E
Winter Edition
Vol. 7, Issue 2
Winter Edition
E
EAGLE’S EYE NEWS
Homecoming... pg. 6-7
World Champs Frenzy...pg. 18-20 Sexting in schools...pg. 5 Orcas, cups, terror...pg. 8-9 Puppet takeover ...pg. 10 Ruskin sports ...pg. 15-17
Giving back... pg. 3
[NEWS]
[PAGE 2]
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION
Parents and Teachers
Brianna Hull co-Editor-in-Chief
classroom,” Criniere said. Even though this may make it more difficult, many parents still attend and it is important to the parents and students alike that they
It’s that time of year again, parent teacher conferences. The day some students dread while others look forward to it. Parents drag their nervous students to the school to discuss their grades and behavior in class. Conferences were held Oct. 22 and 23. This event is meant to introduce parents and teachers. It also aims to have parents more involved in the classroom and their child’s academics. Many parents came throughout these two World History teacher Benjamin Hendricks days. shows a parent the textbook used in class. “I think it went well,” Photo by Luis Jimenez. algebra teacher Charles Crinbe acquainted with who teaches iere said. “I had a great turn out their student every day. with over 30 parents and students When parents meet the teachthat showed up.” ers face-to-face, more informaParents who attended had tion can be passed between them to travel the halls much like their making a lasting impression and children do every day. This can be experience. It also gives more time tedious to some parents and reducfor parents and teachers to discuss es the amount of time they have to what happens in the classroom. talk to each teacher. Teachers can get to know the stu“Instead of having all parents dent on a more personal level and go to different classes, a centralincrease the communication beized location where parents and tween parents and the classroom. students don’t have to go to every
RUSKIN’S OFFICIALLY
CHARGED UP
Alesia Davis Managing Edior
Senior Alicha Dooley proudly displays ‘Charged Up’ sign for this year’s yearbook theme. During National Buy A Yearbook Week, the Journalism Department offered several specials. These specials included a discount on the yearbook,
CORRECTION In the last issue of the Eagle’s Eye newspaper, an image of Coach William Perkins ran above a biography for Administrator Torrence Allen. We apologize for this error. Below is the correct image and biography.
Assistant Pincipal Torrence Allen
Math teacher Charles Criniere shows student work to a parent. Photo by Luis Jimenez.
as well as half priced Senior Ads. Nov. 9-13, anyone who bought a yearbook received a free activity pass and the first 15 customers to purchase a Senior Ad received a pizza party. “I’m turned up and excited for this year’s yearbook,” Dooley said. Photo by Summer Love.
1.JC Hardman High School in Kansas City, Kansas 2.Government 3.Nielsen community college, UMKC, Avila University, Emporia State University 4.Math 5.”It was an new opportunity,Ruskin was a great place to come and learn and grow.” 6. Meet new students
[NEWS]
[PAGE 3]
Carpenter claims racial inequity affects test scores By Luis Jimenez
co-Editor-in-Chief
S
uperintendent Dennis Carpenter called for a press conference on Oct. 23 over concerns about the Annual Performance Report for the district. According to Carpenter, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District lost all 12 points in science this year due to racial inequities in the procedures used by the Missouri Department of Education. According to DESE, the District earned 59.3 of the total points for the 2014-2015 school year. The points are calculated on the categories that range from Academic Achievement to Attendance and graduation rate. The data shows a decrease from last school to this current school year of 11.4 percent, which keeps the district provisionally accredited for another year. However the District managed to improve in all End-Of-
Course assessments with each area improving an average of four percent increase. The biggest improvement was in the area of Algebra I with an astonishing increase from 11.8 percent in 2013-14 to 36.6 percent last school year. Carpenter sent a letter of appeal to DESE, the program that facilitates the testing and assesses the District. He expressed his disapDennis Carpenter explains the MSIP scores during a press conference held pointment and frus- Superintendent ath the Hickman Mills C-1 District Central Office. Carpenter criticized the way the Department tration of the change of Elementary and Secondary Education tested students and outlined how he plans to tackle from pencil and pa- the issues at hand, improve the scores and regain accreditation. Photo by Luis Jimenez. for the exams. Carpenter said. per testing to online This marks the third year Another one of his displeatesting that the children aren’t properly exposed to, unlike sures was the sudden change of that the District remains provitheir peers from other districts. expectations of the standards of sionally accredited since 2012. “The swift transition from DESE, who he claims to be in- The District lost their full acpencil and paper testing to elec- consistent with their process of creditation when their APR or tronic testing failed to provide critiquing the School District. Annual Performance Report, sufficient time for our student He also disapproved of their dropped from nine points in population to assimilate to the lack of providing students with 2011 to seven in 2012. electronic testing process,” the necessary items to practice
Presents for Daycare
RHS Announces StuCo Officers William White Staff Reporter
Junior Sarah Berg and senior Michelle Mayhue wrap presents for the kids at the Ruskin Eagles day care center as a service project for National Honor Society. On Dec.17, NHS students delivered the gifts so the kids they “adopted” could feel a little bit more special for the holidays. The atmosphere of the event was, happy, caring and very uplifting. Senior Shelby Donnell chaired the event for NHS and she felt extra special about the whole event. “I’ve always had a passion for helping kids,” Donnell said. “The day care felt like the perfect place to spread my holiday joy.” Photo By: Craig Hughes.
The student council election happened Dec. 10 when the students in each of their classes elected Rickki PierreeCanal (left) as this school year’s senior class president, Shelby Woodroof (center) as the junior class president Student Vice President, and Michael Ricketts (right) as the sophomore class president. For the first time, these students will also fill the roles of Student Council
Secretary/Treasurer, Vice-President, and President. “I’ve always competed with the school events no matter what it is, and I also have the good qualities to do the things I do so why let them go to waste,” Ricketts said. Photo by William White.
[OPINION]
[PAGE 4]
Football Players Ignite Mizzou
Luis Jimenez & Brianna Hull Co-Editors-in-Chief
As of Nov. 9, the protestors students on this campus do not at Univerwant special treatsity of Misment, just equality souri got for all,” Martin said. their goal of “Originally I forcing the traveled to the camppresident site (which was loto resign. cated on Missouri’s We believe campus on Tradithe students tions Plaza outside) experito gain more knowlenced great edge about the Conamounts cerned Student 1950 of racism movement and to throughout University of Missouri system President Tim Wolfe is present at the board of offer my support,” the year curators meeting shortly before he announced he would resign his post on Martin said. “The and took Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, due to pressure from students who felt he had not done enough to address recent racial issues on the Columbia campus. (Al- more we shared the begin- lison Long/Kansas City Star/TNS) stories with one ning steps another, the more towards They were refusing to particiI noticed that this equality. pate in any football activities problem has become an epiMissouri University Sys- until Wolfe resigned. demic, not only for black stutem President Timothy Wolfe Ruskin Alumni Briahna dents but for Asian Americans, stepped down due to the threats Martin, now a student at MizMexican Americans, internaof several students. Grad Stu- zou, participated in the protests tional students, LGBTQ, etc. dent Jonathan Butler went on and we believe she sums up the This movement started about a hunger strike for several days opinion of the staff. African American/Black inand said that he would not “Why are these events fi- equality and made us realize eat again until Wolfe stepped nally being discussed as an isthat we were not alone. That is down. Butler is known for his sue? The answer to that queshow we gained support.” protests and led many of them tion is that we have gotten The students had every on campus. The football team tired of running the same race right to protest against the unopenly stated that they support- as the majority but with more fair treatment they were received him and his efforts and were obstacles. The marginalized ing, or rather the inaction. Aclater led by Butler in a boycott.
cording to thedailybeast.com, the football team’s coach may have dealt the final blow towards Wolfe’s resignation. He tweeted a picture of the team with his support. “The Mizzou family stands as one. We are united. We are behind our players,” Gary Pinkel tweeted. Wolfe said that he resigned because he believed it was the right thing to do. “The frustration and anger that I see is clear, real, and I don’t doubt it for a second,” Wolfe said. “Please, please, use this resignation to heal, not to hate, and let’s move on together for a brighter tomorrow.” Beginning on Sept. 2, the protestors hosted several “Racism Lives Here” protests. Once the football team joined the many protests, the story went national. During these protests the students called for a more active administration. Several students reported saying that the environment was hostile, and that these events had been going on for several years. Mizzou Graduate and See “Mizzou,” cont. on pg. 5
Eagle’s Eye Editorial Policy Do you have a comment on this or another article? We welcome your letters to the editor. See guidelines below. A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s Eagle’s Eye News staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expression used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publi-
cation or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter. B. Format. All letters to the editor
must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed. C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages. D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of
privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements. E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to eagleseye@ ruskinnews.com, placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 102.
[OPINION]
Sexting In School
[PAGE 5]
New ideas needed to resolve problem.
Musa Khan
I
Staff Reporter
n a new era of technology, students face new dilemmas and predicaments that parents can’t relate to. Many teenagers are subjected to the glorification of sex through the media in many forms including music and movies. The recent revelations at Cañon City High School in Colorado, where many students were sexting one another, shows that schools aren’t doing enough to prevent this. The lack of help students receive from schools and parents on this specific issue has made it a growing problem. To prevent sexual immorality between students, schools and parents need new ideas that can be effective in stopping sexting. One way to stop sexting would be using
text-messaging services, which would allow teenagers to submit anonymous questions they have about sexting and receive answers. Another way would be to inform students about the serious implications that come with sexting including jail time and even being registered as a sex offender in some states. Also parents can help by monitoring computers and devices and setting limits on usage of the student’s devices. The most
“Mizzou,” cont. from pg. 4 Ruskin Journalism Advisor Laura Williams said that the environment was great in 1986 but there was not a lot of integration in her student life. “In my sorority, one girl was mixed, but most I think chose to be in African American Greek sororities,” Williams said. Symone Griffin said that she was reading through Facebook and found out about the protests and the reports of racism. “I thought some was fake,”
Griffin said. “Some colleges will be affected (by the protests) and some will not be affected.” Many students on campus hope that other colleges and students who have been touched by racism will follow their example and will stop it. The production team whole heartedly agrees.
By The Numbers of the Mizzou Story By Brianna Hull
important thing, however, is to hold students accountable and teach them how to be responsible and safe. On the other hand, some students argue that sexting may not be a terrible thing. “If a couple are romantically involved, then there should be no problem with them sending personal photos of themselves to each other,” said senior Gerardo Sanchez. H o w ever, many
students disagree and believe that there is no place for sexting. Sending sexual photos to anyone, including partners, is exceptionally dangerous and foolish because exposing oneself can leave one vulnerable and at risk. “It is extremely irresponsible to be sending inappropriate pictures to people who can do anything with those pictures including posting them online for everyone to see,” said senior Ammar Hamdan. A dirty picture can often wreck a student’s life if it’s posted online where many other people can see it. In the light of recent events, schools and parents must step up and offer solutions to this growing problem before teenagers began to follow Cañon City High School’s example.
[HOMECOMING 2015]
[PAGE 6]
Homecoming Week 2015
Monday - Celebrity Day
Tuesday - Salad Day
Wednesday - Safari Day
DANCE DANCE DANCE
SPIRIT WEEK Junior Jasmine Norris. Glitz & Glam Juniors Briana Thornton and Crinesha Palmer as rapper Tupac and singer Aaliyah. Other students dressed up as Will Smith, Janelle Monae and Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. “On celebrity day I automatically thought about being Tupac because I had a nose piercing,” Thornton said. “I also already had a shirt with Tupac on it so I knew it would be perfect for Celebrity Day.” Photo by Alesia Davis.
Thursday - Super Hero vs Super Villian Day
Greek Goddess Junior Jada Warren shows off her godliness to celebrate spirit week. The theme was Salad Day. The different salad dressing themes varied by each student’s grade. Sophomores dressing was ranch dressing, juniors Italian dressing, and seniors had thousand Island dressing. Sophomores wore cowboy attire, juniors wore laurel wreaths, and togas and seniors wore multicolored floral patterns. “I put my costume together by wearing my dress from homecoming last year and made it into a shirt,” Warren said. “I also put on pants since it was chilly that day and I added my sister’s necklace around my head.” Photo by Summer Love.
Rumble in the Jungle Junior Aeriona Verge rocks her leopard print makeup. Students wore camouflage and their favorite animal print. “I wore cheetah print and a leather jacket,” senior Alaiya Riley said. “I already had my outfit planned.” Photo by Jada Burse.
“LOST inTIME” Friday - Blackout Day
Spidey’s Super Strength Senior Shawn Carter shows off his muscles before heading back to class. Throughout the day, RHS students dressed up as Superheroes and Villains to support spirit week. Their costumes included various masks, props, and capes. “I went to Party City to get a spiderman costume,” Carter said. “I’ve always liked him since I was young.” Photo by Jada Burse.
Making Noise Seniors Brian Williams and Deaira Walker pose before the homecoming pep rally. Student and Ruskin faculty members dressed in all black for “Black Out Day” to prepare for Friday night’s big game. “The homecoming pep rally was really cool,” Williams said. “I think it was as fun as it was when I was a sophomore.” Photo by Jasmine Shelton.
Senior Summer Love.
Junior Isamar Osorio and senior Jonnae Soil.
Junior Keshawn Crowbarker and sophomore Elizabeth Moloto.
[HOMECOMING 2015]
2015Homecoming COURT
Sophomores Shakespeare William, Ava Lofton, seniors Sunny Cisneros, Traneece Dickerson, Shaun Carter, Yahzmine Jackson, junior Aeriona Verge and Tayshon Wrench make up the Homecoming Court for 2015.
[PAGE 7]
King Shaun Carter
Queen
Traneece Dickerson
Sr. Princess 1 Yahzmine Jackson
Sr. Princess 2 Sunny Cisneros
Jr. Prince Taysean Wrench
Jr. Princess Aeriona Verge
Soph. Prince
Shakespeare William Sophomore Prince Shakespeare Williams
Sophomore Princess Ava Lofton
PEP RALLY Photos by Amya Tabron
Junior Prince & Princess Tayshon Wrench and Aeriona Verge
Homecoming candidates and their escorts line up to await the announcement of winners.
1. Junior Duvonte Beard and senior Donte Tibbs helps “pie� speech teachers Matt Ashpaugh and Carla Sole for United Way during the pep assembly. 2. Senior Maleya LockeLopez hula hoops as part of the obstacle course race. 3. Senior Tygee Faulkner performs his original dance. 4. Junior class gets hype.
Photos by Craig Hughes
Soph. Princess Ava Lofton
[WORLD NEWS]
[PAGE 8]
Seaworld phasing out Killer Whale shows in San Diego By Amya Tabron Staff ReporteR
Starbucks cup change has Christians upset By Derrion Williams STAFF REPORTER
Starbucks’ decision to take the Christmas decorations off of their original winter themed red cups as of November 2015 was met with controversy. In past years, Starbucks’ red cups have sported various holiday symbols of the season. “In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs,” said Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president of Design & Content, in a company media release. “This year we wanted to usher in the holidays
with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.” This year’s Starbucks cup is two-toned red with no design. “We have anchored the design with the classic Starbucks holiday red that is bright and exciting,” Fields said. “The ombré creates a distinctive dimension, fluidity and weightedness.” Many Christians took offense to this action because they feel that Christ was being removed from Starbucks supposedly “Christmas themed” See “Cups,” cont. on pg. 13
Seaworld in San Diego, California is planning on ending its Killer Whale shows in 2016, following the Blackfish Documentary which many blamed for falling 4.2 percent in 2014, attendance rose lowering Sea- After 5.6 percent in the first three months of 2015 at world’s profits SeaWorld's 11 theme parks and attractions, SeaWorld San Diego, although an early Eas17%, which is still including ter helped boost crowds. (Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times/TNS) going down. “I’m sad that the story of Tilikum, a captive the show is closing because it killer whale that has taken the was very entertaining,” sopho- lives of several people, the way more Aliyah Fleeks said. “But the park treats the whales and Seaworld takes some of the how little they know about the blame. They are supposed to huge mammal. The documenmake sure the animals are being tary caught the attention of treated right but they weren’t, people all over the world, and so they pay the price.” sparked an outrage. The “Blackfish” documentary was released in July of See “Orca,” cont. on pg. 13 2013. The documentary showed
E. Coli Breakout at Chipotle Amya Tabron STAFF REPORTER
Chipotle closed 43 of its restaurants in Oregon and Washington after over 20 cases of E. Coli were reported beginning Oct. 31. “I used to eat Chipotle at least five times out of the month,” sophomore Kiara Warren said. “After I heard about the breakout, I stopped eating it and I haven’t eaten it since.” E. Coli (Escherichia Coli) is a type of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of people and animals, the bacteria is usually found in contaminated food
or water. E. Coli can get severe if not cured, and may cause death. Oregon officials confirmed 12 cases of the infection, but could not identify the food or other source of contamination. Only eight restaurants were potential links to the cases, but the company closed 43 restaurants out of an abundance of caution. “I don’t eat Chipotle that often, but it just comes to show that we have to be careful of what we eat,” sophomore Roger Henderson said. After testing hundreds of samples, the source of the E.
Coli still hasn’t been found. According to the Washington State Department of Health, tests of food samples found no traces of E. Coli. Results are still pending for several other samples. Chipotle has received nearly 900 tests re-
sults, all of which showed no E. Coli. No restaurants have reopened since the breakout. Chipotle is not planning on re-opening the restaurants until the source of the infection is identified.
[WORLD NEWS]
[PAGE 9]
Ruskin Reacts to World Terror
Jasmine Shelton
F
Managing Editor: Online
riday the 13th, was not only a day of “bad luck,” it was an extremely disastrous and memorable day for the French people in particular. ISIS bombers and gunmen terrorized the city of Paris with seven different attacks throughout the city killing over 100 people and injuring hundreds more in a matter of hours. The attacks were orchestrated by three groups of terrorists in six sites, all acting in unison according to CNN. Seven of the eight terrorists were killed by either activating suicide belts, or being shot and killed by the police. This series of attacks was completed in a mere 20 minutes. The attacks began at 9:20 p.m. at the Stade de France during the France vs. Germany soccer game. The explosion was heard near the stadium’s entrance D. The blast came from a suicide bomber,which killed four people outside the venue as well the bomber. One of the four people killed in the explosion was a man who just so happened to be walking by one of the bombers as they blew. Seconds later there was a second explosion executed near entrance H by a second suicide bomber. The belts that the bombers were wearing were full of batteries, bolts, and buttons. French President Francois Hollande was in the stadium watching the game, but was safely evacuated. The attacks on Paris have shaken most people around the world. Na-
Check ruskinnews.com for details on the other sites attacked in Paris and opinions of Ruskin students and staff about the attacks. tional monuments all over the world from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia to one half of the Empire State Building in New York City were lit in the French national colors of white, red and blue. Even in Kansas City, Union Station, the Marriott Hotel and other skyscrapers shined red, white and blue in support of France. World leaders are beginning to speak out on the attacks, President Barack Obama is calling the attack on Paris an “outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians” and he “vows to do whatever it takes to help bring the perpetrators to justice.” The attack is being called
the worst attack to Paris since World War II. The attacks on Paris are raising questions about the issue of foreign policy. Refugees from Syria are beginning to come to United States and the governors of 31 states refuse to welcome them. Alabama, Georgia and Kansas are among those who refuse to accept refugees. Colorado, Washington and Delaware will welcome refugees. “I’m afraid that we will become more restrictive with our immigration,” American History 101 teacher Robert Nellis said. “I’m afraid that we will take a knee jerk reaction to all people that believe in Islam that are practicing Muslims.
This group does not represent the Muslim faith. Unfortunately, it is a group that has it’s own agenda. It hides behind the facade of Islam.” Ruskin students have given their input on the Paris attacks. Before the attacks, students and staff at the University of Missouri were experiencing racial tensions. African American students thought they weren’t being represented fairly and decided to protest. The issues at Mizzou were the center of the news world in the U.S. until the Paris attacks, making a few people believe that Paris was nothing more than a distraction. “Honestly, I thought it was a distraction when I first heard it,” senior Lionel Simpson said. “I didn’t think it was real until I actually started looking into it. It’s all about the ISIS people selling oil on the black market and the people of Paris came over, took over and killed them and now they’re mad and revolting so I feel like it’s a war that Paris started. They put themselves in this predicament.” Most students disagree. “I don’t think the attacks were Paris’ fault,” junior Mark Anthony Robins said. “They were just chilling playing soccer and then next thing you know ISIS attacks.” Although ISIS has attacked many other places around the world, this attack in Paris was considered one of the worst and the world is now standing behind Paris and are #PrayingForParis.
[A&E]
[PAGE 10]
Senior Del’shon Bradford had to learn lip synchronization with his puppet, the character “Princeton.” Photo by Mackenzie Cooney.
Puppet takeover By: Tierra Taylor Arts and Entertainment
T
Editor
hey struggle to remember lines, while recalling their cues for upcoming songs, and still juggling multiple techniques for puppets. This was a daily routine for the actors starring in “Avenue Q: School Edition.” The musical took place Nov. 19, 20, and 21 in Ruskin's auditorium. This musical, unlike others in the past, proved to be much more challenging. The cast had to manipulate puppets as well as sing, dance and act. Senior Del’Shon Bradford felt that this play had obstacles because a puppet’s facial expressions do not exist. Bradford had the lead last year in the fall musical “Little Shop of Horrors” as the shop florist, Seymour. This year he played Princeton a former college stu-
dent looking for a place to go. “It was a weird experience because I'm not used to using only my body to express different emotions,” Bradford said. “However, this time around, I had to use my puppet’s body movements while I made different facial expressions myself as an actor.” Junior Shelby Woodroof
felt a little disconnected since she wasn't the main focus in the play like usual. Instead, her puppet Kate Monster was. “I used different techniques to convey her emotions,” Woodroof said. “I’d thrust my hand out to show that she's talking. When she is upset I’d clench my fist.” Woodroof also found it
difficult to use a puppet while acting. “My hand is really small,” said Woodruff. “It's too small to open up her mouth all the way.” An obstacle for Woodroof during practice and rehearsals was doing choreography with the rest of the cast. Theater director Kelly Michale also found many obstacles that the entire cast had to overcome. “The first (obstacle) was figuring how to make the actors’ mouths and the puppets’ mouths move at the same time,” Michale said. “The other directors of the play wanted the actors to look similar to their puppets. So if the puppet has long curly hair, we also wanted the actor to have long curly hair. Lastly, we gave the actors a lot of notes on how to get better or changes they could make so that the puppets seemed more realistic. Once that happened we saw how the actors put their entire body into the puppet and it's pretty amazing to see.” Michale said she felt that the puppets were like an extension of the actors. “The puppets add a ton See “Puppets,” cont. on pg. 12
Lena Jackson, Jacob Brown, Del’shon Bradford, Shelby Woodroof, and Monah Isenhower perform the play for the first time during the student matinee. Photo by Jada Burse.
[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]
Never
“B”
[PAGE 11]
Flat Chris Browns’ album cover “Royalty” released Dec. 18.
Jasmine Shelton
Managing Editor
Timothy Collins and Tenicia Sanders concentrate on the music. The cellos provide the base for the other sounds as well as the count to keep other sections on time. Photo by Luis Jimenez.
Luis Jimenez Editor In Chief
On Oct. 27, the Ruskin Eagles Orchestra students performed for parents and friends for their annual fall concert. The night kicked off with the freshmen from the Hickman Mills Freshmen Center performing. Then, the RHS Concert Orchestra, then the Chamber Orchestra performing last. The Orchestra performed a medley of music ranging from a homage to the classic tradition of Mexico celebrating the dead called “Dia de los Muertos,” to an original arrangement for the classic “Imperial March” from Star Wars, in which Orchestra Conductor Ariel Aguilar wore a Darth Vader mask. While hesitant to put on
the mask, he explains what managed to persuade him to finally wear it. “As concert time approached, the kids kept pushing and I began to consider it,” Aguilar said. “I could only find the little kid plastic masks. It wasn’t until the day of the concert I was able to find the mask so I went with it.” This would mark Aguilar’s second year as the Ruskin orchestra teacher and conductor since taking over as leader after Orchestra teacher Rod Young retired. His goal for this year is to not fall into a “sophomore slump’’ and has established an orchestra council which leads meetings and chooses music. He also plans to involve his students in more contests and more activities outside of the classroom.
In light of Adele’s “25” album, Chris Brown never seems to disappoint after dropping a 34-song mixtape which he titled “Before the Party.” The album was released on Nov. 27 to hold fans over until Dec.18 when his seventh studio album “Royalty,” named after his daughter was released. “Before the Party” features a multitude of artists including Fetty Wap, Rihanna, French Montana, and Wale. The album includes songs like “Seasons Change,” “ All I Need” ft. Wale, and “Hell Of a Nite” ft. Fetty Wap and French Montana. This album shows a lot of different sides of Brown. His song “Seasons Change” catches up with Brown after a breakup to his former love and it is evident in the track’s beat and the tone of his voice that he is hurt. The song talks about the changing of the seasons, and about how long he's been alone. He’s been counting all of the time and wishes that his former flame would have trusted him instead of listening to outsiders. The song talks about all the pain and despair that he has experienced. Meanwhile, the seasons change from winter to fall and the relationship goes
from warm to cold in the same instance. Also on the mixtape, Brown paired up with rapper Wale for the eighth track, “All I Need.” Brown and Wale take turns, Wale rapping and Brown singing about their own respectives females. They both are telling about how all they need in the world is her and because they have her they can “save the world.” There are a lot of references to other songs like Chris Brown's single “Liquor,” Tinashe's “Player” and Ace Hood’s “Body To Body.” The song has a more upbeat feel and a softer feel, even with both artists rapping. A more upbeat, fun track is “Hell Of A Nite.” The song features Fetty Wap and French Montana. Brown joined the party dropping “Before the Party” on Black Friday. Erykah Badu dropped her mixtape “But You Can't Use My Phone” and Trey Songz also dropped his “To Whom It May Concern” mixtape. “Before The Party” is available for listening and download anywhere you can get music and “Royalty” was available Dec. 18, and can be ordered on iTunes, the Play Music store and any other music service.
[FEATURES/NEWS]
[PAGE 12]
Walt Disney crazy Angel Hudson staff reporter
A little 5-year-old girl looks up and sees blue and yellow balloons that are being held by the kids and adults. Characters with big ears, yellow beaks and long blue princess dresses walk around posing for pictures with families. Who knew 5-year-old Heather Reilly would carry this love and amazement of allthings Disney with her forever. At 30-something years old, this Ruskin Communication Arts teacher still can’t get enough of everything Disney. Her family has gone to Disneyworld every year since they moved to Florida when she was 4. She loved Disney movies even then. “I appreciate the magic of the place,” Reilly said. “Some families save for years to get here once. I am always aware of how fortunate I am. It’s a place where my family has had so many great times a to be able to experience it so often.”
Reilly said she had too many good times there to narrow it down to one wonderful time at Disney. “I love the Aquarium at the Animal Kingdom and the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, but most of all, I appreciate my family and the adventures we’ve had. The laughs and many memories we have created,” Reilly said. Reilly helps keep those memories alive through her extensive collection purchased over the years. Located in the corner of her classroom, Reilly has plenty of Disney souvenirs lined up on the table. She also has clothes and shoes that she wears with the Disney characters on them. In fact, one might wonder if she spends all of her extra money on Disney souvenirs. “I do a lot of shopping in Florida, at outlets and the parks, but I only buy things that really catch my attention and are unique,” Reilly said. “I have so much that I don’t buy just anything.”
(Right) Mariah Eisenhower sings “Specials” as Lucy to the lucky puppets and AUDIENCE for the Avenue Q: The Musical for the Club Scene. (Far right.) Brian apologizing to his wife, Christmas Eve, for calling her oriental and not calling her Asain American
Communication Arts teacher Heather Reilly has visited Disneyland with her niece, Reilly (left) and her good friend Social Studies teacher Kim Sixta (right).
growing up. Then, in 2000, we acquired a vacation home there. Now, I go twice a year. My parents live there now. We will always have a home there. Disney is always a memorable and amazing experience. Everything is beautiful, clean, colorful and people are so friendly,” Reilly said. “They don’t call it ‘the happiest place on earth’ for nothing.” Trekkie Monster played by Anthony Glover as he is tells the main characters to get off his property as he is being shown the character of Princeton for the first time.
“Puppets,” cont. from page 10 to the show,” Michale said. “I think that the puppets made it easier when discussing difficult topics and mature subjects. Whether it be race or sexuality or even sex. I think that it was a lot easier to approach those topics because the puppets made the show so light-hearted and fun. Plus the message still got across.”
Reilly said she never has a set amount that she spends on her Disney souvenirs. “It really just depends on which parks I go to and the amount of time between trips,” she said. “Sometimes I have everything I want already.” Reilly has had a lot of time to collect those special memories. There has never been a dull moment and the Reilly family has never missed a year going into Disney to visit her grandparents who live there and she does not plan to stop. “I can’t really remember a time when it wasn’t a part of life,” Reilly said. “My parents still took us every few years
Photos by Mackenzie Cooney. Shelby Woodroof as Kate Monster in her opening scene waving at Jacob Brown playing Brian.
[FEATURES/NEWS]
Fellow Eagles Help Business Soar
By Derrion Williams
O
Staff Reporter
ver this past summer,senior Jazell Randolph, and juniors Kamryn Miller and Jada Warren were selected to go to a Fashion Internship program with Keefe Cravat a Noble Neckwear Company. At this program, they were responsible for creat-
“Orca,” cont. from pg. 8 “It is not necessary to shut down orca shows. I think that they help the public to better appreciate marine life,” communication arts teacher Marquia Turner said. “I DO believe that orcas in captivity should be held in better conditions and not kept for their lifetimes.” Seaworld was very upset about the releasing of “Blackfish” and called the tape “propaganda” and “emotionally manipulative” and spent $15M on a TV and social media campaign to counter negative sentiment and promote the work it does to protect and care for whales and other animals. “SeaWorld is right that the documentary was propaganda.
ing bow ties and wardrobes for a fashion show. The girls were very excited to be a part of the show because of their shared interest in fashion and wanting to design wardrobes. “It was a life changing experience and I was introduced to stuff that was new to me like getting a chance to actually develop something for a fashion show,” Miller said. “I really en-
It was meant to upset people and expose the horrible conditions that orcas were kept in,” Turner said. “I do not think it was misleading though because we saw video footage of male orcas’ dorsal fins flopped over because they were depressed. We saw genetic evidence that Tilikum was being used to breed all of the whales Seaworld had. We also saw the facilities the whales were kept in and saw mothers and calves being separated and sold. You can’t make that up and if it looks bad then, yeah, it must be pretty bad.” Seaworld is planning on ending the Orca shows by the end of 2016 and replacing it with a new and improved Orca show that focuses on the natural environment of whales.
[PAGE 13] show,” Warren said. joyed all the parTiming is very importies and new optant when you’re working on portunities that I anything alone with meeting was given there.” deadlines. The girls had a cerRandolph tain amount of time to make said she learned the bow ties for the men in the some great busifashion show. ness lessons from But all their hard work paid Cravat. off. Keefe Cravat was able to “Deadlines launch his business nationwide are very imporwith a new web site, keefecratant in the field vat.com. of fashion d e s i g n ing,” Randolph said. “They’re important because you need to know how much time you have when you’re working on a project or a design for the fashion show.” All three girls said the experience was rewarding, but also challenging. “Time was too short and some people were off task when they were Juniors Cameron Miller, Jada Warren, and doing their bow ties and senior Jazell Randolph pose before the show where their new Bow Tie dewardrobes for the fashion fashion signs will debut.
“Cups,” cont. from pg. 8 red cups. “I don’t really think that it’s a big deal because the product still tastes the same,” senior Trenier Mannon said. This was the most controversial discussion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Reportedly, employees aren’t allowed to tell the customers Merry Christmas anymore. “They should at least say happy holidays so that people feel welcomed in their store,” senior Giselle Randolph said. Though most Christians aren’t agreeing with the company’s decision about changing the cup, others think it’s really not a big deal.
“Not really that deep, besides nobody really knows when he was born anyways,” junior Cameron Miller said. The question remains, is it a religion thing or is it professionalism? Christians strongly believe that it’s a religious thing because of everything that happened along with the decorations being taken off. Starbucks, as of now, is not a very popular place to go if you’re trying to get in the holiday spirit, at least for the whole bunch of Christians that were offended.
[NEWS]
[PAGE 14]
Serving Us Then By Craig Hughes
B
Staff Reporter
ecause they not only serve Ruskin as teachers, they protected the United States of America, staff veterans were honored along with other veterans from the community at the annual Veteran’s Day Lunch on Nov. 11 in the Ruskin gym. Three of the six staff veterans are Ruskin social studies teachers and five served in the U.S. Army. Michael Hutchins, William Simpson, and William O’Brien all served as infantry in the Army, but different wars. Kevin Utterback worked in finance for the Army. And, Robert Nellis served as an intelligence officer in the Army. Dion Lewis served in the U.S. Air Force. Together, Ruskin staff members’ service spanned five different wars and they all had various reasons for joining the armed forces. “My senior year, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I knew that I definitely didn’t want to work at places that you can only work at if you only have a high school diploma,” said Utterback, who served in Desert Storm during the Gulf War. “So, I decided to join the service. The minute I got in I said, ‘What did I get myself in to?’ But it went by very quickly.” Utterback said he entered the service Sept. 11, 1990, and got out the same day in 1993. O’Brien served later, in Afghanistan and Iraq. “I got to get out of the country and see the world and see new things,” O’Brien said. “Also, I got to meet different people and make a lot of friends.” O’Brien said he was sent on operational deployments to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghani-
& Now
stan, Iraq, and assorted locations in the Pacific Theatre. “It was a very positive experience in my life,” he said. “It was the best job I’ve ever had.” Utterback said his service time was also a positive experience. Social Studies teacher Wil“I served years and I had liam O’Brien served in the Army infantry during (Subthe best time in the Army,” Utmitted photo.) terback said. “I made friends, there was lots of camaraderie. But when I got back into the states, everyone was for themselves.” Like Utterback, Nellis had his share of negative responses ing killed and it other people still working that toward the war would be brought have been working for years, he served in. to you in living I’ll be done.” “During the color. We don’t Hutchins encourages it for war, the citizens see war on televi- different reasons. called us baby sion anymore be“Make sure you research killers and other cause, times are what you want to get into behorrible names,” cause service is serious busisaid Nellis, who Business teacher Dion Lewis different.” Besides all ness,” Hutchins said. “You served in the Viet- served in the U.S. Air Force. of the negative can’t just close your eyes and (Submitted photo.) nam War. “But I things that hap- choose. You have to choose still fought. I did what my country wanted me to pened to him during the war, carefully. And make sure you Nellis had some positives. take a lot of pictures.” do.” “It took me from being a Lewis is excited about the Nellis said that he thinks television hurt the soldiers the bad student and turned me into service. ‘A’ student,” Nellis said. “Most “Go for it! People have most. of all, it taught me discipline. I a bad image of the military in “There’s a difference between TV today and TV back realized how the world really general because of war. Howthen,” he said. “Back then, they works. If you don’t know what ever, only 4% of the Air Force mostly showed U.S. soldiers you want out of life you should flies planes and the rest of the Airman work to support the as killers. They never showed join the Army.” Nellis, along with the other missions,” Lewis said. “The Air all the good we did. That shows that times are different. staff veterans, would encourage Force is a great option!” So when we came home, we students to join the military. ““It weren’t welcomed with open g a v e arms. People treated us badly.” me free Nellis said that before he came back from the war, his h e a l t h superiors told him to try to be- care and paid come a regular civilian, not to it for all mention his war service. my four “I have a poster that I look at every day, and when I see years of this poster, I just sit there and college,” think,” Nellis said. “The poster Utterback says, ‘If Vietnam were now, s a i d . Ruskin teachers Kevin Utterback (second from right) and Will (fourth from right) attended the school’s annual Veteran’s what would you see.’ I think W h e n O’Brien Day celebration on Nov. 11, along with four other teachers and you’d see American men be- you see dozens of other local veterans. Photo by Luis Jimenez.
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 15]
The Ball is in YOUR Court
By Dominique McClunie
T
Staff Reporter
he air is fresh. The court is crisp and finished with a dusty, red dirt color and is cleaned around the edges with white lines. A green fuzzy ball flies in the air, spins and hits a racquet. Many can describe the game of tennis, but this year Ruskin had a couple people who could say they were a part of the game. According to an article, by a writer from the Thought Catalog named Erik Rosner, he gives three reasons on why tennis is “vastly” underrated. Some of the reasons were that the amount of athleticism that is involved in tennis. You are also by yourself on the court during a tennis game physically and mentally. Not many know that as a tennis player, in a sense, you are all alone on the court. Mentally, you do everything yourself and give yourself strategy along with a coach, according to the article. Tennis can also be played until you’re 100! “Other than golf, I don’t see any other sport where you
can play it literally your entire life,” Rosner said in the article. “My team was motivated and never needed help in that department,” tennis coach Benjamin Hendricks said. “I'm proud of them in that they are self motivated and enjoy being a member of this team.” This was Hendricks’ second year as the tennis coach for the Lady Eagles. The Tennis Team didn’t win any matches this season but they still stayed motivated. “We played well although we didn't win a lot of matches,” tennis coach Benjamin Hendricks said. “I'm proud of how our student athletes not only competed but carried themselves and respected their opponents.” As a team, athletes are usually taught to have a good sportsmanship through wins and losses. “We went to Pizza Street as a team after one of our games,” senior Taniesha Sanders said. The tennis team showed determination through their work ethic and skills on the tennis court this year. “I played tennis the previous year and it was a lot of
Senior Nina Woodroof prepares to serve the ball. Photo by Terren Jones
fun.” Sanders said. This is Sanders last year at Ruskin. She describes Coach Hendricks as “nice and caring.” Some peo- Mahreen Ansari focuses on the ball ple believe that tennis is just as it approcahes her. Photo by Terren Jones. tapping a ball back and forth over a net until a person misses. A skilled tennis player must have power, endurance, determination, speed, and mental strength. Players are forced to think and strategize on their own with and to put as much as energy and finesse Senior Corinn Mason waits for her opponent to serve. Photo in their hits as by Naysha Boyd possible.
Check out Ruskin’s
Athlete of the Week online at
ruskinnews.com Erin Edwards - Cheer
Jayme Parman - MJROTC
Brandon Ewing - Wrestling
Makih Briggs - Basketball
WHO WILL BE NEXT?
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 16]
Ruskin Jasmine Shelton
T
Managing Editor
he Eagles Varsity Basketball squad beat the Grandview Bulldogs 67-62, during a close closing game on Dec. 4 at Hickman Mills Freshman Center. This game was a very important win for the Eagles, since the Bulldogs beat the Eagles at their football home opener. With Grandview as a long-time rival of Ruskin, the Eagles knew this was a mustwin game. “Beating Grandview felt amazing because last year we didn’t beat them and they’re our high school rivalry,” senior and team captain Nate Washington said. “I was in Texas last year and didn’t get to play so it feels even better to beat them.” Coming off a loss to Blue Springs South, the Eagles had
TRUMPS to go back to the drawing board and make a few adjustments. The team focused on putting their own selfishness to the side and playing together. “The difference from this game to last game is we let down our egos and played as a team, played unselfishly and got everyone involved that led to our victory,” Washington said. The Eagles started out with a 17-6 start to the game and continued to dominate the game, never letting Grandview get ahead. The high scorer for the Eagles was Nate Washington with 23 points and 10 assists as well as one three-point shot. Senior Makih Briggs was behind Washington with 14 points as well as a three-point shot. Even with a major win under their belt, it’s not enough
JV Steps
UP
Sophomore Javon Moore shoots a free throw right after getting fouled as the Eagles JV Basketball Team took on Blue Springs South at the home opener Dec. 1.He was coming down the court on a fastbreak just before he got fouled by number 22 on the opposing team. The crowd was trying to be quiet as he was shooting his free throw and right after he made the free throw the crowd got loud again.“The first game is going to be very intense because I am doing this for my twin brother and my grandmother that passed,” Moore said. Photo by William White.
Grandview Senior Donte Tibbs takes the ball up the court to make a basket. At this point the Ruskin Eagles are 0-1 and they are trying to win their first game against rival Grandview Bulldogs.This game was televised so they wanted to play their hardest and their best. At halftime, they were leading the game by a huge amount and looking to keep it that way. But after half time, they let the Bulldogs come back and throughout the whole game the score went back and forth with both teams fighting for the lead. At the end, they came through with a defensive play that won the game with a final score of 67-62. “’The game went great,” Varsity Coach Raymond Hughes said. I am excited for the rest of the season. I can’t wait to see what we can do.’’ Photo By: Craig Hughes
for Varsity Head Coach Raoymond Hughes. “Our biggest challenge is to continue to get better and work hard every day,” Hughes said. “To maximize our effort every day and not take any off-days in practice. I want to make sure that we have the intensity to get better because our schedule is very tough and we want to achieve our goals and win our tournaments and get a district championship, win sectionals, and compete for a state championship. So if we keep our intensity and keep getting better, then we give ourselves a shot.” Besides the game being against Grandview, this game was also televised and shown on Time Warner Sports. A loss on television on their home floor was a no-go situation for
the Eagles. “The game being on TV gave us something to play for,” junior Cecil Martin said. The win against the Bulldogs was one of many mustwin games for the Eagles this season. They will face teams like Raytown South and Liberty. As a team, the boys are working on getting better and rising to the challenges set before them. “We will get better through hard work and making sure that the guys are improving every day both from a character aspect in the classroom, how they treat teachers, how they treat their peers and their school,” Hughes said. “Respecting their school, respecting themselves, and everyone around them and I think that if we work hard then we give ourselves a shot.”
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 17]
TaketheBall Eagles
By Raiven Dawkins-Thomas Staff Reporter
After playing basketball in high school and college, this coach has accomplished many goals. He has had different obstacles and struggles and through it all he never gave up. He strives for greatness and instills strength in others. Having the ability to change lives and to create a bond with his team is amazing. He is Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Bryan Austin, now in his second year at Ruskin. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, head coach of Duke University, may have led Austin through some of his greatest challenges. “Coach K from Duke was and is my inspiration,” Austin said. “His emphasis is on teaching the game and building the individual for the greater of the team.” Austin emphasizes that perseverance is what keeps the ladies up and in shape. “Preparation and perseverance is key,” Austin said. “We prepare by practicing daily and
we have drills we do that instill perseverance.” Austin is big on having a set plan and being prepared for any teams he’s in competition with. “I look at what we have for the season and plan accordingly,” Austin said. “Each team we play, we prepare differently based on what that team does.” Having barriers and obstacles bothered Austin however he found ways to get through them. “Getting the student athletes to not have an excuse all the time,” Austin said. “For example being sick or hurt or in pain of some sort.” Austin loves basketball he takes basketball and puts it into his everyday lifestyle. “Basketball is an extension of life,” Austin said. “Some of the same lessons you learn on the court can translate to life. Austin played basketball all of his life so getting a coaching job wasn’t that hard. “My very first coaching job I was actually asked to coach a team. It was a club team in col-
Sophomore point guard Carlin White and senior center Marshawn Gunnels keeps their eyes on the prize as Belton goes in for the score.Lady Eagles had their first game against Belton December 3. The crowd went silent as the ball circled the rim eventually going inside the net giving Belton the point.The look of determination filled the ladies eyes as they were down by two in the 4th quarter. The game ended 23-47. The ladies were disappointed but knowing they had done all they could was a little rewarding. “I feel I could of did better on the offensive end,” Gunnels said. The ladies now train harder than ever so they won’t have another disappointing game. Photo By: Sumer Freeman
lege,” Austin said. Austin has been coaching for almost a decade. He said he enjoys coaching as he has always wanted to be an example for others. “Coaching makes me feel phenomenal because I have the ability to change lives,” Austin said. Austin has plans and goals for his girls basketball team this
year. “My goals are to build on the success of last season and build the program by progressing forward,” he said. Austin wants other coaches to be as successful as he has been and offers this advice. “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” he said. “Take care of what you can now and other things as time allows.”
Take it To The
MAT
Sophomore Brandon Ewing fights to reverse his opponent for the varsity team at their first match of the wrestling 2105 season at Oak Park High School. Holly pulled off the first win for the boys when he managed to pin the Oak Park student down after three rounds. Photo by: Luis Jimenez.
[SPORTS]
[PAGE 18]
Royals Spark Spirit through the Halls By Mack Cooney
T
sports section editor
he cheers rise out of the New York Met’s stands in a tremendous roar, but instead of blue and orange, Royal blue covers the once green field as the fans greet the new champions. One player holds the World Series Champion trophy above their head signifying a win Kansas City has not experienced for thirty years. “I love the Royals because they’re a great team that knows the true meaning of teamwork and togetherness,” senior Valencia Eason said. “There’s no main player and no one tries to make it all about himself.” Art teacher Chuck Pohlman agrees. “They’re a team and we weren’t just carried by one guy,” Pohlman said. “Everyone contributed.” Most of the player’s slugging percentages are above .300 and this shows how each player has a goal that they worked hard for with a lot of time and power. “I love the Royals because I love baseball and they are my hometown team,” FACS teacher Michelle Ciafullo said. Sophomore Michelle Delacruz grew up with them as her home team and they have always been her mom’s favorite. “My mom and I would always watch the games and she gets really excited while watching them when something good happens,” Delacruz said. Sophomore Darrell Harden loves the Royals because he likes how they went back to back and he thinks for them to come back after 30 years is really cool. “When the Royals won the World Series I was super excited and happy for them,” Eason said. “Knowing how people thought they were a fluke from last year made the win even better.” Some students and staff express not only their love for
The Kansas City Royals celebrate after defeating the New York Met 7-2 to win the World Series on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 at Citi Field in New York. (Jill Toyoshiba/Kansas City Star/TNS)
the team, but for some of the ed 52 runs, the number of times players too. a baserunner safely reaches “Hosmer is my favorite home plate, for the Royals acbecause he is really good and cording to the official site of in my opinion the most valu- the Kansas City Royals. able. He always tries his best “I don’t think there is anyand when he has a downfall he one who would disagree with always comes back,” Delacruz this choice, even his teamsaid. mates. He is so consistent, and Perez and he is a leader Cain are Ciaand positive fullo’s favorite team player,” players because social studies they are always teacher Kimhaving a good berly Sixta time, she said. said. “He is Pohlman awesome and agrees with absolutely the Ciafullo that most deservone player ing choice for stands out. MVP.” The rest of the world agrees, Not only ~Art teacher Chuck Pohlman too, as Salvador is it about Perez captured the love for the MVP award the team and for the World Series games. players, but for the memories “I feel like Salvy deserved they helped create for some. the MVP Award because he is “My favorite memory is in a sense the most valuable when I went to a game with player. The catcher on a team my father and grandfather-inis usually the leader. They can law and they were honored for see the whole field and predict being in the military,” Ciafullo future plays that will need to said. be made,” Eason said. “He not Game seven in 1985 was only does his job behind the a favorite for Pohlman because plate well, but also off the field. he worked for the Royals for He is the comedian of the team 20 years in the parking lot and that helps keep everyone’s when they got done they would spirits up.” go in and watch the game. The Salvador Perez contribut- game was 11-0 and it was a big
“They’re a team and we weren’t just carried by one guy.”
party that night, according to Pohlman. “My most memorable moment including the Royals was when I got to meet them with my softball team for winning a tournament,” Eason said. “We got to talk to them and get signatures, then we had great seats to watch them play the next day.” The Royals have come a long way in the past few years, and there is no denying that they were not the greatest for awhile. In 2010, the Royals only had 67 wins and in the 2015 season they had 95 wins according to the official site of the Kansas City Royals. “Them playing as a family contributed a lot and when they had a major downfall they always did their best to come back,” Delacruz said. Ciafullo and Eason both think determination helped lead the Royals to winning the World Series this year. “I think Yost did a good job of creating a family like atmosphere and a true team spirit among the players,” Sixta said. “I also believe the whole staff as well as players had a ‘nothing is impossible” attitude.”
[SPORTS]
The Royals Buzz.....
[PAGE 19] By Deiara Walker Staff Reporter
How do you feel about the Royals winning the World Series this year and what do you think the factors that lead up to this victory are? Soph. Kaylah Carter:
“Excited. I’m just really happy they won. They have really good teamwork. They didn’t focus on one person.”
Math Teacher Stephan Schlutow:
“It’s about time. They were extremely hungry after last year. They demanded respect, they felt they earned the respect. Kansas City loved them last year.”
Junior Rochelle Davis:
“I feel excited. I’m glad they won because they haven’t won in a long time. They worked as a team, persevered and stayed determined.”
Secretary Joanne Schwartz:
“Very excited for the entire Kansas City area including the players. They were really prideful and they didn’t allow their own egos didn’t get in the way because they played like a team.”
Junior Kennedy Glover:
“I felt extremely happy,” junior Kennedy Glover said. “I think it’s funny how people who aren’t fans of baseball went to the parade. Why be a bandwagon fan. Why not just support all the time.”
Senior Brandon Andrews:
“I feel really good, and proud that the pennant is back. All the fans supporting them helped them win and Ned Yost recruiting a better team.”
Senior Marquise Paige:
“My energy went skyrocketing when they won. We went out and celebrated. Our pitcher and Eric Hosmer helped us win. They got the hits we needed.”
Senior Taylor Hawkins:
“It’s a great accomplishment for KC and their work ethic, base hits and our will to win. Never give up.”
Senior Destiny Randoulph:
“I was very excited and it was fun because I got to be a part of it by going to the parade. Support, teamwork, and dedication.”
Soph. Christian Payne:
“ I was excited, 30 years is a long time but I’m still excited they won. They had a great work ethic and they never focused on one person.”
Junior Chris Morton:
“It’s good Kansas City finally won something. It’s great. I like baseball. It’s about teamwork and never giving up.”
Jomarie Infranca:
“I feel proud and excited and really happy that they won. Just the confidence that the players had in themselves and the pride that the city showed. It was like they put their mind to something and accomplished it.”
Senior Howard Donahue:
“It’s cool because we haven’t won in 30 years. It’s good for the city. It brings money here. Overall, the fans, Hosmer and all the players played a part in the game.”
Senior Daynisha Daniels:
“It was exciting. Great teamwork and dedication.”
Business Teacher Pat Mclaughlin:
“It was a great experience. I watched every playoff game with my wife and friends. Just when it seemed like there was no chance, they came up from behind in many games it was just amazing. The fact that they’ve been playing together for a number of years, and that there was no quit in them.”
BLUE DAY! School Cancelled to Celebrate Royals Pride!
After winning the World Series, the Royals had their parade downtown Nov. 3, ending at Union Station. Many schools, including Ruskin, were cancelled to allow families to attend the event. The crowd as you walked downtown was astonishing. People were cheering “Let’s go Royals” from every corner. Strangers were taking selfies together because they were so happy to be together at that moment. Senior Donnell Jackson was one of the estimated 800,000 who attended the big day.”The Royals parade was great because it gave everybody a sense of pride and it made everyone feel like they can achieve something,” Jackson said. This very moment was history and everyone was proud to be a part of it. Photo By: Sumer Freeman.
RuskinJoins
the Kansas City 1) “My favorite Royals memory was yelling at Alex Gordon to sign my jersey. He’s my favorite player,” junior Shadman Alam said.
Celebration
2) “I got to take my best friend’s daughter to the parade because she was unable to take her daughter, Heather, because she has cancer,” Communication Arts teacher Kelly Pittard said. 3 & 4) “At the parade, I climbed on top of the ‘porta potty’ to get a better view of the parade. Since I am 5 foot you have to use your resources,” counselor Shelli Copas said. “A bunch of people started copying me and climbing on top with me to the point where I had to tell people that there was too many on there because I didn’t want to fall in.”
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