Staley Talon, Vol. 9, Issue 1

Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Volume 9, Issue 1 September 2016

MORE THAN JUST A CITY: 8-9 fair-weather fans: 4

meet the candidates: 10-11

bone marrow match: 6-7

table of Contents

Table of contents

pg. 4

pg. 5

1.

Fair-Weather Royals Fans Fan Attendance Decreases With Losing Streak

Private Instagrams Private Isn’t Always Private

2. pg. 6-7

Senior Awaits Bone Marrow Match McLean Diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia

3. pg. 8-9

4.

6.

7.

1. During the varsity football game on Sept. 3 against Platte County High School, sophomore Jaden Moss runs the ball. Photo by Amber Lewis 2. At the first varsity football home game of the season on Aug. 19, “The Flock” student section throws baby powder into the air during kickoff.

on the cover The centerfold features Kansas City, Mo., and the different types of people who love the city. The cover photo was taken on Baltimore Avenue in downtown Sept. 10.

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More Than Just a City

5. pg. 10-11

Photo by Emilie Kerr

I’m So in Love with KC

Photo by Emilie Kerr 3. Members of the Card Game Club, seniors Garrison Brown, Collin Kartanos and Jacob Williams play Pokémon in art teacher Manabu Takahashi’s room during Falcon Time on Sept. 22. Photo by Rita Sargent 4. On the sidelines of the football game on Aug. 19, sophomore Carly Hays dances to the fight song with the Emeralds. Photo by Emilie Kerr 5. With their arms around one another at the varsity game on Aug. 19, the cheerleaders perform the green and black chant. Photo by Emilie Kerr 6. Varsity soccer player senior Jasmin Tahirovic practices at the District Activities Center soccer field on Aug. 31. Photo by Maddy Benda 7. Sophomore Saylor Smith serves at the Staley vs. Oak Park junior varsity volleyball game on Sept. 22. Photo by Leidy Venegas

pg. 12-13

pg. 14

pg. 15

pg. 16

Meet the Homecoming Candidates 11 Girls Nominated, Top 5 Chosen

Transition to Fall on a Budget Complete Wardrobe by Thrifting

New Year, New Coaches Head Coaches Take Over

‘Bat’tling Obstacles Athlete Plays Through Challenges

Falcons Invade Powerplay Students Get Job at Local Arcade

Table of Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear Readers, After a much-needed summer break, Talon magazine is back. We have completely redesigned the publication itself.

As editors, we are excited to bring something new to our readers.

Talon has had the same editor for the past three years, so this summer, our new staff spent a lot of late nights at journalism camp staying up to brainstorm what ways we could bring new and fresh ideas to our publication.

With that, we are changing the design. The information on the bottom and top of each page is called folios. They are now circles with the information instead of the black line across

all the pages, and then we color match our colors off of the cover photo. A big change is the table of contents. We have made it photo oriented, and the pictures in it will be strong action shots of various activities.

With fall approaching and school starting, we thought it would be a good idea to give tips on a fall-inspired thrifting look on pages 12 and 13. Also in this magazine all the news about homecoming and the candidates can be found on pages 10 and 11. Also read about new coaches on page 14.

With a lot of hype around Kansas City after the world series, we thought it would be cool to explain the different types of people who live in

Kansas City, such as the foodie, the die-hard sports fan, the born and raised and the artist, located in the centerfold, on pages 8 and 9.

Our goal overall this year is to get the first All-Missouri award the Talon has seen at state and to make a publication that our staff and our readers are proud of. With that, we are more than willing to listen and read the student body’s opinion about the publication by talking to one of us, texting or emailing.

Sincerely, Juniors Maddy Benda and Emilie Kerr Editors in Chief

STAFF EDITORIAL In the North Kansas City School District, if a student’s attendance level falls below 90 percent in a class, a grade reduction will occur. The more school the student misses, the greater the grade reduction. This is unfair to students who miss a lot of school but still manage to earn high grades.

These people get all of their work done but still have a lowered grade due to attendance. High school students can have things can come up not just after, but during school

as well. Some students are even scheduled to work during the day to provide for their families.

They have to balance school and work. These grade reductions do not help their chances of making it through high school when they’re giving it their all, even though they do not make it to school every day.

During our high school career, we also want to be able to experience things outside of school like concerts, political rallies and family vacations. Also, not everyone feels the need to

TALON STAFF Editors in Chief: Emilie Kerr Maddy Benda

Staff: go to the doctor whenever they become sick, which means they wouldn’t have a doctor’s note for proof of being sick.

It is unreasonable for students to be punished for their absences, whenever they give their all in their assignments and earn a passing grade.

The solution for reasonable attendance at school is to narrow down the punishment to those who are intentionally skipping school rather than those with a valid reason.

Talon is published quarterly during the school year. Talon will accept letters to the editor in CR202 or at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org. Before the letter is published, we will need to verify the writer’s identity with a photo identification. Letters may not exceed a length of 350 words. We will not publish letters that are libelous, obscene or that may cause a verifiable disruption of the education process of Staley High School. Letters must be signed.

Anonymous letters will be discarded. Advertisers may contact the adviser at cherie.burgett@nkcschools.org, (816) 321-5330 or at 2800 NE Shoal Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313.

Kelsey Bennett Kyla Gaines Mason Hanson Alexis Howard Jen Hulen Jessica Jordan Amber Lewis Haylee Roberts Rita Sargent Christopher Spry Leidy Venegas Jade Wiley Hannah Zank

Adviser: Cherié Burgett

Opinions expressed in Talon do not express staff’s endorsement of the products or services.

Talon is a member of NSPA, CSPA, MIPA, MJEA and Quill and Scroll. Talon is affiliated with JEA and JEMKC.

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opinion

Fair-weather Royals Fans

Fan Attendance Decreases With Losing Streak

A fair-weather fan is someone who only shows up to support when the team is doing well.

In 2014, the Royals were two runs away from a World Series championship, and that caught a lot of people’s attention. The next season, they came back with a message, calling it “unfinished business” and finished the

2015 season as World Series Champions. With the first world championship win in 30 years came quite a few bandwagon fans.

After a big title win, it is expected that game attendance as well as ticket prices go up for the following season. The problem is, the bandwagon fans were buying up all of the tickets and making it difficult for lifelong Royals fans to attend games.

According to statista.com, in 2013 the average ticket price for a Royals game was $19.83 and has gone up to $26.88 in 2016. While it is only a $7 increase, factoring in the cost of parking ($12) and food, it is expensive for a family to take a trip to the ballpark and

experience America’s favorite pastime.

In June of this year, the Royals hit their first big losing streak since winning the World Series.

With this decrease in wins, the fair-weather Royals fans were exposed. After causing our ticket prices to go up and making it nearly impossible to go to the home opener, they lost interest as soon as the season started to get bad, while the lifelong fans continued to support the team.

Then, in August, the Royals came back with a hot streak, winning nine consecutive games, which was good for the team but not so great for the fans. All of the fair-weather fans were back and ready to claim their support,

buying up ticket and taking seats just to say they were there.

As a true baseball fan, it is frustrating to see people at games missing exciting moments because they’re taking selfies and leaving when games get rough.

They buy up tickets and take seats, forcing the true fans to stay at home, while the fake fans miss the most exciting part of baseball: the game.

People who claim to be Royals fans should support the team no matter how the season is going.

There should never be a question of support for your team if you’re a true fan.

Written by Jessica Jordan

Where Did They Go?

By Jade Wiley

4

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opinion

instas vs Finstas Private Isn’t Always Private

Most of us know someone with more than one Instagram account. People have private accounts and public accounts. The private accounts are also referred

to as “Finsta” which means fake Instagram. Those are used to post pictures for their closest and most selected friends to see.

Typically, these are the pictures, videos and captions that wouldn’t normally be posted on a regular account. People feel more comfortable expressing personal posts about themselves to close friends that they don’t want just anyone to know. By only accepting follow requests from the people they want looking at what is uploaded, users are able to post whatever they want and not have

to worry about other opinions on it. Or so they think.

Even if it’s filtered to private, it’s not actually private. What goes on the internet stays on the internet and can be accessed by nearly anyone. Just because there is an option to filter who gets to see what is posted, it doesn’t mean that person gets to choose who their “friends” show, or who screenshots it because they have no control over that.

When posting something that others weren’t meant to see in the first place, consider why it is

being posted at all. Isn’t the whole purpose behind sharing something on social media to get others to see it? We are taking a step back from wanting everyone to see to only wanting a select few.

People may be trying to express themselves and open up, but they must realize that there are consequences once “share” is tapped. It could affect relationships between friends, family, at work and the reputation of the one posting it.

Written by Hannah Zank

Students with private instagrams

Kennedy Kooi

Rosaria Maenza

“I have a Finsta so I could join the bandwagon and post personal stuff that my friends want to see and because it’s funny.”

”It’s probably more of myself than my other account. My actual account is more of a theme.”

Taylor Long

Max Ferrara

“I made one because a lot of my friends have one, and I keep it just to my close friends so It’s not random people following me. And I just post funny inside jokes that my other followers wouldn’t think is funny or understand.”

“The only reason I have a Finsta is because it’s a lot more fun to post stuff and include a lot of funny things that happen and you aren’t afraid to post anything because it’s a private.”

By Amber Lewis

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feature

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feature

Senior Awaits bone marrow match McLean Diagnosed With Aplastic Anemia Just about to start her senior year, Adrianna McLean was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia, a rare bone marrow failure disease. Aplastic Anemia prohibits McLean from doing normal day-to-day activities. She can’t go swimming. She can’t go to school. She can’t go to buffets, and the list goes on.

“We can’t do anything that involves walking a lot or anything with prolonged standing,” said McLean’s friend senior Marena Nigro.

McLean is in waiting until she can get a bone marrow transplant, but a full match for bone marrow is rare.

While waiting, she is going through immunosuppressive therapy.

“It’s frustrating having to wait to see if this treatment will work at all. It could never work, or it could work for months, or it could work for the rest of my life,” McLean said.

Her parents are only a 50 percent match for her.

However, there is an international bone marrow transplant registry. But not all countries do all of the testing that the United States does, so the odds of getting the full match donor from the United States is very slim, according to McLean.

“You never know what’s going to happen unless you get it cured by bone marrow transplant. It’s all a process, and you just have to have to be OK with nothing being guaranteed,” McLean said.

McLean goes to the University of Kansas Cancer Center twice a week to receive blood and platelets from blood donors. Without blood and platelets from other people, McLean would likely become extremely fatigued, and her blood would have a difficult time clotting, making her bruise easily and be more susceptible to bleeding out.

To help McLean, people ages 16 and older can donate blood, and people ages 18 and older can go and get their bone marrow tested to be put on the registry of donors.

Possible donors can register for bone marrow donation at “Be The Match” and “The Bone Marrow Foundation.”

Some places in Kansas City to donate blood are CSL Plasma and the Community Blood Center. There are also annual blood drives at school.

“I urge anyone 18 plus to put themselves on the bone marrow donor list and anyone who can give blood 16 plus to do so because it will help people like me,” McLean said.

Written by Emilie Kerr Photo by Christopher Spry

At the KU Cancer Center on Sept. 19, senior Adrianna McLean waits for labs and treatment for Aplastic Anemia. McLean was diagnosed with the rare disease over the summer. “The nurse was connecting me to Pentamidine which prevents a type of pneumonia I’m at risk of,” McLean said.

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Love

I'm s o

in

feature

wIth Kansas City

More Than Just A City Kansas City is home to a variety of people, from super sports fans to downtown explorers. From artists to thrifters, Kansas City is more than just a city for so many. It’s a way of life.

“I always loved the diversity of Kansas City,” senior Michael DeJesus said.

On the first Friday of every month, several students help fill the West Bottoms for an event called First Fridays, where artists make and sell their masterpieces. Live music fills the streets; food trucks set up, and on occasion dance battles break out.

“It’s a little community.

Everyone’s extremely friendly to each other.

Everyone relates to each other, and everyone just has a great time,” junior Roya Mahoutchain said.

Food is something that Kansas City has a lot of. From family-owned restaurants around nearly every corner to the barbecue that people travel hundreds of miles just to try, the city has a variety of native restaurants from D’Bronx to Arthur Bryants.

“I really like the

different types of food we have all in one place,” DeJesus said.

In the fall, Chiefs fans fill Arrowhead Stadium in hopes of the starting quarterback Alex Smith leading the team to victory. Fan favorite Jamaal Charles sets even more records each year, leaving the crowd amazed.

“I love how the Chiefs unite as a team to accomplish our goals and overcome any challenges that are in their way,” senior Connor Fregoe said.

From mid-April to late October, fans head to Kauffman Stadium in hopes of winning another World Series.

“I love the Royals for the fun atmosphere they create,” senior Noah Lockhart said.

For some people, Kansas City is a huge part of their past.

For others, it’s a huge part of their future. For these kids, it’s their present.

“When people ask me in the future where I’m from, I’ll proudly say Kansas City, Missouri,” Fregoe said.

Helena Nguyen

Junior “I love the art scene like Nelson, First Fridays, the West Bottoms weekends and the Plaza Art Fair. ” Favorite places: Crossroads, Nelson, abandoned buildings and the West Bottoms.

Written By Mason Hanson Photo By Emilie Kerr

Connor Fregoe

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Senior “I love how I can be a part of such a great city that welcomes everybody with open arms.”

Favorite places: Old parts of Kansas City

Noah Lockhart

Senior "I like how friendly the people are and how no one is rude.”

Favorite places: Westport and Kauffman Stadium

feature

KC Love Mural 1919 Baltimore Ave. Kansas City, MO 64108 The mural "Kansas City I’m so in love!" is a popular spot to take pictures for Instagram. It's located on 1919 Baltimore Ave. in the Crossroads Arts District.

The mural has quickly become a monumental attraction in the heart of Kansas City.

Liberty Memorial Michael DeJesus Senior “I love how artistic and down to earth Kansas City is and how cultural it is.”

Favorite places: West Bottoms

100 W 26th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 Built in 1926, the Liberty Memorial is a popular place to go to get an overlook of Kansas City. Many people go there to take skyline pictures throughout the day.

Kauffman Stadium 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 Going to Kauffman Stadium is a popular pastime for sports fans and people who love to support the Kansas City Royals. The world series winners of 2016 play April to October, and game tickets start at about $25.

Union Station 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 Union Station was opened in 1914. Union Station has different kinds of exhibits throughout the year, such as "Body Worlds The Cycle of Life.”

West Bottoms Area immediately to the west of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Roya Mahoutchian

Junior “ I love how diverse Kansas City is and how everyone is so nice.”

Favorite places: Crossroads, parks and woods

West Bottoms are a hot spot to buy antique and homemade items. Old buildings are used as shops, and small restaurants give it a vintage and olden feel. It’s a place to explore and shop around for vintage finds.

By Mason Hanson

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NEWS

Surprise! You’re Top 5

Maya Miller

Candidates React to Nominations Homecoming is an exciting time for high schoolers, mainly for senior girls. The honor of being nominated for homecoming queen is a dream that is sparked for many their freshman year.

On Sept.18, the top five homecoming candidates were announced by student council president senior Tim Lawson over the intercom right before Falcon Time.

Maya Miller was heard jumping up and down and screaming from many surrounding rooms.

“I was very excited and stoked about the experience to come,” Miller said.

Izzy Enna was also in the same class as Miller but took a more quiet approach to her celebration while still sporting a smile.

“I feel really excited and honored that I’m up and that I have so many people who support me. It just makes me so happy,” Enna said.

Lindsey Boord and Ashlyn Darnell were both in teacher Carol Toney’s class when the news broke. Darnell immediately Facetimed her mom, while Boord stood shocked.

“I’m very excited. It’s going to be a really fun experience,” Darnell said.

Sophia Jackson was shocked and excited in Stephen Coult’s math class.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” Jackson said.

Written by Maddy Benda Photos by Maddy Benda, Jen Hulen and Christopher Spry

Izzy Enna

Sophia Jackson

Ashlyn Darnell and Lindsey Boord

Is Hoco Worth the Dough?

Additional Costs

Dinner at Popular Restaurants Bucca di Beppo: $30 Bravo: $45 Trezo Mare: $40 Olive Garden: $40 Boutonniere: $20 Corsage: $30 Tickets: $10 a piece

Bowling: $12 per person at Retro Bowl in Liberty, Mo. Bonfire: $40 for food and supplies Movie Night: $20 for food

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Makeup $50 Sephora

Dress Shirt Croft & Barrow $32

After Homecoming

10

Tie Croft & Barrow $30

Hair $45+ Salon 152

Nails $35 Angel Nails

Pants Haggar $54 Shoes Apt. 9 $74

Dress Dillard’s $90 Shoes Charlotte Russe $40

By Maddy Benda

NEWS

Meet the Homecoming candidates 11 Girls Nominated; Top 5 Chosen Left to right: Madison Zoroya, Jen Harvey, Lindsey Boord, Sophia Jackson, Sarah Hall, Gracen Himmelberg, Lexie Rice, Izzy Enna, Maya Miller and Ashlyn Darnell (not pictured: Merriam Haydaripoor)

Photos by Maddy Benda

“I never pictured myself being nominated. It’s made me realize how many friends I have and how many people I’ve affected.” -- Lindsey Boord, Softball, Leadership, STUCO, NHS and Track.

“It’s made me realize people really do pay attention to who is involved, positive and just nice in general.”

-- Ashlyn Darnell, Emeralds, Choir, NHS, Beta Club, STUCO and Leadership.

“It’s been my dream since freshman year and seems like a cool experience.

It’s made me realize how many friends I have and how many people like me.” -- Izzy Enna, Volleyball, NHS and FCCLA.

“It makes me very excited just to know people see what I am doing and liking, appreciating me.” -Sophia Jackson, Choir.

“I want to represent the school. This has affected me in a very positive way. I’ve made many new friends and have felt at home.” -- Maya Miller, Step Team, STUCO and Thespian Society.

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FASHION & TRENDS

Transition To Fall on a Budget

Complete Wardrobe by Thrifting

By Maddy Benda

This jacket is dark green, a popular color for fall, and has gold accents for the perfect transition outfit from summer to fall.

Brands and Prices Jacket: Erin London $4.99 Shirt: $2.99 No Brand

Perfect for cold football games, the leather body of the jacket pulls in the fall look while keeping warm on cold days.

Brands and Prices Jacket: Forever 21 $13.99 Camisole: $3.49

Button up shirts make for an easy fall outfit. This one combines black and white polka dots which allows a choice for a pop of color.

Brands and Prices Shirt: H&M $10.99 Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co. $6.49

Lightweight denim garments are popular because they are comfortable and simple. The wedges add a modern look with laces and open toes.

Brands and Prices Dress: a.n.a $9.49 Wedges: a.n.a $11.99

As the colder months approach, a new coat could be in the future.

Printed coats like these are great, and the price is too.

Brands and Prices Coat: Mossimo Supply Co. $22.99

Thrifting Tips

1. PLAN. Plan a FULL day around the thrift shopping outing.

2. RESEARCH. Research nearby thrift stores. Ask around to see which places friends have the best luck. Savers has sales on holidays often, including 50 percent off everything during Labor Day weekend.

3. KEEP AN OPEN MIND. Clothing items could end up looking good or could be altered to fit correctly.

4. SALES. Know when the sales are; call the stores to ask.

5. EXPLORE. Look in different places. Looking in the men’s section for t-shirts and flannels could be a great find.

6. EXAMINE. Always make sure to inspect the clothes before buying them; sometimes things are at a thrift store or consignment shop for a reason.

7. NEVER GIVE UP. Don’t let one bad experience ruin thrift shopping all

together.

Written by Emilie Kerr

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FASION & TRENDS

Combines stripes with a navy lined coat and skinny jeans. This is perfect for both fall and winter and still had the original tags from GAP.

Bring fun into fall with bright coral colors and wild cheetah print shoes, while the jeans and long sleeves tie it all together for the fall look.

Prices Shirt: $5.99 Skinny Jeans: $5.99 Coat: $39.99 Outfit Total: $51.97

Prices Shirt: $9.49 Skinny Jeans: $5.99 Shoes: $6.49 Outfit Total: $21.97

Combine the maturity of the blue shirt with the fun pink and gray flats. Put this shirt with different color jeans to give the outfit more of a pop.

Brands Shirt: Ralph Lauren Sport Skinny Jeans: Faded Glory Coat: GAP

Brands Shirt: Double Zero Skinny Jeans: Faded Glory Shoes: Mossimo Supply Co.

Prices Shirt: $5.99 Skinny Jeans: $5.99 Shoes: $4.49 Outfit Total: $16.47 Brands Shirt: Zara Basic T-Shirts Skinny Jeans: Faded Glory

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sports

New Year, new coaches Coaches Take Over Head Spots Written by Hannah Zank Photos by Kyla Gaines

Statistics: Richard Tingler

Julia Weber

Phil Lite

14

Team

Years of Coaching

Golf

12

“Since we have such a competitive team, I’m really aiming to do well in districts.”

Volleyball

0.5

“I want to win districts and really think it’s in our grasp this year.

Football

27

Sydney Lindeman

Diamonds

0

Emily McCall

Tennis

4

Kasey Martin

Softball

5

Chris Neff

Basketball

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Expectations of Team

“I want to be prepared week in and week out to face some of the best teams in Missouri.”

“I want them to enjoy themselves and be proud of what they do.”

“I have high expectations because I hate losing, so I always try to be positive.”

“Being state champions, the girls and I want to head down that road again.”

“I want us to improve on a daily basis and not focus so much on winning but to keep working.”

sports

‘Bat’tling Obstacles

Athlete Plays Through Challenges A dual sport athlete setting out to prove that she is just as good as the rest of her team, freshman Charlie Sheckells faces a challenge that the rest of her team does not. She was born with just one arm.

But that doesn’t stop her from playing the sports she loves: softball and basketball.

Sheckells has what is called Amniotic Band Syndrome. While she was in the womb, a band detached from the amniotic sack and wrapped around her arm and stopped its growth.

Despite this obstacle, Sheckells started playing softball when she was in first grade, and then a year later began playing basketball as well. She wanted to play to see if she could actually do it and have fun with it.

“It’s been hard; people assume that I’m not as good as them,” Sheckells said.

Sheckells made the JV softball team and plays second base.

“She is an inspiration for what she has overcome and how she is able to do the things that she does,” JV softball coach Matt Schweitzer said.

The team’s practice normally consists of warmups, While holding her glove with her shoulder, freshman Charlie Sheckells throws the ball at the JV softball game on Sept. 8 against Oak Park High School, coming away with a team win. Sheckells has worked on her technique since first grade. “She performs to the best of her abilities, which is nothing less than what is expected from everyone else,” coach Matt Schweitzer said. Photo

throwing, defense work and hitting, sometimes ending with conditioning as well.

Sheckells does things that her teammates can do but in her own way. Her teammates treat her just like any other player.

“She is an inspiration for what she has overcome and how she is able to do the things that she does.” -- JV softball coach Matt Schweitzer Before high school, Sheckells’ biggest obstacle was not with teammates, but instead with the coaches who she said often tried to give her an easy way out and assumed she could not do what everyone else could.

“The coaches make me do easier stuff, then I do what everyone else is doing, and it surprises them,” Sheckells said.

While she doesn’t do

things the same way, she does the same things.

Sheckells enrolled in Strength and Conditioning class to help her in all aspects of her sports.

“Most of the stuff she does is modified. We find a way to do the same thing as everyone else, and she does a great job with it,” Strength and Conditioning teacher Phil Lite said.

It is her goal to go out and work hard to get better.

The practices normally last between two and two and a half hours after school unless it is game day.

Sheckells said she plans to continue to play basketball by trying out for the girls team during the winter season. She got the chance to practice with the team some over the summer.

And in her sports so far, Sheckells has managed to prove her old coaches who doubted her wrong by reaching the goals she set for herself.

“Just because I have one arm doesn’t mean I can’t be as good as the others,” Sheckells said.

Written by Haylee Roberts

Sponsored by American Legion Post No. 58 Smithville, Mo. (816) 532-8115

by Emilie Kerr

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Working At Skyler Foster: 6 months favorite position: Carnival Samantha Perez: 8 months favorite position: Party Hero Leidy Venegas: 11 months favorite position: Laser Tag Seth Sanstra: 1 year and 6 months favorite position: Go-Karts Tya Bell: 1 month favorite position: Laser Tag Left to right: Skyler Foster, Samantha Perez, Leidy Venegas, Seth Sanstra, Tya Bell, Auggie Cayton, Will Watson, Christopher Spry, Emily Juarez, Klarissa Pike, Marlie Baltimore, Maya Miller

Falcons invade Powerplay Students Get Jobs at Local Arcade Teens often want a job where they will have fun and get paid at the same time, and PowerPlay is the place many students have chosen to do so. The Metro North PowerPlay Family Entertainment Center employs 18 Staley students.

PowerPlay is an arcade that also has rides like the python pit, a buffet area which varies with food from salad to pizza, go-karts which brings in many families, laser tag that is Mars themed, a zip line that lights up at night and a soon-to-be ready sand volleyball complex.

There are also several positions to work: front desk where they explain the PowerPlay way to customers, concessions where food and drinks are served, ride attendant who operates the rides, kid zone where kids are free to run and play, redemption where kids cash in their tickets and

go-karts.

Teens choose to work at PowerPlay because of the atmosphere created by other employees as well as how uncomplicated the job is.

“My favorite position to

“I also get the benefit of bringing my inner little kid out while getting paid at the same time.” -- Maya Miller work is being a ride attendant because I like talking to other employees in the area and get away from all the noise, for example laser tag, redemption and concessions.”

“My favorite area to work is redemption, otherwise known as the place kids cash

in their tickets to get prizes.

It’s a quieter area, and I like to organize the inventory as well as playing with it,” junior Emily Juarez said.

And if employees want to totally get away from all the noise and be kept busy at the same time, laser tag is the way to go.

“I call laser tag my own little cave because it’s dark and cold in there. I also get to play laser tag with customers, and it just makes my shift go by quicker,” junior Marlie Baltimore said.

Others said they enjoy working there because they love working with kids and get to see them get excited at Powerplay.

“I love to interact with customers and see the smiles of little kids’ faces when riding rides. I also get the benefit of bringing my inner little kid out while getting paid at the same time,” senior Maya Miller said.

Written by Leidy Venegas Photo by Rita Sargent

Auggie Cayton: 1 year and 8 months favorite positions: Ride Attendant Will Watson: 7 months favorite position: Go-Karts Christopher Spry: 7 months favorite position: Carnival Emily Juarez: 7 months favorite position: Redemption Klarissa Pike: 1 month favorite position: Redemption Marlie Baltimore: 3 months favorite position: Laser Tag Maya Miller: 3 and a half months favorite position: Ride Attendant Ashley Beffa: 1 year favorite position: Front Desk Logan Doyle: 1 year and 7 months favorite position: Concessions Jarrod Cupp: 2 and a half months favorite position: Go-Karts Payton Kampman: 1 month favorite position: Carnival Ryan Walker: 1 year and 3 months favorite position: Laser Tag Cheyenne Lineberry: A week favorite position: Carnival