The Reporter December 2020 by PHS Journalism

The

Reporter

Paola High SChool | Volume 95 | Issue 2 December 2020 | 401 N. Angela St Paola, Kansas, 66071 |

editorial

3 Choose Your Future

School news

4 Getting Ahead 5 FBLA Flocking Flamingos 7 Debate Goes Virtual

Contents

Features

8-9 Starting Up The Holidays

opinions

10 Toxic Masculinity/Animal Cruelty 11 Fast Fashion/Women In Sports

Features

12 Early Bird vs Night Owl 13 1 in 594 - Kinley Hadlock

Sports

14 Multi-Sport Athletes 15 New Wrestling Norms

Features

16 Blue Light Glasses On the Cover Alex Ure, senior, welds during Ag Fabrications on Dec. 3. Ure is also a part of Welding 3. Ure plans to pursue his welding career at the Missouri Welding Institute in Nevada, Mo., and take the Master Pipe Welding and Fitting course. Photo by Taylor Murdock

Q & A

The Reporter December 2020 contents

with Amber Berrey, senior

How did you become interested in theater? In middle school, I started thinking about what I wanted to do in the future and I thought to myself that I wanted to be a director. I signed up for theater and drama club as soon as possible.

Above: Paige Kreusch, freshman, performs during Montage on Oct. 29. While performing, theater is required to wear masks. “Theater lets me be free. It gives you the freedom to be who you are,” Kreusch said. {Photo by Taylor Francis}

PHS Journalism Website

What is your favorite part about putting on performances? I like to see the transition from our first rehersal until performing and the differences of them. What is the most important thing you have learned through this class? I learned not everything has to be perfect. What is your favorite theater showcase? My favorite play was Celtic Tales, from my freshman year because we performed well.

Design By Rileigh Dale

For: 21 As our years of high co-copy editor school pass, we may find ourselves wanting to be in college more and more. As seniors, we are making the finishing touches on our futures and -- we may never admit to saying this -- but we may be a little scared. Scared the pandemic will crush the plans we have for our freshman year of college, forcing us to stay in Paola. Scared we won’t be able to handle the responsibilities of being a student-athlete in college. Scared the college we chose won’t be a perfect fit. Scared we will disappoint ourselves more than anybody else. And we are not alone. According to a survey by the Mission website, many of our other classmates, attending other schools, feel the same way. Of the top 10 college fears of more than 3,000 high school students, the sixth fear deals with maintain-

Abby Richmond

Design By liv Meridith

Against: 0 ing good grades. The fourth fear is choosing the right college and the first and most fearful choice for teens is choosing the right major. Fear can quickly manifest into issues such as mental illness if left unchecked. In fact, according to an article in the San Francisco Examiner, “experts believe the pressure of getting into an elite school can add to a child’s anxiety or depression.” The cause of this anxiety and depression can be a direct result of our own standards for our future but adding others’ standards in can only worsen our mental health. With peers and adult’s opinions involved, the hardest part about making decisions is making sure these decisions are our own. Many adults push us to choose a safe major, something with job security and a steady income. The translation on that job outlook is practical, and practical is boring. Our peers do not fear to voice their opinions either. The soon-to-be college athletes and students hear

Absent: 13 degrading statements like: “I bet he will not even play” or “I thought she could have gone somewhere with better academics.” If they remove these judgements and ask themselves: How much do you know about our decisions? Do you know our financial background? Do you know our career hopes and dreams? Do you know how many athletes were recruited at each of our positions and how much scholarship money was available? The answer is no, no and no, so don’t pass judgement. We have a choice to accept or disregard these judgments and by disregarding these people and their opinions, we choose to make our future our own. I dare us to illustrate it so it fits all our wildest dreams. I dare us to work hard to put ourselves in a position to be our definition of successful. I dare us to be fearless and unapologetic, wherever our future carries us. I dare us to do exactly what we want.

2020-2021

Staff list Editors in Chief

Abby Heger & Liv Meridith

Managing Editors

Addison Smith & Lily Woolsey

Ads Manager

Taylor Murdock

Copy Editors

Abby Richmond & Emma Behrendt

Photo editor

Ethan Cerros

Design Editor Rileigh Dale

Senior ads managers

Carlie Stallbaumer & Kylee Slyter

Reporters

Hannah Billesbach, Taylor Francis, Brooklyn Harmon, Katie Heger, Emma Johnson, Delana Johnston, Jayda Logan, Emma Oldfield, Lilia Parks, Abi Shore, Emersyn Smith, Anna Campa, Aby Koelsch, Lillie Ball, Erica DaSilva, Hazel Downum, Emma Jenkins, Sylive Klaasmeyer, Sh.eldon Martin, Ashley Winterschied and Avery Wintersheid, Abi Shore, Madisyn Robertson and Natalie Glassel

Adviser

BriAnne Chayer

Social Media

Instagram Editor Ariana Gallagher

Twitter: @Paola Journalism

Instagram: @phsjournalism

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.

Volume 95 Issue 2

Mission statement

choose your future your goals should resemble what you want to do in life

The Reporter

The reporter editorial policy

Staff Editorial

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.

The Reporter december 2020 Editorial

getting ahead the push to move forward in academics Above: Lillian Davis, junior, works on her College Biology project on Nov. 3. Davis did a poster over the structures of eukariotic cells. “I try to get as much of my regular schoolwork done in advisory as much as possible, but most of the time I procrastinate,” Davis said. {Photo by Carlie Stallbaumer}

Q & A

with Thomas Harp, junior What advanced classes are you taking this year? I’m taking College Biology, Calculus and APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History.) How do you study for these classes? I just review my notes, do a study guide if they provide us one and I also read the book. What are some of your favorite aspects about these classes? In College Biology, I like the labs and the handson interaction. In APUSH, I like [Todd Weaver, U.S. history teacher,] and how he teaches, the people and the material, which is interesting to learn. What made you want to take advanced classes? I felt like if I took normal classes it would be dragging on for me because I already knew all of the material. I skipped ahead in math in sixth grade, took biology in eigth grade, and it has just progressed normally since then. How do you balance extracurriculars and school? I usually have free time to do school. Debate is on Saturdays, so it doesn’t interfere with much. I have time between other activities to work on my homework.

Going through the motions of high school, year after year, isn’t for everyone. managing Editor Instead of spending four years in high school, Lillian Davis, junior, decided to speed up the process of earning her diploma in the spring. “I felt like I would be better off and happier if I finished everything now and moved on with my adult life. I’ve always been more mature so that just seemed better for me,” Davis said. Davis made the decision to graduate after her junior year, deciding in September it would be a good plan. She said a major factor in her decision to graduate early was the opportunity to start her college journey sooner. “It’s just moving on the fast track for me. I’m going [to] pre-med at KU. I think [with] how much schooling it is, it’s better for me to get a head start instead of being at the same pace as everyone else,” Davis said.

Addison Smith

The Reporter december 2020 School News

She said her mother supports her during this process, and she doesn’t worry about what she’ll skip as a senior. “I think I’ll miss not being able to go to Powder Puff senior year and not being able to have a second prom. But with everything going on right now with Covid-19, I don’t think I’m missing out on much,” Davis said. Davis took prerequisite classes through Fort Scott Community College during the summer. After officially joining the class of 2021, she had to take a few online classes to get her remaining high school credits. This semester, her online classes are English and physical education. “I wouldn’t say it’s super fun because it’s hard work, but it isn’t bad,” Davis said. Along with online classes, Davis takes concurrent classes through the high school. She doubled up on her science classes as a way to take steps toward her career in medicine. She took Advanced Biology and Chemistry last year and is taking Chemistry 2 and College Biology.

“You have plenty of time to just go and take those classes later on in college, but it’s nice to get them out of the way,” Davis said. Davis balances these more difficult classes with her online courses. “I think next semester it’s going to be harder for me because [of the workload] and I feel like I’m going to be a little more stressed. But, I’ve always been good at managing my time, so I think I’ll be fine,” Davis said. Managing these classes can be difficult, so Davis tries to do as much of her schoolwork during advisory and after school as she can. She does the work for her online classes when she has free time. She finds her online classes are relatively easier than her regular classes. “I’ve managed to get a class that would usually take four months done in a month-and-a-half. You can move so much faster with [online classes,] and it’s not as much work as you’d do in a normal class,” Davis said.

Design By Addison Smith

You’ v e been fLOCKED FBLA fundrasier brings smiles to the community Q & A

with Madison Bell, junior, and Morgan Baska, senior

Above: Rylee Pratt, Senior, got her house flocked on November 16 by FBLA CLUB. “I thought it was funny, I pulled up and was like oh my goodness who did that to me,” Pratt said. Photo courtesy of Logan Latto, junior.

What is flocking? Flocking is when someone pays us to go to someone’s house ans we fill their yard with flamingos. You could either pay $10 for 15 flamingos or $15 for 25 flamingos. - Bell What was your favorite memory? The first house Brooklyn Harmon, junior, and I went to was so confused and he said “I don’t know who did this because I have no friends” - Bell If someone wanted to get their yard flocked, how would they do that? They can contact anyone in FBLA, use a QR code that’s posted on all FBLA social media, or a flyer is posted on every door of someone flocked. - Baska What has been your favorite memory of the flocking? My favorite memory was when I was flocking a home owner came out and was laughing and just thought it was fantastic - Baska

MIAMI LUMBER

Above: Brooklyn Harmon, junior, house gets flocked on Nov. 4 by the FBLA club. The money raised for the project will help pay for FBLA trips to district and state, Morgan Baska, senior said. “Having your house flocked is fun and brings spirit during bad times,” Harmon said. Photo courtesy of Ayden Morris junior.

HOMEGROWN. HOME IMPROVEMENT.

MIAMI LUMBER

HOMEGROWN. HOME IMPROVEMENT.

Design By Taylor Francis

The Reporter October 2020 School News

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The Reporter December 2020 Ads

Design By Taylor Murdock

Debati n g Dilemma debate competes virtually in tournaments be demanding, especially with the new format of the tournaments. “It is considerably harder [virtually.] You have to share evidence differently, and there can be a lot of internet issues,” Douglass said. Debating virtually presented challenges for Douglass, but he said he continuously improved during each tournament. “It affects everyone in debate, equally though. We don’t debate as well, but neither do the teams that we are debating,” Douglass said. Douglass said he prefers in-person debate tournaments because being in-person debating against people is more fun. He also misses traveling for debate. Although they don’t get to travel, the debate team joined many tournaments they would not have been able to attend in person. Duane Lintz, debate coach, said this is one advantage of virtual tournaments. “The other advantage is that we don’t have to be here early,” Lintz said. The debate team arrives at the school around 7 a.m. and leaves around 5:30-6:00 p.m.. The debaters may get to the school later, but Lintz said their rounds last much longer. “We are all right here, but we compete against some kids from schools where [they are] 100 percent virtual. Instead of having 10 minutes between rounds, sometimes we have 30 to 45 minutes between rounds, trying to get all the adjustments done,” Lintz said. Even through the challenges, many pairs have still been able to maintain a winning record. In the Open Division of the Bishop Miege tournament on Nov. 1, Sammy Downum and Dylan George, juniors, placed first with a 4-0 record. Lintz said, throughout the season, he hasn’t seen a drastic difference in the team’s performances compared to previous years. “I congratulate them for the success, but then also try to refocus them on things we need to work on. I tend always to keep success and defeats in perspective,” Lintz said.

Top: Duane Lintz, debate coach, goes over the Tonganoxie affirmative on Nov. 2. The Tonganoxie affirmative took place over a ‘Zoom call” on Oct. 31. “I can’t say it has increased or decreased wins or losses,” Lintz said. {Photo by Lilia Parks} Bottom: Kane Huston, freshman, takes notes while Duane Lintz, debate coach, goes over the Tonganoxie affirmative, on Nov. 2. Huston enjoyed the aspect of being able to debate both sides of things. “To be right, you have to change your mind, so I’m glad for the ability to debate multiple sides of an argument. Debate also gives me a chance to exercise speech abilities that are unavailable in other courses,” Huston said. {Photo by Lilia Parks}

& cons

PRO : Getting to school later since we don’t

pros

Waking up before dawn, dressing up for the occamanging edior sion and spending their Saturdays in the halls of the high school, the debate team steps into its season a little differently than years prior. Since teams are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions, debate tournaments were forced to go remote, causing the debaters to make many adjustments. Annabelle Shaw, sophomore, said the switch to virtual tournaments helps the team work together on issues they find throughout the day. Shaw said she has mixed feelings about the changes in debate tournaments. “We are all here, even novice members, so nobody is spread out to different schools,” Shaw said. “We can all converse if we hit something we don’t really know about.” She said while virtual tournaments help the team come together, it doesn’t feel the same as the in-person tournaments they normally get to experience. “[In-person tournaments] have more of the rush and the adrenaline, you’re able to be right there and speaking to people instead of through a screen,” Shaw said. She said in-person tournaments run more smoothly because virtual tournaments may run into technical issues. “In-person is better because you can exchange evidence right there and you don’t have to rely on the internet. If the internet goes down, you usually have everything [with you,] so you don’t have to wait every 10 minutes,” Shaw said. She said although debate is virtual this year, it is still a lot of fun. “You get to learn a bunch of new stuff you wouldn’t get to learn in other classes, and you get to use that knowledge in real life,” Shaw said. She said debate teaches her many skills she can use in real-life scenarios, and although it can be a lot of work, it is worth the effort. Max Douglass, junior, agrees that debate can

Addison Smith

travel, making it easy to take people’s evidence and being able to wear comfy shoes.

CON : Technical issues, people stealing your evidence and using it against you in other tournaments, harder to understand people on Zoom, one less round than usual and it’s not as thrilling as it is in person.

{Source: Mitchell Ball, sophomore}

Design By Liv Meridith

The reporter december 2020 Features

Let the Holidays begin students get into the Christmas spirit Profile of

Grinches vs elves

Whitney Blac k, Math teacher Whitney Black, math teacher, said that Christmas time is one of her most favorite times of the year. When it comes to the Christmas spirit, Black goes all out, spreading the love with her family. She said she likes all the decorations, family time and spreading joy by giving gifts to others. Black likes others feeling important and excited. “Now that I have a son, I like watching him be excited with all the colorful lights and opening presents,” Black said. Black said that each year as a tradition, her drive around and look all the Christmas lights that are on buildings and houses. Along with this, each year she and her family wake up each Christmas and open stockings, eat breakfast together and open presents. Though Black loves Christmas, she is not the biggest fan of the snow or the cold. Not only does the Christmas love influence Black, but also her son, Bryan. She said she loves seeing him happy about seeing Santa. Black is looking forward to the upcoming Christmas time with her family and what the New Year has to bring.

written by Rileigh Dale, junior

Top Holiday Songs

Art By Rileigh Dale

The Reporter December 2020 Features

1. All I want for Christmas is you 2. Last Christmas 3. jingle bells

Q & A

Rylee Pratt, senior Why do you dislike Christmas? I don’t like the decorations or the music. I don’t want to put decorations up around my house and all of the Christmas songs sound the same How do you celebrate Christmas? I stay at my house. On Christmas morning, after we do our family gift, we go to my grandparent’s house, then after we go to my aunt’s house. When did you start disliking Christmas? I’ve never liked it. It’s overhyped. Are you the only one in your family who dislikes Christmas? Yes, the rest of my family likes Christmas time, along with the decorations. What is your favorite thing about the winter time, since you don’t like Christmas? I like the snow.

Q & A

Landon Taylor, sophomore Why do you like Christmas? I like Christmas because it brings everyone in families together to spend time with each other. How do you celebrate Christmas? Every year my family and I go to my Grandpas house. Once we get there, we usually play family games and then eat. What is your favorite part about Christmas? My favorite part about Christmas is my family coming home for the holidays and I get to see them again. Its hard for us to see each other all the time because we don’t all live close together. What christmas has been your favorite one and why? I was in fith grade and i got my whoolle room decorated Royals theme because they won the world series.

Do You go black friday shopping every year?

Yes 54.6%

Other 14.5%

No 30.9%

Do you buy your family christmas presents?

Yes 82.5%

No 8.2% Only Siblings 4.1% Only Parents 5.2%

{Source:Reportersurveyof16percentofstudentbody-97students}

Design By Abby Heger, Hannah Billesbach & Rileigh Dale

toxicstopmasculinity forcing men into a mold “I am sick of men being forced to think they are not allowed to show emotion due to how society will treat them.”

-brooklyn harmon, junior

someone who does not fit that mold. Fortunately, some men are breaking out of the mold and releasing their true selves. Harry Styles, singer-songwriter, is breaking gender norms constantly. From style, nails, makeup and more, he is able to inspire men across the world to break out of this shell and be themselves. People are going crazy about his iconic moments, such as his more feminine clothing choices. People should continue to welcome and encourage men to get in touch with their feminine side and be themselves. Masculinity norms are changing. Post Malone posted a picture e with his nails paintyH b b ed, encouraging people yA Art B to express themselves in whatever way they wish. However, some people think this freedom is only acceptable for well known celebrities. No matter how you show you are in touch with your feminine side, it will help you better communicate with the women in your life. It allows you to be vulnerable with your feelings and better relate to all people. Being in touch with your feminine side does not mean you have to wear makeup, dresses or anything of the sort. It means to open your mind to be more sensitive toward others. Stereotypes for men are too much, be yourself and the world can adjust.

The Reporter December 2020 Opinions

ge r

Whether you are male or female your style should be completely your own. You should be able to express yourself however you desire. Too much toxic masculinity exists in the world. Our society forces men to fit into a mold of tall, strong and “manly.” Toxic masculinity damages people’s mental health. We are all humans with emotions, so it shouldn’t be a big deal to show them. Girls are allowed to cry without judgment because it is normal to show emotions. Society forces men to build up this wall to hide their emotions and act tough, but that is not realistic at all. Everyone should be allowed to show emotion without being judged. Holding in emotions can lead to many difficulties. It will force them to feel sadness, grief or frustration, and can even lead to physical stress. In fact, Harvard School of Public Health, reported that people who bottled up their emotions increase their chance of premature death from all causes by more than 30 percent with their risk of being diagnosed with cancer increasing by 70 percent. Trying to force men into this mold is unhealthy mentally and physically. Men shouldn’t be held to such a high standard in their appearance. It is OK to have a preference, but people should not degrade

Stop the abuse help animals live a better life “People should not go out of their way to spend thousands of dollars on a baby puppy from a breeder; but should research local pounds or shelters around them.“

-Rileigh Dale, junior When people think of the word abuse, house pets. they might think about physical, emoPeople should not go out of their way tional or sexual abuse for other beings. to spend thousands of dollars on a baby However, what people don’t think about is puppy from a breeder; but should research the abuse many animals go through on a local pounds or shelters around you. I daily basis. According to East Bay SPCA, am not saying it is bad to want to have the top two causes of abuse for animals is a new baby dog or cat, I am saying that direct violence and neglect. there might be another animal that needs When I think of direct violence of ani- your unconditional love more. Animals mals I think of a circus. According to the that are in shelters can be in there for a PETA anvariety of reaimals are sons. However, “ b e at e n , the No. 1 reason s ho c ke d , that animals go a n d into a shelter is wh ip p e d because they are to make abandoned by them pertheir owners. form.” Pounds can T h e cause depriAnimal vations based We l f a r e on all different Act, AWA, factors. Some allows pounds can also the use of deprive animals Art by Liv Meridith bullhooks, of food, water, whips, electrical shock prods, or other socialization and the proper care they devices by circus trainers. Trainers drug need. When animals are brought into some animals to make them “manage- pounds, the vets are not sure of their speable” and surgically remove the teeth and cific needs because they are not humans claws of elephants and tigers. and cannot voice these needs. Then the Would you still go to a circus after animals are left by themselves for the mahearing the violence animals go through? jority of the time spent in the pound. More than 96 percent of circus animals With Christmas coming up and this live their entire lives in cages with im- said I hope you open up your mind about proper living conditions, such as lack of adopting animals. Animals are not born space and unnatural environments. Ne- bad, they are raised bad. Make the change glect of animals does not happen to only and help out our furry friends. circus animals but also to the average

Design by Rileigh Dale

Shop Smarter I play Like a girl stop the throwaway fashion mentality

The fast fashion industry is booming with success and taking its toll on the environment. In a poll of 117 students, 53 percent said they did not know anything about fast fashion. Fast fashion includes cheap, trendy clothing that gets inspiration from celebrity culture, according to the Good on You website. If cheap, fashionable seems too good to be true -- it probably is. Companies such as Forever 21 and Shein sell their brands for cheap -- made even cheaper -- because of its lack of environmental concern. These cheap brands use synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic and nylon, which take hundreds of years to biodegrade. Fast fashion industries produce 10 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. What’s even worse is that 85 percent of all textiles wind up in landfills every year, according to Business Insider. In addition, these companies use unethical practices to produce their clothing. Fast fashion is often created in sweatshops, which have unsafe working conditions and use child labor. According to the World Bank, in 2018, the top partner countries from which United States imports textiles and clothing include China, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and Mexico, a few of these countries are notorious for child labor practices. The practice even happens in America, where that pair of trendy new boots you got for $25 was created by a worker who

Design By Lily woolsey

women’s sports deserve equality

“Fast fashion is often made in sweatshops, which have unsafe working conditions and use child labor.”

“Misogyny in athletics sexualizes female

-Abi Shore, Junior

-Abby Richmond, senior

puts in grueling 12 hour days for about $5 an hour, according to the Forbes web site. Children as young as 6 years old work up to 110 hours a week, according to The World Counts, some of them producing the clothes you might wear to school tomorrow. So, even with all of these concerns involved -- why are these brands still popular? These companies make mainstream fashion available to everyone, including people who may struggle financially. Rather than supporting these unethical brands, try to frequent thrift shops for new-to-you vintage fashion -- which is definitely trending. For the past decade, skinny jeans have dominated the fashion world, but vintage-fit jeans are taking their place -- an easy discovery at second-hand stores. Many costly brands make their clothes look old and lived-in, which can also be found at a local second hand store. Thrifting reduces the plastic that goes to landfills and reduces the textile demand, but is also a positive experience for the customer. Thrifters can enjoy trendy clothing unique to them without the high price tag. These clothes can be more powerful than how they make you feel, your outfit can be a powerful way to defend human rights and the environment.

athlete’s bodies, perpetuates wage gaps, and fosters tired statements.”

When Wilma Rudolph became the first female, African American athlete to win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics, her success became an inspiration to young women everywhere. At the time, most females could not participate in athletics except for cheer and dance. Fast forward 12 years to 1972, and Title IX passed Which states nobody in the United States male or female should be denied participation, or benefits, of education or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX changed the world of young girls, they could now take part in the camaraderie and lessons only sports can facilitate. Take another jump forward to the current day where we watch athletes like Serena Williams, a revolutionary American tennis player, and Megan Rapinoe, an activist and captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, compete. Today’s young athletes daydream about being half as talented and influential as these icons. The lives of female athletes are not all glamorous. They still deal with tired misogyny and unfair treatment in their respective sports worlds Williams spoke up about the unfair treatment she received from umpire, Carlos Ramos, during the 2018 U.S. Open Final. According to ABC News, she received three penalties, one being when Ramos claimed he received verbal abuse from Williams after she called him a “thief.” Williams said in an interview she heard male tennis players say much worse to umpires and not receive penalties. According to Elle magazine, retired male tennis star Andy Roddick confirmed Wil-

liams’s claim by Tweeting “I’ve regrettably said worse and I’ve never gotten a game penalty.” After 48 years, females continue to be given the opportunity to become iconic, just like our heroes. I wish that meant we would not deal with misogyny, which always finds a way to weasel its way in. Misogyny in athletics sexualizes female athlete’s bodies, perpetuates wage gaps, and fosters tired statements like “females can never be good athletes.” Rooting out misogyny at the professional level is easy because those women use their voices and massive social media following to call attention to the unfair treatment, but what about the athletes at the high school level experiencing similar treatment? Female athletes, I am talking to you. How many times, as you play a basketball game, do you glance at the Rat Pack bleachers to only find a few faces, but after your game you walk out to see the boys warming up and see three times as many faces in those same bleachers? Our peers make it seem like such a chore to attend our games, talking about how they “will not have time” and “the games are so long.” I know plenty of people who will gladly put all other responsibilities aside to attend the Friday night football game. They will stay for the entirety of that game, but walk out during the second or third set of a volleyball game or halftime at a girls basketball game because they “have homework” or “the game is too slow.”The ball never lies and the clock never treats the athletes unfairly, so maybe our peers should not either.

The Reporter December 2020 opinions

Early bird vs. Night owl the difference between studying early in the morning vs. late at night The sequence of a Morning studier 6a.m.

7a.m.

Davenport wakes up to study. Davenport drives to meet his “It takes roughly 20-30 friends to study. “After about an hour of studying with my minutes. friends, I go to school.” Source: Kel Davenport, sophomore

The sequence of a nighttime studier 10p.m.

vs. with Rebecca Johnson, math teacher Q & A Source: Emma Bishop, junior

Above: Autumn Creig, junior, studies during advisory on Dec. 3. Creig preffered to study late in the evening rather than in the morning. “With extracurriculars going on after school, the going home, eating dinner and showering, it usually eds up being late when I start to study and do homework,” Creig said. {Photo by Liv Meridith}

Morning vs. Night

When students study, according to a Reporter poll of 14 percent of students

Late Night Mid-Day/ During School Never Other

51.9% 2.6% 9% 26.1%

The Reporter December 2020 Features

What time of the day do you think is most beneficial for students who wish to study more? I think it is most efficient to study around 7 p.m.

How many days prior to the test, should a student study? I would say two days before and definitely the night before. Not the class before. Why do you think students choose to study late in the evening and early in the morning? I think they don’t want to study right after school because they are tired. Their brains are tired rightly, so the evening gets away. Then it is 10 at night and they start to study. What are downsides of studying early in the morning? You don’t actually wake up to study.

10.1%

Early Morning

11p.m.

Bishop finishes volleyball Bishop starts to study. “I don’t practice. “I usually study late get a lot of sleep. I would recdue to procrastination.” comend studying late because you don’t feel rushed.”

What are downsides of studying late in the afternoon? You get tired and become distracted. What are tips for students who wish to gain the most from study sessions? Math wise:just practice the problems and what you don’t understand.

Design By Liv Meridith & Taylor Murdock

1 in 594

a series providing a glimpse into the life of one out of the 594 unique students at PHS

keeping it positive Hadlock creates an enjoyable environment and beyond Being a positive person and having a good outlook on life impacts Kinley Hadlock, ju-

Alicia Shay, Hadlocks’ mom

Above: Kinley Hadlock and Kelsey Igert, juniors, play UNO in advisory on Dec. 2. Hadlock said she stayed positive because of her friends and family. “I wasn’t always this positive about life. But once I realized how much it makes a difference, I decide that I needed to be more positive to make my life better. {Photo by Ariana Gallagher}

Three

TOP

“These past three months his parents have been in and out of the hospital having hip reAriana Gallagher Reporter placements,” Hadlock said. “They both have battled with cancer a couple times, too” niors, day to day life. She said her dad has gone through so much in “My advice on how to keep a positive mindset life and still has a positive mindset. is to try the small things and see the difference Hadlock keeps a positive mindset by looking a little thing makes in someone’s life,” Hadlock at both of her parents and seeing how they live said. their everyday lives. Hadlock said she feels hopeful and main“My mom is always a pretty positive person, tains a good attitude on life she’s always the one saying to because even when things the whole family to look at the “Kinley lets things roll aren’t going her way, she looks glass half full,” Hadlock said. off her back. that has been on the bright side of things. Hadlock said both her parher mindset since day one. “If you stay positive or ents have had a big impact on always look for [the good], it her life by attending and being She truly is the balance of makes your life a whole lot active in their church. our family and is very easy better,” Hadlock said. “I know things will always going.” She said knowing she isn’t get better because I have a rethe only one trying to make lationship with God,” she said. the best of life makes it easier “I’m a Christian and it’s a big to be positive. part of my life, so I would just “You see the people around pray about it, and it’s like a you being positive and you just want to as well,” weight is lifted off my shoulders.” . Hadlock said. She said faith is important and helps her Hadlock understands keeping a positive out- family keep an optimistic outlook. look can be difficult, so negative people don’t to stay positive in a negative crowd, help really affect her. them find positivity in their situation, she add“Being positive makes people around her ed. want to be positive. It makes a difference for ev“I would tell people who are trying to get out eryone and everything,” Hadlock said. of a negative situation to look at the glass half Her dad influences her to help them find the full and what is making it half full,” Hadlock good in every situation, even when the worst is said. happening, she said.

Hadlock’s tips to stay positive

1 Surround yourself with positive people. 2 Focus on the good things even if it’s something small. 3 Start off the day with a positive quote.

The Reporter December 2020 Features

Design By Liv Meridith

Double or nothing

players balance being multi-sport athletes Anna campa Reporter

Hazel Downum Reporter

Maggie Kauk, sophomore, participates in volleyball, basketball, track, as well as club softball. Kauk said she tries to be as well rounded and involved in as much as she can, and said she believes everyone should do it. “Each sport can help contribute to your skills in other sports as well. I think that volleyball prepares me for basketball, and basketball helps me with track,” Kauk said. Kauk said she can get busy with all of her activities, but has it down now. “I have been doing multiple sports at the same time since I was little. It can be a little tricky to balance homework, but usually I can get it done during school because school has always come pretty easy for me,” Kauk said. Kauk learned how to keep track of school and sports. Kirby Kenny, volleyball coach, said it is a good life lesson to know. “You have to learn how to juggle things, it is a good skill to learn in high school, managing your time and then understanding what your expectations are,” Kenny said. She said that it can be hard on the coaches as well as the athletes, but has its benefits. “As a coach, it is hard when you have players that do both, but if families can manage it, I think [playing multiple sports] is fine and support it,” Kenny said. Kenny said athletes are more fit when doing multiple sports. “Those athletes tend to be a little better with their vertical, tend to be faster and process differently. Mentally, they can understand the game a little better,” Kenny said. Like Kenny, Ian Heid, senior, also said playing two sports can help an athlete out.

The Reporter December 2020 sports

“Soccer has definitely prepared me for kicking [in football] and has been helpful all season,” Heid said. Heid hasn’t had any problems with sports intervening with each other, and finds that he just has to make time for school. “Playing soccer and kicking for football has been really fun, but you have to focus time on homework and studying more than usual,” Heid said. Like Heid, Ryan Pankov, sophomore, enjoys football and said that he just takes it one day at a time. He said playing two sports is what helps him develop in sports and life. “Do two sports, it helps your discipline,” Pankov said. Pankov gets done with wrestling practice at 5:30 or 6. He said he just has to figure out ways to balance. “I use most of my seminar time if I have it and after practice,” Pankov said. Pankov breaks it down to make it easier. Pankov and Mike Dumpert, football coach, both said athletes should be all-around experienced in sports. “I believe, prior to high school, athletes should try to get involved in as many athletic activities as possible. Each different sport helps develop different skills and physical characteristics,” Dumpert said. Dumpert said he hasn’t had any problems with conflicting sports, and said it is possible to work out any difficulties. “I have had no issues with sharing an athlete with the soccer team, but worry about us having a playoff game the same day they would and lose a valuable asset. I think if each coach communicates with the other, it can easily be done. It will require the athlete to take care of their bodies: hydration, rest and diet,” Dumpert said.

Q & A

with Aubrey Huber, freshman

What time do you usually get home from both practices? If it is a practice day, I get home at 9 [p.m.]. Yesterday, I had a game and then a pitching lesson, so I got home at 10:30 [p.m.]. When do you have time to do your homework? I’m still working on that part. It’s getting better. I usually do [homework] on the weekends. Is being a multi-sport athlete overwhelming? It can be stressful. I’ve found really good friendships in those groups. They help me with my stress.

Top: Ryan Pankov, sophomore, gets ready to run a play. Pankov played football and club wrestling at the same time, which helped him prepare for the wrestling season. “Playing both helped me with conditioning,” Pankov said. {Photo by Sheldon Martin} Bottom: Maggie Kauk, sophomore, congratulates the team after scoring a point against Fort Scott on Oct. 21. “My favorite part [about volleyball] is definitely playing middle,” Kauk said. {Photo by Hannah Billesbach}

Masks EVen on the mat wrestlers adapt to changes to save their season con s &

pros

PRO : Masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the whole team quarantining if someone catches COVID-19

CON: Masks make it hard to breathe during practice and can get filled with sweat quickly. {Source: Steven Yeager, sophomore}

Above: Logan Latto, junior, puts Sam Shore, sophomore, in a cradle during the Black and Gold Wrestling Scrimmage on Dec. 1. Latto won the match against Shore. {Photo by Abby Heger}

With wrestling season beginning while Covid-19 is still spreading, people may design editor wonder how close contact sports will continue. The school now has masks connected to uniforms to allow the wrestling team to have a season. Marina Johnson, senior, hopes wrestling will continue and complete the season. “I don’t know what the future holds for wrestling, but I hope we have a strong season,” Johnson said. Johnson wrestled once when she was in middle school. She said with the help of her brothers, who have been wrestling their whole lives, she was able to get in the practice early. “My brothers and I had been practicing basics before the season started, but I am definitely still learning,” Johnson said. Johnson is getting used to the new uniforms equipped with masks that come in black and gray. Johnson said they alternate the shirts every day. Although she said not everyone on the team is the biggest fan of the masked uniforms, Johnson continues to look on the bright side. “They’re good because they make the people who are trying to cut weight sweat more,” Johnson said.

Rileigh Dale

Design By abby heger

She said she looks forward to this season with her team, but is disappointed that winter sports cannot have spectators due to the pandemic. Johnson is excited to see the girls’ team reach potential and have a great season. “My goal is to give it everything I have and help the girls team make history,” Johnson said. Not only is the girls wrestling team preparing to have a great season, but the boys wrestling team has also put in work. Steven Yeager, junior, said he believes Covid-19 cases will go up with close contact sports starting up. However, he said if everyone follows the rules and precautions they will have a good chance of having a full season. With the new masked shirts, Yeager said that they have their pros and cons. “I like them because we sweat a lot more, but they are hard to breathe in,” Yeager said. Yeager said he practices his hardest and as much as he can. He is excited to see how the wrestling team does this season and how far they go as a whole. He has set expectations and goals for himself for the season as well. “My goal is to make it to state and do my best when I get there,” Yeager said.

Above: Macoy Johnson, sophomore, and Wade Enman, freshman, warm up during drills for wrestling practice by using jump ropes on Nov. 30. “I think if we keep up the good work on wearing masks and sanitizing properly, the season will continue. The team goal is to place at State as a team. My personal goal is to constantly make weight and place top four at State,” Johnson said. {Photo by Abby Heger}

The Reporter December 2020 Sports

Blue light buzz special glasses lessen strain on students’ eyes The trend surrounding blue light glasses drifts into co Editor-in-chief the halls as students try something new. Almost 30 percent of students wear these glasses, according to a journalism poll of 82 students. Brooklyn Drinkard, freshman, owns a pair of blue light glasses for style and because they help her eyesight. “I will wear them in [Business and Technology Concepts] and when I am tired and am on my phone at night,” Drinkard said. Drinkard originally bought blue light glasses with her friends and then became aware of the benefits of wearing don’t ow n them while looking at blue l ight gl a s s e s a screen. Unlike Drinakard, Hannah Reif, senior, bought a pair of blue light glasses after she contracted Covid-19 which increased her eyes’ sensitivity to light, and gave her frequent headaches. “I have benefited from them a lot. My eyes hardly hurt anymore and because of that, my headaches have gone away,” Reif said. Reif wears the glasses while on her phone screen and in class while on her computer. Max Perry, freshman, received his blue light glasses as a surprise,but also recommends them to others to improve their vision when they grow up.

Liv Meridith

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B l ue Light r o f t p o Gl ts

“I have blue light glasses to save my eyes. Whenever I get older I don’t want my eyes to be bad,” Perry said. Although Perry got his as a surprise to benefit his eyes, Alana Bollinger, freshman, owns a pair she received from her optometrist . Bollinger owns a prescription pair along with her actual glasses. “I would recommend blue light glasses to people to help protect your vision,” said Bollinger. Although she recommends them, she said they fog up easily when wearing a mask. Bollinger wanted to make sure her eyes were protected, which is what Glenda Kineman, nurse, says is a benefit from wearing ow n blue l ight gl a s s e s them. Her children have worn blue light glasses and liked them, but Kinaman hasn’t tried them herself. “If I were a person who wore glasses and had to be on a computer for work or had long times on any type of electrical device, I would get a pair,” said Kinaman. She said that the pros outweigh the cons, for medical benefits. “There are also chronic health issues that can result from excessive exposure to blue light as well, so each individual should decide what is best for their situation. In my opinion, everyone could also benefit from a little less screen time,” Kinaman said.

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Art by: Liv Meridith

Sou rc

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Above: Hannah Reif, senior, looks at her phone during lunch on Oct. 21, through her blue light glasses. Reif purchased the glasses to help reduce headaches. “The purpose of blue light glasses is to help the strain of the strong UV rays from your computer screens, phones, or lights in rooms,” Reif said.

The Reporter December 2020 Features

Design By LiLLie Ball & Liv Meridith