. I talked to Caitlyn Webb, who is a member of the Football Sisters and is also someone I consider to be very pro-women.

Caitlyn explained why she became a Football Sister. “The reason I

One in five teens has contemplated suicide.

One in six has made plans. One in 12 has attempted it in the last year and eight in 10 that succeed have tried asking for help in some way. By the time you’ve finished reading this article, at least six people will have already succeeded.

As much as people don’t want to talk about it, it’s a serious problem.

Many will argue that it’s discussed too often and that there’s nothing that can be done, but they couldn’t be more wrong.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and people around the world have been showing their support. Organizations like The Trevor Project, To Write Love on Her Arms and the Butterfly Project are trying to end teen suicide and selfharm. The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 and focuses on suicide

prevention in the LGBT community, offering a toll-free “Trevor Lifeline” of trained counselors to talk to. To Write Love On Her Arms was founded in 2006 and aims to give hope for teens handling addiction, depression, self-injury and suicidal thoughts. Teens write the word “love” on their wrists and when people who self-harm see it, they know that person is someone they can talk to and someone that understands. The Butterfly Project asks teens who self-harm to draw a butterfly on their self-injury area and let it fade before harming themselves again, and if it does, it gives a sense of hope as if the butterfly flew away.

If they self-harm before it fades, they wash it off, draw another and try again.

It’s something that you don’t expect to happen to your community, but it’s always there. I’ve known at least two people who have tried and

when people don’t take this issue seriously, it’s offensive to not only the people struggling with the thoughts, but their friends and families as well. It’s not something to joke about. It’s not an attention-seeking act.

And it most definitely is not something only weak people do.

It isn’t difficult to spot the warning signs. helpguide.org/mental/ depression_teen.htm and teensuicide.us/articles2. html give lists of suicide warning signs among teens. If a friend is romanticizing death, engaging in reckless behavior, disinterested in their favorite activities, changing eating and sleeping patterns, can’t concentrate or pay attention and withdrawing from family and friends, it’s likely that they’re struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can also mean that the

Week

What are some benefits to the current MHS schedule and what could make it better?

“Benefit: variety of classes each day. Could be better: more time in class to learn more.”

- Austin Clark, junior

“I like how we start early so that we get done with our day early.”

- Lakith Ranawera, junior

“Longer hours, less days.”

- Kareem Tippin, senior

“Our current schedule is more organized and better for sporting events.”

- Megan Ochoa, sophomore

“I’d rather have block scheduling because it wouldn’t be as boring and we could have more time for homework.”

- Emma Irvine, sophomore “One main benefit is that out passing period is sufficient enough for students to be able to go to their locker.”

- Arjun Krishamoorthi, freshman

“The time it starts now is fine.” chose to participate in it - Anna Fregry, sophothis year was because I more had a good friend on the team, Patrick Zenk, and “I like the current way.

I liked the idea of being I don’t want to be in the able to support him and same classroom for more than an hour, and I’d the MHS team.”

Every day we are con- forget about the homefronted with things that work.” could be deemed gender - Tori Matta, junior biased and demeaning.

We must decide for our- “Closed lunch.” selves whether to ignore - Robby Kobza, junior or to take note of the bigger picture. If anyone is “Not making me come interested in baking cook- to school this early.” ies for Science Olympiad - Makayla Barth, senior or the next Debate tournament, send me a letter, or of course you can always stop by the kitchen.

Student offers her support for those battling suicidal thoughts Carly Tracz Guest Writer

of the

person has made a decision to commit suicide.

Stop pretending there’s nothing you can do about it. Reassure them that there is help and that they won’t feel like this forever. Stop treating suicide and depression as a joke.

If you’re reading this article and you’ve had thoughts of suicide, you can call 1800SUICIDE or 1800273TALK for help from professional counselors. If nothing else, I’m here. I’m not afraid to tell my story if it’ll help someone else, and I refuse to judge anyone that has been dealing with these issues. I promise there are people who want to help you and who care. As Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, said at the 2011 Suicide Prevention Conference, “Getting help is what real warriors do.”

“Bring back Tribe Time.”

- Cole Griffan, freshman “I wish we had less classes every day. I think it’s hard for students to keep track of seven classes and to make up the work.”

- Kathy Bartlett, teacher “Cut the entire school to make more funding for sports.”

- Trevor Bashaw, sophomore “More reading time. I never get to read my book.”

- Markis Perez, freshman “Block scheduling.”

- Josh Klug, senior “We give kids more minutes to eat and we don’t have that weird bell schedule.”

- Albert Cochrane, junior

Want to contribute a guest column to The Mentor?

Contact Editor-in-Chief Ben Shields at mhsmentoropinions@gmail.com. Students and faculty are welcome.

the Mentor staff editor in chief/opinions -Ben Shields news editor -Sarah Shi entertainment editor -Naomi McClendon sports editor -Nick Bandy features editor -Liz Logback trending co-editors Connor Bliss Maddie Ross photo editor -Kaitlin Wichmann copy editor -Kayla Dieker multimedia editor - Dheepthi Perumal business manager - Jerry Sextro adviser -Kristy Nyp

staff writer/photographers - Tre Fuentes Julianne Harkness Tristan Knott John Rockey Seth Runyan Derrek Williams Tristan Knott Jordan Morris Derrek Williams Marisa Hoang contributing writers - Ada Davis-Nouri Carly Tracz circulation - Kristyn Baker Leonard Castilow David Clinkinbeard Patrick Falcone Corey Garrison Sam LeFleur Kasey Morris Mallory Morris Kendall Oatney Emma Rowley Austin Tatum Seth Wagner

The Mentor is published each Tuesday that school is in session at Manhattan High School, 2100 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, Kan. Telephone (785) 587-2114. More than 1,500 Mentors are printed each week and distributed free of charge to all faculty members and students. MHS journalists are members of the Scholastic Press Association. The Mentor is an open forum that accepts contributions from the public. E-mail us at mhsmentor@gmail.com.

Entertainment

the MENTOR

Sept. 18, 2012

3

MHS Band members collaborate through KSU event Sarah Shi News Editor This past Saturday, the Manhattan High Marching Band took the stage along with many other high school marching bands from across the state of Kansas to perform in front of an audience of 50,000 plus during halftime.

The MHS Marching Band prepared for the big day by practicing designated music in musical sectionals. They then played as a full band out on the field, practicing by marching backwards for the parade and conducting techniques for the halftime show.

“The most memorable experience of this year’s band day was definitely

getting to conduct in front of 50,000 plus people in the stands of the stadium,” senior Anna Brokesh, drum major, said. “Also hearing multiple different bands come together and play as one was very memorable, as it always is.”

The marching band also had the opportunity to interact with their fellow band mates from different high schools with their stadium seats fairly close to each other.

“We get to meet them and it’s always really interesting to compare marching styles. We form connections with students in other bands as well since we normally see them again the next year at Band Day,” Brokesh said.

BAND

DAY

T hespians offer Improv Team Ben Shields Editor in Chief The Manhattan High School Improv Team, a branch of the extremely active Thespian Club, is a fun group that gathers weekly for casual, nopressure meetings. They are open to anyone interested, and a membership in Thespians is not required.

The Improv team plays various improvisationaloriented games meant to develop an actors’ skill to think on their feet and also to develop confidence on the stage.

Captain of the Improv Team, senior Ilana Budenosky, believes anyone, whether or not they are member of Thespians, can enjoy the Improv Team as long as they are interested in fast-paced, fun, acting exercises.

Budenosky developed an interest in improvisational acting in junior high school after attending an improv workshop at the Manhattan Arts Center hosted by Tom Mahoney. Since joining the MHS team in ninth grade, it has become an important hobby for her.

Improv is a technique

that many important and influential actor/comedians such as Gene Wilder and Chevy Chase mastered early in their careers and used in some of their most famous work, so when it is derided as a lesser form of acting and writing, Budenosky is indignant.

“Everyone acts like [improv] can’t be taken seriously, but you can do serious improv. And it really builds character development skills in acting and good for expanding comedic skills. It is very important when auditioning for a play to take a

character and make it your own.”

Senior Patrick Day recently joined the Improv Team.

“Ilana told me to go, so I did. I like watching people do it since I’m not very good yet,” Day said.

“I think the freshman members are the most fun to watch because they are so crazy and willing to try anything.”

The Improv Team is in the process of planning their first public show in recent memory.

They meet every Thursday after school in the drama room, E-140.

ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Submissions for the One Act Play Festival are now being accepted. The tentative deadline for all submissions is Monday, Oct. 1. All questions should be directed to Drama Department head Linda Uthoff or Thespian Club president Ilana Budenosky.

the BLUE LIGHT JOURNAL Are you an artist, poet, writer, or musician? If so, start working on content to be published on Manhattan High’s own Art and Literary magazine!

FALL FASHION

ho t loo k s for the c oo l s e a s o n Julith Perry Staff Writer

Senior Logan Sutton and Foreign Exchange student Thora wear beach-casual attire.

Seniors Tristan Larson and Sophia Harms sport a classic-chic look.

With summer gone, it’s now fall time, which means fall fashion is here.

This year there were tons and tons of new trends seen on the runways of Mercedes-Benz fashion week in New York.

The following are what seemed to be the trendiest and perhaps the most eye catching trends for fall. First up is the “granny chic,” which is basically a combination of vintage and sophistication with a hint of girly. Next time you visit grandma you might want to raid her closet for that vintage piece that will be perfect to pull off this look. Next up is the “sporty meets girly” trend. This trend seems like it’s already happening, every day as I walk down the halls I see many gals sporting this look, you don’t have to play a sport to pull

this look off. Channel your inner-girly with light blush and a pearl necklace. Finally, is a look that will never go out of style (hence it’s name) -- classic-chic. Modest, sweet pastels with a modern edge makes for a hot look. Now for the guys, you don’t have to put on a suit to look fashionable, and wearing Hollister all the time doesn’t make you fashionable, it just means you paid about $40 dollars for a shirt with a bird on it. If you want to step up your game and show us girls that we aren’t the only ones with style, try some of the following.

Bowties, they are sophisticated and can be paired with a button up and some jeans, throw your favorite pair of Jordan’s and you’re good to go.

A well-tailored blazer is a necessity; it can be paired with just about anything, even jeans.

Senior Jack Hubler-Dayton and sophomore Lisa Zhu are rockstar-casual.

Junior Robby Kobza sports an indie-classic style, while junior Haley Heaton sports a grannychic look.

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Sept. 18, 2012

the MENTOR

Football suffers second loss Tre Fuentes staff writer With football season well under way and Manhattan facing their first regular season loss in four years last week, the Indians were searching for redemption this time around as they faced the Seaman Vikings Friday night. And even though the Indians did go on to lose the game in a 20-21 effort, redemption was not far off.

Nobody thought that coming back from a dev-

astating loss last week and performing well would be easy, but the Indians made it a very close ball game, racking up 255 yards of totals offense.

“I am very pleased of the way our guys played tonight,” head coach Joe Schartz said after the game. “Hopefully this loss will motivate them moving forward.”

After last week’s rough outing, quarterback Jacob Holloway had an impressive night against the Vikings. He went sixfor-15 passing for 63 yards

and a touchdown and added 141 yards rushing on 20 carries through the ground. Even with the outstanding showing, Holloway saw room for improvement.

“We had a fourth down and a couple of inches and came short,” he said.

“Seaman came through on their fourth down conversions. It really was a game of inches.”

The effort on the part of both teams made for a see-saw battle down the stretch. The first half was all about offense. The Vi-

kings were the first to see the scoreboard as they connected on a 57-yard pass play. Then Brandon Velez and Chris Hudgins both saw the end zone for Manhattan. By the end of the first half, it was 21-14 in favor of the Seaman Vikings. Holloway and Logan Clark connected on a touchdown pass that was the only score of the second half. However, it was the missed field extra point from that score that was the saving grace for the Vikings, and they were able to hold off a last minute comeback by the Indians late in the fourth quarter to get the win.

Nonetheless, it was a hard fought effort by both teams. The Indians proved that even though they came away with a loss, they could forget the nightmare of last week and put up a fight in Friday’s game. Next week Manhattan faces Highland Park at Bishop Stadium.

The Indian’s defense lines up in an attempt to stop down the Viking’s offense. The defense was slow to start but then held Seamen scoreless in the fourth quarter to give the Indians a chance for a comeback.

Kristie Kutie, photographer

Tennis plays through brackets Soccer dominates at home Tristan Knott staff writer The J.V. and Varsity Girls Tennis teams competed in numerous meets last week. One was at, where the Varsity team played against Marysville, Junction City and Washburn Rural last Tuesday. The same day, the J.V. squad traveled to Salina Central to compete against Junction City, Salina Central, Sacred Heart and McPherson. The Varsity meet on Thursday was cancelled due to rain.

At the Marysville Varsity meet, Manhattan placed third with a team total of four points.

Senior Cathy Lei scored two singles victories for Manhattan. In Lei’s first game, she beat Marysville with a score of 8-2.

In her second game, where she played Junc-

tion City, she bested her opponent with a score of 8-3. In doubles, seniors Anne Robinson and Kaitlin Wichmann and won both of their matches. They beat Marysville City 8-4, and defeated Junction City 8-1.

Manhattan placed fourth with eight points at the Salina Central J.V. tournament. The singles matches were placed in a sixteen player bracket.

Representing Manhattan in the singles were, junior Danielle Miller and sophomore Ale Andrade, who placed seventh and eighth in the bracket, winning two of their four matches. The doubles matches were placed in a bracket, where the doubles teams played four matches. Seniors Carly Tracz and Brittany Jones placed third, winning three out of their four matches.

Derrek Williams staff writer The Manhattan boys soccer teams played against Shawnee Heights on Tuesday, Sept. 11. J.V. started off slow not scoring until near the end of the first half.

During the second half Shawnee scored one time and Manhattan scored two times to get the lead. The crowd cheered when Manhattan scored, but cheered even louder when a J.V. player did a standing back flip to celebrate the goal. J.V. had finished their game winning three to one.

Once the varsity game started, Manhattan was quick to score back to back in the first few minutes. The team had scored four more times throughout the first half, with a score of 6-0 by halftime only three play-

ers had scored, but each had scored two times Jacob Stutheit, Joe Coonrod, and Evan Williams, the last goal of the first half had been scored by Jacob Stutheit.

In the second half both teams struggled to get a goal until Kodi Minocha had scored one goal, and was the last of the game and only of the second half.

Manhattan continued to keep Shawnee from scoring to finish the game 7-0. The win against Shawnee Heights was the Varsity team’s second time finishing with a score of 7-0.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, MHS JV and Varsity will be playing against Great Bend starting with J.V. and will begin at 11 a.m. at Frank Anneberg Park.

Volleyball impresses fans at home Nick Bandy sports editor After only winning one game in their first meet, Manhattan High School Volleyball has bounced back and is looking more reminiscent of the Indian squad that won state two years ago. Last week, they only lost one game in both the Shawnee Mission South tournament and the home meet.

On Saturday the Indi-

ans started out their tournament with a loss. Then they quickly recovered and won four in a row to finish in second place.

“We started out slow.

We just weren’t ready to play,” senior Kayla Shields said.

Then MHS competed in their first home meet, where they defeated Clay Center and Rossville, two very good small schools.

The Indians’ win was largely because of the

tough defense played by senior Allie Massanet, who leads the team in digs. The team’s scoring was distributed among several players.

“It was more of a team thing. We all contribute to scoring a point,” Massanet said.

The home meet drew many fans, and Indians played tough despite the pressure of playing at home for the first time this season.

“It was nerve-racking ‘cause all of our fans were there,” Massanet said.

Last weekend MHS traveled to the Hayden tournament, where they expected to do well after their success.

“We have a chance to win if we work hard,” Shields said.

They ended up third out of the eight teams with three wins and two losses.

Sports

Golf places second Sarah Shi staff writer Last Thursday, the J.V. Girls Golf team placed second at Salina with 216 points, only trailing behind Maize by one.

“We improved considering the weather,” junior Cassidy Harper said. “It was really cold outside and rainy and when that happens our muscles tense up and it’s really hard to swing with your coats on.”

Harper, who scored first in the Salina tournament with 49 points, said her goal for this season is to score below 100 for 18 holes. “I had a good drive for one of holes. I think it hit 215 yards and around four strokes,” she said. “My driving has def-

initely gotten a lot better, but there are still things I need to improve on.”

Junior Amy Levin placed fifth overall calling her performance at the tournament “a pretty average one.”

“There wasn’t any super long drives or spectacular shots,” Levin said. “The weather really does affect our performances and I think everybody can agree that by the time we were done, everyone was tired and wanted to go home.”

Last Monday, the J.V. Girls Golf competed at Stagg Hill where junior Janelle Collado snatched first place and Harper took third.

Cross Country battles through mud Kayla Dieker copy editor The Manhattan High Varsity Cross Country teams both took third this Saturday in Joplin, Miss. at the MSSU Stampede, one of the largest high school cross country meets in the Midwest, despite less than ideal weather conditions.

At times, runners had to wade through ankle deep mud and knee deep puddles of water. This was reminiscent of conditions last year, where the weather was so bad the meet was eventually called off.

However, the rainy weather didn’t stop junior Alaina Schroeder from placing sixth overall and first for MHS with a time of 19:23.52 in the Varsity girls race.

Senior James Leblow had the fastest time out of the MHS Varsity Boys and placed eighth overall, running 17:08.42. Junior Chris Melgares was close behind, coming in ninth with 17:12.22.

The J.V. teams didn’t have enough runners to qualify for team scores, but freshman Krista Burton had the fastest time for Manhattan, running 24:43.58 and placing seventh overall of the J.V. girls. Freshman Nathan McClendon had the fastest J.V. boys’ time, 20:38.01, which put him in 26th place.

Those who didn’t compete in Joplin are running at the Tonganoxie Invitational today, and the Tribe will run at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence Sept. 22.

Sophomore Adam Lease kicks the ball during Manhattan’s win.

Derek Williams, photographer

Last Thursday the J.V.team traveled to play Clay Center, Riley County and Wamego, a tough meet.

“We should beat Clay Center and Riley, but Wamego will be a challenge,” sophomore Savannah Roberts said.

They ended up beating all three teams, even Wamego.

On Saturday, J.V. had their home invitational against ten teams from

around the state. It was one of the most important meets in the J.V. season.

“I think we’re going to come out in first,” Roberts said “Our J.V. team really plays well together.”

Total they won three matches and lost two.

They advanced to the 3rd place match in the tournament but then were defeated two games to one to take 4th.

the MENTOR

Features

5 Sept. 18, 2012

College Planning Kaitlin Wichmann Photo Editor Students can always find ‘that’ teacher preaching about how they need to prepare for college as early as Freshman year.

But really, is there anything that can help starting that early? And what can even be done as a Freshman? Here’s a few tips for preparing for college in respect to each grade in high school.

Freshmen: The first thing that should be done is get to know the grade-level school counselor. If students already have a college in mind, remind him of this and hopefully s/he can help accommodate a schedule to what the college will expect. If a student is planning on attending a selective college, they should make sure to take either Algebra or Geometry and two consecutive years of a foreign language.

Take as many courses as possible that will help prepare for future AP classes or, if a student feels ready, they may be allowed to take an AP course through iQ academy. Students should spend about an hour every night on homework and strive to get A’s in all of their courses. It is smart to form a study group with friends, especially friends who want to go to the same college or type of college.

If a course becomes too hard, or you fall behind,

it is also smart to get a tu- and, if falling behind, to seek out a tutor. Students tor.

Freshman year is also should continue to work the time to create a re- on a project that interests sume. Make sure to keep them outside of school all important items t h a t College Students...... are collected graduate within through4 years out the drop out first year y e a r such as report cards, certificates, community activities, a list of jobs, etc.

Students should try to update their resume each and get involved in at semester. During free least one extracurricular time, they should work activity. If possible, seek on a project, such as a out a leadership role. At science fair project, and the end of each semester, take on at least one extra- students can update the resume that was created curricular activity. freshmen year. At the end of the year talk, with Sophomores: Sophomore year is the counselor to plan out definitely a busy year as a schedule for the upstudents begin driving coming junior year. and working at their first Juniors: “real” job. First thing for This year is when stustudents to do is to check in with the counselor to dents make the most make sure they are tak- important choices. They ing the right courses to should start taking stanget into the type of col- dardized tests such as lege they are striving to- the PSAT and touring wards. Students should college campuses. At the now be doing around beginning of the school two hours of homework year, as always, students every night and still try- should check in with ing to get all A’s. It is the counselor to make still a good idea to form sure they are taking the study groups with friends right classes to prepare

16%

40%

for college. Try to get all A’s. This is probably the most important year to get good grades because it is the year that

60% change major at least once

colleges look at grades more carefully. Students should be doing at least two hours of homework every night. In October, registration opens for the PSAT, which is the preliminary exam for the SAT and help students earn scholarships if they score high enough. The PSAT will show what needs to be studied for the SAT and what type of score students might expect to receive. There is also a similar test like this for the ACT called the PLAN test.

Students should begin to attend college fairs and attend presentations by college representatives who visit MHS. Extracurricular activities should continue, and students should try to find the

skill that they like best and work hard at it to set themselves apart. Find people who enjoy similar activities.

If taking any AP courses, students should make sure to register to take the tests in the Spring.

AP courses are great for earning college credit while still in high school.

It is recommended to take as many AP courses as students think they can handle.

Some time during the year, juniors should plan to visit a few colleges they’re interested in. They can do this by going to the college’s website and setting up an appointment to not only tour the campus, but possibly talk to a professor or sit in on a class.

Juniors should take the SAT or ACT at least once this year. If they take it in the spring they can decide whether to retake it the following fall or not. Students have to think ahead and register at least a month in advance.

Make sure to keep updating the resume with new activities and awards.

In the spring, begin planning senior year class. If planning to go to a selective college it is recommended to take a fourth year of math.

Juniors will also receive a lot of mail from colleges. Students don’t have to keep all of it, but if a few colleges stand out, they can reply and get more information about that school.

Seniors: Finally! This is the year of filling out college applications and waiting for acceptances. Once again students should review your schedule with the counselor to make sure they are on the right track. Keep trying for all A’s and study in groups.

Students should be doing about two to three hours of homework every night.

And, believe it or not, senior grades are still extremely important.

In early September (NOW) seniors should register to take the ACT or SAT. They should also continue to do extracurricular activities and look for ways to be a leader in these activities. Students need to make sure to pay attention to deadlines with colleges they plan on applying to.

In October, students should begin asking teachers and counselors for recommendation letters, and give them time and background information so that they can return the best recommendations possible.

Begin planning college essays (if required). Seniors need to make sure that transcripts are sent to the colleges they apply to and have their senior grades ready in case a college wants to receive them. Students then wait for the spring to see if they are accepted.

Haug hits runway Coming to America!

Maddie Ross Trending Co-Editor Fall Fashion is hitting the runways and so is sophomore Siera Haug.

Haug, who has been modeling for a little under a year, walked in three fashion shows during Kansas City Fashion Week. Haug got her start from competing in the National American Miss Pageant, which connected her to a charity fashion show in January.

This is where her love for modeling began.

Fashion Week started on Sept. 5 and ended on the ninth. 27 designers were showcased throughout the week. Most of them were local to the midwest region. There was a casting call in May 2012, and models were then selected for the designers they would walk for. Haug walked for designers Clothz Minded, Lezanita Couture and Conjetta. Her favorite was the St. Louis based

Conjetta. “I got to wear this big hat, and it added a fun element to the outfit,” Haug said.

Her favorite thing about participating in fashion week was meeting new people. “I loved getting to know people in

much for the hair process.

“Getting your hair teased a foot off your head really hurts,” she said.

Overall it was a positive experience, and she

Sophomore Siera Haug experiences the life of a model as part of Kansas City Fashion Week. Haug hopes to become a professional model someday.

Courtesy photo

in the fashion world since that’s something I am interested in,” said Haug.

She also enjoyed getting her makeup done, although she didn’t care

hopes to do more in the future. “I definitely want to do more, but I am not sure if I would like to make it my career.”

Exchange Student Spotlight Liz Logback Feature Editor Going to Sonic is a daily routine for many Manhattan High students, but for sophomore Stephanie Wimmer, it’s one of the most exciting things about America.

Wimmer traveled to the U.S this past August from Linz, Austria to stay for a semester as a foreign exchange student. The Wichmann Family, who have two students and one faculty member at MHS, welcomed the foreigner warmly. “[The best part] of having a foreign exchange student is having a built in friend who can teach you a new language and culture,” senior Kaitlyn Wichmann said. Wimmer is not only teaching others about her culture, but also learning a lot about the new American culture she has been thrown into. The best

part of America, in Wimmer’s opinion, is the mall and the numerous places that serve fast food. Sonic and Taco Bell are among her favorites, but she is disappointed that her favorite drink back home, sparkling water, is hard to find in the U.S. Another rarity in America is finding others who can speak German.

Wimmer said she misses being able to communicate in her native language with her friends, but its been an adventure learning more English and French. Cross Country has helped Wimmer meet more people and

share in each other's cultures as well. Dubstep is a popular similarity between Wimmer and many MHS students as well as her interests in swimming and ice skating.

Although it was very scary for Wimmer at first, she is confident that her time in America will be well worth it. She is looking forward to Christmas, which she anticipates will be different than the way she celebrates it back home. Wimmer is also excited to continue to get to know her host family better and continue to meet new people and make more friends.

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Sept. 18, 2012

the MENTOR

Trending

‘Voice’ tops ‘X Factor’ in premiere ratings Seth Runyan

staff writer

It’s season three of the extremely popular singing competition show, NBC’s “The Voice.” The two hour long season premiere drew in 12 million viewers according to Nielsen data, showing

that it’s one of the struggling network’s most popular shows.

Not only did last week’s three episodes include some amazing talent, but the judges continue to carry the show with their humor.

The premiere went head to head with Simon Cowell’s “X-Factor.”

NBC showed dominance over Cowell with 4 million more viewers as compared to “X-Factor’s” 8 million.

This season started off with a lot of firsts for the show as well, including Gracia Harrison, a classic country singer from Virden, Ill. Do not let that title fool you, however, because this gal can yodel. She was so good, in fact, that she managed to get three of the judges to turn their chair around -- Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and not surprisingly Blake Shelton. To start the fight for her heart, Levine inter-

Kayla’s Hits and Misses Hit: iPhone 5 was announced, finally.

Miss: Chicago teachers’ strike continues into week two.

Photo Courtesy of apple. com

Miss: The Chiefs lost... again.

Hit: K-State defeated UNT Saturday, 35-21.

Photo Courtesy of TaylorSwift.com

Miss: Amanda Bynes’ run-ins with the law recently. Driving on a suspended license, a hit and run involving a Sheriff’s vehicle and being guilty of both driving under the influence and refusing a Breathalyzer test? Case closed, bring in the dancing lobsters.

Hit: “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is number one right now. You go, T-Swift.

Britney Spears brilliant on ‘X Factor’ Ben Shields

editor-in-chief

Let’s face it: Britney Spears was never supposed to be around this long. Starting out in a rat pack of now forgotten ‘90s stars, there was no reason to believe the “...

Baby One More Time” girl would outlast Monica. But she did, and she’ll outlast everyone who has come after her.

That’s what makes her new gig on Fox’s “X-Factor” all the more beautiful: she began as an adorable teen pop star (she will NOT stop reminding us of that every night, guaranteed), made the “Toxic” video 10 years later, and now is back on family television 10 years after that. I used SparkNotes for “Julius Caesar” (sorry, Mrs. Kenyon), but that seems damn well Shakespearean to me.

It’s no surprise she’s brilliant as a judge; Demi

Lovato seems even more biggest strengths the annoying saying, “You’re show has is it’s not playso cute” to everyone next ing up the crappy audito Britney’s, “I’m not tions. Instead, it mostly even comfortable with showcases the good ones, you looking at me right and we’re all the better now.” for it. I’m already rooting And leave it to Simon for the Elton John-meetsCowell to make the per- Adam-Lamber t-meetsfect decision of hiring L i b e r a c e ’ s - p a n t s - s i z e her. Britney, the greatest dude who sings Billy hit-maker of the last 15 Joel. There’s none of that years, is just what “X- action on “The Voice.”

Factor” needs.

As a pop junkie, I’m No singing competition super excited for this seais complete without some stalkers, and Spears h a s pretty much had two of them Photo courtesy of fox.com already. Don Philips, an son of “X-Factor,” though old recording buddy of admittedly less excited Britney’s, had a scary for Demi to melt every audition that was painful time someone under 15 to watch as all the judges takes the stage. Hats off tried their best to break it to the guy who declared to him he had no talent. once he won the $5 mil“X-Factor” turned into lion prize, he’d get him“Intervention” there for a self a nice-ass house, a minute. nice-ass car, and a niceThe American Idol ass girlfriend named Britcomparisons are inevi- ney Spears. Us too, man. table, though one of the Us too.

rupted saying he did not want Shelton to say one word as he already had the advantage of being a star in the country genre.

Levine interrupted Shelton so he could sway her to join his team before Shelton uses the tricks up his sleeve. The fight ended in Shelton’s favor as Harrison went with the country singer.

The next first is Cesar Castillo, and what he brings to the table is singing completely in

Spanish. He managed to turn around Shelton and Green and decided to join Shelton’s team.

With such great talent this season, it could easily be the best yet.

But with the recent news about NBC planning to show “The Voice” twice a year, viewer burnout seems like a possible end to such an innovative show in the musical competition genre. The season premiere showed a 39 percent drop from

last year’s premiere, which brought in 17 million viewers. But not all is lost, and as long as the show keeps it unique personality and great humor, it will continue to thrive in primetime television.

The show will have new episodes every Monday and will soon go to the battle rounds when the teams are filled.

T he New Normal Julith Perry Staff Writer Creator of hit TV series “Glee,” Ryan Murphy, has done it again; he and Ali Adler created a new comedy series that is set to bring laughter and perhaps some tears. After delivering several hit TV series (including “Glee,” “American Horror Story” and “Nip/Tuck), the bars have been set high for his new series, “The New Normal.” As a diehard “Glee” fan, I was filled with excitement when I heard of this new show. “I’m expecting it to be fun and entertaining,” senior Ashley Wells said.

The cast is a mixture of veterans, newcomers, a guy from “The Hangover” and even a Real Housewife. Playing the roles of David and Bryan, the starring couple, are Justin Bartha and Andrew Ronnells. Georgia King plays the woman that will forever change their lives, Goldie. Play-

ing the roles of grandmother and daughter to King’s character are Ellen Barkin and Bebe Wood. Nene Leakes plays the minor role of the fierce assistant, Rocky, to Ronnell’s character.

Bryan and David are a happy couple living in Los Angeles, they h a v e the happiness and the success in their careers, the only thing missing is a baby. They soon meet Goldie, a small town single mother from Ohio who moved to L.A. in pursuit of her dreams and to give her daughter, Shania, a better life. In order to change her life and

her daughters, Goldie becomes a surrogate for David and Bryan. Against Goldie’s wishes Jane, her sassy outspoken stubborn grandmother, followed her to L.A. and disagrees with Goldie’s decision to become a surrogate mother for a same-sex couple.

David and Bryan were also skeptical about who they choose to be their surrogate. They chose Goldie because when asked if she minded being a surrogate for two men, she said, “A family is a family, and love is love.”

Bryan and David opened their home to Goldie and her daughter, but soon Rocky, Bryan’s assistant, and Jane all get involved and it becomes their ‘new normal.’

“The New Normal” will be on every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. on NBC.

“...I was filled with excitement when I heard of this new show.”

-- Perry

Album Review:

Cat Power laments over tired themes Ben Shields

editor-in-chief

“I see you, kid, alone in your room/You got the weight on your mind/ And you’re just trying to get by/Your world is just beginning,” Chan Marshall says on her first album in six years as Cat Power.

She seems to have spent a lot of thinking about the world and all its misery rather than just her own. If that doesn’t sound like a big departure, that’s ‘cause it’s not. Marshall’s fatal flaw, or one of them, has always been a lack of humor amidst her pain.

“Sun” is at its best when it can crack a smile and admit to bitchin’ and complainin’. And at its

worst, it’s a painfully serious, trivial series of laments.

Jessica Hopper wrote in her thought-provoking Spin review: “what we get here is not so much a new Cat Power as the true Cat Power.” Yet for such a seemingly different approach than her previous work, it never really feels daring. Instead, it comes off as another entry in the tired indie playbook of oddball misery, only given the Cat Power treatment. It wasn’t supposed to take this long for her to release another record, but when a Matador executive dismissed the material she’d written as “depressing old Cat Power,” she started from scratch. And it sounds like it: when given this context, “Sun” reveals itself as a simple repudiation desperate to let us know that, yes, she

can mope about other things besides herself.

The album almost turns hypnotic on “Nothin But Time” (Iggy Pop’s verse -- wow). But the plot of a young ‘un’s depression has been done better before on The Smiths’ “There is a Light That Never Goes Out.”

Photo Courtesy of catpowermusic.com

Marshall could take a leaf out of the Moz’s book; American rock-critic homophobia never stopped The Smiths. An off-handed remark by a record executive shouldn’t deter Cat Power ever again.