Spartan Torch: Issue 3

3

9

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Wichita Collegiate Middle School 9115 E. 13th St. N Wichita, KS 67206

December 2021 * Issue 3

(Left) Fifth graders Kata Valdivia and Lockard Webb rally the crowd as students, teachers, and parents help “stuff the bus” for the Salvation Army. Photo by Sadhakshi Sivaraman (Above) Students work together to organize donations. Photo by Sadhakshi Sivaraman

Collegiate Students Give Back to Community During Holiday Season

By Sadhakshi Sivaraman As the WCS students know, Mrs. Brake has been managing all the amazing community services that the student body participates in.

Every middle schooler needs a total of five hours of community service, and Collegiate offers a variety of opportunities. This includes events such as Botanica or Angel Tree, as

well as others. The holiday season is the perfect time to give back to the community (and get the hours in)!

The holidays are all about giving and loving, so what better way to do that than helping the less fortunate?

Angel Tree is a foundation where parents and students can buy for kids under 18. Collegiate has been helping out with this charity for over 15 years! Jill Skaggs, from the Salva-

tion Army, came to Collegiate and spoke to the middle schoolers. She explained how to access the digital tree and how the students can aid the kids. Angel Tree helps make those kids’ Christmas truly merry. The contributors buy the presents the kids want, and can feel good about giving. The Salvation Army is an international, Christian-based foundation that helps out with the less

fortunate. For example, they help out with food pantries, domestic abuse, disaster relief, etc.

As stated on the Salvation Army website, “The Salvation Army exists to meet human need wherever, whenever, and however we can.”

(CONT’D on PAGE 2)

2 NEWS/FEATURE

Students pose in front of the stuffed bus after accepting and organizing the donations. Items were delivered to the Salvation Army. Photos by Sadhakshi Sivaraman

Holiday Giving, Cont’d (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1) Middle students helped out this year by “stuffing the bus” with requested items from the Salvation Army.

Botanica is an all around student-loved occasion; it benefits everyone involved. The students get to work together while having fun and the Botanica Staff has assistance with setting up the lights for the major illuminations event. In fact, Illuminations is possibly one of the biggest holiday events in Wichita, with thousands of people attending per day.

The event attracts plenty, especially at dark. According to Mrs. Brake, Collegiate started helping out with Illuminations about five or six years ago and it has become a beloved tradition ever since. The students go to Botanica on a weekend in the first two weeks of November. A school bus usually takes them to Bontanica and they set up the lights to illuminate the pathway.

“It felt great being able to help out the Wichita community outside of school,” said 8th grade student Carter Chance. We all had a great time helping set up all the beautiful lights, as well as being able to meet many kind volunteers and workers.”

The Human Kind Ministries is an organization that helps the homeless, and Operation Holiday is one of the

charities that they host. This charity is one that obviously takes place around the holidays, on December 18th from noon to 3 p.m. The objective of this specific charity is to receive coats, food, jackets, and other winter clothing.

These are some of the few charities that the Collegiate community is involved with. Learning to give back is so important and it’s amazing that the school can help so many. The holidays are all about giving and being together. Why not do both? This goes to show that by giving, not only can people help others, but themselves as well (community service hours *wink*).

So get involved and help make someone else’s holiday happy.

Mrs. Dokken said, “As Spartans, one of our commitments is that we are compassionate and we care about our community. I feel like this is just one of the things we can do to help out the community during the holidays. And I think it makes us and others feel good to give. I like to see the kids be excited about doing something for others.”

Students help sort items from the “Star Tree.”

STUDENT ST UDENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CORA HILL

JUST

ASK

Dear Lucy,

I’m not very good at basketball.

I’ve only been playing for two years. I don’t want to play but my dad is making me. I wish he would just understand how I feel. I’m not exactly the basketball type.

If you know what I mean. I don’t understand the hype. It’s just a bunch of bouncy balls.

-BasketBall Boy

NEWS/FEATURE 3

LUC Y

Dear BBB,

You need to be honest and tell your dad that you don’t like it. If he still makes you play, go out there and be yourself. Even if you aren’t the best one, find someone on the team who isn’t the best either. Maybe you can relate to their problems. Try your best and don’t give up. Dear I Need Coffee, -Lucy and Lucy I’m not a teacher, but from what I understand you need help. Maybe take some Dear Lucy, days to yourself, or just pretend to be sick

This year my students seem so like the rest of us. I’m sure Mr. Vincent rowdy. Sometimes they don’t try on their will understand. You need to be honest homework. Giving bad grades to students with your students, even if it breaks their is heartbreaking to all teachers. I don’t hearts. And who cares about angry parent want to confront them in a mean way, emails; this is your life, so don’t let others because parent emails are not fun. What get you down. should I do? Do I confront them? Help!

-Lucy and Lucy -I Need Coffee

By Lucy Gehrer Cora Hill, a new member of the 7th grade class as of 2021, lives the life of a military kid. While most of us can’t relate to that, Cora can.

Her father, Ambrose Hill, joined the military in 1999.

“My dad still goes to work every morning like other dads, but in the background, his job is changing my life and the lives of many others,” she said.

Hill has lived in four different States: Manhattan, Kansas; Ellicott City, Maryland; Danvill, California; Kailua, Hawaii; and Wichita, Kansas.

She has two family members who also attend Collegiate: Arwin Hill (6th) and Harrison Hill (3rd).

“I like Collegiate a lot,” she said.

“As far as schooling goes, there are so many different activities that they offer other than the basic core classes, and outside of the learning, everyone is so nice and welcoming.”

“Everywhere I’ve been there have been people there to welcome me and help me fit in,” Hill said. “There

are a lot of adjustments and things you have to get used to when you move from state to state, especially ones as different as Kansas and Hawaii.”

Moving can be hard but for Cora, but not so much.

“There are some really cool things, like getting to see so many different places and do so many different types of activities,” she said.

“There are also downsides, because you have to pack up your life, move across a country or an ocean, and then restart and try to settle back in somewhere else.”

As most of her family members live here in Kansas, Cora’s parents decided it would be best to move back where the family was.

“Home is where anything, a person, a place, a lifestyle, lets me feel like I belong,” she said.

Hill said she doesn’t have a favorite state: “It’s impossible to choose because every state has its own unique qualities.”

Meet the Teacher:

Mrs. Ralston

By Reghan Eck Who is Mrs. Ralston?

Yes, she is the new 6th grade literature teacher at WCS, but do you really know things about her? Well, she grew up going to Maize, and she went to college at the University of Kansas. After college she moved to Kansas City and taught there for a decade. However, four years ago she moved back to Wichita for her husband’s job.

“Teaching literature at Wichita Collegiate is absolutely my dream job!” Ralson said.

When she was a kid she always considered teaching, but she did go through times where she thought of other jobs for her career choice. She knows deep down though, that she always wanted to be a teacher: “Teaching brings me a lot of fulfillment and joy!” she said.

In her spare time she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She’s married and has two daughters: Claire is six, and Blythe is three. They also have a dog named Tripp. She loves to go on walks, read, bake, listen to podcasts or audiobooks, family movie nights, and golf cart rides around her neighborhood.

“Being part of the WCS community as an educator and parent has been wonderful. This school is a tight-knit community that prioritizes strong relationships, high standards, and fun!” said Mrs. Ralston.

We are also so happy you joined the Collegiate family, and hope you stay for many years to come!

4 OPINION

Are We Too Reliant on Technolog y?

By Avery Compton We have all experienced the wonders of technology and what it can do for us. In schools, technology is used every day, and for eighth graders at Wichita Collegiate School there is rarely a break from the screen. We’re on a screen for nearly eight hours at school, and then we go home home where most of us are once again, on a screen. Being on technology weakens our connections with each other and prevents us from focusing.

Screens are a large part of our lives today and they often make things easier. But once those screens are taken away from us, we don’t know what to do. Consider a recent ‘No Tech Friday’ at Wichita Collegiate.

This experiment tested teachers and students. Students found themselves bored in classrooms when they had to interact with fellow students. This

proves that we need to take occasional technology breaks, so that our student body knows how to interact with others.

While learning, it is important to focus. You have to focus not just your eyes, but your mind. Sometimes when we have technology in front of us, it is hard to focus.

We switch between tabs, email friends, and listen to music when we shouldn’t be. Many students remarked that ‘No Tech Friday’ was boring because they did not have control over what they were doing. In a way, technology gives us too much independence, and often teaches us that we do not need to focus to succeed.

There may be the argument that technology opens many doors for us, and allows us to do things we couldn’t with paper. This is very true, but why risk the education and interactions of many students, when

“It is very important that we take action, so that technology does not become a weakness that we render to, but a strength that we can use wisely.” we have a clear solution in front of us. If we take a day out of every week to not have technology, we can teach students and teachers to function without it. As a school we should be treating technology like a learning experience.

The AHA recommends that kids 10-14 get up to three hours of screen time a day, but most get around nine. This is not good for the eyes of children. Melissa Barnett, an optometrist from UC Davis Eye Cen-

ter says, “It can also contribute to cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the clear covering over the white part of the eye. According to a study funded by the National Eye Institute, children are more vulnerable than adults because their eyes absorb more blue light from digital devices.”

Overall, our community relies too much on technology. Yes, it is beneficial to learning experiences and differences. But screens take away real life experiences, and we can change this. Limiting the technology usage in our schools teaches students and teachers to use creativity, and interact with each other. It is very important that we take action, so that technology does not become a weakness that we render to, but a strength that we can use wisely.

Duck is the Better Alternative for Next Thanksgiving “Either way I’m thankful for food being put on my plate, and enjoying a great meal with my family, and that’s what Thanksgiving is all about.”

By Carson Malaise Many of us know and love Thanksgiving because of the food, and there is always a dispute of what we should have for Thanksgiving among my family. The two main food pieces that my family wants are always turkey or ham, but turkey almost always wins. I’m not a fan of turkey at all. During my lifetime I’ve had many bad turkeys, not always on Thanksgiving though, and a couple great ones that made me want more.

It’s too unpredictable to be the main dish of one of the holidays where everyone is looking forward to the food. There are many alternatives that are more reliable and better tasting than turkey.

An alternative that’s easier and almost always better is duck. It’s easy to cook and always great even if cooked decently. Plus there is always a sense of adventure when you try something new, or if you don’t like stepping out of your comfort zone when it comes to food, still

try it you may find something even better. If you can’t stand the idea of duck, there will always be ham as an option if you like a little sweeter option. The only problem with ham is it is easy to overcook and dry up the ham, so the easier option overall would be duck.

Thanksgiving is a holiday in which everyone looks forward to the food, so I get it if turkey is a tradition in your household, but it can be nice to change it up and try something new. Either way I’m thankful for food being put on my plate, and enjoying a great meal with my family, and that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Nobody should not take that we have food in front of our plates for granted. There are a lot of families that struggle to do that, and we’re lucky for that.

Next Thanksgiving you should enjoy whatever food is in front of you - unless it’s dry turkey.

Letters to the Editor OPINION 5

Healthier Food in the Cafeteria Dear Editor,

As a student at Collegiate for eight years I believe that we need a healthier school lunch. One of my reasons is that the food isn’t always the freshest. One time, I had a cookie but it had a white blotch on it and it was hard as rock so clearly it was stale and old.

My other reason is that the menu doesn’t have enough healthy options. Most times the lunch is pizza, burgers, corn dogs, spaghetti,

pancakes, and chicken nuggets and that is obviously unhealthy. Some people might say “but kids like unhealthy food” but healthier food is better for the mind and body and helps you be more productive in school. I think we need to find a better menu and better ingredients that everyone will enjoy and perform well from.

Sincerely, Amir Khicha, 6th Grade

Study Hall at the End of the Day is Helpful Dear Editor, I think that every kid should have a study hall at the end of the day because we are learning for almost seven hours a day and should get time to relax and finish their homework. Some kids I know have activities everyday from right after school to about 9 p.m. and I would not like to be doing homework until I have to go to sleep.

Kids also have to balance things like chores and homework. What used to be relaxing on the weekends has turned to catching up on homework and chores. We need a study ,

“Electric Bike” Reide Rasberry, 6th

“A Unicorn” Shelbie Emerson, 8th

hall to help balance these things.

This is what a normal day can look like for me. I wake up, get ready for school and leave around 8:15, then I get home at 6:00, do homework til about 7:45, do daily chores, eat dinner, and get ready for bed and it's about 9:45. That time could be cut down like an hour if we got study hall.

Sincerely,

Evie Ritchie, 6th Grade

“IF...” you could get anything for Christmas, what would it be?

by Courtlyn Ramsey

(“IF” is a monthly feature inspired by the famous laconic answer by the ancient Spartans to an invading foe. Look it up! Spartans were known for their verbal austerity and pithy remarks.)

More Zero Hour Activities Should be Offered

CORRECTION: Last month, we published this letter under the incorrect name. Kingston Romero is the correct author.

Dear Editor, There should be more zero hour activities/after school activities available for middle schoolers. It helps kids find other hobbies that they didn’t know they liked. Last year I knew nothing about bass guitar. Then after the talent show, me and my friends decided to start playing after school and for events at school. Now I love the bass guitar and play it almost every day.

If a kid doesn’t want to do something new, they can do something that they already know how to do.

This can help them get better at the things they like. Also this can be used for other stuff like study hall.

Some might say, “If they want more

activities for after school and Zero Hour, why don’t they sign up for something that’s not at school?” To this I think that it would be better for kids to do what they like in an environment that they already know, with kids they know. This would in all be a better experience for kids who want to learn stuff that they love.

I believe that in the future we should add more activities to help kids either get motivated in the morning, or learn something new after school.

Sincerely, Kingston Romero, 6th Grade

If you would like to send a letter to the editor, please write to abowers@wcsks.com

“Hoverboard or Electric Scooter” James Ashby, 5th

“Bicycle” Hope Shepherd, 6th

Editorial Cartoon by Khloie Villagomez

6 ENTERTAINMENT

Activity Review: “ Wild Lights” at the Zoo

By: Claire Marquardt Lights illuminate the streets of Wichita every year as we get ready for Christmas. Everyone has seen these lights as they take nightly drives, so after a while they get old and boring. We need a good photo opportunity that still has a winter flair. I visited the zoo a few weeks ago to see if the Wild Lights exhibit was everything it has been said to be. I had seen pictures of the exhibit online and it did not disappoint. The giant lanterns were inspired by Chinese art. The zoo felt that it was important to have an accurate representation of a culture that has oftentimes been misinterpreted.

You can see how much they cared through the craftsmanship of the lanterns.

It may sound like an activity for teens, and adults, but it is a lot of fun for younger kids too! When I visited there were a lot of kids posing for pictures, running

around, and taking part in kid-friendly activities.

Since there was not a guided path, you could walk where you wish, looking at all of your favorite lanterns, and skipping the ones that you aren't interested in. All in all I think that Wild Lights is a fun activity for everyone.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would like to visit it next year.

The ORACLE

By Eloise King

Gemini: This is a sad month for Gemini. You will soon regret anything that you did to a person without their consent.

This could mean you pointed out something that they didn’t want people to know such as a birthday or that their hair isn’t looking too good today. You won’t know how your regret will come, but it will. Geminis at least had a great Christmas Break, but soon will be disappointed with something in their lives as they return to school.

Sagittarius: This is a month about building confidence for Sagittarius. You are one of the most interesting signs and you hardly ever give yourself credit for it. Sagittarius needs to begin your healing for your mental health. Everyone but you knows you can do it and all you need to do is get the confidence

Movie Review: Red Notice

By Cambell Arneson Recently, Netflix released a new movie called Red Notice starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot. It was filled with mystery, crime, action, adventure and comedy. It was 1 hour and 55 minutes full of action-packed entertainment.

The characters matched their roles very well and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Agent John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) and Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds) never failed to make the whole crowd laugh with their clever jokes.

In this movie, Nolan Booth teams up with FBI Agent John Hartley to battle against Sarah Black to steal the last golden egg out of three. Will they find the third egg and make it all out alive? They also bounce around to many different countries fighting bad guys and uncovering different mysteries. It included several surprise plot twists that made the movie very unpredictable. If you like movies

like Skyscraper or Charlie’s Angels, then you will like this movie.

I loved this movie but it needed more personality. The script was dull and there could have been more action. Dwayne Johnson is an amazing actor but he lacked his personality.

His role was the hero so he did have to stay serious but it just made the movie so bland. The movie is also very easy to forget. There was so much going on and things just happened so fast that it’s hard to take in everything.

Also, make sure to watch to the end for a huge plot twist!

The movie carried many well-known actors but also new faces started to show up as the movie continued. like a surprise appearance of Ed Sheeran singing at a wedding.

Although this movie may not have been everything I hoped for, I would definitely watch it again.

This film ended with a huge cliffhanger so I can’t wait to watch the sequel!

to begin having confidence. If you don’t have self confidence or if you have too much, you could come off as annoying or arrogant. Observe others first, and slowly begin to take credit for your incredible accomplishments. You cannot learn to love life until you live the life you love.

rewarding for all the good work done early by Virgo. You will stray from doing things the way others do; however, try to stay calm and composed.

You will begin your creative journey through the month of January. Your month will begin with trouble and end in great self-confidence.

Scorpio: Scorpios will not have to worry too much this month.

You will get good grades as long as you focus and stay efficient. Don’t count too much on this though because you are the only person who can predict your future. You obviously still need to worry since it is necessary to worry all the time if you want to stay alive, just don’t be too paranoid because you still need to live as opposed to just staying alive.

Libra: Libras will soon be called upon to step into a position of trust and honor. Your deeds will come back around to you and the people around you will realize all the good that you have done for them. Although you may seem sad at times, remember that it is always common to feel this way as sadness often comes as an effect of joy.

Stay strong and your sadness will pass. Always remember to stay positive and remember that this will be your month so long as you remain strong.

Virgo: This month will be very

Across 2. What movie did Julie Andrews win a best actress award for?

5. Translate into Spanish ‘My name is Mr. Spanish.”

8. How many hearts does a worm have?

9. Features the song “Let It Go” 10. What do you call a baby goat?

11. Translate into Latin ‘They were going’ 13. What is the Greek name for Earth?

14. What is sushi normally wrapped in?

15. Which Disney princess did Emma Watson portray?

16. Who originally sang and wrote the song “I Have a Dream?”

17. What is a group of crows called?

18. Which pop singer is known as the Material Girl”?

19. Bottom part of a fraction 22. Which Disney princess did Naomi Scott portray?

25. Unicorns are the national animal of which country?

29. Which sport has been played on the moon?

30. How many Disney movies are there?

33. Dog from Peter Pan 34. What is Canada’s national sport?

36. What is the most populated city in the world?

37. Most shallow ocean in the world 40. Which Disney princess did Lily James portray?

43. Who wrote the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

44. Which fruit does SpongeBob live in?

45. Greek God of music?

Taurus: Taurus needs to be extremely careful. This month could be dangerous for you. Be sure to study and stay smart about yourself, friends, family, and school. And make certain that you are paying close attention to your surroundings and stay wary of everything and everyone. Keep away from cars or you might get hit by one.

Leo: This is a month of karma for Leo. If you recently rejected a friend, you will soon be rejected yourself. Or if you bullied someone, you will learn to see how terrible bullying really is. You will begin feeling

ENTERTAINMENT 7

Crossword Puzzle

By Lucy Gehrer

Down 1. What is the shortest month?

3. Number one Disney movie 4. What country invented the ice cream sundae?

5. Who wrote the “I Have a Dream” speech?

6. What is the largest organ on the human body?

7. Features the song “Fathoms Below” 12. What month has the most holidays?

17. What movie features most of Abba’s album, Gold, songs?

18. La Gioconda 20. Andy’s neighbor 21. Who is the king of all the Greek Gods?

23. About how many gummy bears are in a 5oz pack?

24. What is a female elephant called?

26. First Disney movie?

27. Fashion designer in Incredibles 28. Where did Harry Potter go to school?

31. Who is the Greek Goddess of the rainbow?

32. How many nights is Hanukkah celebrated?

35. Which sport uses a wooden ball and mallet?

38. Features the song “Un Poco Loco” 39. Top part of a fraction 41. First country to use postcards 42. What is the most densely populated country in Latin America? ever so confident, and soon lose faith in yourself. Do not be too worried though. If you are a good person, your good will return to you for the better.

Whether it be good or bad, you will find that your karma will follow you into the new year.

Cancer: This is a month for determining how strong you are physically and emotionally as well as mentally. You will find that coming face to face with your adversities is the source of your strength. Your P.E. experience will be much better now and you will reign supreme during dodgeball. Well, it’s that or you are annihilated within

seconds. Like I said, you and only you get to determine how strong you really are.

Aries: This month for Aries is a time to clear your mindset and free up mindspace for greater problems and other good things can flow your way. With this, you should be ready to look beneath the surface. Keep this in mind because with this advice in mind, you could find that you will transform your life for the better.

Capricorn: You may feel like you are all alone in these cold and dreary winter months. You will find yourself becoming

more confident and happy by the day. Everything happens for a reason. Of course the reason may be because you make a bad decision, but it was a reason nonetheless. As you sink into your sorrows and self pity, try to think about the person who complimented your shirt during lunch or your advising group who went along with an idea you had. These little happenings mean they care enough to listen to you and respect you. Besides, it’s better to be alone sometimes.

Aquarius: Aquarius, like Pisces, is going to have a very bad month. Not as bad as Pisces,

but still bad. But, with bad, comes good. One day, you fail a test, the next, you get a 100%.

Good thing we have tests daily! Good luck and be sure to study!

Pisces: I’m going to say this flat out. This is not the month for Pisces. Your month will be filled with loss. Be it a sports game, a bad grade on a test, or maybe a friend. Of course, your month won’t be horrible as you will find one new song that you like. Yay! What a great month for Pisces!

8 Lifestyle

Maxtha Stewart Home A Parody Article by Max Timsah

How to Make a Big Purr® Turkey this Holiday Season. By Maxtha Stewart

This Holiday Season don’t give your family just any turkey, Give them a Big Purr® Turkey Straight from the depths of Maxtha Stewart studios. In this recipe we will turkey baste, in no haste, and with some food waste, make a great and scrumptious turkey. Ingredients below,

Avoiding Prison ......101

3 cups kosher salt, plus more for seasoning 5 cups sugar 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped 2 medium leeks, white and pale-green parts only, rinsed and coarsely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped 2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped 2 dried bay leaves 3 sprigs fresh thyme 3 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns Freshly ground pepper 1 whole turkey (18 to 20 pounds), rinsed and patted dry, giblets and neck reserved for gravy Gravy 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted, plus 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc Chestnut Stuffing

Avoiding Prison 101:

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Campus Life 9

7TH GRADE - MRS. BRAKE’S ADVISING PHOTOS BY LUCY SHEPHERD

HOLIDAY DOOR DECORATING CHALLENGE HERE ARE THE WINNERS!

5TH GRADE - MRS. FIEGEL’S ADVISING

6TH GRADE - MRS. SMITH’S ADVISING (TIED WITH MRS. GOULD’S, NOT PICTURED)

8TH GRADE - MR. AGUIRRE’S ADVISING (THE CLASSROOM WAS TURNED INTO A CLUB!)

10 CAMPUS LIFE Eighth graders Shaad Issa, Corban Wiley, and Ezra Myers show off their moves.

Ali Al-Sukin (8) gives Charlie’s Gentile’s (8) dancing legs a break.

7th/8th Snoball Dance

Upperclassmen dressed up in their best 80s or Christmas-themed outfits and had a night to remember.

Isaac’s Vanderburg’s (8) classmates discover that he is unbeatable at Limbo.

[Far Right] Landon Langston (7) crowd surfs.

Eighth graders Clare Schupbach, Ana Rogers, Sara Mines, and Claire Marquadt dance the night away.

SPORTS

11

Basketball Team Develops Skills, Love for the Game

By Carson Malaise As they’ve progressed through the season, the girls basketball team players have developed their skills and teamwork.

Like most sports teams, they have goals for the season, and the girls

basketball team was no exception.

The most important thing that the basketball team has learned is to compete at their fullest potential and improve their skills.

“As a program, our goal is to develop a love for the game and compete at all three levels (6th, 7th and

8th),” said coach Walker Coach Walker is most proud of how they’ve fought through the troubles, and battled each game, but the highlight for the sixth grade team was when they started trusting each other and performing the plays and skills they were practicing in game,

and when they did this they came out successful.

“Seeing that light go on is always a highlight in education or coaching!” said Coach Walker.

When a basketball team starts performing well and are successful, that brings out the positivity of everyone.

As a team no matter the outcome they always have a positive attitude, and pick one another up when they get down.

Throughout the very fast and game-packed season, they accomplished so much, and the greatest accomplishment that they have achieved is learning to compete, according to Walker.

“Playing a game and competing in a game are two entirely different things. When athletes start to understand and embrace this then special things start to happen. You will see some special things from these girls in the years to come!” said Coach Walker

Maddie Ternes (8) dribbles past her defender. Photo by Reghan Eck.

Queen Chalmers (6) drives the ball down the court for the 7th grade team.

Photo by Reghan Eck.

The sixth grade team poses for an end-of-season picture with Coach Joel Walker. Photo by Meghan Smith.

Right: Seventh grader Reese Wilborn gives sixth grader Queen Chalmers her bracelet she sold at her business, Fly Threads and Beads.

Her business partner was eighth grader Amelia Blackman.

Market fair

by Reghan Eck Right: Sixth graders Michael Nabbout and Jude Issa show off their custom socks.

Below: Seventh grader Kalyn Lichty gets ready to give his pitch for his business, Kanbina Yuwaku. He sold Asian treats and beverages.

Above: Fifth grader Jocelyn Baig sells Hot Cocoa in a Jar. Left: Eigth grader Milly Caro sells her product at her business, Milly’s Crystal Candles.