THE
harbinger...
“WE DON’T FEEL
SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 DECEMBER 18, 2023 VOLUME LXVI
S tudent s, school administration and district administration grapple to combat the pattern of
ISSUE 8
SAFE.”
ra c i s m a t E a s t a fter a v ideo of a ra c ist a tta c k on soph om ore Brey B rown went v iral nationwide
A LOOK INSIDE:
page 5...
Local legislator proposes a bill to combat fentanyl as the community rallies for control
12...
16...
The prison system needs reform amid security and racial justice concerns
Senior Nina Yun connects to her Asian culture through cooking
02 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
de sig n b y addi e mo o re
THE HARBINGER
c o v e r d e s ig n b y grey s on imm
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c o v e r p h o to b y ma s o n s a j n a
V i si t sm ehar b i nger. net to vi ew ad d i t iona l storie s, ga lle rie s, podc a st s a nd v ide os
SCAN ME WEBSITE Read an opinion on overconsumption of makeup and read a news story on the climate change initiative at smeharbinger.net
ʼnőÁƅ ěĆʼnő PRINT EDITORS K atie Murphy Greyson Imm
ONLINE EDITORS Aanya Bansal Maggie Kissick
ASST. PRINT EDITOR Addie Moore
HEAD COPY EDITORS Greyson Imm Aanya Bansal
ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Ada Lillie Worthington
HEAD PHOTO EDITORS Riley Scott Liv Madden Kenna Harrington
ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Caroline Martucci Clara Peters Amelie Wong
PHOTO MENTORS Ryan Dehan Molly Miller Paige Bean
VIDEO EDITORS Abby Lee Ryder Hendon
DESIGN EDITORS Veronica Mangine Bridget Connelly
PODCAST EDITOR Emma Krause
ART EDITOR
Bridget Connelly
ASST. ART EDITOR Caroline Daniels
EQUIPMENT MANAGER Mason Sajna
ASST. SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS
c a r to o n by wi l l gri f f i t h
Isabel Balsassaro Avery Anderson
MULTIMEDIA STAFF
COPY EDITORS
STAFF ARTISTS
Connor Vogel Libby Marsh Isabel Baldassaro Maggie Condon Luke Beil Christian Gooley Neva Hudson Avery Anderson Lyla Weeks Preston Hooker
Mary Gagen Luke Beil Paige Bean Ryan Dehan Mason Sajna Alex Sajna Emma Krause Preston Hooker Luciana Mendy
łĩěĆőĆÚÁě ÚÁŅőĩĩĢ
K atie Murphy Greyson Imm Maggie Kissick Aanya Bansal Ada Lillie Worthington Addie Moore Emmerson Winfrey Libby Marsh David Allegri STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Sophia Brockmeier Larkin Brundige Mason Sajna Lucy Wolf Alex Sajna Will Griffith STAFF WRITERS Maggie Condon Mary Gagen
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Sophia Brockmeier Mary Gagen Connor Vogel
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SOCIAL MEDIA EDITORS Maggie Kissick Bridget Connelly
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;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.
d e si g n & ar t by c a ro l in e dan i e l s
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 03
THE HARBINGER
;g ͢ ̱ < Ha ͢ ̨ 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.
DEEPER THAN
; ' Z'¨'Z S ch o o l - re l a te d ra c i s m i s s u e s , a c c o rd i n g to th e A m erica n Ps yc h o l o g i c al A s s o c i ati o n
THE TIP OF THE
ICEBERG O
STUDENTS OF COLOR ARE... MORE LIKELY TO BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM FOR MISBEHAVIOR
VER 100
While racism can be a difficult topic to address, it’s a conversation that needs to happen. Instead of watching
m a n y
with amusement, students need to speak up about the
students
issue at hand and why it matters. This could be through a
of
East
meeting or simply bringing up an issue to friends or family
period
and finding a way to take action. This way, we can address
racial
the problem head on instead of brushing it off.
out
during
fifth
protesting 28
while
watched
MORE LIKELY TO BE EXPELLED
Harbinger’s
on
Comments throughout
the
“
Nov.
785
viewers
on
the
livestream.
MORE LIKELY TO BE SUSPENDED
rolled
in
35-minute
stream, including burner accounts for students who wanted to remain anonymous: “Chocolate people going crazy.”
MORE LIKELY TO BE THE VICTIM OF IMPLICIT BIASES
comments on the live, according to a poll of 165 students.
including
walked
awareness
sc hool a nd stop u nde rpla ying the issu e
#'a
minority
LESS LIKELY TO BE PUT INTO GIFTED PROGRAMS
LESS LIKELY TO GRADUATE
S tudent s must acknowledge racism at
“Crime rates down in school.” “Three-fifths of the school showed up.”
Some students even used the protest as an excuse to
WHILE NOT ALL
East students are racist, the point is that the racist commenters were East students, and this is a real problem that shouldn’t be blindsided by how “great” East kids are. If this isn’t recognized as a problem, the problem will never be fixed.
miss class. Students that left school to get Chick-fil-A
The comments and student body’s casual
completely disrespected the cause for walking out. While
reaction to the walkout undeniably revealed
over 100 students were circling the school demanding
how deeply rooted racism at East is and
justice, others were ordering a side of fries.
how ignorant many students are to racism.
East needs to do better.
The minute that there was a platform
While not all East students are racist, the point is that
for racist comments, students rushed in
the racist commenters were East students, and this is a real
from more than 10 accounts.
problem that shouldn’t be blindsided by how “great” East
Students willing to go out of their way to
kids are. If this isn’t recognized as a problem, the problem
create fake profiles before publicly commenting
will never be fixed.
is just the tip of the iceberg of racism — dozens
As much as administrators try to rightfully punish
more students watching in classes laughed along
students, at the end of the day it’s up to the students to
while reading the sickening comments.
make the right decisions.
There was an uproar as each new comment popped
It’s the job of the student body to make other people
up. Students in the cafeteria verbally reacted with
feel like they have a safe space at school. We’re the ones
laughter and exclamations of “Good one!” as comments
walking the halls and learning in the classrooms — what we
piled on. Others quietly walked to class with their eyes
say matters. Racism is a serious issue that’s not limited to
glued to the livestream.
when East is in the news, and something needs to change.
Bystanders staying silent against the racist comments
Students need to take accountability for the racism
adds to the problem — change cannot happen without
that goes on at East, and confront those around them that
voices speaking out.
tolerate racism so we can create a safe environment for
Laughing at the comments invalidates the experiences of minority students and those protesting. It makes a significant topic seem unimportant or viewed as a joke. 83% of students at East have heard people laugh about the
minority groups at East.
storie s b y l u c i an a me n dy
Briefs...
04 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
d e s ig n b y l i b by ma rs h
inside th
FILM
S u b je c t
s the n e w IB s s w il l fo cus on next year fi lm c la
smeharbinger.net/category/news
NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY VOLUNTEERS AT Imagine That! KC MEMBERS OF THE National Art Honor Society volunteered at Imagine
The art available at the fundraiser was a variety of canvas paintings, ceramics, oil pastel works and graphite sketches.
support the organization’s Winter Art Market fundraiser. Imagine That! specializes in helping individuals with developmental
The NAHS President and senior Greyson Imm plans to continue
disabilities learn new art skills. The Winter Art Market allows the artists
similar volunteering opportunities throughout the year with other
to sell art that they’ve created through the program. And the student
art-related organizations in the community like Scraps KC and
volunteers, including senior Oliver Novo, helped distribute artists’
InterUrban Art House.
tudy productiofilm roles in fin and lm
“Everybody needs service hours, but also I feel like people want
portfolios. “It was really cool to see all of their art and how varied their views
to be a part of their community and engage in that,” Imm said.
on the world were,” Novo said. “There was a lot of talent there. It
“[NAHS] gives them the unique opportunity if they’re artists
was really eye-opening, and I’ve never really seen art that wasn’t just
inclined towards the arts that they can use that outlet to engage
traditional fine arts go into a museum before, so this was a really cool
in their community and give back to people that they might not normally interact with on a day-to-day basis.”
SENIORS WIN 28-1 IN ANNUAL POWDERPUFF FOOTBALL GAME
CHEER AND DANCE had their annual Powderpuff football game
“It’s so competitive and everyone tries so hard,” McElhinney
on Dec. 10 with cheer and dance seniors defeating the juniors. The
said. “People care a lot about that kind of game even though it’s
teams were coached by junior and senior varsity football players who
just a silly game. We had special sweatshirts and everything
performed a dance at halftime that they learned from the cheer and
made, it’s a big deal.” With students and parents watching in the crowd, the
dance members. The game started off as two-hand-touch football, but eventually got
seniors defeated the juniors with a final score of 28-7.
aggressive and the players transitioned to tackle football. According to
“I feel like this year is a lot of lasts,” senior cheer captain
senior dance captain Marin McElhinney, the game always gets heated
Lulu McKee said. “It’s been really fun each year, so I think I
between the two grades.
ended on a good note.”
NEW IB FILM CLASS WILL BE OFFERED NEXT YEAR
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE FILM will officially be a
will have discussions about how the story’s elements come
class option in the IB program at East next year, taught by English
together visually. “We are such a visual culture at the moment,” Sternberg
and Video Production teacher Jennifer Hunter. “We just need to get enrollment underway and actually see how
said. “Learning the art of visual storytelling is really
many kids enroll,” Hunter said. “So there’ll be quite a bit of planning
important, so I can only imagine how great this class will
in the spring and in the summer to get ready, but I have so many
be.” In the class students will eventually be able to make their
ideas. It’s so exciting.” During the year-long class, students will learn about the different Contextualizing and reading films will also be an aspect of the class. Students will look at scripts and analyze how the director conveys their message, what that message is and the implications
reading fi
IB
coordinator
Meredith
Sternberg,
the
film in context
explore culture athe history o nd f film
collabor ative film produc work in a tion
create a team to n origina l film
need a lot of experience to enroll. The only thing required is the interest in the art, according to Hunter. “If you like the creative side of work, you’re very visual, and something visual,” Hunter said. “I think it is a great opportunity.”
SCAN ME VIDEO
contextualization part of the class is significant because students
THE
lancer minute
lm
examine the of film art
you like the discussions and then being able to take that and get
of that message. to
own short film. Hunter will teach the technical aspects like editing, filming and connecting shots, so students don’t
production roles within the filming process.
According
product io roles n s
new experience.”
That! KC — a local arts outreach organization — on Dec. 8 and 9 to
e
Visit Instagram Reels to hear staffer Emma Krause discuss these events and see more photos
A vi de o ser i e s hi ghl i ght i ng p ho to s fro m gal l er i e s and recap p i n g re c e nt sc hool e v e nt s
LEFT
LEFT
LEFT
HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERING EVENT photo by clara peters
POWDERPUFF GAME photo by amelie wong
PHYSICS 2 REGATTA photo by riley scott
stor y by greyson i mm
d e si g n by e mme rson winfrey p h o to by al ex s a jn a
ONE PILL CAN KILL
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 05
THE HARBINGER
M i s s o u r i R e p re s entative Bill Allen pre-filed a bill on Dec. 1 to increase sentencing for delivery and distribution of
I
f e n ta n yl i n re s p onse to co m m uni t y co ncer ns regard i ng t he fentany l crisis N
RESPONSE
TO
community
concerns regarding the fentanyl crisis,
fentanyl
awareness
in
communities
and
change at the government level.
seems to be ineffective in curtailing fentanyl
advocate for access to the overdose-resetting
deaths to frustrated and grieving parents like
medication naloxone — or Narcan.
Allen
“We have grandparents raising infants
Thomas, who says they are the ones forced to
Legislation is important, Thomas asserts,
pre-filed a bill on Dec. 1 to increase
because one or more of their parents have
fight for government change as the problem
but elements of harm reduction and education
sentencing for delivery and distribution of
died from fentanyl poisoning, we have kids
worsens.
must also be implemented to prevent the
fentanyl.
dying in high schools, we even have infants
Missouri
Representative
Bill
“This is human life we’re talking about,
dying,” Thomas said. “We’re seeing teen
not
sisters,
“We’ve got to bring all of these things
is difficult to predict, he expects the bill to
deaths rise solely due to fentanyl so there [is
mothers, fathers and our children,” Thomas
to the table,” Thomas said. “So whether
reach committee within the next two months,
great] urgency to address this. What needs to
said. “We have to take this on with everything
it’s suboxone or methadone or prevention,
be voted on by the Missouri House in March
happen is immediate action.”
that we have and we haven’t been doing
education or traditional harm reduction are
Thomas first got involved with fentanyl-
that. So we’ve got to rally communities for
all the things that need to be on the table.”
related advocacy after her daughter died in
solutions. I wish it was something our federal
Missouri House Bill 1544 increases the
2018 from taking half of a counterfeit pill
government took on in the beginning.”
offense of delivering a controlled substance
believed to be prescribed to her for stomach
resulting in great bodily harm or death. Allen
pain.
and pass the Missouri Senate between April and May.
says that the bill could potentially add on 10 to 15 years in prison for those who are sentenced for distributing illicit fentanyl, a sentence that could typically be five to 10 years. “It’s not a be-all to end-all because I don’t believe any piece of legislation could
That
year,
fentanyl
killed
31,335
harm re•duc•tion
U.S.
a s e t o f p ra c t i c a l s t ra t e g i e s a n d i d e a s a i m e d a t re d u c i n g n e g a t i v e c o n s e q u e n c e s associated with drug use.
do that,” Allen said. “But this bill specifically gives prosecutors that additional tool to use.”
Though Allen says that he’s been met with slight pushback from those who have
Local parent Randy Davis has a similar
concerns that the bill will put more people in jail without solving the fentanyl problem.
son, a Mill Valley student, died from fentanyl
However, he asserts that this bill is just meant
poisoning after taking a counterfeit Percocet.
to serve a small part in supporting fentanyl
Since then, he and his wife started the Keeping
prosecution.
Clean for Coop organization visiting schools
“We know that prosecution alone isn’t
around the area including East to speak
going to stop this,” Allen said. “We learned
about the dangers of fentanyl and encourage
that back in the 80s with the war on drugs,
fentanyl safety.
it just doesn’t work. But the prosecutors
“There needs to be stronger laws, and
came to me with this bill, they thought it was
that’s what [local legislators] are trying to
important to be able to use that to charge when it’s appropriate.”
Fentanyl has been a pressing issue in the U.S. for years now — especially for teens,
fentanyl
overdose
and
work on,” Davis said. “For the dealers that
according
Fentanyl-related
continues to climb. So far, the government
are willing to put this out there knowing
Because
they
all
agree
that
not
overdose deaths among 10-to-19 year olds
has only focused on reactionary efforts to
the risk, there needs to be accountability for
legislation
can
eliminate
this
problem,
increased 182% from 2019 to 2021. Only
confiscate materials at the southern border
selling fake pills that are killing people.”
Thomas encourages people to stay safe when
recently has the government begun to take
and wider distribution of fentanyl test strips,
action due to a rapid increase in deaths,
according to Forbes. However, these actions
and
and
“You don’t get a second chance with
according to fentanyl awareness advocate
aren’t enough, according to Thomas, as illicit
public advocacy at the community level as
fentanyl poisoning,” Thomas said. “That’s
Andrea Thomas. Thomas is the founder
fentanyl is also entering the U.S. through
a
fentanyl
what I want young people to know. There’s
of Facing Fentanyl and Voices
other routes. Test strips are confusing to use
deaths. Educational advocacy programs that
no one out there that’s watching out for your
and not always effective.
reach youth like the ones Davis and Thomas
safety. There’s no safe dose of this.”
the
CDC.
for Change organizations, which
rally
for
Any
of
the
government
in
73,654
brothers,
That
deaths
to
but
Council.
to
jumped
numbers,
story, and a similar view on the issue. His
citizens, according to the National Safety number
just
crisis from worsening.
Though Allen says the legislative process
2022
action
taken
In addition to legislation, Allen, Davis Thomas
believe
preventative
that
measure
education
against
taking any un-prescribed medication.
lead are important in prevention. They also
SPILLING THE FACTS
S tat i st i c s o n t he r i sk o f tak i ng f entany l , acco rd i ng to the Drug E nfo rcem ent A d m i ni st rat i o n
73,6
fentany 54 l overdo se deaths in 202 2
539,000
2m
people 12+ misused fentanyl in 2021
fe illi ce nta gra rt ny ain l c ms de aus at es h
of
7/10ontain
c pills fake ntanyl fe
just
illiodnby 59.p6illm s seize
22 fake A in 20 the DE
06 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
d e s ig n b y grey s o n i m m
LIGHTING MENORAH THE
RE
story b y l u c y st e ph e n s
THE HARBINGER
A fte r t h e Ea s t c h a p te r o f t h e J e w i s h S t u d e nt Union began encouraging more non-Jewish members to join, members have benefited from incre a s ed p rog ra m a tte n d an c e a n d di v e rs i t y
T
HE JEWISH STUDENT Union — a club
This nationwide organization has been around since
— is planning to increase the frequency of
2002 and has been at East since 2011 with the mission
meetings due senior and club president Eve
to create an inclusive and lively environment for the Jewish teens in the school so they can learn and grow
Benditt’s work to increase group attendance. The year before Benditt stepped in to lead the club,
as a whole, according to the JSU website.
virtually and caused people to lose interest in the club, according to Benditt. “In the past, it was mostly just Jewish students,
a c a n d e l a b r u m u s e d i n J e w i s h w o r s h i p, e s p e c i a l l y o n e w i t h e i g h t b ra n c h e s a n d a c e n t ra l s o c ke t used at Hanukkah
there were probably only five or six people that JSU meetings at East start with an activity that can
regularly went,” Benditt said. by
range from eating a traditional Jewish snack like a bagel
encouraging non-Jewish students to participate in club
to building a menorah. Once the activity is completed
activities. Her work recruiting students from classes
the club discusses how they can relate the activity to
and outside activities has quadrupled the number of
the Jewish Culture, usually led by US Midwest chapter
members of the club from five to 20. Now, the club
director Maddi Fidler.
Benditt
made
it
her
goal
to
expand
JSU
holds meetings biweekly on Thursdays in room 307
“I think it’s an opportunity for non-Jewish students to learn more about their Jewish classmates and see
after school. Non-Jewish members of the club can understand more about Jewish holidays and the traditional food
that they have different practices and different values and ways of life,” Fidler said.
served on these occasions. Senior Charlie Crossley
Last year, the club wrote letters to their future
thinks the JSU is beneficial for students who aren’t
selves to be mailed to them later that year. According
Jewish to join.
to club member Elle Siegel, this activity was created to
“If you have an opportunity to learn more about
ask for forgiveness and a fresh start on New Year’s Day
something that you’re not directly part of, you should
which represents the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
probably try and gain more knowledge on [it],” Crossley
The club will also address important topics in the
said, “It’s always important just to be respectful of
Jewish
cultures around you that many people might have.”
between Israel and Palestine.
community
recently
including
the
conflict
Jewish students also like being able to connect with
“We’re all just supporting each other and everyone
students of the same culture. Senior Hallie O’Bryan
has different views on it, and that’s how it’s gonna be
likes staying active in the Jewish culture even though
for a lot of things, but the fact that everyone is there to
she doesn’t keep up with it as much as she used to
support each other is really nice,” Siegel said. To stay connected with JSU at East join their
because of her busy schedule. “I was excited to be a part of [JSU] because I’m
GroupMe and follow their Instagram:@sme_jsu.
Jewish, and I grew up Jewish,” O’Bryan said. “It’s nice
SCAN ME PROFILE Check out the activities and events that JSU does on their Instagram page
“JSU SME”
@sme_jsu
GET
INVOLVED
MEMORIES
“ “ “ “ JSU members recall some of their favorite p ar t s o f the c lu b
me•nor•ah
JSU’s attendance declined to around five members. Because of COVID all the meetings that year were held
MANY YEARS OF
to just be able to do general Judaism studies.”
connecting Jewish and non-Jewish students
THERE’S A LOT
WE STILL BRING
[activities] back to the center of the club, which is the Jewish student union and just talk about it and at least give people a chance to talk about it if they want to and educate others on it. ELLE SIEGEL SENIOR
IT’S A SAFE
space where you can talk about those issues and, I feel like no one’s gonna judge you too much, Find out how you can get but you can carry them i nvo l ved w i t h JSU at East forward in an unbiased environment which is SCAN ME GROUP interesting when you’re talking about important Join the JSU and stay up-toissues. date on when meetings are by joining the GroupMe
HALLIE O ’BRYAN SENIOR
of people who don’t know a lot about Judaism, and when I thought about the activism side of it and the education part of it, they were both really intriguing. EVE BEND IT T SENIOR
WE TALK
about Judaism, but any student is welcome to participate and be a part of it. We try to make it really fun to have different activities so the people want to come and learn more. MAD D I FID LER JSU MIDWEST CHAPT ER D IRECT OR
stor y by mary g a gen
d e si g n by bri dget connelly p h o to s by pai ge be an
LOSING
FAITH
East f e e l s t h e e f f e c t s a s t h e C h r i s t i a n c h u rc h experi e n c e s a d e c l i n e i n y o u t h a t te n d a n c e accord ing to ne w stu di e s
East c o m m u n i t y m e m b e rs re s p o n d to p o l l s abou t chu rch a t te n dan c e DO YOU REGULARLY ATTEND CHURCH * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 2 5 2 v o t e s
37%
HE CHRISTIAN CHURCH has experienced a
Judaism, Buddhism and Islam have remained at a consistent
rapid decrease in attendance, particularly in youth
following, making up 1% of religious devotees each,
over the past 50 years with a 17.1% decrease,
suggesting that the specific culture surrounding Christianity
according
has undergone the largest decline with a ratio of 17:1. That
the
World
Religion
Database’s
being said, nearly 100% of Americans considered themselves
Religious Census. The Christian community at East has also experienced a decline, according to biology teacher Craig Heeney, who
Similarly to DelGrasso, sophomore Katie Cook, who
previous role at Lee’s Summit High School. Heeney believes that the decline in religion is based on material things
in Brookside, says that attending church isn’t as valued
rather than spiritual ideals, such as time spent online rather
anymore. “I just don’t think it’s a priority anymore for our
than worshiping. “I think kids are becoming less religious, or it’s a lesser
attend church, so sometimes it’s hard to relate.”
Heeney feels that even talking about religion in schools
through activities and in messages, but with a decline of
has become contraband, where he used to be able to form
incoming pastors, finding a way to directly reach each
faith-based relationships with students.
student can be challenging according to DelGrasso.
The attendance decrease can be attributed to shifts in
“We are seeing less and less of people who are called to
cultural expectations such as church attendance as well
ministry and people who work in ministry,” DelGrasso said.
as religious trauma, according to the Director of Student
“We have less pastors coming into the workforce than we
Ministries at the Church of the Resurrection’s Leawood
used to.”
“
Sundays used to be specifically religious days where
stores were closed and families attended church together, according to DelGrasso.
“In the ‘70s, religion was still much
more part of the culture than it is
today,” DelGrasso said. “I think part
29%
of [the decrease] is just culture shift and the way people engage with that.”
71%
According to an Instagram poll of 252 people, 37% of students attend
church regularly. Freshman Halle
I THINK THE [national]
decrease is probably just a lack of prioritizing and busy schedules. With so many sports and activities, church can seem less important than all of that, which even I can struggle with at times. HALLE KLOCKE FRESHMAN
Klocke, who has been attending
Because of this, DelGrasso believes that the church has
church her whole life, attributes the
placed an emphasis on supporting youth who feel called
low number to the busy schedules
to ministry and want to be pastors by allowing them to
that come with high school.
participate in special programming, such as mission trips
“I
think
the
[national]
and various leadership roles throughout the church.
decrease is probably just a lack of
Director of Student Ministries at Old Mission Methodist
prioritizing and busy schedules,”
Church Emilyjane Eichman feels that today’s youth is
Klocke said. “With so many sports
challenged with a political climate that often pairs religion
and activities, church can seem
with anger.
less important than all of that,
“I think as Christians we have not done ourselves a lot
which even I can struggle with at
of favors,” Eichman said. “I think [Generation Z] will be the
times.”
generation that brings love of Christ and love of others back According
to
Klocke,
attending church provides
to the center of what Christianity is.” However, while Cook and Klocke feel at home, 72% of
of
students reported they have had a negative experience with
c o m m u n i t y
through her youth group
church that has caused them to stop attending, according to
and
different
perspective than some of
an Instagram poll of 138 people. Nationally, about 30% of
her peers that don’t
attend church. Klocke says
Americans, many of which previously classified as Christian,
her
is
driven by religious morals.
now identify as non-religious according to the American
I
have
Religion Census.
her
2715 West 83rd Street, Leawood, KS 66206
generation,” Cook said. “I don’t have many friends who Youth ministers strive to help students feel included
schools.”
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 3 1 8 v o t e s
LEAWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Database. is a regular attendee at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
location, Megan DelGrasso.
63%
to be Christians in 1900 according to the World Religion
acted as a sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in his
HAVE YOU HAD NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES AT CHURCH THAT HAVE CAUSED YOU TO STOP ATTENDING
YES NO
to
part of their life,” Heeney said. “I think you even see it in
EAST EXPERIENCE YES NO
T
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 07
THE HARBINGER
a
perspective
with
a
a
faith
sense
“I
feel
like
standpoint
that
some
people
don’t have,” Klocke said.
According to DelGrasso, religious trauma must be taken
“I feel lucky to have
that and to grow up in a
into account when considering how to address youth and
household that has
given me that.”
best support them, as well as the national decline of religion. non-
“Trauma is something that spans generations, and
religious Americans
has been on the rise since
it’s important to acknowledge that some people have had
the
Additionally,
the
percentage
of
1970s.
The
major decline is related to
negative experiences with church,” DelGrasso said. “So a
the
beginning
of
COVID in 2020, according
goal at our church is to help heal those wounds.”
to
the
American
Religion
Data
Archives.
08 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
story b y ave r y an de rs o n
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y b ri d ge t co n n e l l y p h o to s b y m o l l y mi l l e r
THE GIVING
SEASON
SHARE and The Columbia Brew par tnered for
their a nnual “Finals Fuel Cards” with proceeds go i ng to The Giv ing Tre e
GIVING
TREE
T h e s ta t i s t i c s o f t h i s y e a r ’s G iv in g Tre e
100 gift tags in the beginning 16 gift tags left over SHARE bought for the remaining 16 kids kids’ ages ranged from 1-13 years old
S
HARE IS PARTNERING with Columbia Brew to raise
While the original bags were not as successful as they had
money for the Veterans Community Project and Angel
hoped and kids didn’t bother to pick them up in the office during
Tree through Colombia Brew’s annual “Finals Fuel
finals week or bother to visit the coffee shop more frequently,
Cards” sale.
the switch to punch cards has been proven to bring in a large crowd during the last few days of school, according to Doane.
Parents were able to purchase cards for their students up
until Dec. 7 through a form sent out via email. Each card was $15
She noted that once caffeine was added to the equation, kids
to purchase and worth $10 at the coffee shop during finals week.
were much more likely to use their cards and parents were much
For each card purchased, a portion of the money went to SHARE
more likely to purchase them.
while the coffee shop kept the rest as profit. SHARE will use the money to buy clothing, toys and other items for families who can’t afford them this Christmas. They are partnering with the Salvation Army to find families to buy the gifts for. “The coffee shop is going to end up getting over $3,000 that they can then put back into their business,” SHARE coordinator Erin Billingsley said. “We made about $3,000 as well and that’s what we’re using to then go buy all these other things.”
“
Students received their voucher on Dec. 12 during second hour along with an optional note of encouragement from their parents or guardians. These notes included anything from a
“I use the coffee shop a lot because it’s my junior year and I
community.
IT’S [A GREAT IDEA] and it’s really fun to see it go back to the school and back to the
ERIN BILLING SLEY SHARE COORD INAT OR
basically run on caffeine,” junior Ellen Bowser said. In the past few weeks students have been able to pick up a
card from the Angel Tree set up in the front office, listing gifts
“good job” to a “you can do it.” The punch cards can be used to purchase any items up to $10,
available to purchase for a family in need. While the majority
from seasonal drinks to granola bars during first hour, second
of cards have already been claimed, SHARE will now use the
hour and seminar during finals week.
proceeds collected from the Finals Fuel Cards to purchase
500+
Christmas gifts for the remaining families. Any profit left over after these purchases will go towards FINALS FUEL CARDS WERE SOLD
Parents were also given the option to purchase a second card
building tiny houses for the Veterans Community Project. While many students will take any excuse to get a “free” coffee, for some, the idea that the proceeds go to charity has been a large incentive for buying the cards each year.
for a student in need. These extra cards were distributed to
“I really like the idea and it’s really motivating and makes
teachers to be handed out to students they feel might need the
me happy to go to school because I can use the finals fuel cards
extra boost in these next few weeks.
to get free stuff basically,” Bowser said. “I also love that part of
“It’s [a great idea] and it’s really fun to see it go back to the school and back to the community,” Billingsley said. The idea originated a few years back when there were bags filled with snacks and candy that parents could purchase for kids during finals week, according to business teacher and coffee shop supervisor Amanda Doane. Now, it has now evolved into punch cards that allow for more freedom for students to choose from the wide variety of snacks offered in the coffee shop.
it goes to charity and I think that’s fantastic because it’s good for the community while helping out the students.”
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Opinion
10 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
hot take
smeharbinger.net/opinion
COMIC STRIP a r t b y c a ro l i n e d a n i e l s
story b y kai mc phail
S ta ffer exp la ins a n u n p o p u l a r o p i n i o n a b o u t “ Pi nk F r i d ay 2” NICKI MINAJ’S NEW
d e s ig n b y ka i m c p h a i l
album — “Pink
The new “Pink Friday 2” album didn’t
Friday 2” — was not what I hoped it’d be.
resemble the original “Pink Friday,” Nicki
I had to take breaks before continuing on
Minaj’s most iconic album and one of the best
and playing the next song, the beats were
rap albums created by a female artist. There
awkward and I couldn’t listen all the way
were too many features and none of the music
down without cringing. The first few tracks I
sounded unique — all of it was sampled from
listened to I couldn’t get into at all. The music
songs that weren’t the best to begin with.
was awkward and the beat wasn’t catchy or
None of the songs in the album had Nicki as
something I could dance to, and it’s Nicki
the star, whether it was her featured artists or
Minaj of all people. I’ve been anticipating
the track, Nicki was in the background.
this album since before it was released and
Her rapping was just OK. I wasn’t wowed
the advertising was genius with the creation
by any track at all. I didn’t feel any nostalgia
of the pink world named Gag City — an AI city
from when I was a kid rapping to Nicki in the
themed around Nicki Minaj with everything
car. I love Nicki Minaj, but the album was a
pink.
big disappointment.
Ho w teens rea ct to Christmas gift s now versus before social media
this or that?
R ecen 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 opinio n s e c ti o n DO YOU BELIEVE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 6 7 v o t e s
74%
26%
tre nding topic s in me dia
* I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 3 9 v o t e s
DO YOU HAVE MORE THAN 30 SERVICE HOURS? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 5 7 v o t e s
YES NO
Polls and information about current
DO YOU EVER WEAR BOWS?
42%
58%
TAKE OUR POLLS Follow the Harbinger on social media to participate in our polls @smeharbinger
@smeharbinger
@smeharbie
@smeharbingerr
coquette
T h e i c o n i c P i n t re s t a e s t h e t i c t h a t t o o k s t o r m o n l i n e , t h e t ra d e m a r k p i n k b o w h a s b e e n p l a c e d e v e r y w h e re f ro m i n h a i r t o a n a i r p l a n e
SK INC AR E
YES NO
trending topics
korean skincare
T i k To k h a s t a ke n o v e r b e a u t y ro u t i n e s , K o re a n s k i n c a re b ra n d s h a v e b e c o m e p o p u l a r d u e t o their alleged success in clearing skin.
YES
29%
NO
71%
DO USE KOREAN SKINCARE? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 7 7 v o t e s
YES NO
20% 80%
s tor y b y lyla we eks
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 11
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by sydney ec k p h o to cour te sy of n c l 2 026 i n st a g ram
CHARITABLE S op h o m o re L y l a We e k s ta l k s a b o u t h e r
exper i e n c e w i t h Na t i o n a l C h a r i t y L e a g u e a nd w h a t s h e h a s l e ar n e d
W
ACTS
HEN I WAS in the fifth grade, I
am greeted by a rambunctious terrier, who I read
was able to become inspired by
books to as he fell asleep in my lap. Volunteering
the community I have lived in
at
my whole life. The November
dedication and love the staff and volunteers have
air blew into the Saint Michaels Veteran center
Wayside
gives
you
a
glimpse
into
the
for animals who have had unfortunate starts.
doors as I handed out toiletries to homeless
I have always favored engaging with animals
veterans. Hundreds of veterans lined up in front
because of my aunt’s previous career in veterinary
of the foldable table.
medicine. She would tell me stories about saving
An older veteran stepped forward as I handed
animals and giving them another chance at life.
him a ziploc bag full of soap and toothpaste, I
This is partially why this organization is one of
looked down at the dog tags dangling from his
the most memorable. ScrapsKC is a local nonprofit that provides
neck, then back up into his eyes. “Thank you,” his voice bellowed back at me.
resources
Two words of genuine appreciation. Two
materials like plastics and fabrics into school
words that forever changed the trajectory of my
and
education,
while
converting
supplies and other necessities.
once selfish mindset. From that point on, I knew
While packing and sorting plastics to become
I wanted to do more for the community I have
school supplies last August, I heard stories from
grown up in. I wanted to help.
the staff. They talked about their weekly visits
Fast forward to my seventh grade, when I
with the homeless community, where they would
clicked “join” on the WebEx screen in front of
pass out resources and foods. Getting to package
me. Rows of girls in my grade and their moms line
resources for children in need provides me with
the screen, with current sophomore Sloan Meyer
a sense of hope and motivation that they will
talking us through the process of the charity
receive the education they deserve.
league I had recently joined, and welcoming us to the 2026 National Charity League chapter. and daughters from seventh to twelfth grades.
products in Kansas City and in neighboring
Spanning 27 states with over 70,000 members.
areas. I have volunteered there along with my
The organization has volunteered about three
peers in my chapter to pack bags of resources
million hours nationally and annually between
for struggling families, hearing uplifting stories
6,000 charities nationally.
through the work they’ve impacted into others.
Throughout the duration of my seventh grade
Through NCL, I have gained the opportunities
year, COVID prevented me from volunteering
to further familiarize myself with the Kansas
and resulted in monthly online meetings. But
City community after living here my whole life,
when the pandemic subsided, I rediscovered my
and it has been exceptionally rewarding. I’ve
passion for helping those in need alongside the
been able to immerse myself in all backgrounds
most important person in my life, my mom.
of the city, while getting to experience being a woman in leadership as a philanthropist.
people of all backgrounds, volunteering at places
Being surrounded by groups of empowering
like Wayside Waifs, ScrapsKC, and Giving the
philanthropists and mothers has been such
Basics.
an impactful experience, and has given me
Wayside Waifs, located off Martha Truman Kansas
City.
They
have
served
more
youth
education,
canine
training
inspiration and wisdom I can carry for the rest of my life.
than
20,000 pets and people through pet adoptions, programs
and community programming like the pet food pantry. Sitting in a circle inside of the facility, I
Ly l a’s favo r i te o rga niza tions to v olu nte e r with a nd the a mou nt of hours she served this year
WAYSIDE WAIFS
Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption campus in Kansas City. It’s a No-Kill shelter who’s mission is preparing pets and people for the bond of their lives.
4
Giving the Basics is also a nonprofit that They have donated and distributed over 15 million
Road, is the largest pet adoption campus in
GIVING BACK
provides the necessities of life to people in need.
NCL is a volunteering program for mothers
I’ve been able to meet and interact with
A B O V E Lyla’s Chapter of National Charity League Class of 2026 at their annual Thanksgiving meeting and philanthropy event.
SCAN ME WEBSITE For more information about National Charity League, visit their website
HOURS SERVED
GIVING THE BASICS
Giving the Basics is a nonprofit that provides personal hygiene products to people in need. They have donated and distributed over 15,546,549 products.
SCRAPS KC
3
HOURS SERVED
ScrapsKC is a local nonprofit that provides resources and education, while converting materials like plastics and fabrics into school supplies and other necessities.
6
HOURS SERVED
12 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
THE HARBINGER
story b y pre st o n h o o ke r
d e s ig n b y b ri d ge t co n n e l l y
a r t b y c a ro l i n e d a n i e l s
NOT SECURE ENOUGH S tudent s should continuously advocate for
prison securit y reform regardle ss of whether prison v iole nc e is in the ne ws
D
EREK CHAUVIN — THE officer
races and minority groups are assigned in
Chauvin’s wasn’t even the first high-
discrimination and violence in prisons by the
who killed George Floyd — was
proximity to each other. The FBI measures
profile stabbing in recent months. Larry
intentional implementation of a wide variety
stabbed 22 times on Nov. 24 by
that approximately 26% of the jurisdictions
Nassar — the man convicted of sexually
of groups.
another
Turscak
and 44% of the prisons reported that gang
assaulting
women’s
Most importantly, something that could
in the Federal Correctional Institution in
members under their supervision were joining
national gymnastics team — was stabbed in a
improve our flawed prison system is equitable
Tucson, Arizona.
extremist groups — so security should work
Florida federal prison in July.
distribution of lawyers. The advantage of
Large
inmate
controversies
of
John
prison
“
security
to prevent cliques from forming.
and racial segregation within them are being brought up again after fading in and out of the news over the past few years with high-
profile inmate deaths like Jeffery Epstein in August 2019.
increased and reformed nationwide to keep inmates safe. It shouldn’t take dozens more headlines about prison fights, stabbings and violence before prisons invest more in guards and overall security. Prisons need systemic changes.
However, the conversation about prison security
reform
should
Advocating
for
reform
Americans,
as
5.1%
be
will of
continuous. impact
the
PRISON SECURITY SHOULD be
many
population,
including 1% of teens, will serve time in
prison at some point in their lives, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Based on this statistic, at least 70 students from East may end up serving time in prison one day.
members
of
the
US
Now, although these specific instances
having the resources to have stronger legal
were arguably deserved, protection of those
teams than the prosecution sets the system up
that are targeted due to racial affiliations is
for inequality. By limiting resources of both
something that needs to be abolished.
the prosecution and the defense, the playing
The
largest
issue
system
would
be
presented
an
increase
with in
this
prison
field could be leveled out, making for more honest and reflective sentencing.
violence, though this could be easily avoided
The real weight lies on the shoulders of
with an overall increase in surveillance as the
those prosecuting and overseeing the set
second solution.
punishments. If we legitimately wanted to fix
The
use
of
cameras
and
guard
prison security we would have to do something
implementations would act as a stricter way
about
to ensure no make-shift weapons are made,
the disproportionate amount of minorities
like the one used to stab Chauvin. Something
currently
as simple as replacing cameras to higher
demoralization within them.
quality,
having
more
on-sight
the
sentencing, in
prison,
as
statistics
contributing
to
show the
security
Racism and a lack of prison security go
guards watching over said cameras and a
hand in hand, and if we eliminate one of the
Prison security should be increased and
By eliminating the ability to conspire
more efficient system of keeping track of any
issues, one is bound to better the other within
reformed nationwide to keep inmates safe. It
against other groups, there will be much less
and all belongings of inmates — specifically
the prisons. By contacting representatives as
shouldn’t take dozens more headlines about
motive for inmates to harm one-another.
utensils.
well as informing many of the issue, a real
prison fights, stabbings and violence before
Racism thrives in prisons and has been
Not
addressing
the
lack
of
security
prisons invest more in guards and overall
ignored, with no clear action taken towards
especially when it can be solved by something
change can be made. It’s hard to empathize with criminals,
security. Prisons need systemic changes.
change. It’s as if there isn’t a will to change at
as simple as the integration and elimination of
especially those that are racist. But we cannot
There needs to be a large integration act
all, as the inmates are dehumanized because
conspiring against other inmates leaves more
lower ourselves to the moral stature of those
involving assigned seating, cellmates and
of their actions. I understand that the changes
room for more violent events. Regardless
currently convicted and must prioritize fair
activity-based practices in which different
would be costly, yet attacks are constantly
of ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation,
sentencing.
happening and it’s just as prevalent as ever.
there needs to be something to prevent
PRISON BREAKDOWN
13 763 %
O F U. S . P O P U L AT I O N I S B L AC K
P R I S O N I N C A R C E R AT I O N R AT E F O R N AT I V E P E O P L E V S N AT I O N A S A W H O L E
vs. 350 per 100,000
48 37 %
S tatistic s about incarceration as of 202 3 according to The National A sso ci at i o n f o r t he A d vancement of Colored People
%
OF AMERICANS SERVING LIFE IN PRISON ARE BLACK
OF PEOPLE IN PRISON OR JAIL ARE BLACK
2.8
MILLION BLACK AMERICANS WERE ARRESTED IN 2018
30 %
O F A M E R I C A N S O N P R O B AT I O N A R E BLACK
de s ign by veroni ca mangi ne photos by li v madde n
smeharbinger.net/category/feature
Feature
THIS ISSUE I N
photos
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 13
WHERE IN THE
WORLD? S tudent s traveling out of the c ou ntry for winte r bre a k
A look inside student life at East in the past two weeks of school
ABIGAIL LONG | SENIOR
“
I’M GOING TO Belize this year for winter break. We went last year and my mom loved it, so we’re going again with my grandparents and cousins. I really like going there because the weather is so nice. MACAULEY DOUGLASS | SOPHOMORE
T O P Senior Finn Marien-McManus struggles to keep his boat afloat during the AP Physics 2 Regatta. photo by amelie wong
IT’S THE
FINALS
COUNTDOWN Students share their tips and tricks on studying for finals week
T O P Juniors Russell Revare and Graham Rigsby work on their final project for Honors Engineering Principles class.
B O T T O M Senior Jack Kessler delivers chocolatecovered pretzels from StuCo to custodian Price Wright.
photo by mason sajna
photo by caroline martucci
“
WE GOT A house in Costa Rica two years ago. This is going to be my third time going. My house is pretty modern, and it’s beachside so you get a good view. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to go.
L I LY I V ES
AL EX AN DRUK
CLAIRE GOETTSCH
SOPHOMORE
JUNIOR
SENIOR
“
I PRIORITIZE WHICH of my
classes I need to get a better score on. Then I split up my time according to that, and I spend the most time on my harder classes.
“
I’M PROBABLY JUST going
to study the night before. I’m a procrastinator but I know I’m going to do good, so I don’t really worry about it. You can’t fail finals, I think it’s impossible.
“
DURING FINALS WEEK, getting
together with my friends to study at someone’s house or a coffee shop and being with my friends makes studying more fun. It’s nice to be able to get help from them.
p h o to by ma son s a jna
A
MID
NATIONAL
TURNING POINT THE HARBINGER
s to r y & d e s ign by katie mu rphy
A
MEDIA
attention
following a viral racist attack on Nov. 15,
Student s, school adm combat the patt ern
sophomore Brey Bro
Usually we have five really interested people and then
Olathe, Park Hill and Lee Summit leading to policy
discrimination
they each bring a friend.”
changes, according to Sorrell.
which outlines SMSD’s co
policy
ca
minority students spark community-wide
Rios and Taylor are currently working with other
“The media attention was a good thing because it
environment “free from d
discussion about how to combat underlying
students and teachers to start a Multicultural Student
encouraged students to stand up for themselves, even
and retaliation.” The policy
normalized racism at East moving forward through
Union, taking inspiration from Shawnee Mission and
from different schools,” Brown said. “I’ve known
form of discrimination” inc
awareness, clubs and policy at the student, school and
Olathe School District friends in Black Student Unions
about racism at East for years. Even my freshman year,
name-calling, hostile action
district levels.
and Latinos of Tomorrow Clubs. Race Project KC’s goal
I was walking in the hallways and heard people yelling
harassment” is the only
“The video was just a turning point,” senior Jax
is to educate students about local racial issues, but
racial slurs, like saying the N word with a hard R. This
distinguished definition und
Taylor, a Black student who spoke at the student-led
the MSU will be a safe space for students to celebrate
year, it’s not going to get swept under the rug.”
walkout on Nov. 28, said. “If people never get called
their cultures and discuss personal experiences. Their
Rios, Taylor and other minority students are calling
harassment,” Rios said. “T
out, they’ll keep thinking that what they’re doing is
ultimate goal is to start a program that will be passed
for the district to update their disciplinary policies. All
that clear, so that students
OK. They might make fun of you, which sucks, and
down to underclassmen and sustained indefinitely,
SMSD administrators follow a standard disciplinary
is and the repercussions.”
they might not change. But they could. We called
but they believe that will take more student support
matrix listing offenses from Level 1 to 4 with
Hubbard says that, if d
someone out for making jokes at the walkout, and he
than they currently have.
recommended consequences ranging from “Informal
changes could happen in
“Racism
is
a
whole
“The lack of general student support, the lack of
Talk by the Staff Member” to “Expulsion.” According
policy change would like
During senior Natalia Rios’ sophomore year, a
teachers of color, the lack of resources is frustrating,”
to Associate Principal Kristoffer Barikmo, the use of
hasn’t received a list of dem
student told her she “crawled across the border and
Rios said. “We just want to have a safe environment
racist slurs currently falls under the Level 3.12 offense
group and believes that th
ran past border patrol” to get to East. She’s Latino
for students of color where they can go to talk about
labeled “Significant disrespect, use of obscene or
East’s administration an o
and has been called a bea*** and alien in the halls.
issues. It wouldn’t be a group closed off just for people
profane language (verbal or written) or gestures.”
this problem directly with k
Junior Kevin Gomez received an anonymous voicemail
of color. We want everyone who cares about safety at
“Racist slurs go so above and beyond ‘significant
telling him to “go back to where he came from.” Both
school. We don’t really have the best way to go about it
disrespect,’” Rios said. “Slurs go back to slavery,
Rios and Gomez spoke at the walkout and believe
right now because it’s hard to get through to students
segregation, Operation Wetback, Latino lynchings.
protest outside of the distr
that racism stems from insensitivity about minority
in East’s culture.”
apologized.”
relationship with.” Since
the
student-led
There’s history behind these things being said that
Achievement, Principal Jaso
East’s culture is in the national spotlight after
runs deep that isn’t being taken seriously enough. We
with student organizers to
“Other students think stereotypes are funny, but
a video of a white student calling sophomore Brey
need to get through to the district to make sure that
racism.
we take it seriously and get upset,” Gomez said. “If
Brown, who is Black, slurs and pushing her was posted
they’re reviewing their policies.”
anybody doesn’t know why we are upset, they should
on a Black news media outlet, the KC Defender, on
ask us this question: ‘Why does this upset you?’ And
Nov. 28. The Instagram post has over 23,000 likes.
cultures.
“To this point, we’ve s
The students plan to send a letter to the school board
messages,” Peres said. “We
this week. Superintendent Michelle Hubbard believes
talk about it. We’re focused
Since then, outlets like NBC News and Daily Mail
that district administration’s role in combating racism
point.”
Rios says the main issue at East is the lack of a
also covered Brown’s story after her nose was broken
is to work with the school board on policy and ensure
support system for minority students. Though she
during the fight and she was suspended. The white
that the student handbook clearly conveys that racism
students become desensitiz
appreciates existing programs like Race Project KC
male
has no place in SMSD.
age, so they’re asking for
and Youth Equity Stewardship, she notices issues
school are confidential, but he has since been charged
like low membership levels, lack of public promotion
with felony aggravated battery.
we will explain. We want people to learn.”
student’s
disciplinary
consequences
within
Taylor,
Gomez
and
o
“I want to be very clear that the incident [in the
school representatives to gi
video] is unacceptable and should never take place in
Hills Middle School about w
and inconsistency of events. English teacher and YES
“If the school doesn’t want to have national media
our schools,” Hubbard said. “With that being said,
and how to denormalize
Sponsor Samantha Feinberg has been working to
coverage, then they should’ve addressed the culture
we have to continue to look at our policies and our
who is Black, has attend
improve diversity, equity and inclusion programming
of racism decades ago and been more proactive,” KC
practices to ensure that they’re inclusive. I’m not
at East since co-founding Race Project KC in 2014.
Defender Executive Director Ryan Sorrell said. “Some
saying that I believe our handbook is wrong, we’re
[East] students told me that they’ve been called slurs
going to need to dig into that deeper. I want to make
and slaves at school since they were freshmen.”
sure that we have student, staff and community voices
“Last year, [Race Project KC] was mostly Black female students,” Feinberg said. “Two years ago, we had more white students and were like, ‘Gosh, we need
The KC Defender has broken other stories involving
to get more students of color involved in this group.’
racist incidents within local school districts like
L E F T Sophomore Brey Brown and her family face local newscasters at the student-led protest on Nov. 30. B E L O W Junior Kevin Gomez is interviewed by Fox4 news. photo by amelie wong, clara peters
in
that
conversation.
I
anticipate
that will happen through strategic planning.” Students
who
planned
the
walkout are also calling for revision n o n -
to
the
district’s
...
NEWS
m i nistration a n d d i s t r i c t a d m i n i s t ra t i o n g ra p p l e t o o f racism at Ea s t a ft e r a v i d e o o f a ra c i s t a t t a c k on
ow n went viral n at io n w ide
alled
Board
Policy
AC,
Review SMSD’s disciplinary matrix established by district administration
SCAN FOR POLICY
administration and is still frustrated.
Review SMSD’s nondiscrimination policy
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 15
SCAN TO LEARN
Explore the National Education Association’s resource library about implicit bias and microaggressions
little things that might seem funny, but once you
and their families can apply to serve on the steering
ommitment to creating an
“[Administrators] kept saying, ‘I hear you, and
tolerate that, it leads to bigger situations, slurs, actual
committee via Google Form open Jan. 4-12. Sinclair
discrimination, harassment
there’s nothing we can do,’” Nelson said. “There’s
violence,” Rios said. “It always starts with the jokes.
hopes that students will also voice concerns in a
y defines harassment as “a
been many people before us asking for assemblies,
Even after the video went viral, to see students leaving
ThoughtExchange survey that will be sent via email
cluding, but not limited to,
class meetings and speeches about [diversity, equity
comments, still not grasping the magnitude of the
in January.
ns and racist slurs. “Sexual
and inclusion], but they keep saying it takes time. It
situation makes a lot of us almost want to give up. The
“Strong affirmation from our community that
term outlined as a fully
doesn’t take 20 years to make an assembly against
support from South really helps, but I wish more of
we need to continue this work in diversity, equity,
der “harassment.”
racism.”
that support was coming from students within East.”
inclusion and belonging is important,” Sinclair said.
from
She remembers the school-wide assembly raising
On Nov. 30, Shawnee Mission South senior Ace
“I’d hope that that remains a really critical priority for
The district needs to make
awareness about fentanyl use last year and questions
Cofield organized a walkout in support of Brown
our community and it’d be very valuable to hear that
s know how serious racism
why an assembly raising awareness about racism
with more than 1000 student attendees who were
[in survey results].”
hasn’t been given before. Also, she finds East’s
all excused from class by their principal without
In the meantime, East’s Student Body President
deemed necessary, practice
response to racism lackluster compared to other high
prompting, according to Cofield. The fewer than 200
senior Jack Kessler is “sickened by the blatant and
the next few months but
schools like those in the Olathe School District.
students who attended the East walkout the week prior
disgusting displays of racism and prejudice that have
received absences from their classes.
been displayed by students at East,” but he has hope
e
separate
thing
ely occur in August. She
Following a viral racist incident at Olathe South
mands from an East student
in May, the district moved any harassment including
he district needs to “give
racist “comments, jokes and slurs” from a Class II to
couldn’t just go to school like nothing happened. It
opportunity to help solve
a Class III offense — with mandatory law enforcement
started self reflection for a lot of people at South. It’s
“[StuCo is] talking about plans for the day Brey
kids they know and have a
notification — in their Student Code of Conduct. The
[East’s] fight but we’re a community and will stay in
returns back to school to have stickers to hand out to
change was finalized by the school board on July 13.
support of the East students.”
students and have chalk on the entrances and make
d
walkout
and
Nov.
“The
video
was
disturbing,”
Cofield
said.
“I
that students can come together to support those who do not feel safe at school.
30
“One of my questions [during a meeting] was, if
Cofield feels safe at South partly because he feels
rict’s Center for Academic
Olathe was able to change their policies, and make the
comfortable confiding in many of his teachers, both
on Peres has held meetings
punishments for racism stronger, then why can’t we?”
Black and white. Taylor wishes there were more Black
o discuss ways to combat
Nelson said.
teachers at East.
Nelson, Rios, Taylor, Gomez and others are upset
According to the district’s Employee Demographic
sent out three community
by the student body’s reaction to the movement as
Dashboard, 95% of certified SMSD employees are
“StuCo’s Instagram started getting comments from
e need to do more than just
well. More than a dozen students anonymously left
white. Out of 2,113 certified employees, 29 are Black,
people nationally who don’t go to East, even some
d on actionable steps at this
racist
53 are Hispanic and 23 are Asian or Pacific Islander.
random guy in Portugal, saying that we’re all racists
Hubbard says that the district is committed to hiring
here,” Hill said. “I started hearing people at school
comments
on
The
Harbinger’s
livestream of the walkout.
others
believe
that
a supportive environment to make her feel welcome back,” Kessler said. Student Body Secretary senior Nora Hill reached out to Taylor personally to ask what StuCo can do to combat racism following the walkout.
East
“After the walkout, I saw screenshots from the
diverse teachers through initiatives like Grow Your
talking about how they couldn’t believe that people
zed to racism at a young
livestream where other students were calling us
Own — a program encouraging alumni to teach in
who get chosen for dance courts and in leadership
East to send diverse high
the hard ‘R’ and saying things like, ‘Where’s police
SMSD post-college graduation.
positions at East have said nothing. That’s when I
ive presentations at Indian
brutality when you need it?’” Taylor said. “These are
“We’ve had a huge effort on [hiring diverse
realized that as a senior leader of East, I can’t stay
why racism is unacceptable
people who go to my school, who are walking around
teachers] for the last two or three years and we will
silent. Student leaders need to be advocates and teach
it. Junior Sanaia Nelson,
me in the hallways. This is how they think? It’s
continue that effort,” Hubbard said. “But every school
others that words matter.”
unnerving and scary.”
district is saying that and so we’re all competing
Rios hopes students will be more willing to listen
@smebarstool
for the same candidates. And if you look at college
and less defensive if confronted about racism. Taylor
that shares weekly memes for 1,200 followers also
graduates, there is just not a large number of diverse
believes it’s hard to react to racism because any
posted a photo of Peres standing with students
candidates.”
reaction can come off as “incorrect,” and he worries
ded meetings with school
An
account
called
protesting in the background captioned, “Principal P
School Board President Mary Sinclair recommends
about coming across as “aggressive” or “angry.”
standing on business” on Dec. 1. Rios
that students send grievances, demands or other
Brown agrees that there’s no easy way to react to
messages to Peres or email them directly to a board
racism, and she believes that she shouldn’t have been
member.
suspended for acting in self defense.
was disheartened by the post. “It
starts
She
believes
that
the
Board’s
role
in
with the
combating racism is to “continuously filter decisions
“I don’t want to come back yet because I don’t
jokes
through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion,”
feel safe at all at school,” Brown said. “I don’t feel
a n d
while ensuring that equitable policies are in place and
comfortable.”
consistently being followed.
Rios ultimately believes that administration and
“When it comes to the development of a discipline matrix and policies, as a volunteer board member,
adults can only do so much to combat racism, and students need to consciously bring change.
I think it’s super important that I rely on the
“I’m so open to answering any questions from
professional educators and the process in the district
anyone talking to anyone and wanting to help,” Rios
to see whether or not a change needs to be made,”
said. “If anyone has any questions, they can go to
Sinclair said.
anyone who helped with the walkout for sure and ask.
Both
Sinclair
and
Hubbard
urge
students
to
We want to talk and help students understand. This
provide input for SMSD’s new Strategic Plan that
isn’t a ‘us versus the community’ type of thing. This
will serve and guide the district from 2024 through
is a ‘please have our backs and stand with this’ thing.”
2029. Development begins next month, and students
sto r y by aanya ban s a l de s i g n by g reyson i mm p h o to s by ke n n a h ar ri ng t on
LET
HER
T
COOK! THE HARBINGER
HE FRIED RICE was sizzling
tofu soup and gnocchi the next. All from scratch.
S enior Nina Yun connect s to her A sian culture through cooking tra ditiona l re c ipe s for the first time, Nina goes online to find the most
on the stove. The cheesecake
“I get food inspiration ideas from restaurants I
was cooling on the counter.
go to and videos I see online, and I’m like, ‘Oh, that
authentic recipe possible. Over time, she’s learned how
The TV was playing “Star
looks good, maybe I’ll just cook that up,’” Nina
recipes and original ones — making sure her meals
Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” Senior Nina
said. “Or if I’m craving something, then I’ll cook
are filled with the ingredients and spices that the
Yun was prepped and ready to feast.
it. So really whatever I’m hungry for inspires me.”
unauthentic recipes lack.
to
distinguish
between
“Americanized”
Because of the unusual time of day, Nina cooks
“Being able to make foods that [our Asian side
Nina scooped some rice into a bowl
for herself — it wouldn’t make sense to put a fresh
of the family] makes or try foods from even other
and took her usual spot on the leftmost
bowl of noodles into the fridge for her family to
cultures I think is really cool,” Ella said.
lounge chair. After all, it was the best
eat later.
It was 3 a.m.
seat in the living room with an adjacent table and direct view of the TV. Cooking on weekends late at night — anywhere from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. — allows Nina full access to the kitchen without
Something that Ella doesn’t agree with is Nina’s
“What she does is kind of a mystery to me,”
timing.
Nina’s twin sister Ella said. “I genuinely do not
“I’m on a normal sleep schedule like a normal
know what she eats. She’ll be like, ‘Oh, I made
person and eating meals at 2 a.m. is just not really
this,’ and I’m like ‘When?’”
my thing,” Ella said.
Nina scrutinizes over chili oil and rice flour
cheesecake and macarons that Nina puts in the
chooses to prepare Asian dishes — giving her a
for the 888 International Market — with her dad.
fridge for safekeeping rather than fresh Korean
tasteful meal while connecting her to her Korean,
Ever since COVID when she had extra free time
gyeran bap — rice with fried egg — late at night.
to grow her love for cooking, Nina has claimed a
I’VE HAD TO
Chinese and Hawaiian heritage.
on trips to “the Asian Market”
Because of this, Ella snacks on desserts like
— her nickname
the intrusion of a family member. She often
“
“I’ve had to explore it on my own because
corner of the pantry for her non-perishable items
none of my grandparents are living and we
like noodles, Japanese nori or seaweed sheets and
live really far away from our family,” Nina
Japanese dashi stock to the point that she has the
said. “Also Asian people do not have recipes.
ingredients to create “nearly any Asian meal except
They have to show you how to do it. But
for meat.”
since [my family isn’t] here, they
While wandering the aisles of the Asian market,
can’t show me how to do it. So I
Nina sees anything from aloe vera leaves to duck
have to teach myself.”
legs. Along with food items, she’s also bought her
She makes Korean tteokbokki rice
cakes
pudding
and
sticky
toffee
one night and K o r e a n
pots and chopsticks from the market.
wok
explore it on my own because none of my grandparents are living and we live really far away from our family
NINA Y UN SENIOR
Though Nina wishes she could cook whatever
a bowl-shaped frying pan used typically in Chinese cooking
she wants, she does have some restrictions. Her dad has forbidden her to make kimchi — Korean sauerkraut — because “it’s very fragrant” and
“I got my wok from there,” Nina said. “[My parents] keep using my wok, they keep stealing
makes the whole house smell like fermented cabbage.
it because it’s the perfect size wok. It can
Nina hopes to one day make her own kimchi
fit small things, but is big enough for larger
as well as seafood like escargot, duck confit,
things. I’m taking it to college with me.”
charbroiled oysters, crab cakes, butterfish and
Nina’s authenticity doesn’t stop with her choice of cooking pan. When she makes a dish
black cod once she travels to a more seafoodaccessible city for college.
STEPPING INTO THE KITCHEN
Ni na’s favo r i te reci p e s, ho w l ong e a c h ta ke s, a nd how ma ny time s she’s ma de it
sundubu-jji-
gnocchi
30 mins 25 times Korean 50 mins 30 times Italian
sticky toffee pudding 70 mins
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 17
FEATURE
L E F T Nina Yun prepares sundubu-jjigae by cutting green and white onions. “ They ’re pretty much in all Asian recipes,” Nina said. “ They ’re kind of a fundamental ingredient.” photo by kenna harrington B E L O W The ingredients for Nina’s sundubu-jjigae, all of which are Asian, sit ready for use. “I get all of the Asian stuff from the Asian market,” Nina said. “I used to have to just wander around to find them but now I know where they all are through months of trials and tribulations.” photo by kenna harrington
L E F T During and after Nina cooks, she always makes sure to have a show or movie on the TV. “I usually watch something like ‘Star Wars’ or something that I have seen before so I don’t have to pay attention, but it’s still mildly entertaining. photo by kenna harrington
L E F T Nina pours the dashi stock into the sundubu-jjigae. “It is a soup base for a lot of Asian soups because it gives it the right flavor.” photo by kenna harrington
SCAN ME GALLERY Scan the QR code to purchase photos from this photostory
W 18 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
THE HARBINGER
MUSEUMS REIMAGINED
story b y so ph i a bro c kme i e r
d e s ig n b y z a n e l a i n g p h o to s b y s o p h i a b ro c kme i e r
T h e Ne l s o n A t k i n s M u s e um of Ar t ’s Teen Council host s event s including an annual f a s h i o n s h o w to i n s p i re o t her y o ung ad ul t s to vi si t o r d i sp l ay t hei r ar t w o r k
run it.” if you n fill out . One of the m is hio n Sho w, the Tee of que stio ns tha t you In add itio n to the Fas e tim and get bud Nig ht less of Mic ard n reg Ope nt ly eve nth any mo t cou ld hos Cou ncil org ani zes a be s-c ros s on the ork t a fash ion sho w wou ld to her self as she sat cris ce to pre sen t the ir artw and I had alw ays tho ugh to allo w teen s a spa 00 2,0 ing plac t m, pas roo the bed In her of ed. floo r anc e bas so so coo l.” — visu al or per form ivid ual ly on a ed kin s Tee n Fas hio n lain -At exp son try, Nel poe ual ann Swa rov ski cry stal s ind tten slam The sec ond ind ivid ual s hav e wri on rly an intr icat e grid des ign . 3 and sho wca sed nea 1mm -wi de line mak ing or sun g kar aok e. Sho w was hel d on Dec ting pain ir the . The . des ign ers and mo dels mic nig hts ,” Red a said the plas tic bod ice. 20 loca l hig h sch ool “I just love the ope n ired by a insp ss ncil dre cou a te of crea lot . a to bec aus e Just one mor e row pro mp t eac h yea r is “It’ s rea lly inte rest ing the Nel son . Eac h d of ed into two mo re and nds com e and it’s kin cur ren tly on exh ibit at frie As one mo re row turn ir ting the pain and s ber mem ly mad e pro gre ss on d by a loca l teen — usu ally slow dele re’s a mo The Red and us. re, ed mo for e ign ty des thre par the n dre ss is just like a big sill y 3 was mak ing for the 202 s to crea te the ir piec e. a whi te silk y dre ss she eac h spe ndi ng mo nth lots of kar aok e.” a: w Red Sho by in hio n Sho w — run d afte r the Fas hio n Nig ht wil l tak e plac e A Q&A ses sion is hel Nel son -At kin s Tee n Fas The nex t Ope n Mic ce . ien ncil aud Cou n for n s Tee Tee dels kin mo the -At in ir son be the to Nel e and the hav of ’t don a mem ber wit h des ign ers Jan uar y 202 4 — teen s s. sen ts opp ortu niti es for ut the crea tive pro ces pre abo re ncil mo Cou n n lear Tee to s e. The mem ber Cou ncil to par tici pat who sho w s rest s to Red a — tho se er has des ign ed in the gre at bec aus e it’s teen teen s wit h sim ilar inte Sop hom ore Maz ie Alb “Op en Mic Nig ht is the this ugh del thro mo to nity like an mu be beg com to ir and nt the rs mea in s rea lly wan t to eng age for the pas t two yea onl y,” Bel lew said . “It’ Eas t, t rep rese nta tive from s to say wha t the y wan teen r. for arts . Red a, the onl y ce yea spa ate priv a at the Nel son , sing ing e in the init iati ve in som eth ing ly e plac tak eek cial to biw spe ited a ting exc It’s . mee so “I was enj oys and exp ress the mse lves wit h lly left to ing new pro ject idea s ut bec aus e I nev er rea go and just kin d of be kar aok e and bra inst orm I was so pas sion ate abo mu seu m for teen s to she ,” ing ore ls bef som eth skil — my city off the w sho und aro ally oth er teen s from had a cha nce to actu the ir own dev ices .” -op eni ng exp erie nce nal art clas s at Eas t. ly on the Nel son Atk ins said . “It was a sup er eye er doe sn’ t get in a trad itio Alb Red a urg es oth ers to app and talk abo ut [my r, Tee n Pro gra ms, has me age see Man e , 4 whe n app lica tion s com lew 202 Bel ple ust nt peo e Aug Bre to hav Mu seu m web site in for 11 ncil Cou n Tee it.” the h wit for s ope n. bee n the sup erv isor dre ss] and tak e pict ure for the upc om ing yea r er ncil ’s the sho w as a des ign isti cs beh ind the cou is just one of lly rea Red a, bot h inv olve d in yea rs and man age s log ncil Cou “Th e to wal k on the nity ortu opp the had my life righ t eve nts . and a mo del, my favo rite thin gs in tim ent is tha t mu seu ms e in the plan nin g asp ect sen l pat era tici gen par as the l k ns the wel thin as mea “I run way now ,” Red a said . “It . te dre ss insp ired by of fash ion ,” Bel lew said to eve nt. She mad e a whi able be the hav e kin d of gon e out to of wor ld to me s to Wat er of the Riv er s the exp erti se of teen ting “Iri s Car ryin g the ns ope pain “Th e Tee n Cou ncil get the and e par tici pat s and t we can do to get teen the God s to Swe ar By” y hel p us figu re out wha Sty x to Oly mp us for my eye s to so man ice. bod tic plas a m.” stal s to ing peo ple. inte rest ed in the mu seu rest add ed tho usa nds of cry inte nt, ere diff l loca s idea s to eng age ove rwh elm ed at all, ryb ody The Cou ncil bra inst orm “I rea lly did n’t feel I abs olu tely ado re eve n Sho w —a hio Fas n Tee Red a said , “I alw ays ual s,” ann side h ncil Cou the you th suc h as the on bec aus e I had bot n bee tha t I’ve just rea lly fun to 1 by Red a. t was goi ng on. It was wha w pro ject star ted in 202 kne h.” wit a to kin d of my bab y,” Red ds in it as mu ch as I got “Th e fash ion sho w was be able to hav e my han a list pin g re’s hel the t’s , tha ncil e cou eon the som to as said . “W hen you app ly as a des ign er and also
S
DA mu tter ed EN IOR AN NABE LLE RE
DRESSMAKING 101
1
There are many different kinds of knits. Choose one type of fabric and stick with it.
2
3
An extremely over-simplifi ed introduction to sewing your own dre ss
There are also an endless amount of patterns. Maybe ask a friend or relative to help pick one out.
Take your time during the process. It can be broken down over the course of a week too. Have fun!
B E L O W Sophomore Mazie Alber shows off her dress on stage.
d e si g n by veron i ca mangine p h o to s by pai ge be an
THE SETUP
A loo k i n s i d e o f B o s s u n g’s a p a r t m e n t a n d h er u nco nv ent io nal c e ra m i c s s p ac e
carolyn DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 19
THE HARBINGER
bossung S cience teacher Carolyn Bossung put a pottery wheel in her dining room and throws on it in he r fre e time
“
What initially sparked your interest in ceramics and pottery?
I DID A a summer camp where we did ceramics wheel throwing, and I thought it was the coolest thing. The process of taking something that means nothing and that is just dirt into something you can use and something you can look at is super cool.
Can you share the story behind the pottery wheel in your dining room?
“
WHEN I WAS in this pottery class at the KC Clay Guild, I was around people when I was in a vulnerable state of trying to create, I didn’t love that. I put out a notification on Facebook Marketplace for a pottery wheel and I ended up buying it. The only real space I had was in my dining room, and that’s where I do it now.
Where do you draw inspiration for your pottery?
KC Clay Guild 200 W 74th St, Kansas City MO SCAN ME SIGN UP Visit KC Clay Guild’s website to sign up for ceramics classes
“
I LIKE THE really organic form. I like things to have curves. I think my love for nature and science inspires me. I’ve used plants to do impressions and I’m just really inspired by nature.
20 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
A & E...
de s ig n by so ph i a bro c kme i e r ph o to s co ur te s y o f i mdb.co m & r i l ey scott 7 p.m.
DEC. 17
kc symphony festival
MEAN GIRLS
Mark your calendars for
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
See how senior Tessa Herring creates “mixed media books” as part of her art portfolio class
When: Jan. 12
L E F T Herring uses a glass sheet and box knife to cut through pages of the book five sheets at a time.
Where: Theaters
Genre:
nutcracker ballet
UPCOMING EVENTS events in KC
smeharbinger.net/category/a&e
NEW RELEASES
DEC. 1-24
Comedy, Musical
“
I’M A REALLY
big reader and I think the most magical thing is a story. I just found an old book that I didn’t use anymore and I took a box cutter and carved it out for five or six hours. I was trying to go [a theme of] how sometimes instead of facing our problems head on we like to distract ourselves and go into story worlds such as reading.
TESSA HERRING SENIOR
BEHIND THE COVER
“
THE PROMPT:
I have always loved the musical ‘Mean Girls’ because we love theatre. I haven’t seen the Broadway version but I did watch a video. I’m really excited to see Reneé Rapp and Christopher Briney [in the movie]. LEXI MADDEN FRESHMAN
ARE YOU PLANNING ON WATCHING “MEAN GIRLS?” * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 5 6 v o t e s
YES NO
magical and mysterious
MY FRIENDS AND
64% 36%
THE BEEKEEPER
When: Jan. 12
Length:
1 hr 45 min
Where: Theaters
Genre:
Action, Thriller
THE BOOK:
Star Wars: Aftermath
THE INSPIRATION: Pinterest feed
R I G H T The final product features printed photos, wire and watercolored pages of the book.
THE SEARCH:
“Aesthetic Mushroom”
LIGHT TOUR The two best spots in Kansas City to look at holiday lights
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA 4706 BROADWAY STATE LINE ROAD, KANSAS CITY MO
“
WESTWOOD WESTWOOD HILLS MISSION WOODS
MY FAMILY
and I have gone every year to State Line Road since I was born. I like the houses that have red and white lines along the outline of their roof like gingerbread houses. I also like the long red lights that are strung across the lawn like lasers in a spy movie. One time my aunt even got us a limo to ride in. GABRIELLE HIGGINS SOPHOMORE
STATE LINE RD.
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
PLAZA AREA
s tor y by ma g gi e ki ssi c k
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 21
THE HARBINGER
d e si g n by l orel e i g alle s
LOVE
p h o to s by l i v madden
ON THE PAGE U n d e r t h e C o v e r — a b o o k s to re t h a t s e l ls exclusively romance
nov e ls — ha s a di v e rs e s e l e c ti o n o f b o o k s fo r ever y ro m ance l o ver
INTRO
THE ROMANCE book genre has single handedly revived my love for reading. After accidentally being put on BookTok — a side of TikTok devoted to sharing book recommendations — a year ago, I’ve loved reading all types of romance novels — from “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover to “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood. So when I heard about Under the Cover — a new bookstore in midtown KC that sells exclusively romance novels — I couldn’t resist the chance to immerse myself in a store filled with captivating love stories. Walking inside, it didn’t feel like I was walking into a bookstore; it felt like I was inside of someone’s home library. The
WILDFIRE
couches and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
“WILDFIRE” BY Hannah Grace featured a forbidden romance with two characters who use one another to overcome their obstacles. It was jam-packed with passion, keeping me entertained as I kept reading. The book starts off when two characters — Aurora Roberts and Russ Callaghan — get together at a party. The two don’t expect to see each other again, but a few days later, they both
made the store feel cozy, making me want to stay longer and flip through all of the
novels. Despite the store’s compact size, chatting with fellow romance novel lovers created a warm and inviting atmosphere. This store offers a diverse selection of romance novels. The bookshelves in the store are divided into romance subgenres, ranging from sports to Yes, Your Majesty (about royalty). There were also sections devoted to popular romance novel authors like Colleen Hoover and Emily Henry. And if there’s a novel that isn’t in the store, there’s a suggestion box by the checkout counter. I’ve been wanting to read romance novels from
different
authors,
so
I
resisted
the urge to buy another Colleen Hoover book. I decided to ask store owner Carley Morton for her recommendations, and I bought two books. Here’s what I thought about them.
IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER
end up working as counselors at the same camp the entire summer. Despite my
I DON’T THINK I’ve ever hated a main character more than Piper Bellinger in “It
initial eye-roll at the cliché, their budding romance — despite the no dating
Happened One Summer.” After being cut off by her stepfather, nepo-baby and social
fellow counselors policy — still kept me engaged.
media influencer Piper is forced to learn some responsibility by running her late
This novel takes place in the same universe as “Icebreaker” — another popular novel by the same author and a book I’ve read — so I loved seeing
familiar
father’s dive bar in a small town in Washington. The premise of this story is cute, but Piper’s spoiled brat attitude and the over-
characters.
using of Gen Z references made it difficult for me to finish the book. As she leaves
However, these two books aren’t
her party animal life behind in Los Angeles, sparks ignite with a young sea captain
that connected, so there’s no
named Brendan Taggart, leading to a story
need to read it before picking up
filled with unexpected attractions and
“Wildfire.”
realizations that a minimalist town might
I thought this book would be
a
cute,
cheesy
be better than the glitz and glamor of the
romance
big city.
novel, but I was shocked to see these
characters
Piper’s character is everything I don’t
with
like in a protagonist: a clueless, ditzy girl
family problems and self worth
who is desperately chasing the attention
issues. Most romance novels are
of a man who doesn’t want her. Being 27
so
developing
years old and not knowing how to fend for
relationship that they don’t focus
yourself isn’t charming, it’s obnoxious
on
and annoying.
focused the
on
struggle
the
individual
characters,
so I appreciated that these characters had
more
to
themselves
besides
I didn’t even want to root for Piper
their
finding true love after listening to her obsess over
relationship.
herself for the entire book. I love an enemies to lovers
As their relationship developed, they both learned
trope, but the budding romance between Piper and
to open up to one another. Part of me wished the
Brendan was too much of a slow burn for me. I found myself
author would have made their issues more subtle —
getting bored of the same old arguments between the two
real people wouldn’t blurt out to a stranger about
or hearing Brendan criticize Piper’s clueless big city attitude
their fathers’ gambling addictions or their self-
every single chapter.
sabotaging tendencies.
But Piper does manage to connect with her heritage as she
There also wasn’t a significant plot throughout the
learned to embrace the small town. It was satisfying to watch her
book and everything felt pretty predictable — of
enjoy life outside of Instagram and large Los Angeles parties. And I
course if there’s a rule that camp counselors can’t date,
enjoyed the softer side of Brendan’s character. Frankly, Brendan was
then that rule will be broken. But despite the predictability, I still enjoyed the book. The summertime camp setting made the book feel very nostalgic, and it
the only decent part of this book — his character brought Piper down to Earth. This book was too slow-paced for me. I kept having to put it down due
was a quick and easy read — just extremely cliché.
to cringe worthy scenes or pure boredom. But it did have some redeemable
setting made the book feel very nostalgic.
qualities, like the cute small town setting and lessons about being connected to your heritage.
22 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
story b y ma g gi e co n do n
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n b y c l a ra b u rd i c k p h o to s b y ma g gi e co n d o n & m o l l y mi l l e r
HOLIDAY ROAD
Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is a co st -efficient but still memorable way to enjoy the holiday season
F
ROM THE SANTA Claus barbequing
signs warning that the light show would
various action scenes like a skier lighting up
through a sledding hill or penguins on
made of glowing lights to the stop
start in 0.2 miles. I was slightly nervous
at the top of the hill and skiing down. The
icebergs, everyone in the car had a favorite —
motion
and
because there was no trace of lights through
details easily gave Candycane Lane a run for
my dad appreciated the BBQ Santa, my mom
waving at me, Christmas in the Park
the trees. However, I knew I never should’ve
its money as every scenario was carried out
enjoyed the plane runway.
doubted Johnson County Parks and Rec.
to the fullest extent. It wasn’t a typical “tune
Another feature that made it feel like a
After seeing various elf signs directing
into 95.6 and listen to the show...” So much
blast from the past was seeing all the younger
snowmen
smiling
at Longview Lake on Longview Road was nothing short of magical, and didn’t cost a
my dad through the trees, I could see
was happening that a radio station wouldn’t
kids sticking their heads out the window or
With at least 200 different light displays,
the first set of lights in an assortment of
have been able to keep up.
taking turns looking out of the sunroof
this tradition put on by Johnson County Parks
glowing balls that led to at least a 20-foot
and Recreation made me feel nostalgic. Each
archway kicking off the show. Suddenly, the
individual light piece felt homemade and put
windshield lit up with green, red and purple.
together made for a winter wonderland. The
I didn’t even want to look down to queue
lights felt straight out of a childhood coloring
songs following “Christmas Time” by Bryan
book, making me feel like I was sitting in
Adams. Candyland was on my right. A field of
the middle seat between my two older sisters
reindeers was on my left.
penny besides donations.
driving around looking at lights like we did
“
There was a beaming array of varying
MY FAVORITE
part was Santa taking off in a plane on the runway, eventualy high in the trees waving to the cars through a series of lights
displays all around me. Section by section,
when we were all little.
Near the end of the drive, we passed a booth that was taking donations (Yes, that’s right. This wonderland of lights is completely free!) where drivers and those in the car had the chance to share some of the spirit with numerous charities that the donations go to. Other light shows are priced at $30 and only get more expensive. But Longview is an accessible option for families that might not
As my dad drove up the road to the sound
a different holiday element from snowflakes
My favorite part was Santa taking off in a
of Mariah Carey singing “All I Want For
to the New Years Eve ball drop was featured.
plane on the runway, eventually high in the
It also proved how the project was a
Christmas is You,” with me in the passenger
Each decoration seamlessly stayed on theme
trees waving to the cars through a series of
labor of love, as the Parks and Rec Crew
seat and my mom in
— what is a beach without Santa rocking in
lights. In close second was a present that was
built the long stretch of glowing spirit in the
a hammock?
launched into soldiers that consequently fell
hopes that it could make a difference in the
over.
community.
saw
the
the back, we
I sipped my McDonalds hot cocoa to indulge in the full experience.
want to spend much money on a light show.
There were different scenes that would
That made me feel even more spirited
drive
make anyone feel like they were sitting by
than the chocolate, music and maybe even
featured
a warm fireplace. Whether you were driving
the lights.
The
MAGGIE’S FAVORITES
Ma g g i e’s f a v o r i te l i g h t d i s p l a y s f ro m th e d r i v e
...
d
smeharbinger.net/category/sports
9
JANUARY
7 p.m.
B o y s Va r s i t y B a s k e t b a l l @ O S
11
3:3O p.m.
JANUARY
B o y s Va r s i t y S w i m
@ SMAC
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 23 ays lef
21
Ma r k y o ur calendars for the se
12
5:30 p.m.
DECEMBER
winter sports start-up
countdown
t
Sports
d e si g n by i s abe l bal d a s s aro
UPCOMING EVENTS
18
TBD
DECEMBER
G i r l s Va r s i t y B a s ke t b a l l @ S M E
Varsity Soccer @ CBAC
meet recap
A r und o w n o f t he De c . 4 Boys Va rsit y swim me e t a t Chisolm Hill L E F T Senior Abigail Long shoots a threepointer over her defender in the first quarter that misses and rebounded by Pembroke Hill.
V ARSITY SWIM won their meet against Olathe South and SM North on Dec. 4. One of their relays got their state cut and some swimmers got a couple state considerations which they believe will be
beneficial for the upcoming rest of the season. Their
most recent meet was the
district meet at Shawnee Mission Aquatic Center where they swam against the four other Shawnee Mission schools.
photo by alex sajna BOTTOM LEFT Sophomore Fina Kessler dribbles between her legs to put her opponent into a screen set by senior Ashley Zastrow. photo by alex sajna BOTTOM RIGHT Junior Mary Long reaches for the ball to cause a turnover after a defensive play.
DID YOU ATTEND THE DEC. 10 POWDER PUFF GAME? * I n s t a g ra m p o l l o f 1 8 6 v o t e s
YES
13% 87%
NO
photo by alex sajna
WRESTLING SEASON REVIEW JV Wre stler and junior Nate G eorge recaps the team’s s eason so far
NATE GEORGE JV WRES TLER
“
OUR TEAM IS working hard in practice. The coaches
have been great, making it a fun environment while still getting what needs to be done done. We’re all pushing ourselves trying to be the best we can. While it is still a lot of hard work, this year has been a lot of fun so far.
24 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
THE HARBINGER
s to r y & d e s ig n b y ka i m c p h a i l p h o to s b y a me l i e wo n g
SLAM SLAM
DUNK
Since ba s ket b a ll s e as o n b e g a n o n No v. 1 4 , ret ur ni ng p l ay ers on b o t h t h e g i r l s a n d b o y s te a m b e l i e v e t he season is more
T
p ro mi si ng t han l ast y ear HE GIRLS’ VARSITY team started the season off with a 62-53 win against Pembroke, the only game of their season so far and the first time the team has won their first game since 2019.
“It’s our first time going undefeated,” sophomore Paige
Stanfield said. Head coach Douglas Archer believes that new strategies have increased varsity’s success, “SMART” strategy. This
out
for
occasional
food
and coffee
before or after practice. This year, the team spends extra bonding time over breakfast after morning practice. “We even go out for breakfast after Saturday practices sometimes,”Stanfield said. “At the beginning of the season last year, I remember not having as close a bond as at the end of the year.” This year a total of four freshmen
goal states the girls have to either be
made Varsity, including freshman
winning, neutral or down by two points
Coco Reiser.
at the most.
“Coco’s someone that is able
“It’s helpful to have a set goal going
to see the court really well and
into the game, I have something to
read what’s going on in the
focus on,” Stanfield said. “Even when
game, for example who’s open
we’re down it gives me something to work
and who’s going to be open,”
hard at.” Archer has the team yell the names of drills before they start to build enthusiasm. will drill,
never
Stanfield forget
“chaos!”
yelling
before
says
she
out
the
with
Stanfield said. “She’s a strong defender that gets lots of rebounds and puts backs on offense.” Reiser believes the team’s connection
her
success
teammates.
to
their
The
team
“So far East basketball has been a really good balance
“We’ll have a good season with lots more
for
to come.”
me
of
seriousness
and fun,” Reiser said. “At
According to Stanfield, the team’s
practice we are able to work
relationship is stronger than
hard and get stuff done but
last season when
it’s still enjoyable.”
g o i n g
UP & COMING OLATHE NORTHWEST AWAY
adding
season.
coming weeks of the season.
last year],” junior Naomi Kincaid said.
L ist of upcoming East basketball DECEMBER 19 game s
is
would like to lose less in the
“This year, our varsity team has come out with way better energy [than
BOYS’ & GIRLS’ VARSITY
this
BOYS’ & GIRLS’ VARSITY
JANUARY 5 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH HOME
Date s and locations o f up co m i ng gam e s
T
HE BOYS’ BASKETBALL team has a 3-0 record and beat Blue Valley North 5843 in the Championship Showdown tournament on Dec. 8. Head Coach Shawn Hair has been anticipating this win and is proud of what the team has accomplished. “Every year is a little different, but this team plays for each other,” Hair said. Hair describes the team’s relationship as one that he hasn’t seen in a long time with players playing off their individual strengths, whether its height or shot accuracy. Senior center Abdouaye Kante and junior forward Will Beck have 28 and 33 points so far, respectively.
BOYS’ & GIRLS’ VARSITY
JANUARY 9 OLATHE SOUTH AWAY
After the BVN win, the players surprised Hair in the locker room by cheering and spraying him with 10 water bottles. “The main memory I had was the crazy locker room energy after winning, it was a lot of fun just celebrating with all the guys,” junior Banks Prendiville said. “This year seems a lot closer [with relationships] than the sophomore team I was on last year. When interviewed the second night of the championship, Coach Hair expressed that the team still has work to do. “Tonight we didn’t handle the ball as well as I wanted to,” Hair said. “We’ll definitely be working on that in the future.”
BOYS’ & GIRLS’ VARSITY
JANUARY 12 SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST HOME
stor y b y l uke beil
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 25
THE HARBINGER
de s i g n by ch r i st i an gooley p h o to s by r i l ey scott
DIVING
S enior Peter S techschulte goe s into his
INTO IT
four th dive season with hope s of winning state after p l ac ing se ond la st ye a r
DIVING DIFFICULTY S ome of S techschulte’s dive s and the ir diffic u lt y ra ting on a sc a le from 1.0 to 3.0
B
ETWEEN
THEN-EIGHTH
competition between country clubs in the
Andrew Flower — a former diver at KU — to
Stechschulte’s
Kansas City area, he met his current personal
create their own club team called the “AF-
100-meter
and club coach Ford Mcliney. Ford is a dive
MB dive club” for Peter and other divers to
breaststroke and freestyle warm-
coach at Rockhurst University and won the
compete year round.
grader
Peter
sets
exhausting
of
ups for swim team in the 98 degree sun, he couldn’t help but notice kids doing backflips off the diving board. That summer, he begged his mom to join the dive team. For him, it was an exhilarating
SEC Championships in 2014 at Texas A&M.
“When I was growing up in Michigan you
After Ford’s younger cousin, Peter’s coach
could pay 50 cents for an hour at my high
at Milburn, asked him to help with the dive
school to practice anytime you wanted,”
team he instantly saw Peter was a special
Andrew said. “The whole goal with creating
athlete.
this club team is so that Peter and other kids
“I met Peter and instantly was like ‘Oh
have an ability to stay on the board during
this kid’s got some serious moves,’” Ford
the offseason and stay in touch with the
Peter, one of the only competitive year-
said. “He could rip, he’s strong and you can
sport.”
round-divers in the Kansas City area, is
clearly tell he’s an athlete, he had that diver
thankful he found the sport when he did and
body.”
and relaxing sport. Now, he’s a senior with multiple Division I college diving offers.
is hoping that the sport can grow to more
Now that Peter has been diving with AF-MB for over a year he’s been able to
Peter and Ford’s relationship would grow
experience Junior Nationals through USA
closer as Ford started going to more practices
Diving, which is against the the top high
“Being at a pool all throughout the
and meets while Peter asked him questions
schoolers in the country and more recently
summer I feel like you’re going off the diving
about how to be a better diver with his form
Senior Nationals in Knoxville, Tennessee
boards regularly regardless of if you’re on
and confidence.
against the most decorated divers from high
the dive team or not,” Peter said. “Once I
“During
kids in the area.
Dive
Champs,
he
talked
me
school to post-college.
hopped on the team my skill progressed
through every one of my dives,” Peter said.
“When I was going to the pool for practice
really quickly.”
“He told me simple things that really helped,
in Knoxville, I hopped in the elevator and
like doing five jumping jacks before my dive
I was like, ‘I’m in the elevator with David
to help calm my nerves.”
Boudia who is an olympic gold medalist and
Peter has been racking up wins since last year at dive states, where Peter placed third last winter. This past summer, he competed in
Peter was scoring eights and nines out
one national competition and was competing
of 10 consistently at meets that he was
against the best divers in the country. On top
not expected to win in. In fact, he was the
of that, he was still practicing five times a
youngest in his age group at most of the
recruited by colleges, now that he has been
week.
summer meets he competed in according to
diving year round. These offers range from
Ford.
small D3 schools to major D1 universities.
From eighth grade to his freshman year,
one of the best divers ever, holy crap,’” Peter said. Peter
has
also
been
getting
actively
his diving skills only improved. His individual
Going into his junior year, Peter knew
scores from judges jumped three points and
that he wanted to do national competitions
his overall scores increased 40 points. When
with a club team and Ford. However, there
“Diving is a super fun sport and I love
he started diving during the school year in
were no previous club teams in the KC area
doing it, I just don’t know if it’s something
sophomore year he won state.
But, he’s still undecided if he wants to dive in college.
and not many indoor pools in the area for
I can be doing 24/7 for a whole year,” Peter
At one of his summer practices a week
practice.
said. “I know I have options in regards to
before Dive Champs — the biggest diving
This
led
Stechschulte
Peter’s
dad,
Dr.
Stephen
and
close
family
friend
a
DIVE: FRONT 1 1/2 PIKE DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1.7
what I’ll do next, I’m just not fully set yet.”
DIVE: BACK DIVE PIKE DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 1.6
THE HARBINGER
d es ign by liv m ad d e n
To w ra p u p f i rs t s e m e s te r, ta ke a look back at some moments
SEMESTER
WRAPPED th ro u g h p h o to s
SCAN ME PHOTO Scan this QR code to access more photos from this semester
F A R R I G H T After flying through the finish line and placing eighth individually in her race, senior Lida Padgett cries as she hugs her teammate, freshman Molly Scott, after finding out they placed third in the 6A state championship. The meet concluded their season with a girls third place finish on Oct. 28 at Rim Rock Farm. photo by riley scott R I G H T Seniors Michael Muller, Christian Gooley and Luke Pearcy cheer amongst other students as Student Body President senior Jack Kessler walks onto the stage during the Lancer Day pep rally on Aug. 31. Lancer Day is a yearly tradition where sports, grades, clubs and activities dress up and decorate a float to participate in a parade that begins at East and ends at the clocktower Shops of Prairie Village. photo by riley scott B E L O W Senior Anson Tippie plays the trumpet with the band before the East vs. Olathe Northwest football game on Oct. 6. The Lancers defeated Olathe Northwest 23-14. photo by caroline martucci
DECEMBER 18, 2023 | 27
PHOTO- STORY
T O P During the AP Physics 2 Regatta, junior John Kislal makes it down to the other end of the pool, but after he turns around to begin paddling back to the other side, his boat starts to sink. photo by riley scott L E F T Senior Jax Taylor chants during the walkout held on Nov. 27 outside of SM East. Students protested in response to a white male student using racial slurs and injuring a Black female student. photo by riley scott
A B O V E Junior Carlie Foutch poses with her mom, stepdad, grandma and uncle — teacher Brett Kramer — after being awarded honorary Homecoming court. photo by riley scott
STAFF STATS S tat s from the photography staff of The Harbinger this se me ste r
6,980
A B O V E Chess club co-president and junior Jackson Burrows watches as juniors Max McMahon and Ethan Brown play a variant of chess called “bullet” at chess club. Bullet, compared to other types of chess, is the fastest variant with only one minute of playtime for each person. Out of all variants, it is the least common type of game played at the club. “I think the strongest strateg y in bullet is to move very quickly regardless of the quality of the moves,” Burrows said. photo by mason sajna
A B O V E Senior Ella Howard is congratulated by former Homecoming queen K ate Cronenwett while being crowned one of the six homecoming winners. photo by liv madden
minutes in Harbinger class
50
galleries made and posted online
14
photostories made by photo editors
28 | DECEMBER 18, 2023
THE HARBINGER
d e s ig n & c o p y b y a d d i e m o o re p h o to s b y c l a ra p e t e rs a r t b y ka i m c p h a i l
LANCERS OF THE YEAR MOSH PIT
S t u d e n t s n o m i nated f o r sup er l at i ve s after b e c o m i n g notorious for different trait s th ro u g h o u t t he y ear
MASTER
SPENCER THORNHILL FRESHMAN SPENCER THORNHILL is the king of the dance floor. Every time the neon lights turn on in the cafeteria and the DJ starts blasting “Sugar” by Flo Rida, Thornhill’s at the center of it all. You can either find him jamming out as close as he can get to the speaker or in the middle of the dance circle with the rest of the school oohing and ahhing at his spectacular moves — the robot and jittering his legs are his go-tos.
HALLWAY SOCIAL
BUTTERFLY
SERIAL
KATE JONES
SOPHOMORE KATE JONES
owns
the East hallways. She struts between the
SNACKER
Columbia blue walls looking for familiar
COLE CHINNOCK
faces, smiling at every person that passes
IF YOU FIND yourself hungry in third hour
by. When she sees her friends, Jones
and in need of a midday pick-me-up, junior
aggressively waves in their faces or sparks
Cole Chinnock is your go-to guy for snacks. He
up conversation about their weekends or
willingly empties his lunch out in class, sharing
the test she’s taking the next hour.
handfuls of pretzels and Cheez-its with his friends. However, he’s usually only left with fruit once lunch actually rolls around and he has to buy BBQ Baked Lays to fill up.
ON THE ROAD (INSTEAD OF IN CLASS) ABIGAIL AND MARY LONG
SENIORS ABIGAIL AND Mary Long are no strangers to the attendance staff. Constantly flying back and forth to college visits, vacations and soccer and basketball tournaments, the Longs are more used to writing essays on fold-out plane tray tables than actual desks.