Issue 1 from the 2013-2014 Harbinger

the harbinger.

PAGES 31

GEORGETOWN BOUND LACROSSE PAGE 25

FALL FASHION PREVIEW

BRINGING IN THE BOSS WRITTEN BY KATIE KNIGHT

PHOTO BY MCKENZIE SWANSON

New head football coach Dustin Delaney is accustomed to success.

Four state championships. Five league titles. Placing 16th in the country for Division II during his own college football days at Emporia State University. At that point in his career, Delaney was very comfortable with his winning record at his old schools: Offensive coordinator at Hutchinson High School for three years, and then three seasons as the head coach at Emporia High.

But when Delaney got the call from then-athletic director Sam Brown last spring offering him the head football

coaching position, he couldn’t deny his daughters the opportunity to be in a better school district and to live in a bigger community. So Delaney packed up his wife and two little girls, said goodbye to his reputation and his home in Emporia, Kansas, and settled into the Lancer community. “[When they hired Delaney], I was very excited,” athletic director Kelli Kurle said. “He came in with a great record from Emporia, and he was at Hutch which [has] a huge, dominant football program so it was good that he came in with that kind of experience. For us to grab a head coach that late in the game, that was a big, huge success for us.”

When Delaney finally set foot in SM East, he had an impression to make. After sitting all the boys in the football program down and introducing himself, he set the tone for the year.

“The first time I met [Delaney] I thought he was kind of a hard-ass compared to Sherman just because he was like ‘Yeah, you guys are expecting to win games, but I expect to win championships.’” senior Will Mitchell said. “And I don’t think I’ve heard talk like that before. He just talked a pretty big game and so far he’s been backing it up.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

High school students would be able to benefit from Celebrate Freedom Week, part of a new ruling recently passed by the Kansas Legislature. Effective in 2014, the week surrounding Sept. 17, will aim to further educate the state’s students on the founding history of the nation, with a focus on the founding documents.

By participating in Celebrate Freedom Week, students would be equipped with the knowledge necessary to carry an educated generation. How else, other than knowing where we’ve come from, can this generation ever expect to push the country forward?

Though designed for students in kindergarten of 179 SME through eighth grade, students sur- the week’s curriculum can be applied to high veyed, could school students, and the not name a legislature even provides resources for grades K-12.

Supreme Its primary purpose is to Court justice. teach the original intent and meaning of documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This means to study a history of the country’s ideals, motivations and to instill an idea of “American Excep-

91.1%

tionalism” in students.

These principles are quintessential to the curriculum of any informed citizen’s education.

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Florida have brought similar week-long holidays into their curriculum with Michigan and Georgia’s bills still pending.

An overall deeper understanding of the U.S. founding documents and events can benefit students in numerous of ways. For one, it’s necessary for all generations of Americans to better understand where they came from, since they shape where the country’s headed. Understanding the original intent of the founding fathers and the documents that shaped the nation is especially important for those of or near voting age. Upperclassmen will soon have the ability to vote in elections and on propositions, and their being able to comprehend the representative democracy outlined in the constitution can allow a more informed poll.

Understanding the concepts of these documents is also beneficial for students enrolling in any history classes, especially American History or American Government. If high schools were subject to a Freedom Week curriculum that was truly enforced, students could have a

A WELCOME BACK MESSAGE AN OPINION OF MR. JOHN MCKINNEY

What a privilege it is to write to you on behalf of the administration and staff of Shawnee Mission East. We are all very excited for the 2013-2014 school year. As you already know or will quickly learn, Shawnee Mission East is a very special and unique place. For years we have been recognized as one of the highest academic achieving high schools in the country; not surprisingly, we are now becoming equally well known for our prowess in athletics, debate, theater, videoproduction, forensics, robotics, music, cheer, dance, art, print and online journalism… The list goes on and on! In fact, there is not one area where East does not excel, and that is, of course, thanks to you — our students. Your commitment to success, to setting ambitious, seemingly unattainable goals for yourselves and then not just meeting, but exceeding those goals, is unmatched.

On behalf of the SME administration and staff, I want to thank you for representing our school, both in and out of the classroom. Everyone in this building is committed to assist-

ing you in your efforts to succeed at SME. In fact, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful teachers and counselors we are so fortunate to have. You have a staff of knowledgeable, professional educators ready and willing to help you achieve your goals and set you on the path toward your future. Trust them — they know what they are doing! If you set positive expectations for yourself both in and outside of the classroom, there is not a doubt in my mind that you will not just meet, but exceed your dreams.

Finally, you are going to hear me say it several times throughout the year, but please take care of each other.

Watch out for each other. If there is a question, a problem, a situation, a concern — anything that you don’t think you can work out on your own — reach out to someone. Your friends, teachers, counselors, principals, SRO, social worker and Campus Officer are all here to help. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, once you attend SME, you are never on your own — Once a Lancer, Always a Lancer!

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to our school. All of us are looking forward to seeing just how far you will go in the days, months, and years to come.

EDITORIAL BOARD VOTES AGAINST

9 1

ABSENT

1

FOR

Out of 179 SME students surveyed, 85 percent could not name the Secretary of State.

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TEACHING FREEDOM

chance at getting a better grasp on concepts that are uniquely American, lending themselves to more involved discussions, and having a more in-depth understanding of American fundamentals as they build on what they already know.

Studying documents like the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the amendments could help students to better understand the laws, rights and structure of the government, concepts that some don’t even encounter until they’re required to take American Government their senior year. When surveyed, only 21 percent of East students knew how many amendments were in the constitution, a fact widely accepted as common knowledge, proving that these topics may not be covered thoroughly enough.

Studying the motivations, beliefs, virtues and tactics of the founding fathers can teach students strong character guidance and demonstrate the importance and conception of “American Exceptionalism”.

Being able to recognize the founding fathers and their goals is essential for state social studies tests and AP (advanced placement) exams as well. In an environment designed to cultivate the next generation of Americans, an in-depth education on their country’s history should be imperative.

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editorial.

THE HARBINGER STAFF 2013-2014 Co-Editors-In-Chief

Andrew McKittrick Katie Knight

Assistant Editors Morgan Krakow Sophie Tulp

Opinion Section Editor

Head Copy Editor

Opinion Page Designer

Sarah Berger

Morgan Twibell

Nellie Whittaker

Assistant Head Copy Editor A&E Section Editor Pauline Werner

Leah Pack

Art & Design Editor

A&E Page Designer

News Section Editor

Sports Section Editor

News Page Designers

Sports Page Designers

Miranda Gibbs Greta Nepstad

Mike Thibodeau

Spread Editors

Phoebe Aguiar Caroline Kohring

Features Page Designers Sydney Lowe Claire Whittaker Pauline Werner

Features Section Editor Maddie Hise

Copy Editors

Mike Thibodeau Clara Ma Andrew McKittrick Will Oakley Morgan Krakow Sarah Berger Sophie Tulp Katie Knight Morgan Twibell Pauline Werner Caroline Kohring Julia Poe

Audrey Danciger Will Okakley

Tommy Sherk John Foster

Freelance Page Designers Georgia DuBois Megan McCallister

Staff Photographers Kathryn Jones Neely Atha Callie McPhail Kylie Relihan Annika Sink Taylor Anderson Taylor Bell Katie Lamar Paloma Garcia Tessa Polaschek Abby Hans Scotty Burford

Editorial Board

Maddison Hyatt Ellis Nepstad Michael Kraske Hannah Colemann

Andrew McKittrick Katie Knight Morgan Krakow Sarah Berger Will Oakley Morgan Twibell Sophie Tulp Julia Poe Grace Heitmann Mike Thibodeau Pauline Werner

Co-Photo Editors

Adviser

Staff Writers

AnnaMarie Oakley Annie Savage

Dow Tate

F E I R B S NEW

WRITTEN BY CAROLINE KOHRING

news.

IN

local

national

global

local news

national news

Rumors spread throughout East about the alloted lunch time

The city of Detroit suffers economically, tries to declare bankruptsy

Conflicts in Egypt continue to escelate as opposing views clash

At the beginning of the school year, rumors began to spread that lunch periods had been cut down, but associate principal Jeremy Higgins says these rumors are false. The only lunch that was cut down is third.

Some students heard that every lunch had been shortened between two to seven minutes. Even though lunch was not actually cut down, some senior students are still angry. A common complaint is that they do not have enough time to go out to lunch and return back to school within the lunch period.

“It sucks for seniors because we don’t have any time to go out to eat,” senior Meredith Shackleford said. “When we’re late the teachers get mad at us. It ruins the fun of getting to go out to lunch. ” Higgins says the reason third lunch was cut down was to make all lunch periods even.

“Third lunch was cut down from 30 minutes to 25 because first and second lunch are 25 minutes,” Higgins said. “So this year all of the lunches are the same length, that was the reasoning behind it.”

Detroit, Mich. is in a financial crisis and is currently trying to file for bankruptcy.

During the 1940’s and 50’s, Detroit was an industrial boom city, especially in the automobile industry. Over time, population began to dwindle. In the 50’s, Detroit’s population was over a million, and now it’s around 700,000. When the U.S. hit a financial crisis in 2007, the unemployment rate in Detroit increased. Detroit was spending more money than they actually had, much like a bank account being overdrawn, according to economics teacher David Muhammad.

According to Muhammad Detroit is trying to file for bankruptcy so they can have a clean slate and eventually rebuild their city. This is being fought by a group of legislators who believe that filing for bankruptcy is illegal and not right for the city.

“The financial crisis has affected all of us,” Muhammad said. “It just goes to show that nothing can last forever if you don’t adapt. Detroit thought they could just lay upon the automobile industry, but things have changed and people have moved on.

It [teaches] us that you have to stay afloat with the times and know what’s going on.”

The Egyptian military and liberal moderates recently forced their president, Mohamed Morsy, out of power after less than a year, and detained him briefly. Currently, supporters of Morsy are being arrested by the military.

In 2011, Egyptian rebels overthrew their leader, Hosni Mubarak, a dictator who had been in power since the 70’s.

NATO (North American Treaty Organization) helped Egypt organize a democratic leadership, through which they elected Morsy.

The Egyptian military was angered by Morsy’s presidency because their leader, General Sisi, lost power under Morsy. Liberal moderates were also angered because Morsy sympathizes with the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is both a religious and political group based on the belief that Islam is a way of life. The liberal moderates want to keep religious affiliations out of the government.

This conflict is ongoing.

global news

Also in the news. section...

The environmental club works to find a new way to reinforce the recycling, compost and trash bins in the cafeteria

Leyman’s Guide: a quick glance around the world.

The Coalition club strives to bring change to their organization.

news.

Encouraging Composting Environmental club creates new system for composting in the cafeteria

WRITTEN BY MIKE THIBODEAU

T

PHOTO BY MARISA WALTON

rash. Recycling. Compost. Food goes into the compost bin with plates. Cardboard and plastic things go into the recycling bin. Everything else goes in the trash. It’s a system simple enough for elementary schoolers to master the environmental clubs president, Ada Throckmorton said when she talked about the system. Yet last year at East, it didn’t go so well, Throckmorton said. So this year the Environmental Club is trying to remodel the composting system.

“There was a period where it did a little bit better towards the beginning of the year,”

Color Coordinating One idea, they’re trying this year, is changing the color of the bins so that people will be able to distinctly tell the difference between compost, recycling and trash. The idea is that if the bins are all different colors, then people will be able to distinctly tell them apart, rather than just having a sign on the bin that says what it is.

“We’re not picking like pretty pastels,” Throckmorton said. “We’re going to pick royal blue, red and green. Just distinct enough so that people know the difference.”

The club has also discussed putting lids on the bins with holes in them, to slow people down when they’re going to throw things away.

The club is hoping that this will make people stop and think about what they’re throwing where, instead of just throwing everything into one bin.

The club is waiting for approval on grant from the Shawnee Mission East Foundation, which will meet Sept. 9. If their grant isn’t approved they will try to get the bins through the Custodial Management Budget to get the new cafeteria bins. The club is hoping to have the new system up by late September..

Throckmorton said. “People were like, ‘hey it’s a new system,’ and we also had kids standing over and watching bins. We had a successful program for about a month and then after that things kind of went downhill again.”

People being in a hurry and not paying attention where they were throwing things away hurt the program, explained Throckmorton. So this year the club is trying some things differently. There are two main ideas to revive the composting program and the club’s project this year.

Retrofit Water Fountains Along with remodeling the composting system, the club plans on applying for a grant to ‘retrofit’ the water fountains.

A retrofit water fountain, is a water fountain that has a device on top that can quickly fill up a water bottle. On the device, there’s a digital counter, counting how many water bottles you’ve saved with it.

“Above the water fountain goes another little dial where you can fill up a water bottle,” Throckmorton said. “Every water bottle that gets filled up by the sensor, also goes into a counter, so there’s a little digital counter shows how many water bottles the school has saved in total.”

This device is installed above a water fountain. The club originally hoped to just get one, but now they’re hoping to have them installed on a drinking fountain on every floor.

The idea is that these new devices on the water fountains will help save plastic water bottles and raise awareness about water conservation.

There’s also a hope that the quicker process will help to cut down on hallway congestion and help keep students more hydrated at school.

The Green Corner The Green Corner would be an area set up in the cafeteria where you’d have all of the composting bins and recycling bins, instead of having them strung out across the cafeteria.

“I think, at this point, [the Green Corner is] the best approach because the ‘Green Corner’ is just so much more pragmatic,” Throckmorton said. “Then people who aren’t interested in composting wouldn’t have to, but those who wanted to could do so would and not have their efforts damaged.”

This idea has been paired with the idea of creating a raffle to help encourage people to compost. An environmental club member or PTA parent would sit at the bins. The people that compost in the Green Corner would get a raffle ticket. At the end of the week, in every lunch, a few tickets would be drawn and whoever’s gets drawn, would win a gift card.

Members of the club have spent the summer trying to find local businesses to sponsor the idea.

RECYCLE Plastic Bottles Cans

COMPOST Leftover Food

TRASH Food Wrappers ART BY SARAH COOK

news.

Layman’s Guide to News

1. NSA Scandal

WRITTEN BY MARISA WALTON

ART BY MIKE THIBODEAU

Top 3 News Stories Vancouver

Moscow Damscus

New York City

Hong Kong Cairo Honalulu

Edward Snowden, who leaked several details of top-secret U.S. and British government mass surveillance, fled from Hawaii to Hong Kong and then to Moscow where he stayed for nearly a month. On Aug. 1, Snowden left the Moscow airport when he was granted temporary asylum in Russia.

3. Largest Protests in History

This summer, protests rose again in Egypt and gained the strength of nearly 30 million. Democraticallyelected President Mohamed Morsy was ousted after hardly a year in power by military regime.

33

2. Syrian Civil War Aleppo

Mill

ion

Cairo

United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon announced on July 25 that Syria’s death toll had hit 100,000.

Since June the death toll has increased by 7,000 after nearly two and a half years of conflict.

Homs

Syria

EGYPT Damascus

Areas with Insurgency Calm Areas

Sarin Gas Attacks Cities in the Midst of Fighting

Quotes

Medicine

“They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed, and then, out of that silence, came thousands of voices.”

-Malala Yousafzai

PakistaniHuman Rights Activist

Quote from CNN.com

Scientists at the University of Pittsburg were able to grow heart tissue that can beat on its own. The heart can beat 40-50 times a minute.

Pop Culture Cory Monteith “Glee” star Cory Monteith was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room on July 13. Monteith’s death was ruled accidental by a deadly mix of heroin and alcohol.

Drug Overdoses have been on the rise 11 years in a row.

Los Angles Times

news.

ed in 2008 by alumni Sarah Are and Jessie Light. After their original sponsor got sick, the girls went to Muhammad as a staff sponsor.

“I went to a meeting to see what it was all about and I was blown away by the awareness that these kids had,” Muhammad said. “It just became a passion of mine.”

There is a theme for each month which the meeting topics and events are centered around. Part of the goal of Coalition makes changes to this change is to attract more students leadership and events this year to go to meetings and events. Muhammad wants students to see Coalition as WRITTEN BY NELLIE WHITTAKER a club for people with diverse or specialPHOTOS BY ABBY HANS ized interests.

“We felt like we had a lot of interest Going into the school year, Coaliin a lot of different topics, and we wanttion has made an effort to completely ed to touch on a lot of different things,” reorganize. The club wants to raise its Muhammad said. “[We wanted] to make expectations of student education and people who might have interest in one area achievement. To do this, they restructured but not another feel like [they] can be a meetings and events. This process began part of Coalition.” at the end of last school year, when the For example, the theme for September group’s leaders met to discuss ways to pro- is hunger. Coalition will be working with mote and improve the club. local and international organizations to In the past, Coalition has had an elect- draw attention to and fight hunger. They ed president and vice president as the are hosting a walk in the morning on Friclub’s leaders. But for this year, sponsor day, Sept. 13. Afterwards, participants can David Muhammad decided to change the pledge to fast during the school day. They student leadership roles by adding more will also have a bake sale on Sunday, Sept. positions on the club’s board.

15, and the proceeds from it will go to an in“We decided to really increase the num- ternational organization called Stop Hunber of people to get active [on the board],” ger Now. Muhammad said. “I feel like the more peoThey will also host a Free Rice competiple you put in leadership roles, then people tion as one of their activities. Participants will be more committed.” will use computers in the library to answer Coalition is a student-led humanitarian trivia questions, and for each question they organization that raises funds and aware- answer right, ten grains of rice will be doness for various global causes. It was start-

LIVE GLOBALLY

STEPPIN’ UP

nated by Free Rice to fight hunger. At the end, whoever donates the most rice will get a prize.

“Two years ago we crashed the site because we had so many people doing it, so that’s really cool, that’s [the participation level] we’re going for this year,” Muhammad said.

Other big events coming up this year include a Halloween costume party in October and a fashion show at the Crossroads, which will support Change for Truth, a nonprofit organization that supports orphans in Uganda. For the fashion show, Coalition is partnering with NAHS, since NAHS members will be making the costumes.

“It’ll highlight the students’ artwork and tie in Coalition’s theme at the time,” Muhammad said.

Junior Coalition executive board member Maggie Rose Bridges is an events coordinator. She helps plan the events and themes for each month. She got involved in Coalition to better understand global issues and have fun trying to support them.

“Being involved and dedicated to Coalition is important to me because I like having a global perspective and I love having a part of every week be for someone besides myself,” Bridges said.

Muhammad’s main goal for this year is to increase the learning students get out of the meetings, while also having fun.

“I want to see people come to our events and come to our meetings and leave with an enhanced awareness of the causes and the organizations,” Muhammad said. “[In the past], sometimes [education] hasn’t been pushed as much because we wanted to get so much money raised.”

A look at new junior leadership.

Emma Matthews

“I’ve been involved since freshman year. [Coalition is] really humanitarian based. I feel like where we live there is not a lot of [humanitarian efforts]. It’s fun just helping out the world.”

A look at Coalition’s new monthly themes

September: hunger

October: education

November: health

PV KANSAS December: local issues

“[Coalition] seemed like a fun club to do. The things that they do are really good for the community.”

Carolyn Wassmer

Kate Mitchell

“[Coalition] was just kind of laid back and cool.

It was fun to be involved with, somthing that no one really did but it was a cool organization.”

January: trafficking

opinion.

top cut of photo

SURVIVING SEMINAR

E SNOOZING IN SEMINAR WRITTEN BY MICHAEL KRASKE PHOTO BY TAYLOR BELL

As a freshman, there were many things I looked forward to about senior year. I couldn’t wait to do the senior prank, go out to lunch, participate in the crazy fan section of the East v. Rockhurst basketball game and be able to skip the long, boring hour and a half of seminar at the end of each even day. But now that seminar has been moved to the morning and seniors aren’t exempt from attending, that tradition has died.

There’s a reason for the tradition of seniors leaving seminar -- nobody uses it to get work done. That will surely change this year; many students will be scrambling to do last minute work before their upcoming classes. While there may be a few positive benefits to morning seminar, the cons outweigh the pros. Many kids will not get all of their work done in seminar. Now, every Wednesday night I’m going to be tempted to put off my homework, saving it for seminar the next day. It’s going to be

staffer expresses his distaste with seminar in the morning

hard for me not to watch Netflix all night knowing I can just do my homework the next morning. As I have already learned, saving it all for later isn’t a good idea.

On the other hand, seminar should have some cool improvements. Pep assemblies will be a lot more fun with more clubs getting in on the action, as we’ve seen already.

The flamboyant boys’ Cross Country dance along with senior Dominique Atkinson twerking were very popular among students, and were all we could talk about that day.

It wasn’t Principal John McKinney’s decision to change the tradition, it was the district’s. McKinney knew students would be upset with the change, so he, other teachers and parents decided to make seminar more useful and something students don’t dread. As we’ve seen, the pep assemblies have become from something students want to skip, to something students don’t want to miss. Also, parents

are still allowed to use the seminar time to schedule appointments for their kids.

Although seniors are no longer allowed to skip, that won’t stop many students from having their parents call in so their kids can sleep in. Seniors may not be allowed to skip seminar, but many kids will still find ways to skip. And you may be able to do the homework due that day, but now you can’t do the homework that was just assigned to you.

Seeing last year’s seniors leave seminar always made me jealous, and I couldn’t wait until I had the chance to leave. I wanted badly to be able to go home instead of sitting through an hour and a half of torture.

But now that tradition is ruined. Sure, it’s not the most important tradition, but I still wish I had that extra time to look forward to in my last semester at East. I understand why the district changed the schedule, but I hope that they change them back. Preferably before my senior year.

1

Be sure to pick up a crossword puzzle from the library, to equip yourself in properly procrastinating.

Take a journey to the coffee shop. Now that seminar’s in the morning, you can fill up on your daily caffeine dose.

Time passes faster if you bring music to jam to. If you have ear buds in you can usually be on your phone and pass it off as changing music.

Keep your seminar passes ready; hall monitors are much stricter this year, and you can move through more quickly

opinion.

theWORST flavors of SUMMER OPINION OF MORGAN TWIBELL ART BY MORGAN TWIBELL

stay a lot longer than Summer is kind of like that friend that you invite over and they “okay please go home like you’re awhile, after but you expected. It’s all fun and games , it was mostly ups, Luckily downs. and ups our had I and r summe say now.” Let’s just with. agree can ne but I’ve got a few of the bad parts that I think everyo

SUNBURNS

Those of you who know me have probably realized by now that my wonderful Irish complexion always tends to get sunburned the first week of summer. Of course only my nose and cheeks turn that rosy red color while the rest of my body gets a decent tan. I’ve tried everything; I wear SPF 100+ for crying out loud! But nope, that beautiful shade of red still takes over my face. It’s not even the sunburn that irritates the bejeezus out of me, it’s the fact that EVERYONE — and I mean everyone — is coming up to me saying “wow you’re sunburned” or “you should really put some sunscreen on.” I’d like to thank these people for assuming that I do not own a mirror and that I do not know what my face looks like.

NO FRIENDS

I know you know the week I’m talking about. That week where it seems like everyone and their mom are out of town and you’re stuck back home with a wide open schedule and no people to fill it in with.

This usually results in me going to the pool by myself and trying to hang out with the middle schoolers until they tell me I’m weird and to go away. Thank god for the boys on the show “Friday Night Lights”.

They were the only ones there to keep me company. Without Netflix this summer I would’ve driven myself to a lonely state of insanity.

BIKERS

I don’t really know how many times I almost hit a cyclist this summer while I was cruisin’ the wonderful and frequently worked on, Mission Road, but let’s just say I don’t blame myself for it. Nice weather means more people biking and — you know, that’s great. Getting a little work out in, awesome, good for you. What I can’t seem to wrap my mind around is why these bikers have to do their thang in the middle of the street and WHY they start to bike faster when they know I’m trying to pass them. Do they not realize that my car is going to overpower their set of wheels?

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY I am a huge pool rat. I stay at the pool from 8 a.m. until about 6 p.m. and when I’m not at the pool I’m at work, which is lifeguarding at a different pool. I’m addicted to being poolside. When I wake up in the summer and look out my windows to see dark clouds and rain I don’t know what to do with myself. Do I stay in bed for the rest of the day? Do I go to the pool anyways and just hope that it clears up? Or do I do my summer homework assignments? I think number two was the best way to go.

opinion.

DISCOVERING her

PASSION AN OPINION OF CLARA MA

Junior feels lucky to have spent a portion of her childhood at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Clara signs her name for a reporter from a Pasadena newspaper in regards to the Mars Rover.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARA MA June 13, 2009 -I’m standi n g in the M a r s Yard at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. There are a dozen or so eager reporters holding microphones to my mouth, but all I want to do is run and hide.

That was four years ago, when I won the essay contest to name NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity.

As a 12-year-old, I was incredibly shy.

I couldn’t look people in the eye when I talked to them. My voice was shaky when I spoke. On the playground at recess, I would have much rather read a book than play kickball with my friends. But that day at JPL, I confronted my fears. I made myself look into the daunting cameras, speak loudly and carry myself with confidence.

I fell in love with the JPL the moment I stepped through its iron gates. I fell in love with the mountains and hills that roll through its California campus; with the deer and mountain lions that roam its grounds. Most of all, though, I fell in love with the thousands of scientists and engineers that are the heart and soul of JPL. And even though I was 1,537 miles away from the only home I’ve ever known, I felt like I belonged.

I knew as a little girl that I desperately wanted to work at JPL. That I wanted to be surrounded and buoyed by the infectious passion of the men and women who worked at the lab. I had no idea that the

summer after my sophomore year in high school, I’d have the opportunity to do just that.

June 10, 2013 -- almost exactly four years to the day of my first visit to JPL, I started my internship in Building 321 with the Mars Public Engagement team.

I was no longer that little girl with braces in the pink blouse and corduroy plants. I didn’t have my parents or my sister by my side. I didn’t need an escort, or a visitor’s badge, or any special clearance. I was independent, I had bigger responsibilities, and I was finally, finally able to start making a small contribution to the people that have already given me so much.

In the next eight weeks, I learned how to build websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript code -- concepts and languages that I knew nothing about before.

I worked on a project for JPL’s Mars website, designing and developing content for a web page comparing different features on Earth and Mars. I gave tours of the lab to groups of students and adults that traveled from all over the country to see the place where the Curiosity rover was envisioned, conceptualized and built.

But I didn’t do it alone. I had help from my mentors, support from the scientists and engineers that I had met and connected with during my previous visits.

There was Peter Theisinger, project manager of the Mars Science Laboratory mission. One of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2012. CalTech graduate, majored in physics, has worked at JPL for over 50 years. But bring up any of that and he’ll tell you firmly he is nobody special. That by himself he would have never been able to land a 1-ton rover on Mars. That’s just Pete.

I’ve known Pete for four years now, but it feels like I’ve known him my entire life.

I treasure the time that I spend with him,

the stories he tells and the advice that he gives. Do what you love, Clara, that’s how you’ll really succeed. Over lunch one day in JPL’s main cafeteria, in the middle of a conversation about physics that I only half understood, he said something that almost made me cry. It’s the little decisions that make us who we are, that have the power to change our lives in the biggest ways. He asked me, what if I hadn’t finished that worksheet early in science class that day? What if I had never decided to submit an essay to name the rover? Then we would have never met.

He was quiet for awhile after that. In his eyes I could see so much depth, time and wisdom, and a glimmer of the gritty determination that got him where he is today. Pete is so many things to me -- a grandfather, a good friend, a mentor, a role model. I am different because of him.

I am who I am because of him.

Pete is one person at JPL who has changed my life, but there are so many more who have made an impact on me, my goals and dreams.

This summer, I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I have been. I am not special because I wrote a 250-word essay in sixth grade. I have nothing to be proud of. Instead, I have everything to be grateful for. I’ve had the privilege of naming the Mars rover, an experience that has changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. But my role in the Mars Science Laboratory mission is miniscule compared with the years of hard work, passion and dedication that the scientists at JPL and around the world have contributed to its completion.

In August, I had to say goodbye to my mentors, friends and fellow interns. Another chapter in my journey with JPL has come to a close. But I’m not sad. I’m just excited for the next one to start.

CLARA’S TWEETS FROM PASADENA: Day 2 of web training at JPL. Learned some JavaScript and JQuery. I never really liked comp sci before, but may now have to reconsider. ;) 7/2/13, 11:15 PM Congrats @MarsCuriosity on your 1 km milestone! Doing science takes time, and I’m loving all the insight into Mars’ history you’ve given us.

7/17/13, 11:04 PM Just finished my final presentation at JPL! These past 8 weeks have been amazing, and I’ve learned to much.

Can’t wait for next summer!

7/31/13, 1:09 PM

Had to turn in my badge today... feels like a part of me is missing!! #JPL #lastday 8/2/13, 8:52 PM

Just wanted to say that I’m unbelievably proud of the entire MSL team, and so grateful to have had a part in this all.

Happy #1YearOnMars!

8/5/13, 9:08 PM

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opinion.

Having traveled through Israel and Bulgaria over the summer, Morgan Krakow reflects on lessons she learned while abroad.

Changing

Her

AN OPINION OF MORGAN KRAKOW I tried to make them stop, but the tears kept falling. Sitting on a muggy tour bus as it drove through the Bulgarian cityscape of Sofia, its capital, I watched the regal government buildings and wide sidewalks whizz past. I’m not sure what an epiphany feels like but I think I came close to one that day.

The usual Eastern European techno music wasn’t playing from the bus’ speakers.

There weren’t any impromptu Bulgarian dance lessons. It was silent. That’s because our group of American, Canadian and Eastern European teenagers had visitors.

Thirty orphaned Bulgarians had been taken to our hotel for the day and were now scattered throughout the bus, on their way back. Some were napping, some were quietly laughing but most were gazing out the window with true wonder in their eyes. It was their first time in a moving vehicle.

Buadi, a rambunctious orphan, laid his head against my forearm and looked out the window. I rubbed his back and tried to hide my emotions because he seemed so care-free. I didn’t want to burden him with my own emotions. It was the first quiet I had experienced all day. I was essentially in the eye of the storm. It was a quiet break

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID STARKOPF

from trying to keep up with a 5-year-old; playing catch, feeding him lunch, the exhausting task of trying to communicate with someone who spoke no English.

That’s when it hit me. All the dust settled for the 30 minute ride, and I got a chance to think.

For the first time in my entire life, I felt what it meant to take something for granted. The phrase gets tossed around all the time, but I never fully understood it. And who could blame me? Every evening since I was born I have sat down to a home-cooked meal with my parents and my brother. It’s all that I’ve ever known, so of course I took it for granted.

On the first day of the trip, when I boarded the plane at JFK International airport, I sincerely doubted myself. What was I doing, boarding a plane to spend six weeks abroad, in Israel and Bulgaria, knowing no one? A cross-cultural experience with American and European teenagers in Bulgaria to do service projects. A month hiking through Israel. I was petrified.

This trip was a leap of faith to say the least.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just wanted to do something that

scared me. The closer it got to the trip though, I began to wonder if I loved the world so much that I needed to look it right in the face for six weeks. I was comfortable with my Johnson County bubble, because it contained everyone I loved, and everything familiar.

Our staff lied out the ground rules the night before. Don’t over-feed them, they haven’t had a full meal in a long time, they will throw up. Don’t cry in front of them, it will confuse them. Don’t take pictures of them because it could end up on the internet, and make them more volatile for child trafficking. Also, they don’t speak English.

The next morning, 5-year-old Buadi gripped my hand and tugged me through the mountains of toys and books that we had brought over for them. My Bulgarian friend Aaron acted as a translator while Buadi bounced around the room in elation.

He didn’t leave my side the entire day.

The longer he kept his resilient smile on his face, the more I couldn’t help starting to feel regret and guilt. Here was a kid who didn’t own pants that fit. Here was a kid who was so hungry that he would eat

until he threw up, given the opportunity.

On the bus, I thought about the days I had spent last year wallowing in my own pity. I was busy, and I was so stressed about my workload that some nights I couldn’t sleep.

But then a horrifying thought crossed my mind, I tried imagining what it would have been like without my parents.

It’s impossible to describe the relationship I have with them. I’d probably try, but never be able to put into words the bond I share with them. It’s the most love I’ve ever felt for any two people. I thought about all of the lunches my mom had made, the random mid-day “I love you” texts, the tests I would have failed without my dad quizzing me the night before.

I felt the immediate after-effects of the moment on the bus, but have seen them last long term. Every time my bookwork gets unmanageable, every time my day is going poorly, I think about Buadi.

Every time I hug my parents, I hug them a little tighter, because I’ve witnessed what it’s to not have them around.

I remember calling my parents that night. I just said thank you to them, because there was nothing else to do but be grateful.

Where in the World is

Morgan Krakow?

Over the summer Krakow traveled traveled to various places in Europe and the Middle East.

ria lga

Bu USA

Isra

el

Riding a camel was an activity Krakow took part in, at a Bedoiun tent city in the Negev, Desert.

Krakow looks over the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. “This was our first day, and it was an incredible sight,” Krakow said.

Krakow stands on top of a Bulgarian fortress in the Balkan mountains outside the city of Plovdiv.

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features.

Music Makes It Better Sophomore Bryce Flora talks about how music has impacted his life and helped him deal with his mother’s death

Flora talks about some of his favorite songs and artists COLDPLAY

WRITTEN BY HANNAH COLEMAN

“

Whenever I hear the beginning portion of the song, it brings back memories of the night she [Kathy] died, but by the end of the song the feeling is resovled and I’m ok.

”

ED SHEERAN

“

The real inspiration comes from Ed Sheeran because if he can write [a] good song like that then so can I. And I think it’s really cool how he writes himself and ususaly he is his own band.

”

GREEN DAY

“

Green Day is inspiring me to start a band later in life...it’s my favorite band so I guess they just inspire me.

Fingers are flying, ascending a scale of rising crescendos, a bittersweet melody, growing into a symphony of sound; the counter melody strikes up and the two refrains begin a tumultuous battle of black and white keys, then finally, a quiet peacefulness resolves the dissonance. Sitting at the piano, brows furrowed in concentration, his fingers are tense, and clenching the keys. A lingering sadness rings in the final notes of sophomore Bryce Flora’s original song “The Fighter.” Bryce’s song isn’t just about a battle between melodies; it’s about a battle for life. For his mother’s life.

“Music doesn’t always make me happier, and it doesn’t always make me sad, it just enhances the mood I’m in,” Bryce said. “But whenever I’m listening to a song, it’s almost as if the colors...kind of change, and they seem brighter, or somehow deeper.”

Music has been a part of Bryce since childhood. It started with banging on the piano keys when he was only six, but has now evolved into writing his own music, for others and for himself. It’s always been there for him, even when the unimaginable happened.

It’s been a year and a half since Bryce’s mother, Kathy, passed away from cancer in her lungs, brain and liver. Though Kathy had been suffering from cancer for seven years, the pain of losing his mother was so much more than he expected.

“It was almost as if everything kind of shut down temporarily, seeing her body lying still on the bed motionless,” Bryce said. “It was weird; it wasn’t even sorrow, it was just a deep numbness, like I wasn’t even processing it.”

Losing his mother impacted even seemingly small aspects of Bryce’s everyday life.

She would never attend another one of his orchestra concerts, she would never again ask him how his day was at school. It led to a string of transformations in their family as a whole, and has also affected the way Bryce’s dad, Doug, feels about life in general.

“When you’re in the game, you never can see that you are going to lose,” Doug said. “[When you lose], you start to treat time differ-

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN SHIRLING

ently. I’ve learned that time should be treated with caution, and that time is such a precious little thing that we have, and there is no promise that tomorrow will be here.” * * * In the middle of freshman year — six months after his mother’s death -- the grief hit him the hardest. For Bryce, the reality of it all was harder to swallow than it was for the rest of his family — it took half a year for him to finally start grieving.

“For some reason, I was the only person in my family who didn’t grieve,” Bryce said. “ I don’t know why, maybe at the time I just hadn’t accepted it yet. I thought I had, and I thought I was just strong, but it I think it hit me later than everybody else,” Through the worst of Bryce’s grievances, he turned to music. When he couldn’t bear to look at a sunset without the thought of his mom smiling along with him, or seeing other peoples’ moms looking at their own sons the way he remembered she looked at him -- with pride and love -- he went straight to the piano.

“That’s when I wrote “The Fighter,” Bryce said. “I didn’t even realize that the song was about [my mom] but when I listened to it, it sounded like a battle, and I decided that it was a battle against her cancer.”

Bryce has never needed music more in his entire life. His primary solace was sitting down on the dull, black, squeaking piano bench and stroking the worn and chipping keys. Doug suggested that he take his proclivity to music and turn it into something that would benefit others.

“I think we were all going through some challenges, some difficult times,” Doug said.

“And I think we were interested in finding something we could sink our teeth into that wasn’t about us.”

That’s when Bryce and his dad came up with the idea of a music program they started Music Makes it Better, to benefit those that are elderly, sick or disabled. Though Bryce was a little hesitant at first about doing the program due to his grief, he quickly got into it

after his first performance. The beaming faces of everyone he played for, their enthusiastic singing and swaying, their off-key voices adding to the reverberating strum of the guitar and his sister’s voice never sounded sweeter to Bryce. All of his performances have evoked the same reaction: pure bliss.

“I like to watch others watch [Bryce and Reagan] perform,” Doug said. “Instead of just enjoying music myself, and seeing how that can make me happier and transform my mood, I have learned that watching others enjoy music is really what it’s all about.”

Bryce’s wisdom gained through his experiences so early in life have given him the desire to serve, and to touch others with the music that he created through his challenges. Sitting down, and plucking out patterns on his guitar, grunting with satisfaction as the right chord comes through, Bryce created what was to become the quintessence of joy.

“When I started really getting into Music Makes it Better, things started improving for me,” Bryce said. “I’m not sure if it was the music program itself, but I think it had a part in it. It made me feel like a better person in the world,” According to Doug, Music Makes it Better has revived this family just by simply giving a little.

“It changes how you look at what the true purpose of music is,” Doug said. “We should be using our talents and abilities for those who would benefit by it. It has changed us as a family, and changed our outlook on music.”

Bryce’s solace is at the piano where everything resolves into a different kind of calm, not silence, not satisfaction exactly, but a sense of release. Where he can become the music he plays; where he can describe the story he took part in. Where he can resolve this battle of black and white keys, the battle which he won.

One small victory in the upheaval of all, that seven-year battle for Kathy’s life.

features.

change of

HEART

Senior goes to therapeutic boarding school to resolve issues between him and his parents WRITTEN BY LAUREN BROWN

Senior Charlie Shaver swells with anger as he hands over his iPhone. Why am I here? I don’t belong here, he thinks to himself as he looks around at his own version of prison disguised as log cabins and green spaces.

All conversation and his crying parents are drowned out as he imagines what his new living situation will be like.

How did he get here, 538 miles from everyone and everything he knew?

Depression. Isolation. Screaming at his parents.

How long would it be until he could play basketball with his closest friends or listen to Tupac from the comfort of his room?

Weeks. Months. Maybe even a year.

His parents try to say goodbye, but he won’t speak.

Saying goodbye to them meant saying goodbye to his old life, and accepting the beginning of a new one. * * * Charlie moved into Heartlight, a therapeutic boarding school in Hallsville, Texas on October 10, 2012. He began as a teenage boy who was withdrawn and unforgiving, but graduated on August 3, 2013 as a young man who feels content and mature.

For ten months, Charlie lived with teenagers ages 13 to 18 who dealt with drug-abuse, self-harm, eating disorders or violence.

“A lot of those kids may have more outwardly, visible coping behaviors, but it all stems from the same thing,” Charlie’s mother, Jackie Shaver said. “I realized Charlie had a different way of coping with his issues...it was internally destructive which can sometimes be worse.”

Feeling like there was nothing else they could do to remedy their family issues, the Shavers enrolled Charlie in Heartlight that October. * * * Heartlight functions on a six-level system, meaning students move up levels as they demonstrate that they are actively working through their issues.

Charlie was frustrated by the fact that he had been stuck in Level 4 — the level where students have shown that they’re willing to work on their issues — for four months. Feeling the stress of not knowing what the staff wanted to see from him, he understood why some people saw jail as a better alternative to Heartlight.

“Most people like just sitting somewhere and doing their time and at Heartlight you don’t have a set [length of] time [until you graduate],” Charlie said.

Charlie contemplated running away from Heartlight, but decided to stay. Experiencing a dramatic shift, he blew the staff away with his new-found willingness to take responsibility for his actions. He changed his attitude to-

wards his parents. * * * There were no secrets at Heartlight. Everyone knew each others’ stories. Other residents often asked Charlie how he landed himself at Heartlight.

“I always felt like everyPHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY PALOMA GARCIA one else’s story was more intense than mine,” Charlie “I thought he was going to let me have it,” said.

Jackie said, “He was so calm [when we got to “Probation, assault, hard-core drugs and then me just yelling at my parents about school the airport].”

Jackie says this calm and responsible reacor sports or anything really.” tion on Charlie’s part was the first real turning Charlie says that the exchange of advice between his peers at Heartlight was the most point. * * * effective form of counseling he received. He Twenty-five hundred students have gone learned to understand other residents’ issues through the program at Heartlight, and Charand they helped Charlie focus his energy on lie is the first person since 2002 to graduate in his own challenges.

Charlie lived with 15-year-old Colton from ten months or less.

Charlie had reached the sixth and final level Houston, who would sit on the front porch with Charlie, sharing stories of the issues he by demonstrating the ability to work through dealt with before Heartlight; popping pills and his issues independently.

Some residents gather their belongings and smoking weed. They brainstormed ways to leave, but Charlie was in tears as he walked move up levels together.

Seventeen-year-old Mikey from Indiana around to each house to say goodbye.

Jackie says seeing her reserved son hugspoke to Charlie about his difficult relationship ging other kids and crying was reassuring that with his verbally abusive ex-girlfriend, driving him to self-harm and suicidal thoughts before the experience had changed him. “[Sending Charlie to Heartlight] was one of Heartlight. the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do in Mikey and Charlie moved up to Level 5 at the same time. They would be graduating with- my life, but it’s made our family stronger than we could’ve ever been,” Jackie said. “Strangely in a few months.

Every morning Charlie would wake Mikey enough, I see it as a gift. As a second chance.” * * * up saying, “We’re Level 5, man.” He says this Charlie says his biggest struggle in coming was the first time he experienced pure joy since home is learning how to interact with people he had been at Heartlight. on a surface level: “The circumstances and rules [at Heart“It’s harder to connect here,” Charlie said. light] suck, but the people and the relation“When does the opportunity present itself to ships there make it worth the while,” Charlie talk about deep things and your issues? When said. is it appropriate? Because back in Texas, it was * * * Every three or four months, residents had anytime.”

Charlie desires to have friendships at home breaks; the length was determined by what as meaningful as the ones he had at Heartlight. level the student had reached.

Currently, he is enjoying taking Chemistry During Christmas break, Charlie and his II and hopes to try out for the basketball team parents were planning on meeting in New in the winter.

He continues to talk to his counMexico for the first time since they dropped him off in October. The staff had advised the selors and friends from Heartlight to continue family to have Charlie’s first break away from working on his issues. He says gaining the abilhome so there would be no temptation to run ity to forgive people was one of the most liberating feelings he experienced. away.

“You never overcome your problems, you The Shavers’ plane out of KCI was so delearn to cope with them in the best way that layed that Charlie ended up sitting alone in the airport chapel for 8 hours without a cell phone. you can...It’s more of a changing of core beliefs His family found him in front of the baggage than it is a changing of behavior,” Charlie said. claim of the Albuquerque airport. Charlie had “Because once you change your core belief, returned baggage carts in the airport, collect- then that opens up a lot of doors to better youring quarters in order to buy a meal while wait- self.” ing for his parents.

HEARTLIGHT:

the different levels

1.

Kids spend a month being introduced to the program. Very limited privileges.

2.

Kids get a $4 allowance and are allowed to spend their money at predetermined events

3.

Students can go outside without counselor supervision.

Kids have begun to show progress dealing with their issues.

4.

have 5. Students worked through

most of their issues on their own and continue to grow Graduation level.

6. Students can

work on their problems on their own.

Value of

High School

WRITTEN BY MADDIE HYATT

“I wish that I had gone to more games and events. Not just football or basketball games, but a little bit of everything. Even the not-as-popular sports work hard and would enjoy the support I know our football teams did Friday nights.”

“If I could pass down a piece of advice it would be to find your niche as early as possible—theater, band, journalism, dance, whatever. Find a group of people who you feel comfortable and happy with. Be kind to your teachers, respectful to administration (and make friends with the secretaries,) and don’t sweat the small stuff. Your life is not predicated on wasted energy and moments.”

features.

After sitting in class day after day, students often wonder… is high school really worth it? Is the daily grind of struggling through sleep deprived mornings, seven period days and coming home to three books of the “Odyssey” worth it? Sitting in a class daydreaming about more appealing topics, asking yourself, will high school actually secure our futures or are the hundreds of dates and facts we learn useless. Let’s be hon-

est, who hasn’t had these thoughts?

Four East graduates were asked to reflect on their high school experience, good and bad. Whether they’ve been out of high school for one year or 13 years, they each bring their own outlook on past high school experiences. Their advice on success is based on their personal recollections from East; from memories of past Homecomings to relationships with coaches and teachers.

David Sosna Class of 2013 University of Arkansas

“You have your entire life to party. Work hard in your activities and sports; all that other stuff can wait. Enjoy the days at East because we are some of the most fortunate kids around to have such an awesome family and community to be in.”

Olivia Harlan Class of 2011 University of Georgia

“East didn’t fall short in preparing me for the real world. I was more prepared for college than my friends from fancy, private schools around the country. They always ask how I’m never stressed about school, and I don’t even have an answer for them except that my high school was pretty legit.”

“East prepared me in a sense that I learned leadership traits through sports I played. They taught me how to work hard for something, and also taught me to react humbly when things don’t go your way.”

“If I could relive one weekend of my life at East it would be homecoming—Lancer Day, Friday night game, and the Saturday dance.

You don’t realize how fun stereotypical high school stuff is until you leave. Going to a public high school has so many aspects that kids just see in movies. Being a cheerleader amplified all that for me, I felt right in the middle of all the action. As awesome as SEC football is at UGA, nothing beats Friday night lights.”

Hank Simpson Class of 2012

“Academically, East gave me the opportunity to take classes that reflected a college setting. I had ideal relationships with my teachers where communication was great. My communication with teachers then, has lead me to not have any sort of inhibition or tentativeness towards my professors and coaches now.”

Kansas State Univeristy

“I would say what maybe most changed my life were moments in the classroom where my mind was opened to a new way of seeing things. I remember moments where teachers completely challenged my way of seeing the world. That’s what I’m more

“I know many students have so much on their plate and struggle to even get sleep at night. The more you can do to not just worry about points, but engage with the things you’re discussing in your classes and really open your mind, the better. Don’t just learn from teachers, but to take to heart

thankful for than anything else.”

what the people around you are saying.”

Amy Andersen Class of 2000 Kansas State University

“There were two categories that I benefitted from at East. One was basic skills from my English teachers; how to write a successful, strong essay how to structure it, and how to organize it.

I definitely received excellent training and went into college very well prepared.”

“I would say what maybe most changed my life were moments in the classroom where my mind was opened to a new way of seeing things. I remember moments where teachers completely challenged my way of seeing the world. That’s what I’m

“I know many students have so much on their plate and struggle to even get sleep at night. The more you can do to not just worry about points, but engage with the things you’re discussing in your classes and really open your mind, the better. Don’t just learn from teachers, but to take to heart what the

more thankful for than anything else.”

people around you are saying.”

m -

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spread.

. . .

G N I C U D O R INT

year t faculty this s a E e th g in hers join tors and teac a tr is in m d a t e newes Get to know th

BY ANNIE SAVAGE PHOTOS

DIE HISE

WRITTEN BY MAD

For his first year of teaching, new teacher Austin Klumpe is taking on both the classroom and the court. He is the Lady Lancers varsity basketball coach as well as the new financial literacy, accounting and introduction to business teacher. Five years ago, Klumpe had been coaching at the college basketball level in both Texas and Oklahoma, and also at his alma mater, Emporia State.

Klumpe saw the openings at East for both a women’s basketball coach and business teacher, finding both jobs en-

ticing. He decided to take his first teaching job after hearing the great reputation and great things about East.

On the court, Klumpe says transitioning from college to high school basketball is a different atmosphere. He now expects his players to be academically strong as well as great athletes.

“What I would demand of my players is no different from my students.”

Klumpe said, “We expect them to excel in the classroom and on the court to get the most out of, to be the best student athlete they can be.”

Even though he doesn’t teach band anymore, new associate principal Britton Haney still enjoys sneaking down to the band room to hear the drumline. He was previously a teacher at SM Northwest, teaching four hours of math and two hours of band.

“I really, really like helping people,” Haney said. “And I kind of came to the conclusion that I could help more people in this

KRISTEN ZUCK

JEFF STOREY

AUSTIN KLUMPE New associate principal Jeff Storey has worked in many different buildings.

He worked as a Latin teacher for twenty years between Rockhurst, SM South, and SM Northwest. He also taught Kindergarten through fifth grade in Kansas City, Missouri. After about twenty years of teaching, he retired from the classroom and moved to the Indian Hills Middle School library.

When he was at South, Storey says he was overwhelmed with his Latin

position rather than the 150 students I worked with everyday.”

Outside of school Haney has two daughters: Kate, seven yearsold, and Abby, five years-old.

According to Haney, students at both SM Northwest and East are extremely nice but he is excited about the school spirit at East.

Haney warns that if the KU basketball team loses a game, there’s a good chance he’ll be in a bad mood.

Students are students, according to new chemistry and physical science teacher Susan Hallstrom. Coming from SM Northwest, she loves them regardless of if they are a Northwest Cougar, or an East Lancer.

“I hope to see students growing in their appreciation, understanding, and love of science,” Hallstrom said.

Outside of school she enjoys gardening, reading and going to her small farm in Tonganoxie, Kan. In her classroom her biggest pet peeve is students texting. She means it when she says no cell phones and is not afraid to write students up for it.

BRITTON HANEY students and the dance and flag team students he was in charge of. This encouraged him to become a librarian where he started seeing more of the school dynamic, making him want to be an administrator.

“I think the expectations of academic achievement are higher at this school.” Storey said. “At other schools they have more of the opportunity to fail or achieve and learn from that, where as here the expectation is you are going to get high test scores.”

OM

SUSAN HALLSTR For new teacher Kristen Zuck, transitioning from SM North to East has been an easier undertaking than she expected. Zuck had to switch schools when her husband became associate principal at North, due to an SMSD policy. She was expecting a huge shock but instead enjoyed the transition.

“I hope to be here until I’m done teaching,” Zuck

said. “I really like it here. Maybe I will get more involved.”

Zuck ran the environmental education program at North. She now works only in the biology department.

Zuck has four children in school in Olathe School District. Rylee is in eighth grade. Liam and Libby, twins, are in fourth grade. Kenna is in second grade.

m -

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spread.

. . .

G N I C U D O R INT

year t faculty this s a E e th g in hers join tors and teac a tr is in m d a t e newes Get to know th

BY ANNIE SAVAGE PHOTOS

DIE HISE

WRITTEN BY MAD

For his first year of teaching, new teacher Austin Klumpe is taking on both the classroom and the court. He is the Lady Lancers varsity basketball coach as well as the new financial literacy, accounting and introduction to business teacher. Five years ago, Klumpe had been coaching at the college basketball level in both Texas and Oklahoma, and also at his alma mater, Emporia State.

Klumpe saw the openings at East for both a women’s basketball coach and business teacher, finding both jobs en-

ticing. He decided to take his first teaching job after hearing the great reputation and great things about East.

On the court, Klumpe says transitioning from college to high school basketball is a different atmosphere. He now expects his players to be academically strong as well as great athletes.

“What I would demand of my players is no different from my students.”

Klumpe said, “We expect them to excel in the classroom and on the court to get the most out of, to be the best student athlete they can be.”

Even though he doesn’t teach band anymore, new associate principal Britton Haney still enjoys sneaking down to the band room to hear the drumline. He was previously a teacher at SM Northwest, teaching four hours of math and two hours of band.

“I really, really like helping people,” Haney said. “And I kind of came to the conclusion that I could help more people in this

KRISTEN ZUCK

JEFF STOREY

AUSTIN KLUMPE New associate principal Jeff Storey has worked in many different buildings.

He worked as a Latin teacher for twenty years between Rockhurst, SM South, and SM Northwest. He also taught Kindergarten through fifth grade in Kansas City, Missouri. After about twenty years of teaching, he retired from the classroom and moved to the Indian Hills Middle School library.

When he was at South, Storey says he was overwhelmed with his Latin

position rather than the 150 students I worked with everyday.”

Outside of school Haney has two daughters: Kate, seven yearsold, and Abby, five years-old.

According to Haney, students at both SM Northwest and East are extremely nice but he is excited about the school spirit at East.

Haney warns that if the KU basketball team loses a game, there’s a good chance he’ll be in a bad mood.

Students are students, according to new chemistry and physical science teacher Susan Hallstrom. Coming from SM Northwest, she loves them regardless of if they are a Northwest Cougar, or an East Lancer.

“I hope to see students growing in their appreciation, understanding, and love of science,” Hallstrom said.

Outside of school she enjoys gardening, reading and going to her small farm in Tonganoxie, Kan. In her classroom her biggest pet peeve is students texting. She means it when she says no cell phones and is not afraid to write students up for it.

BRITTON HANEY students and the dance and flag team students he was in charge of. This encouraged him to become a librarian where he started seeing more of the school dynamic, making him want to be an administrator.

“I think the expectations of academic achievement are higher at this school.” Storey said. “At other schools they have more of the opportunity to fail or achieve and learn from that, where as here the expectation is you are going to get high test scores.”

OM

SUSAN HALLSTR For new teacher Kristen Zuck, transitioning from SM North to East has been an easier undertaking than she expected. Zuck had to switch schools when her husband became associate principal at North, due to an SMSD policy. She was expecting a huge shock but instead enjoyed the transition.

“I hope to be here until I’m done teaching,” Zuck

said. “I really like it here. Maybe I will get more involved.”

Zuck ran the environmental education program at North. She now works only in the biology department.

Zuck has four children in school in Olathe School District. Rylee is in eighth grade. Liam and Libby, twins, are in fourth grade. Kenna is in second grade.

features.

PUTTING HIS

LIFE IN DRIVE

WRITTEN BY SARAH BERGER

Senior Andrew Treas has been trying anything for eight days to calm his nerves; nothing works. As he stands behind a podium on Capitol Hill, his nerves are bouncing around more and more. All of the members of Congress, the Congressional Committee and the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) alliance watching him aren’t helping.

Its going to be okay. Go over all your main bullet points. Make sure to add a lot of information.

Treas takes a deep breath and repeats this over and over: he is ready to begin his speech. As he begins he talks about the 1967 Karmann Ghia that he helped build with the other MINDDRIVE students. He talks about experiential education, how he has benefitted from it. He talks about his part in MINDDRIVE as a student. He talks about the program that has changed his life. * * * MINDDRIVE is an after-school program that offers hands on automotive education to students across the Kansas City metropolitan area who are mostly considered “at risk” as well as students who join voluntarily. Its main goal is to inspire students through the use of experiential education where students learn through hands-on training. The program serves around 36 students and offers them classes automotive design and communications.

Treas first found out about MINDDRIVE through senior Daniel Jackson, another student in the program. After hearing Jackson talk about building electrical cars in their math class, Treas knew he wanted to get involved.

Treas visited MINDDRIVE’s headquarters at the end of first semester last year; after that first visit he knew he needed to keep going back. For Treas, MINDDRIVE offered him the perfect environment to fuel his main interest: cars.

“I’m just mechanically inclined I guess,” Treas said. “I can fix a lot of stuff, I think it’s in my blood.”

Since that initial visit, Treas became a

Senior Andrew Treas fuels his passion for cars and finds new motivation by participating in MINDDRIVE.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINDDRIVE

regular at the MINDDRIVE headquarters.

He started going at least one to two times a week, for four hours each visit. He started spending almost all of his Saturdays from 9 a.m.--1 p.m. in the automotive class stripping down cars then building them back up.

Treas’ main project was working on a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. He and the rest of the MINDDRIVE students started to convert the car to be powered by social fuel — electricity generated by interaction on different social media outlets.

Tweets, Facebook likes and Instagrams were all entered into a data counter that would convert this activity into electricity.

A tablet was also placed in the car so the students could keep track of how much social fuel they had.

The MINDDRIVE students also worked on restoring the entire body of the car and painting it light blue. Treas thought the main challenge was working on the back of the car. Because the Karmann Ghia was a rear-wheel drive car, all the batteries and engines were in the back. Treas had to help drop the motor out of the car and pack all the components back into the car’s tightly packed frame.

To obtain the social fuel, Treas posted links on his Facebook and messaged his friends who would be interested. MINDDRIVE also got attention on Twitter and YouTube. One of their YouTube videos has over 100,000 views and they have been retweeted by Richard Branson, the CEO of Virgin Mobile. By June, the group had over seven times the social fuel they needed to drive from Kansas City to Washington D.C. By working with MINDDRIVE, Treas started to feel motivated again for the first time in months. MINDDRIVE helped give him the push to boost his GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.5 in one semester.

“I wasn’t very smart and I got terrible grades before [MINDDRIVE],” Treas said.

“Without it I don’t think I would have had the chance to go to college.”

After being involved with MINDDRIVE for two months, Treas got his first opportu-

nity to speak on the behalf of MINDDRIVE at an automotive show downtown at Bartle Hall. He was resistant at first, he didn’t want to be on a stage, he wanted to work on the car. Treas was scared to speak in front of a crowd of 200, but he just kept telling himself it was going to be okay. He prepared a bullet list of important points ahead of time in preparation for his first speech.

After that first speech, Treas was given more and more opportunities to represent the organization. Over time he became comfortable with speeches and his nerves took a back seat.

“He acts like he’s not nervous at all,” Linda Buchner, the president of MINDDRIVE said. “He was as cool as a cucumber the whole time.”

After taking part in several interviews on radio shows and with newspapers about MINDDRIVE and giving more speeches, Treas grew accustomed to crowds and speaking. Even though public speaking wasn’t a primary fear anymore nothing could calm him down for the speech he gave this summer in Washington D.C..

Treas was worried about it when he was the first person to drive the car out of Union Station, starting the 10-day summer tour.

He was still thinking about D.C. when they stopped in Ohio to tour the Bridgestone facilities.

When it was time to give his speech, Treas overcame his nerves once again and delivered his message. When it was finally over he felt relieved and accomplished.

“I get to put speaking on Capitol Hill on my resume now,” Treas said. “That’s kind of too good to be true.”

In the future, Treas wants to go to college and be able to copy a program like MINDDRIVE. He wants to be able to make an impact on other kids’ lives, just like MINDDRIVE has impacted his own. “[MINDDRIVE] did change me a lot,” Treas said. “It’s kind of motivation and kind of happens with all of the kids. [The MINDDRIVE students] see that we are doing something big and we feel that we can do anything else.”

MINDDRIVE participants pull the 1967 Volkswagon Karmann Ghia out of a parking lot.

A student looks at the engine of the Karmann Ghia, which is in the back instead of the front like in most cars.

Two students work on the engine of the car. Students spent a lot of time last year working after school and on weekends.

Stops Along the Way

A look at the route that took the MINDDRIVE team to Washington D.C., and the levels of their social media interraction along the way.

Breezewood, PA Hagerstown, MD Bedford, PA Frederick, MD Indianapolis, IN Kansas City, MO Somerset, PA Washington, DC Akron, OH Youngstown, OH Pittsburgh, PA

May 31 - Day 1 June 1 - Day 2

June 2 - Day 3 June 3 - Day 4

June 4 - Day 5 June 5 - Day 6 June 6 - Day 7

June 7 - Day 8

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#RIPBOOMER

Boomer cheers on the Lancers at a home basketball game. “There were very few games when Boomer was not in the very front row,” assistant principal Jeremy Higgins said. “He was a very enthusiastic, strong supporter of the athletic teams that year... For the most part he was very passionate about cheering on his fellow students, his friends, and, you know, there were just very few times when he wasn’t there leading and taking charge.”

PHOTO BY MARISA WALTON

EAST REFLECTS ON THE PASSING OF FORMER EAST STUDENT BOOMER WELSH

Boomer plays in the Green Bean Dodgeball tournament. “He was just nuts,” East alumni Josh Cook said. “He was super into the tournament and teams, always amped. He loved all that kind of stuff.”

PHOTO BY MCKENZIE SWANSON

Boomer cheers on the Lancers at a home game against Shawnee Mission Northwest along with Dylan Brett. “He was the man when it came down to leading the student section,” Brett said. “He was always just trying to make people laugh.”

PHOTO BY MARISA WALTON

Adam Lowe leads the Lancers at Club Baño.

“Boomer was one of those kids that everyone listened to,” Lowe said. “He was always looking to have a good time and would go out of his way for his friends.”

PHOTO BY DANIELLE NORTON

At the Rockhurst vs. East game, Boomer cheers from the front row along with Sam Heneger.

“Boomer was just in his element at basketball games,” Heneger said. “Yelling and chanting and being loud and hilarious.”

PHOTO BY MARISA WALTON

online.

PHOTOS FROM HARBINGER FILES

Featured Blog >> Grace Heitmann: Replay

I am a huge soccer fan.

I love the game, the atmosphere and the people I’ve met through it. I started playing soccer when I was six and I haven’t stopped since.

In my many years of soccer, I’ve moved, switched leagues and joined new teams. Wherever I go, the mentality towards referees has always remained the same. Everyone hates the referee. Or at least, they love to hate the referee. And it’s so easy because one bad call and the loss is blamed on the ref.

At the many games I’ve played, I’ve had my share of questionable calls by the referees. I’ve been pushed down to the ground with no foul called, yet the slightest elbow jab will bring a whistle.

Although I’ve been upset

in the moment, I’ve never taken it to the extent that a teenager in Utah did.

A couple months ago in Taylorsville, Utah, a yellow card prompted aw 17-year-old soccer player to punch referee Ricardo Portillo in the face. Portillo was sent to the hospital and was found to have suffered from internal head injuries. After spending seven days in a coma, Portillo died. The juvenile who punched him pleaded guilty to homicide by assault and was tried as a juvenile.

I was astonished when I read the article. How have we gotten away from the love, passion and pure enjoyment of the game?

Parents have become too overbearing on their children during games.

Coaches are pushing their players too far. Fans have been repeatedly told to tone it down before, during and after games.

Yes, I know it’s cheesy, but how have we let this happened? And when did it become acceptable for a player to punch a referee just because of a yellow card?

As the fall season is starting, I challenge you to change your mindset towards referees. Whether you are a player or a fan, be respectful and remember that they’re only trying to do their job. Be grateful that they are refereeing your game because, let’s be honest, would you really want to be spending multiple hours a weekend running up and down the sidelines only to get yelled at?

Although you probably won’t find me on the sidelines wearing the famous black and white stripes, I’ll be sure to be extra appreciative of the referees.

And the only thing you’ll find me fighting over are the last orange and apple slices.

Breaking News >>

More Blogs >> Scotty Burford: My Life With Tics Senior staffer Scotty Burford was diagnosed with Tourrette’s Syndrome as a young boy. As a high schooler, he and his family have learned to cope with his tics and to embrace the spontaneous nature of their lives. In his blog, Burford shares the difficulties and joys of his journey with Tourrette’s.

Julia Poe: Opinionated Tune in twice a month to hear junior staffer Julia Poe voice her opinion on different aspects of her high school life. Her blogs cover anything from eclectic music taste and sappy movies to college choices and how to make a difference in the world.

Susannah Mitchell: Baking Bites Raised around a pastry chef, junior staffer Susannah Mitchell has always had an affinity for baked goods. In her blog, Mitchell shares recipes, advice and pictures of the delectable goods that she makes. Make sure to check in throughout the month for her latest project.

Live Broadcasts >> From burnt burritos to police reports, The Harbinger Online delivers quick updates about everything happening in the East area. If you have questions about news at school or in the community, make sure to check the Harbinger before you check anywhere else.

Multimedia >>

The Harbinger Broadcast team will cover a majority of soccer and football games this fa ll. With high-quality commentating and video, Harbinger broadcasts are the best experience if you can’t make a game. Make sure to tune in to cheer on your fellow Lancers.

Video Announcements >> The Harbinger multimedia staff provides a wide range of multimedia coverage, including podcasts, videos and interactives. A weekly staple on the website are the 50 Lancers, One Question videos, which ask 50 different East students the same question and then show their unique answers.

Check The Harbinger Online every Friday for the video announcements, complete with East’s favorite sports show: Sports Show with Clark and Joe. The announcements will deliver news and laughs every Friday and are hosted only on The Harbinger Online.

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WRITTEN BY MIRANDA GIBBS PHOTO BY MIRANDA GIBBS

+essentials

Here are some of the most valuable things a student can keep in their backpack during the school year

Why stumble through the day without your trusty calculator to answer all your simple math problems? Never leave home without it. A calculator could save your life. Not really, but you get what I mean.

CALCULATOR Sometimes you just want to hear your jam....or ignore people in the hallway. Whatever the reason, headphones are essential to getting through the day.

NOTEBOOK/SKETCHBOOK It’s always a great idea to carry around a sketchbook or notebook to keep your random thoughts in.

Travelling from floor to floor at East can feel like travelling from the core of the sun to the arctic circle. And the problem is: you never know what you’re going to get. Bring a jacket to combat cold in the classroom.

HEADPHONES

Don’t you hate it when you get home and realize you didn’t write down the homework? Yes, the planners are lame, but they’re a great organizational tool.

JACKET

PLANNER It’s always important to have your school projects on you at all times. Flashdrives are a great way to keep them around without lugging a whole computer class to class.

WATER B OTT

LE

FLASH DRIVE

Your backpack is the most vital school supply. Welcome to IB? Buy a 10 lb. heavy duty backpack.

Hate the traditional Jansport? Buy a messenger bag to mix things up.

K AC

SMARTPHONE

APPS 5 FOR BACK-TO SCHOOL

SN

MESSENGER BAG Always stay hydrated — it actually helps you stay focused. Plus, you have something to drink after trekking from the first floor to the fifth floor. Also, you can leave class to refill your bottle.

01.

A great idea — especially if you have third lunch — is to bring a snack to eat in class. Make sure it’s not too crunchy, or you’ll be the center of attention.

02.

03.

ORGANIZATION FLASHCARDS GOOGLE DRIVE

QUIZLET

04.

GAME

TINY WINGS

05.

MUSIC

SPOTIFY

SOCIAL

INSTAGRAM

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LANCER voice

Students share their opinion on the original Netflix series “Orange is the New Black”

Senior Brent Heath

“I started watching it because of a friend, and I like that there are a lot of back stories to it, not just one.”

Senior Claire Gilman

“The show shows you that you never know who you can trust and your past can always come back to get you.”

House Of Cards

WRITTEN BY ANDREW MCKITTRICK

When I think of politics, I picture old, white men sitting around a large room, yelling and debating over finances. To me, this idea of politics would create a boring, drab TV show that couldn’t hold my interest for more than 20 minutes.

However, Netflix original series “House of Cards” proved me wrong. It is able to portray politics in an interesting and engaging light. Each episode is filled with backstabbing and the story of a man and woman struggling for power, creating a plot with twists and turns that kept me interested and made me want to watch episode after episode.

Created by Media Rights Capital and produced by David Fincher, the producer of “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, this show was the first of multiple Netflix original series. With the entire first season released to Netflix on Feb. 13, viewers were able to watch all 13 episodes at their own pace. For the first time, I was able to binge watch a brand new show, viewing multiple episodes back to back to back.

The plot follows the life of a US Representative Frank Underwood and his wife, Claire, an environmental activist. Frank is played by Kevin Spacey, the same actor who played Lex Luthor in the 2006 movie, “Superman Returns.” Frank and Claire spend each episode manipulating others in order to gain political power and personal control over the US. Their antics affect everyone from a young reporter for The Washington Herald to a drunken, drug addicted representative from Pennsylvania.

The Underwoods are obsessed with power; they blackmail and kill their way to the top. The majority of this manipulation comes from Frank. He blackmails a congressman, creates fake crimes and even creates a fake relationship with a reporter in order to inject the facts he wants to get into the news.

The first season begins the betrayal of Frank. After being promised the office of Secretary of State, the president instead appoints someone else. This is the point at which Frank decides to exact his revenge. After cutting his wife out of the loop and thinking it over, Frank begins to scheme. He creates an over arching plan that slowly unfurls itself as the season progresses.

By the end of the first season, every detail falls into place and Frank reaches his goal. Twists and surprises mark every episode as some people get fired, others get attacked and one is even murdered.

The most unique aspect of the show is when Frank will speak directly to you. He will turn and seemingly look the viewer in the eye before beginning to talk. The monologue may be about how he is about to manage a person or why he is doing something, but this connection with the viewer makes this show one of a kind.

By catching a glimpse of the inner workings of Frank’s mind, I was able to realize the truly ruthless mentality that he possesses. This snapshot of his mental state is similar to the way that a book written in first person allows the reader to determine the state of mind of the narrator. This helps to keep the viewer interested in what’s happening in each episode.

House of Cards was able to turn the dreary and seemingly routine subject of politics into a dramatized version of what goes on behind closed doors in Washington.

House of Cards has me checking the recent additions to Netflix in anticipation of the release of season two.

DON’T BOTHER

GOOD WAY TO KILL TIME

CHECK IT OUT

START WATCHING NOW!

Senior James Jacobs “I stumbled across it and it was kind of weird to start but I got into it after the second episode and finished in two days.”

Senior Taylor Norman “The story line is interesting and makes you want to keep watching. Sometimes it’s gross and I have to close my eyes.”

Orange is the New Black WRITTEN BY PHOEBE AGUIAR It’s 30 seconds in and I’ve already seen three different pairs of boobs. Yet somehow “Orange is the New Black” is a thought-provoking, entertaining and cutting-edge show — but don’t watch it with your parents. Unless you want to squirm while you watch two female inmates getting it on or hear derogatory remarks, just watch it by yourself. These aren’t the only characteristics of this Netflix original series, but be warned. Be prepared to see and hear more about racism, sex, abuse and drug use than you expected out of a TV show. These uncomfortable, harsh realities are what make “Orange is the New Black” so intriguing.

From the creator of “Weeds” and based on the book by Piper Kerman, “Orange is the New Black” follows Piper Chapman’s (Taylor Schilling) experience in a women’s federal prison.

To serve her 15-month prison sentence Piper is forced to leave her cushy life in New York, with her writer-fiancé Larry Bloom (Jason Biggs). After she was named and convicted in an investigation of a drug ring that she was loosely tied with. This was during her “crazy” post-college phase when she had a girlfriend who was the leader of said drug ring.

The show is about much more than Piper having to go to prison, wear an orange jumpsuit and be bored for 15 months. It’s about relationships, owning up to one’s actions and the inevitable changes people go through.

What I admired about this show and what makes it so appealing to me are the losses and developments of relationships both inside and outside of prison. Whether she wants to or not, Piper has to interact with the other inmates even if she is terrified of them. She finds friends, lovers and enemies among the other women.

Her relationships change not only with the people inside of prison, but on the outside as well. Her priorities in life aren’t getting married, and earning money. Now she prioritizes getting enough to simply surviving her prison sentence. She would rather chase after an elusive chicken living in the prison yard because it would give her brownie points with the prison cook than talk to her family on the phone.

Her most notable relationships develop with the other white inmates, because of the self segregation and racism that are part of the prison social structure. Piper interacts with the other women from a former drug addict philosopher, a transvestite, a nun, a yoga instructor and a mentally unstable lesbian. Most importantly rekindling her relationship with her ex-girlfriend Alex. Who — plot twist — happens to be serving her sentence in the same prison.

Something that was especially well done in this show was making all the other characters as important as the main character, by using flashbacks and giving them their own stories in and out of prison.

Another thing that Piper and the other characters realize as the series progressed is that at some point you are going to have to own up to what you’ve done. Some of these are big things like breaking a law and going to federal prison, but some are small things like stealing a screw driver from the prison woodshop. This doesn’t just apply to the inmates, guards and administrators, but also to the people on the outside, who are influenced by the actions of the inmates.

Going right along with owning up are drastic changes of forming new and old relationships and the acceptance of past mistakes. As Piper changes, she decided what’s really important to her and the person she really is. This person is not what her family and friends think she is. They hold her up as this poor innocent women who was wrongly punished, but Piper knows she is no different than the other women in prison.

Change, acceptance, love, hate and friendship are part of the show that intertwine to form the binge-watching-inducing, sometimes cringe-worthy, at least-I-haven’tmessed-my-life-up-this- much show that is “Orange is the New Black”.

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NETFLIX

ORIGINAL SERIES The Harbinger staff review the newest original Netflix series

ART BY LEAH PACK

Bad Samaritans WRITTEN BY SARAH BERGER I love Netflix. I’m pretty sure everybody loves Netflix, and in all honesty what’s not to love? The five seasons of Gossip Girl and the old Disney Channel movies that fill up my instant queue are all great, and up until recently I thought there was no answer to that question until I started watching the Netflix original series “Bad Samaritans”.

The comedy follows exes Jake and Drew as they try to complete their required 2,000 hours of community service — the result of a forest fire they started after they threw alcohol on each other during their over-dramatic breakup.

As part of their community service, Jake and Drew participate in an array of volunteer projects, like working at a nursing home and picking up trash on the side of the road. Every episode they fight and every episode they try to make each other jealous and in every episode the results backfire.

They are put into a group of three other unimpressive and cliche parolees, Hagerty, a stoner, Doug, an ex gang member, and Trainy, a Paris Hilton wannabe.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think old women dying is something to laugh at. I also don’t think a group of dogs getting run over on the highway is funny either.

You know who does think those two situations are funny? The writers of this show, apparently.

Frankly, “Bad Samaritans” is not much of a comedy. It tries to be, but just misses the mark. While some antics of the characters are slightly humorous, they are overshadowed by the show’s dirty humor. Trainy explaining all the different types of orgasms she could do in the second episode made me want to close my laptop and stop watching forever.

All five episodes had their own twisted moment. In the first episode, Drew’s grandma dies from disappointment when she finds out Drew was arrested. Next, Hagerty and Doug have to try to euthanize a pug puppy while volunteering at an animal shelter. In the third episode, Trainy wears road kill as an accessory. The fourth episode was the worst, and I can’t decide which was more disgusting — Hagerty pulling bloody tampons out of a bathroom, Hagerty graphically puking or Hagerty biting the head off a turtle. I’ll let you be the judge of that. In the final episode, their parole officer, in an offensive and blatantly racist move, makes his Mexican party guest pose as caterers for his going away party.

The only time I genuinely laughed during the show was when Hagerty, the stoner, fell down in front of a bunch of kids. Of course that moment had to be ruined when he later bit the head off a turtle. Note to the writers of this show: people falling down is funny, brutally killing small animals is not.

Another problem I had with this show was the characters. None of them were endearing. Jake was lazy and only cared about video games. Drew was extremely uptight and the most selfish character on the show. Hagerty was gross and I could smell his imaginary B.O. through my laptop. Trainy was annoying and dressed terribly for a socialite. Wendell was just a pathetic parole officer who couldn’t become a real cop.

The only character that showed signs of promise was Doug who turned his life around with volunteer work, but then he said he crushed a man’s esophagus. That ruined the moment.

I doubt there will be a season two of “Bad Samaritans” since there was barely a season one, which is for the best. The show only takes two and half hours to watch from beginning to end, but it’s not worth your time. If you’re incredibly bored I guess you could watch it, but I would recommend you watch just about any other TV show on Netflix instead.

Hemlock Grove

WRITTEN BY SOPHIE TULP

Weird can be a good thing, but like all things it should come in moderation. For Netflix’s original series “Hemlock Grove” that seemed to be the opposite of their philosophy, emphasizing all things bizarre. From the main character’s blood fetish to the fact that he impregnated his own cousin, I could barely watch the show without feeling dirty. The only thing keeping it from resembling something that would run on the SyFy channel was the $45 million budget, giving ‘Hemlock Grove” a bit more of a professional feel.

“Hemlock Grove” was Netflix’s second attempt at an original series. Directed by Eli Roth, known for his horror flicks “Hostel” and “Hostel 2,” I expected a good horror/ supernatural drama. I became a recluse for the weekend, marathoning the show for 13 hours, eager to get into the world of Hemlock Grove. But after completing just the first episode, as credits rolled across the screen, I asked myself: What the hell did I just watch?

The show’s opening scene begins with protagonist Roman Godfrey, seventeenyear-old heir to the Godfrey family empire of medical research facilities in the small town of Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania. He is seductively eating an ice cream cone which actually just comes across as creepy, before hooking up with a prostitute in an X-rated sex scene. This promptly had me moving to watch the show in a different room than the rest of my family.

The real premise of the show is not even brought up until 30 minutes in, when a high school girl becomes the first victim of a mysterious “animal attack.” She is killed in a gruesome, gag-worthy scene complete with acting that would make Kristen Stewart look like an Oscar winner.

The rest of the season mainly follows the Godfrey family and Peter Rumancek, a gypsy and the infamous new town arrival. It is soon revealed in a gory, cringe-inducing transformation scene — his eyeballs fall out with the rest of his flesh in a bloody heap which he then consumes — that Peter is a werewolf, although we never really know why this is. Did I mention Roman can control minds? That’s never really explained either.

But, the male leads team up using these supernatural gifts to stop the evil werewolf, “Vargulf,” that commits no less than five more equally gruesome killings throughout the rest of the show.

The friendship between Peter and Roman was about one of the only story lines I cared about, probably because their character development is thorough and interesting. Most other characters are shrouded in what you first think is “mystery,” and then come to realize after the whole season is just the writer’s assuming we understand their implied cryptics, then never tying up loose ends.

While both the leading male characters Roman Godfrey, played by Bill Skarsgård (brother of Alexander Skarsgård “True Blood” star) and Peter Rumancek, played by Landon Liboroin (former “Degrassi” child star) were easy on the eyes, no amount of hot actors could save this show’s incoherence.

It became apparent after a very confusing 13 episodes that I never fully understood what was going on — and still don’t. The notes I took on the show to keep myself from getting entirely lost ended up looking like the scrawlings of a madman. I finally gave up on trying to understand the plot, and concluded that the writers must have been on acid while creating it.

All weirdness aside, the fatal blow to “Hemlock” was the Netflix setup, where viewers have access to all 13 episodes at once. “Hemlock” unfortunately does not benefit from this strategy. On cable you typically have a week for suspense and thinking about what the show has presented before tuning back in, whereas Netflix viewers “binge” watching multiple episodes in a row. It was this, which at least for me, caused all the plot threads to tangle in my head, making it hard to follow the show when watching six episodes per day.

Hemlock Grove was a disturbing, absurd take on a supernatural drama. The writers failed to tie together loose ends, leaving me confused and at times frustrated. Combined with peculiarity emanating from all aspects of the show, it was hard to watch.

Bottom line: I want my 13 hours back.

What’s in Our Water?

A forum sponsored by The Prairie Village Environmental Committee and the Kansas Natural Resource Council

TIME: 5:30-8:30 DATE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2013 LOCATION: VILLAGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Dr. Michael T. Meyer will discuss compounds found in our drinking water that are not measured by Water One, including flame retardants and some pharmaceuticals. In addition, KNRC’s Zach Pistora will provide a brief legislative update.

the harbinger.

Visit http://knrc.ws/conference.htm for more information

smephotos.com

FORGET YOUR CAMERA?

WE DIDN’T

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AZORSKY WRITTEN BY GABY GIBBS ART BY MIRANDA

W IE V E R P N IO H S A F FAcLoLncepts must-haves

s+ trendMILITARY

MENSWEAR Menswear is the most classic, yet modern and line-blurring trend yet because it encourages unisex dress even more than American Apparel. The major piece for this trend is a slimming tux (pant suit) because it will never go extinct, it will just continue to evolve. This fall, a skinny cropped or cuffed trouser and blazer is the key to success.

It can be worn in burgundy or grey to be on color trend, or in velvet or with a graphic print to be on the texture and print trends. If you are a trendsetter, going with a minty-blue suit like Macklemore at the VMAs or a baby pink suit seen at Saks Fifth Avenue will put you a step ahead of the curve.

Any way you go, you’ll win.

Military absolutely DOES NOT mean run to Urban Outfitters to buy a camo t-shirt. Military simply means you should wear structured pieces in forest green, navy, and black. Extra pockets and gold, leather, and quilted accents are an added exciting bonus. BUT don’t toss out those camo jackets yet!

You may be thinking it’s so last season but you’re wrong. Kind of.

Camo is totally still on trend for this fall, but wearing it with more structured shapes, boots and a slimming jean (instead of flowy tops and cut-off shorts like in the Spring) will give you the effortlessly trendy outfit you are looking for.

BLUE JEANS + CHAMBRAY BUTTON-UP + VEST/LEATHER JACKET + ANKLE BOOTS + GOLD JEWELRY

SKINNY TROUSER + BLAZER + T-SHIRT/BUTTON-UP + BRIGHT OXFORD/LOAFER

LEATHER JACKET ANKLE BOOTS OXFORDS/ LOAFERS STATEMENT SCARF

A-LINE SKIRT/TWEED PANTS + IVORY SWEATER/CASUAL BUTTON UP + CHOCOLATE KNEE BOOTS/LOAFERS + COLORFUL SOCKS

GRUNGE

KNIT SWEATER

PREP SCHOOL

MUST-HAVES

Think of what you would wear at a beautiful private school placed in Wes-Anderson-World in the Fall. You would wear sleek, colorful, figure-flattering clothes with eye-catching patterns. For girls this means waist-hugging skirts, cozy sweaters and scarves, and for boys the same with slimming pants. Boots, oxfords, and loafers in their prime habitat.

Grunge began in the 1990s as an anticonformist movement along with metal music. The trend originated on the streets (instead of the runway) of urban cities across the U.S. and England. Grunge was unlike any other trend before because it was rebellious, dirty, monochromatic and encouraged tattoos and piercings. Grunge is classicly all plaid and leather, but today it encompasses the classic grunginess, but with slightly sleeker, more figure-flattering skirts, and channels the scene of badass Brits with good music taste. Converse All Stars and Dr. Martens are no brainers.

T-SHIRT + LEATHER SKIRT/DARK SKINNY JEANS + PLAID BUTTON UP + ANKLE BOOTS/SNEAKERS

RENDS

TEXTURE T LEATHER

QUILTED ACCENTS

KNITS

HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE Tune in to smeharbinger.net to bring the game to your home

SMEHARBINGER.NET LIVE FOOTBALL BROADCASTS DATE

TIME

SEPT. 13 SEPT. 20 SEPT. 27 OCT. 4 OCT. 11 OCT. 18 OCT. 25 NOV. 1

7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 7:00 P.M.

LOCATION LAWRENCE HS SM NORTH CBAC OLATHE N SM SOUTH SM NORTH SM SOUTH SM SOUTH SM NORTH

OPPONENT LAWRENCE HS OLATHE NW OLATHE NORTH SM SOUTH LAWRENCE FREESTATE SM NORTHWEST SM SOUTH SM NORTH

3 5 $

“The Voice” coach and country star has enjoyed success throughout the country world since his debut single in 2001. Shelton has a signature style of singing that is reminiscent of old-time country -- rich, deep vocals that are heavy on Southern twang. He delivers sold-out, high energy concerts and was featured on the Footloose soundtrack. His Ten Times Crazier tour will stop at the Sprint Center and feature songs from Shelton’s latest album, “Based On A True Story.”

a&e.

PASSION PIT

With their distinctive falsettos and funky pop feel, Passion Pit has been a forerunner in indie music for over five years. The band is best known for their singles, “Take a Walk” and “Sleepyhead.” They received their original critical acclaim from music magazines such as Pitchfork and have performed in festivals across the U.K., Canada and the U.S. They will play at the Midland this fall, featuring songs from their latest album, “Gossamer.”

OCT. 29

BLAKE SHELTON OCT. 3

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Sara Bareilles is one of the best known artists of the singer/ songwriter genre. Always delivering talented performances on the piano, her work varies between edgy, heartfelt ballads such as “Gravity” and feel-good pieces like her newest single, “Brave.” Bareilles received popular success after her hit single, “Love Song,” took the number one spot on the Billboard Pop 100 chart. She will return to the Uptown Theater this fall and will feature songs from her latest album, “The Blessed Unrest.”

SARA BAREILLES OCT. 15

WRITTEN BY JULIA POE

A showcase of the four big concerts comming to Kansas City in the next three months

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MUMFORD & SONS SEPT. 20

Over three months after the concert was originally scheduled, the spirited folk rock band will play a sold-out concert at the Sprint Center.

The foursome is characterized by a balance of tight harmonies, fast-paced acoustics and bluegrass influences. Mumford and Sons became a chart-topping band in 2008 with the success of their debut album, “Sigh No More.” They released a second album, “Babel,” in 2011 and have continued to win over audiences with lively performances at venues such as The Grammy Awards and Lollapalooza.

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SP RTS R UN UP

sports.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Q-How have you prepared for the season?

A-”Our coaches have prepared us well which just helps us know what we’re supposed to do. We’re keying up on their key player and I think we’ll be really ready to kick some ass.”

KYLE BALL

Q-What’s your personal goal for this season?

A-”My goal for this season is to get at least a couple sacks a game hopefully.

And also to get at least a few tackles for losses every game and to just do my job every play.”

PIC OF THE WEEK

G-How do you feel about being athlete of the week?

A- “I’m very surprised. I’m honored to be athlete of the week and I’m glad it happened.

Q:

COACH QUOTES

What are you most excited for this upcoming season? challenge. The challenge of trying to do what we did last year. The challenge SOCCER “The of trying to win league this year.”

TENNIS “I’m excited to see if we can have as much success this year as we did last year.”

Junior Ari Throckmorton dribbles the ball to attempt to score in the Shawnee Mission East Blue/Black Scrimmage.

FOOTBALL“To see our progress through the year and see how much we develop as a team.”

Cross Country Time Trial Results TWEET OF THE WEEK

@MitchTyler1

@Domo_beast32

twerk> Miley Cyrus Twerk 3 RETWEETS

20 FAVORITES

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

8th

9th

10th

BOYS

Will Moore 17:58

George Miller 18:14

John Arnspiger 18:47

Marshall Green 19:04

Jack McDonald 19:19

Spencer Carey 19:26

Peter Moriarty 19:28

Alex Mayfield 19:37

Mick Wiggins 19:41

Lance Meng 19:47

GIRLS

Hannah Arnspiger 17:18

Annie Kuklenski 17:28

Maddie Wilson 17:29

Audrey Danciger 17:31

Hope Dunn 17:38

Meg McAlister 18:05

Katie Crossette 18:21

Theresa McAlister 18:28

Bria Foley 18:31

Adalaide Kline 18:37

DATE 9/12/13 9/13/13 9/14/13 9/16/13 9/16/13 9/17/13 9/19/13 9/19/13 9/20/13

SPORT Soccer Football XC Tennis Soccer Golf Gymnastics Soccer Football

TIME TBD 7:00 8:00 3:30 7:00 8:00 6:00 6:00 7:00

LOCATION BVDAC Lawrence Topeka West East SM Soccer Complex Alvamar Golf Course SM North Olathe East SM South Stadium

OPPONENT TBD Lawrence Topeka West Sion SM Northwest Lawrence North Relays Quad Meet Olathe NW

sports.

MCKENZIE SWANSON A PHOTO LOOKBYAHEAD A preview of the first three Lancer football games Sept. 6 Away

LEAVENWORTH 2012 Record: 4-5 2011 Record: 2-8 Head Coach: Mark Littrell Sept. 13 Away

LAWRENCE 2012 Record: 8-3 2011 Record: 6-4 2011 vs. East: W 30-0

Sept. 20 Home

OLATHE NORTHWEST

2012 Record: 2-7 2011 Record: 5-5 2012 vs. East: L 44-24

A CHANGE IN PACE

CONTINUED FROM COVER That change of attitude from past year to this year during former head coach Chip Sherman’s era showed from the minute he brought the guys into the weight room for summer training.

According to assistant coach Jason Filbeck, rather than taking an unnecessarily long time on the field and in the weight room like previous years, Delaney created a weight training system for each individual player’s core lift based off the amount of weight they can max out on. He’s determined to make this year’s team faster and stronger than they were in years past.

Besides changing the way the team trains, he’s also picked up the pace at practice. Instead of wasting time and having certain positions sit out while other positions practice on their own, Delaney has it so that nobody is ever sitting still. For example, if some players are working on kickoffs, the offensive linemen who aren’t doing anything will be taken by their linesman coach to go work on other fundamentals. Delaney has each practice scripted out and emailed to the other coaches so that no time is wasted asking ‘what’s next?’.

“It’s a very fast and efficient practice,” Filbeck said. “It’s get in, get out and go home. We weren’t in the weight room all day, all summer. We were ‘get on the field, run; get in the weight room, lift; get out. So I think the kids are starting to get the idea of the pace.’”

According to senior captain Ryan Carter, this fast-paced schedule was a rude awakening for some of the players who have been in the program for a while who have been used to slower-paced practice.

“Last year we would run a play, gather,

then talk about a new play,” Carter said.

“This year it’s run a play, sprint back, run a play, sprint back, run a play, sprint back.”

Another new concept that Delaney has brought with him from Hutchinson is the idea of platooning. Rather than having a small group of very athletic guys playing both offense and defense, this year there will be designated players for both. By doing this, players will save energy. According to cornerback junior Will Oakley, his technique also makes players much less prone to injury and more sustainable throughout the season.

In addition to platooning, Delaney has formed a new offensive system where, unlike last year, the pass will set up the run rather than the run setting the pass, as it has been done in years’ past. Players have to expect more motion and tricky plays in the back field, such as cutbacks and pitches.

“There’s an an advantage that we’re going to run an offense that other teams aren’t prepared for,” Filbeck said. “And with platooning, not many programs play their kids one way. He knows his system of offense that he wants to run inside and out. He’ll be able to make very quick in-game adjustments.”

In addition to bringing in brand new uniforms for the first time in ten years and new weight lifting equipment, Delaney has brought something that Carter thinks will change the entire attitude of the program: his energy and intensity. “[Delaney] is just so upbeat all of the time and into the game and really emotional,” Carter said. “The excitement for the team has just increased a lot.”

Delaney believes that the only way to get

that intensity out of his players is by having a personal relationship with them. From having a seniors-only paintballing day over the summer to seeing his players in weights class everyday, he has put in effort to connect with his kids as much as he can.

After getting to know his kids and getting them to trust him, Delaney believes it pays off on the field.

“The kids that I’m closest to and know really well -- and hopefully it’s all our kids -- I can be a lot harder on them because they know I care about them,” Delaney said. “So I can challenge them and push them harder than I could otherwise, because they know in the end I’ve got their back, and they’ve got my back. There’ll be times they don’t like me, but they understand I care about them.”

Even though the football players have worked on Delaney’s new offense and adapted to his coaching style, some of them, like Mitchell, miss the opportunity for the bond made with a coach they would have had for their four years in the program.

“I mean it’s kinda hard,” Mitchell said.

“Obviously I probably would have rather had a coach who I’d been with for four years, but if I had to have a new coach I’m glad it’s him. And I’m glad that our class is the first class to have him.”

Even so, Mitchell is just glad to be a part of a team and get to know Delaney as both a coach and a person. Although they won’t have had him for their entire high school football career, the team feels that the bond they’ve made with Delaney is palpable.

“I think there’s a reason God gave me two daughters because I feel like I’ve got 100 sons sometimes,” Delaney said.

sports.

ANEW DIRECTION

NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR KELLI KURLE IS EAST’S FIRST FEMALE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

WRITTEN BY JOHN FOSTER

Kelli Kurle wants to make a difference. Her goal is to make sure that all sports at East are viewed equally — that the gymnastics team feels as important as the football team; that the girls’ basketball team receives as much support as the boys’ basketball team.

Going into this position, she has plans to get the department up and running — whether it be organization or being more involved with the different sports. She is the first athletic director at East to use a Twitter account (@ SMEAthletics) to let people know what events are happening around East.

Principal John McKinney chose Kurle, only the second female athletic director in the history of the Shawnee Mission School District, after former athletic director Sam Brown retired last year. McKinney was looking for a person who could seamlessly fit into the position.

“All signs pointed to Mrs. Kurle,” McKinney said. “She is great with kids, great with our coaches, great for our school and great for our community.”

Organization, experience with coaching and athletics, time management skills and familiarity with East were all factors that qualified Kurle for the position. “[Kurle] had such a great history of working with students from all different levels,” McKinney said. “[Because of this] we knew that she was going to do a great job.”

The athletic director position typically has three class periods each day dedicated to sports administration.

This entails scheduling, helping out coaches and making sure all Kansas State High School Athletics Association and Shawnee Mission School District guidelines are being followed.

Last year, Brown had set hours from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. This year, Kurle has to work in those hours as well as teaching hours one, two and six.

However, this is not ideal for an athletic director because emails and phone calls will be coming into her inbox from coaches and other athletic directors while she is teaching.

“I think [the worst part for me] is the fact that it’s part time,” she said. “It’s email, it’s phone calls, it’s at night looking up stuff.”

Athletic secretary Gayle O’Grady was very excited about having Kurle in the athletic director position. Ac-

cording to O’Grady, they work well together, and Kurle had shown interest in the past in receiving the position.

“I have been pushing for her for that job for two years,” O’Grady said. “Because she teaches such tough curriculum, it’s been hard for them to work her schedule around the athletic department. This year I think it will be nice to have a female [administrator]... in the office.”

Kurle is the only female athletic director in the Sunflower League out of 12 and in the Eastern Kansas League there are two out of eight.

According to Kurle, some athletic directors think they have the secretary on the phone when they call her.

She will receive a pause when they call, often a surprised voice asks “Is this the athletic director?” Some athletic directors are surprised by the fact that she is the athletic director for both boys and girls athletics. When other athletic directors question her about her job, she is quick to respond.

“Are you the athletic director for boys and girls?”

When they say they are, she counters: “Well me too.”

“I’d like to think [being a female] doesn’t affect my job, but I think it’s a mistake if I say that,” Kurle said. “I think it absolutely does.”

Additionally, Kurle feels that her motherly instincts kick in. Kurle thinks that she worries more about the athletes more than a male athletic director would. On the day of the soccer game against Shawnee Mission West, when temperatures were nearing 100 degrees, she emailed the coaches and athletic director from the other school, and moved the game back an hour.

Despite the numerous emails and after hours phone calls, Kurle still enjoys her job. To her, it is a better way to get involved, and she loves all of the sports.

“At Shawnee Mission East, we have fantastic sports, coaches and our fans are just being a part of that,” Kurle said. “The hardest part, so far I haven’t found yet. I’m still pretty new, so it’s still awesome.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TESSA POLASCHEK AND SCOTTY BURFORD

KURLE’S CAREER SOFTBALL: Kurle played first base all through high school and was an assistant coach to a varsity team.

VOLLEYBALL: Kurle played middle hitter her freshman, sophomore and senior years and coached a JV team.

BASKETBALL: Kurle played as a shooting guard all through high school and was an assistant varsity coach.

S0CCER: Kurle played left defense her senior year and was a C-Team coach.

STORY BY WILL OAKLEY After visiting Georgetown University, Bishop Miege senior Mackey Merrill knew that he had found a college that he could not only play lacrosse for, but that he was comfortable spending his next four years of his life at.

Merrill has played for the Shawnee Mission East lacrosse team since his freshman year. Bishop Miege does not have a lacrosse program. Lacrosse is not a high school sponsored sport in Kansas. In order to play lacrosse at the high school level, Miege lacrosse players, are permitted to compete as a part of the East Lacrosse Program.

During the past two summers, Merrill has been a part of a club team named Titanium Elite. The team is self proclaimed as “The Best of the Best of the Midwest.” Merrill has had to travel to every tournament that the team competes in, anywhere from the East Coast to Denver.

Titanium is how Merrill got recognized by Division I colleges. This recognition for a player from Kansas City is rare. This achievement has earned Merrill praise from fellow Players and coaches across the state and the nation.

Merrill was named a high school All-American for his junior year.

Merrill received scholarship offers to play at Denver, Notre Dame, Rutgers and Bryant. All of these schools are ranked in the NCAA top 20, but none of them seemed right.

Merrill ultimately determined that Georgetown was the perfect fit for him. He was looking for a school with academic value as well, in case a career in lacrosse doesn’t pan out for him.

“Coming out of there with a diploma from Georgetown, I mean, you just can’t beat that,” Merrill said. “It’ll open up opportunities for the rest of my life.” * * * Merrill was living in Simsbury, CT in fifth grade, the first year he tried out for lacrosse. There were too many kids playing as midfielders and attackmen on the team, and he was already comfortable with defending; it was his childhood hockey position. In order to play, his coaches loaned him a six-foot shafted defensive stick. So, in order to adequately play the game, Merrill cut his defense stick

down an extra four inches, making it easier to carry. But, Merrill still played his first game with a stick still taller than he was.

When Merrill moved to Kansas City in the seventh grade, he had grown into his defense stick. He caught the eye of Prairie Village Outlaws coach Chris Kliewer, who Merrill was trying out for.

“He stood out from the first time I saw him,” Kliewer said. “He definitely had some abilities that the other kids did not. Fundamentally, coming here from Connecticut in the east coast to Kansas City, it was very obvious.”

Two years later, when Merrill was a freshman, East’s lacrosse team was a building program, and had just hired a new head coach Chris Kliewer, a familiar face from Merrill’s previous team.

Merrill realized his potential when he became the only freshman to make the Varsity squad.

One game in particular stood out that year to him and his coaches: East was playing Olathe East, who have almost always beaten the Lancers in the past. That game, Mackey was marked up to guard Olathe East’s notorious attacker, Bryce Mcknielly.

“We dominated the game, and I took the ball away from him,” Merrill said. “It was fun because he was this big name senior and I was just coming in as a freshman.”

Over the next few years, Merrill would develop into a player who would receive scholarship offers from top division one schools. He would gain a love

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for the game and even a style of play.

“There’s something about [lacrosse],” Merrill said. “I don’t have to follow the rules like other sports. I can play at my own pace, and have my own style. I can be creative with who I pass to, how I pass to them, and what I do with the ball.”

Merrill can play every aspect of the game. He can take the ball away from a player, then sprint with the ball to the other side of the field, dodging defenders. He can overhead check, spin around defenders, and run defenders over. He can even score as a defender. “[The coaches] can put him in on the others team’s best player and he always does what he is asked,” Kliewer Said. “His biggest thing isn’t one thing. It’s the fact that he can literally play all parts of the game.” * * * This upcoming year, the East lacrosse team will be looking for their fourth straight state title. Merrill, along with the other seniors, will be leading a team that is accustomed to winning, and is hungry for another championship. “We’re not losing this year,” Merrill said. “It started my freshman year and we don’t plan to end it now.”

photo essay.

PHOTO BY MADDIE SCHOEMANN

getting into the

PHOTO BY MADDIE SCHOEMANN

ABOVE : Senior Bridgette Beasley and fellow Chambers singers compete against the debate team. “Since I’ve done a lot of performing, singing for the whole school wasn’t that bad,” Beasely said, “But it was different because all your peers and teachers are watching you.”

LANCER SPIRIT

ABOVE RIGHT: Senior cross country runners Peter Andresen and Nick Steiner perform an interpretive dance with other seniors in front of the whole school. “Performing the dance really felt magical because my fellow teammates and I connected on a whole new level,” Andresen said.

The Lancers jumped into the school year with the first pep assembly, filled with performances from the football, cross country and soccer teams along with various clubs. “The first pep assembly got really good feedback from students and staff,” Pep Club executive Eileen Sieck said. “We think this year’s pep assemblies’ will be better than in the past.”

PHOTO BY NEELY ATHA

ABOVE : Senior Ryan Carter throws his hands up in the air while the soccer boys perform. “Football definitely won the dance off, all the way,” Carter said, “The ladies couldn’t keep their eyes off Dom’s twerking.”

RIGHT: Senior soccer player Kamran Tavakolinia dances to Earth, Wind and Fire along with his team. “My team didn’t think it went as well as I did, but they had fun just going with it and laughing at me,” Tavakolinia said, “It was a good time.”

™

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PHOTO BY ANNAMARIE OAKLEY