EE DEC RHS 2017

EAGLE’S EYE December Vol. 8 ISSUE 2

RUSKIN HIGH SCHOOL 7000 E. 111TH ST KANSAS CITY Mo. 64134

READY FOR THE BATTLE! www.Hickmanmills.org/Ruskin

www.RuskinNews.com

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AND THE WINNER IS Seniors win for National Attendance Day

November - December 2017

Photo Credit: Maurice Stuckey

Table of Contents

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A RUSKIN WIN Ruskin football team makes districts history.

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LIVE ON THE AIR Students experience a live broadcast every week.

A YOUNG AUTHOR'S QUEST A quest to conquer millions.

On the cover: Ready at the line on the field, the Ruskin

Eagles take on Battle High School in second round of districts in Columbia, Mo. Ruskin won the first round of districts after 28 years beating Raytown 21-7. "I feel that we connected as a team this year and we made history winning the play-off since 1991," senior Darnell Hardy Jr. said. "I feel next year we just we just going to do even better."

Photo Credit: Symone Caldwell

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CABARET REVIEW Theatre Department Cappies Review.

EAGLE’S EYE STAFF EDITORS: Destnee Walton, yearbook, online and newsmagazine Jazlynn Smith, online Marchelle Miller, co-editor Carlo Terrell, sports Malcolm Murphy, photo Kaylah Carter, photo ShaRon Mitchell, photo REPORTERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS: Angel Hudson Brandon Holley-Nelson William White Photographers Maurice Stuckey Ronnell Brown Coriana Forshee Christina Lenore Cire Oliver Jaquon Purdy Kendra Sanders-Baskin Ariel West Keion Salmond Ryah Williams ADVISER: Robyn King Visit us online at www.RuskinNews.com Twitter @ruskinnews

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A JOURNALIST QUEST Music that feeds the soul.

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INJURY REPORT Explore the many injuries of the Ruskin football team.

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Senior Quincy Cole running during the 5k. The meet was held at Staley High School.

Photo Credit: Ronnell Brown

Fall Sports Review 18 Photo Credit:

Softball, Volleyball, Cross Country & Tennis

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EAGLE’S EYE

Expect

the

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Unexpected

by Destnee Walton

The Ruskin football team waits for the next play to take action.

Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond The Ruskin cheerleaders pump up the Ruskin crowd to keep them warm and hyped for the game.

It was the coldest night of the season and students tried to stay warm by bundling up. Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond

The Ruskin Eagles take on the Battle Spartans in round two of districts. The Eagles made history defeating Raytown in round one of district play after 28 years. "We did our best. We made history that game we beat Raytown," senior Tarek Montgomery said. "If we would've played like that all season we would have been an undefeated team."

Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond

November - December 2017

NEWS

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The football team getting down and ready to set their next play. The Eagles played the Battle Spartans in Columbia, Mo. for round two of district play.

Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond

The Ruskin football team did what no other football team has done in the history of Ruskin football. Even though it was a rough season Ruskin football team still seemed to amaze with their integrity, hard work and loyalty. Being a small football team with only 20 players compared to other teams with 50 or more, our football team did the unexpected.

The football team made history Friday, Oct. 20 at Raytown High School beating them 21-7 in the first round of the playoffs.

It’s been 28 years since Ruskin High School was in the playoffs.

“I felt like we could have done better but stuff happens. I was hurt half of the season

Seniors Jalexis Vansant and Eleshea Banks cheer the football team on to win. Members of Fandamania, the student spirit club, went to support the football team.

Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond

and we had a lot of players missing. Some players couldn’t play 1st semester, it was downhill at first but we started clicking at the end,” senior Tyrell Rock said. “We had our first playoff dub that was an accomplishment.”

The football team had the opportunity to travel to Columbia, Missouri to go The football team at the districts pep rally as the entire school against Battle High School prepares them to take on Battle. The pep rally took place before the in the second round of the team got on the bus to head down to Columbia, Mo. playoffs.

Photo Credit: Keiona Salmond “The game was pretty nice. They were some good competitors, unfortunately we lost 21-0, but I believe if we could have played them on another day I think that we could have won," senior Darrell Harden Jr. said.

The Fandamania group and administrators helped out school spirit by ordering spirit buses so that the students could attend the game. The school also held an impromptu school assembly for the team before they headed to Columbia.

“That was a good experience especially being my senior year I’m proud of that, Students traveled down on the spirit buses to help cheer on the football team in Columbia, Mo. The I’m proud that I got that opportunity,” student spirit club Fandamania made t-shirts to senior Tarek Montgomery said. support the football team.

Photo Credit: Symone Callwood

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EAGLE’S EYE

Live on the

Air

by Christina Lenore November - December 2017

After the show The G-rapper and the guest pose for a picture. Every week the teens and guest pictures were posted on Twitter @GenerationRapHot103Jamz.

Photo Credit: Generation Rap

FEATURE

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After the interview with Stedman Graham, G-Rap mentor India Williams, G-Rap members seniors Kalan Hooks and TateAnna Gravely-Moss, from University Academy, pose for a picture. Hooks had the opportunity to interview Graham and hear him speak in Kansas City, Mo. Photo Credit: @Generation Rap

Early Saturday mornings, while most kids have yet to get out of their beds, over a dozen high school students crowd inside the booth at Carter Broadcast Group. They take turns with the mic introducing themselves while live on the air. These students are all members of Hot 103 Jamz Generation Rap, a weekly radio show produced by teenagers across the Kansas City metro area. Three senior students Kalan Hooks, Destnee Walton, and Jalexis Vansant from Ruskin High School participate in this teen talk show.

All three members joined Generation Rap differently. Some were recommended by Ruskin principals due to their interest in the field or asked teacher Robyn King, also known as Robyn Knight on Hot 103 Jamz, how to get involved.

“I was actually a spotlight on the show back in February for promotion of the band trip to Branson,” Hooks said. “Being around that environment made me want to join something and be a part of something that could help me fulfill my future and someAfter a G-rap show seniors Jalexis Vansant and Kalan Hooks smile for a picture. Vansant produced the HBCU Alum show and Hooks hosted the show on air. Photo Credit: Robyn King

thing that’s going to help me later on in life as it’s helping with my life skills.”

Many teens haven’t heard about Generation Rap and aren’t aware of the opportunities it provides. This show helps give exposure to many organizations and many people across the area.

“There’s many Journalism teacher Robyn King, also known as Robyn Knight on Hot 103 benefits from Jamz, Bre-Z, and senior Destnee Walton pose for a picture after Walton’s networking and interview with Bre-Z. Bre-Z starred on Empire as Freda Gatz. meeting new people and schol- Photo Credit: Robyn King arship opportunities,” Vansant said. “Generation Rap is having our voices being heard through our perspectives on what’s going on in our community.”

This year marks 30 years for Generation Rap. The show has given teens the opportunity to speak on topics that pertain to their demographic, the youth of Kansas City, including fashion, rap, peer pressure, prom tips, politics, crime and health. StuG-Rappers seniors Destnee Walton and Kalan Hooks dents who participate in Generation Rap pose at the Toy and Food drive after the live show. hope to pursue careers in the journalism Photo Credit: Erika Brice field.

“The reason I joined G-Rap is because I allows me to gain experience for what I want to be a Journalist,” Walton said. “It want to do in my future.”

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Seniors dance with performer, Christian Wilson, as he joins the students off stage in the crowd. A surprise concert was the prize for the class with the most in attendance on National Attendance Day. Photo Credit: Maurice Stuckey

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Win Concertof the Year

Seniors

by Brandon Holley-Nelson

November - December 2017

NEWS

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The Senior class pose for a picture during the concert with the performers. The class of 2018 won the surprise concert for the most in attendance two days in a row and broke the tie with juniors, class of 2019. Photo Credit: Tamara Bell

The classes were given a challenge to have the most students in attendance on National Come to School Day. The class of 2018 and 2019 were tied for the most students in attendance and the contest continued to the next day. The class of 2018 was determined they would be the class on top for attendance and they won with that determination. The reward was a secret and the students had no idea it was a concert and the performer was not revealed.

The seniors impatiently waited for the concert of the year, wondering who was performing. The time was approaching

after motivational words of no matter who you are or where you’re from you can be anything you want to be. It was finally time to turn up. The crowd went crazy when they heard “Swag Surfin’” by F.L.Y. and that was just to get the crowd hype!

“When that first song came on everybody started getting lit’, because when you hear that song it like instantly makes you just want to get hype,“ senior Jaqwavien Hudson said.

Seniors expePerformer is talking to the seniors about his story and how he rienced one of got to where he is today. Photo Credit: Tamara Bell the best events all year and had beyond fun. ing,” senior Joshua Valdez said.

“It was real cool, to be “He was cool. He had the crowd hyped honest I didn’t think it would and had his lil dancers," senior Jordan be that good, but it turned Richmond said. "That’s what it’s about, out way better than what I taking over the crowd and turning up." thought, it was lit’,” senior The next performer everybody was familKevin Presley said. iar with was Brandoshis. He had the crowd Kidd Swagga successfully not only dancing but singing along to his took the crowd being the well known song “Don’t Judge Me.” opening performance of the “Everybody was already familiar with who he was and sang along with the song The rapper/singer Brandoshis performing his song as the Ruskin show.

“The first performance by of course," Richmond said. "Everybody seniors Snapchat his performance.

Kidd Swagga had everybody was rocking with him and plus a lot of Photo Credit: Maurice Stuckey dancing, jumping, and yellpeople can relate to the song.”

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NEWS

Senior author Isaiah Williams shows off his two books he’s written this year. Next year Williams has planned to release his third book.

Photo Credit: Coriana Forshee

A Quest for Millions

by Coriana Forshee

Ruskin High School’s very own author, senior Isaiah Williams is blooming before our eyes. Starting on his career path he had published two books “The Bloodline” and “ The Demonic Awakening: Horror Story.”

Since he has published his two books on Amazon and Createspace, he was able to enter a contest to win the highest amount of 25,000 dollars for total amount of 19.5 million dollars to be awarded. The Createspace Corporation emailed the news that Williams was entered in the contest.

“It will be breath taking to win 25,000,” Williams said. “I will be able to get my family off the ground.”

To win the contest, Williams needs everyones support to sell a large amount of both published books. The links for the books are posted to the right of this story.

Williams will find out if he is the winnner in February 2018 when they announce the winners.

Also in 2018 Williams will release his third self-published book called “The Cellar: Horror Story”

November - December 2017

Click the links above to purchase Isaiah Williams’ books to help him reach his quest of winning the $25,000.

OPINION

EAGLE’S EYE

AUGUST in NOVEMBER

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by Destnee Walton, Editor-in-Chief

Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 at 8 p.m. the best the max, getting us ready for night of my life would be made because Alsina.

August Alsina was live in concert at the When the lights got low and Midland in Kansas City, Missouri. The Dj Era arrived on stage, I alR&B singer had hundreds of girls screamready knew what time it was, ing his name which I was one of them. He the great Alsina was about is my one and only favorite male singer. to kill the stage. When I saw I just love how he is not afraid to speak him arrive on stage my knees his truth, not afraid to tell his testimony, buckled, I couldn’t believe where he come from, how humble he is, my eyes I was finally seeing and the amount of loyalty and respect he Alsina after 3 years of waiting. shows his fans. I’m so glad that I finally He had dancers on stage with got to meet the person that feeds my soul him which they were great. with his music. What led me to the conHe performed many songs cert was 3 years ago, I was supposed to see "Numb", "Make it Home", him but he had fallen off the stage which "Downtown", "Hip-Hop", his led him to be in a 3 #1 hit single "I day coma. He wasn’t Luv It"+ and able to come to perthe song Hot form, but after those 103 Jamz can’t 3 years I’m glad he get enough found his way to the of “Don’t ‘Show Me’ state and Matter.” His Kansas City. performance Before Alsina was very arrived at the Midoutstanding. After a humble conversation, August Alsina and Destnee land, his opening I’ve never Walton pose for a picture after the mind blowing concert. The act The Pyramid, seen nothing concert was Nov. 9 at the Midland. and Kansas City like it. He was Photo Credit: Destnee Walton native, performed The single cover of The Pyramid new song, active with the time for me to say goodbye and I was sad. many of his songs "10/10" ft. YFN Lucci. Photo Credit: His crowd and they responded The August Alsina concert was so epic and his new single Swag Music Group very well. and it was mind blowing. I just wanted "10/10" ft. YFN Lucci with the company of After the show was over and everyone to thank my mother and grandmother Dj Rocky Montana which is also a Kansas was in the lobby, I ran into the opening for making this possible for me to attend City native. They had the crowd turnt to act The Pyramid and we ended up taking because they knew how much I love him a picture together. About 10 minutes went and his music. I just can’t wait until we run by, trying to find Alsina they announced into each other again to get an interview that he was doing a meet and greet and and when he comes back to Kansas City I was determined to be the last one. His because I really had an great time at the security guard came and counted us and concert and I’ll never forget it. Until next while I was waiting I was talked to my time I love you August! grandmother. I was so nervous and I told her how handsome he was and I didn’t think that I could meet him because of how nervous I was. I put aside my fear and once I was up next I could barely walk to him. We were having a humble conversation. I built the courage to ask for an interview but couldn’t because they were busy, but he asked why I wanted an interview and I told him because I want to be a celebrity journalist and he was surprised and gave me a tight hug and told me how proud he was of my black girl magic, but he said if we ran into each other again then I could get my interview. So I was Senior Destnee Walton spots the opening act Kansas City native Dj Rocky Montana is one of satisfied with that. the Pyramid and catches him for a picture. the guest Dj’s on the Don’t Matter Tour. Photo After that we just chatted about different Photo Credit: Destnee Walton Credit: IG: DJRockyMontana things but it was time for me to go. It was

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ENJOY THE

CABARET

by Sierra Rowlan of Belton High School, The Cappies Review

Junior Walter Verge and star actor senior Marquon Henderson on stage performing for the school student body. They sung "Money" by John Kander. Photo Credit: Ali Nassir

November - December 2017

REVIEW

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The Emcee ( Marquon Henderson), Sally Bowles (Rebekah Dreyer) and the Kit Kat girls showing off their vocals and dance routine.

Photo Credit: Ali Nassir

If you’ve ever wanted to get away from life for a bit, the Cabaret was just the place to forget your troubles! Ruskin High School presented CABARET, a fun-filled story with a dark twist.

CABARET first premiered on Broadway in 1966, where it then went on to become a movie in 1972. It was nominated for fifty awards since then, and won eighteen of them. The story is set in Germany right before the takeover of Hitler. An American writer comes to Berlin to write an inspired book, but then falls in love with the cabaret star. Throughout the musical, the crowd is able to see the growing effects of Naziism in the characters’ lives. The director of the Ruskin High School production, Michelle Michale, noted that history can repeat itself, even in America, and it is important that the populace does not become blind to what once was and could possibly happen again.

The lead character, Sally Bowles, was an

Hans (Davante Hudson) and Cliff (Javeon Culbert) on the train prop having a conversation.

Photo Credit: Ali Nassir

ambitious girl trying to make a living using the best thing that she had, her sultry voice and dance talents. Rebekah Dreyer was impressive in this role, with immense stage presence and a lovely voice to back up her character.

Cliff, played by Javeon Culbert, is the American writer who comes to Germany in hopes of inspiration for his book. Javeon Culbert was a fluent actor who effortlessly portrayed Cliff ’s ambition and optimism throughout the show.

The Emcee and the Kit Kat girls perform for the school stuThe Emcee, played by Marquan dent body. Photo Credit: Ali Nassir Henderson, was phenomenal. important role, not just while dancing in Henderson is able to adapt his the Cabaret, but as influential characters voice to the region and style character to the storyline, as Germany falls into the so easily the crowd would have thought clutch of Nazis. he belonged in Germany. Throughout The live orchestra is definitely impresthe story, the Emcee was easily one of sive as they adapted to situations on stage the most loved characters with his goofy without flaw. The “Cabaret Orchestra” stance at the Cabaret, to the dark and is made up by James Evans (Drums), private moments he shared solely with the Iyinolu Karimu (Trumpet), Terranae audience.

Love (Percussion), Naguib Nassir (TrumFraulein Schneider, played by Alawnna pet), Chariyah Taylor (Flute), Taquisha Duncan, was a strict woman (but not Williams (Clarinet), and Marnet Wright above taking a bribe) who ran the flat (Flute). complex. Duncan showed her vocal talent CABARET was an entertaining producthrough songs such as “So What.” tion that flamboyantly stressed the good The Kit Kat girls, played by Lena Jackson and bad that happened before people’s (Texas), Isis Thompson (Lulu), Moriah eyes without them even recognizing it.

Isenhower (Rosie), Coriana Forshee Yet, no matter the issue or worry, anyone (Frenchie), Arkiah Collins (Fritzie), Sydcould have enjoyed the Cabaret at Ruskin ney Bailey (Trixie), and Indeiah Nelson High School!

Belon (Helga), from the club, played an

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Unforeseen Injuries Unforeseen

Results

by Charlee Garcia

November - December 2017

Click this link to view the many injuries of the Ruskin football players and hear from the players and coaches on the affects of their injuries.

There were many early injuries that affected the 2017-2018 football season before the first game. Injures varied from multiple concussions, leg, ankle, knee, shoulder and foot injuries. Some injuries were more significant than others but they all affected the season in some way.

The first injury of the season started with senior Kameron Williams back in June at a college camp.

“It happened when I was doing a drill and my knee just twisted wrong and it affected me by, well everyone knows I didn’t get to play the season,” Williams said.

Juniors Xavier Davis, Robert Vaughn and Jamal Wallace were the three students diagnosed with concussions this year.

“Even though I knew it was a chance of a second concussion I still finished the season strong for my team,” Vaughn said.

Leg injures were a bruised knee from seniors Tyrell Rock and Jaylon Kitchen hyperextended his leg. Kitchen also dislocated his shoulder and sprained his ankle.

Senior Deyvieawn Harris, free of injuries this season, before getting an interception during the William Chrisman Game. Many players were injured unexpectedly this season.

Photo Credit: Robert Vaughn

“All of those injuries affected my season because they kind of held me back from playing at my full potential,” Kitchen said.

Senior Shakespeare Williams sprained his ankle which impacted the team as he was this years quarterback. Junior Darius Porter fractured his foot and had many following injures.

“It affected my season because I was out for the whole season so I couldn’t really play,” Porter said.

Many of the players were not able to play the entire or half of the season. This affected the team as a whole and individually.

“We had some other players that had some nicks and bruises whether it be a sprained ankle, a banged up knee,” Coach William Perkins said. “Some of the guys didn’t get to play to their full potential.”

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What

EAGLE’S EYE

Makes aTeam?

by Ariel West

Junior Kireonna Woods continues to run once she sees the other team hasn’t retrieved the ball making it to second base. Photo Credit: Ariel West

November - December 2017

EAGLE’S EYE

SPORTS

conference utility player. She was also one of To make a team there needs to be a the pitchers for the team along side sophoperson with experience, someone who more Andrea Morfin, and one of the team encourages their team even at the toughleaders. Finely expressed her thoughts on est moments, and someone who has it why she loved the sport so much,“Because in their hearts to win. The Ruskin high my big brother did it, he’s my role model,” school softball team has all those kinds Finley said. of people. The girls have worked hard to Sophomore Kylee Allen is the encourager, play the best they could possible play and she’s one of the most supportive players worked to become not just a team, but a letting the family. team know Junior Shaywhen they on Finely is the are doing experienced good. When team memthey mess ber. She has up she lets been playing them know since she was it's okay and 7, the love for helps the this sport has team out grown more whenever she and more each time. Overall Coach Johnson takes a brief moment to talk to his players junior can.

Finley made Shayon Finely, sophomore Kylee Allen and junior Andrea Mor- Senior Yasmeen Tariq is 2nd team all fin. Photo Credit: Ariel West

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Senior Yasmeen Tariq posed with family and friends who came out to cheer her on and support her as they held up signs congratulating her on senior night. Photo Credit: Ariel West

ALL TEAM MEMBERS

2nd Team All-Conference Junior Shayon Finely Sophomore Andrea Morfin steps up to pitch the ball to the other team. Photo Credit: Ariel West

All District Team & All Conference Honorable Mention

Senior Yasmeen Tariq

the winning heart, overall Yasmeen lead the team with a .388 batting average, also one of the team leaders. She gives her all and tries her best whenever she steps up to the plate to hit the winning ball.

Every team goes through rough patches but this team knows how to pull together and whenever someone makes a mistake they let them know it's okay and the next time try harder or do something different.

“Work hard and get better,” junior Jessica Willis said. “It’s a good sport and I’m good at it.”

Finely expressed how she felt about this year’s team.

“For this year’s team I would like for us to show hard work and dedication,” she said.

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EAGLE’S EYE Varsity Eagles set and ready for the Chrisman Bears.

Photo Credit: Malcolm Murphy

A Special Night

by Jaquon Purdy

Junior Destinee Brown taking flight over Saint Joe. Photo Credit: Jaquon Purdy Senior Kendra Sanders-Baskin dropping points over Saint Joe. Photo Credit: Jaquon Purdy

November - December 2017

SPORTS The 2017 senior lady volleyball Eagles finished their final season at Ruskin high school and are set to move on to bigger and better things.

Ruskin says farewell to its seniors Demetria Byers, Tatyana Moore, Karliya Gadson, Coriana Forshee, Kendra Sanders and Saviona Thompson.

"I loved the energy and my coaches and teammates pushing me to do great," Thompson said. "I love the motivation that they were giving me."

Throughout the season they showed heart and courage going through good and rough times.

"For this being my last year of playing volleyball it was a little stressful but I needed to work hard if I wanted to be one of the starters this season," Byers said.

Senior volleyball team leader Sanders helped lead the team to victory and showed prominence.

Head volleyball coach Dana Ostertag raised the bar and brought out the best of her team. “Life is hard but just keep your heads up and power through anything," Ostertag said.

Ostertag is proud of her freshman, junior, and varsity teams for their outstanding performances and wishes to keep that spirit alive for seasons to come.

Expectations will be higher and team chemistry will hit its highest point resulting with more victories. Seniors are proud of their under classmates for their dedication and great work ethic and wishes them a great season ahead.

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EAGLE’S EYE

Senior Night

Saviona Thompson

Demetria Byers

Kendra Sanders

Tatyana Moore

Karliya Gadson

Coriana Forshee November - December 2017

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EAGLE’S EYE

SPORTS

Seniors Kwon Reed, Lonell Mason and Kevin Melson pace themselves as they run.

Photo Credit: Ronnell Brown Senior Aldo Salinas strides for the long run ahead of him. Photo Credit: Ronnell Brown

Junior Alexis Frazier getting ready to serve the ball.

Photo Credit: Robyn King Senior Christian Lively starting off early in the race on a good start. Photo Credit: Ronnell Brown

Junior Shannon Morgan getting ready for the next set.

Photo Credit: Robyn King Coach Benjamin Hendricks and junior Kelly Menijivar have a conversation during the matches. Photo Credit: Robyn King

November - December 2017