Shawnee Heights High School
Volume 55 Issue 6
April 2017
? Board of Education votes down drug testing policy; students, teachers react to decision
Table of The Totem Staff Adviser: Jeni Daley
Editor in Chief: Ryan Berry
Business Manager: Elizabeth Donaldson
Copy Editor: Elizabeth Hennessey
Digital Editor:
5
Is the latest teen drama “Thirteen Reasons Why� creating the wrong culture?
6
An update on the latest board vote over the proposed drug testing policy
Emily Seuell
Creative Director: Brooklyn Armbruster
Staff Logan Bissell Valeri Dodds Rebecca Donaldson Rachel Etzel Valerie Golder Taylor Lincoln Kortney Michel Katie Moison Alyssa Rabe Bradyn Smith Keenan Taylor Sierra Jones Makenna Orton The Totem is a student publication produced by students from scratch during the newspaper class held during 5th block. The thoughts and views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the board, administrators, or faculty and staff of the school. The Totem is created for the primary audience: the student body. Editorial staff make all decisions with guidance from the adviser. Any comments, concerns, or letters to the editor may be mailed to the high school with full name and date included.
Shawnee Heights High School Journalism Department 785-730-5150 daleyj@shawneeheights.net thetotem.net
20 Boys basketball wins state championship, setting new records for SH since 2002.
10
Read student perspectives over the idea of drug testing at our school
14
Tori Harrington awarded Golden Key Award for her artwork
16
Heights on Display gives community a chance to see accomplishments
19
T-Bird Bowlers take state and girls place 3rd against state high schools
22
New pitching rules impact baseball players
26
Seniors vs Juniors: IHOP vs Denny’s
23
Contents 25 Side by side comparison of costs for prom between girls and boys
Learn how student athlete works through family trauma and still manages to stay on top.
30
Peep into some facts about spring’s most loved and hated marshmallow treats
Editor’s Note
Making the Most of Prom
will be taking pictures solo bothers you, then just skip pictures and show up for dinner. You can have It is no secret that prom is coming up quickly. Pictures of your parents take a few pictures promposals are flooding social media and conversations about before you leave your house and plans buzz through the hallways. However, there are a group of avoid the supposed awkwardness people that have yet to receive a promposal and have decided of group pictures. not to go to prom. Making the decision to not go to prom strictly If the idea of prom seems cliche based on the fact that you are dateless is a bad idea. You should to you or you are still not confident go to prom both eligible years of high school regardless of your going alone, then at the very relationship status. least go to after prom. Everyone There is a limited time in your life that you are able to attend is simply wearing casual clothes prom. It is similar to any other event in high school like sporting running around on bounce houses. events, homecoming, the talent show, or musicals where you You won’t even have to rent a tux should try to attend as many as possible. Even if you are a senior or buy an expensive dress. Just and ready to move on with the rest of your life, it is better to make come as you are and have a good the most of your experience here. It is part of the high school time with your friends. A date is experience and by not going to these events, you are missing not required to have a good time out. Looking back when you’re older or talking to your kids, do gambling with fake money. you want to tell them that you didn’t participate in high school at Prom is an unforgettable all? Prom is one of those experiences that you’ll never forget and experience and a time to get never have another opportunity to make up if you skip it. dressed up and have fun with your Even if you don’t have a date, you can still go to prom. It will not friends. Don’t let your relationship be awkward at dinner, you are just eating dinner with the same status dictate what experiences friends you have probably ate dinner with before. At prom, couples you have in high school. aren’t separated and no one can tell that you don’t have a date while you’re dancing in a big group. No one can tell that you don’t Story by: Elizabeth Donaldson have a date, and honestly no one cares either. If the fact that you
“IF YOU’RE LISTENING TO THIS, YOU’RE A REASON WHY...” The highly anticipated Netflix original series “Thirteen cries for help might be small but mean Reasons Why” was released on March 31, and is already so much. Parents and other adults can considered one of the best shows for teens to ever come to learn from this series, but teenagers Netflix. What makes this show so different is that it doesn’t who are sensitive to triggering sugar coat the difficult topic of mental illnesses such as content would do best to avoid depression. However, even if the show is extremely exciting, it it or watch it in a secure and has MASSIVE trigger warnings for those considering suicide. safe place with a support Many psychiatrists are suggesting that if you have any sort of system close by. mental illness or have had traumatic experiences, not to watch Even if you feel as the show. Not only does this show depict vivid sexual assault though you cannot scenes, but it actually depicts suicide. This can be unsettling reach out to an adult, to many viewers, and some people are even afraid of situations there is always the Suicide called “copycat suicides.” Hotline - 1-800-273-8255 A copycat suicide is defined as media coverage or which is open 24 hours a knowledge of a suicide sparking another person’s attempt, day, or if you can’t call/ trying to replicate what they have seen. Shows like “Thirteen don’t feel comfortable, Reasons Why” that show fictional but realistic depictions of you can text into a hotline suicide as well as an intimate suicide “note” in the form of at 741-741. Please don’t tapes can create this situation. go through this alone. According to a CDC report in 2015, suicide is the second “Thirteen Reasons leading cause of death for ages 10-24, with Mental Health Why” is a great America reporting nearly 5,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The way to get the Jason Foundation summed it up explaining, “More teenagers message out and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart there that suicide disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and can happen to anyone, chronic lung disease, COMBINED.” and that teens need Depression and suicidal thoughts are affecting teens all to be careful what they over the U.S., and even the world. While this show is an epic say, because bullying can testimony to the fact that words do hurt, and that there are kill. But Shawnee Heights consequences to bullying and harassment, the potential Journalism encourages ALL dangers caused by this show are causing alarm. readers to watch with caution A movement of people are reaching out to the internet to and care, and to put your warn their loved ones about how harmful this show can be mental health first. to their mental health, while others are saying to avoid it all Story by: Logan Bissell together. Mental illness is serious, and it needs to be talked Photo copyright of Netflix about, but a Netflix series may not be the solution. What this show does well is that it not only exposes the dark parts about depression that no one likes talking about, but also that the
The Totem | April 2017 | Review
5
D
RUG TESTING Board votes against drug testing policy while encouraging further discussion
May 6, 2016
A copy of area schools policies was provided
Dec 5, 2016 Mr. West showed the board first version draft that had been developed; was discussed in board meeting
Jan 23, 2017 Board meeting: a revised policy was shared with the board. Discussion followed.
Mar 27, 2017 Vote occurred to reject the policy
May 1, 2017 Open meeting to discuss the topic further with the community.
6
Based on a 4-3 vote at the board meeting on March 27, Shawnee Heights High School and Middle School will remain drug testing free. After months of discussion, the board of education voted to not implement the drug testing policy for the 2017-18 school year, a controversial topic amongst the community and a highly anticipated vote that many were shocked to see rejected. Board member Lauren Tice Miller led the opposition against the policy with member Jason Schultz on her side. Both members were against the drug testing policy that board member Eric Deitcher proposed in December of last year. The policy was based on similar policies in place at Hayden High School, and another at Seaman. The proposal was then slightly modified to fit Shawnee Heights’ demographics. Some board members argued that the plan too closely resembled the others schools, simply copying other school’s policies without enough modifications. “I don’t think we designed this for just Shawnee Heights in mind, we’re almost verbatim copying another school’s,” board member Joel Manzanares said at the board meeting on March 27. Although Miller and Schultz voiced their opposition to the policy since the beginning, it was expected for the policy to still go through with 5-2 in favor of it (plus the backing of administration). The vote against this policy came as a shock to many in the community. No other board members expressed the same dissent until the final meeting to vote on the policy. At that meeting, board members Rusty Doty and Manzanares (who eventually voted against the policy) were on the fence the whole meeting. “I don’t know what the right answer is,” Doty said. “Usually I can pick the right answer to vote on something.” With confusion on how to vote, Miller’s passionate speech may have given some guidance to the questioning board members.
“This policy creates a guilty until proven innocent culture,” Miller said. In addition to this statement, Miller cited a study from the American Academy of Pediatricians that opposed drug testing, citing studies that claim it is an ineffective method to dealing with the issue. Another big factor was that the schools already have a drug policy in place that Miller argued could be reviewed and enforced. While privacy played a big role in the debate, another major factor of the opposition was that the board didn’t spend enough time focusing on the issue to make such a large decision. “I don’t think talking about it for five or ten minutes every other meeting with not everybody here is appropriate,” Manzanares said. “I still want to go back and say I think we have to have a special meeting where this is our only topic.” While some had this view, Deitcher, who proposed the policy last year felt differently. “I don’t see that we have rushed this…I brought it to the board last year,” Deitcher said. Although, the policy did not pass the board has ensured the district that the conversation will not end here. In fact, on May 1, the board will continue their conversation by having an open forum style meeting where the public is invited to express their opinions on the matter. The meeting will be held at the high school at 5:30 p.m. on May 1 in the professional development room behind the south commons.
Story by: Elizabeth Hennessey
The Totem | April 2017 | Feature
VOTE: NO
“
“
I don’t know what the right answer is. Usually I can pick the right answer to vote on something.
“
“I want to know if my kid is doing something illegal before it’s too late. It’s not meant to be punitive. It’s there to intervene on behalf of the kid,” Busenitz said during an interview with The TopekaCapital Journal in January of 2017.
VOTE: YES
Rocky Busenitz
“
VOTE: YES Eric Deitcher
“
“
VOTE: NO Rusty Doty
VOTE: NO Joel Manzanares The Totem | April 2017 | Feature
Other schools districts in the area have implemented their own random drug testing policy and have seen measurable favorable results. This policy is not the complete answer to our issue, but is a tool that will help deter the use of drugs through the potential consequences.
I don’t think we designed this for just Shawnee Heights in mind, we’re almost verbatim copying another school’s. I don’t think talking about it for five or ten minutes every other meeting with not everybody here is appropriate. I still want to go back and say I think we have to have a special meeting where this is our only topic.
“
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The American Academy of Pediatricians issued a statement opposing random drug testing policies in schools for adolescents, indicating they are not effective and pose a greater risk of pushing students into using substances that cannot be detected with the tests. The policy undermines the rights of parents, creates a guilty until Lauren Tice Miller proven innocent culture, invades student privacy, fails to address alcohol use, and is expensive.
Gene Edwards Board President
“
“
VOTE: NO
VOTE: YES
“
“
I was tested several times when I was in High School, at my parent’s behest, and I loathed the “guilty until proven innocent” feeling that gave me. Another concern is you participate in the program, or you can’t participate in ANY extracurricular activities or park on campus. One option is NO CHOICE, and that’s not fair to Jason Schulz our kids.
“
UPDATE
“
I was in contact with parents, former parents, educators in our district and other districts, Doctors and professionals in Drug and Alcohol addiction. Overwhelmingly, they were for drug testing, mainly as another tool for students to use to say NO.
7
IT’S A
BLUNT
TOPIC
TEACHER SURVEY: In addition to students, teachers were given the opportunity to anonymously participate in a survey regarding drug usage at Shawnee Heights High School. 54 teachers chose to participate in the online survey.
90%
Yes, it’s a huge issue
69% 30.6% 87.5%
ofThere ouris teachers believe at least somewhat of a drug problem at our school
of ourwould student body support a drug testing policy at our school
of our student body
admitted to trying drugs
of our student body say
it’s easy to find drugs if they want it
87% of our teachers
would support a drug testing policy at our school
9.4% 8 of ourAreteachers not in support of drug testing
49.8%
9.2%
The following results are just a few of the data points most relevant to the drug testing conversation.
Q:
Somewhat - I know some people that do drugs, but I wouldn’t call it an epidemic
YES
Do you think that drugs are a problem at Shawnee Heights?
25.1%
7%
No - there I don’t think are other drugs are things a big deal, that need so even if to be students addressed do drugs I first wouldn’t call it a problem
3%
5.9%
No - I don’t think students struggle with drug usage
Unsure - I don’t feel like I have enough info to decide
NO
STUDENTS
TWITTER POLL: With the popularity of Twitter polls, The Totem staff used the social media platform to gauge drug usage and availability. 300 people responded, but analysis of location and age of those respondents is unavailable.
STUDENTS
STUDENT SURVEY: To gauge student reactions to the board vote, The Totem staff surveyed 270 students on their views on drugs. 28.8% of respondents were freshmen, 20.3% were sophomores, 21.4% were juniors, and 29.5% were seniors. The survey was distributed via paper to a variety of classes during 5th hour, and participants accurately reflected the racial demographics of Shawnee Heights.
Q:
11.4% 9.6%
Do you personally know someone (including yourself) negatively impacted by drugs? Yes - the negative impact is extreme Yes - they are impacted, but I think they will make better decisions soon
19.9%
No - drugs are not that big of a deal
29.9%
29.2%
No - I don’t know anyone that does drugs Unsure - I either don’t know how I feel about drugs, or I’m not sure if any of my friends or family uses drugs
TWITTER POLL
Opening Up About Abuse Coach Nash Details Family’s Experience with Drug Usage that Started in the Halls of Shawnee Heights Shawnee Heights boys basketball team won state with the help of some inspirational coaches, including local legend Mike Nash. Nash has been a part of the Shawnee Heights community for a lifetime as a teacher, a coach, and a parent, and is currently the in school suspension teacher. Nash has been deeply invested in the community and equally invested in the proposal of a drug testing policy at the high school. Nash takes the issue so personally that he sent an email to the board members sharing his story. Nash’s story starts with his son, Taylor. Taylor is the middle child of the Nash family and has struggled with addiction since his sophomore year of high school at SHHS. Taylor became addicted to prescription pills since he first was introduced to them when he broke his leg. Ever since, he has struggled to stay clean. The Nash family was unaware of his addiction until his senior year. They only became aware after Taylor’s high school girlfriend became concerned and shared her worries with
the family. Taylor is now 29 and lives at home with the support of his family behind him. Taylor received his 30-day sobriety badge April 4, 2017. “With a recovery addict you’ll always be a recovering addict,” Nash said. The Nash family recently has had to deal with lots of family matters
49.1%
of our student body says
They know someone who has been negatively impacted by drugs
concerning addiction. Nash is dealing with the loss of a family member due to addiction as well as trying to keep the rest of that family clean, while also trying to help Taylor. He believes that we need a policy in place at the high school to prevent drug use from starting at a young age. “Getting started for kids is easy enough…getting stopped is the hard part,” Nash said. Nash believes we need to address drug use head on and urges the community to get educated. “Here’s what I would say to the community: let’s not put our heads in the sand and just say that there’s not a problem. I think we need to be as transparent as we possibly can be. I think we need to recognize what’s
48.1% of our teachers
Story by: Elizabeth Hennessey
TEACHER REACTIONS TO THE BOARD VOTE:
would like to see the board and/or administration start a mentoring program to help build relationships with students as a way to prevent drug usage The Totem | April 2017 | School News
going on in the world of pharmaceutical drugs,” Nash said. “We need to enlighten our kids about the dangers of prescription drugs, alcohol, and other illegal drugs. And I’m all about education. To me, the more you know about any topic, and in this case we are talking about drugs, the better prepared you’re going to be to make a decision when you are faced with that choice.” While Nash is in full support of the drug testing policy, his ideals stand with the fact that the biggest drug use problem we need to address at the high school level is prescription drugs. “My youngest son, Layne, had a knee surgery his ninth grade year which then ended his varsity basketball year. But the real tragedy was that the moment he came back to school to resume classes he was bombarded with fellow students coming up to him as he made his way down hallways to go to class with requests to buy his ‘pain pills’ from him…I am positive that still goes on today here at SHHS!” Nash said in an email to the Board of Education. Nash was in full support of the drug testing policy because he doesn’t want any family to go through the struggles his family has endured.
“I was disappointed and feel the board did not take a realistic view of the issue here at SHHS.”
“I feel they have little understanding of what is happening within these walls and are too lazy/ scared to enforce something that may be controversial.” “The policy could help “Any step taken in which kids would be using less so many kids have an out drugs is a positive direction for the school.” that face peer pressure at this age.”
“I don’t think being tested for drugs is a big deal. It may actually shed light and show that drugs at SHHS are more of a problem than people think.”
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Student Perspectives Over the Acceptance of Marijuana Use in the School Sources open up about drug usage, abuse, and whether or not drug testing is a way forward It’s hard to say if Shawnee Heights has a drug problem. Statistics show we are no different from any other school. But is there a greater acceptance here? It may not be that our percentage of drug users is significantly greater, it may just be that smoking weed is considered normal for most students - it’s widely accepted. So here poses the question: Is drug testing going to fix anything? We’ve asked the teachers, we’ve asked administration, and we’ve asked the Board of Education. Now we’re revealing real answers from real students at our school. The editorial staff made the decision to keep all sources in this story anonymous in the hopes that it would lead to more honest responses. “I would say that Shawnee Heights comes in third as far as drug intake in the area, coming behind Highland Park and Topeka High,” a Shawnee Heights student said. We will refer to this student as John Doe. This particular student sells drugs to his “clientele” at several high schools in the area. “I do not believe it is a huge problem [here]. On a regular basis I only sell to 25-30 kids here. Maybe 50 ever.” This specific student sells to less than 5 percent of the student body. Is that a big problem? Well there’s other things to consider, such as the fact that there’s more than one drug dealer in Topeka. “I don’t think drug testing is a good idea because these kids are going to do what they want to do, maybe not all of them, but for most of them, like myself, would take this risk,” John Doe said. “All it’s going to do is expose the kids who do it behind closed doors, so unless your goal is to intrude on students’ privacy, it’s not a good choice. There are harder, much more dangerous drugs pouring their way into schools that the Topeka Police Department and school districts should put their focus into. I could name at least 20+ kids just in my class that have done/asked me for coke, molly, xanax, percocet, and LSD. These are the things we should be trying to get control over. Not marijuana. I come to school under the influence of marijuana everyday and talk to teachers, administration, and peers. Most of them don’t have a clue because I’m under full control. That’s why I don’t think we should waste our time on marijuana.” A big factor into the drug testing decision has to do with the long term effects in using drugs now. Even though many consider weed to not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things, it’s possible that it is leading students to try more harmful and more addictive drugs. So, is marijuana a gateway drug? According to drugabuse.gov, “Early exposure to cannabinoids in adolescent rodents decreases the reactivity of brain dopamine reward centers later in adulthood. To the extent that these findings generalize to humans, this could help explain the increased vulnerability for addiction to other substances of misuse later in life that most epidemiological studies have reported for people who begin marijuana use early in life. It is also consistent with animal experiments showing THC’s ability
to ‘prime’ the brain for enhanced responses to other drugs.” Basically what that study on rodents showed, assuming it applies to humans as well, is that you are more vulnerable to addiction and misuse of drugs later on in life if you are exposed to it early, although there are different points of views on the subject. Most of the research linking marijuana to harder drug use comes from the correlation between the two. However, correlation does not mean causation. There are other factors to consider when talking about what is a “gateway” drug. A person’s social life, who they associate with, home environment, any illnesses or disorders all play a factor if a person is more vulnerable. Student’s here offered their opinion. “I don’t believe marijuana is a gateway drug,” John Doe #2 said. “If students want to try drugs they will find a way. And that doesn’t always mean it’s always through weed.” While some share this view, others see marijuana as harmful. “I believe marijuana can be a gateway drug,” John Doe #3 said. “It can lead people to more harmful drugs. It makes people more curious, although it’s not always the case.” The problem with the debate of drug testing is not everyone/everything is honest. Not everyone will give you real answers and the truth. Even when polls and surveys are anonymous, it doesn’t mean the answers are facts. And the quotes in this story aren’t facts. Although there’s no way to tell if these polls, quotes, and surveys are factual, they are the student input that needs to be heard.
“ “ “
“ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ What students do in their free time shouldn’t matter. We’re young adults capable of making our own decisions so I don’t think we should be drug tested.
I feel like it’s an invasion of privacy to students and it won’t change the result of having less drugs at our school.
REAL
STUDENTS REAL QUOTES
I don’t think drug testing should be allowed at our school especially because most of the drug use is not done on campus. Drug testing would be affecting student’s social lives after school, which the school is a part of.
I think that drug testing could be beneficial to Shawnee Heights to try to keep people away from doing drugs. If they are afraid of being caught by the school then it could stop them from doing anything that could harm them.
I agree with drug testing honestly. I hope it scares them to stop doing drugs because I hate getting asked because it’s hard to say no thinking you’ll lose your friends. But I don’t even know if there’s a big drug problem at our school.
Instituting some more drug prevention courses could prevent future problems.
To me, if you aren’t doing drugs you should have nothing to worry about. They’re only trying to make our school the best it can be.
The Totem | April 2017 | Features
I think drug testing is a bad idea because people use weed even for medical purposes. It’s a great stress reliever for how hard school is.
Our school should have drug testing for the student athletes in school. I think that student athletes shouldn’t be doing that while in a sport, and there is a lot of them that do.
If we drug test then that’ll cost more money for the school. If someone really wants their kid drug tested it should be done by their parents.
I think drug testing is stupid and unethical because there is no need for Shawnee Heights to be spending large quantities of money on drug testing when half the school doesn’t even function properly. The bathroom stalls hardly lock, the soap dispensers fall off, the power and water frequently go out too. The money could clearly be used somewhere else.
Although it would cost the school some money, it would assist in kids not getting addicted at a young age! Even just the thought of being drug tested might make some kids stop. Overall it would help more kids be successful in school, sports, and in the community.
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Changes to District Branding Brings New Sense of Unity to Visual Presence Heading into the next school year, all six district schools and the central office will be polished with a new look. Using the services of local marketing and advertising agency MB Piland, the board recently approved changes to all of the district’s visual elements and logos to create a more unified presence. USD 450 District The overarching symbol to unite the entire district is a torch. According to a promotional video explaining the new images, the torch “symbolizes the ability to serve as a guiding light for others and the ability of education to serve as a beacon of light.” “The torch symbolizes the lighting of a fire – which is what education should be,” Board of Education President Gene Edwards added. The promotional video also encouraged, “May our scholars always remember that lighting the way for others, brightens the path for themselves.” Shawnee Heights High School and Middle School The classic Thunderbird will continue on its 41 years path of representing the both the middle school and the high school. The T-bird itself was not changed, only the font and branding guidelines associated with using the image. “When you think of Shawnee Heights, you tend to think of the T-Bird,” school board member Lauren Tice Miller said. “It was important to the committee to make no changes to it...In fact, it was used as the uniting factor for all of the other mascot logos.”
Website Redesign
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Elementary Schools Berryton, Shawnee Heights, Tecumseh North, and Tecumseh South all received redesigned logos that more closely resembled the design of the Thunderbird, keeping their same mascot and colors. Website Resign The board also felt that if they were updating the image of the district, it was the right time to update the website as well. The website redesign is expected to make it easier for parents to be able to find information specific to their students. MB Piland is rebuilding the website, but will be guided by the district and IT staff. “It will look much more modern than the current site and will have more and higher quality photographs of students, better functionality and less clutter,” Edwards said. The board approved the branding project on November 7, 2016. The torch and website will be in use after July 1.
The Totem | April 2017 | School News
BEFORE
The Totem | April 2017 | School News
AFTER
13
Artist Tori Harrington wins Golden Key Award
14
People use different things to get through hard times in their life. Some people play sports, dance, and sing. In the case of junior Tory Harrington, she makes artwork. She had the opportunity to use her ability and enter into the Scholastic Art Show in Wichita. The Golden Key Award is when one gets their art judged by professionals in New York. Artists may be awarded national silver or gold medals. There are only five people that get their art nominated in the state and Harrington was one of them. Harrington’s piece won a national silver medal. “When you are chosen to win this award your piece of art is considered one of the best pieces in the country, so it is a big honor to be selected,” Harrington said. She has been drawing for the majority of her life. Harrington started sculpting her freshman year and started watercolor painting her sophomore year. She won her first art award when she was in second grade. She likes art because it makes her feel better to get something out on paper or in another medium. “Art is an extension of myself and also a coping mechanism for my depression,”Harrington said. The four golden keys award are based off of mental illness, and the bad thoughts that come with it. Her work was called “suppression” and she chose the specific topic “Bad thoughts.” Some things she expressed in her artwork is purposely isolating yourself, feeling paranoid of what others think of you and thinking everyone is out to get you. “My pieces aren’t a representation of mentally ill people as a whole, but a piece of the complex puzzle. Everyone experiences things differently,” Harrington said. These pieces took Harrington two to six weeks because she mostly worked on them in her AP art class. Story by:Sierra Jones
The Totem | April 2017 | School News
Making Shawnee Heights More Modern Board of Education appproves continued update of Shawnee Heights grounds Continued improvements to district grounds have been approved by the Board of Education within the past few years, and construction is nearing completion on several of those proposals. Included in these changes are handicap accessibility at the football stadium and renovations at the transportation grounds. At the March 27 board meeting, the board also approved a new signage package. The signage package for the high school is for cosmetic improvement and wayfinding. The existing signs on all rooms will be replaced and signs will be added to rooms that do not currently have signs and are required to have them. This idea was suggested by Aubrey VanNort, a senior at Shawnee Heights High School, as part of proposal paper for her Freshman Composition class taught by Mrs. Julie Coulter. The assignment asks seniors to research and propose changes and improvements to the school, and ideas are then pitched to administration. Another new addition coming to Shawnee Heights is a new training room added to the south gym. This was created to better help student athletes inside the school. A part-time trainer is currently on staff but doesn’t have a designated space to treat injuries or help athletes prepare for competition. Starting this fall, construction also began on wheelchair accessible ramps added to the stadium. “The ramps were part of a package to update the stadium to make it ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Stessman said. “In the past few years we have had some accidents. People have fallen on the stairs and in order to add handrails to the stairs we were required to make the entire stadium ADA accessible. This means ramps and wheelchair seating for wheelchair bound spectators.” Along with these changes to the student-used parts of the school, the transportation buildings and
The Totem | April 2017 | School News
grounds received updates as well. The update was necessary to replace the three 50-yearold blue buildings near the entrance of the high school grounds. The old buildings were temporary buildings the district purchased from Washburn University. Washburn used them as temporary classrooms after the 1966 tornado. They had outlived their useful lifespan and it was time for an update. “While the transportation building was badly needed, we also wanted to place it in a position where it will take visitor’s visual attention off the lagoon,” Dr. Stessman said. Not only were the building themselves replaced, but also there were significant updates to the infrastructure. “The project we completed during 2016 consisted of infrastructure upgrades; ie: installation of new fiber optic, new water main for fire suppression systems and new electrical service,” Director of Support Services Nathan Hosftra said. “The new building houses the maintenance department offices, woodshop and work areas- it also houses our transportation offices, training area, and communication systems.” The money is from the district capital outlay fund. Capital Outlay revenue is collected yearly for the purpose of maintenance of facilities. “The changes are part of an overall improvement process to make all our buildings more attractive and appealing to patrons and families,” Dr. Stessman said. “Our high school is the flagship of the district and we need to make sure it looks like a 21st century learning facility that it is.” Story by: Logan Bissell
15
Concert Hall Meets Art Gallery
Fine arts department showcased at Heights on Display
Many aspiring artists use Heights on Display as a way to build their portfolios, while others just participate for fun. Heights on Display is an annual showcase that shows off the artistic talents of Shawnee Heights students. Students get their art chosen to be on display at the event by the art teachers. Clubs and activities also participate by having booths or hosting performances. Artists like seniors Stetson Graber, Casey Smith, Madison Nardozzi, as well as junior Macey Spaulding all got a chance to show off their artistic abilities to the public. Graber had many pieces on display; including one titled ‘Burnt out”, that really made viewers stop and think about what inspired it. Smith also had a piece on display. Her work showed the beauty of the female body. While these pieces meant one thing to the artist, the amount of interpretations for viewers was endless.
“It is nerve wracking to show my artwork to the public, but my artwork has been on display the past three years. My favorite part is showing my artwork because I worked hard on it,” Nardozzi said. Not only were there sculptures, but paintings, photos, and music as well. The jewelry class was selling pieces that they had made, and the ceramics class brought out their potter’s wheel for the public to enjoy. Heights on Display is a wonderful opportunity for parents to see their children excelling in things besides academics and athletics, and show that fine arts are important. Along with all the art, there were live performances from groups such as forensics, choir, band, and orchestra. The fine arts department takes a lot of pride in the accomplishment of their students, and thankfully they are proud to share those accomplishments at Heights on Display. Story by: Logan Bissell
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The Totem | April 2017 | School News
One Final Performance Band director retires after 30 years in the district As the end of the school year approaches, we start to say our goodbyes to the long time band teacher, Mr. Neal Purvis. He started teaching middle school band for USD 450 in 1987 and was there for 11 years. Eight years after that, he moved to the high school and taught band for 19 years, totaling to 30 years in the district. “We have definitely become more competitive with the marching band and students are now more accountable for their individual play,” Mr. Purvis said. Along with the changes the program underwent, the overall experience Mr. Purvis was a part of will be unforgettable to him. “It was very rewarding and stimulating,” Mr. Purvis said. “I’ve been fortunate to see kids go on to college marching programs and continue on music education at the collegiate level.” Even though he enjoys seeing his students excel at the next level, there is another aspect of the marching band he’ll miss the most. “I’m probably going to miss marching show competitions the most,” Mr. Purvis said. “When you’re seeing what the whole season has produced as far as polishing the show, all the forms are right, the music sounded good, and the kids are all pumped.” The marching competitions gave Mr. Purvis the feeling of a lifetime, but the memories of banquets are ones he’ll cherish the rest of his life. “I’m going to remember giving speeches at the band banquet,” Mr. Purvis said. “When you teach 5-12 in band, you get to work with them for years and when you see
The Totem | April 2017 | School News
them at the banquet it’s fun to reflect how they were in grade school, middle school, and what they did in high school marching band.” Once this school year is over, Mr. Purvis plans on working for his brother. “Immediate plans will be working for my brother in Lawrence,” Mr. Purvis said. “He’s a licensed contractor that builds houses, decks, and redoes kitchens and bathrooms.” While Mr. Purvis is out working for his brother, a few changes will have taken place as far as positions go. “Mr. Reynoso has been given the high school position and we will fill his middle school position,” superintendent Dr. Marty Stessman said. “There is a traveling position that goes to the elementary school and middle school that may or may not be filled.” If this position isn’t filled, it will not impact those students who want to take band or orchestra at the grade school, but it will impact the workloads and sizes of groups. “I feel confident for the future of the band but running it without a third staff member will be more challenging,” Mr. Purvis said. After his 30 successful years of teaching band, Mr. Purvis would like to say one final goodbye. “Keep playing your instruments and enjoying music whether it’s performing or attending concerts.”
Story by: Valerie Golder
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“Yellow Bird” Wins National Award Dezi La Barbera wins 2017 “Co-Songwriter of The Year” award facing over 700 competitors nationwide Freshman Dezi La Barbera continues to amaze her peers by recently winning the 2017 “Co-Songwriter of the Year” award hosted by the North America Country Music Associations, International. La Barbera originally had no idea that her aunt was entering her song “Yellow Bird” in the competition. “The song is about people leaving your life that you care for,” La Barbera said. La Barbera beat 700 other entries nationwide within her age group. She wants to continue pursuing songwriting as a career once she finishes high school. “I was just like, I couldn’t believe that I won, and I thought that someone else would have won,” La Barbera said. Story by: Ryan Berry
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The Totem | April 2017 | School News
Sports
Rock and Bowl
Bowling teams excel in final competitions On Thursday, March 2, Shawnee Heights took both varsity teams to state bowling in Wichita. This was the first time the boys team qualified for state as a whole team. The girls varsity team consisted of Elizabeth Donaldson (12), Kaisha Wells (12), Abby Duensing (12), Madison Elskamp (11), Callie Holthaus (11) and, Cayla Bortz (10). Duensing and Bortz both placed in the top 20. Duensing placed 16th, bowling a 508 and Bortz placed 2nd with a 617. “I am insanely happy with our team. Everyone has doubted us since the beginning of the season saying we won’t go to state as a team but, I’ve believed in us since day one,” Bortz said. All of the bowlers on the boys varsity team were juniors. The six brought to state were Brayden Prockish, Jared Sands, Nathan Mercer, Spencer Harrington, Keiton Kirkegard, and Alex Pheigaru. Prockish placed 10th at state with a 600. “It was the first time our team made state so I think we were pretty nervous,” Prockish said. As a team, boys took 7th place and the girls team received 3rd place. Bortz, Duensing and Mercer made first team All-City. Prockish and Pheigaru made second team All-City. Both Bortz and Mercer made first team All-State. “Our team did really well as a whole. The teamwork and encouragement from both the girls and the guys there really helped,” Duensing said. In one bowling alley, there was a total of 192 bowlers, 96 girls and 96 boys. To say it was crowded would be an understatement. Parents, grandparents and friends all came to support the bowlers. “There [were] so many people. There was more than 100 people in that bowling alley and we are all competing for the same thing,” Bortz said. Story by: Rebecca Donaldson
The Totem | April 2017 |Sports
Sophomore Cayla Bortz aims her shot perfectly to win the game. Bortz placed 2nd at the state competition. Photo by: Alex Wilson
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Hoops, They Did It Again
Story by: Alyssa Rabe
Basketball brings home second SH state title of the year the flu and was not able to contribute A champion is a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in a to the same extent. competition, and the Thunderbirds basketball team can now claim that “We were just excited to be in the title. Finishing off their 22-3 season, the boys brought home the state championship game so we came out championship trophy by going 3-0 at the 5A state tournament, the first state with a lot of energy and the student championship in boys basketball at Shawnee Heights since 2002. section helped out a lot,” senior Poncho Lead by senior leader and All-State selection Trey Brown, the team was Freeman said. able to overcome both injuries and illnesses. Brown’s 24-point second half Freeman was injured performance in the sub-state championship game “I loved how much these boys gave in sub state with a knee versus league rivals Seaman clinched the state birth in up for the team. They were a very contusion, limiting his the final seconds, winning 58-56. performance in the first At the state tournament held at the Expocentre in unselfish group....they laid the two games of state. Topeka, the team’s first competitor was the St. Thomas foundation for winning...” With rest, Freeman Aquinas Saints, the team predicted to win it all based -Coach Wallace scored 11 points and 9 on their league victories over the eventual 4A Div. I and rebounds in the championship game. 6A state champions (Bishop Miege and Blue Valley Northwest). Although Freeman was an All-City and All-League underdogs, the T-Birds started strong and played together as a team to first team pick. complete their first step to the championship, winning 57-52. “It was a great team effort, different “I felt very confident and I felt like we were going to win, and I wasn’t going guys stepped up every game,” Wallace to let our team leave there without a W,” Trey Brown said. Brown ended game one with 13 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, aided by said. Senior Jerome McFalls played an important role inside against Goddard’s fellow senior Jesse Moss’ 18 points and Michael Brooks’ 13 points. “We were confident going into the game and it just carried through,” head 6’8” Matt Pile, and senior Tyler Zentner was named 5A and All City honorable coach Steve Wallace said. “It was nice to prove everyone wrong.” mention because of his defensive Momentum began, leading to the next biggest challenger in the presence. The 3-point consistency tournament: the Goddard Eisenhower Tigers, the number one ranked team from junior Tyler White showed up in with only one loss going into state. Trailing the entire game, the T-Birds important comeback moments, and managed to tie it up at the end of regulation to head to overtime. Just as sophomore Tyce Brown’s energy helped Eisenhower gained the lead in the final seconds of OT, Brown, who ended refresh the team’s focus. with 30 points in the game, made a pass to senior Michael Brooks, who Trey Brown ended the tournament scored a last second layup to put the Thunderbirds ahead. That 2-point with 64 points, earning All-State, Allbucket was Brooks’ only field goal in the game, but gave Shawnee Heights League, and All-City first team honors, the 57-55 victory and advanced them to the state championship game. “It felt like I was in a dream. As a kid I dreamt of hitting a game-winner and in addition to being City Player of the Year. Coach Wallace was named 5A for it to be in that game, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending,” Brooks Coach of the Year - an impressive feat said. in his second season at SHHS. The championship brought the Schlagle Stallions. From the start, the Eight seniors are leaving, four T-birds controlled the pace, ending their season focused on the prize. of which have committed to play Claiming the lead early and keeping it that way, the boys stayed true to their basketball at the collegiate level: Brown team motto, “tunnel vision,” earning them the state championship trophy. “I just wanted to take care of business,” Moss said. “There are some things - Missouri Western State University; Brooks - Baker University; Freeman you just know and I just knew we were going to win state.” Allen County Community College; and Moss ended the game with a total of 12 points, three assists and two rebounds, overcoming his performance from the previous night where he had Moss - Fort Scott Community College.
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The Totem | April 2017 | Sports
Photos by: Maddie Good, Alex Wilson, and Ryan Good
The Totem | April 2016 | Sports
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Junior Tyler White pitched during the game on March 31 against the Junior Blues. Photo Courtesy by: Michael White
Pitching Rule Brings Safety For Athletes The baseball team is expecting a few changes due to Kansas State High School Activities Association’s new pitch count rule. Based on the number of pitches thrown, the state requires the individual to have a certain rest period. A pitcher that throws less than 30 pitches is not required any rest days, but if 31-45 pitches are thrown, it is a one day rest period. Throwing 46-60 pitches is a two day rest. Throwing 61-75 pitches is a three day rest. From 76-105 pitches is a four day rest period. Most of the pitchers feel the same way about their new rule. “It hasn’t really affected me yet. It will suck having to sit and wait a certain amount of days before I can pitch again but, it’s definitely better on my arm,” junior Peyton Carson said. The rule was put into effect after several players were throwing too much during games. Exceeding the limit of 105 pitches in a day or violating the required days of rest can result in immediate ineligibility of the player. “There wasn’t really a rule before, you could
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throw as much as you wanted,” Carson said. The player in violation is unable to participate until reinstated by KSHSAA. The player’s coach may finish the day of competition but must also be reinstated by KSHSAA before returning to coach. The game that the violation occurs in will result in a forfeiture. “As a person who likes to pitch, it will be frustrating but if I throw too many, I’ll have to take the rest of the week off,” senior Skyler Zirkle said. Although they haven’t seen any effects yet, the team believes it will help in the long run. This new rule will save lots of high school athletes from ruining their arm. A Tommy John surgery is an operation that repairs or replaces the elbow ligament connecting the upper part of the throwing arm with the lower part, with a recovery time of 12-18 months. “It will make teams utilize more pitchers and will involve more strategy to the game,” Zirkle said. Story by: Rebecca Donaldson
The Totem | April 2017 | Sports
Junior Track Star Overcomes Tragedies The past year has come with many ups and downs for junior high jumper Mikey Hoffer. After placing third at the 2015 state championship, Hoffer was determined to come back even better and stronger than the previous year. This is exactly what he did by putting in hours of hard work into his training, winning his first state championship as a sophomore with a jump of 6’4”. Another high point in Hoffer’s year was winning the national championship for high jump at the AAU Junior Olympics with a personal-best jump of 6-foot103/4 inches. However, just days after becoming the high jump champion, he lost club track coach Lance Lenard in a devastating car crash. Lenard was a role model for Hoffer and always pushed him to keep improving and really got his confidence up. “He showed me what success I could have and he showed me my talent,” Hoffer said in an interview with Rick Peterson. Hoffer’s challenges didn’t stop there. In January, Hoffer lost his mom to a year-long fight with cervical cancer. Hoffer was a primary caretaker for his mom and was with her every step of the way during her battle. He has been very saddened by her loss but he knows she would want him to stay strong and continue making her proud. These two important people in his life have motivated him to keep moving on and to achieve the goals he has set for himself.
The Totem | April 2017 | Sports
“I can be worried at times but when I am, I put my worries in God’s hands,” Hoffer said. Hoffer is looking forward to this track season and all that it has to bring. Hoffer will be competing in four events: high jump, long jump, triple jump, and 4x4 relay. The first meet took place on March 31, in Junction City. He jumped 6’8” at this meet, which is a big accomplishment considering this is only the start of the season. Although he took first in high jump, he is determined to keep working at his other events. This year the team will be competing in seven to eight meets which doesn’t include regionals or state. He trains one to two hours everyday to prepare for the meets so that he can reach his goals. Not only is Hoffer a track star but he also participates in football and basketball. At the beginning of the basketball season, he fractured his ankle during practice while attempting to block a shot. This was a setback for Hoffer, especially it being at the start of the season and so close to track season. Hoffer missed out on the majority of the basketball season and came back for the Hayden game at home which took place February 14. During his recovery time he had a month of therapy and through this time continued to work out his ankle and make it stronger. “I don’t believe that my injury will affect this track season and I will be healthy and even more ready to go,” Hoffer said. Story by: Rachel Etzel and Kortney Michel
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The Totem | October 2016 | Ads
Side by side comparison
PROM COSTS
Prom Held in Cafeteria for Third Straight Year In the past, the prom location alternated between Shawnee Heights grounds and off-site venues. This enabled students to have the opportunity to experience both settings. However, largely due to the cost of an outside venue, the dance will be held in the high school cafeteria for the third consecutive year. “We have better access to the building, no restrictions on bringing in outside food and beverages, and less restrictions on decorations,” prom sponsor Terri Ward said The Totem | October 2016 | Entertainment
Students also benefit from an on-site prom because tickets are sold at a lower price. “The number of students attending has increased each year,” Ward said, showing that at any venue, prom is always a popular event. Story by: Makenna Orton
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Photos by: Katie Moison
For high schoolers, late night food runs are a must. Getting late night pancakes after an exciting football or basketball game is tradition. Between the restaurants that are open late enough to seat 15 plus people, IHOP is the obvious choice over Denny’s for several reasons. IHOP’s wait staff is friendly and nice, even to a low tipping group of high schoolers. Whereas, the Denny’s staff is rude and unwelcoming. The environment of Denny’s restaurant is dingy and unclean. IHOP is clean, bright and customers feel comfortable eating in there. The wait staff cleans the tables and floors before they seat a group, so the tables are not sticky. At Denny’s, your arms stick to the table with syrup. Those that prefer Denny’s say that IHOP is too expensive. However, IHOP’s slightly higher prices means that the food is better. I would rather pay more to eat good food than pay less for nasty greasy food. If I spent five dollars on Denny’s food and then didn’t eat it, that five dollars would be wasted. But, if I spent a couple dollars more at IHOP and enjoyed my food, then those couple extra dollars would be well spent. A popular menu item is the classic 2x2x2 because it offers a good variety of the essentials. When you order this dish, it includes two pancakes, two pieces of bacon or sausage and two eggs, cooked your way. The price of this amazing dish is only $6.69! My favorite drink is the bottomless vanilla iced coffee for only w$2.59.
v
Story by: Ryan Berry and Elizabeth Donaldson
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The Totem | April 2017 | Entertainment
s
You can’t beat the feeling of walking out of a restaurant, completely full and satisfied, and having spent only $2 . It’s a rarity that you’ll find a $2-4-6-8 menu at your table, but at Denny’s it’s a reality. For a stack of two delicious pancakes with tasty butter on top it’s only $2. On the other side of things, at IHOP, for three pancakes it’s $5.29. Yikes. One more pancake for three extra dollars? At Denny’s you can get UNLIMITED pancakes for $4. Not only are the prices better but the service there is great. Any day, anytime they will serve you with a smile. They are fast and helpful. My friends and I have actually had conversations with employees there. They are full of interesting and crazy stories. Denny’s is an experience, not just a meal. It’s not just your classy breakfast-sit down with grandma-meal. Denny’s is live. Denny’s is poppin’ anytime, any day. The place just has more of a personal feeling to it. Some of my classic orders include the $2 Quesadilla served with salsa, ranch, and sour cream on the side. Another favorite is the $2.99 stack of chocolate chip pancakes. One last order is seasoned fried with ranch. Denny’s offers a variety of all foods, not just breakfast. It’s a place i go to after a long night of adventuring with friends. Story by: Brooklyn Armbruster
The Totem | April 2017 | Entertainment
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Dating: Then Compared to Now
1960s 1920s
Dating in the 1920s was finally unsupervised and independent. Teens began to date without adult supervision or a chaperon. They were no longer arranged with a partner and courting turned into dating. The term and action of “dating” first began in the 20s, as well as “double date” and “blind date”. Their choice of partner in the 1920s became less affected by wealth and name, and by personality and characteristics. Movie theaters and nightclubs were developed in the 1920s, giving teens more places to go on dates. Photo courtesy of David Zellaby
1990s In the 1960s dating was referred to as “going steady”. To meet who they were interested in, teens would get a group of friends together to hang out with a group of their friends. The men in the 1960s were expected to be chivalrous and open the door for women and pay for the movie tickets or dinner. They were also expected to have her home on time. The women were to refrain from kissing on the first date. It was also important that the women not appear too intelligent in front of their date. Photo courtesy of Robert Huffstutter
Dating in the 90s was often called “going out”. Teens would ask for each other’s numbers and then wait by the phone until they called. When they made plans with someone, that person didn’t flake. To show someone they loved them they would write them love letters or make them mix tapes. There were fun places to go on dates such as the roller rink and the bowling alley. Before a date, the teen’s friends would all come over to help them get ready. The best part about dating in the 90s was teens communicated over the phone and had real conversations. Photo courtesy of Rowland Scherman
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The Totem | April 2017| Entertainment
2010s Dating now is ridiculously different than years past. Teens communicate often through the internet and text each other on their cellphones. There are apps such as Snapchat that has affected dating greatly. Teens, when they like each other, will like each other’s posts on Facebook, Twitter, or will “fav for a tbh”. If the feeling is mutual they will exchange Snapchats and begin snapchatting. At this phase it is extremely unclear what they are. Until they exchange numbers they are considered just friends. When teens text most of the day and slightly flirt then it is common to assume they are “talking”, this phrase means they aren’t dating, but are pre-dating, and they are testing to make sure they like each other. The level of commitment here is unclear. A teen will ask the other if they want to date, this does not mean they are going on dates, though. The internet has also introduced online dating to us, where teens will be in a relationship with someone who lives in a different state. It also introduced dating apps where you can find other single teens looking for a relationship.
MUSIC CONCERTS COMING soon IN LAWRENCE, KANSAS CITY, & WICHITA
MAY 9TH - THE 1975
@ STARLIGHT THEATRE, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
MAY 13TH - CHANCE THE RAPPER @ PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER, KANSAS CITY, KANSAS
MAY 15TH - KEHLANI @ THE GRANADA, LAWRENCE, KS
MAY 17TH - THE CHAINSMOKERS @ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
MAY 21ST - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS @ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
MAY 24TH - TREY SONGZ @ THE MIDLAND, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JUNE 3RD - ROCKFEST
@ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JUNE 4TH - FUTURE
@ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JUNE 11TH - JCOLE
@ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JUNE 22-24TH - COUNTRY STAMPEDE @ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
JUNE 29TH - ED SHEERAN @ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
August 15TH - COLDPLAY The Totem | April 2017| Entertainment
@ SPRINT CENTER, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
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Peeps by the Numbers The Totem staff taste tested multiple flavors of Peeps. Below are some facts about the ones that we tasted. P.S. we recommend Peep flavored Oreos!
0 grams of fat 1.5 billion eaten each spring
Yellow is the number 1 type
2 billion made in 2015 46 flavors 5.5 million created everyday
7 ingredients Created in 1953 6 minutes to make
28 calories
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The Totem | April 2017 | Entertainment
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Across: 12. Who did the basketball 2. The stage when you're not dating but not just friends team beat in the championship game? 3. Just Do It 7. This feature on Snapchat 13. Marshmallow chicks allows you to say where you 16. Blank screens and are 'streaks' 8. What is the districts new 19. People may say these logo? are 'on fleek' 11. For prom, boys typically rent _______ 20. How many board of education members are there?
The Totem | April 2017 | Entertainment
Down: 1. Musical performances given in public 4. America’s diner is always open 5. The totems feature package is based on the SHHS ____ _______ policy 6. Some people call these Jesus sandals
9. Funny pictures that we send to friends 10. Come hungry, leave happy 14. When you forget how to use the @ button 15. The symbol for this gadget is the apple 17. What is the most expensive thing to buy for prom? 18. Event on may 6th at SHHS
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Shawnee Heights Senior High School 4201 SE Shawnee Heights Rd. Tecumseh, KS 66542 Journalism Department: 785-730-5150
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