Staley High School Talon, Volume 14, Issue 4, April 2022, Kansas City, Mo.

TALON

STALEY

Staley High School Kansas City, Mo. Issue 4 Volume 14 April 2022

Fun Hangouts On 39th Street 12-13 Double Trouble 14

Hearts Around K.C. 18-19

LGBTQ LAWS P. 10-11

Cassie Ford

Editor-In-Chief

Humberto Bermudez Photographer

Hannah Moore

Charlie Warner

Alex Carroll

Fallyn Kowalski

Editor-In-Chief, Ads Manager

Reporter, Photographer

TALON STAFF

Editor-in-Chief, Copy Editor

Reporter, Columnist

Mariah Wilson

Brianne Tremper

Managing Editor

Grace Winkler

Photographer, Graphic Artist

Elyse Bredfeldt

Reporter, Designer, Graphic Artist

Copy Editor

Beck Marier

Aeyika Hatch

Staff

Staff

Cherie Burgett, Adviser Jackie Uptegrove, Student Teacher

On the cover, multiple state legislators have proposed bills that restrict the rights of people who are a part of the LGBTQ community.

Photo Ilustration by Cassie Ford

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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4-5 6-7 SPORTS SPORTS Flock Travels Boys With Boys Basketball Basketball Makes History 12-13 14 LIFESTYLE SPORTS Hangouts Students On 39th Play In Street Fall, Spring 20 Sports FEATURE Students Explain Tattoos

8 SPORTS True Crime Podcasts

9 OPINION Major League Baseball Season Postponed

15 FEATURE Student Interns With Police Department

16-17 FEATURE Theater Students Direct One Act Plays

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Table Of Contents

10-11 NEWS LGBTQ Rights 18-19 FEATURE Hearts Painted Around KC

STAFF EDITORIAL: DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBTQ State Bills Restrict LGBTQ Human Rights

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n the United States, there are 27 states that aren't fully protected from discrimination. In those states, there are no specific statewide laws protecting people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations. That is more than 50% of the country excluding people in the United States because of who they are, Missouri being one of those states.

While many cite religious beliefs in anti-LGBTQ policy and treatment, there is a separation of church and state. There is no excuse to treat people unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and it should definitely not have to affect their employment, housing and public accommodations.

There should not be any legislation meant to prohibit LGBTQ history curriculum in schools, such as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Florida or restrictions on transgender service members from serving their country.

There are also 22 states where gay conversion therapy is legal, which allows parents and guardians to use religious force to “fix” their child who identifies other than their birth gender or loves someone else of the same gender, making them feel like there is something wrong with them.

There is nothing wrong with an LGBTQ child, and they don’t deserve to suffer because some adults have a prejudiced perspective. This mistreatment can lead children to depression,

anxiety, drug use, homelessness and suicide. According to PubMed, 82% of transgender people have considered suicide, and 40% have attempted suicide.

LGBTQ kids are feeling confused, isolated and do not have the sense of belonging that they deserve. It is critical that the United States as a whole offer support for and ally with LGBTQ youth, ensuring that they are protected by law from mental and physical trauma and are treated equally and have their rights.

Hate and discrimination against people who are part of the LGBTQ community needs to stop. There must be laws that hold people accountable for their hate and discrimination.

CONTACT US: Talon publishes quarterly issues 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 veritable disruption of the education process at 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 Parkway, Kansas City, MO, 64156-1313. Opinions expressed in Talon do not express the staff’s endorsement of the products or services. Talon is a member of NSPA, MIPA-MJEA and Quill and Scroll, JEA and JEMKC.

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Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Editorial

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THE SIXTH During the semifinal game against Nixa High School, seniors Drew Atkins, Jordan Bedard, Hailey Grifford, Drew Mangold, Tommy Martin, Jackson Scott and Alex Gonzalez cheer on the boys basketball team March 17. Bedard said she had a lot senior friends who played on the team and that there were a lot of highs and lows during the game. The boys lost to Nixa 43-53. “It felt like I lost too because I went to all of their games, and I loved to watch them all,” Bedard said. “It was still really good to watch them play as a team one last time.” // Photos by Cassie Ford

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Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Sports

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Flock Travels With Boys Basketball To State Competition

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fter the boys basketball team made it to the final four, the Flock members traveled to Springfield, Mo., to support the team and encourage the players during the Show-Me Showdown State tournament March 17.

Junior Kyan Evans said he appreciated the support of his peers.

“It was nice to have people there with us, especially playing Nixa and Springfield,” Evans said. “It helped a lot. It gives us momentum.”

Head boys basketball coach

Chris Neff believed the support of the Flock, who he referred to as the “sixth man” mattered.

“It’s everything,” Neff said.

“What it says more than anything is the type of kids that go to this high school, whether they wear the uniform or cheer for the uniform, it doesn’t matter. Everyone has a role.”

Senior Tommy Martin was chosen to be the student section leader by the spirit leader before him and recognized the importance of it.

“It feels like a lot of pressure at the beginning and then gets

better as time goes on,” Martin said. “I prepare for games by just talking to people as they come into the game and just hype them up."

Written by Elyse Bredfeldt During the quarterfinal game March 5, seniors Alex Gonzalez, Drew Atkins and Jackson Scott cheer for the basketball team as Scott and Atkins hold up a Fathead of senior Brogan Donaldson.

The Fatheads were designed by student section leader Tommy Martin’s mom.

“She knows them, and she’s always kind of known them, so she created those signs as a joke,” Scott said. // Photo by Cassie Ford

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MAKING HISTORY Team Wins Third Place At State, Furthest In School History

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he boys basketball team earned a spot in the final four. They headed to Springfield, Mo., for the Show-Me Showdown, ending with a third place state win.

They fell to Nixa High School 43-53 March 17.

“It's not every team that gets to go down to Springfield and have that opportunity,” senior Emmanuel Byrd said. “Only four teams got to go. Even though we didn't finish where we wanted to, it was still a great opportunity.”

Junior Kayden Fish said that the school culture had begun to focus more on basketball than before, and he believed the transition led to achieving third place at state.

“The culture changed into a basketballminded program,” Fish said.

One of their proudest supporters is head coach Christopher Neff.

“That's the pinnacle of success,” Neff said. “To have those boys experience that wonderful time in their life, where they succeeded and met goals.”

Written by Brianne Tremper Graphic by Mariah Wilson During the semi-quarter finals at the Cable Dahmer Arena March 12, junior Kayden Fish reaches for the slam dunk.

Varsity won the game against Blue Springs High School 45-39. “I’ve grown as a better teammate and skillwise,” Fish said. “I’ve built relationships with everyone in the basketball community.” // Photos by Cassie Ford

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Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Sports

On the sidelines, freshman Xavier Wilson, sophomore Jon Neff, juniors Cameron Manyawu, Deon Burtin, Aidan Winnike, Jared Lee and senior Asa Bridges cheer on their teammates March 18 at the third place game. The team was happy they made it to state after having the season canceled last year. “Covid happened, and then we had a year where we had no fans, and then now it was our first year back together,” Bridges said. “We played together really well.” // Photos by Cassie Ford Running from the defense March 18 at the third place game, junior Kyan Evans passes the ball. The team placed third in the Show-Me Showdown winning 67-46 against Chaminade. “It's a good feeling, that we got to do that and to have the opportunity to play down there,” Evans said. “We brought a lot of people along, and we wanted to do better but did decent.” // Photos by Cassie Ford During the third place game at Missouri State University March 18, junior Larry Parker dribbles the ball. The team placed third, winning the game against the Chaminade Red Devils 67-46. “At first I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get first,” Parker said. “But we came to terms, and I was proud of my team.” // Photos by Cassie Ford Stepping off the court at the quarterfinal game March 12, senior Emmanuel Byrd high fives the coaches during the second quarter. The team won 54-41 against Blue Springs High School. “I get pretty excited because dunking is a really big part of basketball and to get some fans and the teams hyped,” Byrd said. // Photos by Cassie Ford

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Sports

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MURDER MURDER ON ON THE THE PODCAST PODCAST True Crime Genre Grows In Podcasts

The true crime genre has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

Shows, movies and documentaries have featured true crime cases in more engaging ways. This genre has also become a big hit with podcast creators.

Written by Cassie Ford Graphics by Grace Winkler

Morbid: A True Crime Podcast “Morbid” is a podcast hosted by Ash Kell, an autopsy technician, and Alaina Urquhart-White, a hairstylist. “Morbid” has been streaming since 2018, and it covers the most well-known cases as well as the darkest of cases. The hosts manage to make the podcast entertaining, despite the dark topics. There are episodes in which they share spooky stories sent to them by listeners and do mini morbid episodes that cover shorter cases that are quick to listen to. They also have special guests join them in episodes and have live shows.

The relationship between the two podcasters is genuine. They are entertaining, and their reactions add to the story they are telling.

Murder With My Husband “Murder With My Husband” is hosted by married couple Payton and Garrett Moreland. The podcast began in 2020. Payton researches the cases and presents them to Garrett. He has comical reactions in return. They do shorter episodes that typically don’t exceed an hour. The Morelands cover cases in a way that makes it easy to sit down and listen to three or four cases in a row. They have great chemistry that makes the listening experience enjoyable. While they are covering heavy cases, they make sure to keep the stories entertaining. They share the good things that did happen during these instances.

Killer Queens Tyrella Slemp and Tori Tobi are sisters and hosts of the “Killer Queens” podcast that has been streaming since 2017. The podcast has a retro style that focuses on the 1990s-2000s theme and uses throwback references during their discussions of the cases. Their bond is amusing, and their banter is witty. It feels as if the listeners are really sitting with them and having a conversation. For lovers of retro-style and true crime, this is the perfect podcast to listen to.

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Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Opinion

BASEBALL BUMMER Major League Baseball Season Postponed

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aseball, the sport known as America’s pastime, has arguably become one of the less popular proffessional sports in the country in the past decade.

Football and basketball have become fan favorites.

People don’t enjoy baseball as much, as many believe it is less entertaining.

Additionally, there aren’t a ton of big name athletes like Patrick Mahomes or LeBron James.

However, Major League Baseball still has devout fans. Things took a grim turn for these baseball-enthusiasts when the MLB entered a lockdown Dec. 1 due to the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expiring. A lockout is the opposite of a strike, and was put in place by the commissioner Rob Manfred and team owners. This prohibited any work from being done until a new CBA was agreed on.

Players had meetings to discuss a new agreement but never reached one as time went on until Spring

Training was delayed and even some regular season games were canceled. After 99 days of a lockout, an agreement was reached March 10. The MLB will have a 162-game season starting April 7.

The agreement brought about some major rule changes, like adding a universal designated hitter and will also bring on a free agent trading fiasco.

While the season is saved, this lockout points to a larger problem at hand, the greed of owners in the MLB. Owners do not have a passion for the sport; they only care about revenue possibilities. In a post on Instagram, baseball veteran Jason Heyward, drafted to the Atlanta Braves first round in 2007 and playing outfield for the Braves and the Chicago Cubs, expressed his belief that the owners had a goal of delaying the 2022 season.

“They know the amount of games we need to play in order for them to profit,” Heyward said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., also spoke up

about this issue.

Sanders used his government position to try to include the MLB in antitrust legislation, of which it is currently exempt. This would help the organizations that aren’t as profitable to be equal to larger organizations that currently monopolize the league.

In a press release, Sanders said, “It should be clear to all that these baseball oligarchs have shown that they are far more concerned about increasing their wealth and profits than in strengthening our national pastime.”

The bottom line is that it's dismal that baseball isn’t celebrated as it should be anymore, as our national pastime.

Mafred and owners only care about money, not marketing to new audiences, adapting new rules to make gameplay more exciting or capitalizing on what already makes it exciting.

Written by Charlie Warner Photo by Charlie Warner

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Opinion

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Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer RIGHTS 10

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 News

State Lawmakers Push LGBTQ Discrimination Legislation

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tate lawmakers have proposed hundreds of bills this year that affect LGBTQ people.

“These bills are wrong,” President Joseph Biden said in a statement. “Efforts to criminalize supportive medical care for transgender kids, to ban transgender children from playing sports, and to outlaw discussing LGBTQI+ people in schools undermine their humanity and corrode our Nation’s values.”

On March 28, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill – a “Parental Rights in Education” bill which bans schools from encouraging “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels." While some agree with the law, others believe the legislation is harmful to students.

“When things like this are happening, we are trying to make changes on our local level and go from there because if we don't, who is going to?” School Community Resource Specialist/Social Worker Tammy Slauson said.

One of the fears of the legislation is that it could prevent school staff from supporting their students.

“It would significantly limit the ability of counselors and teachers to be a confidential resource for students, including LGBTQ students who may not feel safe or comfortable asking questions about sexual orientation or gender identity to family members,” Human Rights Watch said on its website.

Another issue people in

the LGBTQ community face is conversion therapy, or “gay-cure therapy,” which is an attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It is banned in 20 states but legal in Missouri, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

“DO WE NOT HAVE ENOUGH OTHER THINGS TO BE WORRIED ABOUT THAN WHO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE WITH?” - TAMMY SLAUSON, SCHOOL COMMUNITY RESOURCE SPECIALIST/SOCIAL WORKER Sophomore Alex Christain said they attended sessions with a pastor weekly to discuss the Bible, gender roles and what relationships should look like.

“It definitely is manipulative,” Christain said. “There have been times when I have thought about pretending to be ‘better,’ but there really isn’t anything wrong with me.”

At the end of February 2022, Texas officials took the position that gender-affirming health care for children should be criminalized as a form of child abuse. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered investigations of parents whose children were

receiving gender-affirming health care, like hormones or puberty blockers. Abbott threatened punishment for educators who failed to report it.

“Even if it is a larger societal issue that we are not having in Missouri but that overall feeling as a society that you’re not accepted that it affects individuals here who are going through similar issues,” social work intern Madeline Hession said. “Knowing that there are so many people fighting against your rights, I think that impacts students even if it is not directly affecting them legally right now.”

On March 25, the Utah State Legislature overrode the governor’s veto to enact a bill banning transgender females from participating in sports. They were the 12th state in the country to enact such legislation. Politicians in the legislature who voted for the law said they were concerned about fairness in girls sports, while those against it argued that transgender youth were unnecessarily targeted, and their mental health would suffer.

“It’s devastating; our society has changed so much, and there's so much to learn,” Slauson said. “I think that we are just going back to these old archaic ways of trying to control people and control what people learn and who people are, and it’s horrible.”

Written by Cassie Ford Photo by Cassie Ford Graphics by Cassie Ford Comic by Grace Winkler

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WEST 39TH STREET

Midtown Strip Holds Entertaining Attractions

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est 39th Street in Midtown Kansas City is a street that offers many different restaurants and businesses. The street has become popular for the many unique restaurants, covering various types of foods all at a good quality.

West 39th Street has food options for a lot of people, covering various styles and cultures. Restaurants like d’Bronx, TikiTaco, Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen, Aladdin Cafe, Taj Palace, Friends Sushi & Bento Place and Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill cover a wide variety. There are casual places like Meshuggah Bagels that are convenient for a quick bite.

Even vegan restaurants like Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Coffeehouse line the street.

Another café on the street is the popular boba place DragonFly Tea Zone. For the sweet tooth, Miami Ice offers shaved ice, ice cream and shakes. Less adventurous diners can stop at Starbucks or

Chipotle.

Besides restaurants, 39th Street also has Prospero’s Books, a three-story bookstore with books spilling out of the shelves. Shoppers could get lost in all the notes and drawings left in sharpie by previous shoppers on the shelves. Prospero’s also has miscellaneous mediums for music, including vinyl records and CDs. Donna’s Dress Shop is a boutique that sells vintage dresses, jewelry and more.

West 39th Street also has two tattoo parlors, Exile Tattoo and Surreal Tattoo Studio for those wanting a tattoo. Additionally, there is the option for those who no longer want their tattoo at Gone Laser Tattoo Removal.

An afternoon could easily be spent wandering around 39th Street trying new foods, shopping around or getting tattoos.

Written by Charlie Warner Photos by Charlie Warner Graphic by Grace Winkler

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle

Prospero's: 1800 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Mo., 64111

Taj Palace: 1706 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Mo., 64111

Tiki Taco: 1710 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, Mo., 64111

Talon Issue 3 Volume 14 Lifestyle Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Lifestyle

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DOUBLE TROUBLE

Students Balance Fall, Spring Sports, School Written by Alex Carroll

Joey Ferrara, 12

Addy Horn, 11

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Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Sports

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enior Joey Ferrara played football in the fall and runs track in the spring. He’s played football since first grade and ran track since eighth grade. He said during football he has less time.

“Football season is a lot busier than track season,” Ferrara said.

“With football season it's school, football, home, eat.”

In the spring, he competes on the varsity track team and runs in sprints and triple jump events.

He said track season is easier to manage.

“Track season, I’m able to go to the gym after school and track,” Ferrara said. “I have a lot more time on my hands.”

As a multisport athlete, one sport can help players succeed in the other. Ferrara said track helps with his speed and endurance for football and football keeps him in shape for track.

“Track has helped me a lot

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unior Addy Horn played volleyball during the fall. Horn was a setter and hitter for the varsity girls volleyball team and has been playing for eight years.

Horn said although sports is a huge commitment, academics is always her priority.

“Sports is a big commitment for me,” Horn said. “I’m always putting school first, classes, getting all of my homework done. That always comes first.”

Crutcher said academics are more important, and student athletes need to manage time wisely to be able to deal with both.

“You just have to be efficient with your time; the most important part of it is academics,” Crutcher said.

Horn plays soccer in the spring.

She is the goalkeeper for varsity soccer and has been playing for nine years. Playing volleyball during the

in football with my speed and endurance,” Ferrara said. “Keeps me really going. Football keeps me in shape.”

Assistant football coach John Crutcher said playing multiple sports can help build relationships and gain different perspectives.

“They get to experience a lot of different coaching styles and being around people that have different ideals,” Crutcher said.

When athletes are involved in more than one sport, they have to figure out how to manage their time.

Ferrara said good time management is key to maintaining a reasonable workload and avoiding feeling overwhelmed.

“You don’t want to get overwhelmed by it,” Ferrara said.

“Just work hard, work out for sports, work at school and just work on everything. Keep good time management.”

fall has helped her in soccer as a goalie.

“I’m jumping a lot in volleyball which helps me in terms of soccer when I have to jump and catch the ball,” Horn said.

She said her soccer skills have also helped her in volleyball.

“The agilities of soccer, like fast feet and footwork, has helped me in volleyball,” Horn said. “Moving to go get the ball and being faster.”

Managing multiple sports at a time used to be challenging for her, but since she’s been doing it for so long, it's become easier. Horn also said that instead of just playing one sport, she’s been able to experience more.

“You’re getting a lot more opportunities when you’re opening yourself up to different things instead of just narrowing it down to one thing,” Horn said.

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

Internship Cements Student's Law Enforcement Aspirations

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hile there are many true crime enthusiasts, only a small percentage have first-hand experience with the investigative process.

Senior Nikki Johnson started an internship with the Clay County Sheriff's Office in February, which allowed her to gain this direct perspective.

Johnson decided to pursue this opportunity because of the connection her dad had to the sheriff’s office.

“An email was sent out that had internship opportunities, and I saw Clay County Sheriff’s Office,” Johnson said. “My dad used to work there, so I figured it would be fun to apply.”

In this internship, Johnson has been able to work with different departments of the sheriff’s office, learning how each part works.

“Right now I am going through all of the sections of the sheriff’s department and seeing what each department is like,” Johnson said.

While Johnson was not to go to crime scenes

during this internship, she was given multiple unique opportunities.

From witnessing an arrest, to participating in a real-life murder investigation, Johnson said she thoroughly explored the law enforcement system of Clay County.

One of the rotations was with the investigative team. Though she had a limited time with this team, Johnson found this rotation interesting.

“I only had a week rotation with the investigators,” Johnson said. “But it was really interesting to watch how they do things. I learned a lot.”

One of the things Johnson said she found surprising in her internship as an investigator was how much evidence was required to convict someone of a crime.

Besides her work investigating, Johnson also spent shifts observing the work in the field. Ridealongs were one of the things Johnson enjoyed most in her internship.

“The most interesting thing I have gotten to

do is definitely all of the ride-alongs I have done,” Johnson said. “I have seen traffic stops and even one arrest.”

While the internship provided her with new experiences in law enforcement, there were certain things Johnson didn’t have as much freedom with.

“I can’t always do things hands-on,” Johnson said.

“I just have to watch.

When I did my courtroom rotation, I only got to watch people go through security. It got boring at times.”

While Johnson did recognize that not every rotation would be equally as exciting, she still said it was beneficial, as she learned more about the court system. One of the primary benefits Johnson mentioned was the way it confirmed her interest in the field.

“I am interested in law enforcement and have a new perspective on how everything runs,” Johnson said.

Written by Elyse Bredtfelt Graphics by Cassie Ford

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IT'S A FULL HOUSE Performances Directed By Theater Students

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ive Theater IV students directed individual plays that they chose or wrote themselves, and they cast and directed their entire plays, known as One Acts. Unlike the fall or spring plays, they performed their plays for one night only.

The directors held a one-day audition to cast their productions and had a group discussion afterward on who would be in each production. The day after, they jumped right into rehearsals and took three weeks to rehearse every day after school until open night March

8 in the flex auditorium.

The directors were happy with the turnout and the full house that was in attendance to watch their plays.

They even had to pull out extra seats for audience members as the room filled.

Written by Cassie Ford Graphics by Cassie Ford

The Worst Play You’ll Ever Watch: Jay Schmidtlein, 12 During the One Acts performance, sophomore Blake Pfannes (Character A) and sophomore Aether Schneider (Character B) rock out to their recorder duet March 8. Student Director senior Jay Schmidtlein was one of the directors who wrote their own play and said one of the biggest reasons for writing his own play was it was easier to direct something he had written himself so he would know how he would want the play to be. He wrote his play out to be a comedy with no deep meaning behind it and said that writing was the most enjoyable part of it all. “It’s OK to just write things for fun. Not everything you create has to be a masterpiece,” Schmidtlein said. “If you enjoyed it, then it's a good piece of work.” // Photos by Cassie Ford

DIRECTOR The Charm Of The British Sun: Connor Sun , 12

During “The Charm Of The British” performance, senior Claire Swiss (Kate Snefferfield) and Lane Adamson (Rob Snefferfield) argue over their living room layout and marriage status March 8. Student director senior Connor Sun said his favorite part was when the actors kept pushing the couch around, and he hoped it was enjoyable to watch.

“I thought my play was funny,” Sun said.

"There was some room to work with it and add to it.” // Photos by Cassie Ford

DIRECTOR

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Curse Of The Wolf Man: Gavin Miles , 12

Performing during the “Curse Of The Wolf Man," sophomore Mitts Atkinson (Bela), junior Voss Beecher (Lon Jr.), senior Seth Guyer (Claude), senior Emma Williams (Maria) and senior Lily Rayl (Evelyn) present the dinner scene.

Student director senior Gavin Miles chose this play because it related to him personally. “My favorite part was the character development, and I really enjoy horror movies, and the aesthetic really spoke to me,” Miles said. // Photos by Cassie Ford

DIRECTOR Tricked: Avalon Vallejo, 12

DIRECTOR Small World: Mathew Webb , 12

In the middle of their one-act dance routine, freshman Aly-Marie Montes (Dolly) and sophomore Em White (Ozzy) carry sophomore Skip McMahon (Freddie) on their shoulders parading them around the stage showing sophomore Gage Huth (Bowie) the new moves they had learned March 8. Student Director senior Avalon Vallejo said because he had a deadline for the script, he freestyle and wrote what came to mind. His play included choreography that the cast got to work on. Vallejo said his play had a teachable moment. “It was a lesson on peer pressure and not giving in to what other people want because they will have consequences,” Vallejo said. // Photos by Cassie Ford

During the “Small World” performance, sophomore Asher Favre (Bob), junior Hamza Abu (Bill), junior Isabella Kiewel (Grandma), senior Bella Dorrington (Lucy) and senior Katie Holloway (Stacy) perform a scene. Senior student director Mathew Webb explained the play being like how real life can happen.

“It's a small world, you know, you meet people, and you'll meet people you don't really get along with or like, just be open to new experiences in the world,” Web said. // Photos by Cassie Ford

DIRECTOR

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HEARTS

AROUND KC

Artists Create Hearts Displayed In Metro Area

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n a city-wide art display, 154 five-foot hearts were placed all around the Kansas City metro for the Parade of Hearts, featuring local artists.

Artists were given creative freedom to showcase original artwork focusing on what united the Kansas City community and made it unique.

Ada Koch, who typically created political artwork surrounding activism, designed the heart titled “Hope Blooms.”

She has worked on projects with the World War I museum, and that was what inspired her design. The poppy was made famous in WWI by a physician who wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields.” After the war, poppies were one of the first things to bloom again.

“It does symbolize death because of the red representing blood,” Koch said. “But it also is a sign of rebirth and hope and rejuvenation.”

Koch’s heart featured a simple white hand holding a bouquet of poppies on one side, and the other side highlighted a brown hand holding the same bouquet.

“It talks about the different cultures that make up the Kansas City community in a very simple way, with skin color,” Koch said.

Mollie Hanselman was the artist behind the “For The Love of Kansas City” heart. Hanselman, originally from Minnesota, said she was instantly inspired by the skyline when she moved to

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Feature

Kansas City.

“I didn't know Kansas City was such an urban place; and I also live downtown, so the skyline is just home for me,” Hanselman said.

Her design took a youthful approach, with bright primary colors and simple shapes. She hoped her design would bring out people’s inner child.

“EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING IN KANSAS CITY IS WORTH MORE THAN BEING CONSIDERED 'FLY OVER TERRITORY.'” ADAM FREESE, 2017 ALUMNI

Trew Love created “A Summer Sundae Kinda Love.” The heart reminisced on her childhood, a reminder of the days when her father would take her out for ice cream.

“Every time we’d ever win a game, or it was just a nice Sunday, or he just wanted some fatherdaughter bonding,” Love said.

“It was really nice to have the memories of going downtown to ice cream shops and spending time with the people I love most.”

Love hoped her heart would lift people's spirits.

“Ice cream and bright colors are two things that always bring me joy, and to smash those together on a huge heart, it all seemed to fit together perfectly,” Love said.

Tracy Kapperman was the artist of two hearts: “Home” and “We Are Monarchs.” “Home” was inspired by Union Station.

She said she liked that it was something bright and colorful.

“I just wanted to pick something that was a hometown favorite scene that everyone would enjoy,” Kapperman said.

Staley alumnus Adam Freese, who graduated in 2017, designed the heart titled “Fly Over This.”

The heart's theme suggested that Kansas City is overlooked.

Kansas City sits on the border of Missouri and Kansas, which are both often considered “fly over” states, making Kansas City a “fly over” city.

“I developed the phrase ‘Fly Over This’ as kind of a sarcastic rebuttal to that,” Freese said.

His heart was placed outside the Twin Miniature Museum in downtown Kansas City. He hoped his design would encourage people to have pride in their city.

“Everyone and everything in Kansas City is worth more than being considered ‘fly over’ territory,” Freese said.

Written by Fallyn Kowalski Graphics by Grace Winkler

Trew Love, Artist “A Summer Sundae Kinda Love,” created by artist Trew Love, was inspired by her childhood, when her father would take her out for ice cream. Love added a secret detail to tie her piece to Kansas City. There are two hidden Kansas City sports teams’ sprinkles. “There is a Royals sprinkle and a Chiefs sprinkle that you can find if you look for them,” Love said. // Photo by Humberto Bermudez

Ada Koch, Artist “Hope Blooms,” created by artist Ada Koch, was inspired by World War I and the portrayal of poppies. During WWI, poppies were a sign of hope after all the violence and destruction. Koch said the Parade of Hearts was something the Kansas City community could use after the events of the last few years. “We’ve all gone through the pandemic and a lot of unrest in the last two years, and they want to be positive, and I thought, ‘Perfect, poppies fit right in there,’” Koch said. Koch’s heart was placed at the WWI Museum, and she said she felt it was the perfect space. // Photo by Humberto Bermudez

Mollie Hanselman, Artist “For The Love of Kansas City,” created by artist Mollie Hanselman, was inspired by the Kansas City skyline. Her design used simple primary colors and shapes. “I hope that because of how simple the shapes are and elementary the color scheme is that they become in tune with their inner child and are able to see the world through them,” Hanselman said. // Photo by Humberto Bermudez

Adam Freese, 2017 Alumni “Fly Over This,” created by artist Adam Freese, was inspired by the outlook many have of Kansas City. Freese’s heart was placed outside the Twin Miniature Museum in downtown Kansas City.

Freese visited there when he was younger with his art teacher and hadn’t been back since. “It’s crazy being a part of a little art program, going to that museum and then seeing your piece installed outside of it,” Freese said.

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INKED FOR A REASON Stories Behind Student Tattoo Designs Shared Written by Fallyn Kowalski Photos by Alex Carroll

Elijah Baston, 12

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ife events and family inspired senior Elijah Baston’s tattoos. He had several tattoos on his shoulder, forearm and chest.

His shoulder tattoo was in remembrance of his father that he got exactly 10 years after his death.

“My tattoos are inspired by things that are important in my life and things that happened to me traumatically,” Baston said.

On his forearm was a Bible verse that his grandmother used to read to him surrounded by clouds, and inside the clouds is the name

Bailey Santee, 11

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of his cousin who passed away two years ago. He also had a tattoo of his mother’s name on his arm, along with his sister’s birthday and ‘Fear No Evil,’ across his chest.

“Everyone likes my tattoos,” Baston said. “And not in a cocky way, but because there are stories behind all of them, and everyone likes that.”

Jaclyn Guevara, 11

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s a memorial s a symbol of for her dad who tranquility, passed, junior junior Jaclyn Bailey Santee got an Guevara got a tattoo airplane tattoo on of a lavender flower her left forearm. The on her left wrist airplane is a reminder of when she was 17. The the connection they had. tattoo was inspired “My dad sold by the color lavender, airplanes, so they have which had always been a connection been her favorite between the two of us,” color. Guevara said Santee said. getting the tattoo Santee had always was spontaneous, as wanted tattoos but had she asked her mom planned to follow through with this one specifically. and got it the same day. She planned to add on to the She said her mother was originally against it, but after tattoo in the future, with more flowers. thoughtful consideration she agreed. She said her family “It always keeps me relaxed when I see it,” Guevara and friends were supportive of the tattoo and were happy said. she was doing something to remember her dad. Santee planned to get more tattoos in the future, including a matching tattoo with her four sisters.

Talon Issue 4 Volume 14 Feature