Running the ball junior Jordan Salima breaks through
Liberty defensive players. Truman beat Liberty
game. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
Editor’s Statement:
The theme for this year is the new leadership, new direction, new year. This 2014-2015 school year the THS Newspaper Staff is looking forward to a successful year! Bringing you the most current and popular news. We really hope you enjoy reading the newsmagazine as well as having a great successful year with us!
Get your exclusive on Truman’s news, sports and clubs. Follow us on Twitter @THSNewsMedia. Also like us on Facebook: THSNewsMedia. Leave us your feedback!
THE
Editor in Chief:
Melynda Robinson
Managing Editor: Kane Mobley Adviser:
Robyn King
Reporters:
Gregory Miranda
Wanda Wolfe
Alana Campbell
Jazzmin Matchette
Michaela Bishop
Cartoonist: Eric Etzenhouser
Photo Editor: Carly Hall
Assistant Photo Editor:
Katrina Shepherd
Photographers:
Amanda Newberry
Jessica Armstrong
Taylor Hickman
Wanda Wolfe
Kirstin Huber
Kendra Amos
Ani Hedrick
Public Forum Statement
The Spirit is considered a public forum for student expression. We will accept criticism in the form of a letter to the editor. Letters may be delivered to room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. All letters become property of the spirit. The Spirit is produced by students for students however, a faculty adviser provides guidance.
Become a Guest Columnist:
Guest columns can be typed and submitted to Room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. The content must be school appropriate and is subject to change at the editors’ discretion.
Alumni Charity Game Mike Brown Protest
Brown: The Color and Case
by Melynda Robinson, Editor
The fatal shooting of 18 year old Michael Brown (Mike Brown) an 18 year-old eager to attend Vatterott College that Monday was gunned down by a Ferguson Police officer Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2:15 p.m. Since then this incident made St. Louis, Missouri civilians outraged. The unarmed teen was allegedly shot by an officer multiple times. Although many pay respect to Brown and his family, racial tension is very stagnant in the air. According to a government census in 2013, 47.9 percent of the St. Louis population is African American. Making African Americans the ‘majority’ of the city. Although they are majority, the Police Department as well as the mayor are predominantly all White. Many citizens fear the case might be biased based on racial point of view.
In a recent interview with Farrah Fazal from KSDK 5 News, a witness to Brown’s murder, Dorian Johnson, speaks up hoping his side of the story will be heard. In this interview Johnson justifies that Brown never made an effort to reach for the officer’s gun. According to Johnson, he and Brown were walking in the middle of the street that Saturday afternoon when a police car pulled them over on the side of the rode. What the officer didn’t know, was allegedly Brown had just recently robbed a convenience store for a $48.99 box of cigars. There have been many conspiracy theories on exactly what went down between Brown and the officer, even with the fact if Brown even robbed the convenience store.
There is reported to be a total of three autopsy reports, in the first, the autopsy showed six bullet wounds on Brown. The second autopsy was demanded by the family of Michael Brown. This autopsy showed he was struck in the head (at the top) twice, the other four times were in the front. The third autopsy was requested by The U.S. Department of Justice. Although there are limited witnesses, first hand witness Johnson describes his viewpoint of
the shooting very vividly.
“My friend stopped running, his hands went immediately in the air and he turned around towards the officer, face-to-face. He started to tell the officer he was unarmed and that you should stop shooting me,” Johnson explains. “Before he can get his second sentence out, the officer fired several more shots into his head and chest areas.”
Although this story seems to be taking the media by storm, there have been numerous accounts of other scenarios of the event. Some are even saying how could Brown have been running from the officer if bullet wounds were only found on the front and top of his body. Unless the officer missed Brown several times. Michael Brown was left at the crime scene for four hours before he was removed by the authorities. Friday, Aug. 15 the name of the officer who had killed Brown has been released, Darren Wilson. Some say that Brown did struggle for Wilson’s gun. Others are saying he was on the defense thinking that maybe Wilson had stopped him because, he knew about the robbery that took place not long before that. This case alone has caused numerous riots. Many of the crowds have started out peacefully, but have turned to violence.
In every situation, outsiders that are not even from Ferguson have looted stores and have vandalized the city over everything but Michael, defeating the main purpose of a protest . Honestly, what good does that do. You’re actually fighting against the cause. If the world (especially Ferguson) really wanted to take a stand towards racial profiling they wouldn’t hurt their own city. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Yes, no one knows exactly what happened between the officer and Brown. But Brown was in the wrong too. You don’t go and rob a convenience store, just because you feel entitled for something. You either work towards what you want, or simply you can’t have it for the time being. If Wilson did shoot Brown based on racial viewpoint, shame on him for doing that. You judge someone based on how they carry themselves and their character, not a stereotype.
Worldwide #IfTheyGunnedMeDown and #JusticeForMikeBrown has been trending. Both of these campaigns are spreading awareness of how the media portrays Black people. For #IfTheyGunnedMeDown young black men/women show two sides of themselves in one picture. This trend holds true because it seems the media is more likely to use a photo of you that questions if you are a good person. Rather than using a photo for example, of you graduating. While #JusticeForMikeBrown shows supporting signs for the Brown’s family, it also has some very powerful images from communities.
Trayvon Martin, Renisha McBride and Eric Garner are just a few other young African Americans who are victims to gun violence or police brutality. As our hearts go out to the most recent, Mike Brown, I think I can speak for most of America when I say I hope the authorities are able to find out the real truth, and bring peace to the Brown family.
Photo Credit: cofierce.tumblr.com
Apple debuts iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus:
by Gregory Miranda
Maybe Samsung was right, larger screens are better, but don’t take my word for it take Apple’s themselves, Apple Inc. reporting Monday that in their first 24 hours of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus availability of pre-order it shattered previous pre order record reaching over 4 million orders. While the customers are going have to wait until mid to late October to receive their iPhones, customers seem eager to get their hand on the “new” product.
A question before Apple Inc. latest release would be, “What’s the difference from that model to the current one?” This a common question used by customer who didn’t find the need to upgrade their phone to the latest model since Apple has been pretty consistent with their products with occasional minor face lifts. But now, there are many reasons to upgrade to now the latest and greatest iPhone to date. The iPhone 6, has now a 4.7 inch display and the 6 Plus has a 5.5 inch display, with now a thinner body 6.9 millimeters for the 6 and 7.1 millimeters for the 6 Plus which is 0.7 difference for both width and screen size from the last model of the iPhone 5s. Also in a new facelift the iPhone got with also minor cosmetic changes such as button size and shape as well as placement with the volume rockers changing to a new thinner oval shape and now the power button has a new home at the right side of the phone from its original place at the top.
have some major upgrades some may be disappointed with Apple Inc by not upgrading its RAM or more importantly camera megapixels, which is currently sits at 8 megapixels but both new iPhones have a slight update in terms of pixels per inch from the last camera which Apple calls focus pixels which enables faster autofocus. While you still might not be impressed with the minor adjustments to the camera and rightfully so, you maybe be not in the right market when it comes to phones but megapixels aren’t everything when it comes to a camera and more than likely why Apple has not upgraded in a while.
Sleep late, Start late
by Wanda Wolfe
SAlso since the 6 and 6 Plus are bigger in screen display Apple has developed a landscape mode only available on the new pair of phones. Both phones are going to be running on a newer and faster A8 Processor chip that is a HUGE step up from its last A7 processor as well as a M7 Motion co-processor. While both phones
Apple has also increase LTE download speeds as well as added more LTE bands and as soon as you hook up to WiFi you’ll get up to three times the faster speeds. Also since debuting the finger touch sensor last year on the iPhone 5s, Apples been very clear that is the best way to secure your phone as well as added new ways to approve purchases from the App Store, iTunes etc. Adding in a new feature exclusive to iPhones, as Apple Pay a way to make shopping faster, easier and more secure. A new way to pay for items using Touch ID from your iPhones using virtual credit cards information. Apple has expressed and proved its security and goal for Apple Pay to make more things in the consumers lives even more simplistic. Updating that in the first weekend of availability they sold 10 million units alone and projected to shatter sale records as it on course of doing. The iPhone 6 at 16 GB will cost $649 dollars then increasing a $100 dollars more for the 64 GB and 128 GB. The 6 Plus will start off at $749 dollars and increase by same as the iPhone 6.
chool should start at 8:30 a.m. because it gives us more sleep and there’s not as much falling asleep in class. It’s been proven that students in high school and middle school don’t get the recommended amount of sleep which is 8 ½ to 9 ½ hours on school nights and most high school seniors get an average of less than seven hours. Students have to get up before dawn to get ready for school if they ride the bus or need to ride the bus. The less sleep there is it’s potentially dangerous. The dangers includes depression, suicidal thoughts, obesity, and poor performance in school and on standardized test and also car accidents from drowsy driving accoriding to Dr. Judith Owens Director of Sleep Medicine at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington D.C.
If the game times would be a concern they’re already late in the day and especially on the weekends. When we have games on Friday nights they’re already at 7 p.m. if it’s not hot and if it is hot then the games start at 8 p.m.
I myself think that we should start at 8:30 a.m. because it gives us more sleep. Most of the time there’s the extra time in class for you to do the homework or the teachers just don’t give homework. Grades should go up with starting at a later time.
Photo Credit: www.phonearena.com
Scan for the
Sitting humbly in the center of the Truman Court, former coach Steve Broughton’s accomplishments are announced to the crowd. Truman Alumni held a benefit basketball game for Broughton.
Photo by Katrina Shepherd
Broughton Game Coverage
Truman Alumni Held Charity Game For Longtime Basketball Coach
by Alana Campbell
On Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014
Truman High School hosted a charity event for Steve Broughton a former Truman Boys Basketball Coach. The charity was designed to help him with his cancer treatment. Steve Broughton was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. The event raised $10,000 at the door. Also, on Tuesday morning there was an anonymous donor that wrote a check for $500 dollars when he read the article in the Examiner.
“I am so happy to see that people actually care about those who have cancer and want to help in this event,” Anthony Carlson said. “I have a feeling that everyone has a heart and really does care when people need help.”
Those in attendance at the charity game were inspired by all the people donating for a great and amazing cause
because they would all like to see Coach Broughton fight this cancer.
“Coach should be proud that everyone was there supporting him. I was surprised to see that many people there tonight,” Truman alumna Stacey Carlson said. People actually do want to help people that have cancer like Broughton but they
“Coach should be proud that everyone was there supporting him.”
just don’t know how until someone throws an event like the basketball game.
At the charity event they planned a video and all of Broughton’s old players for the Truman basketball team of 19932004 had something really memorable
that had to say about him. All the players mentioned Broughton’s stare look he would always give the boys. They always laughed when it came to that one stare.
The game was a success. Just a few old friendly faces coming to play for their old coach and remembering the good times they had in the Truman high school gym. The players showed they still had skills by displaying their pass throws and dunks.
“I was surprised to see that the old players still had it in them,” Truman alumni Chris Carlson said.
The alumni returned to support a great cause and to get back with their coach again. This experience is proof that a lot of people are willing to help others in a difficult situation. Keep your head up and know that Steve Broughton Coach of the boys basketball team of 1993-2004 is going to fight this cancer.
Protest held in Kansas City for unarmed slain teen Michael Brown
by Jazzmin Matchette, special reporter
On Aug. 15, a small group of Kansas Citians, put together a peaceful protest at Ilus Davis Park to protest police brutality and the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed 18 year old African American that was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson Missouri.
The event was threefold, consisting of a rally, vigil and march; the lighting of candles; and releasing of balloons to represent all of the victims who had lost their lives to police brutality.
There was a bit of media coverage from KCTV 5 and Fox 4 both were at the event. The goal for the protesters was to spread awareness of the ongoing issues with police brutality, and to show that even in small numbers, the message is just as strong.
“As fellow Missourians we wanted to show our support to Ferguson and to let them know we hear them and we
are doing what we can to help them to increase awareness with their demands for justice and the Missouri legal system,” said Ilea Lauber, activist and organizer of Occupy Kansas city.
The first part of the event began with a
“Hands up don’t shoot!”
march, which was held to demonstrate people of Kansas City and surrounding areas exercising their first amendment right to protest and to ask their government for a redress of grievances.
When asked what he hopes to accomplish by attending this event, student Shawn Silver of Truman High school said, “I hope to show the people of Ferguson that
they have support all over and to help bring an end to the racial inequality in America.”
Halfway through the march there was a stop made at the Kansas City courthouse where local rapper Young Fatha gave a speech announcing that not only should we be protesting Michael Brown’s death, but death caused by each other.
“We should not only be protesting when a black kid gets shot by a white police officer, but when people get shot by each other. Whether its black on black or white on white, this is what we should be doing,” said Young Fatha.
As the march continued there were several chants being shouted in an attempt to get people’s attention such as “Hands up don’t shoot!” and “Hey hey ho ho killer cops have got to go!”
“Hands up don’t shoot!” Is one of the chants that was being yelled during the march, this phrase has been shouted all across the country at several protests being held for Brown. It represents the
Releasing the balloons, sophomore Jazzmin Matchette takes part in the city wide protest for Michael Brown and other victims of police brutality. Brown was shot and killed by a Ferguson, Mo. police officer Saturday Aug. 9.
Photo credit: Jazzmin Matchette
Dark out the Night
by Kane Mobley
The Truman Patriots now have a three game winning streak, along with a winning season. Yes, a winning season.
The Patriots are on a roll after topping St. Joe Central, Ruskin, and most recently Liberty. Truman hosted Liberty this past Friday for their homecoming game, and the fans were given a show.
ruman lead the game 28-14 with 8 minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Fans of the home team thought it was over already and were ecstatic. But they quieted down after the Liberty Blue Jays answered with a touchdown, cutting the lead to just a touchdown. The Blue Jays then kicked an onside kick and recovered the football. This left Truman fans nervous. And they had a reason to be, because Liberty fought back and tied the game on that drive.
Silence from the home crowd as their team had given up two touchdowns in a row.
Starting quarterback Dean Clemons was carried off the filed by a cart at halftime.
“I just got hit from behind and my knee
buckled,” said Clemons.
Halfback Jordan Salima replaced him to begin the second half of the game, and was put to the ultimate challenge in this moment.
“My nerves were at an all time high, after all it was the homecoming game and the score was tied,” said Salima.
Truman marched down the field and got to about the 30 yard line before throwing an interception. Frustration and doubt came from the crowd, but it didn’t last because a few plays later Jaylin Williams intercepted the ball for Truman. This set up a field goal to give the Patriots the lead.
The Blue Jays had time for a last second play. The pass was caught by a Liberty receiver, but he was tackled on the one yard line by senior Patriot Andreas Sese. The final score was 31-28 in Truman’s favor.
Salima who had came in for the injured Clemons says that defense made clutch plays when needed, and that’s what set up the field goal.
Safety Joe Allen said he was nervous on
the last second bomb thrown by Liberty.
“I was covering number one because he was the fastest guy they had, and when they threw it to the opposite side of the field I was just hoping it would be an incomplete pass. Luckily Dre tackled him before he scored,” Allen said.
As we wait to see what this Truman team will do down the road, we watch encouragingly.
Carrying the ball, senior Jaylin Williams (56) moves the ball closer to the goal line with teammates junior Phillip Woolsey (81) and senior Nick Twenter (25) provide offense. Truman won homecoming against Liberty High School 31-28. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
New Leadership, New Direction
by Gregory Miranda
We have a new head principal in charge at Truman High school; behind the desk will be Mrs. Pamela Boatright, a former math teacher here at Truman for eight years. Boatright was first promoted to assistant principal then associate principal to now head principal.
“It’s home to me,” Boatright said.
Boatright has an undergraduate degree in Mathematics from Rockhurst University as well as a Masters in Integration of Technology from Leslie University also a Specialist degree in secondary administration from Northwestern Missouri State. Boatright is currently working on her Doctorate Degree in Education Leadership. What does this all spell out? That she’s very well accomplished obviously but also that students and staff here at Truman High School are in good hands.
While we are in good hands, Boatright is not feeling any added pressure from the school because she believes that Truman is headed on the right track, based on state grade report as well as she sees room for greater improvement. Boatright also finds it very rewarding to have dedicated faculty
to helping students reach academic and social goals as well as having a hardworking student body.
When asked what she wants to improve on in her position she stated, “To be a listener first.” Boatright wants to take areas that need improving and listen to students and staff on changes that are needed to be made.
“Caring, compassionate and being a role model first,” Boatright said, on how she would describe herself as principal. Also
“It’s home to me.”
adding that “I hold myself to a higher standard and add self-pressure to myself, to work hard every day for my staff and students,” Boatright said “I’m a mom and wife first and look at things from the perspective of how would I like my kids to be treated to the students here.”
If you are wondering what Boatright
pursues outside of work, “When I’m at home the principal hat comes off,” she said.
She spends most of her time supporting her children in their interests. Boatright has a daughter attending Blackburn Elementary that participates in competitive basketball and softball as well as a son that attends Bridger Middle School whose interests is football and basketball. She likes to read, cook and shop when she has the time.
Lastly Boatright, during her tenure, hopes that when students leave Truman High School that they are equipped with the tools and skills for any position they pursue in the future.
“To help students reach their dreams,”Boatright. “Provide a strong foundation to be ready to go into life.”
From the looks of it, it’s clear that Boatright truly cares about the students and the staff as well as the image of this school. This will motivate students and staff to help each other make themselves better and uplift this school’s image.
Principal Pam Boatright anticipates the chilly water poured by the winning student senior Megan Smith and STUCO member senior Zach Relihan. Boatright was chosen by the students participation in ALS raffle receiving the most funds for the ALS foundation.
Photo Credit: Jessica Armstrong
Searching for more dance partners junior Jessica Armstrong, seniors Keaton Williams, Matt Hughes, and junior Tyler Hickert are ready for the music. The homecoming dance was held in the cafeteria and the theme for this year was “Dark out the Night.” Photo Credit: Carly Hall
Participating in the parade juniors Kelsay Sander and Heather Wall show off the huge tennis ball. The tennis team created the huge tennis ball with chicken wire and tissue paper. Photo Credit: Taylor Hickman
Marching in the homecoming parade freshman symbols player Ethan McAuley, junior Matt Strauss, sophomore James Cravens, and junior Ian Harmon drum to the beat. The band played the Truman Fight Song on the parade route.
Photo Credit: Taylor Hickman
Throwing candy to the parade crowd freshmen Skyler Stiers, Jack LeVota, Sarah Davis, Melia Bayliff and Madeleine Park participate in their first homecoming parade. The Freshmen Academy wore shirts with “We Are Infinite 201 .”Photo Credit: Taylor Hickman
Waving their flags during the halftime show, senior Gwen Jenkins and freshman Jessica Curtis perform for the homecoming crowd. Color Guard performs with the band during the fall season. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
Cheering on the team seniors Dominic Andrade, Lorenzo Dorman, Emery Staton, juniors Nathan Croner, Braden Thomas, Brayden Jensen, Van Oswald, Daniel Statesel, Joesph Quezada, Lily Schnakenberg, sophomore Tyler Larsen, juniors Mya Hartz, Katie Smith, Taylor Biegel, Caprice Cornley, and Skylar Colletti wait for the play to end. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
Strutting with her dad, Jordan Stiers was crowned Homecoming Queen 2014. Senior Noah Cahill was named Homecoming King during the dance on Saturday night. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
Celebrating the win, senior Jaylin Williams walks off the field beating Liberty High School 31-28. Williams had one interception during the game. Photo Credit: Amanda Newberry
Running on the field the Truman football team prepares to take on Liberty High School for homecoming 2014. Truman cheerleaders hold the sign as the team breaks through. Photo credit: Amanda Newberry
