The Harbinger Issue 13 2023-24

THE

harbinger...

SCOUT’S

S o p h o m o re K a ra Pa r re t t use s her

p o s i t i o n a s a n Ea g l e s c o u t leader to

l e a d a n d i n s p i re o t h e r y o ung girls to join Boy Scouts

page 5...

Three upperclassmen work to earn a graduation cord for donating a gallon of blood

7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 MARCH 25, 2024 VOLUME LXVI ISSUE 13

HONOR

A LOOK INSIDE:

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

12...

27...

Gym classes shouldn’t treat more feminine students differently

Senior Charlie Carroll started and operates his own car detailing business

02 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

de sig n b y ave r y an d e rs o n

c o v e r d e s ig n b y grey s o n i mm c o v e r p h o to b y l i v ma d d e n

ĢÁőĆĩĢūĆàä Ģäūʼn

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A curre n t e v e n t h a p p e n i n g i n Po r t l a n d , O re g on, according

V i si t sm ehar b i nger. net to vi ew ad d itiona l storie s, ga lle rie s, podc a st s a nd v ide os

to Th e La S a lle Falc o n e r

A group of four students and one teacher recently took a trip to the Yamaka Native Nation in Washington to learn about the history of the Yamaka Nation and volunteer in the area There, they learned about the reservation, participated in immersive experiences and traditions in the community

SCAN ME WEBSITE Visit this link to view more stories from The La Salle Falconer

ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm

ONLINE EDITORS Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick

HEAD COPY EDITORS Greyson Imm Aanya Bansal

THE LA SALLE FALCONER LA SALLE CATHOLIC COLLEGE

DESIGN EDITORS Veronica Mangine Bridget Connelly

ASST. DESIGN EDITOR K ai McPhail

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Maggie Kissick Bridget Connelly

ASST. PRINT EDITORS

ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS

ASST. ONLINE EDITORS

ART EDITOR

Addie Moore Avery Anderson Connor Vogel Larkin Brundige

ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Ada Lillie Worthington

HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Riley Scott Liv Madden Kenna Harrington

VIDEO EDITORS Abby Lee Ryder Hendon

ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Caroline Martucci Clara Peters Amelie Wong

ASST. VIDEO EDITORS Mason Sajna Alex Sajna

Isabel Balsassaro Lyla Weeks

Bridget Connelly

ASST. ART EDITOR K ai McPhail

PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause

PHOTO MENTORS Molly Miller Paige Bean Will Griffith Mason Sajna

SCAN ME WEBSITE

ONLINE POST MANAGER Luciana Mendy

COPY EDITORS

K atie Murphy Greyson Imm Maggie Kissick Aanya Bansal Ada Lillie Worthington Addie Moore Emmerson Winfrey Libby Marsh David Allegri Sophia Brockmeier Larkin Brundige Lucy Wolf Connor Vogel Avery Anderson Luke Beil Neva Hudson Luciana Mendy

STAFF WRITERS

Mary Gagen Isabel Baldassaro Maggie Condon Christian Gooley VIDEO MENTOR Preston Hooker Preston Hooker Lucy Stephens PRINT SECTION EDITORS Emma Krause EDITORIAL | K ai McPhail Michael Yi NEWS | Sydney Eck Reese Dunham FEATURE | Sophia Brockmeier Mya Smith SPORTS | Libby Marsh Neil Williams OPINION | Isabel Baldassaro Carl Sutton A&E | Lucy Stephens

Read an opinion on how making music can increase your intelligence, a feature on sophomore Addy Sullivan’s Stanley cup product business and an A&E on Ariana Grande’s new album “Eternal Sunshine”

łĩěĆőĆÚÁě ÚÁŅőĩĩĢ c a r to o n by z a n e l a i n g

STAFF ARTISTS Larkin Brundige Zane Laing Julia Campbell Hallie O’Bryan Bella Broce Francesca Lorusso

PAGE DESIGNERS Emmerson Winfrey Zane Laing Lyla Weeks Clara Burdick Lorelei Galles Julia Campbell Bella Broce Francesca Lorusso Hallie O’Bryan

MULTIMEDIA STAFF Mary Gagen Luke Beil Paige Bean Ryan Dehan Mason Sajna Alex Sajna Emma Krause Preston Hooker Christian Gooley

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Alex Sajna Maggie Condon Lyla Weeks Molly Scott Francesca Lorusso Addie Clark K atie Cook Caroline Hoffman

;gZZg© g g H Z `'#H ͢ SME Harbinger

The Harbinger

smeharbinger

SM East Harbinger

EDITORIAL POLICY The Harbinger is a student run publication. Published editorials express the views of the Harbinger staff. Signed columns published in the Harbinger express the writer’s personal opinion. The content and opinions of the Harbinger do not represent the student body, faculty, administration or Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content, but quotes material may be confirmed with the sources. The Harbinger encourages letters to the editors, but reserves the right to reject them for reasons including but not limited to lack of space, multiple letters of the same topic and personal attacks contained in the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content though letters may be edited for clarity, length or mechanics. Letters should be sent to Room 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.

UNDER THE RUG A s di s t r i c t a d m i n i s t ra to rs b e g i n to a d a p t d i s ciplinary policy, they must consider how racist incide n t s a re c a te g o r i ze d a n d t ra c ke d

W

HEN A BLACK girl was called

standard district disciplinary matrix labeled,

a slur by a white student at

“Significant disrespect, use of obscene or

school in November, our staff

profane

asked

how

gestures” — the same category that cussing or

often racist incidents are occurring at East.

giving someone the bird is counted towards.

administration

But administrators had an answer — there

language

Dropping

(verbal

the

or

F-bomb

is

written)

Heck, us students didn’t even know what

history

of

oppression

against

minorities

racial slurs.

Wetback, the Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese and

administration

internment camps and more.

still doesn’t have the answers. Thanks to the

It’s like saying that tripping someone

currently-vague SMSD disciplinary policies

is equivalent to lighting them on fire and

relating to racism to “significant disrespect,”

pushing them off a bridge. Let’s call it Level

kids could be saying racial slurs in the halls

3.12!

100 times a day without the data on record or

Apart from being morally questionable, the way that racism is treated by administrators

clear consequences. currently

also results in a blatant problem with tracking.

discussing much-needed potential changes

There’s only a record of the total number of

to the discipline matrix that classifies actions

3.12 offenses — not of the ones specifically

and punishments, and they must consider how

related to racism.

District

administrators

are

racist incidents are categorized and tracked.

Other

school

districts

nearby

operate

Tracking incidents will allow educators to

differently, like Topeka Public Schools with

pinpoint exactly what students still need to

a discipline matrix that includes a category

learn about other cultures, whether it’s the

specifically

meaning of slurs, symbols, microaggressions

harassment.

Topeka

or more.

It’s easy to ignore the problem when we don’t even know how bad it is.

The

conversation

The members of the editorial board who agree with the viewpoint of the editorial are represented by for, and those who disagree with the viewpoint are represented by against.

completely

including slavery, Latino lynchings, Operation

later

;g ͢ ̩̫ < Ha ͢ ̨

or

repercussions are given to those who use months

MARCH 25, 2024 | 03

different than saying a slur tied to a deep

weren’t any statistics.

Four

...

THE HARBINGER

de s ig n b y k a i m c p h a i l

about

the

SMSD

disciplinary matrix began in November after the attack, a walkout and multiple student-

for

discriminatory

and

racial exactly what students aren’t understanding

schools

have

data

about

the

when to report what.

Telling a teacher that something racist

instances of racism there that administrators

Or maybe, East is a perfect oasis free

happened feels like putting a message in

can use to determine what cultural competency

of racism and the November attack was

a bottle and chucking it into the ocean.

education for students needs to take place —

an anomaly of character so we don’t need

There’s a chance that the message will reach

SMSD should take notes.

cultural competency programs in place (but

administrator island, but then they’ll drop

seeing as minority students have brought up

it into the Level 3.12 offense treasure chest

the issue for years, we doubt this).

and we don’t know what happens to the

SMSD administrators are currently having

run protests, and policy change is finally

conversations

in the works. But we can’t forget about the

groups

issue — it’s time to keep holding the district

Center for Academic Achievement about what

accountable.

needs to change in the disciplinary matrix.

Currently, when a student uses a racial

about cultural acceptance.

and

with

multicultural

student

school

administrators

at

the

Racial harassment incidents need their

Right now, there’s no way of telling. We need data.

perpetrator.

We want to know that if we hear and

Even reporting racist incidents would be easier with a designated category. Today,

own category. If we tracked these incidents,

students

know

Yes, policy change is slow and can take

on a bathroom stall, administrators code

there would be raw data justifying more

the consequence for any given racist act

months. But we’re watching what the district

the incident as a Level 3.12 offense on the

cultural

presentations,

from slurs to ching-chongs — detention?

does next. To us, it’s simple — apples aren’t

assemblies and class projects curated to teach

suspension? expulsion? — so it’s unclear

bananas and racism isn’t just “disrespect.”

gesture

or

symbol

like

a

education

through

ACTIONS & CONSEQUENCES

teachers

alike

don’t

X repercussion.

swastika

slur,

and

report a slur, then the aggressor will receive

S ee t he d ifference b e t w e e n S M S D ’s d i s c i p l i n a ry p o l i ci e s and To p eka Pub l i c S cho o l’s p o l i ci e s regarding discriminatory incident s

“

SCAN ME COMPARE

SIGNIFICANT DISRESPECT, use of obscene or profane language (verbal or written) or gestures

See the entire SMSD discipline matrix

“

See the entire Topeka Public School discipline policy

DISCRIMINATORY HARASSMENT: Unwelcome remarks or behavior based on a student’s race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or ethnic heritage that is severe, persistent or pervasive enough to create an intimidating or hostile learning environment

storie s b y neil williams

Briefs...

04 | MARCH 25, 2024

d e s ig n b y s yd n ey e c k p h o to b y molly s cott

GET INVOLVED Programs that allow student s to become inv olv e d with G loba l Tie s KC

STUDENT EXPLORER

smeharbinger.net/category/news

THE

lancer

minute

A video series highlighting ph o to s f ro m g a l l e r i e s a n d re c a ppi n g rec e n t e v e n t s

RECEIVE EMAILS ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS, EXCHANGES AND MEETINGS SURROUNDING GLOBAL AFFAIRS.

GLOBAL TIES KC IS RECRUITING HOST FAMILIES FOR EXCHANGE STUDENTS GLOBAL TIES KC, a local nonprofit

from exploring Kansan infrastructure to

focused

observing the city hall, which will give

is

on

international

partnering

with

connections,

International

Club

from April 10-24 to bring several foreign

to lead, according to Fishman.

Senior Claire Goettsch’s family agreed to

“[Global

Ties

KC]

tries

to

create

host

international

students

after

Fishman told her about the opportunity.

experiences for people in Kansas City to

“Fishman told us about the opportunity

get to know people from other cultures

to have exchange students come from

and other countries and for them to

different countries in Africa,” Goettsch

know the best of the United States,”

said. “So I asked my mom, she said we

club sponsor and history teacher Brenda

could host them and they’re coming for

Fishman said.

two weeks.”

Global Ties KC is bringing over 21

Anyone

interested

in

hosting

can

students accompanied by seven adults.

visit Fishman in Room 314 for more

From

information.

countries like Tanzania, Kenya,

Liberia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Seychelles

MONTHLY MEETINGS TO BUILD CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS, MEET WITH GLOBAL EXPERTS, AND PARTICIPATE IN SERVICE PROJECTS WITH INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

them ideas for their own lives and ways

students from various countries to SM East.

YOUTH DIPLOMATS INSTITUTE

“We’re

still

recruiting

families,”

and Mauritius to stay with host families

Fishman said. “If there[‘s] still some

A B O V E StuCo sponsor Chanelle for two weeks.

Dieckmann talks to her team during While the students are here, they will trivia night. engage in a variety of activities ranging photo by riley scott

kids out there that are thinking about

HOST EXCHANGE STUDENTS

“

BRENDA FISHMAN I N T E R N AT I O N A L CLUB S PO NS O R

YOUTH GROUPS MAINLY

from developing countries come to the Kansas City area where they are hosted by local families. They stay with families to have their meals and then spend the night with there for usually 10 days to two weeks.

[hosting] they can get in touch with me and we’ll get on it.”

CURRENT EVENTS IN THE THEATRE DEPARTMENT SENIOR IAN FLYNN’S third Frequent Friday show of the year called

productions going on in the theatre department, according to Sound

“The Browning Version” is being held on March 29 after school in Room

Crew Chief and sophomore Brooks Hagedorn.

208.

“The Browning Version” is a drama set in a British boarding school about a veteran teacher, his young wife and students.

SCAN ME VIDEO Visit Instagram Reels to hear staffer Emma Krause discuss these events and see more photos

“Ant Farm” is a series of comedic scenes with a variety of characters

“I wanted to try and do something different,” Flynn said.

that will be in the Little Theater April 4-5, and all students are

Flynn wants to show an example of a different genre of Frequent

encouraged to attend.

Friday than the usual comedy.

A B O V E Choir traveled to Europe over spring break to perform in various Italian cities and sightsee. photo courtesy of SME Choir

“We are setting up the Little Theater for the spring play which is ‘Ant Farm,’” Hagedorn said. “Right now it’s mainly things for concerts.”

Aside from the upcoming Frequent Friday, there are a myriad of other

Flynn’s Frequent Friday and “Ant Farm” are keeping the theater department busy with building props, sets, sound and lighting.

HOW GRANDPARENTS FOR GUN SAFETY IS WORKING TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY GRANDPARENTS FOR GUN Safety is holding a meeting today at Colonial Church of Prairie Village at 4 p.m. to discuss an ongoing gun safety initiative.

well as others.

“It’s not impeding the right to a gun,” Sherry said. “It’s not impeding the second amendment in any way. Just like we talk about the

“We have a very active project called Lock it for Love,” Grandparents

right to free speech, but you don’t have the right to yell fire in a crowded

for Gun Safety founder and East grandparent Judy Sherry said. ”[It] is

theater, right? And so it’s the same thing. If you’re [a] convicted felon,

a project where we give out free, high-quality gun locks to people who

if you’re a known domestic abuser, you should not have ready access to

own guns.”

a gun.”

Sherry co-founded the organization shortly after the Sandy Hook

She says Grandparents for Gun Safety’s priority is to save lives. They

shooting in 2012, and has been very involved with the community to

advocate for laws that would make it more difficult for people who

make real change, according to her granddaughter and senior Leah

are suicidal or have a history of violence from possessing a weapon,

Sherry.

according to Sherry.

One of Sherry’s main missions is debunking myths associated with gun ownership. She teaches the importance of owners securing their guns and passing legislation that protects people from themselves as

Grandparents for Gun Safety holds meetings on the fourth Monday of every month.

s tor y by l arki n brund i ge

p h o to s co u r te s y o f eve be n di t t

GALLON BY

GRAD

Gray

Sullivan

Blacketer

and

are

Ingrid

currently

Centers Gallon Grad program — which

be able to donate double red

Sullivan sign up for the program which helps keep track of the blood drives

a little bit or be a bit tough, it’s a small

Benditt said.

price to pay for helping someone so

She’s donated plasma once, which is

the importance of blood donation. It requires local students to complete two of the three following activities: donate

blood at least three times, volunteer for

a minimum of five hours or recruit a minimum of five new donors.

Benditt believes that Gallon Grad is

an effective way to not only receive a graduation cord but also save lives.

Blood donors are required to wait

donor’s blood from the cells, and whole

eight weeks in between each whole blood

blood once, where the donor gives all the

donation and two weeks between plasma

components of their blood.

donations because of the amount of time

“I’ve had family members that got blood

donations

to

save

their

life,”

Benditt said. “It’s cool to be able to do that for other people.”

When donating a gallon of blood, you can donate either double red, plasma or whole blood. Double red blood cell donation happens through a machine where a donor can safely donate two units of red blood cells during one donation. Benditt so far has donated

IT’S ABOUT

DRIVE

Deta i l s a b o u t t h e S H A R E b l o o d d r i v e h o s te d t h ro u g h t h e Co m m u nit y B l o o d C e n te r

donate

volunteer for a minimum of five hours

After donating blood once this year, junior Ingrid Blacketer and co-chair of the blood drive SHARE project will go to

recruit a minimum of five new donors

the Community Blood Center in April to donate plasma to work on her goal of one gallon donated.

“The goal is to get the cord by graduation, but it’s more [than that because] each time you donate you would save three lives,” Blacketer said. “If I

donating to a high school drive. Benditt

donate blood eight times then that’s 24

was one of the chairs for her SHARE

lives, which is crazy.”

blood

blood drive project this year, where they

Students

interested

in

blood or participating in the Gallon Grad

Blood Center on Feb. 17.

program can contact Linda Moriarity at first

heard

REWARDS

donating

hosted the drive through the Community Sullivan

donate blood at least three times

her goal of one gallon by senior year.

by

Gray

REQUIREMENTS

blood every eight weeks this year to meet

attending a local blood drive or even

Junior

receive upon completion of the program

body. Sullivan plans on donating whole

G R AY S U LL I VAN JUNIOR can

the rewards that G allon by G rad par ticipant s

blood and plasma take to replenish in the

may hurt a little bit or be a bit tough, it’s a small price to pay for helping someone so much.

Students

Blood Center’s G allon by G rad program, and

much,” Sullivan said.

the separation of the liquid portion of a

WHILE [GIVING YOUR blood]

REQUIREMENTS & REWARDS R equirement s to qualif y for the Communit y

Sullivan attends.

whole blood takes about 45 minutes,”

The program’s goal is to encourage students to donate blood and understand

C enter b y dona ting blood

“While [giving your blood] may hurt

requires students to donate blood at least eight times before they graduate.

through the Communit y Blood

longer, like an hour and a half. And

“

participating in the Community Blood

the G allon by G rad program

beneficial for graduation. Benditt helped

“Donating double red takes a lot

E N I O R EVE BENDITT and juniors

East student s par ticipate in

double red twice and will every 16 weeks.

S

MARCH 25, 2024 | 05

THE HARBINGER

d e si g n by g reyson i mm

LMoriarity@cbckc.org.

about the Gallon Grad program through Benditt’s SHARE project. After learning

certificate of achievement recognition at graduation ceremony

about the program, Sullivan wanted to be able to do something that could give back to her community while also being

32 66

distinctive graduation cord or pin

F I R S T-T I M E DONORS PA R T I C I PAT E D I N THE DRIVE

T O TA L D O N O R S PA R T I C I PAT E D I N THE BLOOD DRIVE

LEFT & RIGHT Students and staff participate in the SHARE blood drive on Feb. 17. While some students started working on their Gallon by Grad requirement, senior Eve Benditt completed her donations.

06 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

story b y l i bby marsh

RED KINGDOM REVAMP

d e s ig n b y z a n e l a i n g

Th e p ro p o s e d Chie f s S tad i u m re n o v ati o n w i l l requi re an extensi o n o f t he Jack so n C o unt y sal e s tax

J

ACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI resi-

In an Instagram poll of 248 votes, 59%

money can be used for other things that we

“[The taxes] are looking out for people

dents will vote in a Special Election on

believe the stadium doesn’t need to be ren-

really need like good schools, good roads to

who have tremendous wealth who could af-

April 2 to determine whether or not to

ovated. However, in a poll of 205 votes, 65%

drive on, sidewalks to walk on, basic services

ford to [buy VIP seats],” Smith said. “That’s

extend the current 3/8 cent

don’t believe that the renovations are worth

like trash pickup and any number of things,”

not a good idea. So there’s no real benefit to

sales tax to fund the proposed

the taxes.

Smith said. “These are all the things that

taxpayers on what the Chiefs want to do.”

$800 million Arrowhead Stadium renovation.

While some support the new plan’s potential to improve parking and the over-

If the vote is passed, construction will

lose funding [to the renovation] when we

Assistant football coach Chip Ufford

start in 2026 after the World Cup and will

give billionaires tax abatements to build

also believes that the renovated stadium is

buildings that they can pay for themselves.”

unnecessary and may price out some Chiefs

take around four years to complete, according to the National Football League.

all fan experience, others believe that the

The new renovation will include more

renovations are unnecessary and unfair to

parking, entertainment areas for fans and

taxpayers.

VIP suites. This plan will also relocate the

Jackson County resident and digital design

demolish the current one next to the Chiefs

thinks that the improvements will help with

stadium. The new parking plans for Arrow-

accessibility for older people.

head Stadium will use the property of the

“In terms of accessibility and moving

“

Royals stadium to downtown Kansas City and

teacher Jennifer Hair will be voting and

Kauffman Stadium if the team moves.

around the stadium, it feels like it’s such a

The renovation will also require an

hardship,” Hair said. “My dad’s never been

extension of the tax in Jackson County. The

to a game and there’s no way we would

current 3/8 cent sales tax will be extend-

never take my husband’s dad because it’s the

ed to 2064 if the vote passes, according to

accessibility and the walking and there’s just

the campaign manager for the Committee

no easy way. The parking is crazy, it takes

WE HAVE SOME

of the best fans around. They’re out there having a great time in a parking lot. They don’t necessarily need top notch facilities to support their team and have a good time.

C H I P UFFORD AS S IS TANT FO O TB ALL COACH

fans — he thinks fans will show up with or without an improved stadium.

“Chiefs fans are gonna show up regardless of if it’s a great stadium or not,” Ufford said. “We have some of the best fans around.

They’re out there having a great time in a parking lot. They don’t necessarily need topnotch facilities to support their team and have a good time.”

Hair thinks that the stadium is a big part of Kansas City culture and would be surprised if the vote doesn’t pass. “[Arrowhead] is probably one of our largest draws on the Missouri side, for the area.”

Against New Royals stadium tax, Tim Smith.

Smith believes that the renovations aren’t

Hair said. “And it’s just really fun. You guys

forever to get out of the parking lot, there’s

If voters do extend the tax, the renovation

necessary — that parking doesn’t need to be

are growing up in this super charmed [city],

no great rideshare. If you do rideshare, it’s a

will be paid for in part by the Hunt family —

improved and the increase in VIP seats only

that if you are a Chiefs fan, it’s been such an

mess and it’s just safe for everybody to not

the owners of the Chiefs contributing $300

benefits wealthy people. The new plans may

integral part of your childhood. And so we

drive their cars sometimes. So just having

million, according to the Kansas City Star.

edge out lower class citizens because most of

want to support that for the next genera-

an upgraded system that keeps up with the

“We have to be careful about taxing

the new plans involve VIP additions like new

tion.”

times and safety measures would be good.”

people for long periods of time when that tax

suites and entrances, according to Smith.

ARROWHEAD’S FACELIFT ACTIVATION ZONE TURF-COVERED TAILGATE AREA WITH ENTERTAINMENT SPACE

The specific proposed change s coming to A rrowhe a d S ta diu m by 2 030

GRAB-N-GO MARKETS INCREASE SPEED OF SERVICE BY 30-40% WHILE DECREASING TRANSACTION TIME AS WELL

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

POSITIONED OVER ROADS CREATING MORE EFFICIENT TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE STADIUM

END ZONE CLUBS ENHANCED HOSPITALITY AND VIEWING EXPERIENCE FOR FANS

MARCH 25, 2024 | 07

THE HARBINGER

de sign by l i v madde n

TR I V I A

SCAN ME PHOTO Student Council held their annual trivia contest with 12 teams competing for a first place cash prize on March 6: Team Luke and the Alter Egos took home the title

SHOWDOWN

L E F T Seniors Abi Limbird and

A B O V E After completing the second round of questions, senior Emma Kuhlman records the team scores on a whiteboard. Some of the categories were Disney, famous inventions and celebrity anagrams.

T O P Junior Ellen Bowser volunteers to be the answer runner for her team. “Mr. Burrows said we needed someone fast [to deliver the answers] and I was like, ‘I can do it,’” Bowser said. “I was feeling confident that day, I was running low on sleep and high on caffeine.” Bowser’s team ended up getting fourth place.

photo by amelie wong

photo by amelie wong

Collin Ford laugh over a joke shared between trivia rounds. “ The Special Events Committee has a really special bond and we always have a good time,” Limbird said. photo by paige bean

Scan this QR code to access photos from trivia night

L E F T Freshman Burt Sheets holds back his laughter as he looks at the Special Events Committee while presenting. Sheets is a member StuCo as well as the Special Events Committee where he was a part of the planning of trivia night. “I read two categories like the Mandela effect category, and I helped close [the event],” Sheets said. photo by paige bean

A B O V E Junior Ellen Bowser looks at her team to make sure that they ’re confident about their answers before bringing them up to the judges to check.

Their team was called the Math Wizards so all of the members were dressed in robes with different math formulas taped to their shirts. photo by amelie wong

d e s ig n b y i s a b e l b a l d a s s a ro a r t b y k a i m c p h a i l a n d h a l l i e o’b rya n

09 | MARCH 25, 2024

Opinion smeharbinger.net/opinion

COMIC STRIP a r t by kai mc pha i l

Marc h m a d ne s s ca n l e ad to so me u n favo rab le re sul t s

trending topics

Polls and information about current tren din g to p ic s in m edia DO YOU LIKE WHEN PEOPLE PUT SONG ON THEIR INSTAGRAM POSTS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 3 3 v o t e s

YES

musical posts

T h e n e w f e a t u re o n I n s t a g ra m w h e re y o u c a n add music to your posts has a close or equal amount of people who either love it or hate it.

NO

52% 48%

DO YOU THINK THE ROYAL FAMILY IS TRANSPARENT ABOUT THEIR LIVES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 7 3 v o t e s

this or that?

R ece n t I n s ta g ra m p o l l s re l a te d to s to r i e s in this is s u e’s opin i o n s e c ti o n HAVE YOU EVER FELT UNCOMFORTABLE IN A PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 5 v o t e s

YES NO

53% 47%

DO YOU THINK IT’S A GOOD IDEA FOR THE ROYALS TO MOVE THEIR STADIUM DOWNTOWN? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 24 5 v o t e s

YES NO

54% 46%

TAKE OUR POLLS Follow the Harbinger on social media to participate in our polls @smeharbinger @smeharbie

@smeharbinger @smeharbingerr

royal family drama

A ft e r K a t e M i d d l e t o n , t h e Pr i n c e s s o f Wa l e s re c i e v e d a b d o m i n a l s u r g e r y, e d i t e d p i c t u re s a n d v i d e o s o f h e r h a v e b e e n re l e a s e d c re a t i n g c o n s p i ra c i e s e v e r y w h e re .

hot take

YES 13% NO

87%

s to r y by molly miller

S taf f e r re v i e w s n e w l y re v i v e d c l ub and a d m ire s it s s u ce s s s o fa r AFTER THREE MONTHS of sitting in class

All I see on social media are teenagers taking

waiting for spring break, the last thing I want to

pictures on the beach and going for daily bike rides

encounter on my escape from reality is my entire

to fill what I can only imagine to be their excessive

sixth hour math class.

amounts of free time. After lunch at one of the four

Out of all 50 states, I can’t begin to fathom why

acceptable restaurants and two days of laying out

everyone has their eyes set on going to Florida 30A.

on the beach, you’ve officially exhausted all your

Aside from the warm weather and sandy beaches,

activities. Why go to a place that’s been curated

there’s nothing fascinating about bumping into

to please the eyes while the rest of Florida is a

your peers on sidewalks and opening your Snapchat

complete dump?

Map to a hoard of Bitmojis located within a 20-mile strip.

Despite what you see on Instagram, you don’t even get to spend your days basking in the sun. The

While I understand the draw of cozy, clean

60 degree weather and UV index that doesn’t even

beaches with beach chairs set out for you before you

pass seven instantly takes all the pleasure out of

even reach the sand, I’d much rather gain cultural

tanning on the beach.

experiences and check places off of my bucket

So next year when you’re sitting at your kitchen

list during break than revisit the people I see in a

counter planning your spring break trip, consider

different state every day.

anything outside of 30A and reap the benefits of a unique vacation spot.

10 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y ave ry a n d e rs o n

A STORM BREWING

S ome believ e stu d e n t s s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d to sto r m t he co ur t after a b asket b al l gam e w hi l e o t hers find it unnece ssarily dangerous A B O V E Students storm the court in celebration of a victory against SM South in 202 2.

STAY SAFE.

I

s tor y b y a d a lillie wo r t h in g t o n

MAGINE THIS:

It’s the annual East vs. Rockhurst basketball game night — one of the biggest games of the year. After 4 tough

quarters battling it out, Rockhurst ultimately claims the win.

Approximately

350

Rockhurst

students

in the student section start screaming and shouting insults towards East as they pour off the bleachers and scramble to the middle of the basketball court. The thing is, not all of the East basketball players have left the court yet.

During a high-speed collision with a Rockhurst student, an East basketball starter is knocked down as he grabs his knee in pain. After being ushered off the court, the athletic trainer determines that the player has suffered a major knee injury and can’t play in future games.

The team still has nine games left plus the state tournament, but now he’ll be watching from the bench. But this is all hypothetical — court storming could never result in that.

Wrong.

This

exact

incident

actually

occurred

on Feb. 24 to Duke University player Kyle Filipowski.

After

Wake

Forest

University

defeated Duke by a mere four points, the Wake Forest student section obnoxiously

We can’t let this happen at East.

Students need to realize that rules put into place against court storming are there for your safety — not to ruin your fun.

The current regulations on court storming at East coincide directly with the Kansas State

High

Schools

Activities

Association

rule against court storming. According to

a͠ ̪̰͡ ̨̪̪​̪ — a core memory from

my freshman year. After spending the full 90 minutes of the game biting my nails alongside the rest of the student body — all in matching “Beat Rock” shirts — the buzzer went off, marking

the end of the biggest basketball game of the year against Rockhurst, and East won.

I darted down the bleachers to join the

subsection of Rule 52, “rushing the field/floor

mosh pit of Lancers on the court jumping

or victory celebration on the playing surface/

up and down and singing our alma mater in

field” is considered “undesirable behavior.”

celebration.

Any violation to this rule could result in

After joining the players on the court,

probation or suspension — tarnishing your

East waved goodbye to the Rockhurst student

school’s record is definitely not worth ten

section with a “This is our house!” chant.

seconds of celebration.

Now in 2024, administration has taken a

There are plenty of other ways to celebrate a

victory

with

your

friends.

Staying

stricter approach to prevent students from

in

celebrating big wins like this by standing

the stands and cheering with your friends

at the front of the student section and

standing next to you — not rubbing against

preventing

you in a mosh pit in the center of the gym —

storming the court.

is a safe but still fun way to celebrate.

If you’re friends with a player on the

school song.

Due to the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s rules against rushing the court and having a victory celebration on the playing surface, East has suspended students in the past for storming the court after winning games.

While accidents are a big concern in storming the court, they can happen at any event and any moment in time, so eliminating a school-wide tradition over the fear of injury is utterly pointless. In reality, someone could get just as injured slipping on a patch of ice on the way to the parking lot after a winter game.

Since currently not being able to storm the court, the rush of every student gunning towards the exit trying to get to the parking

Restricting students from storming the

celebration leaves students no choice but to

of

students

The team needs time to celebrate their win

experiences here at East.

students

of

valuable

memories

and

According to a poll of 346 students, 88%

So when next year’s Rockhurst game

believe we should be able to storm the court

comes around, think before you storm. You

after winning a basketball game — a majority

never know whose toes you’re going to step

of

on — it could cost your team your star player.

storming the court is necessary.

the

student

body

feels

strongly

that

Storming the court is part of the high

88%

excitement and smiles while singing the

lot immediately after the game ends, should

crowd

court after winning a game is depriving

with their fellow teammates.

story b y l u c y wo l f

from

the

team, wait until later to congratulate them.

DO YOU THINK STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO STORM THE COURT AFTER BASKETBALL GAMES? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 3 4 6 v o t e s

12%

J

the KSHSAA Basketball Manual, under a

stormed the court and injured Filipowski.

YES NO

LET’S STORM!

photo by emma-kate squires

school experience. Seriously, name a better feeling than rushing onto the court with your friends and classmates bursting with

just as easily be a concern. Limiting the hurry out of the gym, just so they don’t get stuck in the crowded parking lot.

There’s just as much of a chance of students ending up “trampled” heading to the exit then they would storming the court.

But hey, who knows how long until East prohibits storming the exits too?

Storming the court after a close and nerve inducing game is just part of the high school experience, something everyone should get to experience at least once before they graduate from East.

11 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

story b y l u ke be i l

d e s ig n b y h a l l i e o’b rya n

A ROYAL STADIUM

The R o y a ls K a u ff m an S tad i u m s h o u l d b e mo ved d o w nto w n to i m p ro ve t he fan exp er i ence and t he loc a l e c onomy, de spite inc re a se s in ta xe s

A

TTENDING A CUBS game

people would be downtown for games,

has. That revenue helps pay for projects

at Wrigley Field in downtown

giving surrounding businesses more foot

that help everyone, whether they like

Chicago

traffic and customers.

baseball or not.

is

experience

an

electrifying

for

one

main

S tatistic s about the

stadiums

are

more

People

may

complain

that

some

reason: it’s right in the heart of their

accessible and don’t require visitors to

businesses will need to move. That

city. Having a baseball stadium in a city

rent a car, pay for expensive ride shares

might be true, but the majority of the

is a special feature that every great city

or ride unreliable public transit. The area

land being used is empty, including the

has — San Diego, Pittsburgh and San

around the current stadium doesn’t have

vacant Kansas City Star building. There

Francisco just to name a few.

enough hotels to support traveling fans.

is a significant amount of turnover

It’s hard to imagine someone coming to

already for business in that area, and

visit for a business trip, and deciding to

while it isn’t ideal for a business to have

dedicate an hour of travel time and $100

to move, there is still a lot of space in

in Uber fares to see one of the worst

the Crossroads for those businesses to

teams in Major League Baseball.

relocate to.

But attending a Kansas City Royals

BY THE NUMBERS

Downtown

game isn’t like that.

As

the

Kauffman

city

considers

Stadium,

it

is

moving

just

what

the Royals need to improve the fan experience and increase tourism to the city.

Moving the stadium downtown will

Others are concerned about parking,

increase the amount of visitors the

traffic or other crowding that could

stadium

the

happen. However, according to Fox4 KC,

whether this project is worth the money.

convenience of an accessible location

25% of the Crossroads is empty parking

stadium

On April 2, Jackson County residents will

in the midst of tourist traffic. Anyone

lots. We know the neighborhood could be used for anything from restaurants to

$2B $1B

vote on a raised sales tax in order to

staying downtown, in the Crossroads, in

provide funding for the new stadium. And

Midtown or even on the Plaza will have

office spaces.

while students and residents of Johnson

easy access to the new stadium via the

County won’t have a vote in the election,

streetcar.

proposed downtown R oyals

34K 18

public inve stm e n t priva te inve st m e n t se a t s

acre s

But taxpayers still have to vote on

receives

simply

due

to

Baseball, and sports in general, are a key part of any community that is

it’s still important to be informed about

While fans all hope the team will get

thriving. No one wants to see a team

why a downtown stadium is worth the

better and more competitive, no team

leave their city. Moving the stadium

investment.

has a winning season every year, and

downtown helps ensure that the Royals

a

having a great location that people want

and pro baseball are a part of our lives

20-minute drive down the interstate

to visit will make it easy for the team

for decades to come, and will help make

to a desolate, rundown highway exit

to fill seats even if they aren’t scoring

a downtown area that is constantly

parking lot. Sure there’s tailgating that

runs.

growing develop even faster.

Right

now,

fans

have

to

take

happens at Royals games, but the truth

With upward of 4 games a week once

Even if the Royals continue losing

is, a big reason being no one wants to

the season starts, there will be thousands

most of their games for years, I’d rather

eat at the Denny’s across the street from

of people downtown for each season’s

have the gameday experience downtown

Kauffman.

86 home games. That increase

than a 30-minute highway trek away.

A

stadium

inside

the

city

would

even increase economic growth as more

will

help

businesses,

boost

the economy and increase the amount of tax revenue the city

12 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

story & ar t b y kai mc ph ai l

d e s ig n b y l y l a we e ks

ON THE

SIDELINE

P hysic a l e d u c a t i o n c re a te s ex p e r i e n c e s t h a t are

uncom f o r ta b l e f o r s t u d e n t s t h a t l a c k m a s c u l init y or ath let ic a bilit y

A

S I WALKED into the auxiliary

basketball player or the fastest kid in school,

It’s not because I wanted people to think

gym already anxious, sick from

but I’ve also never hated sports or athletics.

of me as athletic, or the most popular person

pure dread for my first day of this

My relationship with sports has been shaped

in class, I just want to feel comfortable in a

semester’s

by experiences like this, in settings with

space that isn’t necessarily catered to me or

other kids that are completely different from

my core interests.

mandatory

physical

education class, my heart dropped to see a single girl, a close friend, sitting in the sea of boys that weren’t like me.

The coach came up to my friend and me and first looked at us, then back at the rest of the class and asked: “So, are you going to drop?”

I’ve never heard such a blatantly offensive comment. My heart dropped. The teacher’s question lingered in my mind for weeks afterwards. I questioned what about me as a person warranted a comment like this — was it my clothes? Or how I spoke?

Maybe I should drop if the coach clearly feels it would be the “best option” for me

“

WHEN PICKING

teams I’m always chosen last, no matter my skill level or background in the sport or activity. I wish my classmates would try to get to know me instead of assuming that I’m incompetent.

It’s hard to hear comments from afar on how I missed a ball or how my voice sounds like a “girl.” These aggressions, uniquely rooted in how I present myself, become easier for my peers to say or do in a setting where I’m the odd one out.

Maybe I’d be more athletically inclined if there wasn’t such a stigma around girls and feminine people participating in gym. It would’ve been easier to practice my threepointer or dribbling if I wasn’t made fun of every time I hit the court.

An overwhelming amount of student s at East and across the US feel uncomfor table in their physical e du c a tion c la sse s HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DISCOUNTED FOR IN AN ATHLETIC SETTING BECAUSE OF YOUR APPEARANCE

* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 4 1 v o t e s

40%

YES

60%

NO

as a whole to be more inviting and promote kids that might feel out of place and start

Spaces like high school gym class pinpoint

Gym is a required class, and I dread being

accomplishing its goal — to educate students

people that are “different” and put girls and

forced into a place that makes me feel like

more feminine guys in harmful situations.

I’m being slugged in the stomach with a

All eyes are on people that don’t appear to be

baseball over and over again.

about sports and fitness — for all kids.

Physical activity leads to decreased mental health issues

Throughout P.E. classes, I’ve been judged

v ia T h e Atlantic

for countless things I can’t control, had

the most skilled or don’t show interest in the

I’ve literally spent PE classes defending

assumptions made about me and even felt

sport. It feels like there’s a spotlight on me

bases while slurs are whispered by runners

scared for myself. I hope younger students

at all times, making me feel stuck fighting to

passing by me. Then if I make a home run,

that also aren’t as masculine can feel more

be seen as human. The feeling is exacerbated

it’s “just luck” — the possibility of me being

comfortable than I have for the past 10 years.

when a coach makes a statement supporting

athletically inclined for even a second is

something I’ve feared for years.

unbelievable.

Institutions mandatory

or

physical

schools

that

education

have should

I felt almost ashamed of myself and the

When picking teams I’m always chosen

show more support to feminine students

fact that my teacher and peers assumed that I

last, no matter my skill level or background

in an environment that isn’t inherently

would be horrible at anything athletic, strictly

in the sport or activity. I wish my classmates

comfortable by educating teachers about how

based on my friend’s and my appearance. It

would try to get to know me instead of

to be inclusive.

was like the other, more athletic boys had

assuming that I’m incompetent.

Assigning teams and ensuring equal play

never seen someone, particularly a boy,

Feeling constantly pressured to prove

times are an easy fix to promote participation

wearing a knit sweater with jeans instead of

myself to people makes me feel so miniscule

and give students the opportunity to feel

Nike shorts and an NFL T-shirt conversing

in gym class. I pressured myself to become

comfortable. Let’s welcome all students,

with a girl.

the fastest kid in elementary school to prove

different or not, into gym class instead of

my masculinity. My asthma didn’t matter as

pushing them immediately back out the door

much as feeling out of place.

they came in.

I have never been the most talented

STANDING.

It’s time for physical education classes

me in their masculine appearance and aura.

this semester.

LAST ONE

Most adolescents report to participate in PE on 1-2 days a week v ia h eal t h .go v

63

%

OF FEMALES OR FEMININE PRESENTING S T U D E N T S H A V E F E LT U N C O M F O R TA B L E I N A P H YS I C A L E D U C AT I O N CLASS

de sign by sophia broc km ei er photos by clara pet ers, caroline mar tucci, al ex s a n j a & k atie cook

smeharbinger.net/category/feature

Feature

MARCH 25, 2024 | 13

ALL ABOUT

HUSTLE

S tudent s who have unique jobs

THIS ISSUE IN

photos

A look inside student life at East in the past two weeks of school

GABE ANDERSON | JUNIOR

“

I WORK AT A BREWERY, and I’m only 17. My dad is the owner of the brewery and basically, I’m allowed to do everything there except I can’t pour liquor. I’m more of an extrovert, so I like making friends and seeing regulars.

CHLOE SWAN | SOPHOMORE

B O T T O M Freshman Aubrey Massoth watches her solution as she releases a drop of sodium alginate into it. Honors Biology students performed a lab producing lactosefree milk. photo by caroline martucci

THE

FINAL

STRETCH Students share their motivation for getting through a fourth quarter slump

T O P Senior Jack Kessler takes a video of junior Ingrid Blacketer as she practices her speech for the role of Student Body President.

T O P Multicultural Student Union member freshman Hailey Stuber prepares a trifold board to represent the Philippines at the Multicultural Fair on April 23.

photo by clara peters

photo by alex sanja

“

I’M AN OPTOMETRY technician and honestly, people think it’s a lot harder than it is. I just get patients, bring them back and do three or four easy tests on them. I like doing something that nobody else my age really gets to do.

EL L A ASH

K AI CAMP B ELL

ADDI O’ROARK

FR ES HM A N

SOPHOMORE

JUNIOR

“

THE IDEA OF summer definitely helps me finish my work and not procrastinate as much because [the] less I procrastinate, the closer [summer] feels.

“

JUST A THOUGHT that if I don’t pay attention, I’ll regret it next year. My freshman year, I didn’t pay attention at all during fourth quarter, and I definitely regret it now.

“

TRACK SEASON, IT really helped me last year because I made friends and it was like a little clique. Track was my go-to place where I could release energy and get motivation.

sto r y by co n n o r vogel d e si g n by kati e murphy

THE HARBINGER

SCOUT PARRETT

p h o to s by l i v madd en

A s o n e o f t h e f i rs t f e m a l e B o y S cout s, sophomore K ara Parrett has worked

h e r w a y u p to t h e h i g h e s t rank of Eagle S cout and now act s as a mentor for youn ger gi rl s

W

ADDLING ACROSS THE

“But it took a couple of years

pool,

sophomore

actually happen.”

Parrett

came

Kara an

While her dad had been in th

eleven-year-old boy who

over 40 years, Kara was never a

was off to the side among the dozens of

Girl Scout or even a Brownie in

kids. The boy, Alec, wasn’t talking to the

school, despite her efforts to st

up

to

others like she would normally expect — he

“I went to Cub Scout mee

had a hearing impairment and was nervous

tried to [start a troop] in my

to talk to the other kids at summer camp.

school,” Kara said. “But we

Kara

was

working

as

an

Associate

enough girls to start one.”

Counselor in Training at H. Roe Bartle

Nevertheless, when the Bo

Scout Reservation — a Boy Scouts of

America officially allowed gi

America camp. Teaching Alec individually

in 2019, her dad encouraged h

during the class, she immediately saw him

Kara refused to let all the tim

start to open up as she spent time just

at those meetings go to waste,

talking with him. He was a great swimmer

new Troop 6091, an anex girl

who just needed a little help, according to

the affiliated Troop 91, who her

Kara.

grandfather had been part of be be

Coordinating with the boy

comfortable with yet and getting him

91 as the girls were just getti

comfortable with me, he was able to do the

6091 eventually started plannin

entire swim test in a day,” Kara said. “Just

campouts and service projects

doing a little bit of one-on-one, you can

becoming more independent as

see such an impact.”

on.

“He

just

wasn’t

sure

who

to

scout

“When I joined both of the

counselor, an unpaid position, Kara served

mixed,” Kara said. “So we

as a role model for all the boys and girls at

calling ourselves 91G, and then

the pool and was happy to do it.

we split apart more and more a

Spending

the

summer

as

a

As one of the first female Boy Scouts,

still have meetings at the sam

Kara has gone to Bartle since the fifth

we just do separate things now

grade — working her way up to the highest

The youngest out of the 15

rank of Eagle Scout — and now acts as a

who joined the troop, Kara di

mentor for younger girls. Showing that

see herself as a leader. She lo

girls don’t just “exist” in scouts but they

the older scouts as leaders, desp

have the potential to thrive.

they were all starting at the sam

“We had [scouts] all the time that don’t

“I was pretty scared,” Kara

come from places where they’re used to

not gonna lie, at the time I wa

going swimming,” Kara said. “My favorite

shy. I was the youngest of all

part of camp was instructional swim. I feel

were starting [the troop] be

like I need to be a really good example for

girls about my age started in

all of them. But I love seeing the impact

was still a fifth grader. I just w

that can make on their lives, and that’s

into [Scouts] because I could

one of my favorite things.”

cubs for three months [before

During her years in scouts, Kara’s always had leaders to help her through the program, and she feels a responsibility to

it wasn’t worth it. It was like Scouts.’”

Not knowing many memb troop

pay it forward.

before

joining,

Kara

“I love seeing kids be able to go through

bonding with other scouts lik

scouting,” Kara said. “I think it’s such a

Mission South junior Emma Bo

good program to get people to come and

the troops’ first meeting tog

learn how to be a leader.”

winter when they were learni

song she forgot the name of ye

*** Since she was three years old, Kara has

“We’re just like, ‘What is g

spent most Monday nights tagging along

Kara said. “It was so weird,

with her dad Kurt Parrett. He’s been a

parents knew it. It’s just all th

treasurer volunteering for Boy Scout Troop

grew up in scouting all sang i

91 for more than 15 years, so Kara grew

going along but both of us wer

up

But we became friends very qui

running

around

church

basements

watching kids learn to identify poisonous plants

and

discuss

their

upcoming

campouts.

Despite some obstacles de

campouts in -18 degree weather

of snow and spending hours c

“After Kara was born I kind of said,

endless requirements to adv

‘Okay, I need to get out of this,’ Kurt said.

never had second thoughts ab

FEATURE

s for that to

he troop for

Scouts, an experience that taught her

“We filled up an entire box truck,” Kara

me I love scouts and I did not want to do

about knots, starting fires and how to use

said.”We pretty much collected everything

that,” Kara said. “I wanted to go to camp

a pocket knife.

from kitchenware to baby clothes to adult

and work on staff. I love staffing. I love

clothes. We even got a mattress in there

teaching kids, it’s like one of my favorite

somehow.”

things.”

a Cub Scout,

Camping with her family since before

n elementary

she could walk, roughing it in the outdoors

tart a troop.

and learning these basic survival skills was

etings and I

something she had gotten used to.

That May, Kara had her board of honor,

Seeing these girls grow up before her

a ceremony for new Eagle scouts every six

eyes starts to make her feel old, watching

elementary

“[My family] has always loved camping

months. Out of the 12 scouts who got Eagle

girls who joined the troop as a first year,

never had

and [we’ve] gone my entire life,” Kara said.

in the area, Kara was one of only two girls.

taking positions she used to hold.

“We go to Branson three or four times a

Standing in front of eight troop leaders,

“You pretty much just go and you teach

oy Scouts of

year since I was little. I remember we have

six of whom she had never even met,

them all their requirements and you help

irls to join

photos of me as a 1-year-old camping.”

surrounded by complete strangers outside

[first years] go on hikes and get all their

of her current and former Scoutmasters.

early requirements done,” Kara said. “Now

her to join.

While adjusting to the practical aspects

me she spent

of scouting was easy, Kara had to learn a

, joining the

lot more about being a leader.

“My

Scoutmaster

was

supposed

to

be my friend in the room,” Kara said.

I’m seeing most of those girls are getting

Her scoutmaster, Dr. Krista Cox, has

“They’re the ones that if you can’t come

r father and

seen many young scouts join the troop

up with an answer, help you out because

since

efore.

and grow not just as leaders but as people,

they know a lot about you.”

necessity to have experienced older scouts

ys in Troop

especially girls like Kara who accept the

Kara was surprised when she walked

encouraged to stay in the troop and set an

ing started,

responsibility of a leadership position,

in and saw so many women standing in

example for the other girls. It’s part of why

ng their own

leading meetings and planning the troop’s

front of her, occupying the majority of the

she hasn’t bailed out of the program after

activities.

board.

reaching the highest level of achievement

s time went

“Their growth is huge,” Cox said. “It’s a six-month term and they flounder at the

em, we were

beginning. But by the end, they are more

started off

confident, leading meetings, not afraid

n eventually

to talk to adults and use those skills they

and now we

gained.”

me time, but

***

w.”

Kara decided to join a new troop in

5 other girls

the summer of 2022, switching to Troop

dn’t always

6010 in order to participate in more High

ooked up to

Adventure activities they offered — scuba

pite the fact

diving in the Bahamas, canoeing down

me time.

white rapids and trekking over 80 miles

a said. “I’m

through the wilderness in New Mexico.

as extremely

By eighth grade, she was a Troop Guide,

l of us that cause most

“I was like, scared to speak,” Kara

“

said. “It’s just you and [the board] in the

I COULD’VE

just given up like a lot of people just leave and it’s fine, but for me I love Scouts and I did not want to do that.

Impor tant moment s in K ara’s journey

to becoming one of the first female Ea gl e S c o u t s l o c a l l y a nd na ti o na l l y

Taking on these demanding positions middle

school

showed

Kara

the

as an Eagle Scout two years ago.

“We have all those positions and they didn’t know what half of those mean,” Kara said. “Teaching them like what this person does and other things like that.

Just seeing them say ‘Oh, I want to do that when I’m older.’ It’s great to see, I love them looking up [to me] and seeing what they could do when they’re older.”

Cox

emphasizes

the

importance

A B O V E K ara at a Scouts meeting where younger girls that she mentors crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts.

of

making sure her scouts run the entire leaders are only there for supervision and

SOPHOMORE

occasional guidance for ill-conceived ideas

Senior Patrol Leader and had earned the

room. You do a couple of trials and then

may need to get rescheduled. She believes

rank of Eagle with the troop.

they ask ‘How many Eagle Scouts are in

Kara is the perfect example of what a leader should be.

— like pool parties in December — that

Over the last few years, most of the

the room?’ And I was the only Eagle. But it

went straight

girls who joined with her have already left

was ultimately because it was mostly adult

only be in

the troop, or are only staying to complete

women.”

aging out],

their Eagle Projects.

“[Kara’s] willing to do anything you ask, but most of the time you don’t even

***

have to ask,” Cox said.

“There are a couple of girls that are

Today, BSA still separates the boy and

But holding all the leadership roles is

seventh graders that want to get [their

girl troops, but now with experienced

impossible, despite how hard Kara tries.

bers of the

project] early,” Kara said. “I’m like, ‘Not

leaders and normalcy for girls to join Cub

Currently serving as a Junior Assistant

remembers

yet.’ Wait, love scouts for a while and then

Scouts in grade school, the 35-person

Scoutmaster

ke Shawnee

get it because it’s kind of just like rushing

troop

within

with the adults in her weekly meetings,

owen during

in. It doesn’t help. It’s just a good way

scouts. They saw almost 15 Cub Scouts

organizing activities that everyone can

gether that

to get it on your resume and leave. And I

crossover to the troop this February.

enjoy, like taking the troop ice skating or

ing a scout

don’t think that’s the right way to do it.”

Kara is no longer the youngest but is

Of course, that didn’t stop her from

actually one of the oldest members leading

Whether there is a first-year trying

going on?’”

taking on her Eagle Scout project while she

the weekly meetings. She’s the only Eagle

to learn to navigate with a compass or a

but all our

was still in middle school.

still attending meetings out of the 13 the

merit badge class that needs an extra pair

troop has produced.

of hands for help, Kara always wants to fill

ears ago.

COLLECTING BADGES

troop on their own. Cox and the other adult

KA R A PARRET T

cubs, but I

e, ‘Just join

MARCH 25, 2024 | 15

SPL and getting Eagle.”

ls troop for

separately,

...

created

their

own

space

Kara

gets

to

work

more

having movie nights.

he dads that

For her project, Kara planned and led

it and we’re

some scouts in a donation drive through

Still spending her Monday nights still

re very shy.

Mission Adelante, a local ministry that

running around church basements, Kara

“I feel like I can make a difference in

ickly.”

serves immigrants and refugees. Spending

guides the girls in her troop as they attempt

people and seeing them look up to me and

ealing with

six months filling out countless forms and

complicated bowline knots, teaching the

care, it’s great,” Kara said. “I think they

r, six inches

waiting for all her plans to get approved by

11-year-olds what she learned through her

should have a lot of role models because

checking off

Scouts, she finally executed the drive back

experiences as a Troop guide.

there’s a lot of them in the troop. You

vance, Kara

in 2021, bringing in over 1,000 items from

bout joining

donations.

“I could’ve just given up like a lot of people just leave and it’s fine, but for

A B O V E To become an Eagle Scout, K ara ran her own drive collecting supplies called the “Eagle Project.”

the role.

don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to be a role model.”

A B O V E In 202 2, K ara attended a weeklong Youth Leadership Training as part of her Scouts training.

16 | MARCH 25, 2024

story b y mya s m i th

WOMAN

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y s ydn ey e c k

EMPOWERED F re s h m a n Ha l i m a Ta l b i h a s v o l u n te e re d for nonprofit s for women since

s ev e nt h g ra d e th ro u g h J u n i o r B o ard an d co nt i nue s to gro w her p assi o n fo r i t

A

FTER years a

SPENDING staring

computer

at

NEARLY

two

her

teachers

through

screen,

Freshman

Halima

TalbiSophomore Jordan Fuller sees herself

studying shipwrecks in a scuba suit to support her family surrounded by only guys. She wants to be a marine archeologist, a primarily male-dominated profession and knows that she will be one of, if not the only, female in her workplace. Even some of the most obscure fields are male-dominated, with 50% of women in the workforce feeling undervalued, according to HR Dive.

This is why Shawnee Mission West’s Associate Principal Kelley Capper pitched the idea of a club dedicated to growing the confidence of young women to push past societal pressures four years ago, and the Women in Leadership club will officially be offered at East next school year.

The club aims to empower young women through conferences, book studies, mentorships and speakers.

This year Associate Principals Susan Leonard and Emily Demo and Instructional Coach Kelsi Horner are expanding the club to East.

“What we see on TV and in magazines and in society, the societal expectations of young women, ‘Oh to be quiet,’ ‘sit nicely,’ ‘sit like a lady,’ shouldn’t be the norm, but only we can change it,” Capper said.

“We have to retake over the narrative, and that’s what this program does.”

Staff members were given an opportunity to expand the program to East when Capper invited them to a Women in Leadership conference on Feb. 16.

East teachers nominated students in their classes they thought would be best suited for the program.

These students then filled out a Google Form, and 10 were selected to attend the conference based on their responses. A panel of female leaders — from a hairdresser who owns a trucking company to a civil engineer — came to speak to the group of girls about their careers, obstacles they faced and how to pass them.

Junior Eve Bendit was one of the students that attended the conference.

“A lot of them talked about how they got into [the field that] they got into and how you don’t necessarily have to commit to what you’re majoring in college,” Benditt said. “They talked about how to talk to a boss about a difference in pay between male coworkers and

just a lot about their life stories.”

After getting a glimpse of what the program is like, Benditt is looking forward to assisting with the program next year. She wants to help females at East learn how to take leadership roles both inside and outside of school.

Fuller is also looking forward to helping the program grow. As a confident person herself, she believes it will help young women with confidence to go into whatever profession they choose. She also wants to learn how to work in a male-dominated field.

“Learning how to navigate [working in a maledominated environment is] really important,” Fuller said. “That really hit home, don’t let the men tell you what you should be.”

The program won’t host meetings for the rest of the year because it’s still in the planning stages. Leonard intends to use the fourth quarter to communicate to students the new opportunity. Next school year, they will start meeting monthly to plan the structure of

A B O V E Junior Board group members freshmen Jamie Wilborn, K atharine Sally, Halima Talbi and Blanka Stradell during their site visit at United Women’s Empowerment. photo courtesy of halima talbi

the program.

“We’re trying to move slow enough to do it right, so our goal in the fourth quarter would just be to publicize that this is gonna be an opportunity,”

UNITED MISSION

Leonard said.

The growth of the program is slow because Leonard hopes to get input from both Capper and club members about what the program should look like.

“It might look just like Shawnee Mission West or it might look different, but I want it to be ours,” Leonard said.

Aside from attending conferences to discuss being a female in the professional world, West’s program also pairs members with mentors — professional women working in the job field that matches the member’s interest.

“I meet with every student to discuss what career field they want their mentor to be in or what they hope to learn from it,” Capper said. “Then they get set up with their mentor. They have online communication or in-person meetings and job shadows.”

Leonard hopes the program will also include book studies, coffee and breakfast meetings and community service. Leonard expects the group to attend some district-wide meetings each year, but otherwise most events will be held within East.

“Women supporting women, women promoting each other but also being encouraged to be leaders in our school or community in the world,” Leonard said.

How Talbi’s chosen organization, United Women’s Empowerment , has helps women locally

• • •

FIELDING 26 RESEARCH STUDIES ON THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN HELPED WOMEN PROFESSIONALLY FIGHTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

POLICIES ENACTED

̩͠ INCREASED PAID FAMILY LEAVE

̪͠ WORK ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MOMS ̫͠ TUITION ASSISTANCE ̬͠ MATERNAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS

s to r y b y re e s e d u n h a m

MARCH 25, 2024 | 17

THE HARBINGER

d e s i g n b y c l a ra b u rd i c k

L E F T Campbell stands next to the planes she flies at the Charles B. Wheeler Airport. photo courtesy of campbell alldredge

FLYING

HIGH S ophomore Campbell Alldredge star ted f lying plane s as a hobby and is working towa rds her pilot license

A

FTER A MONTH of sitting at

Aug. 4 with Megan Meyer. Megan started

home, baking in the hot July sun

flying in 2020 and became an instructor with

Every lesson is different for Campbell.

last summer, sophomore Campbell

the ATD program so far, Campbell has flown

Sometimes she has a full two-hour long flight

Alldredge finally had enough —

four times total with additional on-ground

and sometimes it’s textbook training with the

training lessons about once every month.

occasional combination of both. She starts

she was in desperate need of a hobby.

Her mom had an easy fix suggestion: try

excited

flying planes.

Campbell has been flying ever since and is in the process of earning her pilot license to really

cool,

especially

about

Megan

being

downtown because you get to fly over all the cool landmarks that we all have been to growing up,” Campbell said. “And there’s a little window on every plane and you can open it, which I think is fun.”

Her mom, Kelli Alldredge, started flying on private planes for work about six years prior and knew multiple pilots well. One of them, Austin Hunt, mentioned he was training a female instructor, Megan Meyer.

lessons by checking all the plane requirements

said.

— checking the gas, wings, and weather, and

“Probably more excited than a lot of people

making sure the propellers, engine, and radio

“

everything,”

who you take up on an introductory flight.”

For the first lesson, Megan took Campbell

fly solo, thanks to her mom’s advice.

“It’s

“Both [Campbell and Kelli] were very

of a crash.

[FLYING] IS

really cool, and it’s a lot less scary than I thought it would be because you’re in such a small plane, but you get used to it.

contact work correctly.

She then goes up in the air, spending time working on real tricks such as turns, descends, and climbs. The weekends are when Campbell does her “homework” — paper sheets and bookwork that go towards her eventually attaining her license. Paperwork consists of learning about flying in different weather conditions, plane names and how they work, and different tower names.

“Campbell dedicates her weekends to her

CA M P BEL L AL L REDG E

flight training, and each time you go it’s a

S OP HO M O R E

couple-hour commitment,” Kelli said. “It’s

Kelli saw a flying program called Advanced

pretty tedious but she does dedicate her

Training Device Flight School, a type of flying

up in the air for about an hour-long flight and

weekends to it.”

simulator, and thought Campbell might be

showed her all of the controls on the plane

Now, Campbell flies out of the downtown

interested in the new and stimulating hobby.

— a Piper Warrior model. Looking out the

Kansas City airport, staying in the city for

When Kelli first brought it up to her,

window, she could see some of her favorite

the duration of the flight with the ability to

Campbell wasn’t crazy about the idea due to

spots in Kansas City such as World of Fun

pinpoint exactly where she is in the sky.

her long-term fear of flying. Her brothers

and the Plaza. They looked like ant cities, and

had always teased her, saying that turbulence

they were so small from how high up she was.

if she wants to fly as an occupation, she’s

causes plane crashes and Campbell began to

“[Flying] is really cool, and it’s a lot less

planning on continuing on to get her Private

believe that. The thought of being in control

scary than I thought it would be because

Pilots license once she earns all 40 required

of a flying tin can worried her, but as her

you’re in such a small plane, but you get used

hours.

summer dragged on, the thought of learning

to it,” Campbell said.

Although

Campbell

hasn’t

yet

decided

“I haven’t decided if I want to be a pilot as

how to fly to get over her fears and to be able

In 2015, she was on a private flight with

a career path, so I just wanted to get it to have

to take friends and family up in the future

her mom when the plane hit turbulence. She

it and it’s just something that I could use for

became more appealing.

talked to the pilot afterward and he told her

fun,” Campbell said.

Campbell took her first flying lesson on

that turbulence is normal and nothing to be afraid of, which helped her get over her fear

SOARING STEPS The steps Campbell took to

decide to get her license

WHY

C ampbell wanted to t ake up a hobby la st summer. Now she want s to f ly friends and f amily when she e arns her pilot ’s license

HOW

Working towards getting her license, C ampbell is g aining 40 hours f lying with an instructor.

WHERE

C ampbell f lie s out of the Charle s B. Wheeler Airpor t , an airpor t for corpora te, char ter an d rec re a tion al f lyers.

18 | MARCH 25, 2024

story b y mi c h ae l yi

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y l u c y s t e p h e n s p h o to b y ma s o n s a j n a

THE

PIANO MAN

T

S ophomore Nash Ohlund has made new friends and renewed his intere st in pia no throu gh ja zz ba nd

HE DRUMS HISSED and roared

Nash and four other players from East’s

on stage as sophomore Nash Ohlund

top jazz band, the Blue Knights, were selected

His first time playing piano was on his

“He didn’t know a lot about jazz, to be

— upright at the piano in black

to perform in front of the state’s top music

grandma’s half sized keyboard at just 5 years

honest,” quartet member Ruby said. “But

pants, dress shoes and button-

educators with the Kansas Music Educators

old. After eight years of playing classical

Henry taught him a lot, and now he’s excelling

up — laid down su The drums hissed and

Association All-State jazz band on Feb. 22,

piano independently, his mom convinced him

at a crazy level. Now he’s super involved.”

roared on stage as sophomore Nash Ohlund

joining the best jazz players in Kansas. Nash

to join East’s lower jazz band, the Blue Notes,

They would practice every day after school

sat upright at the piano in black pants, dress

earned the only piano chair over some of the

where he played with other instruments for

in Nash’s basement, half rehearsing songs

shoes and button-up, laying down supporting

best upperclassmen in the state.

the first time in a new style of music.

and half messing around — rigid practice

chords in “Conflagración” and

waiting for

“[Nash] is by far our best player in jazz,” Ohlund’s bandmate and senior Davis Muther

his solo.

The trumpets and trombones went silent.

said. “Not only because he plays a hard

He looked down from his sheet music at his

instrument, but because he’s so good at it.

hands, and began to play. Leaning forward,

His solos are really good, his playing is really

head rocking to the beat, his fingers danced

thought out, and he practices a lot.”

across the keys, chasing the flying rhythm.

Nash has been playing in jazz bands for

“

“I like how exposed [jazz band] is,” Nash

only two years. After switching to jazz after

said. “It wouldn’t make me feel good if I

playing classical music by himself until

messed up and no one noticed. Because then

eighth grade, Nash has renewed his passion

what am I even there for?”

for music and developed close friendships

FAVORITE S om e o f Na s h’s f a v o r i te

s ong s to pla y on t h e p i a n o

PIECES

“Beatrice” by Sam Rivers “Spain” by Chick Corea “Ugetsu” by Cedar Walton “Nardis” by Bill Evans “CCTV” by Joe Webb

with other musicians at East.

standards, remixes and original music.

is just as important for them as playing spontaneously syncopated riffs and listening

[NASH] IS BY

far our best player in jazz, not only because he plays a hard instrument, but because he’s so good at it. His solos are really good, his playing is really thought out, and he practices a lot.

DAV I S M U T H E R

to Drake for inspiration.

“If we hadn’t been close friends and had similar interests, we probably wouldn’t have gotten to the point where we are now,” Ruby said.

But Nash’s success isn’t just because of his teachers or his 12 years of experience — it’s the hours he spends playing and listening to jazz. When he comes home from school,

SENIOR

he practices on two keyboards he’s gotten the

“I was starting to get bored around

past two Christmases — an Upright Yamaha

middle school,” Nash said. “Then I

in his living room and a Casio Juno DS 88 with

discovered jazz in high school, and now I’m fully immersed.”

customizable sounds upstairs.

“He’s genuinely interested in jazz and he

In his freshman year in East’s

really enjoys it,” band teacher Alex Toepfer

lower jazz band, then seniors Henry

said. “Which helps a lot because he listens to

Revare and Delia Cashman and then

it and it helps him understand the style and

junior Ruby Wagner recruited him

make it his own.”

to

form

the

quartet. play

Whitney

Payne

At home, with friends and in the car,

Together

they

Nash is always listening to his favorite jazz

a

variety

of

musicians like Brad Meldau and Keith Jarrett

around

— hearing new note combos and rhythms to

Kansas City at

break out later in practice. By listening to

breweries,

other musicians, he’s learning to improvise

festivals

better and improve his solos in the Blue

and

Knights.

gigs

local

businesses

“Nash is listening to jazz a lot right now,”

playing

Ruby said. “He’s kind of in love with jazz,

j

and you can hear that in his playing, that

a

z

z

he actually listens to the music. That’s a big thing.”

SCAN ME INSTAGRAM Scan this QR code to be taken to Nash’s music account on Instagram

1 ( ( ' 7 + ( 3 ( 5 ) ( & 7 ' 5 ( 6 6 "

+286(2)0,5, &20 2DN 3DUN 0DOO

&

20 | MARCH 25, 2024

de s ig n & ar t by l u c y st e ph e n s ph o to s co ur te s y o f i mdb.co m, kati e co o k & r yan de h an

smeharbinger.net/category/a&e

MARCH

Students share their predictions for the NCAA’s mens basketball tournament

TENNESSEE [TENNESSEE] CAN MATCH UP

well with the other teams in the bracket and I feel like they can beat any team on any week on any court.

WI L L I AM NO R R I S SENIOR

SWEET 16 MARCH 28 & MARCH 29

FINAL 4

ELITE 8

MARCH 30 & MARCH 31

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

GAME

APRIL 6

UCONN [UCONN] IS DOMINANT IN

both offense and defense and this year I think they have what it takes to win back-to-back championships.

LU K E TAYLOR S OPH O M O R E

APRIL 8

RECENT

UPCOMING

Mark your calenders for these local upcoming events

Look out for these new music and movie releases

MOVIE PREMIER

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

ALBUM RELEASE ACT II COWBOY CARTER

Release Date:

Artist:

March 29

Beyoncé

Genre:

Release Date:

Adventure, Action

Running Time: 1 hr 55 mins

Starring:

Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens

March 29

ARE YOU EXCITED FOR BEYONCÉ’S NEW ALBUM? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 5 8 v o t e s

YES NO

35%

65%

MARCH 26

Band Festival Concert @SME

MARCH 26

Bad Bunny Concert @ T-Mobile Center

APRIL 4 & 5 Spring Play @SME

stor ie s by grey son i m m

de s i g n by bel l a broce

p h o tos f ro m appl e m us ic

2024 THE

MARCH 25, 2024 | 21

THE HARBINGER

RECORD

R e v i e w s o f t h e l y r i c s a n d m u s i c o f t hree new albums spanning different genre s

“Loss of Life” MGMT

10 tracks 45 minutes

SIX YEARS AFTER their last project, psychedelic pop duo

earthly world / But hate is

MGMT returns with a new album — “Loss of Life” — and an

a very strong word / And

entirely new, fresh sound.

it’s finally catching up with

The stylistic switch-up in the new album is glaring when

me”

comparing the softer, more introspective project to MGMT’s

around the once-gentle sound

catchier and more lyrically straightforward past albums. This

warps

isn’t a step backward, though. The new album shows the

electric guitar, piano and a dozen

band’s innovative power through lush, layered production and

other

unique songwriting instead of the familiar hook-laden pop

unforgettable performance.

sound fans are used to.

This new production style takes on different

The album’s lead single called “Mother Nature” makes use of

forms at different points in the album. Dreamy,

acoustic guitar, tambourine, harmonica and drums to deliver

synth-driven love songs like “Dancing in Babylon”

inspiring lyrics about starting anew amid the cycles of nature

feel lighter and fresher than anything else I’ve heard this

like “I’ve torched the fields again” and “You’ve got to begin

year. This is bolstered by their strongest and most mature

again.”

vocal performances yet.

This folk-rock balladry continues with the chorus from

While “Loss of Life’’ isn’t the duo’s flashiest or catchiest

“Bubblegum Dog” later in the album, “I felt hate toward the

project, it’s an innovative record with consistently entrancing

Kacey Musgraves

to

of

deliver

an

T f L if e - M G M

er e nal and r suns G hine - Ariana

De ep e

es v a rW gr ell - Kacey Mus

course, dinner with friends. album, so the few songs that feature lazier songwriting bring

experience, which I loved.

down the earnest tone Musgraves uses on this album. Her

The beauty of “Deeper Well” comes from its simplicity.

warnings to “Be careful what you wish for” because money

Moments like the title track show the power of this simple beauty

“Can’t buy you true happiness” are overdone, and don’t hold

when she sweetly sings lyrics about getting older, taking care of

nearly as much emotional weight as her describing heaven as

herself, and finding a pure source of satisfaction — a “deeper

“No tears to cry, and nothing to mourn / Lying in your arms, so

well.” A gently fingerpicked guitar accompanies Musgrave’s rich,

safe and warm.”

She continues themes of spiritualism, growth and moving

Small details on the album like weird vocal distortion effects on “Dinner With Friends” and “Anime Eyes” distract from her message and the progression of the album felt like it dragged on towards the end.

songwriting is at its best in songs like “Dinner with Friends,”

Overall though, “Deeper Well” combines Musgraves’ most

where she lists off the little things she’d miss “on the other

mature songwriting and richest vocal performances for a

side” — sunrises, her lover, her home state of Texas and, of

memorable experience.

ARIANA GRANDE’S NEWEST album, “eternal sunshine”

and frankly boring trap beats that wash out her vocals on songs

lacks meaningful lyrics and is inconsistent in its production,

like “the boy is mine.”

but she manages to deliver some stellar vocal performances and communicate an entertaining narrative.

Al b u m

s t Sta

S tatistic s about

the thre e a lbu ms

overpowering instrumentals, like on “true story.” There’s no

breakup anthem that lays the narrative groundwork for the

denying that the girl can sing, but she should be in the market

rest of the album. Punchy echoes of “Boy, bye” repeat in the

for a producer that better accompanies her vocals.

background as her velvety voice sings about moving on from a

Grande’s lyricism on the album was, at best, inconsistent,

past love, letting the listener know that they’re in for a modern

and at worst, littered with blatantly cringeworthy clichés. I

take on a classic breakup album — a solid concept that she

couldn’t help but roll my eyes hearing the lazy comparison of

mostly manages to keep up throughout the rest of the album

“You played me like Atari.” Even worse is the line, “I hope you

besides a few tangents.

feel alright when you’re in her.” Beyond just making the vibe

in songs like “bye” and “yes, and?”. I wish she would’ve leaned more into these funky R&B rhythms throughout the rest of the album — it’s seriously fun.

Instead, much of the album falls back on the cheap-sounding

First album MGMT put out since 2018.

The music video “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” was inspired by the Jim Carrey movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”

Most of the other moments I loved on this album showcased her notoriously impressive four-octave vocal range without

Grande started the album with a bang. “bye” is a quintessential

And that’s not to mention the infectious R&B grooves woven

13 tracks 36 minutes

instrumentals

layers

et

compared to her other work make for a very personal listening

forward cohesively throughout the rest of the album. Her

Ariana Grande

under

time

Her voice and storytelling abilities are at the heart of this

It feels like she’s singing to you directly.

“eternal sunshine”

further

this

Well” combined with a more stripped-back production style

twangy tone to make for an intimate and memorable experience.

14 tracks 42 minutes

however,

ss O

production and captivating themes.

THE HONEST SONGWRITING on Kacey Musgraves’ “Deeper

“Deeper Well”

—

Lo

uncomfortable, the line just felt misplaced and forced. Some things are better left unsaid, Ariana.

In “eternal sunshine,” Grande extends the best parts of her previous work. However, inconsistencies in lyrics and production brought these soaring achievements crashing down harder than her previous relationship.

Most streamed album in 2024 on Spotify.

Musgrave’s album was inspired by the energy of Greenwich Village in New York City.

22 | MARCH 25, 2024

d e s ig n b y ve ro n i c a ma n gi n e

THE HARBINGER

story b y ave r y an de rs o n

DAMSEL IN

p h o to s c o u r te s y o f IM D B

DEFENSE MORE LIKE “ D a m s e l” yo u If yo u l i ke d

damsel

should check out t h e s e m ov i e s

I

classic fairytale mythical creatures fire-breathing dragons

t he el aborate cost u m e s and ins pir ing plo t

THINK IT’S safe to say that

of their Own. And while I agree that the

At one point she even uses glowing

after finishing “Stranger Things”

“opposite fairytale” take on movies is

worms in the pitchblack cave as a

season 4, Millie Bobby Brown’s

overused, many other aspects of the

lantern — I love that sort of ingenuity.

presence has been missing from

movie such as the visuals make up for its borderline cliché plot.

my Netflix watchlist.

The directors took the liberty to craft a truly magical fairytale world. The

If you feel like this too, buckle up,

For one thing, the visuals of mythical

flamboyant costumes covered in cold

because I have just the solution for you.

creatures and towering castles were

thread and ruffles, scenery of fields and

On March 8, Netflix released a new

spectacular — especially for a Netflix

mountains and truly magical creatures

as

movie, which aren’t known for having

created an idealistic fairytale world that

Elodie, an independent teenage princess

the largest budgets or best animations.

didn’t lack an ounce of creativity.

living in a remote medieval village.

While this doesn’t mean you should

movie

SIMILARITIES:

The new Netf lix movie, “Damsel,” is wor th the watch due to

“Damsel”

starring

Brown

like

the

live

Despite some flaws such as poor casting in a few crucial roles and leaving

animation expectations, I never once

“Damsel” mirrored a classic fairytale

multiple

felt like the CGI was poorly done.

while adding a modern twist with both

throughout

the

with

films

action “Cinderella” and “Maleficent,”

holes

movie

to

Avatar-level

plot

the

Similar

start

movie, it was one of the better Netflix

Along with this, the movie’s pacing

films I’ve seen due to amazing visuals

was immaculate. These days, you need

the plot and visuals.

And while this could be an unpopular

and a classic yet entertaining plot.

to carve out three hours of your day

opinion, I’m always down to watch a

For an hour and 49 minutes, viewers

just to watch a decent movie like Dune

movie with a predictably happy ending.

follow the journey of Elodie, who’s

or Star Wars. For people like me who

While I won’t spoil it, everyone got

kingdom is in the midst of a long-term

can’t even sit through a class without

what they deserved in the end.

famine. In order to help their people,

spacing off for a few minutes, paying

I loved the majority of the movie,

her father, played by Ray Winstone,

attention to such long movies comes

however there were a few aspects that

marries her off to a wealthy prince from

with great difficulty. The short duration

made me question the quality of the

the far away kingdom of Aurea against

of “Damsel” made it easy for me to stay

acting and screenwriting.

SIMILARITIES:

her will.

engaged for the majority of the movie.

cinematography scenery extravagant sets

sister

“Lord of the Rings”

Elodie, accompanied by her father,

“Cinderella”

This

being

Brooke Carter and step-mother played

actor. Her overdramatic delivery in her

by

the

was happening with Elodie’s family

most important scene left much to be

kingdom for the wedding, but despite

while she was alone in the cave. I

desired in her role.

the warm first impressions of the royal

would’ve loved to get more than just

family, groom-to-be and castle, her

a few glimpses of the other characters

holes

stepmother soon senses something off

during this time.

entire time. I was on the edge of my

Angela

Bassett,

played

journeys

to

by

type

The movie also left multiple plot which

kept

me

guessing

the

with the wedding after a clearly very

While this focus on one storyline has

seat eagerly awaiting to find out how

uncomfortable conversation with the

been proven to work beautifully with

a previous girl stuck in the cave had

queen, Isabelle played by Robin Wright.

some movies like “1917,” fairytales

taken the time to draw a map of the exit

A slightly predictable plot but it redeems

are just not the genre for this style of

route while battling the dragon but I

itself when the real story unfolds.

cinematography.

never got to find out.

In a turn of events, Elodie ends up

Elodie’s

story

was

interesting,

In cases like these, however, it’s best to let those minor details go and just enjoy the movie.

SIMILARITIES:

in a cave fighting for her life against a

but comedic relief and much-needed

dragon. The rest of the movie follows

development for these one-dimensional

strong narrative mountain-filled scenery

her journey out of the cave and multiple

characters simply aren’t optional in a

battles

movie like this.

“Maleficent”

The stepmother, who ended up being a vital character in the climax and resolution, was, to put it plainly, a bad

and

some

movie of

Floria

needed

the

subplot such as showing more of what

named

desperately

said,

with

the

dragon,

all

while

Overall, if you’re a fan of a good fairytale movie like the live action

discovering the true villain and deep

Despite this, I loved watching her

“Beauty and the Beast” or “the Lord of

dark secrets of the royal family she had

resourcefulness throughout the movie.

the Rings” trilogy, “Damsel” is worth

married into.

Elodie’s

life-or-

the watch, especially if you truly are

I know at this point you’ve already

death situations she was being put in

in need of some Millie Bobby Brown —

written this off as another reverse

forced me to mentally congratulate her

and let’s be real, who isn’t?

damsel in distress movie like A League

problem solving.

solutions

to

the

d e si g n by riley scott

A

THE HARBINGER

HELPING

S t u d e n t s d e c o ra te d a n d c o n s t r u c te d b a g s for kids in KC Ho s p i c e a s p a r t o f o n e o f t h e S H A R E p roject s this s em e s ter

hAnD

MARCH 25, 2024 | 23

SCAN ME VIDEO Scan this to view more about this event and purchase photos

B E L O W SHARE project organizer junior Caroline Martucci gathers all of the bags made by students. Bags were later given to kids by adults who visited. photo by addie clark

A B O V E Juniors K ate Rose and Maggie Condon put stickers on the outside of the hospice bags. “It’s always fun to get to spend your seminar with your friends,” Condon said. “It’s even better when you’re able to give back.” photo by caroline hoffman R I G H T Students were given white bags and markers to decorate the exteriors of the bags and goodies to put inside for the kids in hospice. photo by addie clark

L E F T Junior Emma Aubuchon laughs while showing her phone to the rest of her table during the SHARE project. “I had fun because I knew that I was [helping] people,” Aubuchon said.

Participating in this project earned students one service hour. photo by molly scott

...

smeharbinger.net/category/sports

25

MARCH

12:30 p.m.

Boys Varsit y Golf Invit ational

@KCCC

26

3:30 p.m.

MARCH

Girls Varsit y Swim Meet

@ ` ńŖÁőĆÚ äĢőäŅ

úÁġä recap

A re cap of t he t he va rsit y ba seba ll ga me o n March 19

THE VARSITY BOYS baseball team

typically don’t have as much time

defeated Grain Valley High School

behind the plate stepped up to score,

16-3 in an away game on March 19.

according to Senior Jack Jones. This

While the team started out slower

game followed a double header the

in the first three innings with only

day before where the team lost their

one home run they improved later

first game 14-10 against Kearney

in the game. Many players who

High School and won their second 8-2 against Park Hill High School.

ARE YOU PLANNING ON ATTENDING A GIRLS SOCCER GAME THIS SEASON? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 0 7 v o t e s

YES NO

27

TBD

MARCH

Girls Varsit y Soccer Tournament

@ ő͠ ĂĩġÁʼn ńŖĆĢÁʼn

ays ěäf

őŅÁÚė Ϟ ƈäěà

5 south relays Mark your calendars for the se

28

UPCOMING EVENTS 3:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY

Boys Varsit y Tennis Dual

@ SM North

łěÁűäŅ review

SCAN ME CALENDAR Look at SME’s athletic calendar for a list of all upcoming sports events

JAC K J O NES VAR SIT Y BASEBALL

“

WE WERE RANKED preseason number one in the state. Outside of a

couple minor issues that are very, very easy to solve just based on playing and getting back into mid-season shape, which everybody needs to do, and every team is having their struggles that they all clean up halfway through the season or whenever it might be. So once we figure those things out, I think that we really do deserve that number one in the state and that we will be really, really good.

51% 49% R I G H T Junior Fletcher Noblit hits his first Varsity home run against Park Hill. photo by caroline hoffman

B O T T O M Senior Jake Miller looks to throw out the base runner from Park Hill high school. photo by caroline hoffman

d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h

t

Sports

à

24 | MARCH 25, 2024

B E L O W Head coach Will Gorden has a meeting with the infielders to discuss game strateg y. photo by caroline hoffman

d e s i g n & copy b y a d die moore

THE HARBINGER

SPRINGIN’ INTO IT

CAPTAINS Claire Goettsch DIVE JV SWIM Vivian Strack Annabelle Reda VARSITY Ella Howard Emmy Barrett SWIM

8

SENIORS

MARCH

AS LONG AS

the next guy in the lineup and the guy before you is doing what they should do, then we leave with a W which is what it’s all about.

JAC K J O N ES SENIOR

A p review of the

6/11 26

u p c o ming season for

SENIORS COMMITTED

MARCH

@CBAC

photo by macy crosser

JV SWIMMERS

VARSITY SWIMMERS

GIRLS SWIM & DIVE

DIVERS

photo by amelie wong

NEXT TOURNAMENT:

25 MARCH

TBD

GIRLS SOCCER

@St. Thomas Aquinas

TRACK & FIELD

NEXT MEET:

MARCH

3:30 p.m.

@SMS

photo by riley eck

WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

photo by alex sajna

NEXT GAME:

26

MARCH

4 p.m.

@SMSC

9 HOLES 8 TEE TIMES

9 HOLES 9 HOLES 4 TEE TIMES 4 TEE TIMES

30 JV/VARSITY PLAYERS

13

BLUE & WHITE NEXT

TRIED OUT

ATHLETES

SENIORS NEXT MEET:

25

MARCH

MADE IT

the

150+ 50+

coach

12:30 p.m.

@KCCC

emphasizes

senior

is a no-cut team MEET: leadership in order to get the where students form underclassmen involved by leading mini teams with their 3:30 p.m. practice, leading by example and friends and compete MARCH against other East encouraging each other students @BVW

RETURNING PLAYERS

@KCCC

ON VARSITY

40 21

WED

@MHCC

THURS

EVENTS ARE

THE

MON

@IHCC

BOYS &

GIRLS IN EACH OF

photo by alex sajna

BOYS GOLF

3 3 18

THE TOP

28

SOFTBALL

5:30p.m.

32 29 8

3 p.m.

many starting players from last year aren’t able to play because of injuries like multiple ACL tears and sprained ankles

photo by francesca lorusso

photo by caroline martucci

THE ROSTER

@SMAC

BOYS TENNIS

BASEBALL

NEXT GAME:

s p r i n g sp o r t s team s

NEXT MEET:

26

“

MARCH 25, 2024 | 25

25

THE SENIORS

99

Emma Thomas - pitcher/center field Nora Herring - outfield/catcher JV PLAYERS VARSITY Sloane Collison - left field PLAYERS

26 | MARCH 25, 2024

THE HARBINGER

SPEARS OF

E

A s a t h re e t i m e n a t i o n a l c h a m p i o n from the U n i v e rs i t y o f A r ka n s a s , t h e n e w j a v e l i n coach A l ex S p r i n g e r i s h o p i n g to i m p ro v e both the v ars i t y a n d J V thro w ers

A

FTER

THREE

PERIENCE

EARNING

“Javelin is a very technical sport,” Springer

time throwers are anxious to compete at their

national

said. “I plan on setting a good foundation and

next competition on March 28. Junior and

rings

making sure to set us on the right path during

thrower Pearson Hardy already has a positive

the time that I’m here.”

introduction to throwing by making varsity for

championship with

the

University

of Arkansas with a personal-best

Taking javelin to new heights is long

throw of 65.92m, new East javelin

overdue, as East hasn’t ever placed in the

Coach

top three at state, leaving lots of room for

Alex

Springer

helps

both

returning and new throwers prepare

improvement, according to Springer.

a softball to test his arm strength, he he

During his college career, Springer

Austin Merchant sees the new coach as a

exceeded his own expectations with an over

went from not competing at all in his

vast improvement, and is ready to see where

200-foot throw — much farther than most,

sophomore year to flying up to eighth

Springer takes the team.

with an average throw of a little over 100 feet

senior year.

“I’m really glad I got to throw in college,” Springer said. “I did pretty well and I think East has some real potential right now.”

But he didn’t always have a passion for the Olympian competition — when he was in high school he was cut from his baseball team and tried out for track and field the very same day on a whim.

With his previously developed skills with throwing a baseball, he decided to give javelin a shot, leading him to become a

to

the

are new

already

Hardy decided to try out for track and field for the first time this year spontaneously, and when he had to see how far he could throw

accustomed

throwers

no previous experience.

senior

place in Razorback program history his

Former

shotput and possibly javelin in the future, with

getting

for their first varsity and JV meets on March 22 and 28.

coach,

as

“

WE’LL DO PRETTY

good, we have some good throwers with a lot of potential this year. He’s way better than last year’s coach, and for all I know, most coaches before I even went to East.

AU S TI N MERC H AN T SENIOR

being most common.

“After I threw [the softball] they told me to throw javelin,” Hardy said. “I’d never done it before but the new coach has been a big help in getting my form down right.”

Having

an

experienced

and

highly-

decorated coach is also beneficial to team morale, according to Hardy, as it’s easier to follow the instruction of someone who has three national championship rings.

The

new

optimistic

outlook

of

East’s

javelin team has encouraged every single track athletes to give javelin a shot, as there are more participants this year than there have

full-fledged athletic prospect for the class of

“We’ll do pretty good, we have some good

been in the past three years. Track promotes

2014 at Shawnee Mission Northwest as well

throwers with a lot of potential this year,”

trying new things — that’s why there’s so

as the class of 2018 with the Razorbacks.

Merchant said. “He’s way better than last

many different events.

This year, Springer is excited to set a new and improved base standard for East’s javelin program, while still focusing on the base

A B O V E Springer measures how far back the throwers are before throwing photo by amelie wong

story b y pre st o n h o o ke r

d e s ig n b y j u l i a c a m p b e l l

fundamentals of the event.

year’s coach, and for all I know, most coaches before I even went to East.”

It’s not just experienced throwers that are ready for the upcoming meets — even first-

Hardy and Merchant are just two of many throwers anxious to see how far Springer’s coaching will take the program, as throwing far and going far are one in the same.

T HROWING THROUGH COLLEGE

A ti m e l i n e o f Springer ’s javelin experience s throughout his college career at Universit y of Arkansas from 20152018

FR E S H MAN Y E AR Springer star ted his first year with a second place finish at the Arkansas Spring Invitational in the javelin throw and finished his fre shman year with a personal be st throw of 59.3 2 meters.

S OPHOMORE YEAR Springer decided not to compete.

J UN IOR YEAR Springer star ted to compete again and placed four th in his opening event and first in the javelin at the Arkansas Twilight .

SENIOR Y EAR Springer competed in eight meet s during the outdoor season and qualified for the NCA A We st Prelims for javelin.

copy b y aanya ban s al

THE HARBINGER

de s i g n by br i dget co nnelly p h o to by ma g g i e condon

CHARLIE

ROLL

HOW DID YOU GET INTO CAR DETAILING?

“IT’S KIND OF A WEIRD START. My dad was thinking of ideas of how I could make money and I was wanting to start a business and work on my own hours because that’s what he’s always taught me. So then I was like, ‘[Car detailing] is a pretty good idea.’ And then I started cleaning his car and my car and friends’ cars, and then from there, I started slowly upgrading and marketing and advertising more.”

HOW DID YOU KNOW WHAT SUPPLIES TO BUY? “AT FIRST IT WAS A SHOT IN THE DARK. I went to Home Depot and picked up a big vacuum, some cheap all purpose cleaner, a spray bottle and microfiber towels and I was like, ‘It’s probably enough for now.” But then I started watching YouTube videos and reading through forums and people were like, ‘This is the best tool for removing dog hair or blowing out the crevices’ and I was like, ‘I should get those if it speeds up the process. It’ll probably be worth the money over the long run.’ So I think the YouTube videos did actually help a lot with that.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT CAR DETAILING? “I REALLY APPRECIATE TURNING DIRTY CARS INTO CLEAN CARS. It’s just really satisfying to me. I don’t know if it’s like OCD but it’s just part of my brain. It’s like seeing a disgusting car turned into a shiny brand new looking car.”

S enior Charlie Carroll ref lect s on star ting his ca r detailing busine ss — PV Auto Deta il

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MARCH 25, 2024 | 27

28 | MARCH 25, 2024

Luck

cop y b y c h r i sti an go o l ey

THE HARBINGER

d e s ig n b y s o p h i a b ro c km e i e r

S t u d e n t s s h a re t h e i r S t . Patrick’s Day trad i ti o n s a n d I r i s h h e r i tage

MY MOM’S SIDE

SM J

a

IT

UN H M EY IOR CKINN

of the family is Irish, but we are also a mix of Scottish as well.

Our whole family gets together, and we have classic Irish food which is always amazing as well as we always go to the parades to celebrate. I love Irish culture as well as talking to other Irish people in my community.

MY FAMILY AND

I M

L

SO LIE PH BYERLY OMO RE

I always go to at least one parade in the Kansas City area then I perform [Irish dancing] in a few as well. My grandma was actually the one who signed me up for Irish dancing. [My favorite part of St. Patrick’s Day] is the happiness of the entire day as well as getting to see my family and celebrate our Irish culture together.

DID YOU ATTEND A ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 24 7 v o t e s

YES NO

11% 89%

green Fact s and statistic s about S t .

Patrick’s Day according to DMR S tatistic s

The origin of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to the early 17th Century when it was made an official Christian feast day by the Catholic Church in honor of Saint Patrick, who is believed to have died on March 17, 461 AD.

WE ALWAYS EAT

CH

SO LOE PH SWAN OMO RE

lots of Irish food, not just on the day. We normally will eat Irish food the entire week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. As well as, of course, wearing all green every year. I think [being Irish] is very unique. Every year, I like to try to read about Irish culture so I can continue learning about my heritage and the tradition.

OF AMERICANS CELEBRATE BILLION AVERAGE SPENDING

1640

THE YEAR GREEN WAS FIRST ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLIDAY