Issuu

the

reporter

Paola High School • 401 N. Angela • Paola, KS 66071

November 2011

Leaving early

3 (news)

Cyberlives

8-9 (features)

Some good books

11(arts)

Catfight

13 (sports)

Under the influence, above average Students drug, alcohol use higher than area’s rosalyn lucas co-editor-in-chief

surpassed both the state and county averages. Bressler said the survey reveals that students are reporting they 100 don’t feel like they’ll be judged as harshly or not as likely to be caught by the police as other students in the state. However, this doesn’t mean its reality, Bressler said. It’s simply the80 view of the students. Counselor Justin Elliott said the reason for the60high rate is because drinking is seen as socially acceptable behavior and the peer pressure to participate in drug and alcohol40 use has become more influential. “There are a lot of students I visit with in which drugs and alcohol 20 are directly or indirectly involved in the topics of discussion,” he said. “A lot of social and family problems arise out of drugs and 0 alcohol use and abuse.” Jennifer Page, health teacher, said she’s heard some people speculate that students were lying or bragging on the survey, but she doesn’t believe it. “If that’s the case, why wouldn’t students at other schools do the same thing?” said Page. “They should be at the same level as us.” According to the Communities that Care survey Paola surpassed the county average on 21 questions, most of the questions pertaining to alcohol. There are number of reasons why teenagers engage in underage drinking and drug use, said Dana Abbott, Paola police officer. Abbott is also a DARE instructor and former school-resource officer. “Friends, parents and older siblings may drink. Then they bring alcohol to gatherings and the teenager may feel they need to drink to fit in.” Another reason is addiction, she said. “Teenager’s bodies are still young,” Abbott said. “They may start abusing and not know that their body is becoming addicted.” Nobody wants to have an addiction, Abbott said. “That’s how it starts,” Abbott said. ”Going to parties saying “I can stop when I want”, but their body becomes addicted and then they have no control.” According the Communities that Care survey, 75 percent of students said their best friends have tried beer, wine or hard liquor when their parents didn’t know about it, compared to the state and county averages of 45 percent. While the averages are indisputably high, on 22 questions the averages have decreased since 1995. The reasons behind the actions being taken now as a result of the survey is a combination of new administration and timing, Bressler said. “There are a group of parents who see a new administration as a way to affect change,” he said. “An element of our community believes there is a problem of substance abuse with youth and a handful of kids get caught, it coaxes them to action.” “Sometimes one little thing can tip a static situation in to a rapidly evolving phenomenon,” he said. Bressler said he’s working with parents and members of the community to give students better options than drugs and alcohol. The Principal Advisory Team, a group of 14 students acting as 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6

As he watched a police car pull up to the front of the school Homecoming night, senior Dalton Jorgensen said he felt a surge of disappointment. “I didn’t think they would call the police on me at school,” Jorgensen said. “None of it was really expected. I’d seen the same thing happen before. Parents were called, students sent home. But I’d never seen anyone suspended. I didn’t expect it at all.” Jorgensen was one of several students arrested for alcohol use. He was given a five-day suspension from school, six months diversion and has been fined hundreds of dollars. “I didn’t want to accept that the law was involved,” Jorgensen said. “I accepted it that night, but the next day it really hit me.” The biggest impact, he said, has been on his grades. “I really wanted to get good grades this year, but it’s brought them down to where I can’t bring them to where I want,” Jorgensen said. These low grades may affect his future, he said, hurting his chances for scholarships and his future occupation if his employer were to look back that far. “Making decisions like that can affect your academics, future goals and goals you set for yourself,” he said. “I realize the administration has to stay consistent with their punishments,” Jorgensen said. “But I think they should realize what they’re getting that kid into before making that decision.” Jorgensen said he hopes others don’t see him differently because of what happened. “I don’t want people to think I took winning Homecoming King for granted,” he said. “I just messed up, so I hope they would understand.” According to the Kansas Communities that Care survey many students revealed that they felt they wouldn’t be caught using drugs and alcohol. Communities that Care, according the KCTC website, is a voluntary survey that collects information on the rates of risky behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, violence and sexual activity. In the USD368 district it’s taken by sixth and eighth graders and sophomores “You are at a party at someone’s and seniors. house, and one of your friends offers In this case, you a drink containing alcohol. being “above What would you say or do? average” is not Percent responding: flattering. 49% drink it“- KCTC survey For the past 15 years Paola’s average has been higher 25% than the state average. 2011 is no different; on 20 out of 29 questions Paola Kansas Paola

“How many of your best friends have tried beer, wine or hard liquor when their parents didn’t know about it?”- KCTC survey

representatives for the student body, has proposed more school functions to increase student 75% involvement in co-curricular activities as well as providing 45% a consistent message and education on the use of drugs and alcohol and its effects. Sophomore Paola Kansas Trey Taylor said that while the education on drugs and alcohol is taught well, he doesn’t think students actually listen. “A lot of people think the teachers make it worse than it actually is,” Taylor said. “That’s why a lot of people still do it.” Taylor said he estimates that three-fourths of the student body use drugs or alcohol or have at least tried it. He said he hears a lot about drug and alcohol use at school, during lunch and at football practice. Page said she even though education on drugs and alcohol is taught in Health class, it shouldn’t just be addressed in the classroom. “The other part has to come from community and family,” Page said. Abbott said all kids make mistakes, but when they’re repetitively getting drunk it’s a problem and an even bigger problem if they’re drinking while driving. Parents need to hold their kids responsible and stop covering for them, Abbott said. “Let them be responsible for what they did, because next time it could be a fatality,” Abbott said. “A lot of the kids stopped from being arrested are the ones who go on to do more serious crimes, because they’ve never been held responsible.” “The big question,” Elliott said, “Is now that this is coming out as a problem, what are we going to do about it?”

Below the state average: •inhaling gases or sprays to achieve highs •violence •methamphetamines •the number of times in the past year students were offered, sold or given drugs on school property • the chances of being seen as cool if a student pledges to be drug free

For complete story go to phsjournalism.com

2 (quick news)

picks

4,500

average number of calories consumed by an American on Thanksgiving

70%

million turkeys raised this year

amount of turkey’s diet that is made up of corn

Information from The Week website.

Compiled by Caleb Hecker

retail price per pound of wholesale turkey

by the numbers

$1.57 quick 241.9

The Reporter • Novermber 2011

11.23,24, 25 No school Thanksgiving Break

11.25 Expanded Frogs coverage Go to www.phsjournalism.com

12.5

www.phsjournalism.org Read game night highlights of basketball

Photo by Journey Capettini

On Oct. 21 at halftime of Senior Night against Spring Hill, the dance team danced to an arrangement of“Shake your Tail Feather”with the band.

Food drive nets a ton Students collected 2,860 pounds of cans and $100 in donations for the annual Trickor-Treat-so-Kids-Can-Eat food drive. The clubs’ record is more than two tons of cans. Every year, members of KAYs and Drama Club participate in the canned food drive. It is a national program from the International Thespian Society to collect food for the needy. Leslie Coats, head of the drama department, said she looks forward to this event every year.

“It is fun to see kids do it. We don’t have a lot of obvious homeless people here but there are some on the edge,” said Coats. Katelyn Bell, a member of KAYS and Drama Club, participated in Trick- or- Treat so Kids Can Eat for two years now. She says the fundraiser is a good cause to help people, and you get community service hours. The most hours you can get all together from this three daylong event is 8 hours. “I’m glad I have the opportunity to help someone in need,” said Bell. - katey colwell

Service pays off Research shows students involved in community service receive higher grades, said Cristie Sims, community service coordinator. Events coming soon include a coat drive in mid-December, and FFA willl go to a boys homeless shelter to offer money, clothes, and food. FFA is also adopting a family to support its needs. In the spring, FFA plans to gather students to clean the fairground so the community can have clean fun. During a food drive, students have to collect 10 pounds of food to earn one hour of community service, Sims said. S tudents still need 10 hours of community service each semester to opt out of one final. Students can only earn a maximum of three hours during a food drive. Some stu-

dents have put in up to 50 hours of service, Sims said. “Students on average spend more than 10 hours hanging out, going to movies, and watching TV,” she said. She said the drive to help out should extend beyond high school and students should always be willing to help their community. “We hope it becomes a habit,” she said. John Menefee, FFA sponsor, agreed. “I think it’s essential,” he said. “It helps develop a sense of community and teaches students the importance of giving back.” Organizations that provide community service opportunities include FFA, Student Council, Drama Club, KAYs, FCCLA and Developmental Leadership. - lane harris

The leaves are fully red and small buds are forming

The horticulture class is growing poinsettias as ots classroom project in the greenhouse, which they will be marketing to the community around Thanksgiving. This is the first “fall crop” ever planted in the greenhouse. The FFA Chapter has 140 members and ranks as one of the largest in the state, said John Menefee, ag teacher. “They’re growing really fast, faster than I thought they would, we started growing them about two to three months ago,” said Amber Braskett, sophomore. Jake Drews, freshman said it takes a lot of effort to grow the poinsettias. The FFA class was named National Champions in the Nursery Landscape CDE. FFA finished second at Nationals. - hali wimbush

Stages of a poinsettia:

1) The sprout begins to grow 2) The green leaves form

3 3) The leaves begin to turn red

The Reporter • November 2011

(news)

Saying good-bye early Four plan to take off before four years are up riley sawyer co-editor-in-chief Emily Fry and Kellie Soetart have an extra two to three hours of homework more than typical seniors. Kyle Blackman has school until 6 p.m. and takes classes at three different schools just to get through high school. The goal: to graduate high school early. Blackman takes online classes through the Basehor-Linwood school district and attends the Paola Adult Education Center and the high school. “I went to school over the summer and now when 3 o’clock rolls around, school isn’t done for me,” Blackman said. “School isn’t done until 6 or 7 o’clock at night and sometimes over weekends and long breaks, I have to go to school. He does this so he is able to graduate at the end of his junior year and go to college a year earlier. Students who apply for early graduation have two options, said guidance counselor Justin Elliott. “One option is more common and that is completing all necessary requirements by the end of the first semester of your senior year,” Elliott said. “The second option is completing all necessary requirements by the end of your junior year of high school.” Every year approximately two to three students graduate early, but in the last few years “more people have inquired about it” according to guidance counselor Justin Elliott. Students such as Kellie Soetart will graduate in December of their senior year instead of May. “I just wanted to be done so I could bet-

ter support my daughter,” Soetart said. Early graduation offers many advantages to students who complete the process, Elliott said. “For students going into the military, it allows them to get the job or assignment they want while for students going straight into the work force, they do not need the college prep courses we offer here and they can get to work earlier,” said Elliott. Samantha McCrackin said she wanted to graduate at the end of her junior year so she can start working on her cosmetology certificate in the fall. “After I finish that I plan on getting a job,” she said. Emily Fry plans to graduate a year early and will go to Johnson County Community Photo illustration by Riley Sawyer College for a year majoring in Kellie Soetart, Samantha McCrackin, Emily Fry and Kyle Blackman are graduating before the traditional four-year Technical Theater before going exodus. They have had to take extra classes to get the credits necessary to graduate. They all agreed the extra work to University of Missouri - they have had to do will be worth it to get a head start on their post high school plans. Kansas City. “It is giving me a chance to enjoy the the opportunities to participate in activities, been not being able to walk with the band on world while I am young with support from clubs, sports, homecoming, prom and the Senior Night because I am technically still a my parents,” she said. social interactions of the day-to-day school junior,” she said. “That made me really angry The process to graduate early is long and setting. because I am taking all of the same classes Elliott said anyone considering graduating “I am going to be 17 and in college so I as the rest of the seniors and doing all of the early should start talking about it now. have to find off-campus housing and sign- work. I am petitioning to have it changed for “The sooner the better,” Elliott said. “Stu- ing important papers will be hard,” said Fry. next year.” dents might need to start taking extra classes “And I can’t cook.” Blackman said he wants to graduate to get the credits needed to graduate.” Fry has also encountered other problems early because it would be self-fulfilling but Early graduates are able to go to college with graduating early such as rumors and added the process to graduate early has been earlier than most students their age or get a people being mean. “exhausting.” jump start in the working environment, but “They keep saying I’m too lazy and won’t “I’m taking two years of school at once there are some downsides. do it,” she said. “It has just made me more de- and trying to keep up with extra classes in “Some [students] can feel detached from termined to do it.” different schools,” he said. their class and the things they will miss out Fry said she has also had problems with on,” said Elliott. being listed as a junior in Infinite Campus. He said students who graduate early lose “The biggest problem I have had has

4 (news)

The Reporter • November 2011

Traveling by twos or solo Need for serious relationships vary

jenna ratzlaff reporter As teens walk down the cramped hallways, surrounded by students holding hands and laughing with their ‘other half’, they begin to feel trapped. Some get annoyed, others be-

Noah Franz, sophomore, shares his views on being single.

come insecure. This is a horror scenario for some, but for others, it’s just a side effect of high school. “We aren’t emotionally ready to love someone,” Noah Franz, sophomore, said. Franz said that a lot of drama springs from immaturity. “It’s completely unmerited and it’s a sign that you shouldn’t be in a relationship right now,” Franz said. Because of this drama and immaturity, Franz said he’s single and doesn’t plan to date for a while. “There’s no point in dating in high school,” Franz said. “I think teens date to feel more secure about themselves, or to feel more grown up.” Franz isn’t alone in his opinions. Sophomore Tristan Barnes was in a serious relationship, but said she feels like teens aren’t ready to commit just yet. “When I was dating ‘Nick’, I made it very clear to him that I loved him, but I was not ‘in love’ with him,” Barnes said. “There’s a difference. You aren’t in love with your parents, or siblings, but you still love them.” Barnes said a student has no reason to date someone until they’re ready to marry them. She said that the drama that comes along with relationships is pointless. Although some students said teens aren’t mature enough, students such as Jared Stauch, junior, are in a relationship.

Stauch is dating Jessi Gregg, junior. “We kiss, hold hands, all of the above in public,” Stauch said. Stauch makes his relationship very public. He said that some of it may cause jealousy. A good relationship, Stauch said requires looks, personality, and similarity to work. Jamie King, junior, and Brandon Beckman, senior, are also in a relationship. “We hold hands and stuff, But a good relationship needs you to be friends, but love each other too,” King said. King said she doesn’t feel the need to flaunt their relationship to prevent the criticism of being with someone. “I think a relationship has to last more than a week before it’s ‘serious’, I mean come on. You don’t love someone after two days,” King said. Beckman said it had nothing to do with time. “You just have to want to be serious, you know? I have a good outlook for me and Jamie,” Beckman said. Beckman said a good relationship is based on a common interest in things, and that they like you. F r a n z s a i d h e ’s

Brandon Beckman, senior, and Jamie King, junior, are share their views on being in a relationship.

content to be single. “I don’t want to date. There’s just so much that goes with it. I feel there’s a distinction between dating and courting anyway. With dating, there’s very little commitment and no outlook for a future. With courting, there’s always the prospect

of marriage; in the future of course.” Franz said. Franz said he bases a relationship on the mutual understanding that both parties have each other’s best interest in mind, and the quality of the relationship is based on this interest. Franz’s answer faintly echoes that of Justin Elliott’s, guidance counselor. “A good relationship, in my opinion, is based on communication and trust. Those are really important,” Elliott said. “I don’t think they take their behavior seriously enough and often will move too quickly in a relationship,” Elliott said. “That same concept, when looked at differently, is that teens take relationships too seriously and sometimes isolate themselves from everything but the other person, closing them off from friends, family, school, etc.” Elliott said. You hear the tales every day in the halls filled to the breaking point with teens in a tizzy from the rumors. Some girl is in the bathroom crying over the spilt milk of her failed relationship with her soul mate, someone is cheating on so and so, and the list goes on. “This is a side effect of teenage life,” Elliott said. “It’s something that we learn about ourselves and how we fit into the world.” Franz may be single, but he’s ready to face whatever life throws at him alone.

(features)

The Reporter • November 2011

A day in the life: Trainer John Athletic trainer keeps students on field, court katey colwell reporter

In one week John Pomatto, school trainer, has to juggle working at schools in Paola, Spring Hill, Osawatomie, Central Heights and occasionally covers for middle schools. Pomatto is known as T.J., which stands for Trainer John. He has anywhere from 2 to 15 people come in to see him a day. His job is to assess how bad an athlete’s injury is and either take care of it or send them to a doctor. Pomatto said the most frequent injuries for football are ankle sprains. Frequent injuries for volleyball are shoulder injuries and lots of bruising. Pomatto said there are different degrees upon which an injury can fall. First degree for an ankle sprain would be swelling. Second degree would be more swelling and some discoloration. A third degree would be a fracture. Trainer John has a degree from a four year college and majored in sports medicine. If Trainer John is fixing a first or second degree ankle sprain, then he

“

can usually treat it with a cold bath or ice. But, if the ankle sprain is a third degree, he will call the parents and send the student to a doctor. Trainer John says rehab is very important when recovering from any injury. While it may seem like having to deal with injured athletes is a little sad, Trainer John looks on the bright side. “[I] enjoy watching a kid get back on their feet knowing I had something to do with it,” said Trainer John. Joe Pomatto, junior, says he would consider having a job like his father someday, mainly to be around the sports. He is still unsure of which career path he will take. Joe says he is proud of what his dad does because his dad can always help him if he is hurt. Having his dad on the sidelines is “pretty cool,” said Joe. “[He] is always asking if something is wrong.” Photo by Aly Johnson Trainer John returns the same John Pomatto, trainer, looks over junior Joe Pomatto’s shoulder during the Nov. 1 game againist Anderson County. John feeling. Pomatto is on the sidelines for most of the county’s athletic events. “I’m proud of him and all the guys on the team,” said Trainer John.

[I] enjoy watching a kid get back on their feet knowing I had something to do with it.

“

-John Pomatto, trainer

Wanna be aT.J.?

Ready To...

• Patiently guide an athlete through the exercises that will help her get back in the game • Tape a player’s ankle • Work under a doctor’s supervision • Meet with the athletic director • Teach athletes how to prevent injury • Work at all hours • Decide if a skater can continue his routine

It Helps to Be... • A sociable sports fan with compassion, patience and a keen interest in the workings of the human body.

Make High School Count

Photo by Aly Johnson

• Work hard in biology -- it’s the foundation of the medical knowledge you’ll need. • Flex your communication muscles in English, speech, and drama. You’ll need them to speak with everyone from athletes to doctors. • Join a sports team or club to build personal experience you can draw on later. • Shadow your school’s athletic trainer for a day.

Tony Wilson, senior sits on the sidelines during the game against Anderson County while Trainer John looks at his ankle. Pomatto got a four-year degree in sports medicine to be an athletic trainer. Source: The CollegeBoard website

6 (opinion)

The Reporter • November 2011

staff editorial

No germs allowed Washing hands helps prevent germs, illness

rush

Parking lot

Drivers lose manners jessica allison ads manager

Screaming. Yelling. Cutting in line. These behaviors you would expect to find in a room full of preschoolers. Instead these activities are part of a daily ritual at PHS when students leave the parking lot. Proper etiquette has been drilled into us since we were preschool, but it all vanishes the second we step into the parking lot and start our engines. The students around us are no longer our peers; they’re our enemies, our rivals, our competition. Our classmates don’t understand how to politely exit a parking lot. Luckily, I have a few simple steps that even a freshman, who hasn’t sat in the driver’s seat, could follow.

1.) Go to the back of the line. If all the people didn’t try to merge at the front of the line, it would run more smoothly. The cars wouldn’t have to stop to let others in and you wouldn’t have to wait for some kind soul to let you in. 2.) Wait your turn. Be patient. Most importantly, don’t cut. I know we are all desperate to leave school. I want to get home just as quickly as the rest of you. So when I’m waiting patiently in line to be let in, don’t jump in front

of me. Not only is it rude and stupid, it’s dangerous. By speeding in front of me, you’re opening yourself up to get fender bendered by me or whomever you rudely cut in front of. Or worse. For my safety and yours, think before you act.

3.) Watch where you’re going. In my attempt to get out of the parking lot quickly, I had two people push me and three people step on my heels in one day. For once, think of something more important than yourself, like other people’s safety. Or their attitudes. Walk patiently. Don’t run. Look around you. There are more than 600 students in this school getting out at the same time. If you’re not careful, you’re liable to hurt them. Our parking lot is a mess but it can all be prevented.According to Lieutenant Tim Neal of the Paola Police Department says that because of the new bus rules the parking lot has been more packed. There’s no use in complaining about it though, they’re going to remain there and we need to think of being courteous not just to them but our peers. According to Lieutenant Neal, the best way to get out of the parking lot is the south exit to prevent more traffic with the parents. It’s time we break the rivalry in the parking lot and make it a safer and more efficient place.

Sitting in the bathroom stall, you hear the flush of the toilet next to you. You wait to hear the sound of rushing water as they wash their hands. Instead you hear the sound of the bathroom door slamming behind them. An awkward moment overcomes you. Then you start thinking of the germs that have been exposed to the rest of the student body. One person’s carelessness can lead to an epidemic of H1N1, the flu or the common cold. Take 30 seconds of your day to wash their hands. This shouldn’t be an issue with taking the time to wash your hands, after using the restroom; the school has even provided us with little signs to remind us. It’s like we need pictures to tell us what to do and how to wash our hands by putting up “how to” signs in the restrooms above the sinks. We shouldn’t need those signs; we are at a point in our lives where we should take pride in keeping our personal health. Hand washing doesn’t take much effort or time and if you think about it, it rewards us by keeping us healthy. We’re in high school now, almost full-fledged adults; we should want to take care of our health, our peers’ health and others. “Students should know better to wash their hands, because it’s gross and I don’t want to get sick,” said Melissa George, media center aid. Austin Kehoe, junior, said he thinks students should wash their hands because he doesn’t want to go around touching dirty hands. “It’s gross and their hands aren’t clean, so why touch them?” Kehoe said. Students who don’t wash their hands after using the restroom are gross, Erin Brown, sophomore, said. “It spreads germs and people get sick,” said Brown. The idea of knowing that I could be shaking hands with someone who hasn’t washed their hands after

using the restroom is disgusting. The germs that are accumulating all over their hands, then putting my very own hand out there to shake it and transferring germs, doesn’t please me. wwI like staying in good health and don’t want someone coming up to me and giving me their nasty bathroom germs. According to the Health Reach Community Health Centers website, two-thirds of adults in the United States wash their hands after using the restroom, one in every three wash their hands after sneezing and less than one in every five wash their hands after touching money. Think of how many germs are being passed around from one person to the next. Germs are everywhere, but they are easily prevented if you do the right things. Clean your hands with soap and warm water that helps kill bacteria. Get in a habit of washing your hands after sneezing, coughing, eating and using the restroom. By doing those things it will help keep everyone healthier, because you aren’t going around spreading your germs to everything and everyone you touch. According to the Marshall Medical Center, bacteria can double every 20 minutes, there are 229,000 germs per square inch on often used faucet handles, viruses can live a few hours to several days on surfaces, but some bacteria can live for months outside the human body. Lastly there are on average 1,500 germs on each square centimeter of one hand. That is close to 3,000 germs just on your hands alone. It’s not sanitary to not wash your hands after using the restroom, touching money, sneezing or even working outside. By staying healthy and washing your hands, you are bettering yourself by not getting sick, therefore you are able to stay in school and keep your grades up. Though it may seem like such a hassle to take 30 seconds to wash your hands, it benefits you and everyone around you by keeping everyone healthy. If you don’t care about washing your hands, that’s ultimately yelling “GET ME SICK!”. You don’t want to take the time to wash your hands and keep from spreading germs. Washing your hands helps prevent H1N1, the flu or the common cold. Wash your hands, stay in school and stay healthy.

To wash hands: 1. Apply soap to hands

2. Scrub hands for 20 seconds and rinse

3. Dry hands beneath hand dryer

Have a story idea? Call a member of the newspaper staff

The Reporter • November 2011

pro hali wimbush reporter “Trans-Spiritation” – n. The act of extreme spirit week participation -- well, OK, no -- spiritation is not actually a real word but it describes the atmosphere the high school should have during school events, homecoming week and any time we’re representing the school. Showing school spirit benefits students by allowing stress relief and it promotes your school. Dressing up for spirit week also benefits students by motivating them to go to school. It’s definitely better to go to school during spirit week, said Dylan Cooper, junior, because everyone is happier and teachers seem to get less angry. Entering the school during spirit week can make any student feel nervous. “Right before I get to school, I get a little nervous that I’ll be the only one dressed up, but when I see others I feel happier,” Nina Lopez, sophomore said. I even have that morning fear of arriving at school and being the only person dressed up or arriving at school dressed up for spirit week during the wrong week. It is a very rational fear, but it shouldn’t prevent students from dressing up. Without dressing up, your spirit week participation level drops drastically. Some students take spirit week very seriously. Lopez has dressed up every year and every day since middle school started because she loves it. “I love dressing up for spirit week,” Lopez said. Senior Skylar Prothe loves to dress up because it’s fun and students get to be outgoing.

School spirit

While students express spirit on the outside, it changes their inner personality as well. Cooper said like spirit week is kind of like a competition to see who’s dressed up the best and it makes him happier at be at school that day. When a lot of students are decked out for spirit week, students’ opinions about school change. The school looks bright and cheery and seems to welcome me more when I’m walking up to a school I know is filled with students who aren’t afraid to get out of their comfort level for a little school pride. Dressing up for spirit week and any school outing not only benefits the school but it benefits you. Even if you can’t afford to dress up or don’t want to go all out, a simple piece of attire in support of said spirit day is enough. For example: a black and gold necklace on Black-Out Day; A BandAid on Fake-an-Injury Day; or a pair of glasses on Nerd Day. No, I’m not suggesting people who wear glasses are nerds -- I mean, hello, I wear them myself -- I’m simply stating it’s not that hard to express a little pride in your school. So, next spirit week, I expect to see a lot of decked out students. It’s not for just your benefit, it’s for the benefit of the school’s appearance as well as the happiness of other students.

the

reporter the staff

Volume 87 Issue 2

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Rosalyn Lucas, Riley Sawyer Design Editor: Hope Waisner Sports Editor: Caleb Hecker Reporters: Marissa Bergman, Kali Blanc, Katey Colwell, Lane Harris, Beth Johansen, Aly Johnson, Shelby McDaniel, Jenna Ratzlaff, Libby Rayne, Carl Schmidt, Chrystal Thompson, Hali Wimbush Ad Manager: Jessica Allison Political Cartoonist: Rosalyn Lucas Adviser: BriAnne Chayer

(opinion)

con

drama, choir, debate, journalism, Scholar”s Bowl, National Honor Society, everyone. Principal Phil Bressler rosalyn lucas co-editor-in-chief said that due to a short amount I’ll admit it: I get upset of time, the Homecoming pawhen my education is inter- rade only had sports teams, rupted for athletics. Not only but next year, academic clubs because I have no physical will also be involved. prowess or ability whatsoever Walking behind the floats and couldn’t tell you the rules felt like a punishment for not of a game to save my life, but being involved in sports. It also because I don’t have any was grating to see the athletic investment in the institution. students glorified when other Students who are good at students who may not be insports may depend on them volved in sports but work just for future. But for the rest of as hard in other extracurricuus -ahem, me- sports holds lar areas get no recognition. no value. The message it sent to the Granted they teach elementary and middle stuconcepts like team- dents was misleading; that work, physical fit- only athletes are recognized ness and so on. for their efforts. While partly Fortunately, I’ve true in popular culture, it’s still never needed not a good concept to ingrain tangible defeat on impressionable minds. to tell me I’m Why am I complaining overly compet- then? I’m not. I approve of the itive and a sore new administration recognizloser. ing academics. But I do have Spirit one suggestion for next year: week is asInstead of spending exsumedly designed cessive time on floats and seto inspire pride curing tractors/trucks to pull and unity. But the them, we get rid of the floats five days seem to altogether and have everybe devoted only one walk together in one big to the athlet- writhing mass. ic side. If this Groups and organizations is intention- could wear similar clothing or al, it should carry flags or banners to disbe called tinguish themselves. Not only Cheerdoes this make it harder for ing for Big someone to inadvertently get Sports Game week (get the their foot run over, it doesn’t memo?), but until then we ostracize anyone. need to incorporate all sides No matter what you do of the high school. Every (even if you don’t do anyaspect. thing) you’re still part of the Yes. Even academics. school. If we really want to inThat’s what spirit week spire school spirit the next should really be about. Homecoming parade should include everyone: FCCLA,

mission statement

The mission of the Paola High School Reporter is to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner of all subjects that affect readers. The publication seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of the paper, and the faculty, thus encouraging an exchange of ideas and opinions on issues of importance to the readers.

editorial policy

It is the policy of the Paola Reporter, to provide a forum for student expression, voices in the uninhibited, robust, free and open discussion of issues. The Reporter encourages students to write letters to the editor or submit articles for the editorial page. We reserve the right to edit content. Material that contains libelous or obscene information will not be published. Material that will cause a disruption of school activities is also prohibited. Authors must provide their full name. No articles will be published with an alias.

(sports)

The Reporter • November 2011

Senior leaders bid farewell Team ends stellar season, substate beth johansen reporter After having 29 wins, the varsity volleyball players ended the season with a runner up sub-state champion ship under their belt, preparations for the next upcoming season and a good-bye to their three seniors. “[I am] always sad to see seniors leave, they are a very diverse group and have leadership,” said Michelle Abshire, varsity volleyball coach. Abshire said the senior girls are strong leaders. Seniors Mallorie Nelson, Cheyenne Rankin and Samantha Oberg lead by example, by sparking the fire and having a positive attitude. The Panther volleyball team won more than 80 percent of its games including freshmen, junior varsity and varsity. For the senior players, it is their last year playing as a team and/ or even playing with any of these girls as they pack up and leave for college. “Successful and emotional” these were the words that all seniors used to describe their last year playing together. Oberg said the team “meshed” and they were all able to joke around and have fun with each other. “Being a senior, you have to step up, wanting to do it for it for yourself and the rest of your team,” Rankin said.

As the seniors leave, the underclassmen prepare to move up in the following year. Freshman volleyball players said they feel pressure from parents and fans to coaches and teammates. Courtney Schultz, freshman, she said she felt pressured having to practice with the varsity girls. Lacie Burgoon, freshman said she feels she has to make an impression because it’s her first year and she needs to stand out. “The freshmen have a bright future ahead of them,” said Rankin. Rankin said they just have to practice hard to reach their full potential. “Freshman were 29-4 and junior varsity was 24-4, they have a bright future ahead of them,” Abshire said. Burgoon and Schultz said they both look up to upperclassmen. Burgoon looks up to Lucy Staats, junior. Schultz looks up to Mallorie Nelson, senior, because she is a setter, but she said she felt pressure from the seniors when they all practiced together. “Beating Ottawa five times, and becom- Cheyenne Rankin, senior, and Kelsey Slawson, sophomore go up for a block ing close to Mallorie Nelson will always be against the Spring Hill Broncos. in my mind when I think of the last four years of being on the volleyball team,” said Oberg. Abshire said as a coach it’s always exciting to prepare for Seniors said they made special bonds with the coaches the next years’ season. and younger teammates during the last four years and created “Though it’s exhausting and you’re wanting it to be done many lifelong memories. with, when it is over with you’re actually ready to start the “Elizabeth Edwards and I were going up for a ball, and I season again,” Abshire said. crushed her, it was kind of funny,” said Rankin.

a senior you have to step “up,Being wanting to do it for for yourself and the rest of your team. “- Cheyenne Rankin,senior

(features)

The Reporter • November 2011

Students disclose stories of cyberbullying via technology. aly johnson reporter

Students are becoming more technologically savvy.

80% use a phone on a regular basis

40% use an iPod on a regular basis

76% use a computer on a regular basis *Reults of a Reporter survey of 14% of the student body

“B

ailey Myers is a liar and a cheater. Good luck with that ha.” Myers, junior, read those words across her computer screen on Facebook after getting into a fight with someone she had previously considered a friend. “Everyone was commenting on her status,” Myers said. “But no one stood up for me.” The fight between the two girls happened because the girl accused Myers of talking about her behind her back. Myers didn’t take the insults well. “I bawled my eyes out,” she said. The girl who set the status deleted it the very same night she put it up and the girls managed to become friends again. Myers said they are still friends now. But Myers was very hurt by the words written about her on Facebook. “We were really good friends,” Myers said. “I couldn’t believe she would do that.” Ashley Chrisman, senior, experienced cyber bullying during her sophomore year. She had been friends with a girl whom she believed stole something from her. Chrisman said she confronted the girl, but the

girl wouldn’t have anything to do with her. She said later that night things changed. “She texted me cussing at me and calling me very mean names,” Chrisman said. Chrisman said the next day, other students were laughing at her and calling her those names. She said students were writing rude things on her Facebook and texting her other derogatory comments. Chrisman said she only talked to her mom and sister about the situation. “I didn’t mention a word to my friends because I thought they would turn on me,” she said. Chrisman said she did not know how to handle the cyber bullying. “There was no way to stop it,” she said. “I just had to wait it out. I ignored it. I tried to just put on a natural face and move on.” Cyber bullying refers to any harassment that occurs via the internet, cell phones or other devices that is used to intentionally harm others through hostile behavior such as sending text messages and posting ugly comments on the internet, according to the US Legal website. Many high school students and teachers say it is resorted to because people don’t have the nerve to confront each other head on. “They’re too scared to say things faceto- face,” said Kenzie McNutt, junior. “They don’t want to get called out.” Todd DeYoung, science teacher, echoed the same sentiment.

hope waisner design editor

“Technology makes it way too easy to say inappropriate things,” DeYoung said. Sophomore Chase Stump said cyber bullying is an issue that develops from the excessive impulse to gossip and share information. The things that some say can be hurtful, he added. “Those kids don’t consider those that they’re hurting,” Stump said. “They don’t

away with.” Noah Franz, sophomore, agrees. “People seem to think there won’t be as many consequences when they cyber bully because they don’t have to confront the people they’re cyber bullying,” Franz said. Colleen Dilmore, senior, said she has never been cyber-bullied because she stays away from Facebook drama. Franz has also managed to avoid cyber-bullying. “I usually avoid people on the Internet who I know I’m not going to interact with in a positive way,” Franz said. Chrisman said technology can make life harder on students. “Our parents still had to deal with bullying, but most of it was done face-to-face so they could escape by just being away from that person,” Chrisman said. “Now if someone is being bullied there is no escape. People can email, Facebook, tweet and text mean things to them constantly.” As technology advances, so will the tactics kids use to bully each other. “I think that as technology develops, people will figure out new ways to manipulate and hurt other people through the use of technology. But I also think that the awareness of such abuse will increase as the problem increases, which will pave the way for solutions to the problem,” Franz said.

“They’re too scared to say things face-to-face.” -Kenzie McNutt, junior

have the gall to go to that person head-tohead.” Chrisman said that students cyber bully for other reasons. “They know it’s not true and they know it’s mean, but they do it so they seem ‘cool’,” Chrisman said. It was widely agreed upon by students and teachers that the use of technology for cyber bullying is common simply because it’s easy. “Bullying has always been going on, but it’s brought out more because of technology,” said Steve Gorsuch, social sciences teacher. “It makes it easier to get

VS nation Paola 7%

84%

use Twitter

28%

80%

85 % 58% 88%

use Facebook

admit to having been cyberbullied

of teens ages 12-17 are on social media sites

have witnessed cyberbullying

of teens admit to having experienced cruelty on a social network in the past 12 months

of teens say they have witnessed cruelty on a social network site

*Information from the Pew Internet website

Why Tweet? “Because I was bored and it seemed cool. A lot of my friends had it.” -Alexis Trout, junior

“Because...I just did. I don’t really use it.” -Josh Ham, junior

“Because my brother had one and he said it was fun following people.” -Jay Boan, senior

“Because I want to be cool.” -Stuart Ross, English teacher

10 (student life)

The Reporter • November 2011

Prepare for a

‘ribbeting’musical Students perform‘Frogs’this week marissa bergman reporter “I am dead,” said sophomore Libby McCormack. McCormack is referring to her character, Ariadne, in the musical, “The Frogs.” McCormack, Dimitri Smotherman, senior, and Lizzy Schroeder, freshman, are some of the performers in the musical. “I’ve always been a theater geek,” McCormack said. “so I auditioned for it and asked for a speaking and ensemble part and I got it.” She said she enjoys being part of the musical. “Singing is my passion and so is theater, so the combination of them is pretty spectacular,” McCormack said. “I love going up on stage and showing what I’ve got.” McCormack said she knows a lot of people don’t like musicals. “I guess they think it’s stupid, a waste of time,” she said. “But that’s what I want to go into as my career, so I want to get as much experience as I can.” Part of being in the musical means being around other theater students. “With any production, it’s kind of hard to

get along with the theater people,” she said. “I can only take them for about two hours and then I get really irritated with them,” McCormack said they can be annoying. Leslie Coats, director, said everyone gets worried about the small details of what they are doing but she just wants everyone to work on the same thing. She keeps control in several different ways. “Sometimes I yell; look unhappy,” Coats said. Smotherman said he gets along with the other students in the play. “I try not to take my anger out on anybody,” Smotherman said. “I try to be friendly with each person.” Schroeder said she enjoys being in the musical because she gets to spend time with her friends. She also said there is a meaning to the play. “I think it means that there are things happening in the world and people don’t try to stop [them],” Schroeder said. McCormack put it like this: “You just need to get up and do something instead of complaining or whining.”

Photo by Marissa Bergman

Senior Dimitri Smotherman and freshman Elizabeth Schroeder lift sophomore Libby McCormack across the stage during rehearsal for “The Frogs’“signature song. “The Frogs” is being performed based on the football games outcome at presstime - Nov. 17-19 or possibly 17,19-20.

Holy slang, Batman What students say*

8.2% ‘dude’ ‘bro’ 9.8% ‘omg’

9% ‘lol’

8.2%

5.7% ‘dawg’ 8.2% vulgarities

9% don’t know 36.9% other

* According to a random Reporter survey of 120 students

Texting creeps into words students use shelby mcdaniel reporter Dude. LOL. Dawg. OMG. Bro. Sound familiar? It should; according to a random survey of 120 students at Paola High, 95.1 percent of students use slang. Among the more defined terms used, “bro” and “lol” were the most common. Other less popular ones included “dude,” “omg,” and “dawg.” “It adds character and emotion to what you say,” said Marissa Greenwell, freshman. Greenwell said she uses slang five to six times a day, as do most other students, according to the random survey. Senior Brandon Beckman said he only uses slang in the context of a joke. “If a guy is telling a joke and the punch line is not funny, I’ll go off and say “lol” just because it’s not

common,” he said. Beckman said he got the idea to use slang that way from his older brother, Ryan Beckman, ’10 graduate. Ryan taught his younger brother how to use slang as a way to make people laugh, even if the joke being told isn’t funny. “I look up to [my brother] sometimes, he can do some pretty stupid things, but I look up to him,” Beckman said. Besides texting and making people laugh, Beckman said he does not use slang anywhere else. The same goes for the small fraction of other students who do not use slang. Only 4.9 percent of students say they do not use slang. Stuart Ross, English teacher, said students were fairly good at avoiding using slang in writing, but when they do use it in formal writing, he will point it out. To him, it is just another mistake in writing that needs to be corrected. “I do see it, but I always have,” he said.

Read between the spines

Teachers recommend page turners to pass the winter blahs

(arts)

The Reporter • November 2011

ENGLISH TEACHER: Eric Long

ENGLISH TEACHER:

Michelle Abshire CLASS: Freshman and Junior lane harris reporter NOVEL: The True Story of Hansel and Gretel: A Novel of War and Survival AUTHOR: Louise Murphy GENRE: Historical Fiction TESTIMONY: “It’s about a family that drops off their kids [in the forest] to save them from being captured. They leave a trail of bread crumbs to make it back to the road if they need to. They meet an old lady who becomes their friend and ally. The main characters are young and I think there’s something or someone that everyone could relate to.” EXCERPT: “The children in the sidecar stared into the night, eyes slitted against the wind. The girl’s hair wrapped around her head like a scarf and was the only covering that protected her thin throat. The boy was rolled low into the metal egg, his curly head dark in the moonlight, so thin he took almost no space at all” -page 2

ENGLISH TEACHER: Kelly Fields CLASS: Sophomore and Freshman NOVEL: Speak AUTHOR: Laurie Anderson GENRE: Realistic Fiction TESTIMONY: “I think this book does a great job of illustrating how peer pressure, combined with trying to hide trauma, can keep a teenager silent.” EXCERPT: “It is my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache...I have entered high school with the wrong hair, the wrong clothes, the wrong attitude. And I don’t have anyone to sit with. I am Outcast.” -pages 3-4

CLASS: Freshman and Senior College Prep NOVEL: On the Road AUTHOR: Jack Kerouac GENRE: Realistic Fiction TESTIMONY: “I read it my senior year and it was great. It’s about heading out, hitting the road and being free. I don’t think younger readers are probably ready for it, but most seniors could be. I think they also need to read it now. Most seniors are about to explode out of here and that’s what this book is all about. In about six years, when everyone is settling into their careers, it will be too late for them to really enjoy this book.” EXCERPT: “I woke up with a big headache. Slim was gone--to Montana, I guess. I went outside. And there in the blue air I saw for the first time, far off, the great snowy tops of the Rocky Mountains. I took a deep breath. I had to get to Denver at once. First I ate a breakfast, a modest one of toast and coffee and one egg, and then I cut out of town to the highway. The Wild West festival was still going on; there was a rodeo, and the whooping and jumping were about to start all over again. I left it behind me. I wanted to see my gang in Denver. I crossed a railroad overpass and reached a bunch of shacks where two highways forked off, both for Denver. I took the one nearest the mountains so I could look at them, and pointed myself that way.” -page 34

ENGLISH TEACHER: Stuart Ross

CLASS: Junior

NOVEL: Their Eyes Were Watching God AUTHOR: Zora Neale Hursten GENRE: Historical Fiction TESTIMONY: “Wonderful. Profound. Heartbreaking. I believe [Janie Crawford] is the strongest female character in American Literature. Everyone tells her what to do, then she decides to be her own self. Mark Twain would be proud of [Zora Neale Hursten].” EXCERPT: “Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men.” -page 1

12 (entertainment)

Traditions

through the ages

Students lack on possessing the same understanding of family traditions that adults do kali blanc reporter It’s just special. It’s just our thing. These are the words Janet Lentz, athletic office secretary, used to describe her family traditions. Most families have a separate tradition; something they hold sacred. Lentz describes her families sacred time as Christmas day. This day is time for her husband her daughters and her; no one else. When her daughters were little, they would also watch “Miracle on 34th Street.” Lentz said traditions are important because they make her happy. “Family is important to me,” Lentz said. ”I wouldn’t do something for myself if it didn’t mean doing something for my family.” Todd DeYoung, science teacher, has the same idea of tradition. “I appreciate the fact that my kids appreciate it,” DeYoung said. “When kids like the things that you like, it makes you closer.” DeYoung said the familiarity of traditions is fun. It’s having the anticipation of knowing what is going to happen before it happens, he said. Ever since his children can remember they have had the same tradition on Christmas day. They always open their stockings on he and his wife’s bed, then go out to the living room to open the rest. Junior Mollie Hart goes to a fall dinner at a church in Scipio, Kansas every year with her family at the beginning of November. Her family always takes family pictures while in Scipio, also. Hart’s grandpa had friends who went to that same church, and who would always talk about how good the food was. Hart giggled at the thought of how word spreads amongst old people. Hart said her families tradition is more personal to her dad, but she will understand it better when she’s

older. “Since it was my grandpa that implemented the tradition, when he passed away, it impacted my dad to want to keep the tradition,” Hart said. Hart said traditions encourage family bonding. This specific tradition is important to her parents because they have fond memories of it. “Normally my parents are pretty chill,” Hart said. “But for some reason, this is the only time when my parents will never let me hang out with my friends.” Hart said she will probably keep this tradition going with her family when she’s older because it has always been fun going with her family. Junior Peter Timpe’s family has always had the tradition of his grandpa coming over to his house for Thanksgiving dinner. “When we reminisce about memories we make jokes about each other and it’s funny” Timpe said.

The Reporter • November 2011

hall talk What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? “Meeting with family.” -Kyle Hendrickson , freshman

“I wouldn’t do something for myself if it

didn’t mean doing something for my family. - Janet Lentz, athletic office secretary

”

“Food and family, because I don’t get to see family very often. Thanksgiving is a big time for us.” -Baylie Wilson, sophomore “The food because you get mashed potatoes and the rolls.” -Savannah Taylor, junior

“The whole family being together, that only usually happens for my family at Thanksgiving and Christmas.” -Tim Judd, senior Compiled by Shelby McDaniel

Lentz’daughters celebrate Christmas at their home on Christmas day. Lentz said that she reserves Christmas day for her family to have time together.

Low on moola, but not methods libby rayne reporter

The game. If you know what I am talking about, you have just lost. The game (lost again) is a game of thought. “The game is the game,” freshman Kate Sample said. “Either you know it or you don’t.” Sample said that she finds it funny when others don’t know how to play and they are left clueless. “The whole point of ‘the game’ is to make your opponent think the words ‘the game’,” sophomore Bradford DeYoung said. “If they do, they have lost, even though you lose in the process.” DeYoung traces the origin of the game back to 2008. Fun doesn’t have to be expensive. Coming up with activities that don’t require many materials are often what youngsters resort to when economic times are hard-hitting. The rave of the group game ‘ninja slap’ has become popular since the beginning of 2010, according to The Evolution of Recess website. They also explain the rules and object of the

game. The Evolution on Recess website said the object is to hit someone in the circles hand in one swift motion, therefore getting them out. Each player is allowed one swift motion to dodge the attack as well. Everyone takes turns going around the circle until there is only one player left –the ninja slap champion. “It was fun and gave me something to do,” freshman Keith Peuser said. There are other options for those who enjoy more athletic activities. Dylan Dreiling, freshman, relishes bike riding. “I like to do it because it is fun and cheap,” Dreiling said. “You don’t have to pay money for gas.” Dreiling and his father go to biking events and bike distances of up to 100 miles. Sophomore Brynna Woo prefers running for inexpensive fun. “I actually really like running,” Woo said. “Especially when it’s a challenge because I am very focused on accomplishing the challenge so I can achieve the run when I put my mind to it.”

She began running over the summer with the cross country team. Rather than eating out, some students find the cost of staying home to make a meal is worth the while. Junior Clark West prefers to bake with his mom, Kim West. Since West was five, the two have made many tasteful delicacies. “It varies from cookies to pie. Everything in the spectrum,” West said. He said the cooking is relaxing and brings about good memories. Rather than remembering good times, some like to capture them. Senior Sydney Stamper spends her time taking pictures. She carries around a low-cost camera with her everywhere. Inspiration comes easily to her, she said, so her realm of photography is very wide. One specific person she likes to photograph is her sister. She also likes snapping shots of old barns. “My favorite thing about taking pictures is capturing time and emotion,” Stamper said. “When people are truly being themselves.”

(sports)

The Reporter • November 2011

Frontier face-off

Paola, Louisburg have battled out an in-state rivalry for decades caleb hecker sports editor Bitter rivals. Revenge. These are the words that float around the high school in anticipation for the game against Louisburg. Senior Rat Pack member Jobie Debrick says the match-up can be summed up as “the hate on 68 highway.” Paola beat Louisburg once in soccer, football, and volleyball this year. Activities director Jeff T. Hines said his high school days Photo by Journey Capettini from 1993 to 1997 at Louisburg were filled with many losses at the hands of Paola. Paola’s offensive line stares down Louisburg’s defensive line on October 27. Paola won the game between the two schools 42-7. “Louisburg only managed to beat Paola once while I was in school, but since I have come to Paola the schools have we want to get the job done when we play them for the Dis- Debrick said there is something different about playing been evenly matched,” Hines said. trict Championship,” Rogers said. Louisburg. Senior soccer player Annie Kessler said Paola and Louis- Paola won the game 42-7 on October 27. “There is something special about it,” Debrick said. “It’s a burg’s proximity has something to do with the rivalry. Hines said although he graduated from Louisburg, he has big game and it’s all about the bragging rights.” “The towns are really close and both schools have about no loyalty to them now. Louisburg senior Evan McKinley, defensive tackle, said the same level of play, which makes for good games,” Kes- “I am black and gold, I have lost friends because I work students like getting into the rivalry. sler said. “And no one likes Louisburg.” and cheer for Paola now,” Hines said. “I have family over “It’s about bragging rights and being the better school on Louisburg senior Nick Chapman, fullback, agrees. there and I root for them individually, but not against us.” the block,” McKinley said. “The winners get trash-talking “Paola is a close town rival,” Chapman said. “It’s a Kessler said the rivalry tends to be more intense in soccer rights and get to show their swagger.” tradition.” than other sports. Hines said Paola dominated Louisburg in fall sports this Senior Adim Rogers said the football game meant even “We have played Louisburg since we were in grade school year. more to the seniors this year. and we have the same dislike of them that the other sports “Paola beat Louisburg like a drum in volleyball and foot “The seniors haven’t won against Louisburg on varsity, so have,” Kessler said. ball,” Hines said.

Sports 101

Test your sports knowledge along with four students on these random sports questions.

carl schmidt reporter

What sport is What sport played on a pitch? uses a 5-iron?

How long does a What year did the Name 3 teams from What league is What divison is What does the bull rider have to Royals win the the MLS. Paola in? Paola? NFL stand for? stay on a bull? World Series?

I don’t know, isn’t Golf that baseball or something.

National Football League

8 seconds

1985

Sporting KC, LA Frontier Galaxy, New York League Red Bulls

Soccer

Golf

National Football League

8 seconds

1985

LA Galaxy, DC Unit- Frontier ed, Sporting KC

No idea at all

Baseball??

National Football League

Uhh..... 8 seconds

1985

No clue

Frontier

Rachael Ludwick, junior

Softball?

Golf

National Football League

2 minutes

1986

Sporting KC, Chicago Fire, all I know.

Frontier

Answer

Soccer

Golf

National Football League

8 seconds

1985

Jared Moore, junior

Nick Baker, senior

Sakeena Agha, freshman

18 teams in total. Fontier League All teams above are included.

14 (sports) From tackles to takedowns Staats, Getz change training for different sports

the students are involved in athletics in multiple sports. “It’s pretty easy for me [to make the transition],” said Staats. “On the other hand, I have done it since I was a really little kid.” Football and basketball coach Ryan Oshel says he enjoys coaching his athletes through the transition. “I love both of the sports I coach and it helps when you want to do it every day,” Oshel said. “I enjoy teaching the kids how to play the game.” Junior volleyball player and track runner Paige Getz also said that the transition was easy for her because of her past experiences. “It is pretty easy for me to make the transition, I am used to it from middle school sports,” said Getz. Photo illustration by Carl Schmidt “The change from team sports to an Many athletes make a transition between sports during individual sport makes a difference the year. Senior Tanner Staats makes the transition be- though.” tween three sports. Staats said a person has to change his mental thought process carl schmidt reporter for different sports. For some students, like football, baseball, “When you are playing football, you have and wrestling senior Tanner Staats; the tran- a whole team of ten other players behind you sition from one sport to another can be easy, ready to back you up when the going gets but that might not be the case for everybody. tough,” said Staats. With the fall sports coming to an end and Oshel said he thought high school stuthe winter sports beginning the pressure is dents do a good job of making the change on for the students and coaches to make the between sports because they are used to it. transition to a new sport. In many schools, He also said that dedication is a key to being successful. “All sports take dedication if you want to be successful,” he added. Staats said sports require a player to adapt to the new situations. “With team sports you have to be able to trust the man beside you and individual sports require you to trust yourself. “

The Reporter • November 2011

Not so Big XII Missouri leaves the Big 12; West Virgnia, TCU join Cartoon by Jenna Ratzlaff

caleb hecker sports editor Junior Justin Prothe, a Kansas fan, said he doesn’t think Missouri should leave the Big 12 despite the fact they have already agreed to join the Southeastern Conference. “The competitiveness between Missouri, KU and K-State is too important, even though Mizzou loses all the time,” Prothe said. Prothe said teams are leaving in search of better competition. History teacher Todd Weaver said the departures are because of money. Whatever the reason, the Big 12 is looking like the Big 9 and needs to add more teams. It started with the exodus of Colorado (June 10, 2010) and Nebraska (June 11, 2010) and has escalated to a full-scale realignment of the Big 12. Along with Colorado and Nebraska, Texas A&M (Sept. 25) and Missouri (Nov. 6) is leaving the Big 12 effective in 2012. Sophomore Cayman Long, a Missouri fan, said Mizzou should stay, but for a different reason. “Missouri has a good history in the Big 12,” he said. “No one cares about the other

teams that are leaving or have already left.” Weaver, an Oklahoma fan, said he would like the Big 12 to stay consistent with its name. “The Big 12 needs to go back to 12 teams,” Weaver said “Missouri should have stayed and Louisville and BYU should join.” Weaver said the addition of West Virginia after the 2012-13 school year might change the alignment of the Big 12. “West Virginia is a good team but geographically they are too far west,” he said. “It could take the alignment from north and south to east and west.” Math teacher Natalie Steutermann, Kansas State fan, is more concerned about the addition of Texas Christian University starting in the 2012-13 school year. “Will TCU be able to compete in the Big 12?” Steutermann said. “They aren’t used to playing big schools consistently.” Long said the rivalries within the Big 12 will remain despite the realignment. “Even though Missouri is leaving the Big 12, I will still dislike KU and KSU because deep down Mizzou is better,” Long said. “There will still be that burning passion for the Tigers to show who is better.”

(sports)

The Reporter • November 2011

a senior you have to step “up,Being wanting to do it for for yourself and the rest of your team. “- Cheyenne Rankin,senior

16 (features)

The Reporter • November 2011

Just a seat

Dreams, future goals with one common thing; a desk chrystal thompson reporter

STAMPEDE! The bell rings and out rush eager students. Most seem eager to hurry to their next class. Soon new students will enter the classroom. In the rush it’s rare for one to imagine a seat’s past occupants. It seems hard to imagine the student who sat there previously, let alone their dreams and desires. Here is a closer look at three students who sit in the front row middle seat every black day in math teacher Lisa Collier’s room. While the students share a seat, their pasts and futures vary greatly. Like her student’s, Collier’s own goals have changed over time. Collier enjoys teaching high school because she never knows what each new day will bring. She also likes watching students from sophomore to senior year grasp new concepts daily.

Jenna Goodheart B1

Jenna Goodheart, senior, is serious about her education after high school. She has made it a habit to not daydream in any of her college classes. She plans to first get her general education credits at Johnson County Community College then finish her education at Kansas University. She is going to get her degree in psychology. At the moment she hasn’t decided if she wants to be a social worker or counselor. Mostly she just wants to help others. It is something she will never get bored with. Goodheart didn't want to help people when she was little. With the logic of a child, who wants to protect her pets at all cost, she wanted to become a vet. Then she would be able to take care of them if they got sick. She was, and is, absolutely obsessed with her dog and cat.

The only disadvantage is catering to different students’ needs, she said. With large classes this is difficult. To combat this, she tries to teach one lesson a class period. This helps those who have difficulty with math. The downside is those who understand math quickly aren’t getting challenged. Collier did not always aspire to teach math. She wanted to become a nurse. When she was younger her and her brother played doctor often. Taking care of others was something she always thought she was good at. As she got older, she realized that being a doctor was a lot more than just taking care of people. It involves blood and needles; two of her major fears.

Graham Wicks B3

Think of the hope in a child's eyes. Imagine how excited they are to tell others their hopes and dreams. As a fifth grader, Graham Wicks, junior, knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Wicks wanted to become a professional baseball player like Barry Bonds who is placed among the greatest baseball players of all times. As a child Wicks really enjoyed baseball. He also loved the fame and power that came with the title. When he told his mother her response was, “Graham that’s not going to happen.” Now Wicks plans to go into an even more lucrative field then baseball. After high school he plans to attend an in state college. But he is unsure what field he wants to go into. All he knows is he wants to make lots of money. “Money equals happiness,” Wicks said. He wants to be able to live comfortably in a suburb in thirty years.

Curtis Moore B4

The purr of the motor. A rush of the air hurtling past. The dull roar of the onlookers in that one moment when time seems to stand still. The spray of dust cartwheeling through the air. Welcome to the world of supercross racing. This world, with its flashy moves and large pay checks, captivated Curtis Moore, senior, as a child. Even now it still is his favorite sport to watch. Moore plans to become an auto technician also known as a mechanic. This goal also has roots in his childhood. Moore grew up around cars. Through the years, he learned more and more about the inner workings of automobiles. “I'm great with my hands and tools,” Moore said. However Moore lives his life without a serious plan. “Ask me in 30 years,” he said.

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