March
Stop where you are and begin on a new path. New beginnings are ahead with spring around the corner, with suggestions starting on page 16 learn how your peers are moving forward and how you can too.
Shawnee Heights High School // Tecumseh, Kansas
THE
TOTEM
Volume 57 // Issue 5
TABLE OF CON T
ENTS
4 12 16 28
Students intereste d in beco participat ming a te e in new acher can set of cla sses lear ropes in t ning the he educa tion field. That’s a w r spring. Re ap up on winter s ports, tim ad about e for h o w winter up and w s p o rts hat to exp ect for sp finished ring.
Ready fo r a new b Spring is eginning? the perfe ct time fo r a fresh s tart. The 10 ye ar challen ge, teach go look a er edition t all your favorite t versus no e a c hers then w to see what has changed .
EDITOR’S NOTE
PAGE 23
myself up over before. I try to not get upset when I do bad on a test. Some nights I stay up watching Netflix and eating peanut M&Ms and other nights I get all my homework done and go to bed at 9 p.m. We all need a do-over every once in a while. New beginnings provide you with an opportunity to grow as a person and to learn from yourself. As Hannah Montana once said, “Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days.” Changing something as small as your morning routine or your hair color can bring great self positivity. Make peace with someone you’ve been angry with and you’ll feel the weight
come off your shoulders. Talk to the kid who eats alone at lunch, and you just might make a new friend when you make their day. Stop hanging out with the friends who make you feel like you have to constantly try to keep their attention. Instead of waiting to be invited to something, make the plans yourself. What makes you happy is what you should surround yourself with daily. High school is a place for change so start making your changes now. Be the change you want to see in yourself. STORY: Rebecca Donaldson
STORY: Rebecca Donaldson
PAGE 28
PAGE 12
High school is a place where you can find out who you really are. You are allowed to change and to discover what you actually like. Try new things now so you can be confident in college or work or whatever you want to do later in life. Whatever it is you are unhappy with, give yourself a new beginning and make that change. Changes don’t have to be drastic, just enough that you feel better or more like yourself - more like someone you are proud to be. Junior year has brought so much happiness to me because I finally decided that I can do whatever I want to. I allow myself to make the mistakes that I tore
P G . 3 / TAB LE OF C ONTENTS / MAR CH
FUTURE TEACHERS
New program allows students to take high school courses to better understand teaching profession
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tarting next year, Shawnee Heights has added a new career exploration program for students interested in a teaching career. The idea of bringing this program to the school has been up in the air for a while, but with a combination of schedules lining up and a teacher shortage statewide, it will finally be introduced. While Washburn Tech offers programs in nursing, automobile servicing, information technology, construction, cosmetology and more, the Teaching as a Career program will be run through the high school and available to give students a chance to try out jobs before entering into a lifelong career. The new classes will be offered to juniors and seniors. “Typically the way we want to do it is Teaching as a Career your junior year, and then your se-
nior year is going to be eligible to take the Teachmore involved with more ing Internship course, teaching and planning,” which is a class that will assistant principal Mr. Eric give students a chance to Steele said. experience work in fields The Teaching as a relating to education. Career class was de- Different goals will each signed to show students be set by the student, the principles that go teacher, and supervialong with teaching and learning. “We hope it will give Those who them a little bit more of a enroll will get background for when they a first hand step out into that next look at the level.” responsibili-MR. ERIC STEELE ties a teacher has, and the techniques that help them meet the sors. Teaching Internship requirements that the job gives a more thorough demands. look into classroom activNot only is it a good op- ities in multiple different portunity for students to settings with discussion, feel what it’s like to be in support and follow ups a leadership position, but on the experience. Simithey will also get to see lar to the Washburn Tech everything from class- program that is offered, room management to dif- students will leave for a ferent student behavior. portion of their day. After taking Teaching “We’ll try do it as a Career, students are through a lot of partner-
ships within the elementary buildings and so forth or Heights of Learning or the middle school. Possibly even some here at the high school,” Mr. Steele said. The school thinks that this program will help students clarify what they want to specialize in teaching wise, and get a deeper look into what aspects they do and don’t like. “We hope it will give them a little bit more of a background for when they step out into that next level. It will kind of give them a running start,” Mr. Steele said. Students who apply for the classes and are approved will have it as a part of their schedule starting next year . STORY: Tia Muñoz
College Bound
AVID site team encourages college readiness and success through banner display highlighting college commits
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eniors with postsecondary plans will receive a banner to be hung on the north wall of the cafeteria as part of an initiative by the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program’s goal of creating a school culture of college readiness. Students who plan to attend a four year college, junior college, technical school, join the military or plan to obtain any kind of certification will receive a banner as part of the display. The banners will include the seniors name, a picture of them, their post secondary plans, and a logo of their plans. The goal is to “create that college bound atmosphere throughout the school, kind of see that our students are and can go to college if that’s what they see
in the future, just a visual piece,” sophomore AVID Teacher Mrs. Danielle Falor said. AVID mission is “to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” Helping students become college ready, often times these students are first generation college bound and groups or traditionally underrepresented in higher education. AVID equips teachers with knowledge to help students succeed in college and their career. “I feel like the kids need to know they can go to college if that’s what they see fit for them and that there are choices out there and it’s important to be knowledgeable about the different types of universities and colleges that there are and what they
can do after high school,” Mrs. Falor said. Shawnee Heights’ AVID site team decided on the banners in attempt to move towards a AVID school-wide. This is an initiative to bring all students into a college-ready atmosphere, not just those enrolled in the AVID program. In the past, SHHS has celebrated college sports signing, but this is one of the first initiatives to celebrate academic commitments at the next level beyond sports. The school hopes the banners will be a “chance for everybody to take a look at what people are going to do next and create a positive culture,” Assistant Principal Mrs. Sherri Monhollon said. STORY: Taylor Lincoln
Seniors : if you have postsecondary plans and have not been recognized, please notify the councelING center to receive your personal banner. PG. 5
/ SC HOOL NEW S / MAR CH
early
Spring B R E A
K
Board of Regents makes decision that complicates timing of spring break for districts all over the state in future years Students and teachers are setting their calendars early this year for spring break, March 9-15. This comes after over a decade of spring break taking place a week later, but more changes could be on the horizon for upcoming years. “The way the weather has been I am pretty sure everyone needs spring break as soon as it can get here this year,” Superintendent Dr. Stessman said. “The downside is that it is a longer stretch from break until the end of the school year. Spring sports scheduling may be impacted somewhat but those teams typically practice through break regardless of when it is scheduled.” Although when to have spring break may seem to be a simple decision by each school district’s board members, district calendars are actually dictated by the Kansas Board of Regents. This governing body determines the academic calendar of the six public universities, one municipal university, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges in Kansas (kansasregents.org). Colleges such as KU, K-State, Emporia State, and Allen County Community College are set to have spring break from March 9-15. To prevent conflict with dual credit classes, school districts base their academic calendar off of colleges in their area. “Aligning with the local colleges and universities
SPRING 2 0 BREAK 19
MARCH 9TH-15TH
allows families who have students in the district and also at a local university to plan family events or trips and all their children can participate. Also, we have a good number of students who attend Washburn Tech who would not get a spring break if we didn’t align with them,” Dr. Stessman said. However, starting next year, school districts in Kansas will have to make harder decisions about when to schedule spring break. For the first time, the Board of Regents approved different spring breaks for different universities in Kansas. Public school districts will have to choose between two sets of dates next year. KU, K-State, and Emporia State will have spring break March 9-15 in 2020. Majority of districts in northeast Kansas have chosen to align with these dates next year. On the other hand, Wichita State, Pittsburgh State, and Fort Hays State are set to have spring break March 23-29, and the Wichita school district has copied these dates; whereas, nearby school districts - Andover, Maize, and Goddard - are set to have spring break a week earlier (kansasregents.org). This change affects many in the Wichita area, including teachers who work for USD 259 but send their children to other districts with different spring breaks. This is the first time in recent history that all of the major universities haven’t been on the same spring break schedule. “[Kansas Board of Regents members] decided they’d go with what (spring breaks) made the most sense for…each institution,” said Matt Keith, spokesman for the Board of Regents in an interview with the Wichita Eagle. This complicated array of dates only continues to escalate, and by spring break of 2022 KU students will have their spring break a week before all other college students in Kansas (kansasregents.org). The Kansas Board of Regents has officially adopted this schedule of scattered spring breaks through the year 2022 (kansasregents.org). STORY: Olivia Talbert
Library computers Outdated library computers set to receive upgrade next year Computers in the library have all been used a minimum of five years, some longer than that. Students are finding that having an old computer makes it hard to get assignments done quickly as the machines slow down with age. In addition, students using the computers in the library are getting their work done with outdated software. With these complications in mind, new computers will soon be located in the library. “Currently, the computers we have are at the end of there life span, so they run very slowly and the software on them are very paired down,” librarian Mrs. Leslie Weishaar said. “The current computers don’t have Chrome so the new computers will be able to have that software that is needed.” The Capital Outlay program funds the school district’s building and grounds needs each year, covering equipment costs for the whole district. An example of what Capital Outlay is helping the district with is purchasing new buses and replacing the parking lot at the middle school. The library computers fall into this
category with the aproved Capital Outlay budget this year. “Capital Outlay is money the district receives that goes towards big ticket items throughout the entire district, so for all the buildings, and that would cover any kind of technology, any kind of new buildings or new roofs,” IT Director Mr. Blair Anderson said. Capital Outlay will spend $1,065,340 for computer equipment in the high school, middle school, all four elementary schools, and the Central Office. “Incoming 9th graders will get new iPads just like we’ve done every year, the library will be getting new desktops, and we are starting to replace the administrative assistant desktops they use for their jobs,” Mr. Anderson said. The computers are being inspected to see what parts are needed for the various computers. Once this is done, they will be out for bid to get the best pricing. The school’s goal is to have new computers in the library by the spring semester. STORY: Alex Lane
P G 7 / SC HOOL NE W S / MAR CH
Spring play
Spring play focuses on retelling of Columbine school shooting, discovering truth of traumatic events and how they are remembered
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chool shootings are a serious and sensitive topic, but this year’s spring play “The Library” tackles the idea head on, as it occurs during a school shooting. “The script was submitted to administrators for approval and while they expressed some hesitation, they allowed the production to go forward,” drama teacher and play director Mr. Jeff Boyer said. Inspired by the massacre that occurred at Columbine High School in 1999, the play follows a student who survived the shooting and her retelling of the events. Even though there were questions concerning the play being approved, administration
gave their side and allowed the production to continue. “The main part of the show is discovering the truth of what a traumatic incident really is and whether or not the truth is really important to the story,” Mr. Boyer said. School shootings are a sensitive subject because of the amount of shootings that have occured in the past decade. However the message of “The Library” is to show the story of the traumatic events that took place. “The show itself is certainly not how to do a school shooting, it’s not about how to protect yourself from a school shooting, it’s really not even about someone who makes a school shooter. So we are going
A marketing poster of the off-Broadway Play The Library, which is based off the 1999 Columbine Massacre. The theatre department pushed to get the script approved by administration and will be performed April 25, 26, and 27.
into this with a level of sensitivity that we haven’t necessarily had to before,” Mr. Boyer said. The questions concerning the controversy should be seen as resolved, both the administration and the play directors have gone over the script and approved the play to continue with production. “I’m really excited for this show, the Drama Club officers have a say in choosing the spring play, and I rallied hard for “The Library” because I think it’s going to be something different for the actors and audience that everyone will enjoy,” senior Morgan Boyer said. Auditions are being held the auditorium Mar 19-20. “The Library” opens April 25, 26, 27. STORY: Bryce Cook
Actress Chloe Grace Moretz, the main character in the original play, stars in the Broadway play The Library. The show premiered March 25, 2014 at the Public Theater in New York City.
2019
talent show
Students showcase their unique talents at the show March 2 Seniors Peyton White and Delaney Block directed the show. The two helped organize the performers and made the show possible.
Sydney Wellshear performed ‘More Like Her’ by Miranda Lambert. Wellshear was accompanied by Drew Boyle playing his guitar.
Sophomore Makinze Grittman sang ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri. She was accompanied by Mrs. Brenda Geisler on the piano.
Freshmen Trenton Henery and Pierce Gutierrez stole the show with a musicalcomedy skit about dating the same girl.
Junior Ajayla Bayless performed an African dance called ‘Voyage’ to the song ‘Yawa’.
Junior Gabe Smith sang ‘Dancing on my Own’ by Calum Scott. This was his first time performing a solo during the Talent Show.
PICTURES: Cayla Bortz
P G . 9 / SC HOOL NE W S / MAR CH
All-State PIANO Four pianists compete at state level to earn high honors on keyboard Performing their pieces once annually, four students competed at Regional Piano in Baldwin in an attempt to qualify for State Piano. In order to qualify for state, performers must receive a one at regionals. Freshman Cesar Giron, junior Ally Giron, and seniors Nicole Bloomquist and Ben Kile performed on Feb. 2 at Baker University. It was Cesar Giron and Bloomquist’s first time playing at regionals. “I’ve memorized a ton but the only one I can still remember is called ‘Rondo Alla Turca’ by Mozart, and that’s the
one I’m playing (at regionals),” Bloomquist said. On Feb. 16, Cesar Giron, Ally Giron, and Kile performed their pieces at Wichita State University. Ally Giron and Kile both received ones and Cesar Giron received a two. Bloomquist was unable to perform due to a cold. “They are both (regionals and state) kind of intimidating because it’s just you on the stage in front of a judge,” Ally Giron said. This year was Ally Giron’s third year competing at regionals. She has been playing
the piano since third grade. “I really hate (playing) sometimes but, my favorite part is when I get really into a certain song I’m playing and see how much progress I have made with it since playing,” Ally Giron said. As well as competing in regionals and state annually, Bloomquist has been performing at Guild auditions since fourth grade. Once a year, she memorizes and plays in front of judges for the National Piano Guild of America. Bloomquist is preparing for her audition at the end of April. STORY: Rebecca Donaldson
L’arabesque by Johann Burgmüller Played by - Cesar Giron
Prelude No.16 D Flat Major by Frédéric Chopin Played by - Ally Giron
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair by Debussy Played by - Ben Kile
d E c d
G A B f G A
d E c d
G A B f G A
d c
c d E f G A B C D E F G A B C D
Freshman Cesar Giron performs his piece at the Regional Piano competition in Baldwin.
Submitted By: Ally Giron
P G . 1 1 / F EATU RE / MAR CH
Winter Sports
Wrapping up winter season, wrestling and bowling earn first UKC titles
Boys Basketball “We have had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day I think we have gotten better,” senior Brandon Walker-Ladish said. The boys ended with a 14-10 overall record and a 6-4 league record. Having a new head coach, Ken Darting, has brought the team together. The boy’s season ended with a first round loss in sub-state to Spring Hill on Friday, March 1.
Girls Basketball “I mean it’s going pretty good, we have already passed the record we had last year,” junior Alie Fulks said. The lady T-birds are 9-12 this year, which is an improvement from last year’s six wins. The girls only have one senior and are looking forward to next season. The season ended with a first round loss to Spring Hill last week.
Wrestling “I think we just had a bond and it helped us grow together,” senior Freddy Maisberger said. The wrestlers won the title their first season being a part of the United Kansas Conference with a 29-2 overall record. The wrestling team also had 11 wrestlers who made it to state including seniors Freddy Maisberger and Cade Wathke who have also been selected for the Sr. Classic All-Star Dual.
Boys Swim “The season was great, and the new guys showed lots of improvement throughout the year,” junior Tanner Carter said. The team had a new coach, Mr. Riley Propps, and they were satisfied with how their season ended with an overall well final showing in regionals.
Boys Bowling “We did fairly good, and ended with a winning record,” junior Alec Elskamp said. The team competed in eight meets this year, taking first in four and second in the other four meets. Having 14 seniors, the upperclassmen helped lead the boys to winning the United Kansas Conference title. The boys did not end up qualifying for state.
Girls Bowling “At the beginning of the season our competition underestimated us but now we won regionals and are going to state on a high note,” senior Erin Mayfield said. It is always a good year when the team breaks a school record. The girls bowled a combined score of 3,160 in regionals which is a record performance. On top of that, they won the United Kansas Conference title and regionals. The girls ended up taking sixth at state. STORIES: Isaiah Wilson & Josh Ybarra
PHOTOS: Valerie Arredondo, Cayla Bortz & Ryan Good
Spring Sports preview As the winter sun sets, and the weather begins to finally warm, a new exciting season of sports begins. In the months of February to May, spring sports help to wrap up yet another school year.
GIRLS SOCCER
COACH SIMONS “The good news about the season is we have some very motivated younger players that will help build our program for the future,“ coach Simons said.
BOYS GOLF
GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE
TRACK AND FIELD
BOYS TENNIS
COACH SWIFT “The Shawnee Heights boys golf team has always played the game of golf the right way. With honesty, respectfulness, good sportsmanship and the fortitude it takes to play this mentally tough sport,” coach Jason Swift said.
COACH NICKS “The upperclassmen lead the team, and when they graduate their tradition doesn’t, tradition never graduates. Our previous Juniors and Sophomores keep the tradition alive,” coach Bradley Nicks said.
P G . 1 3 / SP ORTS / MARC H
SOPH. MADELYN ESQUIBEL Sophomore Madelyn Esquibel is participating in her first year on the team. “It’s a whole different workout on your body than any other sport, we burn so many calories that my whole diet has changed.” Esquibel said. SOPH. JACK HUFFMAN “It helps me meet new people and I get to be more involved in sports and the school,” Sophomore Jack Huffman said. STORY: Emily Metzger
Heights Softball Softball seeks third undefeated season in a row, hoping for back-to-back-to-back state title
F
inishing a full season with no losses is not easy to come by; back to back undefeated season is what the Shawnee Heights softball team accomplished, ending the past two years as state champions. The team has an overall record of 50-0 and heads into the 2019 season with a target on their back. “We always think one game at a time so we don’t get ahead of ourselves and just think of the ending goal which is another 25-0 season,” junior and starting third baseman Aniya Holt said. The Thunderbirds will enter their second season with Coach Tara Griffith, who took over after long time coach, Steve Giddens, retired. “She played growing up and in college, which helped us feel confident in her knowledge of the game and that she knows what it takes to be successful,”junior and one of two starting pitchers Jaycee Ginter said, who was awarded first team all state last year and is committed to play softball at Washburn University when she graduates in 2020. Coach Griffith was an assistant coach for the Washburn Rural softball team for 15 years before being an assistant coach at Washburn University for one year. After 16 years of coaching experience Griffith saw an opening for the job and took it. Pivotal players graduated after last year’s state title, including Lydia Ostenson (outfield), Kaleigh Bayless (catcher) and Josie Hutcheson (first base). However, this year’s senior class is strong with multiple college commits, including shortstop Abbey Fischer, pitcher Paige Petefish, and second baseman Sydney Wellshear,
all planning to play college softball at the University of Central Missouri. In addition, the senior class includes outfielder Lexi Coulter and first baseman Shy Tyler. As the pressure for the Thunderbirds to win another state title increases, the team is keeping a clear mindset to start off the season. “Thinking too much about the future can cause anxiousness and nerves and we’re trying to avoid them,” Holt said. With the Thunderbirds outstanding record over the past two years, many teams are believed to make it their number one priority to defeat them this upcoming season. Therefore, continuing the streak to a possible 75-0 record will be challenging but not impossible. “We plan to continue the streak by working hard everyday and not losing focus because we know we are a target for many teams,” Ginter said. With four all state first team returners coming back, [Jaycee Ginter, Aniya Holt, Paige Petefish, and Abbey Fischer] the Thunderbirds are looking to be in good shape for the season. “As a team we already have the chemistry and a bond, now we just need to make sure we all put in all that we have and give it all we got,” Holt said. According to Sports in Kansas, last year, Petefish managed to get 106 strikeouts in just 54 innings with an ERA of 1.00. Petefish was named the Kansas 5A Pitcher of the Year in 2018. Holt was named the Kansas 5A Tournament Most Outstanding Player award. Holt played third base during the tournament and went ten of eleven from the plate. Holt also hit two of her ten hits at state over the fence for home runs. Holt didn’t just stand out in the tournament, but in the regular season as well with a batting average of .559 with eight home runs and 40 runs batted in. According to Sports In Kansas, the teams batting average last season was a .452 and only striking out fifty-four strikeouts the entire year, The players however weren’t the only ones getting awards, Coach Griffith earned her spot as the 2018 Kansas 5A Coach of the Year. Coach Griffith has shown all of us that no matter what the circumstances are, if you come in with a plan to win and practice hard, you will succeed. It will be difficult but our softball team here at Shawnee Heights has shown us anything is possible. Going 75-0 would be a dream for some players and even coaches, but that dream could possibly be a reality after this year’s softball season. STORY: Toby Moss
SOFTBALL BY THE NUMBERS Stats from 2018 season Source: Tara Griffith, head coach
After winning the championship title for the second year in a row, the team celebrates their victory. New senior leaders will replace key roles this season. PHOTO: Cayla Bortz
293 to28
6
Hits
299
Hit
Returning Starters
261 Runs Batted In
.516 Team On Base %
P G . 1 5 / SP ORTS / MARC H
29 Home runs
.442 Team Batting
the last two seasons
Runs Allowed
Runs Scored
50 - 0 35 Stolen Bases
Average
Spring
Cleaning Spring Time Brings About New Changes
Spring is a time of new beginnings. The sun reappears, weather gets warmer, and the days start getting longer. Use this season as a fresh start to fill time with new experiences and give yourself a second chance to keep the resolutions you made for the New Year. No matter what you use this time for, it’s important to take the opportunity for change. The same routine can get old and boring when repeated over and over. Trying new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone allows you to embrace new experiences and see other perspectives. Change is good, whether big or small. Not only can it help with becoming more adaptable to different situations, but it will also prepare you for the chaos that life often throws at people. Spring cleaning is seen as a cliche, but in reality, it really is something beneficial. Getting rid of what no longer serves a purpose can help move you forward and create a clean slate to work with. A cluttered surrounding leads to a cluttered mind. Throwing out old belongings opens up space for new ones, and lets one assess what’s truly necessary and what was just taking up physical space. Everything considered, even though spring cleaning is seen as typical and is often overlooked, it really can be beneficial in the long run. Whether the change is habits or environment, it’s important to switch things up in life.
STORY: Tia Muñoz
Get Organized Based on Zodiac Signs ARIES
LEO
MARCH 21- APRIL 19 JULY 23- AUG 22
Your adventurous personality means that you can get creative with the way you clear things out. Invite your friends over for an item swap. It’s the perfect chance to downsize on what you don’t need and pick up what you do.
TAURUS
APRIL 20- MAY 20
Taurus’ tend to be persistent, so once you start a project, you’re sure to finish no matter how long it takes. Clean out your entire bathroom, cabinets and drawers included, to really see the benefits of your determination.
GEMINI
MAY 21- JUNE 20
You’re adaptable, which means no obstacles can get in the way of your cleaning. Try something a bit more difficult, like vacuuming and washing your car by hand.
CANCER
JUNE 21- JULY 22
Cancers tend to be emotional, so let this help you clean. Go through your sentimental belongings and decide what really means something and serves you, and what just takes up space.
Let your creative side come out when cleaning. Go through your room and throw out anything that looks dull. Replace it with something functional and stylish to maximize space.
VIRGO
AUG 23- SEP 22
Your meticulous nature means you’re keen on the small details that many others wouldn’t notice. Go through the cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen and sort out your products based on their purpose and how often you use them.
LIBRA
SEPT 23- OCT 22
You tend to be indecisive, so it may be wise to stay away from going through things. Instead, opt for cleaning outside your house. Try getting rid of dead foliage and planting some bright and colorful flowers in your yard.
SCORPIO
OCT 23- NOV 21
Your determined yet stubborn personality means that even though you can’t stand a messy room, you still can’t be bothered to clean it. Sorting through your clean and dirty laundry and throwing away excess trash in your room is a good place to start.
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SAGITTARIUS
NOV 22- DEC 21
Sagittarius’ love having freedom and space, so you don’t need unnecessary objects cluttering your house. Give yourself a challenge and see if you can live the minimalist lifestyle, which includes downsizing until you own less than 100 things.
CAPRICORN
DEC 22- JAN 19
Practical and patient, a Capricorn’s best way to go about cleaning is the old fashioned way: rolling up your sleeves and scrubbing. Try sweeping and mopping any hard floors in your house.
AQUARIUS
JAN 20- FEB 18
Your friendly attitude means you’re just the type to throw a cleaning party. Invite some of your closest friends over and assign each to a different job, such as sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming.
PISCES
FEB 19- MARCH 20
Pisces tend to be compassionate, so donating is the way to go for you. Sort through your old clothes and belongings to find out what can be salvaged and what should be tossed. HOROSCOPES: Tia Munoz
religious recommitment
Senior Tory Blosser seeks fresh start in spirituality New beginnings come in many different ways. Change can come from anywhere and involve anything. Senior Tory Blosser began her new beginning in January of 2018 by connecting her life back to her faith after she felt she was straying away from her religious tendencies. Blosser began rekindling her relationship with God and redirected her daily life to be closer to Him. “I started to allow people to see Jesus through me by my behavior instead of trying to just tell. I wake up knowing I have a purpose, and am woken up for a reason each day,” Blosser said. Blosser was baptized at age 10 and got the chance to be baptized again in the summer when she attended Camp Barnabas. There, she was able to recommit her life
to Christianity by leading others during the camp. “I would say I was living for Christ, when in reality I was living a lie, living all for myself. I felt like a hypocrite and wanted to match my actions with my words,” Blosser said Although Blosser was still a practicing Christian, she felt as though she was not living her for God. In order to be more devoted to her faith, Blosser tries her best to always do the right thing. “I feel I am constantly growing and learning in my relationship with God. I will have days I don’t think or pray to Him at all, which I used to be ashamed to say but that’s the reality. I’m human, I am broken, the exact reason I need Jesus,” Blosser said. Blosser hopes to continue her
journey wherever it takes her. She would like to see others do whatever makes them happy. “I don’t know all there is to know about Jesus or the Bible or anything I know that everyone has the right to believe in whatever or whoever they chose to, but these are my personal feeling and experiences in my faith. I do know that each person is loved beyond explanation and was not put here on accident. I hope that if [others] get anything out of reading this it’s that,” Blosser said. Blosser plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall and join a Christian group on campus. STORY: Andrea Lopez
healthy lifestyle TIPS You are supposed to drink around 64oz of water every day. Try getting a water bottle that has measurements to keep track of your daily water intake.
Switch something up. If you study by yourself then try studying with friends, or maybe change the way you take notes to make them easier to look over.
Exercising before and after you sleep can help create a deeper sleep, while exercising right when you wake up helps boost your metabolism.
If you had a bad day or even a good day, try to think of atleast 3 positive things that happened to help you realize that your day might not of been as bad as it seems.
Getting atleast 8 hours of sleep is important. Go to bed earlier and put your phone across the room to help prevent distractions from sleep.
Try to disconnect from your phone and got to the park, read a book, or spend some time with your friends or family.
GRAPHIC: Taylor Dekok
a FRESH START JOJO KATSBULAS - Tried to dye his hair silver and it turned out blonde - Wanted a change
EMILY LOPEZ - Cut her bangs - It was an impulse decision - Has a whole Pinterest board dedicated to bangs - I said “New Year, New Me” on January 1st - Inspired by Selena
DAWSON DURKES - Cut his hair for baseball - Improves self-confidence - The beginning goal is a mullet - It gets good and bad attention - Wanted a fresh new start
P G . 1 9 / PAC KAGE / MAR CH
REDO YOUR STYLE WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS
bullet closet
1. Try to find a color that fits you the best. You can find quizzes that will match colors to your skin tone and give you the best options for you! Only buy clothes in this color. 2. Start to get rid of clothes that you don’t wear anymore or don’t have any use for. You could also donate those items to your local Goodwill. 3. Get style inspiration from your favorite celebrities or even people you see around school. 4. Focus your purchasing on high quality basics. Think a solid pair of black jeans, a cardigan that can go with anything, or neutral colored tees.
Fad diet breakdown
A quick look at the past year’s most popular diet trends
O
ver the last few generations, there has been significant transformation in the way our society regards the idea of food and dieting. Over the course of the last two decades, a plethora of fad-diets have been introduced and brought to fame. These food trends are promoted by celebrities and influencers, just to be dissected and condemned by nutritionists a short time later. Many of the notorious diets that prominent figures swear to, actually turn out to be harmful or ineffective with close review. This is a guide to the most popular modern fad diets to help you decide if, or which you would like to try. Before you make any decision, it’s important to consider why you’re wanting to diet. Good reasons for starting include promoting a healthy lifestyle, weight loss, weight gain, weight maintenance, muscle growth and definition, better athletic performance, and medical adherence. It’s also important to acknowledge the concept of dieting as simply a thorough understanding of your food consumption to promote nutritional stability. Your diet, rather than being a burden or strain, should make you feel accomplished and be effective long-term. If it doesn’t, then you need to reevaluate your goals and choose a new plan. Honestly, dieting is a great case of trial-and-error. Just like with any new lifestyle transformation, it takes
time, patience, revision, adjustment, reflection, discipline, and effort. It’s also important to tackle with baby-steps, because a sudden shift in your lifestyle, especially one that includes restriction and regulation like this does, the more challenging it will become. This could mean gradually cutting out your worst-habit foods for certain periods of time (such as abstaining from potato chips for one week, then additionally refraining from all fried foods the next). Whatever personally gets the ball rolling for you, is what you should do. It’s crucial to understand your own habits, addictions, and weaknesses before you jump into any diet. Take time to self-reflect and thoroughly interpret exactly what types of foods are the least and most beneficial to you. Do some research if you’re skeptical. Ask a nutrition-savvy friend for help. Whatever it takes for you to get substantial knowledge of your personal needs, you need to do. Also, it may be helpful to consult with a nutritionist, dietitian, or doctor for those looking for a more prominent shift in their lifestyle. Now, to jump into the diets. To the right is a glimpse of modern popular diets that may or may not work for you. Consider the descriptions, pros and cons, and effects of each. If they match with your personal interests and objectives, then you have a good place to start. STORY: Kiana Glenn
DO’S & DON’T’S to sustaining a healthy diet - Download meal-planning apps to help you track your meals & calories. Personal recommendations are Lifesum and MyPlate. - Consult friends with similar dietary interests & goals as you; exchange recipes, experiences, and advice for first-hand judgment on food matters from people you trust or respect - Follow Instagram accounts that post recipes, food tips, and helpful nutrition facts. Personal recommendations are @meal plans, @healthy_foodies, and @healthyfoodadvice. - Keep a food diary, to a) track your meals as you eat them, or b) plan your meals before each day/week. Doing this will make you more aware of your food consumption and more likely to make better choices with your food.
- Avoid diets that promote fasting- going periods of time without eating- (ex: Intermittent Fasting Diet, 5:2 Diet) - Avoid diets that rule out/dangerously restrict intake entire food groups (besides vegetarianism, if that’s right for you) - Avoid diets that only include one food group or meal (ex: Cabbage Soup Diet, Grapefruit Diet) -
Avoid
supplement/pill
based
diets
- Avoid “cheat days,” where you dedicate one day to binging on unhealthy food. Instead, plan ahead for a moderate amount of cheat snacks throughout the week to please cravings, and not ruin progress made through the period
The Ketogenic (Keto) Diet has undoubtedly taken 2018 by storm. It has lately gained considerable attention from celebrities and nutritionists as a weight-loss strategy. The idea is, when the body has no carbs to break down into glucose into fuel, it moves to a state called ketosis. During this, the liver converts fats into ketone bodies, the primary energy source. OBJECT: to drastically restrict carb intake, and in turn replace with healthy fats EATS: red meat, fatty fish, poultry, eggs, butter, cream, Vegetarianism Scan this bar cheese, yogurt, nuts, oils, low-carb veggies is one of the most code for controversial diets, and delicious, AVOID: pastas, grains, there are many different reasons healthy refined sugar, root for pursuing this regime. Whether it may be for recipe vegetable religious convictions, health reasons, or concerns for ideas! animal welfare, the restrictions are much more simple.
K
ic n e g eto
Vegeta rian is m
OBJECT: To avoid animal flesh or meat with the exception of eggs. The diet promotes the sole consumption of all non-meat food products. EATS: fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, complex carbohydrates, beans, legumes, dairy products, eggs AVOID: fish, poultry, meat
OBJECT: This diet is very flexible and lenient, and its objective is simple: eat nutrient-rich foods, carbs, fat, protein, and all. Avoid what lacks nutrition. EATS: Fresh veggies & fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, chicken, pasta, *moderately eat red meat, cheese, yogurt, eggs
ean Mediterran
The Mediterranean Diet focuses on staple foods eaten by the 1600 Greeks, Italians, and indigenous peoples around the Mediterranean Sea. It revolves around the intake of protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, vitamin-, mineral-, and fiber-rich foods, and vegetables.
AVOID: processed, packaged foods, refined sugar, refined grains, oils
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Clean Eating is the fundamental base of all other diets. Usually when people claim they are “dieting,” this is what they’re subconsciously referring to. This is a personal recommendation for beginners, and people whose simple objective is to just “be healthier.” It’s broad, lenient, and easily manipulated to work around personal lifestyle. OBJECT: It has a non-strict, straightforward purpose of balancing a high amount of nutritious foods, a moderate amount of lessnutritious foods, and a minimal amount of unhealthy foods. EATS: It’s up to you! Try new recipes and experiment with nutritional foods to make meals you enjoy, and will personally beneift your nutritional needs. AVOID: consumption of refined sugars, refined grains, trans and saturated fats, should be kept at the bare minimum
an
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ting
INFOGRAPH: Kiana Glenn PHOTO: Kiana Glenn
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Sign up to donate T SI
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T
he process of personal self improvement can be an endless search with several partial solutions. What may seem to be a guaranteed solution can lead to another chain of problems. But as spring brings on new beginnings, looking outside yourself for answers has never been easier. Volunteering is an easily accessible activity that has many benefits to guide self improvement. More than anything, volunteering connects people within communities. Whether it’s helping at an elementary school pancake feed or serving at a soup kitchen, meeting or reconnecting with someone is bound to occur. Senior Rachel Hill volunteers every Sunday teaching a religious education class to second graders. “[Volunteering gives you] a lot of people skills. It makes you realize there are other people out there that are in different situations and it’s good to put yourself in them for a bit and to take a step back from what we have,” Hill said.
This new perspective can be very beneficial for personal development. According to UnitedWay.org, volunteering consistently over time can promote individual growth and increases validity various in activities. It is also proven to be an easy way to discover fun and fulfillment. “At first it (volunteering) was the obligatory... like [the] need for service hours, but [now]...I really like it and going back to them is really fun for me,” Hill said. Finding volunteer opportunities like Hill’s may seem daunting and unattainable for some, but there are many small local opportunities to get involved in. The school’s Key Club provides many opportunities to volunteer opportunities through the Berryton Kiwanis Club. The club’s goal is to
promote leadership through serving others in the area. On the community level, participating in the blood drive and applying to volunteer at St. Francis or Stormont Vail are a great ways to make a big impact within the Topeka community. Additionally, March is Red Cross Month, which makes giving back on a large scale easier than ever. Volunteers for the Red Cross have many specific opportunities that range from helping displaced families, to providing care and comfort to ill or injured veterans. Engaging in any of these opportunities is a step forward in the large pool of growth and exposure that volunteering provides. STORY: Olivia
Talbert
LEFT: Junior Patricia Jones sitting in the chair after donating blood. She has donated before but was happy to help out again. RIGHT: Senior Emily Lopez smiles after giving blood. She ended up having a fever and was dizzy, but enjoyed begin able to give back.
PHOTOS: Valerie Arredondo
what your help does
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of the population is eligible to give blood or platelets
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seconds someone in the u.s. needs blood
million people in the u.s. donate blood INFOGRAPHIC: Brooke
P G . 2 3 / PAC KAGE / MAR CH
Moore
OPinion:
PROM SHOULD HAVE A KING AND QUEEN
H
omecoming week can be one of the most memorable times for students throughout the whole school year. Whether you’re an underclassman experiencing all the hype for the first time or a senior leading the school, it can be almost overwhelming with school spirit. On top of all the themes of each day and the big Friday game there is also one special thing that really tops it off: the vote for homecoming king and queen. This announcement could be arguably the climax of the whole week. This is the time where everyone’s attention is focused on the same thing and who’s going to win, a time where all the hype comes down to one moment. The voting for king and queen can give the whole week something to look forward to. If this is the case, why doesn’t Shawnee Heights do the same thing with prom? Since prom doesn’t get a spirit week and other perks going along with Homecoming and King and Queen of Courts, it should at least get a nominee vote for a king and queen to spice things up a little. This would, just like other contests, give the students something to talk about and look forward to as well. Prom is primarily made up of upperclassmen and students who are familiar with the process and aren’t scared to turn something small into something big school wide. Having this will ultimately make prom something more to look forward to. Every single year, no matter who wins or who’s nominated, what do you see through almost
all of your social media for that weekend? You see all the pictures of all the candidates dressed up, with their capes, tiaras, and sashes. A king and a queen would not only give all the candidates something to post about, but also all their friends and families. Every year all the student’s Snapchat and Instagram feeds are blowing up with pictures of their candidate friends. This would make the whole week leading into prom, as well as the day, more exciting. Some might say having three big contests could be overwhelming and make winning lose some of it’s value. To keep it down to two contests, Winter King and Queen of Courts should be pushed back to prom King and Queen. Though this would put the event on a Saturday and not during a game on Friday, there are still advantages to doing this. This would make the dance have a little bit more meaning to it and allow the students to focus on just that for the day. Having the winner announced during the dance would make the dance something to look forward to just that much more. OPINION:
Ethan Armbruster
OPinion:
COllege is a business
I
t’s that time of year, where everyone is wondering what to do for the next school year. What classes to take, when to take the ACT, what scholarships to apply for, and looking into colleges. Throughout our entire educational career we are taught all the steps and requirements we need to get into the best college possible. From state testing to ACT scores, students are constantly competing to be the best. One of the main reasons students spend their time competing is because college is so expensive. Is college too expensive? This educational experience, required for many jobs, can not only widen your horizons but become a lifetime debt that does more harm than good. Why? A majority of students are expected to go to a good college despite the cost. Instead of thinking about college as an experience and learning opportunity, I would consider it my first large financial decision, one that I’m making too young and inexperienced. According to the Student Loan Hero, among the Class of 2018, 69 percent of college students took out student loans, and they graduated with an average debt of $29,800, including both private and federal debt. Student loans are the main cause of debt for the average American.
According to the college investor, the average 20-year-old’s net worth is -$27,129. This is due mainly to loans for college tuition. This time of year is when students begin thinking about classes for next semester. An important thing is to be on the lookout to take as many opportunities in high school as you can. Don’t take classes just because your friends are taking them. Look for scholarships early. Talk to the counselors about scholarship options. Plan college visits. Look into events at colleges to give yourself a chance to experience everything that school has to offer. Take ACT prep or look into a tutor. Your ACT score can improve your chances of getting accepted into a good school and open scholarship opportunities. Start researching early to save yourself from future debt. OPINION: Andrea
P G . 2 5 / OP INION / MAR CH
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FROM 1A TO 5A
Senior Quinton Donohoe transitions from small to large school
T
ransitioning from a school with less than 200 students, K-12, to 263 in the senior class, senior, Quinton Donohoe made the move from a 1A school to a 5A. He previously attended Veritas Christian School, a private non-denominational school in Lawrence, Kansas.
“The first few days of school I didn’t really know anyone so I just kind of like did my own thing... it’s scary like not having people that will come up and talk to you,” Donohoe said. One of the major differences Donohoe has seen so far is that students are not as close with each other at Heights like they are at Veritas Christian. Donohoe had eight kids in his class at Veritas Christian. “You have to walk a lot longer to get to different classes here,” Donohoe said. Donohoe transferred to Shawnee Heights to experience a bigger school and its larger sports programs.
P G . 2 7 / ADS / MARC H
“The sports are better and more competitive, and the crowd is louder,” Donohoe said. Donohoe also stated players are bigger, stronger and just all around more athletic at the 5A level. Donohoe hopes to play college basketball at Dallas Baptist University and believes that playing 5A will help him get there. Donohoe’s move has been quite the ride for him. He has met many new people and has been a big role in the Shawnee Heights basketball team. He hopes that the transfer will be a good move in the long run. STORY: Josh Ybarra & Isaiah Wilson
#TEACHERTB SENIOR YEAR Donna Deever Avery Ayers-Berry Braden Werner Sherri Monhollon 1977
1987
1986
2006
2013
Lyle Reynoso Jason Robbs Regan Jones Laurie Crimmins
NOW Donna Deever Avery Ayers-Berry Braden Werner Sherri Monhollon
Lyle Reynoso Jason Robbs Regan Jones Laurie Crimmins
2006
1986
10 Year
SENIOR
C/O 2019
Timeline
A B B E Y
“When I first started softball, I was on an all boys baseball team, it was me and one other girl as the only girls on the team, so that was very interesting.”
Fischer plans on attending the University of Central Missouri in Wehrenberg, Missouri. Majoring in exercise science, continuing on to possibly becoming a physical therapist.
“Ten years from now I’ll be twenty seven, so I see myself being a physical therapist maybe, and married and starting to have kids.”
R A C H E L
Ten years ago planned on being a pediatrician up until sophomore year.
Hill has applied at Yale, Washington University, Villanova, and Saint Louis University for biomedical engineering with a minor in Spanish.
“Ten years from now, I hope to be “Dr. Rachel Hill” and work creating prosthetics through the Peace Corps, a University hospital or something along those lines”
F R E D D Y
Ten years ago Maisberger “wanted to be like his dad.”
Maisberger committed to Lindenwood University and wants to major in secondary education.
In ten years “Hopefully successful, and doing well in the community.” P G . 29 / ENTE RTAINMEN T / MAR CH
LIFE HACKS TOILET PAPER CUP SPEAKER
The Hack: Attach two cups and an empty roll of toilet paper together to amplify the sound of your phone The Verdict: FAIL The music was maybe a little bit louder, but it made it muffled and was much worse to listen to
TOOTHPASTE SHOE CLEANER The Hack: If you apply toothepaste to a white rubber soled shoe such as vans and coverse and allow them to dry, it will leave them pearly white agaain The Verdict: PASS Much to our surprise, the toothpaste actually improved the look of the shoes and helped with the sole being whiter.
TESTED
HOT GLUE PHONE CASE The Hack: Put hot glue in the shape of your phone around it to make a protective case. The Verdict: PASS ... sort of. While it did make a case, it doesn’t seem like it would offer much protection.
WATER DROP MACRO LENSE The Hack: By putting a drop of water over your phone camera lense, it should make a close up camera for extra close up pictures. The Verdict: FAIL We were unable to even keep the drop over the camera long enough to take a picture.
P G . 31 / E NTE RTAINMEN T / MAR CH
Five Guys
Prize Package
Freddys
The Shack
KiKu’s
Blue Moose
Red Lobster
Olive Garden
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in the eats City
Best
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Tacos El Sol
Fuzzys Taco Shop
Panchos
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Burger King
Sonic Drive-In
Wendys