The Eyrie - Volume 42, Issue 4 - March 2023

Failing our Lady Falcons

Kelce Brothers Take Sibling Rivalry to a New Level

Travis and Jason Kelce make Super Bowl history by being the first brothers to compete against each other. There successes throughout their time in the NFL are compared.

by Abby Wallace managing editor

The Super Bowl was unlike any before. It was the first time in NFL history two brothers on opposing teams played against each other. Jason Kelce is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a moment that gained both brothers and their family a lot of attention.

Falcon Flight Crew

Page 30-31

Editoral board: Sydney Slyton, Hudson Marmon, Maggie Flannery, Brooke Burbidge, Abbt Wallace, Tim Wood, Kai Magana, Reporters: Dalton Robberts, Quinton Coats, Makenna Aiello, Addison Bell, Serinity Bishop, Xander Cha, Kailey Donnell, Mj Garcia, Mildred Garza, Mia Pham, Mya Roberts, Mia Rollins, Riley Story

Artists: Sylvia Grimsley, Ashley Rottinghaus, Jackie Small, Riley Story

Jason and Travis have a podcast in which they discussed moments that happened throughout the NFL. Their first episode debuted on September 8, 2022. They have continued this podcast and plan on continuing weekly episodes throughout the offseason as well. They’ve had guest appearances from Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurtz, and Donna Kelce. Donna appeared after the AFC and NFC championship games where “the Kelce Bowl’’ started trending.

The Kelce Bowl began trending on social media which got their podcast even more attention. Recently, they have reached the number one spot on Spotify for sports podcasts. They are also number four on Apple Music for the same category and number two for football podcasts.

Even before the super bowl, the

Kelce brothers had a lot of attention from the football community not only for both of their incredibly successful careers, but also for their similar experiences. Jason is two years older than Travis. He was drafted by the Eagles in 2011 under head coach Andy Reid. Travis was drafted in 2013 by the Chiefs also under Reid. Coach Reid drafted both boys to their long term teams. While Jason got less time with Reid than Travis, it didn’t stop either of their successes.

In early 2022, Jason was named to his fifth Pro Bowl and for only the second time in his career, he’s been a Pro Bowler and 1st-team All-Pro the same season. He also received both in 2019. Jason is only the 11th center to earn four All-Pro honors. In 2018, he and his team defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. He has accomplished a lot in his 12 years in the NFL. His little brother has a similar story.

At the end of 2022, Travis became the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, doing so in only 140 games. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro selection. Travis also holds the NFL record for most consecutive and most overall seasons with 1,000 yards receiving by a tight end. He has been a part of the Chiefs through

two superbowl wins in 2019, a year after his brother, and in 2023 against Jason.

Both Kelce’s are accomplished players which is what made this superbowl so exciting for everyone watching. The game went back and forth. After the first quarter, both teams were tied. Then the Eagles held a lead through the second and third quarters until ultimately, the Chiefs outplayed them in the fourth quarter winning 38-35.

The game was entertaining and left fans for both teams on the edge of their seats hoping for the outcome they were looking for.

After the game, Jason and Travis met up with each other and hugged it out. Jason congratulated his younger brother and their interaction ended with the brothers saying they loved each other and Jason telling Travis to “go celebrate.”

There was going to be a brother that

won and a brother that lost at the end of the game no matter what happened. It was a wholesome moment between the two and both were proud of each other. They took the attention of the entire NFL with the brother battle that ended in a way both brothers can be proud of. They discussed the super bowl on their podcast regarding rumors and banter from fans. No matter what happened though, they played their hearts out and made the game a special moment for fans and families.

illustration by | Ashley Rottinghuas

Did you know? Senate bill no. 160, previously a bill opposing transgender athletes, is now a state wildlife act.

Kansas Laws and Polices on LGBT+ Rights

by Mj Garcia reporter

How Does The State Support LGBT People?

According to UCLA Williams Institute School of Law, as of January 2019, “Kansas does not have a statewide law that expressly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, or other areas.” Although there is no statewide law, UCLA also states that certain locali ties have created their own local ordinances that “prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.” These areas include Kansas City/Wyandotte County, Lawrence, Manhattan, Prairie Village, and Roeland Park.

In addition to this, the same article UCLA states that “Public opinion in Kansas supports the passage of nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people.” This means there is a higher chance that statewide laws protecting LGBT people could be seen in the future, especially when considering the lack of obstacles presented, such as cost or paperwork and documentation.

LGBT Laws and Policies Affecting Students Teachers have been guided by the district to not call students by a preferred name and to instead call and report this to parents before compliance. However, “nickname” options are available within StudentVue and may be changed to anything with parental approval. Whether it is an entirely different name entered in this category or simply a variation of a student’s current name, there is nothing prohibiting a teacher from using that name for the student. Students also have the option to change their names in the yearbook to this nickname, as the yearbook does not serve as an official form of identification.

According to lgbtmap.org there are no laws prohibiting discrimination in schools, nor are there laws that might negatively affect these schools and their populace.

The Olathe South student handbook follows a similar pattern, stating that “The Olathe District Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admissions, access, treatment or employment, in its programs and activities.” There is no mention of prohibition of discrimination specifically against gender and/or sexual orientation. Thisdiffers from the district statement of non-discrimination, which adds the prohibition of discrimination against gender and/or sexual orientation. The handbook, available on the school website, can be accessed by students and guardians, and it is the one shown in advisory around the beginning of the year. This inconsistency could cause confusion amongst students about their rights and safeties, but as the handbook states, policies are subject to change.

How can students get involved? One of the easiest ways for minors to stay involved is to stay informed and help inform others who may have a say in voting matters. (i.e. older friends, sibling, parents/guardians and other relatives)

illustrations by | Sylvia Grimsley

Hyacinth, sapphic violets and lavener are all associated with the LGBT commmunity.

Failing our Lady Falcons

by Addison Bell Reporter

It’s game day. By seven o’clock the gym is swarming with parents and players anxiously awaiting to watch the biggest game of the year. Yet only an hour and a half ago the gym was dead. The girls’ basketball team hits the court already putting up a basket, yet there is no one there to cheer them on. A small row of students trickle in as the game goes on, immediately they take to their phones ignoring the three pointer #21 just hit. It’s the fourth quarter now, and a huge crowd has gathered gearing up for the boys’ game. Without fault, you start hearing the comments. Disrespectful, degrading, objectifying comments heckling not only the other team’s players but our own. You hear a sexist joke come from the boy behind you and when you have listened to enough you snap back but that’s when they label you as a radical feminist who can’t “take a joke.” As soon as the boys’ team hits the court, the crowd erupts in applause. The students cheer alongside their peers, supporting their boys’ basketball team.

The inequality and downright disrespect female athletes receive at this school is heartbreaking. Some of the best memories throughout high school come from the student section but it’s becoming too toxic to handle. The differences are easy to spot according to Tucker Armstrong, a senior leader on the boys’ basketball team.

“Obviously there are more people at boys’ games, even when they pack it out for the girls’ games it’s not as loud. I don’t think there are enough people involved during the game,” Armstrong said.

As a community, it is important to break the stigma that women’s sports are less than important. Senior Danielle Desmarteau sees this stigma for what it really is.

“I think that people believe women aren’t as strong or good enough to make the game interesting. Peo-

ple believe that the games will be boring because of that and decide not to come support, due to that stigma,” Desmarteau said.

Female athletes deserve just as much respect as boys. Incentives are being put in place to get more supporters. Flight crew requires their students to come to girls’ games and the basketball team throws out free t-shirts and candy to anyone who shows up. Senior, Kacie Karsak acknowledges these steps but knows it’s not going to be enough.

“People don’t care to show up, people don’t care to watch even the flight crew when they are required to go, they don’t want to be there, they don’t want to support us. I don’t think we are entertaining enough for them,” Karsak said.

It’s fantastic when there is a big student section for the girls’ games but even when the girls have the numbers there are no cheers, there is no ‘I believe’, and there is no stop to the crude comments. Karsak thinks back to the multiple nega-

tive comments she has heard directed towards women’s sports.

“Definitely stuff about our bodies and skill level and so many things. Even about past relationships people make comments about that,” Karsak said.

The only way to stop this from getting out of hand is to use our voices. Not only students but administration, the most influential group of people at school needs to speak up. Senior Breigh Bigelow watches as the administration stands idly by.

“There have been games where they will not even stand up and nothing is done about it by admin or our flight crew sponsor,” Bigelow said.

Stop turning a blind eye to the brutality female athletes face at this school. Something so simple as a student section continues to suppress female athletes. So if you see it, if you hear it, if you cringe at the thought of it, use your voice because you are certainly not alone. e

You Heard it Here First

illustration by | Sylvia Grimsley

"Wesuck,becausetheirgirls.”

“You’llhavetopaymetogotoagirls game.”

“The girls don’t deserve the same respect as the boys.”

“#___you’reas***”

Women’s History Month

A Look Into Women’s History Month and Where This Month Came From

by Peyton Walls Reporter

Women’s History has been celebrated since 1987. It was originally only a week long until President Jimmy Carter changed it to the whole month of March. This month was entitled to honor and acknowledge the contributions of those women who sacrificed their lives and reputation to make today a place where everyone is looked at as equals.

Rosa Parks

One of the more well known women who helped change history was Rosa Parks. She changed history for many

reasons and was a crucial part in the making of women’s rights and African American rights.

According to Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks was the “mother of the civil right movement”. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man, that action alone changed history. She became an instant icon and it hasstayed that way throughout history.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ginsburg is someone who spent her life fighting against gender discrimination. She died in 2020 due to metastatic pancreatic cancer, she was 87 years old. Ginsburg was a supreme court justice for the United States. She also founded the Women’s Rights Project when she was a lawyer. She fought for protections against gender discrimination in the high court.

Sarah Josepha Hale

She is someone who is not very known but still did so much.

According to the Women’s National History Musem, in 1837, she became the editor of a magazine called Godey’s Lady’s Book. She raised money to preserve Mount Vernon by holding one of the first craft fairs, all the crafts were made by women. Women couldn’t donate back then so she decided to do the craft fair so they could participate. She used her platform as editor to bring notice to women’s education, abolishing slavery and even colonization. Hale was criticized for her stances on gender roles. She encouraged many women in her career to focus on the domestic side of things when writing.

The History in Schools

The history books may bury some of the important aspects that women are a part of. The books brush over some of the important women, so there is less class time talking about what some women have done in history.

“[Classes] should highlight more important women throughout history,” senior McKinley Martin said. “I feel like a lot of times they get buried, and we just hear about the men’s perspective.”

There have been many women throughout history who have been overlooked by the men who stand in front of them. Some women help the men who stand in front of them, yet, they don’t get mentioned.

“Without Martha Washington buying a commission [his military rank] for George,” Kim Wahaus said. “He would never have been in the military.”

Women make up most of society and it has been explained that they are also more inclined to participate in society more than men. Yet, they are still overlooked, even after what they do for the world around them.

“Women are fifty-one percent of society,” Kim Wahaus said. “They vote more. They purchase more, and they educate more than men do, yet we leave them out of the story. So when we have a month to recognize a group of people who have been systematically subjugated we take that time to celebrate it.”

Learning about the history of things is important so that you know what truly happened and the work that went into making something happen.

“It’s really important to understand the work that people put into making change,”

Jennifer Schlicht said.

"People think women are emotional, but how many women have started wars?”

Jennifer Shlicht

illustration by | Ashley Rottinghaus

“ Eleanor Roosevelt was basically the brains behind her husband’s presidency, but she didn’t get recognized for that because she couldn’t run for president,” Schlicht said.

Women would not be elected as president because society put the stereotype that women are too emotional. Society didn’t believe that women could run a household let alone a country.

“People think women are too emotional, but how many women have started wars?” Schlicht said.

The Role Models

Women now are changing the lives of teen girls around them. Having major business roles and showing what girls can do when they are older is inspirational.

“My mom’s best friend is the vice president of Hallmark,” senior Kate Widdler said. “She’s a role model in my life because she has shown me what a woman in business can do, and she’s had people underestimating her entire life and she’s proven that she can handle it.”

The family that girls have around them can build them into the people that they will become. Family is a built-in role model of how you start shaping your life.

“I grew up with a mom who owns her own business, and a sister who has shattered the glass ceiling in every way that you can possibly imagine,” Wahaus said. “My sister is vice president of customer relations and all content media for AMC theaters worldwide.”

The women who have taught valuable lessons need to be recognized so that women worldwide can start being recognized for what they are doing to lives around them. The lessons we learn make us who we are.

“My best friend… taught me to never be afraid of being smart,” Wahaus said. “As girls, we tend to dumb ourselves down to fit in. She’s also taught me how to reinvent yourself when you need to.” Even if you grow up in a traditional house, there could still be some-

one who you look up to. Modeling your life after someone’s accomplishments is something that many people do.

“My grandmother… She would travel a lot by herself. Wherever she went, she didn’t need a bunch of people to go with her, and she was pretty independent,” Schlicht said. “She told me that, you’re smart enough you don’t need a man to take care of you. You don’t have to get married if you don’t want to.”

The Political Party

Alice Paul and Lucy Burns started the Congressional Union for Women’s Suffrage in 1913. According to Bratanica, his union was also associated with the National American Women’s Suffrage Association.

The union and association fell in 1914 due to their tactics. They tried to make the suffrage work be on the federal level and not the state and local level, and that led to the fall out.

However, in 1916 Paul and Burns changed the name of the group and their tactics. Changing the name to “The National Women’s Political Party,’’ they began to have direct confrontation with the problem of unequal rights. Their work didn’t go unrecognized, because on March 22, 1972 the equal rights amendment was

passed, so there was legal equality for all sexes.

So many women worked to make a change in the future so girls and women today can grow up in a place that is welcoming to them. Recognizing those women is the whole reason for this month, to look at what they did and sacrificed for the people of today.

“That’s why we have [a month], to celebrate the people who helped make history in our country,” Wahaus said. “To uplift and empower those stories.” e

illustration by | Ashley Rottinghaus

“My best friend... taught me to never be afraid of being smart”

Kim Wahaus

illustration by | Kai Magana

Chinese Weather Balloon Shot Down

by Timothy Wood Managing editor

With China’s weather balloons and all the other unidentified balloons that have been shot down by the government, a lot of controversy has come up on if the government should have left them alone or taken action.

“I think it is wrong for the Chinese government to send balloons over the United States. I’d like to know exactly what the balloon was used for, but they have not told us yet. The other balloons, it does appear like those are from small independent companies, but those companies could have been Chinese as well,” Nic Cook said. “But by the same token we are probably doing some of the same things. I doubt it may be a balloon, but it’s a satellite.”

Brett Mowery expresses how he feels about China doing these types of things and how he feels about China owning TikTok, with kids having it in their pockets.

“No offense to the Chinese, but if you have to send balloons over to spy on us when you have a space program, how good is your space program? To me it says their space program is not very good… Technologically, they’re not where they think they are,” Mowery said. “I’m not too worried about a balloon when we have kids on TikTok, and TikTok is owned by the Chinese… Ev-

eryone is freaking out about a balloon flying five miles above us, but ,yet, we’re not freaked out about a cell phone in our pocket.”

Nick Wheeler gives his viewpoint on if the United States government should have shot down the balloon or left it in the sky.

“It sounds like shooting down the Chinese balloon was a good idea. It sounds like we were able to figure out what it was and how they are using that technology, so that seems valuable. The other balloons seem like they were just trash, but I guess [it’s] better be safe than sorry, so I guess it was a good decision,” Wheeler said.

Cook believes the U.S. should have shot it down when it was first spotted over the Aleutian islands in Alaska and his belief on if China has good satellites.

“I think the Chinese may not have the best satellites in the sky so they need a better picture. It did look like the first big white one they shot down the Chinese could maneuver it somehow,” Cook said. “I think shooting the balloons down is about as far as our government will go.”

Wheeler says that he read that the balloon might have gone off course, and maybe China is trying new ways to spy.

“All sorts of powerful countries are

trying to spy on each other and get intelligence on each other, so I think any advantage, whether [or not] it’s new technology, I think the Chinese were trying to see if this is a way they can go in undetected and get new intelligence on the U.S.,” Wheeler said.

Kevin Spritzer says it would not be the wise action for our government to try and retaliate against the Chinese.

“Both governments [have] engaged in this type of political espionage for decades. It’s really nothing new, but a Chinese balloon all of a sudden got everyone crazy looking at the sky and seeing balloons everywhere,” Spritzer said. Wheeler says there might be some diplomatic retaliation from the United States government.

“Secretary of state Blinken already canceled his trip that he planned. That was supposed to be right after that balloon, so I don’t think there will be any military action but probably some diplomatic behind the scenes stuff,” Wheeler said.

Spritzer says this Chinese balloon is simply gathering intel for China’s government.

“This is what the CIA and NSA do; it is their job, we just caught them doing it to us. During the Cold War we swapped spies all the time. We were catching Soviet communist spies, they were catching ours. It’s the new era of the Cold War,” Spritzer said.

"I believes the U.S. should have shot it down when it was first spotted over the Aleutian islands in Alaska.”

Nic Cook

The united States government has shot down Chinese balloon over the Atlantic ocean near the Carolinas

illustrations by | Jackie Small

The Most Peculier Time Of The Year

Get a look into just some of the most wacky and strange holidays in the year of 2023

by Mia Rollins reporter

All sorts of holidays are celebrated across the nation from the popular, well-known ones to the celebrations that are unheard of. Ever since President Ronald Reagan first created National Icecream Day in 1984, people all over the world have been submitting their ideas for holidays through websites like “The National Day Calendar” (which for the most part only take requests from companies and organizations). As a result of people sending in pretty much whatever ideas they want, there have been some interesting outcomes. Here are just a few of the most odd holidays that appear throughout the year.

January 30

Bubble Wrap Apprectation Day

This holiday speaks for itself. Bubble Wrap is something that everyone seems to love, so no wonder it got its own holiday. Originally created to be wallpaper, bubble wrap comes with most shipments that come to people’s homes. Whether it is just feeling it or popping the air bubbles, bubble wrap is something that this holiday acknowledges and cherises.

May 29

Put A Pillow In Your Fridge Day

That’s right, there is a holiday where people are just supposed to stuff a pillow inside their refrigerator. This holiday actually has a history behind it. During the early 1900’s, it was believed that putting a bed sheet or nightshirt in the cupboard would bring the home plentiful food. Ever since refrigerators became the standard storage for food, the pillow replaced the bed sheet/nightshirt. This holiday has already passed this year, but it can always be celebrated next year.

August 13

International Left-Handers Day

Although Tuesday’s are considered to be a left-hander’s lucky day, there is an entire holiday dedicated to them. The holiday was created by Dean R. Campbell, the founder of Left-Handers International, and it was first officially celebrated on August 13, 1976. It serves as being a day to appreciate people who are left-handed, as well as a day to have pride in being left-handed. One of the reasons the holiday is important to this country is because many presidents were left-handed, including Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and many more.

August 1

List of Holidays

January 22- Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

February 28 - National Public Sleeping Day

March 30 - National Virtaul Vactaion Day

April 4 - National Walk Around Things Day

April 12 -National Grilled Cheese Day

May 21 - Talk Like Yoda Day

July 28 - National Talk In The Elevator Day

October 14 - National Chocolate-Covered Insects Day

National Mountain Climbing Day

The creator of this holiday made it in honor of his son and his friend for climbing the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains in 2015. Even without knowing its inspirational origins, this holiday prompts people to take on challenges when mountain climbing. Some of the challenges that people have tried are hiking down a mountain without a boot and hiking in knee-deep snow without snowshoes. Above all, this holiday encourages people to get outside and do something involving nature.

illustration by | Sylvia Grimsley

illustration by | Heather Springer

College Board; How Corrupt Could It Be?

An Insight Into the Truths of the College Board.

by Xander Cha reporter

Thousands of students worldwide take AP tests during May. Hours of study, strife, and tears all culminate for this. The test is done, grades are coming back in, -you fail.

Put yourself in the shoes of the student described, they’ve just failed a future determining AP exam and now have to pay upwards of $220 just to wait an entire year to attempt the arduous test once more. Now, what company would charge so much for something so important and critical to the future of today’s youth? Well that’d be none other than the College Board.

The College board is a “missiondriven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity.” This was taken straight from their website. However, there are some interesting foreign transactions that contradict this notfor-profit claim, most notably in the Caribbean; a country so full of tax loopholes it has its own variety of swiss cheese. According to The Real College Board, a website centered on investigat-

ing the College Board and its effectiveness, the College Board has invested some billion dollars in legally fishy hedge funds. Even though the College Board explicitly says they are “not-forprofit” that claim is a little bit suspicious. In 2019, according to The Real College Board the CEO David Coleman made over $1.67 million dollars; this amount also lines up with claims from ProPublica, a website which tracks the tax records of non profits.

Now why on Earth is an academic not-for-profit industry making investments like Elon Musk and shipping out millions to their top employees? Well, the answer is the College Board, at least in my opinion, is for profit. That is why so many students struggle during AP or College Board exams, they’re designed to be so difficult that very few are capable of passing on their first try. They’re designed to get you to pay more and more money. It is an extremely corrupt business as it has a complete stranglehold over accelerated learning, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that grip’s going to loosen anytime soon.

The College Board defends these behaviors rather meekly as they argue that it keeps people who are not actually willing to put in the effort needed to succeed with the test, and these tests aren’t free to grade or print. Yes, that is true, however, in a theoretical sense, what if a student couldn’t afford education but was actually willing to make the effort and could prove that. Again, the College Board has a response --a great big reduction of $35-- this is just a slap in the face. If a student’s family is barely able to put food on the table and is living paycheck to paycheck, how could they pay the fee, and why can’t there be a free option for students truly struggling?

This is unacceptable, education is, in my belief, a right, not a privilege, and should never be locked behind a paywall. No one corporation should have such a monopoly over education, the College Board has systematically brought down the less fortunate and stood themselves up in their place.

illustration by | Sylvia Grimsley

Extracurricular Madness

by Makenna Aiello reporter

High school, though difficult, is a huge part of your life and shapes much of what you decide to do and be when you grow up and move on. It is a time to learn, grow, and find your identity, but that can’t be solely achieved through AP classes and fun choice electives. Rather, much of the high school community is brought together through clubs and extracurriculars.

Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theater, National Honors Society and Student Council are all commonly known clubs that exist in most middle and high schools across the globe. At Olathe South, clubs vary from the Cartridge Club, where students can gather to play retro video games, to the Asian Student Union, where all students, Asian or not, can get together to participate in games, inclusive activities and fund-raisers.

Interested in participating in Falcon spirit? Join one of our many clubs at south! ASU BSU

There are clubs for every person, every hobby and every personality, all offered right here at your school.

GSA

The Asian Student Union is a student organization for students of both Asian and non-Asian ethnicities and was established to facilitate inclusion and community amongst Asian and non-Asian students.

Asian Student Union President, junior Belinda Chen, gives a deeper look into the purpose of the club.

“The Asian Student Union is a great club for people who want to learn more about the different cultures that the Asian community has to offer,” Chen said.

“We have a lot of different activities, including fundraisers and potlucks that bring attention to Asian cultures. ASU is a great place to build relationships, learn about different cultures and have fun.”

DECA

DECA is a business and marketing based club that gives students the opportunity to travel and engage in marketing, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship and management competitions.

Freshman Julia Almeida, a loyal member of DECA, explains why she enjoys DECA and why others should join.

“It’s a club centered around business, and we compete in different business areas against other schools.” Almeida said.

“I like the community that we have. Everyone is really nice, and we do learn a lot about business. So if that is a career you want to pursue, you should definitely join DECA.”

The Black Student Union is a great opportunity for all students to build community with each other and bring focus to the black minority in a predominantly white school.

Senior Deborah Kelecha explains how the BSU helps spread awareness about racial issues and what life is like for colored people.

“We try to focus on spreading cultural news and bringing light to what it’s like to be black. Our biggest goal is definitely creating a safe space for students of color, because it is difficult to be a minority in a majority white school.” Kelecha said.

“If you are looking to learn more about culture and be around people who are like you, the BSU is a great place with a great community.”

The Gender Sexuality Alliance is a club that was established to spread awareness and provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sophomore Elaina Angelo, member of the GSA, gives a description of how the club improves life for students of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I want to spread awareness about our community, but it’s also just a huge hangout group,” Angelo said.

“The GSA provides a safe space and encourages everyone to make friends, which is usually very difficult to do. Being part of a club is just like having a giant friend group, and especially if you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community; it’s a great safe space to make friends and be yourself.”

Robotics MSA

The Olathe South Robotics Club is a technological organization that puts emphasis on team building, science, and problem-solving skills and provides fun competitions and activities for members to participate in.

Senior Zach Richards explains what Robotics is all about and how it benefits those in it.

“We build robots, we do a lot of team-building projects, we compete at sports events, and we do a ton of fun and interactive stuff. I’ve been in robotics for 3 years, so I have a lot of connections I have made.” Richards said.

“I would encourage students to join robotics because there are a lot of smart people there, so if you need help in chemistry or math, you can talk to one of the robotics people. They offer a lot of help.”

The Muslim Student Association is a club in progress, and will soon be open to join. It was established by Sophomore Hafsa Jalil to spread awareness and inclusion amongst students of Muslim and nonMuslim descent.

“I wanted to start this club because a lot of Olathe Schools have it. I think it would be really good for inclusion here, since I feel like we do have a Muslim community that isn’t known because a lot of people try to hide the fact that they’re muslim. MSA would give them a safe space and let them know that they’re welcome.” Jalil said.

“I think the club will be really fun overall. We have a lot of fun events planned, like having a celebration during Ramadan and having Eid parties. We accept anyone and everyone in the MSA.”

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Schools should not do the pledge of allegiance. This is because it is unconstitutional and goes against the first amendment. The biggest problem is “under god” going against religious freedom.

This should not be unexpected especially with the history of how when the Declaration of Independence was written the words of “all men are created equal” was written while everyone was not equal. People had slaves and women couldn’t vote, which contradicts the idea of being equal.

The case of Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) then happened. In the end the Supreme Court ruled that a student could be expelled even if the salute was against their religious beliefs. This directly violated the first amendment.

In 1943 Jehovah’s Witness readmission case was finally seen in the Supreme Court after petitions for Judicial writ from previous rulings. Walter Gobitashad filed lawsuits for his two expelled children in the Minersville, Pennsylvania public schools for not taking part in the pledge.

Later on in 1954, in an attempt to distinguish the United States from godless communism during the red scare. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill passed by Congress adding “under God” after the words “one nation.” The Supreme Court has occasionally, particularly in concurring opinions, stated the laws that the presence of

“one nation under God” in the pledge is constitutional.

After September 1, 2001, There was a surge of patriotism that saw several states pass laws that required the recitation of the pledge. There was a caveat that said students didn’t have to stand.

There has only been one challenge to the pledge that reached the Supreme Court with the case of Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow (2004). The case was filed by Michael Newdow where he challenged the district’s policy of teachers leading students in a voluntary recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, including the words “under God.”

His reason is valid because the state and church need to be separated. Schools can’t have religious events unless students lead them because state employed people can’t act off religion. That’s a reason why laws cant be based off religion

in a ritual proclaiming that there is a God.”

Newdow did not have standing to bring suit because he did not have sufficient custody over his daughter. Thus, the Court did not consider the constitutional question, and “under God” is still in the pledge that primary and secondary teachers are required to lead in some states.

“The phrase “under God,” conceived and added at a time when our national religious diversity was neither as robust nor as well recognized as it is now, represents a tolerable attempt to acknowledge religion and to invoke its solemnizing power without favoring any individual religious sect or belief system.

He said it violated the first amendment because the pledge’s “under God” recitation violated the establishment clause. Allowing students to opt out of the pledge he argued that his child was forced “to watch and listen as her stateemployed teacher led her classmates

Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and Justice Clarence Thomas did not transform recitation of the pledge into a religious exercise or create an establishment of religion. While in a separate concurrence, justice Sandra Day O’Conner held that “the phrase “under God,” conceived and added at a time when our national religious diversity was neither as robust nor as well recognized as it is now, represents a tolerable attempt to acknowledge religion and to invoke its solemnizing power without favoring any individual religious sect or belief system.” This causes a disagreement between the justices so it’s all about point of view and how people take it. This is also a case of if someone doesn’t have a god or isn’t religious they think it’s against their religious freedom.

States have the power to say if the pledge needs to be said. The state of

The pledge of allegiance should not be recited in schools.

Dalton Roberts reporter

silhouette by | Kai Magana

Sandra Day O’Conner

Kansas does require the pledge to be recited, but leaves oversight to the state’s Board of Education. In Olathe students recite it everyday in elementary school, every Monday in middle school and they don’t do it in High school. Sitting down during the pledge of allegiance or during the national anthem is not saying someone hates America, it is people acting on their 1st amendment right by peacefully sitting.

If you see anyone sitting peacefully during the pledge or national anthem don’t be rude or disrespectful to them because they could have reasons for doing so. You can’t make someone’s beliefs change and if you force them to do so then you are breaking constitutional rights and don’t care about the country.

If something schools mandate is controversial, against any religion or amendment then it should not be in schools. This is due to the fact that nowadays everyone’s views are different and can fluctuate. Just because someone did something a few months ago won’t mean they will do it again. Respect people’s beliefs and don’t judge someone’s life choices because of it.

photo by | Katie Hooker

illustration by | Dalton Roberts

How music impacts people’s lives

Music has changed everything for the better

by Mildred Garza reporter

Music seems to be the one thing, out of a very limited list, that truly unites humanity. Regardless of the hundreds of different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs around the world that could seem to differentiate humans, music never seems to fail to break the fear and hate a lot of people have for one another. Breaking that wall can be incredibly challenging because not a lot of people enjoy change or knowing that not everyone lives in the same bubble but the truth is that this mindset shuts dozens of doors leading to amazing opportunities.

The beautiful gift of not being exactly the same as the first random person you make eye contact with in a world with billions of people is what makes life even better.

Bonding over music, sharing the story of the first time that song was listened to or simply listening to a song with someone else will always be something that connects and brings humans together. Music is a wonderful gift because it can be used at any time, in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon or at night and for infinite reasons at a party, a hangout, while driving,

doing homework, or even before sleeping and to feel anything to relax, dance, laugh, comfort or even explain or feel related to when no one else seems to be able to help.

“Music can be made for any emotion so no matter what you’re feeling there’s a song out there that you can relate to and that can help you,” freshman Kris Imel said. Music can be comforting at all stages of our lives, as soon as we are exposed to music we learn to enjoy it and unexplainable emotions quickly fill us up, without even trying, by simply just listening to a song.

“Music is great when I’m sad I listen to music, when I’m happy I listen to music, when I’m angry I listen to music, it helps process all kinds of emotions,” sophomore Lexie Ngo said. Music is helpful in all situations, many people have realized that music can actually improve focus and the pace

at which things are being done. “Most people think that having an earbud in is more distracting than helpful but personally I focus a lot better when I have some sort of constant background noise,” sophomore Zoe Juarez said.

Getting work done faster improves mood and emotion because there’s time for things that we actually enjoy and want to spend our time doing. “Lots of the time I’ll listen to music while doing school work because it just really helps me to focus and get my work done,” sophomore Lindsey Gaona said. Although thinking through the meaning of songs can make someone enjoy music even more, the sounds are more than enough to make anyone feel better.

“I like understanding the meaning behind the lyrics but sometimes I’m doing things that require my full concentration and I don’t even acknowledge what the song is saying. I just know it makes me feel better because of the beat, rhythm and stuff like that,” senior Jehiel Garza said. Music can be powerful enough to make us forget everything we need to, it’s so powerful it can even make us feel

focus and get my work done,” sophomore Lindsey Gaona said. Al- though thinking through the meaning of songs can make someone enjoy music even more, the sounds are more than enough to make anyone feel better.

“I like understanding the meaning behind the lyrics but sometimes I’m doing things that require my full concentration and I don’t even acknowledge what the song is saying. I just know it makes me feel better because of the beat, rhythm and stuff like that,” senior Jehiel Garza said. Music can be powerful enough to make us forget everything we need to, it’s so powerful it can even make us feel like we don’t exist or that we’re floating at times or surreal emotions and feelings like such. “Listening to music makes time go alot faster,” sophomore Grace Hartwell said.

We can go as far as saying that music has helped save lives because finding relatable songs whether it be because of negative thoughts that keep rotating in our mind or positive ones is reassuring especially when we have a hard time speaking up about emotions or giving ourselves credit for simply getting up. “Song writers use music to express their emotions which helps and comforts them but also us, the listeners, understand that we’re all a lot more similar than we think we are and we all compare and think badly about ourselves at times,” sophomore Peris Mugo said.

Social media makes it difficult to realize that there is not a perfect body or a perfect personality because everyone seems to look the same but music can be a wide variety of everything through the artists there’s tall, short, slim, wide, and all kinds of ethnicities, cultures, personalities, and sig nificances.

Music lovers

Freshman Jayden Randhawa

Freshman William Hernandez Freshman Landon Pyles

Dr. Mike Filla-Band

Brandon Jones-Percussion Elise Peterson-Choir

The Sweetheart Dance

Olathe South’s Counseling Team

How it’s changed and how students feel

by Sydney Slaton editor-in-chief

The school counseling team has gone through many recent changes to get where it is this semester; how do students feel about the personnel changes and the current counseling team now?

“This isn’t in their control, but they keep changing the people working as counselors,” junior Faith Balda said. “That kind of makes it hard for students to trust their counselor because trust comes with time and they’re just not here long enough.”

It can be challenging for students to seek help from their counselor for the first time as freshmen because they don’t know them very well. Now imagine you’re older and already have an established relationship with them, and you have to start all over again after they leave. This is a problem many students face. Like Balda, who had Mrs. Legrand until last December.

“I was a bit sad because now I don’t know the counselor and so I have to meet them and talk to them, versus before I had a personal connection because

I’d already known her for the past three years,” Balda said.

The concerns students have about staffing are also shared by counselors. The rate of staff leaving, otherwise known as turnover, picked up in the last couple of years and it is leaving many counselors as well as students wanting more stability.

“We did have a big turnover but, like I said, we really enjoy each other and I think we work together really well. I’m hoping that we are all here for a while,” Paige Carbajo said.

No one but at the school really knows the reason for all the changes. There’s often never just one thing that makes people leave a job, but it principal Dale Longenecker is content with dealing with the changing staff in order to make the school’s counseling team the best it can be.

“Clearly, we would like less turnover and more stability for our kids,” Longenecker said. “But it’s also important that want to be here. If they’ve another passion they want to move on to, it’s important they do that and then we can work

Who is your counselor?

Chad Hoffman

Paige Carbajo

Chayce Wynn

Patsy Roseman

Regan Roth

illustration by | Riley Story

Want to know what the jar at the counselor desk if for?

It’s a way to motivate counselors to meet with more people! Dr. Longenecker says that every marble is for each time a counselor visits with a kid.

with people that are excited about being here.”

Filling in empty positions with equally, if not more, qualified people for the empty positions sounds great to many. But it’s important to many that the new counselors are still helpful.

“[A good counselor is] Someone who can listen, offer good advice but also someone who’s trustworthy, who actu-

How often do you need help?

Often Sometimes Never

ally cares and will do everything in their power to help you,” Balda said.

Students also need a counselor that meets their needs. Many, like freshman Kierra Kruetzkamp, are looking for someone to “just be a constant,” while others look for more academic help.

“I mainly go for schedule changes, and usually when it comes to things about the future related to school that I can’t solve,” Balda said.

However, there have been comments from students citing problems with scheduling, the very thing Balda said she goes most often for. Balda hasn’t experienced these problems but she does mention other problems relating to others’ struggles.

“I’ve heard that some people have a real struggle changing their schedule,” Balda said. “And that’s probably not due to the counselors, but it also seems that the counselors -- some of them -- aren’t the best at communicating that to the students.”

There isn’t really a clear answer as to why students are having these problems. But Longenecker to think that these schedule change issues are due to just the sheer volume of the requests.

“The scheduling things we’ve asked them to do, absolutely insane,” Longenecker said.

However, as various problems became apparent -- not just scheduling conflicts -- Longenecker sought to make changes to counteract them.

“We’ve really worked with our counselors, I have asked them to change some practices. That was hard for some,

some looked at it like additional pieces,” Longenecker said.

These changes to the way the counselors go about their job include many things, from more frequent visits with kids to helping plan for after graduation. Longenecker believes getting the idea of post-highschool plans into students heads’ early will help.

“That’s your plan after high school, and we want to start celebrating it. But also as an underclassman, I want you to see that every day when you walk in here,” Longenecker said.

These changes were made to ensure that regardless of all the changes to the counseling staff, students will always have them as resources.

“I think the role of a counselor is so important for my kids. I want every child to see their counselor at least once,” Longenecker said.

The counseling team here has gone through many changes here, yes, but both the administration and the counselors themselves have been working to make sure students are supported. And it seems that many students are still receiving the help they are seeking.

“I think we have a pretty strong counseling team because I’ve seen people and I go to change my schedule,” Balda said. “It’s not hard to talk to counselors and we have so many of them.”

How often are they available when you need them?

Chad Hoffman

Paige Carbajo

Patsy Roseman

Regan Roth

Chayce Wynn

illustrations by | Sylvia Grimsley

by Riley Story reporter

Have you ever felt noticeably different on one day and then perfectly fine the next? Or have you ever felt that a noticeable amount of people are acting sort of tense or on edge?

The phrase, ”It must be a Full Moon” is a term used to describe when something is going haywire. Emotions and how people act are a result of gravity and the full moon making your day just a bit haywire.

The moon and its phases may affect this unusual behavior. The moon’s gravitational pull pulls our emotions to the surface and makes our feelings more vulnerable.

The moon’s phases can change how the tides work. When the moon is at its fullest, tides will occur higher than normal because of the gravitational pull of

It must be a

Can a full moon and the lunar phases affect us?

High tides or “spring tides” normally occur during the springtime, hence “spring tides.” The same thing can occur with our emotions and lifestyle. The moon can affect how people act emotionally and physically.

Our bodies are made up of water so the effect of the high tides is very similar to our bodies and how the gravitational pull affects water.

“Since our human bodies are made up of 55% to about 78% of water, there’s some reason to believe we, too, might be impacted by the moon, its light and its 27-day lunar cycle — especially when

pull on the earth is powerful enough to affect the ocean tides,” according to an article from the Cleveland Clinic.

The full moon can also affect your sleeping cycle; you may sleep well or you would not be able to sleep at all, which can affect how you act during the day.

“During this [full moon] phase, participants took five minutes longer to fall asleep, slept for 20 minutes less, took longer to reach REM sleep, experienced

illustration by | Jackie Small

Full Moon

a 30% reduction in deep sleep, and reported reduced sleep quality.” according to an article by the Sleep Foundation.

The full moon can affect disorders

“The group of nerves responsible for sleep disruptions can also cause depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder,” according to an article by Psych Central.

Not all emotions that occur during lunar phases are positive. Your emotions can spiral positively or negatively. The gravitational pull of the moon can affect

disorders like Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder and can make individuals more anxious or stressed.

The moon takes the mood you’re in and enhances or intensifies it. If you’re prone to getting angry, during a full moon, you may find that you get aggravated easier and become more argumentative. If you’re always happy and outgoing, anything and everything could make you happy, or you may have one of the best days or the worst days ever.

The full moon can also affect your sleeping cycle; you could sleep or you could have the worst night ever and not

be able to fall asleep, which can affect how you act during the day.

“During this lunar phase, participants took five minutes longer to fall asleep, slept for 20 minutes less, took longer to reach REM sleep, experienced a 30% reduction in deep sleep and reported reduced sleep quality.” according to the Sleep Foundation.

The phrase, ”It must be a Full Moon” is a term used to describe when something is going haywire. Emotions and how people act are a result of gravity and the full moon making your day just a bit haywire.

Next time you feel like the day is out of place or you’re feeling just a little discombobulated, the gravitational pull of the full moon may be a source to blame.

stars and waves by | Riley Story

Kansas City Royals Season Preview

Will the boys in blue return to a winning tradition or continue the 7 year struggle?

by Quinton Coats Reporter and Fun Facilitator

Looking back on the 2022 Royals season, there is a lot to dread going into this season. Coming off of a 65-97 2022 campaign last year, the Royals look to have a bounceback season. With new additions joining the squad along with the young core of returning players, there is optimism around the team this year.

The New Manager: New Manager, Matt Quatraro, is coming over to the team after a tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays. After firing Mike Matheny and Pitching Coach, Cal Eldred, the Royals Front Office wanted someone with leadership experience in the league.

“I think Matty Q was a great hire. I don’t think he is going to be able to turn it around in one year, but in three years we will definitely see a big change in the Royals, and I think it is going to help us quite a bit,” junior Alex Howell said.

Quatraro was in Tampa Bay for 3 years. During that time, as bench coach, he helped the Rays make the playoffs in 4 consecutive seasons, including an AL Pennant title in 2020. Quatraro looks to get this young core of ballplayers turned around and heading in the right direction.

The New Additions: The Royals have had a theme over the past few years

of making weird moves in the offseason. This year is no exception. The Royals have added names like Jordan Lyles and Aroldis Chapman, along with Jackie Bradley Jr. These additions all have one thing in common, they are older veterans who just aren’t as good as they used to be. This has been the recurring theme for the boys in blue. Lyles recorded a 12-11 record with the Orioles along with a 4.42 Earned Run Average. Chapman came over from the Yankees 4-4 record as a closer, with a 4.46 Earned Run Average for the Bronx Bombers. Jackie Bradley Jr. is coming over from the neighbors to the north, the Toronto Blue Jays. In 131 games played, Bradley Jr. posted a .203 Batting Average with only 4 home runs.

Pitching Staff: These additions were clearly intended to help the pitching staff, which has been a major issue the past few years. The Royals pitching staff has been in the bottom half in almost every statistical category.

going to have to ease into it. I am really hoping Brady Singer is going to breakout this year after last year, [where] he did fantastic. Maybe Aroldis Chapman will do something if he actually shows up, but that is what I think of our pitching staff,” junior Jack Richards stated. As Richards mentioned, Brady Singer is coming off one of his best seasons, if not his best year in the big leagues. Coming off of a 10-5 record with a 3.08 Earned Run Average, the Royals look to be commanded by Singer in order to get them to where they want to be. Other notable pitching staff members include Scott Barlow, Zack Greinke, and Josh Staumont.

“I think Matty Q was a great hire. I don’t think he is going to be able to turn it around in one year, but in three years we will definitely see a big change in the Royals, and I think it is going to help us quite a bit,”

Alex Howell, junior

“I think our pitching staff this year is going to be below average because we have a new pitching staff. They’re

Returning Players: The Royals are returning a very solid young squad this year. Last year, we got to see the debut of some of the top prospects in the Royals system. Names like Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez took the field for the Royals as rookies last year. There is a lot of excitement around this young core of players, along with a lot of questions on whether or

not they can take them to the promised land of another world series ring.

“I am excited to watch Vinnie Pasquantino. His nickname is the Italian Nightmare, you’ve got to watch him. We didn’t get a full season of him last year, but we get one this year and he is going to hit nukes,” Howell said.

Other notable position players returning include Salvador Perez, Nicky Lopez, and Hunter Dozier. The Royals did lose some valuable players this offseason including Michael A. Taylor and Adalberto Mondesi. These players had a significant role in the Royals lineup when healthy so the lineup takes a hit with the loss of these two players.

Season Predictions: The Royals have had a losing record since 2017, this year will be no different. There is optimism around this team so they could possibly shock people.

“We’ll be below .500, probably 4th in the AL Central, and not make the playoffs,” sophomore Beau Beverman said.

Most major Major League Baseball analysts have the Royals losing 100 games and finishing last in the American League Central Division. The Kansas City Royals have been a

subpar baseball team for the past 7 years. This year the boys in blue look to shift the tides and have the first winning season since 2016. A lot has changed in the clubhouse, front office, and with the fans. The fans want another winning season and the players want to get back to the playoffs. It will be interesting to watch this team play in the regular season after having a hot start to Spring Training.

2023 Kansas City Royals Roster

This is the current active 40-Man Roster

Pitchers:

Scott Barlow

Jonathan Bowlan

Kris Bubic

Max Castillo

Aroldis Chapman

Taylor Clarke

Dylan Coleman

Jose Cuas

Amir Garrett

Zack Greinke

Jonathan Heasley

Coaching Staff

Matt Quatraro Manager

Paul Hoover

José Alguacil

Alec Zumwalt

Keoni De Renne

Brian Sweeney

Zach Bove

Damon Hollins

Vance Wilson

Mitch Stetter

Rusty Kuntz

Parker Morin

Allan de San Miguel

Ryan Eigsti

Bill Duplissea

Carlos Hernández

Brad Keller

Jackson Kowar

Richard Lovelady

Jordan Lyles

Daniel Lynch

Alec Marsh

Brady Singer

Collin Snider

Josh Staumont

Josh Taylor

Ryan Yarbrough

Angel Zerpa

Catchers:

Freddy Fermin

MJ Melendez

Salvador Perez

Infielders:

Maikel Garcia

Nicky Lopez

Michael Massey

Vinnie Pasquantino

Nick Pratto

Samad Taylor

Bobby Witt Jr.

Outfielders:

Nate Eaton

Diego Hernandez

Kyle Isbel

Edward Olivares

Drew Waters

Left: Royals Utility-man, Bobby Witt Jr.

“We’ll be below .500, probably 4th in the AL Central, and not make the playoffs,”

Beau Beverman, Sophomore

The Pressure of Success

Athletes mental health under the pressure of sports.

by Serinity Bishop reporter

Strong, fit, fast, these are the words you think of when you hear the word “athletic.” Not only do athletes stay fit physically they also have to stay fit mentally as well, they undergo an immense amount of stress and pressure from being an athlete. But all this stress and pressure can damage their mental health.

Nevertheless all this pressure can affect athletes all in different ways. “I feel like I have to do everything right like I’m not allowed to mess up, stay on track with everything,” Fellingham said. Take this as a good example of how pressure can affect athletes’ mental health. When it comes to competitive sports, athletes are under heavy pressure to perform. All that heavy pressure can affect the mental state of athletes by adding on unneeded stress.

Many athletes experience an enormous amount of stress they must be able to manage, not only when performing but also in their private lives. Student-athletes are under even more pressure to maintain their grades and still perform well on the field. “You don’t really hang out with friends, you just go home, do homework and restart your day,” Palacio said.

During the sports season athletes don’t get enough time to be able

to do to go through juggle all of it.

“You feel you have no time to do anything and it makes you sad,” Fellingham said.

Athletes have a sports life, friendship life, a home life, a school life– I mean the list goes on.

Athletes are humans too. They can feel emotion just like any average Joe. Not only do athletes have to make time for the sport they play, they also have to make time for their personal lives as well.

“I make a schedule with here’s my time to hang out with people, here’s my time to do work such as homework,” Fellingham said.

But sometimes with everything they have going on, it can be hard for others to find that balance. “I think it can be difficult at times especially when you play a competitive sport, and you play games over weekends and then practice three times a week so it’s hard

to find a balance, sometimes I miss out on a lot of things because of it,” Dakota Cowles said. Many athletes go through a lot physically and mentally feeling so many pressures. “Being an athlete has mentally affected me kind of positively and negatively, positively it really taught me just to put your head down and get to work but also in doing so you kind of learn to push your feelings down with it, I do the whole thing where I don’t cry, don’t show emotion I kinda keep everything away from everybody but at the same time I am there for everybody else,” Daniel Palacio said. Many athletes are very good at hiding what they feel, which happens when they have a lot going on. They already have to worry about doing well playing, all while keeping up with their personal life. Many feel a lot of pressure mostly due to stress, “I have to be better for myself for others but that’s not always the case. I don’t need to prove that to others, but sometimes it feels like I have to.” Danielle Desmarteau said. Having to go through so much, many athletes feel a ton of pressure. Pressure can be self-induced or forced upon a player due to stress from sports. Additionally, this pressure can get even worse when the player has to deal with injuries.

illustration by | Ashley Rottinghaus

“I am actually dealing with an injury right now, so I tore my hip in July and then again in January,” Cowles said. “It was really tough in the beginning. I missed out a lot last part of club season because if I got hit my pelvis would split so I had to stop doing everything I’m really involved with: weight lifting and working out so I had to find a balance in what I can and can’t do.”

Cowles goes on to explain how hard it has been on her

Imagine this,you’ve played sports your whole life and then all of a sudden you have that one good thing that’s been in your whole life gone, taken away from you.

“I am definitely hard on myself, I am my worst critic. I put more pressure on myself than others do because I expect more from me than what other people see, so when I got injured it was frustrating because I had just come back from an injury–it felt like I was starting over and tons of physical training to strengthen myself for college season now it’s a clean slate again and starting over,” Cowles said.

In general, athletes have to stay fit mentally, they undergo an immense amount of stress and pressure from being an athlete. All this stress and pressure can damage their mental health.

illustration by | Riley Story

"I am my worst critic. I put more pressure on myself than others do because I expect more from me than what other people see.”

Dakota Cowles, senior

Do long term subs affect the dynamic of classroom environments?

by Mya Roberts Reporter

Since students returned from winter break Spanish I teacher, Ms. Peterson has had numerous subs filling in for her classes while she has been away. Having different substitutes has left some in the class finding Spanish much more challenging.

“I feel like they each have their own way of teaching which makes it hard to figure out things when the teaching style keeps changing,” freshman Quincy Schiessler said.

Sophomore, Juliana Rangel explains that due to so many subs, there is a lot of repetition in the class, causing little new learning.

“We did a lot of repeating of last semester because the subs didn’t really know what we knew so it’s been pretty repetitive,” Rangel said.

Senior, Rhiannon Ferrell explains that the class is more difficult due to adjusting to multiple different teachers every time a new sub fills in for Ms. Peterson.

“It has been a little bit harder with having to adjust from Ms. Peterson not being here,” Ferrell said.

Some students find it challenging to learn new material while others seem to be fine. Freshman Aiden Brown is one student who finds it challenging because some subs aren’t taking charge of the class as they should be for more efficient learning.

“There have been quite a few times where there’s no direction whatsoever,” Brown said.

Sophomore, Brianna Williams is one of many students who hasn’t struggled to learn new things in the absence of Ms. Peterson but she points out again that there has just been a lot of repetition.

“We don’t learn much new, but it’s not too difficult,” Williams said.

Freshman, Tanner Hagg says that the pace of class has not been consistent with each sub causing it to be hard to learn the curriculum.

“All the learning has been slowed

down or sped up too fast based on the sub,” Hagg said.

Sophomore, Aydon Buss mentions that trying to learn new things has been much different compared to when Ms. Peterson was here.

“I feel like I am not learning things as easily as I was when Ms. Peterson was here,” Buss said Schiessler explains that with each new sub, there comes a new teaching style. This is causing a feeling of uneasiness in the classroom and causes it to be harder to learn.

“It has been uncomfortable at times because we can never get used to one sub before they leave, making it harder to learn in the class,” Schiessler said.

Freshman Dylan Gad also believes that the new teaching styles cause the class to be more difficult.

“It feels like having a new class every few weeks,” Gad said.

Freshman Brooklyn Waterfield says that the class behavior has majorly affected by the absence of Ms. Peterson.

“Our behavior is horrible and there is no respect for the subs or other students,” Waterfield said.

Freshman Bella Gandini explains that the class interest isn’t even close to where it should be.

“We all just kind of gave up and stopped caring,” Gandini said.

If subs that were filling in for Ms. Peterson didn’t speak any Spanish, some students were sitting through class not able to learn very much.

“It’s just ‘watch this video’ or ‘do this worksheet’ about stuff that we already know,” fresh man Ryan Morgan said. “we wouldn’t learn any thing new.”

Many students were not really affected and just thought it to be strange hav ing a language class where the teacher couldn’t teach the language.

“My learning has not been affected

question marks by | Ashley Rottinghaus

in any way, It’s just strange to have a Non-speaking Spanish teacher speaking Spanish,” freshman Michael Batista said.

Hagg explains that the behavior of the class has gotten so bad that it doesn’t even feel like they are high school students.

“It’s been brought down to the point we get taught as younger kids everyday and we get taught like bare minimum and then we move on without being able to grasp the lesson at all,” Hagg said.

Some students have expressed their struggles in the class trying to learn a new language when their teacher hasn’t been there to teach them but students have expressed that their new long term sub Mrs. Flores seems to be helping.

“Our new sub makes it easier to learn new things but for a while I was learning nothing,” Gandini said.

Schiessler explains that before their current sub, the class was never fluent but now, she feels that things are getting back to where they should be.

“I feel that it has been harder because nothing has been fluent but with Mrs. Flores I feel like things are back on track,” Schiessler said.

Sophomore Supritha Chakravadhanula and other students miss Ms. Peterson and just want to see her back here at school.

“I was close with Ms. Peterson though,” Chakravadhanula said. “So, I

Students explain how class has changed since spanish teacher Ms. Peterson mysteriously didnt return to school after winter break.

Kansas Legislature to Legalize Fentanyl Test Strips

by Hudson Marmon editor-in-chief

A piece of legislation introduced in the Kansas Legislature on Feb. 6 advocates for the legalization of fentanyl test strips: a tool used to detect the presence of fentanyl in a number of drugs. Currently, Kansas is one of 17 states that classifies the strips as drug paraphernalia, and despite previous attempts to change that, similar bills have failed twice in the past.

Libby Davis is a strong proponent in the battle against fentanyl. Davis’ son Cooper attended Mill Valley High School and was 16 years old when he passed away in August of 2021, after taking half a pill that he believed to be prescription Percocet. The toxicology report determined that the cause of Cooper’s death was a fentanyl overdose.

Davis has testified in Topeka on behalf of the bill, but despite her advocacy, she explained that the test strips are not flawless.

“I am a nurse, and so I am always [in support of] things that will help save lives,” Davis said. “I hesitate that they’re not perfect by any means, they still come with risks, and it’s just one harm reduction tool that’s available. I think it’s important that people always use more than one harm reduction tool, but I do think they serve a purpose, especially for those individuals who are struggling with addiction or substance use disorder.”

Davis further emphasized the importance of harm reduction when using drugs and gave an example of one of the most effective methods.

“One of the best harm reduction tools is never use alone. So if you’re going to use drugs, don’t do it alone,” Davis said. “Narcan is another widely used harm reduction tool, but again, you generally have to have someone there with you to administer it to you.”

Although many people see substance use as a choice, in many cases, addiction gives its victims no choice at all.

keepincleanforcoop.com

“If I struggled with substance use disorder, once it becomes an addiction, it’s truly a disease of the brain. So as much as people like to say, ‘well, they should just not use,’ for some

people who have the disease, that’s not always an option,” Davis said.

Although the test strips would serve as a new form of harm reduction for individuals struggling with addiction, Davis believes that the strips should not be used for experimenting.

“I believe the fentanyl testing strips are useful, like I said, for those people who are struggling with addiction. I certainly do not want fentanyl testing strips getting into the hands of teenagers who want to experiment

“I certainly do not want fentanyl testing strips getting into the hands of teenagers who want to experiment with drugs,” Libby

with drugs,” Davis said. “I don’t want [teenagers] to have a false sense of hope because the test strips are not 100% accurate, and just because you test a small portion of the drug you’re about to take, doesn’t mean that there can’t be a deadly amount of fentanyl in the remaining part of the drug.”

Davis ended with a warning to individuals who may be interested in trying drugs.

“Find something else to be curious about,” Davis said. “Because using fentanyl testing strips just to experiment with drugs is not the route.” e

The Davis family now runs an organization in honor of Cooper. To learn more about Cooper or his family’s efforts to spread awarenss of the dangers of fentanyl, visit...

Davis

The war against fentanyl wages on.

Disability Awareness

by Kailey Donnell reporter

All over the world, there are millions of people with disabilities. They face their own kinds of challenges and struggles everyday, getting mistreated, overlooked, but what people don’t understand is they are just like everyone else.

According to the UNICEF Kosovo Programme, a program that works to ensure that the rights of children are being respected and protected, compared to children without disabilities, children with disabilities are 41 percent more likely to feel discriminated against.

Sometimes people single out or differentiate someone when they don’t know the whole situation. However, though it may not be on purpose, these students have feelings like the rest of us.

“When I was a para, I learned that [students with disabilities] have some of the best perseverance you would ever see anywhere,” Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) teacher Brent Fales said. “Some of the stuff that they have going at them is harder than any of us can ever imagine.”

No matter what these students are going through, they don’t let it ruin their day. Instead of dwelling on what ‘could’ve been’ or trying to change what they can’t control, they push past adversity everyday.

Some of CBR teacher Sheridan Stevens’ best memories come from the victories the students have when they are reading.

“When [students] learn more and more words, they get more and more independent in reading something for themselves,” Stevens said.

According to the CDC, recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 17%, of children aged 3 through 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.

“Disabilities are not as taboo as they used to be,” Fales said. “Because everyone has some sort of uniqueness,

because everyone learns in their own way.”

How do you tell if someone has a disability? Most of the time, you can’t. It’s just an assumption until you ask or find out for yourself.

“Our society looks down on people who have challenges, which means people with challenges have to work hard to hide it,” Stevens said. Almost all of the CBR classrooms are equipped with a kitchen, a washer and dryer, microwaves, dinner table sets and other varieties of everyday objects.

“Since we can’t take students to a home to teach them these skills, [we] make school as [much of a] home environment as we can to teach them the skills,” Katherine Kashka said.

The Special Education (SPED) teachers are always adapting to improve their ways of teaching.

“The food comes out of my pocket,” Kashka said. “The laundry and the cleaning supplies come out of a budget that is funded by the government, the appliances come out of the district.”

What is standing in the way of meeting the teachers and students goals?

“Funding, 100% funding. Currently special ed is funded,” Kashka said.

According to 12 News, data shows that special education is funded at 71%, the states are supposed to be funding this at 91%. That’s leaving a $155 million gap in which school districts are compensating for through what are called “general funds.”

“That’s why things come out of my pocket. That’s why, for example: staffing wise, we have five open pair positions, because we can’t pay them,” Kashka said. “They can’t pay out para’s what they are worth. It’s not possible.”

But money shouldn’t be what these students should be worried about, and they are not. They are currently focusing on the Job Olympics,which takes place on March 30, at Johnson County Community College.

“We usually start [preparing for the Job Olympics] in the middle of February [to the beginning of February],”

Kashka said. “We’re kind of teaching the skills all year long; It’s just integrated into their academics.”

Different types of jobs and tasks that the students do include, job interviews and applications, counting money, sorting mail, stuffing envelopes, setting tables, sorting things, filing papers and other various tasks.

But what motivates these students to achieve their goals? What is keeping them motivated to reach their goals?

“Everything is about independence. Making them as independent as possible, helping them achieve their goals,” Kashka said.

If the teachers and staff working with the special education students aren’t getting paid their worth, why do they stick with the program? Because they care.

“I saw the students with great challenges being mistreated and not respected. So I decided I’ll become a teacher for them,” Stevens said.

When Fales first took a job as a para, he had no idea what he was getting into.

“I fell in love with the students and decided to go back to school to get my teaching degree,” Fales said.

The CBR teachers focus more on preparing you for life after high school than things that you will most likely never use again.

“We have to look at what are

Everything you need to know about the CBR department.

Katherine Kashka Brent Fales Sheridan Stevens

the skills required for you to live with a roommate or live in an apartment by yourself, and how do we teach you those skills.” Kashka said. “Is finding ‘X’ going to help you live by yourself? Probably not, doing laundry that’s going to help you live by yourself.”

The teachers try to hone in on those everyday skills that developing peers typically pick up by observing their family, or they just learn.

“My students require very direct instruction, hands on learning, and then we have to practice it,” Kashka said.

Life is more challenging for those with impairments because they face a lot of challenging obstacles along their way.

“It’s just harder on students with disabilities, because finding a job is harder. Everything is harder. So we just try and get them there,” Kashka said. Stevens realizes that a lot of students don’t know about the CBR classes and have no idea what is going on behind those doors.

“I have students who walked by Gen Ed, you know, somebody will jump in here and they’ll say, ‘What do you teach?’” Stevens said, “They’re unaware that we’ve got a whole life program going on, and what we do for these kids are important.”

February’s Day Off

Why February had so many days off

by Maggie Flanery Layout- editor

Looking at the month of February the student body is hardly at school; while we all love the breaks, why? What is the purpose of having so many days off in such a short month? Having all these days off is like the classic 80’s movie Ferris Bueller’s Day off. It is about this high school student who has an eerie way of skipping school without getting caught. This month of February has felt like this. An uncanny situation of not having school.

Not only were snow days factors but also Conferences and the Chiefs winning the Superbowl, but according to the school calendar we have had seven scheduled days off. That is not even counting snow days. Or snow mornings with it all being gone within a matter of hours.

Conferences were canceled, because of the Chiefs winning the Superbowl. Which was never rescheduled. While rescheduling would lead to more days off school, why make the confer-

ences so early? Waiting until the beginning of March, would have made more time in the month of February. Also, few parents were made aware about the cancellation or they did not check their email about not having that time with their children’s teachers. So why were conferences even scheduled for a day that could possibly have been off? This is because the schedule is most likely made almost a year ahead of time, and the dates of the Super Bowl are not going to be at the forefront of the administration team working on the next year’s schedule. Then why were conferences just canceled and never rescheduled? In making February a spring break the prologue, leads to many students not coming to school, we don’t need anymore Ferris Bueller’s. So in the future pick a month were we have less of days to move conferences too. e

illustration by | Riley Story

Above: Inter Personal Skills (IPS) Clubs from across the district met on Nov. 2 at Olathe North for an action packed field day.

Falcon Flight Crew Hype

by Brooke Burbidge layout editor

Falcon Flight Crew is a class South has to offer and many kids are eager to join, if you love school spirit then this class is for you. Working on pep-assemblies, basketball and football student sections and many more, this group of students and their sponsor Bayli Schmitt make everything behind the scenes fall perfectly in place. This class is by acceptance only so you can apply to be on staff but only a few students get in. During sixth hour the group meets and discusses fun new ways to get every student involved and enjoying their high school experience. Schmitt is the sponsor of falcon flight crew and enjoys her time being involved in the student environment. Schmitt got lots of application this year.

Schmitt’s class does not involve paper assignments, students get their point in a unique ways.

“We are just required to attend games, and I get attendance points when I am there cheering…The only true rules we have for FFC is just to remember that we are leaders of the school. There is more expected from us as leaders such as keeping a clean slate, making good decisions, and just being role models for the school, along with other required events,” Kaldahl Senior said.

“It is a built-in family that you spend a majority of the week with, and it is an easy way to get involved in school. Flight Crew has been one of the best groups and activities that I have been a part of and the only thing that I regret is not joining my junior year,”

Megan Kaldahl, senior

The school’s student section has been named the best student section in the state by the students of the South and the schools know the power it holds.

Crew even more enjoyable for the student members.

“FFC is definitely hyped up by the school. I would easily say that it definitely lives up to the hype, and if not, more. We truly are a family and the energy we bring is unbelievable. It is so fun getting to be involved in all of the behind the scenes, and I wouldn’t want to do it with a different group or a different teacher,” Kaldahl said.

Falcon Flight crew is a huge time commitment outside of class but that’s what the kids who apply sign up for. They will always have something to do that week to better the school.

“It’s 2-3 times a week that we do anything, especially in the winter time [with many basketball games a week], and fall is twice a week,” Schmitt said.

For the younger generation of students that might not have the eagerness to join, Kaldahl has this advice for them.

“We got about 48. I think it’s been growing every year, trying new things and getting our face out more,” Schmitt said.

“Honestly because I run Falcon Flight Crew in such a different way, every kid has a job; every event we have chat leaders [leading the crowd in chants such as Defense 3x] and it’s a lot more organized than other schools I’m also there at every game to make sure it goes fine, “ Schmitt said.

The school atmosphere makes Flight

“It is a built-in family that you spend a majority of the week with, and it is an easy way to get involved in school. Flight Crew has been one of the best groups and activities that I have been a part of and the only thing that I regret is not joining my junior year,” Kaldahl said.

The student section is one of the best places to talk to peers for a couple of hours and enjoy your time.

D E F E N C E 3x

illustration by |Sylvia Grimsley stand in the student section, but she is still able to get involved in this group.

“My main role is to help prepare for games and help plan different events such as pep assemblies,” Kaldahl said.

Falcon Flight Crew holds a huge amount of value to many in our building. The students involved always build others up and make all feel welcomed at South.

“I think it’s important to have a group that’s the backbone of the school, and setting a good example, they set a good example for this place,” Schmitt said.

Adding on for her love of pep-assemblies Kaldahl’s favorite event is to prepare for the games and activities students do during them.

“I love the process of preparing for pep assemblies because we plan all of the excitement such as games or performances, and we always get to test run them to see if it will work out well,” Kaldahl said. “Good example for this place,” Schmitt said.

Adding on for her love of pep-assemblies Kaldahl’s favorite event is to prepare for the games and activities students do during them.

“I love the process of preparing for pep assemblies because we plan all of the excitement such as games or performances, and we always get to test run them to see if it will work out well,” Kaldahl said. e

Let’s go Falcons