PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
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Log
Pirates’ 4400 N. 107th St. Kansas City, KS 66109
Volume 31 Issue 6 • May 2, 2014
Selective team ignites school spirit BY MIKAELA PAPAGEORGIOU The newly founded Student Leadership Team is evolving in hopes it will steer the school in the right direction. The group was formed by the administration in August with the vision of having a larger group of students to give feedback to administration and to communicate with their peers, the student body. Already, plans for next year are being made for the team with high hopes of it being one of the many influential student organizations. StuCo adviser Tiffany Scheffler said, “We extended invitations to a group that was larger and represented more students.” Scheffler said that the group was put together to encompass every leader in the school. The new team, though, is going to be a selective group, decided by a more established and formal process. “One day we hope we’ll have 80 students vying for those spots, so we want to have a process in place,” Scheffler said. The system students were put through resembled a “speed dating” type of process with applicants rotating between interviewers. The tables consisted of special education teacher Darcey Bast, who focused on service questions; counselor Darcy Lucas, who focused on citizenship; Scheffler, who focused on character; principal Michael Schumacher, who focused on leadership; and math teacher Shane Stout, who focused on team-building qualities. This team of staff members had rubric scoring sheets, ranking each candidate on poise and thoroughness. Students were expected to be dressed in business casual attire. The interviews helped get direct feedback from the staff and brought up any red flags they should take into consideration. Junior Abbey Morris who experienced the new process first hand said she thought the interview process was very good, and it went really smoothly. Although Morris said she did not think that the new process was com-
Photo by Katie Comer
The freshman class cheers in an effort to win the spirit stick at the spring pep rally April 14. The student leadership team planned the first spring rally.
pletely necessary, she did feel that it was a good way for the administration to get to know the applicants better. Next year, she believes that the process itself could be made less lengthy, and instead more time could be given for students to expand on some of the questions given to them. Sophomore Janice Levina also felt that there was not enough time allotted for each student to give a thoughtful response. “There was barely enough time to answer three questions per round. They should make the interviews just a little bit longer so that we don’t feel rushed, and we’d have time to think deeper and respond more clearly.”
The new team will consist of approximately 40 students, depending on the number of freshmen who join the student body in the fall. The quality of candidates and the outcomes of the interviews will also be considered. The new members will be announced May 6. “I feel it’s positive,” Schefflers said. “The more people involved the better, because administration will get a wider variety of input and be able to communicate more easily.” The goal will be to have each member mentor a group of four to five freshmen as well as help plan freshmen orientation day. “We are pushing to have these members enrolled in their freshmen seminars,” Scheffler explained.
The members will have large responsibilities including developing lesson plans for their freshmen about handling peer pressure, developing a good work ethic and just generally getting through high school life. Levina, who hopes to have the chance to be a mentor, said, “I just want to vvvbe able to be a good role model for younger students and make their experience in high school a better one.” With the changes coming to student leadership in the school, many people have questioned how the team will impact the role of StuCo in the school since around 20 of the Student Leadership Team’s members will also be StuCo members. “StuCo is still going to do what
we have done. We are still the place to go to if any major issues or a major push for change arises, it would still, and should, come from StuCo,” Scheffler said. The meetings for the Student Leadership Team next year will have a set schedule with administration, including team talks about concerns of the school. The meetings will be led by Schumacher and other administrators, whereas StuCo meetings are solely student-run. This new opportunity for leadership in the school is one of many changes students can look forward to for next school year. For information on additional changes, see Jalen Zwart’s story on kcpipernews.com.
Class of 2014 spreads across the country Where to now?
This map depicts the colleges seniors say they are headed to next year. See Page 5 for a list of students and their destinations.
BY STEVEN HODGE
Middlesex Community College (1)
Military - 3 Work Force - 2 Undecided - 16
Graceland University (1)
Florida Gulf Coast University (1)
12 - Wichita State University (1)
United States Air Force Academy (1)
Source: Surveys returned by 116 seniors
By Katie Comer
After nearly 13 years of school, the class of 2014 is preparing to say their goodbyes to the school and move on to the start of their new life. Whether they have spent their whole school career together, or just the past few years, the seniors have become a family, and many close relationships have formed. This makes the time of saying farewell more difficult. Even though the majority of the class will be attending college in Kansas, everyone is going in different directions. While some friendships become long distance, others will remain close due to the proximity of their schools. A few members of the class have decided that staying in Kansas is not for them. They have decided that moving out and exploring the United States is the next chapter in their life, and will help them grow into their young adult years. Senior Rachel Saunders is one of these students. She has decided that Stetson University in Florida is the right choice for her. “Originally I was looking at USF [University of Southern Florida], but when I started researching it, I decided it was too big and not the right one for me,” Saun-
ders said. “Then I visited Stetson and fell in love immediately, so I knew this was the right fit.” Sometimes it’s difficult for students to move away from home because it’s such a huge step into something brand new. However, for Saunders it wasn’t really a problem because her parents are making the move with her. While others move away, some stay near. Senior Taylor Smith decided that she wanted to stay close to home, as did the majority of the senior class. Smith made the decision to go to UMKC [University of Missouri-Kansas City]. “I chose UMKC because of their excellent theater program, and I wanted to stay close to my family,” Smith said. “I’m excited because my friend Hannah [Sharp] will be going there, too, and we will be suitemates.” In the end, the class of 2014 has come to the finish line of their high school career, and is now taking a huge step into adulthood. As the underclassmen and faculty wish them goodbye, they also wish them good luck, in that they truly find who they are and become the next leaders of our world. Farewell, class of 2014. For more senior features, see Pages 4 and 5.
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Pirate news
News Briefs Seniors count down final days
As the year draws to an end, please make note of the following upcoming events:
MAY 2 All financial obligations must be paid (Cap and gown will not be distributed until fees are paid). MAY 4 Baccalaureate begins at 6 p.m. at Haven Bap tist Church. MAY 7 Deadline for reservation for Senior Breakfast. MAY 7-8 Senior finals (May 7 - purple, May 8 - white) MAY 9 Senior Project presentation day MAY 14 Senior barbecue MAY 15 Senior Breakfast 7:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m. – Graduation (ceremony starts at 7 p.m., se niors need to arrive by 6 p.m.)
kcpipernews.com
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
Senior twins go their separate ways BY KARLI TRUMBO
Although they may look alike, they may not be the same. Twins grow up together and are rarely apart until high school graduation. The school has five sets of senior twins – Jacob and Jared Brown, Masen and Maverek Dearinger, Tinaris and Tinasha Watson, Colton and Cameron Walker and Monique and Dominique Smith. Although most are identical,
people who don’t know them may be surprised by how different they are. Most of the twins are going to college and planning to major in similar things. For example, Monique is pursuing the career of a dental hygienist while Dominique is going into a nine-month dental assistant program with hopes of becoming an orthodontist one day. Although interests may vary,
twins have grown up with a so called “clone.” Both Walker twins said they never really thought about splitting up, but Cameron said it’s just like any other sibling. “I’ve lived with him my whole life and it’ll be nice to get a break from him,” Maverek said, also confessing they don’t talk as much anymore, having different friends and different schedules
Second semester finals schedule The finals schedule for second semester is as follows:
May 20 All white day finals May 21 P1 and P2 finals May 22 P3 and P4 finals May 20 will be a full day of school and the following two days will be half days.
SAF-K to provide physicals
Saf-K will provide $15 physicals in the OrthoKC office at Providence Medical Center. Students must be accompanied by an adult. The times and dates are as listed: 9 to 11 a.m. May 17, 6 to 8 p.m. May 21 and 6 to 8 p.m. May 22.
Forensics team to have banquet
The forensics team will be holding a banquet to present awards at 6:30 p.m. May 13 in the high school auditorium. Contact Katie Deneault for more information.
Fall sport parent meetings
The boys’ football and soccer parent meetings will be at 6 p.m. May 6. The football meeting will be in the high school auditorium, and the soccer meeting will be in the choir room. For more information, contact football coach Chris Brindle or soccer coach Carissa Gregory.
Art on display at local bank
The annual Art Show is taking place, and students artwork is being displayed during normal bank hours from April 23 through May 6 at Country Club Bank, 11006 Parallel Pkwy Kansas City, KS 66109.
Upcoming spring craft show
The Robotics team is hosting a Spring Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday May 3 at Piper Elementary School. Crafters from Kansas City and surrounding areas will show and sell their handcrafted items. Food will be available. Entrance is free. There is also a raffle for a pair of Justin 0 concert tickets.
State choir and band results
The music department went to the state music competition April 26 at Andover High School. Music-N-Motion and the Music-N-Motion men both got a superior 1 rating. Vocal soloists junior Steven Hodge, sophomore Ashley Pate and senior Rachel Saunders also received a superior 1 rating. Band soloists freshman Josie Jones, junior Adam Bender and junior Tyler Simcoe received 1 ratings.
FCCLA tie-dye party
FCCLA is hosting a tie-dye party from 6-8 p.m. May 6 in the field between the high school and middle school to support FCCLA members that are going to the National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The cost for registration is $10 and includes a shirt. You may also bring your own shirt and the cost is only $5. Sign up on the board outside of Officer Beashore’s office. See other stories by mass media students on kcpipernews.com
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Archived photo
The twins of the class of 2014 pose for a 2013 yearbook photo. Next year, many of these twins will be splittling up. From left: Jacob Brown, Cameron Walker, Jared Brown, Colton Walker, Masen and Maverek Dearinger. Front row: Tinaris and Tinasha Watson, and Dominique and Monique Smith.
Monique explained that it’s going to be awkward because she won’t have her twin, and it’ll just be hard, although they will still stay in touch and visit over breaks. Dominique has a slightly different attitude and said he will miss the joking and even fighting, but that it’ll be a good experience overall. Masen believes that splitting up will affect his life in a positive way. “It’s going to be different when we split up obviously, because we’ve been by each other’s side since birth,” Colton said. Jared said that life without his twin would be normal. When Dominique thought about his life apart from his twin, he said it will be different because they won’t have the same jokes or humor as they do now and won’t be able to to help each other all the time. Of course parents are emotional about sending one of their kids to college, but with twins, they lose another, too. “They might have a hard time with it, losing two of us and all,” Masen said. Although twins may share special connections and close bonds, they still must go their own ways eventually. When Cameron was asked if his twin felt the same way he said, “Yes, I just read his mind.”
Teachers out and about in the summer BY SHERIDAN SMITH
Cranky attitude, rude glances, raspy voice, chastising everyone about everything with every opportunity. As the end of the school year approaches and tensions mount, students may begin to see teachers in that derogatory light. Despite what people may think, teachers are not people who chastise kids with every opportunity; but rather people with an actual life, and heart. Some proof of this exists in their planned summer activities. Ask librarian, Meghan Stigge what she enjoys doing during the summer and she won’t hesitate to answer. “I spend a lot of time with my family. I also take swimming lessons, so that’s fun,” Stigge said. Another thing she does in the summer is jog. “I like to jog on my
own in the mornings. It helps me get in shape.” English teacher and StuCO sponsor Tiffany Scheffler also has a lot of exciting activities planned for the summer. “I really enjoy taking my son to story time at the Kansas City Public Library and going to Schlitterbahn. And, I run a lot,” Scheffler said. “I like going to pools. I used to be a lifeguard a while back.” Scheffler isn’t the only teacher who enjoys the pleasures summer vacation brings. “I like going to the pool, and I like gardening,” theater teacher Katie Deneault said. But, there can also be some bad experiences during the summer, too. “When I was little,” Deneault said she remembers,“our day care took us on a field trip to the pool, and I was laying on my back, and I got so sunburned.” “I was about as red as
your shirt (a Nebraska T-shirt). I couldn’t put on a T-shirt for days.” Despite that bad memory, Deneault also has good memories that she will never forget and she looks forward to making new memories this summer with her 1 year old son. Social studies teacher Matthew Reitemeier takes trips to Colorado in the summer.
“I used to work in a wilderness-based youth camp. We did all sorts of outdoor activities from hiking to whitewater rafting,” Reitemeier said. This summer, he is going back to finish a hike he started last summer through the Colorado trail. So just like students, teachers do have hobbies outside of school that
do not include grading papers, chastising students and making rules. They are normal, everyday people with interests, families and friends. So as students go about their summer plans: going to Schlitterbahn, hanging out with friends, and going to movies, keep an eye out for teachers.
Photo submitted
Tiffany Scheffler’s son, Otto, enjoys a gorgeous summer day at the pool.
First Mate’s Opinion
Maddie Hays Assistant Editor
Kansas City becoming tourist destination
If one wanted to go grocery shopping or pick up a quick bite to eat 15 years ago, he or she would have to drive outside the Piper district to get what was needed. There was no such thing as spending a Saturday night watching the local independent baseball team play, battling race-weekend traffic or screaming on the top of your lungs at the home of the MLS Cup champions. Flash-forward to 2014. Kansas Speedway. The Kansas City T-Bones. Sporting Park. The Legends. Schlitterbahn Water Park. Cerner Corporation. Now, it’s hard to imagine life before the noisy car engines were being revved up on race weekend, sitting in the driveway to watch the T-Bones’ firework show and going to a midnight movie premier at the Legends 14 Theater. As hard as I try, I have trouble picturing what the community looked like before the Legends was built. For most of the student body, this serves to be true as well. Kansas City, Kan. has even received some international attention recently. Mayor Mark Holland spoke in a press conference April 25 at Schlitterbahn Water Park for the official measuring of Verruckt, the tallest water slide in the world. A representative from the Guinness Book of World Records was present at the event. “Kansas City, Kan. is the No. 1 tourist city in the state of Kansas,” Mayor Mark Holland said. The “international attraction” will bring many things to the area. With the expansion of the park, more jobs are needed, many of them being filled by students. Also, the city is bound to expand due to all of the tourists pouring in. The surrounding area has become a part of each student. It has provided job opportunities, brought more people to the area and gives students something to do every weekend. For young students, life before the Legends and Schlitterbahn is ancient history. It’s hard to say what will pop up next in the area, but one thing is for sure: Kansas City, Kan. is a bold dot on the map.
Pirate opinion
kcpipernews.com
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
3
Passing down seniority 2014
May-June
Draped in cap and gown, one-by-one they cross the stage to receive his or her diploma. The moment has come, the seniors are finally high school graduates. Grandmothers, fathers, family and friends weep tears of joy and tears of sadness. For some, these tears mean that their baby is going off to college, for others it means their best friend is moving halfway across the country. Graduation is a moment of triumph for the seniors, it means that they have finally made it. The high school journey is over, and the adventure of adulthood has begun. For the juniors, senior graduation is another step closer to the end of high school. Year after year, the juniors have watched as their senior buds graduate. As freshmen, the seniors seemed larger than life. And now, the time has arrived for juniors to claim seniority. However, this transition isn’t always a painless one. It has both its
ups and downs. It’s a sad thought to think that the class of 2014 is graduating. Many of the current juniors have developed relationships with the seniors, whether that be friendship, teammates or significant others. Wishing them goodbye is bittersweet, it means that they won’t be around next year, but it also means that the juniors will finally, “rule the school.” The torch of seniority has finally come into the grasp of the class of 2015. A positive thing for the the current juniors is that graduation for the class of 2014 is their transition into senior year. It’s their turn to be the “head honchos,” and “wear the pants” of the school. “You won’t be looked down upon by the upperclassmen anymore. You get to be the spirit and the leaders of the school,” junior Lyndi Lloyd said. Finally, the freshmen will be referring
to you as “larger than life.” Senior year means seniority, it’s your turn to lead, make a difference, go out with a bang, leaving a mark on the school. And for some, it’s the most exciting year, because it means that it’s the last year of high school. Although the transition from junior to senior can be thrilling and adventurous, it isn’t complete bliss. Senior year is also the year for big decisions. It’s when students have to buckle down and choose what he or she wants to do in the future . Becoming a senior means that it’s the last year that you get to spend with all of your friends before you all part ways in college. “It’s the last year you get with your friends all together, that’s kind of sad,” junior Ashley King said. However, despite all these changes and decisions, senior year is a year meant to be well spent, and not wasted.
“Everbody says junior year is hard, but really senoir year is harder and more stressful. You have to make college decisions, do your senior project, and balance your homework and extracurricular activites.” — Jerry Mañan, senior
HHHHH BY KEEGAN SPARKS
El Potro is a Mexican restaurant located on the outskirts of Bonner Springs near KFC/Taco Bell off of I-70. Warning: this place will change your view of food forever. One of the best things about El Potro is its a very clean facility. The cleanliness of the restaurant was only accentuated by the lovely dim lighting. The booths are also remarkably comfortable and made for a pleasant evening. El Potro’s facility earns a solid “A.” El Potro’s facility was not the only astounding thing about the restaurant. The service was absolutely fantastic. The staff was extremely friendly and kind. The waitress was helpful in helping me choose a dish. She was also very patient, allowing all the time needed to decide on a meal. Perhaps the best thing about the service was the speed. I arrived at the restaurant at 4:50 p.m., and had my food by 5:15 p.m. The restaurant was packed with customers, so this was a flabbergasting feat. The waitress consistently checked on me and provided refills as soon as she saw my glass was nearing empty. All in all, El Potro would not have been the same without the service. The food at El Potro is top-tier. In addition, the menu selection is incredible. It allows a person to choose from a variety of burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and my personal favorite, the chimichanga. The dessert menu is also quite extensive. It is an eclectic mix of both Mexican and non-Mexican desserts. The portion sizes are also massive and insanely fulfilling. The dish I ordered was the Chimichanga Del Norte. It came with a side of rice and refried beans. It was decadent. It was perfectly seasoned and tasted better than one could possibly imagine. It made me want more and more of El Potro. Not only was the main course amazing, but the dessert was incredible. I enjoyed their greek yogurt cheesecake. It may sound crazy, since it’s a Mexican restaurant, but even the cheesecake was amazing. Overall, the food is the best part about El Potro, and I left satisfied. In conclusion, El Potro is one of the best places to eat. From the service to the food, there is nothing wrong with this place. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys authentic Mexican food.
Log staff
Editor – Alyssa Sullivan Managing Editor – Hope Grable Assistant Editor – Maddie Hays Page 1 Design: Mikaela Papageoriou Editor: Sean Pahls Page 2 Design: Keegan Sparks Editor: Steven Hodge Page 3 Staff Photographers Design: Carly Johnson Katie Comer and Alyssa Sullivan. Editor: Mikala Sullivan Photographers – Lyndi Lloyd, Roni Page 4 Mikessell, Alecia Murray, Hunter Searcy, Design: Hope Grable Meggie Shearer, Ashton Strub Editor: Sara Ferguson and Beginning Photographers. Page 5 Design: Alyssa Sullivan The Pirates’ Log is published six times a Editor: Maddy May year by the Newspaper Production class of Page 6 Piper High School, 4400 N. 107th St., KanDesign: Maddy May sas City, KS 66109. Phone (913) 721-2100. Editor: Sara Ferguson Editorial opinions expressed throughout this publication do not necessarily reflect the Page 7 Design: Cierra Hiatt opinion of the entire staff or administration. Editor: Maddie Hays Letters to the editor are welcome, but we reserve the right to print and edit all submis- Page 8 Design: Lauren Klapper sions. Yearly subscriptions to “The Log” are Editor: Katie Comer $8. Printed by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan. Copy Editor – Maddie Hays Web Master – Sean Pahls Wed Editor – Steven Hodge Photo Editor – Lauren Klapper Business Manager – Nick Delaquila Adviser – Dr. Cindy Horchem Cartoonist – Morgan DeWitt
May 13 Orange is the New Black: Season 1 May 9 Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return May 16 Godzilla
May 2 Looney Tunes Center Stage: Volume 2 May 20 Vampire Academy
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Genre: Action, Adventure and Sci-Fi
Running Time: 2 hours 16 minutes
HHHHH BY JENNA ASHERMAN
A good friend, hot popcorn and Chris Evans in an Under Armour shirt. This also goes by the word of “perfection.” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” features Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America. Taking place right after the events of “The Avengers,” Captain America has had a hard time adapting to modern times, even keeping a notebook full of things he should research to try to stay up to date (a few along the lines of Sean Connery, Nirvana, and Sherlock). After being frozen and lost at sea, a lot has changed. His previous love interest, Peggy Carter, is now old, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division) corporation he once knew is gone, now a massive enterprise and out in public knowledge. He’s joined by the elusive, unprincipled Natasha Romanoff, or better known as the Black Widow. With very little moral code, she plays somewhat of a foil to the Captain, frequently clashing with him and his upright beliefs. Despite this, the two end up needing each other throughout the movie, creating a seemingly unstoppable force of a team. The recurring theme throughout the movie is to be careful who you trust, and Captain America eventually learns this the hard way. In a series of unexpected shocks, most of what he knows turns out to be a lie, and some of his allies are revealed to be against him rather than for him. Old acquaintances return, new relationships are formed, and secrets are revealed as the Captain pieces together who really is friend and foe. My expectations from the previous Captain America movie set a high bar, and I have to say that this one exceeded my standards for any Marvel movie overall. The fact that it was not predictable, like most movies gracing today’s movie screens, made it stand out, and the unlikely alliance of two very different superheroes made for an interesting dynamic until the end. Any action lover would enjoy this movie for the constant stream of fight sequences and explosions, but even if nonstop skirmishes are not your thing, one who appreciates the silver screen would appreciate “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”
May 20 The Walking Dead: Season 9 May 27 Endless Love Concerts/Events
May 16 The Wanted @ Uptown Theater, TBA May 17 Foster the People @ Power and Light, 5 p.m. June 19 Darius Rucker @ Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. June 22 Future @ The Midland, 7 p.m. Holidays
May 11 Mother’s Day May 5 Cinco de Mayo May 26 Memorial Day June 14 Flag Day June 15 Father’s Day
Sound Off
’13-’14
Pirates’
May 2 The Amazing Spiderman 2
May 13 Orange is the New Black: Season 1
Pirates’ Night Out El Potro
May 1 Magic Mike 2
New to DVD
A Second Opinion
Location: 13035 CANNAN DR. BONNER SPRINGS, KS 66012 (913) 721-3000 Estimated Cost: $12
Coming Soon – Movies
What are you looking forward to most about summer?
David Win, freshman “I am looking forward to the killer tan I am going to get. It may sound shallow, but I’ve been working pretty hard on it.”
Colton Hagge, sophomore “I am looking forward to no homework, getting a job so I have money, warm weather and sleep.”
Gabrielle Kempf, junior
“I am looking forward to no school, hanging out with my cats, including taking them to the movies and giving them baths.”
Allison Murphy, senior
“I am looking forward to spending my last months before college with my friends.”
e n 20 o ever four 14 Pirate feature
kcpipernews.com
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
CLASS OF
4
Class of 2014
Most likely to get married to each other Tanner Eikenbary Jordyn Tucker
Best jokes
Bryce Slaughter Jodi Smith
Next Einstein
Brady Gooch Rachael Morris
Most photogenic Cameron Walker Maddy May
Most likely to take over the world Jacob Brown Sarah Stella
Best eyes
Best personality
Most athletic
Maverek Dearinger Olivia Hunt
Marty Galindo Alicia Lopez
Luke Long Megan Woolley
Most likely to end up stranded in the middle of nowhere
Best hair
Best dressed
Tyler Smith Tori Webb
Tyler Owens De’Ericka Glover
Alec Wuellner Esther Francis
Never misses a party
Best person to seek advice from
Dallas Barnett Jordan Hager
Darius Drew Rachel Lauritzen
Most likely to become President Jared Brown Jena Klaas
Most likely to be a beach bum
Most likely to become famous
Bret Thorington Carly Gunnels
Logan Stacer Taylor Smith
Most school spirit
Best person to get stuck in an elevator with
Next Picaso
Jared Davis Sara Ferguson
Tyler Smith Denae Douglas
Jerry Mañan Amanda Mikesic
Best celebrity look-a-like
Worst driver
Worst procrastinator
CJ Harper - Perry Ellis Megan Woolley - Kirsten Dunst
Most lovable
Best taste in music
Most transformed from freshman year
Jarod Wright Monique Smith
Carlos Garcia Allison Perry
Best smile
Most likely to be on a reality TV show
Biggest flirt
Zakk Roy Camrey Derritt
Jared Winzer Kelsea Lawson
Gerry Bolden Hope Grable
Austin Samimi Tristian Davis
Khalin Williams Allison Murphy
Ashton Box Savannah Ferris
High school more than just days in the halls Four years ago, the class of 2014 took the high school by storm. Some would argue that these years have been “short,” others that they have been “long,” but regardless, these four years have brought about many a great memory Alyssa Sullivan and many a challenge. Editor-in-Chief Sure, it is possible to go and add up how many days, hours, minutes or seconds spent in this school, but the four years we have spent as high school students are measured by more than time. They are measured by the sporting events, theater performances, dances and trips to Sonic that form the memories marked by “Friday night lights,” final bows, awkwardly posed pictures and piles of varied restaurant receipts. We are a class of firsts, a class of lasts and a class of constants. The first senior class under the supervision of principal Michael Schumacher, affectionately known by many as the one and only
“Dr. Shu.” The first class to be taught chemistry by Carissa Gregory, and for some of us, the first class to brave chemistry as sophomores. This is the last class to experience the dreaded “Dice of Doom” in former history teacher Tom Radke’s class. The last to see math teacher Mike Briggs and former math teacher Craig Jaggard standing next to each other in the hallways and realize for the first time (for some as late as May), that they are not, indeed, the same person. We’ve been in the “new” building all four years, and many of the teachers that walk these hallways were here with us on freshman orientation. This school has changed us — as a class, as students, as individuals — and we have changed this school. High school is as much about the things that you learn outside of the classroom as it is about the things you learn inside. Yes, you need math and English to survive the “real world,” but there is more to high school than just that. Through high school you may have found your calling, your passion, your dream. You also may have found that your “calling” is, in fact,
You know you’re a senior when ... “You never come to school and dress like a homeless person.” — Tristian Davis
not your calling, but far from it. Friendships form in the most unexpected ways. Looking back on it, some may not be able to figure how they became so close to their friends. Others may be able to pinpoint the exact time, date and location. Regardless, high school has been a journey of relationships, all of which shaped our class into what it is today. The staff and administration have impacted our ways and made memories for us. The legendary Bill Warne instilling fear into your heart every time you walked up the stairs for fear you would fall and hear “SNIPER!” echo through the halls. Curtis Hamilton, Matt Reitemeier and Mark Turrentine rocking out to “Jesse’s Girl” at the first spring pep rally. Dr. Schumacher greeting students in front of the south doors each morning, Starbucks in hand. Although some may not want to admit it, the other classes that have made the journey with us through high school have shaped our experiences. Each class that we are leaving behind has made some sort of impression on our class. Juniors and seniors have formed unbreakable
“People ask you about your future at least once a day.” —Hayley Schmuck
“You skip school to get caught up on your homework from missing so much school.” — Jena Klaas “You have more absences than attendances.” — Luke Long
bonds, and many still can’t fathom what life will be like next year without seeing their friends every day in the hallway. The sophomores have brought talent to the field and to the stage. The freshmen have outnumbered the class of 2014, and taken away our title as largest class to enter the high school. And, yes, everyone has made the hallways more congested. So as we, the seniors, push through the hallways in the final days before graduation, take time to remember. Remember the times you have weaved through the hallways muttering, “I can’t wait until I’m out of here,” and remember that you are almost, indeed, “out of here.” Remember the hours spent in the lunch “line” over the years. Remember the amount of times your locker has been jammed, of course always when you’re running late for class. Remember the teachers who have touched your life in one way or another over the past years. Because soon, it will all be a thing of the past.
“Your lunch is longer than everyone else’s because you just don’t leave.” — Brittany Baumli
“You have Life Alert.” — Jared Lutsenhizer “You spend the majority of your time in the copy room.” — Jared Davis
“Even Briggs can’t motivate you to do your homework.” — Chloe Bridge “You can answer a phone call in class.” — Alicia Lopez
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
kcpipernews.com
My best memory at Piper . . . junior year. l al tb o fo in ur Fo l na “Making it to the Fi d backed the an ed lv vo in t go y it The entire commun footbal l team.” — Tanner Eikenbary “Being nomin ated for cou rtwarming, th bunch of sno en having a w days, then w in ning with Jer ry Mañan.” — Carley Zw art .” r a s e l y e n r n ly Gu “Senio — Car “When the speakers stopped working at the boys’ soccer game during the National Anthem and Sara Ferguson and I sang the rest of the song and got a standing ovation from the crowd.” — Jodi Smith math jokes.” us o ri la hi s hi us g in ll “Mr. Briggs te — Chad Irwin “My senior year when ou r volleybal l team won substate and went to stat e. It’s the first time ever in Piper history.” — Jordyn Tucker “Winning the Kaw Valley League calculus math relay and Mr. Briggs playing ‘We are the Champions’ the next class.” — Zakk Roy “Cheerleading on the si delines for three years. There were so many close games, and landsl ides. I love when the crowd is just as pumped as we are!” — Perrin McTye chip “Back when the cafeteria still had chocolate muffins and pudding every day.” — Jena Klaas
Pirate feature
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Paths diverge, but most graduates plan to stay in state next year Kansas City Kansas Community College
Chelsea Beasley, Olivia Blair, Savannah Dungan, Marquel Gatson, Jordan Hager, CJ Harper, Kaleb Holm, Rachel Lauritzen, Kelsea Lawson, Norma A. Lopez, Kortney Masters, Marcus McIntosh, Stephen Michael, Dalton Murray, Hayley Schmuck, Jodi Smith, Jarod Wright
Kansas University
MiKaylee Anaya, Ibrahima Bah, Brittany Baumli, Brineya Boyd, Justin Brantley, Denae Douglas, Jordan Fuqua, Carly Gunnels, Olivia Hunt, Jena Klaas, Jared Lutsenhizer, Zakk Roy, Gordon Sheldon, Alex Triplett, Alyssa Wilson, Carley Zwart
Kansas State University
Dallas Barnett, Gerry Bolden, Jacob Dougherty, Jacob English, De’Ericka Glover, Brady Gooch, Hope Grable, Chassidy Kearney, Maddy May, Conner McBratney, Perrin McTye, Rachael Morris, Dion Saunders, Morgh’An Wise-Malone
Johnson County Community College
Elizabeth M. Brown, James Clark, Lowell Head, Cierra Hiatt, Chad Irwin, Allison Murphy, Kaivan Samimi, Jasmine Wayne, Jeremy Wilson Baker University - Kenny Delaquila, Sydney C. Johnson, Alec Wuellner Bethel College - Alyssa Sullivan DeVry University - J.D. Dodd Emporia State University - Chloe Bridge, Sarah Stella Fort Scott Community College - Tyler Owens Florida Gulf Coast University - Taylor Jenkins Graceland University - Sara Ferguson Highland Community College - Tinaris Watson Lindenwood University - Lauren Kuebelbeck Middlesex Community College (New Jersey)- Ja’cquel Buckner Military - Carlos Garcia, Navy; Andrew Hembree, Air Force; Mariyana Howard, Marines Northwest Missouri State University - Elizabeth J. Brown Pittsburg State University - Jacob Brown, Tanner Eikenbary, Jordyn Tucker St. Mary’s University - Sammy Basler, Parker Richardson, Tori Webb Stetson University - Rachel Saunders Tennessee State University - Kyla Douglas The Art Institutes International - Kansas City - Kaylee Crowe Truman State University - Jared Winzer United States Air Force Academy - Jared Brown University of Central Missouri - Megan Woolley University of Houston - Camrey Derritt University of Kentucky - Kyndal Washington University of Massachusetts - Rochelle Rogers University of Missouri Kansas City - Darius Drew, Martin Galindo, Hannah Sharp, Taylor Smith University of South Dakota - Tristian Davis Washburn University - Savannah Ferris Wichita State University - Aleyah Murray, Cameron Walker Work - Masen Dearinger, Maverek Dearinger Undecided - Davion Arrington, Jared Davis, Dominique Jennings, Cameron Leiker, Luke Long, Jerry Mañan, Ann-Druney Price, Micah Ray, Brendon Rogers, Tiera Sayles, Blaine Smith, Tyler Smith, Logan Stacer, Tyler Vaughan, Tinasha Watson, Angel Williams, Khalin Williams
Senior class includes 54 here from the start Valerie Anaya Jacob Brown Michaela Cavlovic Jared Davis Sara Ferguson
Jenise Green Olivia Hunt Jena Klaas Rachel Lauritzen Luke Long
Kortney Masters Lexi Pate Austin Samimi Dion Saunders Hannah Sharp
Alyssa Sullivan Colton Walker Alec Wuellner
Sally Gordon MiKaylee Anaya Olivia Blair Denae Douglas
Tanner Eikenbary Kelsea Lawson Gordon Sheldon Blaine Smith
Cameron Walker Jeremy Wilson Megan Woolley
Anne Mizell Elizabeth J. Brown Jared Brown Jordan Fuqua
Kevin Kohls Ashton Box Elizabeth M. Brown Savannah Dungan Hope Grable
Carly Gunnels Cierra Hiatt Sydney C. Johnson Conner McBratney
Lowell Head Andrew Hembree Sydney B. Johnson Cameron Leiker Maddy May
Amanda Mikesic Zakk Roy Rachel Saunders Tyler Vaughan
Brendon Rogers Bret Thorington Jarod Wright Carley Zwart Not Pictured: Morgh’An Wise-Malone
Kyndal Washington Jasmine Wayne
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Pirate sports Sean Pahls
kcpipernews.com
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
Girls’ Socccer
Senior leaders dominate field
From the sidelines
Tough losses help create tougher players
A football player, with his heart pounding and sweat beading on his face, sits on the ground as the crowd is in jubilation. But this is not his crowd cheering. The seconds have ticked off to zero, and an overwhelming, suffocating sadness fills the air for him. There are few moments as seemingly hopeless as a heartbreaking loss. But for those with time still left in their high school career, the desire to win can be carried over, and take a team to new heights. It serves as motivation for the upcoming season, and can push an athlete through the toughest of workouts. The constant suffering can make an athlete become obsessed with success, especially when it’s the one thing that they can’t have. Football, a game that is mentally, physically and emotionally taxing, can bring out the most somber of emotions. Nearly every year, seniors become emotional at the end of a long journey. The majority are not playing at the next level, and nearly every senior in the state did not reach the ultimate goal of winning a state championship. However, underclassmen that are fortunate enough to have another season of eligibility can turn a source of pain into the driving force of self-improvement. A will to win develops over the fear of another heartbreak, and good enough simply becomes not good enough. There is still time left for underclassmen reading this. One day, with hardly a warning, The high school sports career that has become the pinnacle of focus will come to an abrupt end. For those that fell short of a state championship, the competitive spirit may leave one wondering what it could have been. You have a long summer in front of you, and now it’s your time to make next season what you want it to be.
BY SEAN PAHLS
Photo by Kylie Jorgenson
Junior Natalie Moon fights for the ball against Mill Valley April 10. The Lady Pirates defeated the Jaguars 2-1, and currently hold a 8-2 record.
Stop for a second, and think about four years of a lifetime. A day or two can shape a person forever, but consider four long years. A large amount of development takes place in that time span, especially in high school. The development that takes place is exactly what the girls’ soccer team is leaning on to take the team to new heights. With one season to go, and the exception of the standout freshman, seniors have been transformed from nervous and bewildered youngsters to calm, confident fourth-year players. Hundreds of practices and many games build a belief in the skills they have acquired and allows them to perform at the highest level, and that’s what this team hopes to accomplish. On the typical day, five to six senior starters take the field for the Lady Pirates. This is well above the usual for a soccer team, as talent is much more apparent than experience. Fourth-year starter Carly Gunnels has had the advantage of an abundance of playing time, which she says has helped her develop.
SOFTBALL
SWIMMING
Athletes bring competitive experience to school fields BY CARLY JOHNSON
For some girls on the softball team, softball is a sport played year-round in places around the country. Club softball has many differences when compared to high school softball. Junior Kia Boyd plays softball all year. She plays for a team called the Classics. Boyd has played in several states including Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Texas.
Photo by Emily Pennington
Junior Kia Boyd hits against Blue Valley April 7. Boyd plays competitive softball during the high school off-season for the Classics.
Take Your Bank Wherever Life Takes You
Boyd said, “Competitive ball is really serious.” Sophomore Abby Henry agrees and said, “Everyone wants to win, but people who play club take losses harder.” Boyd also said that the practice styles of club team and high school are very different. “At high school we have a set routine we usually do, and at club, our practices are different every day.” On club teams, the girls play college showcases, where college scouts will come and recruit girls to play for their school. Boyd said that girls that have played club have a slightly different mindset when it comes to high school softball. All of the girls on the varsity team are currently playing club or have played club in the past. Junior Ashley King played club softball for the Kansas City Jazz in the past, but stopped playing her sophomore year due to a back injury. King said the farthest she has traveled for a game was St. Louis, Mo., for the World Series tournament. “I don’t miss my time being taken up by club softball, but I do miss playing it,” King said. Overall, the softball girls agreed that competitive club softball is more serious and the pressure is on during club season. Playing club while playing high school softball is breaking the Kansas State High School Activities Association rules and if someone is caught doing both, they may never be able to play softball in high school again. Although some girls are not playing competitive softball now, they are still aware of the differences and how it affects the players’ mindset.
The
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Making it to state, one stroke at a time BY MIKALA SULLIVAN
Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming, what we do we swim…swim. With the spring season in full swing, the girls WAPI team is diving right into the season with a larger splash than before. In regards to previous years, the size of the team has grown. With the growth there have been improvements within the team. Senior Rachael Morris, a four-year WAPI swimmer, said that since she has been on the team, the team has shown improvements, especially since it has grown in numbers. With a new season, it means new starts, new goals and new opportunities. Several girls have qualified for state and also have state consideration times. Among those are seniors Rachael Morris and Hope
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Grable, junior Carly Johnson and freshman Megan Dailey. “I wasn’t really surprised about my qualifications. [I am] just glad I have them,” Johnson said. Johnson has qualified for state in five events: the 200 Individual Medley, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Fly and 400 Freestyle Relay. The qualifying 400 Freestyle Relay team consists of Johnson, Grable, Morris and Dailey. Not only are team members making personal goals, but they are also setting goals for the team. With it being the last year for the Piper swim team to be combined with the Ward swim team, Morris said her goal is, “To convince Ward to keep their swim team, and nobody drown.”
Photo by Hannah Bruch
Sophomore Meggie Shearer during a swim team practice April 17. This is the last year that Ward and Piper will combine teams.
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“When I was put into a leadership position my freshmen year, I just accepted it. But over time, I’ve embraced it and I feel like it benefits the team, especially the freshmen,” Gunnels said. While leadership, the core value all seniors provide, is not necessarily the most noticeable quality, but it has a noticeable effect. An encouraging senior can help a freshman get over the initial nervousness and allow them to jumpstart the long development process. “I definitely benefitted from having a great group of seniors when I was a freshman,” Gunnels said. “It’s not necessarily something that everyone gets to see, but it definitely helps get us to where we are today.” The team has set their sights high, with the goal of playing in the state tournament. Since state will be held on the home turf of the Pirates, they have the chance to play in front of a home crowd which motivates them on a dayto-day basis, providing them an advantage. Furthermore, the stress of travel to another tournament location will be relieved. The stage seems to be set, now it is a matter of putting it all together.
15302 Briar Road Basehor, KS Store Hours Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
Pirate SPORTS
kcpipernews.com
Track
7
First-time pole vaulters leap into success BY ANDREW PRICE
Except for the first track meet, a Piper pole vaulter has placed in every varsity meet so far. Athletes have had success in track and field events in the past, but pole vaulting was not an option until this season. Pole vault has proved to have many difficulties, but it’s not something that only a few people can learn. One of the students who understands that the most is sophomore Brenden Hensley. Hensley said, “It was pretty scary, because it feels like you’re really high and you’re gonna fall.” To practice, Hensley said they do many drills, working on their approach run to be in perfect position. Hensley said before they run, they hold the pole at the waist and hold it at a 90
degree angle. When they’re in the air, Hensley said the vaulters are supposed to keep their arms straight, so the pole will bend. “You think about your position and how you’re supposed to fall, but you don’t think about it much,” Hensley said. “I like how you don’t have to be the fastest or jump the farthest to do it. You just have to be very dedicated.” Head coach Josh Baxter said, “It’s an event that we’ve been needing for quite some time, and we always lost a lot of points in team standing because we didn’t have it.” Baxter also said he thinks the pole vaulters are doing well and they’re getting better every week. Pole vault is a sport for guys and girls. Junior Ale-
cia Murray was a candidate because of her gymnastics and cheer experience. Her first time trying pole vault, Murray thought it’d be easy, but she said, “It was a lot tougher than I had anticipated.” “I thought my first meet actually went really good,” Murray said. “It was my first one, and I almost cleared eight feet.” Murray said she likes how pole vault is something different and how not a lot of people do it. What drove her to do pole vault was jumping coach Bob Lockwood. “For anybody possibly wanting to do it next year, if you really want to do it, then you should stick with it, because it’s frustrating and it’s horrid, but if you get past it, then you could
possibly be good at it,” Murray said. The rookie pole vaulters have learned that the event is not anything someone can do once or learn after a few tries. The coaches advocated adding the event, and support from Booster Club, the Auction Committee, Piper Optimist Club, school administrators and the district made it happen. Lockwood said, “The school, the administrators and the coaches were very instrumental in helping us have a pole vault program here. They helped us raise money to buy the poles and to get the pit and to give students another way of succeeding, and I think they should be commended for that.”
baseball
Photo by Alecia Murray
During practice April 10 junior Devin McIntosh works on his technique to clear the bar. The next track meet is May 2 at Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Golf
Boys go fishing for the state title
“I have two gashes above my the incident, but Eikenbary isn’t “Rain, rain, go away, please eye and internal bleeding,” Eiken- concerned about how the team come back another day.” bary said. “I won’t have my full will perform. Senior Jared Davis, along with vision back for a month and a half. “Kenny (Delaquila) will probthe rest of the baseball team, feels No lifting, no going outside and ably take my place, and he’s a this phrase represents the season I have to sleep upright. My eye phenomenal player, so I don’t so far. drops have steroids in them and think there’s anything to be wor“I’m sick of our games getting I have to wear my glasses, plus ried about. I’ll still keep an eye out rescheduled. We have had seven these weird, flimsy sunglasses.” for my team.” games that have been postponed The team hasn’t played since and rescheduled. It messes with my mind, thinking we have a game, and then it just all goes to waste, you know? Then our practice schedule gets messed up, and I just want to play ball,” Davis said. The team’s record is 3-10, however, they are 3-1 against teams in their region. “I think there’s a good chance of us going to state,” Davis said. “The way we played against Basehor showed that we have the potential to make it all the way. Even with a hook in the eye, we’re still catching fish.” Davis is referring to an incident that occurred April 23, when junior Tyler Banes accidentally fish-hooked senior Tanner Eikenbary just above his left eye. Photo by Ashley Eikenbary Eikenbary was the starting Tanner Eikenbary pitches against Basehor-Linwood April 17, showing off shortstop for the team and is now the team’s “Throwback Thursday” uniforms. The double header resulted out for the rest of the season. in a split. BY SARA FERGUSON
Team sees win for regionals BY JENNA ASHERMAN
To the untrained eye, what seems like an orderly and mellow sport is actually full with the thrill of satisfaction that is eminent after a good day on the course. The golf course, that is. The boys’ golf team is not just another
Photo by Emily Pennington
Senior Alec Wuellner takes a swing April 28 at the Lansing meet. Wuellner took first place. The team took second overall.
sports program, as their skill is anything but average. The program took second last year at state, coming close to winning big, but they hope to make up for that. “Second was a great finish last year, but the guys aren’t satisfied with that ending. We’ve been working hard all year with the state title in mind,” coach Ryan McCarty said. Since there’s always room for improvement, McCarty said that they’ve especially been working on chipping (when, while near the green, they hit it so the ball pops into the air and rolls forward) and putting (a simple tap into the hole). Strength wise, he says that the boys are good at working together as a team, and that they all try to help each other out when it’s needed. However, before they take state, they need to win regionals May 19th. “I’m pretty confident about regionals this year,” senior Blaine Smith said. Smith, who has been on the team since his freshman year, doesn’t feel like there’s much competition for them either. “I don’t want to sound cocky, but we’re easily the best team there,” Smith said. With golf ending May 27, the players are looking forward to putting their best shots forward to win the state championship and finally get the trophy that they deserve.
Scoreboard/Calendar Boys’ Golf
Girls’ Soccer
Varsity
4/7 @ Gardner Edgerton Team: 3rd Individiduals: Pahls 1st, Wuellner 7th 4/9 @ Mill Valley Team: 4th Individuals: Pahls 8th 4/21 @ Hayden Team: 2nd Individuals: Pahls 3rd, Wuellner 5th 4/28 @ Lansing Team: 2nd Individuals: Wuellner 1st, Pahls 2nd 5/1 @ Atchison 4/31 @ Ottawa 5/2 @ Spring Hill
JV
4/8 @ Jefferson West Team: 1st Individuals: Jones 1st, Ford 6th 4/17 @ DeSoto Team: 3rd Individuals: Searcy 5th 4/21 @ Bonner Team: 2nd Individuals: Jones 4th, Ford 5th 4/22 @ Osawatomie Team: 14th
Varsity
3/27 vs. Basehor W 5-0 3/31 vs. Sumner W 10-0 4/7@ Bishop Ward W 11-1 W 4/8 @ Baldwin W 5-0 4/10 vs. Mill Valley W 2-1 4/14 vs. Tonganoxie W 4-0 4/17 vs. DeSoto W 3-0 4/22 @ Spring Hill L 2-3 4/28 @ Ottawa W 10-0 4/29 @ Bonner L 2-3
JV
3/27 vs. Basehor W 2-0 3/31 vs. Sumner W 1-0 4/2 @ Bishop Ward W 9-0 4/8 @ Baldwin W 5-0 4/10 vs. Mill Valley L 0-1 4/14 vs. Tonganoxie W 10-0 4/17 vs. DeSoto W 2-1 4/22 @ Spring Hill W 3-2 4/28 @ Ottawa W 3-1 4/29 @ Bonner W 4-1
Baseball Varsity
3/27 vs. Lansing L 2-5 3/29 vs. SMW L 8-14; L 7-14 4/5 @ SMNW L 0-10; L 4-8 4/10 @ Bishop Ward L 1-11; L 1-6 4/15 vs. Atchison W 11-5; W 21-9
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4/17 @ Basehor L 6-7; W 11-5 4/22 vs. Mill Valley L 2-12; L 0-9
JV
3/27 @ Lansing W 13-3 4/3 vs. Bonner W 14-5; W 12-2 4/10 vs. Bishop Ward W 3-2; L 1-13 4/17 vs. Basehor W 12-2; W 8-0 4/22 vs. Mill Valley L 5-11; L 2-9
Softball Varsity
3/27 vs. Lansing W 10-8, L 7-8 4/7 vs. Blue Valley W 14-4, L 5-7 4/10 @ Bishop Ward W 21-0; W 21-0 4/17 @ Basehor L 0-2; W 2-0 4/22 @ Mill Valley L 3-4; L 3-11 4/28 @ Bonner W 8-2; L 0-1
JV
3/27 vs. Lansing W 15-1,W 17-4 4/7 vs. Blue Valley L 5-11, L 5-9 4/17 @ Basehor L 0-3; L 1-5 4/21 @ Bonner W 14-2; W 23-5 4/22 @ Mill Valley L 3-6; W 9-3
Track
Varsity
3/28 @ Piper
First-Place Finishers: Jordan Guess, HJ; Victoria Webb, TJ; Alecia Murray, LJ; Michelle Obiesie, Discus; Kiah VanHoose, SP; Brendon Rogers, J; Parker Richardson, 110H, 300H; Tristian Davis, 100m; Dion Saunders, 100m, 200m; Girls 4x100m; Boys 4x100m; Sean Pahls, 400m;Haley White, 300m; Jessica Wayne,
200m; Boys 4x400m Relay
4/4 @ Ottawa Boys: 3rd Girls: 4th 4/11 @ Basehor Boys: 1st Girls: 2nd 4/16 @ Tonganoxie Boys: 2nd Girls: 4th 4/24 @ Eudora Boys: 1st Girls: 2nd
JV
4/15 @ Mill Valley Boys: 2nd Girls: 3rd
Swimming Varsity
4/1 @ Lawrence Team: 5th 4/2 @ Osawatomie Team: 4th 4/11 @ SME
First-Place Finishers: Morris, Grable, Dailey, Johnson 4/16 @ Bonner Team: 3rd 4/26 @ BVSW Team: 6th 4/24 @ Washington Team: 1st 5/1 @ Turner Results TBD
Pirates’ Log sent to press April 30
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL May 2, 2014
kcpipernews.com
Pirate photos
8
It’s INSANE!
BY ABBY NEAL
In 1901, Annie Taylor was the first person to survive riding down Niagara Falls in a barrel. Throughout the last century, doing so was considered the ultimate feat of bravery, only attempted by people daring enough or stupid enough to risk their lives hurtling down a 167-foot drop with only a few planks of wood standing between them and death. In 2014, perfectly sane people will be able to ride down a similar drop in an inflatable raft. These people will not be considered heroes and will be followed soon after by countless others waiting impatiently in line. On May 23, Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City, Kan., will open its newest attraction to the public, Verrückt, the slide recently verified by Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest water slide. The slide stands out to anyone passing by the park, a monolith that seems to beckon to those who dare take the plunge. It is easily twice the height of any other slide in the park. The previous record holder for tallest and fastest slide resides in Brazil, standing at a height of 163 feet and sending daredevils down at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. Verrückt easily broke the record when it was officially measured April 25 at 168 feet 7 inches. Riders will speed down the slide at over 65 miles per hour. They will ascend 264 steps to the upper platform of the slide, then ride down the dizzying 17-story drop in a raft holding four people. After the initial drop that put Verrückt in the record books, the raft will be shot up another five-story hill to the end of the ride. This slide is not for those with a fear of heights, but freshman Patricia Telthorst is not one of those people. “I don’t care if I have to wait in line for seven hours, I’m riding it on opening day,” Telthorst said. Senior Brady Gooch, who works as a lifeguard at the park, also plans on riding it. He said that having the slide open will continue to affect the area in the way the Legends and Speedway have, and will make Kansas City, Kan., a more popular vacation spot. “I think it’ll be a good addition,” Gooch said. However, freshman Jana Zeeb thinks Verrückt got its name, which means “insane” in German, for a reason. “That thing looks terrifying,” Zeeb said. “It’s so tall.” Students have varying opinions on whether they plan on riding the slide, but it’s undeniable that it will bring more people to the area. “I think a lot more people will come to the park,” Gooch said. Verrückt promises to bring not only more tourism and business to the Kansas City, Kan., area, but also a new adventure for thrill-seekers everywhere.
Be among the first to ride Verrückt!
Key Club is offering the opportunity to be one of the first riders down the world’s largest waterslide to any member with the simple donation of a dollar. The goal is to raise money for better health in Wyandotte County. Statistics from the organization, “Slide for a Healthier Wyandotte County,” show that Wyandotte is in the top four counties across America with the worst health. If Key Club raises enough money to be in the top 10 organizations with the most donations, then it can send four members from the club to ride the slide. While anyone may contribute and support the cause, for every dollar a member donates, a ticket with his or her name will be put in the drawing. Key Club members will be collecting at a booth at the craft show May 3 thanks to the robotics team, which hosts the event. The deadline to donate and receive raffle tickets is May 5. Donations and entries for the fundraiser are accepted in the office.
Amanda Mochan, the Guinness World Records representative at the official slide measurement April 25, reviews paperwork verifiying that the previous record was broken.
Photos by Katie Comer
Gov. Sam Brownback and Mayor Mark Holland join the creators of Verrückt April 25 in a raft to demonstrate improper slide safety. Brownback and Holland spoke at the Guinness press conference.