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the issue of mental health
TIMES The Panther
Raymore-Peculiar High School, Peculiar, MO 64078
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Issue 3 Volume 36 www.raypecnow.com
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Thursday, February 11, 2016
Around Ray-Pec
THE PANTHER T TIMES
From the Editor
An insight into the reasoning behind this issue Newspaper Editor-in-Chief Maddie Reihs The Panther Editor-in-Chief Cassie Allen Social Media Director Jordan Myers
Reporters
Mayra Campos, Jack Patton, Sydnie Stewart, Tyler Thurman, Rebecca Crabtree, Nathan Valeika, Dayvis Sloan, Miranda Howe, Lauren Rook, Kyon Woods, Faith Stillings, Carley Peters, Mason Bubien, Savanna Link, Jaelon Brooks, Hannah Davis, Gabby Sullivan, Mikinzie Ash, Byron King, Ashley Preater, Mathin Vitti, Katelynn Shulze, Josh Putney, Sydney Bearden, Kyria Snow, Evan Steers, Olha Ter-Vartanova, Jenna Toone, Dayton Pugh, Martha Campos, Sabir Brown, Christina Sytowski, Alexus Nelson, Hannah Gray, Sheridan Shears, Sydnee Smith, Mackenzie Zismer, Sarah Herndon, Delaney Kodas
The Panther Times is published by students throughout the entire RayPecNow publication. Our primary obligation is to inform readers about school community events and issues of national or international importance. We provide a public service; a channel of information, news, and entertainment for students and the community. The publisher of The Panther Times is the Raymore-Peculiar Board of Education and is printed by the Daily Star Journal in Warrensburg, Missouri. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus Newspaper High School Services.
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omewhere around this school, someone suffers from an inner sense of depression as they struggle to find a place to sit at lunch. In an adjacent hallway, someone else battles with their anxiety about presenting a classroom project. For sufferers, a feeling of gloominess or severe mental illness consumes them, with no one advocating on their behalf. This issue of The Panther Times is made to call attention to these illnesses and impairments that this subject presents. The stigma that hangs heavy on mental health is an issue, not only at our own high school but in the world today. People now do not know how to view, handle, or be around someone who suffers from mental illness or poor mental health. They either view it as a burden, an infectious disease, or they see it as not a real issue at all. But, in reality, it is. Mental Health is a
pressing and urgent issue. Mental illness takes hostages while leaving no physical trace. No one is left unimpaired by mental illness’ toxic touch or the tragic issues it leaves in its wake. In fact, 1 in 5 people will be affected, whether directly as a victim or as a friend or family member. Either way, this is not a subject that can just be swept underneath the rug, ignored, or pushed back to talk about at a later time. The repercussions for doing so are resulting in suicides, ignorance, and a generation that does not know how to handle their feelings or sickness. The loss of life should not be a result or effect of choosing not to teach the harmful reality that is mental illness. The time to acknowledge and do something about this ever prevalent issue that lies at our hands is now. Hopefully, by the end of this issue, The Panther Times will be able to shed some
From stage to ship O
n February 4, the Raymore Peculiar Theatre department put on this year’s winter musical, Pirates of Penzance. Pirates of Penzance was about a crew of pirates and their adventures. The show was a fun take on a comical opera. The cast and crew built a set resembling a ship to go with the theme of the musical. The musical was filled with lively music and bright colored costumes. Pirates of Penzance was the first musical the theatre department has performed this school year. The main cast began their ship ride soon after the fall play wrapped up and managed to put on a show within two months.
light on, and inform you on what mental illness is and the toll it takes on the people it affects.
Thank you, Maddie Reihs Editor-in-Chief of The Panther Times
Pirates of Penzance takes over theatre from Feb. 4- Feb. 7
Sports
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Last chance, no problem Maddie Reihs Editor-in-Chief
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Girls’ swim relay team crushed expectations at Conference by qualifying for State
it was really exciting and it was a relief ith high hopes and stakes wrapped because it was the last chance that we had up in one meet, the girls’ swim team was to make it to State,” said Dillon. faced with their last opportunity to qualify For some, the event is just another to for State competition at the Gladstone add to the many that members of the Conference on Feb. 5. The girls girls’ swim team showed up that afternoon, will compete in anxious to see what the day’s on the big day. For results and events would bring. senior Maddilyn The most vital result that Brusick, she will came out of the meet that day be competing in was the 200 Free Relay team not one but three qualifying for state. With a events on Feb. 20 in final time of 1:45:33, the relay St. Louis. Brusick made up of freshman Avery will be entered into Perry, sophomore Anna Berry, the 50 yd. Freestyle, junior Jessica Dillon and senior 200 Medley Relay, Maddilyn Brusick made the and now the 200 cut. Freestyle Relay. Hard works pays off. Celebrating When the last one on the The 200 Medley their long awaited victory, the girls’ relay team hit the wall, the Relay includes 200 Free Relay show off their muscles girls jumped up and down freshman Avery after qualifying for State competition screaming as the dream of Perry, sophomore at Conference on Feb. 5 at Gladstone. State became a reality. Maura Page, and The girls finally reached their goal “When we finished the 200 with a breaking time of 1:45:33. junior Jessica
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Thursday, February 11, 2016
Dillon. “It feels awesome (qualifying). It was a good way to end my senior year,” said Brusick. The team greeted each other with screams and gripping hugs as they celebrated their victory. “I knew they had been wanting it for a long time and so it was fitting that they did on the last possible meet. Practices are now going to be more focused, including a lot of sprint work as opposed to distance,” said head coach Matt Majors. The road to victory was not easily paved, but the girls in both relay teams will be more than willing to do what it takes to prepare themselves and one another for the State competition at the end of the month.
Last chance. Giving the girls a pep talk before the meet begins, head coach Matt Majors tells his team that this Conference is the final opportunity for them to beat their times Held at Gladstone, the Conference had over a dozen teams competing alongside the high school. Photos by Maddie Reihs.
507 West Center St Peculiar, MO 64078 Phone: (816) 779-6183
Owned by Jerry Sullivan
229 N MADISON ST, RAYMORE, MO 64083 (816) 322-3323
Courtwarming
What you need to know for Courtwarming
The game
The dance
The crowning
Varsity basketball game against Lee’s Summit will begin at 7 pm.
starts immediately after the boys’ Varsity basketball game ends. The dance is “My Big Fat Greek Courtwarming.” A photo booth, snacks and drinks, and XBox Kinect will be available. Tickets are $5 and are required to get in. If you wear a toga to the dance, you will be entered in a raffle for free to win a Chik-Fil-A gift card. of Courtwarming winners will take place at the dance at 10 pm. Nominees will walk the court before the boys’ Varsity game begins.
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Serving you the very finest mexican cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week
404 W Pine St, Raymore, MO 64083
Phone: (816) 348-7715
Thursday, February 11, 2016
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Courtwarming Nominees
S’mores Juniors Seniors
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Freshmen
THE PANTHER TIMES
Taylor Holbrook
James Sappington
Maddie Reihs
Jordan Clarkin
Taylor Koper
Kenny Huggins
Delaney Kodas
Steven Tekesky
Alison Gillespie
Jimmy Sackuvich
Taryn Lininger
Zerryn Gines
Tanna Miller
Parker Hauptmann
Emily Harris
Zach Patterson
Sadie Harmon Amy Cambridge
Cody Boyd Noah Durham
Cassie Kruse
Doug Adolphson
Montana Cummings
Derek Beauchamp
Mallory Levens Sophia Phelps
Ian Hornbeck Lane Heffernon
6 Sports Conquering the mat Thursday, February 11, 2016
Delaney Kodas Reporter Senior night concludes, wrestling wins conference, varsity wrestlers prepare for state on Feb. 19-20
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2/12 Districts @ Nixa
2/19-21 State Competition @ Columbia
Work hard. The boys’ wrestling team this season has
conquered Conference, and is now preparing for Districts on Feb. 12 at Nixa. Focusing on skills and improving form, the boys are staying on top of their practices and meets this year. “Our expectations are to compete hard and do the best we can,” said head coach Brett Barbarick. The boys have now become one of the top teams, as they took home the title at Conference in February. Expectations are high for Districts on Friday as they prepare to qualify for State. State will take place the following weekend, where some of the wrestlers are hoping to qualify for.
Game Schedule
2/12 JV vs. Lee’s Summit Home @ 5:30 pm
2/12 Varsity vs. Lee’s Summit Home @ 7:00 pm 2/16 JV vs. LSN Away @ 7:00 pm 2/16 Varsity vs. LSN Away @ 7:00 pm
2/19 JV vs. BSS Away @ 5:30 pm
2/19 Varsity vs. BSS Away @ 7:00 pm
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
Basketball games to be at for the next two weeks 2/11 JV vs. Lee’s Summit Home @ 5:30 pm 2/11 Varsity vs. Lee’s Summit Home @ 7:00 pm 2/15 JV vs. LSN Home @ 5:30 pm 2/15 Varsity vs. LSN Home @ 7:00 pm 2/18 JV vs. BSS Away @ 5:30 pm 2/18 Varsity vs BSS Away @ 7:00 pm 2/22 JV vs. LSW Home @ 5:30 pm 2/22 Varsity vs. LSW Home @ 7:00 pm
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Mental Health
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When doing nothing Sydney Bearden Reporter
hurts
Mental health affects teens in today’s society
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omeone with a fractured bone, a hoarse voice, or a constant cough draws stares from the people around them because of the obvious signs of illness that they present. These present symptoms of common sickness leads people go to the doctor to recover, but not all sickness can be spotted as easily when it is not present on the outside. Mental illness affects the way people see themselves and their lives, impairing their judgement and selfimage. Compared to physical sickness, mental illness is not as apparent, and therefore goes unnoticed or untreated. Since mental illness is not as evident as a physical impairment, people most often feel like they must hide their feelings instead of receiving the help they need. This misguided assumption that mental health is not as important or vital as physical health leads to damage in one’s overall well-being. “It affects lives like any physical ailment that a person may have. For example if someone has a broken leg then you find the tools you need to carry on with activities. The same with mental illness. Take depression for example. Learn what strategies, what therapies and
possible medications is crucial so that might help someone continue on so that their daily life is not affected,” said school counselor Cheryl Gray. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one out of five teenagers goes through some sort of mental illness in their lifetime. Someone who suffers from a mental illness usually has family, friends, and peers who are all unaware of their failing mental health.
and adults. Although the list of sicknesses is broad, the most common are levels of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, all of which range on levels of intensity. These mental illnesses have Mental illness affects 1 in 5 teens a number of causes, from situational to medical. The cause to many of these illnesses is still unclear. illness prevents those who are suffering “A functional disorder has a from speaking out and receiving the psychological cause and does not help they need to improve. Since mental involve brain damage but can be health has not been given much attention, caused from heredity, stress, fear or it is speculated that people do not see coping skills. These may be tied to mental disorders as a problem. As more events in childhood such as abuse, suicides and cases of mental illness are serious illness or the loss of a loved being documented there has been a call to one,” said health teacher Bradye action. Miller. “Over the past decade or so, the Mental illness, when gone attention on mental health has increased untreated or suppressed has severe but it could continue to improve so that and serious consequences. It can cause people can see mental health as significant one’s own body and mind to shut down, as physical health,” said school counselor and may lead to suicide. Bethany Sylvester. “It (mental illness) honestly ruins Getting help is one of the first if lives. It eats people up, from the inside out. not a vital step to take in recovering. It ruins families, relationships, friendships. Maintaining and improving one’s mental It takes really good people, and it gives health is crucial to their overall well-being. them lives that a lot of them don’t deserve,” said Szilvasy. The stigma that surrounds mental
“It honestly ruins lives. It eats people up, from the inside out.” Freshman Ava Szilvasy “A lot of the times, people just overlook it. They just don’t see it as real. People don’t realize that there is so many people, in this school even, that are dealing with crazy stuff,” said freshman Ava Szilvasy. Szilvasy is one of thousands of teens who have suffered the affects of mental disorders. There is a wide range of mental disorders that cause trouble for teenagers
Surround yourself Take care of s y a Value yourself w with good people 5 your body 1 2 3 to improve
mental health
Kyria Snow Reporter
Kindness and respect are two important factors in how you view yourself. Know your worth.
You cannot expect your mind to be healthy if you are not keeping your body in the best health it can be. A healthy mind really starts with a healthy body.
A great support network is what makes one stronger. Those who you surround yourself with are either going to help you or hurt you.
Mental Health
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Eliminate the Stigma Cassie Allen The Panther EIC
Students talk about why mental illness is kept quiet, and what we can do to change it
Audrey Warters, 11 Problem:
“I think that it’s so sensitive because so many people have it, but they try to hide it at the same time. You can’t see it so you want to deny it even more. When it comes to mental illness, you haven’t seen that so it’s easier to say, “oh, you’re faking it.”
Solution:
“I think it’s something that needs to be talked about more, from a younger age. It’s one of those things where you need to change how you say things.”
School Counselor, Cheryl Gray
Problem:
“The stigma that they are not ‘normal’, is what’s wrong. The idea that they can’t make decisions or they can’t do normal activities, when in fact that is not true.”
Solution:
“There are things that people can do. Mental illness is so prevalent and there are so many treatments and medicines and therapies that people can do to lead very normal and active lives while having a mental illness.”
Daily Bennett, 11 Problem:
“People still haven’t gotten over the discomfort that it brings on. Mental illness is something that still makes people uncomfortable to talk about it. They feel like they’ll be judged because of it even though it’s not their fault at all.”
Solution:
“I think education definitely helps. People don’t understand it, and since they don’t understand it then they get uncomfortable. If we explain people what it is then it won’t be so stigmatized..”
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Quiet your mind
Relax in peace and quiet and make smart decisions. Take time to relax and clear your mind of stress.
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Get help when you need it
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Knowing when you need help and doing something about it is important.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
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Thursday, February 11, 2016
Valentine's Day
Rules To Follow For a Perfect Valentines Day Delaney Kodas Reporter
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alentine’s Day, the single day of the year where a girl’s expectations are most likely not going to be met. Well, not this year ladies and gentlemen, because I am going to help you create the best Valentine’s date. I’ll admit that I know how to make people happy (and I am super controlling) so let me take the reigns and create your Valentine’s Day.
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Set a budget. No one wants to break the bank for one special occasion. Set a price limit and then stay within those boundaries. There are plenty of extravagant, entertaining, and inexpensive things to do that don’t break the bank.
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Safety is key. Plan out your date and dig a little deeper into the locations you are taking your significant other. Read reviews and scope out what all the mom’s who give Yelp reviews are saying. Chances are if it has a bad review, it really isn’t that great so don’t bother taking your honey there!
THE PANTHER T TIMES
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Make sure your car is in good condition, mechanically and in cleanliness. No one wants to have to change a tire mid-date, so guys and gals, check your oil and tire pressure before picking up your date.
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Live in the moment. Stay off of your cell phone. Hang up and hang out. Ladies, this day isn’t about who got the most gifts from their boyfriend or who can take the cutest picture for Instagram, it’s about spending quality time with a person you care about! Gentlemen, don’t text and drive. Keep her engaged by making conversation. Whether it’s a first date or a 10th, your special someone will appreciate your attention.
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Check the weather! This is a crucial step to have a good date. The weather can help you on this date or it can be your enemy. Don’t obsess over a little bit of rain, because it will buff out, but make sure you check the forecast so that you can be prepared for a monsoon or snow storm.
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Always. Always. Always. Walk to the door and meet parents, even if you have already met them before. Go meet them and make sure they know you have the best interests for their child. This will earn you big points!
Missouri
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Office
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