the
reporter
Paola High School • 401 N. Angela • Paola, KS 66071
senior plans
seniors say bye
7 (opinion)
8-9 (features)
prom review
12 (entertainment)
May 2013
spring profiles
13 (sports)
@Ptown_Secret shut down Twitter account called cyberbullying by admin libby rayne opinion editor
Photo courtesy of Erin Winterscheid
Erin Winterscheid unpacks boxes of food in a warehouse for Uplift in Kansas City during a trip to help the homeless in early Aprill.
Helping homeless
Freshmen serve others
tristan barnes reporter Freshman Erin Winterscheid realizes how much she has when she goes to work with the homeless. “All that they have is what is right in front of them and I get to go home to a warm house,” Winterscheid said. “One time it was really cold and I couldn’t wait to get home but then I realized that they don’t have a place to go. They will be out all night.” Nearly 2,000 men, women and children are homeless every night in rural Kansas, said Jay Preston, founder of the local homeless shelter My Father’s House. Preston said working with the homeless is humbling. “My wife and I
struggle and that’s a good thing because it keeps us really in touch with what this is all about,” he said. Preston describes being homeless as very lonely. “If you’re on the street no one wants to talk to you,” Preston said. “You’re a problem that people don’t know what to do with, so they figure it’s just better not to engage with you.” Winterscheid and freshman Meghan Schasteen go to the city once every few months to work for a project called Uplift in serving the homeless. “I realize that I take everything for granted when I go there,” Schasteen said. “It’s pretty life changing.” Winterscheid said working with the homeless creates
memories. “One time [Meghan] and I were getting cold so we went outside, turned on our phone music and started dancing with this homeless guy,” she said. “He had moves.” Helping the less fortunate has taught them lessons. “[Working with the homeless] teaches you that everyone is still a person,” Schasteen said. “Even though they don’t have as much as we do, they are still great people.” Preston said just because someone doesn’t have a home, doesn’t mean they are different. “They are us,” he said. “They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family.”
When upset students and faculty complained about a Twitter account to administrators in early April, the principals got involved. Vice Principal Jeff T. Hines said the account’s creator, who was reponsible for posting comments about students and teachers, was discovered and the student agreed to shut down the account. Hines would not release the name of the student who ran the account because of confidentiality reasons. The account was called Paola’s Secret Admirer, junior Alaina Weidman said. “People would send in gossip and comments about students and teachers and then they would get posted.” Hines said the school deals with incidents of cyber bullying - which is what they deemed the Twitter account - numerous times throughout the year. The account’s user tweeted about junior Samie Dennigan. “I found it funny,” Dennigan said. “Sometimes they went too far, but regardless it was funny.” Dennigansaid the tweets could be harmful. “I was opposed because people’s feelings got
hurt,” Dennigan said. “Anything like that has a negative effect.” Freshman Maggie Fleming was also mentioned on the Twitter account. “They thought they were being funny when sometimes they were being rude,” Fleming said. Math teacher Natalie Steutermann did not approve of a tweet made about her. “As time went on I was more angry, not for what was mentioned about myself, but for what was mentioned about the girls here at school,” Steutermann said. Steutermann said the tweets were disrespectful and caused a lot of hurt feelings. “Boys at this age are immature and in five or 10 years when they have daughters of their own, they will think twice about this,” Steutermann said. “They would want to hurt someone pretty bad for saying something like that about their own daughter.” Others took it more lightly. “I thought it was funny. I wasn’t offended at all,” senior Tanner Morris said. Senior Brandon Youk supported the account. “I thought it was the greatest thing ever,” Youk said. “I retweeted what they said about me.” Youk said the account may have been shut down, but to look out for more. “It may have got caught, but it won’t be stopped; it’s too much of a force,” said Youk.
Stereotypes may define some
Haleys, Dees say gender makes a difference
whitney mcdaniel reporter In today’s society, sophomore Kenna Haley said she feels compelled to act a particular way in public. “I feel pressured to act quiet, innocent and sweet all the time and to have my makeup and hair done, and to do my nails and go shopping in my free time,” Haley said. Dees said he thinks guys have different societal expectations. “Guys are expected to be tough, sporty and masculine, whereas women are seen as the weaker and more vulnerable gender,” Dees said, “I don’t feel that either gender is inferior to the other, people just don’t tend to take [stereotypes] seriously.”
Haley said stereotypes between boys and girls also tend to overflow into the classroom setting. “Girls are always expected to have their homework done and have good grades, but it’s OK for guys not to,” Haley said. According to counselor Justin Elliot, of the 14 seniors with the potential of a 4.0, 3 percent of them are male while 6 percent of them are female. According to the International Association for the Evaluation of Education Achievement, 53 percent of students who graduate high school are females. It shows the majority of college students today are women, but less than 1/3 are majoring in math, science, engineering or another technical field. Instead, they are more likely to study literacy and writing. Dees said he doesn’t think teachers treat people differently whether they are a boy or a girl.
Stereotypes: see page 4
2 (quick news)
years in a row The Reporter has earned AllKansas by KSPA
days for finals this year
3
9
months of school completed this year
months for summer break
25
Compiled by Jackson Setter
quick 4 picks 2
The Reporter • May 2013
the day in May the pool opens
Students show off talents
Junior Austin McReynolds has been playing guitar for six years. Ever since he taught himself how to play, he’s been stringing his guitar. “It’s really fun,” McReynolds said. McReynolds participated in the Talent Show, sponsored by the PHS Developmental Leadership class. McReynolds sang and played “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “It’s one of my favorites,” McReynolds said. McReynolds practiced every day for two to three weeks since he heard the song and he plans to participate in future talent shows. “It was fun and a good experience,” McReynolds said. Freshman Cassandra Olender played the piano for Nina while she sang “Somewhere
Only We Know” by Keene. Olender rehearsed three times before performing on stage with Junior Nina Lopez. Lopez asked Olender to play the piano while she sang. “She’s a friend and I’d do it for her,” said Olender. “It was great. Everyone was very talented.” Winners of the talent show were in first place Jessy Schriefer, ‘12 graduate, for a jump rope routine. Second place, freshman Maggie Fleming for a dance routine and third place seniors Lane Harris and Amanda Hedges for a vocal and piano duet. Zach Trigg, senior, organized the show through Developmental Leadership. They raised money for My Father’s House, the local homeless shelter. - Katey Colwell
IHT wins multiple awards The In-House Training class (IHT) recently won awards for projects entered in the Kansas Student Technology Leaders contest. According to the KSTL results, Paola was the smallest high school in attendance, but received the most awards. “I am very proud of the students because it is a reflection of the quality of work they do as high school students,” IHT teacher Pam Fette said.
Web Design
Dustin Rojohn and Laike Walters.
Multimedia
First place- Kehoe and Franz Fourth place- Senior Bailey Hart.
Social Media
Second place- Senior Carl Schmidt, senior Kash Kruep, Rojohn Third place- Hart and senior Lauren Wolff.
Video Production
Fifth place- Seniors Elizabeth Edwards and Caitlan Schasteen.
First place- Senior Austin Kehoe and Junior Noah Franz. Second place- Juniors Jordan Bardwell,
Photo by Lyndsee Johnson
May calendar
Junior Andrew Henn demonstrates his ability to surf waves on stage at the Mr. PHS competition on April 24. Senior Josiah Hadle beat out the competition to be named Mr. PHS.
13-4 senior finals
21-2
17-8 state swim
22
18 graduation
24-5 state track,
20
state golf
finals
last day of school
softball, baseball
- Katey Colwell
Choir, band excel at state Students at the State Music Contest received exceptional scores on April 17 at the high school. “We had 10 solo performances receive 1’s,” choir director Barbara Buntin said. “I don’t think I can recall ever getting that many ones before.” Choir students are given a score of 1 to 5, 1 being the best. According to Buntin, students are judged on tone, group balance, intonation, how well they look and presentation. “I choose two songs from a list and we prepare four songs,” Buntin said. “The judges choose 2 songs and I choose a third,” Preparation for the contest began in January. Band teacher Nick Proctor said his band students did great.
“We received straight 1’s from all three judges, a first in around 18 years,” Proctor said. Band students are judged on many of the same criteria as well as expression, technique, rhythmic and note accuracy, blend and stage presence. Proctor said that to have a good performance “having a very good overall band sound that is balanced and in tune” are the most important measures. Before the contest, the band students have a couple pre-performance rituals. “Typically we hit some of the difficult sections,” Proctor. “Then I give some words of encouragement followed by the seniors.” - Libby Rayne
(news)
The Reporter • May 2013
Earning 4.0 GPA worth it to some Students dictorian,” Smith said. Freshman Dylan Speaker said the school’s classes could be more challenging, especially in the music and English departments. Sophomore Harley Tracy said people who have a 4.0 GPA try hard to maintain it. It doesn’t come easy to most of them. “I believe some classes are really hard and others are easy depending on the teachers and the subjects,” Tracy said. When Sara Allison, French teacher, graduated from Paola in 2005, she had completed File photo the National ReThis year’s graduating class could have 14 valedictorians. While some would gents and left for say graduating with a 4.0 GPA is important, Sara Allison, French teacher, an‘o5 KU with $2252 for PHS valedictorian, said trying hard and learning is more important. college. There were eight valedictorians that year, a record up to that point. “4.0 is not it,” Allison said. “It was a lot of stress for little reward.” lane harris reporter Allison said it’s better for Senior Caylin Smith is one enough. a student to try their hardest of 14 potential valedictorians. Smith said she’s capable of and get a C than to take the Although some schools being a valedictorian, and the easy way. only have one or two valedic- other potential valedictorians “At least you tried,” Allison torians per year, Smith said are smart, intelligent people. said. “At least you know you we have so many because the “I know I can do well made an honest effort. Maybe curriculum isn’t challenging enough in school to be a vale- you learned something even
High number of potential valedictorians
913-980-8722
though you got a C.” Senior Carl Schmidt had a 4.0 until he got a B first semester. Schmidt said there’s not much difference between having a 3.8 and a 4.0 for scholarships. “There’s more important things than an A,” Schmidt said. “You can’t drive yourself crazy.” Schmidt said a student shouldn’t worry if they lose their 4.0. “It happened. It’s in the past,” he said. “You know that you tried your best.” Cristie Sims, social studies teacher, said the school’s curriculum isn’t easy, but students’ expectations for themselves vary. “Obviously there are some classes which require more from students than others,” Sims said. “Expectations of teachers are high, but students’ expectations for themselves vary to a larger extent.” Sims said GPA doesn’t really matter. What matters is learning and improving grades. “Believe you can do it and do all the work,” Sims said. Smith said GPA is not the most important thing. “The most important thing in school is how the student carries themself,” Smith said. “All of their success stems from that. It’s not just intelligence. It’s social and moral intelligence as well.”
3
will letter for good grades
tristan barnes reporter
This spring, students will be recognized for their good grades by lettering in academics, Justin Elliott, counselor, said. “The decision [to change to lettering] came out of a series of discussions about honor roll and how we recognize students who succeed academically,” he said. “In all other areas of a student’s school [career], if they perform well they letter.” Elliott said lettering is used to show the activities a student participates in during high school and give recognition. To students like junior Katie Hrenchir, lettering is unimportant. “I’ve never seen lettering as that big of a deal,” she said. “But if giving out academic letters will encourage more students to try harder in school, then I’m all for it.” Senior Sarah Rourke has a different opinion. “I think that [academic lettering] is great because some kids aren’t athletic and don’t have the ability to be able to letter in a varsity sport,” she said. “If they can letter in something as far as grades go, then they feel accomplished.” Letters were handed out at the academic banquet on May 8. Along with the letter, students received an emblem and a bar. “The emblem is the standard emblem for academics,” Elliott said. “It is the lamp of knowledge.”
4 (news)
The Reporter • May 2013
of Influence FFA
Stereotypes : cont’d from page 1
Students grade chicken carcass on Jan. 31 at the poultry judging contest. Photo by Jessica Schasteen
Officers explain pluses of being involved katey colwell feature editor Senior Rylan Laudan said FFA has taught him vital life skills including responsibility and timemanagement, along with social and networking skills. “My most cherished of all FFA memories is my freshman year when I got to attend National FFA convention in Indianapolis,” Laudan said. “I got to meet FFA members from all across the country and see new things I had never seen or done before.” Laudan’s time as a member has influenced him heavily. “My time as an FFA member has helped me to grow in knowledge about the agriculture indus-
try as well as developed me into a leader,” Laudan said. Next year Laudan hopes to attend Kansas State University and major in agriculture education to become an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor. “I wish to help many other students to have the same opportunities and achievements I did as an FFA member,” Laudan said. “I simply wish to give back to the organization.” The contests FFA participates in often involve meat judging. This testing determines the quality of meat being judged. The members also participate in dairy cattle judging and floriculture. Floriculture is the identification of flowers, seeds and plants, sophomore Katie Thoden said. Junior Jennifer Wiskniewski said students can win scholarships and money at these contests and conventions. Wiskniewski is currently serving as the East
Central District President. “Our strongest contests are Farm Business Management, Food Science and Meats,” Wiskniewski said. Paola’s FFA chapter has won the most contests of the East Central District. Thoden said the state of Kansas is split up into districts and somany chapters are assigned to those districts. “You have endless opportunities to make new friends and step out of your comfort zone,” Thoden said. “I have grown as an individual.” Wiskniewski believes FFA has helped mold the person she is today. “Getting up in front of people and speaking isn’t scary anymore,” said Wiskniewski. “I know how to be a leader.”
“I don’t think that teachers [favor] one gender over the other,” said Dees. “Most the time, girls do tend to have the good grades and they participate in class more than the boys.” Junior Brennan Haley said he feels some teachers are stereotypical, but not the same way. “I don’t feel like I’m treated differently because of my gender, but more because I’m athletic,” Brennan said. “They think that because I do sports, I’m just the dumb jock.” Teacher Rebecca Johnson said she tends to handle issues differently if it involves a boy or a girl. “I teach everybody the same, but within my lectures, part of it is devoted to girls who want it more organized and for boys there needs to be time where they can get up and be active,” Johnson said. Johnson said she doesn’t think gender plays a part in how students perform in class. “It’s more how you’re raised, the values that you have, that determine how you do,” Johnson said. Dees and Brennan said people shouldn’t take stereotyping as seriously as they do. Johnson said she doesn’t like them at all. “Whether it’s social, gender or economical stereotyping, none of them should be promoted,” said Johnson.
(features)
The Reporter • May 2013
Schasteen, Wieland weigh importance of school, jobs jackson setter reporter After high school, some students may continue on with post-secondary education, whether it is a four-year university or a trade school. Senior Caitlin Schasteen says college is an important aspect of searching for the right career. “Everyone should go to college because it is a great opportunity for everyone to expand their career options,” Schasteen said. “Going to college is worth it.” Counselor Deanell Wieland also says college is important and should not be overlooked. “Besides the education you get, it is a
chance for students to be on their own,” path,” she said. “It is becoming more Wieland said. “It’s a chance to try it out, but important in the business and education you still get the experience of being with a lot fields.” Going to graduate school has a few of people your age.” benefits of its own. Wieland also says “It helps you advance in college develops life your job,” Wieland said. “It skills that are deemed provides an opportunity to useful throughout life. gain new skills and receive “You live on your more pay.” own, you deal with your - Dustin Beachboard, senior Senior Dustin own problems, and Beachboard does not plan you manage your own on going to college. money,” she said. “I am not interested in school anymore,” You learn from your mistakes and Beachboard said. “I have never wanted to successes and you can carry that on with you go to college.” throughout life.” Beachboard said that he has heard bad Schasteen plans to attend Missouri things about going to college. State University and major in Exercise and “I’ve heard too many stories of people Movement Science. getting out of college and wishing they had She also plans to go to graduate school for that money to pay bills,” he said. physical therapy. Wieland said graduate school is not for Beachboard plans to tour with a band everyone. She said it depends more on the during the summer. “We are going on tour in Texas,” career option. “Graduate school is not for every career Beachboard said. “I would be like a
I have never wanted to go to college.
5
technician, running lights and sound.” He does not expect to make it big. “I don’t set expectations or goals,” he said. “I just wait to see what happens. I’d rather have fun than make money.” Wieland said that a student will certainly get their money’s worth out of going to college. “If it is a four-year university I believe that people do get their money’s worth out of it,” Wieland said. She said that small schools are just as good. “People also get their money’s worth out of a junior college or trade school,” Wieland said. They come out with certain skill sets and they are very employable right away and make just as much or more money than someone with a four year degree.” Wieland said that you could not go wrong with any kind of post-secondary education. “When you are talking about education out of high school, you get your money’s worth,” she added.
Worship Service: 9:15-10:30 am Sunday School: 10:45-11:45 am Nursery Provided
Pastor Laurie Johnston 22875 West 255th Street Hillsdale, Kansas hillspres@mokancomm.net www.hillsdalepresbyterian.com
6 (opinion) Last lesson:bedo All in this A moment of reflection from a normally flippant senior hali wimbush design editor Here comes that awkward moment when you’re about to get a serious lesson from the girl who speaks in gibberish. I love being a teenager. Not because of high school or because it’s one of those peak times in your life but because I gain full responsibility for my life. According to Bill Gothard, the third basic principle for life is responsibility. Responsibility is often a word despised and ignored by most teenagers. Not because we’re afraid of responsibility, but because we don’t want that burden on our shoulders. At a young age I learned responsibility was not something you should be passive about. If people don’t take responsibility for their actions, then we allow the trust we have for each other dissipate. All of my life, I’ve lived with my grandmother; my mother had me when she was 15 and was incapable of handling an infant. This is an instance where my mother was irresponsi-
ble and therefore affected the life of not only her own mother, but her daughter as well. Because of my mother’s lack of responsibility throughout her life, I lack the trust a daughter should have with her mother. Responsibility reflects a person’s character. If a person lacks the motive to take responsibility it might show that their passive and apathetic or lazy. Along with responsibility comes respect. Respect is something is hard to earn in most cases. If one shows that they can be responsible and are willing to take on tasks that aren’t necessarily their problem. The amount of respect placed on that person will rise. I have little respect for my parents. This sounds harsh, and you’re probably thinking, you’re a teenager what made you think that you can say that about your parents. It’s the simple fact that they’ve never been responsible. In order to earn my respect, you need to show me you’re willing to earn it. Both of my parents were incarcerated. They allowed their irresponsibility and lack of respect for themselves to alter the path of their lives. Instead of thinking about the impact their decisions
would make on not only them, but their future children they chose to be passive. In result, I never had parents. In my 18 years, I’ve seen my dad twice. When I look at my parents instead of feeling anger about their decisions, I feel sad. I’m sad that they don’t have enough respect for themselves to take hold of their lives and get it on the right track. I feel sad that they don’t have the drive that I do to become something with their lives and that I, as their child have little respect for them. Responsibility isn’t something that should be taken lightly. When one is given responsibility they should take hold and complete that task. I’ve taken the incentive to do things with my life through the lack of responsibility. Responsibility is an opportunity to gain respect. Everyone deserves to be respected but respect needs to be earned. So, thank you all for the years here. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the tears. It’s been a bedo, which means good, few years.
When I came here two years ago I wrote a list of goals I should complete by the end of May, 2013. It included making it to state cross country, being in a band, and finding a job. The second goal, after “Start a To-Do list,” was writing a letter to Paola. I didn’t know at the time that my audience would be 5000 people. Somehow I avoided the cliques and drama and found a chill group of friends who know how to live and love. The world is full of drama, but a long time ago, there wasn’t any. God made everything perfect. God created us just to love us and be
loved back. Accepting Jesus as your savior doesn’t mean your problems will disappear. I used to have a great life. I won all my races, had a big, beautiful house and some really cool friends. So I accepted Christ into my heart. I couldn’t have been happier. I thought, “From now on my life is going to be blue skies and sunshine: guaranteed.” Then the storms came. My identity in track was spoiled when I lost my first race. My comfort in my beautiful house was lost when we moved into a trailer. My friends started changing, and I was changing, too. Change can be painful.
Imagine a world where we have each other’s backs
together I hate her. I hate him. Can they go to a far off place and never come back? Maybe Narnia or Middle Earth or something. I know I am not alone in, for lack of a better word, hating these people I am stuck in a building with for seven hours a day. Graduation will be great. I can say sayonara to my classmates forever. Wait. What is that? Classmates, not classenemies. It has taken me four years to come to this realization. Every one of us is here with the same goal: to get through this and move on, hopefully by graduating. So why do we act like we are the kings and queens of our own little lands? We act like we are the only ones who really matter, the only ones who anyone should give a hoot about. News flash, baby doll, we are all just one in 646, and that’s just in this building.
My letter to Paola: lane harris reporter
The Reporter • May 2013
So why, if we all want the same thing, do we not help each other along the way? It’s not a competition; first one out gets the golden star. We are all on the same team. Teammates help each other out, cheer them on. When I look around I don’t see that. I see petty jealousy and rudeness. When a classmate fails, it’s funny. It makes us feel better about ourselves. We might even help them fail, tear them down ourselves. Victory, right? Wrong. Destroying someone else will do nothing to help you get to the goal. It only makes the path harder for us. We continue the cycle by doing this. As the cliché goes; what goes around comes around. Not one of us can seem to be a big person and end this. When that beautiful, talented girl wins state, don’t be angry she has everything already; be proud of her. When the robotics team gets an award, don’t
journey capettini yearbook editor -in-chief call them losers; it is what they love, be proud for them. When one of your classmates excels, it looks good for all in the school, and when the fail, it looks bad. So don’t say “That tramp, I saw it coming,” when a girl gets pregnant. See what you can do to help. My days in this school are numbered and I have just figured this out. I know I am not alone. I see it in some of the other seniors. On May 18 all the seniors may realize how much time we all wasted fighting against each other, but would it not have been better to see this earlier? If freshman year we all walked in helping each other out and taking time to care about others instead of trying to be the “winner,” high school would have been a lot smoother. If we had known, as a well-known Disney movie says, we are all in this together.
Time to give credit where credit is due
I started having troubles with my identity. I had no way of knowing who I was or what mattered in life. I heard about and saw my peers hurting themselves with their decisions, and I would have done the same thing. All I could do was stick to what the Bible told me. The Bible is God’s way of speaking to people. Keep your body healthy: you will be strong. Wait for the girl you’ll marry: she’ll be perfect for you. Have hope in heaven: it’s coming quickly. I knew that I had to stick to something that didn’t change, something I could find comfort and security in when everyone failed me and I didn’t know what to do. What I
believed became my identity, and now I flourish in rough times because I have that security. I am strong. I will wait. I have hope. The Bible says three things will last forever, which doesn’t include my stay in Paola Town. So I want to say thank you before I leave. To janitors for my messes you’ve cleaned. For midnight drivers who didn’t hit me for running too close to the road. To teachers, coaches, and teammates for your patience with me. This is a great town, and you, reader, have made it so. Again, thank you, and God bless.
(opinion)
The Reporter • May 2013
Blurred reality
7
High school not as memorable as the movies caleb hecker editor-in-chief When I decided to be on staff I knew I was going to have to write this article, saying my final farewells to Paola High School. I never knew what I wanted to write and spent a decent amount of time thinking about it. Well, now the time to write it has come and I still have no inkling of what to write about.Nothing about high school has been memorable, which I blame on Hollywood. Hollywood makes movies about high school that aren’t even close to the real deal. I would like to look at some of them a little closer and break down why I can’t think of some memorable part of high school.
I have had detention and it isn’t anything like this movie. An eighthour detention on Saturday is ridiculous. My detention was only 15 minutes and it was before school. I wasn’t made aware of any rules that needed to be followed during that 15 minutes either. Also, no teacher wants to come in on a Saturday and watch a bunch
of delinquents on their day off. Detention also consisted of me and the teacher, no other students. Even if there were five students picked out of five cliques in the school, I probably would not have talked to them, let alone bonded with them to make an amazing club that defies the stereotypes of society.
City-wide dance bans? I wish that would happen. We have too many dances at Paola if you ask me. They are fairly boring and they definitely aren’t as destructive as this movie would have you believe. The only reason I can find to go against the rules in Paola is because you have a personal vendetta against the administration, not because you want to dance. While this sounds far-fetched it really isn’t. According to the Oklahoma Gazette, this actually happened in Elmore City, Oklahoma, a small town of 700. There was a law preventing dancing in city limits that was made in the late 1800s. The 1979-1980 school year ended all that, allowing the first prom in the town’s history.
Where do I begin with this load of lies? A school for wizards, wizards in general, near-death experiences, giants, monsters, old dudes who only die at the hands of their friends and a kid who is apparently never going to graduate. Granted, Cayman Long looks like Harry, but he has no magical powers except for his ability to fight off imaginary dinosaurs with chairs. Just kidding, Cayman. If you look to this movie for a little guidance about high school, you already have enough problems. High school has been fun, but it wasn’t the collection of memories I was expecting when it began. High school was like walking in a rut, doing the same routine every day. Wake-up, go to school, go home and go to sleep. Wake-up, go to school, go home and go to sleep. I made some friends, whom I am really going to miss when I go to college. I won’t, however, be in any hurry to come back. A lot of people helped me along during school and I would like to thank them, but it is time for me to get out of here and start a new adventure. It may not have been everything it was cracked up to be, but thanks for trying, Paola.
reporter
Photo illustration by the Journalism Club
Dear Mrs. Chayer, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole three years in Journalism interviewing, procrastinating and deadline-ing. And we think you’re crazy to make us write senior opinions saying goodbye. You see us as you want to see us: perpetually hungry, loudmouths, whiners. But what we found out is that each one of us is… A singing journalist, And a ginger journalist, And a sports journalist, A design yerd, And an oreo journalist. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Journalism Club
the
Movie posters from the imdb website
the staff
Volume 88 Issue 6
Editor-in-Chief: Caleb Hecker Design Editor: Hali Wimbush Feature Editors: Katey Colwell, Aly Johnson Opinion Editor: Libby Rayne Reporters: Tristan Barnes, Katie Biggs, Natalie Eppler, Lane Harris, Camille Mars, Whitney McDaniel, Chase Mercer, Brooke Prothe, Jackson Setter Ad Manager: Marissa Bergman Adviser: BriAnne Chayer
mission statement The Reporter is for the students, by the students. The goal of the Reporter is to give the students a voice, and provide an open forum of ideas while maintaining an ethical publication with unbiased coverage.
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.
(features)
The Reporter • May 2013
Senior plans
Tony Telegin: Ottawa After high school, Senior Tony Telegin hopes to someday do research for NASA and dreams of looking for plant life on Mars. “I would like to someday create a plant that grows under all conditions,” Senior Tony Telegin said. “I want to be a plant scientist.” To become a scientist, Telegin will attend classes at Ottawa University. “I am happy and scared,” Telegin said. “I just do not know what to expect.” At Ottawa University, Telegin will study plant biology and take general education classes. “I am looking forward to the classes themselves and learning about plant
science,” Telegin said. ”I hope to learn about plant genetic code and how to make a better plant.” Telegin received a $15,000 scholarship to Ottawa University and is very excited about the opportunity.
katie biggs reporter natalie eppler reporter
Molly Delks: Kansas State Senior Molly Delks dreams of working in fashion. “I love clothes and have always dreamed of moving to New York and traveling to Paris,” Delks said. To help make these dreams a reality, Delks is majoring in apparel marketing and apparel design and production at Kansas State University. “I am double majoring to find out what I want to do with design,” Delks said. According to the K-State College of human ecology website majoring in apparel marketing can prepare a student to become a buyer, sales representative or clothing trend forecaster. Apparel design majors may become fashion designers, technical designers, pattern makers or product developers.
2013
Seniors set goals...
“I am very excited,” Delks said. “I am looking forward to the freedom and opportunity to make decisions on my own.” For Delks, leaving high school is bittersweet. “It is sad leaving my mom,” Delks said.
Graphic courtesy of Sagers web design and consulting. Illustration by Natalie Eppler and Katie Biggs.
Trent Fleming: United States Marines Senior Trent Fleming dreams of becoming one of the few and the proud, a United States Marine. “I want to serve my country and do something bigger than myself,” Fleming said. Fleming leaves for basic training in September. He will be stationed in San Diego until December. Based on the United States Marine Corps Website, while at basic training, Fleming will learn how to operate a M16-A2 service rifle and learn the basics of being a Marine. “I am looking forward to the experience, the brotherhood and making new friends,” Fleming said. Although Fleming is looking forward to the Marines, he said he will miss high school. “Freshman art class is my favorite memory,”
Fleming said. “I learned a lot of new stuff and just had a good time.” After completing basic training Fleming hopes to attend Scout Sniper School. “They have the best sniper school,” Fleming said. ”It got me interested in the Marines.” According to the United States Marine Corp Website, to get into sniper school Fleming must first become an expert rifleman, a second class swimmer, score a high first class PFT (3 mile run in 18 min., 20 pull-ups and 100 sit-ups under two min.) and qualify as a recon marine. “It is definitely a good thing to get out there and do stuff on my own,” Fleming said.
The Reporter • May 2013
Lauren Wolff: Kansas
For senior Lauren Wolff, success means being happy with one’s career and lifestyle. “I want to be more successful,” Wolff said. “I want to become a criminal lawyer or business woman. To achieve this goal, Wolff plans to attend The University of Kansas and study business and possibly law. While
Alora Smotherman: Work
Senior Alora Smotherman is ready for no homework. “I hate school,” Smotherman said. “I never liked school, not even in kindergarten.” After May 13, Smotherman will never see homework again. Instead she will be in charge of caring for nine 2-year-olds. “I love kids,” Smotherman said. “They’re fun to be around and so free-
Cerrica Bowlin: Colby Community College Senior Cerrica Bowlin dreams of giving disabled animals a safe home. “I would like to open a shelter in Montana,” Bowlin said. “I want to give handicapped animals a somewhat painfree life.” Before opening a shelter, Bowlin plans to become a veterinary technician. “I want to work with animals for a lot of years until I have enough money and support to open a small animal shelter,” Bowlin said To become a veterinary technician, Bowlin will study veterinary technology at Colby Community College in
at KU, Wolff will take classes in accounting, math and psychology. Wolff has not always wanted to be a lawyer. “First I wanted to do something with horses and then I wanted to be a vet.” Wolff said. To earn money while in college, Wolff plans to continue working with horses. “I have been training horses for a long time and plan on keeping up during college,” Wolff said. Although Wolff dreams of her hobby becoming her job she wants more success than these jobs will offer. Wolff became interested in law when she compared jobs with high-paying salaries. “I thought becoming a lawyer looked more interesting than the others,” Wolff said.
Colby. Bowlin said veterinary technicians assist veterinarians by taking blood samples, taking x-rays of animals, preparing animals for surgery and vaccinating the animals. Bowlin looks forward to the opportunity to work with animals and hopes to find homes for animals that need special care. “I want to become a veterinary nurse so that animals who are suffering will have someone who will take care of them,” Bowlin said.
spirited.” Smotherman will continue to work at Kreative Korners Daycare in Paola. “My favorite part of the job is the kids, but it can be hard when you discipline them and they don’t want to listen,” Smotherman said. To train for her job, Smotherman completed CPR and child development classes. When not babysitting, Smotherman hopes to pursue a music career. “I’m going to try to be a singer,” Smotherman said. “I will sing anything.” To jumpstart her music career, Smotherman plans to audition when the opportunity arises and post videos on YouTube. “It’s always been there,” Smotherman said. “I’ve always been singing.”
10 (academics)
Duck
Life
The
The Reporter • May 2013
Rush, Waltrip, Timpe, Menefee share why they love the Dynasty
brooke prothe reporter
Photo illustration of Si, the uncle of Willie in the reality show “Duck Dynasty.”Si holds up his jug of sweet tea which he’s never seen without. Illustration by Katie Biggs
Matilyn Rush, junior, said she found out about “Duck Dynasty” from everyone at school talking about it all the time and telling her to watch it. Rush said she now loves watching it because it’s so funny and it’s a reality comedy. She said she watches every episode and DVRs them. According to its web site, “Duck Dynasty,” which is in its third season, is A & E’s most watched show. The Louisiana bayou family is run by CEO Willie Robertson. The show features a close-knit family that is bearded and clad in camo. Robertson’s family made a fortune by making and selling duck calls. Rush said her favorite character is Si Robertson, Willie’s uncle, because he is always talking about what he did in the Vietnam War, even when he didn’t. “He’s always talking about Vietnam and doesn’t really know what he’s talking about,” Rush said. Peter Timpe, senior, said his favorite character is Jep because he reminds him of his brother. “They don’t talk much, but when they do it’s always funny,” Timpe said. Timpe said he loves the show because it’s funny and it’s a show about philosophy. He said his favorite episode was the one
where they went to Bass Pro to unveil a new wing of the store made just for carrying the Robertson’s products. “The show teaches you how you should live your life,” Timpe said. Teachers are also getting in to “Duck Dynasty.” Agricultural teacher John Menefee said he loves “Duck Dynasty”
It’s fun, it’s stupid, and it requires no intellectual thought. -John Menefee , ag teacher because it’s fun and people can relate to it. Menefee said he heard about “Duck Dynasty” from his students and now watches every episode as it comes out and DVRs some of them too. Senior Madison Waltrip said she likes “Duck Dynasty” because they have a different lifestyle and she thinks it’s interesting. Waltrip said her favorite character is Jase because he’s funny. “His humor just makes me happy,” Waltrip said.
This reporter’s inside look on the real care baby Pretending to be a parent and failing
opinion hali wimbush design editor To start things off, I am not a mother nor do I plan on becoming a mother for quite some time. However, I did wish to test my parental skills by “baby sitting” the real care baby for an evening. This is the embarrassing inside look on my failure as a one-night parent. As a young mother, I should have been smart and decided to stay home but instead I figured I could balance my social life with my parental life. I was sadly mistaken. For being a ‘doll’ Emmalyn took up a majority of my social times and seemed to cry whenever someone would comment on how quiet she was being. Dinner was horrible. Emmalyn seemed to find that dinner was the time to cry and whine and become fussy. As a parent, I should have thought of my child more and stayed home, but instead cov-
ered her speaker and profusely apologized to those dining around me, including my friends who were embarrassed as well. As soon as I got Emmalyn settled down , I then laid her in my lap, which caused her head to snap back. Well, of course this caused her to scream. Boy, was that embarrassing and uncomfortable. Again, I simply covered her speaker. Now, I look like a bad parent and a bad student. I’m happy I’ll never see those people again. Hoping to keep the meal short, I ordered a salad. As I play in my lettuce and attempt to keep my body as still as possible, a sudden muscle spasm causes me to drop half of my salad on my lap and guess who still happens to be “sleeping” there. Instead of placing her back in her car seat which would have been the smart thing to do, I instead laid her in my lap. So, Emmalyn is sitting in my lap and covered in lettuce. Picking the lettuce off my ‘child,’ I decide that it’s safe to continue on with my meal. Ordering dessert, I pray to God she doesn’t cry because I can’t handle it. Nor do I want to have to leave to take care of her. So,
chowing down on my brownie and ice cream I happen to lean back and drop chocolate syrup on my recently lettuce-covered child. Being the “good parent” I am, I licked the syrup off my child. Dinner wasn’t the best event, so I should have learned and gone home Instead, I allowed the teenager in me to overwhelm my good judgement and I went to a friend’s house afterwards. I don’t enjoy waking up in the middle of the night to fussing, although once I determined what each of the cries meant it was far easier. However, with a real child they could just be fussy. I can’t handle consistent crying or fussing. I just wouldn’t make a good parent. Also the fact that I got tired and just wanted to sleep, I didn’t want to take care of a child. I wanted sleep. Parenting is not easy, even when it’s a doll. I don’t want to become a parent because I want to focus on my schooling and want/ who I want to become in life. Maybe later in life, I’ll want to become a parent. Sydney Mundell, sophomore, also had the opportunity to be a parent for a day. “It made me take a break from eating my
meals, getting ready in the morning and sleeping,” Mundell said. Janet Ward, family and economic services teacher, said the real care baby simulates real life . “I think Emmalyn Grace my real the real care care baby for the evening baby, for the most part just simulates the time and patience required for taking care of an infant,” Ward said. “You don’t know what the baby wants and you have to have added patience.” Having a child is not easy, which is one reason I plan on continuing my education.
11
(student life)
I have a dream... The Reporter • May 2013
aly johnson feature editor
Zach Trigg, senior
Rachel Dougherty, chemistry teacher Aspiring teacher since day one lives her dream Due to her love of books, chemistry teacher Rachel Dougherty has aspired to be either a teacher or a librarian her whole life. “My grandmother was a one-room schoolhouse teacher for a long time and she loved teaching,” Dougherty said. “So I think that’s part of it for me, because she always said ‘You could be a teacher’ and she thought it was the greatest thing in the world when I actually became one.” Dougherty said she has been taking steps toward a career in teaching since high school. “I did a lot of tutoring of other kids in high school—some of it after school, some of it just during school. Kids would ask me questions and I just liked seeing other kids understand stuff, so I would help them in school,” Dougherty said.
Deferred dream of being astronaut leads to aspiration to be future president
“Then I went to college, did some tutoring there too to practice, then I started teaching.” Dougherty has been teaching for 20 years and she said she is perfectly content with her job as a teacher and wouldn’t trade it for anything. “It’s just fun seeing kids figure something out,” Dougherty said. “A lot of times you’ll just see their face kind of light up like ‘Ah, I get it!’ And it’s fun having kids come back and tell me or send me emails saying that they’re using the things I taught them and that the little tricks make it so much easier in college. Just getting that affirmation that kids are learning is what I like.” After she retires from teaching, Dougherty said she would like to open a flea market. “I love finding bargains at garage sales and auctions and things like that,” Dougherty said. “So if I could make money out of it, I’d love to have a little flea market booth someday.”
Blake Driskell, freshman
Senior Zach Trigg would love to be an astronaut more than anything in the world. “Astronauts are the coolest people—I would say in the world, but they’ve left the world—so they’re the coolest people because they’ve left the world,” Trigg said. Despite his desire to be an astronaut, Trigg has had to give up that dream over time. “I had to stop going to space camp because I had football, so that dream just sort of faded away,” Trigg said. If given the opportunity to go back in time and change anything, Trigg said he would choose to never stop going to space camp. “I would pursue [being an astronaut] over anything else,” Trigg said. Along with going to space camp every year, Trigg said he would take other steps toward a career as an astronaut.
“I’d probably surround myself with people who know how to get to where I want to go,” Trigg said. “So I’d surround myself with astronauts.” Though he said it’s a downgrade from being an astronaut, Trigg’s current dream is to become the President of the United States. “I just want to do good for the world and I feel like there’s no better place to do that than the presidency,” Trigg said. Trigg has already taken steps toward achieving his goal of becoming president. “I was a page for the United States Senate for four months where I made contacts and friends with powerful people,” Trigg said. Trigg said he is going to continue to work towards a career as president by going to college, serving in the military, starting his own business, making money, financing his own campaign, and eventually getting elected to the presidency.
Kat Argeropoulos, junior
Childhood dreams of becoming Power Ranger, pro athlete fade away
Pursuit of future career as crime analyst inspired by her dad
As a child, freshman Blake Driskell dreamed of becoming a Power Ranger. “I was obsessed with them,” Driskell said. “I was a Power Ranger [for Halloween] like four times.” As he got older, Driskell began to aspire to be a professional athlete. However, that dream also faded with time. “I just kind of realized I had no future in it,” Driskell said. “I didn’t think it was going to get me anywhere, so I kind of gave up that dream.” Though he has moved on since that phase of his life, Driskell said that if he could be anything in the whole entire
Junior Kat Argeropoulos’ dad was the inspiration behind her dream of becoming a crime analyst. “My dad is a detective and I always wanted to do what he did,” Argeropoulos said. “But it was always scary having to wonder if my dad would come home after a night at a crime scene, so I wanted to do something similar to what he did, but I didn’t want to be out in the field as much.” To achieve her dream of becoming a crime analyst, Argeropoulos said she goes to work with her dad a lot and is looking for a college that has a strong program for that career field. Along with the inspiration of her dad, Argeropoulos said Lesley Wilson’s sociology
world, he would still choose to play in the NBA. “I love playing basketball, so it would be awesome,” Driskell said. “And if I would have worked a lot harder at it, I feel like I could’ve made something of it.” Driskell said doubt is the main reason most peoples’ big dreams fade away. “They’re just doubtful about getting a career in what they want to do and everything,” Driskell said. At this point in his life, Driskell is still a bit unsure about what he wants to do with the rest his life. “I don’t know… I just want to be successful,” Driskell said. “I want to go to college and get my master’s degree and do something in the construction field or be an architect.”
Roleplaying Actors discuss their roles in spring production
Photo by Whitney McDaniel
Senior Cooper Sims-West whacks senior Zach Holtz with a broom during the play Scapino. The play was preformed on April 4 and 6 at the high school.
chase mercer reporter Scapino was a comedic play with many actors with years of experience. “I have been in theater all four years of high school,” senior Zach Holtz said. “I have been involved in theater and the arts since freshman year,” junior Luke Larson said. In Scapino, Larson played one of three waiters that were involved in the background of the play and in small opening scenes of the play.
class drove her towards a future career as a crime analyst. “I just think it’d be really fun to learn about different sorts of crimes and become more educated about that kind of stuff,” Argeropoulos said. Though it is her current dream, Argeropoulos said being a crime analyst isn’t always what she wanted to do. “I used to want to be a paleontologist and dig up dinosaurs and stuff,” Argeropoulos said. “I loved dinosaurs and always wanted to learn new things about them.” Argeropoulos said she will most likely start her schooling at a junior college, and after that she sees herself living in a small town. “I wouldn’t mind coming back to Paola,” Argeropoulos said. “I like the small town atmosphere.”
“As the waiter I did normal waiter things like taking orders, filling drinks, etc.,” Larson said. “But I was also very quirky and gross. An example is spilling mac and cheese on the floor and still serving it anyways.” Larson said he wanted this role because it was small and he was busy with Robotics. One of the bigger roles was played by Holtz. “I played Signor Geronte, who is one of the main characters’ father,” Holtz said. “I basically served as the main antagonist to the lead player, Scapino, who was my servant.” Drama teacher Leslie Coats said she thought the cast did a good job. “From my viewpoint the cast worked well together,” Coats said.
12 (entertainment)
hall talk
What are your thoughts on gay marriage?
The Reporter • May 2013
Trans-prom-inental
Students participate in the around-the-world themed prom festivities camille mars reporter
“Sure. I don’t see what’s wrong with them as long as they don’t force it on me.” -Tony Telegin, senior
“You should be able to get married to anyone you want. Love is love.”
Photo by Journey Capettini
Photo by Brooke Prothe
Above left: Seniors Renner Wikstrom, Paige Getz, Rylan Laudan and junior Nina Lopez f all under the spell of the hypnotist at After Prom on April 20 at the Miami Co. Fairgrounds.
- Camisha Loving, senior
Above right: Juniors Lauren Frederick and Gio Carrette slow dance at prom April 20. The theme of prom, created by the junior prom committee, was Transprominental.
“It’s freedom. It doesn’t really bother me that much. I mean, it’s your own decision.” -Luke Robinson, junior
Photo by Michaela Conn
Right: Katelyn Bell, junior, dances at prom April 20. The gym was decorated with images from around the world such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Kremlin. in Moscow. Below left: Senior Joe Pomatto poses with the Leaning Tower of Pisa during Prom Walk-In April 20. Parents of juniors created two postcard scenes for promgoers to get their pictures taken. Below right: Juniors Tucker Klaasmeyer and Samantha Dennigan get ready to walk in to prom.
Photo by Jackson Setter
Juniors Madison Auten and Allie Ozier paint a dragon during prom builds March 27. Photo by Michaela Conn
Photo by Katie Biggs
13
(sports)
The Reporter • May 2013
Spring sport cards Close-ups of athletes in spring sports Grade: Senior Sport:Softball
Savannah Taylor
Experience: Playing for 11 “[Savannah] is a huge part years of our team. She works extremely hard to get to Position: where she is now. She has Varsity center fielder become a great leader. I remember her as a freshman “Understand when you and she was so quiet, now I make a mistake you can’t let can’t get her to shut up.” it ruin the rest of the game -Troy Collier, softball coach for you. You have to shake Compiled by Caleb Hecker
Photo by Caleb Hecker
Grade: Senior Sport: Baseball Experience: Playing for 13 years Position: Varsity Pitcher
Kyle Johnson
“The highlight of the season so far has been playing three games in the T-bones tournament and going 2-1. Hopefully we can ...get to
the state tournament. ” - Kyle Johnson “ Kyle ...always demonstrated the characteristics that you look for in a player. Kyle is a good pitcher who handles pressure situations with great ease. He doesn’t get rattled and is capable of doing his job on the mound.” -Curtis Murdock, baseball coach
Grade: Senior Sport: Golf Experience: Playing for five years Position: Varsity 1 man “I like playing golf because I get to do what I want to do. I get to go out there and play my game.” - Dylan Queen
“I think Dylan realized he had a lot of potential to be a real good golfer, and he focused on that. He has had great support from family and golfing friends, and his practice efforts have paid great dividends. He has been a great kid to be associated with as a coach.” -Greg Cartwright, golf coach Compiled by Aly Johnson
Photo by Caleb Hecker
Grade: Senior
Steven Beets
was one of the first times I got first place for an enSport: Tennis tire tournament . That was pretty cool.” Experience: Playing for four - Stephen Beets years “Steven has a good Position: Varsity #1 doubles groundstroke, average serves, and he needs to improve on his volleys to take “ Last year me and Dalton the next step.” went somewhere down - Todd Weaver south and ended up wintennis coach ning the tournament. It File Photo
Morgan Gilliland
Photo by Lane Harris
Grade: Senior Sport: Track Experience: Playing for seven years Event: Shot put and discus “My favorite memory was freshman year being one of the two people to medal.” - Morgan Gilliland “[Morgan] is hardworking, determined and committed. It’s her favorite thing to do. She sees what hard work can do because she is going to college for [track].“ - Mike Smith, track coach
Compiled by Katie Biggs
Compiled by Whitney McDaniel
File Photo
Dylan Queen
it off and continue on with the next play” - Savannah Taylor
Compiled by Tristan Barnes
Madison Waltrip
Photo by Whitney McDaniel
Grade: Senior Sport: Swim Experience: Swimming for nine years Event: Butterfly, freestyle “It’s been a good year. I think we’ve all gotten closer this year. It was a great way to end my swimming career at PHS. ” - Madison Waltrip “Madison is a four year swimmer and a three time varsity swimmer. She’s a very hardworking, low key member but a key part of our team. She can do a butterfly and freestyle and is willing to do harder things like the individual medley which makes her versatile. She scores points for our team and has been a very positive influence on our younger swimmers.“ -Sarah Dorsett Compiled by Hali Wimbush
14 (sports)
The The Reporter Reporter • March • May 2013
Sports worth it, despite risks Kehoe perseveres through injury jackson setter reporter Through six months of rehab, senior Austin Kehoe was able to fully recover from a knee injury. Kehoe’s injury put a temporary damper on his soccer career. He plans on attending Ottawa University and walking on to the soccer team. Kehoe was injured by two opposing players during the very first game of the season against Baldwin on Aug. 28. “Two players each came across my leg,” Kehoe said. “One player stuck above my knee and one below my knee that ended up taking my leg out from underneath me.” Kehoe said he suffered fairly severe
injuries. “I tore my ACL, lateral meniscus, and strained my MCL,” Kehoe said. Kehoe said the pain was instant. “It felt like it was burning and I could not walk on it very well,” he said. Kehoe said his mobility was limited. “I could move my knee itself,” he said. “I tried to walk it off, but when I would take a step my knee would give out.” Kehoe underwent surgery to repair and reconstruct his knee. Despite the critical injuries, Kehoe said he likes the impact sports have on a person’s life. “It keeps you active and it gives you good structure,” Kehoe said. “It occupies your time and gives you something to do.” “Those are important aspects to use throughout your lifetime,” he added.
Gorsuch focuses on positives Social studies teacher Steve Gorsuch has always been involved in sports, whether playing, coaching or just helping out. He was a twosport athlete until his senior year of high school when wrestling was finally offered at his school so he bec ame a threesport athlete. “I played football, track and wrestled my senior year,” Gorsuch said. Gorsuch continued to play sports during college. “I played collegiate football until my
junior year,” he said. Gorsuch’s only serious injury was a neck injury that he sustained and ended up getting surgery on. “I had a double-hip replacement, but I don’t think much of it has to with the injuries I had in sports,” Gorsuch said. “I have aches and pains from injuries though.” Gorsuch seesthe positives of playing sports. “It gives me an incentive to take care of myself,” he said Gorsuch also credits sports for keeping him focused throughout school. “If it wasn’t for sports, I probably wouldn’t have ever made it through college,” he said. “If it wasn’t for sports, I probably wouldn’t be a school teacher either.” Gorsuch said sports can keep students on
Senior Austin Kehoe injures his knee against Baldwin on Aug. 28. Kehoe continues to want to play soccer.
Photo by Whitney McDaniel
track for success. “I am a full believer that sports give you discipline, focus and team work,” Gorsuch said. “It makes you have a commitment in life. It forces you to make goals and achieve those goals.” Gorsuch said students who play sports are at a definite advantage.
“Kids that are out for sports are usually more focused,” he said. “They can cope with good or bad situations.”
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15
(sports)
The Reporter • May 2013
Playing for love of the game Edwards and Taylor play for fun, not recognition brooke prothe reporter
File photo File photo
Senior Elizabeth Edwards competes in the long jump. Edwards said she loves track because it boosts her confidence.
Senior Elizabeth Edwards has been playing volleyball since seventh grade and track since middle school. Edwards was introduced to these sports through her parents and her school. Edwards said she loves playing both sports because she meets new people, it keeps her active and boosts her confidence. When playing more than one sport it can seem pretty hard to stay motivated. Edwards said she stays motivated because of her parents support. “I love supporting my team and leading them by example,” said Edwards. Even though she loves playing these sports, Edwards said she does not plan on playing in college and she will probably go to college for academics.
Edwards said she might still play when she goes off to college but it would probably be in a league or play in pick-up games. Unlike Edwards, junior Trey Taylor said he would be “stoked to the max” if he would have the opportunity to play baseball in college. Taylor said he is motivated by the possibility of going to college on a scholarship as well as doing his part for his team to help them to have a successful season. Taylor plays baseball and football. Taylor said his friends introduced him to football in sixth grade. He played for the middle school’s team as well as for Football and Cheerleading Club of Johnson County (FCCJC). Taylor said he has been playing baseball since age four. He was introduced to the sport by his parents. Taylor loves playing baseball because it helps create good relationships, he enjoys pitching and loves the satisfaction of knowing he has a good defense behind him and winning games. “If I had the opportunity to play [baseball] for the rest of my life I would definitely take up the offer,” Taylor said. “Chances are slim and I must put into it what I want to get out of it.”
1009 Baptiste Dr.
16 (features)
The Reporter • May 2013
Senior dreams Seniors share their dream jobs, trips and colleges katie biggs reporter natalie eppler reporter
Mollie Hart
Evan Smith
Kala Huffman Paige Getz
Clark West
Taylor Schartz