The View Issue 3 Vol 21

NEWS

FEATURES

OPINIONS

SPORTS

S TA F F

Editors in Chief: Noelle Alviz-Gransee Garrett Osbourn Art Directors: Annie Buckles Alex Benton Features Editor: Claire Hoy Sports Editor: Ethan Farrow Opinion Editor: Gabby McDowell News Editor: Grace Dieleman Managing Editor: Annie Woodson

04 Seasonal Slump

07 Dungeon

Explorers

05 14 Snow Place Like Home

Get Cuffed!

Letter from the Editors:

I never thought about this letter until now.

On January 3, 2016 I sat down in room C200 for the first time, with no idea that next 1,000 days in school would lead me to being Editor In Chief.

Across 24 issues, through four years, I can say it was the best decision in my high school life. It not only has taught me some amazing real life lessons, but it has introduced me to people who made my experience what it was. I can’t thank my classmates, and teachers enough for the opportunities, and shenanigans

09 Life

18 Just Keep

17

22

Indivisible

Swimming

Collegiate Chaos

they had to deal with all these years, and for reading my articles, and always having feedback for me.

As sad as it seems, I’m so excited to move on to new things, new people, new routines, and everything in between, but let me tell ya, no other group of people could make leaving so hard.

Noelle Alviz-Gransee Garrett Osbourn co-editors-in-chief

Reporters: Maria Allred Garrett Anderson Kiana Fernandes Avery Glover Jessie Hagen Payton Havermann Sadie Hudson Lyon Jones Payton Keedy Zane Leiker Nicco Leluga Duke Maddox Kate Maness Jake Powers Ty Rouse John Sterrett Nicole Wilson Amy Graham Adviser: Megan Palmer

The View is published six times during the regular school year as the student news publication of Park Hill South High School in Riverside, Mo. Opinions expressed here are that of the student journalists and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Park Hill School District.

To access the editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at phsview.com.

The View is a member of National Scholastic Press Association and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, KS.

Semester Sendoff

Some seniors plan to bid adieu to South at semester

by Kate Maness and Maria Allred As South rounds up the last few days of first semester, many seniors are finishing up their last weeks of high school.

Seniors can choose to graduate in May, or graduate a semester early in December. Everyone has their own reasons for staying or going.

“I’m choosing to graduate at semester to free my schedule of school and put my time toward things that matter to me,” said Garrett Osbourn, senior.

Over the course of Osbourn’s four years in high school he said he has developed self interests in the futures markets which has led him to internships and self-employment opportunities.

While Osbourn is leaving to start working and planning his life, Etinosa Reuben, senior, has a completely different plan.

Reuben said, “I plan on graduating at semester and get to Clemson early and start classes in January so I can workout with the team and start focusing on what I got to do so I can play.”

Everyone has their reasoning of graduating at first semester. Niecee Rivers, senior, is also another senior graduating early.

“Pros of graduating early are starting college sooner, being able to work more and save more money, and of course not waking up early every day,” Rivers said.

Despite the numerous benefits of not having school, there are some major downsides as well.

Infographic by Garrett Osbourn

24th

begins now....

2017

MO Guns MO Safety was one of my favorite not only because of the design, but because of the issue at hand. Armed teachers in MO? Crazy!

On his 24th and final issue of ‘The View,’ Co-Editor-InChief Garrett Osbourn remembers his favorite stories

Osbourn said, “Definitely the social life in terms of not being present and people seeing you every day. Naturally, how nature works they will tend to forget about you. That’s why I’m leaving early so people won’t forget about me, because I’ll be working on the things people will remember me for.”

Most seniors would say the biggest downside is being apart from friends, but the benefits make it worth it.

“Getting a head start on college would the biggest pro of me graduating early,” said Maggie Claassen, another senior graduating at semester.

Most of the senior class will still be in the South classrooms until May 15. And for those graduating early, they’ll be working, starting college or starting sports.

In the spring there will still be activities going on like Prom, Courtwarming and other school events. Some early graduates may choose to go, and some may not.

Rivers said, “I would like to come back for Prom so I can see my friends again and just have some fun. I also want to come to yearbook distribution day since I helped make it and it’s my last one.”

So, when most students return from winter break on January 3, more than 50 students will be missing from the halls of South, having already started the next chapter in their life.

2016

Politics was the name of the game in 2016. Keeping up with the election, I only did politics first semester of sophomore year.

2017

One of my first issues junior year, the talk around town was new IDs and rules placed by Dr. Esco.

This was kind of one of those “poke the bear” stories, which is why it’s one of my top.

3

news

The Effect of Shorter Days on South Students

l a n o s a e

S SLUMP

By Johnny Sterrett

55% Happier

18% Neutral 27% More Stressed or Depressed

4

Around this time of year, it can start to feel harder and harder to find motivation. Suddenly your schoolwork seems less important and your bed seems more and more inviting.

This isn’t a unique phenomenon plaguing South, and it isn’t just senioritis. Students all across the country lucky enough to experience more seasons than just summer may find themselves struggling more than usual during these winter months.

Most of these feelings of sluggishness can be attributed to the increasingly shorter days.

“I feel like shorter days make me feel unproductive because it gets darker earlier.

I just feel like there’s nothing more I can do because I feel like the days is already over,” said Victoria Smith, junior.

And this feeling of shorter days can be even more severe for student athletes that get home even later.

“Winter sports makes it harder. It’s dark when I wake up, and it’s dark when I get home from practice. It would be nice if wasn’t all artificial light all day,” said Nathan Sharp, junior.

Most students agree that shorter days have some negative effects on their work, but for some people, it’s more serious than just a lack of motivation.

This condition is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, and according to the national library of medicine, “Young adults and women are most likely to experience SAD with the reported gender difference ranging from 2:1 to 9:1,” making South students, especially girls, the most susceptible.

There are many potential symptoms, ranging from abnormal sleep to overeating.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is usually only present in people that already experience symptoms of depression, but can greatly amplify them, resulting in an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and isolation.

So what can you do if you find yourself struggling? Luckily, there are multiple ways to

But not all of the struggles for students and staff stem from the short days. While for many, the Holidays is a cheerful time, for some families it can be a big source of stress. There is a lot of pressure associated with the holidays, from being around extended family to financing the expenses that come with the festivities.

“More family means there’s a lot of pressure to be on my best behavior. I’d say the holidays are more stressful at my house,” said T.J. Carroll, Junior.

news

avoid or lessen the effects of seasonal affective disorder.

One such way to mitigate the effects of SAD is to stay active. The fatigue and letharg y associated with SAD can be overcome with exercise, which many people miss out on due to the cold uninviting weather. According to medical news today, specialists advise that staying physically active can help provide a boost in energ y and improve mood.

One of the ways the seasons can affect people is that it disrupts their circadian rhythm, which regulates behavioral patterns such as eating, sleep, and activity patterns based on the time of day. If you can overcome the want to stay inside and force some activity, it can help maintain a normal state of rhythm.

But perhaps the best way to combat these symptoms is through a treatment called light therapy. The use of the right kind of artificial light can replicate a similar response in the brain to that of real sunlight, effectively lengthening the day for the patient, according to Dr. Norman Rosenthal.

As long as you have a suitable source of light, blue or white light with a strength of 10,000 lux, spending between 20 and 90 minutes each day with the light can greatly change the mood of someone affected by SAD. In addition to implementation of the artificial light, it is also helpful to maximize the time you do have natural light available. You might have only an hour or less after school, but using that time to be outside can keep you productive fwor the hours to come.

And finally, force yourself to be social.

Don’t give in to your reclusive and antisocial tendencies. Sometimes leaving your house is half the battle. The American Psychological Association recommends you keep in touch with your friends and family.

Some people might feel they can’t get away from their relatives during the holidays, but you shouldn’t underestimate the impact they can have on your life.

South Students Were Most Stressed By:

27% Work

54% Finals

18% Family

TherSnow e is

Place LikeHome

A rough winter ahead could lead to many snow days for South students

By Ty Rouse and Garrett Anderson

by Nicole Wilson

Y

ou wake up in the morning, see the snow covered world outside your window and turn on the news, waiting to see “Park Hill School District” come up with the other districts and schools that are canceled for that day.

Snow days are treasured by many students, especially seniors. Those who like snow days are in luck as Kansas City is expected to have a very cold and snowy winter.

“Get ready for a winter ride that will have major ups and downs, big temperature swings, and six to nine storm systems that will produce accumulations of snow,” said local weatherman for 41 Action News, Gary Lezak, on the 41 Action News website.

Seniors are especially looking forward to this winter. For every snow day, they don’t have to make it up due to their set graduation date of May 15. But everyone else will have to make up just as many as they missed.

Most students think snow days shouldn’t have to be made up, whether they are a senior or not.

“I think we should have built-in snow days like other schools to not cut our

summer short,” said junior Eliana Rosario.

You may be limited to how you can spend your snow days depending on how bad the snow is, but with a day to yourself, the possibilities are endless.

“I like to just chill in my room and binge on my DSi,” said senior Kian Comstock.

There are many factors that can go into school being called off. Road conditions, temperatures, and how icy it is are all taken into consideration.

“I do not make the call, but our main priority as a district is to keep everyone safe,” said Dr. Dale Longenecker, principal.

Whether you like snow days or not, this winter is predicted to be a harsh one.

Lezak predicts 21.5 inches of snow this year.

So, don’t be surprised to wake up to a text from the Park Hill School District cancelling school this winter.

5

news

From Alternative to EDM to everything in between, music artists from all over the world travel through Kansas City in hopes of moving people with their music and presence, giving a feeling that no song through the speaker of a phone can deliver.

As 2018 wraps up and 2019 is slowly approaching, artists of all genres prepare to perform in Kansas City in the new year, while South students prepare to hear some of their favorite bands live in 2019.

Artists from all over are making sure KC is a stop on their 2019 tour in various venues across town. Alexis Colpitts, senior, will be seeing LANY at The Midland on May 1st, a big name in alternative music.

“I love going to concerts and this one in particular is making me look forward to the new year,” said Colpitts.

The band released their new album Malibu Nights on Oct. 5 and later announced their world tour for the new album. Colpitts knows all of LANY’s songs and bought tickets as soon as she heard the band was coming in town.

“The experience of seeing your favorite artist live is my favorite thing,” said Colpitts. “Listening to an alternative band live like LANY is so much better than other genres of music because they really sing their songs with so much thought and emotion and being able to see that live is an amazing thing.”

Other South students look forward to smaller bands at smaller venues in the new year. Sydney Warren, junior, will be attending Rainbow Kitten Surprise at The Truman on February 13.

“I’ve listened to Rainbow Kitten Surprise for a while now and this is my first

time being able to see them live in my hometown and I’m excited,” said Warren.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise released an album last April and are coming back to Kansas City on their own tour in February. Warren made sure to purchase tickets for the show as soon as they went on sale.

“I have a lot of friends who like this band as much as I do, so when we saw that they were coming intown we knew we had to go,” said Warren, “and the fact that I’m going with my friends makes me even more excited; I just want Febuary to come already!”

Not all concerts coming in 2019 are the typical hits played on the radio. Lexi Frieders, senior, will be going to many EDM (electronic dance music) concerts, also known as raves, in the new year.

“Raves are one of my absolute favorite things,” said Frieders. “The atmosphere is unexplainable. Everybody is there for a good time and to listen to music and have the time of our lives.”

Frieders enjoys going to raves so much that she will be attending many different ones at many different venues across Kansas City such as Excision Apex Tour at The Midland, Love 8 at Uptown Theater and more.

“Raves aren’t for everyone, but if you go to one with an open mind, you’ll feel a sensation you’ve never felt before,” said Frieders.

As new artists announce new tours and come and go during the upcoming year, students will continue to travel from venue to venue hearing the sensation of live music, as they look forward to the Kansas City concert experience.

“Everybody is there for a good time and to listen to music and have the time of our lives.”

s w o h S w e N , New Year king shows they are loo g in m o c up e th re Students sha forward to in 2019

N

By ANNIE WOODSO

Would you like to attend a concert in 2019?

RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE

When: Feb. 13, 2019 Where: The Truman Ticket Cost: $32 - $38

EXCISION

When: Feburary 6, 2019 Where: The Midland Ticket Cost: $40 - $45 ($50 day of the show)

95% Said Yes 5% Say No

LANY

When: May 1st, 2019 Where: The Midland Ticket Cost: $25 - $35

6

features

Paul Jason Klein of LANY

Dungeon Explorers

An old hobby has roots in a small community at South, and has many misconceptions

By Duke Maddox

For millions of years, people have come up with simple ways to overcome boredom. Dungeons and Dragons may be a way to overcome this, but it is definitely not simple.

From an outside view there may not seem like there is any appeal to something like D&D, but many find it to be a fun adventure that can last for hours on end.

Some students have chosen this hobby for the creative freedom it brings, and will have hours of campaigns. South is home to a few that have chosen this hobby, most active are Tristan Bramlett, junior, and James Drumright, junior. But before starting the game, the players must make a character from scratch.

Here is where you have the most creative liberty. You are able to pick everything about your character. Their looks, their skills, what they have, etc. Of course, this takes a lot of writing and creativity, and making a good character is integral to having an enjoyable time.

Bramlett feels a community connection to his fellow explorers, and said, “The greatest appeal is just hanging out with friends and having an enjoyable game.”

The enjoyment of the game rests on the dungeon master.They, carry the biggest burden of the game. Their job is to come up with an exciting narrative, but also make the game fair and challenging for the players.

Mr. Drumright says he has been playing for a long time, and introduced his son and his friends to the game a while back. Now they still continue to play together.

Dungeons and Dragons has been around for a long time, really taking its first ground in the ‘70s, but having roots even further than that. Many people may have had parents who played, but never knew it.

After playing a session with the boys, I definitely see the appeal. Unlike video games you can really do what you want with the game, and the rules can be bent for the best and most creative experience possible.

Bramlett sees this as the greatest appeal, saying “It’s just entertainment, and you get to use and expand your imagination while you play.”

Dungeons and Dragons can sometimes have a negative connotation, due to past controversies in the 80s and 90s, but the boys don’t believe that it can be played casually and be used to hang out and have a good time..

Drumright said “Anyone is able to play. It doesn’t take much and is easy to play, we play every other Friday or Saturday, and anyone can learn, just like you.”

2.

Spend time making your character, it determines how much will enjoy the game.

1. Its best to know so4. mone who knows how to If play, if you don;t have Make you atleast one freind alot of dont learn all the time for a know all the rules and rules, or have game, they are everythoing you how to long, and take think you need to longer when first Gm. 3.

learning.

Starting rules for D&D:

Tips For Starting D&D

play, improvise its fine.

7

features

(Valid?)ictorian High schools across the country are revising and taking away the position of valedictorian; here’s why South should follow.

by Noelle AG

Number one.

8 opinion

knowledge.

According to Arnold, several valedictorians It’s a position strived for, dreamt about, and admitted to not being the smartest kids, just the pressured for. Countless hours devoted and hardest workers. For them, it was more of giving poured over for a title. A certificate. A badge of the teachers what they wanted rather than actually honor. learning the material. Because of getting into this For decades, becoming the valedictorian of the habit, while being successful and well rounded, class has been a mission for many. While it served they often don’t have a single area of passion a well intended purpose in its day, it is time to which is what later doesn’t set them apart from the end the recognition for one student based on group. academics alone.

Research conducted by Shawn Achor from The recognition of a valedictorian began in Harvard showed that college grades don’t predict the 19th century, when not many students ended life success. A study of over 700 millionaires in up going to college. It was a way for advocates to the United States said that the average GPA from show taxpayers why public secondary education college was a 2.9. Hearing a GPA that low would was so important. Graduation ceremonies were give an aspiring valedictorian nightmares. also very popular for people to attend in a time The more students in a school, the harder it is that lacked radios and televisions. Becoming a to be number one. Since AP valedictorian was also a way “...a study of over classes have been implemented to celebrate those who aren’t 700 millionaires in the in high schools, aspiring publicly recognized for their valedictorians have often hard work, which at that time United States said that the loaded up their schedule with centralised around women. average GPA from college AP courses, just because of the Things have changed a lot weighted GPA it gives. They since then. With suburban was a 2.9.” often are involved in sports, or schools growing, it’s becoming other extra-curricular activities, making juggling all typical to have a few thousand kids in a high of these priorities for four years hit hard when they school at once. This makes the difference between end up not crossing the finish line. a valedictorian and salutatorian often down to a Not all the pressure is student placed. It has hundredth of a percent. That small amount has become a cultural norm for wealthy middle class led to millions of dollars in lawsuits, leading to several schools taking away the valedictorian award families to expect their students to rank high in their class, and pursue education in a mores altogether. selective, superior university, often thinking it’s A professor at Boston College, Karen more likely to become successful.

Arnold, started a study in 1995 that tracked 81 This train of thought puts a lot of pressure valedictorians for 14 years after graduation. She found out that while almost all did well, none were on students to perform, leading sometimes to academic dishonesty to get where they want to go. a standout success. 90 percent were professionals The competition of find one valedictorian out and 40 percent reached the highest tier in their of an entire senior class is outdated and unfair. fields, but according to Arnold, there weren’t any Several schools with a large student body have visionaries. instead given the top ten percent of the class a Academic grades correlate only loosely with valedictorian equivalent award, and allow one of intelligence, while standardized testing is closer to them to give the speech. measuring your IQ. Grades are good at measuring I know how hard the top kids in my class are self-discipline, the ability to comply with the rules, working to become valedictorian, and I don’t think and conscientiousness. it’s fair that only one of them gets the recognition When students go into the workforce, jobs will they honestly all deserve. focus on passion and expertise. Students who If you want to be number one, then by all approach school this way often get worse grades means work for it. Get it. However, it shouldn’t because they are so focused on their passion and excel in that, that they don’t focus as much on their be that students have to stay up late every night, taking all these AP classes focusing only on how it other subjects. will increase your GPA, because even if you aren’t In school, however, everything is reversed top of the class, you can still be very successful. because they want students to focus on general

51% Have said they cheated on an exam within the past year

55% Have lied to a teacher about something significant

45% of boys believe “a person has to lie occationally in order to succeed” compared to

28% of girls

*According to a 2012 survey of 23,000 students from the Johnston Instute of Ethics

Does Everything Happen for a Reason ?

I could never even begin to count the amount of times that people have told me that “everything happens for a reason.”

If all of us are being completely honest, this statement gets really frustrating. It doesn’t seem right that bad things happen to good people every day and that life can suck sometimes.

But, there’s a moment in everyone’s lives when you stop… and realize that it’s all gonna be okay.

That every moment you spent crying and wishing things were different and not understanding life and thinking everything was going wrong was all leading up to the present.

You may not have understood it then and you may not even understand where you are right now, but I promise that someday you will.

I promise that when that day comes you will be thankful for days that sucked and the days you thought nothing was going right and days when you couldn’t understand why the world would put so much on your shoulders.

You will be thankful, because all of these things had a purpose behind them.

Maybe they taught you a lesson or they showed you the truth or they took you out of a situation that would have become much worse.

Regardless, they have fabricated the person staring back at you in the mirror. Every little piece of yourself comes from the littlest of moments from some of the worst and some of the best days. All of these little

by Avery Glover

moments matter.

Believe me, I know this sounds ridiculous to a lot of you.

There have been points in my life when I was sick of “everything happens for a reason”. How could so many bad things have any possible good reasoning behind them.

I didn’t truly understand the meaning of this statement until recently.

After everything came crashing down and I hit a low point. I was mad at things happening around me and didn’t get why.

TIme passed and the puzzle pieces fell together. After getting through the worst times I came out with a stronger sense of self and a realization of the strength people have to endure rough patches.

But, when I finally realized that everyone who ever lectured me with that statement was actually right and that all the bad moments really did serve a purpose, I was content. I was content in the bad and I was content in the good.

I understood that at the end of the day the world is still spinning and when you look up the sun will still be there.

I understood that the hardships were precisely what I needed at that point in my life.

Most importantly, I understood that you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this moment and that everything really does happen for a reason.

“Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason.”

-Dr. Seuss

L I F E YE

S

NO

12%

Scan here to take Avery’s quiz

88%

South stude nts answered ....

9

opinion

Holidays are a time full of traditions, family and of course food! A big choice for a lot of families can be to have ham or turkey, and South students have big opinions about which meat is best.

“Ham

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have soggy fry at the two It’s choices: bottom of the bag a turkey or that nobody wants.” holiday ham. Your family mouth waters and -Alyse Gann, dinner and you reach across sophomore there is a big the dinner table to space in the middle get turkey. Your family of the table for the is proud as you obviously main course.

What is this made the correct decision. main course?

Who would want to eat Well, for some it is turkey ham? Turkey is better for so many but for the better half of humanity reasons. The salty savory taste of the it is ham. skin that has turned a crisp golden color, Ham is definitely superior to turkey the scent of the steam as it fills the kitchen, in all forms.

Just think, you have that juicy the juicy, tender, dark meat, and the full flavor sweet or salty slice of pig that is a slam dunk of white meat. in all sane people's taste buds. Turkey is dry Everyone complains that turkey is dry, but when and makes you need to chug a gallon of water just done correctly, it is everything but that. If you have to get the nasty dry feeling out of your mouth. never had the pleasure of enjoying a nicely cooked Also, there are definitely way more ways to cook a turkey than I feel so sorry for you. Your family should learn ham then a turkey. You can make it sweet, you can make it how to cook. Turkey is superior in all ways. spicy, salty, any way that you want. For turkey all you get is a In a poll on Twitter, 51 percent of 71 students at South say bland dry piece of meat in your mouth. they like Ham more, which means that 51 percent of those There was a Twitter poll for South students for students are living a very sad life. turkey or ham. Out of 72 students 51 percent said that Living a life hating turkey is living a life half full. At the Ham was better. This was a close call but ham still first ever Thanksgiving in November 1621, they had won, of course. roasted duck. Obviously it wasn’t very good because There are a lot of students who need they quickly changed it to turkey. Since then and medical help with their taste buds! since 1863 when Thanksgiving was declared a To those of you who are healthy and national holiday, turkey has been the national can taste what pure perfection is (AKA symbol. ham) you are some of the lucky ones.

According to pbs.org, ham is As you are cooking for your considered a processed meat and holiday dinner this year keep this 51% turkey is much healthier for in mind, ham is the only way. you. Ham is also a red meat 49% If you choose to ignore this and there’s a link between advice I am truly sorry for processed red meat and your poor mouth that cancer. you are abusing with Make the healthier this dry piece of and better tasting nothing. Happy choice and Holidays! choose Turkey these Scan here Holidays!

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for people’s thoughts on ham vs. turkey

INDI VISIBLE

by Amy Graham

America today sees more division than ever before. How is this affecting our schools?

“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Students across the nation utter these words monotonously every morning. Few will appreciate the words they repeat, and fewer absorb their meaning. For a pledge we recite almost every morning, it seems to contradict the way many of us, even teens, live our lives.

The pledge of allegiance originated as a means of celebration of American expansion, promoting unison and patriotism in American schools. However, similar to the national anthem, it has evolved into a point of controversy.

According to The Washington Post, a student in Houston refused to stand for the pledge, using it as a means of protest towards police brutality and Trump in a fashion similar to the Kaepernick inspired kneelings. And despite the West Virginia State Board of Education vs.

Barnette landmark decision which protects a student’s first amendment right in refusing to stand for the pledge, she was expelled.

These politically motivated actions and consequences continue to raise a question not unfamiliar to educators and parents: what has politics done to our schools?

America today is more divided than ever before. While we can blame this on many factors, one many of us witness every day is social media.

The spread of technology has shown itself to be both a positive and negative means of connection. Thanks to modern technology, of course, people in all corners of the world can reach each other and we can bring light to important issues on a global platform.

Still, too much of a good thing can be bad, and we’ve clearly seen this. Social media also serves as an outlet for waves of people to partake in massive arguments and spread discriminatory beliefs in what can sometimes feel almost propaganda-esque. Allowing people the anonymity of social media encourages them to say things they may not be comfortable saying face-to-face (often, for good reason).

Such widespread conflict has pushed Americans into corners, creating a cult-like devotion to political parties. This belligerence is problematic enough when it was reserved primarily for adults. Now, as smartphones and tablets fall into the hands of younger and younger kids, the problem spreads.

Political divides have wormed their way into the classrooms as well.

The best example of this is the 2016 presidential election.

The Southern Poverty Law Center published a report in 2016 examining the effects of “Trump Talk” on school kids during 2016. They write, “our report found that the campaign is producing an alarming level of fear and anxiety among children of color and inflaming racial and ethnic tensions in the classroom.”

A survey done by the aforementioned organization of 2000 educators found that half of them had seen an increase in uncivil political discourse. This leaves a conundrum for teachers. One one hand, we feel the importance of educating kids about the political process and current event. On the other, though, how can we do so without increasing the divide in the classrooms?

A definitive answer remains unclear, but there are some simple steps that can be taken to alleviate conflict.

The bias-free teaching of current events is vital. Teaching kids facts in school is much more beneficial than leaving them to learn only social media alone. Not only does it expose them to real news, but also educates them in current events, something a lot of kids today lack.

It’s important to remember, though, with all the negativity, people are working to bring us all together at the same time. Just recently at South, young Democrats and young Republicans worked together to put on the Veteran’s Day assembly. This kind of collaboration is what we need to see beyond the two clubs.

So next time you stand for the pledge of allegiance, take a moment to absorb the words you say, and decide for yourself what it means to you.

“Over 40 percent are hesitant to teach about the election.”

More than two-thirds of the teachers reported that students—mainly immigrants, children of immigrants and Muslims—have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or their families after the election.

33%

66% 11

opinion

Y PP A H EW N EAR Y

Y

Students reflect on what goes through their heads this holiday season

Traditional Tidings of Joy Strands of lights illuminate the world, casting it in a soft golden glow.

Music floats from the shops into the open air. It’s the one time of year where happiness and compassion permeate the very atmosphere.

It’s the holiday season.

Winter is often dark and dreary, but the holidays are a shining star among the blackness. Regardless of religion, many South students participate in a holiday to bring some cheer to this time of year.

Decorations are brought out, along with a vast variety of traditions.

“It helps maintain your identity as a person, as a member of your family, as a member of your culture,” Ian Flowers, junior, said about tradition.

Flowers celebrates Christmas, but also has special traditions to ring in the New Year.

“From the start it looks like a typical New Year’s when the ball drops, we all crawl under the table and we eat 12 grapes. After that, we get a bag of pennies and we throw pennies out onto the street, but you have to keep some. These are Costa Rican traditions on New Year’s so down there it’s not weird at all but here the neighbors kind of look at us funny when we do it,” said Flowers.

Another South student who has special holiday traditions is Greyson Langer, sophomore.

“I celebrate Hanukkah. We celebrate Christmas on the side because we don’t really give out gifts on Hanukkah we just celebrate it to spend time with our family. We light the candles, we have one menorah for each kid so we each light our own. On the last night we usually have a big dinner with the family and we’ll invite other people over,” said Langer.

One holiday celebrated by a few South students is Three Kings’ Day, which takes place in February after most of the more well-known holidays are over.

“We buy a cake and there’s a little baby Jesus in it and you get them from Mexican bakeries downtown that we go to. Whoever gets the baby Jesus has to throw a party. I don’t really do a lot with religion so it’s more

by Kiana Fernandes

just a family thing,” said Amy Graham, sophomore.

Regardless of the holiday, the Season of Giving is a special time that brings families together. Traditions are important for those connections, as Lindsey Diepenbrock, science, said she is trying to teach her children.

“When I was really little, we had the whole Christmas morning shebang where you’d wake up and you’d see all your toys, but as we got older we started doing presents on Christmas Eve and it was the best thing in the world,” said Diepenbrock. “Now, we make Christmas morning kind of a big deal we make cinnamon rolls and we have our Christmas jammies on and that’s kind of our tradition. I think you want to make it magical for them. I think you want to make it really special and fun.”

As students get older, there is more and more of a draw to spend time with and make traditions with friends.

“It’s my friends and I and every year we do Friendsgiving where we go out and do something like ice skate or go shopping and then we eat dinner somewhere so I think that’s fun,” said Graham.

While friends are important, so is family. In the face of all the festivity and obligation, how do students find a balance?

“I think back to when I was in high school and I remember Christmas break and thinking how all I wanted to do was hang out with my friends and there was all this time to do that. I knew when there was a time that was important to be with [my family]. We’d always do Christmas Eve and we’d always do chicken noodle soup together and Christmas Day was all about them but you know, parents have their own things, too,” said Diepenbrock.

The holiday season can truly be the most magical time of the year.

It has a magnetism that draws people together. Families can connect to their ancestors across many generations through tradition, and friends can come together and create new ones.

This holiday season, while spreading that holiday cheer, don’t forget that centuries of celebration have culminated in the environment seen today. Those tidings of comfort and joy were built and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Treasure tradition, because it’s the foundation for a good holiday.

“We all crawl under the table and we eat 12 grapes.”

12 centerspread

Y PP A H EW N EAR Y

H NE APPY Y EA W R

H NE APPY YEA W R

DIY Christmas Gifts

by Sadie Hudson

Crayon Candle Supplies: Old crayons Glass votives Wax wicks Dixie cups Popsicle sticks Microwave X-acto knife

1.

2.

3.

4.

Peel the paper off your crayons.

Fill a dixie cup with wax and microwave for one minute. Give it a stir and microwave again in 30 second intervals until the wax is completely melted.

Place your wick into the bottom of the candle. Pour a thing layer of wax into the bottom of the votive until it’s completely liquefied. Let the first layer dry for 20-30 minutes.

Repeat this process and continue to pour different layers until your candle is done.

Cookie Mix in a Jar Supplies: Flour Baking powder Baking soda Salt Mason jar Bowl Chocolate candy

1.

2.

3.

4.

Combine all of your ingredents together in a small bowl.

Pour the mixture into the 1-quart mason jar, using a funnel.

Carefully drop M&M’s on to the top of the mixture. Top the mixture with sugar and brown sugar.

Decorate the lid of your jar however you please and you’re done!

Sharpie Mug Supplies: Plain, white mugs Oil based Sharpie paint pens Scrapbook letter stickers Oven Rubbing alcohol Q-tips

1.

2.

3.

Place your sticker wherever you want on the mug. Make sure it’s as flat as possible.

Make dots or another sharpie design all around the monogram. If you make a mistake, remove with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip.

Bake the mug for 30 minutes at 350 degrees farenheit, and then you’re done!

Y PP A H EW N EAR Y

13 centerspread

As Missouri transitions from bright pumpkins and colorful leaves to snowmen and snowflakes, South students cuddle up and get cuffed for

by Claire Hoy the cold winter

Let’s Get

Cuffed

During cuffing season, it is expected that you get your significant other a gift for the holidays, which can come with a lot of pressure, especially for Mia Cogswell, junior, and Nathen Sipes, junior.

“I feel a lot of pressure, because he already knows what I want for Christmas, but I have no idea what he wants for Christmas,” said Cogswell.

On top of the awkwardness of finding a present, there is also the dreaded introduction of your significant other to your family.

“My dad, I feel like, is really going to scare him. My dad is a really intimidating person if you don’t know him well enough, so I am pretty nervous to introduce my boyfriend to them,” said Cogswell.

Need help getting cuffed? Scan here for some help from The View.

After being best friends for months, Coleman Reese, sophomore, and Skyelar Nelson, sophomore, decided make it official and start dating.

“Since we were best friends, it has strengthened our relationship, making us very comfortable around each other,” said Reese.

The joy of the season, along with the cold weather has made it an occasion for the two to go gift shopping for each other.

“We are going down to the Plaza this weekend, and we are going to give each other gift ideas and maybe even buy each other something in advance,” said Reece.

Jack Chaney, senior, and Grace Dieleman, senior, started dating this cuffing season and joined the wave of newly forming couples.

“I asked her out. It is very nice to have a girlfriend for the winter.

My birthday is during that time, and then the holidays are coming up, which is always fun,” said Chaney.

With a newly formed relationship, figuring out what you’re going to do on those special occasions can be difficult.

“His birthday is less than a month from when we started dating, and Christmas isn’t too far away either. It can be hard knowing what to do for each occasion, but that’s just show biz,” said Dieleman.

14 features

- 4 Players - Spikeball Net (see photo below)

How To Play

- Start the point with the server being at least 6 feet away from the net and then serving the ball to the opposite team.

- The ball must come off the net cleanly, if the ball comes off the pocket (when the ball comes off the net close to the rim and result in an unexpected bounce) it results in a fault serve.

- If the team misses the net or conects with the rim of the net, then the server loses the point. Also, if the team cannot hit a legal serve by the second try, they lose the point.

- The server will continue to serve until the team loses the point. If the serving team wins, partners switch places after each point.

- Only the defensive player opposite of the server can return the serve.

- Both hard and soft serves are allowed, and drop serves aren’t only allowed, they are encouraged.

- Each team gets up to three touches to return the ball off of the net (they must alternate after each hit).

- You can use any part of your body, but you cannot use both hands at once or hit the ball twice.

- Teams switch sides after reaching 11 points.

- Games are to 21, win by 2.

Spike it!

Students discover new sport and plan to start school club

by Jake Powers

There is a new club spiking up at South this year: spikeball.

It first started off as a friend group’s hobby but it has now developed beyond that. The leader of club, Michael Verhoeven, junior, got the club started and is working to get enough people to join, which is 20.

The game of spikeball is easy to play. With just one game of watching you could understand how to play pretty easily. Kellen Danielsen, junior, thinks anyone could play after watching just one game.

He said, “It’s a mix of volleyball and four square. You have three hits between you and your teammate to get it back on the net, and then the other team gets three hits and so on until it touches the ground. Games are played to 21. It’s a game that you can learn in under five minutes,” said Danielsen.

Danielsen is really looking forward to how the club could succeed. He is hoping to be able to play in the spring even though he has been hurt.

“I was injured during football season so I might start but How Points Are Scored slow I’m excited Ball Hitting The Net Twice to start playing,” Danielsen said.

The club is expecting to start in the spring on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to about 2:50 p.m. The location is going to be at South, but they do not know where as of now.

Verhoeven wanted to start the club for more reasons than spikeball, however.

“It not only brings people together to have some fun, but it builds strong habits of teamwork, cooperation, and competitiveness,” said Verhoeven.

Spikeball has about 20 members so far that are willing to play. One of those is Gavin Lee, junior. Lee has been playing the game for about eight months, ever since they first started at a friend’s lake house.

They discovered the sport after finding it on the shelves of Dick’s Sporting Goods. They learned how to play after watching videos on Youtube and have been addicted ever since.

“We have been playing as a friend group for a long time now and we’ve had the idea to start a club for a while, but it’s just now getting started,” he said.

Spikeball is very easy game to learn so anyone can join if they would like. The more people that joined the more fun it would be for everyone. If you are not doing anything come out and try to play at least once and you won’t regret it.

Infractions

What You Need

- Defensive players must make an effort to get out of the offensive team’s way. If they don’t, then it’s a point for the offensive team.

- If the ball touches the net and hits their teamate or themselves after, they lose the point.

- If any player makes contact with the net that affects the trajectory of the ball, they lose the point. If it does not move the set or affect the trajectory of the ball, play on.

Ball Hitting The Ground

Ball Hitting The Rim

Hitting the Mats

Pain, blood, sweat and tears. It’s the time of the year where wrestlers hit the mat as their winter season begins.

As the South wrestling team gets off to a great start this year, they are ready to wrestle to victory. Preparing for this season is going to take many harsh practices.

Never knowing what an opponent could do at any moment in the match is the reason for practice because you have to know how to counter the move and or defend it.

“We have a really tough schedule this year so in a way I’m nervous, but I really like the wrestlers we got this year and I feel we will do good,” said Dan Dunkin, Varsity wrestling coach.

South has never really been known for the wrestling program, but with hard work and dedication in practice and out of practice, this season may change that for South Wrestlers.

“I feel we are going to do very well this year as a team and individually. We are putting in much hard work on the mat and off the mat together as a team,” said Max Rosario, Junior.

Every day after school, the wrestling team puts in work during practice, from wrestling moves and only pure hard workouts, they never give up even when they want to.

“Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect,” said Glen Rosario, Wrestling coach.

Leading into the season, coaches expect hard work and if you don’t like it quit because like in any sport no one likes someone who can’t put the work in to better themselves.

“Our practices suck, I’ll admit it, but growing up wrestling I’ve always had to go through the pain,” said Cameron Gillespie, junior. “So when the coaches get onto other wrestlers for talking or messing around not trying to better themselves it

Wrestling season is underway at South

by Payton Keedy

doesn’t even surprise me because what they don’t get is you don’t get better over night. Also, when wrestlers say ‘I want to wrestle Varsity’ or ‘I want to go to State,’ they need to have the mentality during practice even when their bodies are tired and they don’t feel they can push through.”

Wrestling is a very demanding sport. Remembering moves is especially hard but that’s why coaches make them practice them over and over again. When using moves, wrestlers have to perfect them and better themselves with moves they feel are going to help them win.

“My favorite wrestling move would definitely be a slide by because it’s quick and easy to do and you can do many moves off of it to score points.” said Kale Slater, sophomore.

People always judge wrestlers because they say it’s weird and nobody even watches it but many famous wrestlers and coaches explain it over and over again that wrestling is one of the hardest sports in the world.

Pain, blood, sweat, and tears are shed every day but South never gives up.

Photo by Sadie Hudson

15

sports

NBA

Underway An in-depth look at what the current NBA season entails

By Nico Leluga

16 sports

South’s Alecia Westbrook is ready for a huge season

Westbrook’s Way

In the four years that Alecia highest level.

Westbrook, senior, has been has been Because of this, Westbrook has set a hard to miss for both her height and team goal. dominance on the court.

“Every person on varsity [should] Now in her final season at South, the score at least two points in a game,” she Corpus Christi commit eyes a season said. worth remembering.

Westbrook has recently committed to Westbrook said, “[I want to] break Corpus Christi to extend her basketball the record of most points in a school career an extra four years. She will be season”. playing at the Division I level and will Some might feel like this is would be get to showcase her talents on a much quite the leap, and they would be right. larger scale.

Setting a season mark Westbrook said, “When “[I want to] I went down on my official in points would be a tremendous feat, but is visit I clicked with the team break the most definitely within and the coaches instantly. the reach of Westbrook. record of most And who wouldn’t want to With her ability to on an island?” points in a liveWestbrook’s score the ball in more commitment ways than one and school season”. before the season may make experience at the people believe that the varsity level, Westbrook high school season is not is primed for a huge statistical season. important to Westbrook, but she said Westbrook is also looking to avenge this is not the case. last season’s early exit, saying she wants “Commiting now doesn’t change to “make it past the second game in anything because I still have goals to Districts.” reach during my high school season,” Westbrook does not want to be the she said. only player on the team to succeed As the playoffs approach, South will either; she knows that her team plays a need Westbrook to play at a high level huge part in the success. She knows that if they want to make a run. If she does, the team morale needs to be high in then expect a long season for the Lady order for the team to be playing at their Panthers,

Scan to find Park Hill South’s Basketball Schedule and Highlights

By Zane Leiker

Swish. As the ball goes through the net, the crowd roars. You hear the next day that the Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship again.

Depending on how you feel about super teams in the NBA, you could be tired of them winning because they have been to the championship four years in a row and have won three of those four years.

“Super teams are ruining the NBA and they ruin the competition for other teams,” said Cameron Ferraro, senior.

It’s usually the same teams that make it into the playoffs and into the championship, but since Lebron James left the Cavaliers and went to the Lakers, they may have a chance to make it to the playoffs. It would the first time since 2013 but it has been hard for them to go back since Kobe Bryant’s retirement back in 2016.

They have not had any players step up to be a leader for their team.

There is still a very high chance for the Warriors to making it to the championship and winning, mostly because their whole starting lineup is made up of all-stars, plus their new acquirement of Demarcus Cousins.

Most NBA fans and analysts felt that this was a bad move on his part because he took less money just to be a role player, not even a starter on a team.

“He’s going to be sitting out till like January but that won’t matter. He’s just gonna get his ring and leave,” said Kris Tinoco, senior.

For other teams that don’t have all stars and are struggling throughout the season don’t have the appeal to have players go there whether it be the city ot they can’t give a player the amount of money they want.

However, these teams that are doing bad don’t get the glory of having a top 10 ten draft pick, the NBA does a lottery where a machine picks 3-4 balls with a combination numbers on them.

Each team gets a combination of numbers but the worse teams get more combinations to give them a better chance at getting a number 1 draft pick. These teams have a chance at getting a promising rookie but it’s not heavily in their favours.

This year there are some rookies that look like a good fit for their teams and could probably have a good career. Like Luka Doncic who is showing promise for the Dallas Mavericks averaging 19.5 points per game, 37.9 3pt, 6.6 reb, and 4.2 ast. The Mavericks depending on what they do this season and post they could end up being able to compete.

“They ruin the competition for other teams.”

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Swim Majot: Nutrition Health and Science Achievements: UNL 200 IM Record, Competed at Big 10 vs ACC Meet (All-Star Meet), Scholar Athlete Honor Roll

To r i B e e l e r ‘ 1 6

Northwest Missouri State University: Basketball Major: Business Management and Marketing Achievements: 2017 NCAA D2 Champions, All-Metro in High School

R y a n We l t y ‘ 1 6

Mizzou: Cross Country & Track Major: Health Science Achievements: 3x All-State Honors in HS, Continuous PRs at every college meet

Lexi Maddox ‘17

At h l et i c Al umni

South has, and continues, to produce many successful athletes. Here’s a look into some of their collegiate careers.

by Grace Dieleman and Ethan Farrow For more advice from college athletes, check out this link

“College itself is a bit of a shock so you really have to “It’s definitely tough being a “My advice to a prospective be all in with your sport. Before deciding where you student athlete, I just have to collegiate athlete is to set goals want to go ask yourself what you want your college stay on top of assignments and for yourself. big and small, that experience to be like. Big D1 schools are definitely studying and get a head start on will challenge you to be a better not for everyone, even if the talent is there.” things, I miss seeing my high athlete and remind you where school friends every day.” you are trying to get to.”

“What I miss the most “You have to be committed to the sport.

Going into about South is playing “The best part of South was the chicken nuggets, as well as the sports and being around college, you have to be fantastic teachers, coaches, and students. I will be forever in debt people I grew up with willing to miss out on to many of the staff members that took the time to help me grow every game and every day. social events and fun things as an athlete, student, and person, I do not miss algebra in any And I miss Coach Cramer.” because you have practice or way, shape or form, in case you were wondering.” games or homework.”

Achievements: 2x All-Conference in HS, Transferred from Dodge City Community College

University of Kansas: Soccer Major: Accounting and Finance Achievements: 3x All-State in HS, 2015 Player of the Year, 2X Academic All-Big selection

Richard Fullerton ‘15

Anna Courtney ‘15

Missouri Southern State University: Baseball Major: High School Education

Benedictine College: Football Major: Management and Finance Achievements: All Conference QB, Single-season record for passing touchdowns, forgot helmet at an away game once.

Shaefer Schuetz ‘15

Just Keep Swimming Scan here for Q&A video

by Jessie Hagen

The 2018 South girls swim team prepares to defend their 1 7 consecutive conference titles this season Ooooooooh they about to dive in... competitive meet where schools travel that we do not normally swim against,” As the season of swimming comes upon us in a splash, the girls swim said sophomore Emma Clark. and dive team prepares to knock the other teams out of the water in their The South swim team has accomplished a lot in the past four years at State. upcoming meets.

Clark has placed at State every single year and is expecting to finish her last The seniors are ready to dominate their last year of swimming at South and year with a bang. Clark continues to lead the team and be a great captain for to finish strong. the younger girls to look up to.

“My personal goals are to place well at “I would like to swim more of my off events, conference and hopefully make state. The specifically the 500 freestyle and 100 butterfly,” said times dropped this year so it will be hard,” Clark. said senior Alexis Colpitts.

The girls know they have a lot of pressure on A lot has already happened this year their shoulders with keeping their 17 consecutive when it comes to the girls swim team. conference title streak going. Losing many seniors While most are excited for the season, last year plus the girls who quit puts them in a tough others were not looking forward to it and position, but they believe it won’t be something to decided to take a step back from high worry about. school swim and not race this year.

Show out to the home swim meets this season and “People quit because swimming is a very physically and mentally demanding watch the South swimmers catch their 18th consecutive conference title win. sport, also 5:30 a.m. practices aren’t for everyone,” said senior Georgia Clark.

Girls who have been swimming at South for several years are suddenly stopping their swimming career mostly because of how tough you have to be to push yourself through the nonstop two hour practices every day and long meets on the weekends.

“It’s a huge time commitment and I really didn’t want to get into the pool every day because it just makes you feel awful afterwards,” said Annika Munch, junior who quit.

South swimmers, mostly the upperclassmen, are not going to let it get to them or start any drama. The freshman this year are talented and will fit right in to take any places needed to be filled. The seniors are welcoming all the new girls with open arms and excited to get in the swing of things.

“I’m looking most forward to getting close with all the girls and getting to know the incoming freshmen. It should be another great season” said senior Carli Burdiss.

The girls swim team is not like any South sports team; they have many traditions and trips all season long. Some of their favorites are the trip to St. Louis, their sleepovers throughout the season and their Secret Santa gift exchange. photo by Lexi Frieders sports “I am most looking forward to Columbia. It is a

“I’m looking most forward to getting close with all the girls and getting to know the incoming freshmen.”

18

KU hopes to continue their BIG12 dominance and make another deep run in March

by Lucas Bowman

I

collegiate

CHAOS

t’s almost impossible to rebuild a team that went 31-8, and was a number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

Yet, the University of Kansas appears to be on the brink of yet another extraordinary season.

After a fifth Final Four appearance in 2018, most in the nation since 2000, last season ended in 95-79 loss at the hands of Villanova, who had the luxury of playing in the cakewalk that is the Big East, so they were lucky enough to have their season basically start in March.

The past is in the past, however, as this year KU looks to have the best team of Bill Self ’s tenure. Of course, the floor for this team is a 15th straight conference title, further extending the record they already own. The ceiling, however, is very high, and a second championship for the team this century, and the sixth overall for the University of Kansas could be in its future.

The main part of KU’s season will be focused on conference play.

Alex Rodriguez, senior, said, “I expect KU to win 15 straight. I expect them to only lose one or two games; other than that they’ll most definitely win the conference.”

This year’s team returns starters junior Udoka Azubuike, the most dominant physical force in college basketball, as well as athletic senior wing Lagerald Vick.

However, the majority of excitement and hope comes from what’s being added, as Kansas basketball lives by the simple mantra of: “We don’t rebuild, we reload” and they have done that this year in spades.

Kansas brings in the third ranked recruiting class, with five stars in David McCormack, Devon Dotson and Quentin Grimes. They also bring in MAC player of the year transfer from Memphis, Dedric Lawson, along with his brother, MAC freshman of the year K.J. Lawson, as well as Cal transfer Charlie Moore.

With all those players, it can be hard to predict who will be the most valuable player for KU. Josh Ketchmark, sophomore, said, “I think Quentin Grimes will be our most valuable player. He showed up against Emporia State, and he should do really well.”

The team is loaded with depth and talent everywhere across the team,

Mizzou looks to build on a promising season from a season ago

by Payton Havermann

which is why they were ranked number one going into the season.

The only thing that could be problematic is the ongoing FBI investigations hanging over the school, because as Meek Mill once said, “they hate you when you’re winning.”

The utter supremacy that KU has within the Big 12 is well documented, and it projects to continue this year. While Kansas State has improved, and West Virginia is still very talented, they are light years behind the absolute juggernaut that is KU. The underrated fact is the insane home court advantage Kansas has, by playing in the mecca of college basketball that is Allen Fieldhouse.

Kansas will continue to be the blue blood of college basketball that it has always been. It is almost comical to expect anything but immense success. The comparison of KU and MU is geographical, but totally illogical.

hope on the season yet.

“I think MU has a lot of new young guys. It’s obviously disappointing that we lost Jontay Porter, but I just think it kind of depends on how the beginning of our season goes, but I think if we get rolling, and get our new rookie guys, we’ll have a really good season,” said Dawson Owen, senior.

Mizzou has a lot of new recruits that are going to have to step up. However, Mizzou still has Jeremiah Tilmon who can and needs to be a valuable leader and player for the young team.

Tilmon will be in contention to be Mizzou’s most essential player going forward, but just how valuable will he be?

“This year, I think it's going to come down to probably Tillmon, our big guy inside, because we’ve struggled, and this is now his second year, so he’s gonna have a lot of experience.

Hopefully he can average a doubledouble for us all year long, and stay out of foul trouble,” said Owen.

Another key player on Mizzou is going to be senior Kevin Puryear. He started 26 of Mizzou’s 33 games and averaged 8.6 points and 4.3 rebounds a game. Now, with a year of experience of being a near full-time starter, he may be in for a big leap in his numbers.

The season won’t only hinge on Tilmon and Puryear however. Mizzou is going to have to consistently start two underclassmen along with Tilmon.

Mark Smith, sophomore transfer from Illinois, is going to be a starting guard and figures to be a big contributor on the offensive side of the ball after averaging 5.8 points and 1.4 assists in a very limited bench role, and Javon Pickett, a freshman, is also going to be in the starting lineup more often than not.

Having young starters will also mean going to the bench a lot. Torrence Watson is likely to get a lot of time off the bench and he is also a freshman who is going to have to step up in a big way.

Regardless of how well or bad Tilmon does, Mizzou is going to have some question marks early on in the season as the young core tries to find their identity and gel together. If Mizzou wants to finish better than their projected eighth place finish in the SEC, they’re going to have figure it out sooner rather sports than later.

“I expect KU to win 15 straight.”

M

“We’ll have a really good season.”

izzou never could’ve dreamed Cuonzo Martin would’ve turned their basketball program around so quickly. When he was handed an 8-24 team that had gone 2-16 in SEC play, it looked like Mizzou was in for a long rebuild so that Martin could reshape the team in his image.

But Mizzou surpassed expectations and made the NCAA tournament even without their star, Michael Porter Jr., and with the return of Jontay Porter and Jeremiah Tilmon, Mizzou looked poised to make the NCAA tournament once again.

Unfortunately, from Porter to Porter, the injury bug has dealt another massive blow to Mizzou’s season. Jontay Porter, before ever having played a game his Sophomore year, tore his ACL, leaving him out for the season. This time there is no hope for a late-season Porter return, leaving Martin in a position to have to coach in circles again to get the most out his team.

Despite the devastating injury, some Missouri fans aren’t giving up

19

magic

INDEPTH: SPECIAL SECTION CREATED BY FALL JOURNALISM CLASS

THE

of CHRISTMAS

South students participate in holiday traditions

by KATIE CLAUNCH

The Plaza lights are very bright and can stand out from a long distance. Oliver Thompson, freshman, said, “It is very bright and it looks kinda clustered when you look at it from far away it looks good.” photos by Lemi Dabessa

Trimming the tree, advent calenders, Christmas Eve service, new ornaments, building gingerbread houses, Christmas PJ’s, Santa Clause, caroling, baking, vacationing and stockings.

All these Christmas traditions have a special part in families’ Christmas experiences and make Christmas special for South students.

Kennedy Justice, freshman, does a Saran Wrap tradition around Christmas time. This is her favorite tradition because her grandma wraps up candy and toys in Saran Wrap. She makes one for the adults and one for the kids.

Justice said, “I do the kids Saran Wrap ball because they’re more fun.”

They pass around the Saran Wrap ball and when an object falls out you get to keep it. According to Justice: at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you get.

It’s about the experience and fun that you have doing it.

A reason people might have traditions around the holiday season is because they create memories and make the holidays more memorable. Traditions make the holidays better because they make people more thankful and appreciative for things like their family.

Aliyah Ekiek, freshman, said that some of her holiday traditions involve food like hot chocolate. Her family will make hot chocolate and then enjoy it together.

She said she finds it to be a fun activity that everyone can enjoy during the holiday season.

Some traditions aren’t as enjoyable, such as taking turns to open presents. Some

families do this in order to see what everyone is receiving.

“I’d be okay with dropping that tradition.” said Justice.

Justice also said that she gets impatient with the rest of her family while she’s waiting for them to open their presents. She’s excited to see what she’s getting and isn’t always interested in what they are recieving.

Mark Parr, sophomore, goes out with some of his neighbors every year in a party bus and looks at Christmas lights around Kansas City. He said it’s his favorite Christmas tradition and will be participating in it later this month.

“I will definitely do this with my family later in life.”

20 indepth

by Tyler Clippard

Some traditions are super valuable to families and will continue as people get older and have families of their own.

Ekiek said, “My family stays up until midnight on Christmas Eve to open gifts except for one which we open the next day, on Christmas. I will definitely do this with my family later in life.”

It’s things like these that make the holiday season the holiday season.

All the Christmas traditions that people celebrate personally add to the holiday season in positive ways.

Now this year when you’re decorating your Christmas tree or baking with your family think about how blessed you to have family and friends in your life, because that is what really matters.

Go check out Kate Hermelink’s web story on phsouthnews.com and Royelle Gant’s video on youtube @phsview

To see more personal stories of South Students, go to PHSouthnews.com

How does South watch TV?

*out of 100+ surveyed

Sal Inzenga, the younger brother of junior Joe Inzenga, prefers streaming YouTube videos over cable. “On cable, you have to watch what’s on TV, but on YouTube I can watch whatever I want,” said the 9-year-old.

In the world of technology, there are time. I can watch TV on my phone, laptop many different ways to watch television. and TV, causing me to watch it a lot.”

Some use streaming services, and some One of the newest features of Netflix is the watch cable. ability to download movies, giving users the While people are torn on which method ability to watch movies with no service. is better, there are positives and negatives Ecton said, “My favorite thing about Netflix to both--and some even say they use each is being able to download movies, because method for different types of television. it lets me watch movies when I’m on an airSadie Franklin, senior, said, plane, making traveling a lot more “I use cable for watching reality “I can watch TV enjoyable.” on my phone, One thing that cable has that TV like ‘Keeping up With the Kardashians’ and ‘Ball in the laptop and TV, streaming doesn’t is the ability to Family.’ I only use streaming to watch live broadcasting, like sports causing me to games. watch specific shows like ‘Love Island,’ which is only on Hulu.” watch it a lot.”

Mike Jones, senior, said “I really One thing that students think prefer watching cable, because I is a downside of streaming is that it costs mostly just watch sports games when I’m a good amount of money a month ($8.99 watching TV. It’s easy to just turn on my TV a month for Netflix). But, it gives them the and flip to the sports channel to watch the ability to watch more TV than they typically games.” would.

So although a lot of students use different Paige Ecton, senior, said, “I didn’t use to methods of watching TV, they all agree that watch that much TV, but since my family streaming and cable both have their pros and started paying for Netflix, I watch it all the cons.

the turn of the South Students Watch TV in different ways

By Will Fricker, Zane Leiker, Garrett Lee, Madelyn Buckler, Joe Inzenga & Hayden Long

TV

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D E I F MPLI

How music affects the students at South, every day

by TORI SMITH, CAMERON FERRARO, CODY CAMPBELL & KYLE THOMPSON

Music can affect teens in “I couldn’t see myself without music… It’s just one of those things that I enjoy many different ways, it all listening to on a daily basis,” said Abby Nay, sophomore. depends on the mood and the People use music as a way to reflect their current endeavors, whether it be over person’s taste in music. heartbreak or about you kicking it with your friends. Music is something that can Someone’s mood can heavily impact the music never be replaced, and can only expand. Music is something that truly changes someone’s listening to. For example, if someone is lives in a way most people would understand. sad, they usually listen to slower music that is some“Music is just something I can always rely what relatable to how they feel. Whereas when someone on… there’s never a point in time where the access to music hasnt been there.” is excited they may listen to music to hype them up. said Alex Rodriguez, senior.

“I really enjoy listening to Mo Bomba by Sheck Wes.... it just hypes me up,” said Some people see music as a slight escape from reality, while others enjoy the Joey Falbo, senior. radio on their Sunday drives. No matter when, where, or how you listen to music, No matter the taste in the music, there’s could you picture a world without those moments? always going to be different feelings you’re going to attain from the different songs you’re listening to.

Many students listen to music more at -Shakesphere school than anywhere else, especially during work time, because certain songs and the beat inspire a mood to work hard.

“I really enjoy listening to Travis Scott to hype me up when I’m working on Will Fricker, junior, homework. It just puts me in the mood,” said Kian Comstock, senior. day dreams about his It really just depends on what you’re doing at the current time, because certain rhymes and bars he will settings call for certain songs, whether that setting could be hyping up a party, or spit after school. He relaxing to some jazz, music is something that can transcends one’s mind inspiring said, “All my songs are them in any way. for fun, everything I do Music is one of those things this world couldn’t go without, especially in this in music is for fun.” current society. Music is everywhere, and can sometimes be used to cope with certain things that have happened in one’s life, because certain lyrics can relate with what that person is going through physically, or how there feeling mentally.

“Where words fail, music speaks.”

TOP ARTISTS VOTED BY SOUTH STUDENTS:

What genre do South students prefer to listen to?

HEAR THE SOUNDCLOUD RAPPERS POV

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Paige Ecton, senior, and Jessie Matthews, senior, listen to their favorite artists while working on their homework.

Battle of the Bands

“Oh come and see the opening band. Now that you’ve got your tickets, and beverages in hand. They look so tired, sound uninspired, guitars are secondhand. ‘Cause no one likes an opening band.”

These lyrics from the band I Don’t Know How But They Found Me are an unfortunate truth. No matter how good their music, they know why everyone’s really there to see. The headliner, the star, the one, the only…(dramatic pause.)

But who is it?

Several students at South seem to have battling opinions on who is the ultimate band. Who had the ultimate concert.

Amy Graham, sophomore, said, “Brockhampton was probably my favorite concert because of the whole atmosphere. It was really hype and everyone was jumping and dancing and moving around. Even though it was super sweaty, no one really cared.”

From one of her favorite bands, Graham remembered the experience, in that “getting to just sing and scream and dance around was the time of my life.”

Another fan of concerts, having been to over a dozen total, was sophomore Ashlyn Rancudo who said her favorite concert experience was seeing Colony House at the Bottleneck.

“It’s my favorite because they’re one of my favor-

ite bands and I was, like, front row,” she said. “[And] By Parker Rivers, Emily Williamson, Grant I got to meet the opening band and talk to Caleb Mulligan, Olivia Judah, and Sophia Koch and Will, the lead people in Colony House.”

Annie Buckles, senior, said that one of her best concert experiences grew from listening to a song with her mom one day.

“My mother told me that we were listening to Green Day together when I was in the womb,” she said. “So when my best friend Maya and I had the opportunity to go see them live, I had to take it. My mother, of course, came with us. Even the opener was incredible.

Billy Armstrong did such a good job keeping the crowd engaged.

“I felt like he was giving the concert to just me. He kept calling people up to the stage and it was magical to watch people meet the band.

Honestly, it set a very high standard for every other concert I’ve been to since then.”

Overall, despite differences in taste, concertgoers find common ground in the amazing experience they have.

From jumping and screaming, to swaying with your phone flashlight, a concert can bring out the best side of people. So find your band, headliner, star and get a ticket. And maybe even listen to the opening band!

What is your favorite

genre of music?

“I felt like he was giving the concert to just me.”

Sophomore, Melody Sasser, is a regular at concerts in Kansas City. One of her most recent ones was this past fall where she went to former One Direction singer, Niall Horan. “It was a great night. School was starting and this was the last part of my 2018 summer.”

Check out The View’s YouTube channel find our video about the concert experience and go to phsouthnews.com to read our story about concert prep and outfits

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Christmas Cookie December Eggnog Grinch Hannukah Jolly Mistletoe Nutcracker Ornament Reindeer Santa Snow Turkey Winter