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the harbinger

SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 7500 MISSION ROAD PRAIRIE VILLAGE, KS 66208 OCTOBER 12, 2026 VOLUME LXIX ISSUE 4

ENGULFED IN

FLAMES

Senior Addy Pond is pursuing her passion of professional firefighting and breaking gender norms and through the district’s Blue Eagle program

cover design by EVELYN BAGLEY cover photo by EVELYN GEHEB page design by ALEX HARDEN

OCTOBER 12, 2026

online preview

political cartoon

political cartoon by HUDSON TERREROS

Read about the midterms and how newly eligible voters can affect the election story by AYNSLEE DOUGLASS

staff list EDITORS

PRINT EDITORS Avni Bansal Michael Yi ASST. PRINT EDITORS Alex Harden Sloane Henderson ONLINE EDITORS Caroline Beal Christopher Long ASST. ONLINE EDITOR Bridget Dean HEAD COPY EDITOR Grace Pei ASST. HEAD COPY EDITOR Reese Dunham DESIGN EDITORS Evelyn Bagley Lucy Swope ASST. DESIGN EDITORS Maddie Glasier Kennedy Moore ART EDITORS Julia Campbel Francesca Lorusso ASST. ART EDITORS Eisley Foster Hudson Terreros PHOTO EDITORS Addie Clark Sylvie DeGalan Tyler Russell Ava Towner ASST. PHOTO EDITORS Sophia Cicero Molly McDermed

VIDEO EDITORS Evelyn Geheb Emma Weidman ASST. VIDEO EDITORS Lucy Cattano Ana Schaefer

ART STAFF ARTISTS Abigail Baltzell Kennedy Garwood Trip Hagman Lila Henry

DESIGN

PHOTO

PAGE DESIGNERS Adyson Cooper Chloe Criss Sara Garry Anya Hudson Olivia Knighton Grace Marin Tillie Paisner SECTION EDITORS EDITORIAL Kennedy Moore NEWS Jack Fitzpatrick OPINION Lucy Cattano FEATURE Claire Troutwine

PHOTO MENTORS Vivien Glenski Liv Ruecker Bella Thompson Charlotte Walton STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Holland Baldassaro Allie Beaulieu Anastasia Flower Graham Gehab Sadie Jolicoeur Layla Love Ashley Ramos Maggie Rogers MULTIMEDIA STAFF Porter Anderson Eli De La Cruz Rowan McGill EQUIPMENT MANAGER Tyler Russell

A&E Emily Enger SPORTS Alex Harden

WRITING

STAFF WRITERS Vanessa Blades Anne Bowser Grace Gould Mary Kate Ruane Willow Roberts Ashlyn Van Becelaere Sienna Williams COPY EDITORS Aynslee Douglass Eliot Higgins Elena Hull Evie Lewis Addy Newman Effie Roper

DIGITAL MEDIA

DIGITAL MEDIA EDITORS Evelyn Bagley Ashtyn Ingram ASST. DIGITAL MEDIA EDITORS Eisley Foster Devon McFadden DIGITAL MEDIA STAFF Libby Fitzpatrick Lainey Hunter Olivia Knighton Berkeley Robinson Anna Sullinger

Read a review of the four new songs on Drakes album, HABIBTI story by WILLOW ROBERTS

BUSINESS ADS MANAGERS Aynslee Douglass Maggie Rogers CIRCULATION MANAGER Lainey Hunter CONTEST COORDINATORS Sloane Henderson Charlotte Walton PROMOTION MANAGER Zac Russell ASST. PROMOTION MANAGER Avra Welling

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 of Shawnee Mission East High School or the Shawnee Mission School District. The Harbinger will not share any unpublished content outside of staff, but quoted 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, multiple letters on the same topic or any commentary deemed insensitive within the letter. The Harbinger will not edit content, though letters may be edited for clarity, length, mechanics or profanity. Letters should be sent to Room 400 or emailed to smeharbinger@gmail.com.

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SM East Harbinger The Harbinger

news

new low

design by JACK FITZPATRICK stories by ANA SCHAEFER photos by VIVIEN GLENSKI

This year’s National Merit Semifinalist cutoff is the lowest in state history

SM EAST REACHED its record of 10

National Merit Semifinalists this year with the average cutoffs being the lowest in state history. Kansas dropped four points bringing it to a 212 on the 48-228 Selection Index scale — two points lower than the state’s previous low — equaling a 20-point change in the reading and writing sections of the PSAT/NMSQTs 160-760 scale. The Selection Index is used to filter PSAT scores by doubling the reading and writing scores, adding it to the math score and dividing the sum by 10. Reading and writing scores carry more weight than math, causing certain students who

received the same score as semifinalists to miss the cutoff. “Even though the reading section matters more to the national merit index, do not neglect math,” senior National Merit Semifinalist Charlotte Moore said. “Learning how to use the SAT version of Desmos is extremely helpful on the math module, especially on PSATs, like the 2025 PSAT, where the reading section was significantly harder than it had been.” The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes about 16,000 students as National Merit Semifinalists nationwide every year. The spots for each

state are allocated based on its number of high school graduates. Kansas has around 33,000 graduates each year, allotting around 150 spots for the class of 2027, according to SMSD director of assessment and research Daniel Gruman. Kansas was one of 18 states that dropped 4 or more points and one of five states that established a new record low. Based on previous years, math scores tended to be higher than reading and writing scores. In the 2024 PSAT, reading and writing scores saw a significant increase from before, with many students scoring a 700-760, but without a change

in math scores, according to Compass Education Group. National Merit Semifinalist students have to apply before the second week of October to become a finalist where they can receive scholarships and in some cases, full rides to colleges. The applications consist of an essay with different prompts every year, background information and a confirming SAT or ACT score that proves the PSAT score to validate standardized testing requirements.

damaged marquee sign will be messaging the community The replaced by a stone monument sign THE DECADES-OLD SM East marquee sign located on the corner of Mission Road and 75th Street will be replaced by a stone monument bearing the school’s name, the Lancer crest, and 1958 — the year SM East was established — once funding is obtained this school year. The SM East administration is partnering with East Fund, Student Council, SM East alumni and members of the greater SM East community to raise around $25,000 for the sign. East Fund is allowing the administration to use their website as an online donation site, and StuCo is using the 2027 senior class gift fund. Fundraising outreach is taking place

through the “smeastlancers” social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, as well as in emails sent to parents and members of the community. Those who donate will receive recognition, if they chose to, through the inclusion of their names on the SM East website and a brick on one of the two stone brick pillars on either side of the monument that will be dedicated towards the SM East class of 2027. StuCo is in charge of changing out the current marquee’s announcements to show the events happening in the following weeks, such as homecoming, football games and days without school.

“As our school grows, and as the years go on, we just have so many things going on every month that we have to pick and choose what [to put] on the sign,” StuCo president Vada Walsh said. “We just wanna have an overall sign for our school that we don’t have to change out [the letters on the marquee].” The current marquee is tinted yellow due to decay, and StuCo members struggle to swap out the letters due to damage over the years, limiting the messages put out for the community to read. The new monument will keep SM East up to date with Prairie Village renovations, according to East Fund president Leanne Beezley.

ABOVE The current SM East sign on the corner of Mission Rd. and 75th St.

“I feel like it’s a really clear sign of our school and who we are,” Walsh said. “It’s very clean, new and modern. As our school is changing and becoming new, [for example] we just got a new principal, I feel like it fits with the times.”

technology support iPad makes it easier for tech helping kiosk New students to get computer help MANY STUDENTS WITH MacBook issues who use the SMSD WebHelpDesk online platform are unaware of the technology support iPad placed on librarian Jennifer Robinson’s desk in the library this August. This iPad could be upgraded into district-issued kiosks, most likely a stand for the iPad, that will be available to students at all times. SM East was the first high school in the district to add the iPads after Robinson noticed the IT workers’ technology support website had less steps than the one currently on student’s MacBooks. To help students find a simpler solution, she inquired about getting it on her iPad for all students to access in the library. Other SMSD high schools learned of the platform and started administering the website as well,

allowing the head of the SMSD’s IT department, Eric Haake, to discuss the addition of the kiosks. The original tech-help system on student school-issued Macbooks is accessed through the orange life preserver icon on the right side of the app dock that takes students to the SMSD WebHelpDesk. Once opened, students have to click through drop down menus and write brief explanations of the problems that they are experiencing, helping IT workers understand the issue whether it’s hardware, software or network related — a process confusing the students, according to junior Ella Dinkins. “I never liked the online [platform] because it was a lot of work,” Dinkins said. “The kiosk [is] better because it’s just not as much work and it’s quicker.” The iPad only requires the student’s computer

identification number and the issue with the computer. Once they fill out the form, they’re instantly placed into a queue to meet with the IT worker. The iPad is only available when the librarian is at her desk, however installing kiosks would allow it to be accessible at all times. “[The kiosk] will be easier to see,” Robinson said. “A lot of times [students] don’t see it sitting on my desk, so it’ll catch their eye. It’ll be a more permanent solution versus the one that kind of sits on my desk that sometimes I forget to put out.” The SMSD is still contemplating the idea of implementing these kiosks in the SMSD high schools. If they decide against it, Robinson might ABOVE The technology utilize part of the $9,000 dedicated to library support iPad placed on librarian Jennifer Robinson’s funds towards one for SM East.

desk

news

OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by ANNA SULLINGER story by BRIDGET DEAN

Is KANSAS turning BLUE?

Kansas is shifting away from its strong red status as new Democratic candidates enter the political field

KANSAS

on the BALLOT A look at the candidates and their latest polling numbers

OR THE FIRST time in 94 years,

Kansas’ Democratic candidate for senate, Adam Hamilton, may have a shot at beating current Republican senator Roger Marshall in his campaign for reelection and become the first Democratic Senator from the state of Kansas in almost a century, according to CBS News. While Kansas is currently listed as a “leaning red” state, according to 270towin. com, Kansas could be leaning towards becoming a blue state if Hamilton and the other Democratic candidates running for governor, Kansas Senate and Kansas House, win their elections. The state and national majority in Congress could then lean Democratic.

BLUE STATE

a U.S. state where most people usually vote Democrat Kansas’ two senators are both currently Republican, and three of its representatives in Congress are Republican, too — the only Democratic official being representative Sharice Davids of the Kansas City Metro area. “I think the shift has been happening for a while,” senior Mira McInnes said. “Kansas struck down the abortion amendment in 2022, overwhelmingly. It’s not an immediate shift, but I’ve seen some people with signs in their yard for Ty Masterson and Adam Hamilton.” After serving two back-to-back terms, current Governor of Kansas Laura Kelly,

Marshall - 45%

Hamilton - 45%

Holscher - 43.7%

Masterson - 50.3%

U.S. Senate: Kansas’ current U.S. senator and a former physician running for reelection as a Republican.

Governor: A Johnson County state senator running as the Democratic candidate for governor.

U.S. Senate: A United Methodist pastor running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Kansas.

Governor: The Kansas Senate president running as the Republican candidate for governor.

can no longer run for reelection, leading in politics by working with Kansas state Ty Masterson to run as the Republican representative Mari-Lynn Poskin to run nominee against Democrat Cindy for precinct committee leader — someone Holscher. Both are current senators for who advocates for a political party — in Kansas’ government. Johnson County. Johnson County — where Masterson and Holscher, as well as SM East is located — has been considered Hamilton and Marshall, debated publicly a blue county for the past 25 years, at the Kansas State Fair in according to ballotpedia. Hutchinson on Sept. 12. org. “I THINK the shift “When I’m traveling across “Kansas voted no [on the state, usually 30% of has been happening for the Aug. 3 amendment] the people who show up at a while. Kansas struck because, one: abortion my rallies or my events are rights are under threat down the abortion Republicans, and they’re because Republicans telling me, ‘I have never voted amendment in 2022, could try taking that for a Democrat before, but overwhelmingly. It’s not elected Supreme Court, I’m voting for you,’” Hamilton an immediate shift, but and two: people wanted to said. preserve the integrity of I’ve seen some people The Johnson County Post our courts, keeping them released an article stating that with signs in their yard nonpartisan,” Schaber 7,700 more Democrats voted for Ty Masterson and said. compared to Republicans in Adam Hamilton. Kansas made national this year’s August primaries. headlines after the Aug. 3 MIRA MCINNES election results came out, Out of roughly two million senior Kansans, 45% identify as as well as when reports Republican, 25% identify as Democrats, came out regarding Senator Marshall 29% are unaffiliated and the rest have no having sued former patients of his OBGYN labels, according to the Kansas Secretary practice in Great Bend, KS, for not paying of State. medical bills on time. “I think this would lean Kansas more Marshall was contacted for his toward a purple state rather than a blue statement on the shift in Kansas, though state,” senior Eli Schaber said. “A purple no response was received. state is a contested state, so it’s not quite Hamilton has never run for a on either side.” government official before, but he decided From an Instagram poll of 63 seniors to run for Senate due to conflicting views who are voting for the first time, 79% on how healthcare has been handled by of responses said they plan to vote for the government, specifically the loss of Hamilton in November. subsidies for those who were eligible Schaber has taken an in-depth interest under the Affordable Care Act — including

“

those who live in rural communities like Great Bend. “Whether it was the rhetoric, the language that was belittling and demeaning towards other people, or policies and decisions that were being made that I felt were inconsistent with our values as Americans, and with my values that I’ve preached for the last 38 years,” Hamilton said. Hamilton classifies himself as a centrist — someone who is neither an extreme Democrat or Republican — though he won the Kansas Democratic party nomination on Aug. 4. He founded Church of the Resurrection in 1990, a Methodist church in Leawood, after attending feeder elementary and middle schools in the Shawnee Mission School District and even SM East for a semester. Hamilton’s views align with Schaber’s in that Kansas is likely becoming a nonpartisan state rather than its history of typically supporting Republicans as government officials. “I think across the state there are more people willing to consider voting as Democrats,” Hamilton said. “We have a number of Republicans who are saying, ‘The kind of Democrat [Hamilton] is is the kind of Democrat we could vote for.’ That’s somebody who’s a centrist, somebody who wants to work across the party lines to try to solve problems and will listen to people who are both Republicans and Democrats.”

news

OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by SLOANE HENDERSON photos by AVRA WELLING story by GRACE GOULD

TURNING THE PAGE Corinth Library relocation excites PV residents after more than 60 years at the current location

OR MORE THAN 60 years, the

Corinth Library has lived on the corner of 81st Street and Mission Road. Now, the oldest library in the Johnson County Library system is preparing for relocation due to space limitations and wear due to age. A new potential location is the Prairie Village municipal campus at 7720 Mission Rd. The site would place the building next to SM East, Harmon Park, the Prairie Village Pool Complex, police department and City Hall. The current building opened in 1963 and expanded in 1967, with renovations following in the years 1986 and 2002. Today, the

ABOVE Corinth Library’s book stacks in the adult section

building has structural and infrastructure limitations that make another major renovation impractical. Discussions surrounding the future of the library have been happening for years, according to Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson. “We knew regardless of what Prairie Village does, the library system had to do something with their Corinth Library,” Mikkelson said. “We wanted them to stay in Prairie Village.” Mikkelson added that the city had previously worked with the library on plans that would’ve combined a new library with a community center. Ultimately, those ideas didn’t move forward, but the conversations between the city and library continued. After the initial community center plan was dropped, city officials continued searching for a way to keep the library in Prairie Village, according to Mikkelson. The drop led to city officials approaching the Johnson County Library system about the available land on its municipal campus. One of the biggest advantages of the proposed location is its proximity to community spaces, particularly SM East, according to Mikkelson. “[The Johnson County Library system] loves the idea of walkability,” Mikkelson said. “Walk from the library to SM East, have a park within walking distance of the library, have City Hall, a fire department, a police department,

all these things right on the same campus.” The new facility could also provide amenities the current building lacks. According to a 2024 study conducted by the Johnson County Library, they identified additional meeting space and a drive-thru as features community members wanted. Test designs have shown that an approximately 30,000-square-foot library with improved parking, pedestrian and vehicle access and a drive-thru could all fit at the proposed municipal campus. Mikkelson said a new facility could especially benefit students looking for places to work after school. “There’s gonna be much more meeting space,” Mikkelson said. “Whether that’s for SM East students who want to just walk over after school and have a quiet place to do homework, [or] whether it’s an entrepreneur who needs some quiet office space for a business.” Funding for the new building was approved through the library system’s existing capital improvement funding. The library board and Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved funding specifically for the Corinth replacement in the fall of 2025 as part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, according to the Johnson County Library. Despite progress between the city and library, a move hasn’t been finalized. As of July, Johnson County Library said both the existing site and municipal campus remain under consideration. Once the library board chooses a location, an architect can be selected and the design process can begin. The library hopes to provide the public with opportunities to give feedback during that process. Mikkelson said he has personally

received feedback that the potential move would be largely supported by Prairie Village residents. “By far, most people who I’ve heard from by email and in-person are very much in favor of this plan,” Mikkelson said. “The library is gonna pay us for the land, it’s gonna be a convenient, improved, more accessible amenity, right in the heart of Prairie Village.” Instead of just improving accessibility, the relocation would allow the building to stay in the city of Prairie Village where it has served families for decades. Mikkelson said the library remains important to families and younger residents who use the building regularly. “We have a highly educated population in Prairie Village,” Mikkelson said. “The children love to read, the parents love to have their children have a place to read and get books.” The replacement of the library is a step forward for Johnson County Library’s next major capital project. The new facility is planned to serve the community for decades to come. “It really is a win-win to improve this,” Mikkelson said.

Planned renovations and goals for the new Corinth Library New technology Additional study/communal spaces Updated interior decorations and furniture More windows to increase natural lighting A drive-through Improved parking and accessibility

ABOVE Corinth Library’s current main study space

ABOVE The current entrance to the library

opinion

this or that

Student’s opinions on their favorite fall related things *Instagram poll of 123 votes

*Instagram poll of 203 votes

WHAT FALL ACTIVITY DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST?

WHAT FALL DRINK DO YOU LIKE MORE?

PUMPKIN PATCH 36%

PUMPKIN SPICE

APPLE PICKING 8%

47%

APPLE CIDER

53%

WATCHING SCARY MOVIES 27% GOING TO A HAUNTED HOUSE 29%

hot take is sitting on top of a basketball hoop, almost completely naked. “Think you know sports?” I am sure we have all seen this Novig Ad , showing Sydney Sweeney with no clothing, wearing different sports equipment covering her body. The ad was viewed over 22 million times in the first two days of being posted, according to The Guardian. The responses immediately started to roll in. The ad itself is for sports betters, majority of which are males, and I’m sure that it worked because her marketing team is genius. But doesn’t she have enough money off of her acting career? She has so much potential to take her career further, without participating in provocative

from the staff

Staff members share their fall favorites

GOING TO THE pumpkin patch every year is a tradition I’ve had with my friends since eighth grade that I look forward to every year.

“

MADDIE GLASIER junior

I ALWAYS LOVE when

Sydney Sweeney’s new sports ad is harmful to all women ACTRESS SYDNEY SWEENEY

design by LUCY CATTANO

publicity stunts. Don’t get me wrong, I think she is a very talented woman, and has smart ways of making her money. Many female athletes have quickly taken this opportunity to respond. For example, Amy Hunt, a professional sprinter, speaking on Good Morning Britain, said “this is what women in sports look like,” along with a video showing her finishing fourth in the 200m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships. It’s sad that young girls have this image of what women need to look like or act like, when the real picture they should see is from strong, smart and 2athletic women. I’m not saying Sweeney isn’t either one of those things, but she has now done a soap ad, that is supposedly her bathwater saying “the only thing guys want” and a jeans ad that suggests white supremacy. She is setting women back tremendously by participating in these over risqué ads, all for money she doesn’t need. Sexualizing women in this ad just diminishes the entire dedication that athletes put into their lives every single day. The issue isn’t that Sweeney is attractive or feminine. I think women can be

glamorous, beautiful and athletic at the same time. For example, Eileen Gu, a 23 year old Chinese-American freestyle skier, who has done modeling, and graduated from Stanford University. In fact, Axios reported that women’s sports are experiencing major growth. The issue is that the ad decided to make the idea of the commercial, instead of showing strong, athletic women, to show what makes these sports impressive, the campaign decided to use a women’s body as the main idea. It’s frustrating b e c a u s e women are finally making their way up in society, especially in sports. So why not keep bringing women up in society instead of bringing them back down.

the leaves change colors every year because it always puts me in a good mood.

“

ELENA HULL junior

comic strip

editorial

OCTOBER 12, 2026

before THINK you

JOKE

Measuring the IMPACT

Statistics of rape with high schoolers

. . .

443,634 rapes & sexual assaults occur yearly in the U.S. 51% of reported rape is perpetrated against people ages 0-19. 61,754 young rape victims every year

Joking about sexual assault is distasteful and harmful to victims

design by KENNEDY MOORE cartoon by EISLEY FOSTER 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.

FOR: 8 AGAINST: 0

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone

Call 800.656.HOPE

drugging their homecoming date, forcing don’t know a victim of sexual violence, students allegedly gang raped a their girlfriend to have oral sex or general there’s a high chance you do. Eleven percent of high school students girl, just upstairs from a Chi Phi jokes about the crime. Even if you haven’t heard these jokes have been forced to do unwanted sexual fraternity party in 2024. Seven. yourself, it would be plainly ignorant to acts from within the timeframe of 2022 to While it happened, a Snapchat group chat of 57 students made jokes about the say that these comments aren’t ever made. 2023, and 9% of students have been forced It’s likely that you’ve met people who base to have sex in their life according to a 2023 event. report by the CDC. Rather than being appalled at the their comedy on “dark humor” and the taboo. The numbers just get alleged crime, they made jokes. An anonymous staffer MORE THAN ONE worse as students grow older. The case was reopened this September 45 percent of all women in and made its way through the news, who is a victim of rape, has in six men (16.9%) in heard her brother and his the U.S. are victims of sexual causing outrage on social media, such as the U.S. experienced friends joke about sexual violence. the “I am Jane Doe” campaign and similar some form of contact assault. That’s nearly half of all posts. “I’ve personally tried sexual violence in their women in the country. Within SM East, the case has sparked It’s not just women, one in discussions about sexual assault. Whether my best with my brother lifetimes, with 3.2% to stress how awful rape is every six men in the U.S. are its reposts on social media, normal reporting completed or victims of sexual violence, discussion or even the Google Form posted and make sure he doesn’t attempted rape according to the CDC in their up by students in the bathroom asking for grow up thinking it’s something insignificant 2023-24 Sexual Violence Data students to share their stories of sexual but I’ve seen him and his friends make Brief. assault. You can’t ignore the fact that in high Instead of treating the case — and jokes about such things and it’s scary,” The sexual assault as a whole — with the staffer said. “It’s terrifying to think that school, victims surround us, usually in respect and dignity it deserves, some find the people around you don’t care about silence. Still, some decide that sexual something that haunts 50% of women and assault is an appropriate topic to laugh it an appropriate subject to joke about. From an Instagram poll of 167 SM East occurs daily. It’s terrifying to think that the about. people in your life could inflict something You likely have friends who have been students, 71% reports like that on someone and just sexually assaulted. Family, acquaintances, hearing people joke about NEARLY HALF not care because they’ve been teachers, coworkers. sexual assault in high in an environment that treats Tragically, it’s common. school, with 56% of OF women (45.1%) it as something that doesn’t For the reader who makes jokes about 161 students hearing in the United States matter.” sexual assault, how would you feel if you others make jokes experienced some It’s true that these jokes were a victim having to come to school and about the Cornell rape form of contact sexual may not have malicious hear people joke about your trauma? case. Words carry weight. If the jokes you Joking about violence in their lifetimes, intent. Some make these jokes because they don’t tell are based on the trauma and abuse of rape and sexual with 21.0% reporting understand how to handle innocent people, it’s time to change. violence is completed or attempted the topic, they want to fit in, As the public becomes increasingly insensitive and make people laugh or because aware of new sexual assault cases and disrespectful to rape reporting sexual it’s what they’ve been taught victims gain more courage to speak out, coercion victims. is acceptable. However, you it’s important to remain respectful of the No matter how against sexual assault you have to be aware of the trauma these jokes issue. Even though discussing rape and sexual assault is more mainstream and are in actuality, joking about it are based on. Sexual assault can cause lasting less stigmatized than it was in the past, trivializes the issue and makes it impacts on victims, including, but not this doesn’t call for treating the issue into a less serious topic. It ignores the weight that the topic carries and limited to, unwanted pregnancy, sexually without dignity for the victims. Be careful with how you joke. The worst the dignity and care the topics of rape transmitted infections, physical harm and mental health issues, such as PTSD and moment of many people’s lives isn’t a and sexual assault deserve. depression which can lead to suicide. laughing matter. We’ve heard jokes about sexual violence For people who make these jokes, if throughout our school experience — shocking things such as boys talking about you think that it’s acceptable because you

EVEN CORNELL University

design by FRANCESCA LORUSSO photos by MAGGIE ROGERS story by ELENA HULL

opinion

THE HARBINGER

THE WEIGHT OF INFLUENCE

Eating disorders are an immense risk to youth, especially considering the resurgence of diet culture and increased prevalence of GLP-1s

RESOURCES AND HELP Resources to visit for concerns with body image, weight and eating disorders NATIONAL EATING DISORDER ASSOCIATION SELF-TEST

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING AND HELPING THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING

STATISTICS AND MORE DATA ON EATING DISORDERS

REMEMBER BEING 9 and

stepping on the scale for the first time. I was horrified that it read 95 pounds. It didn’t matter that I was 4’8” and my weight was perfectly average. I wasn’t thinking of that though. I was thinking of how close I was to weighing 100 pounds. I was 12 when I first got Instagram. The first day I had it, my friend sent me a post of a Dove Cameron. She told me how jealous she was of her body. She wished she could be that skinny. I’m 16 now. Just the other day I was with a friend, trying on Homecoming dresses. She said she hated her body. I hear numerous comments about weight and calories every single day. Weight is everywhere throughout girls’ lives. From an early age girls are subjected to discussions of our weight and calories, and these conversations are only becoming more common with rising rates of eating disorders and the prevalence of GLP-1s. In the 2000’s, there was the infamous “diet culture.” Celebrities became skinnier and magazines focused their articles around dieting. Being skinny was the most valuable thing a woman could be. Recently, there has been a resurgence of this toxic mindset. Especially when it comes to celebrities. A recent example is the long awaited “Wicked” film adaptation. The film was highly-anticipated, but there was another aspect deemed more interesting by the media and fans: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s bodies. The pair appeared to be near emaciated in both the film and press tour. Their appearances sparked heated conversations from concern to hate comments, alongside the most concerning of these comments: young viewers saying they wished their bodies looked like theirs. Young girls are already more susceptible to body image issues. Celebrities — whether they mean to or not — aid extreme weight loss culture by showing up to massively publicized events

concerningly skinny. Every time there’s an awards show or concert I spend all night scrolling through TikTok watching outfit reviews, my favorite aspect of the events. But, as of late I haven’t been focused on the outfits, I’ve been focused on how skinny attendees are getting. Celebrities are the centerpieces of pop culture. If one attends an event while concerningly thin, fans who see them on social media will of course idolize their body, especially when seeing the praise they receive for their figure. This idolization can blindside young fans. They don’t think about how their idols are likely on GLP-1s, they just see the results. This can spiral into fans turning to harmful measures so they appear like their favorite celebrities. The rapid resurgence of diet culture — a societal belief that prioritizes thinness and appearance over health — is a major issue for youth. This is exacerbated by the trend in adult culture of using GLP-1s to lose weight and conform to beauty standards. A prime example of the prevalence of GLP-1s is world famous tennis player, Serena Williams. Williams recently starred in a Superbowl commercial for the telehealth company Ro, promoting their GLP-1 medication, which she claimed to use. Williams is a rolemodel for many young girls and her promotion of weight loss through GLP-1s — intentionally or not — further sends the message that no matter how strong a woman and healthy may be, the answer is always to lose weight. Teenagers are constantly seeing adults promote the use of GLP-1s, but they aren’t as accessible to youth as they are adults. Regardless, teenagers still have to witness people getting

skinnier using GLP-1s. If teens have a hard time getting GLP-1’s themselves, how will they imitate its effects? The least concerning possibility is the “normal route:” working out and eating healthier, which many teenagers already do with sports and a regular diet. But, results can be slow, causing teenagers to instead starve themselves or make themselves throw up to fast track weight loss. But, such behaviors can also heavily increase the likelihood of developing anorexia or bulimia nervosa — binge eating disorder, according to NIH. More than ever I’ve been hearing girls brag about their constant workout classes, flex their low-calorie meals or complain about how they look in a new workout set. This sort of conversation shouldn’t be normal, but girls are having to think more than ever about their bodies. Eating disorders are a substantial risk to one’s health and the consequences of developing one are dire. And, there is only more concern to be had due to GLP-1s. There needs to be a shift away from glorifying skinniness and focus on promoting health a n d strength to the youth.

opinion

OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by LUCY SWOPE photos by GRAHAM GEHEB story by SIENNA WILLIAMS

what a

WASTE!

THE SCARY TRUTH Statistics of Halloween waste

83% of prepackaged costumes are made with oil-based plastic and for single use only

2,079 tons of costume waste is sent to landfills

20-200 years are needed to decompose costume synthetic fibers

40% of costumes are worn only a single time before throwing away

35,000,000 costumes are thrown out yearly *according to Forbes.com

Spirit Halloween’s exciting atmosphere makes it easy to overspend on overpriced and low quality products PIRIT HALLOWEEN HAS

one thing going for it: the ridiculously massive, horrifying animatronics. The costumes? Not so much. When you’re surrounded by fog machines, 10-foot-tall monsters and walls of Halloween decorations, it’s easy to convince yourself you need that $30 purple wig. You wander through the displays with your friends. You take home that giant inflatable skeleton because for some reason, it’s calling your name. The store is so entertaining, you almost forget to shop. Spirit Halloween makes shopping for Halloween exciting. The stores’ over-thetop decorations and displays make it easy to get caught up in the experience and want to buy everything in sight. But once you see past the thrill, most of Spirits products aren’t as special or worth the money as they seem, especially something that may only be worn or used once. Spirit’s biggest advantage is convenience. Almost everything you could want for Halloween is in one place. Costumes, wigs, props, makeup, decorations. The atmosphere makes it tempting. But convenience doesn’t automatically make something worth the price. Especially with the store’s strict return policy. Spirit’s 2026 policy only allows returns

until Oct. 16 and exchanges from Oct. 17 that pulls the whole thing together. through Oct. 22. After that, sales are final. Clothes already sitting in your closet This means you could spend a decent can piece together to make something amount on a costume, realize it doesn’t fit completely different with a little or realize the scratchy material is creating creativity. a rash on your shoulder, and only have a It’s not a negative thing that Spirit small window to do anything about it. Halloween is lively and engaging to go to For a store built around a holiday that — that’s what makes the store enjoyable isn’t even until the last day of the month, to visit. But, the excitement can make it this policy is extremely limiting. easy to spend money on items that are And where do those costumes go after pricy, one-time uses. Halloween? Spirit makes it easy to buy everything Research from Fairyland Trust and in one place. But easy doesn’t always make Hubbub found that 83% of materials something better. in 324 Halloween clothing There’s a reason why items they examined were THRIFTING, Spirit is so popular. oil-based plastics. Polyester Walking around the borrowing and reusing store with your friends alone made up 69% of the costumes can keep material studied. to laugh at the hilarious When costumes are clothing in use longer animatronics is part of made mostly from synthetic what makes Halloween so instead of sending it materials, they create a lot fun for many people. of unnecessary plastic waste. straight to the landfill. Spirit Halloween has Spirit Halloween fuels this turned shopping into waste. something closer to an attraction. Before grabbing another plasticThe experience is what gets people wrapped outfit off the shelf, maybe it’s through the doors, keeps them wandering worth looking at other options. though the aisles and makes a $20 Thrifting, borrowing and reusing decoration seem so irresistible. costumes can keep clothing in use longer The animatronics are worth the trip. instead of sending it straight to the The atmosphere is worth experiencing. landfill. But the $70 costume you’ll wear once? The best mermaid costume out there Maybe leave it on the rack. doesn’t have to come sealed in a plastic bag off the Spirit Halloween racks. A thrifted sequin skirt or lacy halter top can make a costume just as good for half the price. Maybe a friend has the seashell necklace

design by TYLER RUSSELL

photostory

ON HOLD

THE HARBINGER

SCAN ME PHOTO To purchase photos from the phone ban photostory scan this QR code.

Students adjust to a phone-free school day after a state law was passed

RIGHT Seniors Layla Love, Scout Olson and Bella Hart and juniors Penny Magruder and Elizabeth Beltrame play a guessing game during their free time in class instead of using their phones. They asked questions to identify celebrities written on sticky notes placed on their foreheads. “I asked a question, ‘Was she in the cocoa puffs commercial?’W and they said ‘Yes,’ so I knew I had Alison Reed,” Hart said. photo by TYLER RUSSELL

ABOVE Senior Aida Bruce checks her phone before walking into SM East for her after school club, Local Lancer. With the school day being over, students can use their phones inside the building. photo by SOPHIA CICERO *Instagram poll of 142 votes

HAS THE PHONE BAN REDUCED YOUR SCREEN TIME? NO YES

39% 61%

ABOVE Sophomore Kanyon Hancock holds her wallet alongside a pumpkin

ABOVE Students walk to the lunch room while passing a new device-free sign in spice coffee from Columbia Brew. With the hallway. The signs sit around the hallways to remind students to keep personal phones banned during the school day, devices put away throughout the school day under the district’s new policy. students have turned to physical cards photo by TYLER RUSSELL and cash for purchases. photo by TYLER RUSSELL

Read the Harbinger.

feature

this week in photos

LEFT Sophomore Grace Alt reaches for a sponge to

wipe up cheese shavings. In foods class, students make personal pizzas. photo by LIV RUECKER BELOW Senior Lauren Power sits in the senior art studio, working on art on their own. photo by ASHLEY RAMOS

design by CLAIRE TROUTWINE

nanny spotlight These student nannies balance academics, athletics, babysitting and after-school transportation each day.

I THINK NANNYING is a fun job to have. It’s something I look forward to after school and I get to be a part of the kids’ lives. Instead of going home and doing homework, you get to spend time with kids.

“

NORA ELWOOD sophomore

I HAVE LEARNED A LOT about time management and just communication. Whenever I have something come up last minute, its really important to formally communicate with the parents.

BELOW Senior Noah Dial carefully paints the canvas with paint. photo by GRAHAM GEHEB

“

HALLIE KLOCKE senior

WITH THE KIDS I nanny, we love to go squishy hunting or go get ice cream. On Tuesdays, I take her to show choir, and we go running around and skipping in the hallways before her class.

new student styles The Student Store opened on Sept. 25, introducing new products. The Draggin’ Wagon A new concept that business teacher Amanda Doane introduced, The Draggin’ Wagon, sells store products at home games

New products:

Most popular!

THE WAGON made us a lot of money. It was a different market for selling Lancer Day jerseys, with parents and kids that wanted it, they were really excited about it. Gum, 3-D printed fidgets, and mock necks are new HALLIE PFEIFFER additions to the products offered at the student store senior

“

ADELAIDE GRIFFIN

sophomore

store success:

EVERYONE ALWAYS thinks that student store is struggling financially, but we made so much money off of Lancer Day that it’s really has allowed us to explore new options, with the mock necks and new designs, and it has given us freedom to be creative.

“

ELLIE BURGESS senior

design by MICHAEL YI photos by EVELYN GEHEB story by CHRISTOPHER LONG

IN THE

LINE OF

FIRE B Senior Addy Pond is breaking gender norms and chasing adrenaline as she pursues professional firefighting through the district’s Blue Eagle program

fea

LINDFOLDED AND s by smoke, then-junior Ad trapped inside the Caree Campus fire station gar firefighting gear. Lying down as she feels a concrete floor through her bulky, b fire gloves for the pieces of the ox Addy goes through the steps. Sort the parts for the harness. Connect the tank to the breathi Tighten the straps to make a ba While her instructors scream emergency and her classmates ins is impossible, Addy takes her tim each movement through. Throwing the 30-pound oxygen her shoulders, Addy puts the ma takes a deep breath to stream of oxygen. Sh minutes left. It flows freely — she only student in Fire S complete the drill. I can’t imagine doin else. This class was no a fun elective she foun through the junior cours It was the pipeline to the job made for. Firefighting. “I’m an insane person, so I tho it, and it took me about five minut [the risks of firefighting],” Addy I haven’t really gone into a fire y little harder to think about, but i middle of the fire, and I got my te not like an immediate danger to it’d be adrenaline pumping, like, t I signed up for.”

FINDING HER

STRENGT

In the SMSD Blue Eagle Prog is the only girl in Fire Science 2, a Addy is on track to be the fou graduate of the program’s 10-year

BLUE EAGLE

SMSD’s classes and curriculum fo enforcement, firefighting and EM

Women make up only 9% of the service nationwide, according to Fire Protection Association survey “Going into a male-dominant fi hard,” Addy said. “So, if you don’t it, then it’s definitely really hard keep doing it. I think women are 10 of [firefighting], and I hope th increases.” Whenever struggling to sho

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surrounded ddy Pond is er Technical rage in full

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oulder the

THE HARBINGER

weight of a 125-pound ladder during a drill, Addy’s male classmates would taunt her. “You’re too weak to do it.” “You need a strong man to save you.” But Addy joked it off because she remembered Lenexa Fire Department Firefighter Katie Cline’s motto: “Work smarter, not harder.” When breaking down a door or lifting ladders, for example, Addy finds leverage and focuses on technique rather than brute force. Through part-time teaching at the CTC, Cline has helped Addy build confidence and stay focused during drills. Her advice and experience, Addy explained, show how much female firefighters can accomplish. “I see little girls’ eyes light up when they see a female firefighter,” Cline said. “I don’t know if it’s because it’s such a rare thing, and, again, not even knowing that that’s an option for them one day. Being a female firefighter, you can almost see the wheels turning, like, ‘Oh, that’s something I could maybe do one day.’”

ADDY’S PATH Most students at the CTC take Intro to Public Service as a sophomore and then plan their junior year based on whether they liked firefighting, law enforcement or Emergency Medical Technician best. But Addy didn’t plan on diving headfirst into black steel-toed boots and bunker gear. And she certainly didn’t plan far enough ahead to take the usual path: Fire Science 1 and Emergency Medical Response as a junior and Fire Science 2 and 3, Hazmat and EMT as a senior. After a few meetings with her counselor Traci Ybarra, Addy reorganized her senior year schedule after realizing her passion. Addy’s schedule: Fire Science 2 from 8-10 a.m., a 17-minute drive to SM East to eat lunch with her mom at the attendance window, Hazmat from 1:15-2:10 p.m. and an EMT class from 5-10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and online English. On days with an EMT Class, Addy drives home at 4 p.m. to pick up dinner. In the driveway, she rolls down her window, and her mom hands her Chipotle or Chick-fil-A takeout and Addy heads off to class. Addy practices checking patients’ vitals and CPR until 10 p.m., when her whole family’s already asleep. She just doesn’t have time for family dinners. “We just try to take her in when she’s there,” Robin said. “I just miss her being around because she is funny, she is a hoot. We just miss her presence and being there with her, so I look forward to when she slows down a little more.” Her mom, SM East attendance aide Robin Pond, supports Addy, but she says she worries

when she imagines Addy holding a hose amid blazing flames. “She has not run into any fire yet, so I totally support her,” Robin said. “She’s getting all of the training that she needs. She’ll be smart, and I will worry about her like nothing else.”

CHASING ADRENALINE

Addy’s career checklist has always included running far away from desks and into jobs where she can chase adrenaline. On a family trip to Manitou Springs, Colorado, Addy and her family walked past the Terror-Dactyl: a canyon dead-drop experience that swings over 100 mph and covers 400 feet in four seconds. Addy was first in line. “Headstrong” and “adventurous” are words Robin uses to describe her 17-year-old daughter. “I have a saying I tell my family all the time,” Addy said. “I would do practically anything, but [cave diving].” From Addy’s detailed descriptions of Waldo — the drill dummy — or how fast and energetic she described the first month of Fire Science 1, Addy’s twin sister, Claire, knew firefighting was Addy’s perfect career. “She likes the adrenaline and she likes helping people a lot, so this is definitely the kind of job where she can combine the two,” Claire said. “I think that it just really matches with her personality and you could just tell how much she loves it, just by how as soon as she gets home from [class], she always wants to talk about it.” Instructors at the CTC know Addy as a “fast learner,” “confident” and “fiercely competitive.” Fire Science 1 Instructor Peter Bailes distinctly remembers Addy’s positive attitude and described her as “the most motivated person in the class.” “There’s just a glow, a look, a smile that she has that says, ‘I just did that,’” Bailes said. “Addy’s level of confidence, she does it one time, she’s successful at it and then boom, ‘Let’s move on to the next thing.’ ‘I’m ready for the next hardest challenge.’ And that’s how Addy’s been so successful.”

OFF THE JOB In her first year of the program, Addy competed in the firefighting category of the state SkillsUSA competition in Hutchinson, Kansas. She earned a silver medal, navigating fire-specific practicals like manning ladders, a 100-question bubble sheet test about firefighting techniques and procedures, and a mock job interview.

Addy was the first female medalist in the 10-year history of the category. As the 2026-27 president of all Blue Eagle clubs across the district, Addy will have plenty of practice for the competition as she helps other students across district high schools prepare. Her advisor for Blue Eagle Clubs, Dr. Justin Howe, explained how quickly Addy got involved in everything firefighting. “I mean, she just kind of jumped in, taking on challenges, things she’s never done before,” Howe said. “I don’t know how she does it. By graduation, she will have all of her fire certifications, and fingers crossed this year, maybe she’ll be able to go to nationals and represent Kansas in [SkillsUSA].” Staging a fire to show local residents how effective fire sprinklers are or networking with local firefighters for a job next year, Addy dedicates time to fire-related volunteering, helping out at the Lenexa and Bonner Springs Fire Department annual open houses. Whether firefighters slice open a car door to demonstrate an emergency rescue or click through a fire safety slideshow, Addy sets up demonstrations, so citizens see the value in firefighters. “[People] call [firefighters] when they’re having the worst day of their lives,” Addy said. “They always need the most trust and professionalism.” Anything she can do to prepare for the fire service, Addy does. After school every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Addy works out with Howe and other students preparing for the CPAT through the strength and conditioning club at the CTC that she co-chairs. With deadlifts, squats, the dreaded stairmaster with a 75-pound weighted vest, training for the CPAT reminds Addy of her ultimate goal. “When I’m training for the CPAT or

ADDY IN

ACTION

Photos of Addy practicing drills and learning

TOP Addy in Fire 1, working on safe ventilating practices up on roofs.

SKILLS USA

A state and national competition testing job and career skills across many industries something and I want to give up, I just imagine how many people I can help in the future if I keep persevering through all the little roadblocks,” Addy said. “Knowing that I can do something with the purpose of my life that’ll help other people is incredible.”

BELOW Addy and the class learn to cut up a car using hydraulic tools on vehicle extraction day. photos courtesy of ADDY POND

feature

OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by ASHTYN INGRAM photos courtesty of KATHRIN HUSMANN story by SLOANE HENDERSON

BEYOND the WORKOUT SM East parent Kathrin Husmann joined KMAK Fitness to gain body definition

DIET BREAKDOWN Protein: Salmon Vegetables: Broccolli

HO WANTS TO get in

the best shape of their get in the best shape of their lives? When SM East parent Kathrin Husmann noticed a coworker had lost weight and gained definition, she was intrigued. She was referred to KMAK Fitness — an online fitness program for South Asian-Americans in the U.S. Kathrin, though, is white. “I was just looking to be strong and have muscle,” Kathrin said. “I saw all these photos of people who really transformed, and if I had seen that with any other program, I’d been like, ‘Yeah, these are fake.’” But after seeing her colleague’s transformation with her own eyes, Kathrin began to trust the photos. “I called them and said, ‘Hey, I know your program says it’s for [South] Asians, but would you take this white girl to your program?’ and they were laughing and they were like, ‘Yeah, of course,’” Kathrin said. Before Kathrin joined in March of 2025, she had trained with a coach in the Kansas City area. She didn’t see much progress. The KMAK program includes two main

NO Carbs: Rice/Bread Snacks: Yogurt

parts: fitness and diet. ”That’s why it was a good program for Each client is paired with a trainer who me, and I think why it’s a good program helps them with both sides. The trainer for a lot of people because you [got] that creates workouts, diets and coaches the feedback from your coach and that was client through the program, using a series helpful to keep me motivated.” of feedback videos and surveys. Seeing and feeling tangible progress Kathrin’s program consisted of lifting helped too. three times a week, getting at least 8,000 Starting the program, Kathrin wanted steps a day, prioritizing to do one unassisted pull-up. sleep, reading “Atomic I KNOW I get kind of When she hit one, the goal Habits” — a self-help book intense when I set my morphed into four or five. by James Clear — and mind to something, but Then it became ten. Then eating a certain number pull-ups with added weight. of calories and grams of [a goal] I just even kind of “I know I get kind of really surpassed was I just intense when I set my mind to protein a day. Each lifting session wanted one pull up. Now something, but [a goal] I just was taped and sent to I can do 13 just with my even kind of really surpassed her instructor, who lives was I just wanted one pull up,” in Ireland, along with body weight. Kathrin said. “Now I can do 13 a weekly survey of her just with my body weight.” KATHRIN week’s highs and lows By that time, Kathrin HUSMANN and a photo to track her could visibly see definition in progress. her abs. Feeling the results of Each week, Kathrin opened her phone her hard work made the motivation easy to video feedback with encouragement — whether it was a 5:30 a.m. lift session or and advice — good session today, don’t after a long day in the hospital as a Neuro lean so far over, adjust the machine so Intensive Care Unit doctor. your feet are flat. Kathrin also started bringing her “I really liked the feedback,” Kathrin daughter, junior Chloe Super, to the gym, said. along with her 12-year-old brother, Henry

“

The food process Husmann followed taking this course

Super. “I really love lifting weights,” Chloe said. “I just never was super serious about it, but then I started going with her a little bit because she would ask me and [got] me a membership for her gym. We would go together, and I think that helped that she didn’t have to go to the gym by herself.” After a year and a half in the program, and a professional photoshoot to capture her progress, Kathrin stopped KMAK because she was proud of where she had gotten and the information from her coach wasn’t as valuable, since she was doing so well. That doesn’t mean her early morning sessions stop, though. Kathrin plans on being at a machine Monday, Wednesday and Friday — she never misses. “I think one of the big things that changed was I really thought that to be a person who looks muscle-y or is strong, you had to basically spend four hours at the gym,” Kathrin said. ”That’s why I thought over the years [that], there’s no way I can. Who has time to be at the gym, like those gym bros all the time? But my workouts take an hour, and it’s only three times a week.”

OCTOBER 12, 2026

photostory

CER’S N THE

design and photo by SYLVIE DEGALAN

The boys soccer managers show their dedication to their positions by showing up and dressing out for every game

LEFT Junior

Auggie Bryant, sophomore RJ Galyean and senior Will Beezley come back from the corner after running into it, celebrating senior Henry MarienBrovant’s goal. MarienBrovant scored the first goal of the game within two minutes of the first half.

RIGHT Senior

Ben Bagby clips the senior banners to the fence facing the spectator section, for all of the parents to see. This is one of the manager’s jobs at the beginning of every home game.

RIGHT Seniors

Will Beezley and Ben Bagby count the balls as they put them away after warmups concluded. During warmups, the managers help the players and coaches by making sure balls are constantly being fed to players. They have to run and jump fences to retrieve balls players kick over and make sure they don’t lose any.

LEFT The boys soccer managers, Will Beezley, Landon Callenbach, Ben Alt and Ben Bagby cheer on the SM East Lancers as they compete against Olathe South. The Lancers fell 1-3.

SCAN ME PHOTO To view more photos from Link Week , scan this QR code

design by KENNEDY MOORE photos by LIV RUECKER story by ADDY NEWMAN

feature

The

SANDLOT way SM East parent Chad Hickman ties family to his own business, Sandlot Goods

MOUNTAIN OF leather

Nearby, Ellis worked with the totes ironing, folding, tagging, bagging and pieces sat in front of sophomore putting a retail sticker on them. Calvin Hickman. Somewhere around the manufacturing Each one was to be placed warehouse, Chad would be helping solve on the laser engraving machine, a couple problems, replying to emails at his desk near seconds to go by and one leather hide needs the packing and fulfillment area, working to be replaced with another, a monotonous on little things such as fixing the website or task for most. Eventually, the hides will form filling in for a role if someone was out for the a Yardball — a handmade leather baseball day. Sandlot started with four workers, grew for playing catch. But, Calvin wasn’t working to around 75 during the pandemic and is now alone. around 25 workers. Calvin sat in the warehouse of the Before Sandlot, Chad was co-owner only hat company still cutting, sewing and of a photo studio, 8183 Studio, working in shipping hats out of Kansas City — Sandlot photo advertisement. But something was Goods. Started in 2014 by SM East parent off — Chad had always desired to turn his Chad Hickman, Calvin and senior Ellis creativity towards designing and selling a Hickman’s dad. physical product, not just a creative service. Sandlot Goods initially was making “I just had this desire to make a product, small leather goods: wallets, create a brand and put a price women’s handbags and WHAT GOT ME in a on it,” Chad said. “You can buy journal covers for moleskin it or not. So, I left the photo lot of trouble when we journals. The pandemic studio shortly after my brother brought the production of first started, is there’s died, and just did that as a sign masks, baseball caps and tote always some shiny to do something different, and bags. The Yardball was dreamt object out there. I get named it Sandlot. It felt like it up from a well-worn baseball was kind of a nod to my brother, really excited about glove and was launched on because our childhood always Kickstarter — a platform for making stuff more felt like [the movie] ‘Sandlot.’” creators to share new work efficiently, finding new “The Sandlot” — is a with the community. fabrics and I really enjoy movie that describes a summer Over the summer, Calvin of baseball, friendship and and Ellis got the opportunity growing the team. growing up — is an ode to the to work some hours on payroll CHAD HICKMAN youth of the Hickman boys alongside their dad and uncle, and Chad’s love for baseball — Neil Hickman — co-owner of ultimately where Chad got his inspiration. Made in KC — at Sandlot. After the sudden loss of his older brother “The most fun part of working [at in 2014, Chad started channeling his grief Sandlot] was just being around my dad and into creativity by tapping into the nostalgic my uncle more,” Ellis said. memories of their childhood. “The vintage Sandlot shares the same warehouse as style of Sandlot Goods’ hats, wallets, and Made in KC off of Southwest Boulevard. This accessories is inspired by days of years past, means that while Calvin was repetitively where kids played from dawn ‘til the lights engraving leather hides or putting together came on,” according to Sandlot Goods. the Yardball retail boxes, his uncle was less “What got me in a lot of trouble when than 15 feet away from, working at his own we first started, is there’s always some shiny station overseeing Made in KC. No training object out there,” Chad said. “I get really was required since Calvin had already been excited about making stuff more efficiently, around the warehouse many times before. finding new fabrics and I really enjoy

“

growing the team.” Most hat companies pull a hat off of a shelf and embroider something on it. Sandlot is actually handmaking by taking rolls of fabric, cutting it down and making the hats in the warehouse. There’s less than 10 baseball cap manufacturers doing it on this scale, producing 500 to 700 hats a week, in the United States, according to Chad. Chad’s favorite thing is to simply sit down and work on the brand, build the website up a little better and focus on building the business instead of only making hats. Sandlot and Yardball run 5050 on projects they were chosen for such as custom work and then on their own designs and products sold online. “You could consider me jack of all trades, master of none,” Chad said. “I know pretty much how to do nearly everything in the building to a level that’s at least okay.” Chad’s family has grown up with this business, and while Chad says the business has never gotten out of the beginning steps, his family is continuously supporting him. Sandlot has made a total of only two SM East hats, one worn by Chad and another by his wife Megan Hickman, to boys soccer games for Ellis and Calvin. “[Megan] loves Sandlot,” Chad said. “I think this has been a long passion project and we would love for this to make us a little more money and take a little less time than it does.” Ellis’s favorite product is the Yardball, and he enjoys playing catch with the four-ounce ball alongside his family whenever they are outside. “The biggest lesson my dad taught me is that hard work pays off,” Ellis said.

Steps To

SUCCESS Steps that Chad Hickman takes to make a hat

1. Fabric Cutting 2. Die Cutting 3. Back Sewing 4. Back Tapping 5. Crown Assembly 6. Visor Sewing 7. Top Stitching 8. Making Buttons 9. Quality Control

feature

THE HARBINGER

LEFT Many different types of fabric of all sizes and colors are stacked on a shelf in the Sandlot warehouse.

BELOW Owner and CEO Chad Hickman demonstrates how to use the laser engraving tool that they use for yardballs.

LEFT Chad Hickman explains how custom order work. All hats start in

various parts in assorted bins. Custom hats are commonly ordered at Sandlot.

ABOVE A bucket of yardballs are set on the counter waiting to be sewn together before getting shipped out to customers.

OCTOBER 12, 2026

Chris’ Favorite

Memories

Chris shares some of his most cherished memories as a coach

. Lucy winning the NSDA

national championship with a 102 degree fever

. Singing the lyrics to non-school appropriate rap songs while driving in the debate vans to a competition in Chicago

. Playing 80’s music trivia with freshman debaters at the annual debate and forensics car wash

local lancer

Chris Pace

design by BRIDGET DEAN photo courtesy of CHRIS PACE

Chris Pace, a parent of a former SM East debater, Lucy Pace, shares his thoughts on assistant coaching the debate team

What’s your favorite part about coaching? “My favorite part of coaching is to see how kids today, 40 years after I graduated from high school, are interacting with an activity that I really loved when I was in high school. I also view it as an opportunity to pay it forward. We had one coach that every weekend, he spent his entire weekend, driving kids to all over the state. Now I understand how much of a sacrifice that was for him and how much he poured into that activity and into the kids on his team. I viewed it as an opportunity to kind of honor his legacy by doing the exact same thing that he did, albeit at a much lower level of effort.”

What’s it like coaching now that Lucy is graduated from SM East? “I gave it a lot of thought of whether to continue when she graduated, but because she became a coach as a college freshman last year, I actually saw it as an opportunity to spend time with her. I love it when she’s at a tournament. Watching her, she’s very good at it [and] It’s gonna sound pretty cheesy. It fills me with joy, because she’s so good at it, and she loves it so much.”

Has working in real world law changed how you’ve judged debate? “I was always what was called tabular rasa, meaning blank slate. I will allow the debaters to tell me what’s important, and then persuade me that their view of how I should judge the round is the view I should adopt. I’ve argued motions to judges all over the U.S., and that obviously influences how I view the world. And so does that on a subconscious level, influence how I would evaluate a particular debater? Yes.”

“I would say that if anybody has an

interest in going into the legal profession, then they would do themselves a great disservice if they didn’t take at least one year of high school debate. ”

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dancing to the last STAR MARIAH CAREY WEEK 4: 10/6

Maura & Mark Jenna & Val Harry & Jenna Ezra & Daniella Amber & Pasha Tyler & Sharna Jackson & Emma Julia & Ezra Ciara & Brandon Tatiana & Jan Connor & Riley Guillermo & Witney

SUPER BOWL

WEEK 5: 10/13

Maura & Mark

WEEK 6: 10/20

Follow along and fill out your predictions for the next week’s episode and finale of Dancing with the Stars MY FAVORITE COUPLE is Ezra and

FINALE 11/24

Harry & Jenna Ezra & Daniella Jenna & Val Tatiana & Jan Amber & Pasha Julia & Ezra Connor & Riley Tyler & Sharna Guillermo & Witney

entertainment

*Instagram poll of 178 votes

ARE YOU PLANNING ON WATCHING VERITY? 63%

NO 37%

*read more about this on page 24 *Instagram poll of 180 votes

DO YOU WATCH SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE? NO

47%

YES

53%

*read more about this on page 22

Daniella, I think it’s really awesome that he has a prosthetic leg. It’s so cool to see how they rearrage the dances and change the moves around for him, but it still looks like the other groups. You wouldn’t know he has a prosthetic leg. I love Halloween night because I love seeing the scary dances.

“

HARPER’S CHAMPION: Ezra & Daniella

Jackson & Emma

this week’s arts &

YES

DEDICATION

design by EMILY ENGER

YOUR SEASON 35 CHAMPION: CLAIRE’S CHAMPION: Ezra & Daniella

HARPER WEAVER sophomore

I LIKE DEDICATION night because it’s always really sentimental. I love seeing everyones stories and how they bring it to DWTS. This season, I think Ezra Frech and Daniella [Karagach] will go far because of his story and his quality of movement even without a leg is amazing. But, I also always cheer for Riley Arnold and her partner because I watched her on DWTS Juniors 10 years ago.

“the encore CLAIRE KNUDTSON sophomore

A spotlight on an online story from the past two weeks Taylor Swift’s, the “Encore” is neither a bop nor flop

story by EVIE LEWIS social by LILA HENRY

SCAN ME STORY Scan the QR code to read about Taylor Swifts the “Encore”

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OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by ANNE BOWSER art by KENNEDY GARWOOD story by MARY KATE RUANE

SATURDAY NIGHT

LEGACY

“SNL” has kicked off its 52nd season with two new cast members

SINCE CHILDHOOD, SATURDAY Night Live has

been a huge part of my life. Every Sunday morning, I would run downstairs and beg my parents to show me the funniest skits from the night before, or at least those that they deemed me old enough to see. By sixth grade, if I had finished my homework, my parents finally gave in and let me stay up late to watch the episode live. I’ve watched cast members come and go: Cecily Strong, Bill Hader and Kate McKinnon, to name a few. And I, along with the rest of the nation, have watched as new faces arose. This year, Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter joined the list of comedians elite enough to hold a position on one of the most popular sketch-comedy shows in the U.S., according to Rolling Stone. Belo-Osagie worked as an assistant in several film environments, such as writing and directing a short film called Tinge, released in 2020. After working in film, she began a career in comedy, creating a solo clown show called “Saidah Gets Closure”, working as a stand-up comedian and posting sketches online. Meanwhile, Reiter got her start on TikTok, making her way into the hearts of fans who find her and her skits relatable. She was involved in the American High TikTok account, where she and several castmates carefully crafted skits about everything school: PE uniforms, different types of students, substitute teachers, you name it. On Sept. 26, both Belo-Osagie and Reiter debuted in a sketch entitled “Dream Academy.” It parodied the actual

reality show from which this week’s about love or friendship, Duff and Margle musical guest, Katseye, originated. suggested a song about Newton’s Cradle, The show is about putting together to the final group members’ dismay. a musical girl group, however, the It centered around an archetype that punchline comes in when there are two SNL frequently uses, one where there are “ugly ducklings:” Margle, played by a few characters who don’t necessarily fit Reiter, and Duff, played by Jane Wickline. in, or who become the butt of the joke. Reiter played her part spectacularly. Although seen before, there’s a reason Her acting was consistent with her that SNL continues to use it. What a previous works: she isn’t afraid to laugh brilliant idea, to make a sketch connected at herself. In many of her past online to the musical group performing. skits, she was the punchline, which she From all my years of watching SNL, has always fully committed to. what I’ve learned is that cast members Meanwhile, Belo-Osagie shouldn’t have too much was cast as one of the main HOWEVER, I WAS pride. For instance, contestants in the group. She somewhat disappointed Kate McKinnon was plays a beautiful, talented with the choices made for consistently cast in and hardworking girl named Belo-Osagie. roles where she had Neelsa. say particularly It wasn’t her acting, she just to Her character wasn’t given didn’t stick out. vulgar or embarrassing many lines. She didn’t have things, like in the Alien as great of a role to start out Abduction sketches. with as Reiter did. To be fair, it Of course, they might not be her fault. There are a lot of should be proud of themselves. Working actors on SNL, and it’s hard to include all as an actor on SNL could never be a reality of them and give them all an equal chance for most. to shine like Reiter did. You have to be okay with getting online She was set up to fail and not given an and embarrassing yourself, which Reiter adequate storyline. Of course, every part is. needs to be played, but you would hope Different cast members are better the directors would give her at least some at playing different types of roles. The sliver of a chance to make a good first writers may still be deciding the best impression. types of roles for her. Despite Belo-Osagie, I thought the skit It’s too soon to judge her based off of was hilarious. All of the contestants were just one sketch, but the question remains: entirely skeptical of each other, looking will Belo-Osagie make the theoretical disgusted by one another as if they were SNL hall of fame? still in middle school. The tension intensified when the future pop-stars were put into groups for songwriting. While the rest of the groups wrote stereotypical, to-be-expected songs

“

NE W CAS T ON THE BLO C K

A overvie w on the new members of “Saturd est cast ay Night Live””

Saidah Belo-Os agie Interned at Tribeca Productions for Netflix In 2020, she released her short film “Tinge” In 2024, she began posting comedy sketches on social media

Grace Rei ter Cast member of “American High Shorts” In 2025, she starred and directed in comedy short film “The Hunger Games (But Better)” In 2026, she released a comedy music song under the alias “McRib” *Photos courtesy of IMDb

design and art by MADDIE GLASIER story by MICHAEL YI

THE HARBINGER

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IN DARKEST

NIGHT

The new HBO show “Lanterns” innovates on a classic character, signaling a bright future for James Gunn’s DC Universe

COMIC HISTORY

A timeline about the Green Lantern series

1959: Hal Jordan becomes 1940: Alan Scott becomes the new Green Lantern. the first Green Lantern in His powers come from an All-American comics, alien power ring. This begins establishing the character the modern Green Lantern

RE YOU AFRAID?”

Fear’s the center of the new DC Comics series “Lanterns,” following a pair of intergalactic cops drawn into a small-town Midwest mystery. Stoic recruit John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, trains under Earth’s current Green Lantern, the cynical Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. These heroes derive their powers from aptly-named “Power Rings,” which grant the ability to fly and manifest objects, but only to those with the strongest wills. Part detective mystery and part superhero fantasy, the show opens with Jordan and Stewart investigating a murder in Rushville, Nebraska, and butting heads with the local sheriff and rancher. It’s easy to forget it’s a superhero show — that is, until truckers are revealed to be aliens and explode, erupting paranoia in Rushville. By the third episode of the eight-episode season, we discover that our characters, and conflicts, are unique in a repetitive genre. Stewart was groomed to become the Lantern his whole life, through an abusive relationship with his parents, and aims to rip Jordan from his role. Hal, after 30 years as Lantern, appears increasingly jaded and ungenerous, yet refuses to give up his ring. The acting — from Pierre, Chandler and Kelly Macdonald, who plays the local sheriff, is excellent, spinning charisma, smart dialogue and genuine vulnerability. Prestige television superhero shows aren’t new, but for a DC

2001: John Stewart 1970: Green Lantern/Green appears in Justice League. Arrow tackles social issues. Stories address racism, He becomes the main Green Lantern on the show. poverty and injustice.

2026: Lanterns brings Green Lantern to liveaction TV. Hal Jordan and John Stewart star in it.

reboot that aims to contend with the industry giant Marvel Gunn’s universe, spread out across movies, shows Studios, “Lanterns” is a strong entry with its gorgeous and animation, varies genres beyond action, from the visuals and stylish acting. alien-Western “Lanterns” to the upcoming horror later this The show is neither Marvel cookie-cutter nor October, “Clayface.” It’s working. “Lanterns” is tasteful, overly-gritty and gory like “Invincible.” It’s economical in compelling, yet above all, balanced. The viewer enjoys the style. Jordan’s at the phase of his career where a beige jacket powers as much as the dialogue. replaces his costume, and his constructs But the show’s not afraid to take risks. In are abrupt and practical, punctuating long THIS IS A quote. The this incarnation, Hal Jordan faces depression stretches where you can forget it’s a show body text is Gibson and family trauma. This eventually culminates about superpowers at all. in the line, “I’m not fearless because I’m brave. book font 10.5 pt, and It’s this style — where the I’m fearless because I’m broken.” superheroes and villains are free to make the first three words It’s cheesy, but who’s watching a complex decisions, carry generational Gibson bold 13 pt. Make superhero show with the eye of a film critic? trauma and yet still, generally, fit in their It’s exciting to see the genre shift to dynamic this something super roles — that’s “Lanterns” greatest strength. characters who still bring comic-book thrills. Stewart is just as nuanced as we want him interesting that the As the final arc of the show shifts to tones of to be, and we can reap the quick fun of a reader can understand mental health, earlier conversations become CGI portal to interdimensional conflict with minimal context. more complex, and the series sparks discussion on an alien world because it’s balanced by about the signs of those struggling. NAME NAME the personal dialogue and slow action in “Lanterns” won’t move mountains like the grade America’s heartland. heroes it depicts, but fans — of superheroes, DC Studios CEO James Gunn, who of HBO series or of detective shows like “True was responsible for one of Marvel’s most successful entries, Detective” — will all find something to like. the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy, needs the actionThere’s slow pacing at the beginning, and more drama to be a hit. His new DC Universe, rebooted after the than a few jokes that miss. But as a whole, the quality old canon, competes against the recovering Marvel Universe, soundtrack, tone, camerawork, and acting and writing mark which is picking up steam after “Spider-Man: Brand New “Lanterns” a compelling watch, and a sign that DC Comics Day.” has yet to film its brightest live-action days.

“

OCTOBER 12, 2026

page

design by TILLIE PAISNER photos by IMDb story by AVNI BANSAL

BETTER ON THE

Characters Verity and Jeremy Crawford

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’M NOT A Colleen Hoover fan.

Even though I’ve read three of her books, it was only because my friend wanted me to. But when I read Hoover’s 2018 novel “Verity” in eighth grade, I loved it. The book, like Hoover’s others, was a contemporary romance. But unlike her other books, it was also a psychological thriller. And it was entertaining. I read the novel in two days. The film, “Verity,” released on Oct. 2, was the complete opposite. It was an hour and 54 minutes, which takes less time than reading 336 pages, but I was bored, weirded out and unimpressed the whole runtime. The movie follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who’s hired to finish Verity Crawford’s bestselling book series after Verity is injured and unable to write. While staying in the Crawford’s home with Verity’s husband Jeremy and their son Crew to gather Verity’s notes, Lowen discovers a manuscript written by Verity that appears to reveal Verity’s darkest secrets. My predicted rating of 8/10, based on the book and the previous adaptation of Hoover’s “It Ends With Us,” failed me. The movie was, at most, a 5/10, and that’s only because I’m giving Josh Hartnett, Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway credit for being cheated out of playing a good role. The start of the film wasn’t bad, and my initial excitement and high expectations from the book carried me through the beginning. The first notable scene, involving lots of blood, didn’t look exactly how I’d pictured it in the book, but I wasn’t necessarily disappointed. But as soon as I saw the Crawford family’s lake house, the main setting of the whole movie — I was disappointed. The style of the home

represented what was bothering me about the rest of the movie — like the addition of Lowen’s Vuse — that I couldn’t quite understand. It was trying too hard; it was too modern. I didn’t like how everything felt unfamiliar — the rooms, the appliances. With minimal description from the book, I’d pictured a dark, old-fashioned home rather than a window-filled ultracontemporary home with a zig-zag roofline, although I did appreciate the architecture. I think the problem was that I’d imagined every scene, setting and character in the book in such a specific way that I didn’t feel fulfilled by the movie versions. The movie wasn’t all bad, though. I liked the claustrophobic framing and shadowy lighting and thought the acting was compelling — with Hartnett playing the seemingly devoted yet deeply secretive Jeremy, Johnson portraying the obsessed ghostwriter Lowen and Hathaway playing the highly manipulative, bedridden Verity. Their costumes and outfits felt book-accurate and I thought their personalities were well-translated because, just like in the book, I didn’t like any of the characters. I also didn’t mind that Verity was brunette instead of platinum blonde like she is in the book. I did, however, mind that a whole character was missing. The Crawfords have three children — Crew, Harper and Chastin. Not two. You can’t completely cut an entire twin out and then change around the age of another child. But although leaving Chastin out of the movie impacted several plot points, it didn’t weaken the movie heavily overall. If I didn’t have the background knowledge from the books, maybe I wouldn’t have

“Verity” was a disappointing reproduction of the novel

minded. Apart from Chastin, I was able to enjoy how the movie made the book come to life, even if it wasn’t in the way I had expected. I found Crew’s knife scene haunting, and I was still thinking about it when the movie ended. Jeremy was charming, but seemed a little too innocent, and Lowen’s personality still drove me crazy. I also enjoyed seeing Verity’s iconic red dress moment from the book come to life. But I had a problem with Verity’s conclusion. The movie version was overdramatic and completely unbelievable. It felt even crazier in the movie, but it didn’t feel appropriate. It also didn’t feel poetic, which I think is what director Michael Showalter was aiming for with the lake symbolism. I did appreciate the jump scares throughout the movie, and I had to cover my eyes multiple times. But nothing compared to the shock and exhilaration I felt in eighth grade when I read the plot twist. The book consumed me for weeks. I had nonstop back-and-forth conversations about whether the manuscript was true or the letter was, and I genuinely couldn’t decide what to believe. After the movie, I didn’t argue with myself or obsess over what was real. I just had the realization that I’d spent 114 minutes watching a story that somehow became less interesting. So, unfortunately, I think the best way to experience “Verity” is still the way I did in eighth grade: with the book and a very active imagination.

Character Lowen Ashleigh

PAPER VS. PRODUCTION Differences in the novel by Colleen Hoover and the recent movie adaptation of “Verity”

BOOK

The Crawford family has three children: a son named Crew and twin daughters named Chastin and Harper. The main protagonist, Lowen, suffers from chronic sleepwalking, which directly leads to specific, suspenseful moments inside the Crawford house.

MOVIE

The Crawford family only has twins named Crew and Harper. Because Chastin is completely removed from the story, the family’s background details and overall storyline are altered. Lowen doesn’t sleepwalk in the movie, removing specific moments and another layer of tension. The movie includes promotional scenes, like cameos from the podcast “Call her Daddy,” which make the movie more current and modern.

sports

recent galleries

design by ALEX HARDEN

PERSONALLY I’m just

BELOW Sophomore Dylan Harding kicks the ball to clear it before a

proud of how I’ve been able to lead our team and be a calming presence for the younger guys.

Rockhurst offender steals it from junior Gabriel Effinger. photos by CHARLOTTE WALTON

“

CHASE JEHLE

senior and football player

I THINK I’ve gotten a lot better at working with new people.

“

ROWEN KANIN freshman and volleyball player

I’VE ONLY scored one [goal] this year, so probably just [I’m proud of] the one goal I have.

“ accomplished

DYLAN HARDING

sophomore and soccer player

ABOVE Freshman Rowen Kanin approaches the net as sophomore Sutton Jenkins sets the ball for Kanin. Kanin spiked the ball over the net, earning her first point of the match. photo by ANASTASIA FLOWER

ABOVE Sophomore Shaw Georgie runs after a Rockhurst forward to try and regain possesion of the ball. photo by SOPHIA CICERO

athletes

Three athletes share their favorite personal accomplishment of the season so far

of the boys JV soccer events to game recap Angameoverview against Rockhurst on Sept. 30 upcoming events Sporting look forward to

by SOPHIA CICERO POSSESION

REMAINED

consistently back and forth between Rockhurst and SM East for the entirety of the first and second halves of their game, resulting in JV’s first tie of the season. “It was a very good game where both sides played very well. Although there were no goals, the game was highly competitive with lots of action and intense moments,”

junior goalie Christian Mazza said. Mazza had a total of two saves and the the other goalie, junior Christian Perrey did not receive any shot attempts in his half of the game.

OCT.

JV BOYS SOCCER 5 p.m. @ FSHS

OCT.

15 JV XC

OCT.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

4 p.m. @ Frontier 8 a.m. @ BV North Trails Middle School

OCTOBER 12, 2026

RIVALRY RECAP

photostory

A recap of the two rivalry football games of the season

RIGHT Senior

Charlie Manies lays on the ground after getting tackled by an SM South player. photo by MOLLY MCDERMED

BELOW Junior Thomas Vanice puts his hands on his head as he watches his teammate, senior Gus Ketteler, get tackled by the Rockhurst defense. photo by ADDIE CLARK

RIGHT Senior Gus Ketteler headbutts

senior Max Bradley in celebration. photo by MOLLY MCDERMAND

design by SYLVIE DEGALAN

LEFT Senior

Owen Watland throws an interception after an attempted pass to senior Chase Jehle in the endzone. photo by SOPHIA CICERO

FALL MEDIA DAY PHOTOS OUT NOW HARBIEPHOTO.SMUGMUG.COM

alt-copy

OCTOBER 12, 2026

design by AVNI BANSAL art by JULIA CAMPBELL

HARBINGER LIBS Follow the directions to create your own story

1 1.

Fill in the blanks.

7. TEACHER

NUMBER

11. NAME OF A CLASS

STUDENT NAME

12.

OBJECT

13.

VERB

9. LOCATION IN THE SCHOOL

10. RANDOM OBJECT

ADJECTIVE

STUDENT NAME

CAFETERIA FOOD

SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM

ADJECTIVE

2 Use the corresponding number to fill in the story.

BREAKING NEWS: At approximately

p.m. today,

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was reportedly seen

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was on the way to

occurred. The situation began after

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and

7. 10.

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3 Read your story and enjoy the brain break!

8. 11.

to comment. The incident concluded shortly after, when comment.

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, who was present at the time, declined

was discovered at the scene. Administrators have declined to