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SCENES FROM COURTWARMING
February 23, 2017 Volume 46, Issue 6
Student-produced news for Warsaw High School
20363 Lane of Champions, PO Box 248, Warsaw, MO 65355
Idea of four-day week poses change
Throwback fun
by
School celebrates the revival of Courtwarming tradition by
Brenna Smith
staff writer
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ourtwarming this year featured the resurgence of the traditional postgame dance, thanks to Pep Club hosting the event after the week-long annual basketball celebration. The week also featured themed dress-up days, assembly games and a coronation of the Courtwarming royalty on Feb. 10. After the coronation, the Courtwarming dance took place in the gym with roughly 50-75 people attending. Spirit week featured days for students to honor the “throwback” theme. Winners of overall spirit week were senior Ashlee Kuykendall and freshman Lerran Yoder. Winners of Decades Day were senior Ashlyn Yoder and freshman Lerran Yoder. Flash Forward winners were seniors Corey Callahan and Melissa Brown. Musicians Day winners were senior Ashlee Kuykendall and freshmen Kathryn Ricke and Lerran Yoder. Throwback Movie/TV day winners were junior Mikayla Andrews and sophomore Jacob Luebbert. Color War day winners were senior Ashlyn Yoder and junior Rayne Faulconer. Junior Kyra Kleihauer was one of the princess candidates. “My favorite part about being a candidate was being more involved with spirit week, and planning fun things with my best friend Ashton Adams. My favorite spirit week day was the Throwback Movie Day, because all of the prince and princess candidates got together and dressed like we were from
“Walking up to the stage and standing with Briar was my favorite part of the night.” -junior Tyler Simons
Top: Junior Tyler Simons, Ashton Adams, Senior Ashlee Kuykendall, and Austin Gardner show off their newly atired crowns. Coronation took place at halftime of the varsity game. Photo submitted. Right: Sophomores Rylee Pals and Kamryn Yach participate in spirit week for Flash Forward Day. They were dressed as paparazzi and a celebrity. Photo by Ethan Schomburg.
“I never in a million years thought it would be me, I was super excited about it.” -junior Ashton Adams the movie ‘Grease.’ It was definitely a lot of fun, and it was cool that instead of trying to ‘one-up each other’ we actually participated together,” Kleihauer said. Coronation was held at halftime of the varsity match. Junior Ashton Adams was also a princess candidate and brought home the crown. “I was definitely surprised. I never in a million years thought that it would be me, I was super excited about it,” Adams said. The day of Courtwarming, there were several games held for all of the candi-
dates, students and teachers to participate in and get excited for the upcoming night. The night of Courtwarming the boys basketball team played against School of the Osage, taking a loss of 70-44. During halftime the candidates stepped out onto the court. King and queen were titled to seniors Austin Gardner and Ashlee Kuykendall. Prince and princess were titled to junior Tyler Simons and Adams. Simons was very surprised when he was crowned prince. “Walking up to the stage and standing with Briar was my favorite part of the
Ally Estes
A
staff writer
dministrators and the school board are weighing pros and cons of potentially joining other Missouri schools to change to a four-day school schedule. Superintendent Shawn Poyser presented the idea of a four-day week, where students and staff would get the Monday of every week off and, in exchange, the school day would be 45 minutes longer. The idea was largely prompted by the school’s current financial situation and low attendance rate, and could serve as a possible solution for these issues as well as others. This change could come with many advantages for students and staff alike. “Eighteen schools within Missouri currently do four-day weeks right now, and four are going to do it next year,” Poyser said. “There are several schools that have jumped to this these last few years - saving around one percent of their budget. For us, that’d be about $130,000.” It’s expected for most students to want less school, but the overwhelming amount of positive feedback from a number of the student body responding to the idea of a four day week next year goes to show just what Warsaw students might need. Complaints of stress, sports, and not having enough time to work (both on their job(s) and on their homework) seem to become resolved at the prospect of having one extra day to catch up. However, the change is definitely not official nor confirmed. Poyser has already stated that there would be no change like this occurring for next year. The board will adopt a calendar for the ‘17/’18 school year at the February 27 meeting. “I’m not going to propose a four day calendar - it won’t happen next year. I’d like to do some more work on it myself and see what other folks think,” Poyser said. The main advantages and disadvantages would largely concern students involved in extracurriculars as well as staff with younger children. English teacher Shanda Miller, mother of two, said this
2017 Benton County Enterprise Company, Inc. Warsaw, Missouri
“-it won’t happen next year. I’d like to do some more work on it myself and see what other folks think,”
-Superintendent Dr. Shawn Poyser
change would have more positive effects on children than negative. “My son is a very early up kid. He likes getting up early and studying and reading. The part that would be difficult for him, I think, would be having to stay later - by the end of the day he’s worn out,” Miller said. “I think after the adjustment period, people will just become used to it. The changes will become commonplace.” South Elementary reading recovery teacher Laura Smith has experience as both a mother of two who attend schools within the district as well as a teacher of 18 years, and says the change will have next to no negative impacts on her schedule or her students. “I think a four-day week would be a little more difficult on the younger students. They are already tired by 2 p.m. and going additional time would really be hard on them. We would definitely need to think about giving them ‘brain breaks’ throughout the day. They are also hungry because they eat so early. We would need to think about providing a snack for the little guys to help them make it to the end,” Smith said. However, Smith admitted she sees many personal advantages through the change. “I would like a four day week. I am already at the school by 7 and usually don’t leave until after 3:45 so the extra time wouldn’t bother me. Having an extra day off a couple of times a month would be nice. I can’t really see any disadvantages for me at this time - having days at school without students so teachers could work together to plan and prepare across the grade and subject levels,” Smith said.
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News
February 23, 2017
Four-day week could provide advantages for students, teachers continued of page 1 The big counter-argument concerning why the four-day week is a bad idea is the amount of change students, teachers and the community would face. Not only will students schedules change, but so will the staff’s and, potentially, parent’s. Parents who pick their kids up from school may find conflict in the extended 45 minutes when it comes to their own personal or work schedules. Parents of elementary and middle school students would be forced to find babysitters for their kids every Monday. Students who rely on buses to drop them off at work after school will have one less day to
work, versus those students who can drive themselves. Teacher’s and students alike will have to stay at school for an extended 45 minutes, which could take away from time with family, friends, and work every day. Perhaps one of the biggest complaints among students concerns sports and extracurriculars; practices and games would extend a bit later into the night and/or certain meets would have to be cut short. “It’s gonna be hard on people in sports. We’ll probably still have to come in on the day of the week we have off. For those of us who don’t drive or have their own mode of transportation, there would have to be a new bus route or something,” junior
Jayden Schepker said. However, Poyser says that the change in scheduling will be minimal, and will not affect student schedules any more than what practices and after school extracurriculars already do. “Everything would stay the same. You would still need to play games on Mondays and have practices. The only con-
for a 30. Due to the fact that the ACT plays such a big part in securing money for college, many students take the ACT and panic during the middle of the test. Mentality is a big part of how well you do on the ACT, according to senior Maddie Freeman who has achieved a 30 on her ACT. “Make sure that you believe you’re going to do well. Don’t go into it thinking that you’re going to do awful,” Freeman said. Maddie also believes that eating breakfast, how much sleep you get before it and even how comfortable you are in your clothes can affect your scores. “Dress comfortably. Don’t try to be super pretty for it,” Freeman said.
Preparation for the ACT is one of the most important aspects of taking the test. Noah has been working on his test-taking abilities all throughout high school. “I just prepare myself throughout high school. I take higher level classes and I try to speed up my reading so I can get through all of the questions,” Long said. When it comes to how long students spend studying, Maddie says that she has spent multiple hours working on prep work given to her while she was in school. “The studying takes a long time because there’s a lot to cover. It covers a lot of different sections within one standardized test.” Freeman says. As far as how to actually tackle the ACT and its questions, there are numerous approaches, but
“It’s gonna be hard on people in sports. We’ll probably still have to come in on the day of the week we have off,” - Junior Jayden Schepker
cern would be getting kids to and from practice, but we have that problem right now at times as well,” Poyser said, “The last few school districts I came from wouldn’t have fit with the change required for the fourday weeks. The attendance was high and the APR was high; you wouldn’t want to mess with it. However, I think this is something we at least need to look at and have a discussion about. We would go back to having some more 45 minute classes turned into 50 minute classes, which would give students more time for curriculum. The attendance percentage would go up and students would be more refreshed. It’s not always about money.”
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Speech team hosts tournament by
Jonathan Petesch
web editor/writer
Junior Caitlin Easter and Freshman Alexa Scrivner manage judges for the Warsaw Speech Tournament. This year was the second consecutive year Warsaw has hosted a speech tournament. Photo by Alexis Smith.
Intimidating standardized test requires much preparation by
Nathan Townley
staff writer
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he ACT is one of the most important tests a student will ever take. It can determine the ability to take dual credit course, admittance eligibility for college, and even scholarship information. “I’ve already accepted a $1000 scholarship from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, and I’ve applied for two scholarships that I think having a good ACT score will give me an edge for,” Senior Noah Long said. There are scholarships that require a certain ACT score, such as the Bright Flight scholarship. According to the Missouri Department of Higher Education, one can earn up to $3000 for a 31 on the ACT, and up to $1000
not everyone can use the same ones. Long, for example, recognizes that he should take his time on three stories from the reading comprehension portion, and focus whatever time he has left on the last story. “Do the easy questions first, and make sure you don’t leave any answers blank. Go back and thoroughly work through whatever questions you didn’t have time for,” Long said. Students who worry about their test taking skills can attend workshops from multiple people who have learned how to “beat” the ACT. Chad Cargill, one of these workshop coordinators, offers multiple tips. These include taking the ACT as many times as you can, avoiding staying up late cramming and using the bathroom before the test.
Sophomore Ren Rozzel prepares food for the hospitality room. The tournament took place on February 4. Photo by Alexis Smith.
Senior Frank McMillin checks in time keepers at the Warsaw Speech Tournament. Photo by Alexis Smith.
Opinion
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Staff Editorial
Wildcat
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Schools need to do more to prevent bullying
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ullying is one of the worst problems high school students face today. According to a4kclub.org, an organization that speaks out against bullying, over 160,000 kids miss school every day in fear of being bullied. That is a large number of students missing out on their education. But what exactly is bullying? This is a very confusing subject as an individual may not believe they are bullying at all. They might believe that they were just having some fun with someone, when in all reality they are hurting someone and actually being a bully. The definition of bullying according to stopbullying.gov, a website for bullying prevention, is any unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. This might seem like a pretty clear and concise definition and a pretty visible line to cross, but it isn’t. Take for example someone who is usually rough on their friends, but they all know it’s in good fun. Then, they meet someone new and treat them the same way. The new person is getting hurt by it, but they still continue to be treated this way after saying something. This is a case of bullying, and it needs to be taken seriously. As a general consensus, The Wildcat staff believes that most anti-bullying programs aren’t helping schools take these things as seriously as needed. Some schools have tried using programs that educate people on what their vision of bullying is, but this might actually be one of the worst ways to approach a bully-free community. While it might seem like a good idea as far as recognition goes, it also tells kids what not to do to avoid getting caught. CyberBullyingHotline.com says that anonymous reporting methods may be the most effective way to end bullying in schools. In a case study by this group, students disciplined for fighting went down by 92 percent. This was because the tips received by anonymous students allowed leaders at the school to intervene before there was really any chance for fighting to happen. Regardless of what schools do to prevent bullying, it will always be a relevant issue.
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The Wildcat, the official student newspaper of Warsaw High School, has been established as a forum for student expression as well as a source for student news and opinion. The Wildcat is published as part of the Benton County Enterprise monthly at a cost of 75 cents per copy. The content is also available online at thewildcatonline.com. Letters to the editor are welcome, however all letters must be signed and are subject to editing. Write to: The Wildcat, Warsaw High School 20363 Lane of Champions Warsaw, MO 65355
or e-mail Adviser Amanda Adler aadler@warsawk12.org
by
Makayla Mais
editor-in-chief
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his time of year, everyone seems to be talking about Valentine’s Day. Sappy movies crowd the theaters, heart shaped boxes of chocolates fill grocery stores and giant teddy bears disappear off the shelves. For centuries, Valentine’s Day has been seen as the one day out of the year to celebrate the person you love. But it is also the time of the year that I feel everyone is silent about the not-so-perfect relationships. According to “11 Facts About Teen Dating Violence” by DoSomething.com, roughly 1.5 million high school students admitted to being physically harmed by someone they are romantically involved with. Teens who suffer this abuse are more liking to fall victim to alcoholism,
Let’s get
nical
Editor-in-Chief Makayla Mais Photo Editor Alexis Smith Web Editor Jonathan Petesch Writers/Photographers Nathan Townley Destiny Lee Ally Estes Brenna Smith Ethan Schomburg Ciara Cooper
Adviser Amanda Adler
by
Jonathan Petesch
web editor/writer
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cience fiction movies such as Star Wars have always peaked viewers curiosity when it came to the futuristic tech portrayed in them, but very few actually expected it to become reality. However, some of that futuristic tech has made the jump and is now available to the general consumer. One of these new technologies has been around for awhile now in the form of smartwatches.
February 23, 2017
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Teens should educate themselves on violent relationships, become aware of the signs eating disorders, promiscuity, suicidal thoughts and violent behavior. Half of those who experience physical or sexual abuse are more likely to commit suicide. No one is exempt from the possibility of being abused. Anyone can be a victim of relationship violence. According to “Dating Abuse Statistics” by Love is Respect, girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, which is triple the national average. These cases can also be greater when started in adolescence. Part of the problem is that teens don’t always know the signs of an unhealthy relationship and will believe that their partner’s actions are normal. Many teens may think they are safe from violent relationships, and that it will not happen to them. Jealousy, threatening, blaming, stalking and degrading, controlling and manipulative behavior can be early signs for teens to see that they are about to enter a relationship like this. According to “5 Reasons Why Teenagers May Not Be Aware of an Unhealthy Relationship” by Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, teens find that it is hard to take advice from others because they want to accept the role of responsibility and
Part of the problem is that teens don’t always know the signs of an unhealthy relationship and will believe that their partner’s actions are normal. control. New relationships can be exciting for teens, especially if it’s their first one. There can be a lot of pressure to live up to the standard that movies and books have set, such as movies like High School Musical and Grease. If someone has to suffer from any of these because of their current relationship, there’s a problem. Schools should take time at one point to discuss the signs of an unhealthy relationship. According to “What can schools do to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation?” by National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, schools should promote healthy friendships and relationships through their school ethos, child protection and behavior policy and anti-bullying work. But instead of just promoting it, educators and administrators should be telling teens that it isn’t okay, and that they can get help from any adult. To Love is Respect, there is a lack
of awareness for these relationships. Only 33 percent of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse, and 81 percent of parents believe that teen dating violence isn’t an issue. In my opinion, this is a huge issue that should have more national attention. Schools can be a guide to lead students in the right direction by teaching the signs of an unhealthy relationship, and making it known that they’re there to help. No one should feel like they’re alone, and no one should feel like this “love” is ever enough. Makayla Mais is a senior at Warsaw High School and this is her third year in journalism. This is her second year serving as editor-in-chief. She is currently involved in volleyball, band, pep band, pep club, English club, newspaper, yearbook, National Honor Society, A+ tutoring, and Quill and Scroll. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, watching Netflix and writing.
Technology making the jump from the silver screen to your fingertips after making sci-fi movie appearance In 2014, Google announced Android Wear, a version of Android that would run on smartwatches and be able to directly communicate with your phone over bluetooth. Early watches were more of a cool gimmick or a status statement, but now they offer actual functionality with updates such as Android Wear 2.0 and WatchOS 3 for those with an Apple Watch. They can now work completely autonomously from your phone and do things such as use Android Pay, access the internet by themselves with wifi or LTE and even make phone calls as long as your watch has a speaker. Sci-fi fantasies have also come to life due to advances in holographic technology. Products such as the Microsoft Hololens are now in the hands of developers and will soon be in the hands of consumers. Products like the Hololens are worn like a pair of glasses, but project holograms around you and allow you
to do anything you would normally do on a PC from the comfort of anywhere. This increases mobility past the level of even smartphones, as the headset will just be on your head like a pair glasses and eliminates the need for other bulky equipment. These headsets have spatial awareness and are able to interact with your environment such as giving you the ability to pin holographic windows anywhere and make your environment completely interactive. These headsets are still in early phases and are fairly expensive, but fully working. When I was contacted by Microsoft to buy a unit, the cost was $3,000 per unit, though I expect that figure to drop when the technology becomes commonplace. Finally, 3D printing has become a reality and is slowly becoming more mainstream. Though not exactly what we have seen in movies, 3D printing of plastics has become fairly mainstream and is now to a point where we can print very high
quality models in a fairly small and compact machine. 3D printing has become a valuable asset for film studios in prop making and will soon be able to help the general consumer by allowing them to print things such as replacement parts for appliances and computer equipment. Like any new technology, it’s still fairly expensive for the average consumer, with mid-range printers costing around $1,500, and high end machines from the likes of companies like Ultimaker costing upwards of $4,000 with the Ultimaker 3. Jonathan Petesch is a senior at WHS this year and this is his first year writing for The Wildcat. Jonathan is involved in NHS where he is the treasurer, Math Club, band where he plays the flute, multimedia, FBLA, and plays golf. After high school he plans to attend Missouri S&T and major in aerospace engineering.
Features
February 23, 2017
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High School Hero: Cody Wilson
Junior admired for his NAFST Award of Excellence by
Ally Estes
staff writer
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unior Cody Wilson is described by peers to have many admirable traits, but his most recent achievement accentuates the level of his intelligence on a national degree. Wilson recently received the National Academy of Future Scientist and Technologist Award of Excellence; a membership organization chartered in 2014 to inspire and support all K-12 and college kids who wish to devote their lives to science and technology. The program offers attendants a variety of experience, insight and potential scholarships. This opportunity gives Wilson the chance to travel to Boston,
Junior Cody Wilson features this picture on his GoFundMe page- a site that has helped Wilson raise over over $2,435 for his trip to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. This conference will be held in Boston, Massachusetts on june 29 - July 1. Photo submitted.
Massachusetts to attend a conference from June 29 to July 1. Wilson was astounded upon getting the confirmation letter. “I’m not completely certain on how I got it, but I got a 33 on my
science ACT. Also, a teacher is supposed to recommend you so one of the science teachers may have recommended me,” Wilson said. “This award will be extremely helpful when applying
for scholarships, so getting into colleges and paying for them will be much easier.” Despite the many benefits that come from this, the money required to make the trip and attend the conference posed a problem to Wilson at first. A GoFundMe page was opened in his name and has raised over $2,435 by individuals in the community. A generous donation of $1,500 was made by Veterans United in Columbia, which put Wilson just about $700 away from his goal of $3,085. “I’m not sure what I could say to show my appreciation. Obviously thank you, but the amount of appreciation I have for everybody who has helped out so far is beyond anything I could possibly think to say,” Wilson said.
Administrators, students take bullying seriously by
Brenna Smith
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staff writer
ullying has become an even more hot topic among many schools since Missouri’s toughening of the laws on harassment in January. However, bullying was already a problem taken quite seriously by the district. As defined by district superintendent Dr. Shawn Poyser, “bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems. The key phrase is repeated and over time.” When an act of bullying occurs to a students here at Warsaw High, students are required to fill out a formal bullying form, that lists when, where, over what period of time and how it is occurring. “We take everything seriously. Principals investigate and take statements if necessary. We try to educate our students, deal with
issues immediately, model for them and use corrective discipline when bullying takes place,” Poyser said. In certain cases where a third degree assault were to take place, law enforcement must be contacted. Third degree assault for schools consist of physically harming students, bus drivers, health professionals, teachers, administrators and all other guests to the school. According to a Jan. 6, Washington Post article, a change in the Missouri law (which went into effect in January) that changes the crime of harassment from a misdemeanor to a felony could affect how bullying is viewed. Washington Post writer Alejandra Matos reported, “harassment previously was defined in six specific ways, including making threats or repeated unwanted communication. Under the new law, harassment is broadly defined as any act that ‘causes emotional distress.’” This has some worried that, in Missouri, this could take control from the schools with these issues and students may be charged with a felony and may even face jail
time for bullying. Senior Noah Long said that jail time seemed extreme for most cases of bullying. “Now, if part of the bullying does break the law by infringing on someone else’s rights then lawful action should take place. This is a sensitive topic only for the fact that each case needs to be handled individually. There is not a one size fits all answer for any bullying situation,” Long said. However, the Education Exchange Corps says the impact of the law change on children is low. “However, because harassment can be prosecuted as a felony, kids could technically be certified to stand trial as an adult within the juvenile system. But that result is highly unlikely due to the law’s definition and how juvenile justice work,” a flyer from the Education Exchange Corps said. Some say “bullying” is a term that is used quite frequently without a person fully understanding. “I think bullying is a word that is sometimes overused. I think a better term is not treating one another with respect and/or treat-
ing each other nicely or how we want to be treated. I think that is a problem throughout society. If it happens once it is a problem,” Poyser said. “First off, you may feel you are bullied but the person may not know that they are hurting you. Or vice versa, you may not know that you are hurting someone with the things you do or say,” Long said. Others don’t think it is taken seriously enough. “I do think that the term bullying is used too freely because sometimes it is just thrown around like it’s no big deal,” sophomore Rylee Pals said. Administrators say students can easily help stop bullying by showing a little bit of kindness. “Be a role model and stand up for people that you think are being bullied, not in a violent manner, but just let people know that’s not how we treat people at Warsaw High School. Report it when you see it or think it’s going on and treat each other with respect and try and do your part to make Warsaw High School the greatest school in America,” principal Randy Luebbert said.
Wilson will be leaving a supportive community of friends and teachers behind during the trip, all of whom have been very encouraging towards Wilson and his recent success. Senior Chance Adams has been close friends with Wilson for over a year, and feels like the award was no surprise. “Cody is diligent in his work and always cooperates; I wasn’t surprised about his achievement, I was very happy!” Adams said. “My favorite memory with him was when we built a trebuchet in physics out of PVC.” “Cody is a student who is always on task and the first to get his work finished. I always tell Cody he should be a teacher. He not only understands math but he is patient and can explain it
to others,” math teacher Amy Spunaugle said. “I wish Cody the best in all that he pursues, but I still think he would make an incredible teacher!” Wilson doesn’t know for sure what he wants to do for his career, but he certainly is leaning towards the field of science and plans to attend Mizzou to earn an engineering degree. His invitation to the conference has opened up many benefits and opportunities that will aid him during the sculpting of his career. “I still can’t really believe I got the award,” Wilson said, “A huge thank you to all of my teachers, friends, and everybody else who has supported me enough to get me this far in my education.”
WHS BLOOD DRIVE MARCH 3, 2017
Sign up with a student council member or with the high school office. You will need a permission slip.
2017 Echoes Ball A Night at the
Movies
March 11 8-11 p.m. Middle School Cafeteria
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door Tickets will go on sale two weeks prior to the dance
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Find socia us on l me dia!
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Features
February 23, 2017
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Fantastic Friday
Courtwarming celebrated through assembly, banners, games, and tiaras by
Makayla Mais
editor-in-chief
Top: Principal Randy Luebbert is pied by senior Kaitlyn Jones. Three seniors got to pie Luebbert for being most spirited, having perfect attendance, and having the highest GPA. Photo submitted.
Left: Junior Keegan Glenn runs through a pep club tunnel before the Courtwarming game. The boys played Osage and lost 70-44. Photo by Makayla Mais. The Courtwarming court lines up for a picture after coronation. They include (back row): Prince and princess candidates juniors Ryan Sprouse, Kyra Kleihauer, Briar Strunk, Cody Wilson, Tyler Simons, senior Noah Long, 2016 queen Kylie McRoberts, king and queen candidates seniors Austin Gardner, Sadie Friend, Trenton Simons, Bailey Sharp, and Anthony Beuke, (front row): Junior Ashton Adams, flower girl Addison Young, crown bear Joey Deckard, and senior Ashlee Kuykendall. Juniors Tyler Simons and Ashton Adams were crowned prince and princess and seniors Austin Gardner and Ashlee Kuykendall were crowned king and queen. Photo by Jonathan Petesch.
Below: Seniors Nathan Stutes, Makayla Mais, and Rebecca Letcher paint the senior banner for the Courtwarming assembly. Each class worked on banners during the school day and they were judged during the assembly. Photo by Noah Long.
Above: Senior Nichole Payne, sophomores Suzy Cortright, Rylee Pals, Taylor Bunch, and junior Kyra Kleihauer perform with the color guard during the Courtwarming assembly. This was the first year for indoor color guard performances. Photo by Noah Long.
Sophomore Logan Davis goes up for shot during the Courtwarming game. The team played Osage and lost 70-44. Photo by Makayla Mais.
News
February 23, 2017
thewildcatonline.com
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Chapter kicks off National FFA Week celebration Long-time friends overcome high school
obstacles to remain close beyond graduation
2016-17 WHS FFA members. First row: Allison Pool, Erika Huffman, Austin Rosser, Jacob Weiser, Jonathan Harvey, Connor McLaughlin. Second Row: Jesse Johnson, Brandi Hubert, Megan Mantonya, Savannah Neth, Morgan McGann, Hunter Bagley, Lerran Yoder, Aidan Comer, Zach Nelson, King Archer, Advisor Mr. Stan Adler. On tractor: Emily Engebretsen, Alexis Smith, Heather Weaver, Kaitlyn Hawley, Ashlyn Yoder, Rayne Faulconer, Nelson Johnson, Gabe Blen, Dustin Coffey, Alex Long. Photo submitted.
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Ciara Cooper
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he Warsaw FFA is honoring National FFA Week with events all week Feb. 19 - 24. The group kicked off the week with FFA Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church before enjoying a lunch and movie together. On Tuesday, the group attended the annual chili supper hosted by the Friends of the FFA in the high school gymnasium and a worker’s auction to raise money for the chapter. On Wednesday, the Ag building was host to guest speakers all day and the group will welcome honored guests from the community at the business breakfast on Thursday morning starting at 7 a.m. FFA members who participate throughout the week will attend the Western Farm Show in Kansas City on Friday.
FFA members who chose to attend FFA Sunday at Faith Lutheran Church pose with Pastor Morris Meseke. They included (front row) freshman Angel Wilson, senior Dustin Coffey, Ashlyn Yoder, freshman Lerran Yoder, Pastor Morris Meseke, freshman Gabe Blen, Savannah Neth, sophomore Megan Mantonya, Brandi Hubert, adviser Stan Adler (second row) senior Nelson Johnson, junior Rusty Johnson, junior Rayne Faulconer, senior Hunter Bagley, freshman Matthew Schrader, freshman Austin Rosser, and sophomore Morgan McGann. Photo submitted.
Artist Corner Pottery class makes Valentine’s Day boxes for kids at local day care by
Ciara Cooper
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staff writer
or the first time, art teacher Jenny Greene’s pottery class made Valentine’s Day boxes for kids who need them - by donating them to Children’s Palace the day before Valentine’s Day. The kids’ parties took place on February 14. Normally, Greene makes a junk sculpture out of cardboard, tissue paper, and other stuff that is laying around people’s houses. Greene decided to change the project because she thought about the kids who didn’t have boxes or have the time or money to make them. Greene was making a box for her son Ben, and thought of
the kids who didn’t have them “We wanted to make them for those kids so they didn’t feel left out,” Greene said. In all, the pottery students made about 15 boxes. Senior Allen Botteron made a car, he said that it seemed like something a kid would like. Botteron said that he feels like this project is better than the original idea of the junk sculpture because he feels like he can help kids who are in need due to multiple different reasons. There are many different types of boxes that the class made including a fox, princess castle, car, train, lego, and minion. Greene said that there are too many to remember all
of them. Greene has made an alligator and a lego. “I’m happy we are doing this because I love crafting,” senior Melissa Brown said. Brown has made a fox and lego, she finished early and Greene said to keep making them for the kids. Senior Nathan Stutes made a princess castle because he knew that would make a little girl happy. Greene said she plans on doing it every year from now on because it is a good thing to have her pottery class do. Next year, she plans on having more boxes done for more kids.
staff writer
eing friends in high school can include a lot of drama and even rumors. Childhood friendships often have been ruined due to these things. Friends have to figure out a way to continue being friends after high school. Senior Anthony Beuke said that his friendship with senior Wesley Carr has been hard in high school due to rumors and people trying to make them go against each other. Beuke said that he hopes to continue his friendship with Carr. “It’s going to be harder because we won’t see each other every day anymore,” Beuke said. Beuke and Carr have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Their best memory together is going to WWE with their families on Labor Day and getting the “Rally Horn.” Some senior childhood friends plan on moving into an apartment or a dorm together and living together. Senior Mackenzie Bauer and her best friend, senior Tristin Surrell, plan to move in together while going to college at State Fair Community College. Bauer said that her
“It’s going to be harder because we won’t see each other every day anymore.” -senior Anthony Beuke
friendship with Surrell won’t be any different than it was in high school because they are going to live together. “We won’t see each other every single day like we do now, unless we live together,” Surrell said. Whether they live together or not Surrell said that their friendship will continue because no matter what she will find a way to see Bauer. Surrell and Bauer didn’t get to see each other for a long time and Surrell surprised Bauer at Sonic one day. According to the article “14 Things That Will Happen With Your Friends After You Graduate From High School” by Caitlin Corsetti, things will drastically change after graduation with high school friends. Friends will cram in as much time together in the summer as possible because they are going to different colleges and won’t see each other as often. It also says that friends may get jealous
of new friends, but when they reunite it will be as if nothing changed. Senior Jade Todd said continuing her friendship with junior Christina Oprzedek will be different since she will still be in high school, even though they have only been since the beginning of this school year when they met on the school bus. Todd said that she will do anything to continue her friendship with Oprzedek. 2016 graduate Dalton Davis said he still remains friends with some of his high school buddies. Davis said even though he doesn’t see his best friend, senior Michael Pierce everyday Davis knows that if he ever needs anything, Pierce would be there for him. Pierce said that his best memory with Davis is when they went swimming and then later went on the rope swing, and it broke while he was on it. Davis and Pierce still make time for one another even if it is Davis coming to Pierce’s work and eating. “Dalton and I have been best friends for a long time and I don’t think we aren’t ever going to be best friends.” Pierce said.
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ildcat
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Sports
Beyond the Court
Four players celebrate senior night, look back on career, anticipate districts
February 23, 2017
7
Archers take aim at state qualification by
Makayla Mais
editor-in-chief
by
Makayla Mais
Senior Bailey Sharp and sophomore Caitlin Dueddenhoeffer shoot their bows during the archery tournament on Saturday, February 4. Photo by Noah Long.
editor-in-chief
O
ver the course of four long years, four players have been anticipating their senior night and the last game they will play on their home court. For seniors center/power forward Wesley Carr, center/power forward Austin Gardner, guard Anthony Beuke and position Kendall Kee, senior night was celebrated on Tuesday, Feb 14. Beyond the court, Carr, Gardner and Beuke all experienced moments as part of the team that made their basketball careers memorable. Carr’s favorite memory was winning a seat on a couch with three other friends during a tournament. “There’s been a lot of good memories,” Carr said. “One that stands out is the time that Anthony Beuke, Johnathan Plybon, Thane Henderson and I won the ‘best seat in the house’ at the Conway Tournament.” Gardner’s favorite memory was wrestling Kee before every varsity game. Beuke’s favorite memory was witnessing 2015 graduate Randall Sherman score his 2,000th point. Carr and Beuke reflected on how far they have come throughout their high school career and their biggest accomplishments. “If you saw me freshman year, holy cow. I went from being an awkward lanky teen into a less awkward and less lanky teen. I definitely grew into my body,” Carr said. Carr said his biggest accomplishment was winning the Jerry Lumpe Award. Beuke feels he has come far and grown as a person. “I’ve come pretty far,” Beuke said. “I’ve learned how to fight for what you want no matter how hard it is.” Coach Keith Glenn noticed things he will miss about each
Top: Senior players stand with their parents during senior night. Senior night was held on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Photo by Makayla Mais. Top left: Senior power forward/center Wesley Carr goes up for a shot. Carr thinks the team will make it to the second round of districts. Photo by Makayla Mais. Top right: Senior power forward/center Austin Gardner goes up for a shot against Versailles. Garder hopes to see a victory against Versailles. Photo by Makayla Mais. Left: Senior guard Anthony Beuke dribbles during a game against Lincoln. Beuke’s favorite memory was watching Randall Sherman score his 2,000th point. Photo by Makayla Mais.
senior. “Each senior is unique and special in their own way,” Glenn said. “I will miss their leadership, sense of humor, willingness to sacrifice what is best for them for what is best for the team. Before going into the Tuesday, Feb 21 district game, Carr, Gardner, Beuke and Kee expected to go far, and beat Versailles during their second time seeing them this season. Carr is hoping to see the team in the second round. “I think we’ll make it to the second round,” Carr said. “As long as we focus, everything will fall into place.” Gardner is expecting to beat Versailles the second time around. Beuke expects to see the team do their best. “I expect us to try our best, do what we need to do, and win,”
Beuke said. Kee is expecting to “go all the way.” Glenn is expecting the team to play their best basketball, and to upset Versailles. “My expectations are to be playing our best basketball and play as a team and be tough enough to come back when we are down and to hold the lead when we have it,” Glenn said. “I expect us to upset who we play and make our best showing of the season.” The team is going into districts with a 2-20 record, with wins against Osceola and Eldon, and losses to El Dorado Springs, Skyline, Sacred Heart, Pilot Grove, Buffalo, Cole Camp, Hallsville, Lincoln, Knob Noster, Stockton, Blair Oaks, California, Osage, Versailles, Southern Boone, Eldon and Climax Springs.
Junior Mikayla Andrews pulls back her bow during the archery tournament on Saturday, February 4. Photo by Noah Long.
Senior Bailey Sharp tallies up her points that she shot during the tournament on Saturday, February 4. Photo by Noah Long.
Junior Lee Newell prepares to shoot his bow as junior Kaylee Moody clips the arrow to the string. Newell has qualified for state archery for the second year. Photo submitted.
the
ildcat
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Sports
February 23, 2017
8
Lady Cats say goodbye to four All on the mat Three wrestlers compete on state mats seniors going into districts by
Makayla Mais
editor-in-chief
by
W
Jonathan Petesch
restlers ended a very successful season by getting three to the state contest and two to the state podium. Sophomore Kolby Estes earned second place in the 145 weight class and junior Dallas Larsen earned sixth place in the 126 weight class. Junior Nate Fauquier lost on the second day of state wrestling in the 220 weight class.
web editor/writer
T
he end of the regular season has come, and with that comes reflections on the season and saying farewell to the team’s seniors. This year, the team will be losing seniors Mackenzie Bauer, Erica Flores, Cierra Sawyers and Sam Thompson. All of the seniors this year have played basketball for WHS for all four years of their high school career except for Thompson, who has played for three. The seniors looked back on what they’ve learned the most from being on the team. Thompson and Sawyers agreed that being on the team has taught them much about working hard. “My biggest takeaway from the team is to never give up and if you want something bad
“The coach-player and teacher-student relationship I have with the girls is extremely rare, and I’ll miss it.” -assistant coach Allison Durst
enough, you can make it happen,” Thompson said. “What I’ll take away most from being on the team is how to work together efficiently as a team,” Sawyers said. Flores has learned leadership skills through her years on the team. “Being on the team has taught me how to be a leader, and never to give up on myself,” Flores said. They also looked back on what they’ll miss most from the team. “I’ll miss our team naps, jam sessions and, of course, Jordan
Sophomore Kolby Estes gets awarded his second place medal by his father assistant coach Lance Estes. “Each wrestler has their coach present their medal to them and my dad is one of my coaches. I think coach Steenburgen had my dad present mine to me because he’s the reason I even started wrestling and I wouldn’t be anywhere that I am without him,” Estes said. Photo by Ally Estes.
Top left: Senior Sam Thompson shoots the ball in a game against Butler. Thompson plans to go to Metropolitan Community College and major in nursing. Photo by Makayla Mais. Top right: Senior Mackenzie Bauer dribbles the ball down the court in a game against Versailles. Bauer plans to attend State Fair Community College and study physical therapy. Phot by Jonathan Petesch.
Sophomore Kolby Estes wrestles at state. “I felt like over all I had a very good tournament and I had to wrestle to the best of my ability to get to the championship round which included having to beat a kid who had previously beat me this year,” Estes said. Photo by Ally Estes.
Bottom left: Senior Erica Flores shoots a three point shot in a game against Osage. Flores plans to attend State Fair Community College and join their nursing program. Photo by Jonathan Petesch. Bottom right: Senior Cierra Sawyers dribbles the ball during a game against Hallsville. Sawyers plans to attend State Fair Community College and study graphic design. Photo by Makayla Mais.
Plybon’s funny jokes,” Flores said. Both coaches, head coach Cody Morgan and assistant coach Alison Durst, also admitted they would miss their relationships that they have built with the girls. “The coach-player and teacher-student relationship I have with the girls is extremely rare, and I’ll miss it,” Durst said. “I can’t pick one individual thing I’ll miss most. I’ll just miss each individual senior and then miss them collectively as a group,” Morgan said. These four seniors have led the team to a record of 5-20 during regular season for varsity with wins against Versailles, Conway, Skyline and Halfway. They lost against Cole Camp,
Buffalo, Skyline, Sacred Heart, Conway, Pilot Grove, Clinton, Blair Oaks, Hallsville, Lincoln, Osage, El Dorado Springs, Eldon, California, Southern Boone and Butler. JV ended the season with a 6-9 record with wins against Versailles, Sacred Heart, Conway, Lincoln, El Dorado Springs and Eldon. They took losses against Cole Camp, Buffalo, Skyline, Clinton, Blair Oaks, Hallsville, Osage, California and Southern Boone. “I wish these girls the best in everything they do and ask that they never give up,” Durst said. The Lady Cats played their first district game against Cole Camp at Versailles on Monday, February 20.
Junior Dallas Larsen wrestles his opponent at state. Larsen received a sixth place medal. Photo by Ally Estes.
Junior Nate Fauquier prepares to wrestle his opponent at state. Fauquier won on the first day of competition, but lost on the second day to keep him from getting to the podium. Photo by Ally Estes.