THE NEWTONIAN NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MAGAZINE Series 98 | Issue 3 | Spring 2021
Page 26-31 Class of 2021 graduates
Photo by Ann Pomeroy
TABLE OF CONTENTS News Seniors struggle with motivation throughout pandemic 4-5 Students reflect on helpful teachers
6
Students commit to military service
7
Opinions 8
Women Suffer Mistreatment in athletics Corporations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions
9
In-Depth Graduate map
10-11
#Trending
12-13
Features AP Art Student conveys Societal issues through artwork
14-15
Schloneger to pursue music As career
16-17
Beasley overcomes hearing loss, obtains hearing aid
18-19
Car crash changes martin’s life
20
Ebert creates suicide prevention clothing brand
21
Sports 22-23
Athletes commit to play at the next level
Arts & Culture Students travel for foreign education and culture immersion
24-25
Astrology Increases in Popularity
26-27
Graduates Class of 2021 graduates
28-33
Senior Recognition Class of 2021 senior ads
34-41
BABY PICTURES 42-43
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N A I N O T W E NE
INTRODUCING
TH
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief Ann Pomeroy @PomeroyAnn
Reporter Kati Blaylock @kati_blaylock
Reporter Matt Olson @MattOlson2021
Reporter Elly Green @EllyGreen16
Reporter Daniel Gonzalez-Arevalo @danny_g679
Reporter Eris Rindt @Rindt_23
Reporter Mateya McCord @mateyamcc06
Reporter Lucy Buller @lucybuller
Reporter Addie Clayton @adelync7
STAFF
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Shifting Mindsets Seniors struggle with motivation throughout pandemic Daniel Gonzalez-Arevalo Reporter @danny_g679
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s the end of the school year approaches many seniors have begun to reflect on their overall experience in high school. Many look back at all the good memories they have had and also some of the bad memories. However, as the school year comes to an end during a pandemic, a different type of sickness has plagued more profusely than in previous years, and that is senioritis. Seniors have long been deprived of motivation for their final year in high school. Many either do not show up for class or they choose to take easier classes than they should. Senior Gerrardo Torres claims that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected his motivation for school and when he completes his work. “Hybrid really messed with the amount of effort I put into school,” Torres said. “I started procrastinating too much and for a longer amount of time.” With a hybrid school schedule students are required to check in for each of their classes every day in order to take attendance. This allowed for students to sign in to their class and have the time in between classes to work on schoolwork if they chose to do so. Despite being given time to work on schoolwork, some students decided to do other things with their free time, such as sleep. Torres has found other things to do when he feels no motivation to do school work and they include watching TV streaming services, playing video games and even watching sports. “To be honest I think that they simply don’t care at this point,” Torres said. “Especially with all of the uncertainty and everything.”
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With a different school schedule and a new way of learning, students continue to struggle with feeling overwhelmed with everything they take part in. Senior Tjaden Simmons claims that with harder classes students end up getting more work, which in turn makes it hard to keep up. “The way the schedule is now structured, in higher level classes, you’re at risk to come out of them with homework every single day,” Simmons said. “It makes it hard to keep up.” Despite all of the commotion during a COVID-19 year, Simmons has been remaining optimistic and continues to move forward. Simmons claims that with the extra load of preparing for college it has been hard to keep up with everything going on. However he claims he just has to “keep swimming.” “I’m a bit on edge, due to the stress of extra college stuff,” Simmons said. “I’m in the mindset of ‘Just Keep Swimming’.” Despite the struggles and the lack of motivation students have experienced this year, both seniors look back at their time in school and are able to recall a handful of positive memories from them. Torres looks back at his time in high school as a whole and everything he has done in the past four years. This includes his participation in sports and being able to bond with teammates. “Some memories that I’ll remember are mostly from my Spanish classes and the four soccer seasons I had here,” Torres said. Simmons claims he will remember some of the events that happened this year, despite all of the uncertainty and struggle. This includes the amount of work for classes and the impact of having a new principal. “At this point, everybody’s just ready to be done,” Simmons said. “With all of the changes this year it’s easy to focus on just graduating and not academic achievement.”
Senior Survey - 30 out of 32 seniors find that they struggle to stay motivated - 2 out of 32 seniors find themselves motivated with no issue
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Everything is so different, it doesn’t feel the same.
I don’t want to do it.
I would rather do something else.
90% of my classes are pointless.
It’s easy to avoid all of the work.
Being at home means more distractions.
I get lazy in hybrid and sleep instead of working.
Everyone’s ready to go to college and move.
When we’re at home most people think it’s a rest day.
I’m going to graduate already so I’m not worried.
School’s not being taken as seriously as before.
Teachers don’t know how to help from home.
I put everything off until the night it’s due.
I just don’t care anymore.
It’s harder to focus at home for a long time.
Makes it more viable to procrastinate.
S PA PA
NEWS
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Mentor Moments Students Reflect on Helpful Teachers
Eris Rindt Reporter @Rindt_23
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avigating through high school can be difficult for many students. The difficulties of everyday life are enhanced by the drama and cause for many students to lose sight of the real goal while in high school. Having an influential teacher can allow students to feel more comfortable and secure throughout their high school years and can help those students be led down a path to success rather than an alternative route. Teachers main job is to teach their students to the best of their ability, but for many students these teachers become mentors. Science teacher Jerry Epp has been a very influential teacher in senior John Koontz’s high school experience. Koontz has had Epp for two different classes, one being freshman year and the other his junior year. “Mr. Epp had me interested in the Ecology side of Biology for a little while, and I was even considering majoring in Biology for a time, mainly because I had him teaching me,” Koontz said. Similarly to Koontz, senior Alondra Valle has found a teacher who has contributed to her discovery of her future plans. Valle has had algebra one and two along with a college algebra class with mathematics teacher Erica Rickard and says she has enjoyed every class. Rickard has been a teacher for Valle for three years of her high school career. “I met Mrs. Rickard my freshman year because she was my algebra teacher,” Valle said. “She has taught me a lot of math but most importantly how not to give up when something is hard. I like algebra but Mrs. Rickard definitely made it a reason I kept liking it. She helped me figure
6 | NEWS | SPRING 2021
out details of what I want to do in the future.” Having an inspirational teacher has helped multiple seniors to learn different lessons throughout their high school years and develop passions for future career paths. Senior Miguel Molina Chavez has only had one class with English teacher Scott McCloud but that was enough for McCloud to teach him different lessons in life like how to keep in mind the importance of your own mental health. “McCloud taught me a lot about how to manage a multiple class workload, balancing work with one’s own passions and desires,” Molina Chavez said. “In particular, he stressed the importance of knowing when to settle with an imperfect, yet suitable, grade in certain classes or assignments for the sake of one’s own health, an incredible applicable lesson which I’ll take with me into college and my future career.” Valle and senior Jayden Smith have both taken multiple classes with their favorite teacher throughout their years at NHS. Molly Schauf has helped Smith get out of her comfort zone, especially in the area of public speaking. Schauf has had Smith as a student for five different classes along with helping sponsor a club that Smith participates in. The classes that Schauf taught have helped Smith realize that she wants to go into a people based job in her future. “My favorite memory with Schauf would be after FCCLA state, she took us to the park for a little before going back to school, we convinced her to swing with us and play,” Smith said. “The teachers at NHS have sacrificed so much, whether it be for a club, or helping us learn while completely remote. I am so glad that I have met so many of the teachers I have.”
Preparing to serve Students commit to military service Ann Pomeroy Editor-in-Chief @PomeroyAnn
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uring the early release hour of Mar. 24, students, friends and family gathered in the library to celebrate the first-ever Newton High School Military signing day. This day, in particular, was to honor the enlistments of six seniors, Selena Aguilar (Kansas Army National Guard), Keaton Benedick (Kansas Army National Guard), Samuel Claassen (Kansas Army National Guard), Avery Dutcher (U.S. Army), Kylie Schwind (Kansas Army National Guard) and Issac Hernandez (U.S. Marine Corps). The event was instigated by the parents of the signees who worked together with NHS administration to make sure all of the seniors could be recognized. The event consisted of individual recognitions, time for photos, refreshments and speeches given by the student’s recruiters. “I thought [NHS signing day] was awesome,” Schwind said. “It’s something we’ll never forget.” The four students who enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard (KSARNG) had been training together for months prior to the specific signing day, however, appreciated the recognition and time with loved ones. According to the National Guard website, students can begin enlisting once they have met the basic requirements of being 17 years of age and at least a junior in high school. “[I first got involved with the KSARNG through] my friend Jacob Franco, [as he] asked if I wanted to talk to his recruiter,” Schwind said. “I absolutely love the KSARNG, but I think the hardest thing for everyone is the change and getting ready for basic training.” A typical basic training lasts 10 weeks and is a time in which enlistees learn teamwork, discipline, how to handle a weapon, rappel and march. According to Military One Source the time is meant to be physically and mentally demanding and is expected to test one’s limits.
“[My biggest advice is] that although it’s a big commitment try not to be intimidated by the challenges it may bring, the person right next to you is going through everything with you,” Schwind said. “[If other students are interested in joining] they can message me and I can set them up with Staff Sergeant (SSG) Gilley, who is my recruiter or they can go on the KSARNG website and search for the local recruiter, who is Sergeant (SGT) Callaway I believe.” The National Guard is a unique element of the United States military in that it serves both the community and the country as a whole. According to the National Guard website, the members of the National Guard respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counter drug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. “[Something I am looking forward to with this new opportunity is getting] to meet people from all over the country and have those new experiences,” Schwind said. Throughout the whole process of signing day, NHS enlistees expressed their gratitude for their family, friends and mentors. Each enlistee was given the opportunity to take pictures with their family and friends to remember the moment. “My family is my biggest supporter and my friends who are enlisted also, and SSG Gilley of course, and all of my NonCommissioned Officers (NCOs),” Schwind said. “I think it would be harder without their support because everyone needs someone to push them.” Through the KSARNG, at many colleges and universities in Kansas such as the University of Kansas, enlistees are eligible to receive 100% tuition and related fees up to $250 for each semester credit hour and up to $4,500 for each fiscal year. This financial aid is a motivating factor for many students to enlist in military services. “They offer 100% in-state tuition but I’m not exactly sure if I want to go to college yet, but I plan on retiring and going on a few deployments,” Schwind said. “The best decision I’ve made was joining.”
NEWS
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Misogyny in Womens Sports Women suffer mistreatment In Athletics Kati Blaylock Reporter @kati_blaylock
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ooking back on my childhood, one of my most prominent memories occurred during elementary school recess. Each day we would have the opportunity to venture outside to play and release our energy for a few minutes, depending on how well we behaved in class on that given day. During this time, many of the boys would go and play soccer on the field, while the girls would go play on the playground equipment. One day, a new girl walked up and asked if she could play soccer and the response was “No way, you’re a girl.” Without even seeing how good she was, they immediately turned her away, but allowed other boys who had never played to join without any hesitation. It was not about how much talent someone had, but about gender alone, which is something that is still present in our society today, just on a grander and more detrimental scale. According to the University of Minnesota, in 2020, 40% of all sports participants identify as female. However, female sport organizations receive less than 4% of media coverage, which includes professional and Olympic level sports. Due to the lack of coverage, female sports and athletes are not well known or liked, whereas male sports and athletes are more universal and well-known. With the continued rise of feminism and women’s rights, this topic of sporting equality is just the first of many. One recent event which openly displays examples of this biased treatment was during the 2021 NCAA March Madness Tournament. Many athletes and celebrities across the globe spoke out after seeing videos highlighting the difference between the men’s and women’s competition. These videos highlighted many inequalities present at the tournament such as lack of equipment and a workable weight room,
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insufficient meals and lack of free apparel sponsoring and promoting the event. Those participating for the men’s teams received a buffet of food, a swag bag compiled of various tournament items and a very spacious weight room. However, for the women, they only received pre-packaged Styrofoam boxes for all meals, a small swag bag in comparison and yoga mats and small weight dumbbells for a weight room. With all this media attention, concerned athletes have taken to social media to share their concern about the treatment. Many bring up a valid point by disclosing the NCAA’s Title IX clause which explicitly states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination...” Title IX goes on to state “Title IX requires the equal treatment of female and male studentathletes in the provisions of: equipment and supplies...” In addition to lessened opportunities, women are paid a significantly smaller amount compared to their male counterparts, which has been an ongoing concern for years. According to Forbes, women are paid 15% to 100% less than men while actively participating in the same sport. Alongside a smaller wage, women also do not receive the same partnerships, endorsements or sponsorships as men do. Given all the information I have presented above, I hope you can see the prominence in advocating for gender equality throughout our sports teams. We need to start realizing as a country how large of an issue gender inequality is. Not only in our sports teams, but also in daily life. Although this problem seems like a daunting task when confronted by one individual, we can all easily pitch in to solve the issue by simply advocating for change when we come into contact with it. Gender should not hold back athletic opportunities and it is far past time for the sporting world to acknowledge that.
Capitalism is Killing Us
Corporations contribute to greenhouse gas emissions Reporter Matt Olson @MattOlson2021
“Greenhouse gas levels are higher now than any time in the last 800,000 years.” - National Geographic (2019) “Greenland lost an average of 279 billion tons of ice per year between 1933 and 2019.” - NASA (2020) “The global sea level has risen 8 inches in the last century, but doubled in the last 20 years.” - NASA (2020)
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am going to unlock a memory that you have probably forgotten about. The date is Apr. 22 and you are in the second grade. Your teacher walks into the classroom with craft supplies and cupcakes with green and blue frosting. You then watch a video, probably from National Geographic or some other news source about picking up trash when you see it on the street, or how you should turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth. If you were remembering this as Earth day, you are correct. While these videos shown to us in grade school might have done a good job at convincing us that we can single handedly save the earth, what they failed to show us was the large corporations producing tons of greenhouse gases, and how we as humans, continue to damage our earth’s atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and cutting down rain forests. According to National Geographic, the greenhouse gas emissions are higher than they have ever been in the last 800,000 years. A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the “thermal infrared range,” causing a greenhouse effect. These are harmful gases because they cause global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere and can also contribute to disease from pollution and smog. The largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions is the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are most commonly burned for electricity, transportation and heating. A study from business-human rights stated that 71% of global emissions have been traced back to only 100 companies since 1988. The other 29% is most prominently from public transportation such as subways, buses, cars and airplanes.
Had the younger version of yourself realized the terrors left unnoticed in your class celebration, you may have become concerned. Luckily, there is a naturally occurring solution on our planet that helps combat the greenhouse gases. Trees are our best friends when it comes to global emissions such as greenhouse gases, according to The Rain forest Alliance. They “capture” the greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which prevents them from accumulating in our atmosphere and warming the planet. The downside to this, however, is the mass deforestation of our rain forests. Not only are we getting rid of our so-called protector from greenhouse gases, but when the trees are cut down, they release all of the carbon dioxide that they have been storing into the atmosphere. A good example of the effects of this would be from Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax”, another film most everyone has watched in school. The Once-Ler cuts down the truffula trees, which then eradicates the barbaloot’s food source, mucks up the water that the fish swim in and pollutes the air that the birds fly in, forcing them all to leave. It was only then that the Once-Ler realized the damage he had done, but it was too late. Much like the Once-Ler, if we continue to ignore the obvious problems that we have caused on our planet, there will be a point where we can not go back, and where we can not fix things. In the grand scheme of things, shutting off the water while brushing your teeth, and picking up litter will only produce a microscopic amount of change to our climate emergency. While those are still important things to do, we need to address the large corporations that will inevitably lead to the destruction of our planet.
SENIOR OPINION
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Arkansas
John Brown University
Jayden Smith
Illinois
Illinois Wesleyan University
Tessa Preheim Western Illinois University
Mackenzie Glasmann
Indiana
Goshen College
Elise Jantz
Bethel College
Arianna Campos Josue Coy Dick Zane Harder John Koontz Miguel Molina-Chavez Luke Schmidt Butler County Community College
Madison Beasley Drew Douglas Yadira Gonzalez Jacob Phillips Audrie Wallace
Friends University
Madyson Groves Ezekiel Thompson
Hutchinson Community College
Makayla Angel Callan Baldwin Paige Blick Abigail Buller Luiz Camacho Valery Landrum Zachary Loomis Perla Lujano
The class of
Iowa
COE College
Claire Preheim
Grinnell College
Abigail Chappell Deckert University of Iowa
Elijah Redington William Penn University
Nicholas Antonowich Maylee Edwards
Kansas
Baker University
Evelynn Bartley Barton Community College
Cole Lujano Jamilid Romero Ortiz
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Cloud County Community College
Davis Mick Dodge City Community College
Xzavion Martin Benjamin Schmidt Emporia State University
Kayden Avants Abigail Boese Jamie Haskew Fort Scott Community College
Maryanne Ballinger Aiden Kendall Peyton Maxwell
Abigail Mosqueda Samantha Pittman Azeneth Ramos Yahir Rubio Aketzali Solorio Jordyn Spillane Shelby Spreier Teagen Stanley Toria Thaw Makaylee Ybarra Johnson County Community College
Matthew Olson Kansas State University
Lindsey Antonowich Jesus Bustillos Asiel Dimas-Villescas
Creed Ekerberg Logan Headings Tryston Mitchell Jacqueline Parga Mallory Seirer Jakob Senn Ava Teater Emily Tolbert
University of Kansas
Gabriel Gaeddert Alyssa Lujano David Pomeroy Josie Bacon
Kansas Wesleyan University
Braiden Botterweck
Mid-America Nazarene University
Kati Blaylock Neosho County Community College
Marah Zenner Newman University
Miranda Corral Alondra Valle
Paul Mitchell the School of Wichita
Savannah Garcia
Pratt Community College
Ian Akers
Sami Halaseh Institute
Maria Romero Reyes Tabor College
Dehann Nelson
University of Saint Mary
Elijah Edwards
Missouri
Washburn University
Elizabeth Crawford Anna Harder Kalie Kosminski
Wichita State University
Diego Aguilar Josue Arias Garcia Joshua Bergman Lyric Douglas Nayeli Garcia Elijah Greene Katherine Hatch Adam Hershberger Taylor Hill Aaliyah Johnson
Missouri Western State University
Jason Catache Gomez Carsen Ebert University of Missouri Kansas City
Liberty Tegethoff
Nebraska
University of Nebraska
Jaxon Brackeen Enyisha Peterson
University of Nebraska-Kearney
Asha Regier
Splits up Zachary Kofoed Alaycea Kremeier Natalie Kuhn Brandon Montgomery Justice Murray Myriah Nicholson Isaac Pauls Montserrat Renteria Garrett Rice Tjaden Simmons Kyle Stenzel Jacqueline Toribio Justin Woolsey
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
Trev Golubski Alfred Montano
Virginia Liberty University
Anthony Wedel
6 Joining military 8 Joining work force 2 Returning to home country 68 Undecided IN-DEPTH
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Top Trends of “I never once listened to a podcast... until 2020. Now I listen all of the time.” - Eli Redington
2020
“[My favorite trend was] mullets. Who doesn’t love a guy with a mullet?” - Marah Zenner
“Tiger King was hilarious.” - Trey Swingle
“Tik Tok has [legitimately] everything and it’s so fun to watch.” - Chloe Hanchett
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Most popular trends: Tik Tok: A popular social media app that allows people to post
short videos for a variety of subjects. Some use it for educational purposes, while others use it as a form of entertainment, or even to promote a small business. The possibilities are endless.
Podcasts: These are another useful form of media. A lot of
content creators, celebrities and even high school students use podcasts to build a platform for their topic of interest. Whether it is social issues, entertainment or for education.
Tiger King: Released on Netflix in March of 2020, Tiger
King is a miniseries about a zookeeper named Joe Exotic, who is also a convicted felon. It was seemingly perfect timing for a new show to binge-watch just as quarantine started.
Among Us: This is an online and local party game involving teamwork and betrayal with 4-10 players. It has been around since 2018, but recently gained a large amount of popularity on social media as a meme.
IN-DEPTH
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Art with a Purpose
AP Art Student conveys Societal issues through artwork Ann Pomeroy Editor-in-Chief @PomeroyAnn
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ypically when a student mentions taking an Advanced Placement (AP) class one’s mind automatically jumps to intense studying for subjects such as English, math, science and social studies. However, the AP curriculum has expanded its reach over the years and now offers coursework in subjects with more creative backing. Examples of these courses include the AP Art and Design Program, AP Studio Art, AP Art History and AP Music History. Students at NHS are given the opportunity to enroll in the AP Studio Art class, currently taught by art teacher Eden Quispe, with the chance for college credit at its conclusion. Senior Tessa Preheim enrolled in the class her junior year, and has since prospered in the freedom of creativity included within the class. Once informed on the curriculum for the class last spring, she began planning for her theme. Fortunately, the difficulties faced in America provided just the theme that Preheim had been searching for; unity in times of distress. “Mrs. Quispe is pretty lenient, but you just gotta make like 12 types of art before the AP art test,” Preheim said. “They’ll just send in a bunch, so you first have to pick a theme. Then you have to make 12 pieces that relate to the theme, three showing your improvements. Personally, I just chose to do different issues we faced this year.” Throughout the year 2020, the United States faced a great deal of unprecedented trauma. The most prominent being the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying political division illuminated by the presidential election, the climate crisis and widening economic inequality. With additional time due to the stay at home order instituted by the state of Kansas in late March, Preheim decided to spend her time artistically conveying her perceptions and opinions in connection to the dilemmas at hand. “Last summer, I decided on my theme when I was really bored over quarantine. I really wanted to paint something and it was during all the big protests for Black Lives Matter so I wanted to paint something to kind of represent how I felt during those times,” Preheim said. “Then I
thought that it would be a good way to fill in my AP art project, and something I would like to do. So I did that and then I did one about wearing masks. So I kind of just was going off of my feelings during those times.” As stated in the NHS course catalog, the AP Studio Art class focuses on in-depth individual work and the creation of a portfolio containing examples of the artist’s best artwork. Preheim says that although the particular medium of the art does not matter for their portfolios, she personally chose to begin with big canvases. She plans however to transition to smaller canvases or other textiles such as glass and boxes in the near future as the big canvases are very time consuming. Some of the pieces of artwork already in her portfolio include topics such as Black Lives Matter, gender equality, school shootings and most recently poverty. Her next piece is aimed at conveying the right to education. “One positive of the project is I get to be more informed and learn more information about all these issues. I tried to add some fun things into the paintings, like information,” Preheim said. “But a con is there’s a time limit, and I’m not getting them done quick enough.” Each piece Preheim creates for her portfolio features the use of hands in some context or another. Many are holding objects such as signs, flags and masks but others have text written directly on them. According to The Westologist, the human hand has long been the center of visual art history, as it reveals the development of cultural trends throughout periods of time. A hand’s simplicity, in connection with the societal issues faced today, are what many viewers find intriguing about Preheim’s choice of artwork thus far. “I met Tessa in fifth grade through orchestra,” senior Acacia Penner said. “She’s extremely dedicated to school and art and works on [her pieces] every day in class. I think her theme is very empowering to any minority and the
pieces are so simple yet say so much.” Although Penner decided to take a different route for her AP Studio Art portfolio, she and Preheim can both appreciate the flexibility and freedom that the class provides. The structure of the class is set up in such a way to allow the students direction but total control. This is where artist’s creativity can truly shine through, and in many cases can lead students to discovering passions worth pursuing as future careers. “I find the AP class to be extremely helpful for people planning on going into an art college in the future,” Penner said. “I am working on my portfolio for my tattooing career in the future so I’m not doing a theme however I am still pursuing art.” All in all, Preheim hopes that her artwork conveys a deeper meaning than just an everyday assignment. The issues that she chose to depict are problems that are typically overlooked by society or are oftentimes avoided being talked about, especially with teens and young adults. The visual representation of these societal issues may prompt conversation and ultimately societal change. “[The major message I wanted to convey is that] even through all these tough times, nobody’s really alone, and we’re all facing the same issues,” Preheim said. “Even if it’s not the same specific issue, people are also going through that, and that we need to just be reminded of all these issues that we sometimes overlook, that are a really big part of our society.”
SENIOR FEATURE
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Changing the
Key
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Schloneger to pursue music Elly Green Reporter @EllyGreen16
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enior Jonah Schloneger has been playing music for 15 years, since his parents had him take violin lessons at two-years-old and piano lessons at four years old. Since then, Schloneger has immersed himself in a lifestyle of music, ranging from marching band to experimenting with hip hop style. Schloneger has been accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and dreams of attending there, however, his second choice is to major in music at Friends University, and he does not plan on stopping there. Schloneger says that music has been a core component of his life since before he could even remember. Both of his parents are professional musicians and have always supported his choice of pursuing music as a career, in fact they encouraged it. Other than his parents, another mentor to Schloneger is his former music teacher, Keith Woolery. “Keith Woolery was the teacher that changed my perspective of music and the value it holds more than any other,” Schloneger said. “My freshman year our jazz band went on tour to New Orleans, and that experience solidified my aspirations to be a musician as a career.” Music teacher Amy Ives has been working with Schloneger since his sophomore year, she says that he has continued to increase his skills to become the best jazz pianist in the state. “Jonah is set apart from the typical student because of the time he dedicates to perfect his craft,” Ives said. “No one knows how much work he has put in to get to where he is right now except for him.” During his years at NHS, Schloneger has participated in jazz ensemble one for four years, wind ensemble for four years, drumline for four years, becoming the leader for drumline his senior year, Choraleers and Railaires for two years and was involved in the drama departments production of Into the Woods his junior year. In addition, Schloneger and other students created jazz combo one which he has been a member of for two years. “Jonah is definitely an asset to the music program at NHS. He is the jazz pianist for Jazz 1, a drumline section leader, tenor in Choraleers, and previously Railaires,” Ives said. Aside from extracurricular activities at school, Schloneger puts in work at home in order to improve his individual musical instrument skills and singing talents as well. “I play piano or any other keyboard instrument, percussion, and I also sing,” Schloneger said. After graduating high school, Schloneger hopes to pursue music in college and eventually make a career out of it. Schloneger says his biggest dream is to be a recording artist and release albums of his own accord, which means not being signed to a record label. He plans to write and record a project this summer and release it before he heads off to college. “I fully expect music to be my career,” Schloneger said. “I’m not sure exactly what that means yet, but I know that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I don’t really have a backup plan, it is all or nothing.” Aside from being involved with music from such a young age, Schloneger’s passion for music is also fueled by the creative freedom music gives him. He says that he loves creating a sound that is completely his own and that he can continue to work on and improve over time. However, Schloneger knows that creating music is not always ‘sunshine and rainbows.’ “My least favorite part about being a musician is that your worth can often be based on the opinions of others,” Schloneger said. “Trying to make it in an industry based on judgment is brutal and something that all musicians have to learn to overcome.”
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SENIORFEATURE FEATURE SPRING 2021 SENIOR FEATURESSPRING MAY2021 2019
Facts about hearing and hearing loss 1. 48 million Americans have significant hearing loss.
2. People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help. 3. 15 million people in the United States with hearing loss avoid seeking help. 4. 15% of children between the ages of 6-19 have a measurable hearing loss in at least one ear.
5. Noise-induced hearing loss, while preventable, is permanent.
* according to the Center for Hearing and Communication
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Seeking Solutions Beasley overcomes hearing loss, obtains hearing aid Kati Blaylock Reporter @kati_blaylock
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or the average person, hearing is something one does not think twice about. We experience so many noises that when we can not hear or there is a long silence, we are uncomfortable and do not know what to do with ourselves. For senior Madison Beasley, this quiet and silent unknown is her reality. Beasley has suffered with damaged hearing loss since the fifth grade due to Menieres, a disease that causes hearing loss after fainting and dizzy spells. Menieres is a very rare condition and the cause for it is unknown. Less than 0.2% of people are diagnosed with it and less than 0.1% are children under 18. This is a prolonged disease and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. “Menieres is a disease that causes me to hear a high pitch ringing and essentially I lose more and more hearing in my ear everytime it happens,” Beasley said. After this quiet reality became real to Beasley, she accepted the fact she had hearing problems. “I knew I couldn’t hear for a really long time but I didn’t think it was serious,” Beasley said. “I wasn’t completely deaf and I would try to come up with an excuse like ‘Oh, it’s just loud in here, that’s why I can’t hear them.’” Once Beasley started her senior year, she had the usual hearing test every student goes through. However, this year she could not hear a majority of beeps in comparison to years past. Beasley, after testing, found out that she had 40% hearing loss. “I was in shock. I just stared at the doctor trying to process what he was saying,” Beasley said. “I was sad, but I just never realized that I was losing so much of my hearing. I just adapted to it.” After Beasley found out the shocking news, she went to an ear specialist who prescribed her the behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid. Beasley has a specific type of BTE hearing aid, called a RITE, which stands for receiver in the ear. RITE’s come with a battery operated remote as well so one can adjust the volume or turn it on and off. Less than 1 in 5 teenagers have this type of a hearing aid if they are hard of hearing. “The first time I got my hearing aid, I cried because I could hear everything,” Beasley said. “I had change in my pocket that I normally wouldn’t hear and with my hearing aid, I could hear it. Everything was very emotional for me.” As Beasley adapts to her new life, she hopes to bring more recognition to the deaf community, especially in teenagers and young children. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) about 2 out of 3 in every 1,000 children are born with some level of detectable hearing loss. “I got made fun of a lot for it because I’m 17 and can’t hear,” Beasley said. “It doesn’t matter what age you are or what healthy state you think you’re in, anyone can be or become deaf.”
Senior Madison Beasley poses with her hearing aid. Beasley has worn a hearing aid for six months. Photo Courtesy
SENIOR FEATURE
| SPRING 2021 | 19
NEW PERSPECTIVE Car crash changes Xzavion Martin’s life Mateya McCord Reporter @mateyamcc06
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n Oct. 19, 2019 senior Xzavion Martin was in a severe car accident that, according to the medical personnel on scene, was just short of being fatal. The wreck happened at 3:30 a.m. on East 1st St. in a white 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe. Xzavion Martin says before the accident it felt like just a regular day, he was unaware of the terrors that would later unfold. “I went to school, then after school the pre-game meal, then after the meal we prep and put on some of our equipment. The game happens, we win, we’re pumped because we don’t win very much obviously,” Xzavion Martin said. “That night I attended a small party that my great friend [senior] Jaxon Brackeen hosted.” Xzavion Martin says that he and his mom, Makiyah Martin, have always been super close. Makiyah Martin did not want her son driving his car to the party since his friend’s house was located so far outside of town so he told her NHS alumni, Gavin Cusick, was taking him. “My mother didn’t want me driving my white 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe to the party because of where Jaxon’s house is located. I wasn’t able to stay the night and everyone I knew that was going was staying the night,” Xzavion Martin said. “So I lied to my mother and told her Gavin Cusick was taking me but in reality he really wasn’t.” Xzavion Martin’s immediate thought after the crash was if he was dreaming or not. He thought about everything he was putting his family through and felt very apologetic. Xzavion Martin said he left the party at about 3:15 a.m. “Heading home I dozed off three times and the third time I dozed off into a ditch,” Xzavion Martin said. “I woke up to the impact of my nose hitting the steering wheel. Realizing the situation I was in, I thought it was a dream, and thinking no way I let myself do this. I thought of everything I was putting my family through.” Xzavion Martin said he felt angry and was very upset. The car was destroyed and would not move whatsoever. “When I woke up, my windshield was cracked into many pieces, the engine was smoking, my gas tank lid was open and gas was literally coming out. I stepped into water that had risen to the top of my calf. There was a gas station about 300 feet away from me and I ran to it asking the woman at the register could she help me and not to call the police,” Xzavion Martin said. Drunk driving is a very serious topic due to the many teen drunk driving car crashes that happen each year. According to Drive Safely, the best way to prevent teens from drinking and driving, or riding with a drunk driver, is to educate your kids and/or students.
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“I ran out the store [and] back to my truck. A policeman arrives and I immediately hug him, for a good amount of time. He asked me if I had been drinking and I told him I don’t drink. The paramedics arrive and they take my blood pressure. The officer tests my BAC. I was so angry because I told him I didn’t drink. I blew all zeros,” Xzavion Martin said. Makiyah Martin found out about the accident from her mom and immediately left her home. She was so worried about her son that it slipped her mind to even put on shoes. “I woke up at about 3 a.m. and Xzavion was not home. I checked his location and saw he was still out in the country. I tried to call and send messages to him and got no response. I had a bad feeling and couldn’t go back to sleep without contact from him so I stayed up and kept calling and texting. About 45 minutes later my mom called me and said ‘X was in an accident,’” Makiyah Martin said. “She didn’t have many details but said that he managed to get to the gas station to call for help and told me where the accident was. At that same time I was getting a call from emergency responders and all they said was there was an accident and gave me the location. I went so fast that I didn’t even put shoes on. I jumped in my car and went straight to the scene.” Makiyah Martin felt devastated and very angry at the actions of her son. Although she was happy that her son was alive, she was frustrated with the situation as a whole since he lied to her. “When I approached the scene I panicked! It was rainy outside and wet, I could see sirens, about three to four different emergency vehicle sirens from the highway and exit. I at first didn’t see Xzavion’s truck. As I got closer I saw it in the ditch, halfway covered in water. He was nowhere in sight. Barefoot I hopped out the car and officers approached me and said he was in the ambulance. My heart dropped as they opened the doors and then I saw him standing there without a scratch and was instantly flooded with emotions,” Makiyah Martin said. Xzavion Martin says that the accident was the greatest life lesson he has ever faced and that it continues to motivate him each day to follow his dreams. Xzavion Martin plans to attend Dodge City Community College in the fall to continue his academic and athletic career. “This crash changed my mindset for the better, it gave me the mentality I have now. To try to cherish every moment I have with my family and friends because no one knows when that expiration date is. This is the greatest life lesson I’ve had, and I thank God for it because it was a blessing in disguise. This crash was more motivation and another reason why I should follow my dreams. I survived that for a reason. I’ll fulfill my dreams soon,” Xzavion Martin said.
Making A Difference Ebert creates suicide prevention clothing brand Adelyn Clayton Reporter @adelync7
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any teens today struggle with their mental health. In fact, 50% of lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14 according to The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). Senior Carsen Ebert is empowered to promote change by encouraging awareness of mental illnesses through the creation of his own clothing brand called I Love Myself (ILM). Some people who struggle with mental illness are afraid to speak up about it in fear of judgment by friends or family and fear of people not believing them according to Bruin Voice. Part of this is exactly what promted Ebert to create his own clothing brand. “I want people to know that someone that wears an ILM shirt is a safe person. A lot of people are afraid to talk to other people about depression because they feel like they wouldn’t understand. There are so many people that go through this especially in high school and it’s important for them to know that they’re not alone,” Ebert said. Ebert is currently working on designing and selling t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. The t-shirts will be priced at approximately $13.50 each, the hats will be approximately $15 and the sweatshirts between $14 and $20. Half of the profit that he makes will go to NAMI. “I personally struggle with depression and know that it’s very difficult to continue going when you feel like you’re completely alone. I wanted to make a brand that not only donates money to NAMI but also lets people know that you’re not alone,” Ebert said. NAMI is the nation’s largest mental health organization. They are an alliance of more than 600 local affiliates and 48 state
organizations that help raise awareness for mental health related concerns. “Originally, I was going to outsource the production and try and save efficiency but I eventually decided that I would rather put in the effort myself to ensure that they were the best quality possible,” Ebert said. Ebert is planning on selling the items through word of mouth and eventually moving to an E-Commerce store that ships worldwide. Ebert has not started selling merchandise yet but is currently in the process of making a test round of shirts. “Every design is different, but the first round will be an embroidered ILM in italics on the upper left chest of the shirts and sweaters. The hat will also be the same design but in the center. I’m currently working on designs every day,” Ebert said. Ebert has completed all the work himself other than asking for others opinions and input on the designs and other aspects of his brand. Junior McKenna Porter has helped by giving him her thoughts on his designs and logos. “He’s had me look over some of his designs and logos for his clothing brand that he thinks would be good to sell, and asks me what I think. There are certain things like what type of shirts he wants to use and he wants other input to make sure that everything will be perfect,” Porter said. Carsen hopes that after high school he can grow his brand throughout college by continuing to sell his apparel. “I think that his clothing brand may have a rough start like any other brand starting out, but he’s very determined and he wants to be successful in anything he does. I know that once his brand gets a kickstart, that people would love to buy his stuff,” Porter said. He wants people to know that ILM is and will be a great brand. “Anyone who wears ILM apparel is an open person. Talk to them because they’re with you too,” Ebert said.
SENIOR FEATURE
| SPRING 2021 | 21
Continued Chapters Athletes commit to play at the next level Daniel Gonzalez-Arevalo Reporter @danny_g679
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enior year for many students comes with great change and transition. Many seniors deal with preparing for college and trying to enjoy their last few moments at their school and in their hometown. For athletes, there also comes another challenge in deciding if they would like to continue to play their desired sport in college. While not every athlete gets the opportunity to play sports at the next level, those who do have to decide where they would like to play depending on the amount of offers they recieve. Senior tennis player, Jonah Schloneger, has a general idea of what college he would like to attend based on previous experiences. “I am yet to sign to a college, but I am currently considering Friends University, a team that I practiced with every week in the fall and loved to be around,” Schloneger said. “I also have offers from Bethel College and Bethany College.” Despite getting introduced to the sport at what some might say is a very late age, Schloneger has advanced in his ability to play tennis since he started in seventh grade. Schloneger states that no matter what college he decides to attend he will be playing tennis at the collegiate level. Contrary to Schloneger, senior Evelynn Bartley has participated in dance since a very young age. “I do dance, and I have been dancing since I was really young, probably around kindergarten,” Bartley said. “I became more serious about it around fifth grade.” Despite participating in dance since kindergarten Bartley was still uncertain about whether she wanted to dance at a
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collegiate level. Bartley states that she has always had the desire to dance in college but was never sure as to which college she would attend to dance. However, Bartley now knows her target destination for her sport and remains excited to attend. “I always wanted to dance in college, but I wasn’t sure if I would,” Bartley said. “I am dancing at Baker University on their dance team and I am very excited since it will be fun dancing at a new place with new people.” With the COVID-19 pandemic, spring sports athletes had their 2020 season taken from them due to safety precautions. This greatly affected Schloneger as he was working towards winning a state title. However, now that he has the opportunity to play sports at the collegiate level, he is aware that he will have many more opportunities to compete even after high school. “After losing my junior year tennis season due to COVID, it has been stressful trying to prepare for one final senior season, knowing that it is my last chance as a high school player,” Schloneger said. “Because of my offers to play tennis in college, I can be sure that high school tennis won’t be my final opportunity to play, and that regardless of how this year goes I will get many more chances.” Despite having the opportunity to play his desired sport in college, Schloneger does not take it for granted. He remains grateful for everything the sport has taught him and how to carry himself. “Tennis has changed not only my entire perspective of sports but has affected my views on life,” Schloneger said. “Playing this sport in college will be an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
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| SPRING 2021 | 23
StudyingAbroad Students travel for foreign education and culture immersion
Lucy Buller Reporter @LucyBuller
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s many students on track to graduate prepare for four years of college life or other forms of post-secondary education, a few have other, more atypical plans. For some, these plans involve out-of-country travel and possible language barriers, due to their desire to study abroad. Senior Josie Bacon has already had the privilege of studying abroad, leaving Newton her junior year for a very different year of high school in Hanamaki, Japan. “One day I came across the idea and thought ‘is that really possible for a high school student?’” Bacon said. “I became really intrigued with the idea and instantly fell in love with the possibilities when I researched more about it. I wanted to really grow as a person and I knew that I would also have to rely on myself a lot when going abroad.” Japanese high schools are significantly different from high schools in the U.S., with changes in importance of education specifically post-secondary education. “Education is the number one priority in Japan and it can get very intense for seniors especially. In Japan, they have one chance to take their college entrance test and they work extremely hard,” Bacon said. “It’s not rare to see a student coming to school on the weekend to study or staying several hours after school to get things done. Everyone wears uniforms in Japan and your cell phones should not be out at all if you are on school grounds, even on the weekends.” Bacon added that in terms of education, their respect and work ethic are some of the best in the world, although Japanese schools tend to lack more creativity and individuality than American schools. Though senior Jayden Smith has attended Newton High School for all four years of her high school career, she plans to study abroad in the near future. “Studying abroad for me just makes sense. As of right now, I plan on majoring in intercultural studies and learning about different cultures and ways of life. I plan on attending John Brown University in the fall, and they have an Ireland abroad program, and you go for a semester. We still do classes over
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there and travel around Ireland,” Smith said. “If I decide not to do the Ireland studies, they have different semesters in places like Ecuador, Lithuania and South Korea. I don’t have a preference as to where I go, but it is going to be a challenge learning enough of another language to be able to thrive in some of the locations.” According to International Student, the top three benefits to studying abroad are seeing the world, education and taking in a new culture. Many students who choose to study abroad are leaving their hometown for the first time. Studying abroad brings new foods, customs, traditions and social atmospheres. Study abroad programs also bring a better understanding and appreciation for the nation’s people and history, as well as give students the opportunity to witness a completely new way of life. Smith plans to start small with her first study abroad in college, but wants to make a career out of it eventually. “I want to travel to different countries and teach English as a second language. Gaining the right skills at a younger age will make it easier for me to pack up and leave my home,” Smith said. “Eventually, I plan on getting a Masters degree in Intercultural Studies, and that will open up a lot of doors both nationally and internationally. Ideally, I would like to do a semester abroad my junior year [in college] which will allow me to really get a feel of what a career abroad will be like, and will also give me time to prepare for whatever location I am going to.” The Power of International Education’s Open Doors report estimates that roughly 10.9% of undergraduate students study abroad at some point during their four years of college. In 2017-18, almost two-thirds of all students studying abroad were women. The skills learned when studying abroad are all things that businesses look for when hiring, and such traits will only become more important in the future. “I think it is important to travel and studying abroad allows for that at this point in my life. It will allow me to be more adaptable because I am well aware that whatever location I end up attending, there is going to be a large cultural gap,” Smith said. “I have made friends with a lot of foreign exchange students in the past years, and they have inspired and motivated me to want to travel and try to immerse myself in a different way of life.”
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ARTS & & CULTURE CULTURE ARTS
SPRING 2021 2021 | | 25 25 || SPRING
The Untold
Aquarius
Pisces
Aries
Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Feb. 19 - Mar. 20
Mar. 21 - Apr. 19
Strengths: Intelligent, friendly, sociable Weaknesses: Emotionally detached, irresponsible, scatterbrained Most compatible sign: Aries Least compatible sign: Scorpio Element: Air
Strengths: Artistic, intuitive, musical Weaknesses: Naive, unrealistic, lazy Most compatible sign: Taurus Least compatible sign: Gemini Element: Water
Strengths: Brave, honest, optimistic Weaknesses: Lack of patience, impulsive, short-tempered Most compatible sign: Gemini Least compatible sign: Pisces Element: Fire
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Jul. 23 - Aug. 22
Aug. 25 - Sep. 22
Sep. 25 - Oct. 22
Strengths: Confident, optimistic, loyal, enthusiastic Weaknesses: Self-centered, arrogant, envious Most Compatible: Sagittarius Least Compatible: Taurus Element: Fire
Strengths: Analytical, hardworking, kind Weaknesses: Critical, worried, shy Most Compatible: Pisces Least Compatible: Gemini Element: Earth
Strengths: Cooperative, diplomatic, social, fair-minded Weaknesses: Indecisiveness, self-pity, carries a grudge, avoids confrontation Most Compatible: Gemini Leas Compatible: Capricorn Element: Air
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Truth Taurus
Apr. 20 - May 20
Strengths: Dependable, dedicated, strong Weaknesses: Unaccepting, aggressive, stubborn Most compatible sign: Cancer Least compatible sign: Leo Element: Earth
Scorpio
Elly Green Reporter @EllyGreen16 Kati Blaylock Reporter @kati_blaylock Ann Pomeroy Editor-in-Chief @PomeroyAnn
Gemini
Cancer
May 21 - Jun. 20
Jun. 21 - Jul. 22
Strengths: Tender, curious, outgoing Weaknesses: Nervous, indecisive, superficial Most compatible sign: Aries Least compatible sign: Scorpio Element: Air
Sagittarius
Oct. 25 - Nov. 21
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Strengths: Resourceful, brave, passionate Weaknesses: Jealous, violent, secretive, distrusting Most Compatible: Cancer Least Compatible: Leo Element: Water
Strengths: Generous, idealistic, humorous Weaknesses: Impatient, unpredictable, unreliable Most Compatible: Libra Least Compatible: Virgo Element: Fire
Strengths: Dedicated, emotional, compassionate Weaknesses: Pessimistic, overly sensitive, clingy Most compatible sign: Taurus Least compatible sign: Aquarius Element: Water
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Strengths: Responsible, disciplined, self-control Weaknesses: Condescending, know-it-all, unforgiving Most Compatible: Taurus Least Compatible: Aries Element: Earth
ARTS & CULTURE
| SPRING 2021 | 27
SENIOR CLASS OF 2021: Selvin Abrego - Undecided Selena Aguilar - Military Diego Aguilar Maldonado - Wichita State University, Computer Science Ian Akers - Pratt Community College, Lineman Armando Alvarez - Undecided
Makayla Angel - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing Hailee Annis - Undecided Maxamus Annis - Undecided Lindsey Antonowich - Kansas State University Nicholas Antonowich - William Penn University, Undecided Diego Arellano - Undecided, Welding Josue Arias Garcia - Wichita State University Technical Institute, Interior Design Korbin Arrington - Undecided Kayden Avants - Emporia State University, Education Josie Bacon - Kansas University, Marketing/ International Relations Katelyn Baker - Newman University, Nursing Callan Baldwin - Hutchinson Community College, Psychology Maryanne Ballinger - Fort Scott Community College Evelynn Bartley - Baker University, Undecided Madison Beasley - Butler Community College
Nicholas Benard - Undecided Keaton Benedick - Military Shaelynn Bennett - Undecided Joshua Bergman - Wichita State University, Instrumental Music Education & Jazz Studies Cole Billinger - Work Force Danielle Blades - Undecided Kati Blaylock - Mid-America Nazarene University, Intercultural Studies and Digital Mass Communications Paige Blick - Hutchinson Community College, Electrician Abigail Boese - Emporia State University, Education Kayla Borders - Undecided Luke Boston - Undecided Braiden Botterweck - Kansas Wesleyan University, Exercise Science Kammie Bower - Undecided Jaxon Brackeen - Nebraska University, Nueroscience Abigail Buller - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing
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Daisy Buller - Early Graduate Colyn Burke - Undecided , I.T. Cooper Burns - Undecided Jesus Bustillos - Kansas State University, Computer Science Jason Catache Gomez - Missouri Western State University, Biology Abigail Chappell Deckert - Grinnell College, Pre-Med Samuel Claassen - Tabor College, Criminal Justice Landon Comeaux - Undecided Miranda Corral - Newman University, Nursing Josue Coy Dick - Bethel College, History
Elizabeth Crawford - Washburn University, Nursing Griffin Davis - Lineman program for electrician Jordan Davis - Undecided Slade Davis - Undecided Kenzi Dietrich - Undecided Asiel Dimas Villescas - Kansas State University, Computer Science Kody Diringer - Undecided Drew Douglas - Butler Community College, Culinary Lyric Douglas - Wichita State University, Computer Technology Avery Dutcher - Military Krista Eagan - Veterinary Ryan Eagan - Undecided Carsen Ebert - Missouri Western State University, Marketing and Finance Elijah Edwards - University of Saint Mary, Business Administration Maylee Edwards - William Penn University, Criminal Psychology Creed Ekerberg - Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering Dawson Ellette - Hutchinson Community College, Business Administration Derek Entz - Undecided Caitlynn Ericson - Undecided Haley Everett - Early Graduate
Santiago Fernandez - Undecided Tamika Foster - Undecided Gabe Gaeddert - Kansas University, Undecided Nayeli Garcia Toribio - Wichita State University, Undecided Savannah Garcia - Paul Mitchell the School Wichita Benjamin Gering - Undecided, Architecture Mackenzie Glasmann - Western Illinois University, Vocal Music Education Trev Golubski - Oklahoma State University, Architecture Yadira Gonzalez - Butler County Community College, Undecided Hailey Grattan - Undecided
GRADUATES
| SPRING 2021 | 29
Elijah Greene - Wichita State University, Art Madyson Groves - Friends University, Music Education Isabell Guara - Undecided Ivan Guarra - Undecided Colton Haag - Undecided Drake Hamm - Undecided Chloe Hanchett - Undecided, Cosmetology and Business Anna Harder - Washburn University, Elementary Education Zane Harder - Bethel College, X-Ray Technician Jamie Haskew - Emporia State University, Elementary Education Katherine Hatch - Wichita State University Technical Institute, Interior Design Logan Headings - Kansas State University, Wildlife Biology Isaac Hernandez - Undecided Omar Hernandez-Munoz - Undecided Omar Hernandez - Undecided
Adam Hershberger - Wichita State University Technical Institute, I.T. Taylor Hill - Wichita State University, Nursing Keirston Hudson - Undecided Jasmine Huerta - Undecided Daniel Hurd - Undecided
Briley Jackson - Bethel College, Undecided Ethan Jackson - Undecided Elise Jantz - Goshen College, Physics Samara Joseph - Undecided Aaliyah Johnson - Wichita State University, Carpentry Aiden Kendall - Fort Scott Community College, Undecided Zachary Kofoed - Wichita State University, Computer Science John Koontz - Bethel College, Music Education Kalie Kosminski - Washburn University, Social Work Alaycea Kremeier - Wichita State University, Dance and Nursing Natalie Kuhn - Wichita State University, Design and Technical Theater Valery Landrum - Hutchinson Community College, Undecided Medora LaRose - Undecided Gage Lettau - Undecided Gaige Llamas - Undecided Mercedes Lodgson - Undecided Zachary Loomis - Hutchinson Community College, Fire Science Alyssa Lujano - University of Kansas, Pre-Pharmacy Cole Lujano - Barton County Community College, Animal Science Perla Lujano - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing
30 | ARTS & CULTURE | SPRING 2021
Nicole Lundry - Undecided Xzavion Martin - Dodge City Community College, Undecided Ezekiel Martinez - Undecided Peyton Maxwell - Fort Scott Community College, Undecided Isaac Mendoza - Undecided Cecilia Merlini - Returning to home country Aiden Meyer - Undecided Fransico Meza - Undecided Davis Mick - Cloud County Community College, Physical Therapy Tryston Mitchell - Kansas State University, Environmental Engineering and Biological Engineering Keira Mock - Undecided Miguel Molina Chavez - Bethel College, Biology and Neuroscience Alfred Montano - Oklahoma State University, Sports Management Matthew Montano - Wichita State University, Psychology Brandon Montgomery - Wichita State University, Aerospace Engineering and Music Composition Karly Moore - Bethel College, Athletic Training Abigail Mosqueda - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing Estefania Munguia - University of Texas, Tattoo Justice Murray - Wichita State University, Media Arts and Game Design Dehann Nelson - Undecided Myriah Nicolson - Wichita State University, Sports Medicine Kailen O’Brein - Undecided Jacquline Parga - Kansas State University, Civil Engineering Isaac Pauls - Wichita State University, Political Science Rogelio Payan - Undecided Acacia Penner - Undecided Jody Perry - Undecided Enyisha Peterson - Nebraska University, Undecided Jacob Phillips - Butler County Community College, Psychology Samantha Pittman - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing David Pomeroy - University of Kansas, Business Aaron Popp - Undecided Amirony Porras - Undecided Claire Preheim - Coe College, Nursing Tessa Preheim - Illinois Wesleyan University, Nursing Ashlynn Pryor - Undecided, Nursing Mckenna Pugh - Undecided Azeneth Ramos - Hutchinson Community College, Undecided Elijah Redington - University of Iowa, Ethics and Public Policy Asha Regier - University of Nebraska-Kearney, Undecided
ARTS & CULTURE
| SPRING 2021 | 31
Monseratt Renteria - Wichita State University, Nursing Shelby Rhodes - Undecided Garrett Rice - Wichita State University Technical Institute, I.T. Frances Robu - Undecided Maria Romero Reyes - Sandy Halashe Institute Jamild Romero - Barton Community College, Undecided Yahir Rubio - Hutchinson Community College, Networking Max Ruth - Undecided Zachary Ryan - Undecided Alex Sanchez - Undecided
Estella Santos - Undecided Thomas Schiefelbein - Undecided, EMT Jonah Schloneger - Friends University Benjamin Schmidt - Dodge City Community College, Undecided Luke Schmidt - Bethel College, Undecided
Kylie Schwind - Military Mallory Seirer - Kansas State University, Architectural Engineering Jakob Senn - Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering Tjaden Simmons - Wichita State Technical Institute, Engineering Design Technology Jason Smith - Undecided Jayden Smith - John Brown University, Undecided Maggee Smith - Undecided Taylor Smith - Work Force Akezali Solorio - Hutchinson Community College, Dental Jordyn Spillaine - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing Shelby Spreier - Hutchinson Community College, Agriculture Communications Anna St. Peter - Undecided, Law Enforcement Raven Stafford - Undecided Tegan Stanley - Hutchinson Community College, X-Ray Technician Kyle Stenzel - Wichita State University, Business Trey Swingle - Military, Navy Ava Teater - Kansas State University, Marketing Liberty Tegethoff - University of Missouri Kansas City Toria Thaw - Hutchinson Community College, Secondary Education Ezekiel Thompson - Friends University, Musical Theatre Aline Timan - Returning to home country Emily Tolbert - Kansas State University, Microbiology Jacqueline Toribo - Wichita State University, Dental Gerardo Torres - Undecided Victoria Torres Dunnahoo - Undecided, Nursing
32 | ARTS & CULTURE | SPRING 2021
Alondra Valle - Newman University, Social Work Nino Valle - Work Force Alexis Valle-Ponds - Undecided Alex Valverde - Undecided Audrie Wallace - Butler Community College, Culinary
Christopher Walters - Early Graduate Anthony Wedel - Liberty University, Business Administration Sierra Wedel - Undecided Courtney White - Undecided Justin Woolsey - Wichita State University, Music
Justin Wright - Undecided Makaylee Ybarra - Hutchinson Community College, Associate of Arts Emma Young - Undecided Marah Zenner - Neosho County Community College, Nursing
NOT PICTURED: Carol Banos - Undecided Luiz Camacho - Hutchinson Community College, Nursing Arianna Campos - Bethel College, Nursing Caleb Caudell - Undecided Lynsi Copeland - Undecided Joseph Denes - Undecided Devin Dubree - Undecided Joseph Edington - Undecided Jakob Graber - Undecided Jose Gutierrez - Undecided Jordan Hall - Undecided Logan Harmon - Undecided Maria Hernandez - Undecided Cody Hoelscher - Undecided Gabriel Horn - Undecided Madison James - Undecided Broderick Jones - Undecided Jewel Kelly - Undecided Cameron Kimbrough - Undecided Lucas Klassen - Undecided
Ross Loganbill - Undecided Elijah Mayberry - Undecided Dakota Miller - Undecided Jordan Monaghen - Undecided Lourdes Moreno - Undecided Max Musser - Undecided Matthew Olson - Johnson County Community College Taylin Owens - Undecided Kylie Phenniger - Undecided Brennan Rausch - Work Force Aliyanna Rivera - Undecided Liam Roberts - Undecided Jacob Rudd - Undecided Drew Sattler - Undecided Abigail Smith - Undecided Martin Smith - Undecided Olivia Thompson - Undecided Patrick Vasquez - Undecided Cory Vogan - Undecided Megan Watkins - Undecided, Mechanical Engineering Katie Wilson - Undecided
ARTS & CULTURE
| SPRING 2021 | 33
SENIOR RECOGNITIONS
Jaxon
Brackeen Jaxon, Keep in mind, this world does not define you. You are who HE says you are. Your strength and courage in the midst of adversity is astounding! Continue looking up and no one can stand in the way of you achieving greatness. Remember always, “The truth shall set you free.” John 8:32 - Love, Mom, Dad and Jett
Carsen
Ebert
Missouri Western
Carsen... from athlete to musician to repair man - a master of all trades, you have become a young man with a huge heart who will put others before himself , a true “sweetie pie”... you are our honey bunch! -Love, Mom and Dad
34 | SENIOR RECOGNITION | SPRING 2021
Zeke
Nick
Antonowich
Thompson
William Penn University
We are so very proud of you. Your hard work has paid off. Good luck at WPU. Your future is bright!
Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need! We are SO proud of you Zeke!
-Love, your awesome family
-Love, Mom and Mikayla
Matt
Olson
Johnson County Community College
We are so proud of you and so excited to see what you do in the world!
David
-Love, Mom, Dad, Aspen and Ava
Pomeroy
University of Kansas
Congratulations David! We are proud of you! -Love, Mom and Dad
SENIOR RECOGNITION
| SPRING 2021 | 35
Abi
Boese Congrats, sweet baby Abz! We are so proud of you!
Sam
Claassen
Tabor College Kansas Army National Guard Sam- Keep being wowed by life. Lean into every adventure with a servants heart. We are extremely proud of you. - Love, Mom, Dad and Dellen
Evelynn
Bartley
Baker University
In the words of the great Betty White; “butterflies are like women, we may look pretty and delicate, but we can fly through a hurricane.” We love you Schmoop! Kansas State University
Shelby
Spreier
Hutch Community College Kansas State University
“Some see weeds, others see wishes.” May all of your dreams come true! We are so proud of you! Congrats!
-Love, Mom and Dad
36 | SENIOR RECOGNITION | SPRING 2021
-Mom and Dad
Makaylee
Ybarra
“God has perfectly crafted us for his specific works. If you keep him as your center you will not fail. You are never alone” Ephesians.
Trev
- With love now and always....
Tryston
Mitchell
Kansas State University
Congratulations Tryston! We are so proud of you!
Golubski
Davis
Mick
Oklahoma State University
Congrats! We are so proud of you! You will go on to do great things!
Congratulations, Trev! We are proud of you.
-Love, Mom, Dad, Joel and Reid
Emily
Tolbert
Congratulations Emily! We are so proud of you!
-Love, Mom, Dad and Ethan
- Love, Mom, Dad, Xander and Ezri
SENIOR RECOGNITION
-Love, your family
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Max
Alfred
Ruth
Congratulations Max, you did it! Can’t wait to see what your future holds. We are so proud of you!
-Love, Mom, Dad, Haley, Nick, Zach and Grandma
Montano
Oklahoma State University
Congratulations! We have always known that you were destined for great things. We are excited to see you pursuing your dreams and know that you can do anything you set your mind to. We love you and are very proud of you. -Love, Mom and Dad
Anthony
Wedel
Liberty University
Anna Faith
Harder
Washburn University Cheer
Congratulations, Anna! We are so incredibly proud of you and know you will do amazing things. Always remember that you have so many people who love and support you. We can’t wait to watch you shine! - Love, Mom, Dad, Cassoday, Abby, Ellie, Chloe and Clair
38 | SENIOR RECOGNITION | SPRING 2021
Confident, passionate, courageous. Follow your path. -Love, Dad, Mom, Brian
Kati
Blaylock
Creed
Ekerberg
Congratulations! We are so proud of you!
Mid-America Nazarene University
- Love, Mom and Dad
We are so proud of you and we can’t wait to see all you’re going to accomplish. We love you. - Mom and Dad
Alondra
Valle
Congratulations Alondra, you are a shining star! May you always reach beyond the sky, never assign a limit to knowledge, and endlessly light the way for others. We are so proud of you!
Justin
-Love, Mom, Dad and Brother
Benjamin
Gering
Woolsey
Congratulations Benjamin! We are so proud and love you so much!
Greatest. Kid. Ever! I’m so proud of you. You are growing into an amazing person. You’re a talented kid, a hard worker, and most importantly, a thoughtful and kind person. Never let anyone tell you different.
-Love, Mom
SENIOR RECOGNITION
-Love, Mom, Dad, Emma and Emerson
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Madyson
Groves
Congratulations! We are so proud of you! It has truly been a blessing to watch you grow up into the young woman you have become. As you close a chapter in your life story and begin living the next, always remember who the author is... Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Keep smiling, dreaming, singing and being you!
-Love, Mom and Justin
Eli Redington
Elijah
Edwards
University of St. Mary cross country and track team Kansas Army national guard reserves ROTC college
Congratulations! We are very proud of you. -Love, Mom and Dad
University of Iowa
We know you’ll reach your goals! Keep smiling.
-Love, Dad, Mom and Taylor
40 | SENIOR RECOGNITION | SPRING 2021
Maylee
Edwards
William Penn University Wrestling Team
We are very proud of you, congratulations! -Love, Mom and Dad
Justin
Woolsey
There is nothing impossible in this world... it may be difficult but it is surely possible. Happy high school graduation. Now go make it possible. -Love, Nana and Grandpa
Claire & Tessa
Preheim
Congratulations, we are so incredibly proud of you girls!
-Love, friends and family
CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS
Kati Blaylock Co-Editor The Railroader
Libby Crawford Reporter The Newtonian
Jamilid Romero Staff The Railroader
Matt Olson Reporter The Newtonian
Shelby Spreier Co-Editor The Railroader
Dear seniors, thank you for the opportunity to work with each of you this year. Even though our time together was not very long, I hope you’ll always find yourself as happy and full of big dreams as you are today! Congratulations! You did it! - Page SENIOR RECOGNITION
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42 | BABY PICTURES | SPRING 2021
10.
6. 3.
12. 13.
5.
2. 9. 3.
1.
7. 21.
11.
8.
4. 1. John Koontz, 2. Jamie Haskew, 3. Issac Hernandez, 4. Omar Hernandez-Munoz, 5. Zachary Koefoed, 6. Eli Redington, 7. Tjaden Simmons, 8. Madyson Groves, 9. Kati Blaylock, 10. Joshua Bergman, 11. Drew Douglas, 12. Aaliyah Johnson, 13. Zane Harder
Oh the Ways
BABY PICTURES
| SPRING 2021 | 43
14. Keaton Benedict, 15. Anthony Wedel, 16. Karly Moore, 17. Sierra Wedel, 18. Matt Olson, 19. Caitlynn Ericson, 20. Selena Aguilar, 21. Evie Bartley, 22. Perla Lujano-Perez, 23. Alexis Valle-Ponds, 24. Thomas Schiefelbein.
16. 20.
24. 23. 19. 15. 19.
15. 17. 18. 14.
21. 22. 17.
You Will Grow
THE NEWTONIAN NEWTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MAGAZINE Series 98 | Issue 3 | Spring 2021
Page 32-39 Senior Recognitions Photo by Ann Pomeroy