Issue 1, 2023-24

VOLUME 53, ISSUE 1 - SALINA HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH - 730 E. MAGNOLIA, SALINA, KAN. 67401 10.27.2023

Staff

Contents Vaping Editorial Pg. 3 Sports Recap Pg. 4

Lillian Ardis

Jocelyn Hamilton

“Cost of Belonging” Pg. 5 Animal Shelter Pg. 6

Isabelle Greenemeyer

Jose Garcia

“Pets of South High” Pg. 7 Halloween Feature Pg. 8-9

Phuong Tran

Baylee Castro

Studying & ACT Prep Pg. 10

Clubs Pg. 12 Chris Strowig

School Spirit Pg. 13 Musical Arts Pg. 14-15

Marisol Mendez

Hailey Collins

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Katie Allen

Anreya Ordonez

October 27, 2023

Print: Lillian Ardis Online/Design: Jocelyn Hamilton Copy: Isabelle Greenemeyer Photo: Jose Garcia

Co-Editors Design: Phoung Tran Copy: Baylee Castro

Staff Members Hao Tran Chris Strowig Marisol Mendez Katie Allen Hailey Collins Anreya Ordonez James Villanueva

Editorial Policy Letter to the Editor

Time Management Pg. 11

Hoa Tran

Editors

“Trendy or Timeless” Pg. 16

Cover: Emily Streeter (‘24) performs the South High twirler team routine at the 2023 Central States at Kansas State University on Oct. 14. Giving the South band a score of a two rating out of three.

The staff encourages letters to the editor from its readers. Letter should be taken to room 2117 or mailed to the Tripodium, 730 E. Magnolia, Salina, Kan. 67401 The following guidelines will be used in consideration of printing letters to the editor.

Letters should be no longer than 200 words.

Letters should be signed and must be signed and must include the address and telephone number of the author. No anonymous letters will be published.

If it is the wish of the author and editor is in agreement, the author’s name by be withheld.

The letter must not be libellous, obscene, profane and it must not infringe upon copyright. The letter must not be an invasion of privacy or disruptive of the school process

Tripodium

The Tripodium is dedicated to publishing news, features, columns and sports in an unbiased and professional manner. All new, feature and opinion stories are determined by the staff and they invite readers to contribute ideas to them. The publication is a forum for student expression and will not be subject to prior review by the USD 305 administration.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Unified School District #305 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its program and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District #305 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, ADA, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Unified School District #305 Executive Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 797, Salina, Kansas, 67402, 785-309-4726.

EDITORIAL

Sense of Safety

South Speaks

Salina South implements new sensors

By Lillian Ardis

Vaping is a growing issue across the nation, as many school districts are implementing new policies to curb vaping. Specifically in Kansas, multiple school districts have focused on one way to discourage vaping: vape sensors.

“Vaping last yer was a large issue, the district saw an increase in the usage of vapes.

This distracts from their and others educations,” Ginger Jones, principal, said Since the beginning of the school year, Salina South High School has had several incidents, which has caused students to feel unsafe in our school’s environment.

This fear has been caused by the newly installed vape sensors. Unfortunately, while the vape sensors are focused on making students comfortable, many students have found it even more daunting to go to the restroom.

South should be a safe and comfortable place for students. Although, while the vape sensors are causing students to feel unsafe, the school has resources to help students quit vaping.

Vape detectors work by detecting the presence of specific chemicals that are released when vaping occurs. These chemicals include nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

South is currently the only school in the district that utilizes vape sensors, being a pilot program for the district, to see if the vape sensors are effective in discouraging the usage of vapes. The district installed the vape sensors over the summer before the school year began.

“The vape sensors were installed to make students feel safe and hopefully deter students from vaping,” Jones said. “There were many reports last year that students felt unsafe in the school.”

However, many students feel this has done the opposite. As several students have reported the vape sensors have prevented students from feeling comfortable in the restroom out of fear of being sent to the office. These fears have risen as some sensors have falsely gone off.

Once a student is caught with a vape, only parents are informed and they are also sent home with resources to quit vaping and who to get into contact with. If a student choses to go to someone to quit at the school, it is completely anonymous.

In order to promote safety in the school, the district needs to be more proactive than reactive. They can do so by promoting more of these resources accessible to students and who to get into contact with.

Need Help?

Want to Quit?

Thornton, Jeremiah Student Support Room 2210 jeremiah.thornton@staff. usd305.co

What’s your opinion on the vape sensors at school?

Freshman Class “I think the vape sensors were probably the best thing to do.”

Ivan Vasquez said.

Sophomore Class “I think its very annoying when people get stopped and late to class.”

Japser Carter said.

Junior Class “I think if they were good at their job, I would be more open to them.”

MJ White said.

Senior Class “It’s good in theory, but it hurts everybody. It makes everyone scared.”

Megan Graff said.

TEXT: DITCHVAPE to 88709

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SPORTS

CROSS COUNTRY

Varsity Girls ACTVL Top 20: 7th: Alina Arceo (‘26)* 8th: Josten Fisher (‘24)* 9th: Emma Stevens (‘27)* 12th: Ava Lemaster (‘24)* Varstiy Boys ACTVL Top 20: 10th: Korbin Dykes (‘25)* 15th: Kyler Webb (‘26)* 16th: Elian Moreno (‘26)

Layson Sajdak (‘24) prepares to throw the ball to a teammate. photo by jose garcia

*State Qualifiers Girls team qualified for state by placing second overall State will be at Rim Rock Farm Oct. 28

FOOTBALL

Points Scored: 103 Points Allowed: 344 Leading Rusher- Carson Power (‘24) Leading Tackler- Dawson Dooley (‘24) As of Oct. 20

Madison Durr(‘25 ) hits the golf ball. photo by emma cole “I went in as a individual since we didn’t make it as a team. I went from top 20 last year to top 10 this year. It was fun and I enjoyed it.” Madison Durr said.

GIRLS GOLF

AVCTL Meet: Isabel Fulkerson (‘24) placed 3rd Regionals: Madison Durr (‘25) placed 6th with a score of 92 State Team: Madison Durr placed 9th at state Elian Moreno (‘26) runs in the last home meet of the year. photo by mason gardener

Fall Sports Recap

By Anreya Ordonez

GIRLS TENNIS

Regionals: Sofia Burns (‘25) placed 6th at the Salina Central Regionals.

State Qualifiers: Sofia Burns

Paityn Fritz(‘26) and Sophie Daily (‘26) wait for a call at the home meet. photo by jose garcia.

State Results: Sofia Burns ended with a record of 1-2

VOLLEYBALL Varsity: Games Won: 13 Games Lost: 22 JV: Games Won: 16 Games Lost: 9 Ties: 1

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Carson Crow (‘24) kicks the ball onto the field. photo by rubi campa

SOCCER

Overall: 10-5 ACTVL: 4th place Playoffs: Tuesday Oct. 24, 2023.

As of Oct. 20

Sofia Burns (‘25) returns the tennis ball back to the other team. photo by ariel escalante

Cost of Belonging

SPORTS

The price it takes to be part of a sport The school provides all the equipment and jerseys for the football players. There is no rental fee for anything but the vast majority of the athletes buy their own cleats.

“We have some cleats for players that can’t afford them. They also allow the players to buy their own accessories like wristbands and visors for their helmets,” Sam Sellers, head coach, said.

All of four years, Dammian Hightower (‘24) has played in high school and he has payed for his cleats for a total of $70.

Hightower did indeed buy athletic tape and arm sleeves which were $10 each. In total for the football it cost $100 to play football.

By Marisol Mendez High school athletes often pay for their sports both physically as well as monetarily. While South athletes are not required to pay a participation free, they often find themselves paying for external costs.

This season the girls golf team participants have had to pay $40 for their uniform, a polo. Most of the girls have their own clubs, Jason Hooper, coach of the girls golf team, has extra clubs to loan.

“The girls have a golf bag that the school provides, but if they want the bag personalizes with their name on it then they have to put some cost into it,” said Hooper.

The volleyball girls don’t have to pay or rent anything, but they have to buy their own shoes, practice shirt and spandex.

Isabel Fulkerson (‘24) place her club back into her bag to go to the next hole. photo by emma cole

Rian Dye (‘24) gets ready to hit the golf ball into the next hole. photo by emma cole

Taelin Herbel (‘25) serves the ball to the opposing team. photo by jose garcia

Paityn Fritz (‘26) sets the volleyball at a home game. photo by jose garcia “The practice shirt is a one time fee once you get on the team. You can buy them once and they are good for all four years unless there are extras or you lose them,” said Micala Anderson There is no fee that players pay at the beginning of the season, but some are optional.

Once Lauren Crow (‘26) made the team, she payed $20 for two shirts that were $10 each. Beginning of season since it was optional, Crow did pay $15 for store shirts. So she had to buy her own Adidas spandex which was $20 but since she got her shoes on sale they were around $40 - $50.

“In total of the season since we had to buy our snacks on away games was around $150 - $175,” Crow said.

Landon Putman (‘25) quarter back throws the ball to one of his teammates. photo by katie beaman

At the varsity vs. Newton home game the defense lines up to face Newton’s offense. photo by katie beaman

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FEATURE

Saved by the shelter

By Jocelyn Hamilton

Fridays and Saturdays, since they’re the big days for adoptions,” said Andrea Linder, Recreation Supervisor for Salina Parks and Recreation.

Volunteers and those who want to adopt are essential to the functioning of the SAS, not only are volunteers needed, but the shelter is also overcrowded. Both volunteers and those who want to adopt must be 18 and older.

At the moment there are 67 dogs and 25 cats needing homes at the shelter, and there are more surrenders and strays coming in everyday.

Winston plays with his favorite toy in the cat room at the Salina Animal Shelter. Cats are available to both adopt and foster at the animal shelter, applications can be found on the shelter’s website. photo by jocelyn hamilton

“We get the phone calls daily,” Linder said in regards to surrenders.

“I mean if we don’t have the space, there’s nothing we can do. We can’t take them in, and we only have so much supplies because of the amount of animals we already have,” Linder said.

Salina Animal Shelter (SAS) is the only animal shelter located in Salina, working hand in hand with the Friends of Salina Animal Shelter (FSAS). The Animal Shelter is located at 329 N. Second St. “Our mission is to provide spay/neuter surgeries, medical care and assistance to the animals in our community that belong to families in need and to assist the Salina Animal Services (SAS) with our time, labor and interest in re-homing abandoned and stray animals residing at the SAS,” FSAS’s mission statement said.

Wilson, the German Shepard plays with the shelter and Tripodium staff in the dog park. photo by jocelyn hamilton In FSAS’s mission statement they mentioned that they do spay/neuter surgeries, and those are available every Thursday.

These services range from $60-$100, and you can set up an appointment at the Salina Parks and Recreation website.

FSAS also provides a free pet food drive on the second Sunday of every month. This drive is at the animal shelter, and its purpose is to help lower income families and those in emergencies with pets.

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October 27, 2023

Adoption is also a service that the SAS provides, they house both dogs and cats.

The process is filling out an application that requires a photo ID, a proof of address that matches the photo ID and the information needed for the pet’s microchip.

Prices are different depending on the age of the animal, Puppies under 5 months are $250, while kittens under six months are $60. Older animals are priced lower with adult cats over six months being $25, and adult dogs five months to seven years old priced at $150. Senior dogs over the age of seven years are priced at $50.

“So we have a group here called the Friends of the Salina Animal Shelter. They are the ones that handle our volunteers.

This group doesn’t only take donations, they do volunteer opportunities, so you have to apply through them. They do an orientation for new volunteers, and they help us with things like walking the animals and helping with adoptions. Mostly on

Animal Shelter Open Hours Call (785) 828-6535 for any questions Monday: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: By appointment only due to scheduled surgeries Friday: 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Bullet takes a break from play at the animal shelter’s dog park. [Bullet is still available for adoption.] photo by jocelyn hamilton

(These are open hours for public walkins; for adoptions, reclaims, microchips, license renewals, stray drop-offs, or surrendering a pet you must make an appointment.)

Pets of South High

FEATURE

Man’s best friends are highlighted

Story & Photos By Jocelyn Hamilton During the Tripodium’s visit to the Salina Animal Shelter for this story, the staff members met an adoptable puppy for the purpose of taking pictures named EZ. This seven-month-old Australian cattle dog was energetic and extremely excited to meet all of the staff that were there to interact with the animals.

EZ came with a sad story, having been taken back to the shelter twice after being adopted in his short life, while the first time the reason was unknown, the second time he was brought back was due to the owner not being able to take care of him.

With both of this dog’s energy and story, one of the staff members, Lillian Ardis (‘24) instantly connected with EZ and started the process to take him home. A day after the Tripodium’s staff left the animal shelter EZ was adopted

by Ardis. Now under Ardis’s care, EZ is now living happily with their family.

Teacher: Shanna Pittenger Animal Pictured: Ryder Story: Ryder is a therapy dog used all around the school by Pittenger. Ryder is seven years old and has many years of service ahead of him.

Student: Gavin Devoe (‘26) Animal Pictured: Louise Story: Louise was adopted by Devoe from a family friend who couldn’t raise their ducks anymore. Devoe has seven ducks in total all around the age of two.

Student: Clyde Barnes (‘26) Animal Pictured: Reece’s Story: Reece’s was rescued by Barnes when they were a kitten along with another cat, Pettles. Both cats were found as strays behind a work building.

Student: Jacob Branesky (‘25) Animal Pictured: Wizard Story: The Branesky family got Wizard when he was a puppy in 2010 from a family member who couldn’t take care of him anymore. Now at 13, Wizard is happy and healthy with the Branesky family.

Student: Emily Jaramillo (‘24) Animal Pictured: Yuma Story: Yuma was adopted by Jaramillo when she was just born from a lady off of Facebook. Yuma is now four and is described as, “The best greatest ever sweetest funniest goofiest dog,” Jaramillo said.

Student: Azrin Schafer (‘24) Animal Pictured: Peanut Butter Story: Peanut Butter was adopted from the animal shelter and given as a gift to the Schafer family for a birthday present.

Peanut Butter is now seven and happy.

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HALLOWEEN FEATURE Halloween past

All dres

Halloween c Salina So

By Isabelle G

“I have always enjoyed Halloween because my dad has always put a lot of effort into creating costumes.” Hollis Murdock (’27) said. photo courtesy of hollis murdock.

Pumpkin Chai One of South High’s most popular fall beverages is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. “It is delicious and it is a fantastic fall beverage to enjoy on chilly evening.”

Ubaldo DominguezGarcia (’24) said. photo by isabelle greenemeyer

“I enjoy Halloween because of how many people get in on it despite age or other features.” Jasper Carter (’26) said. photo courtesy of jasper carter

“I enjoy Halloween because it’s the one time of year I can dress like someone/something else and get creative with it.” Tianna Harle (’24) said. photo courtesy of tianna harle

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October 27, 2023

Copy-Cat Recipe Place a 14 oz. can of condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat to low heat. Add in a cup of pumpkin puree, 1 T. of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/4 t. of salt.

Stir the mixture until it begins to bubble, remove from heat. Add in 1 t. of vanilla extract, after place in a refrigerator to cool.

To make cold foam mix 3/4 cup 2% milk, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 and 1/2 cups of the previously made pumpkin sauce and 2 t. vanilla extract, mix well in a mason jar. Chill the mix and when ready use a frother or blender to turn into foam.

Add a Chai Tea concentrate into a glass of ice, pour in desired amount of milk, pour cold foam mixture on top finishing with pumpkin spice.

Recipe courtesy of wearenotmartha.com

photo by isabelle greenemeyer

Leah Mead as Nakahara Chuuya

Leah Mead (’27) dresses as Nakahara Chuuya from the anime “Bungou Stray Dogs.”

“When I first saw the ‘Bungou Stray Dogs,’ the anime my costume is from, I really loved it, but more specifically, I loved the character Nakahara Chuuya. He was my favorite, and I had always wanted to try to cosplay, so I decided to go is Chuuya for Halloween,” Mead said.

ssed up

HALLOWEEN FEATURE Spirit of Halloween

celebrated at outh High

Greenemeyer

Julia Clair (’25) bags an item at Salina’s Spirit Halloween. photo by isabelle greenemeyer

Spirit Halloween is a Halloween store open annually during the fall. Julia Clair (’25) is an employee at Spirit Halloween this year. Salina’s local Spirit Halloween is located in the Central Mall.

“I decided to apply at Spirit Halloween because Halloween is my favorite time of year so I knew it would be great to work there,” Clair said.

“I enjoy the friendships I have with my coworkers as well as the fun, positive environment that is kept in the store,” Clair said.

Applicants at Spirit Halloween must be at least 16 years of age, making it a perfect job for high schoolers.

photo courtesy of micah bailey

Micah Bailey as Vlad the Impaler

Micah Bailey (’24) dresses as Vlad the Impaler. Vlad the Impaler was the prince of Walachia, who’s cruel punishments of enemies in the 15th century supposedly inspired “Dracula” by Bram Stoker.

“I love vampires, and Vlad the Impaler has inspired a lot of the lore behind Dracula, so I think it’s important to pay homage to what he’s created despite his vengeful legacy,” Bailey said.

“Working at Spirit is interesting because I get to help keep the store together and be a guide for customers to put together the costumes and decorations that they are looking for. I love hearing about different customers' Halloween plans and helping them find what they need,” Clair said. The store contains costumes, apparel, collectibles, and decorations, all Halloween related.

“A shift can be busy and fast-paced depending on how many customers come in and how many tasks we need to finish, but we also have days where there isn't as much to do so we try to just clean up the store. As we get closer to Halloween we get much busier, especially on the weekends,” Clair said.

Student-curated fall playlist based on popular fall songs

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FEATURE

Study with South

By Baylee Castro

Learning Styles Studying is a major aspect of a student’s life. At some point of every student’s life, they have take time out of their day to fully immerse themselves into their courses.

But, there are a variety of ways that one can study. Some learn best with hands-on experiences, or with graphics. Others learn better through extensive note taking, or with recorded audio.

At Salina South High, 53% of students study for under an hour a day outside of school.

“I usually spend around 30 minutes after school to do whatever homework I have for that day, but I don’t usually have that much to do,” Tam Tran (‘26) said.

The other 47% is split into two: 35% of students studying for an hour or two, and 11% spending three hours or more on school-related topics.

The VARK model, standing for Visual, Aural, Reading and Kinesthetic, helps people identify the way they learn best.

This promotes higher learning, and teach students how to properly master skills in a way they understand.

Visual learning is the second highest method of the VARK model that students feel helps them. This method utilizes images, graphs and illustrations. In school, this is seen most commonly with slideshow presentations. Auditory learners focus better with verbal directions and listening.

The reading style employs note taking, paper handouts and textbooks. In the digital age, this method is slowly losing its charm. And last but not least, kinesthetic.

A majority of students at South High learn best this way. This style consists of handson activities to add a personal experience to the lesson. These kinds of activities are common within culinary, science, or technology classes; but can be found in any subject.

Learning and studying are vital to the student lifestyle. Students can explore themselves to gain a better understanding of their mind, and in turn, better understand the material in their classes.

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“I enjoy studying outside because it limits distractions and helps me focus.” Tam Tran (‘26) said while taking notes for her French class outside Salina Public Library. photo by phuong tran

16.5%

28.8%

14.4%

40.3%

Visual

Reading

Auditory

Kinesthetic

poll of 139 Salina South students

ACT Prep Every year, Salina South High helps students prepare for college by offering a free ACT test. The ACT, organized by American College Testing, focuses on four core subjects: English, math, science and reading. The exam consists of information students have been taught throughout their whole public school career, stopping around the end of students’ junior year of high school.

Though these subjects have been taught

gradually over the years, students still have the opportunity to prepare for the test, usually taken in the spring semester.

For two weeks during summer school, South High offers an ACT Prep course for students interested. The program, led by Charlie Todd, one of South’s math instructors, meets for two hours a day for two weeks. The course provides a practice test, which can help students familiarize themselves with the pacing of the exam.

While the math section of the test is a struggle for many, staying focused for the full duration can be even harder.

“And so, one way that you could prepare is, you know, just reading more passages. Because when you read, you’re concentrating on one thing for an extended period of time.” Todd said.

Due to the fast paced nature of the exam, having the ability to read through long passages and terms quickly is necessary.

Students can sign up for the various test dates throughout the year on the ACT website, or speak to a counselor. The test is offered to any student who is in high school, from freshmen to seniors.

FEATURE

Work on the Clock

By Phuong Tran

Tips from students on managing time

“Try to get homework done at school so that you don’t have to do it after work,” Jaylee Ann Graves (27’) said.

Destiny Gonzalez-Keophaymany is wrapping up the wire to the massage machine at Workman’ s Chiropractic. photo by hao tran Tips from students on managing time

“Just keep a planner on you, because it will help you with organizing all your work,” Sarah Thongphetmanichanh (‘25) said.

“Just don’t slack I guess,” Easton Kimmi (‘24) said.

Time Management at South

With the first quarter wrapping to a quick close and the second quarter in view, students at South High need to prioritize their time management. Time management poses a big role for all students alike.

Effective time management allows students to organize their appropriately, being an essential for studying schedules, deadlines, and assignments. Having a healthy balance between schoolwork, extracurriculars, hobbies, and jobs is the key to being successful.

Jaylee Ann Graves (‘27) is currently in orchestra at South, Salina Symphony and has a job. Regarding her time management “It is overwhelming sometimes, but easy most of the time,” Graves said; stating that sometimes it is difficult for her to organize all her work, but nevertheless, she is able to get by.

Cale Hammond (‘26) is an athlete that swims during the winter, and does track in the spring. Hammond doesn’t find his workload to be very overwhelming, but wouldn’t consider it to be easy either.

“It is just something I have to do, and I just have to motivate myself,” he said.

“Just realize that it is something that you have to do, it does kind of suck because you obviously don’t want to do you work but you just have to do it,” Cale Hammond (26’) said.

Sarah Thongphetmanichanh (‘25) is in extracurriculars such as E-Sports and works outside of school.

“I do tend to struggle sometimes balancing out things because of how sometimes random events would pop up,” Thongphetmanichanh said.

Although she struggles a bit with managing her time, she has a handy planner to keep herself organized on events that she is able to predict.

Easton Kimmi (‘24) participates in marching and college band, as well as has a job. He doesn’t have a problem with managing his time expressing that he finds it easy to balance his ongoing activities and events, but notes that he does not have much free time.

All students at South have something going on. It is important to stay on task to ensure a successful school year.

“I try to manage my time as best as I can since I don’t really have much time in my day.” Destiny Gonzalez-Keophaymany (‘25) said

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Clubs allow expression

By Katie Allen

School clubs can hold a huge role in a school system, they give kids a place to express themselves freely and participate in activities that they enjoy and with people who share that same passion. One of the clubs that may not be well known is the FCA, the FCA is a club for Christan athletes, students often participate in games and discuss the bible and their beliefs with one another.

“When I did it in middle school it was a place where everyone was so welcoming and it was also a place to connect with God and other people. This year in high-school is so much better, but still the same, it’s so much fun to just play games and read from the bible,” Jena Strowig (‘27) said.

Clubs like this may be small but they are definitely very respectable, and worth a try. Being able to combine two things like a love for a sport and a love for God is an amazing thing to be able to “FCA is important to me because it brings me closer to God while I’m with the people that make me feel safe and heard,” Henslie Gunelson (‘25) said.

School clubs are the key to helping yourself to learn certain life skills. Life skills include critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and even leadership.

If students are interested in joining the FCA make sure to contact Kevin Poland in the social studies wing, his email is: kevin.poland@staff.usd305.com.

Another school club that is a bit more well known is the drama club.

“The drama club does things like rehearse shows, do improv exercises, and learn about theatre history and tech,” Emily Streeter (‘24) said.

This is a great way to try new things and experience different things throughout your high school years, which is one of the reasons why drama is so popular among high school students.

“What I find most appealing about drama Kaitlyn Geist (‘25) gets into character club is the community as they take you in during rehearsal. photo by katie allen immediately,” Lilli Rassmussan (‘26) said.

“I joined drama because I had done it in middle school at the community theatre. I was very excited to continue being involved, furthering my skills, and meeting new people,” Kaitlyn Geist (‘25) said.

Clubs are a very important part of a students involvement in the school, those who do clubs often express their love for it and not to mention it gives you something fun for you to do.

Soren Mannebache (‘24) begins rehearsal for “Figments.” photo by katie allen

FCA writes their favorite Bible verse on a sticky note. photo by katie allen

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Ryan Franks (‘24) recites his lines in rehearsal for “Figments.” photo by katie allen

FEATURE

Spirit of the Cougars Student section hypes up the school

By Hailey Collins School spirit is one of the most important parts of school because it helps the students to have a better understanding of achievement. It helps with all of the students knowing that they have support.

Some students’ answers show that anyone and everyone can be a part of school spirit and it really does make a difference.

“School spirit is important because it shows that you are involved with the school, also it shows that you care in your sport and it encourages other people to get involved,” Sadie Xaysongkham (‘25) said.

Having school spirit helps with becoming more productive at the school, whether that be help catering, being a part of clubs, sports, volunteering and managing.

Getting to learn school spirit involves becoming more productive in everyday life.

“My favorite thing about the student section is the energy, everyone is hyped up and excited,” Leah Stein (‘27) said.

Having good energy throughout the sport games, helps everyone get out of their comfort zone amd have fun.

The cougar mascot has a conversation with the student section theme for black out for the Newton game. photo by katie allen

The themes for the games helps have an idea on what they are going to wear.

“Favorite part about being a part of the Kilt crew is getting to yell and run the flag on the field” Ubaldo Dominquez Garcia (‘24) said.

Kilt Crew members are a big part of school spirit because they mostly start the chants and the students follow in their footsteps yelling and getting the players excited by the Kilt Crew section.

Being a part of Kilt Crew makes it easier to be involved with others and have a sense of knowing what is going on throughout the football season.

“Kilt Crew makes us go to all the games and get to involve others in what we do,” Quevon Purucker (‘24) said.

Having others involved with school spirit and showing others what they do, shows that no one has to do much work to be involved with school.

Being a part of the game is just as exciting because the student section gives them support no matter what. It makes the athletes actually aware of how many people are there for them.

“School spirit helps me want to play and be a part of football: it helps me interact easier with those around me because you don’t always have something like this,” Dylan Brice (‘24) said.

“Being involved helps keep me active, it keeps my schedule full and on the go, also it gives me new experiences,” Tierstyn Kershner (‘24) said.

Schedules can sometimes be frustrating but creating a journal for the day will help make planning things easier.

Interacting with those around you can be a challenge but it’s an opportunity to get to know others more. Having schedules full can always be a good thing to have different opportunities and also get to have new experiences.

Ubaldo Dominquez Garcia (‘24) runs ahead of the Salina South football team as a Kilt Crew member. photo by katie allen

Dylan Brice (‘24) high-fives students before the start of a football game against Newton. photo by katie allen

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PERFORMING ARTS 1

3

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Spirit of Music

By Jose Garcia Chris Stowig

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Spirit of band

Those who come to school early enough hear the South High marching band practicing for their season. These practices were every school day all the way until the marching festival, Central States. The band has always worked hard to bring spirit to a football games.

The band worked over the summer at band camp and now they worked hard every morning to perfect their marching and playing.

The marching band’s halftime show theme this year is based off the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The set list consists of “Spirit in the Sky“ by Norman Greenbaum, “Escape” (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes, “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

The band size has grown a lot this year, with the band’s drumline gaining lots of new members.

“The drumline is actually getting somewhere, when I started there were only six other people. The only place the drumline can go is up,” Lane Brucker (’24) said.

During the marching season the band has two student leaders called drum majors.

The drum majors change every year, and

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This year the drum majors are Landon Woellhof (’24) and Ashlynn Armstrong (’24).

Drum majors are leaders in the band; Woellhof refers to them as role models.

If something needs fixed or someone needs help they help them so the band director can focus on the band as a whole.

As the marching season came to a close on October 14 at the band last performance at the Central States Marching Festival, the band received a two rating.

Jozlyn Jones (’24) reflects on the end of the marching season. “I feel like the band season went great, and was very fun for my last year. I feel like some of the band could have worked harder, hopefully next year they can give more effort,” Jones said

10 Xavyer Nouanlasy (’24) also gave his opinion.

“We had our strengths and our weaknesses, but I think the band will do better next year,” Nouanlasy said.

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PERFORMING ARTS 1. Alina Arceo (‘26) practices the viola during orchestra practice. photo by jose garcia

2. Ryan Franks (‘24) practice for their upcoming vocal concert. photo by jose garcia 3. Varsity vocal practices for the vocal concert. photo by jose garcia 4. Isabel Fulkerson (‘24) plays the piccolo during the Central States Marching Festival. photo by jose garcia 5. Lane Brucker (‘24) during the bands light show. photo by jose garcia

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Vocal is an expressive class of one’s voice. Students enrolled in vocal practice every other day in class and often at the end of the school day in order to get better and better. Student Kirsten Lamia (’24) has been deemed one of the best vocalists in the class by her teacher, Eddie Creer. “That makes me feel very happy. My voice has always been a big part of my life, I couldn’t imagine my life without it,” Lamia said. Being able to create a beautiful melody with just a puff of the chest and a breath of air is an incredible talent that not many have.

6. The orchestra begins their song during the concert. photo by oscar cortesperez 7. Summer Fauci-Wills (‘26) practices the viola during orchestra class. photo by jose garcia 8. Vocal teacher Eddie Creer conducts vocal during practice for the concert. photo by jose garcia 9. Ashlynn Armstrong (’24) and the rest of the band waits to perform for the Central State Marching Festival. photo by jose garcia 10. Landon Woellhof (‘24) and Ashlynn Armstrong (‘24) at the Central States Marching Festival. photo by jose garcia

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Spirit of Vocal

11. Varsity chorus sing “Apple Tree” by Auora for the vocal concert. photo by chris strowig 12. Kirsten Lamia (‘24) sings her solo, persevering through several tech failures. photo by chris strowig

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Learning to play an instrument is one of the most tedious and demanding hobbies.

One has to practice almost every day for years in order to ever master their art. Sydni Leonard (’25) is currently first chair in orchestra. First chair is a position the best violinist in a group holds. Leonard has been playing the violin since the fourth grade, she walked into orchestra not knowing whether she would like it or not, and is now sitting in first chair position. “I want to be a better leader.” Leonard said, determined to do better for her classmates and herself.

Spirit of Orchestra

13. Orchestra teacher Tyler Kuder walks onto the stage to begin the orchestra concert. photo by ocscar cortesperez 14. Orchestra’s first chair violinist, Sydni Leonard (‘25). photo by jose garcia

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FEATURE

Trendy or Timeless Popular products gain approval

Photos and Story By Hao Tran

pic of trend

“They’re popular now; they’re gonna be popular forever,” Tayler Hernandez, assistant librarian said.

“Personally, I think Converse look really good, so they’ll probably be trendy forever,” Tylor Hammon (‘25) said.

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“It’s never really not trended, like they remind everybody of their grandpa,” Jeff Harris, history teacher said.

“In 10 years, I think people probably won’t want to use them as much,” Mikayla McMullen (‘26) said.

pic of trend

“Cringy, because it’s a cycle; it always happens,” Kasen Stegman (‘24) said.

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October 27, 2023

“I feel like they could still stick around, because they’re pretty comfortable,” Ava Lindsay (‘27) said.