PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
THE PIRATES’ LOG
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state basketball page 16
MARCH 15, 2018 ISSUE 05. VOLUME 35
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL 4400 N 107 ST, KANSAS CITY, KS 66109
KCPIPERNEWS.COM
2 NEWS
NEWS BRIEFS
STAFF
Dance team tryouts will be held at 3:00 p.m. March 27 to March 29 in the high school gym. The dancers will learn a short routine including jazz, pom, hip-hop and kick. Auditions will be held at 3:30 p.m. March 30.
eams t ce out n da try Cheer tryout clinic days will be held 7-8:30 p.m. r e e h
s t u o y r t
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April 2 and April 4 where the cheerleaders will learn a cheer, chant and short dance. The clinic days are not mandatory, but are needed to learn the routine. The tryout day will be at 6 p.m. April 6.
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Spring break begins March 15 following a white Monday. School will resume March 26 with a purple day.
Prayer Warriors will have a meeting March 26 and Gay Straight Alliance will have a meeting April 10. The following Tuesday is a Black Leaders of America meeting. All meetings will take place during seminar.
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Spring sports start the week after spring break with girls’ soccer at Sumner and track at Lansing March 26. Girls’ soccer will have another game at Bishop Ward, girls’ swim has a meet at Osawatomie and baseball has a game versus Bishop Miege on that Wednesday.
Dance team placed third in hip-hop and fourth in precision/ jazz January 20 at Lee’s Summit North Invitational. Isley Ford placed first in senior solos, Aubree Knetter placed 10th and Hannah Haworth placed 13th out of 22 competitors. Junior Taylor McEachron placed 32nd and Calleigh Gardner 35th in junior solos. Morgan Slaughter placed 28th out of 31.
For more information, visit kcpipernews.com photo submitted
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editorial policy Editorial opinions expressed throughout this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire staff or administration. Letters to the editor are welcome, but we reserve the right to print and edit all submissions.
s t r po
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editor-in-chief Isaia Wilcoxen web editors-in-chief Lauren Textor Hannah Haworth managing editor Scout Molder design editor/cartoonist Grace Haworth photo editor Hannah Pappert video editor Heather Nguyen business managers Drew Englis Colton Lloyd copy editor Megan Neal sports editor Trey Trumbo staff members Kaleb Brown Charlie Connor Isley Ford Taylor Green Morgan Haworth Taylor McEachron photojournalists Dalia Mejia Bailey Spencer Savannah Stimac Chase Bundy Mallori Courtney Bella Gravatt Esrom Griffin Jessica Hutchings Macey Nigh Emma Martin Lauren Pappert Taylor Zimmerman contact us Piper High School 4400 N. 107th St Kansas City, KS 66109 Phone (913) 721-2100 Yearly subscriptions to “The Log” are $5. Printed by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan.
censorship policy Kansas Senate Bill 62 guarantees the same rights for student journalists as are given to professional journalists. These rights include, but are not limited to, all First Amendment rights including the rights to freedom of expression, insofar as published items may not contain libel or obscene statements, invade the privacy of individuals, cause a substantial disruption to school activity or incite others to violate school policies or rules. All material shall be reported truthfully.
On the cover:
The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams went to state in Salina. The boys lost to Andover Central 68-60 ending the season with a record of 15-7. The girls won against Labette County 68-48, placing them third in the state. They ended their season with a record of 23-1. “I think we could have done better in the state tournament,” junior Ryan Cobbins said. “Specifically against Meige, if we would’ve rebounded and boxed out better.” photo by Jessica Hutchings
8 February 2018 kcpipernews.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS state basketball page 16
ACT test tips
prom update
gun safety
exchange students follow up
page 5
page 8
page 7
page 10-11
black history month celebrations page 12-13
show choir goes to branson page 20
ASL RETURNS NEWS
isaia wilcoxen
4
“It will be a fun way to learn something new,” sophomore and club leader, Eryn Cox said. “You don’t have to know ASL.” Cox encourages anyone to join. “I think people should join because it will be fun and easy,” Cox said. The first meeting will be March 27 after school in sponsor Elizabeth Schmeltzer’s room.
After a seven month break, American Sign Language returns with new leadership.
HANNAH HAWORTH co-web editor
The American Sign Language club had fallen into the depths of people’s minds when the new school year had started. Many clubs dissipate as their senior members leave for college, and the American Sign Language club did the same, although the founder, junior Andrew Telthorst, had halted instead to play soccer. Now, with three months left of the school year, the club is restarting. “I will be sponsoring the club again,” teacher Elizabeth Schmeltzer said. “We are starting to meet after spring break.” The club will meet after school on Tuesdays starting March 27. “Students can look forward to learning
basics such as the alphabet and how to introduce themselves,” Schmeltzer said. “Then, each week we will focus on a different theme like culture, food, music, sports, etc.” Schmeltzer has been the sponsor since the club’s beginning, about two years ago. “I decided to sponsor ASL club because I am all about making our students polyglots!” Schmeltzer said. Polyglotism is the mastering of many languages, which Schmeltzer is familiar with as a Spanish teacher. “The more languages you can communicate in, the more people you can communicate with,” Schmeltzer said. “With more communication comes more understanding. The more we understand one another, the better we can all live in peace!”
Apply today for a $750.00 Scholarship! Application Deadline is April 1, 2018 The Piper Optimist Club is proud to present four $750.00 scholarships to graduating seniors within the Piper community. For additional scholarship information visit our website or Facebook:
www.piperoptimistclub.com www.facebook.com/PiperOptimistClubKCK
PIPER BOOSTER CLUB
proudly supporting Piper High School Activities
15 February 2018 kcpipernews.com
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ACT prep aims to prepare students TAYLOR MCEACHRON staff writer
One way Bach prepared himself was taking part in the ACT preparation course taught by teacher Tori For some, test-taking comes with Deneault. The preparation class ease while other need much prepara- started in 2006. tion. Fortunately, there are several “The class is a lot of practice tests ways to improve testing skills and and skill review,” Deneault said. “We state of mind. start off with general reviews that While some tests are minor and most students benefit from and may only affect a student’s grade them move into very differentiated slightly, a few test are crucial to a reviews that are specific to each student’s academic history. Many student’s data.” colleges require a certain scores on Junior Calleigh Gardner has tests like the ACT for admittance or not taken the test, but she said she financial believes aid. that the Accordclass itself ing to the is helping New York her. Times, “I have 1,666,017 learned students new stratetook the gies with ACT last using my year. One time more student wisely,” that had Gardner to battle said. “I have with scorthe oping is seportunity nior Ryan to answer — Tori Deneault, Bach. every quesACT prep teacher Bach tion to the will be best of my attending ability.” Kansas State University, which has Deneault said the class is benawards available only with certain eficial. However, students should test scores. At Kansas State Univerconsider their options before comsity, the Putnam scholarship is given mitting to the course. only to those with an ACT score of “I recommend this class to stu32 or higher. After the seventh atdents who are planning to attend a tempt of the test, Bach managed to four-year university who are motiscore a 32. vated to get a better score,” Deneault “It all ended up paying off, or else I said. “If the student is not motivated would’ve wasted 28 hours of my life beyond the wishes of their parents, taking a test,” Bach said. the semester is very long.”
“If the student is not motivated beyond the wishes of their parents, the semester is very long.”
ACT Tips
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Be persistent. It’s all about getting the right test.
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Find practice tests online and watch YouTube videos.
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Do the easiest questions first then move onto the more challenging ones.
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Get to the school early to not be rushed.
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Eat something before the test.
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Remember to charge your calculator before the test.
6
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS
913-724-4141 WE DELIVER TO PIPER! 15302 Briar Road Basehor, KS
Store Hours Sunday & Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Wednesday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
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Party time at Prom COLTON LLOYD co-business manager
Prom will be at Children’s Mercy Park, home of Sporting Kansas City, for the second consecutive year. The dance will be from 8 to 11 p.m. April 21 for juniors, seniors and their dates. Ticket prices have not been finalized, but are expected to be approximately $60. “I think prom is going to be amazing,” sponsor Liz Schmeltzer said. “I’m excited for prom because we’re going to have the upstairs of Sporting KC, so it’s going to be a lot more spacious.” Schmeltzer said the Great Gatsby theme is really popular with the senior class. Students have the option to gather for pictures and dinner on their own before the dance. At the event, guests will enjoy refreshments and an open dance floor along with a DJ. They also can have their pictures taken at the dance for a small fee. A recent addition to prom has been the crowning of king and queen. The voting for prom court will be a few weeks before the dance. The seniors vote for nominees, then the juniors and seniors will have the chance to vote for king and queen. The coronation will happen at the dance. The dance is a time for the upperclassmen, especially seniors, to have fun and create one of their final memories of their high school careers. It’s the final dance for many students, which serves as a bittersweet moment. More information on prom will be provided closer to the date of the dance.
Get the details ARPIL
21
Date Childrens Mercy Park
location
time
8 to11 p.m.
$ cost $
TBD
$ $
The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill 8123 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66112 913-299-0022
Happy Hour Specials Daily from 3 pm-6 pm Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-2 am
8
OPINION
political polarization hinders progress
HANNAH HAWORTH co-web editor Leading up to the 2016 election, there was a visible shift in political parties. There is no longer a moderate conservative or moderate liberal. The polarization of parties left only two options, far right or far left. President Donald Trump is one example of the increasingly growing polarization of political parties. Trump’s ability to be incredibly far right mobilized many die-hard Republican voters that had not been at the polls in years. Since the people have now seen Trump’s incredibly Republican stance, senators and representatives are finding
it harder to win elections unless they are far right or for the opposition, far left. The creation of such a hard stance in either party fuels the hate between the two. Republicans hate Democrats so much that they would rather vote a pedophile, Roy Moore, into office than a liberal, and this is only one example of the growing hatred between the parties known as partisan antipathy. According to Pew Research Center, 38 percent of Democrats and 43 percent of Republicans found the other party “very unfavorable” in 2014 compared to 16 percent and 17 percent in 1994 respectively. Also, 27 percent of Democrats and 36 percent of Republicans in 2014 found the other party a threat to the nation’s well-being. Due to this extreme dislike and fear of the other party, passing any legislation or even having a conversation about politics with someone of the opposite party is extremely difficult.
The disagreements and mistrust make it almost impossible for the Republicans and Democrats in Congress to come to a consensus, as seen through the gridlock of DACA and following government shutdown. This constant gridlock is also known as party parity. America’s political parties are competing for power, and small margins make the difference between winning and losing now. With the stakes so high riding on marginal differences, the battle between the parties is not surprising. For example, gerrymandering is a huge problem that each party uses to their own advantage to redraw district lines and create a majority. While many recognize the problem, not much has been done to change it. The growing polarization of each party is unhealthy to continue as it is, both for liberals and conservatives. Political polarization divides the two main parties in the U.S. and impairs the ability to create any real progress.
Party IdentificatioN at PHS
41.4%
29 students were surveyed
27.6%
13.8%
10.3% 3.4%
Republican
Democrat
Green
Independent libertarian
3.4%
None
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
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Gun Safety Must Require Compromise In the wake of the Stoneman-Douglas High School shooting Feb. 14, in which 17 people were killed and 17 more were injured, there has been a fierce debate over what should be done to protect SCOUT MOLDER citizens from the influx managing editor of gun-related mass killings that have been occurring in recent years. While there are extreme arguments on both sides of the spectrum, with some saying that all guns should be banned and others calling for more guns as a means of self-defense, I think most can agree that something needs to change. From Orlando to Las Vegas to Newtown to Parkland, the bitter fact of the matter is that people are dying as a direct result of gun violence. Families are being torn apart as a result of gun violence. Children’s lives are being cut short as a result of gun violence. Let me say it again: people are dying as a result of gun violence. I want to preface the remainder of this article by saying that it is OK to have varying opinions on what we should do to stop the brutal murders that are taking place because of gun violence. What’s not OK, however, is to advocate for doing nothing. What’s even worse is to be so stuck in your ways that you are unwilling to compromise in the name of saving lives. If you think that your opinion is the best way to combat gun
violence and your stance on guns is “my way or the highway,” so to speak, you have a fierce misunderstanding of American politics, and you are part of the problem. I am a strong believer that we cannot morally continue on this path of apathy that we’ve been trodding along on for so long. Mass shootings are no longer an anomaly, they are part of our reality. Finding the answer to this violence cannot continue to be put off. This is happening right now, and it will continue to happen, until some sort of change is made. The first step in making any meaningful change here is knowing that there is not an easy answer. One person’s opinion is not going to be the one that ends up saving lives. What we need is to work together, to respect each other’s thoughts, to listen to the facts and, most of all, to compromise. American policy, in general, is founded on this idea of compromise. Is it easy to give up some of the things you feel strongly about in exchange for collective benefit? Of course not. Compromise has never been an easy thing. Unfortunately, though, in the context of gun safety laws, some sort of compromise is going to have to occur. We’re not just going to get to ban all guns just like everyone is not going to get to own whatever gun they want. The bottom line is that discussions in regards to gun safety laws have to continue. We can’t keep pretending that nothing is wrong, because the lives that we have lost as a result of gun violence scream that the opposite is true. The convenience that comes along with doing nothing, with avoiding controversy, and with ignoring our harsh reality is not worth losing another life.
Do you think gun laws are strict enough in the U.S.?
EVELYN VAZQUEZ freshman
BEN BRANDT
ESROM GRIFFIN junior
SAVANNAH STIMAC senior
“No, I think there should be stricter laws for gun control.”
“No, because they have it to where 18-year-olds can buy guns, and most probably don’t have a background check.”
“No, personally, because I feel like it should be harder to get a gun than it is a driver’s license.”
“No, I feel like they should be stricter. I feel like there should be stricter bans, too.”
sophomore
10 FEATURES
ISAIA WILCOXEN editor-in-chief
Being a foreign exchange student is a rare opportunity for most high school students and the experience is one like no other. Former exchange student Maria Pereira, from Spain, experienced the study abroad lifestyle two years ago and said it was a life-changing experience. “I would definitely do it all over again,” Pereira said. “This experience was a turning point in my life and made me who I am today as I matured and became way more independent than what I used to be.” Pereira said leaving was tough. “I miss my friends mostly,” Pereira said. “I miss my host family too, even if I don’t talk to them very often, but I think of them a lot.” Pereira lived with senior Jessica Hutchings. According to Hutchings, their relationship grew as the year progressed. “It was awkward at first,” Hutchings said. “She spent a lot of time doing homework in her room because she had to keep her grades up, but when we did do stuff
together it was so much fun.” Hutchings said saying goodbye was tough because of their close relationship. “I would tell her everything,” Hutchings said. “She became my best friend in the short time. It’s almost like I took that time with her for granted because now I wish she would have never left.” Pereira graduated from Los Maristas High School last may and is currently attending ICADE, a private university in Madrid, Spain. “I’m living in a sort of sorority house, Pereira’s host sister, senior Jessica Hutchings or the closest thing to a sorority house in smiles for the camera at a mini photoshoot that Hutchings set up when Pereira came back Spain,” Pereira said. “I’m doing a double to visit during the summer of 2017. “Shes my degree in law and business administrabest friend,” Hutchings said. “She’s someone tion.” that has truly impacted my life for the better.” Pereira said living in America for a year has. has made her appreciate Spain more. “My life in Spain is awesome,” Pereira “After I came back from the United said. “I feel like I’m in States I started to realize how amazing of a really good place in gemma a country Spain is,” Pereira said. “Not that my life.” America isn’t, I just learned to appreciate what I have more when I was away.” alba With college and friendships, maria Pereira said she enjoys the life she
alba Centeno Lopez SCOUT MOLDER managing editor
Alba Centeno Lopez was a foreign exchange student for the 2016-2017 school year. She said that her decision to make the trip from Spain to live in Kansas City for an entire school year was because she wanted to experience “the excitement of meeting new people and discovering new places.” Additionally, Lopez said she liked the idea of learning English at a higher level. In fact, she said that one of the things she misses most about America is getting
to talk in English all day. Today, back in Spain, she continues to take English classes every Tuesday and Thursday to sharpen her skills. Her English classes, however, are just an extra curricular. On top of that, she has her day-to-day school work, which she said is far from easy. “I’m currently in the middle of the school year here in Spain, and I’m studying a science baccalaureate, and getting ready for medicine at college,” she said. “We’re about to start our Easter Holidays and finals will be here in a week, so it’s really hard to keep up.”
Although school is difficult, Lopez said she still leaves time to talk to those she left behind when she moved back home. “I talk with my host family via Skype and Whatsapp quite often and Snapchat my friends a lot too,” she said. Lopez said that amongst her favorite memories from Kansas City are being on the girls’ swim team and getting to attend the 2017 state basketball games. Overall, she said her experience as an exchange student was a good one. “If anyone were to tell me that I could go back to America, I would, definitely,” she said. “No doubt about it.”
Jessica Hutchings
Following up on foreign friends maria Pereira
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
HANNAH HAWORTH co-web editor
Veera Pykilä traveled from Pori, Finland last year, away from family, friends and familiarity, to Kansas veera City to spend a full school year at Piper High School. The foreign exchange program brings new students to Piper’s doors every year, and Pykilä happened to be one of the chosen. Finland is known for the great education system, but Pykilä comments on what makes Piper unique. “Compared to my high school, Piper
is much more fun,” Pykilä said. “And the school spirit is very good there.” However, American schools have their flaws. “The school starts so early,” Pykilä said, but she does miss the food, friends and family America has to offer. Since leaving America, Pykilä is continuing her high school education. “I’m working a lot and I’m still at high school,” Pykilä said. “I graduate in 2019.” Pykilä also spends her free time playing Finnish baseball, also known as pesäpallo, and spending time with friends. “I liked Piper a lot,” Pykilä said. “I think it is a very good school.”
photo submitted
veera Pykila
photo submitted
e p o r u gemma Casagrande e
facts
One of Casagrande’s friends, junior Calleigh Gardner, poses with her for their high school soccer photo. “It’s really hard to keep in touch,” Gardner said. “Whenever we talk on the phone it’s always really nice to catch up.”
MORGAN HAWORTH staff writer
Gemma Casagrande is a current senior at Scuola Alle Stimale and was an Italian exchange student last year. During her time here, she tried out for dance team, as she already had nine years of experience in her home country. According to Casagrande, there are a few differences between Italian and American dance. “I think that in America you focus more on the technique, here more on the emotions you give,” Casagrande said. “You are really fast to make and learn
spain
italy
The first known stapler was made in Spain for French King Louis XV during the 18 century. The staples used had the royal emblem engraved on top of each individual staple.
Italy is home to Europe’s highest peak, Monte Bianco (White Mountain), which extends through parts of Italy and France. The peak, which is a part of the Alps mountain range, reaches over 15,000
expatica.com
factretriever.com
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Pykilä embraces her host sister, senior Mallory Brajkovic, inside Nebraska Furniture Mart two days before Pykilä traveled back to Finland. “I miss her a lot,” Brajkovic said, “and I can’t wait to see her again someday. She was a lot different from my family at first but by the end she was family, and it was hard to say goodbye.”
choreography.” Casagrande plans to attend Ven Veterinary University in Madrid to become a veterinary. “I’m just focusing on school,” Casagrande said. Casagrande claims that the 2017-18 year was the best of her life, although she also said she misses her friends and family she has here in Kansas. Casagrande thinks that the school and the food are the biggest differences between Italy and Kansas. She plans on visiting Piper after she is done with her test for the university in March.
finland Although Finland has a relatively small population of around 5 million, they have intented multiple useful inventions. The Finnish have created the heartrate monitor, ice skates, Angry Birds and the sauna. momondo.com
12 FEATUREs
more than a month LAUREN TEXTOR co-web editor
Dalia Mejia
Black History Month is a celebration of African-American leaders, recognizing the change that they have brought to the United States, and in light of recent incidents both school and nationwide, students are determined to keep it alive. In honor of Black History Month, the founders of Black Leaders of America (BLA) created a series of TED talks in which they addressed microaggressions, black representation and stereo-
Dr. Sonia Willis speaks Thursday, February 15 at Diversity Day. Willis spoke to Piper High School students about “coming to the bridge”, a concept encouraging people to find peace and common ground even when they have conflicting views.
moments that had an impact on African american rights
types, culture and inclusiveness. BLA also hosted black history awareness week, diversity day, a lock-in and, late last year, a sit-in that nearly 200 students participated in. “The goal of BLA is to promote black excellence in our school and our community, and I believe it’s been achieved by doing a lot,” senior and co-founder Chardae Easley said. “I feel like we’ve come a long way with racial injustice in our school and I feel like we’ve come a long way with ideas and activities for students.” BLA member junior Brandan Jackson said that the organization has helped him grow both as a person and as a leader. Jackson helped to coordinate some of the school events that took place during Black History Month and said that it’s important to him to celebrate those who paved the way for black people in America. “I think it’s [Black History Month] very necessary, because our ancestors, our black ancestors, built this country on their backs,” Jackson said. “I think it’s very necessary to recognize them and the people that came after them who made contributions to society.” Freshman Dawnyale Bruce agreed. “Black people only get a month, so to actually celebrate this month and to understand what it means––and for other people to understand what it means––it
1954
1955
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1957
Brown vs. Board of Education
Emmett Till Murder
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Civil Rights Act of 1957
Little Rock Central High School Integration
information courtesy of Civil RIghts Digital Library and earthlink.net
students particip of culture for
1958
1960
Temple Bombing New Orleans (Atlanta, Ga.) school integration
1960
Sit-ins: georgia, tennessee, north carolina
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Freedom
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
jada jacobs
cipate in the appreciation r black history month. means a lot to me, and it makes me happy that other people are contributing and putting their thoughts into it instead of just having it be another month where we sit around and don’t do anything,” Bruce said. According to Easley, one of the reasons why the club has been so successful is the support it has behind it. “Mr. Nguyen has been very supportive of it, and he also takes time out of his day to meet with us and talk to us about what we’re planning,” Easley said. “They’ve [administration] done a pretty decent job of supporting our club, since it’s one of the first cultural clubs in our school. Everything’s so new that there’s not a lot of wrongs and rights that people can do, but we’re glad that they’re supporting us and that we can talk to them about what’s going on.” Easley said that all are welcome to come to meetings and volunteer at events, including those who are not black or currently BLA members. One of the club’s core goals is to educate others on the struggles that people of color face, which was the function of the TED talks, and there is still much progress to be made. “I want them [non-black people] to understand where I’m coming from,” Bruce said. “I’m not saying that everyone who doesn’t look like me is racist, but I’m asking for people who don’t look like me to know the struggles.” While racial inequality is far from being re-
1961
reedom Rides
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Georgia Tech Integration
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Students participate in the lock-in hosted by BLA. “We’re planning a lot of community events and we love support, so people can come to our community events and volunteer to help us out,” Chardae Easley said regarding BLA. “We love people who aren’t part of our club coming to help us out. Everyone is welcome all the time because we do have non-black members.”
solved, Easley is proud of the progress that has been made so far in the high school and the way that students were able to express themselves during Black History Month. “It meant a lot to me,” Easley said. “It meant that were fostering change in our school. I’ve been going to Piper since kindergarten, so I haven’t seen a lot of stuff going on over the years, but now I can finally say that, yes, my school did a lot for Black History Month and I took part in it.”
the next BLa meeting will take place during seminar on April 17.
1962
1963
1964
1965
NAACP convention in Atlanta
Birmingham Bombing
Civil Rights Act of 1964
March on Washington
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Nobel Prize
SelmaMontgomery March
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1992
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Dr. King’s Los Angeles riots Black lIves Assassination matter movement started Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike
14 features
How to have fun in places you must visit 1 Kansas City Workhouse
An art gallery filled with graffiti art in a historical castle. Address: 2001 Vine St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Open all hours of the day for visitation
The Roasterie Coffee
2
A self brewed coffee shop that gives tours of their process. Address: 2001 Vine St, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12:30p.m. with weekend tours
3
The Union Station
Historic train station with many exhibits and science centers Address: 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 Open 6a.m.-midnight Monday-Friday (exhibit hours and cost may vary)
Kansas City TREY TRUMBO/HANNAH HAWORTH sports editor/co-web editor
Spring break is right around the corner and summer is not far behind, but while students may know they want to have fun on break, the constant question for those that are unable to get out of town is “what is there to do in Kansas City?” For the art lovers, Kansas City, MO offers Nelson Atkins Museum and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art to explore. In the same realm, there are many historical museums to learn and discover around the KC metro area. The Arabia Steamboat Museum, National World War I Museum, the American Jazz Museum and Science City are all available to the public for under $20. “You have the plaza,” senior Bailey Spencer said. “You have crown center.” Both areas are prime for shopping, or walking around enjoying the restaurants and sights. A more action-packed alternative is Jaeger’s Subsurface Paintball, right next door to Jaegerz Laser Tag. Another fun activity is Zip KC, where people can zipline over the Kansas River. Another option for soaring
through the air is iFly. Amusement parks are another popular pick. The area boasts Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun and Schlitterbahn, and each offers season passes for those who love to return over and over again. The Kansas City area has a total of three major professional sports teams. The Chiefs and the Royals are located on the Missouri side while Sporting KC is located in KCK. Out of these three professional teams, KC has earned a total of five titles. The area also has six total semi-professional teams. These teams include the Comets, Mavericks, Phantoms, T-Bones, Tornados and Swope Park Rangers. For baseball lovers, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is available. Another less frugal adventure is one of KC’s many shows, theatres or concerts. “Concerts at the Sprint Center are always fun,” sophomore Lauren Pappert said. Eagles, Miranda Lambert and Pink are all due to perform in March, and tickets are going quick. This Saturday is Saint Patrick’s Day, and KC holds a festival every year in celebration. Also, while the glamour of Coachella may be thousands of miles away, Kansas City offers the Tumbleweed Music Festival for its country music, nature-loving fans.
Double-take MEGAN NEAL copy editor Genes are passed down from a parent to a child, containing the information that determines the characteristics of the child. As genes are passed down, they can combine in different ways, making some siblings look nothing alike while others are almost identical. Sophomore Jibri Coppage said that almost all his siblings look identical to each other, with their most similar features being their noses, jawlines and lips. “Four out of the five of us look alike, but my second youngest brother looks the most like me,” Coppage said. “On a scale of one to ten I’d say we’re like an eight.” Sophomore Emma Vogel also resembles both of her sisters, but said she shares more features with her oldest sister, Paige Vogel. “I think we look a lot alike. Mostly our noses, our smiles and our body type or build,” Vogel said. “I actually love looking like my sister!” Unlike Coppage, Vogel said she rarely is called the wrong name due to having a five year age gap. “People tell us a lot that we look alike but we don’t get confused with each other,” Vogel said. “When I’m with her people have said that I look much older, like 18.” Sophomore Natalie Frick and senior Sophia Frick don’t think they look much alike, but they both agree people mix them up all the time. “I’ve had teachers call me Sophia and even my friends stutter and say Sophia first on accident, then Natalie,” Natalie said.
“We have the same noses,” sophomore emma Vogel said. “People tell us we look alike all the time.”
photos submitted
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
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Resemblance among family members can leave students smiling with cheer or frowning with irritation
“Also, whenever we meet new people they often say something about how we look alike or even ask if we are twins.” Although Sophia sometimes finds correcting people a burden, she understands it’s a mistake. “People at school confuse us all the time,” Sophia said. “It is always an honest mistake so I never get mad.” A few students even confused the two when trying to congratulating Sophia after winning Courtwarming queen. “Later that week one or two people congratulated me on winning queen because they thought I was Sophia,” Natalie said. “When they congratulated me I was kind of like, ‘Oh, OK, yeah, thank you.’” Sophia said she has always been mixed up with her sisters, even when Natalie wasn’t in high school. “In my freshman yearbook there is a picture of me with the caption saying that it was actually Natalie, when she wasn’t even in high school,” Sophia said. Natalie does think there are similarities between all her siblings, and has fun finding the similarities and differences between them. “When we look at old pictures of my sisters and compare them to what I look like now it’s kind of crazy how similar we look,” Natalie said. Although having people often comment on how much they resemble each other can be annoying, Coppage can think of a few benefits. “If one of us ever gets lost, my mom will just show another kid and say they look like this,” Coppage said. “They’ll show up in like five minutes.”
“People confuse us all the time,” senior Sophia Frick said. “My parents can never call us by the right name, but I can see the confusion with having six kids.”
sydney sheldon
16 sports
both basketball teams play at state
The girls’ basketball team took third place at state March 10 in Salina. “It was a very successful season, but no one in our program is satisfied,” coach Shane Stout said. “We will keep working to improve.”
combined 680 points this season, allowing only 28.8 points per game. Prior to the trip to Salina, Stout said he believed the team was good enough offensively to score, but needed to make a concerted effort to play well on the defensive side of the ball. This was the case in the first game in Salina for Stout’s team as they ran away with the game to defeat Paola 57-42. The Lady Pirates then faced the 4-time defending champions, the Bishop Miege Stags. Two powerhouse offenses went head to head, and it was a close battle throughout the first three quarters. In the fourth and final quarter, Miege took it up a notch and ended up beating Piper 45-36. Piper would go on to win third place against Labette County, 6848 in a game that was never close. For the second consecutive year, both boys and girls went to Salina, and in both years they made the great travelling support from the community proud by leaving every drop of sweat out on the court
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This past weekend, the boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons came to an end. The boys lost their first round game to the third-seeded Andover Central Jaguars. Coach Touré Grimes’ team fell 68-60 in a closely contested game in which the Pirates struggled to gain an advantage. Piper had only one lead the whole game as Andover Central shot lights out from behind the arc, similar to last year’s performance where these two teams met. Brothers Trey and Tamar Bates kept the Pirates close down the stretch, but a couple of late turnovers put the nail in the coffin for Piper. Although their season didn’t end the way the team might have wanted, Grimes still thinks their season a success. “I would definitely consider it a success,” Grimes said. “I think the team improved as a whole as well as individuals in the squad.” In Grimes’ first season in charge, he took over a squad fresh to the varsity scene with all of last years’ team, with the exception of two senior players. He led Piper to a 15-7 record. “The highlight of the season was the team coming together towards the end of the season and being able to beat Basehor to go to state,” Grimes said. The other basketball team playing in purple and white this past week was the Lady Pirates, who entered the Tony’s Pizza Event Center with a 21-0 record, looking to go the entire season undefeated. Coach Shane Stout’s team had outscored their opponents by a
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CHARLES CONNOR staff writer
Junior Braijion Barnes jumps to block the incoming shot from Andover Central in the first half of the state game March 8. The boys lost the game 68-60 and finished their season with a 15-7 record. “We fought hard, but there is always more we could have done,” Barnes said. “We’re having a come back next year with a winning attitude and move on from it.”
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
Winter Sports Wrap-up Bowling The bowling team once again had an overall successful season, racking up many individual and team wins with new records being made in the process. Aaron Slaughter broke the school record for a series with a 766 and later broke the record again, bowling a 767. The team also participated at the state tournament. Junior Cody Davis and freshman Kyron Fergus represented Piper at the 5A1A state tournament in Wichita. Davis bowled a 482 while Fergus bowled a 515 at the tournament, ending the season for the team.
wrestling
The powerlifting team was revamped this year with new coaching, a new weights program, more meets and several new additions to the team. The team rises early every morning to work out and train before school. The team went to 4A state powerlifting meet for the first time ever in the school’s history, bringing eight members of the team to the event. The meet was at Clay Center and freshmen Tony Cobbs, Brandon Snell, Malakhi Kennon and LaJames White, sophomore Jacob Swatek and juniors Dalton White and Daniel Perkins participated. Personal records for many of the athletes were achieved, and Kennon brought back two state championships in his division in squat and bench.
The wrestling team also saw young talent emerge as the team sent wrestlers to state for the first time in four years. Sophomore Tyson Lanter (28-16) and freshmen Branden Martin (36-9) and Anthony Ferguson (28-17) all participated in the 4A state tournament in Salina. Both Martin and Ferguson made it to the second day of the state tournament. Martin made it the farthest and ended up making it to state quarterfinals, but was then eliminated. Overall, it was a solid season from the team with larger hopes for the next few years.
- COLTON LLOYD co-business editor
Powerlifting
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arts & entertainment
Fortnite takes students’ free time by storm KALEB BROWN staff writer Fortnite has taken the world by storm. It has been named one of the most popular games of 2017 and is continuing to be successful in 2018. Fortnite is a free battle royale game, which means that the game starts with a certain amount of people and the last person or the last people standing are crowned champions for that individual game. It is a game that requires lots of skill and concentration. “Fortnite requires a high skill level, because you have to be able to win, and you have to be able to eliminate people or you can bush camp the whole time,” freshman Aiden Price said. There are three main game modes that can be played. It can be played by oneself, with one to three friends. “I like to play with a lot of my friends,” Price said. “I think I play with about 35 different people.” Fortnite has impacted the lives of many young kids and adults in a way that no other game has in many years. It has now broken records on Twitch, a live streaming software where people watch
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others play games live, as the most streamed game ever. “When I could play Fortnite every day, I did because it was so much fun,” Price said. Price believes that the competitiveness of Fortnite can be fun, but comes with downsides. “It’s good to be competitive in everything, but it is a video game and sometimes it can get really unhealthy,” Price said. Besides all the positive things that come from Fortnite, like winning or gaining new friends, there can be negatives with the game. Some of these include a decrease in academic effort or losing relationships with people because of the addiction. Price said he has personally experienced distractions because of Fortnite. “Absolutely, I got grounded from Fortnite because I got a bad grade in a class,” Price said. Fortnite has become one of the most popular games and it has achieved this in a short amount of time, with players all over the world, even in the Piper community.
“Fortnite requires a high skill level, because you have to be able to win, and you have to be able to eliminate people or you can bush camp the whole time.” — Aiden Price, freshman
Do you play Fortnite?
NO YES
66% 34%
56%
none
once
22%
How many times have you gotten first? 2-10 times
6% 11% 6%
10-20 times
20+ times
How many hours a day do you play?
11 12 1 2 10 3 1 hour 9 4 87 5 6 28% 1-3 hours 11 12 1 2 30% 10 3 9 8 7 54 6
11 12 1 2 10 3 9 4 8 7 5 4+ hours 6 25% 12 1 11 2 3-4 hours 10 3 15% 9 8 7 54 6 55 students surveyed
ed
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
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Insanely hilarious podcast Insanely Chill is a podcast started by Cody Ko, a social media influencer that started out on Vine. Ko made his transition from Vine to YouTube, much like many other influencers, and has now stretched into the realm of podcasting. The podcast has no clear theme other than listening to a YouTuber talk for an hour, but Ko keeps the listeners interested all the same. The topics range from technological advancements like Birds, a southern California transportation system that lets people rent scooters, to Taco Tuesdays and Logan Paul. Ko’s sarcastic and dry commentary creates an entertaining imagery for listeners, which mirrors his YouTube channel’s use of commentating on controversial or ridiculous instances. The Insanely Chill podcast also includes an interview-style conversation with Ko and a guest. These episodes tend to be a lot more in depth, and include a large range of people involved in many different ca-
reers. Ko has interviewed Emma Chamberlain, a recently started YouTuber; Josh Ovalle, popular Viner turned small-time movie director; Dan Folger, Wiz Khalifa’s tour photographer; and Hasan Piker, a political commentator and various other people. I thoroughly enjoy these episodes because it is less of Ko rambling and more of an organized and educational conversation. While listening to podcasts is not for everyone, Ko also posts these episodes on a separate YouTube channel for visual entertainment purposes. I enjoy all content Ko releases and the Insanely Chill podcast, while it has doesn’t have a theme, is incredibly interesting and hilarious to listen to.
Insanely Chill podcast HANNAH HAWORTH co-web editor
REVIEW
Black panther entertains, educates
Black Panther movie ISAIA WILCOXEN editor-in-chief
REVIEW
There’s a first for everything and Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther” introduces the first-ever major African-American superhero movie, which is empowering and impactful as educates the viewer on African culture even as they are fixated on the film’s action. The movie takes its viewers on a journey in Wakanda, a fictional nation where King T’Challa, or the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), reigns until problems arise from the outside world. His throne becomes threatened when Erik Killmonger, played by the talented Michael B. Jordan who was seen in the movie “Creed,” tries to overthrow him. Both characters played their parts well, opposing each others’ personas and defining the villain-hero relationship. Watching them interact put me on the edge of my seat, because they both come from the
same culture, yet they are so different. They both want what’s best for Wakanda, but by different tactics. Although they understand each other, they are determined to do what is right by their own standards, and that unique characterization is a large part of the movie. Another unique aspect of the film is that Marvel makes its message clear. The movie ends with T’Challa’s realization that he shouldn’t hide his culture from the outside world. While the movie reveals so much about the African culture, it also clarifies that the culture shouldn’t be hidden, but embraced. With racial injustice going on in society, the movie has the power to open people’s eyes while still being enjoyable to watch. The film was great for entertainment, but more importantly it educated, which makes it that much more impactful.
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arts & entertainment
MORGAN HAWORTH staff writer
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Choir is going on a performance trip to Branson on Stage Live March 15 and will return Saturday night. Bella Voce will be singing in front of Legends in Concert, a live tribute show. Music N’ Motion will be performing for Six, the acapella group. They’ll have a professional stage, sound and lighting. “It just kind of gives those kids another level of something better and beyond than just our house,” choir teacher Shelly Cole said. This year Music N’ Motion and Bella Voce have added props into their routine. “That’ll be interesting to see how that plays out,” Cole said. Music N’ Motion senior Maria Accardi said a concern of hers is “all of us being synchronized in our dance moves and actually
sounding like a full sound.” Aside from their concerns, the groups are excited for their performance trip. “I have a really big group of sophomores on Bella Voce so I’m looking forward to that,” Cole said. “I’m looking forward to some of my older kids who this is their second time, but now it’s a different venue.” Since the snow days have affected practice and because of other performances they have done, Music N’ Motion and Bella Voce have had a few evening rehearsals. Music N’ Motion has been preparing one of their songs all school year and their other songs for only the past semester. Bella Voce started their songs at the semester as well. Accardi said, “I’m looking forward to Bella Voce dances away as they prepare to perform in Branson March 15. “I’m so excited for being with the group one last big time the Branson trip,” Viera said. “I’ve been looking forward to it since I was a freshman.” together.”
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show choir performs in branson
Music N’ Motion rehearses their Branson on Stage Live show. The group will be opening up for the Six March 16. “I’m excited to have this experience as seniors,” senior Sydney Sheldon said, “because it will be a good way to remember show choir.”
15 March 2018 kcpipernews.com
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photo essay
State 2018: The highlights
moments from the girls’ and boys’ state basketball caught on camera.
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Freshman Evelyn Vasquez maneuvers her way around Paola’s defense in the first game of the tournament March 7.
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Students piled into buses and cars March 7-10 to support the basketball teams in their run for state championships at the Tony’s Pizza Event Center in Salina. The boys lost to Andover Central, 68-60, in the first round. The girls took their first game from Paola, 57-42. That set up a showdown with fourtime defending state champ Bishop Miege in the semifinals. The Stags handed the Lady Pirates their first — and only — loss of the year, 46-35. “It was really hard to go to sleep that night knowing that the next day we were to play in the third-place game, not the championship game like we wanted to,” junior LaKya Leslie said. “It was hard to get over the fact that we lost a game we could’ve won.” The girls did put the loss behind them and came out on fire March 10, cruising to a 68-48 win over Labette County to finish third in state for the second straight year.
taylor zimmerman
HANNAH PAPPERT photo editor
esrom griffin
Cheerleaders pump up the crowd during a timeout in the second half of the boys’ game against Andover Central after the Pirates tied the score.
Senior Doc Covington leaps over Andover Central sophomore Shomari Parnell for a shot that just misses.
Coach Touré Grimes discusses the action with junior Trey Bates.
15 March 2018
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The Lady Pirates pose with their third place trophy after defeating Labette County, 68-48, March 10. Junior LaKya Leslie said her favorite part of going to state was that the team got to experience it together. “I’ll remember our stellar record and all of the friendships I strengthened and formed.”
Sophomore Ali Vigil scores an easy layup after the Pirates steal the ball in the fight for third place against Labette County.
Junior Braijion Barnes looks up the court to pass the ball after he grabs a rebound against Andover Central March 8.
Junior LaKya Leslie goes for a block in the game against Bishop Miege March 9, the only game the Lady Pirates lost.
wheels and wellness Brady Johnson and Austin Houk give advice for keeping your car and your body in good shape. Junior Brady Johnson and senior Austin Houk are putting their passions into motion by making improvements — Johnson with his car and Houk with his fitness. Johnson has been working on his car since 2016, slowly altering it to truly make it his own, and Houk has recently started running a fitness account on Instagram to improve his own fitness and inspire others.
Houk’s top tips
johnson’s top tips
1. Choose a healthy breakfast and pack a low calorie snack for later in the day 2. Eat protein for lunch 3. Make time to work out each day 4. Get involved in sports if you are interested 5. Eat a healthy dinner with a good amount of protein 6. Stick to your routine and do not give up because getting in shape takes a lot of time 7. Don’t spend money on everything, don’t forget to utilize space and objects at your home to create an effective workout
“These meets are usually held on a Saturday night behind old buildings and in parking garages,” Johnson said. Johnson’s car is a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition.
photo submitted
1. Search around on Google and YouTube to find resources to help you complete projects 2. Search the internet for groups to join for tips (Facebook is a good place to search) 3. Always double check your work 4. Be precise 5. Take your time 6. Always expect the project to take longer than you think because it always will 7. Invest in well-made tools or find someone who will lend them to you
Johnson has been working on modifying his car since September of 2016 with oil changes, paint jobs, plaster dipping, new headlights and tail lights and a toe strap. So far, he has spent $4,500 on the creation of his dream vehicle, and he enjoys showing it off. “At the [car] shows, you go there, find a parking spot and sometimes people pop their hoods, to show off,” Johnson said. “Normally what you do is just hang out, talk to people, meet new people and look at cars.”
Houk’s Instagram page is @houksfitness. Houk’s post consist of healthy recipes and multiple workout routines in order to inspire others.
A few years ago, Houk had experienced depression, but realized that exercising got his mind off of the things that were bothering him. After his realization, he wanted to help others. An Instagram page seemed to be the perfect platform to help others and compel them to live healthier lives. “My favorite part is seeing the people who can learn from me and who can look at my personal progress,” Houk said. “The hardest part about it is coming up with different things to post on Instagram.”