The View Issue 8 Vol 18

Friday, May 13th, 2016

Park Hill south High School

The View

Issue Eight - Volume Eighteen

PGS. 16-17 SENIOR QUOTES ON PG. 18 NOT SO SOCIAL MEDIA ON PG. 20

MAY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPORTS

FOOTBALL OVER SUMMER|WOMANS SOCCER|SENIOR STANDOUTS

FEATURES BEST OF YEAR|SENIOR QUOTES|HOW STUDENTS CHANGE

ENT/OPIN

SOCIAL MEDIA|TAKE 3: SUMMER ROAD TRIPS|MENTAL ILLNESS

NEWS

NEW TECHNOLOGY|DONKEY BASKETBALL|NEW STUCO OFFICERS

LETTER from the

EDITOR

Every senior is told that their last year of high school will fly by. I know I didn’t believe that in August, but now that we only have a few days left of high school, I’m finally starting to realize how fast the year seemed to go by.

It’s been quite a year. Our only “snow day” was in November for the Royals celebration after winning the World Series. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago when our school heard an uproar over a possible fundraiser - donkey basketball (page 6). Read about some more highlights of this year on page 15.

Another recent highlight of the year was the Art Fair, hosted at Park Hill. Students from all schools in the district showed off their artwork. If you didn’t make it to Park Hill, check out pages 8 and 9 to see the winners.

A lot of this issue is dedicated to seniors, but also in-depth stories of being a high school student. Check out a few senior quotes on page 18, and read about seniors who will be moving out of the country once high school is over.

This time of year always causes me to look back on how my last school year has been, but at the end of my last year I find myself thinking about how much myself and my friends around me have changed since freshman year (page 13). To seniors, it’s been quite a year and there is only two and a half more days left of being a high school student… make it count. And to everyone else, I will be another person to say that senior year really does fly by--but you won’t realize it until it’s over.

Alex Rothers Editor-In-Chief

THE VIEW STAFF

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR ART DIRECTOR DESIGN ASSISTANT ADVISER REPORTERS

ALEX ROTHERS NICK CLAASSEN

VIVIAN BROCKMAN BRADY SMITH MEGAN PALMER COLLINS BEATTY COLIN BROCKERT CARSON WELLS ADAM FRAZIER

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PHS NEWS

HANNAH GRAVES JACOB KLINE SYDNEY LOWE LEXI MADDOX ASHLEY PASLEY JULIA PONKO ANNA PREUSS ANNE PRICE CHASE PUTNAM TATE SUMMA BRET VANICE RYAN WELTY The View is published eight times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South High School.

Opinions expressed here are thaat of the student journalists and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Park Hill School District.

For editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at PHSVIEW.COM. The View is a member of NSPA and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.

4|NEWS

TECHNOLOGY TAKEOVER

DRONES

by JACOB KLINE

Drones are getting more and more popular around the country. A drone is a unmanned aerial vehicle that is remote controlled through the air. Amazon has implemented a future service called Amazon Prime Air, which is a delivery system designed to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. Even the U.S Military uses them for intelligence services. At South, some students have their own drones for different reasons.

“I use my drone for business. I fly it around to take pictures of buildings around Kansas City for promotional purposes,” said Spencer Denney, junior.

Price: $150-$400

VIRTUAL REALITY

Price: $200-$400 Virtual reality goggles are newly designed by google to allow you to use Google Earth to see places around the world.

They are used in classrooms to take virtual field trips and learn about places all over the world. Google Cardboard is a cheaper alternative for around $10 but still allows you to escape into a HD experience in space or up a mountain in the Himalayas. The price of this type of thing really depends on the quality because there are many different companies developing the goggles.

“We used the Google glasses once at school and I thought it was a really cool way to see places that I will probably never get to go,” said Dan Geary, junior.

Price: $100-$800

SWAGWAY

Jack Beuerlein, sophomore, said, “Hoverboards are easy to use and make everything fun.”

HOVERBOARD

Hoverboards are here in full force and a hot commodity around South. A hoverboard is a hands-free self-balancing segway. They are used for recreational purposes and always provide a good time. According to CNBC, the hoverboard still tops the wish list items. Hoverboard experiences can be heard all around South.

NEWS|5

stunning at

STATE Musicians, debaters and more placed as some of the best in MIssouri this spring

BAND 1 Division State 33 22 Division 10 Ratings 2 Ratings Qualifiers “It was a very long stressful day but very fun and worth it.” -Jayden Hermansen (sophomore)

CHOIR 1 State 11 Division 8 Division Ratings 2 Ratings 33 Qualifiers “Going to State with my sister was a lot of fun.

Getting straight ones in Districts and straight ones in State was cool.” - Haley Stegeman (senior)

ORCHESTRA 1 Division State 9 3 Division 5 Ratings 2 Ratings Qualifiers “I had an awesome experience. It was cool to see the progress from freshman year to senior year.”

-Kylie DeClue (senior)

DEDICATED DEBATERS

Six students qualified to attend State, held at MO State April 22-23: Madeline Mueller, Lincoln Douglas Debate, District Champ Izzy Brockman, Poetry, District Champion Stella Garibaldi and Angel Lee, Duet Acting, District Champion Sarah Komar, Oratory, 3rd Place Grant Pace, Lincoln Douglas Debate, 3rd Place

EXCELLENT EDUCATOR

Cheryl Chaput, math, was recognized on April 27 at the Northland Regional Chamber Excellence in Education Awards with the Christa McAuliffe Award, given to one outstanding classroom teacher who exhibits the kind of innovation, motivation and spirit demonstrated by the late Christa McAuliffe

Winter Guard Team placed 4th in Scholastic C State MCCGA Championships at Ozark High School in April

6|NEWS

Q&A with

‘16-’17 STUCO President, Brooke Montgomery

Conflict between the student body and STUCO began in March when the plan for a “Donkey Basketball” fundraiser was announced.

Donkey Basketball is a fundraising idea throughout the country, run by companies such as Dairyland Donkey Ball LLC, and Buckeye Donkeyball.

Donkey basketball is a variation on the standard game of basketball, played on a normal basketball court, but the players ride donkeys.

This sparked a conflict between students and STUCO due to the animal abuse controversy. Animal lovers like Eli Moss (senior) and Morgan Kaminska (junior) approached STUCO to see what they could do to stop it.

Even with their work the date kept getting closer and closer, and no change was made. This caused an uproar among students, arising rumors like, “STUCO doesn’t care what we have to say,” resulting in many students attending one of STUCO’s general sessions to speak on the topic.

This is much like the modern day political system in which poliiticians are scrutinized for tough decisions they have to make. Like those politicians,

STUCO had their own side to the story.

“There were a lot of problems with the Donkey Basketball idea,” said Brooke Montgomery, junior and ‘16-’17 STUCO President. “I would just say that in the future we should better communicate with the students before we really commit to an idea.”

After the petition, and the student involvement in general session, Brett Lackey, assistant principal, approached STUCO and informed them that school policy does not allow live animals, like donkeys, on campus, a policy that had been missed when originally organizing the event.

“It was really hard for STUCO to cancel the event, and take that financial blow,” Allie Hickey, sophomore, said.

“But with everything going on it was the right thing to do.”

In the future STUCO says they would love to improve their communication with the student body.

They encourage feedback, comments, questions and new ideas! Help them help you by speaking up and communicating with STUCO officers and representatives.

stu co donkeys andYOU

by HANNAH GRAVES

Some people feel like their voice isn’t being heard. How can you help fix that?

STUCO is starting a committee to better communication between us and the students.

How can STUCO convey empathy better?

We try our best not to directly respond to students, so nobody gets offended. Some people take it like we’re ignoring them but we’re not.

Why is student to STUCO communication important to you?

I’m just so grateful for our diverse and awesome school.

There are so many different people here; It’s important to me that they feel represented

Thanks for talking to me, Ms. President.

NEWS|7

Brooke Montgomery President What is one thing that you plan to change when you are in office?

The biggest thing is we want to get more student involvement from a variety of different people.

How do you plan on improving the school experience for the student body?

We are working toward hearing more students opinions so we can have better events, more of what they want and less of what they don’t.

Who are you most like?

I think I am like Chance the Rapper because he aims to help people his own way. He started his own charities and he is always looking to help.

When do you plan on starting to make changes?

We are officially in office now, but we plan to meet a bunch over the summer so we can kick off the year with a bunch of new events.

Why do you think that you will be a good president?

I am open to hearing ideas and able to communicate with people so I think I can help the student council run well.

New changes

by BRET VANICE

BAILEE HUDSON ALLIE HICKEY VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER

What is one thing that you plan to change when you are in office?

I hope that we get a lot more student involvement overall. Not just from sports, band or other groups of people.

How do you plan on improving the school experience for the student body?

Including people in everything, getting people more motivated and excited will hopefully boost the school morale.

Who are you most like?

I think I’m like a dolphin because I like to be happy.

When did you decide to run for office?

Brooke and I promised each other freshman year we would run for president and vice president.

Why do you think that you will be a good vice president?

As a council, I will help make them better so we can make the school better by listening to people’s opinions which will make me better which will make the council better, which will make the school better.

What is one thing that you plan to change when you are in office?

I plan to change how involved our council is with our students, i.e. actually hearing their opinions and taking them into consideration.

How do you plan on improving the school experience for the student body?

I plan on creating events that people will actually be excited to come to and not just random ideas.

Who are you most like?

I’m like one of the Real Housewives of Beverly HIlls (blonde, loud, likes to talk a lot)

When do you plan on starting to make changes?

Immediately. Us officers have already made changes to the internal council.

Why do you think that you will be a good president?

I think I will be a good secretary because I’ve only been in STUCO for a year, which allows me to view problems from both a normal students opinion along with the Student Council vibe in me.

8|FEATURES 8|NEWS

photo mosaic by Gracie Paige

First Place:

Grant Pace In Grant’s display his main theme can be defined by the term “dissasociation.” throughout each peace he conveyed how different people dissassociate from society.

surreal photo by Sophie Hardin

ART FAIR

This years art fair was held April 30th through May 1st

Vivian brockman’s AP studio art display

Veronica Moreana’s AP studio art display

Cole Reser’s AP studio art display

FEATURES|9 NEWS|9

Second Place:

Third Place:

Maryn Burns Maryns concentration was the idea of milestones and memories throughout her life portrayed mostly through watercolor

Dani Proffitt Dani’s concentration was the idea of movement and dance combined with figurative painting.

Allison Robaska In Alisson’s display she used flowers to represent different emotions and characteristics of figures.

by JULIA PONKO & JESSE STAMPER

10|FEATURES Unpopular opinion: anime is great. I use the word ‘unpopular’ for lack of a better term. I’m sure that there are plenty of people who agree: anime is awesome. However, I feel that ever since anime (and I'm not just talking about Pokemon) has existed, it has received criticism for its weird animation style (huge eyes) and its sickening fanbase (weaboos).

For those of you that don't know what anime is, the full definition is: a style of animation originating in Japan that is characterized by stark colorful graphics depicting vibrant characters in action-filled plots often with fantastic or futuristic themes, and what many refer to as “trash.”

One anime in particular that has charmed me is this show called “Erased.” The show follows a boy named Satoru Fujinuma, a man who somehow possesses an ability that sends him back in time moments before any life-threatening incident. This way, he can manipulate his actions or others to prevent tragedy.

The reason this show is so special to me is because I binge watched the whole thing with my best friend. And the pure originality of “Erased” made it unlike anything I've ever seen before.The snow filled scenes made for an absolutely beautiful display.

The show took my emotions on a trip and it was so unique and special to experience all those emotions with someone else.

“Its got genre for everyone: action, romance, comedy, sci fi and sports. The quality is often amazing as well and there are so many talented artists in the industry like Hayao Miyazaki from Studio Ghibli,” said Elizabeth Ettheton, junior.

If you love great fight scenes and the power of friendship, then anime is for you. Anime fight scenes are incredibly violent and thought out. Every move has meaning to it and every word uttered is poetry.

“It’s so over exaggerated, that it keeps you captivated. The colors make your eyes never want to leave the screen,” said Colton Richards, junior.

The color pallet is always vibrant and captivating while the scenery is actually taken from real places in Japan, making it authentic.

“I really enjoy the artistic aspect of anime. It inspires me in my artwork and really sparked my love for art itself,” said Lauren Ludtke, senior.

Yet another reason to love anime is the pure originality of some of it. The Japanese are not afraid to experiment.

Japan has tons and tons of anime that are just straight up weird. For example, there is this show I loved called “Deadman Wonderland - a gory, action thriller. The young protagonist,Ganta Igarashi is pinned for a crime he didn’t commit and is thrown into Deadman Wonderland-a prison of sadistic inmates and enigmatic powers-to live in constant fear of the

by ANNA PREUSS lethal collar placed around his neck that is slowed only by winning in the prison's deathly games broadcasted on live television.

“The anime world opens endless possibilities that you can’t do in real life. You can't enter a video game world (Sword Art Online), you can't have digital friends (Digimon), or giant titans attacking cities (Attack on Titan). You just can’t find concepts like that anywhere else,” said DJ Gray, senior.

I love anime because it makes me happy. Anime explores meaningful concepts and most shows teach a lesson, exploring deeper meanings behind love, corruption, death and loss. It’s the cure for any bad day. Anime isn’t just what one hears from people who make fun of it. If anything, it is an art and something that is overlooked by most people. Nothing is impossible with anime.

No Grey Anime

NAKA-KON

“I love everything about cons. It’s a weekend long party where you can be whoever you want and everyone is extremely friendly. Cosplaying for cons is great because i get to show my artistic side in my makeup and costume making.” -Lauren Ludtke, senior

Braving a new world

FEATURES|11

Students that move thousands of miles seek a better life

by ANNE PRICE

kickball or something like that because I didn’t know Imagine traveling miles away from your home, with what they meant.” almost nothing with you. You’re moving away from your English also has different greetings then other friends and your family. You’re also going to a place that countries do, so it’s harder to learn. doesn’t even speak your language.

“When you’re meeting somebody it’s polite to say how Believe it or not, but there are people at South that are you, we don’t do this in Poland. So I had to learn have gone through this. english a bit better,” Dominika Splecht, senior and an Maddie (Hunjung) Choi (Senior) is from South exchange student from Poland, said.

Korea. She moved here when she was 13 years old.

While leaving a comfortable culture behind is difficult, Choi’s parents decided to come here(usa) to seek better the thing hardest to transition from is not having your education for their daughters. family with you.

“My parents thought that speaking english would “It’s very hard transitioning when the people that be a good education for us, because english is a world you were raised with basically, aunts language,” she said. and uncles, people like that and just There are multiple reasons why “I remember I only brought leaving that all behind,” Gomez said. people move to different countries.

Another thing that people miss the two items,” Arturo Gomez, Usually, education plays into it most is surprisingly, food. like in Choi’s situation. Sometimes sophomore Gomez said, “I remember missing it is to escape an unwelcoming the food quite often. It’s always zangy environment, or maybe just the and tangy. That kind of taste is always simple job transfer.

When people move into a new home, they usually take right around the corner.”

Despite the difficult adjustments that people who everything with them. Arturo Gomez, sophomore, from move to America have to change in their lives, there is Tamaulipas Mexico, has a different story. always something that they can be happy about.

“It was definitely an experience, I remember I only Splecht said, “Everybody’s so nice here, and brought two items, my Mario plush doll and a blanket everybody’s so positive. Then at school you have school that my grandma made for me,” said Gomez. spirit so this positive attitude I think would be the biggest Moving thousands of miles and only having two surprise.” things is a scary thought. But not knowing how to These students and so many others prove that communicate with the people around you is scarier. no matter where you come from, you can overcome Gomez said, “The hardest thing to adjust to was obstacles of homesickness and language barriers. the language barrier. Just because you can’t really Whether it’s to get out of a bad situation, or seek a better communicate and that’s what we need to do as humans. future, there is always room to grow and learn As I was learning english, I made frankenstein sentences in America. that didn’t make any sense. Such as, mashed potatoes,

12| FEATURES

GUIDE TO ENJOYING

YOUR SENIOR YEAR

by NICK CLAASSEN

Whether you’re currently suffering from an extreme case of senioritis or you just fall asleep at night dreaming of that day to come, everyone knows how big senior year is. It is the year of lasts, it is the time for relaxation, and most of all, it is the time for celebration.

For those of you entering your last few painful days, you have pretty much made it and that’s something to be extremely proud of. For those of you with many more days being stuck in Guantanamo, I feel for you, and hopefully these tips will help you someday as well so you can enjoy senior year the way it is supposed to be.

People are right, high school is NOT the best years of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it still. Senior year is about finishing strong and saying goodbyes, but it is okay to have a little fun along the way. I lived my year by one simple line that me and my friends would say when we were deciding to do something or not: “senior year, man”. Basically that is just a nice way of saying, screw it, let’s do it anyway.

As dumb as it sounds, it changed the way you think of everything. You will never get to relive this time of your life again, so here are some tips for you to help you truly enjoy your senior year whenever that may be.

Find Your Real Friends; Enjoy the Time With Them If you have not figured it out yet, throughout high school your group of friends sees a trend of many to few. Over time, you find out who really has your back, and by senior year you find your squad. The day-one boys or ladies that you do everything with. Find that group and enjoy your time with them, I cannot stress this enough, because soon enough most likely you will all be in different places, with new friends and new responsibilities keeping you busy. You will never forget the squad, but you just will not see them as much. So enjoy this time while you can, hang out all the time, go out, play sports with them, go to parties.

A mistake I see almost too common is people putting their high school girlfriend/boyfriend in front of their friends and family because they think they will be together forever. Then once you inevitably break up in college, you will think about the senior year you wasted when you could have been having the time of your life with friends that have your back. I will be honest, I was guilty of doing the dumb high school relationship stuff over friends in the past, but not being in a serious relationship senior year was one of the best things ever for me. I am not recommending that you break up with your significant other, or not be in a relationship at all. I am just telling you to spend a lot more time with friends and family, and just to have a good time because I am willing to bet 9/10 of your high school relationships do not make it very far after high school.

Finish Strong & Prepare for College A lot of people think of senior year as a blow off year, and in some ways it can be. But for most people, there are still a number of challenging classes seniors will have to get through, so do not plan to just stop trying after junior year. When senioritis hits, it hits hard.

I am talking Floyd Mayweather knock you out hard. All I can say is push through, keep that GPA up, finish all those required classes, and do whatever you have to do to drag yourself across that finish line.

One thing that you cannot afford to bull your way through is college stuff; literally, you cannot afford it. I realize more than 75 percent of you non-seniors have no idea where you are going or what you are going to do, but that does not mean you cannot get stuff done early.

Apply early, do scholarships early, visit colleges early, and if at all possible, pick your college early.

For some of you it will be easy, for others it will be the hardest decision of your life so just prepare yourself.

Trust your gut and the biggest tip I can give is DO NOT follow others to college just because your friends or everyone is going there. Who care what others think of where you are going? None of it will matter after high school, so go to the place that you truly love.

Appreciate the Little Things & Celebrate This one is for everyone, especially this year’s seniors nearing the end with their last few months at home ahead. Appreciate all the little things, whatever those are for you. This includes home cooked meals, sleeping in your own bed with your own room, and most of all the time with family. Play with your dog, go to your favorite places, and do the things you love you do.

Senior year can be a sad time of lasts and goodbyes, but it also should be a great year of your life that you remember forever. In order for that to happen, you have to celebrate. Even though some of them are dumb, still do all the clique senior year things. Go to Prom and other dances, have a grad party, and participate in a senior skip day. Celebrate, but at the same time be smart and make memories.

Take chances and do the things you have always wanted to do, and do something so crazy that you will never forget it. Because look, you’re not going to remember in 10 years all the nights you spent watching Netflix at home, you are going to remember the crazy things you did with your friends on some of the greatest nights of your life.

High school altogether may not be that great, but senior year is that last mile of the marathon meant to be celebratory. If you don’t enjoy senior year then you’re going to look back and regret it.

Go crazy; senior year, man.

FEATURES |13

WHISNANT MCKEON

ABBEY

MARGARET DONNA

TYLER SHAHBAZI BASKA

ANDREW TROHA

“YOU’VE CHANGED”

How seniors changed since freshman year

by RYAN WELTY

“I am taller than I was freshman year, I have longer hair, I now have contacts, and I no longer have braces. I take school a lot more serious now than what I did during my freshman year of high school. I also do not go through my money as much as I used to. I put my money in the bank more often.”

“I have gained 50 pounds of mostly muscle. I work out a lot more. And I also no longer have any hair. I have a really bad habit of eating Rancho anywhere from 2-3 times a week. I take school more serious now than I did freshman year. I also used to blow through a lot of money my freshman year and now I am better at saving my money. And finally I take sports a lot more serious now.”(Tyler will be playing football next year at Missouri Western) “I’m more me. I’m no longer doing things to fit in. I’m doing what makes me happy. I care less about what my classmates think of me and more about what God does. I no longer have braces so I think I look better than what I did.

I am more of a go-getter and am more affirmed in my purpose. I know what I am going after now. I am okay with standing behind in what I believe in” “I don’t look like a 12-year-old anymore and I think I finally grew out of my forehead. I also think I am less annoying and a stronger person than what I was during my freshman year. I am more comfortable with myself and not as shy around others too.”

“I think I have changed a lot since freshman year. I used to be really shy but high school helped me make a lot of friends. Since I made more friends, I went out a lot and did more fun activities with those friends. Over these four years I have also lost my sense of being on time.” (Abbey has 28 tardies this semester)

South teachers reflect on their high school memories Everyone has a significant event or defining moment in their lives. High school is a time for those memories.

Good or bad, those memories have an impact on those that have witnessed them, especially here at South. Some of South’s teachers offered some of those honorable mentions Pam Jurgensmeyer, ELA, remembers a time from her freshmen year that she will never forget.

“It was my freshmen year, a half day,” Jurgensmeyer said. “As a senior prank, some seniors poured Crisco oil all over the floors.”

According to Jurgensmeyer, all of floors were tiled.

“It seemed funny at the time, until the kids were expelled and the school had to close for the rest of the day,” said Jurgensmeyer.

Jen Mattson, social studies, remembers the time

by COLLINS BEATTY

she and two others won a lip sync battle at a school assembly.

“We sang “Respect”, which we weren’t getting,” said Mattson.“It was a competition performed in front of the whole student body.”

According to Mattson, there was a lot of trash talking.

“We all dressed up like cleaning ladies, and threw a bucket of confetti on everyone when we were done singing,” she said.

As the end of the year approaches, these types of memories will always be with students and teachers that have experienced them. Whether they are funny, like the Crisco oil incident, or not so funny, like getting expelled or serving lunch detention, they will always have a place in the minds of those people that have witnessed them first hand, or have heard rumors about them.

14|FEATURES

Foreign

Affairs

The school year is coming to an end and many seniors will be headed off to college next fall, in many different places. Take a look at which students are making the biggest leap from home.

Can you imagine being dropped off at the airport, telling your family and friends goodbye for several months? Possibly even a year?

Goodbyes are always hard. Many seniors at South will experience their fair share in the next few months.

However, for some, they will be harder than others.

Going off to college can be difficult as is, but moving to a new country is a whole different story. In the near future, three South seniors will be making this journey to England, Germany and Italy.

Dani Proffitt, senior, will be attending Florida State University, and will be taking part in a study abroad program beginning this fall. She will be studying in Florence, Italy for a full academic year. On her days off, she has the opportunity to visit surrounding countries.

Proffitt said, “I will be going to school, but also doing activities like cooking classes and wine tastings. I am

excited to meet new people, try new food and experience different cultures.”

Noah Ybarra, senior, plans on moving to Germany near the end of 2016. He has not yet chosen a school, but will be visiting this spring to decide.

Ybarra said, “I am most excited to meet new friends and use my German.”

South’s last senior headed across the pond is Georgia May Campbell. She will be attending college in Bath, England.

Campbell said, “I am looking forward to seeing old friends and being independent.”

Moving so far from home can be a challenge for some, but it is a great experience nonetheless. Are you ready to make the leap?

by SYDNEY LOWE

MILES FROM HOME...

Georgia

4,261 miles Bath

Noah

4,736 miles

Dani

5,078 miles

Germany Florence

FEATURES|15

BESTS year

Assassin

of the

Nicole Cummings, Senior

“I think Assassin changed people in the fact that no one was safe.

Even your best friends could turn on you.”

by ASHLEY PASLEY

Park Hill South vs Park Hill Football Jake Saylor, Senior

“It is the games like that one that are the reason I played football-it was lit.

Royals World Series Parade Chase Bromstedt, Freshman

“It was a pleasure getting off school because we didn’t have to do anything and getting to go the parade was a great time because I got to hang out with my friends and see all the players go by. I didn’t get to see all the players though because I’m small so I couldn’t really see everything going on. But it was a fantastic day out in the good ole KC.”

Park Hill South vs Park Hill Basketball Lamel Robinson, Freshman

PROM

Adrienne Browning, Senior

“Prom was so much fun. I’m glad I went and the belly dancer was something else. My date, Kaleb Booth, danced with her and it made everyone laugh. It was a night to remember.

Kaleb Booth, Senior

“Prom is a night to let yourself go, get away from stereotypes, and just dance.”

“It felt great being a freshman playing Varsity. I embraced every moment of it. The game was fun and I learned a lot from it.

I just can’t wait till next year when we play them again.”

GRADUATION HOLD TIGHT SENIORS! ONLY HALF A WEEK LEFT! ENJOY IT.

“CULTS”

THE

OF PHS

Disclaimer: The use of the word “cult” in this article is used in the meaning of a group of people who are very close to one another and are viewed as a “powerful” group. By no way are we calling any group of people an actual cult or that they are affiliated with a certain set of values or beliefs.

F

BAND

rom the students on Court, to the ones speaking at our assembles, most of them share many things in common. Being liked by the student body, and representing our school well are just a few reasons why the leaders of PHS are who they are, but could there be a different reason? Could there be an underlying reason for all of their success and popularity? There is one common bond that most of the people share. Most of them are in “cults.”

The South Band, with different bands such as freshman, jazz, symphonic, and concert, are split-block classes that meet during third block, which is a reason why people may think it’s a cult.

“No, I don’t think band is a cult, but I think it is viewed that way,” said Andrew Stewart, junior, and drum major.

A dominating reason why band is seen as a cult is because of Big Cat, the male talent competition. There are thoughts that if someone in band is in Big Cat, they will win because so many band kids will go and vote for them.

YEARBOOK

by JULIA PONKO “I think that, in the senior class especially, band has the tendency to do that, but at Big Cat I still believe the winner is well represented by their performance not the audience,” said Jake Saylor, senior, and winner of Big Cat for the class of 2016.

Though it may be seen as a cult from the outside, the people on the inside think of it in a different way.

“I think that it’s viewed the same way that STUCO is--not really a cult but viewed that way by people who aren’t in it and don’t really know what it’s about,” said Stewart. “I think people are just misinformed and come from a slanted perspective.”

Yearbook, which is part of the journalism department, is a cross-curricular class that is responsible for creating the yearbook, filled with various stories, coverage of key events and unique visual content that students will keep for a lifetime.

“I think Yearbook is a cult for sure,” said Tehya Eno, senior, and yearbook co-photo editor. “We are really dedicated to the yearbook.”

Because the students know a lot of information about the yearbook that the student body cannot know about, some people can consider secrecy to be similar to a cult.

“We have to keep secrets from people about the

theme,” said Jenna Engle, senior, and yearbook co-editor.

Students can always be found in adviser Megan Palmer’s room, whether that is during tutorial to use the computer lab, or during a virtual class to take a nap on the couch. This family environment cultivates conversations about yearbook being a cult.

“Yes, I would consider it a cult, in your sense of the word, because it’s where people go to find a home, and where they are in their free time. I try to create that, so I’m glad that that’s the case and students can find a home here,” said Palmer.

STUCO is a class that focuses on being the voice of the students of South and are dedicated to making the school the best it can be. This class is responsible for school dances (with the exception of Prom), Big Cat and many other events.

“We are all so involved and such good friends outside of school so I think it does come off that way, but from the inside I would say I don’t think it’s a cult,” said Brooke Montgomery, junior, and Student Body president for the 2016-2017 school year.

Because everyone in the class shares the same goal

for the school, some people can see it as being like a cult.

“If you think about, pretty much every social group at our school could be thought of as a cult,” said Maggie Moyes, senior.

Though STUCO has received some negative attention recently due to the donkey basketball controversy, this group of people still strives to improve South.

“People will think what they want to think, but we will still work hard for them,” said Sarah Adkins, STUCO adviser.

STUCO

E D A AC

THEATRE

The Theatre Department is another club that some people would consider a cult. From gathering at school after hours to perform in costumes, to singing at random times a little bit too loud, these students are not afraid to be bold.

“Theatre has aspects of a cult, in the fact that there are defined roles, and there are cliques, and then subcliques,” said Kyle Lackey, theatre.

One of the big reasons people think that it’s a cult is because there are usually several theatre kids on court.

There were six of them on Homecoming Court, with Caleb Seymour, senior, winning king, and five on Prom court, with Bjorn Carlson, senior, winning king and Nathan Jurries, junior, winning prince.

RAGE CAGE

The Rage Cage is the group of students who are in charge of cultivating school spirit and getting people pumped-up for games. The Rage Cage also leads chants/cheers, and the leaders of it sit in the front row at games.

“I would sort of agree with someone who calls it a cult, because it’s passed down from the old seniors, to the juniors,” said Colin Farrow.

The leadership of the Rage Cage is known for being the athletic, well-known boys in their grade. This is

|17

“I swear Theatre is a cult and they have dramatic cult meetings once every three months to see who should be on court each time,” said Hannah Carlson, senior.

Though being considered a cult could come off with a negative connotation, some people look at it with a more positive outlook “I think being a cult, in this sense of the word, isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said Tyler Espinosa, senior.

“I think it is because we are all so close, which is a good thing. You can rely on everyone there, everyone has your back, and everyone would do anything for everyone in there.”

why some people perceive the Rage Cage as a cult.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s just the popular boys, because I’ve seen a lot of different crowds,” said Brandon Rice, senior, and a leader of the Rage Cage.

No matter who is in charge, the Rage Cage will still be dedicated to encouraging students of all interests to support South.

“The Rage Cage has always been like just kind of come out if you wanna watch a game,” said Rice.

S T O P S T G O N I H W T C I CUL ATHLET AUDITORIUM

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18|OPINION

senior quote winners BRONZE

I only regret the chances I didn’t take.

LAUREN FRICKE

You are not born a winner, You are not born a loser, You are born a chooser.

DEL’QUAN T. CLARK

The only reason I have the ability to hold my breath is because of picking up dog poop.

KASEY SADLER

SILVER High School Musical gave me unrealistic expectations.

SARA CARROLL

Why be moody when you can shake the booty?

SARAH PETTEY

Please don’t forget the ‘r’ in my last name.

DJ GRAY

GOLD This school is nothing but a bee hive and I am the one and only queen bee.

JENNA ENGLE

*AIRHORN NOISES* COLE VAN TASSEL

Yes I was the one who made that bandwagon picture of Daria.

HANNAH CARLSON

TAKE 3

OPINION|19

Weekend Trips by LEXI MADDOX

The last day of school is long-awaited for most of us, but after only a week or two of summer, the boredom can set in. Instead of wasting your summer, here are three trips that you and your friends can go on over a weekend or a few days this summer to make the most of your time off.

ST.LOUIS The Gateway City is about a four hour drive from

Kansas City and has plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a few days. Via I-70 E, this 249 would cost about $38 in gas.

Of course, going up in the arch is a great item to put on your list of things to do while in St. Louis. The 630 foot ride to the top gives you a perfect view of the city.

Another obvious choice would be heading to Busch Stadium to see a Cardinals game. The atmosphere of the game is guaranteed to be great, as the city is known for its baseball.

If you are looking for a more relaxing day, Forest Park is a great option. Spend your day exploring the

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

If a trip to the lake sounds better than heading to the city, a weekend with your friends at the Lake of the Ozarks is a perfect place to make memories this summer. Tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing are just a few of the watersports that are only about a thre hour drive from Kansas City.

The lake is full of summer fun! Ride jet skis or just enjoy the sun and cool off in the water. There are also plenty of great restaurants right on the lake. Frankie and Louie’s is a popular choice that has the closest thing in Missouri to a beach and often has live music. Coconuts

BRANSON The last, but not least, destination for a weekend trip

with your friends is Branson. Just a little under four hours from Kansas City, taking MO-13 S and costing about $32 in gas, Branson has plenty to see and do. Branson offers an extensive list of live shows from music and theatre to performing animals.

Silver Dollar City is another attraction with countless daring rides and summer is the perfect time to go with the Star Spangled Summer Festival taking place from June 11 to August 6. Branson is also home to unique restaurants and dinner shows that are not something

SU

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and Shady Gators are more options with great food. Both have sand volleyball courts and pools to enjoy.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must, especially if you have been to all the other more common places at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ha Ha Tonka has hiking trails with beautiful views overlooking the lake. Pick an especially hot day to visit the park and swim in the refreshing water flowing out of the Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

Overall, the 170 mile drive, taking I-70 E, to the Lake of the Ozarks would cost about $24 in gas.

to miss. The Dixie Stampede features 32 horses with talented riders performing incredible tricks. This makes for one of the most exciting dinners in Branson. Another would be the Murder Mystery Dinner Show where the audience actually gets to participate in the production.

The Acrobats of China show is a colorful and stunning showcase of incredible talent.

Branson Zipline is known for its thrills through the Wolfe Creek Preserve. They offer several different ziplining tours, including some at night, making the experience that much more exciting.

Branson

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many attractions of this huge public park, including a history museum, an outdoor theatre, an art museum, a science center and the St. Louis Zoo. Fair St. Louis will also take place at Forest Park in early July and will feature many talented local artists.

The City Museum is another recommended way to spend a day in St. Louis. From a 10-story slide to the world’s largest pencil, this museum is filled with unexpected attractions. There are also a few restaurants located in St. Louis that are a must. The Hill is an area known for its delicious, authentic Italian bakeries and restaurants. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is also a popular spot for a sweet treat.

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SHO ll ST. Louis a b WS EXPLORE se T SW Ba IM ZIPLINE RIDES H O AR SHO C FES PPINGFOREST PARK AR ZO D TIV AL 630 FEET FOO

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Lake of the Ozarks

20|OPINION

Not So Social Media by alex_rothers

...

Social media absolutely consumes teenagers lives. If any sense of boredom enters our minds, we open up the usual trio: Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. If you open up a high schooler’s Twitter account, you will find many many things, all of which will most likely appear useless. But somewhere under the surface of all the meaningless words and photos, is a sense of belonging-a sense of connection.

While of course not all of us are on social media, I believe many of my peers would agree with me when I say that social media presence is an important part in a teenager’s life. It’s sad, but true. These apps are constantly updating, constantly giving us information about other people that we feel like we have to know.

We live in a world that makes us think it is hard to live without social media. But it’s like junk food. We like it, but we don’t need it at all, and it can be pretty bad for us.

The most popular social media outlets are based around pictures of oneself. It’s all about appearance and many of us are very consumed, obsessed even, with making sure our followers see us in an appealing way. This creates a very narcissistic outlook on life. So narcissistic that it is not uncommon at all for girls to photoshop pictures of themselves- enlarging their chest or thinning their waists.

Another thing I believe people would agree with me about is how I feel like I know what some people are like based on their social accounts, even though I have never met this person in real life. This sounds very judgmental, but I can’t help it. After “creeping” on a person’s account we make a full judgement about this person. Profiles are like instruction sheets for building a person in our minds before we ever meet or speak to face to face. Celebrities’ social media accounts provide the same sensation. I feel like I know what Kim Kardashian is like even though we have never seen each other in real life.

Creeping profiles is nothing new, we’ve been doing it since middle school- at least I’ll admit that I have.

But recently I’ve reached a level of creeping that actually matters - searching for a roommate to live with for the next four years of my life. I spent a long time judging people solely on their social media profiles, trying to find someone up or down to my standards, trying to decide if we could get along, and trying to figure out what they would actually be like in real life. Looking back at this process, I should have felt so judgmental... but it’s all behind a screen, so it doesn’t really matter, right?

So this story has focused a lot on the negatives, but social media isn’t all bad- there are definitely a lot of positives. The main benefit that comes to mind is the nearly instant news updates on Twitter and Snapchat.

By checking the news sections of twitter or snapchat for less than a minute, we can get almost completely caught up with the most important events of the day. Word spreads very fast on social media which is why whenever you tell someone of a significant event that occurred that day, chances are they already know.

Social media provides people with ways to stay connected to their friends, especially for us seniors who will be parting ways in August.

We are exposed to a lot through social media. I mentioned earlier a sense of connection that keeps us coming back. We open ourselves up to the world. We feel connected to it. Once we start using social media, it is hard to stop. It becomes habitual and we believe we benefit from the strong connection. We can be easily persuaded. We just can’t help it. We are walking open books waiting for people, advertisements to make their mark on us.

alex_rothers A look into the possible effects of social media on a teenager’s life...

OPINION | 21

END STIGMA THE My throat is closing up, I can’t breathe, my heart is beating out of my chest, the intensity is so high that I faint and fall to the ground.

This is Panic Disorder.

I’ve stayed up for five days and four nights straight.

This is Insomnia.

I think every second of every day and experience horrible intrusive thoughts.

This is OCD. My legs go weak, my vision goes blurry, and my hands start to tremble.

This is Anxiety.

Do you think I’m making this up? Do you think I’m crazy? I suffer from four different mental illnesses, are you going to look at me differently?

There is a huge Stigma on mental illness.

Stigma can lead to discrimination. People refer to mental illness as being “crazy,” or, “weird.” These negative stereotypes lead to perceptions that people with a mental illness are dangerous or they don’t belong in society.

This stigma is what every person with a mental illness has to go through every day. They get judged for getting help and going to the psychiatric hospital.

There is a negative connotation through the whole spectrum of mental illness. It is not seen as a real illness and not taken seriously and people think you are just making it up.

Marcia Umscheid, science, said, “It’s a physical, chemical, and psychological disorder that can lead to real physical problems…it’s becoming an epidemic.”

She said it has not always been so prevalent and that her generation “did this” to the current generation.

“When you suffer from a concussion nobody can see it, so no one takes it seriously and it perpetuates the problem keeping it all inside and it manifests as a

1in 5

adults diagnosed with a mental illness each year

physiological problem,” said Umscheid.

In America, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 15-24, according to the National Institute for Mental Health, and for a decade the suicide rate in Missouri has been higher than the national rate.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults get diagnosed with a mental illness each year-- that is 43.8 million adults.

Two thirds of these people don’t seek treatment for mental illness because they are afraid of the stigma and the fear that people will discriminate, they will get rejected and looked down upon.

Tehya Eno, senior, said, “ I consider a mental illness to be just as serious as a physical illness… it should be taken just as seriously as something like a broken leg.”

Almost 30 percent of Americans suffer with a mental illness, but are too afraid to get help because of the stigma. Suicide rates are higher than they have ever been and mental illness is a real problem that needs to be treated as one.

People who suffer are not crazy, don’t be a part of this stigma. Fight to end it. Don’t hate what you don’t understand, and believe me if you had insomnia, OCD, panic disorder, and anxiety you wouldn’t want people to judge you for something you can’t help.

by JESSE STAMPER

22|SPORTS

EQUAL

PLAY

EQUAL

PAY? Better results have not translated to equal wages for the Women’s National Soccer Team

by ADAM FRAZIER On March 31, five members of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team filed wage discrimination action against the United States Soccer Federation. These players, including Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, said that the women’s team is paid almost four times less than the men.

Several of the Men’s National Team players took a stance on the wage allegations.

“Both USMNT and USWNT should be paid commensurate with the revenues they produce, not based upon what the other makes,” said former player Landon Donovan on Twitter.

Donovan’s comments are level with other professions where pay is based on commision. What an employee makes is proportional to what they earn for the company. Other players had different opinions on the wage difference.

“We support the fact that the women should fight for their rights and fight what they think is just compensation,” said Tim Howard, current goalkeeper for the men’s team, to the New York Times.

The allegations were challenged on April 21 by the US Soccer Federation, who said that the women players get paid only 2.2 percent less than the men players. There is no denying from either party that the men get paid more than the women. Why would the men’s team get paid more than the women’s team?

“I think it has to do with social issues,” said Chase Beeler, junior.

Others have a different take on the alleged wage gap.

“The men’s team gets paid more because they have more fans and viewers,” said Tyler Pisoni, junior.

In similar professions like professional basketball, women’s players get paid less than their male counterparts. This is down to less viewership overall. Less people watch the games so less money is made by the team to pay their players. Therefore, if the women don’t bring in as much money, then why should the men’s and women’s teams get paid the same amount?

“The women are better comparatively, they won the most recent World Cup,” said Beeler. “They should get paid equally, if not more than the men’s team.”

Others feel that equal play by the women deserves an equal reward in the form of payment.

“They both do the same amount of work,” said Flannery Koelliker, junior.

“Both should get the same amount of pay.”

Regardless of what the students at South think, there are still real problems in United States. Hopefully these allegations released by the women’s team will help further the cause of pay equality throughout all industries in the United States.

Men’s National Team VS Women’s National Team

Pay Per Victory

$13,166

$4,950 $1,000

source: nytimes.com

spring sports 1 2 3

SPORTS | 21

STANDOUTS

JD nassab (senior)

TENNIS

Rank: #1 Accomplishments: All State Doubles 2015 College: Michigan (not playing)

”My favorite part of tennis is playing on a team with members that support each other.”

“The advice I would give to other athletes is to put in the hours that reflect the player you want to be.”

by NICK CLAASSEN

madi sanders (senior)

SOCCER

Position: Midfield Number: 22 College: Florida Gulf Coast (playing)

”I’ve met my best friends through soccer, it’s just a good sport that teaches you more than just soccer.” ”The advice I would give is just not to quit, there will be a lot of obstacles and people putting you down but just go out and get what you deserve.”

Main events: Long Jump, 4x200 relay,

4x100 relay “It motivates me knowing I can push my limits and seeing what I can do. I’ve made some pretty big gains since sophomore year.”

“I wasn’t necessarily fast or good at track at first, but don’t quit because you don’t exactly know how your body can develop and what you can do.”

nylo clarke (junior)

TRACK

Position: Pitcher Number: 8 College: Rockhurst (playing)

“I chose to play in college because I love the game, I respect it, and it also helps me pay for my college. I also get to see a lot of places and travel with my team.”

“My advice is to work more than just at practice, just keep working every day, no days off.”

jacob thigpen (senior)

BASEBALL

24|SPORTS

SUMMER STRONG

by CHASE PUTNAM

South athletes choose to put work in over the summer to prepare for their regular seasons

For many South students, summer is a break from everything--from classes to after school clubs and even some sports, you are free for two months of all it.

This, however, does not apply to everyone.

Athletes that are involved fall sports such as football, cross country, soccer and volleyball use the summer as the first step to prepare for the upcoming season.

Varsity and Junior Varsity athletes, predominantly volleyball and football, hold weights and conditioning workouts from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Monday through Thursday every week. These workouts start May 31 and continue all the way until July 14, with one mandatory dead week over the week of the Fourth of July. Even if you don't play a fall sport, you can still work out to stay in shape.

Ryan Callahan, senior baseball player, discussed why he continued to workout over the summer even when he does not play a fall sport.

“I kept working out to not only get better as an athlete but because it was fun for me. The high intensity in the weight room made me want to keep coming back for more,” he said.

Camps and preseason training are a huge key to how successful a team is during the season. How hard you work out, when it is the offseason, is where you get better than the other teams in the conference or district. Getting everything you can out of every practice every day gives an advantage when the season rolls around, compared to teams that just went through the motions over the summer and

didn’t work as hard as they could.

The Cross Country team leans toward more conditioning rather than the weight lifting aspect over the summer. Five days a week, at 8:00 a.m., they meet at different neighborhoods throughout the area such as Riss Lake and Thousand Oaks, using the nature trails and the entire neighborhood as their place to train.

“If we take days off in the summer we can lose endurance, so we train our bodies constantly to be in the best shape we can be in for the eight meets we have to run in the fall.”

Girls volleyball, in addition to the weight room, plays in a sand volleyball league on Fridays throughout the summer. At the same time, they have multiple team camps as well, to stay in a volleyball mindset.

The team that takes advantage of the summer in a big way is football. Starting the very first full week of summer is their first team camp running all the way through the following week. Right after that on June 10, both JV and Varsity teams head to Northwest Missouri State for three days for team camp. A second team camp is in the middle of July as well as seven versus seven scrimmages and morning workouts throughout the entire summer.

As you can see all of the athletes in these three of these sports have their hands for full the entire summer in what is supposed to be the time period of the year where you are free from everything.

“When you grind through the summer, you are conditioned and in great shape for whatever the season throws at you.”

PAPER

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE name: Mayleigh Oder

CUT OUT

FOLD

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PANTHERS

stats: leads team in points Committed to Missouri State fun fact: University

by CARSON WELLS

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut out the Paper Panther from the sheet and then cut out marked areas that tell you to “cut out” 2. Fold along edges that say “fold” 3. Use tape to secure your Paper Panther 4. Use Paper Panther to cheer on your South athletes

26|INDEPTH

27

IN DEPTH a special 6-page multimedia section created by the spring 2016 intro to journalism class

27 28 29 30 31

SUMMER IN THE CITY Explore places to visit during your months off

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FREESTYLING 101 South students show off their freestyle talents LEAVING ADVICE BEHIND Departing seniors provide parting thoughts

30

SOUTHSIDE SNEAKERS South sneakerheads shared their collections SWEET VS. SOUR What do you prefer when it comes to candy?

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(clockwise from top left) The Crossroads District is a colorful, creative location that can entertain anyone. Gavin Redman, sophomore, sits in a row with his family he enjoys a Royals vs. Cardinals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Having a peaceful walk though on a sunny day at the Nelson Atkins of Art Museum is a great activity for art junkies. photos by SKYLER VANVALKENBERG

Kickin’ it in KC

by SOPHIE GRANGER

J

ust as the last bell of the year rings through the once silent halls, a herd of excited teens flee the building.

This is the mark of summer beginning and what you chose to do with it is all up to you.

Going to a Royals game is a favorite among Kansas Citians young and old alike, and after their World Series win, they are a must-see.

“We probably go twice a year. I love watching sports and supporting my city,” said sophomore Gavin Redman.

Just by stepping into the stadium, you can feel the overwhelming amount of love for the team and the city they play for, as well as the excitement, creating an amazing atmosphere.

“It’s pretty hype, like there’s a lot of good energy and it’s really fun,” said Redman. “But for me, the best part is bonding with my family and friends.”

Even if you aren’t the biggest sports fan, just the experience is worth it.

The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is one of the most captivating attractions and is another experience you can’t miss. With some of the prettiest art pieces, it is sure to work its way into your heart.

“I like to go when it’s sunny outside, because you can have a picnic in the grass field. It’s really neat to be around all the artwork. We’re a family of artists so it becomes routine,” said sophomore Isabella Brockman.

The Nelson has open food courts, a gift shop and sometimes shows presenting art or dances, so they make it easy to get absorbed into the pieces and spend a few hours admiring them.

With art in mind, First Fridays is a Kansas City specialty.

“I think it has a very chill but fun atmosphere that just gets your happy vibes going and there are so many things to go to and see,” said Elaina Cassity, sophomore.

With street acts, food trucks and shops filled with art or antiques, you are sure to find a good time in the Crossroads District.

“I like doing something different and breaking from my regular routine. It’s nice to just get some coffee and roam around with friends and family,” said Cassity.

Here, you can see the KC community coming together for the one-of-a-kind event.

With the loud conversations and excitement buzzing through the hallways, it has become clear that every individual has their Check out own agenda for summer, but one thing phsview.com is for sure: whether you are leaving KC for LIA FRICKE’s or staying home, there are plenty of things to keep you busy this summer. video and

ELLIE HOLDER’s article

28|

freestyling A

re you able to spit a beat on the spot? A few South students can do just that.

Some students at South have taken an interest in freestyling, and they’ve learned they have a real talent for it.

According to Urban Dictionary, freestyling is “to improvise rapping sentences without recycling the stuff that you've written on a piece of paper.

Rap and Freestyle Rap are two different things.”

Brady Osbourn, senior, said, ”Freestyling makes me feel alive. I feel like myself.”

Osbourn has been freestyle rapping since his freshman year.

He and his friends like to do it in their free time. He said his favorite thing to freestyle about is his friends.

One of Osbourn’s friends, Eli Moss, senior, said, “I’ve been in some pretty heated rap battles before at some parties.”

Moss laughed when asked about popularity and freestyling.

He said, “No it hasn’t gained me any popularity. It’s just something we do for fun.”

Moss and Osbourn have been friends since middle school.

Jordan Bell, senior, said, “I’ve been freestyling since I was five years old. I wouldn’t necessarily say it came easy to me but it was never hard. After I started doing

“Freestyling makes me feel alive.”

101

it like every day, it became so easy.”

Freestyling takes a certain talent; it’s not just something you can immediately pick up. You have to start with small simple words and once you get the rhyming down you can begin to expand your vocabulary. Along with wording, you need to have good flow.

The typical scheme people use when freestyling is an Aa Bb stanza. This means that you are rapping a line and then rhyming the last word of that line with the last word of the next line. To be a good freestyler, you have to be thinking of the next line you are going to rap while you are currently in the middle of a line.

Bell is known as a Rap God at South. He can rap about anything you want him to purely for the enjoyment of you. He recommends using metaphors, current events, and, “passing the mic like it’s contagious.”

Joe Cummings, sophomore, said, “I definitely need to work on it more. I’m not even close to where I want to be but I’d like to think I am pretty good. It’s really fun when you make a good rhyme and your whole squad freaks out.”

Cummings, an amateur, a freestyler for less than a year, looks up to people such as Bell.

Freestyling can be easy, if you work on it. It’s not for everyone, but if you like rap and you enjoying wearing a cap, it could be a good hobby for you.

by CALI GADD

Joe Cummings does a victory pose after a freestyle

Jordan Bell puts on his game face before he begins rapping. photos by MICHAELA SANTANA

How to freestyle how to google version

by JOEY FALBO 1. Start easy.

2.Think of rhymes in you’re head before you say them.

3.Keep flowing.

4.Rap about things around you.

5.Include metaphors.

how to tanner’s version

Check out Josh Rawlinson’s videoslow and Natalie 1.Start then progressMasters’ in speed as you go.on phsview.com story 2.Sound “smart.”

3.If it doesn’t rhyme good don’t say

“EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS AND BE OPEN TO TRY NEW THINGS.” accidentally walked into the boys’ bathroom and made eye contact with him.

Meghan Church learned the lesson that Forever 21’s leggings are very see through.

Throughout Freshman year, everyone makes stupid mistakes that they will regret later, just embrace them as an upperclassmen and learn from them.

by KATE KOBAYASHI & GEORGIA CLARK

Taylor Burdiss: Freshman to Senior year.

Go to phsview.com to watch Thor Allred’s video and get more details on our Seniors from Amelia Raspberry and Henry Deng

As Seniors say their goodbyes, they leave Underclassmen some advice

LEAVING ADVICE BEHIND

S

eniors at South are saying their goodbyes before they turn the page into their new life. In high school, they have shared their best moments along with their worst.

Underclassmen, to not make the same mistakes these seniors have made over the course of their four years, read this advice to ensure yourself of the best high school experience yet.

Seniors were asked the question, “What advice would you give underclassmen?”

High school is about mistakes and exploring your options before it is time to start your life, so, be yourself and enjoy the moment.

Ring Deng said, “Do your work as a freshman or you’ll definitely regret it later.”

John Francis said, “Explore your options and be open to try new things, like sports.”

Francis went on to explain that high school has taught him that the world is very diverse.

“Many people are dumfounded and simpleminded,” said Francis.

If Taylor McCoy could change the way she viewed high school as a freshman, she said she would be more involved in extra curricular clubs and sports.

There are negative things as well as positive things learned from high school.

McCoy said high school has taught her that she doesn’t like people. Francis and Deng agreed that high school made them more mature.

During McCoy’s years of being an underclassman, she made a couple of dumb freshman mistakes. One being, she had a crush on a boy in her math class, and she

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SouthSide Sneakers

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hat kinds of extreme measures would you go to for one pair of sneakers? Look em’ up online, head to the local shoe store, maybe even get two at one time?

All of those are nothing compared to what sneakerheads like Jack Smoyer, junior, do to guarantee the next pair of swagged out sneakers.

Every so often well known shoe brands like Nike, Adidas and others come out with a new “dope” pair of sneakers. Release dates aren’t usually disclosed years before the actual launch like a lot of other products.

For example, the Yeezy Boost line, created by Kanye West, restocks, but not in an organized fashion.

Commonly, Adidas will just tweet a few weeks, or days, prior to an online restock.

Even though they restock, this doesn’t mean you’re going to get your hands on the all new pairs, of Yeezys or J’s. Dawson Owen, freshman, has taken the time to refresh, and get his hands on a pair of Yeezy’s however his efforts fell just short. According to footwearnews.com retailers like Barneys New York, took to tweeting at 10 a.m. that they were restocking these pairs of shoes, and at 10:01 a.m. they tweeted that they had sold out of Yeezy Boost 350 Moonrocks.

However, according to some, the effort that goes into is all worth it when you feel you feet slip into to you all new pumped up kicks.

“Sneakers, isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle,” Go to said Smoyer.

Extreme collectors will go to extreme phsview. com for lengths to make sure they get their new pair, like sitting on Twitter all day refreshing to see more on if stores are restocking. sneakers These releases are no easy task either.

There are huge lines out the doors, and down the streets, fights, and occasionally riots, beatings, and sadly...murders. In December of 2012, on the annual release of Air Jordan Playoff XIs, a kid in New Jersey was followed home by three teenagers, shot, and killed for his pair of new Air Jordans. None of the people we interviewed have gone to a large release.

Another incident at a Finish Line in California in December of 2013, on the release of Air Jordan Gamma XIs, when multiple fights broke out over the shoes.

South sneakerheads like Smoyer and Owen aren’t the only ones buying these high class sneakers either. The Yeezy line was of course founded by the one, and only,

Sneaker heads on the complicated lifestyle of sneaker collecting

by GARRETT OSBOURN, MAX GHASEMI,, SAGE NORSWORTHY, JACKSON GARRETT & BRENDAN BRIODY

Kanye West. So it is not unusual to spot West sporting a pair of his classy kicks. Not to mention another wellknown sneaker line known as Air Jordans, rated by Kim Kardashian in New York City, traded her typical pair of heels for a pair of the Cement Air Jordan Retro 3s.

South readers who think of themselves as sneakerheads may think they have a nice personal collection. But what about $2.5 million worth? Smoyer said “yeah, I’ve spent easily over $2,000 on shoes,” which compared to this guy is peanuts.

Ben Baller aka retromon42o aka K Town Hu$tler, a seller on eBay.com. According to The Shoe Game, he was in need of money, and sold a collection on eBay worth a reported $2.5 million.

vs.

SOUR TONGUE

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SWEET TOOTH

by ELYSSA BEZNER, ELLIE KNECHTEL, LILLY WICKHAM, MATTHEW KISSINGER & TIMOTHY KRUSE

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icture this: warm, soft, gooey goodness in your mouth. Get your mind out of the sewer, we are talking about everybody’s favorite: candy.

From chocolate, to gummies, to sour gumballs, there’s a candy for just about anyone.

Colton Cossitt, freshman, has always been a lover of sweets.

Dark chocolate and gummy snakes are generally what he reaches for when he’s on the prowl for a sweet treat.

“Chocolate kind of just melts in your mouth and gummy snakes, it’s just like a fruit flavor, it’s delicious,” Cossitt said. He specifically prefers sweeter options over sour ones.

“It’s just like, sour makes your face pucker up, it’s kind of like self torture,” he says.

Jill Owens, A+ Coordinator, is also a lover of sweets.

“I love SweetTarts, and all the different holiday shapes, somehow they taste different and better than the roll. You get the Easter, you get the ducks and the bunnies and the heart for Valentine’s Day, and it’s just so good.” said Owens.

Owens also isn’t too keen on sour options.

“I’m not much on sour candy. The sour candy with stuff on the outside that makes your eyes water, no that’s awful. That should never be sold,” she said.

Not everyone prefers one over the other, some just enjoy eating both.

“My favorite candy depends on if it’s regular chocolate or if it’s sour. If it’s regular chocolate generally I like Butterfinger, but if it’s sour I like Sour Patch Kids.”

Megan Palmer, journalism, also has an appreciation for both sour and sweet candies.

“I like Crispy M&Ms and Chewy Spree,” Palmer said.

“With the Spree, I like that they’re sort of sour… and with the Crispy M&Ms I like that they’re crunchy and a little bit sweet, but not crazy sweet,” In the end it doesn’t matter what candy you prefer. What really matters is that a variety of delicious candy is almost always available to us just around the corner. No matter if that corner is down the hall in the kitchen, or down the street to your local drug store, candy demands to be eaten.

Top to bottom: Old Town Sweets and Antiques is critically acclaimed; everyone knows about it. Hershey chocolate, receiving 8 percent in South’s polls, is famous, and while not the most favored, it’s definitley a solid candy that’s always there. Hard, sweet candy like Razzles, and SweetTarts are not for everyone, but are loved by those sweet-toothers.

Scan above to watch “Yoki’s Taste Test” video to see students try unique Asian candy

END OF THE YEAR

super intense

SOUTH scavenger HUNT

by TATE SUMMA

This is not some simple quest anyone can do. This search will take the ability of someone who is smarter than the average person. Although this may be tough, the people who complete this have a high chance to be rewarded with the greatest of prizes. Keep the answers to each clue a secret because it will lessen your chances to win the $50 cash. And yes, it is $50 cash. Just follow the clues to get to the next clue. When you get the final answer to the scavenger hunt, you will know.

1

Find a way to get the newspaper issue that came out on February 5th 2016. (go to room C200). When you find it, flip to the back side. Find the “fun fact:” then find the person who the fun fact is about. Once you have their name, find their story in the same issue.

2

Go to the photos. The first name of one of these photos will give you the first name of someone who is on the newspaper staff. Go to that person’s article in the newspaper that came out today. Find the 24th word and add the 25-29 words together but backwards.

3

Use those words in clue 2 on your phone to get the directions to find clue 4.

4

When you get to this page, find the quote by the only male teacher and go to their room.

On the bulletin board on the outside of the room, look for the paper that says, “Free Crossword Puzzle.” Then fill out the crossword.

5

Have answers for the ones only going down to be in order to make a sentence. [fifth] [clue][equals][deepweb][story]

6

Find the word before the first dash. Take off the last letter of that word and add 32 (in the current issue)

7

Once you’re there write down the first letter of each line. Direct Message Tate Summa on twitter (@tatesumma) what you find. If it is correct then I will tell you.

If you wonder what your chances are of winning, think about the things that factor.

Not only of the students but also the time it takes.

No person should or could do this task without the challenge of others acting as a know-it-all nuisance to the students.

-Tate Summa