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Manhattan High School Volume 101 Issue 7 Oct. 15, 2013
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HALO conference connects students Dheepthi Perumal Entertainment Editor While students and staff members of Manhattan High School got ready for the evacuation drill on Tuesday, Hispanic students and AP Spanish students from MHS traveled to Kansas State University to attend the seventh annual Hispanic American Leadership Organization Convention. H.A.L.O. is a student organization at K-State. The members are dedicated to promoting the Hispanic culture on campus and throughout the Manhattan community, while seeking to develop leadership skills and encourage academic excellence.
“This is my first year and I enjoyed it very much,” Spanish teacher Leonides Oropesa said. “In the past they have asked me to go but this year because so many students attended another sponsor was needed.” From MHS, 60 students attended the convention, which was open to all Kansas high schools. Two Spanishspeaking teachers also attended, ESL teacher Eunice Rivera and Oropesa. The day consisted of a continental breakfast, speakers and workshops. The convention was run by the H.A.L.O club at K-State. The college students fundraised and got donations to make the convention happen.
“I connected with other students who were in my same shoes,” sophomore Gabriela Guaman said. “And the food was amazing and showed an aspect of the Hispanic culture.” “Students learned a lot from the day,” Rivera said. “This has been my sixth year attending, and every year the students learn something new about history of Hispanics in America.” The main speaker of the event was Costa Rican and was an HBO producer. The students screened his film, where he interviewed famous Americans who were of Hispanic heritage. The goal of the movie was to encourage and motivate stu-
Colleges come calling
dents to success. “After the conference I asked all the students how they thought the day went, and the students said they enjoyed the day and learnt a lot from the speakers,” Oropesa said. “My daughter told me she felt empowered,” Rivera said. Rivera and Oropesa are planning on creating an event where the panel from H.A.L.O will come to MHS. The panel will be during lunch so students can attend and have a Q-and-A with the college students. The college students will be talking the students about scholarships, future plans for college and jobs in America.
Scholars Bowl recruits team Danielle Cook Copy Editor
During Manhattan High School’s College Fair, senior Ethan Schmidt talks to a Kansas State representative about the things that go on in that University. Manhattan High has been planning this fair since spring of 2013. Every year juniors and seniors have 20-25 minutes to get a closer view into the colleges. Katie Ball, MHS career counselor, invited other area high schools to visit booths from approximately 50 institutions at yesterday’s event in the commons. “It’s a great opportunity for students college expirations,” Ball said.
SADD prepares for pledges Connor Bliss Features Editor In a recent report by Trust for America's Health, Kansas’s drug mortality rate has doubled since 1999. But next week, Students Against Destructive Decisions is taking this problem to task during Red Ribbon week. Red Ribbon week started 28 years ago when DEA Agent Enrique Camarena was killed. Camarena revealed information about the
location of marijuana fields, which were destroyed. Drug lords ordered the kidnapping of Camarena and his body was later found dead, sparking outrage in people across the nation This year SADD is adding more to their usual list of Red Ribbon week activities. They will continue to keep the seat belt check. The pledge to stay drug free is coming back, too, but it’s taking a little trip down the evolution chart. Instead of
just signing your name and moving on, there will be a little twist. Anyone can make the pledge, but if you wear red you can participate in a “What Would you do for a Klondike Bar” challenge for, of course, a Klondike Bar. The challenges will be revealed as the date nears. “I hope it does [have an affect on people], but yeah to an extent I really do think it affects some people,” SADD President Alyssa Frey said.
As Scholars Bowl’s new season approaches, head coach Ted Dawdy is beginning to organize this year’s team, hoping to set the group up for continued success. “Last year, we did really well. We took second at our league tournament and we qualified for State for the first time since, I believe, 2005,” Dawdy said. “This season, I’d really like to, at least, match how well we did last year. The main things are that I’d like to see us do well at League tournament and qualify for State again. Last year, at State, there were eight teams and we took fifth.” Coming into his 18th year as Scholars Bowl head coach at Manhattan High, Dawdy also hopes to see increasing interest from students, as far as giving Scholars Bowl a try. “I have about 23 kids on right now, but we’re pretty flexible; I always have a few kids who decide maybe Scholars Bowl isn’t for them, and that’s ok, but I also have kids who decide they’d like to do it after it’s started, and that’s all right, too,” Dawdy said. According to Dawdy, Scholars Bowl practices are held weekly -- on either Mondays or Tuesdays -- and the team’s first competition will be a tournament in Emporia on Monday, Oct. 28.
“What are they made of? Because it’s definitely not just sugar and spice,” sophomore Austin Grand Pre said about the Powder Puff boys. On Oct. 8 the senior Powder Puff cheerleaders cheered at the Powder Puff football game. While the senior boys were busy showing off their talent, the ladies on
the field took over as football players. Ponytails high, eye black on thick, the anticipation glittered on the grass. From the first quarter the blue team dominated the white, but despite being behind, the white team kept up a winning attitude. At half-time the score was 22-0, and during half-time the boys did a cheer routine. In spite of the cold, the boys quickly pumped up the crowd.
In the third and fourth quarter things began to heat up and the game got more serious. As a lot of incomplete passes and fumbles were made throughout the game on both teams. The white team picked up its score and eventually exited the field with a final score of 24-16. The game was mainly revolving around having a good time, competitive fun while still being serious.
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Blood Drive sets goals Sarah Shi Opinion Editor One hundred pints of blood can save 300 lives. Student Council is aiming to reach 100 pints by the end of the blood drive on Thursday, which would be an increase from their usual 80 pints. “One in five people will need blood at some point in their life,” Student Body Secretary senior Hannah Nelson said. The blood drive, which is coordinated with the Red Cross, will be held all day in the South Gym, the same location as previous years. However, the organizers of the blood drive changed the incentive to donate blood this year by incorporating competition between the classes to donate the highest amount. “People seem to like competitions,” Nelson said. At first, StuCo planned to coordinate a competition with Junction City, but because there were issues with the date, the idea fell through. However, StuCo decided that the seniors and juniors would compete against each other while the sophomores would be split between the two grades: sophomores with last names A through M would be on
the seniors’ side while those with last names N through Z would work with the juniors to donate blood. One idea for a prize to the winning grades is allowing the students to get into a football game free with their student ID, but the idea must be approved through Athletics Director Mike Marsh first. In addition, seniors who attempt to donate blood or do donate blood will be entered in for the chance to randomly win a scholarship. Each year Red Cross sends over a representative to talk to the StuCo members about how to organize a blood drive and gives them the information packet, the sign up sheets and the specific details to let the blood drive run smoothly. Sign up for the blood drive will be every day through Wednesday during both lunches. Walk-ins are welcome, but highly discouraged. Students 16 and above are allowed to donate blood and need parental consent if they are under 18. “Remember to eat a good breakfast and drink lots of water,” Nelson said to those who plan on donating. “Also, ladies make sure your iron is up. Oreos are great sources.”
Design students consider options Retta Lazaris Staff Writer
Students in classes that specialize in media and business came together last week on Wednesday and Thursday to listen to Erin Butler from the Art Institute in Kansas City (located in Lenexa) talk about future careers in media, fashion, design and culinary arts. Sophomore Rheannan Weixelman is planning on going into fashion. She found this presentation helpful for her preparation and plans to visit the Art Institute in her upperclassman years. “I want to be the one who gets to design the clothes,” Weixelman said. “The speaker was really, really good. I like all the visual aids she had with her presentation.” Even students who do not plan to go into any of the
Art Institutes fields of study found the presentation to be informative. “It was good. I’ve seen it, like, three times. It’s informative and well-put-together, and she presents it very well. It does add interest to that field,” senior Conner Brown said. He plans on pursuing a career in computer technology. Butler used a bunch of clips from video production and animation shorts created by students who actually attend the institution. “The visual aids were probably the best part. It shows you how much you can actually do if you go to college and get an education,” Brown said. Butler took some time at the end of her presentation to share some wisdom she See Design students consider options on page 5
Math Circle broadens knowledge Danielle Cook Copy Editor Manhattan High’s newest interest group, Math Circle, is associated with Kansas State University’s own math program. The group of students are sponsored by MHS math teacher Laura Sapp. She holds a particular interest in mathematics and wishes to further students’ knowledge and experience in the subject. The purpose of Math Circle is to broaden MHS’ student body’s interest in and appreciation for math. “[Math Circle] is a collaboration between Manhattan
Girls suit up for return of Powder Puff Madison Newman Staff Writer
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“The game was fun to watch. It got intense,” senior Trey Gilmer, a member of the boys Powder Puff team, said. “I like the attention. It’s fun and I like the people I get to cheer with.” Freshman - senior girls line up to snap the ball during the Powder Puff football game last Tuesday Oct. 8. Madison Newman, photographer
High School and the K-State math department. We have guest-speakers come in and talk to us about different parts of mathematics -- interesting problems, maybe career opportunities,” Sapp said. “The students also do math competitions. There are a lot of math competitions that take place in the United States, so we’re picking some of those to participate in, as well as participating in the K-State math club.” Like most other clubs at MHS, Math Circle was started because some students and teachers felt the need to explore a certain subject, hopefully sparking interest
in lots of other students, as well. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve kind of seen a need for kids that maybe want to go beyond what they do in the classroom, to be a little bit more challenged,” Sapp said. “Another big push why I got it started is the K-State math department actually contacted me and essentially asked me to do it, as well.” As an interest group, Math Circle’s goal is to eventually become an official school club, but until then, Sapp says they will occupy See Math Circle on page 5
Features The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com Page 5
Kicking it to the tunes Gage Benne Staff Writer At the edge of the pitch, a stadium-lit jersey sporting the number one can be seen at every Manhattan High soccer game. This lone player has the weight of the match often in the tips of his fingers as the goalkeeper. Player number one, goalkeeper for MHS, is senior Alex Richt. “Soccer is my main sport, and it takes up all year round, because I play club soccer in spring, and summer soccer when school is out,” Richt said. “Ten, 11 months year ‘round I’m playing soccer, so I am extremely close with [my teammates] because I spend so much time with them. When you go through so many things together, a bond is built that is so important. It will last for a long time.” Although a majority of his year is consumed by soccer, Richt still finds time for school work. Despite Richt’s daily practices and late night games, he argues sports can sometimes benefit schoolwork. “You have to time manage, obviously that’s always important, because you’re always busy. I wouldn’t say [soccer] gets in the way, it occasionally could affect my grade, but often it helps my grade. It’s a way to let energy out. Sports may get more money than academics, when it really should be about even, because for some kids, sports could actually help them stay focused in school, some kids might be lost without it.” Off the pitch, Richt composes music. “I just do it for fun at the moment, and I enjoy doing it, and my friends enjoy listening to it. It’s a good way to express yourself. It’s definitely still evolving because I’ve just started, and people in past years like Evan Spilker, who would come in and help me with starting with that,” Richt said. “At the moment it is just beginning to grow, but so far people like, and it’s only getting better. It’s not my one-way ticket to fame, I’m just in it for the fun. If people enjoy it, then that’s awesome, too.”
Maddie Ross News Editor
Senior Alex Richt plays soccer and enjoys composing music in his free time while keeping up with his school work. Photo by Michael Melgares, Photographer
Mind-Body Fitness combines running, yoga Adelle Sloan Guest Writer There are a lot of physical education classes offered at Manhattan High School. All students are required to take two credits of P.E. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, there are many options to choose from as electives in P.E. One of them, MindBody Fitness, combines running with a combination of stretching and relaxing. “I’ve taught this class for about seven years,” Susan Design students consider options from page 1 gained over her years working in a job she loves. “You guys will learn, no matter what industry you go into, you will not be very good at your job unless you believe in what you do,” Butler said. “I think I’m pretty good at this job because I honestly think this school is phenomenal.” In part, Butler’s presentation was about how to plan what students will do after school, even if they aren’t interested in the Arts Institute. “I am not biased when it comes to what you guys want to do after high school, that’s totally up to you,” she said. Butler advises students to “make sure you really do your research while you're still in school.” Students have the time to explore their options
Serrate adjusting to MHS
Melgares said. “I like the students here and a lot of them end up joining cross country.” Fourth-year cross country runner senior Katherine Culbertson plans to take this class next semester. “I’ve been taking it since the spring semester and I like doing yoga,” Culbertson said. “This is the second year I’ve taken Mind-Body Fitness,” junior Lauren Carlson said. “I like the game days we have.” Every Friday, students are divided into two
teams for a game of dodgeball. The class ends with a breakdown. “I’ve taken Mind-Body Fitness for two years,” junior Haleigh Cross said. “I like doing yoga, and I also like playing four-square.” Tuesdays and Thursdays, students can be found either at the balcony or the fitness center doing yoga, with a few minutes left devoted to foursquare. Senior Chris Melgares has been running on the cross country team since fresh-
man year. “I’ve taken it ever since sophomore year,” he said. His favorite part is that “we get to run and do yoga and all that stuff,” he said. He plans on taking it again next semester. Mondays and Wednesdays, students will be outside running. Juniors Isaiah Koppes and Michael Melgares along with Chris and Senior Nick Bandy usually run the whole time. Junior Taylor Efurd is a third-year cross country run-
when they are still in high school, without the pressure of being on the outside of a structured work place. “When I was in high school, my parents always raised me to go to U of A, because that’s where they both went,” Butler said. “I waited ‘til second semester of my senior year to actually fly down there and check it out, and I did not like it. Nothing against U of A, but it just was not the right vibe for me.” Butler expressed how intimidating the task of finding the right college was with only a month to do so. After looking into 12 different colleges, she eventually choose Colorado State University. According to Butler, each school is going to be very different from the others. The only way students can really decide on the school thats right for them, is to take the time to visit them.
Math circle from page 1
as mentors,” Sapp said. Along with these preparations to become an official school club comes getting even more students involved in the program. According to Sapp, the math group is made up an even mix of students -- guys and girls of all grades -- and anyone is welcome to join the group. “Any students who are interested are definitely welcome,” Sapp said.
Corrections Due to a Mentor error in volume 101, issue 6, on page 5, in the “Door Decorating Contest Winners” graphic, The Mentor labeled Mary Morgan as an East Campus teacher and Sonia Camerlinck as West Campus which should have been switched.
themselves by conducting fundraisers and community service projects required for the creation of an official MHS club. “The students also have an opportunity to earn service hours through this group. There are other elementary and middle school math circles going on, so we also assist with those clubs, kind of
Question of the Week:
What is your Halloween tradition?
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ner. She has always been a runner, and she got exposed to running and yoga when she first took the class in the fall of her sophomore year. This spring, she will be entering her second season on the track team. “I like the game days, where you have fun whether you win or not,” Efurd said. “I think I’m going to do it again next semester.”
American Field Service member Oscar Serrate arrived later than the other exchange students but is making his mark and learning his way around Manhattan High School. Serrate traveled here from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a city in the east and one of the largest in his home country. Serrate was late coming due to having to finish the school year in Bolivia before coming. Serrate’s interest in doing a year exchange stemmed from the experience his family members. “I chose to exchange to the United States, because my grandpa exchanged here when he was my age, and he encouraged me to come here,” Serrate said. Besides encouragement from family members, a desire to learn and better his English drove Serrate to pursue the cultural exchange. “I wanted to be a foreign exchange student, because I wanted to learn English,” Serrate said. Serrate took English classes in Bolivia but is still eager to learn more. “I learned a little English in school in Bolivia, but not much,” said Serrate. So far Serrate is enjoying MHS, but at first it was a definite adjustment. “Bolivia has a smaller school than here,” Serrate said. “It was difficult starting school after everyone else. When I first got here I got lost and was late to all my classes. My second week was much better.” So far Serrate has been involved in the MHS chapter of AFS and is on the cross country team. “Cross country is very hard. We run a lot,” Serrate said. He is looking forward to join more activities and sports. “I prefer swimming. I will do that after I finish running,” he said. The size of town has also been an adjustment for Serrate. Coming from a big city, Serrate is enjoying the small town feel of Manhattan. “I live in a big city in Bolivia, in the smaller city you know more people and the people are good people,” Serrate said. Another perk of living in Manhattan Serrate has found is the college sports. “I really like watching football in the stadiums. I like K-State,” Serrate said. Serrate is looking forward to the upcoming year. “I very excited to try everything,” Serrate said.
Opinion The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com Page 2
Change it or leave it, Question of the Week: ‘Redskins’ debatable Who do you think will win the World Series?
The editorial is a compilation from a discussion held by the Editorial board. Last week, President Barack Obama addressed a reporter’s question about whether the Washington Redskins should change its mascot. “I don’t know whether our attachment to a particular name should override the real legitimate concerns that people have about these things,” he said. “I don’t want to detract from the wonderful Redskins fans that are here. They love their team and rightly so.” Those who agree that the Redskins franchise should change its name believe that the offensiveness of the words does not pay respect toward Native Americans. A few among our editorial staff sided with this group, voicing the belief that race is such a touchy topic and the lines are so blurred that race should not play into something so small an issue such
as sports where it can be misconstrued. But the majority of our editorial board think the team’s mascot should not be changed because the name Redskins represents a long-standing tradition. Supporters of keeping the team name can see only tradition and honor of the franchise. However, Obama disagrees. “If I were the owner of the team and I knew that the name of my team, even if they’ve had a storied history, that was offending a sizable group of people, I’d think about changing it,” he said. But it should also be noted that according to the National Annenberg Election Survey in 2004, only nine percent of Native Americans find the word ‘Redskins’ offensive. In addition, it’s not like the Redskins organization is laughing behind doors saying they got away with something bad. There are thousands of other things people should be worried about and this for sure
isn’t one of them. Either way, before we judge whether a mascot is deemed derogatory, we should research the backstory or history on what circumstances the mascot was chosen on and what reasons. This should help clear up whether the mascot was purposefully meant to have a negative or positive association. The history of the Manhattan High School mascot is included in our planners. The “M Club,” which was an organization of high school athletes, organized a contest to select an official school symbol, and the Indian was selected on March 8, 1940. According to oral tradition, the Indian was selected to honor Frank Prentup, an MHS teacher and coach who was of Iroquois descent, and to recognize the Native American heritage of the Manhattan community.
Happ in e ss is just a WORD
Tracy Le
The pursuit of happiness in life has been talked about and pondered for a very long time. Movies have been made about what it means to be happy and books and seminars have been written and presented lecturing society on how to “gain happiness.” Even the United S t a t e s Constitution says that we are entitled to happiness as a right. And though happiness seems to be such a fundamental thing, many people still do not entirely understand what it is. Happiness is just a word. A single, nine-letter word. A word, like all other words, in which you can only decide what meaning it holds. To some, happiness is a way of approaching life. It is knowing that all the bad things that happen will pass and accepting that life is a long, meandering road, full of unknowns. To others, happiness is balance. It is something that can only be obtained with unhappiness by its side. And there are those who look towards money and fame as happiness. And some who cannot be happy
EDITORS:
without being a little bit thinner, or having those new jeans that everyone has. We may think that happiness is a fancy car or a designer dress, but happiness is not a thing, it’s a state of mind. To me, happiness is being content with the life you have been given. It is doing what you enjoy doing and being with the people you
“The Philadelphia Phillies. Even though they aren’t in the playoffs, I still believe.” Tommy Settembrino, senior
The Mentor
Maddie Ross, News Editor Sarah Shi, Opinions/Content Editor Dheepthi Perumal, Entertainment Editor Nick Bandy, Sports Editor Michael Melgares, Assistant 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:
life your all and be the best you can be. You choose to be around positive people, to smile more and have a good attitude, and help others when you can. You choose to let go when it has to be done, and embrace what is just around the corner. You choose to appreciate the good in your life and focus on all the things you have. The only person who can create your own happiness is you. Though other people can make you happy, it is ultimately up to you to choose to be happy. So, what do you think? What does happiness mean to you?
CIRCULATION:
Kristyn Baker David Clinkinbeard Karl Drown Patrick Falcone Vincent Goss Karl Harmon Jordan Hatley Colten Kirk
Next edition’s Question of the Week: What is yo ur Hallowe en tradition? Submit answers to mhsmentor.com
Opening my eyes to world strife Allison Olsen
Living in America, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the things that I’m blessed with. I have clean water and enough food; I have a place to sleep at night and my family lives on a sustainable income. I sometimes forget about the people in the rest of the world who are burdened with living in poverty. The percent of people living in extreme poverty has actually declined over the last three decades, but 1.4 billion people still live on less than $1.25 a day. Most of these people live in small shacks with no clean water, no food and hardly any of the things I think of as necessities. I’ve seen the effects of poverty first hand. I went to Haiti with my church over the summer and we were able to see just how difficult their lives are. There was no running water, people had little money and most of the kids would wear the same clothes every day because they had nothing else.
Illustration by Tracy Le love. Happiness doesn’t always mean getting what you want. It doesn’t always mean having everything go right. Wanting what you have, loving what you’ve gotten is happiness. Happiness is realizing that you are who you are and loving it. For instance, there have been times in my life when I was simply watching a movie with my family, or laughing at YouTube videos with my friends. In those moments, I remember thinking, “Wow. I am happy.” I remember feeling fully at peace with life. I remember the feeling that rushed through me that
“Oaklands A’s are gonna win, no question. Best management.” Joseph Sell, junior
We stayed in a small town called Mare Rouge and got the opportunity to talk with the people, envelop ourselves in their culture and play with the adorable children. I remember the smiles on the faces of the kids when we would play games with them. They have so little, but everything is so full of life in Mare Rouge. It broke my heart to see how underfed and neglected some of the kids were but they were always smiling and playing. I think that their laughter is one of the most
more than one in seven people in the United States live below the poverty line. I believe that our nation should do a more thorough job of providing a path for people who are capable to earn their way out of poverty, a way for them to do so and to be able to stay out of poverty. To do this I believe that America needs to be a country where everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit from our society and economy. The work field is constantly changing, new jobs are created and the old ones become less I think that their viable. We need to conbe creating new laughter is one of the stantly jobs that allow people to most precious things use their skills so our ecoI’ve ever heard in my nomic infrastructure becomes more stable and entire life.” people can make a better -Allison Olsen income to support themselves. Obviously it takes time precious things I’ve ever to change an entire country’s heard in my entire life. economy, but in theory and Poverty doesn’t just occur time, we could have an econin third world countries, we omy that supports every also see it all over the United individual. If America, the States. We live in the world’s world’s wealthiest country, wealthiest nation, yet mil- has a stable economy, imaglions of Americans are bare- ine what we would be able to ly able to put food on their do for places like Haiti, Ethitables. According to the opia or any other poverty 2010 Annual Social and Eco- stricken country. nomic Supplements from the Current Population Survey,
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Is creativity dead?
FAME
Liz Logback, Editor-in-Chief/Trending
Matt Bandy Kristen Batson Rachel Beach Gage Benne Sydney Harrison Chris Klug Retta Lazaris Madeline Marshall Madison Newman Adelle Sloan
I honestly cannot put into words. And though I do not think the little things in life are what makes us happy, I believe those things are what urge us to see the good, the things that show us how happy we can be. Happiness isn’t something that can be found. It is something you have to make on your own, something you choose. You choose to give
“Probably the New York Giants. I know nothing about baseball.” Ethan Schmidt, senior
Josh Kohls Kasey Morris Mallory Morris Megan Ritthisorn Jeremy Romig Zane Smith Austin Tatum
OTHER:
Jerry Sextro, Business Manager Kristy Nyp, Adviser Eric and Lisa Ross, Caterers Pam Stokes, Photographer
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.
Rachel Beach
The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules or patterns into unique new ones is close to impossible. There have been a multitude of people in this world who all think millions of thoughts a day; therefore, no one can be certain that his or her big new idea is in fact new at all. As a majority, we have stopped bothering to try and create new ideas. Advertisements, modern technology and the education system have all resulted in an age of people that are no longer self-reliant on bright ideas. Advertisements are often well known due to clever statements or catchy songs that instantly pop into your head when you encounter anything associated with what the advertisement was promoting. Ads intend to convince you of something, whether it is Spangles’ new burger is delicious or that Obamacare is awful. They are everywhere and are continuously trying to win you over. You may think you have your own opinions, that the Chipotle ad you saw on TV last night didn’t faze you, but then lunch time rolls around and you find yourself mindlessly driving down to Ag-
gieville and picking up a bur- of your own is never taught rito. Scattered all over the or encouraged. By the time Internet and other forms of you get to AP Art Studio, technology, advertisements you are finally allowed to and the messages they carry draw or make whatever it is are one of the many things in you want, but after years of our modern world that guide researching ideas, how can us to a specific conclusion you be expected to produce and deprive us of our own a never before seen, unique creativity. creation that is in no way Technology is the core based off of an idea you borreason we have lost a sense rowed from someone else? of individuality in our ideas. It may be frightening to The creative process first re- come to terms with, but it quires an individual to brain- can be assumed that each storm. This first step has thought you’ve ever had has altogether been demolished been thought by someone by technology. else. This, by no means, We’ve all been there. For should stop you from inventinstance, you receive an es- ing and creating. In fact, this say assignment and the first should inspire you to achieve thing you do to get started is Google the question. Google, Pinterest, WikiThe creative process pedia and numerous othfirst requires an individuer websites have taken away individuals’ creativ- al to brainstorm. This first ity and made them rely step has altogether been on the thoughts of others demolished by technolfor ideas. Sites like these make it so that people do ogy.” not have to imagine or -Rachel Beach think for themselves. In the education system, we are taught from a something unique and new. young age to be self-expresIt will become excessively sive, but this soon proves more difficult for people to hypocritical. We are led think for themselves as time through a series of questions goes on and technology adand years of testing that all vances, but if we strive to lead us to have the desired create for ourselves, to inconclusion of what math is or vent, and to try new things, what our history was. we can continue to make Even in art class you are discoveries for ourselves. A not permitted to draw just personal discovery is much anything. Teachers require more satisfying and meanyou to find a picture online ingful discovery than that that you wish to duplicate of one found while scrolling or base your drawing off of. through Pinterest on your Making unique discoveries new iPhone.
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Entertainment The Mentor
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Choir brings crowd to feet Madeline Marshall Staff Writer As the last note of the final song finishes, the harmony reverberates throughout the auditorium. The audience remains silent, relishing in the fading tone, and as the last note trails off, applause begins. Whoops and hollers are evident. By the end of the last song, the audience is on its feet. On Wednesday, the choir department hosted its first concert of the year. The program contained a diverse mix of music, including both religious and secular literature, with everything from Mozart to Disney. The Pops, Freshmen Women’s, Varsity, Mixed Concert and Chamber Choirs all performed. “I was very proud of the students in our concert. I thought it went very well overall. In the first quarter, we start at zero and do a lot of teaching, so it is exciting to see how far the choirs come in a short amount of time,” choir director Chad Pape said. “It went really well. I was very surprised and impressed by how well the younger choirs did. The selective choirs, meaning Chamber, Pops and Varsity, also did really well,” junior Charlotte Benjamin, a member of both the Pops and Chamber Choirs, said.
For the first time, Pops choir performed a song that they rehearsed without the help of Pape. The first time he heard Pops sing “My Funny Valentine” was at the performance. “I was extremely proud of how the kids handled ‘My Funny Valentine.’ It has been my goal to put at least one entirely student-driven piece on a concert for several years. We finally did it this year, and I couldn’t be more proud of how the students worked and performed,” Pape said. “We will do more of that in the future with both the Pops and Varsity choirs.” “My favorite part would be getting to perform ‘My Funny Valentine’ in Pops because that was the first time Mr. Pape had heard us sing it before. It was a song that we learned on our own and we did very well with it,” Benjamin said. “[My favorite part was] when Varsity sang ‘I See the Light’ from ‘Tangled.’ Also, Chamber choir’s last song was really good,” sophomore Dakota Santiago, a member of the Mixed Concert Choir, said. “It was also fun getting to sing ‘Africa’ for everyone because it’s really upbeat and challenging,” Benjamin said. “I enjoy all the choirs for different reasons. I enjoy younger choirs for how much they improve. It is fun for me to see how far we can push the older groups early in the year,” Pape said. “We are blessed to have great students here. They are smart, tough and eager to learn.”
Upper right: Junioor Rose Gruenbacher, junior Isaiah Koppes and senior Madi Fellers sing in the Varsity choir. Lower left: Chamber Choir sings under the direction of Choir Director Chad Pape. Lower right: Bellissima Voce sings under the direction or Music Director Nate McClendon. Madison Newman, photographer
Do it yourself Fall Mason Jars Fall DIY Glitter and Leaves Mason Jars: This DIY craft is something to do for the upcoming fall weather for decor around the house. The craft requires very few supplies and can be done in minimum time. The simple change to an ordinary mason jar can be done with friends on a cold fall day.
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-Dheepthi Perumal, Entertainment Editor
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Supplies: Mason Jars Mod Podge/Tacky Glue Paint Brushes Glitter Leaves Step 1: Lay out all your supplies. Start to imagine how you want your jar to look. Step 2: Choose your glitters and leaves you want to put on your jar. Step 3: With your paintbrush, start painting the inside of your mason jar with Mod Podge. Step 4: Sprinkle glitter in until all the sides of the jar have no empty spots. Step 5: For the outside of the mason jar, mix Mod Podge with different colors of glitter. And start painting the outside of the jar until there are no empty spots. You can stop here and let the mason jar dry. Step 6: Get the leaves you choose, and one by one start painting the underside of the leaf with extra Mod Podge or Tacky Glue. Step 7: Place the leaf with glue side onto the jar and hold until it gets tacky. Step 8: When all the leaves are placed on like you want it, let the jar dry. And you’re all done.
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Enjoy your new jars, by putting tea candles or other miscellaneous.
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Sports The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com Page 4
Volleyball takes fourth at home Kennedy Felice Copy Editor With post season rapidly approaching the Manhattan High Lady Indians volleyball team gained three more victories in league play at their home quad against Emporia, Highland Park and Washburn Rural on Oct. 8. “We definitely played well and with the season going by so fast I think it’s finally setting in that we have to play hard and finish strong,” senior Jessie Kujawa said. The Lady Indians dominated Highland Park with 25-2 and 25-5 victory in both sets. Emporia offered more of a challenge, but Manhattan came out on top with scores of 25-20 and 25-13. “We knew going in that we had to beat Washburn. They’ve been a real challenge for us in the past,” senior Kaci Cink said. After winning their first set 25-19, the Indians lost in
the second 19-25. Resetting the pace, the Indians were able to finish with a 25-21 victory in their final match. “Washburn is always a pretty back and forth game, and even though they lost their rhythm for a while the girls came back strong,” head coach Lisa Kinderknecht said. “They know how important finishing a game is and they proved that.” Manhattan continued their momentum as they hosted their home invitational this past Saturday. “The tournament included a lot of schools ranked on the 5A and 6A level,” Kinderknecht said. “Of course that means it’s a challenge but the girls were definitely ready for it.” Topeka High, Junction City and Shawnee Heights all fell to the Indians in pool play. “Pool play was extremely solid for us. We had fixed a lot of our mistakes that we’ve
been making all season and just played really well,” senior Lauren Goralczyk said. Coming up on the semi finals the Indians faced off against Shawnee Heights yet again. “They are definitely a strong team and we knew going up against them again that winning wasn’t going to be easy,” Kujawa said. The T-Birds came back strong, beating Manhattan in both sets 20-25 then 19-25. But the Indians were able to beat Olathe East, ranked second in State standings for 6A schools. “It’s hard when you want to win that badly but the rhythm for the team is off,” Goralczyk said. MHS completed the tournament with a fourth-place finish. “We know we need to work on finishing a game completely,” Cink said. “ We as a team know we need to be more focused on playing
harder and finishing stronger.” Senior Aubrey Jung led the team with 102 total assists throughout the tournament, while junior Kelsey Schroll brought in 27 kills followed closely by Lauren Goralczyk, who racked up 26. Junior Matty Mahan led the defense with a total of 27 digs despite not playing two matches due to an injury. “The tournament really pushed us as a team but we know what we need to fix, and that is exactly what we’re going to do,” senior Aubrey Jung said. “No excuses.” Today the team will travel to Hayden to compete in a quad against Washburn Rural, Hayden and Lawrence. “Facing Hayden again is going to be difficult,” Kujawa said. “We know it’s time to get out of our heads and just perform. This is going to be another chance for us to win and there isn’t anything else we want more right now.”
By the numbers: Volleyball season leaders Digs
MAtty Mahan: 182 Aubrey jung: 127 kenzie miller: 113 madi fief: 108 savannah roberts: 92
kills
Jessie kujawa: 172 kaci cink: 147 lauren goralcyzk: 116 Kelsey schroll: 78 Savannah thaemert: 57
assists
aubrey jung: 498 madi fief: 16 matty mahan: 12 kenzie miller: 9 kelsey schroll: 7
Senior Jesse Kujawa prepares to serve the ball against an opponent at the Indians’ home tournament last Saturday. Kujawa leads the team in kills this season and played a big role in the Indians’ fourth place finish. Sarah Shi, Photographer
Cross Country ready for League Tennis finishes fourth at Regionals Gage Benne Staff Writer Varsity racers on both the boys and girls Manhattan High School Cross Country team took the meet off Saturday to prepare for postseason meets. This allotted space in most cases for the top four J.V. racers to jump up to Varsity. The four racers on each team had a glimpse of their possible future on Varsity in years to come. The four faux-Varsity racers ran at Salina on Saturday, and due to their lack of a fifth racer, did not place. This was intentionally done to hold the actual Varsity boys perfect five meets. The “pink ladies” have a lot to show for this 2013 season. The girls Varsity team often consisted of select members of the top 10. The girls began the season by placing first at the Manhattan Invitational. Their average time was a
minute faster than the next placing team. The girls also placed third at the Emporia meet, with top runner senior Alaina Schroeder placing first with a time of 15:58. The team placed 10th at their largest meet, the Rimrock Classic, in front of over 50 teams. Taylor Efurd is a junior runner on Varsity that took the Salina meet off to prepare for the League meet next week. “One of my biggest accomplishments of this season is getting on Varsity,” Efurd said. She will be competing at League with the other Varsity members. In comparison, a lot can be said about the 2013 Manhattan High boys Varsity Cross Country team, beyond the 5-0 season, not limited to, but including sweeping the first meet at home in September, finishing all racers under 17 minutes at another
Football wins fifth straight over Shawnee Heights Chris Klug Staff Editor The Manhattan High football team beat Shawnee Heights 41-24, Friday night at Shawnee Heights. The Indians kept their winning streak going, winning their 5th game in a row. The Indians played well on both sides of the ball, forcing turnovers on defense, and posting more than 40 points for the third straight week. The Thunderbirds got on the board first with a 6-0 lead early in the first quarter. After falling behind, the Indians would go on to score 34 unanswered points. The scoring began with a 29 yard touchdown pass from Kellen Myers to Mike Settembrino. Joe Trujillo then connected a field goal from 33 yards out to put the game at 10-6. Myers then was able to find the end zone three times, once on the ground, along with a 59 yard touchdown pass to Bret Fehr, and a touchdown pass to Ethan Fabrizius with 25 seconds remaining in the first half. Trujillo finished the night perfect, going nailing both of his field goal opportunities, the second one coming from
25 yards. Jonah Webber punched in the Indians final score on a one yard run at the end of the third quarter. The Indians offense was led by Myers who finished the game 7-12 with 160 and 3 touchdowns through the air, along with 87 yards on 11 carries and a score on the ground. Bret Fehr led all receivers with 116 yards and a touchdown reception. “We've worked hard at practice on our game plan and we executed it the way we wanted to,” Myers said. The Indians are now 5-1 (5-0 Centennial league play). With a win at home this Friday over Topeka High, the Indians can claim a share of the league title. With so much at stake, the team is just focused on executing the game plan to beat Topeka High. “We just need to stay together as a team and not letting the hype of the game get to us and not let adversity get to us,” Myers said. Friday’s game against Topeka High will be played at Bishop Stadium. The theme is black out during the first half and white out during the second half.
race, dominating Joplin, and being the first Kansas team to earn first place at one of the largest meets in Kansas, the Rimrock Classic. Those feats led to a perfect season for the boys, something that has never been done before at MHS. "As far as we know we were the first team to have a perfect season," Senior Chris Melgares said. "We certainly were the first team to win Rimrock, which has only been around for about 15 years. Definitely the first team to have a perfect season in the last 15 years, but possibly the first overall in MHS history.” The team takes for their first post-season meet at Seaman this weekend. The League meet will be the first of the team’s three post-season meets: League, Regionals, and back to Rimrock Farm for State.
Matt Bandy Staff Writer Lose once, and the season is over. On Saturday, the girls Varsity tennis team competed at Regionals in was a singleelimination tournament with each player or doubles team playing twice; players were not seeded in the bracket. The doubles team consisting
of Kristen Fraley and Cathy Lei won both of their matches and not only qualified for State, but won doubles overall. They were the only players to compete at State last year and the only MHS players to qualify this year. “I don’t know if I was surprised,” Varsity coach Joyce Allen said. “I was more disappointed.” The team came in fourth
out of seven other teams. The J.V. team played earlier last week in their own league tournament. They took seventh place out of nine teams in a seeded tournament. “That’s what I probably would have guessed,” J.V. coach Bob Kelly said. State, the final tournament, will be on Oct. 18 and 19.
Athletes of the week Kristen Fraley and Cathy Lei The Indian’s No. 1 doubles team went undefeated to win the Regionals meet last Saturday. This qualified them for the State meet, which they went to as a doubles team last year also.
Soccer headed to big game in Wichita Michael Melgares Staff Writer As the post-season creeps closer, the Manhattan High boys soccer team recently has undergone a rough patch in their schedule. They took the field in Topeka against Hayden last Tuesday night, only to have their momentum halted as Hayden took the match in a 2-1 fashion. The defeat drops the Indians’ record to 9-2-1. But assistant coach Michael Lopez is keeping things in perspective. "We've got a really good team,” Lopez said. “I think that we had some bad luck in [the Hayden game], but there were also some chances that we didn't take advantage of.”
Regardless of the loss, the Indians suited up last Thursday once more to take on the Topeka High Trojans with a clean slate. MHS set the tone in the first 10 minutes with three quick goals, adding another later in the half to go into halftime up 4-0 on the Trojans. Half way through the game, senior Peter Maier had already recorded three goals, marking his second hat-trick of the season, and the team’s third. "I think that we came out pretty loose,” Lopez said. “I think that they felt like 'hey you know what, this is a winable game.’ They came out pretty loose feeling good about themselves,” he said. Going into the second half, the Trojans made a ad-
justment in their defensive scheme, which proved to be effective in stopping the Indians in the second half. The Trojans created havoc by dropping eight players behind the ball when MHS was on offense, forcing them to change their offensive sets. “We got a little stuck on what we thought we should be doing,” Lopez said. “I think we were lacking some creativity in our runs. Our outside forward was always on the outside and he should have run across the back." The Trojans would supplement this defense with a goal in the 78th minute, creating a final score of 4-1 MHS. The Varsity Indians will have their senior night Thursday this week at Bishop Stadium
as they take on the Highland Park Scotts, after facing a test tonight in Wichita against Wichita Northwest, ranked third in the state. "It's a good win and we've got Wichita Northwest coming up on Tuesday so that should be good, the boys will be up for it," Lopez said. On the J.V. side, the Indians traveled to Emporia last weekend to play in a tournament. They started off the day Saturday with a victory over Hayden with a score of 5-1. They then turned around to take on power-house Washburn Rural, only to lose by a final score of 2-0. The J.V. soccer boys will travel to Wichita tonight along with the varsity team to go up against Wichita Northwest.
Golf team takes second at Regionals to advance to State Team results
Individual results
- Hannah devane 1. Washburn Rural - Kylie Mccarthy (76, second place) (86, ninth place) (322) -Kelsey Mccarthy - Anna Jackson 2. Manhattan (82, fourth place) (87) (331)
- Amy Levin (104) - Cassidy Harper (110)
Arm to Arm Trending The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com page 6
The blood drive is approaching fast so here are some things to know before donating. Ever wonder where the blood goes after it is donated? The step by step process, starting with the donation and ending with distribution, is listed below.
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After the donor registers, information on his or her health history is gathered and they receive a mini physical. About one pint of blood and a few small test tubes are collected from each donor. Then the donor’s record and blood are labeled with an identical barcode.
Blood is stored in iced coolers until it’s taken to a Red Cross center.
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The tubes are received in a Red Cross National Testing Laboratory and a dozen tests are run to confirm blood type and check for diseases. Results transfer to the manufacturing facility within 24 hours. If test results are positive for disease, the blood is discarded and the donor is notified.
The blood is scanned into a computer database where most blood is spun in centrifuges to separate red cells, platelets and plasma. These components may be further manufactured, then sent for testing.
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Units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored. Red cells are refrigerated for up to 42 days, platelets are kept at room temperature for up to five days, and plasma is frozen for up to a year. Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24/7.
The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type 0.
The most cited reason people say they don’t give blood is because “I don’t like needles.”
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9 The number one reason donors say they give blood is because they “want to help others.”
Every two seconds somebody needs blood.
6 One pint of blood can save three lives.
Graphics by Tracy Le, Madeline Marshall, Kristen Batson, Dheepthi Perumal, Liz Logback