A Look at the Educators That Joined the Hawk Family Pages 12 & 13
Getting to Know Our Two Gatorade Girls Page 3
A Break Down of the HitShow, Breaking Bad Page 10
Winning!
TABLE OFCONTENTS SPORTS
Gatorade Players.................................3 Matthew Gwin & Brock Holmes
NEWS
Marching Band..................................4 Jordan Meier Girls with Perfect ACT Scores.........5 Lauren Hart 127th Construction....................6 & 7 Maddy Branstetter & Paige Schick
editorial
Staff Member's Africa Story......8 & 9 Kelsey Knecht
Entertainment Breaking Bad...................................10 Sean Fiore Homecoming Tips..........................11 Brenna & Katie Thompson
feature
New Teachers..........................12 & 13 Hanna Melton & Aaron Yuratovich Freshmen Tips.................................14 Courtney Child & Amy Du Meeting the Hawk’s Eye Staff...............15 Heather Burton, Jessica Goddard & Lauren Heinrich
A student-run publication Olathe East High School 14545 West 127th Street Olathe, KS 66062 ADVISER
PUBLICITY MANAGER
EDITORS
STAFF WRITERS
Karen Bourland Lauren Merino Zack Neuman
MANAGING EDITOR Jessica Goddard
PHOTOGRAPHER Heather Burton
BUSINESS MANAGER Maddy Branstetter
PAGE DESIGNER Aaron Yuratovich
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Kelsey Knect Sean Fiore Austin Porter
Aaron Rhodes
Logan Brockschmidt Amy Du Matthew Gwin Brock Holmes Jordan Meier Hanna Melton Brenna Thompson Katie Thompson
COPY EDITORS Courtney Child Lauren Hart
PAGE EDITORS Lauren Heinrich Paige Schick
Above the Rest
Allison Stewart and Haley Hanson Honored as Best in Kansas
Matthew Gwin//Staff Writer Brock Holmes//Staff Writer
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he Gatorade Player of the Year Award was established in 1985 to honor the nation’s premier high school athletes at the state and national level. Together with USA TODAY High School sports, the Gatorade Company selects the top athletes in 12 sports for each state as well as the nation. Obviously, being recognized as the best athlete in the state is quite an accolade, one that comes only after hours of hard work. This makes it all the more impressive that Olathe East had not one, but two student-athletes named as the best in Kansas, the only school in the country to have multiple Gatorade Player of the Years. Both Allison Stewart (softball), and Haley Hanson (soccer) received the prestigious award last year as juniors, and they both return hungry for more team and individual success.
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umble. Everyone who knows Allison Stewart describes her with this word. If anyone at Olathe East deserves to brag, certainly it would be her. After all, the softball star pitcher has been selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas two years running, and could make it three in a row this year. If that’s not worthy of some self-promotion, then what is? But instead she stays humble, thanks her teammates and coaches, and focuses on the team’s accomplishments rather than her own. Stewart’s athletic prowess has led her and OE to success, but her humility shows she has the mark of a true leader, and a true champion. While impressive, Stewart’s humility still does not overshadow her incredible ability. Like all athletes, a small part is innate, the rest earned through countless hours of hard work. “She works hard at practice and doesn’t take shortcuts,” senior catcher Sayde Woten said. However, Allison’s hard work continues long after practice ends. She plays on a summer team, the KC Peppers Gold, and takes pitching lessons year-round. “She works very hard to be the best she can be,” coach Jeff Hulse said. “She has a presence in the circle.” Although known mostly for her pitching-Stewart had the best statistics in the state last year-- Allison has racked up some hitting accolades as well. She set the school record for RBIs last year as the Hawks’ cleanup hitter, and played first base when she wasn’t striking fear into the hearts of opposing hitters. Simply put, Stewart was the best player in Kansas last year, and it wasn’t close. As you might expect, the future is bright for Allison Stewart. Now that Jenni Brooks has graduated, she’ll be on the mound even more this year. Expect that to be nothing but good news for East. Of course, her hitting will remain on full display this year, adding to her already enormous impact. Allison’s main goal for this year’s squad was to win state. Sounds fairly standard, but there’s a catch. “I want the new varsity members to get a ring of their own,” Stewart said. Not for an ego or resume boost, but for her teammates, or “family” as she calls them. After graduating, Stewart plans to take her talents to the University of Arkansas of the SEC, one of the nation’s premier softball conferences. She hopes to become a difference maker for them as well, and it’s quite likely that she will. Past that point lie exciting and unknown opportunities for Allison, but at least for now, one thing seems certain: Stewart is unrivaled in her abilities as a player, teammate, and leader.
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his year, two Olathe East students were awarded Gatorade Player of the Year. One of them was women’s soccer center-midfielder, Haley Hanson. Last year, the girls’ soccer season ended without a second consecutive state title, with the team losing in the playoffs to Blue Valley, 2-1. Coach Terry Hair and Haley Hanson have high hopes for the upcoming season. “Our goal is to win state and become closer as a team”, said Coach Hair. “We’re putting the team before individuals”. Haley Hanson has already committed to play at Nebraska in the Big 10. “My role is going to continue to be to be a play maker and setting people up to score,” said Hanson. “We are focused on giving it our all every game and keeping a positive attitude to win state”. Haley was pleasantly surprised to learn that she had won Gatorade Player of the Year, but the honor was no surprise to Coach Hair. In addition to keeping up with her training and maintaining excellence in her sport, Haley also has an important attribute to moving a winning team forward-leadership. “She is a quiet commanding force, who overachieves and elevates those around her to achieve greatness,” Hair said. “She exemplifies all attributes coaches like to see”. She demonstrates leadership on and off the field by instilling humility in her fellow teammates and leading by example. “Haley is athletic, tenacious and dedicated to her sport,” Hair stated. Haley has been doing club soccer for two years for Sporting BV, and for seven years competitively. As far as state ambitions for the coming season, Haley and Coach Hair have high expectations. Before the loss to Blue Valley in the playoffs, the Hawks were on a fourteen-month long winning streak. “We aim to put the team before individuals” said Hanson. “We are going to become a close-knit team before we get to state,” Hair said. Dayna Richards and Alex Yockey will also be instrumental in going far this year. Both Haley and Coach Hair agree that the most important aspects of the team are positivity, team chemistry and dedication.
Stewart (top picture) exerts her dominance in the circle. Courtesy of Allison Stewart
Hanson (bottom picture) leads the Hawks on the attack. Courtesy of Haley Hanson
4 [News]
Marching For Victory Jordan Meier// Staff Writer
A look at Orange and Blue Brigade’s upcoming season
T Head Drum Major Natalie Alton conducting the marching band through the show Courtsey of Amy Du
hey started from the bottom, and now they are at the top. With a first place title, it’s easy to say our marching band, the Orange and Blue Brigade, made leaps and bounds last year, finishing in the top two at both their competitions for the first time in years. “The band has made huge strides in what we have thrown at them and the drill team has made a complete 180-degree turn around from two years ago. It’s not even the same group,” said Brian Penny, band adviser and drill team flag coach. Last year, the band completely revamped their program and it definitely paid off. With their amazing competition season last year, all eyes are anxiously waiting for the grand unveiling of this year’s show, which promises to be a spectatular one. “We are doing a harder show, harder music, harder drill,” says band director, Jeff Smikahl, “We are always striving to take it to the next level.” A more difficult show brings about more work, which is why the directors have been creating this year’s show since last November. The band, as well as the drill team, began working early, and started practicing the show’s music at the end of the last school year. “This is a different type of show,” commented head Drum Major Natalie Alton, “I know this group will rise to the challenge.” While everyone, including the directors, continues to watch them with high expectations, there is definitely pressure on the band, and drill team, to meet, and even possibly exceed, their achievements of last year. “I think pressure is a good thing. It means we had success and we have expectations,” stated Smikahl. “I believe it will push us to do better.” This year the band continues to push the envelope as they add new props, new visuals, and about 40 new marchers to go alongside their killer tribal theme. “It’s got a lot of raw energy and excitement,” Smikahl said. Along with their performances at home games, the band will be traveling to three competitions this year, including one they have never participated at before. “I am excited to see how we rank against bands that compete nationally,” stated Brian Penny. “It will be a good experience.” This year looks as promising as ever for the marching band, so remember to watch them during halftime at every home game. You won’t be disappointed.
The marching getting ready for their morning rehearsal Courtsey of Amy Du
The woodwind section practicing the drill and music for the show Courtsey of Amy Du
Sophomore Abbey Sigler, and freshman Carter Wade playing through the closing song Courtsey of Amy Du
Achieving Perfection
Two Olathe East Students Score a Perfect 36 on the ACT
[August] 2013
Lauren Hart//Copy Editor
Junior Erica Chang
Senior Elizabeth Martin
Taking the ACT can be a daunting task for most students. In 2012, the average ACT score for the state of Kansas was a 21.9 while the national average is around a 21. A perfect score on the ACT is a 36, which only one-tenth of one percent of the students who take the test actually achieve. Junior Erica Chang and senior Elizabeth Martin both achieved perfect scores on their ACTs this year, but not without hard work and preparation. Several ways are available for students to prepare for the test, but taking practice tests is one of the most helpful ways of studying. Each October, Olathe East has a testing day for freshman, sophomores, and juniors in which students are given the chance to take either the PSAT, the ACT plan, or a practice ACT test. Having this testing day gives students a chance to familiarize themselves with the test before actually taking the real deal. For Elizabeth Martin, most of her preparation for the test occurred during class. She said, “The majority of my preparation was the review questions we completed in class, but I also had a review session with a math teacher to go over things such as geometry that I hadn’t learned in class in a while.” In school, Elizabeth participates in Latin Club, NHS, Hawk Leaders, plays in the all-state band, and works as a hostess at Red Lobster. In order to focus on her studies, she sets aside a certain amount of time each day before watching T.V. or getting on the computer to get homework done without distractions. Erica Chang received her perfect score after taking the ACT for the second time. She plays tennis for Olathe East and has represented East at the state tournament two years in a row. She said, “In my free time, I enjoy writing and taking frequent naps.” The first time she took the ACT was when she was in junior high. The perfect score did not come without practice. “Before taking the ACT, I took several practice tests to prepare myself for the test,” stated Erica. Erica’s advice for students taking the ACT anytime soon, “Take it easy and don’t stress too much about it.” The success of these two Olathe East students proves that it really is worth it to take the extra time to take those practice tests and that paying attention in class will pay off in the end.
Courtesy of Heather Burton
6 [Feature]
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007 was a year that would change the fate—and enhance the frustrations—of the students who now inhabit Olathe East High School. Before they called East home, before they waited in long lines at the DMV, before they even had begun to imagine what kind of car they would drive or where they would park the current students of Olathe East had their fate sealed by a duo of city council meetings. It was these meetings that made the decision to pursue improvements to 127th Street, hiring design contractors and laying out an initial design. Six years later, students of Olathe East are seeing this project come to life. This project, a rocky road—literally—is set in four main stages. The city of Olathe has stated on its website, “The project is tentatively scheduled to be com-
[August] 2013
plete in August of 2014”. A year and a half and nearly 18 million dollars later, residents of Olathe and Overland Park can expect 127th to be a four-lane road. They can also expect a stoplight at 127th and Greenwood. The first of these stages, construction primarily on Blackbob, has recently been partially opened up for student access to Olathe East. Using only two of the four newly-constructed lanes, students are now able to access the school via Blackbob, a luxury that students of Olathe East went their first few days of school without, despite the city’s intention to have this portion of the project finished two weeks before. As the project advances into different stages, the final one advancing as far as the intersection at 127th and Pflumm, the end of the road is far ahead. Equally frustrating to both students and staff, all of the Olathe East community is pulling together in order to make the construction process both smoother and safer. School officials can be caught directing traffic in both the morning and in the afternoon, and the addition of stop signs along the back road of the school has helped to protect students and teachers from speeding drivers. To principal Dr. Weber, this is one of the biggest issues regarding construction. He stated, “Because 127th street is closed, our back driveway has become a road. This is traffic our school isn’t used to.”
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s the beginning of school is upon us, 127th Street not being finished raises many concerns among teachers, students, and parents alike. With over 2,000 students attending Olathe East this year and only limited entrances to the school open, one can only expect complete chaos. Students, parents, and faculty have had to get to the school through Greenwood Street or the south entrance off Blackbob. One-way access to the front entrance has recently been opened as well. Allison Day, a parent of an incoming freshman this year, expressed her concerns to the Hawk’s Eye, “The fact that this is my first time to have anyone here at Olathe East, and the number of students that attend here is very concerning. I’m planning on carpooling with people, but driving at some points I’m worried about dropping them off and picking them up and just how all these people are going to fit in one entrance,” she stated. Any Olathe East student could tell you that getting in and out of the school isn’t the highlight of his or her day, but as more entrances are being opened, hopefully traffic will start to ease up. The construction has provoked many unanswered questions as well. “How long is this going to take? Are they going to give extra lenience to get all the students in?” Day wondered. During the first days of school many teachers were more lenient with students coming in late due to traffic, but as routines are setting in now, teachers are beginning to take note of tardiness. Students are also apprehensive about the unfinished road. “It’s just irritating because it’s going to take longer to get here and it’s not going to be as convenient, but it’s going to be nice when it’s finished,” Junior Lindsay Kistler stated. Not only does the construction affect the way people will be getting to school, but it also affects some students’ morning schedules. “I’m worried because I’m in marching band that I’ll have to get up
even earlier just to get to school. I have to take an even longer route because of the construction,” Emily Randol, junior, commented. In response to the Olathe District’s school Facebook post about the unfinished construction, many people expressed their concerns. “Expect complete chaos! I expect traffic to be backed up traveling north and south on Blackbob. Walkers, buses, and teenage drivers on a very narrow street…oh my!” Sherrie DuPree commented. With the traffic expected to be worse than it already is, multiple students conveyed their worries. “I’m worried that people are going to be late,” Junior Ashly Johnson stated. “I’m worried about bad traffic in the south entrance,” Angela Li, junior, said. Concerns, complains, and worries are very present, but with a little patience and careful driving, hopefully we can all enjoy the new road soon.
8 [Feature]
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he summer is the time to travel. Some may go to New York or Chicago, others stayed home. But for a few lucky kids, this summer was all about traveling abroad. Through various missions and adventures, students Justus Johnson, Sam Welch, Connor Davey and I discovered extremely enthralling cultures and sights, new natives and our new love for them. The feelings felt and the change within was indescribable, but here we will try to describe what exactly happened and how we will be forever changed for the better. The journey fly by, but the lessons learned and the memories shared will always be held close. Always in our hearts.
Kelsey Knecht//Staff Writer
Changed For the Better
Four East Students reflect on their missions abroad
I have always wanted to make an impact on the people of the world in some way. But the question was, how could I infuse my talents, passions, and skills into one job that would ultimately help many people? I went on this trip to Johannesburg, Swaziland, and Mozambique in hopes of answering this question. I figured by living in the villages with the people eating their food, dancing and singing their dances, and just fully immersing myself in their culture, I would somewhat understand a new aspect to life- how the other half lives. By also helping out at a women’s crisis center, a school, and another eco- friendly school, I wanted to really try my hand in teaching and playing with kids in that kind of environment. And you know what happened? I fell in love with helping them learn my language, while learning theirs at the same time. They somehow communicated with me without words at all. I understood exactly what I needed to do with my life. I needed to teach. To become their friends and help them become the best that they could be. This epiphany came to me instantly after that- I could teach and also combine my love for traveling by teaching English as a second language in different countries. And if that didn’t turn out to be right for me, I could come back and try Teach for America or become a counselor on a cruise. Whilst in Africa, I started to settle into the nomad life. I didn’t need showers. I didn’t care if my shirt matched my shoes. All I needed was my head, heart, and my feet to really experience and immerse myself in the culture of the land. I learned some of the language (which is called Zulu), danced with the natives, and learned to adore their traditional foods and way of life. I did yoga in the mornings on top of a mountain facing the sunrise. Drifted across the ocean to a small island on a very decrepit, sketchy sailboat. I watched Africa sneak into my life and fill my heart with an unimaginable beauty that I will never forget. I was potentially leaving behind a little piece of myself at every place we visited. I knew that each time we left, I would come back someday and retrieve that piece of myself so I could remember how it changed me. It put me at peace. I understood the true meaning of changing from the places you go, the people you see. I left that tiny piece of myself behind so that I could hold Africa close to my heart forever.
-Kelsey Knecht
When people ask about my trip to Honduras over the summer, usually one of their first questions is, “Was it life changing?” It’s a good question and honestly, at first I wasn’t sure. But after the trip, I never really recounted everything that I got to see and be a part of. I got to ride on a plane, see the ocean, travel out of state, and be surrounded by people who didn’t speak my language- all for the first time. My team and I built a foundation for a house for a family of five that was living in a hut proabably smaller than the size of an average American bathroom. We hiked to the top of a mountain just to pull out the guitar, worship, and pray for Honduras and the Honduran people. We were able to tell children the good news of Jesus Christ so their lives could be drastically changed like ours have been. We hosted a medical clinic so people’s pain and sickness could be relieved. My team and I grew closer than I ever thought we would. And all this happened because I just decided to go... to do something and take a risk. I spent just about every penny I had saved for this trip and I wouldn’t have rather spent it on anything else. This trip taught me to have a servant’s heart. It also taught me to take more risks in life. My trip to Honduras was life changing but I think the change in me will especially be demonstrated in my future; affecting where I go, who I talk to, and the relationship I have with my King. So yes. It was very life changing! -Justus Johnson
Flying directly into one of the poorest places on earth with the sole purpose of working with the people physically and, more importantly, spiritually, is something that I will never forget. Just outside or Managua, Nicaragua lives a small community of flood refugees in a town called Mateare. These people live under tarps supported by sticks and can hardly afford to feed themselves. They have absolutely nothing at all in their possession except for the clothes that they are currently wearing. To say that my experience in Nicaragua led to a significant change in my life is a MASSIVE understatement of the truth. My experience in Nicaragua didn’t just CHANGE my life, but helped to DEFINE it. As I said previously, these people have nothing. The first thing noticeable about them besides their obvious lack of material possession is the fact that they are all smiling. As I entered this trip, I still believed deep down that having possessions somewhat contributed to happiness and joy. Coming out, I know this to be one hundred percent false. How come I’m the one with all the money and they’re the ones with all the smiles? Because they have found the true source of joy: fully depending on Jesus. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing someone who is completely dependent on God, and the locals here have no other choice. They have shown me that my true purpose is to promote Jesus to anyone and everyone so anyone and everyone can experience the joy that I constantly have regardless of the thing I’m going through in my life. They constantly remind me of the reason I’ve been placed on this earth: to make His name known in the entire world. -Connor Davey
[August] 2013
Map Photos Courtesy of Google
Connor and one of his friends giggle and take selfies with the Honduran Kids. Courtesy of Connor Davey
Kelsey and a playmate smiled for the camera during Kelsey’s time painting a shelter for women. Courtesy of Kelsey Knecht
This summer my youth group took a mission trip to Jamaica.
The small village we were staying in was called Harmons, located in the southern- central part of the island. During the week we spent there, we built three houses. A “good” home in Harmons consists of a ten-foot by ten-foot house with two windows and a door. It was amazing to be in Jamaica and see how happy some of the people were, even though to us, they had nothing. But I think that is what makes the people of Harmons happier than us. They know the true value of life. We have so many distractions that keep us from seeing how valuable life really is, like what we have, how we dress. The people of Harmons, Jamaica are living life day to day - not worrying about when they can go to the mall to get some new clothes, or get a new video game, but when their next meal will be. Every day, after hours of grueling labor in the Carribean sun, I kept thinking to myself, “There is no way I can get through this day.” But God gave me the endurance and strength to push through every day. A verse that really connected with me was 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.”
Kids smiling for the camera during one of the group’s soccer games Courtesy of Kelsey Knecht
-Sam Welch
10 [Entertainment]
A Spoiler-Free Break Down of AMC’s Hit TV show Sean A. Fiore//Business Manager Photo Courtesy: www.amctv.com/show/breaking-bad Beautifully Photoshopped by: Zack Neuman
time goes on Walt has problems keeping his personal life away from his illicit behaviors which causes Walt to make many questionable decisions in the heat of the moment. At every turn Walt is tearing himself apart emotionally and morally. Eventually this strain is spread to the people around him. eaking Bad breaks the mold of every TV drama out there. “The characters you identify with even though you don’t approve of their actions. From the the beginning, all the episodes fit together like puzzle pieces,” English teacher Kevin Mays commented. The moments range from comedic to anxiety-inducing anger. The writing staff prides themselves on never being predicable. “I think [it’s] a different brand of story telling in that sense,” creator Vince Gilligan commented in an interview earlier this year. is makes the show as addictive as the meth they are making. On top of the cliffhangers and plot twists, Breaking Bad is full of subtle foreshadowing and symbolism that can rival the best novels. It’s rare to have a show that brings so much to the table while keeping the audience so emotionally invested. Breaking Bad is entering the second half of the fifth season which will conclude the prime time epic. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of catching this fantastic show, it’s not too late. The first four and half seasons are on Netflix instant stream.
Fun Fact
or those of you who aren’t aware of groundbreaking TV, Breaking Bad is one of TV most popular shows in recent history in terms of viewership and ratings. e show chronicles the life of Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), an extremely over-qualified high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with stage III cancer. With only two years left to live he decides there is nothing left to lose. Armed only with the motivation to provide for his family, Walt is inspired to use his knowledge of chemistry to cook methamphetamine with an ex-student of his, Jesse Pinkman(played by Aaron Paul). e dynamic between Jesse and Walt is more than enough reason to watch this show. As Walt teaches the chemistry to Jesse, Jesse teaches Walt about the game. In a weird way they each have things to teach each other about life while working their way up in the meth business.
•Aaron Paul’s character was going to be killed off in the first season, but after seeing Bryan and his on screen chemistry, creator Vince Gilligan decided to rewrite the show. •Walter White’s alias, Heisenberg, is a tribute to Werner Heisenberg, who formulated the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to determine simultaneously both the position and velocity of an electron or any other particle with any great degree of accuracy or certainty. •The name “Breaking Bad” is a reference to the drug game going from debt to profit.
[August] 2013
Why Not Call it a Date? Katie and Brenna Thompson//Staff Writers
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en hours of beautification, slipping into the perfect pair of heels, zipping up a dress that fits just right, tightening a bow tie that matches your date’s dress magically, finding a tux that makes a boy feel like Channing Tatum, and eating at a delicious restaurant with the best food: all of these things make one very special night in a high school student’s journey. A school dance is nothing less than a night to embrace confidence and create memories with friends. The dance should be a stress free occasion. What matters is having an idea of what the group wants and how you and your date want to look. This is your chance to be handsome and beautiful. There is no wrong way to enjoy everything about it. To those students that think going to dances are lame, just remember, some of the students of Olathe East will be looking stunning with their date, taking silly pictures, eating savory food, and attending a very fun dance. No one is too cool for a school dance, so why not call it a date?
TOP TEN PLACES TO:
As far as her dinner experience for last year’s Homecoming, senior Aryana Ahmad laughingly responded, “We went to IHOP.” This clearly wasn’t the restaurant of her dreams, nor of her choice. However, she said, “The night ended up being alright.” 1. Cheescake Factory So boys, take notes. Your girl wants 2. Hereford House to feel like a princess- and pancakes 3. Olive Garden and rhinestones just don’t seem to 4. Granite City go hand in hand. Unless you think 5. Bristol waffles and chicken sounds more elegant than a dinner underneath 6. Bucca de Beppo the chandeliers of Cheesecake 7. Bravo Factory, you might want to 8. Cinzetti’s start the night off in a class9. McCormick & ier way. Schmick’s
Finding the perfect dress can seem to be equally as stressful as taking the ACT, however, it doesn’t have to be that way. The Oak Park Mall is conveniently a few miles away from the vast majority of students at East. Then there’s always the best store of all, a friend’s closet. 1. Windsor Borrowing a dress can be just as fun as 2. Men’s Wearhouse buying one, and the best part? It’s free. 3. Jessica McClintock Senior Hannah Hollis admitted to using her sister’s dress. She said, “It was way 4. Macy’s prettier than anything in the stores.” 5. Online Another pro to wearing a dress from 6. JC Penny’s a year or two ago? There isn’t the 7. A friend’s closet embarrassment of showing up in 8. Deb the same dress as another girl, 9. Von Maur turning a dance into a com10. Camille La Vie petition of who wore it best.
EAT & SHOP
10. Stix
12 [Feature]
[August] 2013
Hanna Melton and Aaron Yuratovich//Staff Writers
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ennifer Quick taught at Shawnee Mission Northwest before coming to Olathe East where she now teaches AP Language and Composition. This being her tenth year as a teacher, she stated, “Teaching is truly, without a doubt, my dream job. Each day I get to work with bright, engaged young adults who inspire me and stretch my thinking.” One interesting fact about Ms. Quick is that she gets up to do CrossFit each morning at 5 a.m.
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ony Bozarth has been teaching for 30 years in total and 25 years in the Olathe district. He began teaching at Frontier Trail and then moved to California Trail. Although this is his first year teaching at Olathe East, Mr. Bozarth has been coaching cross country and track here since our school opened in 1992 and will now be teaching 9th grade World History. He said, “Teaching is a chance to make a difference in people’s lives in a good way. It also is a lot of fun, quite honestly. I’m very lucky because I get to do what I love for a living.” Ask for Mr. Bozarth’s autograph, as he has been in two Hollywood movies, Paper Moon and Up The Academy.
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The Hawk’s Eye welcomes eight new teachers to the growing number of staff at Olathe East. These fresh instructors teach an array of subjects including Art, Social Studies, English, Latin, and Japanese. Good luck to all of you; we are glad to have you here.
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ay Roberts has been teaching for 34 years in total and 27 years in Olathe, now splitting his time between Olathe North and Olathe East. He will be teaching Latin I-IV at our school. He loves interacting with students and athletes. Something not many people know about Mr. Roberts is that he opened Olathe East in 1992 and taught here for two years before
Mr. Allen is that he has 21 siblings.
oshua Allen taught at Scarborough Elementary for three years and is on his fifth year teaching in total. He will now be teaching Basic Digital Photography and Drawing I here at Olathe East. Interacting with students is what he loves most about teaching. Something extraordinery about
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lthough he has been teaching for 35 years, this is Mr. Kling’s first year teaching in the Olathe district and he will now be teaching Environmental Design for grades 9-12 at our school. He stated, “I love assisting young people in solving relevant, real world problems and helping them better prepare for their future.” Mr. Kling is excited to hit the slopes this winter to show off his snow skiing skills
leaving. eth Welland is a new teacher in the Olathe district, but has been subbing in our district for four years. She has taught various subjects and age groups for 20 years and will now be teaching QUEST for grades 9-12 here at Olathe East. She states, “I am a life long learner. I want to pass on and share my love of learning.” As a high school exchange student, Ms. Welland traveled to Malaysia.
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atricia Varraveto taught at Olathe Northwest seven years ago and has returned to Olathe on her fourteenth year of teaching. She now teaches QUEST for all grades. She stated, “I love working with challenging, interesting, bright, and quirky QUEST kids.” Ms. Varraveto won’t mind the cold Kansas winter since she once lived in Siberia for about five months.
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rs. Nadtochiy is new to Olathe and this is her first year teaching at a high school level. She taught Japanese at KU and a private college in Ohio for five years and she now teaches Japanese levels 2,3, and 4 for grades 10, 11, and 12 here. She tells us, “I love sharing my energy and students’ energy. High school students are so motivated, passionate, and have unlimited creativities and possibilities.” Something interesting about Mrs. Nadtochiy is that she got married last summer to a Ukrainian man.
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atherine Lewis is new to Olathe, but has been teaching now for five years. She will now be teaching 10th grade English here at Olathe East. She stated, “I love the day-to-day challenges; teaching is never boring. I also like getting to know my students.” As a theater fanatic, Ms. Lewis has worked for Theater in the Park and the Jewish Community Center’s White Theater.
Tips and tricks to maneuver through the high school jungle Refrain From Fraternizing Freely
In the hallways, always keep to the right. Upperclassmen won’t appreciate having to maneuver around you day after day. If talking to friends is a must, move out of the traffic spots and into a more deserted space. As important as walking on the right side of the hallways is, walk at an acceptable pace. Don’t be a turtle.
Extracurricular Excitement
Get involved! Don’t fear being “the only one” because friends come fast with any and all activities. Extracurriculars prove fun ways to connect with fellow Hawks. From Kay club to photography club, Olathe East offers a variety of clubs, so everyone is bound to find a perfect match on September 19 at the Activity Recruit Fair.
Show School Spirit
School spirit, like in any school, is extremely important. Spirit week days are always eccentric and a blast to participate in. Orange Outs and White Outs are chances to show how much love students have for East.. No one is too cool to participate in school spirit! Sporting events are perfect opportunities to parade your school pride and witness the montage of Hawk talent, doubling as lively outings with new friends.
Manage Missed Work
If you have to miss class for any reason, make sure to stay on top of missed work.
Most teachers allot two days for each day missed for make-ups. If you know that you will be missing a class, don’t forget to alert the teacher of your absence beforehand, securing your missed work and a spot on his or her good list.
Spend Some Time Sleeping
Courtney Child// Copy Editor Amy Du// Staff Writer
According to the National Sleep Foundation, most teens do not get the amount of sleep they need. Only 15% of teens sleep eight and a half hours per night on school nights, the minimum to be able to function best. The majority of teens need nine and one-fourth hours a night. A lack of sleep can limit your ability to learn, focus, and listen, all of which are needed to succeed in high school, so be sure to catch those Zs.
Prohibit Procrastination
A cliché, but also necessary to stay on top of the demands of high school. Tests, quizzes, games, practices,and family occasions can all be written down in a planner, which is important to keep track of throughout the year. Use binders, folders, or spirals, whatever floats your boat, for each class in order to keep them separated and organized. In the long run, organization is key to success. Be sure to save TV time until after homework, that way you aren’t working on tomorrow’s assignment at three in the morning, circling back to getting an adequate amount of sleep.
Design Credit: Heather Burton
Hawk’s Eye Staff Karen Bourland
Lauren Merino Zack Neuman
Jessica Goddard
Amy Du
Matthew Gwin
Kelsey Knecht Austin Porter
Aaron Rhodes
Paige Schick
Lauren Heinrich
Jordan Meier
Sean Fiore
Logan Brockschmidt
Heather Burton
Brenna Thompson
Lauren Hart
Aaron YuratovicH
Courtney Child Katie Maddy Brandstetter Thompson
Brock Holmes
Hanna Melton
Calendar October 3-5 fall play October 10 Pep Assembly October 11 Professional day- no school October 16-17 Parent teacher conferences
Teacher Trivia
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October 18 no school for students or staff October 21 proffessional day- no school October 29 boys’ varsity soccer regional
TOP FIVE
SONGS THAT ARE GOING TO PLAY ON THE RADIO WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT
1) Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke 2) We Can’t Stop - Miley Cyrus 3) Get Lucky - Daft Punk 4) I Love It (I Don’t Care) - Icona Pop 5) Don’t Drop That Thun Thun - Finatticz
What current Olathe East teacher played a character who died in a movie? Find out in the next issue! Notification Statement of Non-discrimination: TheOlathePublicSchoolsprohibitdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin, sex,age,religionordisabilityinitsprograms,activitiesoremployment,andprovidesequal accesstotheBoyScoutsandotherdesignatedyouthgroupstoitsfacilitiesasrequiredby: TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,TitleVIandTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof 1964,theAgeDiscriminationActof1975,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA),theIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973and otherrelevantstateandfederallaws.Inquiriesregardingcompliancewithapplicablecivil rightsstatutesrelatedtoethnicity,gender,agediscriminationorequalaccessmaybedirectedtoStaffCounsel,14160BlackBobRoad,Olathe,KS66063-2000,phone913-7807000.AllinquiriesregardingcompliancewithapplicablestatutesregardingSection504of theRehabilitationActandtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheAmericans withDisabilitiesActmaybedirectedtotheAssistantSuperintendentGeneralAdministration, 14160BlackBobRd.Olathe,KS66063-2000,phone(913)780-7000.Interestedpersonsincludingthosewithimpairedvisionorhearing,canalsoobtaininformationastothe existenceandlocationofservices,activitiesandfacilitiesthatareaccessibletoandusableby disabledpersonsbycallingtheAssistantSuperintendentGeneralAdministration.(04/13)