13/09/10 Volume 101 Edition 3

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Manhattan High School Volume 101 Issue 3 Sept. 10, 2013

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Varsity Choir knows what love is Liz Logback Editor-in-Chief

Senior Macy Lanceta jams out on bass guitarist Jeff Pilson’s bass. Varsity Choir perfromed with rock band Foreigner at McCain Auditorium on Sunday night. Pilson grabbed Lanceta’s hand at the end of Varsity’s performance and took her to center stage to strum on his guitar as he held down the chords.

Liz Logback, Photographer

McCain Auditorium chitter chattered as they waited for the concert to begin. At 7:32 p.m., the doors were closed and a hush fell across the crowd as the lights faded. Strobes spelling out ‘FOREIGNER’ blinded the audience as loud strums of a guitar bellowed throughout the auditorium. Competing to be louder than the performance, the crowd whooped and hollered as lead singer Kelly Hansen sang out the first words of “Feels Like the First Time.” The band continued to rock out for about an hour and a half and then at 9:07 p.m., Manhattan High’s Varsity choir made its way to center stage.

“As I was going on stage I was thinking ‘I’m about to sing with a really famous band, and this is really really awesome,’” junior Justin Gittle said. “The lights were so bright I couldn’t even see the crowd.”

Foreigner invited the choir to sing “Do You Know What Love is” with them on stage during their concert. In addition, they gave the MHS music department $500 for the performance.

“At first I was like, ‘Who is Foreigner?,’ but then my mom told me who Foreigner is and I was like wow that is actually really cool,” senior Faith Janicki said.

While Foreigner is most likely a band that MHS students parents’ listened to as teenagers, it didn’t dampen the spirit of Varsity.

“It was exciting. It was really crazy awesome. It was just amazing,” senior Jaylen Condra said. “It hadn’t really hit me until we were walking on stage how incredible this opportunity we had was.”

“Oh my gosh it was insane, it was like the time of everyone’s life, it was so much fun,” senior Macy Lanceta said.

During the song, Lanceta was pulled to the front of the stage by bass guitarist Jeff Pilson. He held down the chords and let Lanceta strum it and jam out.

“He just grabbed my hand and then I was at the front of the stage and I had no idea that was going to happen,” Lanceta said.

Junior Levi Jones said he was still in shock after coming off stage.

“It was amazing. I’m still not actually sure what I did was real,” he said.

See Foreigner page 3

Freshman Student Survey reveals top concerns of parents Council elects officers Tracy Le Graphic Designer New freshman Student Council officers were selected at the club meeting last Tuesday.

"I was very nervous. I've given a couple [speeches] but you're always nervous when you have to go stand up in front of someone," Isaac Sorell said, brother of StuCo vice president of Lane Sorell, who was one of the seven candidates who ran for the position of president.

After the students gave their speeches and their peers casted their votes, Sorell was announced as the president, Camille Fellers as the vice president, and Christina Griese and Adelaide Bliss as the secretary and treasurer.

"It was quite nerve-wrack-

ing [giving the speech] because there's a good amount of freshman and I didn't realize how many there would be until I was standing on the stage in front of all of them," said Fellers, who also having ran against six other people.

Compared to the small number of students who ran for office in past elections, a total of 19 students took the opportunity to represent their class.

"I think a lot of people wanted to be as involved as possible," Sorell said.

This has brought about new things to talk about within StuCo. During its first meeting with the new freshman representatives, members voted on the issue of whether or not six other students who did not win could join StuCo. See StuCo page 3

Student rewarded for perfect attendance

Senior Edward Joung is presented with a new car from Briggs. Joung won a drawing of last year’s students with perfect attendance. The drawing has been a tradition at Manhattan High School for many years.

Nick Bandy, Photographer

Madeline Marshall Staff Writer

Over-protective, embarrassing, strict -- the list could go on and on.

Most teenagers have thought something along those lines (at least once) about their parents. But how do parents see themselves?

What worries them? If only we could get inside of their heads.

Turns out, we can...to an extent. A survey was passed out to parents asking them questions of what they worry about and some of the results were rather surprising.

When it comes to what parents are worried about, the numbers seem to show that academics are their main concern, coming in with a total of 37 percent.

The next largest concern was their student’s social interactions, with 29 percent re-

sponding. Many parents said that because they never hear

about, in the next question, many clarified that the

Graphic by Madeline Marshall

anything about these things, they assume that there is a problem.

Though parents noted what they were worried

amount of worry was little to none. When ranking their level of concern on a scale of one to five, one being not at all and five being extremely,

only four percent claimed they were extremely worried. Thirty-six percent of parents chose two and said that they were only slightly concerned.

Many parents also went on to say that they saw the school as a safe environment.

Parent Shawn Connor added that he was “excited to have Mr. Hoyt as principal.” Many other parents responded in this way as well.

When asked what type of parent they considered themselves to be -- choosing from a list of “old-school, instinctive; helicopter, protective; nontraditional, indulgent; permissive, very lenient; authoritative, but not restrictive; or other” -- 29 percent thought of themselves as being “old-school.” Of the 22 percent who chose other, many thought themselves to be a mix, not falling under a general category.

KAMS gives alternative education opportunity Allison Olsen Photo Editor The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science at Fort Hays State University is seeking students who enjoy challenges in math and science to attend an information session at the Manhattan Public Library at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18.

“We are looking for students who are academically talented and motivated and have an interest in math and science,” Angela Delzeit, KAMS Coordinator for Marketing and Recruitment, said.

KAMS offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to live and study in a college environment.

According to the KAMS website, the school was estab-

lished by legislative action in 2006 and is the top academic high school program for the state’s best and brightest students. It is a residential learning experience that provides exceptional high school juniors and seniors with college-level instruction

by Ph.D faculty, a high school diploma with 68 hours of college credit and hands on research supervised by Ph.D scientists. Tuition, fees and books are free for students attending a Kansas public high school.

“The head start that the students get on their college life and their career is a big benefit,” Delzeit said. “Also, the transition from high school to college is a little easier.”

This fall will be the fifth year that KAMS students

join the FHSU community.

To be in the program, students must meet a list of requirements, including being in high school for at least two years with a focus in math and science. KAMS host information sessions across the state in public libraries.

All information sessions are free and open to the public.

Senior Mason Gates, a Manhattan student, is in his second year with the program.

“This program is a lot more challenging than high school,” Gates said.”I really enjoy it here, I have a lot in common with the other students here.”

KAMS accepts applications from students all over Kansas and even some international students. This year there are 33 students

in their junior year class and 32 in their senior year class. The students are required to conduct a certain level of research prior to the completion of their senior year. Through the KAMS program, students have received bachelor’s degrees in a number of subjects ranging from biology, finance, music, philosophy, engineering, mathematics, education, physics, and many more.

When going through the process of recruitment and acceptance, students apply online and by sending in a printed application. The applications are reviewed by a committee, then a phone interview will be scheduled and students are notified in March of their sophomore year if they have been accepted.

Students organize Manhattan High School’s first Chess Club Alan Brown Multimedia Editor Checkmate.

For the first time in school history, an organized chess club has been created at Manhattan High School. The club met for the first time last Thursday, getting to

know one another as well as playing each other in friendly matches. After the results of the first meet, club president Ben Stonebraker is optimistic about the group's future.

"A decent amount of people showed up, more than I expected," Stonebraker said. "I feel a strong sense of pride having a chess club in

our school."

Stonebraker, a sophomore this year, began playing chess when he was seven years old. He participated in chess club at AMS as an eighth grader and has played several online games against his friends.

When he discovered an opportunity to create a chess club at MHS, he was quick to seize it.

“Last year, I wanted to create a chess club, but nobody told me that freshmen could create a club,” Stonebraker said. “[Now] my goal for the club is

to make it self-sustaining.”

The club plans to meet every Thursday, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The officers of the group are currently in the process of brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser, entertainment, and a group layout. All students with an interest in chess are encouraged to join.

“I won two games and I even drew one on time.

How often does that happen?” club member Josh Schwartz said. “I like winning.”

Graphic by Dheepthi Perumal

Entertainment The Mentor

www.mhsmentor.com

South Pacific auditions at MHS a hit Maddie Ross News Editor

Rezac Auditorium was filled with nervous faces of newcomers and the confident auras of veterans all in pursuit of a spot on the cast list of Manhattan High School’s fall musical “South Pacific.” The auditorium rang with the counting off of dance steps, and students running their lines,

convenience of those participating, with an additional day for those who received call backs. The audition process consisted of three stations: singing, dancing, and reading.

“For auditions we just had to sing, dance and speak. For the speaking part we got to choose the scene we wanted to do,”

sophomore Sam Morgan said,“ We sang ‘My Country ‘tis of Thee,’ and learning the dance was really fun.”

The musical draws in a mix of MHS students with varying levels of experience.

“I decided to do the musical be-

cause it sounds like fun and I wanted to try it. I also love to sing,” Morgan said. “I wasn’t too nervous for the first round of auditions, but I was surprised to get a call back and was a little nervous for that.”

This is junior Hannah Schmidt’s third MHS musical. However, she is switching up h e r role by joini n g the technic a l crew this year.

“I have done Cho-

rus for the past two years and I can’t sing or dance, and it’s a lot of fun but I just wanted to try something different and I really enjoy lighting,” Schmidt said.

There are different routes to take while being involved with tech.

“There are different types of tech. There is lighting, sound, props, set design and hair and makeu p , ”

Schmidt said. “Basically we make everything possible for the actors to act.”

Overall excitement is rising and many are looking forward to opening in November.

“It’s going to be so much fun. Everyone in it is so much fun. I am excited,” Schmidt said.

“I think the musical is going to be great. I am really excited to be apart of it and to start rehearsing,” Morgan said.

all in preparation of the audition process.

Auditions were offered two different days last week for the

Dancers persevere through heat Sarah Shi Opinions Editor Even with the temperatures in the high 90s, both local dance studios, Bates and Washington, managed to wipe away the sweat away and perform for the Manhattan community during Purple Power Play Aug. 28 and 29.

Each studio began preparing for its dances in the beginning of the summer, often practicing for hours on end to memorize the choreography. For Bates, all three competition teams, Pride, Gems, and Sparklers, performed dances of their own.

“I wasn’t expecting that many to show up because it wasn’t on Poyntz, but a lot of people came,” Bates Pride dancer senior Madison Long said. “The stage was a better place to perform than oen the road because it’s easier to turn, but it is also very slip-

pery. The cement makes it harder to turn because your foot gets caught. You really have to use your core. But you also have to stay really tight so you don’t slip on the stage. It went from one extreme to another.”

The heat, however, affected the dancers behind the scenes.

“We had to a lot of quick changes with little time and it was hard because we were all so sweaty,” Long said. “But it was still a great experience.

We got lots of complements.

I just love to dance. I enjoyed every moment.”

For Washington Senior Company dancer, senior Hannah Ewy, performing at Purple Power Play was a first-time experience.

“This was the first time Washington has been in Purple Power Play. We just wanted something different and another chance to per-

form for our community,” Ewy said.

Washington Dance Studio’s three competition teams, Senior Company, Junior Company, and Core Company, each performed a dance on their own and then came together for their production number.

“I have never performed this early in the year,” Ewy said. “But it turned out really well. It was really hot and we were all sweaty. The stage was so slippery I bet anyone could throw a triple.”

Washington Senior Company dancer senior Serena Beltz agreed.

“Dancing in the heat was challenging because we were hot and tired,” she said. “I was nervous but excited for people who haven’t seen us perform to get a chance to watch us.”

“The Butler” gains positivity from high school student Retta Lazaris Staff Writer

This Wednesday I finally bought a couple of tickets to see Lee Daniel’s “The Butler” after hearing all the buzz about this moving film.

Based off the real-life story of Eugene Allen, this story follows the life of an AfricanAmerican man who worked for the White House for 34 years and served eight presidents as an accomplished butler.

In the movie, Allen is represented by the character Cecil Gaines, who is played by renowned actor Forest Whitaker. He does a phenomenal job of portraying the character, not missing the principle of what it was Foreigner from page 1 Getting nervous for a performance is natural, but according to the Varsity members “about 10 times worse” when performing on stage with a big name band.

“Oh my gosh, I always get butterflies, but I went on and I was like oh my gosh there are so many people but I was so excited. It was amazing,” Jones said.

Condra said she channeled her nerves so she could have a good performance.

“I was a little nervous, but once you got on stage it was just fun and you enjoyed yourself with all of your friends,” she said.

With Varsity’s busy sched-

like to be an African-American man born in 1919, making the best life he could for himself and his family.

I, like all of you, have read the history books, listened to the lectures and have written countless essays over American history; however, seeing the events reenacted in this movie, and watching the characters living this history, gives me a fresh perspective.

Historic events like the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were portrayed.

Talk show hostess and actress Oprah Winfrey played Cecil’s wife, Gloria Gaines.

She takes her role very impressively, playing an avid and caring mother to her two sons (Charlie and Louis), as well as a key influence in one of the movies themes: Always make time for your family.

“The Butler” was not the first movie Winfrey and Whitaker worked on together.

In 2007 the film “The Great

Debaters” followed the African-American debate team from East Texas College and how they used the power of words to combat unequal rights. Winfrey produced this film and Whitaker costarred, playing the role of a preacher and a stringent father to the coach of the debate team. Surprisingly, Whitaker’s father role and David Oyelowo’s role as his son, Louis, in “The Butler” seems to reflect the same struggle between father and son that goes on in “The Great Debaters,” where Whitaker also play’s the father in that scenario.

This movie was breathtaking. It’s a biography of an inspirational man who used love and patience to help change the heart of his government. Overall, I would recommend to whoever hasn’t seen “The Butler” to seriously consider it, especially if you are a history nerd, like myself, and really appreciate a good movie about American history.

ule, there wasn’t much time to prepare for the concert.

“We’ve been rehearsing for a week. In class we would do normal Varsity stuff then Pape would be like, ‘Oh yea, we better hit Foreigner,’” senior Ellie Mankin-Boone said. “So we created a harmony and were ready to go.”

When Varsity came off stage, leaving Foreigner to their final encore, emotions were running high.

“I was just too excited, and that was just awesome.

Best day ever,” Gittle said.

“We need to switch the line from ‘Do you know what love is’ to ‘Now you know what love is,’” Janicki said.

StuCo from page 1

Despite the former limit of representatives for each class being 12, they voted to accept those students.

The new StuCo members are all looking forward to the upcoming year and although they have only recently been acquainted with MHS, they are ready to take on the responsibilities of leaders and contribute to all that they can.

“I want to make our class better. The best it can be,” Sorell said. "I'm really excited to be president and to be able to lead our class...I think it’ll be a good year.”

Washington Dance Studio Senior company girls dance at Purple Power Play at the Park.

The girls had to dance through heat and a slippery stage but still finished the dance without injuries.

Photo by Tristan Knott, photographer.

Manhattan High School Football Fundraiser Tuesday, Sept. 10

5-9 p.m.

Chipotle in Aggieville **In order for us to receive the proceeds everyone must tell the person checking them out that they are there for the football team fundraiser.**

Support your team

Opinion The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com

Cut new admins some slack The following is a compilation from a discussion held by the Editorial board.

we’ve had the same set since freshmen under East campus Assistant Principal Charlie Sprott. For some upperclassmen, it has been a while and we seem to have forgotten.

In the case of the Powder Puff situation, Hoyt claimed to not have a part in cancelling the Manhattan High School tradition.

“The only discussion I have had is about reinstating a Powder Puff football game,” Hoyt said on Thurs-

ters complaining about Powder Puff’s inappropriateness were sent to Hoyt, Tribe sponsor, Randy Nivert, said.

Even before the entire According to Nivert, it was story behind the cancellaHoyt or Activities Director tion of Powder Puff of has Angie Messer who made the been unraveled, the new decision to take it away. administration has received “As of now, it is cancelled,” unwarranted blame for the Nivert said on Thursday. decision.

However, Powder Puff footAt the beginning of school ball is coming back after five year, students found that years, he said. during lunch they were not However, as of yesterday, allowed to go to lockers nor Powder Puff will happen. to visit teachers. The The Powder Puff boys commons and hallwill perform at the ways are deserted durpep rally, Unfortunately there was Homecoming ing classes, in contrast Oct.4. The Powder Puff miscommunication on what girls will play flag footto last year, and now students are only seen ball Oct. 8 but there will was going to happen.” carrying planners in be no males involved in -Messer that event. hand as passes. Much complaining has been According to Messdone in response to er, the rumor where these changes and stuPowder Puff guys dents are pointing to wouldn’t be able to perthe arrival of a couple of new day. “I haven’t had an issue form at the Homecoming pep administrators as the reason come up about any boys do- rally was due to miscommubehind these undesired re- ing any performance. I’ve nication. For example, the strictions. But are they really only been asked, ‘Mr. Hoyt, universal term for Powder new rules and is blame all- will there be a Powder Puff Puff is where the guys dress game?’” deserved? up as cheerleaders while the However, he did have girls play football -- a differThe rules and regulations of what students can and thoughts about some chang- ent meaning from that held cannot do have not changed es to the event. “If boys are at Manhattan High. since Principal Greg Hoyt dressing up as cheerleaders “Unfortunately there was took his position. These I might need to look at that miscommunication on what rules were less visible in more closely.” For the past was going to happen,” Messprevious years because the two years, the Powder Puff er said. “I was gone while it administration and teaching boys have only worn tank happened and it just continstaff were lax on enforce- tops, tutus and tights during ued to grow. The students ment and not nearly as strict their performance, which is got anxious because no one choreographed by the senior was there to answer their as they are now.

In addition, these rules cheerleaders. questions immediately.”

It must be noted that letare not novel ones. In fact,

“

Journalism should be fine arts credit Dheepthi Perumal Entertainment Editor Wikipedia says journalism is the activity... in the preparation of written, visual, or audio material intended for dissemination through public media with reference to factual, ongoing events of public concern. At Manhattan High, we have many A/V Communications pathway courses, including classes that produce our school newspaper and yearbook.

Joining any of the student media classes, you are investing time into it, with work nights, interviews, and nights stuck on a sentence in stories. Even with mandatory classes to take at MHS, others and myself still have an interest in taking these classes, which are hard work, even though we do become a family.

But for me, with my goals in high school, following school rules of having one fine art credit to graduate is impossible. So the question is why isn’t journalism a fine art credit at MHS? Through my high school career, from day one my schedule has been planned out to my senior year. With the classes I want to take along with being on The Mentor staff, I wouldn’t be allowed to graduate. I would have accomplished everything, even going beyond the credits needed for everything else, except for my fine art credit. The only way possible is to pay money and take an IQ Academy class.

And it’s just not fair.

Being on The Mentor or Blue M staff takes skill in communication, creativity and intelligence through the work we do in The Mentor

staff, with work nights and staying after school, laying out pages, graphic designs, photography and most importantly interviewing people and writing stories. The amount of people I interact with and gain the skill of communicating with others, it is one of the most greatest skills I have learned. In my life, I would have never acquired the skills I learn in journalism from anything else.

So why can’t student media classes be classified as a fine art rather than an elective? Fine arts at MHS include the stereotypical art, choir, drama, band and orchestra. But with the amount of skills we learn in student media classes, why can it not be a be a fine art? It is just not fair. Student media classes should be a fine art at MHS.

New rules not tackling real problems Diana Chilton Columnist Under the new administration this year, Manhattan High School has seen many changes to rules and how they are enforced. Students must have a pass to use the restroom. If you’re late to class five times, you’ll have to serve a two-hour after school detention. You can’t leave the cafeteria, courtyard or commons during lunch.

Granted, some of these changes are necessary, but others are unreasonable, inconsistent or both.

We now have to stay in the lunchroom, courtyard or commons during lunch.

You can’t leave to go to your locker or see a teacher. I have second lunch, when no classes are being held on the main level. I’ve already gotten in trouble twice because I didn’t have a pass.

But during my fifth hour, people walk around in the halls, talking and distracting my class. None of the administration seems to have done anything to stop it.

As long as no one is disturbing a class, there should not be a problem with students being in the halls during the school day. There is not enough time between classes to exchanges things in your locker and get to class.

Extra time during lunch time

is a great time to do that.

Students don’t just tell their teachers “I’m going to stop by for help at 12:34.

Please write me a pass.”

Again, lunch is a good time to see a teacher for help.

Bathroom passes are unnecessary. We are all old enough to be trusted to go to the restroom by ourselves.

The new rules are not tackling the actual problems.

Instead of punishing students who leave their lunch trays in the hall, distract classes, and don’t use the restroom when they say they are, the administration has resorted to punishing the entire the student body.

the vast majority of the student body.

My counter argument brought up how it could be “offensive to women.” Why does everything have to have such a deep meaning? Powder Puff doesn’t have a deep meaning. Can senior boys not just be senior boys and have fun? All that is meant with Powder Puff is a chance for senior guys to have fun and put on a performance that will make people laugh.

That is all. By no means are the Powder Puff guys trying to offend women or anyone else for that matter. We’re not trying to be political.

We’re just trying to have fun.

To anyone who thinks that it is offensive, the cheerleaders themselves come up with the routine and put it together. With girls’ involvement, it is not sexiest. Last year the Powder Puff squad cleaned up their act even more so than previous years, making it more of a funny routine that involved stunting and less of a chance for people to get offended. If Powder Puff were to be allowed, the rou-

tine would be monitored and kept appropriate for high school students so that will not be a problem.

Powder Puff is a tradition at Manhattan High school and is looked forward to by lots of people. The actual cheer team loves the performance, the senior guys always have fun with it, and most people who watch it get a laugh out of it. It’s a big tradition here. And it is a tradition that we want to keep.

Looking back four years when I was a little freshman who got to come up to the west campus for the pep rally, I absolutely loved the performance. I thought it was hilarious and remember thinking, “I want to be part of that when I get older.”

And any senior guy can be a part of Powder Puff if they so desire. Powder Puff does not reject guys. It is a positive activity for senior guys.

In conclusion, Powder Puff should be kept at MHS. It is a tradition and is wanted by the students and is looked forward to by many people.

Powder Puff Controversy HE SAID...

SHE SAID...

Liz Logback Editor-in-Chief

I don’t like Powder Puff.

There, I said it. Before the pitchforks are sharpened, hear me out.

As a female, I am being represented by those senior boys that take the court during the homecoming pep rally each year and it’s offensive that I am represented by booty slaps and twerking.

I’ve never found boys dressed up in booty shorts and sports bras entertaining.

If the boys are representing girls, why do they feel it necessary to dress and dance in the most sexual way possible? They’re not representing girls you say? For decades Powder Puff has meant boys and girls reverse the roles.

MHS used to sport the opposite side of Powder Puff and have girls play football, but retired that after too many injuries. Unfortunately, the provocative dancing wasn’t retired.

Sure, it might feel like all fun and games and you think I am being overly sensitive, but I don’t appreciate being

completely sexualized by boys who mock their perception of females. I understand that not all of the males go out there with the intent of being offensive, and in fact many of them are just trying to be funny. But if nothing else, is it really school appropriate? Powder Puff was moved from the sidelines of the football games after parent complaints. I’m not sure why we think it’s acceptable to proceed with Powder Puff behind closed doors.

I know I’m going to get some fire for this one. Powder Puff is an MHS tradition and what the school lives for right now. In fact, The Mentor canceled an article on Syria and the 100,000 civilians that have died because of the war to make room to talk about this nonsensical issue.

Let’s have a little perspective: we are concerned that our senior boys won’t be able to twerk on each other while there are civilians concerned that a bomb might drop on their house, or are praying that their friends and family don’t get caught in crossfire.

Things like Powder Puff make me restless for change in this world. Not only because I pray injustices and warfare would be brought into daylight, but because I also hope that one day the world’s perspective would be a lens through which people could see that offending someone, be it even one person, is wrong.

Powder Puff over sexuali z e s women and is offensive. It is time to put this tradition to bed.

A l l right, I ’ v e stated m y piece.

Y o u may continue sharpening your pitchforks now.

Chris Klug Blue M Sports Editor

I could bring up 25 reasons why we should keep Powder Puff.

But it

comes down to this: Powder Puff at MHS is a harmless tradition that is wanted by

Homecoming needs more buzz Kristen Batson Columnist When you change schools, you can’t help but notice the differences. “Oh we did that too!” and “Really? My school didn’t have anything like that!” become phrases you hear yourself saying everyday.

One thing sticks out to me in particular, however.

Where I’m from, and at almost every other school, homecoming is a huge deal, especially to girls. But at Manhattan High there isn’t a homecoming dance and not nearly enough emphasis is put on the game. All students should have the opportunity to take part in these activities that will be one of their best and most memorable high school experiences.

At my old school, everyone obsessed over little details like will their nail polish perfectly match their shoes and will both of those their date’s tie. These could easily be argued as trivial things that require way too much thought, effort and time invested for just a few pictures

and three hours at a school dance. That’s not what it’s about, though. It’s the memories you create.

The week before Homecoming you’re running around like a madman, there’s spirit day every day of the week, last minute plans, realizing your hair and nail appointment overlap and there’s no way you can fix it, but then it comes down to Friday night. You’re at the football game. All the boys run out onto the field and screams, whistles and cheers erupt. All of your classmates are sporting their school spirit wear. Faces are painted with either colors or the number of the player they’re supporting. Adrenaline and excitement levels are through the roof. This is when you really prove to other schools what you’re made of. Every person there is on edge, waiting, glancing between the scoreboard and the players on the field.

When they’re up, people laugh and talk amongst themselves and still manage to still absorb what’s hap-

pening in the game. When they’re down the seats are empty, everyone is standing and watching, waiting.

When the end comes and the final whistle is blown, win or lose, everyone is proud of the boys. Then the stream of floats start coming; freshmen, sophomore, junior and senior with that year’s homecoming royalty sitting on top.

The next day is utter madness. You buzz around from the hair salon to your house and to the nail salon. Eventually you find enough time to sit down and do your makeup as you repeatedly check the clock knowing you’ll never be ready in time. Then there are pictures. Do I need to say more? Parents and whoever else as showed up to photograph your group before letting you leave all have cameras in your faces.

As soon as the posse of adults leaves you alone you start enjoying your night.

You talk and laugh and kill time over dinner and something always ends up spilled.

You get to the dance and the

noobs -- which was my group and I last year -- run to get in line for the pictures. Everyone thinks it’s better to take your picture before you dance and get all sweaty but in reality you end up standing in line for an hour and a half while your date reluctantly holds your heels. Wait until they clear out. You make your way to the dance floor and everyone knows what happens there. The rest of your night you bounce from place to place dancing and laughing and screaming over the band to talk. The gym is crowded and hot but nothing could ruin those moments for you.

When it’s all said and done and you get back home you basically pass out from exhaustion but you spend the rest of the year reminiscing over those two nights that were your homecoming. All high school students should have a right to these memories that will last a lifetime. As students of MHS we should be outraged that we’re deprived of this.

the Mentor staff Editor-in - Chief/ Tren din g Editor Liz Lo g back N ews Editor Maddie Ross O pinions Editor/Con ten t Sarah Shi En tertain m en t Editor Dhe e pthi Peru m al S p orts Editor Nick B an d y Features Editor Conn or Bliss Co py Editors Danielle Co ok Kenn e d y Felice M ultim e dia Editor Alan Brown Gra phic D esign er Tracy Le Photo Editor Allison Olsen Staff Writers Matt B an d y Gage B enn e Mad elin e Marshall Michael M elgares Kristen B atson Rachel B each Retta La zaris

B usin ess m an ager Jerry Sex tro Ad viser Krist y N y p Caterers Eric an d Lis a Ross

The Mentor is published each Tuesday that school is in session at Manhattan High School, 2100 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, Kan. Telephone (785) 5872114. 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

Clean Sweep Gage Benne Staff Writer

Above: Senior Chris Melgares charges up a hill at Warner Park. He finished first and led the boys team to a perfect score.

Top Right: Sophomore Josue Albarado sprints to get fifth place.

Middle Right: The varsity girls do their cheer before winning the girls team title.

Bottom Right: Senior Alaina Schroeder crosses the finish line.

Liz Logback and Gage Benne, photographers

Volleyball finishes 3-2 at Olathe South tournament Kennedy Felice Copy Editor On Saturday, the Indians volleyball team opened their season by competing in the Olathe South tournament.

“Coach told us our bracket was definitely one of the most difficult but we practiced and prepared ourselves, mentally and physically,” senior Kaci Cink said.

After falling to Mill Valley in their first game, the Lady Indians dug deep and came back to a record of 3-2.

“We always like to go undefeated, but we learned from our losses and came back to win. We made notes and just did what we had to do to bring home another win,” head coach Lisa Kinderknecht said.

Each player carried their own as the Lady Indians fought their way towards victory over Wichita South East, Shawnee Mission South and Lawrence.

“We did really well for our first games. We got down a few times and made good comebacks,” senior Jessie

Kujawa said. “Our team chemistry is really good, so that helps too.”

Kujawa led the Indians with 40 kills, while senior Aubrey Jung offered a total of 98 assists throughout the tournament.

“The girls all played hard, there wasn’t a single stand alone. Our defense dug deep,” Kinderknecht said.

Juniors Matty Mahan and Kenzie Miller led the team with digs, while junior Kelsey Schroll offered six solo blocks and three assists.

“We played well,” Kinderknecht said. “There is always something we can do better, but we are starting off strong.”

The team continues to focus on their goals for the season.

“We want a league and State title, it’s that simple,” Kinderknecht said.

The Lady Indians will travel to Shawnee Heights this Thursday to compete in a quad against Silver Lake, Seaman and Shawnee Heights.

MHS Sports on graphic from twitter.com

Football: @Tribe_Football

Cross Country: @MHSrunningtribe

Soccer: @MHSIndianSoccer

Fifteen points. Cross Country’s equivalent to bowling’s perfect 300, in which a strike is rolled in every frame. Cross Country’s equivalent to the perfect baseball game, in which no opposing player reaches a base in every inning. Fifteen points is Cross Country’s perfect team score, and the varsity boys at MHS now have that under their belt.

The boys swept the race at Manhattan High School’s Invitational Saturday, with the seven varsity boys snagging the top seven places at the awards ceremony. Senior Chris Melgares, placing first, was a minute and a half ahead of the Wamego’s top runner, who placed eighth.

Team scoring consists

For scores and results follow: @MHSMentorOnline

of the top five runners for a team, but MHS’s feat was especially noteworthy because the two pushers -- the additional two members on the varsity team -- took sixth and seventh place.

Freshman Jackson Schroeder was that seventh man. Partway through the race, Schroeder was a few runners behind the rest of the runners from Manhattan. Schroeder caught up to his teammates to allow for the sweep.

“I felt confident starting the race with all the other varsity members,” Schroeder said. “I didn’t really know much about [the anticipated sweep]. During the race, I began to feel really confident about it. I was behind a Wamego kid, and we eventually passed him, and after that just took off.”

Football defeated despite better second half Chris Klug Blue M Sports Editor The Manhattan High varsity football team fell to Mill Valley 26-21 Friday night at Mill Valley High School Stadium.

It was a tale of two halves for the Indians. The Tribe started the game strong with a quick interception that led to a touchdown two plays later. After taking the early lead, the Indians struggled to find offense. Mill Valley scored 19 unanswered points going into halftime, led by quarterback Logan Koch’s rushing. Koch finished the game with 199 yards on 43 carries with three touchdowns.

After trailing 19-7 at halftime, the Indians were able to fight back into the game.

After the Jaguars scored again, senior Bret Fehr’s 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave life to the team in the fourth quarter.

Starting quarterback Darian Taylor left the game with cramps. Senior Kellen My-

ers took over and was able to find Winston Dimel for a touchdown to bring the game back within five points. The Tribe tried an onside kick with 1:56 left in the game, but after a Jaguar recovery, the game was over.

Though the Indian defense gave up over 200 yards on the ground, they were able to hold the Mill Valley passing attack to less than 100 yards through the air.

The theme, however, was how the team played in the two separate halves.

“We played a lot better in the second half,” wide receiver Myers said. “We need to do a better job of playing the whole game together.”

The Indians offensive attack was led by junior running back junior Chris Martin and wide receiver Fehr. Martin finished the game with 81 yards on the ground on seven rushes, while Fehr had four catches for 73 yards.

The Indians look to bounce Friday in their home opener against Emporia. Friday’s theme is “neon out.”

The boys all finished in under 17 minutes, a rare occurrence at the Warner loop.

Even more rare, a freshman record for fastest 5k time was broken by Schroeder that day. With the top seven places taken by MHS, the first place overall score was an easy accomplishment, and a perfect one. Their 15 points, in comparison, was trailed by Wamego’s 90 points.

MHS teams took first in all of the day’s races, including varsity and J.V. girls and J.V. and C-team boys. On the ladies side, sister of the record-breaker, senior Alaina Schroeder finished first with a incredible time of 14:58, a minute and a half before all of the other runners. The ladies varsity team finished with all of their members in the top 20.

Golf takes second at first meet Nick Bandy Sports Editor Second place isn’t good enough for the Manhattan High girls golf team.

“We have a lot of people back and everyone has improved a bit, but probably not as much as we would like,” head coach Chris George said.

On Aug. 26 the varsity team started off the year by taking second at the Shawnee Heights Invitational behind Washburn Rural.

George hopes the team will work to improve on making easy putts and forgetting about holes that they play poorly.

“I always tell the team it’s not cage fighting. We’re not against an opponent, it’s against the course and against your mental determination,” George said.

MHS was led by junior Kylie McCarthy, who shot an 85 to take fourth.

“I think I could have done

better. I think everyone could have done better,” McCarthy said. “But for the first tournament I’m pretty satisfied.”

She was closely followed by her sister, junior Kelsey McCarthy, who shot an 86 to take fifth, and senior Hannah Devane, who took sixth with an 87.

The team hopes to win the Centennial League meet, place in the top three at Regionals and shoot below its average at State. In addition to these team goals each player also has her own personal goals for the season.

“My goal is to improve my scores as the season progresses and place third or better at one of the tournaments,” Kelsey said.

The Indians will travel to Salina on Tuesday for their next varsity meet.

“We have a chance to win. There’s some good teams there. We just need to play like we’re capable of,” George said.

Soccer wins third place match in Wichita Titan Tournament Michael Melgares Assistant Sports Editor From Monday to Saturday of last week, the Manhattan High boys’ soccer team competed in the Wichita Titan Classic, an overnight soccer tournament.

In that six-day span the Indians racked up a total of three games, 11 goals (only two scored against them), over 15 hours on a bus between here and Wichita, and a third place finish overall in the tournament.

The Indians started their journey last Monday when they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Wichita North.

“The energy against Wichita north was great. We came

in fresh and played quickly and dominated the middle,” senior captain Peter Maier said.

Next up to face the Indians was Hutchinson on Wednesday. The game started out as a defensive match, with neither team having scored going into halftime. This defensive theme carried on into the second half until the Indians finally caved.

“We didn’t have the right focus or mindset when we played against Hutch and we suffered the consequences,” Maier said.

The Indians fell to Hutchinson by a final score of 1-0, despite out shooting their opponent 12-3.

“If you think you’re go-

Tennis headed to Topeka Matt Bandy Staff Writer

Volleyball: @Indian_vball

Cross Country wins all five races and boys varsity earns a perfect score

Both J.V. and Varsity tennis teams have had multiple competitions, posting some wins for individuals as well as team placings.

The J.V. girls tennis team took third place by one point on Aug. 29 at the Emporia invite. The next week, Varsity competed at Topeka on Sept. 3 and lost to Topeka in a small duel tournament where only six players along and played a total of six singles and three doubles.

“I only knew half the

team,” varsity coach Joyce Allen said. “I was really interested to see how the three girls I didn’t know played.”

Junior Kristen Fraley, at the number one spot on the team, lost her first match 5-8 while sophomore Kathy Lei won her match. The team only won one of their three doubles matches. J.V. played again on Thursday, Sept. 5, at Salina, and took sixth out of eight teams.

The team will continue their season with two tournaments today -- a J.V. meet at home, and a Varsity meet at Topeka.

ing to win just by turning up sometimes you get beat and that’s kind of what happened, so it was a wake-up call for us,” head coach Frank Alonso said.

Although his team’s loss to Hutchinson was a shock to Alonso, he spoke to his players about what needed to happen in order to prevent this loss from becoming another in the following game.

“We talked about just being mentally ready. We’ve had good teams going into the Titan but it’s a hard tournament for us because the whole week we’re probably about 16 hours on a bus,” Alonso said.

MHS ran Wichita Heights out of their home venue in an

8-1 bounce-back victory.

“Against heights we had leftover emotions from Hutch and took it to them.

Everyone played well and we finished our chances,” Maier said.

The team was clicking on all cylinders in this match up, however Maier achieved a particularly prominent feat individually -- a hat trick, where a single player scores three times in a single game.

While the Indians ended their marathon week of soccer on a high note, they have a nine-day rest period until their next match to enjoy.

However they’re not losing sight of their long-term goal, a league championship.

Athlete of the Week A high-scoring soccer game is rare, but one player scoring three goals in a single game is even rarer.

On Saturday senior Peter Maier’s three goals against Wichita Heights earned him a hat trick and The Mentor’s Athlete of the Week honor.

“It’s kind of a rare accomplishment,” Maier said.

“My biggest contribution to the team is just being a leader.”

Features The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com

Homeschooler transfers to MHS for running Rachel Beach Staff Writer

Junior Jack Keely approaches the finishes line to place fourth last saturday.

Photo by Liz Logback, Photographer

A class size of one to a class size of 400, senior Jack Keeley has experienced both.

Keeley is new to Manhattan High School this semester and was previously homeschooled since day one.

“The main reason my parents decided to homeschool us kids was because faith is important to our family, and they really wanted to give us a Christian perspective in our school,” he said.

Keeley had just one teacher -- his mom -- but now has five teachers. This year at MHS Keeley is enrolled in four courses: AP Biology,

Calculus, AP European History and Spanish 3. Keeley goes to these classes until lunch then takes a course online. After his online class Keeley can be found in the cross country hallway getting ready for practice.

There are homeschooling opportunities such as combined classes and sports teams that keep these students busy. Basketball, football and volleyball are all options for local homeschoolers to participate in and Keeley chose to participate in basketball until last year. Keeley’s parents told him he had to be involved in a sport so he chose to start running cross country.

Keeley ran with the a Christian school but found that they were not a dedicated team. The dominant reason Keeley enrolled at MHS was so he could participate in cross country.

“I wanted to come to MHS so people would push me,” he said. “I’ve seen myself improve already.”

There are several myths that are commonly associated with homeschooling.

Many people think that homeschoolers are deeply religious, have no social lives, and are either geniuses or do no school work at all. Keeley made a point to specify that these can be true, but in most cases these are misconcep-

tions. “You don’t sit around in your PJs eating Poptarts all day,” he said.

There is a grading curriculum, test and work with due dates. Every parent runs homeschool differently. Assignments and work were assigned by Keeley’s mom and were to be finished by the end of the week. “Homeschool is a lot more selfdictated so you can learn at your own pace,” he said.

The myth that concerns homeschoolers being antisocial is easily disproven

by Keeley. Homeschoolers have to work harder to find and make friends because they are not constantly surrounded by people. But this

often means homeschoolers tend to have better social skills and have become good at making friends.

Keeley will be attending MHS for at least one semester. Whether or not Keeley continues for the second semester is based on his decision to run track in the spring. Keeley is not positive that he would be able to graduate with the MHS senior class based on credits MHS requires, but if he can’t then he would graduate through homeschooling. Keeley likes MHS and is excited to run cross country.

“Go Tribe!” Keeley said.

IPS bonds over trip to Camp Wood

Above left: Students from the Interpersonal Skills class ride horses throught the Flint during their day trip to Camp Wood. The IPS class attends Camp Wood each year to get to know each other better and have a good time. This year, they participated in archery, high and low ropes courses, and riding horses. Above Right: Senior Adelle Sloan takes a break with other students after lunch before heading off to ride horses and participate in archery. Below Left:: Senior Megan Ritthisorn gets her helmet fitted before climbing the 50-foot ropes course that included ladders, climing nets and telephone poles. Below Right: Senior Par McNair catches her breath on the ropes course. McNair made it all the way to the top of the ropes course.

Liz Logback, Photographer

Faculty exhibit talent in visual arts display their art displayed around the school. The teachers like the idea of sharing their creations.

The Manhattan High vi“I think it’s very cool. This sual arts students and faculty is my sixth year, and it’s the take as much pride in their first time that work as we, as the art do, say, faculty, have the MHS shown our athletes, work. I think practicing it’s all really their skills good,” Remand workpel said. “It’s ing hard good for them on projects [my students] until they to see. You succeed know, I show and happy them how to with their do stuff, but finished they’ve never products. really seen And the a finished best part piece. I think about beit’s good for ing happy with and Galleries outside of the commons and library display student and teacher artwork. them to see proud of Liz Logback, Photographer that I can actually do a finished what I’m piece of art? Sharing it with others, brightens up the area,” Cope- teaching them to do.” land said.

Copeland agrees that not of course.

Senior Aubrey Jung of All- only is it nice to have her art The new work of some of Darren Allman’s Photogra- man’s Photography III class appreciated by viewers, but phy III students is displayed agreed that though the piece that it’s also important for near the main entrance of she created required a lot her students to have an opMHS West, and some of All- of hard work, it all pays off portunity to see her work.

“When you’ve done this as man’s own work, along with when others enjoy the finlong as I have, it’s just part of that of MHS visual arts fac- ished product.

“It’s really nice to have your life. It’s like putting two ulty, Sonda Copeland, Sara Rempel and Grant Byquist, people appreciate your art,” passions together. Art is a passion and I really like peois displayed in the cases just Jung said.

“I’ve been getting compli- ple and students,” Copeland outside MHS West library.

“I think it’s a wonderful ments on it [my photograph] said. “And as far as the faculdisplay of the incredible tal- all week,” senior Alex Cole- ty show, I think it’s important because it just shows that we ent of the students and fac- man said.

The visual arts students, can produce the things we ulty in this building,” MHS however, aren’t the only teach our students to do.”

Principal Greg Hoyt said.

Not only does Hoyt ap- ones who benefit from having Danielle Cook Copy Editor

preciate the talent and gifts exhibited in the art displays, but so does MHS as a whole.

“We’ve gotten lots and lots of comments that people just like to have art there. It

Belin uses summer to learn Mandarin ence."

Staying thousands of miles away from family and friends in Manhattan for three months was not the only shock Belin endured.

China's distinct culture also came as a surprise.

said. “The food is one thing that was really different.

I went to [China] with the expectation it'd [the food] An interest in travel and would be at least similar to languages led to an unusual the American Chinese food, trip abroad last summer for or our take on it. It was much senior Tyler Belin. different."

As a part of a scholarship After three opportunity, Bemonths of living lin's destination among an entirely of three months different culture, was one of ChiBelin arrived back na's premier tourin Manhattan the ist destinations, first week of AuZhuhai, China. gust. Upon return“I really like ing to America, learning languaghe was welcomed es. I took Chinese by his family and for a year back in friends. His remiddle school turn was shortly in Spain,” Belin followed by the said. “That love beginning of the for learning lannew school year guages and my at Manhattan love for travelHigh School. ing, combined to "Now that I'm make it a perfect back, [I miss] the opportunity.” opportunity evBelin toured eryday to improve Zhuhai and other my Chinese and cities while in learn more about China with other the culture, and of scholarship wincourse my friends ners. that I made on the “It wasn't just trip," he said. traveling, howLooking forever,” Belin said. ward to next year, "It was a lot of Belin said, learning mainly.

“I'm still workWe were in class Senior Tyler Belin poses in front of the Great Wall of China during ing on that, I'd for seven hours a his three-month exchange program to Zhuhai, China.

Courtesy Photo like to go someday. It was basiwhere abroad cally a full school again. Studying day of learning abroad while in Chinese, and af"There are always unex- college would definitely be ter that we did school activities. It was a high-intensity pected things, and differenc- pretty cool.” language learning experi- es between cultures,” Belin Gage Benne Staff Writer

Trending The Mentor www.mhsmentor.com

Purple haze hangs over Manhattan There is no greater rush than the adrenaline that pumps through my veins as K-State football players are unleashed onto the field. The roars of the crowd and blasted music pumps my blood. I live for fall football season when Saturdays are spent lounging in the KSU parking lot hours before the stadium even opens. It’s family tradition to be a Kansas State Wildcat. Growing up in a college town has completely shaped my childhood memories. In fact, I can’t imagine what my life would be like if I had not grown up next to K-State.

But what about the other 53,000 people who live in Manhattan? Do they all root for K-State? Surely not even every KSU fan goes to the games on the weekends or spend hours and hours tailgating.

The Mentor has taken it upon themselves to dig into the issue a little deeper. We want to know if liv-

ing next to a college campus changes the way the community operates and children are raised. And what about our seemingly unmentionable Lawrence neighbors? A wonderful university, but is there a stigma on being a KU fan living in Manhattan?

These are the questions.

And we’ve sought to answer them. Multiple interviews were conducted, surveys were handed out to MHS students and community businesses gave us the inside perspective on owning a business in a predominately purple town.

You’ve spoken, Manhattan High, and in return we have created this page to display your results. This is your take on Manhattan, and the K-State community that surrounds it!

Enjoy, Mentor readers!

Much love, Liz, Editor-in-Chief

Fans at the Kansas State vs. University of Louisiana game on Saturday painted their stomachs to support KSU. Photographer, Liz Logback

Liz Logback Editor-in-Chief If you take Exit 313 off of I-70, a large billboard welcomes you to “Manhattan Kansas, home of the Kansas State Wildcats.” The college campus planted in the Manhattan community is hard to ignore. Businesses and restaurants have adopted the purple theme, and game day traffic restricts timely commutes.

Living in a college town comes with logistical changes but with Manhattan High as a part of the “Home of the Wildcats,” how are student lives shaped and changed by the surrounding purple community?

Senior Megan Neipert has been a Manhattan resident her entire life. Her father moved to the college town when he got a job at the University. While Neipert isn’t a regular attendee to the K-State games, she still considers herself a “big K-State fan.”

“I love wearing their [KState] T shirts and going to Purple Power Play on Poyntz,” Neipert said.

Before each game, she and her family put on their purple then plant themselves in front of the TV to watch the game.

“Almost every game we wear our K-State shirt to support the team,” she said. “I always watch the games on TV.” Living in Manhattan her entire life has only increased Neipert’s love for K-State.

She has never attended a football game but has plans to change that when she goes to Kansas State in the fall for college.

“I will definitely go to every game when I am in college,” Neipert said.

While he hasn’t lived here his entire life, sophomore Sam Morgan couldn’t imagine rooting for any other team than K-State. He moved here when he was eight from North Carolina, when like Neipert, his father received

a job at KSU. “I like K-State a lot because it’s fun to go to games and stuff. I get very intense,” he said.

Morgan says he notices the changes in living in a college town compared to a regular town.

“It’s interesting how it [Manhattan] changes when school is in session and not in session,” he said. Neipert also noted the uniqueness of living in a college town.

“It’s always busy,” she said.

People from Lawrence can relate to living in a college town as well. Kansas University, said to be KState’s ultimate rival, resides in the college town about an hour and a half away. Junior Katrina Yau feels like living in Manhattan her entire life has stained the possibility of going to KU for college.

“There’s a lot of influence to stay away from there [KU],” she said.

Junior T.J. Jones feels similarly. The sporting rivals

have put a bad name on Kansas University for him.

“I don’t like KU fans, they’re ignorant,” he said. “I like the environment of Manhattan. It’s always positive even after we lose, unlike KU fans.”

Winning against rivals can take a lot, and Morgan holds his own superstitions on how to pull out a K-State win.

“I don’t watch the games with my neighbors anymore because every time I have, KState always loses,” Morgan said.

Senior Adelle Sloan holds to the belief that wearing her KSU shirts will help K-State win.

“I like to wear K-State shirts when I watch all of the games on TV,” she said. “I love football and basketball and their teams are doing very well.”

Sloan considers it a benefit to live next to the KSU campus .

“I love having a lot of friends here that go to KState,” she said.

Who’s your favorite Big XII team?

82 Manhattan High students were surveyed in English classes concerning their favorite Big XII teams. The number of students who chose their respective team are posted below.

Baylor: 4

West Virginia: 1

Kansas: 15

Oklahoma State: 2

Oklahoma:1

Texas Tech: 1

TCU: 0

Kansas State: 55

Iowa State: 0

Texas: 3

Local businesses get behind Kansas State Loretta Lazaris Staff Writer Does living in Manhattan make ‘Every Man A Wildcat?’

Obviously, not every man, woman, and child is a Wildcat, but it’s safe to say that Kansas State University is a big part of the town.

Many Manhattan citizens show their personal support for the local college by wearing KState shirts, hats or some other forms of clothing bearing ‘K-State’ threads.

It’s impossible to walk down a street

in Manhattan without seeing the friendly and familiar logo. Even the local businesses show their purple pride. In one case, Thread, a local T-shirt shop, supports K-State by customizing and selling Wildcat T-shirts.

“K-State is a huge part of our business,” Josh Parker manager of Thread said.

Thread also custom designs team jerseys and practice shirts for some of the college teams.

Purple Swirl was founded by Kansas State alumni.

They opened their frozen yogurt shop last April, and from there the business has thrived. The interior of the

shop is completely adorned in purple and K-State decorations. Purple Swirl is even selling frozen yogurt at KState football games now.

At Bluestem Bistro, an Aggieville coffee shop, they sold a special “Wildcat” lemonade last week, supporting K-

State. The shop caters to sororities and fraternities, and some Greek ‘house moms’ meet there once a week to have coffee. Both students from Manhattan Christian College and K-State enjoy having a study session, or a friendly cup of coffee at

Bluestem Bistro.

When driving up to Dick’s Sporting Goods, K-State window chalk can be seen painted in the windows.

Currently, “Tradition” is written in big letters, showing support for one of football coach Bill Snyder’s 16 rules. Although it’s a corporate store, Dick’s makes it a priority to give their store a sense of community, including having the words “K-State family” written in the windows.

Graphic by Tracy Le