The View Vol 22 Issue 1

Park Hill South Riverside, MO Oct. 4, 2019 Vol. 22 Issue 1

phsouthnews.com

pg 12-13

table of

CONTENTS

03 05 07 11 14 19 20 22

OPINION Cataclysmic Climate Change OPINION The Tender Tourney ENTERTAINMENT Dunes Day

on the

NEWS Getting a Taste of Missouri

COVER

NEWS Assassin: Drip or Drown

12-13

STAFF

FEATURES Rage Cage Roll Call

Print Co-Editors in Chief Kiana Fernandes & Johnny Sterrett

Digital Editor in Chief/Co-Art Director Avery Glover The View is a member of the National

SPORTS PHS --> MIZ

Co-Art Director Parker Rivers

SPORTS Fresh Start: New Coaches

LETTER FROM THE

editor

I and my co-editors Johnny and Avery are ecstatic to present to you this newest issue of The View. It is a culmination of a month and a half of hard work, as well as weeks of training that this year’s staff had to undergo in preparation for this production. Everything from the writing to the designing to the photographs are all produced by students, and their hard work has certainly paid off. I am incredibly proud of the work this staff has accomplished, and I am blown away by the quality of work seen in just this first issue. I hope you enjoy these articles and learn something new about South that you were maybe unaware of before. The goal of this paper, as always, is to present the news, and I hope you are just as excited as I am to follow this paper on its journey towards doing so.

Section Editors Maria Allred Claire Hoy Amy Graham Reporters Emma Clark Laura Distefano Will Fricker Payton Keedy Sophia Koch Payton Miller Lina Navarro Sam Pfeiffer Ty Rouse Maddie Winkler Adviser Megan Palmer

Scholastic Press Association and the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association and is printed by Osage Graphics in Olathe, Kan.

Annie Woodson Jessie Hagen Cameron Gillespie Brandon Cook Dawson Evans Sophie Hayes Austin Kinsey Nico Leluga Grant Mulligan Grace Parrott Matt Riekhof Emily Williamson 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 student journalists and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Park Hill School district. To access editorial policies or to submit a letter to the editor, visit our website at phsouthnews.com

w

c i m s y l Catac climate CHANGE

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM 3 opinion

The impending demise of our planet Earth is looming over us

By Emily Williamson

In 123 months, the human race could be extinct.

Imagine the Earth stripped of everything that makes it hospitable, and all of the hard work and progress we have made throughout the course of human history completely wiped away. It is impossible to refute that a change in the way we treat our planet needs to take place in order to save the future of the Earth.

One of the biggest causes of climate change is the Greenhouse Effect, which occurs when an abundance of gases fill the atmosphere and “trap” heat within.

This increase in atmospheric temperature drives the effects of climate change.

According to Stephen T. Jackson , a writer for Britannica, there are five major substances that are in play when it comes to the Greenhouse Effect: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons. All of these are produced by either natural or human processes and contribute to the devastating effects of climate change that are continuing to manifest on our planet.

According to NASA, climate change is highly influenced by human action as well as the Greenhouse Effect. This means that since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, human-made emissions are getting trapped in the atmosphere, causing a rise in surface temperature.

This warming is causing the oceans to rise, ice on the Poles to melt, and the intense natural disasters like the ones that have occurred in the last few months in the United States.

Since President Donald Trump took up office in 2016, the issue of climate change has taken a backseat to the big businesses, according to the Global Citizen.

Trump’s “America First” idea in the last three years has included withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and restarting the pipeline projects in Keystone Xl and Dakota. This is only bringing us closer to our ever-present demise.

On top of this, the media and corporations have been misleading us for years. They’ve used the ideas that “metal straws save the turtles” and “replacing plastic with reusables will reverse climate change” to distract us from the fact that those big corporations are the real problem. Although straws and plastic are contributing factors to the pollution of the Earth, corporations are responsible for the majority of the toxic emissions that we breathe every day.

As teenagers, we live on our phones and through our social media. The moment you open Instagram, you get bombarded with climate change talk and news and ideas of change that some people think

need to happen and yet, you see no action being taken. No action from the teachers and no action from the students. This influences the individual to think that if they don’t do something, then surely Climate someone else will and that this will all be solved in a few years.

Stats This misconceived notion is shared by the masses-- those who think that they can save the Earth with just a few clicks and a share on social media from their couch.

The problem for our generation, as high schoolers, is that despite the stories that we hear on the news about the Earth’s imminent end, there isn’t very much in the area of palpable evidence to make 416 billion everything feel so pressing. As the generation made tons of ice up of teens and young adults, there isn’t one single melted each thing that we can focus on as that one single thing year between will have to be big enough to make an impact; 1993 and 2016 something that would be too big for us during this time in our lives.

The best options for high schoolers right now 1.63 degree is to educate ourselves on the matter, learning not just about the issue of climate change but also the increase probable solutions for it. With the current level in suface of climate change activism (or the lack of), the temperature problems caused by climate change will still be (Fahrenheit) relevant and looming when it becomes the problem that our generation has to deal with. If we are educated when that time comes, we will have the best 8 inch possible chance at reversing the damage before it is too late. rise in sea The fact of the matter is that the impending issue level in the last of climate change won’t be solved by protests, or century speeches, or social media posts. It will be the change that we create, and every day that we wait to start acting on it, the more significant the change will have 30 percent increase in to be. ocean acidity 123 months may seem like a long time from now.

Think again. Scientist and professor at the University since the start of Arizona, Guy McPherson, said, “If you think your of the Industrial economy is more important than the environment, Revolution try holding your breath while counting your money.’’

McPherson was known for his idea of Near-Term Human Extinction. This was a term that was coined to describe the likelihood of extinction of the human 2 billion race by 2030. ton increase This is only a decade from now. If you want to in carbon live long enough to grow up in a healthy world, then dioxide being we need to take action now.

Scan with CAMERA to find out about Environmental Club’s new sponsor

absorbed by the oceans

source: NASA

Next

4 OPINION PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

: o T w o H

VSCO Girl “Big T’s are very important to the VSCO girl look, but it has to be over an extra-large,” Kaitlyn Morris said.

Sksksk and I oop

“Every VSCO girl has a Hydro Flask and Birkenstocks,” Morris said.

“A VSCO girl is always wearing a scrunchie,” Tess Owens said.

By Payton Miller

Exposure

Contrast

Adjust

Sharpen

Clarity

The Tender Tourney

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM 5 opinion

Cane’s

Cane’s

KFC

Cane’s LJ Silver’s Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s Cane’s

Chick-Fil-A Culver’s

Chick-Fil-A Popeye’s

Church’s Popeye’s

Popeye’s

By Parker Rivers, Austin Kinsey and Nico Leluga

9.5 Raising Cane’s was the champion of the bracket. Specializing in chicken strips, this poultry powerhouse serves up expertly crafted tenders that bring new meaning to the term “delicious.” Taking simply one bite of this delectable dinner will open your eyes to a world of flavor, texture and hope for humanity as a whole. The texas toast is really good, too.

9 Popeye’s was by far the biggest surprise of the bracket. As one of the last places we visited, our only real goal was finishing our list. But the Louisiana chicken chain turned out much better than expected, and the tangy difference from the other tenders was enough for second place.

8 Definitely a great chicken place; expectations were low but the results were high. The drive is far and some may not want to do it but if you are in the area, I recommend it.

6 ENTERTAINMENT PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

Glow-up: Coaches Edition

By Sophie Hayes

Lindsey Diepenbrock, science, started losing weight after she had her son in January of 2018.

“My lifestyle changes actually happened slowly and somewhat by accident,” Diepenbrock said. She was taking supplements that weren’t even meant for losing weight but ended up making her lose quite a few pounds.

“I started drinking over half my body weight in ounces of water every day to flush out toxins,” Diepenbrock said.

She lost 23 pounds in three months.

Lindsey Diepenbrock, science In just 257 days Kirk Henry, social studies, lost 97 pounds.

“I walk between five and 10 miles every day,” Henry said.

Walking and not eating bread or carbs led him to success in eight months.

“I’m pretty much free of all pain in my knees and my feet,” Henry said.

The pain was the main reason he started the weight loss journey. He is happy with the weight he is at but would like to lose another 20 pounds.

Kirk Henry, social studies James Godfrey, credit recovery, lost 153 pounds in a year and a half.

“I needed to start making decisions before others started to make them for me, like doctors,” Godfrey said.

Portion control was Godfrey’s key to weight loss.

“I wanted something where I didn’t have to sacrifice from anybody,” Godfrey said about the way he lost the weight. “Just a lot of chicken and vegetables.”

He grilled around 20 pounds of chicken and ate it for three weeks. This helped with his portion control.

“I’ve gained like 30-35 pounds back,” Godfrey said, but said he hoped to get back to his old ways and lose that weight again.

James Godfrey, credit recovery

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM entertainment 7 Account: kaitlynmorris69 Followers: 44.9k Est. Earnings Per Post: $19.50$32.50 Engagement Rate: 59.01%

Account: mudia19 Followers: 368 Est. Earnings Per Post: $0.90-$1.50 Engagment Rate: 6.19%

Account: marteen.redman Followers: 59.8k Est. Earning Per Post: $24.60-$41 Engagment Rate: 17.58%

With Tik-Tok being the new trend, South students have been obsessed working to become “Tik-Tok” famous From Swell bottles to Hydro Flasks, NMDs to Air Force Ones, and skinny jeans to mom jeans, the biggest glow up of 2019 would have to be Musica.ly to Tik-Tok. During the summer of 2019, the trending app Tik-Tok blew up on every social media. It has become the thing kids use to procrastinate their responsibilities and stay up till 3 a.m scrolling through. South students started to become creative with Tik-Tok, making up their own sounds, dance moves, etc.

There is one goal and one goal only high schoolers want to achieve: to get Tik-Tok famous.

As much as they say they don’t, they do.

South’s halls are filled with both famous TikTokers and Tik-Toker wannabes.

One famous Tik-Toker is Kaitlyn Morris, junior. Morris makes humorous videos that make fun of “Tik-Tok thots.”

Her most liked video is making fun of “Freshman thots the night before school” and it’s currently at 784.8k likes.

Beyond making fun of other people, she also makes relatable videos and videos about Minecraft and Bob Ross.

Morris said she gets her ideas from the “For You Page” and then puts her own spin to it. There are multiple categories of videos people create on Tik Tok, like How To’s, VSCO, Gamer and Aesthetic.

“I think I’m like 20 percent VSCO, 40 percent Gamer, and the other percent Original,” Morris said.

At first glance, Tik-Tok may seem like an app only girls use,

but multiple guys are into making videos, too.

One wannabe at South is Mudia Reuben, sophomore.

Reuben started making Tik-Toks because he saw other people getting famous and wanted to hop on the new trend. Reuben mostly makes dancing or funny and relatable videos. Reuben is still working on his Tik-Tok fame.

To gain fame, some people do crazy things to get on the “For You Page,” like shaving their eyebrows, dangerous stunts and more.

“The riskiest thing I would do is jump out a two story window,” Reuben said.

Another semi-famous Tik-Toker at South is Marteen Redman, junior. Redman makes videos that Morris will make fun of, but they still have a good relationship, according to Redman.

Redman got famous when she posted a video of her “playing” Fortnite on her brother’s Playstation and after she posted it, it went viral.

“I make a lot of Gamer Girl Tik-Toks because it gives me the most clout,” Redman said.

Most of Redman’s fans are middle school boys who think it’s cool that a girl plays Fortnite. Redman said she doesn’t actually play Fortnite; she just does it for the fame. Sorry, boys.

Maybe you’ll see one of these South students or even your own video on the For You Page while you procrastinate your homework. Happy Tik-Toking!

DO You Tik-Tok? By: Sophia Koch

8 entertainment PHSOUTHNEWS.COM By Amy Graham

“Look what I found!”

A boy enters the room holding a guitar that looks dangerously expensive.

The scene is set at a house party in mid-August, where teenagers gathered round begin to chant, “Concert! Concert!

Concert!”

Soon, the guitar’s owner will stand on the small stage of a home theatre. Green dots of light flash over roughly 15 people who wait in this room. As he begins to strum his most popular song, “Evermore,” the cheers and screams of excited onlookers accompany the music.

Those at South may be familiar with Brenden Shy, senior, but for many, this night (or what they saw of it on social media) was their first listen to Shy’s band, Dunes Day. Dunes Day began in October of 2018 after Shy left a band he was previously a part of (called Mind Fuzz) in order to pursue music on his own terms. Potentially the most unique aspect of his music is that Shy writes, records and produces everything entirely on his own.

“I’ll just mess around on guitar, until I find chord progressions I like… Then I can add bass and drums. Then I’ll usually put it off until two weeks later… The whole process can take days or weeks,” said Shy. Despite creating his work on his own, support from others is vital to his ability to do so. He’s got a close group of friends surrounding him that help him with everything from feedback to moral support.

“I’m there for him. If it makes him happy, it makes me happy,” said Ryan Chase, senior, and a day one Dunes Day fan.

“I support whatever he’s doing. When he wants me to listen to new bands I’ve never listened to before I listen to them and I tell him how it compares to his music,” said Ethan Mick, senior, and another close supporter of Shy’s.

Similar to its creator, the music of Dunes Day is certainly unique. Many songs blend genres and no singular genre can define it as a whole.

Scan to listen to Shy’s so ng: “Everm ore”

“It’s almost like, if plaid were a genre. It’s constantly changing,” said Shy on defining his music.

Shy says the most consistent genre throughout his music is indie and cites Steve Lacy, Beach Fossils and The Beatles as the biggest influences on his sound. Karla Gomez, junior, likened his music to that of Tame Impala.

“If you like music that isn’t a part of the regular system, then you’ll like Dunes Day,” said Mick.

Although Shy created Dunes Day almost a year ago, it recently has seen a spike in popularity. Some may have noticed the many students sporting Dunes Day apparel (made

by Shy himself, of course).

“He’s really excited about it,” said Mick. “I think he’s spending more time making music than he was before.”

Dunes Day is still working to find its place on the music scene at South, but regardless, it stands out in a sea of Soundcloud rappers.

“I listen to both genres on soundcloud. It’s basically just Brenden’s music and rap. I just think it’s a lot better,” said Chase.

Shy said he plans to hold more formal live events and pursue his music after high school. After recently receiving an email from a local record label, his desire to be signed to a small label was reaffirmed, and gave him a goal to work towards. Regardless of where Dunes Day takes him, it’s no doubt that Shy has a passion for music.

“He’s happiest when he’s working on Dunes Day,” said Chase.

Luckily, the guitar from the night of Shy’s first live event remains unharmed, and it can be safely predicted that he will continue to use it to make music that excites people as much as it did that night.

Despite uncertainty surrounding the future of Dunes Day, one thing remains clear: Brenden Shy has brought something incredibly unique to the music scene at South.

“If you like music that isn’t a part of the regular system, then you’ll like Dunes Day.”

In

scan to watch the movie trailer>>

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM entertainment 9

Cold Blood

“American Psycho” is worth a watch as a timeless classic that has aged well “American Psycho” is a film about a man working on Wall Street in the Big Apple. A man with friends.

A man with aspirations.

This same man murders in cold blood for a sick thrill, yet the way this movie is framed teaches you to root for the killer.

Patrick Bateman, played by Christian Bale, is an investment banker with a bloodlust. Working amongst regular people, yet living a very irregular life. Told entirely from the perspective of Bateman, the perception of the audience gets warped to root for this heinous human being in a twisted sense of diverting expectations.

Throughout the film, we see the extent of the illness that resides in Batemen’s psyche, with scenes showing extreme narcissism, lack of emotion, psychopathic tendencies, and much more. Writer and Director Mary Harron perfectly captures the essence of a truly vile individual, and his descent into true insanity.

Through the lens of our psychopathic main character, the despicable acts he commits are justified through an ever-calm inner monologue that contrasts both the sick

acts on screen and the aloof conversations between Bateman and his colleagues.

This tool is used to its fullest extent to further exemplify the true disconnect between the killer and the reality around him.

Since the perception of the audience is altered from reality, it’s up to the viewers themselves to decide what’s true and what’s simply apart of the sadistic mind of Bateman. This, coupled with impeccable acting from everyone involved, and a wonderfully woven story, creates a nearly perfect character study of a truly twisted man.

“American Psycho” is a timeless classic that has only gotten better with age. I personally found this film intensely gripping, as I couldn’t divert my eyes from the screen, even during the more explicit parts. I feel that this movie has permeated time in a way that not many have, and it fills a niche to its truest extent. If you’re interested in experiencing a cinematic touchstone, and also have a couple of hours to kill, then I cannot recommend watching this film enough. Plus with streaming access everywhere from Netflix to Prime Video, you really have no excuse not to watch it.

I’m giving Mary Harron’s “American Psycho” 4 bloody chainsaws out of 5

By Austin Kinsey

10 news

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

teens are struggling and we know that your world “Everyone hates me. They would be better off is a lot harder than it ever has been in the past and without me. I have no reason to live.” we need you to know that we care and there are Statements like these are warning signs. ways we can help. Acknowledge, Care and Tell,” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for said Dr. Elizabeth Esco, assistant principal. adolescents aged 15-19. It is likely that you or Acknowledge, Care and Tell (ACT) are the someone you know has thought about taking their foundations for all of South’s preventative policies. own life. In a world that feels hopeless, knowing Be it through homebase Tutorial lessons, SOS that support is out there can help save lives. day or optional Panther Talks during Tutorial, “I think the hardest step is the one you take to those fundamental tenets are present in all of the get into somebody’s office. It takes a lot of effort informative resources South provides. Student to acknowledge that you need some help but we organizations like Natural Helpers also get just want everyone to know that these doors are involved in suicide awareness activities. open and these are conversations that we want “We are the main organization that focuses on to have and are ready to have,” Lauren Caldwell, informing the student body about awareness of it South’s social worker, said. so basically we put up posters with resources and Caldwell, a licensed therapist, works directly we try to make presentations for the freshmen with students to address their struggles and especially because they’re just coming in and may provide coping mechanisms. She also is able to be overwhelmed by all the stuff at South,” Anna make referrals and work with students so that Cooper, senior and secretary of any necessary therapy is as “The goal would be that Natural Helpers, said. accessible as possible. Be it through a reduction in price, suicide awareness isn’t some- While the majority of Natural working through TriCounty thing we keep isolated to one Helpers’s participation in suicide month or one week,” awareness is done during the Mental Health toward free Suicide Awareness Week they sessions, or sending students hosted in September, awareness is a continuous to the psychologist at District Office during the school day, there are a myriad of options out there effort at South. In the coming years, there are even plans to incorporate elements of social-emotional for South students seeking help. learning into the classroom setting.

“We tap into the resources within the “The goal would be that suicide awareness isn’t community, working with families on a case by case basis to work through whatever needs may be something we keep isolated to one month or one week,” Caldwell said. had,” Caldwell said.

Regardless of how it may feel, there are always According to the Missouri Department of people out there who care about you. If you or Mental Health, one in six high school students one of your friends is struggling, contact a trusted has seriously considered taking their own life. adult or call the National Suicide Prevention Along with that, one in five adolescents has Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Suicide is not the only a diagnosable mental health disorder, while option, even if it may sometimes feel like it. You less than half of that number has received any are deserving of help. treatment in the past year.

South is attempting to both raise awareness for these issues as well as help students as they are going through them.

“Because we know that

Teen Suicide Statistics

17.2%

have seriously considered committing suicide

7.4%

have attempted to take their own life

4 out of 5

suicides are preceded by significant warning signs

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By Kiana Fernandes

Getting a Taste of During the weekend of Homecoming, 15 German students traveled to Missouri

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

news 11

Missouri

Imagine traveling 20 hours just to go to Colin Cuzner, junior, was involved in the school. That’s how long Germans students program last year, and his experience then had to travel on a plane in order to reach made him want to host against this year.

South.

He said he was nervous about hosting at This year, 15 exchange students from first, but after meeting his German student Annweiler, Germany arrived on Sept. 15, he realized they had a lot in common. His and left on Sept. 28. During those two family has not made any major changes to weeks, they stayed with a host family and accommodate their exchange student. lived the life of a South “They don’t want you to student. Every year, South change your life. They want “In my view, students have the chance to an accurate representation of there is nothing be a part of this two week what your daily life is,” Cuzner program known as the said. better than a German Exchange.

Keller hosted a German German Exchange,” student The German Exchange for the first time this Williams said.

Program was brought to year. Keller has been taking South when a high school German since sophomore year. in Germany was looking for new schools in Learning about the German culture made America to have as a partner school. When her want to participate in this program. She, South opened in 1998 they started a penpal too, has been in a lot of contact with her system with the school. Meredith Williams, German student. the German teacher at South has carried on “If you didn’t know who they are or with this program ever since she has been what their personality is like, I don’t think at South. you would be able to get along as well.

“This program would help build Especially meeting them in person, you connections and cultural awareness from don’t know how they are going to act, or different countries and that’s how it if they will blend well with your family,” started,” Williams said.

Keller said.

Over the years, the way these students Finding students at South to participate communicate with each other has changed is becoming more difficult, although every from written letters and emails to social year there are a few takers. The German media platforms. Many of the students that department at South is a lot smaller are hosting this year have reached out to compared to other foreign language their German student through Snapchat departments. Williams only has one class and Instagram. for German I. Out of these students, the “We talk a lot on Snapchat, we’re like amount that want to participate or can best friends. We tell each other about our afford to participate is slim. days,” Megan Keller, senior, said.

Even though it is challenging, keeping The 2002-2003 school year was the this program at South is very important to first time 20 students from the school in Williams.

Germany came over to Missouri and these “To me, this is as important as getting students got a full-blown tour of the state. up and coming to work. In a foreign Traveling anywhere from the Lake of the language class, just like any math teacher or Ozarks to St. Louis, this program was great science teacher, what you’re teaching is so at introducing these students to Missouri, important and valuable,” Williams said. but something was missing– the personal The distance between Germany and connection.

Kansas City is far. Providing the German They turned it into an exchange program Exchange at South is bridging the cultural that gives South students the chance to host gap between these students, making the a German student and teach them about life distance seem smaller. in the US.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Hosts planned to take their German students all over KC

By G

rac

Scan for a video interview with some of the German students

eP arr ott

12 news

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

Every year, summer comes to a screeching halt and before we know it, it’s time to go school supply shopping and listen to instructions about yet another syllabus.

Throughout the halls of South, the facilities and dreaded syllabus setups remain the same but one difference stands alone: a shift in the STUCO and freshman mentor program, creating a whole new sense of community and spirit.

First up, the Freshman Mentor Program (FMP) has given the freshman a platform to figure out South during their tutorial block. Meredith Williams, foreign language, has been the director of the program for the past two months as last year this program didn’t even exist. She fought to bring this program back along with the help of STUCO sponsor Jennifer Mattson, social studies, when they saw a decline in student morale.

“I’ve gone through many tutorial classes, and have seen the way freshman have benefitted from this program. They are able to ask questions to older role models, get to know upperclassmen, and learn the unspoken rules of Park Hill South,” said Williams.

So far, she said she has seen an uphill trend in the way freshman have been adjusting to the high school change.

On the STUCO side, under the new direction of Mattson, the club has hit the ground running and is beginning to thrive.

“Back in the spring, I started to do my own research on how to shift school culture,” Mattson said.

She noticed a lot of situations that could have been more supportive at South, and began her own plan of attack. This master plan involved not only more involvement among the avid STUCO members and herself, but integrating the Freshman Mentor Program back into tutorial hours as well as the concept of a motto for the school year: B cubed (“Be You, Be Here, Belong.”)

South’s “[STUCO is] really just trying to unite the clubs and get us all to come together as one high school, not 30 different clubs and activities,” Landon Berry, sophomore, said.

With a positive uproar in the back to school assembly and all of the Homecoming festivities, the STUCO program has taken a turn for the better.

“Our first two assemblies have been huge successes so far.

Our board has been super pleased with the students’ spirit and how smoothly things have gone so far. It’s been hectic but it’s well worth it,” said Coleman Reese, junior and STUCO treasurer.

It’s easy to see in the sea of students that fill the stands the grades have gotten really competitive with the new element in the assemblies: the spirit stick. In the past, students would call themselves out of class just so they didn’t have to go to the assemblies but that ship has sailed.

“The hype at the assemblies is unmatched,” said Reese, with each class fighting for a chance to win the spirit stick.

These two programs have sent a wave of change through the halls of South and rightly so. If it weren’t for these two teachers fighting for change and their staffs, the FMP and STUCO programs would not have the positivity they do right now. Out with the screeching halt of August and in with a newfound excitement for everyone.

Stud

“I’ve...seen the way freshman have benefitted from this program.”

By Laura Distefano

Fans and Stuco Changes

stuco and the fans program are making huge strides in improving the spirit and community at south

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

news 13

dent

s t f i Sh

Do you like the new laptops more than last year’s?

16 Yes

5

NO

New Laptops Students have mixed feelings on this year’s laptop change

By Sam Pfieffer Everywhere we look, technology is all around us and it’s constantly changing. From phones to laptops, everything has an essential function in our day-to-day lives.

Students at South are also experiencing this change.

Moving from Lenovo laptops to HP devices may not seem like a huge jump, but students and staff have mixed feelings on the matter.

One of the chief issues for many students is the large screen border and the brightness.

“The screen is a lot harder to see, even if you have the brightness all the way up. If you don’t have it at a 90 degree angle, the reflection makes it a lot less visible,” Jake Lazen, junior, said.

The screen wasn’t Lazen’s only complaint.

“Last year’s stylus was a lot better. It was easier to use and now there isn’t even a place to put the new ones,”

Lazen said.

However, there is a different sentiment on the more technical side of things.

“I personally like these models more. They’re a pretty decent laptop for students, and they’re a lot easier to work with than last year’s,” Jason Reed, tech department, said.

“They’re a lot more sturdy and they don’t break easily.”

On the other hand, some students are indifferent and feel satisfied either way.

“I don’t have a preference. Both laptops have their positives and negatives but they’re about equal overall,” Nicholas Porting, senior, said.

Regardless of how you feel regarding the new laptops, it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Technology is here to stay at South, and it will continue to shift and change and effect student’s learning for years to come.

14 news

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

You wait behind a wall, seeing your target walk slowly back to their house. You jump out and spray your victim with water as cold as ice, instantly seeing them come to a halt and scream out of the frustration of finally getting killed in game.

You have just won the thrilling game of Assassin.

Karla Gomez-Shepard, junior, has brought the wave of Assassin back to South, but this year, she is only in charge of the juniors.

“It’s really thrilling to see us all come together again, but we decided to split it up this year and make it a grade-based game so it’s not as big,” Gomez said.

Many members of the game had a lot of different opinions on the topic. Dylan Hufft, junior, said he feels very confident that he will take the cash back home.

“I 100 percent believe that I will be the winner of 2019 Junior Assassin. I am very enhanced with water guns, and very sneaky,” Hufft said.

Braden Bartosh, junior, had different thoughts of who the winner of Junior Assassin will be.

“I believe it could be anyone’s game, and it could

seriously come down to some of the most random people who decided to join,” Bartosh said.

Many seniors, including Brock Ivy believe that Junior Assassin breaks the trend and that it’s unfair because they never got the chance to play as juniors.

“Junior Assassin breaks the culture of how Assassin is played. I believe if they were going to join, they should have just joined us, or not joined at all,” Ivy said.

Although some feel strongly against Junior Assassin, Gomez-Shepard said she believes it is a great idea, and will only help juniors grow as a class.

“I brought it to the juniors because I wanted to see a difference. Ian and I decided that we would try to it split up because so many people wanted to sign up. I’m excited to see the unique styles, and ways people get each other out,” Gomez-Shepard said.

There are many different feelings and emotions towards Junior Assassin, but let’s get this straight: don’t get caught slipping, or you’ll end up falling in the water.

By

h s a Spl and

h s Da

n i s s a ss Drip

A

k Coo n o rand

By B The town of Parkville is being flooded by seniors

holstering water guns, hunting down their targets for the thrilling yet dangerous game of Assassin.

Ian Enyeart is bringing back a South tradition by being the new commissioner of Assassin.

“People tell me it’s gonna be a lot of work. It is a lot, but I’m not really stressed because I know it’s for fun and I know I’m on top of things,” Enyeart said.

But the hard work behind the scenes gives Enyeart a unique perspective on the game.

“I’m really excited about being the person that knows and sees everything,” Enyeart said.

There’s been some controversy between the two grades about the decision to split the game in two divisions.

“It should be a junior and senior thing but the

of

h Riek t t a M

n w o Dr or

seniors did it for themselves, because nobody else did it so the juniors decided to do it,” Maddie Olson, senior, said.

Despite the controversy, Olson still looks forward to Assassin.

“It’s a school activity and it would be fun playing with my class,” Olson said.

South brought back Senior Assassin after the previous class didn’t start a game.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal for the juniors last year considering it is a senior tradition,” Icil Gittings, senior, said.

Seniors are excited that assassin is back again because it’s a revered tradition. It’s drip or drown in the town of Parkville for the game of Assassin.

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM Features 15

Students and staff reflect on their family leaving for college As the calendar turns to August, a sense of impending change arrives. Summer ends and school begins, high schoolers return to inevitable homework and recent graduates see their planning become execution.

This is an exciting time for students continuing their education at the next level. They are moving into a new place, meeting new people and ultimately completely changing their lifestyle. With this level of displacement, it can be easy to overlook how a college student’s departure can affect the family they leave behind, including current South students.

Kate May, freshman, has two older siblings, Chance and Kinnedy, who are both currently attending Mizzou. Chance and Kinnedy both graduated from South, the latter of whom graduated in May. Despite being an only child for the first time in her life, May keeps a good outlook on the situation.

“I feel like I’m more prepared for college now. [Chance and Kinnedy] have given me lots of tips to help me,” May said.

For some, this cycle of relocation has become the new normal. One of these people is Adam Henn, junior, who has now had three older siblings graduate and move onto their life outside of South. The most recent of his siblings to graduate was Isaac, who graduated last spring.

“My parents were upset after my oldest sister left, but they’ve been fine for my two brothers,” Henn said.

On the flip side, being constantly surrounded by peers could lead to a potential blind eye to how this same situation affects a student’s parents. Gregory Williams, social studies, is having to get used to teaching this year without his son Malcom. Malcom graduated from South last year, and is now attending Maple Woods.

“Teaching without Malcom here has been different, because I get to take my mind off family. With Malcom here I felt like I was always worried about what he was doing, now he’s out doing his own thing,” Williams said.

Changes are a part of life, and everyone has to learn how to deal with it in their own way. Whether it’s August and your sibling is going to college, or it’s December and they are home for break, family will always be family.

EMPTY NESTS AT SOUTH

By Will Fricker

Controversial Card System

By Dawson Evans

The card system at South is more than bad… it’s terrible. scheduled time to meet up with them.

It’s my senior year of high school and they finally make a “It feels like I am in a prison during tutorial I can’t even get change to the card system. This year’s system changes many help in class without planning in advance,” Prososki said. “The things including what time we leave, when we can travel and card system should based off of seniority.” incentives.

He then explained that the older you get the more If you weren’t at South last year then you probably have privileges you should have because your about to go off to no idea what I am talking about. The card system last year was college and be on your own. set by goals and if you made your goals you get a sticker. The South is not the only school in the area that has made goals people set were based off of your grades. So if you met changes to its incentive system. your grade goal and attendance goal then Joshua Keller, a senior at Staley, “I can’t even get help in you got the sticker. These privileges were described his school’s card system. class without planning in “I hate my card system. For my senior to leave school two minutes early, travel advance.” during tutorial, and get prizes for having year they decided to change it and now your incentive.

I can’t talk to my friends or travel in my “Without the incentives I have no desire to make any goals plan peroid (tutorial),” he said. for myself to do good in the classroom,” said Josh Prososki, He then explained that for his junior year he was able to senior. travel during his plan period and he would go and talk to his If we change the card system back to the old one then we friends or get extra help with his hard classes. Now with this would have better grades and a higher attendance percentage being changed he is not allowed to talk to his friends because because people want to meet goals to get extra privileges. The he doesn’t have any classes with them nor can he get extra privileges you got with having the incentives were leave school help in class 2 minutes early, food days, and travel during tutorial.

The card system was great the way it was and changing Last year everyone with the incentives could travel during it has ruined the social/academic lives of students across the tutorial and go talk to friends or get help in class. Now without metro area the incentive you have to get a pass from a teacher and set a

16 Features PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

The Man with the

Plan

By Grant Mulligan

Inside the life of the man, the drummer, and the soon to be pilot at South If you missed hanging out with Charlie Scott , junior, this summer, you are not alone.

While most of South was probably at the neighborhood pool or binge watching “Stranger Things 3,” Scott was traveling across the globe.

Aside from causing a racket on the tennis courts, winning trophies with the debate team, or leading the entire Rage Cage in the greatest hypeup drum solo known to man, there is much more to uncover from the kid who seems to be involved in everything.

Scott had arguably the best summer any 17-year-old could have. Traveling to five countries and passing through dozens of cities, Scott started off his summer vacation leaving school a few days before the rest of South even started their finals.

A group of South kids traveled around almost all of central Europe and were completely free from school, drama and their parents.

At first glance, living “free” without parents may seem like winning the lottery, but he said at times it could be stressful.

“It was pretty nice, not going to lie. Although, I missed having my mom because she always carried my passport and other necessities. So in Europe, I was always stressed about losing it,” Scott said.

The South Squad that consisted of Scott, Drew Pawela, senior, Ian Enyeart, senior and Luke Wengler, sophomore,

traveled through Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany. They went sightseeing, ate at exotic restaurants and “trolled” around Europe, meeting new people and making lifelong memories.

After the quick stint in Europe, Scott hopped on a plane straight to the Scott family beach house in Misquamicut, Rhode Island. Only two weeks had passed and Scott wasn’t even close to being done.

First, Scott took a train to New York City and attended engineering camp.

But wait, there’s more. What Scott had been waiting for had finally arrived.

Flight camp.

“Ever since I was little, I’ve loved flying so I figured I’d give it a try, and I fell in love with flying even more,” Scott said.

Scott then finished out the rest of his summer pursuing getting his license in aviation.

“Flying is just an experience I can’t explain but it’s just so amazing,” Scott said.

Shortly after school had started back up again, Scott finally got his license and can now legally pilot by himself.

The only problem is, he doesn’t own his own plane.

Scott is now back in the 816 and ready to tackle on his junior year. Whether you see him walking down the hallways, leading the Rage Cage on the drums, or flying a plane above the KC skyline, remember the name Charlie Scott.

“Flying is just an experience I can’t explain but it’s just so amazing.”

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM Features 17

Creating Coach Henry:

The Birth of a

Legend

By Johnny Sterrett

“One of the good people in this world,” Kirk Henry’s AP US somewhat of a right of passage in my class,” he said.

History class is more than just a GPA booster; for juniors, it’s more In addition to a lifelong fear of spiders, the story inspired a prank of a right of passage. Those lucky enough to find themselves in his resulting in one of Henry’s more memorable classroom incidents: classroom will likely remember his passion for Ronald Reagan and “I’m very afraid of spiders and one year former student Shaffer Shoots larger-than-life stories long after their time at South, leaving such an and Andrew Richards put a mechanical radio-controlled spider impression it’s hard to imagine him doing anything else. underneath some papers on my very cluttered desk and just scared “It was probably really high school when I decided that was what me to death,” he said.

I wanted to do. I never really had much of any idea before,” he said.

But in the wake of the communist threat and the general absence “There were some teachers who really made quite a difference in of spiders, Coach Henry was forced to find a new enemy: carbs. my life. I think that was a real key pivotal moment in my junior and “I’m getting closer to 50, this November I’ll be 50, and at the turn senior years, I saw these great people who made a difference in my of last year, I was like, well, there’s a way I want to feel when I’m 50 life and I thought maybe with some training I could do that, too.” and way I want to look and there’s a way I don’t want to feel and a Henry also comes from a family of educators, which he said way I don’t want to look,” Henry said. certainly influenced his decision to become a teacher. Yet, students Students and staff have taken notice of the dramatic change over may be surprised to hear that in college he was originally an art the past few months. major.

Between turning his back on carbs and walking roughly 10 miles “I was an art major for a while, for about a year and a half. I was per day, Coach Henry has worked to lose a staggering 95 pounds going to be a graphic designer. Or maybe a high school art teacher, since his weight loss journey began. “I haven’t had any sweets at all but it wasn’t a success for me,” Henry said. “After that I wanted to be since December and I think I’ve had like I had like one heel of a piece a map maker - a cartographer - but by the time I was really starting to of bread I had about three or four oranges, so I don’t have any fruit get to a major everything was becoming more and really just meat and vegetables,” he said. more computerized and I wasn’t something that I was it all Despite his enormous comfortable with.” success, Henry still sees Though Henry didn’t make a career out of map making, his room for improvement. artistic escapades proved useful in the classroom. Before long, he had “I hope I can keep it up. I gained a reputation for his ability to meticulously map Missouri from haven’t got this thing whooped. memory, a unique skill that he used not just to mystify onlooking It’s a day-by-day struggle you students, but out of necessity during the pre-smartboard era. know. I’m just deciding not to “It’s a fun little Hobby, but when I first became a teacher I had a have carbs today. I’ll decide for chalkboard, and we did have some pull down maps; but if you want tomorrow, but I’m not going to any kind of a thematic map you had to draw it. So I had to kind of have carbs today,” he said. learn how to do a certain countries or states that I really enjoyed Outside of the classroom, teaching about,” he said.

Henry finds inspiration to coach And naturally, Missouri topped the list for the longtime resident from the positive experience he of the state. Given his choice, Henry probably never would have left gained from football. home.

“I do think that sports are “I wasn’t like the person who couldn’t wait to get out of my small a fantastic way to develop part of your Hometown, you know things happen and you move you take a job personality you wouldn’t otherwise have here there but I think I was like a big part of my heart is still there.” the chance to. I always enjoyed that,” he One look in Henry’s classroom corroborates that sentiment as well said. “I was never a good athlete or anything with the majority of his wall real estate dedicated to his alma mater, like that, but I’ve always enjoyed what Northwest Missouri State. Though what space isn’t adorned in green sports gave me. I don’t think everyone and white provides more insight to the happenings of Henry’s class, needs sports but I think I needed sports.” such as his numerous depictions of his favorite president Ronald Henry tries to take bits and pieces from Reagan, or his legendary “I his former coaches, but ultimately would rather shave my head players love Coach Henry for with a cheese grater than the unique man and mentor that “I would rather shave become a communist,” poster. he is to them. Luckily for South, my head with a cheese Coach Henry isn’t going anywhere But above even map making and commie bashing, Henry anytime soon. grater than become a is perhaps best known for his “You know, I just I’m not ready communist.” code-red story; an event so to not be a part of things… I can’t traumatic he has to dedicate an imagine not doing it. To still be entire class period to the tale part of things and all these people because it is so emotionally taxing. who are great students and teachers I get to be “If you play freshman football for me or take my AP US history a part of this building and this life . It’s fun, it’s class, I try to save it for the Friday of homecoming week. It’s adventurous. I just wouldn’t know what to do.”

18 Features PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

CODY CHATHAM

Cody Chatham (senior) was more on the quiet side and stayed in the shadows during his first year at South. He had just moved to Kansas City the year before, and was still trying to find his group, his place, and himself.

“I wasn’t very outgoing compared to how I am now,” Chatham said, “but even with that freshman year wasn’t as bad as everyone tries to make it out to be.”

Now into his senior year, Chatham is involved with many school activities such as soccer, senior exec, STUCO, and is even one of the Rage Cage leaders for school events.

If Chatham could go back to his freshman year, he would make sure to be more involved in every aspect of South; from clubs to sports to everything in between, saying that being involved with the school as much as possible makes the high school experience even better.

“Joining as many clubs and sports will help you form so many friendships with other students and teachers,” Chatham said.

Freshman Flashbacks South seniors reflect on their freshman year and their differences from their senior selves

By Annie Woodson

Ciara Mattson, senior, wasn’t only new to South her freshman year, but was new to the South side as a whole, as she attended Congress Middle School for seventh and eighth grade and would have gone to Park Hill.

Nervous and fearful for a brand new beginning at a brand new school, Mattson felt like she just couldn’t belong just yet.

“When I first got to South it was hard to find a group and people to be friends with because everyone knew each other from Lakeview,” Mattson said. “It was rough being the new kid to say the least.”

But as Mattson goes into her fourth year at South, she says that she has met so many great people from all sorts of different backgrounds from the past three years and is glad to be friends with such a diverse group of people.

Not only that, but she noticed in her final year of high school that her class of 2020 finally came together for one last year.

“What’s really nice about senior year so far is that the entire senior class is finally connecting and being one whole group instead of several smaller groups,” said Mattson.

Mattson’s advice to those who still have years left at South is to stay true to yourself but don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things. Mattson became involved with basketball and STUCO along with going to every school event she could so as not to miss out on anything during her high school experience.

“You are only in high school once and those four years go by fast,” Mattson said, “so live it up as much as you can. You’ll thank yourself later.”

CIARA MATTSON

MARCUS SCUDIERO

Senior Marcus Scuderio (senior) could not wait for a brand new start and the opportunities he had in store during his first year in high school.

“My favorite part [of freshmen year] was the new and exciting environment unlike middle school,” Scuderio said. “You had many new opportunities like becoming involved in school activities and making friends from different grades.”

During his first year, Scuderio felt like he needed to push himself to be the best by taking the hardest classes, doing as much homework as possible, and by keeping his grades up. Although these are good things to do, Scuderio was pushing himself to an “extreme max” to where he had stressed himself out way too much. Looking back on that first year, he wishes he could’ve changed that.

“It’s important to work as hard as you can in school, but I was pushing myself so hard that it wasn’t good for me,” Scuderio said. “I wish I would have known that I didn’t have to take the hardest classes and do the most work. I wish I was easier on my 15-year- old self.”

Scuderio still remembers his first experiences from his freshman year like the time he tried out for STUCO and the first football game he attended with the Rage Cage, and encourages underclassmen to soak up every moment.

“I still remember a lot from my freshman year because I was really involved my first year,” Scuderio said. “Doing everything you can your freshman year will be the best in the long run when you look back on your high school experience when it’s all over, which will come faster than you think.”

By and Maddie Winkler

by Emma EMMA Clark CLARK and MADDIE WINKLER

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM Features 19

RAGE CAGE ROLL CALLLLLL

20 SPORTS PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

PHS MIZ

By Jessie Hagen Two South stitchball athletes made a huge decision this past summer

A ton of thinking, hard work, and dedication has set two South students apart from everyone else. Their world revolves around just one thing, which has brought them a dream come true.

Will Fricker and Chantice Phillips have both committed to the big time University of Missouri in Columbia. Fricker, senior, plays baseball and Phillips, senior, plays softball. Fricker committed to Mizzou on July 19.

“I have been thinking about going to Mizzou for a while now. It was always on my radar, but I started taking it into serious consideration after they offered me a spot,” Fricker said.

Fricker has been playing baseball since he was five years old. He has traveled throughout the country from tournament to tournament.

“I have put in a lot of work throughout the years, practice to practice, and workouts at home on my own. Nothing felt better than getting this offer, and all the hard work finally paying off,” Fricker said.

He will be playing the outfield and hitting for Mizzou. He said he plans on working his hardest as soon as he gets there so his chances of playing in the games rise.

Softball has impressed us every year with some big time commitments here at South.

Phillips has been playing softball basically her whole life. Surprisingly, she said the only reason she ever started softball in the

Fricker hit eight triples this past summer

Phillips made

the PGF All first place was because she always loved Tournament watching baseball on TV. Her parents and team even her siblings never pushed her into the sport.

Phillips committed to MU on June 21 after doing very well in a summer tournament. She hit a home run and made a couple of great catches in center field while the Mizzou head softball coach was at her game watching the pitcher for Phillips team. The head coach was soon focused on more than just that pitcher.

“MU seemed to be made for me right when I stepped on campus and has always been my dream school,” Phillips said.

Head baseball and softball coach at South, Josh Walker, is very proud of these two athletes and can not wait to see what’s to come for the both of them at MU. “I’m very happy for both of them. They have worked hard and earned everything they have gotten. I’m proud of them. I want them to be the best they can be,” Walker said.

Phillips takes a visit to MU to officially commit.

This truly is a dream Next to her is head softball coach Larissa come true for these Anderson. photo courtesy of Chantice Phillips athletes.

Fricker hits batting practice at the MU camp this past summer. photo courtesy of Will Fricker

Warning:

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM Sports 21

FRESHMEN ARE TAKING OVER

“S.O.U.T.H yell Park Hill *clap clap* South!”

There is something different about South’s cheer team this year. Last year about 30 girls tried out compared to 45 this year with more than half the team being freshmen. The competition and potential is continuing to increase.

Coming into South, Jayden Goff, freshman, said her first year cheering in front of a large crowd can be pretty nerve racking as well as exciting.

“Cheering at home games is a lot different compared to the away, especially since this is my first year,” Goff said.

Compared to previous years, members of the team said that this year they will be bringing a lot more to the table.

“There is a lot of talent coming into this year because we have a lot more people who can tumble, giving us a lot more potential,” Gracie Hecht, junior, said.

This year, the cheer team has more girls than they ever had before. Coach Lindsey Diepenbrock is the head cheer coach and she thinks that since they have so many young girls, they can only build up in the coming years.

“We have a lot of talent and hard working people that are determined to make it.”

Diepenbrock said.

With so many freshmen on the team, there could be potential tension with some of the upperclassmen. But the girls say it is the complete opposite.

“I have a lot of friends on the team and there is an all around good team bond,” Goff said.

The future is overall in good hands. They are working hard at practice for improvements, trying out new stunts and chants. The young members are excited about the future of South’s cheer team.

By Lina Navarro

13% 17% 20%50% Senior Junior Soph. Fresh.

The Hart

of SKC

The man, the myth, the keeper: Mason Hart.

Hart, sophomore, was born and raised in the state of Utah, From a young age, his main and only sport has been soccer; it’s what he eats, breathes and lives.

Growing up in Utah, he said he was constantly busy and always working to improve and get better in his soccer position as a goalkeeper, His most recent team he used to play for was Sparta.

“We were a really good club, but it was actually pretty small and we were pretty much one of the only teams that were good in that club,” said Hart.

Moving to Kansas City was not the easiest thing for him.

“I moved just to play for Sporting Kansas City. I had to move here by myself and not with my family. It’s most definitely a new opportunity and experience,” said Hart.

The future ahead holds everything for anybody and for Hart, his plan is above and beyond.

“My plans for the future are going to college and playing soccer.

Further from that, I want to go pro and play in the MLS, as well as go on and play worldwide,” said Hart.

Many people have astonishing goals for their life and future ahead. Hart said he has goals to live up to and most definitely defend as a goalkeeper. The man, the myth, the keeper: Mason Hart.

By Payton Keedy

22 SPORTS PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

Fresh Start

By Cameron Gillespie and Ty Rouse

New coaches, same goals for South teams Our sidelines this year at South have some new unfamiliar doesn’t have any plans to slow down this season at South. faces.

“It’s a bigger school with a lot more students, the players There were many changes to the coaching staff of South’s are more driven and a lot more coachable. I’m hoping to keep football team as well as the volleyball and dance teams. improving each week and make a good playoff run this year,” Possibly the biggest Coaching change at South this year is said Waldman.

Coach Alan Wilmes taking over as head Football coach. In the New offensive coordinator Coach Zach Wierzbicki is from past, he has taken teams to the final four and even won a State Francis Howell and William Jewell College. This is his 15th title at Francis Howell in St. Louis. year coaching and his sixth year as an offensive coordinator.

One main difference he said he has seen this year is how He has had 40 of his past players continue to play in college positive and supportive everyone is. Wilmes knows South and has won four district titles. He wants to see South improve football plays a big role in school spirit and hopes to win a lot each and every week. of games this year to keep everyone happy and supportive.

But football isn’t the only sport at south with big coaching “I want to create a better environment for kids at South to changes. improve in every way,’’ said Wilmes.

Volleyball also has a new coach, If you ever hear a deep voice yelling Sammy Williams, following the “I want to create a better down the weights hallway it’s safe to say retirement of Karen Rule last year. environment for kids at that you’re hearing Coach Boston Higgins, Williams has coached club volleyball for South to improve in the new weights and offensive line coach. many years and was the assistant coach at Higgins played O-line at Pittsburg South for four years. every way.”

State University and has been coaching it She said her main goal for the season for five years. Before he came to South, he was at is to beat their rival, St. Teresa’s, in the Sectionals Game to William Chrisman and Turner, which he said were send them to State. different than South.

“Everyone at South seems much more inclusive and “The work ethic on the field and in the weight room in spirited this year. The first assembly really set the tone for the much better and the whole school is a lot more involved like a year,” said Williams. community,” said Higgins.

South Side Girls also have new leadership as former South also has new leaders on both sides of the ball, assistant coach, Caitlin Uribe, takes over. Urbie knows that bringing in a new offensive and defensive coordinators this this step up in responsibility will be challanging but she is offseason. excited for the task ahead.

On defense is Coach Alex Waldman, a highly experienced “It’s so worth it to be able to mold and push this team to coach from Center. In 13 seasons, Waldman has never once where I know they can be,” said Uribe. had a losing record and has also gone to the State quarterfinals Despite all the new faces on the sidelines this year, the three times. As a student coach at Mizzou, he went to two teams hope for a great season and for many more in the future. bowl games, the Sun and Cotton bowl. Waldman said he

NEW “HEAD" COACHES

South Side Girls

Football

Volleyball

Focusing on the

PHSOUTHNEWS.COM Sports 23

FUTURE

Student athletes spend “Of course I support her hours at practices, games decision. I think with her goal and tournaments. For most, of playing at the highest level the typical athlete pathway South students and coaches reflect of college that she could, then begins with high school and she made the right choice,” on their decisions to halt their high ends with a recruitment from school sports careers in order to better Cunliff said. a college.

Another South student themselves through their club teams.

However, some sports had to make a similar difficult break that mold and require a decision; however, it was at different avenue for success. the beginning of her junior year. Sarah Waller, senior, danced Eva Kresovic, senior, made a difficult decision regarding for South’s dance team her freshman and sophomore year, her last season of South tennis. In order to further develop but ultimately decided to focus on studio dance. her skills and likeliness of getting a Division I recruitment, “When I first went to tryouts going into my junior year, I Kresovic decided to depart from South tennis and focus realized it’s just not something that would help me reach my solely on training one-on-one with her coach. goals anymore, and I needed to focus on my training and my “My personal coach, Gino, thought playing high school technique,” Waller said. tennis was a bad idea because during the season I get worse.

Waller plans on dancing as her future career and is Not playing for South lets me focus on college visits and satisfied with her improvements since focusing on studio. tournaments more,” Kresovic said.

“I think high school dance team is great and I love it, it Although Kresovic knew that it was the right choice, she just isn’t for me. It is more team oriented, so if I were to go struggled to make the final decision to leave South tennis. onto a college dance team then I would be more focused “Making the decision was the hardest part because I really on that. However, my future is more the concert and wanted to play for the school, and it was my senior year and I performance route,” Waller said. really wanted to try and win State again,” Kresovic said.

Whether it is tennis or dancing, each athlete knows what One of her biggest supporters is her high school coach, is best for them when preparing for their futures.

Ian Cunliff, communication arts, who has been by her side throughout her entire high school tennis career.

By Claire Hoy and Maria Allred

20

12

9

hours of

years of competitive dancing

years of competitive tennis

practice each week

Scan this QR code to see more images of Waller and Kresovic in action!

24 SPORTS PHSOUTHNEWS.COM

FALL INTO FALL sports photos by Cameron Gentry, Maddisen Clevenger, Hadley Uribe, Caleb Schofield & Sadie Hudson