Staley Talon, February 2015, Volume 7, Issue 3

Opinion

#EnoughIsEnough #StopTheHate

talon Staley High School | Kansas City, Mo. Volume VI Issue IV | Talon | 1 Volume VII Issue III | Febuary 2015

Table of Contents

Table of Contents Feature

Sports

Fashion Lifestyles

Enough is Enough

(8)

Hair Trends

(10)

Opinion

(4) Flawed Society

Lifestyles

(7)

Athletes for Club Teams

Thespian Conference

French Pen (12) Pals

(16)

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.

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

Subscriptions are available, $20 for a mailed copy, $10 for an emailed pdf version, or $25 for both.

Sports

(14)

2 | Talon | Volume VII Issue III

Basketball Philanthropy

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

Design by Abbi Atwell

Staff Page

My Brother, Adam Abdisamad; His Impact Written by Hafsa Hussein

TalonStaff Editor-in-Chief Abbi Atwell

In the many years I knew my brother, Managing Editor one thing he had always been was bright and Paige Hawkins happy. Always smiling when he walked into a Multimedia room, always excited about life and always just Editor so exuberant.

Bryttany Holovach It is not the fact that he has passed away that has us mourning, because we will all, Lifestyles Editor some day, return to our creator and Lord, Sean Fender Allah. It’s how he was wrongfully taken from us. A striking blow that has sent, not only us, Features Editor but also a whole community down to its knees, Paige Hawkins praying that justice is served.

The First Amendment of the U.S. ConstiOpinions Editor tution prohibits obstructing the exercise of the Abbi Atwell following:

Sports Editor

Sean Fender •Freedom of Religion •Freedom of Speech Fashion Editor •Freedom of the Press Dallas Beaulieu •Freedom of Assembly •Freedom of Petition Photos Editor

These are all granted rights, and to be stripped of them, Destiny Wilborn whether you are a U.S. Citizen or not, is beyond unjust. If you’re on American soil, you generally have the same constitutional rights, and Copy Editors everyone should be allowed free exercise.

Marissa Hubbard

Abdisamad had a really bright future ahead of him, but he had Reporters to go early. He always acted so mature around everyone and was just Hafsa Hussein himself no matter what. He was either at school, at the Masjid, out Hannah Crites with friends or home with family. He’d never gone elsewhere.

Adrianna McLean

In school, Abdisamad was the brightest kid I’d ever known. He Amber Engle worked hard, persevering through everything in his path with all the effort he could muster. During religious schooling on the weekends, it Photographers was no different. Even playing basketball, he showed perseverance.

Tiffany Thompson Through anything, Abdisamad’s faith, courage and strength were Jamil Thomasconstantly tested, but unshaken throughout every obstacle he’s ever Nunn encountered during his short 15 years.

Logan Dawson Alayna Lopez

We all say that he had to go early, and he had a promising future ahead of him, which are both true, but it was the way Allah had Graphic Artisit wanted it. He loved him more than we could ever, and that’s why He Chase Vallejo called him back. We should all remember that Allah would never give you something you cannot handle. And that sends a message: paAdviser tience is one of the many keys to happiness.

Cherié Burgett

Only 15 years old, and his impact is being felt worldwide. We can all become a lot nicer and kind to one another, just like he was.

Emulate him and who he was. I remember once when we were at the masjid, and there was a homeless man who needed help. Abdisamad helped him up, and a man just coming out of the masjid said to him, “If you don’t have a home for him, don’t bother.” Abdisamad replied, “But he needs help.” I stood there and smiled because I was able to call such a wonderfully exuberant boy my little brother.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 3

Opinion

Love Who You Have Parents Should Accept Their Kids Written by Marissa Hubbard

On A parent doing what they think Dec. is best while completely disre28, garding the feelings of their child 17-yearis among the worst decisions old Leelah they could make. Accepting Alcorn, a their child’s decision on things transgenlike gender preference, religious der female, affiliation or sexual orientation is allegedly essential for a healthy developed committed sui- mental state. cide after her

According to research on parent’s rejected Parental Acceptance-Rejection her decision to Theory by the University of Conundergo transition necticut, children who feel retreatment, accordjected are more likely to become ing to a suicide note violent or have problems forming posted online. This trusting relationships in the fuincident sparked a ture. controversy about how While parents play an teens who important part in their Graphic by Chase identify as It’s important for child’s development, Photo by Destiny Wilborn parents to support it’s the people with Design by Abbi Atwell transgenand guide their chil- whom they grow up, dered, gay, lesbian, bi or other are dren through life, their peers, who influnot to mold them viewed by society ence them the most. into something and their loved During the time spent they’re not. ones. in school, friends and

As society is becoming classmates unintentionally influmore liberal on issues never ence how those around them perconfronted or immediately disceive social relationships. Knowmissed, parents, like Alcorn’s, are ing someone genuinely accepts having to deal with their chilchoices made can completely dren’s choices that were never boost confidence and provide a before socially acceptable or trustworthy friend. scientifically possible. These deci- The social aspect of accepsions are creating a divide among tance goes both ways, so to be traditional parents and their conaccepted by others, it is vital that temporary children. you are willing to reciprocate.

It’s important for parents Once the cycle of acceptance has to support and guide their chilstarted, it will be nearly impossiPhotos by dren through life, not to mold ble to stop.

Keirceten Nelson them into something they’re not.

4 | Talon | Volume VII Issue III

Opinion

Meninists ‘Take a Stand’ Social Media Trend Degrades Equality Movement Photo by Destiny Wilborn

A quick search for “Meninism” on the Internet may produce two different definitions.

The first is mostly all good intentions, though it is flawed: it is the idea of men standing up for feminism and women’s rights. The problem, however, is that they call themselves meninists, because no matter how important equality is, masculinity has always been more prevalent.

Feminism is the idea that women should be socially, economically and politically equal to men. It does not apply to one specific gender, despite its feminine root.

However, if it makes people more comfortable, alternative definitions suggest the idea that all genders should be socially, economically, and politically equal to one another. I’m just concerned about why equality makes some people uncomfortable.

The more common version of meninism is the indication that men are becoming lesser than women and are losing their rights.

Most of these claims

are strictly satirical, and honestly, I’m having a difficult time seeing how anyone could seriously say these awful things, but several men became very dedicated to tearing down what millions of women have been working toward for years now when people started to realize that women were being treated terribly and that perhaps we should do something to correct it.

Some people have taken to Twitter in an attempt to regain the pride that they feel they have lost, and have began the trends of #Meninism and #YesAllMen, taking stereotypes of women and applying it to themselves. “Why won’t she open the door for me?” “Why can’t I live up to society’s standards?”

It does nothing but mock stereotypes about women that men came up with in the first place.

Meninists strongly feel that as women gain equali-

Written by Destiny Wilborn

ty, men lose it. “Well what about men’s

rights?” Men have never been substandard to women. If a man wants any kind of rights, most of the time he has them, unlike women, who have been beaten and killed for their rights. And then there are people who have the audacity to turn that suffering into a joke.

Now, to recap: Meninism is the movement for men to fight for the rights, which they

were born and most have never lost. Perhaps instead of making a mockery of the situation, equality can be achieved by having mutual respect for men and women.

Men and women have been working side-byside to not only raise awareness of the situation, but also to actually create a lasting impact.

Perhaps instead of going off of assumptions and stereotypes, meninists should actually look into what feminism is and become properly educated about all of the good that it does for all genders. Maybe then, we can move more toward equality.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 5

Feature

Aspiring Engineer

Nancy Le Wins Award Written by Adrianna McLean

Beating out thousands of other female applicants, senior Nancy Le won the National Center for Women and Information Technology: Aspirations in Computing Award for the Western Missouri and Kansas Division. Applications are accepted from Sept. 15 – Nov. 2 each year. Award recipients are notified in mid December, and award events take place around the country January through May.

“They are just recognizing she aspires to be greatly involved in technology,” said Computer Applications teacher Lesley Martin. “That’s what the award is.

She is a winner.”

Le also works outside of school to inspire others to get more involved with

technology.

“She volunteers her time teaching the elderly in her community of her ethnicity how to use the computer,” said Martin. “She is also a Cerner Scholar.”

There is a large process to go through to receive this particular award, including teacher recommendations.

“I had to write three short essays, and then based on my essays I was chosen for the award. Last year I was the runner up,” said Le.

The awards ceremony will be held Feb. 6, and she will receive two engraved awards: one for her and one for the school’s trophy case.

“Former winners of the NCW in Computing award are currently

studying computer science or a related field at Harvard, Yale, Rolla and Princeton, to name a few. I predict that Nancy has a bright future as well,” said event coordinator and UMKC engineering professor Judy Mullins.

She will also receive opportunities for scholarships, internships, research experiences and other educational and employment opportunities provided by NCWIT member

organizations.

“We are trying to inspire more women to be in the field,” said Le.

Not many women are engineers, so there are awards and opportunities offered

by NCWIT for women seeking to thrive in the field.

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Voume VII Issue III | Talon | 6

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Feature

Thespian Conference Honors

Students Perform One Act, Earn Awards Written by Bryttany Holovach

Senior Dominic Lopez said he thought that he would never get a chance to produce the one act “Lockdown” after it was cut from last year’s festival at Staley, but he did get another chance to produce it at the Missouri State Thespian Conference.

According to Lopez, the opportunity to produce the show was a great privilege because he was very passionate about what the content of the act.

Senior Quinn Blades entered a competition at the conference as well, where the odds were against him but the turnout was substantial. He earned one out of the four

equal scholarships in which 100 Missouri thespians competed.

Other awards were earned by Staley thespians.

The Tech Challenge Team, seniors Anna Ohmart, Lopez, Rae Ann Roberts, Christopher Skram and sophomore Zachery Fowle, earned a certificate of recognition. Senior Courtney Hittle received a certificate of accomplishment for her performance of the musical theater piece Pulled from “The Addams Family.”

Many of the students said they didn’t expect the

results received.

“I did not expect to get the certificate because there was hardly any time between one acts and individual performances, leaving me with no time to warm up,” Hittle said.

Time was an obstacle during the conference for Hittle, apart from the individual obstacles faced by not only her but by many other participants in the conference. One thing that pulled both Hittle and Blades through was hard work.

“You can’t get anywhere without hard work.”

“You can’t get anywhere without hard work,” Blades said.

Another component that goes hand in hand with hard work is determination. According to Hittle, even if a difficulty arises, her determination will pull her through.

“I have a high level of determination that will carry me through,” said Hittle.

Through hard work and determination, these students said they have been able to express their passion in theater that may have contributed to the success in the Missouri State Conference.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 7

Feature

Interviewed by KMBC’s Peggy Breit Jan. 20, senior Kahluna Bouchard, junior Raymon Aquino and senior Ali Harb talk about their cause and the Peace Walk. On Feb.7 from 3-5 p.m., ELL is hosting a Peace Walk at Staley. “We’re going to be asking the community or the parents to bring their children so we can educate the younger generation,” Bouchard said to Breit. Photo by Lauren Hudson

Calling For Peace

Written by Marissa Hubbard Design by Paige Hawkins

Group Works to Prevent Hate Crimes

After losing sophomore Adam Hussein to a hitand-run in December, students in the English Language Learners Leadership class have worked to raise money and awareness to stop hate crimes. The class has made it their mission to spread a message of peace and understanding, according to ELL teacher Heather Macintosh.

“Change starts with us. I guess that’s what I hope,” Macintosh said. “That’s what the kids hope. People will change their actions and think about what they do so the world will be a better place.”

They have raised more than $5,000. Of the money, 80 percent will be donated to a hate crime preven-

tion foundation, and 20 percent will go to Hussein’s family, according to senior Ali Harb.

“We hope that people understand that everyone is the same. We bleed the same color,” said Harb, who has been promoting their campaign against hate. “No need for hate because someone is different whether it’s from their skin color or their beliefs.”

The Leadership class has reached out with social media and letters. They have gained support from major Kansas City icons such as Jenny Matthews from radio station MIX 93.3 and local musician Tech N9ne. Mayor Sly James has also shown support for the anti-hate campaign.

“I was really surprised, and it made me feel good, because now not only is the school involved, but the entire country,” said junior Tommy Vo, who created the T-shirt design.

Other classes, including AVID, 2D Art and 3D Art, have shown their support by making symbols of peace and projects to honor hate crime victims during the Peace Walk.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m so happy for all the support and help we’re getting with this campaign,” Harb said.

“The ELL Leadership class is so thankful for the help and support we’re getting. ”

Like many museums, the Peace Walk will be divided between the first and second floors of the school. The

upstairs will be describing those victims of hate-crime, while the downstairs will be honoring humanitarians who have stood against violence.

“There are 20 people that have been killed because of some difference that they might have, whether it is religion, sexual orientation, gender, race, all of these things,” said Macintosh.

The Peace Walk is free and will be held at Staley from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Donations will be accepted during the walk and anytime in room CR204.

“Enough is Enough” T-shirts are also available for $10.

Feature A friend of Hussien, junior Gore Pitia writes a message to the family. Several large banners were signed with messages of care. “He was a nice kid who knew and liked everyone. He always had a smile on his face,” said Pitia. Photo by Logan Dawson Showing support, counselor Jennifer Grossman signs one of the banners. She said she was heartbroken over what happened to Hussein. “He is someone I will never forget,” said Grossman.

Photo by Logan Dawson After a weeklong coin drive, senior Ali Harb collects and counts the coins that were donated by students from Staley High School and New Mark Middle School on Jan. 16. A total of $3,588.36 was collected from both schools. “It’s heartwarming being a part of such a great cause,” said Harb.

Photo by Logan Dawson

Students sign posters sent to Hussien’s family. By the end of lunch, several banners were filled with caring messages on Jan. 9. “I signed the poster out of respect for his family and him,” said junior Raymon Aquino.

Photo by Logan Dawson

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 9

Fashion

2015

Hair

Trends

Design by Dallas Beaulieu Photos by Alayna Lopez

There are a lot of new hair trends, from the half-up-half-down trends, to the short look, or the long bob. All of these hairstyles are easy to accomplish and give a modern and fresh look.

Start with a simple dress with ruffles on the end, and add a thick sweater that covers to the edge of the dress. Finish the look with tights and kneehigh boots.

Best Lip Colors For Your Skin Tone Fair skin: Light pinks and beige will bring a nice glow to your skin.

This is also a good, neutral color that you can wear on a daily basis.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 10

Half Up, Half Down

Chopped Off Medium: Reds and medium pinks are perfect for this skin tone. It will brighten your face without being too dramatic.

Fashion Guys are branching out from the typical “guy” haircut and are bringing some edge and volume to the style. But while girls are cutting off their hair, guys are growing it out and styling it in different ways, like the more popular man bun.

Skin Care Products

Long Hair Along with lotion, body wash can help aid in protecting your skin from winter’s bitter, dry cold air. Simple, clean bar soaps like Ivory leave your skin feeling clean and rejuvenated without all the additives.

Body scrubs can remove dead skin and leave you feeling brand new.

Jovan Aftershave not only protects your skin from infection of minor cuts you may get while shaving, but leaves your skin renewed and moisturized with a musky scent.

Man Bun Olive skin: Dark reds and dark pink colors never go wrong with olive skin tones, so play up any color to enhance your features.

Dark: Maroons and deep plums are best for darker skin tones.

Try to avoid light shades unless you’re going for a statement lip color, otherwise these deeper shades will look more naturally flattering.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 11

Lifestyles

French Pen Pals Help Students Learn Graphic by Chase Vallejo Written by Tiffany Thompson Photos by Tiffany Thompson Design by Sean Fender

Working on a project to get to know students around the world, teacher Susan Downey’s French III class writes letters to pen pals Jan. 28. The pen pals were taking English classes in France. “If you’re just in a class learning a language, and you’re not going to speak it for several years, then it’s very abstract,” said Downey. “The minute that you start saying, ‘Oh, this is stuff I want to tell my pen pal,’ then it makes that language become a reality.”

As a French teacher, Susan Downey is helping her students with any questions that they have about their pen pal letters. While writing their letters in French, students approached Downey with questions on how they could best communicate to their pal through the letters. “The reason that I’ve always had students write pen pal letters is to bring the reality of another language to the United States,” said Downey.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 12

Lifestyles Each student is able to make a real connection with his or her pen pals.

Downey paired her students with the students in France by comparing their interests together.

“The French really like music, so my pen pal and I talked about how different his music is compared to mine,” said sophomore Kendra Holt.

“Our teacher connected me with him because we really like sports.”

Reading over the letter from her pen pal, junior Abbi Atwell admires the neat handwriting, which is written in English.

Her pen pal’s name is Amandine, and she attends a private school that is just outside of Mont de Marsan. “It’s really interesting to hear about French culture from someone who is a native,” said Atwell.

“I’ve only traveled to France once, but being a tourist is very different compared to actually living there.”

With her pen pal letter in hand, senior Marah Almalak reads about her new friend’s interests. After transferring from Gaza and enrolling in French III, Almalak described her first few months of learning another language on top of English.

“When I first came to America, people had to explain every single word to me,” said Almalak. “When I didn’t know a word in French, I probably didn’t even know it in English, so I had to switch from Spanish to French to English.”

This map shows the locations of where their letters are coming from.

Two of the many cities where the French classes are include Marseille and Mont de Marsan.

“We made this map to give the students a visual of where they’re making connections in France,” said Downey.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, the French III class decided to include their pen pals in the festivities by sending Valentines to them.

Valentine’s Day is not a popularly celebrated holiday in France. “We collected boxes of Valentines to fill out for the students in France,” said Downey.

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 13

Sports

Coins For a Cause Team Supports Juvenile Diabetes Research Written by Paige Hawkins

The boys’ basketball team took on the Oak Park Northmen and juvenile diabetes on Jan. 9. They came out with wins against both.

They continued their partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation this year, raising nearly $1,745.57, according to assistant coach Tyler Stricklin.

“Knowing we can raise money to help kids like that made me want to play harder and not take the

Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 14

Graphic by Chase Vallejo

game for granted,” said senior Trevor Lamb.

Thanks to a coin drive competition by both schools and a raffle during the game, they were able to donate the money earned to JDRF.

“This is a cause that is close to home for us, knowing that we can contribute to the fight to help one of our own, is a big deal,” said Stricklin.

Stricklin is referring to senior forward Joey

Design by Abbi Atwell

Wilcox who has type 1 diabetes.

“Being a diabetic can have a big effect on playing basketball.

I need to pay close attention on how my body feels so nothing bad happens while playing,” said Wilcox.

Not only were the boys able to come out with a win against the Northmen but also juvenile diabetes.

“I think the game against Oak Park went well.

We raised a lot of money for JDRF,

and whenever you do that it will always be a great night,” said Wilcox.

JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of Type 1 Diabetes research. Their goal is to lessen the impact of diabetes on people’s lives.

“When it comes down to it, it’s not about basketball. There are kids who wish they could play ball but can’t due to their conditions, so this game was bigger than us,” said Lamb.

Sports

$1,745.57 raised

Being welcomed onto the court, senior Deione Carter runs through a line of cheerleaders. Carter participated in the fourth annual coin drive. “Anything that has anything to do with diabetes, we’re always trying to help kids with that,” said Carter. Photo by Logan Dawson Reaching for the collection jar, sophomore Tyler Collins donates to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The basketball team ran a coin drive to support the foundation.

“I would love to see a similar drive down the road,” said Collins. “I would love the chance to help again.“ Photo by Lauren Hudson

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

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Volume VII Issue III | Talon | 15

Student Athletes Outside of Staley Falcons Participate in Sports on Own Time

Many kids begin playing sports at a young age. Others pick up sports and other activities as they go through school. While many students prefer to participate in sports for school teams, others like to keep their athletic life separate from school.

According to ESPN, 96 percent of kids said that they really enjoy playing their sport outside of school. No matter the reason, it is has proven to be a positive way for student athletes to express themselves.

Some students take it

to the next level.

Junior Hannah Palmeter said she has been swimming since the age of 6 and has made an effort to take her passion to its full potential by competing on a club team.

“Being on a club team takes up a lot of my time and requires a big commitment, so I had to choose that over being on a high-school team,” Palmeter said.

“But it helps me prepare for swimming in college, and I can get away from stress.”

Junior Zach Mathisen also does a sport, but not at Sta-

Leaping out of the water, junior Hannah Palmeter swims the 100-meter butterfly at the 2013 sectionals. “Swimming is important to me because it’s something I always have no matter what’s going on in my life,” Palmeter said.

ley. His interest in darts was sparked when he saw his stepdad playing it and decided to try.

He has taken his talent across the country.

“I went to Las Vegas to compete with people from all over the world and ended up taking home third place,” Mathisen said.

“It’s a great hobby and stress reliever. Anytime I’m having a bad day, it really helps get my mind off of things.”

Mathisen isn’t the only one who has earned an award on a club team. Senior Noah Reid recently placed 18th at junior nationals

Design by Paige Hawkins Written by Hannah Crites

swimming competition.

“I’m always trying to better myself in swimming,” Reid said. “So, I decided it would be best to swim on a club team as a lead way for college swimming. Instead of swimming in the state, I’d be swimming in the nation. It provides a lot more opportunities for my future.”

Reid has devoted his time and passion to excel.

“It means everything to me. It sounds so cliché, but it really does,” Reid said.

Taking a breath, junior Noah Reid swims freestyle. He has beem swimming since he was 9. “It gives me a lot of life traits, like how to manage my time. Hard work definitely pays off,” Reed said.

While in Las Vegas with his stepsister, junior Zachary Mathisen poses in front of a sign for the National Dart Association. Zachary became interested in the sport about two years after seeing his stepdad play.