161108 Volume 104 Edition 9

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VOLUME 104 • ISSUE 8 • NOV. 1, 2016

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MHS hosts FCCLA fall conference ANNA HUPP CONTENT EDITOR

In the dark in Rezac Auditorium sat 240 students, completely silent.

On stage stood Julie Connor, blond, petite and intense.

Her voice boomed outwards, followed by the light sound of turning paper as some of the students wrote her words down.

Manhattan High’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter hosted the club’s Fall Leadership Conference on Wednesday. It lasted from 9:05 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Rezac Auditorium, B110

and the Little Theater.

About 240 members from 16 schools in Kansas were in attendance, which was a significantly larger number than other FCCLA conferences because it was open to all members, not just officers.

The event functioned as a way for students to get to know each other and an introduction to the events and mission of the club, which is to serve the community through leadership.

“The conferences are important for our students to gain those leadership skills that are necessary in their career in the future,” club sponsor Heidi Rippert said. “If you can lead in the future or learn how to set goals, learn how to be a better career and family mem-

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THE MENTOR

ber, you’ll be successful later in life.”

MHS hosted the conference for the first time since 2001 based on a rotation with other Kansas chapters.

Surprisingly, opening MHS’ doors to so many students while still operating a normal school day was not a big hassle for the club or school because the responsibility of organizing the event also works on rotation. Another chapter officer and several elected students took charge.

There were, however, still a few mix-ups.

One group switched rooms last-minute because there were so many members, and SEE FCCLA ON PAGE 3

Family, Career, Community Leaders of America Vice President Whitley Coke speaks to the crowd of visitors from District D of Kansas FCCLA. This was Manhattan High’s first time hosting the Fall Leadership Conference in 15 years.

PHOTO BY R.J. WALLING

Debate takes third at Shawnee Heights, prepares for Topeka High TAYLOR BULLOCK STAFF WRITER

Last weekend the Manhattan debate team placed third in sweeps with another successful debate, tying with Washburn Rural, at the Shawnee Heights meet. While there they took on a few schools such as Lawrence, Washburn Rural, Hayden and more.

Juniors Maiesha Hos-

sain and Lily Colburn took first place in open division. Colburn had a perfect debate with a one in every round and every decision was 3-0.

“The finals [were the hardest] for sure because it was so confusing and we were going against seniors, but it worked out,” Hossain said.

Senior Sean McGimpsey and junior Mar-

tina Hernandez received fourth place in open division.

“The further along the year goes, people get more and more prepared for what everyone else has because we see it more often so every tournament is always harder than the last,” McGimpsey said.

Freshman debaters Caden Hickel and Ivy Auletti received eighth

Robotics Club competes in Cow Town ThrowDown ANNA HUPP CONTENT EDITOR

From the back of a truck on a highway, a two-foot-tall robot dangled. The truck pulled up to Lee Summit High School in Lee Summit, Missouri. There, the robot was entered in For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology's Cow Town ThrowDown, an unofficial tournament created to warm up high school robotics teams for the rest of the year.

The event was on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29. Manhattan High, one of the 50 teams which attended, did not place, but this did not perturb its members, who face unique challenges as part of a club that has only existed at MHS for two years and has many new members.

“We got experience; we did it; we had fun,” senior Zach Culbertson said.

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The first part of the competition was practice rounds, which MHS did not take part in because its robot was injured on the drive to Lee Summit.

Team members hooked their robots up to the “field” where they would later compete via radio so they automatically started at the same time.

At the beginning of the qualification rounds, MHS hooked its robot up to the field. Qualification rounds consisted of a randomly chosen group of three robots facing another group of three -- six teams divided into two alliances. Because the competition served mainly as a warm-up, it mimicked the one held last year. In “pits,” nineby-nine areas marked with tape, the two groups raced each other to attack a fake castle. Robots earned points by scaling walls, crossing moats and shooting foam dodgeballs. One or two members from each team were in charge of

controlling the robot during teleoperated mode. The eight teams who scored the most points moved on to final rounds.

Final rounds were on Saturday, and MHS stayed to watch. It was bracket play with a twist: each team was allowed to pick three more to form an alliance.

Manhattan High’s team members enjoyed attending the competition.

“It was a good experience to have,” team captain of the mechanical pad Owen Li, senior, said. “The actual competition is very different from just working on the robot after school; there’s a lot more pressure timewise and so it’s good to have our new members go through that so they’ll gain a lot of experience for the regional competition, which actually matters.”

ISIS BOMB ATTACKS TURKEY

FINLAND TESTS NEW BUSES

Nine civilians were killed and another 100 injured by a car bomb in the Baglar district in Turkey on Friday. The predominantly Kurdish city was attacked by ISIS, who took responsibility for the explosion later that day.

In an endeavor to minimize traffic congestion in Helsinki, Finland, the Sohjoa project took the next step in achieving their goal of a more eco-friendly public transportation system. The driverless buses tested, with the capacity to carry 12 passengers.

place in the novice division.

“Just starting out, the novices going from [knowing nothing] to what they know now is always amazing,” McGimpsey said.

Auletti and Hickel have placed a few times so far in the season and have been gradually improving as first time debaters.

“We have a really

strong set of novice debaters,” McGimpsey said, “and even the ones that have done this before always learn more, always learn something new, [and] get better.”

Although the team is doing great, they still leave room for improvement and are open to constructive criticism from their judges.

“We have really good judges when sometimes

write in the ballots things that students could've done better like ‘you should've said this,’” coach Kristal Kleiner said, “so on Mondays we look at our ballots and kind of take notes and recalibrate, figure out what we did wrong and how we can fix it.”

The next debate will be on Nov. 18 and 19 at Topeka High.

Chamber Choir autions for KMEA districts ALLI BRUCE BLUE M ACADEMICS EDITOR

said. “[Choir teacher Chad] Pape expects a lot from us, but that also means we get to learn a lot about music and push ourselves to be our best.”

Chamber has a lot of concerts, from regular ones at the school to special shows like the Serenade concert and last week’s performance with the sixth graders at

Latvian songs so far.

“I've always wanted to be in Chamber, but I tried out to further develop my talents. I'm always tryWhile most students ing to improve,” Rowley are in choir, few are sesaid. “Being in Chamlected to be part of the ber gives me a higher advanced group, known level of music education as Chamber. and presents a constant “I've been in choir for challenge. [Pape] also forever but this is my pushes me to do better first year of chamber,” juand provides the insight nior Grace Mosier says.

I need to improve.”

“Chamber is definitely L a s t someweekend, thing “You know all the time you prepared m e m b e r s I've always for the three pieces. You go in, and you of Chamber Choir wantjust have to give all you can give.” traveled to ed to --SENIOR GAVIN LARIOS SAID. J u n c t i o n be a City to aup a r t dition for o f .

Kansas Music EducaMusic has always been the Choral Festival.

“This is my first year tors Association district a big part of my life and Chamber is filled with in Chamber,” junior Han- choir. Of the people that people who feel the nah Rowley said. “My auditioned, 28 Manhatfavorite thing is definitely tan High students made same way.”

Chamber is different how inclusive it is. In the cut.

“You feel this little flutfrom regular choir due to Chamber, there's a mutual respect between the ter on the inside of your more advanced and fast members.” heart,” senior Gavin paced music.

The students say one Larios said. “You know “I would say the transition into Chamber of the hardest things is all the time you prepared from another choirs is learning songs in foreign for the three pieces. You definitely challenging,” languages. They have go in, and you just have junior Ashlyn Gillespie had Russian, Latin and to give all you can give.”

CUBS WIN WORLD SERIES

CLINTON ALLEGATIONS CLEARED

Defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in the final game of the year, the Chicago Cubs won the world series on Wednesday. As the win was the Cubs’ first one after 108 years, the city began its celebrations immediately afterwards with parades in the heart of Chicago.

After concern was expressed in front of Congress last month regarding new emails that were suspected to be connected to Hillary Clinton and a breach of confidentiality, the case was looked into and dismissed after no new evidence was discovered.

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VOLUME 104 • ISSUE 9 • NOV. 8, 2016

Long have violent actions, violent happenings crawled into the most uncomfortable of spaces inside the hole of human thought and human history. Violent revolts have long been used to cause change as showings of anger and protest against policies and ideologies which they oppose.

Earlier this year, Ammon and Ryan Bundy led an armed militia in Oregon in protest against the federal government. Classified by some as domestic terrorists and others as heros, the right-wing group caused an armed standoff against the police for

many days until they were arrested.

On Oct. 27 the Bundys and company were unanimously found not guilty on charges that included federal conspiracy and firearm charges.

Activist groups such as Black Lives Matter have also been involved in protests which have turned violent, even in rallies which were first deemed as peaceful.

The Mentor editorial board, amidst the legal decision in favor of the Bundys, and while it concurred that the Bundys should have been prosecuted for their militant activity, agreed that violence is acceptable in

some instances of protest where it is needed to make change.

Protesting and speaking out against the forces that hold power of us is a fundamental part of democracy, especially powers that many times use force unjustly against its citizens, many times unfairly. Injustices of all kinds have endured in our society, from the racial conflicts that have caused protests to unfair, and at times, prejudist nature of some policies our government makes.

In our postmodern society, media has shaped a world which will only pay attention to conflicts if violence occurs. Yes,

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2 OPINIONS Violence in protest sometimes necessary for change VISIT MHSMENTOR.COM

militant groups and domestic terrorist are criminals and terrorists and should be tried for their crimes, but some occurrences, as were the riots in Baltimore in 2015, needed the uproar in order to gain national attention to make change.

Violence can be an uncomfortable thought for many, but there are some circumstances in which it proves necessary to be able to change a policy or a decision which has been long overdue of change.

A change that should be listened by the individuals we put in power.

These situations should also be treated equally.

The Bundys, an allwhite collective, were acquitted of virtually every charge even though they threatened law enforcement several times during their stand-off. If these protesters were of another ethnic group such as Muslim, Latino, etc., the result would have had a different ending. They would have been most likely arrested or killed by authorities.

Peaceful protests have also worked throughout history, but many problems have still not been solved; they’ve only been compromised or put down. In some cases, peaceful protest will not be enough. In

fact, many times peaceful protest have turned violent because of law enforcement and not because of the protestors. In no way is rampant rioting or killing going to be the way to go in improving or setting the example in a situation. Regardless, some instances call for its citizens to use more than words to express their disapproval, to gain attention to an injustice that deserves the attention of the world, of other people being mistreated and of the government which has many times ignored such cries.

FEMINISM IN TWO OPPOSING PERSPECTIVES

If you are a woman in today’s society, you are aware of the social pressures you face every day.

Pressure to look pretty, but not slutty. Smart, but not too smart. In charge of yourself but not bossy.

We have been molded from day one to always be aware of how we are being perceived by others, especially males.

But I have become increasingly aware that it is not just men that we are trying to prove ourselves to. It’s each other. Every day I hear girls tearing down other girls, saying that “Her butt is too big,” “She needs to stop sleeping around,” “She’s stupid;” the list goes on.

And quite frankly, I’m sick of it.

In a world where a political candidate calls women pigs, slobs, animals and gold diggers, we have enough negativity to worry about from

ble names and talk down about each other, it is only making it okay for men to do the same. Until we can come together and truly see each other as equals, no one else will see us as such. Until we can respect each other, no man will respect us as individuals.

Now is the time for women to stand together. Now is the time to remind yourselves and other women that you are more than a pretty face, more than the number of people you sleep with and more than the clothes you wear.

As females, we are made to believe that if one woman is pretty, then you are not. One woman’s beauty does not diminish your own, so there is no need to try to rip away at another girl’s self esteem to bring yours back up.

Don’t let the toxicity of our society make you turn against each other.

Work together; strive to be better together. Because when you stand in solidarity with other women, nothing can stop you. Like Beyonce said, “Who run the world?

Girls.”

By no means have I ever opposed the idea of female equality. In fact, I will always be among one of the first men to agree that women deserve an equal place in PRESTON HARRISON all of society with men.

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR But I have begun to oppose the “feminist” Today’s fight for wom- movement entirely. en’s equality is on the First, I would like to frontline of many differ- propose what I have ent equality movements, developed as the definiand perhaps the one that tions for female equality affects the a large por- and feminism. I believe tion of the population -- that female equality is approximately half. allowing and encouragFor so long, this ing women to have equal movement has taken opportunities as men in tiny steps with few ma- all places in society. But I jor leaps put in between see feminism as an over long periods of without exaggerated fight with advances. The fight has other goals and ideas only recently moved to that has put a negative its next stage of accom- connotation with the noplishing its one and only tion of female equality. goal: female equality Feminism today has with all men. gone too far, as it has Yet while searching now created a force that for the right ways to ac- is destructive to its own complish such a rough cause. Across the fight, goal among many of the there are insane cases stubborn men of today’s of women who go drasociety, the movement matically out of their way has created a new goal to insult men, even if for women to fight for -- that man’s belief is in the creating a higher status same as her own. She for women than men. will do so just because This new goal consists he is a man. Feminism in of absurd ways of getting some cases has created the main point across a new discriminatory and has caused a misin- force of women to men. terpretation of the overall In a society that fights focus. for so many groups to

Insecurities don’t define you The human body is a piece of art. Just think about it: every single body is different, whether it’s your hair color or how tall you are, you are different than the person you’re sitting next to right now. I think that’s so cool. But if it’s such a great thing, why don’t we think so? I mean it’s normal to have insecurities about ourselves, everyone does. I want to change that.

In today’s society, media has a LOT to do with how we see ourselves and what we think it takes to fit in and “be cool.”

Your self worth is so important, which is why I’m going to tell you about the impact of social media and others’ opinions, why your opinion on yourself matters the most and how to overcome

insecurities.

Social media is a huge part of our daily lives.

With apps like Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, there’s so many opportunities for judgement not only from others, but also from ourselves. Media says you have to do certain things to be “perfect.”

I have news for you guys: there’s no such thing as perfect. You shouldn’t feel the need to change yourself because of what you see online. We’re basing our self-worth off of how many likes we get on our selfies. What really matters is what you say or how you’re impacting the world.

Recently I took part in a social media cleanse, which means I didn’t get on any social media for three days. The results really change your opinion on yourself.

How we see ourselves mainly starts when we go through puberty. We all change and develop

at different times and as we see others changing around us, we start to point out the things that look different on us. It’s okay to be different. That’s what makes the world so cool. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and start focusing on the amazing things that make us unique, like hobbies and what we’re good at. YOU ARE YOU FOR A REASON. How you see yourself matters more than anything, but that’s easier said than done.

Overcoming insecurities is hard, but loving yourself is the key to confidence. When you love yourself, you’ll be so much happier. You can’t reject yourself; your imperfections make you perfect. Accept them. Once you realize that, everything else will come easy. Don’t compare yourself to others; we all have great things about us. When you think someone is judg-

Print Editor-in-Chief -- Angie Moss Online Editor-in-Chief -- David Fliter News Editor -- Angie Moss Opinions Editor -- Erick Echegaray Features Editor -- Elizabeth Alexander Sports Editor -- Jacob Clanton

Entertainment Editor -- Preston Harrison Trending Editor -- Savannah Cherms Content Editor -- Anna Hupp Copy Editor -- Mira Bhandari Photo Editor -- Dylan Thomas Graphic Artists -- Elizabeth Alexander and Vanessa Guvele Business Manager-- Lily Colburn

Social Media Manager -- Savannah Cherms Staff Writers/Photographers -Hasan Al-Basri, Cora Astin, Alli Bruce, Taylor Bullock, Karen Estrada, Megan Klug, Mikayla Larkin, Jordan Lutz, Alyse Maender, Karmen Martinie, Bhawantha Nilaweera, Johnathon Ostermann, Lauren Race, R.J. Wall-

JAIME HAY GUEST COLUMNIST

ing you, the reality is they’re not. You create the bad images in your mind, so think positively. Your body is so precious, you don’t have to change yourself to feel better or more confident.

It’s normal to sometimes feel unworthy, but you are. Each of us has a special purpose for being here and you can’t accomplish that with low self-esteem.

Be confident. As I end this I’ll leave you with a quote from Oprah Winfrey that I think sums up my article pretty well: “The next time you look in the mirror, try to let go of the line that says you’re too fat or too old, your eyes are too small or your nose too big; See only your face. When the criticism drops away, what you’ll see is just you without judgement, and that is the first step to transforming your world experience.”

ing and Jeremy Woolever Videographers -- Gavin Larios, Chandler Mixon, and Hans Ahorro Kristy Nyp -- Adviser Distribution -- Thanks to Kim Schnee’s class - Caleb Barnes, Oscar Casas, Angel Cid, Charlie Dickey, Karl Drown, Rachel Efken, Terra Harvey, Lynne Jones, Colten Kirk, Josh Kohls,

QUESTION

OF

SAVANNAH CHERMS TRENDING EDITOR

men. So why are we wasting our breath tearing down each other?

In a world where we already have to compete with our male counterparts in every field imaginable, why are we competing against each other? Magazines pitting women against each other (see Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston,) rating women on how “beautiful” or otherwise they are.

This is the culture we are raising our children in. A culture where women and girls are seen as objects intended only for male consumption. This same culture is breeding girls who feel they have to look like Kim Kardashian at age 12, girls who feel like in order to be recognized they have to be the best, they have to be the “queen bee.”

And that’s the problem. This “Queen Bee” syndrome is tearing women and girls apart.

Media likes to portray “Queen Bee Syndrome” as a funny gag for teen high school movies, where the mean girl runs the school.

When we compete with each other, when we call each other terri-

Modern feminism has gone too far

THE

Proving ourselves: Solidarity between women important

WEEK

“Eric Higgins. As if there was any doubt,” MVA teacher Andy Cassel, @AndyCassel

be equal, how is this supposed to move us forward? I understand that in order to get the point across in an effective way there has to be a forceful introduction to the idea. But fighting for it in ways that ruin the base of the goal in the first place would never allow for forward movement.

In order to create a more successful movement, women need to take a step back and realize their strengths individually and use them to their advantage. Women need to outsmart and outdo men in order to show the more stubborn side of society that they deserve every opportunity that men have. That way they can force men to take a step back and re-think how society is structured.

The feminist movement deep within has many of the right intentions and room for good change. However, the current tactics that many use to fight this relentless battle need to be re-thought and evaluated. Taking the first opportunity is almost never the best shot, but rather take the time to create an effective rather than destructive way to fight.

IF YOU COULD PICK ANYONE TO BE THE PRESIDENT WHO WOULD YOU PICK? “kanye, 2020 is too far away,” junior Victoria Bedros, @victoria_bedros

“Lily Colburn” junior Emily Willi @emilymaria

“Tim Tebow,” senior Ian Trapp,@_I_A_N_

“Bernie Sanders“ senior Arlene Valdez,“@_arleneex3

NEXT EDITION QUESTION: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS.....?

Kahari Lowery, Allie Parker, Alesha Pearl, Megan Ritthisorn, Mythias Satterfield, Dave Sherwin, and Hannah Sullivan.

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 1,000 Mentors

are printed each week and distributed free of charge to all faculty members and students. MHS journalists are members of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association.

The Mentor is a public forum. E-mail us at mhsmentor@gmail.com

VOLUME 104 • ISSUE 9 • NOV. 8, 2016

DAVID FLITER ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

In their final year of high school education, many seniors plan on getting away from home to pursue their passions.

Few can say they are returning home for college and even fewer that say home is abroad, but senior Jaalanee Dugassa can say both. Dugassa took the German National Exam and passed with the grade of C1, the base grade for foreign students to be allowed to study in Germany.

“I am from Germany

and it is also a lot cheaper there, that is my main reason to be honest,” Dugassa said. “I would love to go back and study there though.”

She didn’t get this opportunity without hard work, however.

The test is set up on rigorous standards, which makes being eligible for study an ordeal.

“You have to take the test to see, based on the German standards, how well you speak German,” Dugassa said. “[The categories are] from A1 up to C2 and depending on how well you score, the

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have CDs; they’re three audios that you have to listen to and answer questions about. For the writing, you’re given a prompt and “I would love to go back and study there you have to write an essay. though.”

For the read--SENIOR JAALANEE DUGASSA SAID. ing you have to read and answer questions must hit it right on the very easily and thor- about the text.”

Not only are the mark to be eligible to oughly how a student’s study at a full fledged understanding of the lan- questions based in Gerguage is. man, but very few if any German university.

“It has three parts: a of them are in English “In Germany, it is C1 that you have to meet writing part, a listening which greatly increases to go to Germany and part and a reading part,” the difficulty for those study in German,” Du- Dugassa said. “Basically taking the exam. for the listening part you “The questions are all gassa said. university will tell you how good you are in German.”

In order to pass, one

The test itself is based upon the main pillars of language learning. Using this setup lets the schools abroad know

PAGE

3 FEATURES Senior plans return to Germany for higher education in German and you have to write it all in German,” Dugassa said.

She already has a lineup of schools, as well, covering some of the best universities in the country.

“I am trying to get into Heidelburg, which is the best school in Germany, but the acceptance rate is only 18 percent so I’m not sure if I’m gonna make it in but that’s what I am going for,” Dugassa said. “I would also go for Munich or Berlin because they are also some of the best universities.”

Spanish students have culture day

Math teacher introduces new method

ALYSE MAENDER STAFF WRITER

LAUREN RACE BLUE M PHOTO EDTOR

Students paid close attention to the teacher as she carefully went over the recipe. They looked on as she pressed the round ball of dough into a flat disk and placed it on the hot plate where she later added cheese and salsa. This was not the scene of one of Manhattan High School’s culinary classes, but that of Mrs. Leon’s spanish four class.

During class, students received an opportunity to step away from textbooks and worksheets to gain hands-on knowledge of Spanish culture.

Student got to make their own corn tortillas from scratch and watch videos of popular television shows from Spain while snacking on food and drinks brought by other students.

This break from dayto-day routine did help add some fun to the class, but it was also an opportunity for stu-

When it comes down to it, math can be difficult and hard to remember how to do certain areas of math. Math teacher Jason Kazar is the founder and creator of the method called “Watertank Math.” “[Watertank Math uses] the operations of a toilet to help students visualize adding and subtracting,” Kazar said.

For example, in a problem with a positive number subtracted by a negative number, this is where the method is used to make it easier for students to have fun solving problems with

Juniors Rain Raite and Kendra Geisbrecht make tortillas during a cultural day celebration in Olivia Leon’s spanish class.

PHOTO BY ERICK ECHEGARAY

dents to explore Spanish culture in a way they wouldn’t have been able to in a traditional class.

“Cultural days allow us to experience what is important to other countries,” senior Geneva Webster said. “It also provides better understanding of other cultures and can foster empathy toward those cultures.”

By learning how to make corn tortillas by hand, students got a chance to understand not only the culinary value it provides to Ameri-

can culture today, but how its history is an important factor in Spanish culture. The simplicity of the corn tortilla shows what life was like in a time before takeout.

“Cultural days are important because it allows for those who aren’t accustomed to that type of culture regularly to be exposed and really understand what other people do on a daily basis and gives them a different point of view,” junior Rain Raite said.

integers.

“The water level in the toilet represents where zero is at,” Kazar said.

“Students have come up with an idea of the inside of the toilet bowl which looks like a zero, which makes it easier of students to remember.”

The whole idea of Watertank math doesn’t just involve the students in Kazar’s class; it’s for all people who struggle with integers.

“Kids of all ages can relate to this because it’s one of the first things kids learn to do when you’re young is that they get potty trained. Kazar said If we can relate that to math it involves with all ages K-12,”.

Kazar originally start-

ed forming his idea back in 2010 and from then until now he has been using it in the classroom.

Kazar didn’t just create a method for math, he also helped create an, app, launched in early 2016, so that students can actually see what the method looks like.

Senior Nolan Blankenau, Todd Bryant helped Kazar with the app development, Junior Luann Jung and Isaiah Glymour created the website for watertank math. Students have responded to Kazar’s math method with great positivity.

“It’s a good visual for the problems,” sophomore Alli Bruce said.

Remembering Kahari Lowery On a foggy morning, Interpersonal Skills students arrived at Camp Wood to pursue a day of horseback riding, archery and a high ropes course. Students who were able climbed a tower to climb on ropes from various heights, but for Manhattan High School student Kahari Lowery climbing was not an option due to the fact that he was in a wheelchair.

Instead, Lowery sat by the shore of the lake with a fishing pole. Lowery had help with casting and with reeling in, but he held the pole as the morning fog spread across the lake. As a light rain proceeded to interrupt the still water, Lowery didn’t stop fishing. Instead an administrator opened up an umbrella to protect Lowery

as he continued to wait for a bite.

Those who accompanied Lowery on the trip to Camp Wood are now mourning his loss because of his death on Nov. 1 at the age of 15. Lowery had only just joined MHS West Campus at the beginning of the year but had left an impression upon his fellow classmates and teachers.

Lowery was born with cerebral palsy and was non-verbal but he expressed himself without words, through his clothes. Teachers and classmates remember Kahari as being fashionable and up with the latest trends, especially when it came to his shoes.

Though some might jump to the conclusion that because Lowery was non-verbal that he was antisocial, his teachers say he enjoyed the

company of people.

Like every person, it took a while for Lowery to warm up to strangers, but once he did, strangers quickly became friends.

Although Lowery was just getting the opportunity to warm up to MHS, faculty and students alike will remember him fishing on that brisk, foggy morning at Camp Wood.

Lowery is survived by his parents, Erika and Chris Lowery, and his siblings Lexis, C.J., and Jazmyn; his grandmothers, Dorothy Richardson and Candace Lowery, and greatgrandmother Imogene Lowery. Lowry’s father, Chris, is currently the assistant head coach for KSU basketball and his sibling, C.J., currently attends MHS. Services were held on Nov. 7.

FCCLA FROM PAGE 1 Connor’s talk went shorter than planned.

“The officers didn’t plan enough for morning,” Rippert said, “so …. that actually timed out perfect with the workshop and closing.”

Afterward a brief opening ceremony, Connor talked to the whole group. Connor is a professional speaker who has also been a college professor and middleschool science teacher.

She spoke about setting

specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely goals. Once you have a SMART goal, Connor said, pursue it fearlessly.

“She made me feel like I could really just go out and conquer anything,” MHS chapter vice president Whitley Coke, junior, said.

Club members next went to their workshops.

There were four in total: one held by Connor and three held by successful FCCLA members

who had won state or national recognition for their Students Taking Action with Recognition Events. They spoke on varying subjects, from eating well and working out to being aware of dating violence, and they included games like Simon Says in their presentations. Each club member attended two of their own choosing.

Finally, everyone reentered Rezac to recap what they learned during the day.

ALYSE MAENDER STAFF WRITER

Kazar explaining his original method to one of his classes.

PHOTO BY LAUREN RACE

Students share their unique occupations really chill.”

While Morgan encourages others to apply to Varsity Doughnuts if The high school lifegiven the chance and style is filled to the brim enjoys her job at Varsity, with new opportunities she is currently exploring and experiences, one of her options in the workthem being a student’s force, first job. Many high “I’m looking into more schoolers find themvolunteer work, maybe selves working at the interning somewhere,” local grocery store or Morgan says. in the fast food indusExpanding one’s try. However, a handmindset when finding a ful of students seek out job can lead to these fun more interesting, unique opportunities in the workmeans of employment to force, fit their rather needs than “[The environment] was really relaxed. a n d Didn’t matter how you spoke there or js ue st -t tastes. “ I how you acted, because there was re- t l i n g worked down ally no rules.” [at Sisfor a ters of --JUNIOR KYLIE NETTLES SAID. job in Sound] t h e b y i n cleaning records, sorting ent challenges and ob- dustry everyone and stuff,” junior Kylie Nettles stacles most jobs would their brother works in. said. Her dad originally not offer.

Either way, many high introduced her to the Another Manhat- school students find job opportunity, and she tan High student, junior themselves settling for was more than happy to Maggie Morgan, enjoys any job they can get their take up the offer with her her job working at a well- hands on. Most often, interest in music. Work- known shop in Aggieville, they are in need to make ing during the summers, Varsity Doughnuts. and save their money for Nettles received store “It’s always really fun, their goals: a car of their credit in return for her making people happy,” own, college, future travservice, which sat well Morgan said. “[The els, personal items and with her. coworkers] are good, wants. “[The environment] they’re relaxed. It’s mainwas really relaxed,” Net- ly college students, a few tles said. “Didn’t matter high schoolers, but it’s ELIZABETH ALEXANDER FEATURES EDITOR

how you spoke there or how you acted, because there was really no rules.”

Work can definitely be a major weight, especially in school. Balancing school, grades, peers, home life, clubs and sports can be a hassle, and putting a job on top of it will be difficult. However, finding a job that interests oneself can have a positive effect. Unique job opportunities can often bring new and differ-

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All of Manhattan’s dreams came crashing down against Washburn Rural (7-3), as MHS (91) lost its first game of the season 24-21 Friday night, ending its run in the playoffs. The loss was also the first to Washburn Rural since 1992.

“I didn’t want it to end so soon,” senior wide receiver Tariq Gerald said.

“I wanted to keep going with my team, my family.

It was a hard loss.”

MHS started the game off well enough, driving the ball down the field.

However, their chances quickly died as senior quarterback Ian Trapp threw an interception to end the drive.

Trapp finished the game 4-8 passing for 26 yards and one interception.

Washburn capitalized on the MHS mistake, marching 68 yards for a touchdown, giving the Junior Blues the early lead at 7-0.

Manhattan would not go down quietly though.

On their next drive, the Indians responded with a touchdown of their own.

The drive was kept alive on the feet of Trapp and senior running back Iverson Robb. They contributed on all but one of the plays, with Trapp finally running the ball into the endzone.

Trapp ran for 159 yards on 29 attempts and two scores in the game, while Robb ran for 75 yards on 18 attempts.

Senior Iverson Robb runs the ball against Washburn Rural. Robb finished with 75 yards rushing in the 24-21 loss.

PHOTO BY HASAN AL-BASRI

Though MHS had trouble finishing drives, Washburn Rural did not.

After punts from both teams, Rural got the ball back, needing only 36 yards for a touchdown.

It quickly converted, scoring on a 32-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jordan White to take a 14-7 lead.

Their lead did not last very long, as Gerald returned the kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to tie up the game. “[I] saw the hole,” Gerald said. “My teammates were blocking very well, and they were trusting me to return the kickoff return. Most of the time I was just thinking that it takes a team to do what we need to do when we need to get back in the game.”

After a Rural punt to open the second half, Manhattan began the

drive to what would become the defining moment of the game. MHS marched the ball down to the four-yard-line on the feet of Robb and Trapp.

After running three plays, the Indians were left with a fourth-andgoal on the one-yardline. Like they had done many times before, the Indians trusted the ball to the offensive line, letting Robb run behind them to try and push into the endzone. This time, they were unsuccessful, falling short by mere inches.

Inches that MHS would be unable to recover from.

“We never thought about doing anything different [on the fourth down],” head coach Joe Schartz said. “No sense of second-guessing it now, that’s what football’s about. You need to get a yard, and we went for it.”

Washburn took advantage of MHS’ inability to score by converting a score of their own. On its way to a field goal, Rural was helped by two big Manhattan penalties. A defensive pass interference and a late hit gave Rural 30 extra yards.

Even so, Manhattan was able to keep Washburn out of the end zone, forcing a field goal to give Rural a 17-14 lead.

The Indians got the ball back, needing to score to stay in the game.

Instead, they were only able to manage one first down, before punting the ball away.

Washburn needed only five plays to get down to the one-yardline, with 27 yards coming off of White’s feet.

Unlike MHS, Rural was able to punch the ball in, scoring a touchdown to give it a 10 point lead.

Throughout the night,

MHS had trouble stopping White, often requiring two or three tries to bring him down. While part of the problem was the defense’s mistakes, White also looked different than earlier in the season. “[White] improved a lot [from the earlier game],” junior linebacker Nik Grubbs said, “and a lot of the runs for big gains came from missed assignments.”

Manhattan’s most important drive of the night began at the 32-yard line, needing 68 yards for a touchdown. A 50yard run from Trapp on the second play of the drive gave the Indians the boost they needed, putting the ball on the 14-yard-line. MHS would get the ball down to the one-yard-line again, this time on a second-and-

ATHLETE

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JACOB CLANTON SPORTS EDITOR

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VOLUME 104 • ISSUE 9 • NOV. 8, 2016

WEEK JACOB CLANTON SPORTS EDITOR

Losing to end the season and undefeated season is never what a team wants. But even in the loss, some positives emerge. Senior Tariq Gerald was able to return a kickoff for a touchdown, his first of the season. “[I] saw the hole,” Gerald said. “My teammates were blocking very well, and they were trusting me to re-

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4 SPORTS Undefeated season ends with disappointing loss to Washburn Rural goal.

On the last offensive play in his high school career, Trapp pushed into the endzone for one final MHS touchdown.

The touchdown got MHS back within three, at 2421.

It would be too little, too late, as Washburn would run out the final 3:49 of the game.

In the loss, Schartz was reminded of the importance of high school athletics.

“This is a tough lesson for [the kids],” Schartz said, “but it’s one that athletics provides for us.

That’s why athletics are part of the educational process. It’s tough on these kids, and I wish it could be different, but these kids are going to come out the other side a better man.”

TARIQ GERALD FOOTBALL

• kickoff return for touchdown • two receiving yards turn the kickoff return.”

Gerald was also part of the MHS offense.

Gerald contributed nine yards on two rushing attempts and was on the field during the final drive.

“It felt really good to score,” Gerald said. “[It] felt good to get back in the game. [I] thought we were going to keep going … [so] I was confident about the game.”

ABOVE: Senior quarterback Ian Trapp runs the ball in the playoffs against Washburn Rural. Trapp would finish the game with 159 yards on 29 attempts.

BELOW: Manhattan High lines up for a fourth-and-goal in the third quarter. MHS would be unable to convert from the one-yard line, leading to a 24-21 loss.

PHOTOS BY HASAN AL-BASRI AND BHAWANTHA NILAWEERA

Soccer girls committing to Fort Hays State University Students stay active in rowing TAYLOR BULLOCK STAFF WRITER

With college edging closer for a few of Manhattan’s high school athletes, committing is becoming a priority.

Several students on the Manhattan High Girls Soccer team have committed to play for and further their education at Fort Hays State University. Those three girls consist of juniors Addy Stone and Cailey Per-

kins, along with senior Karmen Martinie.

FHSU is a public university in Hays. FHSU has a long list of extracurricular activities and sports, women’s soccer being one of them. With the coach reaching his 100th win and the team being 16th in the nation, it’s no wonder the MHS students have chosen to

commit to Hays.

“I’ve gone to his camps in the summer and he comes down here to our college development camp in Manhattan,” Martinie said.

“He’s just really been awesome throughout the years.”

Stone and Martinie are both supporters of the FHSU womens soccer coach.

“I’ve been going to the camps at Fort Hays since like sixth grade,” Stone said.

Though strictly devoted to FHSU since elementary school, Stone also looked at other potential colleges.

“I could find one thing that I hated or I didn’t like at other schools that I visited,” Stone said, “but, I can’t even find one thing that I don’t like about [Hays].”

The girls have endless reasons for their decision to commit to FHSU. “Another reason I chose Fort Hays is because the sense of family, and tradition and the bond that we’ve created here,” Stone said.

Though unsure of what the future may hold, Martinie is sure of one thing: FHSU is the way to go.

“I don’t even know

what I’m going to major in,” Martinie said. “I know I’m going to be there for four years though.”

The girls all have goals between now and

college. “[I plan to just get] better at soccer, [and work] on the ACT score to help me get more scholarships,” Martinie said.

“My plan is to actually graduate from Manhattan, and then hopefully leave a tradition for the soccer program here,” Stone said.

Stone also hopes to return to Manhattan after graduating from Hays to teach and coach.

MHS and FHSU both hold a special place in the hearts of these players. They’ve all made many memories here to carry on into the future.

The MHS soccer team has had plenty of accomplishments since the girls have been playing for the team. They were regional champs the

past two years and went to state last year. Every player has something to be proud of and add to. “[My favorite experience was] getting to watch my team last year beat Washburn Rural because we haven’t done that,” Martinie said.

Though Martinie didn’t get to play due to being sick at the time,she was still supportive of her team.

Just like Stone, Martinie also gives credit to the bond between all of the soccer girls, but is ready for new experiences.

“Just restarting everything, it’s kind of scary, but I know it’ll all be good,” Martinie said.

LEFT: Karmen Martinie CENTER: Addie Stone PHOTOS BY DYLAN THOMAS RIGHT: Cailey Perkins PHOTO COURTESY OF CAILEY PERKINS

ERICK ECHEGARAY OPINIONS EDITOR

Manhattan High offers the opportunity to be a part of a competing athletic team for a variety of sports, many which are highly competitive and demanded, but not every activity can be a part of the school umbrella. Some students look to the outside to be active and pursue a passion, such as rowing, which without the school name has succeeded in acquiring a multitude of students- athletes of an alternative caliber.

“I think our team is more personal [in comparison with school teams],” senior Bailey Kinsley said. “It helps that we’re not part of the school. We communicate more.”

The team acts privately in partnership with the Kansas State rowing team.

“We don’t have any sponsors,” senior Taylor McMorris said.

“We’re basically the little sister association of the Kansas State mens [rowing] team.”

The team practices year-round, competing in events such as their version of a regional

competition, which takes place in Oklahoma.

“We go five days a week every single week of the year,” McMorris said. “We get to go on many trips that school teams don’t get to go to.

It’s a lot of opportunities and it just feels more like a family because we don’t cut.”

Multiple students in MHS are involved in the sport of rowing, helping them stay active by competing in meets, or regattas.

“It helps you stay active,” senior Brendan Kinsley said.

He participated in a double with his brother Bailey in the last regatta.

Since the sport is not associated with the school, it relies on its members to pay a monthly rate, a pay-toplay system for them to afford their trips and competitions, such as their next regatta which took place in Wichita over last weekend.

“I’m hoping for the best [in the meet],” McMorris said ”We’re one of the largest team in Kansas, so I think our best [opponent] would be Colorado. The Mile High crew is ridiculously strong but I think we’ll do well.”

VOLUME 104 • ISSUE 9 • NOV. 8, 2016

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ENTERTAINMENT

Opening Night of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ success SAVANNAH CHERMS TRENDING EDITOR

Opening night jitters. Every performer has had their share of them. The weeks of practicing lines, endless dance practices and the layers of makeup caked onto your face all become worth it on this night.

The very first performance of the fall musical “The Drowsy Chaperone” was one to remember. With Rezac Auditorium filled with eager family members and friends, the bar was set high for this performance.

“The crowd was so much larger and so much more responsive

than it has been in the past,” senior Grant Williams, who played Robert Martin said. “It was a fantastic crowd. We want it to get bigger, we want it to sell out.”

With such a responsive crowd, the rush of opening night was almost heightened for some performers. With such a high energy show, cast members had the chance to really have fun with this performance and bond as a cast.

“This cast this year is amazing,” junior Anna Washburn, who played opposite of Williams as Janet Van De Graaf, said. “Everyone loves this show and each other, it was so much fun.”

Washburn’s sentiment

was shared emphatically show, opening night can with her castmates. be just as bittersweet.

“Getting to work with For many performers, this cast has been so re- including Sorrell, this wardwill be ing,” their senior “I love everyone in lma us -t Isaac Sorell this cast so that part s i c a l said. just makes my heart pd ur oc -H e played tion at so full. the unMan-- JUNIOR ANNA named hattan WASHBURN SAID. n a r High, rator includof the i n g show. “Everyone is so Sorell. supportive of each oth“I’ve been doing the er, everyone loves each musical since my freshother, everyone is so man year so this is a little funny. It’s been such a sad,” Sorell said. “But it’s great experience work- a great send off and it’s ing with everyone.” so gratifying, getting to Despite the stress and play the lead.” excitement of the first Despite the sadness

felt by the seniors of this cast, Washburn believes the future is bright for MHS theater.

“We have a really strong group [of underclassmen] that [are] coming up,” Washburn said. “I’m really excited for next year and years to come.”

While opening night was an overall success, the show was not without a few mishaps here and there. Two unscripted falls took place, one during a tap dance routine and the other on roller skates.

“The most nervewracking part was when things would happen that weren’t supposed to happen,” Williams said.

“When Sam [Clark] fell,

and then me falling in the next scene.”

Despite the small flaws in the performance, cast members left the stage with wide grins on their makeupcovered faces.

“The most rewarding part is definitely the final bow,” Washburn said. “I love everyone in this cast so that part just makes my heart so full. I loved sharing that experience.”

Senior Dustin Wichman, who played Feldzieg attempts to convince Janet Van De Graaf, played by junior Anna Washburn to leave her fiancee to be and return to her life on the stage.

PHOTO BY HASAN AL-BASARI

Brisket for Thanksgiving: a recipe to make your jaw drop JEREMY WOOLEVER STAFF WRITER

OF

ARTIST

THE

Thanksgiving is coming soon, and time is passing much too quickly. It’s a day to give thanks to all that one would wish and to bring the family together. It’s also a day to feast on the most delicious foods around, such as a roasted turkey with stuffing, or mashed potatoes with gravy. In this case however, it’s brisket. A tasty

partition of beef from the cow’s pecs that can be prepared in a few select ways, such as oven cooking or smoking. For this recipe, it’s going to be oven cooking.

To start things off, you’ll want to make sure you have all the ingredients before preparation.

Feel free to experiment with different portions and ingredients to see what tastes best. Here’s what you’ll need:

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AVA DAVIS ARTIST

JEREMY WOOLEVER STAFF WRITER

- 2 cans beef consomme - ½ cup lemon juice - 1-½ cup soy sauce - 5 cloves chopped garlic - 2 tbsps. Liquid Smoke - 10 pounds beef brisket

Answer: “A couple years ago I had this teacher at Wichita East High school and she was really, really inspiring, so I kind of picked up from her and she took me in as a mentor.”

“Was she one of the main inspirations for you to delve into art?”

Answer: “Well I’ve always been into art, but she helped me a lot.”

“What do you feel is the most important aspect of art?”

Answer: “I would say the most important part of art in general would be the central idea behind it, because without an idea it’s just a craft.”

“Do you have a favorite part of it, such as an art style?”

Answer: “That all really depends on what you’re looking at; I mean you can’t really say you have a favorite art style because you have to be able to understand all of them. So if you look at cubism which was Picasso’s, what he’s most well known for. He created….kind of nurtured this art form which was later known as his greatest accomplishment, so you can’t really say you have a favorite.”

ingredients, then put the bag in the fridge for 12 hours to marinate. After 12 hours, take the meat and put it in an accordingly sized pan, pour your choice marinade into it.

Now it’s time to cook it.

Cover the pan in foil, and bake it at 300 degrees at 40 minutes per pound of beef, or until it’s fork-tender.

Once it’s done cooking, you’ll need to cut it

down for eating. To do this, you’ll take a typical kitchen knife, and slice it slow and deliberately against the grain; if you don’t go against the grain, it will ruin the brisket.

That’s about all there is to cooking brisket, at least with oven cooking.

If you’ve used this recipe before and gotten tasty results, don’t be afraid to share with others.

American Football returns with new album after 17-year hiatus The most interesting song on the album by far is “I Need a Drink (or Two or Three)” which opens American Football up with an impromptu has been known to pertrumpet ensemble, infectly blend the elements troducing a crucial jazz of emo and jazz to create element a powerful concocas aforetion of emotional m e n lyrics and melodies tioned. with blistering fast It adds riffs and drum fills. an air American Football of youth (LP2) is no differand wonent, yet it remains der to fresh, most likely the song because the last a b o u t time they put out drinkan album was only ing your a year after I was problems born. All joking away. aside, their new T h e album has been amount commanding all of of conmy attention lately. tent in the After a band PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL album, goes 17 years however, without new muis what PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL sic, one usually assumes track record stays the My favorite songs off disappoints me. After they had thrown in the same, now is the best of the album are “My In- that long amount of time towel. American Football, time to get into them so stincts are the Enemy” between their current rehowever, used this long I can listen to American and “Home is Where lease and their last one, stretch of time to regroup Football LP2 until the the Haunt is.” These you would think they and hone their skills. third one comes out in songs are definitely the would be able to proThis paid off as their the year 2033. magnum opus of the al- vide with more than nine new self-titled is unironiThe new album bum. While the rest of songs, totaling up to only cally the best album they boasts only nine songs, the songs are just fine, a 37 minute listen. My have put out in 17 years, but each song has its I continue to come back standards might be too despite its short length of own special style and to those two most often. high, but I was disapnine songs. story behind it. Each They make the most out pointed with how quick I’ll be honest though, song is like stepping into of eclectic and nostalgic of a listening experience I never really listened to the singer’s world and feel of the album. their second LP truly is.

DAVID FLITER ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“What got you into art?”

You can use the marinade of your choice, but some of the best results come from Allegro fajita and brisket marinade, or a choice glass bottled beer.

You can cook more beef brisket, but make sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly and remember that brisket should be cooked for 40 minutes per pound.

Once everything is in hand, put the brisket in a plastic bag with all the

their ‘99 album or their EP, so this was my first experience with the band and their music. I only knew that this was the first album they have put out in a long time. If the

experiencing stories and events in his life through his perspective, and it adds a special kind of depth to the album overall that not every band can achieve.

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TRENDING

=Be Thankful+ November has finally approached us. It’s time to start thinking about all the food you will eat this Thanksgiving, the football games you will watch curled up on the couch and the cold biting at your ears and nose. November is notoriously the month of coming together to remember how lucky we are to have the luxuries we may take for granted. This year, the Mentor wants to help you find ways to give back.

Volunteer and donation opportunities in MHK Flint Hills Breadbasket: Manhattan’s version of a “soup kitchen,” the Breadbasket is always in need of food to serve to those in our community who live below the poverty line. Donations are always accepted, so this November make someone’s thanksgiving meal even better and donate some of their most needed items, including peanut butter, canned meats and oatmeal. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities at the Breadbasket year-round.

Manhattan Crisis Center: A safe space for women and children who need an escape from abusive or dangerous homes, the crisis center is usually taking volunteers to help victims of domestic vio-

lence. For a small fee of $15, you can go through a short training process. They also are taking donations of several basic items like shampoo, soap, baby supplies like diapers and wipes and linens.

Due to the nature of the center the address cannot be found online, so if you are looking to help out please call (785) 539-2785.

The Ogden Community Center: The Ogden Community Center is currently looking for a few volunteers to work one hour for three days to help get their Senior Meals program back up and running. The program is pretty self explanatory,

offering meals to low income seniors as well as giving them a time to socialize. For more information, call (785)-776-7787.

Riley County Senior Center: Along those same lines, the Riley County Senior Center is also looking for volunteers to help serve meals to seniors. A great way to help out your community and put some smiles on people’s faces.

For more information call (785) 537-4040.

T. Russell Reitz Animal Shelter: Manhattan’s local animal shelter is a great way to give back without doing too much

work.

The shelter is always in need of blankets, pillows and towels to line cages with for the upcoming cold months, as well as dog and cat food. The shelter takes donations at all times and it is as simple as pulling up and dropping your items off.

Goodwill: Probably one of the most well known ways to make a donation and better your community is through Goodwill. Our local Manhattan Goodwill is not only a great place to thrift shop for some vintage clothes, but is also a great help to low income families in your community.

Got some old clothes lying around? Some shirts in your closet that still have the tags on them? Goodwill will happily take them!

=20 things to be thankful for+ Everyone has somthing to be thankful for. Can’t think of anything off the top of your head? We have a few examples for you.

Whether it’s something as simple as you being alive and well or somethig with a deeper meaning, there is definitely a lot we have to be grateful and thankful.

1. You are alive right now and breathing. That is definitely something to be thankful for.

2. You get a free public education where you can sit in class and read our paper.

Thats awesome.

3. Animals are out there.

That’s always a bonus. Are you ever feeling down?

Google “Tabby cat in Cabby Hat.” Your day will be made.

4. There is so much good music out there that we haven’t even heard yet.

How amazing is that? And all the music you listen to now?

What would life be like if you couldn’t pretend you were in a music video every time you had your headphones in?

5. Books. The easiest way to transport yourself into another realm and escape our real life for even a little bit.

6. Sports. A great way to blow off steam and create amazing friendships. Whether it’s playing sports or watching them on the couch with your friends, sports are definitely a way to bring people together and put a smile on your face.

7. Art. Everyone needs an outlet, and with the hundreds

of ways to do art there is always something for everyone.

Be it music, painting, writing, , photography, whatever is your thing, that is art.

8. Your friends and family.

The people that are there for you no matter what, no matter how dark it gets. They are the people that are right by your side when all those awesome memories you have. Those are the people that matter.

9. Teachers, who spend every day of their lives working to make you a better human. These are adults who voluntarily spend their entire day with you people. These men and women spend hours upon hours away from school grading your work, and helping you become the greatest student you can be.

10. Vacations. Whether near or far, getting away is always something to be excited for.

11. Good TV. Even if there’s nothing good on TV, there’s always Netflix. So even if your favorite show isn’t on television live, there will always be something on Netflix for you to binge watch.

12. The moment when you see someone you haven’t

seen in ages. Their eyes brighten up and the run to you with big grins stretched across their face. That is the moment that you realize everything is worth it. All the times you missed them, the times you wished they were there with you. It all becomes worth it.

13. Making people laugh.

That cheesy joke you told might have made someones entire day. Something you might not have seen as important or laugh-worthy might have brightened up someones entire day, or week even.

14. The sun will always rise tomorrow and the moon will always go down at night.

Even if you feel like you can’t depend on anything in your life, you can always count on the sun rising and the moon falling. There will always be something constant in your life.

15. Tomorrow is a new day.

The negativity and all the bad that may have happened today will all wash away with the rise of tomorrow.

16. The weather. Regardless of rain or shine, there is always a way to find the beau-

ty in it. Think of all of those beautiful nature photos you see in magazines or on Twitter. Beautiful photos of snow, rainfall and sunshine. Beauty is everywhere. It’s really how you look at it.

17. Something new happens every day. Every day is the chance for a new adventure, a new friend, a new anything. Anything is possible if you just open you eyes to all the beauty in this world.

18. Good health. Not everyone is lucky to be in good health or even remotely good health. So that fact that you get to spend your days in school doing your thing and not in a hospital bed is cool.

19. Good people or bad. The bad ones help you appreciate the good ones. Just like the good friends point, all of those bad people that ruin your day are what makes you really appreciate the good people you have in your life.

20. Free thought. No one can control your thoughts. You have the ability to think, which is cool as is. But the fact that there isn’t a soul on this earth that can tell you what to think is equally as cool.