190115 Vol. 106 Edition 12

INSIDE THIS EDITION GIRLS BASKETBALL-- Senior Garrin Williams (far left) attempts to block a member from the opposing team during the varsity girls game with Emporia Jan. 8. Senior Kia Wilson (left) attempts to reach for the ball during the Manhattan girls varsity game.

See Page 3 for more

THE MENTOR VOLUME 106 - ISSUE 12 - JAN. 15, 2018

MHSMENTOR.COM

Students continue to make SubDeb dance a popular event Aloera Ostermann Staff Writer

Sophomores Alyx Glessner and Abbey Finnell dance the night away during an eventful night at SubDeb.

Photo by Bri Carmack

Debate end season with varsity highs from junior pair Meredith Comas Online Editor-in-Chief

The debate season for Manhattan officially ended last Saturday at Garden City, with the team taking high marks for juniors Trinity Brockman and Will Bannister at the T-Speaker KASHAA Debate tournament.

“The weekend was really fun and a great experience for the team,” Bannister said. “We were able to wrap up the season by

doing a lot of different events together.”

Brockman and Bannister, who have competed in debate since freshman year, have been steady competitors all season long. However, their breakthrough at state has set the stage for next year’s competition season.

The pair went 5-1 out of six preliminary rounds, making them the fifth top team in the out rounds and double octofinals -- the elimi-

nation rounds comprised of the top 16 debate teams or top 16 debaters. Losing on a split decision (2-1) in their double octofinals lost them a chance at state championship, but, after being seeded into the final bracket, placed them as the fifth seed out of 32 teams.

“It was a really big accomplishment for [Bannister] and I as juniors,” Brockman said.

The Kansas State Alumni Center was transformed by the all-female SubDeb committee on Saturday night for the annual SubDeb dance.

SubDeb, short for Suburban Debutante, is a dance that is more commonly referred to as a “Sadie Hawkins” or girls ask guys dance at other high schools.

One of the reasons SubDeb has been successful for many years is because the dance is not put on by the school, but rather by students.

They base the entire night around a single theme. This year “Masquerade” meant that the tickets, shirts and decorations were created to replicate a Masquerade ball.

“A lot of us looked at Pinterest and just looked at good ideas,” junior Kamryn Bussmann said.

They began selling tickets a week prior to the dance with all of the profits going to different charities and organizations such as Katie’s Way. Setting up for the dance often makes a difference in the way the committee views the event. They may be tired, but they were just as excited as the average student about the night. “[Setting up] makes it more exciting because you’re putting so much work into something

that people have so much fun at,” Bussmann said.

The students of MHS had some preparing to do as well. The first step many students took was finding and asking a date. They then began looking for attire to wear. Finally, they simply had to wait for the day itself to come.

The dance began at 9 p.m. and continued on until midnight, with many students enjoying the atmosphere that SubDeb had.

According to students, one downside to the dance was the temperature. The water station set up by parents was a popular spot for students looking for a break from the dance floor.

The heat of the night did not, however, deter students from dancing. Many listed dancing as their favorite part of the night.

Prior to the dance the SubDeb committee put together a playlist for the DJ to make the night more enjoyable.

“It was just fun because everyone knew the songs,” Junior Madeline Crocker said.

This year the committee and the students of Manhattan High worked together to make SubDeb another successful event. The dancing, the music and the asks are all a part of what makes SubDeb unique and fun for so many students.

“It was fun,” Crocker said, “because it’s different than how it usually is.”

For more coverage, including news on two new Business department classes, see MHSMentor.com

See DEBATE Page 5

Thespians receive gold troupe ranking at state Chess club provides unique experiences

two excellents. Performances like these helped troupe members feel more involved in the conference and heighten their experiences.

While most students returned “It was really cool to be into class after winter break, Thesvolved and see so many people pian Troupe 941 was busy perthat were passionate about the forming and learning new skills same things that I was passionate at the Thespian State Conference about,” senior Tess Garvin said. in Wichita, where they once again Individual received a Events were gold troupe also a large ranking. part of stuThe gold dent’s experitroupe rankences. When ing is the perfor ming highest a an IE, a stutroupe can redent had to ceive, and this present a preyear marks pared piece Manhattan to judges, High’s eighth which, while year consecuoften nervetively placing wracking in so highly. A the moment, troupe rankproduced ing is deterpositive remined by their historian Photo Courtesy of Mckayla Alberto sults for some.

“I knew book presen- Seniors Tess Garvin, Jesse Finkemeier, junior Nathan Pickands and senior Jayden Gittle perthat I had tation, which form a one-act play during the Thespian State Conference. done a good requires putting together a scrapbook show- vidual Events to the yearly Tech job and I feel like I will be even casing the troupe’s yearly activi- Olympics. This year, Troupe 941 better next year,” junior Nathan ties and presenting it in front of a performed two one-act plays, “Ju- Paukstelis said about his IE, for panel of judges. This year’s histo- nie B. Jones is Not A Crook” and which he received one superior rian book was largely put together “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie and two excellents.

For returning thespians, espeby senior Henry Schinstock, who Apocalypse,” both of which were was proud of the troupe’s accom- ranked highly, with the former re- cially those who are seniors, this ceiving all superior rankings and plishment.

“It definitely was like a very the latter getting one superior and See THESPIANS Page 5 Kaitlin Clark Print Editor-in-Chief

time consuming project and I worked kind of hard on it,” Schinstock said. “So I’m pretty proud of the gold that we won.”

In addition to the historian book event, each troupe presents a variety of shows and participates in several contest categories including everything from Indi-

Kris Long Staff Writer

The Manhattan High Chess Club has been providing a chance for students to “...compete, hang out and have fun...” for almost three years, according to Chess Club sponsor Darren McCoy. According to McCoy, chess isn’t just a game played for fun, it’s helpful academically also.

“I think [chess] helps with anybody’s [academics]. McCoy said. it’s a game of problem solving and it’s a game of persistence” While there are a few competitive chess players in the club, most members just play chess because they enjoy doing so. Many enjoy chess because it is unique in its complexity and the skill it takes to play. “[Chess] is one of the only games in the world that has no existing known perfect strategy, and that’s what makes it so popular for…professional game players,” senior Greg Chikan, chess club president, said. “In checkers, a perfect strategy actually exists so once you get to a certain level… your just going to be playing that

same game over and over again… in chess, there are so many possible combinations because of all the tiles and the pieces on the board… it’s almost impossible to know what the perfect strategy is, even for a computer.” Members who are more competitive players can qualify to go to the State Chess Tournament and play for the MHS team.

Last year the club took second place at state, coming in just behind Lawrence Free State. Last year’s team included senior Jack Easton, who is also Chess Club’s vice president, senior Prijiat Mondal, juniors Matthew Pickering and Jacob Grace as well as sophomore Austin Bender.

“We hope to be able to win [state] this year,” Easton said.

Easton himself is currently placed at 13th in the U.S. Chess Federation National Rankings for 17 year olds, and fifth in Kansas for all age groups.

“Overall, chess is just a really fun game to play,” senior Jered Zhang, Chess Club treasurer, said. “Each game is like a piece of art in itself.”

“Each game is like a piece of art in itself.” -- Senior Jered Zhang

OPINIONS

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The Mentor Jan. 15, 2019 MHSMentor.com

Increased security has potential for preventing drug use of teens This editorial is a compilation from a discussion held by the editorial board. To listen to the conversation that led to this piece, visit MHSMentor.com

One’s teenage years, while full of exciting and fun, can also be the beginning of an everlasting addiction. Even though it’s always been a problem for teens, it seems like drug use has been increasing in popularity to the point where it’s normal to go into the bathroom and notice that people are vaping.

Although there will be teens that still do drugs, what is an appropriate way of preventing this behavior?

It is the agreement of The Mentor editorial board that the safest and most appropriate way to prevent the use of drugs by the adolescence of Manhattan High

is to increase security and shift the conversation surrounding drug use from being addict-based to a more open dialogue that includes those who are casual users.

Manhattan High has roughly 1,800 students and it’s a given fact that not everyone has the same rate of usage when it comes to prescription medication. Whether it’s using pills for a migraine or because the medicine equalizes your emotions, everyone will have a different usage.

Unfortunately, one of those uses may be to use prescription medication as a way to feel some kind of euphoric effect. It’s hard to be able to treat these kind of cases, though, because these medicines were made to help people who truly need it. Some schools have an organized way of have

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor of the Manhattan High School Mentor: Re: your article “Recycling to better environments” by Features Editor Hannah Heger, Hannah makes an impressive case that improper disposal of food waste is very, very bad.

She does not say where proper food waste disposal receptacles can be found and recognized.

Are food waste containers identified as food waste receptacles with clearly seen and recognized signs?

Are waste containers that should not be used for food waste clearly identified by a sign: “NO FOOD DISPOSAL?” Are the containers clearly identified so, at first, hurried of course, it is clear what the container is for?

prescription medicines actually used for help held in a designated spot, but when you have 1,800 kids in a school it tends to become

Graphic by Forest Efken

unorganized and messy.

In the recent referendum that passed, one of the promises was to increase the amount of secu-

Food waste containers should be more clear as to what type of waste it belongs to.

How about special containers for food waste disposal be painted an easily identified color, only for food waste disposal? If the food waste containers are bright yellow and the non-food waste disposal containers are all dark green, the difference could be easily seen.

With the words FOOD WASTE DISPOSAL or GENERAL DISPOSAL (NO FOOD), it would make it easy for students to make their disposals properly.

But all the hand-wringing and lamenting of Hannah serves no purpose other than her writing how terrible “improper food waste disposal” is.

Since many humans do not have enough to eat, it would have been nice if Hannah had commented her hopes that students would avoid wasting food -- tak-

ing too much, then throwing the rest away.

There is an interesting “Law of Supply.” It is said: “There is enough of everything for everyone when they need it. But for everything that is taken in excess of what is needed then, there is a corresponding lack for someone else.”

In other words, more containers for thrown away food mean that others are dying for not having food.

I am sorry your interest is in food being thrown away in the proper container rather than admonition: “You are fortunate to have enough food. Please don’t ever waste it.”

Best wishes, Helen Roser (age 96)

students in their natural element.

As I peer closer, I look at the faces of these bright, intriguing people walking around in a sort of daily fog, unnoticing and dull, fueled by the chatter and clutter of congruent white noise.

We, as a generation, complain so constantly of the stress and trifles of adolescence and rightly so.

However, how can we expect to destress when we clutter the aspects of our very lives with the plague that is the noise of conformity, as opposed to the inner voices of ourselves? We accidentally stifle creativity and halt thought in its footsteps for the sake of group verification -- an argument said many times before but a thousand times still true.

It is rare I stumble upon a lover of the classics or an appreciator of the world’s past artistic-vigor. I find it to be the greatest tragedy of our generation, that no one knows the free songs of Whitman nor the sorrows of Millay nor the chucklesome romances of Austen and Shakespeare. That no one is aware of the great painters and musicians, who started rebellions and fueled social change, or the current carriers of these trades unless their account is public.

This does us and life the greatest disservice.

We have become such mundane, grotesque, unambiguous, circadian masses trudging through today’s life like an ad on the television -- without meaning

or depth of character in just line with the common archetypal.

We ask ourselves what is the meaning of life, but how can we ever answer that question without genuinely living?

Ironically, I’d like to propose an answer by recirculating advice from a Tumblr text post by user lynds-love that has crawled its way into the systems of current social media: “Go to the concert of a local band you’ve never heard of or have a water balloon fight at 2 a.m. or go to a new restaurant you’ve been wanting to go to, but for God’s sake, stop falling into the idea that you have to be traveling all the time or have tons of money to have incredible adventures and make your life mean something.”

I implore you, have adventures, read the words of the greats; listen to the music that ended wars; go to a museum merely to go. Drink in all that life and its creative well has to offer.

I have the greatest hope for those who lead our world in the path of new and revolutionary ideas, yet I hold the greatest fear for those who walk in conformity’s uniform lines.

Until I write again, “Have incredible adventures and make your life mean something.”

Make your life mean something Meredith Comas Online Editor-in-Chief

Hello, reader. It’s been some time since I’ve greeted you on this page, as just myself. It brings back nostalgic memories of excitement brought by seeing my name on a freshly printed paper, speaking my mind on topics that, at the time, were pressing thoughts begging to be poured on an empty page.

Most of my time here has been spent writing editorials arguing a point on behalf of the publication. Now it’s just me, a writer whose words again stand seemingly alone. As it is, I am delighted to be back.

However, my writing has so long assisted the ideas of a group, it struggles to stand alone and find not only the words but the argument most pressing to today’s emotions and headlines.

I find myself worrying about this -- conformity -- in and out of writing. Often, I observe others in the same position but a different context, seemingly oblivious to the fact.

In the bustle of the Manhattan High morning, I see fellow

Question of the Week Question of the Week- What is your New Year’s resolution “Get over my art and writers block.”

-- Junior Vanessa Wood @w0odr0w

“Not failing school.”

“Run at least one mile a day.”

-- Freshman Anika Nyp @anika_nyp17

-- Freshman Max Bowyer @max_z_b

Next week’s question: What’s your favorite movie quote?

Kaitlin Clark -- Print Editor-in-Chief Meredith Comas -- Online Editorin-Chief Micheal Simmons -- Blue M Editorin-Chief Brianna Carmack -- Opinions Editor Sophia Comas -- Sports Editor Hannah Heger -- Features Editor

Cole Schmitt -- Social Media Manager Rachel Edie and Julianna Poe -- Copy Editor Hailey Eilert -- Photo Editor Mason Alberto and Makenna Wollenberg -- Assistant Photo Editors Ayden Boyles -- Business ManagerStaff Writers and Photographers -- Kami Bussmann, Josh

Flickinger, Cade McNeil, Javi Mercado, Aloera Ostermann, Madison Ritz, Jennifer Sadler, Riley Williamson, Katya Tarabrina, Emma Elliott, Kris Long, Anika Nyp Video Production -- Gabe Jernigan, Duncan O’Brate Kristy Nyp -- Adviser

rity at MHS, which is extremely important. The reason behind it is more towards physical safety, but there could be a way for it to be geared toward general safety.

If there was an appropriate solution for those getting caught abusing drugs, other than suspension or jail time, maybe some teens would stop.

Nowdays with technology and more types of ways to get that euphoric feeling, such as the infamous JUUL, it’s easier to hide.

With it being easier to hide, most teens have the mindset that they will not get caught so they will continue to do it.

One thing to notice is that addicts don’t always realize that they’re addicts. It’s unfortunate because in order for people to get help there has to be some part in

that person where they realize that they are hurting themselves, whether it’s mentally or physically. When being told by someone else that the decisions being made are not safe and unhealthy, people may get defensive about it.

Their mindset is that it’s not a big deal and they consequently continue to harm themselves. MHS as a whole tends to focus more on addicts than casual users, which must be changed. The culture at MHS should additionally focus on those who use drugs socially.

There needs to be more security in a way where it focuses on drugs. People need to understand that some teens don’t consider themselves as addicts and will not care about whatever is being said about drugs. Not everyone is the same and it will never be like that.

To grow up is to take responsibility

Sophia Comas Sports Editor

One of the very first life lessons most of us were ever taught by our parents was “life’s not fair.”

I’ve heard that sentence almost every day of my life. I used to take those words for granted because I always thought it was one of those regular sayings all moms are required to tell their children, just like when they say “because I said so.” I didn’t realize that what my mom really wanted me to understand about that simple clause was that it’s the basis of growing up.

The thing about life is that it’s unpredictable. There is no crystal ball that can show you what your future will look like, there is no fortune cookie that can tell you when luck will cross your path, there is no possible way for anyone to tell you what to expect.

That being said, everyone can make an educated guess that something is bound to go wrong.

That’s just life. There will always be a moment where it seems like your life is falling apart and just like when we were little kids we still expect someone to be there to pick up the pieces. Mom was always there to lift you up when you were down but there will come a time when Mom can’t be there anymore. Then it becomes your time to pick up the pieces yourself. That’s what being an adult means. It means that you take responsibility for the cards that you were dealt without victimizing yourself in the process.

According to “Psychology Today,” being an adult is knowing when things are outside your control and being able to make your peace with it. They write on

their website, “If you want to turn the page, you must look at everything on it and digest it, instead of trying to rip it out.” It’s important for us to understand that we can’t ignore the ugly parts of life, but we also can’t dwell on them.

We just need to accept them and move on.

Additionally, part of being an adult is learning how to stop lying to yourself and others. People our age are specifically practiced in the art of self-deception because it’s easier than dealing with an unacknowledged truth. We look at our not-so-good grades and blame the teacher’s inability to educate us or we fault our partner in a group project when the grade comes out worse than expected.

We’re always telling ourselves what we consider to be little white lies because we don’t want the consequences that will inevitably come with them. What we don’t seem to realize yet is that every time we lie, we put ourselves in a position where we can’t succeed.

It makes growing up ten times harder because we’re conditioned to act as if we don’t have problems we can’t solve.

“It takes a certain amount of self-discipline to keep self-deception from becoming a hindrance on the job or in relationships,” Sue Shellenbarger wrote in “The Wall Street Journal.” “Getting too wrapped up in achievements or public image is one danger sign.

Dodging a chronic problem by telling yourself you’ll solve it in the future is another.”

To grow up following your mom’s words of “life’s not fair” is key to being a successful adult.

Knowing that life isn’t fair and being able to recognize it while taking responsibility for the way you react to it is how you grow up. Being an adult means being a person of action. It’s just what it is. It sucks sometimes but when you take responsibility and you chase that responsibly with an honest mind you will succeed.

Do you have stories to be told, opinions to be shared or a voice to be heard?

Send your Letter to the Editor or guest column to MHSMentor@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to hear your voice, Manhattan High!

Circulation Team -Mary Alderink, Caleb Barnes, Sebastian Bryant, Angel Cid, Brandi Cummings, Caleb Deloach, Rachel Efken, Kimberley Genandt, Terra Harvey, Kayla Wong The Mentor is published each Tuesday that school is in session at Manhattan High School, 2100 Poyntz Ave. Manhat-

tan, 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.

SPORTS

The Mentor Jan. 15, 2019 MHSMentor.com

3

Girls basketball returns to winning despite injury Micheal Simmons Blue M Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Jennifer Sadler Senior Haleigh Harper picks the ball up after dribbling down the lane to make a pass to an open teammate during the Manhattan Lady Indians’ game against Emporia on Jan. 8.

Losing a game or a player is difficult but the Manhattan High girls basketball team (7-3, 5-2) rebounded from both situations last week as they beat Emporia and Highland Park, 54-23 and 53-32.

“I definitely think that after a loss teams learn something about themselves,” senior Haleigh Harper said. “In these two cases we learned that we still have things to work on such as shutting down key players and working for a great shot and not just a good shot.”

Before winning their past two games, MHS suffered their first and second Centennial League losses, losing to Washburn Rural and Topeka High, 37-49 and 48-50. After these losses the team was eager to get back to winning.

“It felt like a team,” senior Garrin Williams said. “We are definitely done losing and want to get better everyday.... It feels great to win but it is even better when you know your hard work is paying off.”

The team got off to a slow start, losing starting senior Taylor Johnson due to an injury and ending the first quarter 10-10. With

the team down a starter, multiple underclassmen stepped in and allowed the team to end the half 25-18.

“It didn’t feel like we were dominating [Highland Park] at the beginning,” senior Kia Wilson said. “We talked at halftime about how we need to be more under control and taking good shots.”

Wilson lead the team in scoring by putting up 16 and Harper followed with 15, nine of which came from the field. From this point on the MHS game plan was unbeatable.

“We planned to stop their three main scorers and help each other defensively,” Williams said.

“We definitely worked the ball better, which gave us better shots and that was different from when we lost because then we didn’t work the ball as well and we did not help each other defensively.”

The team outscored Highland Park 15-5 in the third quarter, leaving one quarter left to play with MHS up 40-23. The team would keep the lead through the fourth and celebrate their second win in a row.

The team will strive for a third as they play Topeka West on Friday at home.

Boys swim team places first despite missing team members Anika Nyp Staff Writer

As the announcer gave team results at the end of the 11th meet of the season, the Manhattan High swim team didn’t expect much.

But when it came down to first and second place, the team members were ready to erupt into applause as soon as they heard that Olathe South had come in second, leaving MHS in first.

“We came into the meet knowing that Olathe South would be very hard to beat, after the destroyed us earlier in the season,” sophomore Sean Anderson said.

“Everybody was super excited.

We heard the scores, then went wild.”

Not only was the team work-

ing on making up for the people who were gone but they had really tough competition.

“Normally with such a large team with so many good swimmers I would have great confidence in our team, but we had many swimmers sick,” sophomore Dominic Palmieri said.

The team prevailed despite the absences of their best swimmers.

“There was some doubt, on paper we were not favored, but I thought we had a good effort and were competitive with the other swimmers,” head coach Alex Brown said. “This led to us getting a win, swimming above where we are seeded,” head coach Alex Brown said.

Not only was the team missing some of their best, one their

teammates was leaving for good.

Martin Gonzalez, a junior American Field Service student, swam in his last meet before returning to his home country, Chile.

“It was very nice, I never thought swimming was a team sport, but I really enjoyed the spirit of the team mates and how they push you through difficult times,” Gonzalez said. “It also gave me some friends, so I’m thankful for that.”

The team said goodbye to Gonzalez one last time before he left the natatorium after his last meet in America.

“There are some things that I won’t forget, like the intention of people for helping you without wanting anything back, or the team spirit, where everyone is as

Brianna Carmack Opinions Editor

OF THE

WEEK

Sophia Comas Sports Editor

What inspired you to become an athlete?

My parents and my family.

Both of my parents are coaches and all of my siblings played when they were younger and I did as well because my mom was my

Photo by Jennifer Sadler

coach. Just seeing how much fun they were having and just the process of it all just made me want to try it too.

How has current injury impacted your season and recent games?

Well, I hurt my shoulder obviously two weeks ago so I had to sit out of the Washburn game... It really killed me to have to sit there on the bench watching my team play knowing I couldn’t do anything to help them. Then I had a concussion at the beginning of

the season so I just had to sit out of a few practices.

What conclusions can you make about the rest of the season based on the current status of the team?

I think it’s going to continue to improve as time goes on. We just have so much fun together and we all get along really well.... We’re still encouraging each other and I think that as the season goes on we’re all going to continue to grow closer and play harder and hopefully win some more games.

Boys basketball to travel to McPherson Cole Schmitt Staff Writer

Manhattan High School boys Varsity basketball (5-5) gained one win and one loss this week, the loss coming against the Emporia Spartans (6-3), 45-50 and the win coming against the Highland Park Scots (0-10), 60-43.

“I thought we gave better effort tonight than we did the other night versus Topeka High but we still go through moments where little things, free throw block outs, drawing up a trap in a timeout,” head coach Benji George said.

“I think we go through stretches where we lose focus and then I think we go through stretches where we lose emotion and passion. We saw a guy, in number 41,

important as the rest, no matter if one is better that the other,” Gonzalez said.

Even though the team lost a great teammate they were excited to place first.

“I think everyone is sad to see him go,” Anderson said. “He was a big part of the team and helped get us the win on Wednesday.”

The boy will compete again on Wednesday at home.

Bowling places at Topeka West quad

ATHLETE

Emily Ostermann Varsity Basketball

Photo by Anika Nyp Sophomore Dominic Palmieri practices laps back and forth. Swimmers are practicing to do well at their next swim meet this Wednesday.

for Emporia that gave, that consistent, just grind all night long and we’re still struggling to get to that.”

Statistically, the Indians were 38 percent from the field and 42 percent from three while the Spartans went 49 percent from the field and 25 percent from three.

“I thought the ball screen stuff offensively got us better looks,” George said. “I thought Owen [Braxmeyer] did a really good job of handling that. We’re still working progress there but I liked what I saw with all that.”

The Highland Park game was great for Manhattan. The Indians got a key Centennial League win while gaining momentum heading into a tough week.

“We played hard and played together which allowed us to have fun while we were playing,” junior Raeshon Riddick said. “We just gave our all and didn’t worry about anything else but playing hard to win.”

The Indians had the lead on Highland Park the majority of the game.

“It brings back our confidence because we [were] at a low because we know we can perform better,” senior Jonah Artis said.

“But that win will turn our season around.”

The team (5-5) will now move onto a guaranteed three game week in the McPherson Invitational. The Indians will be up against Shawnee Mission East (45) at 3 p.m. this Thursday.

With only a nine pin difference, Varsity Boys Bowling placed second, along with Varsity girls and Junior Varsity boys, at their first meet of the season. The meet took place at Ridge Lanes in Topeka.

The quad included teams from Seaman (2383), MHS (2374), Topeka West (2320) and Hayden (2036), who scored last.

With a 714 series, seniors Alex Newell and Michael Moran were the top bowlers for MHS, with 675 series from Moran.

“Alex threw the ball with more confidence today than I have ever seen of her,” coach Robert Reagan said. “Alex only had one open frame today displaying remarkable spare shooting and consistency.”

Although this is the first meet of the season, this isn’t some of the bowlers first meet being on the team.

“The first year bowlers performed well for their first tournament,” Moran said. “Usually nerves and performance anxiety will get to your head, but they never broke under pressure and while they may not think so, well I believe they did a great job in doing what they had been practicing.”

Even though MHS did not come out in first place, there is still a long season ahead of them.

“Our team has the potential to go to State, and we want to go to State,” Moran said. “We’re going to try our hardest and try even harder to bring home a State championship trophy for Manhattan.”

Intramurals lacking in participation Aloera Ostermann Staff Writer

In the new year many intramural teams have had trouble showing up to their games. Out of the 32 teams, 10 of them have forfeited in the past two days of play. Jan. 7 was the first day back for the teams.

Even though the MHS basketball teams themselves were back some of the intramurals kids missed the memo. Yet not everyone did. Some even view the league as something serious.

“It’s just a way to play school basketball without being on the team,” senior Logan Engelhorn said.

By Wednesday, the participation got a little bit better with only four teams missing their games.

With the teams being in the middle of their season there are a few in each league that everyone

should watch out for.

In the Ball Fake league the Ball-a-holics are playing with a full head of steam. They won both games played so far by over 30 points.

Alley Oop has not only one but two teams to watch out for.

The Flyin’ Hawaiians have won both their games by more than 10 and Dunks Unlimited won by 23.

The L.A. Leakers have won by as much as 27 points.

Aside from that the two remaining leagues and their team standings have been left inconclusive. No team has actually played a game in the second half of the season so the only wins have been accomplished by forfeits.

The next games are to be played on this Wednesday with four more nights after that remaining until the tournament, which is scheduled for Feb. 4.

4

SPOTLIGHT

Illegal Intentions

The Mentor Jan. 15, 2019 MHSMentor.com

Students useage of illegal substances investigated at MHS *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the identity and privacy of individual students catch them. Such is the case for *Katie and *Sarah who worry that their parents will discover their link to items like Juuls.

“It’s not like a showoff thing, it’s just something that’s there,” Sarah said. “I guess it was like a trend and then I wanted to try it.”

Despite the fact that the student population is aware of their peers using illegal substances at school, recent surveys indicate that the amount of students who have done so in the past are lower than the number reported a few years ago.

“There are less students currently using substances than they were 10 years ago, or 20 years ago,” school social worker Kari Humes said. “On our survey, we ask a direct question about ‘have you been drunk or high at school?’ and we have less students reporting that they are.”

With lower reports of students using on campus, Manhattan High security has been able to better implement the school’s policy for illegal substance activity. School resource officer Tyrone Townsend says that it’s even more specific to students who distribute substance rather than just using them.

“We catch most students using or in possession of drugs,” Townsend said. “We have caught several people over the last semester… either actively doing drugs on campus or maybe selling drugs on campus. One was arrested for selling marijuana.”

Whether students choose to use a substance at school, a sporting event, a field trip or at home, MHS wants them to know that the issue is bigger than where they use it.

The consequences for using an illegal substance can be costly and the school’s main focus is just ensuring that its students are safe.

“It’s just part of adolescent development and being young adults who are interested and don’t always think through the ramifications of decisions,” Hoyt said. “I really want our students to consider their life and their future well beyond our school and make those decisions that won’t negatively impact their life down the road.”

Low supervision

Sophia Comas Sports Editor

While most people assume that using illegal substances is enough to create the high that individuals crave, the place one goes to use an illegal substance can create a high all on its own.

Whether it’s in the school bathrooms or at a friend’s house, students who participate depend on their location because it adds more to the experience of getting high.

“If you ever want to get together with your friends and just have an amazing time it definitely helps you,” *John said. “It makes everything funnier, makes everything more enjoyable. You just kind of connect with more people.”

Along with the trend of participating in large groups, students are also starting to get into the habit of using during situations where there is little to no adult supervision.

At school, it becomes a problem of using on campus, whether it’s in the parking lot or at a football game.

“There’s... a lot of interaction that might happen here because of proximity and it’s not going to happen anywhere else in the community because kids don’t have the transportation to meet up with one another -- whatever those circumstances are -- but here they’re in a confined space from 7:40 in the morning to 2:50 in the afternoon,” principle Greg Hoyt said.

“There’s certainly that aspect that it’s a regular part from the second week of August until the third or fourth week in May.” It’s common knowledge to most students that there are those who use within the school building, but their reasoning comes from a place of fear.

Most are afraid of being caught by their parents so they choose to locate themselves where it would be difficult to

Student drug use experiences, reasons vary Kaitlin Clark Print Editor-in-Chief

From ecstatic highs to crushing lows, the impact illegal substances have on young users can vary greatly. Additionally, reasons for initial use vary from person to person, and while television shows and movies often portray first-time usage as a result of pressure from others, some students at Manhattan High had a different story to tell. “[I] just did them for fun really,” *Tyler, a senior, said.

Another common misconception that interviewees were quick to point out was that they were not addicts simply because of their occasional, or, in one person’s case, one-time use.

“I definitely am not like, addicted,” *James, a senior, said. “I have ever only used [marijuana] once.”

While some people see drugs as a quick way to have fun, actual users often have varying experiences with different substances.

Tyler, who feels that “the high is fun” with marijuana, has had

very negative personal experiences with another drug in the past. “...the crash for adderall...for me was super depressing and I wanted to die,” Tyler said. “Like I would sit there and just cry.”

The experience users have with a drug can even vary greatly from person to person, as shown

by Tyler’s experience with marijuana compared to James’.

“I mean I did like two puffs, definitely did not use it enough to be addicted or become high, but yeah, I have asthma, so it was kind of painful,” James said. “It wasn’t that great of an experience.”

While the drugs used and the experience with each can be dramatically different, one thing that many users have in common is that they use substances in places where they feel safe, such as their house or a friend’s. They are not, however, ignorant to the consequences they could potentially face, no matter how secure they feel.

“I know what the consequences would be if I got caught, but I’m always in a safe enough space that I won’t,” Tyler said.

Drugs can also affect people differently based on the individual’s personality. Tyler cautions others from using if they know that they are compulsive or easily addicted to other things. He is adamant that it is the user who can become addicted, and it is not inherently the drug’s fault.

“If you have an addictive personality don’t do it in general, just because addictive personalities are the ones that get addicted,” Tyler said. “It’s not the drugs themselves, it’s the people who have problems with addiction in general.”

No matter the consequences, students at Manhattan High will continue to experiment or use, and it will ultimately be their personal decision whether or not they continue to do so. James stated that he would “probably not” try marijuana again, but for others, like Tyler, they do not regret the substances they have tried.

“It wasn’t peer pressure or anything,” Tyler said. “It was all my choice.”

Photo illustration by Hailey Eilert

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 1 in 16 high school seniors use marijuana daily.

SPOTLIGHT

The Mentor Jan. 15, 2019 MHSMentor.com

30-Day Rate of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana

5

This graph show the results from the Kansas Communities that Care survey completed by Manhattan High School 10th and 12th grade students each year. This represents the usage of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana as reported since 2010. The numbers represent the percentage of students who reported that they used the substance at least once in the thirty days prior to the survey.

Why students have tried it Unnamed Junior Male Interviewed conducted by Sophia Comas

“It kind of helps a lot to take some stress off and when when you have nothing else to do, you can just kind of relax there by yourself. You’re really kind of kind of see the whole world for how beautiful it is.”

“For the most part sometimes it’s just like I don’t know you ever want to like get together with your friends just have an amazing time it definitely helps you it like it makes everything funnier, makes everything more enjoyable. You just kind of like connect with more people.”

“I’m going to say there’s times to use it turns out not to like if you have some kind of serious event or something that you have to be mature and everything about don’t do it. But if it’s something like that nobody’s really going to care about do it every day.”

“Like you know, say something stressful happening in your life. Go out do it maybe once or twice.”

“I don’t want to do what I do in front of adults. I enjoy doing it with friends and I trust them to be there because things don’t usually go wrong. But in case something ever did they would be there.”

Unnamed Senior Male

Unnamed Junior Female

Interviewed conducted by Kaitlin Clark

Interviewed conducted by Riley Williamson

“Alcohol because I had a group of friends that was doing it so we were going to have fun. That was the plan, it wasn’t peer pressure or anything, we said, ‘do we want to do it? Sure, why not.’ It was more of a party, get-together thing, so, marijuana, I’ve always wanted to try, just because, and I actually ended up liking it. And then Adderall, same thing, just curiosity, wanted to try it. Don’t do it anymore, it’s dumb.

Just did them for fun really.”

“I mean, I guess it was like a trend and then I wanted to try it. But obviously it’s addicting. It happened after I like went to a party and everyone had a juul and I was just hitting one there like this is really fun..”

“Alcohol was at a friend’s house. Adderall, I’ve done it at a friend’s house, I came to school, but I didn’t use it at school, I came to school when I was high.

And then my house, and then marijuana was at a friend’s house.”

“No, my brother’s 19 [so it’s easy to get substances].”

“Yeah, I read the packaging. We’re not inhaling tar.”

“If you have an addictive personality don’t do it in general, just because addictive personalities are the ones that get addicted. It’s not the drugs themselves, it’s the people who have problems with addiction in general, and just have that personality. That’s the only thing I got because I don’t have one of those.”

“I think it’s fun.”

“It’s not like a showoff thing, it’s just something that’s there. I don’t care if other people know that.”

“It doesn’t make you cool. But if you see someone who has one you’re like ayyyy.”

From DEBATE Page 1

“It’s really rare for a two-junior team to break into out-rounds.”

According to Bannister, this not only raised the profile for the pair -- making them targets for case trading, or telling the argument to the opponent, in the future -- but also has allowed fellow debaters in the league to see them as a “true threat.”

From THESPIANS Page 1

year’s conference was a time of greater involvement.

“I felt more involved this year than I did my previous years,” Schinstock said. “My previous years I was kind of just there, took a couple classes and like saw a couple shows but like this year I actually competed, and...partook in quite a few more things.”

Classes like those Schinstock discussed gave thespians the chance to strengthen their skills.

“It’s a great experience and

However, head coach Mac Phrommany expressed a feeling in pride in the pair not just as competitors, but as successful students.

“It’s not just them fighting for trophies, it’s them fighting for this team and that’s awesome,” Phrommany said.

While debate is over, MHS Forensics will pick up Jan. 25 and 26 at Shawnee Heights. you learn so much,” Garvin said.

After returning from the conference, thespians were eager to talk about their experiences and urged future thespians to attend.

Like always, they encourage others to join the group and carry on the rich traditions of involvement and success that Thespian Troupe 941 have.

“If you’re considering going to it, please go,” Paukstelis said. “It was a very fun time and to anyone competing in the future, practice makes perfect.”

Interested in contributing to the Mentor?

Stop by room C-107 to discuss how you can join staff for the 2019-2020 school year