Volume 101 Edition 24

M THe Great Gatsby The

ENTOR

Manhattan High School Volume 101 Issue 24 April. 29, 2014

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Ain’t no prom like a Gatsby Prom: MHS takes on ‘20s theme Danielle Cook Copy Editor Manhattan High’s “The Great Gatsby”-themed 2014 Prom kicked off Saturday night with a parading display of the excitement and fun that a little party on a warm spring night can bring. Promgoers and onlookers gathered just outside Manhattan Town Center to participate in and watch the Promenade, in which students attending Prom were announced formally before actually entering the venue.

Shortly after, students were invited inside the mall, and stepped into Gatsby’s glitzy 1920s world of crystal chandeliers, fancy cars and clothes and lively dancing.

“I think all our hard work paid off. Everything looked really good, and I’m happy with the way it turned out,”

said junior Lisa Zhu, who helped with the planning and decoration of Prom. “I hope everyone enjoyed it.”

Later into the evening, candidates for Prom royalty were called to the stage at the head of the dance floor for the crowning of this year’s Prom princess, prince, queen and king. Juniors Savannah Roberts and Trevor Bashaw, by vote of the MHS student body, were crowned 2014 Prom princess and prince.

“I wasn’t really expecting it. It was a surprise, but it’s really cool,” Bashaw said.

“I’d really like to thank Crystal Kliner because everything was awesome.”

Twins Hannah Livsey and Sam Livsey, seniors, were crowned 2014 Prom queen and king.

Juniors Andrew Hodges and Nicholas N. Clark crown senior Hannah Livsey Prom Queen Saturday night. Her twin Sam Livsey was King, Prom Princess was junior Savannah Roberts and Prince was junior Trevor Bashaw. Over 500 students attended the event held at Town Center.

Joseph Sell, Photographer

Mock crash shows students FFA attends Poulty and dangers of distracted driving Livestock Competition Connor Bliss Features Editor An audience of Manhattan High students watched as the Riley County Fire Department took the top off a SUV and MHS students were ushered away in an ambulance.

But rather than a real injury accident, the scene was staged by Students Against Destructive Decisions as an educational opportunity to show the consequences of underage drinking and texting while driving.

“I did this because I really believe in the purpose it had,” junior Trevor Hayden, a SADD member who acted in the demonstration, said.

“There was some really powerful messages when it comes to destructive decisions hence the name of our club. They can really mess you up, and even though

that’s not necessarily what happens all the time it’s still really really powerful to acknowledge that.”

The event was a collaboration between JorgensenMeloan-Londeen funeral home, the Manhattan Wrecker Service, the Riley County Police Department and fire department, Emergency Medical Service and SADD. This event happens every three years and in the past has involved LIFE STAR, which has done a helicopter flyover but wasn’t available this year.

“The thing I like about the event the most is, other than that it’s educational for students, is the collaboration and time that people give up to provide education. I mean, they’re not getting paid. We’re not paying them. They get no incentive,” SADD sponsor Kari QuitonHumes said.

The event happens on a recurring basis so that every student has a chance to see the mock crash. ”We always do it the Friday before prom because it’s kind of a high risk time for students,” Quiton-Humes said.

Hayden compared it to a recent loss MHS suffered.

“For me, it reminds me a lot of Naomi (McClendon) who was very very friendly and just very open. She was just a powerful and kind person and just one mistake and now she’s gone,” Hayden said. McClendon recently passed away in a situation involving alcohol. “It’s very powerful to be able to support her now even though we couldn’t support her then.

We are able to carry on that legacy and just really make it powerful. I feel this is something that should really be addressed and notified.”

Retta Lazaris Staff Writer FFA members only had to travel across Manhattan to CiCo Park to attend the Poultry and Livestock Judging Competition hosted by Blue Valley High on April 21. The Manhattan High team met at MHS to review basic judging techniques for the competition.

“I’ve always kind of wanted to be in FFA since I was little, because my parents couldn’t do it when they were in high school, and they’ve always wanted me to do it,” April Asher, junior, said.

“I’ve had a really busy schedule just until this year, so this is my first year in FFA.” In addition to judging animals, there was also a floral contest at the site the same day. However, Asher said MHS students only participated in livestock and poul-

try.

“I used to do the poultry contest for 4-H, when I was in middle school, so I knew most of what I know about poultry from that,” Asher said. “But it’s different for FFA, because you have a test, too.”

Members were also in competition with each other using the means of a written test over vocabulary and poultry operation.

“We were put into groups and judged the poultry and tested together,” Asher said.

The members explored a variety of judging techniques that ranged from candling the eggs – shining a light into the egg to see the bird inside -- to identifying the body parts of the poultry.

“A lot of us had never done something like this before, so it was a good experience,” Asher said.

Asher’s teammate, ju-

nior Stormie Clemens, tried something new by judging poultry.

“We judged both as individuals and as a team,” Clemens said. “I’ve never judged poultry before, and I mainly just did it to see what it was like and if I was good at it.”

According to the FFA advisor Doug Muller, the poultry team scored third place over all.

“Most people on the team have had an Ag class with Mr. Muller this year,” Clemens said. “So they were very knowledgeable about poultry and livestock.”

The competition at CiCo was one of the last of the year for FFA members, and they are looking forward to the upcoming State competition.

“I’ll be judging horses and dairy for State,” Clemens said. “I’m excited to see if I will place.”

Federal health laws shut down bake sales BPA prepares for Danielle Cook Copy Editor Due to a federal health regulation that is now being enforced by Manhattan High School administration and staff, MHS may not see another bake sale.

On Wednesday, the Interpersonal Skills class hosted its last bake sale of the year, which took place during both first and second lunches, and consisted of IPS’ usual sale items: baked goods, snow cones and chilli.

According to IPS teacher Barb Crooks IPS raised a to-

tal of $417 on Wednesday for Thespian’s summer trip to Scotland.

Crooks said that though IPS typically holds many bake sales annually, and bake sales are generally the group’s primary method of fundraising, as a class IPS is not directly affected financially by the elimination of bake sales. However, since IPS used bake sales to raise money for other causes within the school and community, it’s safe to say that many other groups may be affected.

“What we do is raise

money for other groups, like Adopt a Family and the Thespians, so it’s not so much that IPS is affected as far as the money goes, but doing bake sales did benefit IPS students,” Crooks said, explaining that the students in IPS gain social skills from working bake sales and got to see the positive effect they’ve had on the school and the community with their works of giving back.

This year, IPS alone raised $2,500 for Adopt a Family, $700 for Kansas State University student Carly Glassman, who passed away over

StuCo elects new officers Sarah Shi Opinions Editor Next year’s Student Council officers were announced last Thursday after students ticketed their ballots for their choice candidates.

“The process went smoothly but slowly because we didn’t have a lot of people to help with the ballots,” current student body vice president senior Lane Sorell said.

“I always enjoy elections. It’s fun.”

Next year’s student body secretary Haley Heaton said she ran for secretary because “I feel like I would do a good job. I’ve been in StuCo freshman year and I know what works and what doesn’t. I can bring a lot to the table,”

she said.

Junior Nicholas N. Clark, who won student body president, plans to keep the ball rolling and continue the things StuCo has been currently doing.

“There’s nothing major on the table. Next year is going to be a great year and I’m excited to be the face of it,” he said.

“The elections this year went really well,” sponsor Leslie Campbell said. “The speeches, the candidates that ran did a really good job. The votes were close.

Nobody won by a landslide or anything. I wasn’t able to attend the East campus elections but from what I heard it was really good, too. I’m happy with how it turned out.”

Officers: Student Body: Nicholas N. Clark Corbin Sedlacek Haley Heaton Megan Ochoa Senior Class: Ben Gorman Xavier Hayden Dheepthi Perumal Luke Stageman Junior Class: Robyn Burton Maddie Taylor Rachel Chang Michael Everett Sophomore Class: Isaac Sorell Nate Clark Margaret Mankin Adelaide Bliss

spring break due to cancer, and the money for the Thespian Scotland trip. Despite the loss of the ability to hold bake sales, IPS teachers and students will still make an effort to contribute to their usual causes.

“We’re a pretty resilient group, so I know we’ll be able to figure something out, but I know a lot of the clubs here [at Manhattan High], especially some of the smaller groups, will be more affected by not being able to hold bake sales,” Crooks said.

national competition Jared Gebhardt Entertainment Editor Nationals are on their way and members of Business Professionals of America are preparing for the occasion. The upcoming competition, which takes place in Indianapolis, has Manhattan High School’s BPA up against the best from around the nation.

Among those who have earned a place in the nationals competition are seniors Hannah Devane, Jerry Sextro and Troy Ward. These three, along with former teammate Francie Knackendoffel, make up the financial analyst team that took first place during an earlier State competition. Due to circumstances, Knackendoffel won’t be able to attend Nationals to compete.

See BPA Page 5

Student publications select new staffs Tracy Le Graphics Editor With just two editions left to produce, Manhattan High’s student newspaper, The Mentor, has chosen the editorial staff for next year.

This year’s staff will begin the process of transitioning the publication to its new leadership over the next few weeks.

“This year has been incredible," editor-in-chief Liz Logback said. "It’s been really fun just bonding as a staff, getting to know each other, and also working on the newspaper each week and producing The Mentor for students. There’s been a lot of learning and growing in that and there have been

ups-and-downs, but I would say it’s been more good.

It’s been fun getting to see people improve, getting to know people in the staff and it’s been a really great experience.”

Next year, there will be quite a few changes beyond having many students graduate and new students take their place on staff. For the first time, the online version will be separated from the print publication with its own leadership, although staff members will work for both publications.

One goal for the publication is to expand the online audience and build up the website, mhsmentor.com.

Because of this, junior Joseph Sell was chosen to be

the editor-in-chief of the online newspaper.

“Seeing that we are going to split the online and print stuff a little bit, that was a little disappointing to me, but I think it will work out well and will make the newspaper better," Sell said.

While new people come onto staff, some will move on, either by graduating or by exploring other course offerings. As a senior, Logback will be one of those leaving.

"Being editor has, for sure, been a highlight of my senior year,” Logback said.

“It's something I will remember for a very long time and look back on. I will miss it for sure, but I know it'll be See Publication Staff Page 5

Opinions The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com Page 2

Right to ban racial Animals more than profit preferences not justified Kristen Batson

The editorial is a compilation from a discussion held by the Editorial board. To listen to the conversation that led to this piece, visit www.mhsmentor.com.

Affirmative action programs suffered a blow last Wednesday when the Supreme Court voted 6-2 to uphold the right of states to ban racial preferences in university admissions. We believe that affirmative action has helped increase diversity on campus as it gives minorities the chance to improve their educational opportunities.

Therefore, the Supreme Court’s decision is not justified.

The decision was brought to the Supreme Court by Michigan, where a vote there had the initiative to ban affir-

mative action for already a decade. So far, seven other states have similar bans.

While some believe that affirmative action should be discontinued, we believe that affirmative action has helped increase diversity on campus as it gives minorities the chance to improve their educational opportunities.

Affirmative action shouldn’t be banned, especially at the university level or anything dealing with education. Until our society is a made a level playing field for all races, people will still have prejudice and can’t be relied on to act on equality.

Furthermore, affirmative action is greatly needed by those who are already at the bottom of the pile who don’t have the same opportunities

that are given to those who may be wealthier and can afford a certain level of education.

However, we concede that there may be ways that affirmative action could be better implemented. For example, instead of making sure the quotas of university admissions are based on race, they should base it off of the family’s economic status. That way, it would reduce the wealth gap within the students attending the university and hopefully beyond.

Most of all, in this situation, affirmative action is something that has helped give minorities the boost they need educational-wise.

Change perspective on race Maddie Ross

Racial equality.

Two words that can spark controversy, strike debate and raise question instantly.

In recent weeks the idea of racial equality and its prominence in American society has resurfaced as an issue taking center stage. Last Wednesday the Supreme Court voted to let states uphold the decision to keep or ban the use of affirmative action. This decision is more than a matter of college diversity, but it raises the question of how committed our country is to racial equality, and if we as a society are ready to move forward exemplifying attitudes of acceptance and

accountability towards our actions.

In a perfect world, in my perfect world, supremacy and prejudice would be a foreign concept in the minds of the American people, although events in recent weeks have proved how far our country has yet to go before the lofty goal of racial equality is a reality.

Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy has been all over the media for his racists remarks about African Americans.

His claim to fame came just recently, when the the Bureau of Land Management confirmed he had let his cattle graze on federal land and now owes over $1 million in grazing fees to the federal government. When these claims surfaced no one foresaw the impending battle of racial supremacy that now presents itself.

Just two hours away from here in Overland Park, three were left dead after a shooter opened fire at a Jewish Center. As later reports were released the shooter

was reportedly the former Grand Dragon of the Carolina Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

It is absolutely repulsive to me as a citizen of this country that such actions take place. Those in support of the ban of Affirmative Action claim it is a symbol of racism that needs to be addressed and dispatched like all other forms. I agree with this statement. As a country we are not in a position yet to get rid of such a racial equalizer like Affirmative Action until our society itself sits on a platform of equality. I understand that an individual’s actions do not directly effect the viewpoint of society as a whole, but they do hold us back from progressing forward. As a generation of innovative and open-minded thinkers, creative problem solvers, eager volunteers, and accepting humans. We are a generation capable of changing the perspective of the country, a perspective of acceptance and the endless pursuit of equality.

Lately there have been several cases where wild animals that have been domesticated have acted out and attacked humans. Had these animals never been removed from their habitats, they wouldn’t have even come in contact with people. There’s a fine line between studying animals in a scientific manner to help them and to gain a better understanding of them and using them for en-

tertainment, and we’ve been crossing it for too long.

Despite what many humans may think, the earth and its creatures do not exist solely for their amusement.

All living creatures should exist naturally the way they did before our ancestors invaded their habitats. The dolphins you see in aquariums while on your family vacation belong in the vast and endless oceans they’re naturally found in. They shouldn’t be confined and trained vigorously just so you can pay the overpriced fee to watch their “show” for 30 minutes.

Lions, also known as the king of the jungle, sit in cages and fake habitats designed to resemble the “Lion King” as a marketing gimmick and are fed pre-killed food, forced to suppress their natural predator instincts.

They don’t belong in smogfilled air behind metal fences while a guide points at them and talks about the land they never knew because they were bred and born in captivity.

Even worse than zoos are circuses. There’s absolutely no purpose other than making a profit and entertaining a crowd for a few hours.

These animals are dragged from city to city, trained and shown day and night, and it’s not helping them or anyone else other than the person receiving the check.

While there’s no arguing zoos have some educational value, and I’m all for educating people about something outside of themselves, this is not the way to do it. It’s time for us to move past this point and allow these animals to have their lives back.

It’s time to say goodbye Alan Brown

The school year is winding down to its end. Believe it.

To me, it never truly felt as though the year was on its last legs until this past week. I’m the type of person who likes to take my life one week at a time -- work hard, recharge and start all over again. I suppose this is why I’m shocked to suddenly see summer on the horizon. I have already started to receive graduation party invitations on Facebook. AP Tests are coming up. Heck, Prom just happened! The snail is losing its slime. The year we’ve become accustomed to is about to disappear.

How do we say goodbye to

it all?

It’s around this time of the year when seniors begin feeling nostalgic and try to wrap up their legacies as though they were Chipotle burritos (which they all have grown to love). They are the kings and queens of the school, but now they are packing their bags and are getting ready to head to a new castle somewhere else. It is probably an exciting and frightening time. It can’t be easy to let go of something you’ve known all your life. But hey, who am I to say? I’m just a sophomore.

Those of us that are underclassmen will also have to a make major leap that often goes overlooked during this time of the year. The juniors are about to take over.

It’s hardly a coup d’etat more of a peaceful rise to power (though there could be violence -- junior takeover day.

Gulp.).

How do we say goodbye to life we’ve known?

It is becoming apparent just how much of a presence the seniors have had

on our lives this past year. I remember being part of the meeting for next year’s Mentor news team and realizing that so many faces that had been a vital part of our crew wouldn’t be back. It left a void in the room. That’s only one example.

It’s time to let the seniors know that we appreciate what they’ve done for us. Yes, they sometimes take their power too far, and yes they can be a bit stuck up at times, but they’ve been our guides for the past year. Whether it has been on sports field, in student government, or in the classroom, they’ve been paving the way for us. They have been people to look up to, and they have given us underclassmen a tough act to match in the coming years.

It’s time to acknowledge the important role they have played during the year and to give a proper goodbye before it is too late. It doesn’t need to be dramatic, just a simple farewell. Here it goes.

Thanks, guys.

Question of the Week: What was the b est thin g a b o u t Pro m?

“Finding out that I don’t know the vast majority of people who go to MHS.”

- Sydney Bannister, junior

“The amazing graphics. Wow who made those (me and Lisa).”

- Trevor Bashaw, junior

“The band playing at Promenade! The theme was very perfectly fulfilled.”

- Madi Fellers, senior

Next edition’s Question of the Week: What s u m m er jo bs will yo u b e workin g? Submit answers to mhsmentor. com or tweet us at @mhsmentoronline

The Mentor EDITORS:

Liz Logback, Editor-in-Chief/Trending Maddie Ross, News Editor Sarah Shi, Opinions/Content Editor Jared Gebhardt, Entertainment Editor Greg Woods, Sports Editor Connor Bliss, Features Editor Kennedy Felice; Danielle Cook, Copy Editors Alan Brown, Multimedia Editor Tracy Le, Graphic Designer Allison Olsen, Photo Editor

STAFF WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kristen Batson Gage Benne Retta Lazaris Louis Melgarejo Madeline Marshall Madison Newman John Rockey Joseph Sell

Halsey Camera, Cartoonist

CIRCULATION: Kristyn Baker David Clinkinbeard Karl Drown Patrick Falcone Karl Harmon Jordan Hatley Colten Kirk

Josh Kohls Kasey Morris Mallory Morris Megan Ritthisorn Jeremy Romig Zane Smith Austin Tatum

OTHER: Gage Benne, Business Manager Kristy Nyp, Adviser The Mentor is published each Tuesday that school is in session at Manhattan High School, 2100 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, Kan. Telephone (785) 587-2114.

More than 1,500 Mentors are printed each week and distributed free of charge to all faculty members and students. MHS journalists are members of the Scholastic Press Association. The Mentor is an open forum that accepts contributions from the public. E-mail us at mhsmentor@gmail.com.

Sports The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com Page 4

Track prevails at first home meet Kennedy Felice Copy Editor More than 90 points established the dominance of the Manhattan High Boys track team as they pushed to a first place finish at the Manhattan Invitational last Friday.

“We had a lot of big performances, but obviously we are still looking to improve,” head coach Jesse Woodard said. “We want our best meets of the year to be our last three meets.

But this was a nice gauge for where we are at.”

The Lady Indians fought their way to a second place finish behind Emporia by only one half of a point.

“There are some places that we can get a few points that we kind of faltered a little bit on Friday, but I expect us to get that turned around,” Woodard said. “I was very pleased with both sides.”

The distance runners

continued the success of their season bringing home multiple top 10 finishes. Senior Chris Melgares took home first in the 3200 at 9:41.71, as well as placing first in the 4x800 alongside senior Johnse Alvarado, sophomore Brandon Religa and junior Chris Martin.

Martin also placed first in the 400 running 50.95.

“I think our team’s biggest competition is ourselves.

We are definitely some of the best and we’re looking to continue that success as the season goes on,” senior Chris Mack said.

Manhattan took first and second in the 1600 with Michael Melgares running a 4:30.8 for first followed by senior Jack Keeley at 4:38.50.

“The competition gets tougher and tougher as we go on from here,” Woodard said.

Senior Alaina Schroeder brought home two first place finishes for the tribe in the 800 at 2:22.83 and the 1600

running 2:36.81.

“It’s more than just practicing after school. It’s continuing that dedication outside of school and keeping that focus all the time,” senior Stephen Durham said.

Throwers pulled solid performances with senior Brandon Nowlin placing first in discus throwing 156’ 6”. In shot put, the Lady Indians took first and second with senior Stephanie Shanower throwing 6’ 8” and junior Kylie James at 36’ 6.5”.

“A lot of our athletes have already seen some tough competition. There’s good athletes everywhere you go.

It’s just a matter of us just doing what we know how to do,” Woodard said.

Manhattan will travel to Topeka this Friday to compete against 17 other schools at the Seaman Relays.

“We will always have some stiff competition, so hopefully we will keep improving our marks,” Woodard said.

Junior Megan Ochoa competes at the Indians’ home meet Friday. The girls took second behind Emporia.

Retta Lazaris, photographer

Baseball dismantles, sweeps Topeka West Greg Woods Sports Editor Going into Friday, the Manhattan High School baseball team had out-scored its opponents 18-5 over its last two games. The Indians added to those numbers Friday afternoon, defeating Topeka West 15-4 and 11-1, giving them a 44-10 advantage over their last four.

“More than anything else, we’re starting to swing the bats,” manager Don Hess said. “If we swing the bats up and down the lineup, I think we’re a pretty tough team to beat.”

The first game began with seniors Bret Fehr and Jacob Biller getting on base, allow-

ing fellow senior Chris Klug to drive in Fehr. Junior A.J. Epperson followed closely with a two-RBI double, giving the Indians their fifth run of the first inning. “[The key to scoring early has been] our mind set of being aggressive and attacking the pitches, and dictating to them what we’re going to hit,” Fehr said.

Senior Henry de Noble started the first game on the mound for MHS, going 3.1 innings despite only surrendering two runs.

“He just felt a little knot in his back,” Hess said. “It was precautionary.”

The Indians exploded for six runs in the second inning, including RBIs from Biller

and juniors Mike Leeper and Garrett Francis. Leeper’s two-RBI double gave Manhattan its ninth run of the game.

“I was trying to up there with the right approach,” Leeper said. “It depends on the at-bat, but I was just trying to do my job for the team.”

Manhattan closed out the game in five innings due to the run rule.

The Indians didn’t score in the first inning the second game, but they did score four runs in the second inning the second game, due in part to Fehr’s two-RBI triple.

“This week in practice I was hitting pretty well in the cages, and it transferred over to the game today,”

Fehr said.

MHS struck for seven runs in the fourth inning as Leeper earned his fifth RBI of the day in the inning, giving Manhattan an 8-0 advantage over Topeka West.

“Intensity,” Leeper said.

“That’s a big part of [scoring runs]. I think we’re starting to get confident with the bats.”

Junior Jesse Steinbring started the second game pitching, going four innings and striking out seven.

“I tried to just put [the ball] down the middle, [and it] broke a little bit,” Steinbring said.

The Indians’ next game will be today at Topeka Seaman.

Senior Bret Fehr awaits a pitch Friday afternoon against Topeka West.

Jarwed Gebhardt, photographer

Athlete of the Week

Soccer blanks Topeka High

senior Chris melgares

John Rockey Staff Writer

Q: What allowed you to do so well at the meet?

A: It was really good that we had the support of our fans out there.

Q: How long have you been competing in track?

A: I started running competitively once I got into high school.

Q: What’s the most challenging part?

A: Being consistent and training.

They sought more aggression in their game. From their rescheduled game at Topeka High last Tuesday to Friday’s game at Topeka West, the Lady Indians aimed for more aggression in their game.

Originally slated as its first game of the season, the postponed Topeka High game last Tuesday changed the team’s look on its game as J.V. would tie 2-2 and the Varsity won the game with a single goal.

“We should have beat THigh by a lot more,” sophomore Brooke Henry said.

“We weren’t hustling and we weren’t aggressive.”

Over the following two days of practice, the team as-

sessed its first touches with the ball, finishing its shots at goals by going four against four and working on passing drills when going down the field. They made a point to get more aggressive going down the field and communicate between one another to put points up on the board for their next game.

“Finishing is something we go make sure to work at a lot because those get us goals,” freshman Molly Smith said.

Returning to Hummer Sports Park on Friday, the team faced Topeka West for the second time this season, remembering the difficult game it faced earlier in the week.

“In the last game, we didn’t play our game, we played their game,” junior

Softball fights way to split with Topeka West, snaps losing streak

Kelli Stockton said. “We weren’t connecting passes as much. Getting to the ball first and getting aggressive were our strong points today.”

At the conclusion of the day, J.V. finished 2-0 with both goals made in the first half of the game and Varsity went out and finished 7-0.

“We were talking more and I think we were determined to beat them,” Smith said. “We were in our offensive third a lot more in this game. Last game, we fell back more on defense.”

After this week of practice, the team will travel to Wichita Heights this Friday and return to Wichita once again for its games against Wichita Northwest next Tuesday.

UPCOMING games •Today | Seaman

Chris Klug Staff Writer Snapping a losing streak is always a good thing, but splitting is not exactly what the Indians had in mind Thursday night in Topeka.

It was a night in which two games resulted in two completely different outcomes as the Indians topped the

Topeka West Chargers 3-1 in the first game but lost 11-0 in game two.

The Indians got a strong pitching performance from senior Aubrey Jung, giving the team a spark they needed to come away with a win.

The Indians were able to put up three runs and were able to hold the Topeka West offense at bay all game, which

was key to coming away with the win.

“In the first game played good defense and didn’t commit too many errors,” head coach Scott Mall said. “And Aubrey really pitched the ball well.”

Although the Indians were able to come away with a win in game one, game two was a different story. The

Indians struggled to find any offense at all and did not put up a run in the second game.

The pitching staff also failed to keep the Topeka West offense off the board, like they were able to in the first game.

“We didn't hit the ball well in the second game,” Mall said. “We need to be more consistent with our play.”

After a frustrating finish to the night, they were still able to come away with a split on the road. The Indians seem to be making strides in their play and look to come together and continue to keep getting better.

They look to build off of their split and will take on the Seaman Vikings tonight at Anneberg 4 and 6 p.m.

•Friday| Emporia •May 9 | Highland Park •Home games in bold

Golf places in top 10 at Manhattan Invitational upcoming meets Tennis takes first at Salina meet sophomore Carter Nelson Louis Melgarejo anyone could have done one stroke better we could have won,” junior Tyler Brennan said. Brennan finished fifth On Wednesday, April 23, with an 86 at the tournathe Manhattan High J.V. boys ment. golf team took two teams to “At the beginning of the the golf tournament at the year a lot of the guys were Stagg Hill golf course, finishhappy to break 100 and a lot ing with one of the teams in of them have now been able second, one stroke behind to break 90 and Washburn Rural. a lot of them The team finished have that goal with four of the boys [The tournament] went really well. We had a lot to break 90, finishing in the top when the preof guys put up some really good numbers.”

10, and sophomore goal was Cole Gritton taking - Craig Ackerman vious to break 100,” first overall with an Ackerman said.

80.

The J.V. “I’ve played betteam will comter in this before and no one else shot very well, increase in the number of pete again on Thursday at Cypress Ridge. The Varsity but it still feels good to win,” strokes per game.

“I was fine with [where boys will also compete FriGritton said. He is looking to improve still after the win at I placed]. We lost to Wash- day at Carey Park in Hutchinburn by one, so if I could’ve of son. the tournament. “[The tournament] went done one stroke better, or if Joseph Sell Staff Writer

really well we had a lot of guys put up some really good numbers,” J.V. coach Craig Ackerman said.

The tournament was played in wet conditions, which can affect the way the ball rolls on the green and how far the golfer can hit.

This can in turn lead to an

“

•Friday | Hutchinson •May 5 | Centennial •May 8 | Junction City Invitational •May 12 | Emporia •May 14 | Lawrence Invitational •May 19 | Regional •May 27 | State

•Home meets in bold

Staff Writer

The Manhattan High School boys tennis team brought home gold for the second time at Salina South with 59 points in total. There were eight high school teams in attendance: Manhattan first, Valley Center second, Salina South third, Salina Central fourth, Abilene fifth, Andover sixth, Smoky Valley seventh and Hays eighth.

“I think we’re improving,” coach Joyce Allen said.

“We’re getting more consistent and that’s the big thing from when you start. It’s that everybody is so inconsistent because they haven’t played so we’re getting more consistent.”

Top performers at the Salina South meet were senior Jonathan Turnley and

taking third in No. 1 Doubles and sophomore Kirkland Lambert taking first in No. 1 singles.

“I think overall the meet was pretty good, I think everyone on the team played pretty well,” Turnley said.

“I’ve seen a lot of improvement. A lot of our guys are playing a lot better than they were at the start. Our returns and teamwork in doubles I think is a lot better.”

MHS Boys Tennis’ other recent meet was Saturday at Junction City, where they took home first place, with six teams in attendance.

Yesterday the team competed at Topeka High. Manhattan placed first, with 11 teams in attendance. The team competes today at 3 p.m. at Emporia.

Features The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com

Students take field trip to Land Institute Kristen Batson Staff Writer

World hunger and soil degradation, could there be a solution to some of the worlds greatest economical issues? Scientists at the Land Institute in Salina think so, and they believe they’ve found it.

Students in Katie Hancock’s geology class and Earth Club members spent the day walking with scientists touring the facility and greenhouse while hearing about their experiments and research.

They believe the answer could be perennial wheat.

The average wheat grown and harvested has to be replanted each season, leaving the soil bare and susceptible to wind and weathering for much of the year. During this time, the good top soil is blown away or lost. But if the plants were perennial they would grow all year, keeping the soil covered while helping to pull carbon emissions from the air and lowering the amount of runoff from rain and snow.

Scientists have been breeding standard wheat with other perennial grains and believe the solution doesn’t require pricey genetic modification. They view it as a lifestyle, not a gene you could simply extract and give to a new plant. They showed students the work space and the plants they’ve been working on.

“I really enjoyed being in the greenhouse and seeing the plants,” sophomore Morgan Martin said.

Along with learning about what the scientists believe they’re close to, students were also able to have any questions about their work answered. Managing director Scott Seirer led the tour and questions were answered by not only him, but also Lee Dehaan, Pheonah Nabukalu and several other staff members. The group ended their trip having lunch with the scientists and then a quick stop at Braum’s.

“It was nice and I appreciated them taking their time to talk to us,” sophomore Vanessa Ebert said.

Scientists at the Land Institute lecture on perennial wheat and how it could save the soil to the Earth Club and Geology classes.

Kristen Batson, Photographer

Hetlands in year 11 of adoption process, fundrainsing John Rockey Staff Writer It’s been 11 years of waiting for Karl “Elvis” Hetland and his wife Imelda. In June 2003, Imelda, who is Filipino, received a call from a friend back in the Philippines.

That was when their lives changed.

“One day a friend called her and told her that a young girl in her teens was going to have a baby,” Hetland said.

“The family did not want to keep it. My wife said yes and told me about it. I say, ‘Cool.

Boy or girl?’ She says, ‘I don’t know.’ And of course, I said yes.”

Later that June, Nicole Faith was born and the Hetlands began the process of figuring out whether they could adopt her.

The name Nicole comes from a manager at Little Caesar’s that Karl had worked for named Nicole, someone who was born with a gene that didn’t allow her to have children of her own.

“I told her that if I ever have another little girl, I would name her Nicole,”

Hetland said.

Faith comes from Hetland, as he and his wife and daughter are Christian believers.

Hetland was living in Manhattan at the time they received the call about adopting their daughter, and both of them started sending money to support her.

Although Imelda was able to visit Nicole earlier, it wasn’t until Nicole turned three that she saw Karl for the first time.

“My wife’s family over there kept a picture of the both of us. That way, they could tell her, ‘That’s your Mommy and Daddy.’”

In that first meeting, Karl knew he was seeing his real daughter.

“I love kids. She knew me. She called me Daddy,” Hetland said. “She had no problem with me, so no one had to coax her or anything.

It was awesome -- just pure awesome. We went to some different places and did some different things. But we only got to spend a week.”

A decision was then made to adopt Nicole Faith and raise her back in America.

“The next time I got to see her was 2009 when we literally moved over there and became residents. We had to locally adopt her,” Karl said.

Since that first year they had known about her, the Hetlands had been trying to adopt her and bring her back to the States to live all together. In that first year, they spoke with the Philippine government to see about adopting her, but the government said no. So they went to an international adoption agency for options.

The problem was that the costs for adoption through the agency was $40,000. So Nicole stayed in the Home of Joy orphanage where a biological relative of hers was working. The Hetlands were paying for her room and board to stay in the orphanage. At this time, they had officially adopted her as their own daughter.

In May 2009, Hetland retired from the school district and moved to the Philippines. In September 2009 they went through the courts there to apply for the necessary paperwork to bring her home. They were look-

ing at three to five years before they could bring her to America.

“My lawyer had me sit in a different room. Nicole and my wife went into the courtroom because the cost would have quadrupled if I went in there,” Hetland said. “The lawyer went on the third visit and the court had no objections and approved the adoption in six months.”

With the paperwork lined up, all that remained was going to the American embassy in the Philippines. However, the process was interrupted when Karl had to return to the states since his son was being deployed. The embassy then said that either Karl or Imelda had to live with Nicole for two consecutive years before she could return home.

Two years later, Imelda was forced to leave due to medical reasons in November 2011, just before tropical storm Washi struck the country, preventing them from obtaining a visa from the embassy.

“So after all that time, we still couldn’t bring her home,” Hetland said.

In December, after saving enough money to travel to the Philippines, they left to apply for a visa at the embassy that was in Singapore.

They presented birth certificates and documentation indicating that they had adopted her and she was their daughter.

“The guy pulled out the birth certificate and asked if it was us. We said that was us. He then said the certificate was illegal and that he wouldn’t give us a visa,” Hetland said. “I found out it was a legal document from the Philippine government.”

They still stayed for two weeks -- one week in Singapore, and then they ended their trip with Nicole in the Philippines. Before they left, they met with a woman who worked as president of the American Legions in the Philippines. She helped them to complete a visa request to bring her to the States as a dependent child. The issue remained that they exhausted their savings trying to get the paperwork and travelling out to see her. Even after raising the necessary funds, it is not clear if the embassy

will say yes.

“I could raise up all that money again, and they would still say ‘no,’” Hetland said.

A drive on the site Fundrazr to raise $10,000 for both of them to go and bring Nicole home has garnered only $100 so far for a trip they hope to make in June since Imelda cannot close her daycare during the regular year.

Today, after 11 years of trying to bring her home, Nicole Faith is the daughter of Karl and Imelda Hetland.

But she still has not been able to come to America.

She loves to sing, dance and Skype with her adopted parents everyday. As it stands, if they don’t raise the funds needed to travel to the Philippines, Karl will wait until he turns 62 this December so he can start drawing Social Security benefits and can then travel and maybe bring Nicole home.

“We both would love to go back over there and eventually stay,” Hetland said. “It just might happen soon, but I don’t know.”

test in April.

According to the SkillsUSA advisor Elizabeth Crooks and co-president Sam Livsey, the members of SkillsUSA were not prepared to compete against other schools at a State level, because the means of learning about the 2014 automobile models, that they would be tested on, were not available.

“The reason we are not going to State is that we are going to have to have a test car, and it’s updated technology,” Livsey said. “We’re

working on, you know, mid to late ‘90s stuff, but at State, we’re tested on 2013-2014 automobiles.”

SkillsUSA had planned to receive a 2014 programmed automobile from a dealer specializing in passing the updated models out to SkillsUSA chapters in Kansas.

“There are companies that will let Skills’ programs borrow test cars, which are cars that run by computer programing where you can program defaults on the car,” Livsey said. “And then

the students have to go in and fix the problem. Then it will tell you if you cleared it or not. The cars are set up kind of like a test program.

We couldn’t get access to one of those this year, and all of the testing is over 2014 stuff, which none of us have any knowledge of.”

According to Crooks, her classes were supposed to acquire the automobile in January from the organization based out of Kansas City.

When it became clear that the automobile would not

be sent to Manhattan High, Crooks had her students study what they could from 2013-2014 models without hands-on experience. The money that they had raised partially for State in the previous fundraisers was all exhausted toward the Steve Barnes Memorial Car Show.

“We chose not to go to State because we didn’t want to be unprepared,” Livsey said. “So we decided to use all of the money we had raised and all of the time we could to put on the best effort

at making the Steve Barnes Memorial Car Show as successful as it was. We wanted to give the club a good start to an event we plan to continue into the years to come.”

The Auto Tech classes shared a common agreement that they were relieved to have thrown a great car show to fundraise money for the Steve Barnes Memorial Scholarship and future club activities.

“I am very proud of what my kids are doing in class and in Skills,” Crooks said.

SkillsUSA cancels trip to annual contest Retta Lazaris Staff Writer Every year, clubs associated with the school district work all year to raise money and awareness for a common goal. The goal is that they will eventually go to a State conference/competition of some nature.

But sometimes plans change, which is what happened with the Manhattan High SkillsUSA chapter. The group made the decision not to attend their annual con-

Best lunch ordering options for MHS students Manhattan High School sophomores know all too well the rule of not being able to leave school grounds for lunch. But that doesn’t mean lunch can’t come to school grounds.

Ordering food is a good

way to get great food without having to go anywhere, but with so many choices, which do you choose?

We selected three popular delivery services to order from and tried to stay under a $15 budget. We ranked them by the taste of the food, the price for how much food you get and the speed of the delivery.

Jimmy Johns was first.

We ordered two Turkey Tom sandwiches for $13.65. The speed of the delivery was very fast, only 10 minutes 31 seconds. We rated the taste four out of five stars and the total weight of the food was 17 ounces, roughly making each ounce cost 80 cents.

Second in line was Pizza Hut. We ordered a small six-slice Hawaiian Pizza for $13.05. The speed was fairly

slow, 35 minutes 57 seconds.

The taste ranked 3.5 out of five stars and the weight of the pizza was 21.5 ounces, making each ounce worth roughly 61 cents.

Last but not least was Hunam Express. We ordered a box of General Tso’s Chicken for $10.24. The speed was mid-range, 17 minutes 36 seconds, but the taste was a perfect five out of five stars.

From BPA on page 1

From Publication on page 1

“I mean I am [nervous] yeah a little bit, but I feel pretty confident in our abilities to perform especially with how we won State,” Ward said “It’s going to be a little nerve wracking, but it’s not. I’m more nervous because we don’t have four people, we have three people now, that and the actual test.”

Along with being part of the analyst team, Devane took first place in her solo competition, Banking and Finance.

With this event being one of the biggest of the year for BPA, members are doing all they can to prepare. Students are able to look at prior tests for study and to consult with various business teachers to hone in on their skills.

Members who placed and are heading to the Nationals convention leave tomorrow.

in great hands with Kristen [Batson, junior] next year.

She'll be a great editor.”

Recently, Batson was chosen to be editor-in-chief of the print edition for the 20142015 school year.

"I'm very excited,” she said. “I think we have a really good staff and I'm excited for all the new people coming. I'm excited for all the changes, all the things we'll keep the same. I'm just really excited to have these opportunities."

Batson moved to Manhattan this year from California. Right from the start, she missed her school, her friends and her home.

“I was really bitter and I was just so determined to hate Kansas,” Batson said.

“So I was like, I hate Kansas.

I hate everything here. I hate the school. I got lost. I was late to like every class. Then

I came here and everyone was just so cool.”

For Batson, journalism and the newspaper have had a great impact on her.

“I really feel like being a part of the newspaper helped me adapt and make the best of my situation,” she said. “Now I love it here. I love newspaper; I love everything about it. I love being a part of something and I love all the people on staff. I just think it's been a really good experience. All the editors here, and everyone else, helped me so much. Just to know what I was doing, and get comfortable with it. I just really want to be able to help people that same way next year and have a really strong, united staff and help them grow the same way I've grown."

The staff has also chosen new page editors and is hoping to recruit more students as writers, photographers

and graphic designers. In addition, Blue M yearbook has named junior Jennie Jordan editor-in-chief and many other positions have been filled, but more staff writers and photographers are needed, as well as a photo editor for Blue M. Those who want to join either staff should talk to adviser Kristy Nyp about getting into the correct classes.

“It’s been great,” Logback said. “Being editor is wonderful. It’s really rewarding in a lot of aspects. It’s really challenging at the same time; there are a lot of times that were hard but that helped me grow a lot as a leader.

It’s been fun getting to shape The Mentor as my own and then to come alongside other people who are so passionate about the same thing and produce that with them. I've really enjoyed that. Where we started at the beginning of the year to where we are now -- it's cool to look at."

Louis Melgarejo Staff Writer Alan Brown Multimedia Editor

Hunam Express gives you your money’s worth; the total weight of the food was a whopping 51.5 ounces and having each ounce worth roughly 20 cents.

Overall we give Hunam Express first place for its reasonable delivery time, great value and taste for only $10.24. Second place goes to Jimmy Johns for its quick delivery and quality sand-

wiches, and third place is given to Pizza Hut for its slow delivery speed and average price and taste.

Next time you’re looking to get the most out of your money and can’t decide where to order from, we recommend Hunam Express.

Learn about opportunities for careers in

Media and Public Relations at this year’s final

Brown Bag Lunch Series 5th hour -- 1st and 2nd lunch Tuesday, May 6 Little Theatre

Speakers include: • Kenny Lannou, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, K-State Athletics • Kristen Brighton, New Boston Creative Group advertising and public relations • Donna Logback, Marketing Manager, Florence Manuafacturing • Sheila Ellis-Glasper, KSU Communications and Marketing News and Digital Media Specialist

Free pizza for students who attend the presentation!

[] Trending The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com

g n i m o c up s t r e c n o c

All the summer shows to fill your music cravings

Insert favorite band here:

May 8 Martina McBride Salina Stiefel Theater May 10 Christina Perri Lawrence Lawrence The Granada May 16 The Wanted Kansas City, Mo. Uptown Theater May 17 Foster the People, Twenty One Pilots, St. Lucia & Hunter Hunted Kansas City, Mo. Power & Light May 19 Slum Village Lawrence The Granada June 8 Styx/Foreinger Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater June 15 Rascal Flatts Bonner Springs Cricket Wireless Ampitheater June 27 The Fray Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater July 14 Journey/Steve Miller Band Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater July 30-31 Justin Timberlake Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center Aug. 1 OneRepublic Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater Aug. 9 Red White & Boom/Fall Out Boy Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater Aug. 12 Miley Cyrus Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center Aug. 14 Boston/Kansas Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Theater Aug. 19 Katy Perry Kansas City, Mo. Sprint Center Sept. 6 Hunter Hayes Hutchinson Kansas State Fairgrounds

Graphics and compiled by Liz Logback