The mentor Vol. 102 Issue 2 | Manhattan High School | Aug. 26, 2014
Water flow malfunction leads to unplanned fire drill in rain, lightning Joseph Sell Online Editor-In-Chief “This is not a drill. Everyone needs to evacuate the building at this time.”
Friday, the fire alarms were set off between second and third hour. According to West Campus building principal Greg Hoyt, the alarms were set off by a water flow malfunction in the boiler room.
While students patiently waited for further news on whether or not the building was safe to reenter, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed in the distance. Soon, it began to rain on the students, which
sent some to their cars and others under trees in attempt to avoid the rain. “We went outside because the school wasn’t safe, but then we went outside and it wasn’t safe,” junior Austin Telck said.
“It was chaos.” Afterward students returned to their classes. “I have no clue [what happened]. I asked a couple teachers and they didn’t know,” senior Julia Evans said.
There was no announcement following the drill. The day continued on normally from that point forward. “I was really proud everybody got out of the building safely,” Hoyt said.
ally cared about them and that made them really depressed and some of them were suicidal,” sophomore Jayda Teener said. “I think we could maybe change the amounts of suicides and self-harm due to bullying and people judging people.” One thing that a lot of students took away from Yalden’s speech was that people need to stop worrying about what other’s think about them and to be themselves. “He said that people are going to judge us for the five percent that they know about us and it helped me realize everyone has their opinion but we shouldn’t let it determine us,” junior Anna White said. Yalden also touched base on the fact that people shouldn’t let their past determine who they are because everyone has hardships, which allowed him to be open about his past and to connect to the students on a deeper level. “Families going through divorce, a lot of times kids put a blame on themselves, so it was okay for me to be authentic and honest and talk about it as an open book to kind of set the example that no matter what you’re going through, it’s gonna be okay. Also to teach them ways to overcome it, to address it, to handle it, and I try and do it in a way that I try to add
humor with a serious tone,” Yalden said, “I try to speak at their level and you know, you risk a lot by doing it because sometimes I’m not the most appropriate person in school, but I think what’s important is down the road, I want them to remember that guy that shared a message that, you know I get messages from kids that never take their bracelet off and to me that’s pretty awesome.” Students enjoyed Yalden’s speech and learned important life lessons that they can choose to carry out throughout the rest of their professional and social lives. “If we aren’t so worried about fitting in, we can be more confident and when we are confident we do more things,” senior Lauren Carlson said. Yalden accomplished his goal and proved to be a success with MHS students. “Self-respect helps you to have the courage to make good choices and I want the kids to follow their dream, but I also don’t want them to neglect their high school career, I don’t want them neglecting other people,” Yalden said. “You know, have love in your heart and go after things but live in the moment. Dance, and sing and make it a great year.”
Yalden leaves impression on students Angie Moss Business Manager
Top: Yalden approaches a students, asking for their name. Left: Seniors Oscar Hedlof and Jillian Kiracoffe laugh at Yalden recalling the time his daughter called him fat. Right: Yalden introduces himself to the audience. “I’m not a typical high school teacher with all of my tattos,” Yalden said. PHOTOS BY JENNIE JORDAN AND BRENT MORRILL
Science Olympiad begins new class Tracy Le Trending Editor Manhattan High’s Science Olympiad team has come far in both its studies and performances at competition. Now, the coaches have introduced a new class with the hope of going even further. “When we first started Science Olympiad I really didn’t think it was possible to have everybody get medals at state. I just didn’t think it was possible,” Science Olympiad coach Pat Lamb said. “The two years before that when we got 13 out of 15 in the top, oh my god, that was just unbelievable. I felt bad for these guys because I just didn’t think they could live up to it but then they got 15 out of 15. You can’t do much better than that.” Year after year students have tested into the school’s Science Olympiad team and year after year, students continue to improve. This year the coaches, Lamb, Craig Ackerman and Richard Nelson, are teaching a new class, Honors Science Investigation. “We’ve done about as well
as we can do just meeting on Saturdays. Our students have done everything we’ve asked… We thought, as teachers, we had to change something. So we decided to have a course and meet every day instead of just two hours on the weekend,” Lamb said. ”This is our very first year so I definitely hope they enjoy it and that they see it as a real benefit.” After junior Rebekah Hennesy was on the team her sophomore year, she decided to sign up for the class. ”I feel like it’s going to be a really great opportunity and you’ll have a set amount of time where you can study,” Hennesy said. ”I think it will definitely benefit the team. Not the entire team is in the class but there are a lot of members and you’ll be able to see everyone more regularly.” Senior Jacob Steward agrees. ”I was in Science Olympiad last year and I decided it would be pretty fun,” Steward said. ”I think it will help us because before we only had a couple hours to practice and now we have like an hour each day. This year should be pretty
fun. Hopefully we can get to nationals in Lincoln [Nebraska].” Honors Science Investigation will include Science and Biology Olympiad, Envirothon and Ecomeet participants. Students will study many aspects of science including engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science and even scientific inquiry. So far, students have been taking tests and studying fundamentals such as significant figures, factor labeling, statistics and metric conversions. Nationals is also already on the minds of many past Science Olympiad members. “I want us to go to nationals this year,” Hennesy said. “We were really close last year, we almost made it. I think it’s definitely achievable.” Lamb is also eager to start. ”I’m always excited.” Lamb said. “I like competing and I’m very competitive. And we’ve got great people. I’m biased and I’ll be the first to admit it but I think Manhattan kids are tough. They’re tough in a good way, they’re mentally tough. In sports and academics...when See Science on page 5
Manhattan High School students filed into Rezac Auditorium on Aug. 19 expecting yet another boring guest speaker to tell everyone the dangers of bullying and how to treat others with respect. Students were bewildered to see Jeff Yalden appear on stage, covered in tattoos and piercings. Yalden connected with MHS on a personal level with his surprisingly explicit explanations and relatable life stories. “He had a way of drawing you in emotionally with his stories, then pulled back a little bit to let us think about our own situation but at the end we all learn from it. He was trying to connect with us and I think he accomplished his goal,” sophomore Nyza Milligan said. Students were able to relate to Yalden on many different levels, allowing reactions ranging from laughter to tears. “One thing that stood out to me was when he was talking about his friend that shot himself right in front of him when he said ‘maybe you were the only one.’ I know people that have felt like they only had one or two people that actu-
GSA looks ahead, plans events Marisa Lang Staff Writer When many students think of the start of a new school year, they think of their new classes and teachers, new sports and activities and new friendships they will forge throughout the year. The start of school also means the start of clubs. On Wednesday, the GayStraight Alliance held their first meeting, selecting president and vice president officers as well as planning possible events for the club this year. Senior Beckie Carter was elected president and senior J.J. Wood was elected vicepresident. The other officers, such as the treasurer and class representatives, will be decided once new members arrive after club sign-up day. GSA’s plans for this year include a joint event with the Junction City High School GSA with guest Christopher Chavez, the Kansas State University LGBTQ and Allies president. The Manhattan GSA also has been making plans to participate in more community service projects, have more
fundraising activities and team up with other clubs and GSAs from other schools to plan fun and interesting activities throughout the year. Due to low attendance last year, planning and carrying out these activities and fundraisers was a challenge. However, GSA president Beckie Carter said that she hopes this year will be different. “I hope we get new people for GSA and more people that stay in GSA, because it would be really nice to have people who are committed to coming to GSA every week and we know are supportive," Carter said. "And I’d like more productivity because even though last year we had it better on track, we didn’t actually do many fundraisers." GSA is a club for students that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, transgender or asexual, but anyone who supports the LGBT program is welcome to join. “It’s a good place for someone to come and say that they know who they are, and they want be independent about it, and have it be said, you know? Like, they want to let people know that they’re gay,”
Carter said about the club’s open, laid-back atmosphere. “But at the same time it’s like not everyone is like that and is accepting about it, so it’s nice just to be like, well, we all have the same opinion that you can be whatever you want and like whoever you want.” As for the impact of this club on the opinions of young people, both vice president Wood and GSA sponsor Sara Rempel agree that this club is making a difference in how students perceive their peers who may identify as a different gender or sexual orientation other than straight and cisgender. “It’s educating the public. You are people. You know?” Rempel said about LGBT teens. “And just because you’re a little different doesn’t mean you’re not people.” Wood agrees, saying that it doesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight, because anyone can be supportive of LGBT minorities. “GSA is the gay-straight alliance group and I don’t want people to think they have to be lesbian or gay. They can just be straight to come in and be like, ‘I support that,’” Wood said.
FFA ready for year Student enrollment increases Darian Foga-Frehn Staff Writer Club signups are coming up in September, and the Manhattan FFA is ready for some new faces to join veteran members. On Wednesday, August 26, some of the chapter officers will be joining ag classes to show students what FFA is all about and what the chapter does throughout the school year. The officers hope that this will increase chapter membership. “We will be adding a little FFA presentation into each ag class on Wednesday with homemade ice cream and an overview of what FFA is about and what it has to offer,” Manhattan FFA Chapter President Kyndall Norris said. The junior shows much excitement about the upcoming school year and
the new activities the officers are planning. “I am very excited for all of the new things we are doing this year, especially our end of the year banquet. It will be a great time to recognize members and outstanding community members who help to further our FFA chapter,” Norris said. The Manhattan FFA chapter has a lot going on in the next couple of weeks. On Sept. 9 at City Park in Manhattan, the chapter is holding a Softball Tournament and Barbeque in order to kickstart the new year. Other clubs in the school were also invited to participate in the tournament and were asked to bring a side dish for the barbeque afterwards. “A couple of different clubs will come with a softball team to compete that night, and we’ll have hamburgers for evSee FFA on page 5
Madeline Marshall News Editor With the population of Manhattan steadily rising, there have been major jumps in enrollment over the past year in USD 383. In the district as a whole, 143 more students are enrolled than in the previous year, and 53 of these students are at Manhattan High. This increase from 5,802 students to 5,945 students might seem insignificant, but when the numbers aren’t as predicted it can lead to bigger problems throughout the district. “Analyzing enrollment, or trying to predict trends, can be very frustrating,” school board president Leah Fliter said. “Last year we thought we would have increased enrollment, but it was flat. This year
we thought we would be up roughly 25 students.” When these predictions are met with a different outcome, it can change the district’s original planning for the year. “The first change occurs each year when we determine how many classroom teachers and support staff are needed,” superintendent Bob Shannon said. “If the trend continues for several years, we will need to plan for additional classroom spaces.” This planning occurs far before the school year starts. In fact, next year’s scheduling is already being contemplated. "We’re already thinking about what next year’s schedule will look like,” Manhattan High Principal Greg Hoyt said. “Looking at those numbers as they go up or down requires us to reevaluate our staffing needs. We have to balance that with the enrollment increases
in the rest of the district. In fact, I’m aware that Bluemont Elementary had to find and hire a teacher two days before school started. It's definitely a challenge for all of us.” The reasons behind this enrollment increase are plentiful, but are still in question. “It's difficult because we have people moving in and out of the community due to going to school at [Kansas State University], or working there or being based at Fort Riley,” Fliter said. “I believe birth rates in Riley County have been going up. We also see increased home construction in the area, and families who move into those homes send their kids to our schools.” While there are speculated reasons, it is difficult to determine what the true cause is. “I don’t think anybody really knows why,” Hoyt said. “I don’t know if you can pin
down how much of an impact each occurrence has. The biggest wild card right now is [NBAF], but more specifically the tertiary business associated with it." This past year’s increase in enrollment is not yet harmful and is simply a number that could be a prophecy for what is soon to come in Manhattan. In fact, some growth is considered beneficial. “It is positive to have a moderate increase in enrollment,” Shannon said. “School enrollments can be an indicator of a community’s growth and vitality. I don’t foresee a negative impact on student ability to learn with the increases that could happen.” For full story see www.mhsmentor.com
Opinions
The Mentor • Aug. 26, 2014
Protect rights of journalists
Quit choosing ignorance
When a situation that causes controversy occurs, it covers the news and all social media sites. People demand answers and jump to conclusions, much like what’s happening with Ferguson right now. The one thing many people seem to fail to acknowledge is where the information is coming from. Members of The Mentor editorial board agreed that citizens should appreciate reporters and journalists more as well as care when they’re stopped from doing their job.
A white cop kills an unarmed black teenager in Anytown, USA, and a storm will brew. The most recent of these storms is occurring in Ferguson, Mo. and it is a particularly vile one. Thoughts of Ferguson hang thick in the air, stinging the senses with the sharp pain that comes with controversy. We are pelted with angry quotes and assaulted by newly discovered evidence. The amount of information is almost unrecordable. With Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and millions of cellphones it has become easier than ever to share and access a seemingly never-ending supply of information and opinions. But what are the consequences of this information overload? With such an enormous amount of material, it has become easier than ever to pick and choose the information you wish to obtain. You are deciding what information you do and do not receive. Whether it’s the news
THIS EDITORIAL IS A COMPILATION FROM A DISCUSSION HELD BY THE EDITORIAL BOARD. TO LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION THAT LED TO THIS PIECE, VISIT WW.MHSMENTOR. COM
All of the information received about what’s going on in our country, and world in general, comes from reporters. They’re filming, photographing, interviewing. Everything comes from them. Reporters currently in Ferguson, Mo., covering the death of Michael Brown and unrest that followed have been maced, shot with rubber bullets, threatened, arrested and even tear gassed. None of this is new or uncommon but it has got to end. If authorities continue to prevent journalists from covering things happening in the world the general population is going to suffer. By restricting the press, the public has no insight to things happening outside of their own life. Journalists are so widely
taken for granted and it’s occurring even at the high school level. Much like citizens, the student body at Manhattan High take this publication for granted. Every member of staff tries their hardest to cover every sport, every club and every event for the students and in return they receive complaints of grammatical errors found in the paper that so much work and effort goes into producing. Odds are every scandal, every sporting event, every trial and every epidemic you heard about was reported by a journalist who has dedicated themselves to serving you and providing you with information you otherwise could never obtain. Start caring about the fate of reporters because without them, you’re blind.
Stop social media trends
When was the last time you heard about Joseph Kony? Oh yeah, 2012. Kony became famous primarily via YouTube, a social media site. Rumor has it that Justin Bieber got his start on YouTube as well. There are countless number of musical artists now who acquired their fame from the app Vine. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with these people and how they got their break, there is an issue with the tools they used to get it. Social media is making our generation into one that worships celebrities, praises lack of effort because it’s aesthetically appealing, and uses language I couldn’t come up with in my wildest dreams. And it repulses me. If you are at all familiar with the app Vine, you’ll know
what I’m talking about when I say the comment section is absurd. Look no further than the three most recent comments to see “bae,” fake phone numbers for other Viners, and innumerable emojis used to describe the adoration for the creator of the Vine. What makes a 17 year old better than you? Why is he or she worthy of the insane amount of worship that you give them? What makes them so great? At the end of the day, they’re just high schoolers like you and me who have found fame in the virtual world. They make mistakes, they fail math tests, they walk their dog (when they’re not using it to garner more attention online) and they all have families they go home to every day. They are no better than you or me. Social media has also deluded our generation into praising everything that is aesthetically appealing, whether it required effort on the maker’s side or not. Let’s combine Vine users in my previous example with the newest trend, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The Vine of Nash Grier accepting
the challenge has over three million loops, simply because Grier knew his fans would love it and it didn’t require much effort at all. Why do we praise things like that, pay athletes millions of dollars and pay lawyers with a PhD. a fraction of what the athletes make? Additionally, social media has coaxed this generation into using absurd language. When did words like “bae,” “bruh,” “no chill” and other unprintable phrases find their way into our vernacular? Social media has invaded our language and is making us sound like an uneducated society, something that will get worse before it gets better. Let’s change this. Let’s start a revolution of being personal and not spend our time with real people immersed in the fake world. Let’s keep our heads level and realize that celebrities aren’t better than us, no matter how much it may seem like it. Social media is eating us from the inside out, and it has no plans to stop. Let’s make this the generation our parents look at and are pleased with.
Question of the Week: What are you looking forward to this year?
“Reading every issue of the mentor,” Connor Bliss, senior @connorblissful
“Summer vacation,” Derrek Williams, senior
site you read, the radio station you listen to in the car, the people you follow on Twitter and Tumblr, or the pages you ‘like’ on Facebook, you don’t have to see, hear, or think about anything you don’t want to. Essentially, you can compartmentalize your media sources so that you never have to view anything that opposes your beliefs – and information ignorance is born. Ferguson is a prime example of this, as with such an onslaught of information nobody seems to know (or want to know) the full story. You can choose to either hear the story of the tear-gas victims using milk to soothe their burns or the story of looters breaking into a McDonalds and stealing milk bottles. You can choose to see the autopsy, or simply ignore it. You can read about Mike Brown being a ‘thug’ or Darren Wilson being a murderer. Both sides of the debate are choosing to ignore bits and pieces of the story. Both groups disregarding sets of information has led to this ongoing event becoming even more hostile and violent. This picking and choosing of information, in short, allows each of us to define our own world – a world that conforms to our individual belief system and looks the way we will it to. We form a world where we
Page 2
can shout out everything we believe and hear it reverberate back (just from a different source). This information ignorance exacerbates the “us versus them” scenario, as it minimizes the “us.” When the “us” in “us versus them” becomes smaller, it becomes more difficult to understand how other viewpoints ever came to be. We begin to wonder how someone could ever possibly think differently than us. We spend so much time listening to ourselves, or mirrors of ourselves in the media, that there is no longer time left to listen to the arguments of the “them.” As soon as we reach an opinion, the research stops and the reinforcement of our opinion is found in those who agree. If we all continue to create our own worlds in which to live in, and continue to become so individualized that we no longer acknowledge anything that contradicts our ideas, the same controversies and problems occurring today will arise again and again. In the end, we must break out of our routine of information ignorance and attempt to broaden our horizons. In doing this, we can move one step closer to removing another “Ferguson” from the timeline.
End spread of violence “By the skillful and sustained use of propaganda, one can make people see even heaven as hell or an extremely wretched life as paradise.” -Adolf Hitler, one of the best sellers of a crazy idea. When I first heard of “The Purge” reenactments, my first thought was, “Oh, this is why I kind of hate people,” but decided I should probably watch the movie, and then judge humanity. I am a lover of horror films, but “The Purge” was definitely a movie that I am unsure of how I feel about. It’s such a mind-blowing plot: the setting is America in the year 2022 and crime is at a 1 percent rate. The Government developed an Annual Purge; where once a year all crime is legal (including murder) and all emergency response units are unavailable during that twelve hour window. Cameras running for the world to watch malicious, penalty-free acts live in the comfort of their locked up homes. The purpose of doing this “purge” is to release all your anger, to let your inner animal out of its cage and let yourself go insane for one night to better yourself as a human being. “Blessed be the New Founding Fathers for letting us Purge
and cleanse our souls, Blessed be America, a nation reborn.” Get the jist of it? Good. The beginning is shown from a wealthy man’s point of view who doesn’t actively participate in the Purge, but takes it very seriously, heavily protecting his home with a security system that makes Fort Knox look cozy. The lifestyle is made to look very easy and lavish for those who can afford to protect themselves. For example, say you don’t like your boss -- well, with this Purge Theory, you can kill him, then probably be sitting at his desk the next day. Or say you’re a lonely teenager just trying to make it through your day, holding your books and being shoved in the hallway while people say terrible things at your face and isolate you; you could target them all and forever be freed from the pain they made you feel every day. Now, after killing these people, the next day when you are looking at your television eating your Fruity Pebbles and watching the news; the newscasters speak of those who died last night not as victims of a cruel and terrifying mass murder, but a sacrifice dying for a purpose. Relieved of feeling guilt; encouraged to feel immense pride that you killed in the name of your Country and mankind. God bless America, right? After watching this movie and trying to make myself think with the mind of a psychopath, this movie made everything seem so acceptable.
I said to myself “Wow, that’s kind of a good idea…. I mean, crime once a year instead of every day?” My mom and I talked about this movie, and she said something that stuck out to me. “Violence is like a drug. Even the average Joe is susceptible -could become addicted to it.” Another thing occurred to me, the biggest issue with the people in our world who are reenacting this movie is that they don’t have much of a grasp on their own reality, just like a school shooter would simply wake up one day and just assume it is either the only option or that it was just acceptable behavior to kill everyone rather than go find someone to talk to or express themselves in a less catastrophic way. Killing is the ultimate high, you can either do it once and be done, or you are itching to do it again and again -- and that is when it hit me. The people in reality who are reenacting “The Purge” could likely be those who don’t have a way to release their anger, or don’t have anybody to talk to; the people who don’t know how to express feelings or lack sympathy or remorse... they watch this movie, hear the propaganda and get in their heads that it’s a wonderful idea. Finally someone has found a way to make them feel normal, they are desperately scratching at the walls of their brain to get out of their own mind and live the way they saw these people live. They too, have the burning desire to Purge.
EDITORS:
“Graduation. Lowkey,” Will Wright, senior “Taylor Swift’s new album ‘1989’,” Maya Minocha, junior @maya_papaya12
Club sign-up days are Sept. 3 and 4. What club should MHS have that is doesn’t already? Tweet your answer @mhsmentoronline or answer at our website, mhsmentor.com
Kristen Batson -- Print Editor-In-Chief/Opinions Joseph Sell -- Online Editor -In-Chief Danielle Cook -- Entertainment/Content Editor Madeline Marshall -- News Editor Alan Brown -- Features Editor Greg Woods -- Sports Editor Tracy Le -- Trending Editor Anna Hupp -- Photo Editor Marisa Lang -- Graphic Designer Senior Staff Writers/Photographers -- Madison Newman, John Rockey Staff Writers -- Jake Bussman, Elassia Cunningham-Younger, Darian FogaFrehn,Miranda Hairgrove, Jennie Jordan, Brent Morrill
OTHER:
Angie Moss -- Business Manager Kristy Nyp -- Adviser 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.
Page 3
The Mentor • Aug. 12, 2014
Messer trains to fight flames Danielle Cook Entertainment Editor In 12 years of school, a student has likely been through many fire drills (so many, in fact, that you’ve probably lost track of exactly how many over the years). The drills are mundane, never changing, stressing always the same objective: to get out of the burning building and into safety. For senior Shaun Messer, the objective of those mundane school fire drills has been cancelled out by its utter opposite: get out of safety and into the burning building. Messer, taking after his father, Doug Messer, director of transportation for USD 383 as well as a volunteer firefighter, is currently training to also become a volunteer firefighter for Riley County. “He’s always been active and outdoors. We used to watch his dad fight fires from a distance when he was little. I’ve just seen his passion for it grow as he’s grown up,” Angie Messer, Shaun’s mother, said of the spark of Shaun’s interest in firefighting. Though Shaun spent much of his childhood watching his father fight flames, he admits that firefighter wasn’t his career of choice, originally, though he now plans on pursuing it all the way. “I wanted to be an engineer for a while until I realized I hated math, so I decided I’d rather be something that makes a difference,” Shaun said. “It wasn’t until recently that I actually saw myself doing it [firefighting].” Shaun’s desire to make a difference in his community by sharing his time and abilities with others is something that’s all in the family. “I’d like to think it makes my dad proud because it’s what he’s been doing for a long time, and he still is – he used to be paid to do it, and he’s
now a volunteer, but he’s still a firefighter, so I’m kind of following in his footsteps,” Shaun said. Shaun explained that the process of becoming a fullycertified volunteer fireman is somewhat extensive; it includes successfully completing required classes, physical training and tests, as well as training in health care and safety basics, and learning to drive various types of firetrucks. Since passing his set of online classes in early August, Shaun has received his protective firefighter’s gear and is eager to explore his newlylearned skills in the event of a real fire, or live training situation such as a burning room. “I’m ready to put it [my training] to the test, see how much I know,” Shaun said. He has not yet been called to action for a real fire situation and is not yet allowed on the inside of a structure fire or in front of a grass fire without a senior firefighter alongside him. However, for the actual chance to utilize his training, Shaun feels somewhat anxious, but is confident that when the time comes for him to step in on his own, it will have prepared him thoroughly. “I kind of have mixed feelings. I’m excited to go to a real grass fire or a structure fire, but at the same time I’m nervous because I know people do get hurt, but it doesn’t happen that often, actually,” Shaun said. “So, I’m kind of nervous for it right now, but I know by the time I get to that point, I’ll have a lot more training under my belt, so I feel like I’ll be ready.” And despite the obvious dangers associated with firefighting, Shaun sees a bigger picture, in which the survival of jeopardized individuals may depend on him -- his decisions, actions and abilities -- in an emergency situation. “It takes a large amount of bravery, I would think, to run
Features
Senior changes science world Alan Brown Features Editor
Senior Shaun Messer awaits the opportunity to test his skills in the event of a real fire. “When I really thought about it, I really wasn’t afraid of the fact of putting my life on the line to save someone else,” Messer said. “That just didn’t seem that scary to me.” PHOTO BY DANIELLE COOK into a burning building. You also need to be ready to know that when you’re at a fire, you have to be ready to put your life on the line for the people you’re trying to save because that’s your job, and that’s what you’re there for,” Shaun said. “Don’t do anything reckless.
I mean, they do teach you [in training] that your life is important in any situation or fire, but whoever you’re trying to save, their life is more important. So, don’t purposely put yourself in harm’s way, but be ready to put it all on the line if you have to.”
Shaun plans to attend Hutchinson Community College for a degree in Fire Science, to make a full-time career out of firefighting, in hopes that it may all eventually lead to a larger-scale firefighting job, such as a wildland or smokejumping position.
Follow us on Twitter @Mhsmentoronline
After a long day of classes, senior Jordan Disberger musters up his last bit of energy and heads off for work. Upon arrival, he waves hello to a few of his colleagues at the lab and proceeds to his station. Disberger, currently competing to qualify for the Manhattan High Science Olympiad team, is in many ways already a scientist. At work, he helps shape the world of academia. “It is definitely a valuable experience,” Disberger said. “Basically, I research what mosquitoes are attracted to. It is research to learn more about research.” Disberger is a volunteer at the United States Department of Agriculture. He and other MHS students have taken part in research and completed projects that will benefit the world of science. Disberger is currently working on a project that will help to create more effective mosquito traps. The process is confidential. “My favorite part of the job is just being able to learn and be hands on,” Disberger said. “You have to be willing to work, learn, and discover new things.” Disberger was introduced to the program by his soccer coach, who appreciated his character and intelligence. After an official interview, he was deemed worthy of a position. “If you want to volunteer there, you’ve got to be intelligent and you have to be motivated. You have to really care about what you are doing and you’ve got to strive for more,” Disberger said. While many employed students in town are busy working behind the grill of a fast food restaurant, Disberger is in a much more unusual position. As a volunteer, he is not paid. But in the long run, he considers his job to be a much more useful toward achieving his future goals. “This isn’t like a Burger King job. I want to be a medical engineer, and this position helps me to research medical things,” Disberger said. “I can even get scholarships for this.”
Sophomores adjust to life at West Campus Darian Foga-Frehn Staff Writer The new year throws sophomores headfirst into West Campus life. For some, such as sophomore Nikol Banks, the sheer size and somewhat confusing layout of the school can be a bit daunting at first. "The first couple of days here were hard, but I got used to it and don’t get lost anymore. I wasn’t scared because I had classes here last year, but it’s different.” Banks said. “I’m not excited, there are a lot more people here. I’m not used to being around a lot of people.” Other sophomores, like Nick Huser, found it easier to maneuver the halls of East Campus as a freshman. “West Campus is bigger than I thought it would be. It was confusing to get around at first," Huser said. Sophomore Aaron Castro said that the school was confusing at first glance, but after coming to open house, finding his classes was a breeze. “I found all my classes
by myself. I was a little scared at first because the halls and class were spaced out, but I’m excited because its different scenery from East Campus,” Castro said. Most sophomores now have their classes memorized by the second week of school. However, there are a few students, such as sophomore Titania Hainby, who still have trouble finding the best way to get to their classes. “It was and still is very hard to get to my classes. I got lost a few days ago," Hainby said. “I was scared I was gonna get lost, which I did. I expected the campus to be huge and scary. It definitely met my expectations” Many students and staff at West Campus tried to be friendly and helpful to those who need help getting around. “The teachers are pretty nice,” Castro said. For some, the atmosphere of West Campus versus East Campus wasn't much different. "It feels the same to me. I didn’t expect anything different," Banks said.
Sophomores Rhami Khamis, Tristan Swanson, and Dustin Wichman naviagate the hallways of the west campus. Over the ast two weeks, sophomores at MHS have been transitioning to the atmosphere of the new school. PHOTO BY ANGIE MOSS
Sports
The Mentor • Aug. 26, 2014
Page 4
Soccer competes in alumni game
Two Manhattan High soccer players compete for a ball Friday in the alumni game. Varsity white beat Varsity blue 1-0 and Junior Varsity blue 5-0. PHOTO BY MADISON NEWMAN
Madison Newman Staff Writer Friday afternoon at Bishop Stadium, 22 Varsity players and 22 Junior Varsity players hit the field to kick off the 2014 soccer
season with the annual alumni game. Because most eligible alumni are usually gone to college by this time of year, the alumni game is Varsity vs. Varsity, Varsity vs. Junior Varsity, and Junior Varsity vs.
Junior Varsity. Like any other scrimmage, the teams were separated by colors blue and white. Varsity blue went up against Varsity white, white winning 1-0, the goal being scored by junior Kirkland
Lambert off of a cross. Varsity white vs. Junior Varsity blue, Varsity white won 5-0. “I thought we had a good night, we distributed the ball well and made very good decisions on the ball," attacking midfielder junior Austin
French said. “We are a young team, made up of mostly juniors, but I am expecting another great year,” French said about his team. The team had good support from their friends and
families in the crowd. Their next appearance is the regular scrimmage this Friday at Bishop Stadium.
Football prepares for inter-squad scrimmage Greg Woods Sports Editor Manhattan High School football begins its season Sept. 5 at home against Shawnee Heights and will play an inter-squad scrimmage on Thursday. Head coach Joe Schartz says the environment at Friday night home games will be difficult to replicate at the scrimmage. “Anytime we scrimmage we hope to get game-type situations, and you’re always pressed to actually have that live Friday night action,” Schartz said. “You can’t mimic it in practice.” Senior captain Chris Martin is glad the team has been able to get to know and build relationships with the underclassmen. “Over the summer, everybody got closer. We got to
know the underclassmen, the sophomores, better,” Martin said. “And I think that’s better for the team to have relationships with each other.” While Schartz is hopeful for improvement from last year’s campaign, challenges have arisen in senior Mike Settembrino’s torn ACL and MCL. Settembrino played wide receiver and defensive back last season and is expected to miss this season in its entirety. “At Pitt State [when the injury occurred] everybody was shocked,” Martin said. “Of course he [has] a big role; he was a big key player last year. But like coach always tells us, when a man goes down somebody else has to step up, and that’s what people have been doing.” Fellow senior captain Luke Stegeman said consistency
has been and will be a challenge heading into the regular season. “The most challenging part is probably being consistent,” Stegeman said. “Keeping everybody together, as focused as we can our goal -- which is obviously to improve and be a good football team.” Schartz said that two additional challenges lie in this year’s season: lack of experience and size. “We don’t have much returning experience. We have three starters returning on each side of the football,” Schartz said. “We seem to get smaller and smaller every year. This year we have a lot of younger players, juniors and sophomores, that are competing for starting spots.” The inter-squad scrimmage will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bishop Stadium.
Members of the Manhattan High football team prepare to run a drill in practice yesterday. PHOTO BY GREG WOODS
Cross country completes time trials, looks to defend State title John Rockey Senior Staff Writer
Juniors Sam Morgan, Alejandro Martinez, Peter Gruenbacher and freshman Cooper Schroeder run at the time trials on Saturday. PHOTO BY JOHN ROCKEY
Girls tennis anticipates successful season Jake Bussmann Staff Writer After four first-place finishes last year, the Manhattan High School girls tennis team looks to improve on the upcoming season. Starting this past summer, the team got together a couple of times a week to work on some match play and basic skills. Junior Catherine Lei, varsity member, prepares to do well this season. “The team looks like we have a chance at winning
some tournaments,” Lei said. “[This season] we are going to be working hard on a lot of match play and strategy.” Junior Tracy Le had the same expectation of the team this year. “I think we will do pretty good. I was really surprised because we were all really worried that not that many freshman would show up, but a lot of them ended up showing up,” Le said. She prepared herself during the summer by participating in the summer practices.
“If we just try hard in practice consistently, we will get a lot better,” Le said. Lei has high hopes for this year’s team, including a trip to the State tournament. Le, on the other hand, has a different perspective. “My goal is for the team to have fun, learn and improve. All of us should want to do that,” Le said. “Although we have only had a week to practice as a team, we are already looking like we will do well this season.”
Follow @MHSMENTORONLINE ON TWITTER FOR MHS SPORTS COVERAGE ALL SEASON LONG!
From the first week of practice and time trials Saturday, the Manhattan High School cross country team continues in its preparation for the upcoming Manhattan Invitational on Sept. 6. “After today's time trials our team definitely has a better outlook as to what are times will be like and how everyone ranks on the team,” senior Megan Ochoa said. Their summer consisted of practice each week with many individuals getting together for long runs on their off days to prepare for the season.
Coming off last season’s undefeated record and boys’ team State title, they continue to work at improving their own personal records and close up gaps between each of the runners to finish their races strong. “The natural thing, of course, would be to go back and defend our title,” coach Susan Melgares said. “We’ve got a great group of guys and girls and a solid core of leaders.” Among the top seven on each team to finish in the time trials, returning State medalists senior Michael Melgares and sophomores Jackson Schroeder and Cara
Melgares will run for Varsity in the upcoming Manhattan Invitational to kick off their season. “I like where our team is now. I think we are in a good position to finish out the season and I’m just happy with how today went,” Michael said. The coming weeks will prepare the team to work on their personal record times and how they will start off their coming season that follows from their State title last year and the summer of running they take with them.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK WILL APPEAR HERE The Athlete of the Week section of The Mentor will appear here. Each week The Mentor is released, an athlete who has contributed to the success of their team more than any other individual will earn Athlete of the Week honors. The Athlete of the Week box will include a picture of the athlete competing in addition to a series of questions and answers with the athlete conducted by a staff member.
Golf begins tryouts, returns State qualifiers Joseph Sell Online Editor-In-Chief The girls golf team kicked off the season last week with tryouts to find the varsity starters. There are two returning State qualifiers who are on the team, seniors Kylie and Kelsey McCarthy. “First off, for varsity we’re hoping to beat Washburn, because they’re our rivals
and just it kills us when they beat us,” Kylie said. “And then doing well in regionals, and moving on to state, and doing well at our home tournament.” The team got together a few times during the summer for practice. “I’m looking to do well in all the tournaments, and I’d like to get in the high 70s,” freshman Macie Myers said. Myers competed in several summer tournaments.
“Hopefully we will make it to State, and if not hopefully Kelsey and I will and a few of the other girls will go as a team,” Kylie said. The Junior Varsity girls golf team will have its first tournament tonight at Stagg Hill golf course at three p.m.
Page 5
Features The Mentor The www.mhsmentor.com Mentor • Aug. 12, 2014
Entertainment
Manhattan High School alumnus, Robin Selfridge, came back to his hometown to visit his father, who fell ill recently. On Friday, August 22, Selfridge came to the school to speak with MHS drama teacher Linda Uthoff about guest-speaking for some drama classes. Monday, August 25, he worked with MHS drama students on new improv ideas and taught them how to make a PHOTO BY JENNIE JORDAN show come to life, and how to tie a whole production together.
MHS alumnus returns, works with drama classes
‘Hairspray’:
Long-awaited hit swings MHS back to 1960s Miranda Hairgrove Staff Writer The drama and music departments have chosen the Broadway musical “Hairspray” as the production for this year’s fall musical. The show was chosen in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement because of its racial topics. An informational meeting was held Wednesday after school by drama director Linda Uthoff. Several dozen students from all classes attended the meeting in Rezac Auditorium, and student excitement appears to be high. “A lot of people have wanted
to do this [musical] for every year I’ve been at MHS,” senior Audrey Reever said. “It’s a really cool play with lots of energy,” senior Katie Dixon said. Auditions are from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 2 and 3. Auditioners should come prepared to be taught and to perform a small dance number as well as sing “My Country Tis of Thee” in various pitches. Those interested in a lead part will read lines with a partner. Uthoff said the things she looks for most in an auditioner are “energy and willingness to try things and to be a team player and having a positive attitude towards new styles of
dance and styles of singing and changing their appearance.” The musical has minority characters and Uthoff hopes to stay true to the script. There are certain expectations for both chorus members and lead characters. A simple contract and sample scripts are available for pickup in Uthoff ’s room, E130. Every musical production also needs stage technicians. “If you’re interested, just go for it. It’s a whole world of opportunity,” senior Alyssa Sheff said. Sheff has been a technician for the musical since her freshman year and is a light designer. “We cannot survive without
our technicians and designers,” Uthoff said. She emphasized during the meeting that there are a variety of crews to be a part of and no prior skills are needed to be a technician. Stage technicians meet Wednesdays after rehearsals, Fridays after school, and Saturday mornings. Work done as a musical stage technician can be counted towards school service hours for the Distinguished Service program. Another informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Rezac Auditorium. Uthoff said that parents are welcome to attend.
Thespians kick off new school year with party Miranda Hairgrove Staff Writer The Manhattan High Thespians had their kick-off party Friday after school. Both returning and new Thespians attended. The party in Rezac Auditorium started out with a short introduction of the Thespian officers as well as an outline of the afternoon. The Thespian officers said they are searching for a freshman Thespian representative. Current officers will interview interested freshman today after school. The Thespian officers expressed their anticipation for the upcoming year. “I’m excited for the new year. It’ll be good,” sophomore Isaac Sorell said. Attendees ate and then went to booths about different aspects of the Thespian club. Later, the students went into the foyer and played a group “improv” game in which they take turns improvising parts of the same story. Those who hesitate or otherwise cannot continue the story are given a creative way in which they have to act out their pretend death. The
Senior Trevor Bashaw and juniors Toula Sweeny and Savannah Smith speak to up-and-coming members of Manhattan High’s Thespian troupe in Rezac Auditorium. PHOTO BY MIRANDA HAIRGROVE game is aptly called “Story to Death.” The students then returned to Rezac stage for dancing and intermingling. “It’s a diverse club; we have lots of different people from
all of the high school,” senior Levi Jones, Thespian club historian, said. “Not only do you learn what an amazing art form acting is, you meet so many amazing people. It’s like a second
family,” junior Toula Sweeney, Thespian vice-president, said. Students can sign up for Thespians during club sign-up. The registration fee is $2.
Choirs perform at City Park
Musicians prepare for activities, competitions Elassia CunninghamYounger Staff Writer Music can calm and relax listeners, or get them pumped up. But what about making music? Manhattan High’s music department is planning on attending various competitions, playing multiple school and community performances and working on other ways to serve the community. Last year the music department was involved in a lot of activities. Orchestra performed in an intense competition in Dallas. Chambers Orchestra blew away the judges at the state competition with their sound and skills, receiving all “1” ratings. Symphonic Orchestra was successful as well, receiving all “2” ratings. “It’s hard to know what to expect,” Orchestra and Jazz Band Director Nate McClendon said. Even so, McClendon Science from page one it gets hard they really buckle up and rise to the occasion. They’re tough kids and I’m proud of them.” All the coaches and many students have high hopes this year. ”It’s always good to have goals and when you have goals you want to accomplish them. And there’s only one goal we have right now that we haven’t attained and that’s the one we’re after,” Lamb said. “I hope we do a little better than last year. We want to win. We want to go to nationals.”
and the Orchestra are working on being prepared for the state performance and focusing on achieving the same success this year. They are currently reading through site music and deciding what pieces will be performed during their upcoming quarterly concert on Oct. 16. Choir and Band will also travel around the country for music competitions this year. Both the Choir and Band are returning to Disney World to perform in November. “Expectations are high,” Choir director Chad Pape said. Pops Choir is plans to perform at various elementary schools and the retirement center soon. Choir is performing during the Purple Power Play on Aug. 29 at the city park. Choir will have a quarterly concert Oct. 8. “We’re going to show them what Manhattan High School sounds like,” Choir student senior Benjamin Clark said. FFA from page one erybody at the barbeque later. It’s a great night to get to know your club and other clubs in the school,” Norris said. The chapter is also preparing for National Convention in Louisville, Ky., at the end of October. The chapter is currently registering for the convention, The four-day convention includes various keynote speakers, a concert, community service, and more. This year the concert features country singers Justin Moore, Easton Corbin, Scotty McCreery, and Danielle Bradford.
The Mentor Subscription Form Never miss an issue! Only $35 for all 28 issues! Name___________________________ Address_________________________ City_____________________________ State Zip_________________________ Email Address_____________________ Phone #___________________________ Please bring the completed form and payment to the journalism room in C107 at Manhattan High School or mail to Manhattan High School The Mentor c/o Kristy Nyp 2100 Poyntz Ave Manhattan, KS 66502
Junior Katheryne Hager practices in the vacant ice skating rink with Varsity Choir before the performance of Varsity and Pops Choir at City Park last Friday, Aug. 15. PHOTO BY MADISON NEWMAN
Please make checks payable to MHS Journalism Dept.
ALS [ ] Trending
The Mentor • Aug. 26, 2014
Junior Cathy Lei and freshman Aza Davis-Picou laugh as Joyce Allen, Literature teacher and tennis coach, wraps herself in a towel after taking the Ice Bucket Challenge last Friday after practice. Photo by Tracy Le
Page 6
I might have been given a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for. Former New York Yankees baseball player,
LOU GEHRIG, delivered his famous speach on July 4, 1939 before retiring. He passed away two years later from ALS at the age of 37.
East Campus principal Dave Holloway takes the Ice Bucket Challenge during lunch. “Some of the students here at the East Campus challenged him,” security guard Carlos Gonzales said. Photo by Joseph Sell
Scientists do not know the cause of ALS or why it affects some people and not others...
Y
Graphic by Marisa Lang
The Ice Bucket Challenge and its popularity all over social media has raised both money and awareness.
“It’s [the Ice Bucket Challenge] a good way to help raise money for this disease. I decided to help the cause so I donated about $60 to the charity... I feel really good about donating. Hopefully they will find a cure for this disease.” Grand-Pre also likes to donate to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Austin Grand-Pre, junior “I just think it’s great that people are getting so involved and already doing so much. I used to do the Relay for Life. Every female on my mom’s side has had breast cancer and my grandma on my dad’s side has had breast cancer so I think it’s good to give back... I love charities. I think they help so much.” Andrade also supports the Shrine Ball. Donations from that go to Shriner kids, from newborns to 18 year olds, who can get prosthetics absolutely free.
Alexandria Andrade, senior
et, it strikes over 30,000 people in the United States. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known ddas Lou Gehrig’s kfsjjdisease, is a sdfdisease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Individuals with ALS could also develop problems with muscles and moving, breathing and speaking.
According to The ALS Association, the life expectancy of an ALS patient is about two to five years after a person is diagnosed. Although about 20 percent of those diagnosed live up to five years or more, only a small number beat the disease. As, the first treatment created to aid those with ALS, Riluzole was shown to prolong the lives
of patients. However it is not a cure. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has encouraged many Americans to splatter themselves with ice water and donate to help fund research and provide support and care services. As of August 25, $79.7 million has been donated to the cause. This time last year, $2.5 million had been given.
“We donate regularly to cancer research. I lost my best friend two and a half years ago to cancer. She’d been my friend since third grade and so we donate. I also donate regularly to things that deal with autism. Our oldest son has Asperger Syndrome so we give a lot to Special Olympics and autism research. I think it’s very important to support charities just to help with the research and to find cures to make people’s lives better. I lost my grandfather 23 years ago to cancer and the cancer treatments they have now help people sometimes beat the disease. I like to know that the money is going to people who can help affect change.” Messer decided to do the Ice Bucket Challenge and also donate.
Angie Messer, activities director “I think the challenge is great for awareness. I think it’ll get a lot of people to donate because that’s what I plan on doing.”
Danielle Miller, senior