MHS Mentor Issue 11

M the MENTOR

Nov. 27, 2012

Manhattan High School, Manhattan, Kan.

BOE determines fate of senior early release Naomi McClendon Entertainment Editor At the Nov. 7 school board meeting, there was a scheduled hearing on the topic of senior early release. Due to the lack of community attendance, a decision was made to hold an executive discussion and postpone further comments to a later date.

According to associate superintendent Robert Seymour, there might be an explanation for the nonexistent community participation in discussion.

“We ran an online survey, which had significant response,” Seymour said. “People were able to express their opinions. I think folks already feel like they said what they needed to say.”

Although the board appreciates community involvement at meetings, they are able to

obtain most of the needed information through online surveys and emails. According to Seymour, the importance of attendance at community hearings is a personal opinion.

“The school board gets a good picture of the thoughts and opinions of the community through all the emails we

“The hearings are

an opportunity to address the board personally if they have strong feelings.”

- Robert Seymour

receive and the response to surveys,” Seymour said.

“People who have something to say are able to let us know what they think.”

Those who really benefit from open hearings, Seymour believes, are community members. “The hearings are an opportunity to address the board personally if they have strong feelings,” Seymour said.

At tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting there will be a recommendation from the superintendent regarding senior early release. The board will vote to accept the recommendation, then discuss the topic further. A final decision on the topic of senior early release will be made at the Dec. 1 meeting. At the Dec. 1 meeting there will also be a report from the committee on the Manhattan High School new proposed schedule.

home a win Julith Perry Staff Writer Thursday, Nov. 16, was a big day for Scholars Bowl.

With two meets on the same day the pressure to do well was on.

The J.V. team competed at Abilene. The team went 5-0 in pool play and advanced to the semifinals. They beat Russell 55-50 and advanced to the Championship game.

They then beat Washington County 65-40 and won the tournament.

The Varsity team competed at Wamego. The team went 6-2 in pool play and tied for second place in the pool.

They lost the tiebreaker and did not advance out of pool play.

Senior Rejoyce Bryant accepts her new officer position in BSU. The club met during activity period on Nov. 14.

Julianne Harkness, Photographer

for entertainment by the Pops Choir. This free night is sponsored by FCCLA to promote spending quality time with family and friends, one of the priorities of the organization.

Gift donations are also accepted for children and adults, and the FCCLA students will wrap the gifts that will be donated to a local charity.

“We would like

Clu b Notes French Club Manhattan High School’s French Club will host a movie night Dec. 11, after school.

The event is invitation only.

All members are welcomed to attend, and are allowed to bring two additional people who are not in the club.

“I am looking forward to the watching the movie, hanging out with other people interested in the French language and culture, and speaking the French language with others that enjoy it as much as me,” sophomore James Walters said.

The showing will include a French movie, as well as popcorn and other snacks.

This is the French Club’s first major event of the year and many are anticipating the opportunity to bond with other members.

“The club can only benefit

from this event. It will bring the club closer together in a way that is totally original here at MHS,” Walters said.

- Maddie Ross

Club Feast On Dec. 4 members from all Manhattan High School clubs will meet to celebrate Club Feast. This year Club Feast is put on by the sophomore class Student Council and has been a tradition at MHS for years. The purpose of Club Feast is to bring all student participated organizations together to celebrate the holidays and form unity amongst the different groups.

The event will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the cafeteria.

“If you are in a club you should definitely come. It will be a rousing time. There will be lots of food, and it’s a

Harry Potter theme. You do not want to miss out,” sophomore StuCo treasurer Trevor Bashaw said.

The event will be potluck style, with each club bringing a dish to share. “I think it is important to come participate and represent your club,” sophomore StuCo representative Lisa Zhu said.

A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday for the sophomores involved in the planning to work out further details.

- Maddie Ross

This Is How I Scream Manhattan High’s literary magazine, This Is How I Scream, has begun fundraising and all the proceeds earned will go towards the publication of the magazine.

Along with fundraising, TIHIS is planning a gala event for the people who are going to submit their work to the magazine. The goal of the gala is for everyone who will be working together to have a

Volume 100 Issue 11

Scholars Black Student Union swears in new officers Bowl takes

FCCLA kicks off holiday season with two family events

Senior Mikayla Jackson-Barth, sophomore Kristen Fraley and senior Jordan Morris attend the FCCLA Coffee House Event, Nov.15. Each member brought a dessert and coffee and discussed upcoming events.

Dheepthi Perumal, Photographer kicking off the holiday season Dec.14, in Rezac Auditorium.

Kaitlin Wichmann with two different activities for Families can come for an hour Photo Editor families. The first one is the between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. to Family, Career and Com- Holiday Social for Families make holiday greeting cards, munity Leaders of America is that will take place on Friday, watch “Polar Express” and stay

News

if people would bring gifts for us to wrap. But gifts are not required.”

- Kristen Fraley

would bring gifts for us to wrap,” sophomore Kristen Fraley said. “But gifts are not required.”

The next day, Dec. 15, FCCLA will be back at Manhattan High School West Campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to watch kids so parents have the chance to go out shopping alone. The kids will be busy with crafts and activities during this time. The charge is $5 per hour for families with one child, and $4 per hour per child for families with multiple kids. Snacks will be provided for the kids, but they are recommended to bring a sack lunch. Families are asked to bring kids ages 2 and up, but some exceptions might be made for infants.

“Right now we are just in the process of handing out flyers and spreading the word about these two events,” Fraley said.

Those who have questions should contact sponsor Dawn Lindsley at dawnl@manhattan. k12.ks.us or in room E-106.

“We would like if people

fun time and for everyone to have a chance to view each other’s work.

“They want to create a home like atmosphere, where there would be snacks and a place to hang out,” Club sponsor and art teacher Rachel Fontenot said.

The date of the gala is still to be determined sometime in January.

The deadlines for submitting work to the magazine is still being determined.

“People interested in submitting their work need to be thinking about which art or writing they would like to submit,” Fontenot said. TIHIS plans on having sign-up and drop-off schedules in D-008 soon. They also plan on asking some of the English teachers if they can have drop-off points in their classrooms. The main drop-off point will be D-008.

- Julith

Perry

Earth Club This Thursday and Dec. 15 the Earth Club will host

a breakfast instead of the annual Earth Dinner. The breakfast, where they will sell cinnamon rolls in the commons, will start at 7 a.m. and go until the beginning of school. The money will be going to the interpersonal skills class for their garden but according to club president Nick Donahue the main reason for the breakfast is to raise awareness for the club.

- Conner Bliss

Key Club Key Club has been meeting consistently to organize and be more active as a club.

In the advisory period on Nov. 14, officers met to discuss many future events including UNICEF Trick or Treat raising a little over $100, making holiday gifts for home bound residents with Meals on Wheels, Pennies for Patients, raking leaves and recycling for Manhattan High School.

“Recycling was a good turnout and it was a great start for the program,” president

Motivational speaker tells students to never give up Derrek Williams Staff Writer The freshman class participating in Manhattan High’s chapter of FFA had a guest speaker come to their class to talk to them about encouragement and perseverance.

The motivational speaker was a marine name Josh Bleill who had his legs blown off in a roadside bomb. Growing up Bleill participated in FFA, but after he became disabled he stopped participating in FFA, lost hope and gave up on his life. Eventually he changed his attitude and started taking part in FFA again. In addition, after Bleill was a lifelong fan of the Indianapolis Colts, he was offered a job working for them. Now he goes around the country to high schools and FFA conventions as a motivational speaker encouraging students to never give up and to preserve when things seem tough.

Manhattan’s FFA Chapter is finished judging for the rest of the year. In December the chapter will be have a white elephant Christmas party. They will have a potluck lunch and play dodgeball, volleyball and kickball.

Sophie Wang said. “Of course, we are going to try to improve the flaws and next week improve recycling at MHS.” Key Club is still open to new members. To join, students contact an officer of Key Club and pay dues.

- Dheepthi

Perumal

Debate The Manhattan High Debate Team competed in the Topeka High Tournament two weeks ago. Schools from across Kansas, including schools from Wichita to Kansas City, came to compete and show their skills in team and individual competitions. Each individual competed to make it into the semi-finals which then led into a finals round.

As a team, the debate team placed third in the semi-finals sweeps competition. Sophomores Peter Sang and Reid Erdwien placed third in their individual competitions.

- Tristan Knott

2

Nov. 27, 2012

the MENTOR

Opinions

Question What no one will say of the about education reform Week Ben Shields

editor-in-chief

There are three things absent from our education system no one of any position of power has yet to address: teaching religion as history, an implementation of art appreciation and ending the academic condescension of blue collar jobs.

Liberals and conservatives both abhor all talks involving religion in public schools.

Conservatives would likely hemorrhage at the idea of acknowledging there is a faith called Islam and liberals always deny the very significance of religion, usually only partaking in discussions that belittle it. Both these frames of thought are mind-numbingly stupid, and I should know: I’m an atheist who hates being around most other atheists.

Now obviously I’m not advocating teaching religion as fact. What I am calling for is a close study of all the major faiths in our world: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, et cetera.

We should be reading from the Bible, the Torah and the

Quran in public schools.

These books have played a far greater role in the history of our world than anything written by the framers of the Constitution or any speech given by Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King, Jr. If we study those (as we should), then we ought to have an equal understanding of major religious texts and cultures.

American culture, not just public schools, is shockingly anti-art. Waiting-room paintings are the only art some people ever see. Right now Kansans have a governor who hates art and even made a foundation of people who either also hate it or don’t really know what it is (fortunately, that foundation now does essentially nothing and we got federal funding back). All a small town like Manhattan has for exposure to art is the Manhattan Arts Center and a public schooling system.

In my Photography I class, we have been learning how to talk and ask questions about fine art photos. Why is this sort of activity reserved for elective art classes only? This should be in our English classes -- all four years of them -- and learning about great works of art should be integral components to history courses. Developing an appreciation for art is immensely important be-

cause, like studying religion, it is an integral aspect in studying culture and society and in understanding the values and mores of a time period. European public schools include art history in basic education; why shouldn’t we? I realize that we have seen slides of famous artwork on (groan) Powerpoint slides in a few classes, but the way in which art history is taught as an irrelevant footnote is unsatisfactory.

One unnamed teacher in this building glosses over the art unit of his/her class with such snide superiority, I could hardly remain in my chair. If you aren’t convinced by this point, tell me: where are the great painters and poets of our time? As art loses our attention, we lose art.

Now imagine this: telling a high school counselor you want to be a builder when you grow up. That’d really shake ‘em. When’s the last time any sort blue collar occupation was even mentioned as a career option in school?

If you’re like me, you’ve been hearing what a good idea med school and an engineering degree are for the past, I don’t know, decade. Blue collar work is so condescended in the public school environment, everyone should be outraged. Who do you think built this school and made sure the

floor isn’t collapsing underneath you, or made sure your car was safe to drive here this morning?

Let’s face it: the tech classes at this school are GHETTOIZED by staff and students alike. We should all drop our current math classes and switch into Auto Tech as protest. This academic sense of entitlement has got to stop.

To me, I am making a series of irrefutable arguments here. Yet these seemingly obvious points of view would be considered a radical agenda by anyone running the country or with a place on a school board.

When you hear President Obama promising half a million new math and science teachers, you should be worried; that doesn’t even scratch the surface of our problems.

Of course math and science are extremely important, just as important as what I’ve argued for here. But adding more people to a failed system is just going to exacerbate the issues (not to mention this goal puts all other facets of academics in the dark).

Help end the American Education Dark Ages by speaking up now, before it’s too late.

Take the time to say ‘I love you’ Julith Perry

staff writer

How many times have you taken the time to tell your mother you loved her? For me, it’s not an everyday thing.

I have always taken my mom for granted and I regret it so much now. I always figured that she knew I loved her and how much I appreciate everything she does for me.

Nov. 15 was a typical day of school for me, but in a matter

of seconds after I got home, my life as I knew it changed.

Earlier that day my mother had suffered two strokes and had to be taken to the hospital. Immediately, I became a hysterical, emotional mess and wanted nothing more than to make sure that my mother was well. It wouldn’t be until the morning of Nov. 16 that I would get to see my mom. My brother and dad kept reassuring me that she would be fine but I had to see her for myself to believe it.

Walking into the Intensive Care Unit room that my mom was in, I couldn’t help but break down into tears as I saw her laying there looking the weakest I’ve ever seen her in

my entire life. For as long as I can remember my mother has always been the ‘stay strong’ one in the family. She is the strongest, bravest person that I know. Seeing her so weak made me hurt for her; I know that she must feel helpless. As the day went by they eventually moved my mother to a normal patients’ room. They have explained that she will need to do physical therapy until she can walk normally and can regain movement in her left arm again.

Even after being reassured by almost every doctor and nurse in the building that my mother would be fine, I still can’t help but feel awful. I rarely tell my mom I love her

and I almost didn’t have the chance to say it again. Today, I am so thankful to have that privilege again.

Today when you go home tell your parents you love them. Don’t say why you are doing it, just do it, and they will appreciate it in ways that we will never understand until we become parents ourselves.

If you weren’t raised by your biological parents then tell whoever raised you that you love them, you owe them your entire existence. Never take your parents for granted, we never know when our last day with them will be.

Mom and Dad, I love you from here to the moon and back.

Post-T hanksgiving sales a black cloud over America Liz Logback

features editor This past Friday, America turned black. Billions of people lined up for hours waiting for the store of their choice to open early so they could charge to the bargain item of the year. Monopolies like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy had “killer deals” making their specialty items look hot to the consumer. Luckily, only two people were shot and another two trampled to death so our children could have the perfect Christmas present this

year!

The need for “the next big thing” America has adopted really sickens me. I feel this constant shove to be in the loop and stay caught up on all the electronics and latest items from Apple is unnecessary. We’ve adopted a culture of needing everything we see and spending ridiculous amounts of money without even blinking an eye.

According to American Business Spender, the average American will spend $704.56 on Christmas gifts alone. $52 billion were made off of black Friday this year, while the average person spent $398.68 alone on their haul from black Friday. Money suddenly seems to have lost its worth, and we are willing to go to the ends of the Earth to ensure

“happiness” on Christmas, no matter how much it costs.

Now, while observing this immense amount of spending, I have also observed the complete unwillingness of Americans to donate to a cause that helps other people, often in other countries.

Recently I have been asking friends to give anywhere from $16 - $2000 for an organization that works with families in other countries who have lost their jobs and can’t afford food or education for their families. The response I have had is little to none. When I hear of black Friday tales, and the amount of money spent, I can’t help but wonder why spending an extra $50 on people who actually need the money is so difficult.

Honestly, I’m hurt. Not that

my cause isn’t being donated to, but rather that American’s have been raised up to be so greedy that laying forth some extra money for needy people suddenly seems like a stretch for them. I don’t want to discount those who have given generously or have donated to other areas, but it’s hard not to when I see so many people lost in the “all about me” culture America wants us to get caught up in.

I don’t blame the American people; I blame our society.

Everything around us tells us to keep our personal wants as top priority. It’s very easy to do, as that is our human nature, but this Christmas season I challenge you to budget wisely, keeping in mind the interests of others.

The Mentor welcomes letters to the editor from students, faculty members or staff members from Manhattan High School. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words in length and must include your signature. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and AP Style and must meet standards of appropriateness generally accepted by the MHS audience. To submit your letter please email it to mhsmentoropinions@gmail.com or deliver a hard copy to C 107 or Kristy Nyp’s mailbox in the main office at MHS West.

The Mentor is considering changing the title of Question of the Week. What are your ideas?

“The Question of the Weak.”

- Robert Kobza, junior “Questionaire.”

- Adam Hupp, sophomore “Huh? Who is this? Why are you calling me at three in the morning? What’s that?”

- Sterling Edgar, freshman

“La Pregunta.”

- Abby Kim, freshman “Time For Me to Pester You.” - Maria Cypressi, freshman “Replace it with a picture of cat, because everybody loves cats.”

- Krista Dix, sophomore

“The four times a month question.”

- Joe Haug, junior

“The Fantasical Educational speechacal.”

- Sharon Wilson, junior

“The Weekly Inquiry.”

- Michaela Braun, junior

“Yes.” - Peter Gruenbacher, freshman

“Food for Thought, or A Question to Ponder.”

- Emma Galitzer, freshman “The Wonder Section.”

- Cale Benne, senior “Something in the World New Today.”

- Mike Marsh, administrator

“Question of the Week.”

- Emma Devane, freshman “Who are you? Stop following me. Were you the person who called last night and threatened me to answer their silly journalism question?”

- Sterling Edgar, freshman

“The Weekly Question.”

- Caroline Ballard, sopohomore

Want to contribute a guest column to the Mentor?

Contact Editor-in-chief Ben Shields at mhsmentoropinions@gmail.com.

Columns MUST be 300-600 words and entries may be edited as the editorial staff sees fit.

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

writers/photographers - Tre Fuentes Julianne Harkness Tristan Knott Jordan Morris Julith Perry John Rockey Seth Runyan Derrek Williams editorial assistants - Matt Bandy Jacob Bussman Diana Chilton Kelsey Crawford Kennedy Felice Michael Melgares Kristen Queen circulation - Kristyn Baker Leonard Castilow David Clinkinbeard Patrick Falcone Caorey 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

CHOIR SHOW

CASE

the MENTOR

Senior Sarah Mortenson dances the “Crocodile Rock” in Pops Choir.

Senior Claire Freeby, sophomore Levi Jones, junior Jaylen Condra, and sophomore Trevor Hayden sing with the accompaniment of Blue Notes Jazz Band and guest pianist Scott Senn.

Sarah Shi news editor Last week, three Manhattan High music groups showcased their talent at the choir showcase.

“It went extremely well,” choir director, Chad Pape said of the Nov.15 choir showcase.

“There was so much variety between the three groups and

it was just really good.”

The three groups -- Pops Choir, Blue Note Jazz Band and Varsity Choir -- each performed select songs that they had accumulated throughout the semester with a surprise guest artist. Scott Senn, senior Summer Senn’s father, accompanied Pops and Varsity on their “Swinging with the Saints” song as a pianist. Scott,

a Marine Jazz Band trombone player was “crazy good,” according to Pape.

“Even though he plays the trombone, he was just amazing on the piano,” he said.

Because another choral group was added to Manhattan High this year -- Varsity Choir -- there were two groups performing at the semester showcase.

Orchestra aims to rock the traditional concert Naomi McClendon entertainment editor On Dec. 11, the Manhattan High School orchestra will put on a show unlike any they have before. Rather than the typical orchestra concert, where parents pretend to enjoy an 18th century standard and unwilling siblings secretly text under their sleeves, this year’s winter orchestra concert is one that directors Steve Easterday and Nate McClendon hope will draw an excited student-body audience.

The concert is broken into two halves -- essentially, an acoustic section and an electric section.

T h e first half, although far more traditional than the second, features two classic orchestra tunes that challenge student players. The first piece is “Saint Paul’s Suite” by Gustav Holst, and the second is “Intermezzo” by Pietro Mascagni.

Combined, the two traditional pieces last around 15 minutes.

“The music is a really good challenge,” sophomore cellist Jina Ok said. “It teaches you how to work hard to be good at something. It’s also pretty fun.”

The concert’s second half could be considered more of a rock-and-roll show than an orchestra concert.

All of the songs are by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, an American progressive rock band that combines rock, metal, classical music and holiday music. MHS’s orchestra will

take on these tunes with a full orchestra combined with a five-part rhythm section consisting of electric violin, electric guitar, electric bass-guitar, drums and synth.

The first piece of the rockand-roll portion is “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” which is a spin on music from the Nutcracker. The second song is “Christmas Jazz,” an acoustic duet featuring senior Mason Wheatley on guitar and freshman Nathan McClendon on bass. “I’m really excited for it,” Nathan said. “Mason’s a really great guitarist, and it’s

tor Steve Easterday plays a big part in preparation. On most days, Easterday works with the full orchestra while McClendon works with the five-part rhythm section. The students in the rhythm section take on an especially big role for this concert. In addition to playing their specialized instruments, they also perform in the first traditional half of the concert.

“We definitely have to practice a lot,” senior synth player and violinist Tyler Cochran said. “We’ve kind of drawn a double duty.”

The music is a challenge not only for the rhythm section, but the full orchestra as well.

“After we play “Requiem” we feel like our arms are going to fall off,” junior Caitlyn Depew said.

McClendon hopes the unique concert will be enjoyed by both the performers and the audience.

“The music is very different than anything we’ve ever played. The combination of rock and orchestra is very modern,” McClendon said. “The students get exposure playing different genres and developing broader talents.”

According to McClendon, the concert is a chance for the student body to attend an exciting show. “It’s more like a rock performance than a school concert,” McClendon said. “It’s a chance to see their friends and a fun show, and to see what these students can really do.”

The concert is free of cost and open to the public.

“It’s more like a rock performance than a school concert. It’s a chance to see what these students can really do.”

-Nate McClendon

awesome to play with someone who knows what he’s doing.” The concert’s third song is “Christmas Canon Rock,” which features the singing of five students from Pops Choir.

The concert will come to a close with “Requiem,” a progressive take on Mozart and Beethoven. Assistant orchestra director Nate McClendon is directing the concert. “I’m always looking for something new and different, and something to showcase specific talents,” Nate said. “This year, we have so many students who are talented on different instruments. It’s something that these kids already do, but never show at school.”

Although McClendon is conducting the concert, direc-

Nov. 27, 2012

3

“Pops is the traditional choir group that usually sings at the showcase. They sing the more upbeat and dance songs.

They have choreography. Varsity doesn’t,” Pape said. “Varsity’s performance is more of standing singing.”

The Blue Note Jazz Band accompanied both choral groups, Varsity during the first half and Pops during the sec-

Senior Summer Senn performs a surprise duet with her father, Scott Senn.

Julianne Harkness, photographer

ond.

“It was really fun singing with Pops,” sophomore Charlotte Benjamin said. “It was something new.”

“It was so amazing,” junior Megan Knudsen said. “All the songs were really upbeat and working with Summer’s dad was awesome.”

For Summer Senn, it was “really fun to be able to do that

with my dad,” she said. “Mr. Pape had asked my dad if he would be a jazz pianist for our showcase and he agreed. We also did a solo together where he played the piano and I sang ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me.’” However, nerves were not on Summer’s mind as she took the stage with her father. “I thought it went well. I always

Thespian Reminder

Thespians are focusing right now on their annual One-Act Play Festival, spring and winter play selections and fundraising. All One-Act directors should have handed Linda Uthoff the director’s sheet by yesterday after school. Directors are responsible for scheduling rehearsals. The sign-up sheet is on the Thespian bulletin board by Black Box theatre. Be sure and leave time for others.

Any Thespians who have ideas for the winter or spring play should discuss it with Uthoff as soon as possible. The final decisions will be made Tuesday, Dec. 4.

All SCENTSY fundraiser packets need to be turned in by today. No exceptions.

Recording studio in school provides new opportunities for students Sarah Shi news editor

SubDeb profits to the music things like that. It’s also excitdepartment for the studio. ing to see that some indepenAn unexpected amount of dent musicians can record A music recording studio is money came in when a com- their own songs there once it’s finding its way to Manhattan munity member anonymously done.”

High. nominated MHS Music for the Assistant band and orchesLast year, 2012 graduate Best Buy/Grammy Foundation tra director Nate McClendon Chris Davis was inspired to cre- Scholarship, adding $2,000 a is in charge of investigating ate a recording studio at MHS very sizable amount toward and deciding the software and after his own recording studio the studio. hardware in his home. The former choir “The recordthat will “We want to allow the kids and jazz band member invited ing studio is also make up to get used to the recording MHS musicians to his home meant to be an the studevices and all the processes and asked them to record orig- educational tool dio. that came with recording inal songs of their own to cre- as well,” Chad “I’ve music.” ate a CD, “MHS Unplugged,” Pape said. “We b e e n -Chad Pape l o o k i n g with eclectic song choices. want to record the After producing enough CDs best songs out of into it for to sell, Davis, as well as other the choirs and the a long musicians featured on the CD, jazz band at the end of each time,” McClendon said. “I started advertising and sell- year. Also, we want to allow hope to have everything oring them at MHS. The profits the kids to get used to the re- dered and set up by the secwere then cording devices ond semester.” donated and all the proMcClendon hopes the reto the “I think having a record- cess that come cording studio will lead to bigmusic derecording ger things for the high school. ing studio will be really with par tment music.

Things “It’s modern technology in awesome.” as part like advertising, our field, which is great for of what marketing and a lot of reasons. It’s going to would beediting the final allow us to record all of our -Summer Senn product.” come the events, like Battle of the Bands fund for “I think hav- and the Variety Show,” Mcthe recording a recording Clendon said. “It’s also going ing studio. studio will be really awe- to allow students to record auClass of 2012 graduate So- some,” senior Summer Senn ditions for regional and state phia Tolentino also decided said. “The money that we get music groups. Hopefully in a to contribute to the cause. As can be used for traveling mics few years, it might even make a former Pops member, To- and recording our songs that a music recording class poslentino donated a portion of we sing ahead of time and sible.”

4

the MENTOR

Sports

First WEek of Practice

Changing times, changing distance

Nov. 27, 2012

Wrestling

The wrestling team huddles up after a practice last week. Their first meet is this Saturday at the Gardner-Edgerton Inviational.

John Rockey, photographer.

John Rockey staff writer In the coming wrestling season, the team of those who John Rockey staff writer Teams everywhere of encourage getting better together and preparing for what those they compete against have to offer. The Manhattan High Girls Basketball team is seeking to get better everyday in their practices and games.

The practices are based around team playing and communication between teammates. Practices will cover passing and working on their offensive and defensive handling of the ball. In their scrimmages, they cover how they handle different offensive and defensive situations. They proceed to work on the squad as a whole by focusing on individuals and what they could work on, and then they would work on the squad as a whole

returned from State last year and those new to the team this year all seek the goal to repeat the successes of last year’s win and improve at what they do. in how they handled the ball and how they were to communicate while on the court.

“We definitely want to make it to the State tournament and as the season goes along we want to get better,” senior basketball player Elayna Spilker said.

There are a number of different goals that each of the players have for themselves and as a basketball team.

“I’m wanting to work hard and be the best I can be,” sophomore basketball player Kelsey McCarthy said.

Everyone goes on knowing to learn from their mistakes, communicate effectively and working on their strengths and skills as team and as one.

“We work on team goals so they can make the team better and individual goals to make themselves better,” head girls

Boys Swimming and diving Kayla Dieker copy editor The Manhattan High Boys Swim team has worked hard preparing for their first meet, the Topeka Invitational, tomorrow. The boys started off their first week of practice by learning a new stroke -- butterfly, breast, back and free -each day.

After each stroke had been covered they worked on conditioning. The focus on each stroke is most important for members of the team who may not have swam competitively before.

“I’d say [the team] is about 50% new people,” senior Ethan Chapman said. “[It’s] twice the size of last year’s team,” senior Riley Ratliff added.

The team also had time trials to see how they might perform in a meet. Swimmers are fairly confident that they’ll do well at the upcoming meet.

“The returners are ready for the meet but the new guys need more experience,” Chapman said.

“But the new people have potential.”

“... the new people have potential” - Ethan Chapman

In a tough and demanding sport such as wrestling, they need to be constantly ready for the expectations, the weight requirements, and the physical and mental demands of a sport that requires cunning, constant movement, and a sense of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Each practice starts with a walk and stretch. Following the stretch comes drills that work on different aspects of wrestling like explosiveness and moving fast. After the drills comes a group teaching of the techniques that will be practiced that day, with more as they go on to practice against each other. A major emphasis is put on consecutive movement and staying low as they are wrestling. On some other days, the wrestlers pair off against those close to their own weight and will wrestle in matches lasting a minute for a total of 30 minutes of wrestling.

“The coaches we have are very motivating. They give us goals to work for,” senior wrestler Christian MoormanMeador said.

With the State win behind them, all the wrestlers, new and returning, seek to go on further in their success with each other and the coaches constantly pushing them to get better. All in the name of beating their own goals and coming together as one team.

“I just don’t want to lose to kids I should beat,” sophomore wrestler Kendrick Riveria said.

Everyone will push to succeed by the goal setting the coaches encourage for their wrestlers everyday of every season and event.

“One aspect I stress among our wrestlers is daily improvement not only in the mat room, but elsewhere in life,” wrestling coach Tim McCarthy said.

Girls basketball

The freshmen girls basketball team tips off its annual preseason scrimmage. The players split into blue and white teams and had a practice game to prepare for the season.

John Rockey, photographer.

basketball coach Scott Mall said. “We try to prepare for what the other teams offer

and what they do to make themselves better.”

Boys basketball Nick Bandy sports editor Where some dreams are accomplished and some are crushed, MHS boys basketball tryouts are always intense.

This year only 21 of the 35 students that tried out made the team, with some making Varsity and some making J.V. “All the guys worked hard.

It was tough to select,” head coach Tim Brooks said.

Tryouts consisted of different skill activities and scrimmaging, and after three days the coaches made selections.

“We looked for a lot of things while the guys were scrimmaging like how they handle the ball and things like that,” Brooks said.

The team had several younger players step up, with one freshman and several

sophomores moving up to J.V. .

But the team also had a strong showing by their seniors.

“The seniors have stepped up realizing it’s their last year and they’re playing with a sense of urgency. They want to improve every day,” Brooks said.

There certainly has been a lot of improving time as the team practiced everyday except for Thanksgiving over the break. The Indians have spent time looking at film of their first opponent, Derby, who they will play on Friday.

Derby looks to be strong this year and continue on their 17-5 record from last season.

“They’re going to be really good. They play well together, really get out and run and shoot the ball well,” Brooks said.

All-State selections recognize MHS students Seth Runyan staff writer As fall sports wrap up around the state, coaches start voting for some of the state’s best athletes in each sport.

This prestigious award is being named a member of the All-State Team. An athlete can either be placed on the first team, second team or receive an honorable mention.

At Manhattan High School, there have been nine athletes that have received an All-State award.

Of these athletes, only two have been named to the AllState First Team. These come from only one sport -- soccer.

With the football season

only recently wrapped up there have been no All-State awards yet. Every other sport has given its awards. The soccer athletes are seniors Jonathan Taylor and Killian Gorman and juniors Eric Gray and Jonathan Turnley. Gorman and Taylor both received All-State First Team and both Gray and Turnley received an All-State Honorable Mention.

The other sports to receive All-State awards were girls golf and cross country. Senior Blake Fingalsen was on the second team and junior Kelsey McCarthy received an Honorable mention from girls golf.

“It’s cool to know hard work really pays off,” Gorman

said. “They [the crowd] were fantastic this year. I’ve already been congratulated already by a lot of people. As compared to last year, there was a larger fanbase and they showed their excitement for us in school by congratulating us in the hallway and asking when the next game was. It was awesome.”

Taylor sees these awards as a great benefit to the soccer program at MHS. “You know, with players being recognized with these awards just shows that the soccer team is improving,” Taylor said. “I personally appreciate that coaches recognize my hard work and I consider as an honor.” Taylor is looking for his award to help gain ac-

knowledgement from bigger schools that have a great soccer program.

From XC, junior Alaina Schroeder, who placed third at State; junior Chris Melgares, who placed tenth at State and sophomore Christina Wankum, who placed eighth at State. There are no special All-State Awards in Cross Country; a runner can only be named All-State by placing in the top ten for each gender at the State meet.

Melgares looks for the award to bring more respect to his team.

“I hope that the high placings will bring respect to the team and hopefully it makes people realize the kind of work

Susan Melgares guest writer The clock is ticking. Another three to five minutes of running time for female cross country runners is being voted on by their coaches this week.

This would allow them to race 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), the same as their male counterparts instead of 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles).

In the bigger picture, the running time toward equal opportunity for both genders has taken decades. Not until 1972 was the 1500m, (the metric equivalent of a mile,) added for Olympic women, the marathon in 1984 and the steeplechase in 2008.

The early argument against women running long distance was primarily based on the mistaken belief that the female body would suffer dire consequences from it. In particular, some thought that running would affect a woman’s ability to bear children. Frighteningly, in my younger years, the myth that too much running could cause the uterus to drop loomed in the distance.

A lack of physical ability is now a small part of the current argument against the extra kilometer on the XC proposal. Thankfully, science backed up the generations of tough female runners making that argument easy to refute.

As the race distance gets longer, women tend to even the gender gap between finish times. In ultra-marathons (anything over 26.2 miles), women occasionally win first place overall. There is no physical justification that female XC runners cannot handle the extra distance.

However, there are several Kansas XC coaches hanging on to the misguided belief that girls should not be allowed to race that far, in spite of the fact that in 42 states they already do. Thousands of runners of all ages and both genders run local 5K races throughout our

state any weekend of the year.

The central piece of the current argument against 5K is that girls will not be interested in running that far. They will be intimidated by the distance, causing XC participation to decrease, especially in smaller schools.

This line of thinking is of course, less extreme, but too close for comfort to the common belief in my childhood that women were only interested in being housewives, teachers, nurses or secretaries.

Or even more personally chilling, the kind of thinking that prompted the doctor to tell my father the coach, who was hoping for an athlete, “Well, you got a cheerleader,” when both my sister and I were born.

Times have changed, and thankfully so. Women runners no longer need to pretend they are picking flowers when a car passes them on a run so they won’t be thought crazy like Joan Benoit Samuelson did in the 70’s. She later crushed the field in the first women’s Olympic marathon and even managed to have a couple of kids after that!

Having grown up under the umbrella of Title IX, which has allowed today’s young ladies equality in many athletic areas, I am not sure they realize the stereotypical thinking that has led to the different race distances.

If the gender positions were suddenly switched and we told our boys that they were no longer considered to have what it takes mentally and/or physically to run as far as the girls, I am certain the same deep voices of the coaches that are so vocal against letting girls race 5K would vehemently protest.

The time has come to set aside the ridiculously outdated belief system that “girls are not as tough as boys and never will be,” as one Kansas XC coach told me. And to let our girls run!

Athlete of the Week Gabe Awbrey Awbrey is the only freshmen to move up from the freshmen basketball team to the JV team. After tryouts the coaches decided he had the talent to move up and play for the next level.

Q: When did you start play-

freshman?

A:

Not really. I know a lot of the players at the West Campus, and I just try to play as hard as they do and push myself to the same standards they have.

Q:

How do you practice for the games?

A:

I started playing when I was five. My mom played in college, and that was always a good example for me when I was young.

During the season, I go to practice and I also practice by myself everyday.

During the summer, I play on a traveling team which helps me to stay in shape and improve my game.

Q:

Who inspires you to be the best you can be?

Q:

A:

A: Kevin Durant

ing basketball?

A:

My parents and my coaches both support me and push me to be the best I can be.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Q:

What is your favorite meal before game day?

Q: Do people treat you dif- A: Spaghetti ferently because you are a

we put in all year round,” Melgares said. “It’s a great accomplishment individually, but if I had a choice we would be bringing home a team plaque instead.”

Many of the athletes that receive this prestigious award look forward to their future and where they will be next in the sport. While underclassmen look forward to the next season, the juniors and seniors know that their next steps are crucial. Schroeder commented on her plans.

“I’m just going to keep run-

ning and training hard and hope for the best,” she said.

Melgares and Taylor have more clear plans for their future and have goals to commit to a college. “This honor is just a step along the way. I expect myself to perform at a high level and in the future I will definitely be running in college,” Melgares said.

For information about AllLeague recognition, visit mhsmentor.com.

the MENTOR

Features

Nov. 27, 2012

5

IPS tops last year’s totals for Crisis Center Kayla Dieker Copy Editor

It can also make an impact on the students in the class.

They were there at every home football game, with signs and collection cans, and after six games and several hours of hard work, the Manhattan High Interpersonal Skills class raised $1,008 for the Manhattan Crisis Center, a contribution that makes a difference for families who are victims of domestic violence. “[The money] can continue their program with so many cuts in social services funding,” Interpersonal Skills teacher Barb Crooks said.

The class presented Judy Davis, the Crisis Center director, with the check at a celebratory breakfast Nov. 14.

The collection does more than benefit the Crisis Center.

“I think there’s a pay-off because Judy brings awareness to the problem of domestic violence to the age group I think needs to hear it,” Crooks

by boyfriends or partners.”

Collecting for the Crisis Center is not the only way that IPS helps the community.

They also do a collection at the home basketball games for the emergency shelter. Also, for the eight Wednesdays before Spring Break they conduct bake sales to raise money for next year’s adopt-afamily. Last year’s class raised $1,400 to spend on Holiday Left: Senior Katie Proctor selects a doughnut during the IPS breakfast. Above: Crisis Center director Judy Davis accepts presents for the $1,008 check from senior Jacob Priddle. The check will help pay for supplies for the Manhattan Crisis Center.

Kayla Dieker, photographer four families.

“I want to say a big thank you to have done this so long that the USD 383 family and the importance of the program this happens in Manhattan, the teachers are passionate community for their support,” and how the donations that but there is help.”

Davis came to the IPS class are collected make a huge about it,” Crooks said. “Also, Crooks said. “Otherwise we at the beginning of the year difference. After the speech, unfortunately, I think students wouldn’t be able to raise this and made a speech to the students were motivated to know friends who are abused much money.” said. “Young people need to know that

Video production has large role in school

class. She talked about the

NaNoWriMo attracts young writers

website hosts a forum to share stories, read blogs and interact with others par ticipating Whether it in the event. be not shaving An onfor 30 days going word or eating a count is also roasted turkey continually on the third updated (over Thur sday, 2 billion November words have brings a month already been of tradition. submitted.)

National This year, Novel Writing the freshmen Month, or E n g l i s h NaNoWriMo, teachers is one of the Freshman Tracy Le works on her story for NaNoWriMo. Her daily goal is to b a n d e d m o n t h - l o n g write 500 words in order to have 15,000 words by the end of the month. traditions Liz Logback, photographer t o g e t h e r to have an November extra credit embraces.

The goal of the project is goal for themselves. By the end N a N o W r i M o to encourage writing and of November, approximately competition. Each classroom potentially complete a short 60,000 words should be NaNoWriMo continued novel by the end of the month. written, but that varies for each on page 6 Each student logs into the participant. The NaNoWriMo Liz Logback Features Editor

Senior Michael Yearwood videos seniors Kaitlin Wichmann and Taylor Good for a project. The students in the video production class do various projects that showcase the activities around MHS. Tre Fuentes, photographer

Julianne Harkness Staff Writer Everyone enjoys a good video, but the kids in Kathy Ricketts’ Video Production class like not only watching videos, but making them.

“I started messing with video editors back in ninth grade. That’s what made me want to join the class,” junior Noah Edmund said.

“I decided to transfer into this class during the last

semester of my sophomore year,” junior Kyle Curtis said.

The Video Production students work with recording videos, editing them and making them into newscasts. “When editing a video it depends on what your video is,” Edmund said.

“Some videos you can just throw in the video, add your intro and outro and its done.

Other videos take a lot more effort such as a newscast.”

However, video production

isn’t just about video editing.

“Usually we try to work with the Mentor staff and do certain newscasts and then a video of our own,” Curtis said.

Ricketts’ Video Production class helps the Student Council members put together the weekly video announcements as well.

“The StuCo kids come in here and work in our studio

help.

“I think as a class we

NaNoWriMo website a few days before and sets a writing

KAMS home to former student Liz Logback Features editor Leaving for college is often an exciting but scary experience for seniors. Moving out of their homes, leaving behind friends and basically starting a whole new life can

cause some anxiety. Mason Gates, a junior, left home two years earlier than his Manhattan High classmates to attend the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science on the Fort Hays State University campus. While most juniors wouldn’t be ready to leave

behind their high school safety net, Gates felt prepared.

KAMS is a boarding school. The state pays for tuition and 68 college credits are awarded to participants after completing the Academy.

The very best of Manhattan Video Production continued on page 6

KAMS continued on page 6

What are the best businesses in Manhattan, according to Manhattan High students? Vote for your favorites in each category by writing in the name of a business located in Manhattan, and submit your responses in the main office by Friday, Dec. 7, or send in an email to mhsmentorbuisness@gmail.com. ice cream ___________________________________ breakfast ___________________________________ open lunch _ ________________________________ hamburgers_________________________________ pizza _______________________________________ buffet _____________________________________ Italian/pizza _________________________________ Mexican ____________________________________ place to take a date to dinner ____________________ gym/workout ________________________________ grocery ____________________________________ gas station __________________________________ coffee _____________________________________ bakery/donut shop ____________________________ drugstore/pharmacy _ _________________________ department store _____________________________ brand of candy, pop, etc. _______________________ book _ _____________________________________ sandwich ___________________________________

haircut boys _________________________________ haircut girls ________________________________ clothes boys _ _______________________________ clothes girls ________________________________ shoes boys __________________________________ shoes girls _ ________________________________ sports and supplies ___________________________ music stores _ _______________________________ accessories _ ________________________________ college ____________________________________ elementary school ____________________________ The Mentor writer ____________________________ section of paper/ feature _______________________ local band __________________________________ dance studio _ _______________________________ park _______________________________________ track/field _ ________________________________ fishing/hunting ______________________________ hill for sledding _____________________________

place to hike/jog _____________________________ place on K-State campus_ _______________________ place to eat lunch at MHS ______________________ place to study _______________________________ place to “chill”/hang with friends ________________ art ________________________________________ recently opened in Manhattan _ __________________ how Manhattan relates to other towns _____________ car dealerships _ _____________________________ cinema/theatre _ _____________________________ museum/history ______________________________ church/place of worship _______________________ health clinics _ ______________________________ orthodontic/dental clinics _ ____________________ Tuxedo/Prom Dresses _ ________________________ Everyone who submits their survey by Dec. 7 will be entered into a prize drawing.

6

the MENTOR

Nov. 27, 2012

Trending

A ‘ rrow’ hits the bullseye Critiquing television is tricky. Unlike music, film or literature, TV changes every week, sometimes leaving what has been written about it completely irrelevant (take my

glowing “X Factor” review I wrote earlier this year; I think we can all agree the show is now unwatchable). That’s why I very cautiously recommend The CW’s superhero drama “Arrow,” a series so lightly enjoyable it is always one episode away from becoming the worst program on TV. The premise isn’t exactly groundbreaking: a young billionaire spends five years shipwrecked on an island and returns home to fight crime with bows, arrows and a perfectly sculpted body. But as some-

one who detests nearly all This soapy take on the tradicomic book movies, “Arrow” tional superhero complex is has kept my interest in each more interesting to me than of the six Joss Wheepisodes d o n ’ s I’ve seen. worthless I’ve always “Av e n g been a ers” film soap opor Chrisera fan (I topher watched Nolan’s “As the downright W o r l d Photo courtesy of cwtv.com inept third Turns” “ D a r k with my grandma in the sum- Knight” installment. There mers of my childhood) simply may not be more to it intellecbecause I like the glamour. tually, but it lacks Whedon’s

Liz’s Hits and Misses

HIT: Christmas music is playing EVERYWHERE now! I can feel jolly in any place I shop.

HIT: 27 days until Christmas!

MISS: There’s no snow in Manhattan’s future; chances of a white Christmas or snow days are looking slim.

HIT: The mass amount of turkey and mashed potatoes left over in the fridge.

Dinner is planned for the next two weeks!

HIT: The cease fire between Gaza and Israel, it may not last but at least there is peace for now!

HIT: Nov. 29 is national square dance day! Grab a partner and dosey doe in the commons!

HIT/MISS: Approximately 300 million turkeys were killed for thanksgiving feasts. I would mourn more if the yummy turkey breast wasn’t sitting in my stomach right now.

Photos courtesy of simplyrecipies.com, scenicrouteonline. com, johnnygoodtimes.com, vanderbilt.edu, blog.timesunion. com

unimaginative, solipsistic approach and Nolan’s undisciplined, messy style. Just like the best CW network shows (“Gossip Girl,” “Vampire Diaries”), “Arrow” reinvents genre cliche and (at its best) produces A-grade B-rated entertainment. Nolan and Whedon will never understand how to do that.

I feel a sort of duty to pan all superhero films and television shows. Critics should have a sense of obligation to do everything they can to stall the domination of popular cul-

ture by snarky men in tights.

However, “Arrow” doesn’t take itself too seriously and knows its place on television.

Its greatest shortcoming is easily the characters -- where are they? In the wake of Larry Hagman’s death, the ultimate soap actor, this show should honor his memory with a really interesting nemesis. Once you get rid of integrity, the rest is a piece of cake.

Aerosmith returns unspectacularly group, The Joe Perry Project. Other highlights include “Legendary Child,” which references a “pipe o’ peace” (how could that not turn out great?) and “Street Jesus,” a catchy enough track even if it could be by absolutely anyone.

Of course, there’s some junk -- how could there not be?

Steven Tyler’s duet with Carrie Aerosmith, the rock band Underwood isn’t even worthy in the greatest need of a TLC of Aerosmith’s worst work. It’s reality show, is back with their so cheesy, probably Velveeta first album in over a decade -- brand, that it’s inconceivexactly what none of us need- able the other band members ed. And it’s exactly what you’d were even involved. Though expect: an collection of glitzy, decent songs are spread out overproduced rock excess. on “Music From Another DiBut it’s also a surprisingly en- mension,” this track betrays joyable set of what we tunes, even all know if you won’t is going play it more on bethan a couhind the ple of times scenes: a at most. complete One of u t t e r the best mess, exsongs is the actly the opening char m track, “LUV that has XXX,” a distinvery stuPhoto courtesy of aerosmith.com g u i s h e d pidly-titled Aerosnumber nonetheless featuring mith as one of the great Amerexcellent guitar work by the ican rock bands. But you’re always lovely Joe Perry, remi- better off playing “Rocks” niscent of his underrated ‘70s than this record any day.

‘Breaking Dawn’ renews series “Forever” may be the last line of “Breaking Dawn,” but unfortunately the end of the film series was inevitable.

The epic finale of the love story between vampire Edward and human-turned-vampire Bella has been building up since we first met these two back in 2005 when “Twilight” was published (or 2008 for those of you who didn’t read the book and saw the movie instead).

After the fiasco that was “Twilight” (thanks to Catherine Hardwicke for doing such a poor job at directing it), I was really concerned that history was going to repeat itself

with this movie. My first concern was that “Breaking Dawn -- Part 1” wasn’t the best they could have done; it was good but not fantastic. That led to my second concern: Bill Condon, the director of “BDP1,” was going to be directing this movie as well, which is the first time that any director got to direct more than one “Twilight” film.

All my concerns were put to rest as I finally got to see the movie I had been waiting an entire year to see. All

the waiting in line and drama leading up to it were worth it.

The experience of waiting six hours in line (at least we were first in line and sat instead of standing) to see what would be the epic finale of this series is completely insane. I still can’t believe I did it. Those six hours consisted of 40-something-year-old TwiMoms who couldn’t wait to get a glance of Carlisle, rude people trying to cut in line, and an insane lady bringing her fussy baby who wouldn’t

stop crying. There were also those ridiculous “VIP” people that kept flashing their stupid lanyards (work it girl, work your $50 dollar lanyard) at the people waiting in line.

“Breaking Dawn -- Part 2” brings us a fashionable vampire Bella, and some awkward vampire sex (Kristen Stewart’s facial expressions made it worse). The Volturi seek to destroy Renesmee because they believe her to be an immortal child. The Cullens gather all their vampire friends and Ja-

cob calls his werewolf pack as they prepare for war. After a significant deviation from the book, Alice saves the day and the Volturi leave peacefully, but not before they stirred up some trouble and “killed” a few vampires and werewolves first.

I expected this movie to be complete and utter crap but it wasn’t. It was absolutely fantastic, the best “Twilight Saga” movie made.

Video Production, from page 5

continued

KAMS, continued from page 5 Enrolled KAMS students basically become college students, staying in the dorms and eating the provided food.

Free time is allowed between KAMS classes and students can sleep in if they are not taking any morning classes.

Last summer Gates received a booklet explaining the academy and its requirements.

After an information meeting and day of previewing the campus and talking to enrolled students, Gates was ready to fill out an application. The admission process required an extensive application that included writing a few essays.

References from the science, English and math department at Manhattan High, his parents, a mentor and a counselor were also required,

students are encouraged to partake in campus activities.

This past fall he participated in the FHSU musical entitled ‘Curtains.’

Through the musical, campus activities and daily interaction, Gates has formed lasting friendships.

“I’ve made some good friends.

And it helps that you live with other [KAMS] students,” he said.

Gates encourages anyone thinking about applying for KAMS. “Study up on chemistry though,” he adds.

Before attending the Academy, Gates had not taken it and is “struggling with it a bit. If you think you’re ready for it though, go for it,” he said.

NaNoWriMo, pafe 5

with the green screen, film the announcements and edit them. We just put them on YouTube,” Ricketts said.

“The announcements are going well. However, I would like to change how they are distributed.”

Even though Ricketts likes the way the announcements are being done, there is two thing that will soon be changing.

They are changing news anchors from StuCo President senior Naomi McClendon and senior Patrick Day to two new people that Day, McClendon, Ricketts and Leslie Campbell will be choosing. Anyone in the school can apply. The other new thing with the announcements will be the fact that they decided to add cue cards instead of using notes in the video.

as well as at least a 23 on his ACT. During spring break the Academy conducted a phone interview with Gates and accepted him later that week.

“I got all ready and then moved in in August,” Gates said.

Leaving home wasn’t as scary as some might think.

Gates felt prepared and excited to leave home to start his new life on FHSU campus.

He still comes home over breaks and has contact with his parents, which helps make the transition easier both on himself and his family.

Gates is enjoying the college experience KAMS offers. “It’s nice not having seven hour days stuck in one building,” Gates said. The Academy is small due to the unique setup of the school, hosting only 67 students, so

her as well.

Motivation for the story came easily for Le. “I read about it somewhere, then made it my own,” she said. Her mythical plot-line of humans that can turn into dolphins is a complicated story that embraces ideas some people may never think of. When November is over, Le will submit the final word count onto the NaNoWriMo website but she doesn’t anticipate the story going anywhere.

The reward of extra credit in English and a finished novella is enough motivation for the young writer.

continued

for

will combine their word count together at the end of November and whoever has the most will have a pizza party or other reward of choice. Freshman Tracy Le in Terri Payne’s class feels challenged by the vigorous writing schedule. Every day she tries to write 500 words with a goal of 15,000 words by the end of the competition.

Self discipline plays a large role in reaching the word count goal. Le has been able to maintain a time for writing every day, sticking close to the pre-set notation of 500 words.

When Le first learned of the competition in her English class she was motivated by the extra credit she would receive.

“I love to write,” Le said.

So the competition has turned into something fun for