The Oshkosh West
INDEX
This Issue:
2-4
opinion Senior editors punch the clock and exit with some parting words of wisdom
Page 3-4 5-7
news
Students, administration band together in standing up to cyberbullying
Page 6 10
Community Fourteen days. Fourteen days. Fourteen days. Tick tock, tick tock....
Pages 10 spread
8-9
Seniors move on to the next chapter in their lives as school comes to an end
Page 8-9 11
Sports
Records, both personal and school, fall like autumnal leaves as tracksters dominate
Page 11 Entertainment 12-13 Avengers Endgame brings viewers to tears as a decade-long MCU storyline reaches its denouement
Pages 12
Features
14-16
Special Olympics grants arena of victory for all athletes as competitions get underway
Pages 16
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Artists craft canvas of future with tools of today
After four years of painted their talent in new and innova“I think it’s a good stress even more personal for them and hands, colored pencil marks, and tive ways. Senior Payton Willis reliever and I definitely think it a way to express themselves. clay-caked palms, the seniors has created countless works, each is a good building block to estab“ Se n ior s ea ch got t hei r claimed recognition by display- exhibiting his creative ability. lishing some sort of an artistic own board, so we had to make ing their f o u n d a t i o n a design plan of how we were work in and help stu- going to set up our board and the Alberta dents decide we had to make our own name Kimball w h e t h e r o r tags,” Voorhees said. Auditorium Once seniors set up each not they want hallways on to cont i nue of their pieces from their years May 7. Sewith it,” Wil- of art experience, it provided niors have l is s a id . “I an exciting display for visibeen in just think it’s tors to see the progress artists art classes a really good m a de f rom st a r t t o f i n ish. throughout “And once we put everyoppor t unit y high school for students, thing together, it’s a culmination and worked especially if of what’s out there and what’s behard prethey want to ing taught,” Spanbauer said. “We photo by Isabella Gabavics get those cre- display things out in the hallways par ing for t h e s h ow. Seniors with four consecutive years of art classes were highlighted separately at ative juices during the year, but you still don’t The unique the art show. One of these students, Thomas Hendricks, presented his take on f l o w i n g . ” see it all together all in one event.” s h o w c a s e Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam” from the Sistene Chapel. After seeing all the artwork With art shares the shows occur- that students put together, teach“The art show was a buildup ring throughout the year, some ers like Geffers are grateful for all talents at West, not only with students, but also with the com- of all the things I’ve been working s t u d e n t s the time munity. Art teacher Linda Geffers on for the past four years and a col- have been t h e y helped coordinate this program to lection of all the art I’ve created,” a w a r d e d spent portray the senior’s craftsmanship. he said. “I have watercolor, a lot of a c c o m with the “We want to show the school, chalk on wood and some acrylic.” plishments artists No matter the form of art f o r t h e i r community, parents and other in the students what we do in here the the students take an interest a r t w o r k classentire year, and it is a representa- i n, the suppor t f rom teach- and some room. tion of their hard work,” she said. ers motivates them to create h a v e “ I A r t teacher Kelly Span- their personal master pieces. strived to j u s t “The teachers are g reat. be recogbaue r se e s t he n ig ht a s a n think opportunity to highlight less T h e y’r e f r ie n d ly a n d s u p - n i zed for we get celebr at e d t a le nt s at We st . por tive and all ver y good at their work. to know “It is a way to showcase not what they do,” Hendricks said. them re“WinWest art programs led by ning ‘most just the certain students who are ally well in sports, but it showcases the Geffers, along with Elizabeth a r t i s t i c ’ over the skills and was a goal photo by Isabella Gabavics y e a r s ; talents o f m i n e Maddie Larson shared her homage to the King of Rock we have that other ever since and Roll, Elvis Presley. Her work, featured at the Senior h a d students f r e sh m a n Art Show, offers just one example of the creations de- m a n y have, be year,” Wil- veloped through classes such as Drawing and Painting. of them sides just in class lis said. athletics,” for their “And then I she said. got it, so it was pretty satisfactory.” whole time here at West,” she O n e Students have worked hard said. “We get to know them on of these to prepare for this event and most a personal level and we get to sit talented of the time they don’t get recog- and talk with them about everyseniors, nized. Geffers shared that some day things and it’s not always Ryleigh teachers might be too focused on art related or school related.” Voorhees, The one-on-one time that is the students academically and not l o v e s becoming aware of their extra available for students and teachdrawing ers to cur ricular animals, have is the a c t i v i t i e s . photo by Abe Weston her favorite reason why “ We’l l Dozens of community members attended the Senior Art Show bei ng t he instructors hear from to appreciate the creativity of the Wildcat student body. Artists, wolf which are able to other teachmany of whom have been honing their craft for years, were alshe chose notice how ers ‘oh well lowed a public canvas to share the fruits of these labors. to draw the artists t h e y’r e r e every year. show i m ally good at “I’ve always liked art since Brydon, Kelly Spanbauer, Jason English but I provement I was young, and I wasn’t go- Ryf, and Jessica Wilcox, offer didn’t know from year ing to give that up when I got diverse art courses. From draw- t h e y w e r e t o ye a r. to high school,” she said. “So, ing and painting, Photoshop, ar tists too.’ “ W e I made time in high school to cer a m ics, a nd photog r aphy, O r , ‘ g o s h get to take art at least once a year.” any art class offered provides that student see their Art for senior Thomas Hen- student with a challenge to im- wasn’t good growth dricks has been an inspiration prove their skill in a non com- for me but I s i n c e not only in his younger years, petitive and calming atmosphere. didn’t realize freshman “Art is really relaxing and it’s h o w m u c h but also as a potential career. photo by Abe Weston y e a r a n d “I enjoyed it th roughout one of those classes where it is artistic talent The halls outside the Alberta Kimball Au- y o u a r e school, from elementary onward,” easy to get a good grade because t hey ha d ,’” ditorium were filled with artwork on May 7. a b l e t o he said. “I stuck with it in high you are doing something you s h e s a i d . This wall features a collage of paintings s e e t h a t school because I decided I wanted enjoy,” Voorhees said. “It’s some- “Some kids and drawings displaying various tech- they have to major in art in college and I knew thing you always will and always t h a t d o n ’ t so much niques used to create their pieces. I had to put together a profile.” can improve on so it can make you t h r ive a capotential,” Each of the seniors joined feel good about yourself when you d e m i c a l l y, S p a n art for different reasons and each see the progress you’ve made.” thrive in the elective area and it’s bauer said. “You get to see them Not only can taking an art nice to showcase that side of them.” bloom into these wonderful artbrought a new aspect of creativity to the table. A variety of disci- class help develop skill, it can The seniors carefully planned ists that they have inside them.” plines are available for students create a base for future interests how they wanted their work to be by Index Staff to dabble in, but each displays students might want to pursue. displayed. This made the show
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May 24, 2019
Volume 115, Issue 8
Opinion
Existential dread and emotional farewells: Seniors the-bathroom-and-cry moments that they got through despite the odds, and I am so privileged to witness the personal victories of so many indescribable people. No matter how much I propagate burning the bridges, the foundations that supported them, that supported me, live on, holding steady as an ever-present reminder of the first family it truly hurt to leave behind.
Ashlyn Casey (Managing Editor) “Every night before I go to bed I think about John McCain being whipped.” Not intended as a criticism of John McCain, I promise, but props to Maggie Rowe, because with these off-kilter, out-of-context words, she inspired a tradition that carried me through my three years on Index and immortalized the absolute absurdity of the Index as a whole. The Quote Board. A whiteboard wall in our little hidden corner of the school hosting snippets of the glorious antics of all the miraculous characters who passed through our cramped, ridiculous, incredible home. The people who contributed to such a hall of atrocities of the English language have changed my life in utterly inexplicable ways, opening me up to laughter and love, attachments I had avoided for a long time as an Army B.R.A.T. From the dire and yet somehow unifying chant of “Stop the siren, shed Jack’s blood” that sent us all into giggling fits my sophomore year, to the demolition of Paul’s character my senior year, our light hearted ribbing characterized us as more of a family (or a cult) than just a club. There were tears, there was drama, there were breakups and injuries and arguments, but after every catastrophic inconvenience, we always came back together. Back to late nights of truth or dare and freezing Nerf guns for no reason. Back to climbing out the window into the courtyard for a game of terrible catch. Back to all of us, through all my years of Index, clustered on the futon or on wheelie chairs, on tables and the floor, sharing our lives with one another. The reality of a family made up of 20 unruly, ignorantly brave, kind-of-stupid teenagers and one inspiringly existential mentor was certainly not one I was ever expecting, but one that has defined my life at West. This remarkable group of people taught me more about myself than the other seven cities and five schools ever could, and for that I will be forever grateful. Sitting in the office on a late Saturday night watching The Ring for no real reason, ridiculous as that situation was, broke down my walls, reminding me that the facade that I had constructed during years moving through the country, of the tough girl ready to fight fate itself, didn’t have to be my only crutch. I could break down and be scared, reveal emotion without worrying about the strength of my armor. The Index provided me with a group of people that for the first time in my life, I didn’t have to fight to be a part of. The people I have encountered in my dingy little paradise are comparable to no other, ranging in personality and senses of humor and lengths they will go to get a laugh, but each and every one of them made an impact on a part of my heart that I usually keep fiercely guarded. There are no real requirements in the Index family, other than the courage to survive an entrance interview, the likes of which no being has seen before. Every single person in the Index has their own stories, their own struggles, their own break-down-in-
Mikayla Heath (Managing Editor) These last few weeks are what I’ve waited four years to get to, and now that they are finally here, I can’t help but feel disappointed that my time here at Oshkosh West has come to an end. Through the sleepless, energy drink-filled nights, my time here at West has been a busy one. Between joining every club I could and still keeping up with school, friends, and work, this will be a time to remember. Being a part of the Index was one of my greatest achievements as I was able to build confidence and it forced me to really prioritize what was important to me as an individual and as a student. This office, these people, this school have given me what I know to be some of the best and worst moments of my life and as I look back with no regrets as I look forward to a fresh start. I know this year there were a lot of points where I just wanted to drop everything and have fun, because why not it’s senior year right? But I am grateful to the ones who kept me grounded in my goals and made me realize that this is the year before life actually starts, no point in letting anything get to you or stop you from getting where you want to go. To those individuals and to many of my teachers, thank you for all that you gave me. I plan on being a business major with a history minor as I pursue a law career, and many of you were large influencers of that goal. To my peers I have to say thank you as well as you all were large contributors to my motivation and I will miss Anna Gannon and my midnight trips to the library to cram all of our work. Index, along with the other organizations I was a part of, were vital in where I am today and I am extraordinarily grateful for all that the club has given me.
AnnabelleWojahn (ManagingEditor) Looking back upon my experience involved with extracurriculars at West, none have enabled me to pursue connections
in numerous aspects of my life like Index has. Although I’ll refrain from mentioning Wave Robotics or Global Academy in this piece, I’ve gained more than I could’ve imagined by pushing myself through those late nights that most high schoolers are familiar with in order to progress as an individual, and complete stories that capture a community. I’ve let myself down, grown from the mistakes, and embraced the elitism of the establishment around me. If it weren’t for Post Malone’s albums on repeat, night after night of production, I wouldn’t have made it through. There’s something so intriguing about the rigid authenticity of journalism that has compelled me to strive for precision in writing my articles while perusing pages of other sections. Maybe it’s the satisfactory smell of the freshly printed paper, or the moment when the columns or our formatting program change color to signify that columns have lined up correctly. Maybe it’s the dozens of stories I’ve delved into during interviews that have developed my understanding about the school, the community, and the world. As spread editor, I will be replaced just as the futon was, but the memories I’ve created while laboring to complete an award-winning newspaper are just as important as the role the futon has played in providing a place for people to bond, removed from the “unwashed masses” of the rest of the school, as well as a crucial location for much-needed nap time (outside of my regular classes). This item had already created lasting memories for classes of editors decades before me and the things I’ve learned through Index will be influential to me for decades to come. Finally, I’d like to give an immense thank you to the reader. If this is the first time you’ve taken in my word transferred into text, I commend you for sticking with my ramblings so far. If you’ve managed to pick up a copy of the Index before, and even go so far as to open the first page, I appreciate your will. The hard work of our staff often goes unnoticed, but we provide an important role as a source of press without prior review to connect the school and community. The issues with my name in the by-line will soon yellow, only remaining in the dusty cabinets of Mr. Scott’s closet, but the personal impact this newspaper has had on me contributes to who I am as an individual. Maybe if the Index only reaches a small population of our school, maybe if no one reads the stories I’ve written, maybe if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, that tree still had the courage to create a little motion in its universe. RIP Index futon (2004-2019).
P a y t o n W i l l i s ( We b S q u a d ) It’s crazy to think that graduation is already here; it feels like just yesterday I was wandering the halls for the first time, map and all. These past four years of my life have been almost like a movie filled
with cherishable memories, unique characters, and late night adventures. As I sit and reflect, I find that thinking about even the little moments brings a smile to my face. Of course there were moments where it felt overwhelmingly gloomy, but those are quickly made up for by the unforgettable good that has become of my high school experience. Ya’ know you really grow in these four years, you gradually become more comfortable with yourself and begin to take pride in your individual quirks and characteristics. Friends come and go, but those that really care for you stay, the people that stick with you throughout the social experiment that is high school are the people who most genuinely care about you, it is of most importance that one realizes that a great deal of their own character is a product of the people that they surround themselves with. Overall, I’ve learned to instead embrace change rather than fear it, as each new experience is a potential moment from which you can grow. I owe a great deal of my own growth and passions to the teachers; without the proper guidance and support, I would have never been given just the right push to really grow and develop. As I find myself wondering about the future, I then realize just how great these four years have been and although I am excited to discover all that the world has to offer for me in life, I still find myself wishing I could do it all again. Thank you, Oshkosh West.
A d d y B a r b e r ( We b S q u a d ) We’re already done. It’s been four years but sometimes it feels like I’m still getting used to high school. Everything is constantly changing; classes, teachers, friends, myself. The time I’ve spent at West has been full of so many glorious moments and so many small instances that have built me up to the person I am when I walk out the door. This school has given me some of the greatest people in my life and some of the longest nights of my life. As I prepare to make the journey across the country to continue school in California and enjoy the perfect weather, I think I may miss the supportive teachers and peers of West just a little bit. Although my time as an editor in Index has been short (like Simran), it has been one of the best experiences of my time here. I am so grateful to Mr. Scott for being incredibly supportive, although intimidating at times. Mr. Scott never looks at us as just teenagers, he respects our opinions in a change of pace I am thankful for. Lengthy conversations in AP Lit about greater world matters are really the best part of the day. I have to give a shout out to the entire staff for putting up with me and my redbull-induced craze and to Payton for coming along to film me and help put together the (mildly) entertaining videos we make. The best part of this club that has become a family has got to be the Index office, nestled between two classrooms and a passerby
Opinion
Volume 115, Issue 8
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May 24, 2019
a t t e m p t t o p r o c e s s t h e e n d of a n e r a
... wouldn’t even know it was there if they didn’t take a second look. However, this room has hosted some of the best memories of my senior year. The office has become a second home and a place for us to get out of the unwashed masses of Oshkosh West. I’ll miss Simran’s complaining, Paul and his incredible taste in music, and Zade’s not-so witty comments. Above all else, I will miss my third hour naps on the futon. May I be lived on through the next Web Squad.
Tita Roa ( Photography) Prior to being forced to write this sappy message (thank you Ashlyn Casey), although I am a very sappy person, I received the letters Mr. Thiel made us write back in 6th grade and I honestly didn’t even think about how young I was until I read them now, at 18-years-old and about to graduate high school in two weeks. I am ecstatic, overwhelmed, and lugubrious all at the same time. High school had so many ups and so many downs but overall I am glad that I spent my last year in a computer lab with a bunch of insane, passionate and humorous people that I was able to meet in Index. What I dreaded the most is the College Board scheduling the AP Lit and AP Euro exams on the same day, thank you College Board, I really feel proud writing about a sociopathic landlady and answering the first question for Euro about Portugal although Portugal had little to no impact on the AP Euro course. With all of that being said, I am glad that senior year is coming to a close after all of the hard work, late nights studying and not getting enough hours of sleep. I am thankful for the friendships that have been created since high school began and even if I don’t keep contact with everyone I started high school with, I want to thank those for the memories that were created. To my teachers, thank you for helping me when I struggled (especially math, Mr. Miller, you rock) and to those that made me more intrigued in learning (Mr. Stellpflug & Mr. Scott, you guys rock too). Oshkosh has been my home since the age of 5 and now at 18 I am excited to move on and experience so much more in the years to come. What I will miss most is the group of people in Index that have taught me more about myself in the past year and I will miss the memories we share.
Paul LaCosse ( Enter tainment) I’ll admit, I have been just looking forward to the end of the year, walking across that stage at graduation, and having
the rest of my life to look forward to. However, this past month, I have realized how bittersweet that moment will be, having to say goodbye to all the amazing people I have met throughout my years here. I am still in disbelief that I will be graduating in a matter of days and I will have to finally grow up. Learning how to do adult things scares me, and I feel that I just need to be tossed in that separate world. It’s also insane to imagine how much I have grown in high school, from being an innocent little freshman, excited to learn and become involved and to make a name for myself. I am truly grateful for all that I have learned during my time here, not only within academics but also to act as a member of my own society and to become more aware of the world I live in. I will also be forever indebted to all my teachers throughout the years, because they really do go beyond the call to action to make sure their students succeed, at their own expense. Teachers really do the most for their students and that is an underrated aspect of our education system here at West, especially those within the AP and CAPP courses. At that time, I never really realized how much that would change, how the lack of motivation really kills. So if I had to summarize my high school career in one word, it would be regret. Regret for not becoming as involved as I had hoped. Regret for not applying myself as much as I could. Regret for feeling like losing my potential, to be the best version of myself I can be. I hate wasted potential; it crushes your spirit. It really does, it crushes your soul. But I need this liberation and freedom gained in the future to truly change and to achieve my full potential not only as a student, but as a human being.
V i c t o r i a C h a n e z (O u t d o o r s) Victoria Chanez, Vicky Chainzzzzzz, Vic Chainzzzzz, V Chainz, Chainz...So many memories told by this long list of the same name that changed throughout my time as an Index editor the past three years. I have had many titles through this position from following in the footsteps of previous News Editor to branching out to add a new genre as the Outdoors editor, but I am appreciative of the opportunities that I have taken advantage of. I learned how to connect with people I had to interview. Having to seek out the perfect story and those who could tell it was a lesson in itself that I learned by doing. I developed patience when letting the interviewer share their experiences and found new ways to incorporate their values into my writing. I expanded my previous knowledge on topics that I have a passion for by listening to new perspectives and writing for an audience who was willing to think out of the box. I had the opportunity to provide this new perspective for readers and gain a new following because of stories that were less publicized in previous years. Along with writing for a diverse audience, I also worked with a diverse group of staff
members. These experiences collaborating with my team helped me appreciate a wide range of personalities and see the strengths in them. I have created life long memories with the three years of editorial staff that I will always look back on.
N i t h y a A m b a t i ( P r o d u c t i o n) I remember sitting down to take my school pictures before freshman year and the photographer saying, “Hey, high school is four years, but it goes by so fast.” At the time, I totally disregarded this because, like I said, I was about to be a freshman in high school, and it seemed like forever until senior year. Besides, I had better things to worry about like asking myself why I wanted to start out high school with the hardest AP class, or freaking out about how big the school is, or even figuring out how to read an analog clock by just glancing at it (still takes me a while). Now, I know... high school flew by. I was tiny freshman that year, and I guess I still am, but I have definitely grown as a person through my experiences at West. I learned so much about talking to new people, making effort to maintaining relationships and setting personal goals for myself to try and achieve each day. And as a side note, everyone always asks if I have a 4.0, and well, hate to break it to ya guys, but, lost that one freshman year. I honestly think that is part of what got me through the rest of high school because I could still challenge myself without the stress of having to keep my GPA up. What I am most disappointed about is that it took me almost my entire high school experience to realize that there is so much more to high school than the classes I took. I am so grateful for being involved in Index and having a space inside the walls of West where I can relax and feel comfortable. Every time I tell people that we are at the school till 10pm, jaws drop, but there are so many memories I have made with this group of friends. I want to thank my family for going above and beyond for me and supporting me in all my activities. They have always been super excited to see whatever I do and that really encourages me to get involved in whatever I can.
Simran Gandhi ( Photography) For most, graduation is a long-awaited, sweet release from the bitter clasps of
high school. However, for me, it is a nervewracking and sad end of an era. While everyone around me seems to be bursting with joy to escape these sweaty hallways, I am honestly not sure if I am ready to let go of the place I have spent 36 months of my life within. Right now, I am in a safe bubble where I go home to family every day and my dad is a step away if I need anything, and yet every day I am reminded at one point, I will have to completely take care of myself. Somehow, adults seem to have the answer to everything, like if I screwed up big time and have no clue how to fix the problem, I tell my dad and he will have three different solutions. It has yet to register in my head that I will need to know the answers myself soon. Choosing Madison as my future home was and is hopefully going to be the best choice for me, as I hope to retain the relationships I have spent the past seven years in Wisconsin creating. Having already chosen my roommate (who is the EXACT same height as me btw), I am most excited to meet her and decorate our dorm room together. However, I will always miss walking through the extremely narrow hallways as underclassmen constantly bump into me, Mr. Scott’s (and the entire Index staff’s) relentless jokes towards everything related to Paul and myself, and making fun of Addy’s ‘quirkiness’ daily. *Sigh*. Although high school has provided me with some of the lowest points of my life, I would not trade those experiences for the world because I have grown exponentially mentally and hope to never forget the ups and downs of spending life in the big OW. It is insane to think of all the ‘lasts’ we have in high school, like our last Index production, our last FNL, our last Wildcat celebration; it really goes by so fast… The truth is, if someone told me to do high school all over again, I think I would because the real world is a scary place, man. Like honestly, how the heck do I even open a bank account and when will my coffee addiction start to keep me awake through college and how do you open a vacuum to clean it?!? So much to fear, but the biggest thing I have learned is you really just have to take life as it comes. Live in the moment and do not stress over things that have not happened yet, because as Mr. Scott’s dad famously said, “Well, what’re you gonna do?” Trent Scott (Resident Curmudgeon) This is my 24th year of advising this newspaper (it’d be 25, but I lost my mind and moved to California a number of years back). Obviously, I don’t HAVE to do this. Like all of the teachers lining the hallways, coaching the sports, supervising extracurriculars, I make a choice every year. Thankfully, my choice also stands as my blessing. You see, the students I get the rare gift to advise are the very best kind of people. They are witty, intelligent, empathetic, insightful, and concerned about a world that looks more and more grim by the moment. To put it mildly, they are far, far more advanced than I was at that tender age (from what I can remember, that was a long time ago....). This has been a nightmare year for me in many, many ways. However, my Index family and all of my classes have shown me nothing but kindness and support, and these are gifts I do not take lightly. Thank you for being my family.
#INDEX4LIFE by Senior Editors
4 May 24, 2019
Opinion
Volume 115, Issue 8
Ten second editorials...
Thumbs up What fun things are you doing this summer?
...To Mr. Scott. Thank you infinitely for everything you do for us and for this school. You have changed our lives in ways no one was expecting, and proven to us all why one should definitely take AP Lit.
Thumbs down ...To the end of our lives as we know them. This year has been the end of an era in a million different ways, and we can only hope to bring all the lessons we have learned into our lives after high school.
“Working full time, second shift, two to midnight. So that’s extremely fun.” - senior Evan Ruddy
What fun things are you doing this summer?
“Saving lives at the pool.” - senior Meg Grahl
“Being CNAs together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” - seniors Emily Roland and Natalie Schatz
“Partying it up on a boat to Sean’s private island. Heck yeah!” - senior Johnathon Jungwirth
The Oshkosh West
INDEX
“Getting out of here.... hopefully.” - senior Ethan Bathke
Oshkosh West High School 375 N. Eagle St. Established in 1903 Volume 115, Issue 8
General Adviser: Trent Scott
“Pet my dog. Like usual.” - senior Madison Larson
“Playing with my two-day-old grandchild and cleaning up diapers.” -Ms. Wilder
Managing Editors: Ashlyn Casey Mikayla Heath Annabelle Wojahn Editors: Zade Alzoubi (Sports) Keerthana Ambati (Community) Nithya Ambati (Production) Addy Barber (Web) Victoria Chanez (Outdoorz) Jacob Collins (Web) Izzy Gabavics (Features) Simran Gandhi (Photography) Akashraj Karthikeyan (News) Paul LaCosse (Entertainment) Joe Mayo (Features)
Aspen Oblewski (Entertainment) Emma Olson (Community) Hannah Olson (Graphic Magic) Amiliana Roa (Photography) Jack Rowe (Ads) Payton Willis (Web) Writers: Abigail Eaton, Andrew Engedal, Sophie Burke, Kailey Freund, Ainsley Moore, Bailey Staerkel, Javit Thao, Isabelle Wolf
“Having plant babies.” - senior Kit Matzke
“Basic military training, getting buff.” - senior Landon Anderson
Photographers: Abe Weston Emotional Support: Mulligan and Buster
Non-Profit Organization Oshkosh Area Schools P.O. Box 3048 Oshkosh, WI 54902 May 24, 2019 Issue #8
The purpose of the Oshkosh West Index is to educate, inform, and entertain through eight publications each year. The paper will provide a forum for students’ ideas and opinions. All letters must be signed. Index editors reserve the right to edit all letters for reason of space, clarity, or libel. All letters express the opinion of their authors and not necessarily that of the Index staff. Drop off all letters in E25, direct them to www.oshkoshwestindex.org, or mail them to Index, Oshkosh West High School, 375 N. Eagle Street, Oshkosh WI 54902. Index accepts advertisements from businesses, faculty, or students, thus creating a market for saleable goods.
“Relaxing and gardening.” - Mrs. Rennebohm
News
Volume 115, Issue 8
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May 24, 2019
Publications policy comes under review in OASD The First Amendment and its Consti- handbook to follow in terms of behavtutional guarantee of freedom of the press ior and overall demeanor, the school has been the heartbeat of American de- board governs through policy, and policy mocracy for going on 250 years. On a far often makes its way into student handmore microcosmic level, it also provides books and athletic codes,” she said. “But student journalists the perfect arena to learn I think the first reaction was to find out the critical thinking skills and judgment whether or not policy had been followed.” required by the “real After writing the world” awaiting followstory, Doemel attempted ing graduation. Over the to fulfill the vetting propast two months, the cess but did not succeed Oshkosh Area School in having someone within District [OASD] has administration comment grappled with issues on the story prior to pubregarding its student lication on the website. publication policy that “Brock called Central provide a litmus test and didn’t get comment,” for where the district Cummings said. “I actustands as it must come ally took it down because I to a decision as to what was getting worried about freedom really means. legal issues and to protect Arising from a remyself and my students.” photo from CSN cent conflict regarding Deputy Superintendent David GundThe district’s initial the North Star (Oshkosh lach has hopes that the Policy and Gov- reaction to the situation North’s student news- ernance Board will find a solution to the was to try and find the paper) and a controver- publications problem. Working hand in anonymous source that was hand with NEOLA, the district will move sial story removed from forward in seeking out information quoted in the article. As publication, there have needed to revise the policy. rumors and speculation bebeen many questions gan to die down, the district raised regarding what sent a request to Doemel Policy 5722 states, or should state, regard- and Fitzhenry for any of their notes, and ing the question of open or closed forums passwords to their stories or interviews. for the district’s publication. Students Brock “Brock and Tess got an official letDoemel and Tess Fitzhenry published a ter from the district in response to their story in the online North Star that refer- Freedom of Information Act [FOIA] reenced an anonymous source weighing in on quest; the district requested all of their the employment status of a school official. passwords and notes, and that is when we “The initial response was from our knew we had to fight this,” Cummings said. principal, Jackie Kiffmeyer, which statThe district has been clear with its ed that our article was not credible,” intentions to protect all individuals inFitzhenry stated, “and that it should’ve volved, both students and staff, yet part of been approved prior to publishing.” the problem arose from the same district’s Upon the story’s brief publication, it institution of Policy 5722 without actuwas pulled within an hour of posting, there ally informing the publications, followed was backlash toward both students involved by a failure to follow through on discusand also frustrations and mixed messages sion and implementation of the proposed regarding the district’s policy regarding st- edits to said policy. The OASD’s use of tudent rights to publish. This story opened the company NEOLA (a consulting firm up weeks worth of discussion as the district on policy language that addresses statebegan to review the publication forum poli- specific issues and laws) has raised quescy centering around all district newspapers, tions regarding possible errors within the including the Index. policies that were bought and reviewed. According to West adviser Trent “First and foremost, the district Scott, part of the conflict experi- has an obligation to protect the privacy enced by North resulted from a com- and rights of employees and students,” plete breakdown in communication Deputy Superintendent David Gundand understanding regarding policy. lach said. “While at the same time guid“Last year, Jason [Cummings, North ing students and providing valuable adviser] and I brought concerns regarding educational and learning opportunities.” what we felt was a highly restrictive policy The school board had no knowledge to the attention of building administrators that the policy that was passed by the and Superintendent [Stan] Mack,” he said. board back in 2015 was one of four op“In short, the policy [Policy 5722] estab- tions that were open for consideration. lished a restrictive environment of prior re“What the board did not know at view and restraint that made it difficult for the time of that specific policy was that student journalists to really benefit from the NEOLA had actually four policy drafts experience of reporting on the news. The and once the district had reviewed, those policy we found was also completely dif- policy drafts had only shared the option ferent than what it had been, historically.” that appears in print now,” Herzog said. The advisers weren’t the only ones. Scott clarified the problem. “Both building administrators to“When we met at the district office retally agreed with us, and Mr. Mack asked garding 5722, NEOLA actually provided us to revise the policy,” Scott said. “We us with a tool kit to examine the language did so, and the edits were made as ‘ad- of the policy,” he said. “The took kit alministration guidelines’;unfortunately, lows a district to edit the language to fit this never became the new policy. The its students and local population. The lanNorth student journalists were mistak- guage allows for a range of policies from enly publishing under the old guidelines open - which is pretty much what a prowhen they believed they had far more lati- fessional newspaper has - to a rigid prior tude. To put it mildly, that’s problematic.” review where administrators are given Because of this mix-up, the board access to stories before they go to press.” followed the old policy stringently, as Even though the past couple of School Board President Barb Herzog ex- months have been messy, Scott is hoping plained that the board went out of its for a resolution that will benefit everyone. way to follow the letter of its wording. “From what I heard at our meeting at “Just as students have a student district office, I don’t believe that anyone
actually wants the most restrictive policy,” able for everything that goes out there.” Wanting to make sure that they have he said. “Everyone agreed that the tool box should have been used to vett the policy, all of the information before making a but it was never introduced. I’m not sure final decision, the school board has rewhy, but that lack of communication and quested the other three drafts of the policy transparency frustrates me. It also leaves in order to review and consider them all. “We now have been given all four of me wondering if there are other policies that have not been sufficiently worshopped. the drafts and they have been shared with Hopefully, this incident provides the impe- the two advisers,” Herzog said. “That was tus to do so moving forward as we assess important to us because this is a very comour policy and governance as a district.” plex issue as it reflects First Amendment Cummings shares these con- rights and also policy rights of an individcerns and knows the dangers a rig- ual who is employed, so we want to make id, closed forum would present if the sure we are covering all of our bases.” Gundlach is hopeful that the district does not revise Policy 5722. “I said [at the board meeting] that Policy and Governance Committee they shouldn’t have cracked down so hard will come to a fair decision followbecause now we may end up with zero ing their upcoming meeting in May. “It is not a matter of incorrect policontrol,” he said. “If we continue with this sort of restrictive policy, it may drive cies but instead ensuring that policies are student journalists to just publish on so- developed and maintained in a way that cial media without guidance or advice.” allows the district to act in the best interHerzog recognizes the muddled past of est of its stakeholders,” he said. “The the policy and the resulting consequences. Board regularly reviews its policies “My understanding is that the two ad- through its Policy and Governance Comvisers did meet with the former superin- mittee for consideration, and if revisions tendent who is now retired; however, the are needed, the policy is then brought to board members were not informed of those the full Board for review and approval.” Gundlach, along with the other admeetings, and we did not know what exactly they changed,” she said. “They did not ministrators, is looking forward to the edit the policy, they edited the Administra- further conversations derived from this tive Guidelines and those do not come to situation in order to look at the rights of the board unless they have something to do student newspapers. This was supposed with staff compensation. When administra- to have been the reasoning behind the tion writes Administrative Guidelines, they purchasing of NEOLA policies as they need to be in alignment with the policy.” would be able to go through the process The edits made to the Administrative of seeing all options and understandGuidelines were not capable of changing ing the repercussions of what is selected. “The Board authorized the purchase policy, but not having been informed of this, Cummings acted upon what he thought to be of NEOLA based upon an administrative recommendation. All true regarding their open Board policies are considforum policy. The disered and approved by the trict’s reaction stemmed Board of Education. They directly from what they are the only entity that can believed to be its role. approve Board policies,” he “I got an email from said. “The district remains the HR representative committed to this process for a personnel meetand creating a shared uning about the story,” he derstanding of the value said. “The other part of of school newspapers.” this letter was they will Hoping that the students be having closed founderstand their reasoning, rum, and they did not there are many more discusinform us of the policy.” photo from CSN This confusion sur- North Star Adviser Jason Cummings sions to come on whether rounding the policy has experienced struggles with or not the district will see and NEOLA enacted a publications this year due to con- the necessity of open focall for policy review fusion in the district’s publication rum as students are led into and a look into what policy. Cummings hopes the district the world of journalism and understands the dangers that come the district plans to do with creating a closed forum for other possible career paths. “The district values when handling stu- high school publication. the educational opportunidents’ free speech rights. ties that school newspapers “The District values continuous improvement and is com- provide students, including opportunities mitted to acting in the best interest of its to develop their skills, career interests, and stakeholders at all times,” Gundlach said. individual passions,” Gundlach said. “The “In this situation, the district had an obli- district also values the important role that gation to protect the privacy and rights school newspapers have in teaching stuof employees, while at the same time dents to understand and adhere to journalisguiding students and providing valuable tic responsibilities and the rights of others.” Scott hopes that this theory transeducational and learning opportunities.” Cummings hopes the district un- lates into action before 2019-2020. “Journalism, even on the high school derstands that their use of a closed forum makes it nearly impossible to mo- level, allows for the most important laborativate students and attract teachers and tory imaginable - the kind where an indiadvisers as well. He agrees with Scott vidual has to execute judgment and criticial that this also opens questions as to oth- thinking and inquiry,” he said. “In short, er errors within other policies that may the press offers precisely the sort of learnend up affecting those within the district. ing opportunity that educators around the “What else got changed? What else has country continually call for. I would like not been looked at? Why weren’t there lis- to believe the district I work for shares a tening sessions for all the people that got similar value in empowering students to affected? Again, we had a long standing tra- seek the truth and being accountable for dition of open forum and then they changed the journey they travel in the process.” it and didn’t tell us,” he said. “That’s putting us in danger, and now we are liby Mikayla Heath
6
May 24, 2019
News
Volume 115, Issue 8
Students join together to staunch spread of hate Starting from elementary school, students have been taught that bullying is wrong and they should always follow the “Golden Rule.” However, back then, youngsters did not really need to worry about cyberbullying because social media was a rarity among elementary-aged children. Recently, as students have transitioned into high school and beyond, they have taken bullying to a new level at both West and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. By now, many people have heard of the Instagram accounts spreading false rumors about many West students, mostly among freshmen. One account was called “@thetruthaboutoshkoshwest.” Another was “@owhs.waste.” “I thought the account was going to be mean because of the username so I wanted to follow it to see what it was,” freshman Neveyah Kolb said. “It was just horrible. Saying that people should kill themselves and that they are cheating and just saying really bad things about people. Not cool.” Kolb was the first person posted about on the first account, but many soon followed. “I was super shocked; I thought it was just plain out disgusting that someone would post these cruel things about me and other people,” freshman Arianna Ballman said. “They said I got caught smoking weed in my closet which is totally not true. They also said I try to act like an upperclassman and I try to get with older guys which also isn’t true.” The cyber attacks ranged from irrelevant rumors to the level of suicide. This has attracted much attention in the past weeks, and West administration has taken the issue very seriously. Initial reactions from staff regarding the nature of these posts included shock and disgust. “I was sad, honestly,” Dean of Students Andrea Fisher said. “I felt bad for the kids that were on the posts, and I was angry that somebody would do that to our students.” The comments that were written were attacks on specific students and there were multiple accounts, making it “ongoing.” For these reasons, it was a violation of the bullying policy. This prompted intensive investigation from administration. “The first things are to interview the students that know about it and came to
report it and to ask ‘Who do you know? Who do you think would do this? Who are these about?’ We started with that group because there were three different Instagrams, so it kind of got confusing,” Fisher said. “Our big thing was we took the eight people that had the posts about them and asked ‘What do they all have in common?’ Is it somebody that goes to school here? Is it somebody in the community? Is it a random person somewhere else?” For a school investigation, partnering with police officers like school Liaison Officer Wissink made it a lot easier to come to a solution and to find the results administrators were searching for. “Getting warrants when necessary for getting t h e
report it because they were so upset about some of the comments that were written,” Montour said. “I think every student we talked to felt the same way we did. It was just very cruel and they were pretty upset about it. We also had a lot of staff come in and report it and they almost felt the same way, like almost sick to their stomach about some of the comments.” Aside from the reports, students went to support the victims and
emails or the IP add resses, to f ind where they’re coming from, that was a key part of our investigation too,” Fisher said. “Pair ing up with the Osh kosh Police Department is really helpful.” Obtaining the IP addresses is a heavy process, but once found, they can be used to track down the owners of the accounts. “Officer Wissink ends up writing a warrant to Instagram to find out the IP addresses of all the accounts and then he can write a warrant to that internet carrier from the IP address,” Assistant Principal Rebecca Montour said. “Then, he is given the name and address of the person where the computer is or the phone is or the Wi-Fi is. They are able, even if it’s an old, deleted account, to identify all of that information.” When first exposed to the accounts, students unfolded with rage. The response of primarily the freshman class was outstanding. “We had a ton of students coming to
“Whoever did it deserves what they are getting,” an anonymous freshman said. “I saw some of the things they said, and it says a lot more about them than it did about who they posted. Maybe it was for attention and, if it was, they got it. But not in a good way. I just will never understand how someone could ever say those kinds of things to anybody.” It may be shocking to see so many people come together on this serious topic, especially after all of the conflict the students have had. It is definitely encouraging for all, according to Ballman. “Surprisingly, everyone had my side and they thought it was super rude. People started commenting on the post and telling the anonymous person to stop. It was super sweet and nice to know people cared about me and the others being bullied,” Ballman said. “I thought some people were going to add on to all the mean stuff being said. I’ve just realized that people will say mean
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wanted to t a k e action on their o w n e v e n if they had little c on ne c tion to the victims.
things behind a screen instead of in person.” Some students took the matter even further by creating accounts to counter those expressing the negative comments. “I didn’t expect ever yone to do what they did and have so many report it and make accounts to try and up the moods of everyone involved. It was nice to know we had so many people in our grade who cared about what was going on,” freshman Kiana Jacobson said. With the rise of bullying issues in communities across the world, it is more important than ever that people address the hate comments that can arise, and Oshkosh is no exception. Sometimes, bullying can extend to more than rude comments. It can fester into instances of racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia, like the images that surfaced from an off-campus student house at UW-Oshkosh. The images included a seemingly hand painted swastika banner hanging on the wall as well as a white board with the words “No… Liberals, Jews, Muslims, Queers, or Hmongs.” UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt wrote a letter to the community, expressing his disappointment regarding the situation. “To anyone who brings hate into the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community, I invite you to leave,” he said. “We began investigating [this] matter immediately. We take it seriously. I am angry, and I am sorry for the pain these images cause. They are examples of hate and bias that defy everything we stand for as a university and inclusive community. We do not and will not tolerate it.” There are high hopes for ending this kind of harassment and bullying, but there is only so much staff can do. Ultimately, if students support each other as they did after the Instagram and UWO incidents, they can work to prevent these occurrences of bullying in Oshkosh. To address this, those involved with the Instagram incident hope to inform others on how to retain positivity even in the face of such adversity. “There are always people that have got your back through anything and everything,” Jacobson said. “Don’t let what they say get to you. Embrace everyone’s differences.”
by Sophie Burke
News
7
May 24, 2019
Volume 115, Issue 8
Warren hoping to cash in votes with free college plan With the mass exodus of seniors preparing for graduation this year, many are grappling with financing the transition to college. As college tuition and fees become increasingly large, the threat of accumulated debt has prompted many to doubt their potential for success after the fact. Hoping to remedy this, Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren has introduced a bill in an effort to reduce the impact of college debt for students in need of financial assistance. “We have got these kids coming out of college with so much debt they can’t buy a home,” AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher Paul Stellpf lug said. “They’re not stimulating the economy with thei r i ncome because most of their income is going to pay off student loans when they should be buying houses. They’re working harder than ever just to be able to pay off their loans.” Because of these issues, Warren’s plan sounds appealing, but with the potential of increased spending on the government’s part, this seems very impractical. “Her plan sounds nice, but how do you pay for that? We already have a looming deficit of a $22 trillion debt,” Stellpflug said. “But at the same time, I sympathize with students because college tuition costs continue to go up and it’s becoming harder for average Americans to afford it.” One way Warren seeks to pay for her plan, projected to eventually cost $1.89 trillion in total, is the “Ultra-Millionaire Tax” - a 2% annual tax on well-off families pos-
sessing $50 million or more. This tax could be seen as fair for those in the middle class, but many millionaires would beg to differ. “If I’m a millionaire, I think I would feel like I already am paying more taxes than everyone else. But, I personally do believe that people w h o h ave m o r e wealth should pay mor e t a xe s b e cause society helped them gain that money, and they should give back by helping build more infrastructure for society,” junior Ekaan Ahmad said. “However, singling out the ‘ultramillionaires’ is unfair. The taxes should be raised for every group because everyone should have a part in raising this revenue.” Another point of concern is the fairness for people having already paid their college loans or people who have committed to paying them off. However, many would argue, as with any new legislation, that such questions of equality should not affect such decisions. “I think it is unfair, but that’s besides the point. The fact is that we all need to pitch in to benefit society as a whole - it simply is what it is. If there’s a problem, it should be fixed,” junior Aaron O’Halloran said. To continue adding to the point of unfairness, the debt plan is poised to target
those with an annual household income of $250,000 or less. While this seems to be a reasonable policy, this may not be the case, as $250,000 is not much when compa re d t o t he costs of needs like homes, cars, and other large purchases. “I understand t h a t Wa r r e n i s focu si ng on t he poorer households and I think it is a good idea to provide aid to them first,” senior Katherine Matzke said. “However, some families who make $250,000 actually can’t afford to completely pay for college for their children, so if the government could support them in the future, it would be helpful.” Another cause for debate stems from another population that the plan is supposed to target: racial minorities. While this again seems honorable, the question arises if this is really a different form of prejudice. “It is reverse discrimination because there are as many whites as minorities who are poor. For example, the Appalachia area seems like a third-world country,” Ahmad said. “It is not just blacks, Hispanics, or Asians who are poor, there are many poor white people too.” Regardless of the perceived benefits and other effects, if the bill is enacted the government will have to tread carefully on how it is
implemented. In this case, Stellpflug hopes that the money would only go toward people and situations where it is truly needed. “I wouldn’t mind some debt forgiveness, especially in professions where we need more people,” Stellpflug said. “But for a business major, MBA, and masters of business or administration - when they are going to start making around $75,000 and eventually to $100,000 to $150,000 - I’m not too concerned about debt reduction for them. However, for people like nurses, who are running on little money, I would encourage Senator Warren to target certain careers, not just a blanket for all them.” Warren’s plan presents many opportunities to stimulate the economy and the livelihood of many young graduates. At the same time, for this plan to work practically, many hurdles must be addressed, both expected and unexpected. U.S. History teacher Patrick Bertram warns of what the future may hold if this issue is taken too lightly. “Most people would agree that the price of college has gotten out of control. But making college free could have unforeseen consequences in that many people could treat it like high school,” he said. “Many people who were just okay high school students become better college students they see that they are investing in a college education. If they no longer have to pay much for college, it might not be a big deal to them if they flunk out - nothing lost, nothing gained.”
by Akashraj Karthikeyan
SENIORS ROCK! SO DOES THE FOX CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2019!
15 % o f s t u d e n t 43% of students 13% of stude 13 % o f s t u d e n t s a
GET LIT
GRADUATE:
Class of ‘19 blazes bright path into future
William Adams Marquette University Sabrin Al Othman Al Thiiab FVTC Garret Alby UW Eau Claire Lendry Alderoza Military - Navy Nithya Ambati UW Oshkosh Anthony Ambroso UW Milwaukee Drew Anderson UW Milwaukee Landon Anderson Military - Air Force Natalie Anderson UW Stout Tyler Andre Workforce - Paramedic Kyle Anthes Military - Navy Mary Ashton School of the Art Institute Ryan Bal Michigan Tech Julliana Banayag UW Oshkosh Addison Barber UC Santa Barbara Reilly Bartow UW Madison Ethan Bathke UW Oshkosh Jerald Beck UW Milwaukee Robert Beck Workforce - Apprenticeship Alana Berg UW Stevens Point Lauryn Berg Gap Year Megan Best UW Eau Claire Brecca Bettcher UW La Crosse Quintin Blake FVTC Brian Bliske Northwest Tech Claire Bliske UW Oshkosh Jacob Block Workforce Sean Bougie UW Oshkosh Brianna Brown Moraine Park Allison Buege UW Madison David Burns Georgia Tech Tyler Buser UW Oshkosh Riley Busha UW Fox Valley Rhiannon Caldwell Military Darren Carney Clown School Ashlyn Casey Kansas State University Victoria Chanez UW Platteville Dakota Christensen UW Eau Claire Morgen Coe UW Oshkosh Connor Collins UW Eau Claire Erin Connors Workforce Amylee Cornell Workforce Grant Counts UW La Crosse Laura Courchene UW Oshkosh Lacey Cruz Cottey College Dalton Curtis UW Oshkosh Nathan Dallmann Military - Navy Emily Daly Military Morgan Daugherty Workforce - Culinary Joshua Dean FVTC Sierra Dodge Appleton Tech Brianna Domke UW River Falls Mckenzie Domke Workforce Evan Draxler UW La Crosse Elijah Dreifuerst Workforce Riley Duvall FVTC Hannah Erdmann UW Fox Valley Carter Ervin UW Oshkosh Sydney Esslinger UW Oshkosh Gabriel Fannin UW Oshkosh Jeremy Fleck UW Madison Masson Flory UW Fox Valley Kyle Fournier FVTC Connor Foust UW Madison Blake Framke St. Norbert College Lauryn Frank Salon Professional Academy Denise Freiberg-Sultze UW Stevens Point
6% of studen 8% of studen
4% cite the ti English 3H cla
ts enrolling at UW Oshkosh s chose to attend UW Schools ents opting for FV TC attending school out of state Simran Gandhi UW Madison Anna Gannon UM Twin Cities Sophia Gehrke FVTC Brianna Geis UW Stevens Point Aidan Godfrey UW Madison Riana Goede UW Oshkosh Lindsay Goeden UW Oshkosh Julia Gohde UW Oshkosh Rigoberto Gonzalez Undecided Kara Gossar Military - Navy Meg Grahl UW La Crosse Carly Greathouse FVTC Alexander Grey UW Madison Cambree Griedl UW Eau Claire Robert Griese FVTC Andrew Groth UW La Crosse Jakob Haar Workforce Luke Haasl Lindenwood University Ariana Hagen UW Oshkosh Takumi Hara Exchange Student Mikayla Heath Denison University Justice Heisler Lindenwood University Lanie Helfrich FVTC Alexi Henderson Workforce - Plexus Thomas Hendricks UW Milwaukee Edgar Heredia-Victoria Undecided Maxwell Hermans UW Oshkosh Madison Hintzke Workforce Brennan Hoem Undecided Timothy Hoeppner Military - Navy Halle Horejs UW Oshkosh Isaac Janness FVTC Zachary Janotha UW Madison Max Jin UW Madison Ariana Jiricka Carroll University Aaron Jorgensen UW Whitewater Alyssa Jungwirth FTVC Johnathon JungwirthWorkforce - Exotic Dancing Kelly Kehoe Cosmetology School Paige Kempf UW Green Bay Jake Ketter Carroll University Dalton Kettner Military - Marine Corps Ryan Klatt UW Whitewater Anna Kohl UW Eau Claire Isaac Kohl UW Oshkosh Cameron Kumbier ABAC Isabelle Labus UW Madison Paul LaCosse UW Milwaukee Sarah Lairson UW La Crosse Anthony Lancaste UW Milwaukee Madison Larson UW Oshkosh Samantha Lasee UW Stevens Point Keon Last UW Oshkosh Jackson Lautenschlager UW Milwaukee Henry Laux UW Milwaukee Gabriel Lavota Workforce - Trades Nguyen Le FVTC Carson Leske UW Madison Michael Leslie Undecided Anisya Lima FVTC Madison Lindemann IBW Dylan Lippold UW Madison Edward Locke Workforce Kevin Loos Military Jonathan Lopez UW Milwaukee Chali Lor UW Oshkosh Tysen Lor Workforce
Warren Lor UW Milwaukee Caitlyn Lou UW Oshkosh Paige Lucas FVTC Jonathen Luchsinger Undecided Emily Luebke UW Eau Claire Grace Luebke FVTC Sebastian Martin FVTC Katherine Matzke Colorado State University Allison McLeod St. Norbert College Carter McLimans FVTC Maximos Messina Michigan Tech Emma Metz Black Hills State Emily Miller Marian University Keegan Miller UW Madison Natalie Miller Marian University Lexi Moldrem Appleton Tech Samantha Munsch Stephen F. Austin Kendra Nast Moraine Park Tech Jenna Nelson UW La Crosse Kimberly Noe UW Stevens Point Hailee Norton University of Tampa Skylar Nourse Marian University Dayton Novak Undecided Cheyenne Oakes West Virginia University Lauren Olejnik UW Oshkosh Reid Oleson UW Whitewater Jovanny Olmeda Universal Technical Institute Justin Oppermann Military - FVTC Madelynn Otto UW Oshkosh Alyssa Pankau UW Eau Claire Adam Panske FVTC Andrew Pendell Undecided Evan Pennau UW Milwaukee Faith Peters Workforce Rehgan Pinkall Ripon College Ana Pollack Military - Air Force Megan Rabe Iowa State University Trent Rabe FVTC Elizabeth Raddatz Navy - FVTC Katelyn Rand Undecided Hannah Ready Undecided Jacob Rentmeester FVTC Amiliana Roa Madison Area Tech Kastin Roberts Gap Year - Photography Jeremiah Robertson FVTC Mason Robertson UW Milwaukee Emma Robl UW Oshkosh Kaitlyn Rock UW Oshkosh Nils Rode Undecided Cassidy Rodensal Military - FVTC Emily Roland UW Oshkosh Daniel Rucinski UW Milwaukee Ryan Rueger Military - Marine Corps Riley Saginak UW Madison Jonathan Salzsieder Workforce Micayla Sawicki UW Stevens Point Natalie Schatz UW Oshkosh Emily Scherer MIT Delaney Schloesser Marquette University Michael Schmidt University of Tampa Sheldon Schroeder UW Oshkosh Anna Sharpe Marian University Eric Shew Northeast Wisconsin Tech Justin Showers UW Oshkosh Lauren Singstock UM Duluth Alexander Slusarski UW Oshkosh Caeden Smith UW Madison
Callie Sobojinski FVTC Michael Spiller Arizona State University Morgan Staerkel UW Milwaukee Montana Steier UW Oshkosh Jordan Steinbeck Marian University Andrew Stender University of Kansas Madelyn Stiller FVTC Sabrina Stinemates Workforce Jack Strey Military - Navy Claire Sugrue UW Milwaukee Whitney Tank UW Green Bay Aaron Thao Undecided Daria Thielen UW Oshkosh Jasmine Thoms Undecided Nicholas Treder UW Fox Valley Logan Uecker FVTC Charlotte Ulman Price FVTC Green Unglaub FVTC Evan VanAacken University of Iowa Grace VandenHeuvel Marquette University Yer Vang Undecided Alexander Vera Workforce Garrett Vienola Military - Air Force Cameron Vis FVTC Jennifer Volkmann Shoreline Community Ryleigh Voorhees UNM Alexandra Voulgaris Marquette University Arianna Waller UW Oshkosh Scott Weber UW Oshkosh Lucas Weitz FVTC Austin Wellhoefer UW Madison Evan Wendland Undecided Cloe Wesenberg Marquette University Reed Weston UW Madison Cody Wheeler FVTC Megan White UW La Crosse Amber Wiedenhoeft Macalaster College Michael Williams Full Sail University Payton Willis UW Milwaukee Annabelle Wojahn UW Platteville Garret Yakes Michigan Tech Curtis Yokom UW Madison Faith Zehner UW Oshkosh Aidan Zeimet UW Madison Austin Ziemer St. Norbert College Nicholas Ziglinski UW La Crosse Stacy Zink UW Stout Adam Zylka Exchange Student
Editor’s Note: The Index sent out a survey to all senior students, and emails were sent in an attempt to accurately represent the future plans of the entire 2019 class. Missing names did not respond to the survey, follow up emails, personal visits, etc.
ts enlisting in the military nts entering the workforce
me Timothy Hoeppner fell out of a tree in ass as their favorite high school memory
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May 24, 2019
Volume 115, Issue 8
community
Summer memories await in just fourteen days
Well before that bell rings signaling the that occur in the summer months. Events enjoy the weather,” she said. “I like to do dition,” he said. “We eat there all the end of that long-awaited June day, students such as EAA AirVenture, Country USA, different art projects, like last year I made time. Her license plate is ‘LUV2EAT’ and staff will start planning and sched- Rock USA, and Lifest provide ways for a mosaic bird bath and this year I’m going and she certainly does not let me down.” While some use food as a source of uling out their precious vacation. Every students and staff to get out and enjoy what to paint a little table set for my daughter.” Being able to find unique ways in summer pleasure, Brydon looks forward to student has their they love during the ow n def i n it ion vacation season. Social which Wildcats can explore their interests local outdoor activities with her family as of what summer studies teacher John throughout the summer is a great way to a way to enjoy the sun and time together. means, and for Burke looks forward pass the time. Visiting many of the res- Another pleasure for many is to enjoy t i me out on freshman Anika to at tending one of taurants in Osthe water Larson, it’s the these thriving festivals. hkosh, such as and take part t raditions with “My wife and I re- Los Rivera’s, i n t he ma ny her family that ally enjoy rock music,” Mike’s Place, activities that make it special. he said. “We tend to go L e o n’s , a n d go along with “My favorite to Rock USA and it is Two Brothers, this plentiful pla ce to go i n great that we have an has turned eatresource here Oshkosh during event like that to be able ing food that i n O sh kosh. t he su m me r is to go to in Oshkosh.” compleme nt s “ I ’ m Ca r a mel Cr is p Although rocking t h e s u m m e r sure we’ll be Cafe,” she said. and rolling at a concert vibe into excoming to “My family and is an amusing way of clusive dining Menominee I always go there reconnecting with fam- opportunities. Park with our as a special treat ily over summer, some Junior Braeden daughter,” she to get ice cream.” teachers, like Burke, Remy and his photo courtesy of Braeden Remy said. “I would There are also use the time off fa m ily enjoy Many students and staff use the summer to catch up with family dining around a l s o l i ke t o and friends. Junior Braeden Remy spends parts of the summersweet spots hidas a way to get a head photo courtesy of Anika Larson t r y to go to i ng al l a rou nd With the abundance of parks and local courts, star t on fall spor ts. t he O sh ko sh time with his grandmother enjoying local Oshkosh restaurants. EA A someO s h ko s h o p e n students have opportunities to play sports with “One of the things a r e a o f t e n . “We try to get out during the summer t i m e b e c a u s e I ’v e n e v e r b e e n .” for the public to their friends. Freshmen Anika Larson and Courtney that I’ve always done Events like the annual EAA Airenjoy moments Carpenter attended a summer camp to build their as a part of my job as to a local restaurant every weekend, and l i k e t h i s , b u t skills in tennis. a football coach is start go out at least every week,” he said. “It’s Venture provide many ways for West another benpractice r ight af ter especially more enjoyable getting outside, students and staff like Brydon to get out efit of summer is getting out and get- school gets out,” he said. “We have contact and the restaurants that are on the river are in the sun and experience some of Oshreally nice.” kosh’s true culture. Remy enjoys helpting active. Sophomore Alyssa Casey days, and over the last E x p e r i - ing out in the community by using his embraces this idea whole-heartedly as number of years we enci ng new skills to benefit the children of Oshkosh. she ambitiously decided to pursue her are allowed to practice tastes can “Over the last few Mondays I have interest of dance in a new environment. with the kids much be an excit- been volunteering at the Boys & Girls “This summer I have dance team and earlier in the year i ng way t o Club teaching kids Spanish, which has am looking forward to the new experi- than we used to be.” catch up with been a very fun experience,” he said. ence,” she said. “This is my first year doing Ot her teachers relatives, as In Remy’s opinion, being involved it, but even in past years, I have always at West spend their this is often in something he believes in is impactful had one or more sports to fill up my time.” time outside doing d i f f icu lt t o and provides a rewarding way to utiWith vacation underway, a big fear for t h i ng s t he y e njoy do during the lize the time off to his fullest. Looking some students as they leave West’s doors for such as gardening and school year. back at the past, Remy concludes that the last time is whether or not they will be landscaping. These Re my’s a n- despite the different activities incorpoable to stay in touch with friends they made activities, sometimes throughout the school year. A great way provided in the comphoto courtesy of John Burke nual custom rated into his summer schedule, he always is to find one looks forward to the peace and quiet he to remedy that is through the many courts munity, can be done One of the many summer activities that fill the months of these au- can enjoy without the stressful or draand local parks available for people to use. at home as a way to between the school years includes attending one of the thentic dining matic elements of school to worry about. “I play summer tennis and then I do get off of the couch many local music festivals. Social Studies teacher John areas with “My favorite part of summer is being lots of running,” Larson said. “I love go- and enjoy the sun. Burke looks forward to going to Rock USA each summer h i s g r a n d - able to relax,” he said. “I enjoy being able ing to the West tennis courts and I always A r t teacher Eliza- with his family. go there to play tennis with my friends.” beth Brydon appreciates the time for m a a n d d i g i n t o t h e t r e a t s . to spend time with my friends and family.” “I love going to Ardy and Ed’s with Something unique about Oshkosh is creativit y dur ing the sun ny months. by A. Eaton and A. Moore the number of celebrations and festivals “I love to garden and just be outside to my grandma, it’s like our summer tra-
Sports
Volume 115, Issue 8
11 May 24, 2019
Records fall as ‘Cats sharpen claws on track to State As the rains dr y up and the sun bakes the earth, Wildcat runners were looking to end the season on a high note. Despite the unfavorable weather at the beginning of the spring season, the team has put in extra effort to train whenever they can in order to maximize success. Head Coach Brett Hartman believes the season started out exceptionally well, with many Wildcats breaking records. “So far it has been going really well, [at conference on May 13] the boys took fourth only two points from third which was the highest they finished in a while, and the girls took seventh,” he said. “We had five school records tied or broken at conference and a lot of medals were handed out.” Senior captain Aidan Zeimet has set many personal rec o r d s t o p u s h h i m s e l f t h i s ye a r. “The season, while it may not be over, was an excellent test for all of us,” he said. “I set many personal records and found myself improving during most weeks.” Zeimet also believes that the obstacles that arose during March and April were large contributors towards athletes performing better during peak season. “It may sound weird but I honestly believe that the terrible weather has helped us succeed this year,” he said. “While the weather was absolutely garbage to run through, we continued to advance our goals. Then, when the weather became nicer, we progressed even further since we were used to those conditions.” Another athlete breaking personal records is sophomore Grant Ostertag, who
has been raising the bar at every meet. “ O ve r a l l , I d id a m a z i n g , t a k“The season has been going very ing second at conference for the long well so far,” he said. “I set a personal re- jump and helping to break the school cord just about every time I competed, record in the 4x100m relay,” he said. and hopefully I can work even more Blaskowski sees teamwork as the to eventually break school records.” most impor tant par t of this success. Junior Nate Carlin has had some “As a team, we have gained more top place f inishes this season, being chemistry together and have been able to ranked one of the best in the state. “This track s e a s o n i s goi ng well, I am currently seventh in the state for the 100m dash and the new West record holder with a time of 10.90s,” he said. “I took first at the conference me et a nd I w i l l hope to break some photo courtesy of Sam Blaskowski m o r e r e c o r d s .” Senior Ike Kohl, sophomore Sam Blaskowski, senior Sean Bougie and Carlin has had junior Nate Carlin celebrate their success at conference. Many had rehelp and motivacord performances and were hoping to continue to state next weekend. tion from others, notably Hartman. “Mr. Hartman has been an amazing coach so far for me push each other not only during practice, in track this year,” he said. “He has helped but also during the meets, cheering on me become successful on the track and each other from the sidelines,” he said. in the classroom, and he knows what is Ju n ior Callist a Rochon-Ba ker needed to be great. He is always striv- has not only had an enjoyable season ing to bring the best out of every athlete.” so far, but has become close with her Another athlete thriving thus far is t e a m m at e s , wh ich m a ke s he r p e rsophomore Sam Blaskowski, who placed form better at both practice and meets. well at conference. Blaskowski hopes to “Obviously, like any sport, the more work hard and eventually qualify for state. you get to know your teammates, the better
you will perform with them,” she said. “But I think our track group has been very close from the very beginning, which has made it a very enjoyable season.” Senior captain Megan Best has had a remarkable campaign thus far, and believes that listening to advice from coaches is huge in success, both individually, and as a team. “Taking advice from your coaches and tr usting the workouts they give you is a key to the success you have,” she said. “They know what they are doing and only want to see you succeed.” By listening to Hartman, Best was able to have an edge on her other competitors. Best also believes help from Har tman has contributed immensely during her high school track career. “Coach Hartman has always pushed me to be better both on the track and off,” she said. “He has never doubted my abilities and is always there to give me encouraging words if I begin to doubt myself.” Har tman is encouraged by h is at h let e s’ level of p r e p a r at ion . “I came into the season thinking that the people who ran well ran some of their fastest times and jumped or threw their longest distances,” he said. “These athletes have met the expectations but some of them have gone above and beyond.” Senior Nithya Ambati will miss her the camarader ie. “ I w i l l m i s s t he way we s u p p o r t e d e a c h o t h e r,” s h e s a id . “ It
by Zade Alzoubi
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May 24, 2019
Volume 115, Issue 8
Entertainment
Endgame provides ‘marvel’ous denouement It’s the most anticipated movie of the last This movie will play with your emotions. decade, perhaps even of all time. It is a film It rips out your heart over and over, then like no other, comparable to nothing else. jump-starts it with a jolt of electric action No other blockbuster can claim to have and twists. You will cry ugly, real tears, and the presence, the influence, like Avengers: so will everyone else in the theater, because Endgame has. Being the 22nd film in an ad- this movie hits you where it hurts. Happy venture that started 11 years ago, the Aveng- tears, too, as you experience some of the ers franchise has built a legacy that has at- most iconic and breathtaking moments in tracted millions of fans and earned billions perhaps the entire MCU. You will think of dollars. It is the end of the Avengers as that you are prepared, but you will not be. we know them now, and the beginning of No matter how many times you watch Endsomething entirely new. But, what good is game, you will still be moved every time. a legacy, you may ask, if it does nothing to There is just something about this film that deserve it? Does Avengers: Endgame truly so deeply affects its viewers, making them live up to its monumental expectations? Is it feel as though they’ve experienced somereally the perfect culmination to all the pre- thing much more profound and moving ceding MCU films? And, most importantly, than a simple film. does it really live up to the title of “EndNot only is Endgame a superbly beautigame”? The answer to all these questions ful film, it is also a wonderful Marvel feais a resounding “yes.” Endgame really is ture. It has references and payoffs from evthe greatest movie to ery single movie ever exist, and it dein the franchise, serves all the praise in and yes, I mean the world. Your bladall of them. der might regret it, Even the movbut you surely won’t ies that didn’t when you experience do so well finanthis 3-hour-long mascially get a spotterpiece of cinema. light in some Watching Endgame form or another, feels like reading the and even milast book in a series nor characters that you’ve grown up get chances to with. You’ll cringe, shine. Pieces of gasp, cry, and want the plot seem to shut the book and to be ripped take a deep breath, straight from the but you can’t. You’ll comics, somecontinue to read on, thing that OG continue to watch, beMarvel fans will cause you’ll want to truly appreciate. know what happens This film also next - no - you need confirms a numto know, because ber of popular photo from Avengers: Endgame Facebook page your sanity depends fan-theories and on it. Will your faresponds to a vorite characters survive until the end? bunch of wishes and concerns that fans have Will the happy ending resolve everything, expressed in the past, showing just how or will there still be unresolved plotlines? much Marvel cares for its base and tries These questions will burn in your mind, and to create films not only for the ludicrous you won’t be able to rest until you are satis- amounts of money, but for the fans, giving fied, and have watched every last minute of them exactly what they want. Of course, Endgame, from the heartbreaking opening there will be those who argue against this scene to the mysterious end of the credits. logic, but you can’t please everyone, and
Marvel certainly never has been one to try mean something for the character’s arc. and appeal to “everyone.” The studio takes Each of the main six Avengers are in a betchances, doing the unexpected in multiple ter place by the end of the film, and they all occasions. They place their bets on B-list have deserved final moments on the screen. heroes, and Some of them might be those bets pay back in future films or off. What they TV shows, but it would have done with still feel just as good Endgame may if we never saw them not be what evagain, once the credits eryone expectare over and the last ed at first, but words have been said. it is everything Does Endgame have people never flaws? Of course it knew they does. There are no perneeded, exfect films. How much ceeding expecthose flaws change tations. With the historical impact Infinity War, of the film are for the the “prequel” individual viewer to to Endgame, decide. But you can’t expectations deny what Endgame were high, and accomplishes, creating while it was the greatest ending to a great film, the greatest saga in the it didn’t quite history of movies, and meet those exthat, it does exceptionpectations in ally well. all areas. With Endgame has photo from Avengers: Endgame Facebook page Endgame, exsponsored a legacy pectations are that will follow a geneven higher, but it has exceeded them, and eration of the world throughout their adult the audience has been unprepared. No mat- life, reminding them always of the awe they ter how many times you re-watch Infinity claimed as a child, marveling (no pun inWar and analyze every frame for something tended) up at the silver screen as Iron Man you might’ve missed, you will never, ever built his very first suit and a saga began. be prepared for Endgame. And, while I have The echoes of this franchise have touched been as spoiler-free as possible throughout an astronomical number of lives, providing this entire review, I will say now that within all the world with a few hours of heroism to the first 30 minutes of the film, you will be hold onto. In a world constantly teetering in shocked. Your fan-theories will be invali- the grey areas, some absolutes are precious. dated and you’ll sit there, with your mouth open, scared, but intrigued. After years of build-up, the MCU So, in conclusion, is Endgame really ends in an epic, yet bittersweet, the greatest way to end the first part of the conclusion that at its core repreMCU, dubbed the “Infinity Saga?” Yes, sents a love letter to the fans. it is, and undoubtedly so. It is a celebration of the past 11 years, a praise of the best moments in the franchise, a finale that each character deserves. Yes, there will be death. Unfortunately, not everybody escapes alive. But they are earned. They are not deaths placed there simply for the shock value, they have weight, emotion, and they
by Bailey Staerkel
Entertainment
Volume 115, Issue 8
13
May 24, 2019
TikTok rides the existential line between parody, pastiche
As the new pop-trap sound evolves into the dominant force within the music industry, one common motif seems present within many of the songs on the Billboard’s Top 100 chart. That trend is the transition from hip-hop and rap focusing on the lyricism of the past, to a new wave of artistic minimalism. It seems that the further the music i ndust r y t r a ve l s w i t h i n this Postmodernist disregard for labels and boxes to def ine one’s a r t i s t r y, t h e s e popu la r a r t ist s put less focus on politically-fueled declarations, but i n s t e a d d i ve r t their attent ion to t hat of instr umentals and the sound of their tracks, manipulating their voices and tracks w it h aut ot u ne, i ntense reverb, or rumbling 808 drums. Alongside this new wave is a movement of what could be referred to as meme rap or meme pop, that focuses on capturing laughs and gaining massive amounts of streams due to the influx of marketing within social media applications, like TikTok. The way companies like Spotify distribute royalties per stream also prioritizes and emphasizes platforms TikTok and the Vine of the past by promoting shorter songs, such as “Old Town Road” and “Mr. Clean.” However, this new wave shouldn’t be denounced into absurdity, but should be recognized as artistic liberation, as should all art. Ti k To k , a n a p p where users can create short videos with music or audio clips, is responsible for the viralization of plenty of songs and memes, such as the dreaded E-Girls, the monotonous music of Billie Eilish, and diss tracks. The app has also become a surrogate Vine for ter r ibly u nf u n ny creators, like Lele Pons, who are mourning the loss of their original platform. However, onthe-r ise com mentar y YouTubers, comedians like Danny Gonzalez and Kurtis Conner, take these originally cringey clips and turn them into something hilarious. Thus, the metaphorical birth of meme songs began,
painlessly and effortlessly, as though TikTok was administering a sweet, sweet epidural. Freshly jellied from the womb of onehit wonders, Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” has swept the nation over the last few weeks. The song, featuring a booming bass and banjo strums, is a short and sweet spark that created the fiery cont roversy involving Billboard and country legend Billy Ray Cyrus. We have to ask, however, how is it possible that Lil Nas X created a t wo -m i nute song about cowboys that became such a viral phenomenon seemingly photo from Lil Nas X Facebook page overnight? Billboard, an entertainment company best known for its Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts, is partially responsible for the viralization of “Old Town Road.” The song was originally uploaded to SoundCloud as a “country” track, which fits with the singer’s deep sultry vocals accompanied with a twangy banjo; however, when the genre-blending hit climbed the charts, Billboard was quick to throw it down, claiming “Old Town Road” wasn’t technically country. This sparked extreme controversy
addition to “Old Town Road” brings the mated characters. Though this trend had tune to a whole new level. The singers boomed in January 2019, it was quickly verse is essentially a giant flex, singing overthrown by the multitude of newer “Hat down, cross town, living like a rock- challenges and crazes that have come and star / Spend a lot of money on my brand gone in the span of a week. Though Lil Nas new guitar,” and also mentioning that he X had overstayed his welcome, successbuys his “baby” expensive jewelry and fully hitting number one on various music “Fendi sports bras” (which are $690, mind charts, Soulja Boy’s reestablished fame you). Maybe Cyrus’ not-so-subtle showing was definitely short-lived. off of his wealth defeats the purpose of Perhaps the most interesting example Lil Nas X’s dirt-poor, country anthem, of a booming success derived from meme but nonetheless, it adds a more traditional culture is Matthew Hauri, best known by country sound to the track. Maybe this stage name Yung Gravy. Gravy, a Minneaddition will be enough for Billboard to sotan-born, University of Wisconsin gradconsider “Old Town Road” country, after uate, has become a staple in SoundCloud all, they did allow duo Florida Georgia music within the last year, most famous Line’s blended genre single “This Is How for sampling and remixing well known We Roll” featuring Jason Derulo onto the 60s instrumentals with his notable whitecountry charts, but maybe the company guy voice and persona. Gravy’s music is only considers country artists to be white widely used on TikTok, with over half a men in cowboy boots and tight jeans. million users creating videos including his Lil Nas X is a most popuself-proclaimed “Inlar songs ternet savvy” rapper, “ C h e r yl ,” and had spent over a “Forget month writing and reMe Thots,” cording the song “Old a n d “ M r. Town Road” with the Clea n.” intention of it becomG r a v y’s ing “the highlight of s o n g s , memes.” Lil Nas X’s similar song grew into just to Cy r u s’ t h a t , m a n i fe s t i n g “Old Town itself into one of the Road” feamost popular TikTok ture, are all memes of 2019. It’s flexes; but, undeniable, however, thanks to that nothing has ever t he l ig htblown up so largely hearted on the internet as “Old photo from Soulja Boy Tell Em Facebook page lyrics that Tow n Roa d .” T he are just company itself even invited the rapper to about a guy having fun with watches, his their headquarters and released a statement sexual attraction to older women, and his acknowledging how successful and iconic outgoing persona, he has amassed over the song had become. Without the social 700 thousand Instagram followers and a media aspect spurring the viralization of fanbase called “The Gravy Train.” the song, there’s no doubt that it wouldn’t Though the 2000s seemed to be have reached the level of success it did. filled with electro-pop, with the rise of This instance, however, was not Lady Gaga and mindless lyrics that just the beginning of the meme cul- made you want to dance, nothing seemed ture that TikTok had ultimately to prepare society for what was to come. begun back in 2017 once it had As TikTok puts meme music on a pedesreceived its godforsaken name. tal, the tracks used within the app easily The resurgence of tunes from slither their way into mainstream music. the self-proclaimed prime of mu- Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” Soulja Boy sic, the classic 2010s, continued to Tell’em’s “ “Pretty Boy Swag,” and plenty rise as Soulja Boy Tell’em’s “Pret- of other songs that your mother would tell ty Boy Swag” reached the front you to turn off, now have a great enough page of TikTok numerous times following to be heard on the radio as you during the beginning of this year. drive to school. With popular music now “Pretty Boy Swag” grew in fame being based off how ridiculous one can as soon as the app’s users began sound, what does that say for music in the to play the track while perform- future? Will we popularize music that is ing the challenge that shares the flat-out terrible just for the sole purpose same name; the creator dresses that it’s comical? Or will we conform to photo from Yung Gravy Facebook page or acts like an inanimate object, the restraints of the music industry and switching to said object when the accept what they’re pushing down our in the music industry, and many artists beat drops. This allowed for many to show throats, being as dumbed down and basic have taken to the defense of Lil Nas X in their creative side, ranging from a not-so- as the sounds in front of us? light of Billboard’s decision, most notably special striped Waldo shirt to comparing by Index Staff country legend Billy Ray Cyrus. Cyrus’ their own faces and bodies to various ani-
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May 24, 2019
Features
Volume 115, Issue 8
Band marches toward Memorial Day Reflections on Prom ‘19 As concerts wind down and the work- playing an arrangement of the “Navy song,” the students work very hard in a short periload of the school year begins to dissipate, “Anchors Aweigh,” “Navy Hymn,” “Eter- od of time to produce a great performance.” the West band program prepares for one of nal Father,” and “Strong to Save,” which The band began the process by taking the most important performances of their was arranged by Wilson and Jay Edgerton, a few days to memorize the music. They year, as they show their talents off to the the percussion instructor for the drumline. have an efficient process for memorizing people of Oshkosh. The band will be hon- Wilson stresses the importance of hard tunes quickly and well in two or three class oring and remembering those whose lives work students need to contribute indi- periods. Next is rehearsing outside, having were lost while serving in the United States vidually through attention to small details. four W-hour rehearsals, combining all four Armed Forces during the performance this “Since we are spread out over the bands together in order to practice putting Memorial Day. This year, hundreds of distance of a city block, each person is the music to the march. As they march, vidband students will be performing under four feet away from the next closest eos are taken of students and after compledirectors Daniel Singer and Brian Wil- person,” he said. “This puts a little more tion of rehearsals, students are shown these son. Wilson loves marching and, although pressure on each person to be perfect videos in order to improve for future reit can be stressful, finds teaching the art because they will be heard by the audi- hearsal. Larson strives to perfect marching of marching to students is well worth it. ence individually as they pass, rather along with the rest of her classmates while “Marching band is an impor tant than as an ensemble when on the stage.” helping the band reach its full potential. American tradition,” he said. “It ties to “Marching at West is much different St udents will at t i mes st r uggle a Memorial Day procession because perfection especially well, since marchis demanded,” she ing music has its roots in the said. “Other schools Revolut iona r y Wa r whe n have mediocre padrums and bugles were used rade bands, but Oshto sig nal milit ar y u n its.” kosh West’s marchBesides concer t band, ing band reaches to the marching section reprebe the best possible.” sents one of the largest parts Another large of the West band program. part of the marchWilson went on to address ing band is the the importance of the marchdrumline. It consists i ng p r og r a m i n s cho ol s. of all the percus“ Ma rch i ng is a st a nsionists, and they dard skill in American high photo by Brian Wilson are often loud and school bands,” he said. “It’s Bundled up band members practice their marching through a West neighborhood. They will perform at the visible. They are also the time when the larg- Memorial Day procession on Monday. non-stop play i ng est nu mber of people see t h roug h t he pro f ur ther with timing and our bands, where the stucession and bands dents are representing one of the great rhy t h m wh ile hav i ng to remembe r will always have drum breaks that help things students are doing in Oshkosh.” steps. Ryan Bal, a senior trombonist, shine spotlight on these talented individuThe countless differences between admits these struggles band students als. William Engedal, a sophomore in the marching and playing in a concert band can face are not limited to underclassmen. drumline, believes the hard work of the “People often struggle with march- drumline not only produces great sound often prove to be difficult for inexperienced members. Freshman Anika Larson noticed ing, especially the concept of keep- but also has an impact on those viewing it. the differences as she began marching but ing their feet in time,” he said. “New “It is amazing to see a pure excitetook a new concept and adapted by learn- and even old band members may also ment that people have to watch us pering a completely new instrument to march struggle to integrate the music with the form, specifically little kids,” he said. These musicians “We have a really disciplined approach with during parades and processions. marching.” “Ma rch i ng ba nd i ncor porates a must play in uniformity while also mov- to practice and rehearsal and that has aldrumline, whereas a concert band is more ing and producing high quality melodies, lowed us to be one of the best in the state.” formal and uses a full percussion section,” which def initely is not an easy task. Wilson knows how important it is “Due to our busy schedule (the bands to play great for the people of Oshkosh. she said. “Some concert instruments, like the oboe and bassoon, are not used in the have more than 30 performances each “I think having the West band in the marching band. I play the oboe, so I had year), we usually only have a week or so to procession has two main benefits to the comthe opportunity to learn the flute to march.” prepare,” Wilson said. “We have a tradition munity,” he said. “First and most importantDuring preparations, students work to- of being a high-achieving band and the ly, our students are able to honor those who gether and cooperate to create a whimsical- students have a lot of pride in what they do. died while serving our country. Second, sounding ensemble. This year they will be This makes the process enjoyable because by Javit Thao
Anticipation steadily built for the weeks leading up to prom for juniors and seniors; however, did Prom really live up to the hype? With all the fun and stress of the night, Jensen Muza, a junior who attended the Masquerade Prom, felt the extra expenses set extremely high expectations. “Girls get very stressed before prom,” she said. “I know girls that for months before prom, start working out, tanning, and buying their dress. It’s very expensive too, having to pay to get their hair, makeup, and nails done. I know so many girls that have a mental breakdown getting ready.” With all the money, time and effort put into dance preparations, it is no wonder not all students had their expectations met. Overall, students reacted very well to the changes in community and the setup of the dance in general. Junior Annemarie Herrick enjoyed experiencing this new setup of prom with her friends. “I thought prom was really fun this year,” she said. “I didn’t go with a date but I almost thought it was more fun to just spend the night with my friends.” The controversial anti-grinding policy the district created still holds strong at school dances. Assistant Principal Rebecca Montour found student cooperation with the policy as a great relief to previous rebellion with the dances and the enforcers. “The grinding is becoming less of an issue,” she said. “I know students don’t like the new rule; however I’m seeing that more students are beginning to respect it.” With the prom committee being new to the task, feedback has flowed to staff and committee members, and suggestions will be taken into consideration for proms in the future. One major topic of change for next year’s dance is an afterprom. Assistant Principal Aaron Herm is fully on board with an after-prom and thinks that it could help students become much more invested in next year’s proceedings. “I am 100 percent for it,” he said. “I think it would be incredible. I would love to see support from parents and see them step up and help out to ensure the night is the best it could be.”
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Features
Volume 115, Issue 8
15
May 24, 2019
West relies on r un ners Spreading roots elsewhere Every day, office runners play a crucial role in communication throughout the building by delivering messages to students from staff who keep West running behind the scenes. Whether it be a pass to go to an appointment, or a meeting with the counselors, the runners help keep the flow of the school organized and efficient as possible with almost 2,000 students roaming the halls and sitting in classrooms at any given time. Val Aronson, the guidance office receptionist, utilizes the runners as a way to improve the function of the office. “Both guidance and student services are very busy offices and to have student runners is a huge help,” she sad. “We simply don’t have time to go out and deliver them, to get the students in. It’s a huge help; we need them.” The students run passes every hour in teams of two, for each section of student services, guidance and the library, and these runners are important to the communication in the building. Junior Sophie Hochstein, an office runner who started in the beginning of this year, ran through the process by which slips are given to runners and distributed. “At the beginning of every hour we get a stack of slips with the room numbers on them, the student’s name, and destination, she said. “Our job is to deliver them. It makes this so much easier for teachers, and all the staff so that they don’t have to be the ones running down all the passes or finding students.” Students recognize what they do for West staff as they run these passes, but it is more than just walking through the hallways; it is an opportunity to expand the horizon through friends, and to meet new peers and teachers. Junior Maci Lewellyn enjoys the ability to get to know teachers at West more personally because of the daily exposure to classrooms previously unexplored. “Talking to Mr. Mauk is my favorite, or just talking to any teacher really,” she said. “They all will just start conversations with me; if I’m having a bad day, it always just makes it better. It gets you a lot of connections within the school as well, to know students and teachers that you don’t always see.” Not only does it bring opportunities to gain friends, but it also fosters a great deal of qualities colleges and jobs look for in candidates. Sophomore Ryan
Elliott uses the ability to give back to his school to also benefit his future college aspirations and show potential employers how he has shown advocacy. “It looks good on a resume, to say you were able to give back to your high school,” he said. “That shows that you don’t just show up and go home; it means more to you. If you’re looking at a career that needs you to show leadership and responsibility, it’s a really good way to get a head start on that.” With the steps taken by these runners being so significant to the staff, the students who take on these roles need to be some of the best that West has to offer. Aronson explained the standard of students they expect when looking for runners. “You either ask me or Mrs. [Amber] Blank and then we have to do a check,” she said. “We have to make sure that students have a pretty good GPA and that they are passing all of their classes, so no D’s or F’s. You have to be a student in good standing.” These office runners have a lot of responsibilities at West and are a huge help to not only students, but staff as well. Dean of Students Andrea Fisher acknowledges the fact that many often go above and beyond what is asked of them. “I really appreciate the students who will sometimes stop in and ask if we need anything,” she said. “They have sorted slips for us even if there are no running passes, they fold shirts, and do the little stuff that we don’t always have the time to do. I really appreciate the ones who are willing to do just a little bit more. We are really flexible with them, if they have big tests they get the time, we work with them.” With all the benefits that both the staff and students are reaping, there is still a need for runners for the offices within the building. Aronson encourages students to consider being a runner by getting rid of some common misconceptions students might have about joining. Don’t fear, minimum exercise is required. “It beats sitting in study hall, besides when you’re not running you use your time as a study hall,” she said. “So you’re still able to get work done and it’s not like students are busy all hour, it’s normally the first five to ten minutes and then the rest is the student’s time. It’s a really fun thing to do. We would love to have you!”
by Isabella Gabavics
As the thrills and stresses of the school year come to a close, some teachers open an exciting new chapter in their lives, one written far from the corridors of Eagle Street. This school year, West will be losing two teachers who have announced their retirements. Agriculture teacher Tina Rennebohm and Speech Pathologist Sue Wilder will both be moving on after this year, opening up a whole new world of possibilities outside the doors of education. Rennebohm clearly remembers what made her want to teach in the first place. “I was working in a sales department in an office and I had been there for a few years, and I was training a new person. I just felt really good about teaching her,” she said. “I thought I would really like to do that and I h a v e always l i k e d t e e n a g e r s b e cau se you guys are really good photo by I. Gabavics people. Agriculture teacher Tina Rennebohm is retiring this year. She plans on getting Y o u a part time job and wants to spend time guys are gardening and landscaping. all individuals and all have different likes and interests. I just like being around you guys and sort of reliving high school.” After teaching for 16 years, Rennebohm felt that it was time for her to move on and says she has experience in other jobs as well. “I think it is a different time for me,” she said. “I had my kids and I didn’t start teaching until later. I volunteered a lot and substitute taught a lot at my kids’ schools. Then I went into teaching full time and this is just the next phase. You can break up your life with different employment, and I wasn’t always a teacher. I had an agriculture degree coming out of college. I have other jobs I have done in my life, and I am just sort of starting a new one.” Rennebohm shared that she plans to start a part-time job after her retirement. She hopes either in the field of horticulture or landscaping. Rennebohm reflected on her time as well, and why it was so special for her to have taught here. “I went to high school here, it was
so cool to be here,” she said. “It’s really nice to be working here without being in high school and having all the stress.” After being here for such a long time, Rennebohm has lived through a lot of changes. During her time here, Rennebohm witnessed the creation of the honor wall outside of the O room, a couple of years of West basketball when the team made state, and many school assemblies. “I’m gonna miss my students; that’s going to be really hard to not have students just sit down and talk about their weekend and hang out and talk about something good that happened,” she said. “I am really gonna miss you guys.” Wilder, the other retiring teacher, also has big plans. She is excited to be able to spend more time with her family and also to travel and just kick back and relax. “We have a cabin and I want to see the fall colors on a week day,” she said. “I want to visit my granddaughter in Madison, and also to travel to Denver to see our son. I am really excited to just read, relax, kayak, and play with my dog.” Wilder also reflected on her time at West and what she enjoyed the most. Like Rennebohm, her students seemed to be a common theme as Wilder loved spending time with them and being able to not only teach them, but to learn from them in retur n. “Students have fresh ideas and great senses of hu mor,” she said. “There are so many memories here at West, but my most photo from Facebook current is my students asking me Speech Pathologist Sue Wilderisretiringthisyear.She to postpone my is excited to spend time with retirement. That her family during her retirereally means evment. erything to me.” To Wi ld e r, t he d aily i nteract ion w it h her st udents provived a very rich experience. “I have always tried to give students my respect, enthusiasm, honesty, and love,” she said. “In return, my students gave all of these to me and so much more!”
by J. Mayo & I. Gabavics
16 May 24, 2019
Volume 115, Issue 8
Features
Big Blue t akes gold in building relationships
With d reams of swim ming fast, all i nvolved ma kes me feel good.” the positivity of the meet and working a goal,” she said. “Their eyes light winning races, and competing with their Events th roughout these relays with other swimmers from Team Blue. up, their smile goes from ear to ear, “Swimming with Team Blue was a and they have more self-conf idence. new teammates, Team Blue, the Oshkosh ranged from the standard 200 free relay, Special Olympics swim team, partnered where each swimmer swims two laps, very positive and inspiring experience for That’s what makes it all worthwhile.” T he Big Blue Unif ied meet with the Oshkosh YMCA squad for the was not only a f un competition Big Blue Unified Relay Swim Meet on for the team but also a great bondApril 28. The meet unites two swim i n g e x p e r i e n c e . H of f n o t i c e d worlds into one community as swimmers and appreciated the new friendfrom both Special Olympics and nearby ships that bloomed from the meet. teams compete together in a group of “There has been an amazing realrelays. This is especially significant to ization of how much alike these swimthe swimmers because this is the first mers are. Outside this meet, these year the whole team made it to state. same swimmers are building friendDebbie Hoff, the coach of the team, ships,” she said. “I’ve heard about talked about her passion for swimming it, and I’ve seen it. I also know that and how the team was brought together. other teams, who have participated in “I love that Big Blue builds relationBig Blue, are experiencing the same ships and a spirit of inclusion,” she said. spirit of inclusion within their teams.” “And it’s working in the community of The lasting f riendships that Oshkosh. This swim meet has brought the Big Blue Unif ied Meet have together all five swim teams from Oshcreated came from a lot of time kosh and they compete as teammates.” spent in and out of the water as From the faces of the swimmers and swimmers got to know each other everyone involved, it is obvious that the better. Bores thought it was amazmeet brings joy to participants as swiming to see the positive interactions mers reach for their dreams. With the between swimmers and the shared work done by generous volunteers, evemotions between these athletes. eryone leaves with a smile on their face. “I love watching the exchange Among these volunteers were members of of high fives, smiles and storytellWest’s leadership class seeking to make photo courtesy of Debbie Hoff a difference in the community. When Team Blue and OSHY members pose for a picture at their Big Blue Unified Relay Swim Meet. The teams got a lot closer during these ing between swimmers during the unified swim meet,” she said. “The asked about the reason for volunteering events and formed long lasting friendships while swimming. sharing moments of victory and or in this meet, junior David Johnson said that his favorite part was getting the chance to a kicking relay where pairs of Special me,” she said. “I got to know other athletes defeat, the challenge of the athletes to try a to contribute and have fun while doing it. Olympics competitors kick together to that love the sport and how they have fun new drill that is being taught by a unified “It seemed like a good way to give the other side. Hoff commented on the while working hard. I see the friendships partner, and the flip turn that missed the back to the community and it seemed incredible work put in by all the athletes that are being developed; the hard working wall, the cheering on of each swimmer like something I would enjoy doing,” he during preparation for the big meet. athletes sharing the same passion, and the during a relay. The look of discouragement said. “I enjoy seeing people dedicated “We have four weeks of practice left nerves. Athletes that didn’t want to swim turned into a big smile after the exchange to something they love and something and then the team will be competing at Spe- that race until another swimmer walked of discussion between both swimmers.” As they that can’t be taken away from them.” cial Olympics State Summer Games. It’s alongside them, a p p r o a ch t h e With a lot of excitement, these new held at UW Stevens Point and hosts three explaining and end of the seateammates made fun posters with each sports,” she said. “Swimming, track and e n c o u r a g i n g them that everyson, Team Blue other to thing will turn continues to decorate out just f i ne.” work hard while the pool Due to help making friends d e c k , from across the along the way. worked community, SpeWith the help hard in cia l Oly m pic s of Big Blue, the practice swimmers reach Osh kosh Speto achieve for the st ars cial Olympics t h e i r while overcomswimmers acgoals, and ing the obstacles complish their enjoyed in the way of sucgoals with a the time cess. Members smile on their spent with of Te a m Bl u e fa ce. Pe core each other continue to strive elaborated on while also photo courtesy of Carrie Bores her joy of swim. b u i l d i n g OSHY swim members partner with Big Blue athletes to compete in relays against other teams t o w a r d t h e i r goals as they near “It was lots new friend- in the area. The team participated in a pool noodle swim race as a part of their competition. the end of their of fun because s h i p s . swim season we had the This meet photo courtesy of Carrie Bores o p p o r t u n i t y wouldn’t have been able to run without field and soccer. The team will participate with their state volunteers who did a lot of work behind in Opening Ceremonies Thursday eve- meet on the hori- Senior Andrew Groth brandishes two stopwatches for to compete in the scenes to organize the multiple teams, ning, June 6 and then will have swimming zon. With hopes timing the Big Blue Unified Relay Swim Meet. The com- races that we plan the meet, and run it with minimal all day Friday and Saturday morning.” o f m o r e b l u e petition was held on April 28 and provided a chance to would not normally sw i m,” issues. Meet manager Carrie Bores spent Leading up to the meet, OSHY f irst place rib- unify the Special Olympics and OSHY swim teams. she said of her time organizing the day and making swimmers spent their Thursday nights bons, Team Blue sure the overall experience was great for working with the Special Olympic swim- pushes forward to more great races and t he op p or t u n it y. “ T h is ex p e r ie nce everyone. She enjoyed volunteering and mers and making meaningful connec- hard work in the pool. Coach Debbie Hoff gave me a more positive outlook on the getting to see the unified environment. tions with that section of the swim world. loved the hard work the swimmers showed. sport and how to have fun with it while “They work incredibly hard and it’s still working hard. I love Unif ied.” “ I l o v e o r g a n i z i n g e v e n t s ,” Oshkosh North sophomore Ali Pecore, she said. “T he com i ng together by an OSHY high school student, described a big accomplishment when they reach By Andrew Engedal