Yearbook supplement Paola High School

In the deep swimmers talk about the support they get while competing

E

Even though senior Emma Johnson swam alone, she still had a sense that many people were there for her. Johnson, said a great team of people supported

her.

“If [I] were to pick somebody [out of my family to be my biggest supporter], then it would probably be my mom because she was always trying to push us to try new things,” Johnson said.

Johnson said a team also gave an athlete a family. And while every family expereienced its drama, at the end of the day, they all supported each other the same. Johnson said that while she was underwater, she couldn’t hear anything, but she knew her team was cheering for her.

“It’s a family aspect and I think it’s that way with a lot of sports,” Johnson said.

With a little different support system, Emma Boehm, senior, said she enjoyed swimming more than any other sport.

Growing up, Boehm said she always liked to swim.

“I took swimming lessons early and

just loved the water,” Boehm said.

Boehm said she gave credit to her former coach, Gerri Hart, who taught her how to deal with many things. “[Hart] helped me learn how to do things without being able to hear,” Boehm said. “She has someone slap the board so I know when to go.”

In addition to the competition, Boehm said swimming had given her a sense of peace.

“I don’t really have to think about things when I swim,” Boehm said.

“That’s why I love it.”

Instead of thinking about nothing, Samuel Johnson, sophomore, said he played music by George Strait, country music artist, in his head as he glided through the water. Not only did he stay focused on the music , but he said he could also hear his biggest supporter, his mom, Katie, yelling at his swim meets while he was underwater.

“I just do it more so, [me swimming] makes my mom happy,” Samuel Johnson said. “She likes to see me succeed.”

Samuel Johnson said he had a lot of

Emma Boehm, senior,

swims at the Osawatomie meet March 30. The team placed second. “Swimming gives me peace,” Boehm said.Photo courtesy of Gene Morris

Samuel Johnson. sophomore,

001

competes at the state swim meet Feb. 17-19. Johnson placed sixth and had a personal record of 59.89. “[I like swim] because I like testing myself,” Johnson said. Photo courtesy of Emma Johnson

Girls and Boys Swim Sports

HJ

Job # 03148

12 3

influence to keep swimming because his mom signed him and his sibling {senior Emma Johnson] up for swim when they were all young.

“My older sister did it,” Samuel Johnson said. “I didn’t like sitting alone at the swim meets, so I figured I might as well do it.”

Family also kept Evan Reitinger, freshman, going strong. He said he had support running through his vein because his mom helped and supported him through his swimming career.

“My mom kept encouraging me to do swim until I wanted to do swim myself,” Reitinger said.

Though Reitinger used swim to keep in shape, he still had a place in his heart where he liked swim.

“I think I like swimming so much because of the competition that comes with the sport and how much my mom supports me, no matter what even if I had a bad day,” Reitinger said.

Ashlyn Pratt, freshman

league medalists paola places at league

First place 200 free relay; Brueggan, Branine, Dana Mattison and Adeline Stuebner Fourth place medley relay; Sabra Brueggan, Ashley Branine, Janie Harth and Adeline Stuebner

Fifth place 100 butterfly; Adeline Stuebner Source: Miami County Republic

School Paola High School

Template Special Instructions

1

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

7

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

Together, Apart A look into this years track season.

A

As she glided over the hurdles, Ythzuri Velazquez, freshman, thought about her future, as she tried to get ready for the state track meet in May. “I get very nervous,” Velazquez said. “I feel like there are butterflies in my stomach.”

Despite the nerves, Velazquez said she enjoyed making new friends on the team.

Many track athletes enjoyed track because of the environment and new friends that it comes with.

“I have made a lot of new friends,” Velazquez said. “Everyone is so nice and it’s a cool environment to be around.”

Scott Karr, track coach, said track was an individual sport. He said athletes competed with other individuals, but were still a part of a team with team scores.

“You get the best of both worlds,” Karr said. “You get individual competition and team competition.”

Sophomore Eli Richmond agreed with Karr about the individual sport with a team goal. He improved by focusing on his own performance, for the most part, “You just have to focus on yourself. So if you don’t do good, you just let yourself down, not the whole team,” Richmond said.

Another reason why Richmond focuses on getting better is so he can achieve the things his older brother Seth Richmond has accomplished. “My brother did it so I want to live up to what he did and accomplished while he was in high school,” Richmond said.

Lana Enman, freshman said being part of a track team was all about trust. Not only did she have to depend on herself, but believe and trust in her teammates as well.

“When it’s a relay you have to trust and count on your teammates, and know that you have their back and they have yours,” Enman said.

Enman said track allowed people to make new friends, but it also made friendships even stronger.

“I feel like my connection with my friends has definitely gotten stronger because I get to see them more after school, so I feel like I’m building stronger bonds,” Enman said.

Something that Tanner Petillo, senior, enjoyed while doing track was actually getting to practice and run.

“I like bonding with my friends but I like getting the work done more than anything,” Petillo said.

It is more than just track for Tanner Petillo, for him it is a personal goal he wants to achieve.

“Me vs me, always compete with yourself, do not worry about anyone else but beating you,” Petillo said.

Overall track is about building relationships and setting goals with yourself. Everyone has their motivations and the reasons why they do track. It is about you doing the best you can against everyone else.

Wilson Wright, freshman

steps to running

12 3

Dixon’s way of learning how to run

Put your right foot in the back of the block and your left foot in the front of the block, then get down on your hands.

Crouch down and when they said ready, put your butt in the air.

When they fire the gun, push off with your right foot and start running down your lane.

002 7 2 Even Page

Abigail Bouse Wilson Wright

Job # 03148

Samuel Dixon, frshman,

runs in the 100 meter dash for the home JV track meet April 18. “I was nervous that I would let people down, but I was very proud of myself because I got first place,” Dixon said. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid

Mackenzie Kuehl, senior,

throws javelin for the varsity meet in Eudora March 29. “I didn’t throw as well as I could’ve but I got first so I am proud of that,” Kuehl said. Photo by Hazel Downum

Daston Jackson, senior,

flies into the air for long jump at the home varsity track meet April 7.

Photo by Kylee Slyter

Source: Samuel Dixon, freshman

HJ

School Paola High School

Template

Special Instructions

WICS61801L

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Maggie Kauk, junior,

reaches for a first place finish in long jump at the varsity meet in Paola April 7. Kauk broke the league and school record for long jump with a leap of 18’3” May 12 at Ottawa. Photo by Kylee Slyter

State results

Boys

Pole vault: Sam Johnson 6th Discus: Caden Rhamy 2nd Shot Put: Caden Rhamy 1st 110 m hurdles: Braeden Whitehurst 8th

Girls

Long jump: Maggie Kauk 1st Triple jump: Kauk 3rd 200 m Dash: Kauk 4th Javelin: Mackenzie Kuehl 2nd Shot put: Kena Leonard 4th Discus: Jade Meade 6th 100 m hurdles: Maddie Pitzer 8th 300 m hurdles: Pitzer 7th 4x100 m relay: 3rd Taryn Marcum, Anna Phillips, Ella Foster, Maggie Kauk

“

WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO TRACK, IT WAS JUST ME. ONE ON ONE WITH EVERYBODY ELSE.

“

Scott Karr, Track Coach

Ellie Baska, freshman,

throws the shot put at the junior varsity Eudora meet April 18. “That was the first track meet I threw at and I thought I did good for the first one.” Baska said. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid

Sports Track and Field

HJ

Template

Job # 03148

School Paola High School

Special Instructions

7 3

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

003

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

in full swing golf and tennis start the season stronger than ever I It’s all about the technique. The perfect swing, the perfect angle and keeping the positive mindset.

Hank Robison, freshman, said golf has taught him many life lessons. “[I’ve learned] how to be a good young man and be respectful off the course,” Robison said.

Golf let Robison spend a lot of time outside with his friends, but he also learned golf wasn’t always easy. He said he experienced many challenges.

“The weather, getting good contact on the ball, hitting the ball straight and putting it in play [were some challenges],” Robison said.

Robison said he started this season with goals of attending at least one varsity meet, so he spent extra time working on his skill.

“I spent a lot of time outside practicing and preparing for the season,” Robison said.

While Robison was excited for his first year of golf, Seth Aistrup, senior, looked forward to his last. Aistrup qualified for state golf the last two years. He decided to add tennis to his spring sport schedule this year in addition to golf.

“We didn’t have golf practice on Thursday and [the tennis team] needed more players,” Aistrup said. “I thought tennis was a very interesting sport so I went out for it and I found out that I really loved to play it.”

According to Aistrup, adjusting and

learning a new sport is not an easy task.

“Getting down my backhand has not been easy,’’ Aistrup.

Although it was Aistrup’s first year on the tennis team, he said he enjoyed it.

“Jonas Sanders [was] my doubles partner and we made a pretty good team,” Aistrup said. “We weren’t really expecting to do good, we cooperate and work it out and win.”

Tennis let Aistrup make new memories with his friends. One friend he played with was Jonas Sanders, senior. “[We won] our very first doubles match,” Aistrup said. “[Sanders] and I had never played tennis before and we beat varsity kids that had been playing.”

Dan Clark, tennis coach, said that the tennis team had a lot of strengths.

“All of the guys have a good attitude and a willingness to learn,” Clark said.

He said he appreciated the relationships he formed “It’s very rewarding. I enjoy the camaraderie with players, teams, and coaches,” Clark said.

Clark’s main purpose was to make sure his players gained important skills. “[I hope that the] players [learn] a lifetime skill and having fun doing it,” Clark said.

Carden Escobar, junior, qualified for state tennis, placing sixth at the state tournament in May.

Justice Bright, freshman

Aaron Koechner, junior,

finishes hitting the ball during a home tournament April 11. Koechner said he appreciated the level of independence involved with golf.

“It is very individual,” Koechner said. “If I work to strive, I strive and I don’t have to focus on anybody else working.” Photo by Anna Campa

Logan Sobek, senior, Jonas Sanders, senior, practiced

watches his ball fly at the Paola tournament April 11. Sobek to perfect his swing during practice. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid

putts his ball into the hole during the Paola Invitational April 11. Sanders joined golf his senior year. Photo by Lilia Parks

004 7 4 Even Page

Justice Bright Marlee Bell and Natalie Glassel

Job # 03148

HJ

School Paola High School

Template

Special Instructions

WICS61801L

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Logan Latto, senior,

goes for the ball during a match against Baldwin and Bonner Springs March 28. Latto joined his senior year in order to try something new.Photo by Lily Woolsey

IT SHOWED ME TO BE OKAY WITH NOT BEING THE BEST OR IF [SOMETHING DID] NOT WORK I LEARNED FROM IT.

& Q A

“

Vanessa Berrey, junior

Conner Barnumn, sophomore

What made you want to play golf?

My grandparents bought me clubs for my birthday. Golfing [became] a completely new experience for me.

Do you have a role model you aspire to be like?

My role model is Tiger Woods. I wish I looked more like him.

What is your favorite golf memory?

My favorite memory of golfing is playing with my grandpar-

& Q A

Sage George, senior,

hits the ball at a home match against Baldwin and Bonner Springs March 28. George joined tennis his senior year. Photo by Lily Woolsey

HJ

Job # 03148

Carden Escobar, junior What was your favorite moment on the court?

[At a] match in Chanute, a guy hit a drop shot close to the net and I had to run really fast to get to the ball and hit it right past him.

Are you planning on playing tennis in college?

Yeah, I think it would be a good experience. I am skilled enough to do it in college.

Why did you start playing tennis?

I just started playing [and] thought it was fun so I [decided] I would play it in high school.

Golf and Tennis Sports

005

School Paola High School

Template Special Instructions

5

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

7

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

In the swing of things softball and baseball get back on the field

Kolby Wheeler, junior,

home runs as she could.

“Consistently being a power challenges me,” Troxel said.

Troxel also found it difficult when the team was losing a game. She said she felt frustrated when only a few teammates tried to pick the team back up.

“If some people are doing bad in a game, you have to be there to pick them up so we can win the game,” Troxel said.

The varsity girls ended their season in a substate loss against Eudora May 16, with a season record of 5-14.

Johnson Martell, sophomore, also faced challenges when he played baseball. He said having everyday practice and fielding were the most difficult parts for him.

“I’m not the best at fielding and I could definitely improve,” Martell said.

Martell said having goals helped motivate some baseball players to improve.

“There is always something you can improve on,” Martell said.

Richard Picek, senior, wanted to improve his hitting. He hated when he out or made an error.

“Making an error and then the other team scores, it feels like it’s your fault,” Picek said.

Picek said he didn’t give up when he failed, he worked harder. While hitting was frustrating, he said, it pushed him to work harder so he could improve.

“When you are struggling, do not give up, just work harder. Not everything in life is going to just be handed to you, Picek said.

“

THE HARDEST PART ABOUT SOFTBALL IS [THAT] YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO BE THINKING ABOUT THE NEXT PLAY.

Katelyn Morris, freshman

“

T

The best coaches are the best teachers, said baseball coach Morgan Roth.

“The best coaches are not those that yell and scream,” Roth said.

Roth’s goal for the season was to make it to the state tournament -- which the boys accomplished by beating Independence and Atchison in the substate tournament May 17 in Atchison.

The boys finished their season in a third place finish at the state baseball tournament in Salina for a season record of 16-8.

Playing baseball taught Roth patience and perseverance, he said.

“If you put the work into something, it can pay off,” Roth said.

Players on the baseball team agreed with Roth. Jasper Logan, freshman, also said he learned patience from playing baseball. Logan said there was a lot of pressure on the freshmen baseball players since they were the youngest.

His favorite part about baseball was playing catcher.

“You’re a part of every single play; you have to pay attention and keep your focus on the game,” Logan said.

The most frustrating part of games for Logan was hitting. When Logan stepped into the batter’s box he said he focused by not thinking about anything.

“There are a lot of skills to know when it comes to baseball, especially with hitting,” Logan said.

Eden Troxel, junior, also said hitting was one of the more challenging parts of softball. Her goal was to hit as many

Maci Scherman, freshman

throws down to second base during the alumni scrimmage March 22. The game ended in a tie of 8-8. “I felt honored to be carrying out their [alumni team] tradition,” Wheeler said. Photo by Brooklyn Harmon

Xander Meinig, freshman,

listens to Morgan Roth, baseball coach, during the Eudora game April 5. The varsity team won 12-2. “He [Roth] is always positive and encouraging towards us, because it makes us feel good” Meinig said. Photo by Jayda Logan.

006 7 6 Even Page

Maci Scherman Makenzi Jones

Job #

HJ

School

Template

Special Instructions

WICS61801L

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Madison Bell, senior,

throws a pitch during the Louisburg match May 10. The team won, 9-5. “When I’m pitching, I try to remember how the batter did in the previous bats and work my pitches correctly so they are the most effective,” Bell said. Photo by Marlee Bell

Noah Gerken, senior,

prepares to slide into home base. The boys varsity team played against the alumni team March 22. “It was good seeing people I haven’t seen in a while,” Gerken said. Photo by Brooklyn Harmon.

steps to success

12 3

Troxel’s strategy to succeed

Hard work; it beats natural talent eventually, so stay steady working.

Making mistakes is OK move on and pick yourself up.

Enjoy it, have fun with it and play with all your heart and you won’t regret a single thing.

Source: Eden Troxel, junior

Softball and Baseball Sports

HJ

Template

Job #

7

School

Special Instructions

7

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

007

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

Catching starstuff actors bring Peter Pan to life a portfolio about

Aubrey Huber, sophomore

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, something Aubrey Huber, sophomore, told herself every time she was about to perform.

Huber said she wasn’t always planning on putting Forensics into her schedule until Leslie Coats, forensics coach, and Duane Lintz, former debate coach, inspired her to give it a try.

“Coats and Lintz told me that if I wanted to be a better speaker, Forensics was something that could help me with that along with boosting my confidence,” Huber said.

Huber said confidence was a challenge for her when it was time to perform.

“The most challenging part for me has been strictly confidence based,” Huber said. “I am in theater but I am a techie so I work behind the scenes, so learning to be in touch with my emotions was a real tough struggle [for] me.”

She said being a part of Forensics helped her become a better person and develop a better outlook for her future.

Forensics gave her skills to use in other areas “Forensics was something that could

help me boost my confidence,” Huber said.

Huber also said she enjoyed Forensics for the competitive side.

“Everything about competing and getting to grow as a performer and speaker makes me so excited for my future in this activity along with others such as debate,” Huber said.

Forensics has a lot of ups and downs, but the good outweighs the bad for Huber.

“Not only do I love the competition, but I have also made so many amazing friends who then become family and the entire atmosphere of Paola Forensics is just overall a really positive environment,” Huber said.

Huber advised underclassmen to join Forensics.

“Do it. It has taught me so much [by] learning from Coats and the upperclassmen,” Huber said. “[It] has been an amazing experience for me.”

written by Krislyn Hadlock freshman

state Medalists for forensics Impromptu: Semifinalist

Oration: 3rd

Aiden Howell, junior

Elsie Fleming, junior

Serious solo Semifinalist

Duet Acting:4th

Dylan George, senior

Aubrey Huber and Emma Haley, sophomores

Info: Semifinalist

Aiden Howell, junior

Extemp: 6th

Prose: Semifinalist

James Earlywine, senior

Duo: 6th

Alana Bollinger, sophomore Dylan George, senior

Gus Cook and Jaden Argeroupolos, juniors

Humorous solo: 3rd Elsie Fleming, junior

008 7 8 Even Page

Krislyn Hadlock Lilyana Avila

Job # 03148

HJ

School Paola High School

Template

Special Instructions

WICS61801L

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Left, The crew of Peter and the Starcatcher

perform March 25 for two nights. Starcatcher performed for two nights the week after Spring Break. Photo by Addison Smith

Above: Nathan Troutman, senior, and Leslie Coats, forensics coach,

discuss Troutman’s forensics entry May 6, the day before the state tournament. Troutman read a Green Day song for his poetry entry for forensics. Photo by Lilia Parks

a profile about Rachel Reimer, junior

The stage was set, the curtain rose, the room silent in curiosity into what Peter and the Starcatcher could bring.

Rachel Reimer, junior, walked onto the stage as Molly, a young girl working hard to be just like her father, a starcatcher.

“My favorite thing about Peter and the Starcatcher is the humor,” Reimer said. “I think it’s fun to hear the audience react with that and just knowing that everything is flowing well.”

Reimer said she gained interest in theater at a young age.

“When I was in elementary school, I went to see the community theater’s rendition of Hansel and Gretel,” Reimer said. “I [realized] I want to do that, so I started doing community theater when I was in fifth grade.”

Reimer struggled with time, so she ended up memorizing in a different way.

“The problem was that I memorized my lines the week of the show,” Reimer said. “There was a lot of physical stuff in rehearsals before trying to figure out blocking then choreography.”

Although she struggled with her lines, Reimer gave a successful performance.

“I felt really surprised and satisfied because we had been able to pull this show off even though a lot of us felt like we weren’t prepared,” Reimer said. “We ended up pulling through and getting it done and being very successful.”

written by Lilyanafreshman Avila, Top Left: Dylan George, senior,

performs in the production of Peter and the Starcatcher March 25. George played Black Stache. Photo by Addison Smith acts in Peter and the Starcatcher musical on March 25. The story told the origin story or Peter Pan and Captain Hook.

Photo by Addison Smith acts in Peter and the Starcatcher musical on March 25. Photo by Addison Smith

Nathan Troutman, senior, James Earlywine, senior,

Theater and Forensics Academics

HJ

Job # 03148

009

School Paola High School

Template Special Instructions

9

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

7

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

A night howtoseniorsremember spent their last prom

H

cared less about prom,” Heather said.

For Autumn Craig, senior, prom was an amazing night.

“When I was announced [as] prom queen, I was honestly very shocked,” Craig said. ”I didn’t think I was going to win at all.”

She said her friendship with the other candidates was very strong, so Craig made fliers for all of the queen candidates including Hannah Billesbach, Kyia Fuller, and Da’Shanique McArthur.

“Our relationship with the other prom queen candidates was very supportive of one another, regardless of the outcome,” Craig said.

She said her favorite part about prom, other than winning prom queen, was the prom walk-in.

“I love the prom walk-in because everyone can see you before you get all hot and sweaty,” Craig said.

Andrew Cline, senior, won prom king alongside Craig.

“I expected to win because all of my classmates were telling me I was going to,” Cline said. “But I kind of wanted to lose because it would’ve been funny.”

Cline was also rooting for the other candidates.

“Me and the other boys had a good relationship,” Cline said. “We all wanted each other to win.”

Reese Browning, freshman 53%

dinner photo shoot

45%

make-up appoint-

36%

Source: Journalism survey of 10 percent of juniors and seniors

010 7 10 Even Page

7%

Over $300

hair appointment 18%

Under $100

81% 38%

$100+ - $300

Plans before Prom

Hair, nails, makeup, were just a start to prom preparation. Madison Bell, senior, enjoyed helping girls pick out their prom dresses. Bell was an affiliate for Mimi’s Prom in Overland Park. Bell started working at Mimi’s Prom in December, when most of the girls started looking for dresses. By March, she said most of them had already purchased their dresses.

“March is considered late shopping, most girls started seeking my help in finding a dress in late December,” Bell said.

She said she enjoyed getting to be a part of customers’ prom experiences.

“My favorite part about my job is watching girls’ faces light up when they find the perfect dress,” Bell said.

While many girls bought their prom dresses from Mimi’s Prom, Maggie Kauk, junior, bought her dress at Camille La Vie in Overland Park. Heather Kauk, Maggie’s mom and English teacher, said she felt excited for her daughter’s first prom.

“When I went to set up for after-prom it made me really excited and I texted her and told her to have a good attitude about it because I knew she would have a good time,” Heather said.

Although Heather was happy for her daughter, she made sure Maggie knew ‌prom shouldn’t be the best night of her life.

“My daughter was excited, but she couldn’t have

Average prom outfit cost Source: Journalism survey of 10 percent of juniors and seniors

Reese Browning

Job # 03148

HJ

School Paola High School

Template

Special Instructions

WICS61801L

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Tanner Petillo, senior, and Eden Troxel, junior dance at

prom April 9. Petillo and Troxel matched their outfits to each other. “Prom was a lot of fun and being with my friends all night was a blast,” Troxel said. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid.

Andrew Cline and Autumn Craig, seniors, get

crowned prom king and queen April 9. They were both overjoyed to be crowned. “I did not expect to win at all but, it was an amazing feeling,” Craig said. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid

Carlie Stallbaumer and Logan Latto, seniors, dance at Prom April 9. Prom was at

the Town Square, and was followed by after-prom at the high school. “Going to prom this year was a blast and we all just had fun together as a group,” Latto said. Photo by Erica DaSilva.

Noah Gerken and Kayel Mahanke, seniors, enjoy prom walk-in April 9. This was their first prom going together. “Prom was a lot fun and being their with my best friends made my night,” Mahanke said. Photo by Ashley Winterscheid

Prom Student Life

HJ

Job # 03148

011

School Paola High School

Template Special Instructions

11

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

7

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page

where’d the time go seniors prepare to move on after graduation a profile about logan sobek, senior

Kate Ediger senior,

hugs her dad at graduation after handing him a thank you letter May 21. She said she realized how much they did for her. “No amount of thank yous can show how grateful I am for them,” Ediger said.

Zach Donahue, senior,

shakes hands with Jett Osbern, junior, as he walks into graduation May 21. Donahue said he most looked forward to the parties that day. “At graduation, I was a little nervous as there were quite a few people,” Donahue said. Photos by Ashley Winterscheid

getting grad ready Richmond’s steps to prepare for her graduation party

12 3

Four years went by quickly enough for senior Logan Sobek. Sobek said he wasn’t shocked graduation came so fast. Sobek planned to attend Emporia State University after graduating, and he said he didn’t feel too nervous about becoming independent.

“I’m a little bit nervous, but at the same time, I’ve been pretty individual throughout my high school career,” Sobek said. “Doing it somewhere else doesn’t worry me.”

He said during his freshman year, he thought graduation was a bigger deal than he felt now.

“I think that [graduation] is a big thing, but at the same time, there’s going to be bigger things in the future,” Sobek said. “Dwelling on high school graduation isn’t that important.”

Sobek said he did not have to prepare for graduation, just college plans.

Sobek wanted to be a history teacher.

“I was always good at history,” Sobek said. “I realized I liked all the history teachers and I wanted to do what they do.”

Along with wanting to become a Paola High School teacher, Sobek offered advice to incoming freshmen.

“Try in your classes because it’s not hard to pass,” Sobek said. “[If you put] in a little bit of effort, you’ll at least get Cs and Bs.” He also advised incoming high school students to not get distracted by their phones. “[Staying up] on your work, trying to [press] everything on your phone, that’s a big problem and I think that people should try to avoid that,” Sobek said.

written by Hazel Downum, sophomore

I planned and booked my grad party at the [Paola] Country Club with Emma Bishop, senior.

Worked on addressing and sending out invites.

My mom and I looked and tried on some graduation party outfits, but [I] have not found any I like.

012

Source: Gracie Richmond, senior

Ashley Winterscheid Hazel Downum

HJ

Job # 03148

School Paola High School

Template Special Instructions

1

WICS61801R

©2018 Herff Jones, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Black Ink

7

Includes Spot Color(s)

Process 4-Color (CMYK)

Odd Page