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Maize High School | Senior Issue 2017
Adventure is Calling. We have nothing to lose and a world to see
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2017 GRADUATION. KOCH ARENA. 6:30 P.M. MAY 14. 272 SENIORS.
PROGRAM
WELCOME Principal Dr. Chris Botts w SENIOR ADDRESS Kendra Cunningham and Caroline Erickson DISTRIBUTING DIPLOMAS Board of Education w PASSING SENIOR KEY Kendra Cunningham to Olivia Wagner
The senior issue is comprised of responses to Play’s senior survey. 136 seniors responded to the survey.
What’s inside?
5 6,7 8,9 10,11 12-14
15-17
20,21 22,23 24,25 26,27 28-30
Grady awards
The student-chosen Grady award winners for the class of 2017.
Colleges
Where the graduates are headed next year.
Scholarships
A list of self-reported scholarships.
Memories
Graduates share their favorite memories from their time spent at Maize.
10 years
Seniors predict where they will be in 10 years.
Teacher praises
Seniors say thank you to teachers.
Advice for underclassmen Graduates give their words of wisdom to high schoolers.
Senior columns
Play newsmag seniors say their final farewells to Maize and the staff through personal columns.
Athletes of the year
Coaches nominate the 2017 male and female athlete of the year.
Throwback photo focus
Photos submitted by graduates from their younger years.
Senior year photo focus
A collection of photos taken throughout the 2016-17 year.
Play staff
wDenotates 2017 senior wKendra Cunningham Editor-in-chief Savie Hughes Online editor
wEmily Brecht Design editor wLyndsey Piska Photo editor Lizzie Bell News editor
wLily McClaren Engagements editor
Bailey Birkholz Features editor Andrea Fuhrman Advertisement manager Sadie Ast Kynzi Barragan Allie Choyce Mandi Copp Logan Dillon Kiara Ehrmann Kaitlin Grimes Carley Heim wChristian Hurst Ryan Jones Alvin Le Casey Loving Abby McCoy Maddie Neigenfind Lauryn Ogden Riley Quiggle Ryann Redinger Morgan Thomas Stormi Williams Paige Young Dan Loving Adviser
Congrats grads! Play would like to congratulate the graduating class of 2017. We hope you look back at your time spent at Maize with joy and wish you the best of luck with wherever adventure calls you. You have nothing to lose and a world to see. Always remember: once an Eagle, always an Eagle.
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Grady Awards Decided by seniors and presented at Mr. Maize; released courtesy of counseling dept. prior to press time.
MOST LIKELY TO COMPETE IN OLYMPICS Mia Magby MOST LIKELY TO BECOME PRESIDENT Meet Kapadia MOST LIKELY TO WRITE A BEST-SELLING NOVEL Caroline Erickson MOST LIKELY TO BE ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Mason Lange MOST LIKELY TO BE ON THE BACHELOR Hunter LaMunyon MOST LIKELY TO FIND A CURE FOR CANCER Jonathon Kohl MOST LIKELY TO BE ON A REALITY T.V. SHOW Jake Doerflinger MOST LIKELY TO BE A KID FOREVER Mason Lange MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER Lyndsey Piska MOST LIKELY TO BE ON BROADWAY Roo Rusk MOST LIKELY TO WIN THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE Nikola Braynov MOST LIKELY TO BE ON THE VOICE Katie Krier MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A BILLIONAIRE Reece Hedge-dye CUTEST COUPLE Nikola Braynov and Samuel Gilchrist
WORST CASE OF SENIORITIS Lexi Lawrence MOST DRAMATIC Roo Rusk MOST UNIQUE STYLE Emilie Salongridaysa MOST ARTISTIC Spencer Shively BEST HAIR Hannah Wheeler BEST EYES Alessandro Ragazzi BEST LEADER Emma Hahn BEST SMILE Lauryn Snyder BIGGEST FLIRT Jacey Handy CLASS CLOWN Chris White BEST FEMALE ATHLETE Mia Magby BEST MALE ATHLETE Konner Swenson BEST DANCER Meredith Fisher
SeniorPlay / 5
Mapping out the future Seniors have thumbtacked their new homes on the map. Here’s where to find them: Barton Community College Emily Ochs Eric Schartz
Bethany College Peyton Leuci
Butler Community College Jayde Byrd Cameron Casida Dawson Chenoweth Cole Davis Kristina Wilson Hannah Jurgensen Dara Kelley Xandalia Lies Madison Majors Lily McClaren Lauryn McIntyre Nick Menendez Logan Paterson Matt Warner Zach Winter SaMya Wolke
SeniorPlay / 6
Dodge City Community College Jacob Taylor
Eric Fisher Academy Leann Stanger
Fort Hays State University Jenna Bosgraaf Emily Brecht David Hammett Erik Hammett Dallas Harp Brenna Stamper
Iowa State University Austyn Ritchie
Southwestern College Jake Shields
Tabor College Maddie Gallagher Kate Reimer Chloe Willems
Kansas City Art Institute Trey Killman
University of Kansas Haleigh Avila Nikola Braynov Gabi Desjardins Sam Emerson Samuel Gilchrist Taylor Johnson Justin Jones Meet Kapadia Justin Khounsombath Aspen Pope Arden Rogers Gabby Sanchez Gabby Schreiner Spencer Shively Hayley Utter Taylor Worden
Military
Hunter Davis Emily Mast Quentin Yates Mason Lange
Newman University Allison Evans Rooslana Rusk Destiny Meeks Kylie Wood
Pittsburg State
Oklahoma State University Baylee Dobler
Kansas State University Spencer Bosley Kendra Cunningham Emma Hahn Jessie Henderson Garrett Karp Halle Kloefkorn Lyndsey Piska Emilie Salongridaysa Evan Tschosik Allison Wheeler Christopher White Sydney Wolgast
Wichita State University Monserrat Arellano Haley Barnes Kira Busker Aurora Crisp Caroline Erickson Austyn Ferrin Meredith Fisher Alex Goodman Christian Hurst Austin Nickell Parker Raile Tori Trueblood Alyssa Williams Meredith Fisher
Taylor Holmes
SeniorPlay / 7
Pocket Change Scholarships as submitted by students
College Funds
MASON
SeniorPlay / 8
Haleigh Avila Kansas’s Chancellor Scholarship, Kansas’s Business Leadership Program Scholarship and the Maude Schollenberger/Dorothea Moore Scholarship. Haley Barnes Academic merit scholarship. Brooklyn Bert Dean’s Scholarship. Spencer Bosley Putnam Scholarship. Emily Brecht Artist’s award. Kira Busker Merit Scholarship from Wichita State. Cameron Casida Vocal Scholarship. Samantha Chesser Eisenhower scholarship at Kansas Wesleyan. Kendra Cunningham Leadership Scholarship, Student Council Scholarship, Pizza Hut Scholarship Cole Davis Full ride scholarship to Butler for choir. Baylee Dobler Out-of-State Achievement Scholarship. Sam Emerson National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholarship at Kansas. Caroline Erickson Wichita Presidential Scholarship, DSI Semi-Finalist Scholarship and Scholastics Art and Writing Awards National Silver Medal. Allison Evans Academic scholarship and dance scholarship. Austyn Ferrin Heritage Merit Scholarship. Maddie Gallagher Presidential Leadership Program Scholarship from Tabor. Samuel Gilchrist The Chancellor Scholarship.
Maura Glatczak Softball scholarship. Emma Hahn Putnam Academic Scholarship. Erik Hammett Tier 2 Honors College Scholarship and Physics Department Scholarship. David Hammett Presidential Award of Distinction. Jacey Handy Denver’s Chancellor Scholarship. Dallas Harp Academic Opportunity scholarship from College of Agriculture at Fort Hays. Lea Helm Full ride vocal scholarship to Butler. Taylor Holmes A full ride scholarship to Pittsburg State University. Christian Hurst WSU gave me $8000 for having good grades. Hannah Jurgensen Butler softball manager books and tuition scholarship, CPN scholarship and Butler Presidential scholarship. Meet Kapadia Walmart scholarship, FAFSA Scholarship and Pell Grant. Garrett Karp Vanier Scholarship. Halle Kloefkorn Foundation Plus & College of Agriculture Scholarships. Jonathon Kohl The National Scholarship from Minnesota. Ryan Kuhl Drury’s Trustee Scholarship. Hunter LaMunyon Athletic scholarship. Peyton Leuci Academic and football. Jonny McIntyre Baseball scholarship. Jake Pfeifer Tiger Scholarship.
Kate Reimer Presidential Leadership Fellows program at Tabor College. Austyn Ritchie Merit Scholarship. Rooslana Rusk Academic and theatre scholarship. Emilie Salongridaysa Memorial Scholarship based on academics. Gabby Schreiner Crimson & Blue scholarship. Jake Shields Baseball and multiple academic scholarships. Brenna Stamper Hays City Scholarship and Academic Teaching Scholarship. Jacob Taylor Baseball scholarship. Hannah Tice Kansas State Foundation Plus Scholarship. Bailey Tredway Academic/Achievement scholarships from SCAD. Tori Trueblood Merit scholarship. Allison Wheeler Putnam scholarship from Kansas State. ChrisWhite Man of Faith Scholarship, Leadership Scholarship and Meritrust Bank Scholarship. Chloe Willems Presidential Fellows Scholarship and Academic Premier Scholarship. Kylie Wood Academic scholarship and dance scholarship. Taylor Worden The Crimson and Blue scholarship.
Senior Signings Graduates continuing their athletic careers in college Baseball Basketball Cross Country Hunter LaMunyon Neosho County Taylor Holmes Pittsburg State Kate Reimer Tabor Jake McClure Independence Jake Doerflinger Johnson County Chandler Kelley Barton County Jonny McIntyre Iowa Western Jacob Taylor Dodge City Destin Ellis McPherson
Track and Field Konner Swenson Pittsburg State Mia Magby Missouri S&T Kaylee Fransen Hesston
Grant Bugbee Newman
Softball Maura Glatczak UConn Soccer Kaden Jobe Ottawa
Raquelle Hardin Barton County Katie Krier Emporia State MaKayla Toth Central Missouri State Kaylee Swanson Butler County Ethan Pfeifer Kansas City Kansas CC
Josh Christian Sterling
Football Jake McClure Independence Tyson Love Independence
Volleyball Samantha Chesser Kansas Wesleyan Brecken Roe Illinois-Chicago
SeniorPlay / 9
Check your passport Seniors tell memorable high school experiences Alli Franco Any day in yearbook class is a new adventure. Because we have a small staff, we have become a tight little family who knows everyone’s business. There are no secrets in our group. We have pranked each other, like convincing Baylee Dobler—who is terrified of mice—that there was a mouse in the classroom. Her reaction was priceless and we still have the video to make us laugh when we need it. We also help each other when we are going through some rough times. I know they have helped me when I’m feeling down. They are my entire life, honestly.
Justin Jones Sophomore year, Emma Hahn and I ran the talent show. It was really fun getting involved with students from different backgrounds and gaining an understanding of their life through their shared talents.
Matt Warner My most memorable moment was qualifying for state in forensics three years in a row.
Maddie Gallagher One time I almost took the Army’s ASVAB test on accident. SeniorPlay / 10
Dallas Harp My sophomore Eaglepalooza they had a mechanical bull. I told my friends I could do it because I used to be involved in the rodeo, so I get on, I’m doing good until he turned up the speed. Then I slide and end up head butting the bull in the head, OMG it hurt but because I had said I could do it I got up try to play it off as I was okay because I so embarrassed. Now looking back on it I can laugh and I can’t believe I even tried to ride but I did and will never forget it.
Hannah Jurgensen The best memories were made with my fellow BPA Baddies competing and traveling together.
Arden Rogers My funniest/scariest moment was performing my homecoming skit in front of the whole school. I was so nervous.
Lily McClaren
I brought my chihuahua, Butterscotch, to school after school hours and I had the opportunity to run down the hallway with my dog.
Lea Helm Never forget the time Mrs. Prater told me I would be perfect for a song called “Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue” when I’m actually 5-foot-7” and I have green eyes.
Dara Kelley [A] class full of girls in Mr. Loving’s photo imaging class found a mouse and everyone freaked out. We spent the entire class outside.
Meet Kapadia This isn’t really a story about something that happened but it’s a fact of my life. MHS changed my life basically. It provided me with an environment that I felt good to be in. Coming from a different country, fitting in has always been a challenge for me; however at MHS, fitting in was easy and this school felt almost like a second home to me at times.
Trey Killman My first year of French, Miss Nitcher had us do a fashion show for a few of the other classes and I remember dressing up like a dope and strutting in front of a bunch of other kids.
Hayley Utter
Logan Paterson
I think a story that stands out to me is my sophomore year when someone had pulled the chemical shower handle and everyone had to take buckets of water out of the school to try and get rid of all of the water. Another one would be freezing cold during the Maize High vs. Maize South game on Halloween, even though we lost I think everyone had a lot of fun participating in being there despite it being so cold.
Each high school year got better and to change my attitude and to be able to always be a member of Maize High School.
Mia Magby
I asked my girlfriend out with a ring pop in the hallway behind the library.
Wooo Calc 2 with Brenneman! Those were the days.
Shawn Miller Once upon a time, I started backing into my parking spot. Eventually everyone who parked on my row started backing in as well. Well four years of all of us backing in and now the rule is being enforced and we all got punked and now we all pull in to our spots instead of backing in.
Brooklyn Bert It was junior year and all the varsity softball players were running out to our cars with our backpacks on. And I got a phone call and tried to answer it while running and missed the curb by the road and face planted into the street. It was hilarious.
Quentin Yates Qualifying to nationals with my best friends after 4 years of hard work.
Ryan Kuhl Winning the 2016 swimming state championship by half a point was fairly epic.
Benjamin Adams Taylor Potter Putting Mr. Yelverton into handcuffs never gets old.
Cameron Casida My favorite memory of high school would have to be just all the great times I have had with choir.
Tatyana Hopkins Every year during track season the teachers and administration really support and uplift me with something I love to do.
Alexah More One time at lunch I was laughing and I went to go sit down and my friend pulled the chair out from under me.
Parker Raile When I dressed up like a dad for spirit week.
Emily Ochs My most memorable memory is my first prom. I was a sophomore and I went with my best friend to eat with a group of people. Once we got outside it was pouring rain. We ran to our cars trying to stay dry but it was useless. Our hair was ruined but it was okay because we still had a great time dancing and laughing.
Josh Levey One of my most memorable moments was the 2017 senior showcase, I personally thought that it was the most amazing school showcase I have ever seen.
Emily Mast Me and Cassie O’Donnell have always had great times at school together and have been best friends ever since we met sophomore year. Specifically in weights class. I could go on and on about stories of us.
Andrew Sanchez I had fun with Team Eagles.
Emma Hahn On my first day in Mr. Frye’s class, I was on a lot of medication from an allergic reaction the day before. My eyes were really itchy, and I started crying!!! He still calls me crybaby.
Jake Shields When Hunter LaMunyon tripped rounding third base against Bishop Carroll. SeniorPlay / 11
s n a l p Travel years 0 1 in e b l il w y e h t ents predict where
Stud
Benjamin Adams
Spencer Bosley
Jayde Byrd
Adrian Aguilar
Nikola Braynov
Cody Case
I will have a family. Pride Ag or Ace Hardware.
Monserrat Arellano
I see myself being an OBGYN, married and hopefully with a couple kids.
Haleigh Avila
Living in a big city as a successful, extreme-couponing business woman.
Haley Barnes
Hopefully as a pediatric nurse with a house of my own with a family of my own.
Brooklyn Bert
I see myself as a pharmacist, with a family and a nice home.
Rachel Bewersdorf
I see myself traveling.
Employed at a major architecture firm in a big city.
Emily Brecht
I will be a graphic designer and live in New York City.
Hannah Breshears
I will be living in Texas starting my career. I will be making money.
Cameron Casida
Well I would be twenty nine, so I would be done with college. Hopefully have a job as a Biology teacher and a music teacher. I would also like to be married.
Dawson Chenoweth
Hopefully, I will be doing something music or performance related. I hope I am helping other people and traveling A LOT.
Married, maybe with kids and hopefully in a nice neighborhood.
Kaylee Brett
Samantha Chesser
I want to work at a retail store.
Matthew Browning
Having college finished and having a nice paying job, maybe starting a family.
I want to go into engineering and to use it to help people in less fortunate countries. I will hopefully be outside of America doing engineering.
Adam Clothier
Hopefully working for a police department or working in the health field.
Grant Bugbee
I don’t even know what I’m going to do a week from now.
Jenna Bosgraaf
Kira Busker
Calvin Cole
Being married, having kids and being a teacher.
SeniorPlay / 12
Hopefully working in actuary science.
With my Doctorate in PT and living with and raising my handsome son.
I will be working on cars.
Aurora Crisp
Jacey Handy
I see myself graduated from college and living in New York, performing in shows on Broadway. I will probably have a second job since theatre doesn’t bring home the bacon, though I’m not quite sure what it will be yet. I may or may not have a family by then. I’m a bit busy with school and work right now and I am anticipating to be busy in 10 years as well, so I might not.
Living and working in Paris, drinking a lot of wine and eating baguettes.
Kendra Cunningham
Sam Harroald
Settled down, and beginning to pay off my overload of student debt. Doing a job I love, in a city I love, being around people I love.
Hunter Davis
Either still an MP or a police officer somewhere else.
Gabi Desjardins
I see myself owning my own orthodontist practice
Baylee Dobler
I see myself with dogs, lots of dogs.
Sam Emerson
Probably in a mirror.
Allison Evans
In a big house with a husband having a great medical job. Maybe have 2 kids by then.
Dallas Harp
I plan to be working with my vet degree.
Kelsey Harris
Going to my little sister’s high school graduation. I plan to be working private security.
Lea Helm
I will be running my own business.
Jessie Henderson
I plan to be helping animals.
Chandra Hill
Having a job and starting a family.
Taylor Holmes
Hopefully married to Brayden.
Tatyana Hopkins
I plan to be starting my career and maybe even a family.
Christian Hurst
I wear glasses. I can’t see that far.
Paige Hutson
Married, having a career, and having kids.
Taylor Johnson
I see myself in a big city writing for a major magazine, or in Europe writing a book.
Hannah Jurgensen
I hope to see myself in 10 years having a small family working as a nurse.
Meet Kapadia
In my own house with an engineering job.
Dara Kelley
I will be working hard to achieve all my goals.
Caroline Erickson
Nice apartment, nice grad school, nice husband, nice cat.
Austyn Ferrin
I see myself in another state with a job.
Meredith Fisher
Engaged to a babe of a dude.
Alli Franco
I see myself living in North Carolina with my best friend Nicolle. We both want to work with animals and it is our dream to open our very own conservation center in order to help rehabilitate wild animals.
Maddie Gallagher
I’ll hopefully have a husband and we’ll go camping all the time. I also hope that I’ll be teaching somewhere or doing some job I’m passionate about.
Sam Gilchrist
I see myself married and rich. Also famous!
Maura Glatczak
I see myself becoming a pharmacist.
Alex Goodman
Somewhere in a Ferrari.
Emma Hahn
I see myself killing it in a career that I love!
David Hammett
With a steady job and a family somewhere.
SeniorPlay / 13
Justin Khounsombath
Austin Nickell
Taylor Tawater
Trey Killman
Joel Norris
Jacob Taylor
I will be working probably single.
I will be working with NASA.
In Colorado starting my lifelong career.
I plan to be working for a photography company with my own home studio.
I don’t know. Hopefully I’ll have a family by then.
Hopefully with a wife and children in a good home, having a steady job.
Jonathon Kohl
Cassandra O’Donnell
Katherine Taylor
I see myself enjoying a career in engineering while playing saxophone and bassoon on the side.
On a beach in some other country, climbing mountains, seeing the world.
Ryan Kuhl
I see myself working as a nurse and having fun.
Hopefully I’m a dermatology resident drowning in crippling debt.
Hunter LaMunyon I will be president.
Peyton Leuci
I plan to be working for an FBI agency.
Josh Levey
I’m not sure where I’m gonna be in 10 years. I will probably be finishing up college.
Xandalia Lies
I see myself working as an OB nurse.
Brandon Lytle
I see myself working.
Emily Ochs
Logan Paterson
I see myself making movies.
Miguel Perna
I see myself living in Florida.
Jake Pfeifer
Married with kids and a good steady job. I’ll be playing men’s league.
Lyndsey Piska
I see myself teaching a middle school English class married with some cats and dogs.
Aspen Pope
I can see myself on a beach in Jamaica.
Somewhere saving lives, hopefully.
Hannah Tice
I see myself hopefully married, building a career I enjoy, and raising horses.
MaKayla Toth
Finishing up physical therapy school with a family.
Bailey Tredway
Working with other creatives and doing what I love, which might change, but I will stay in the creative field.
Tori Trueblood
I would like to have a degree in Engineering.
Evan Tschosik
Having a job and making money.
Hayley Utter
Mia Magby
Taylor Potter
Madison Majors
I see myself living in Burbank, California, hopefully working at Disney Animation Studios.
Parker Raile
Sara Valiente Jaén
I will be on Earth.
I want to have a steady career in the hospital, get married, and start a family.
Jack Martin
I will be rich.
Emily Mast
Either full-time active duty Army or Police Officer and Army Reserves.
Lily McClaren
I will be married to Zac Efron, and be the mother of approximately 99 rescued dogs and 43 rescued cats in a giant house in Scotland.
Lauryn McIntyre
I will have a rich husband and we will have a house in the hamptons. I will also have, like, twenty dogs.
Jonny McIntyre
I see myself hopefully working for an MLB front office.
Destiny Meeks
I will own my own electrical business. Being a successful business woman.
Kate Reimer
I see myself teaching math at any Kansas high school and coaching cross country.
Austyn Ritchie
In a medical residency.
Arden Rogers
Hopefully working at a hospital as a PA and living in Portland, Oregon.
Rooslana Rusk
Looking back on myself exactly 10 years from then and making a silent apology to my 18-year-old self for not being more accomplished or interesting for this question.
Emilie Salongridaysa
Hopefully being successful, with a nice car and like six dogs.
Gabby Sanchez
Hopefully working as a chiropractor.
I see myself as a full time nurse, having lots of pets and possibly married.
Andrew Sanchez
Nick Menendez
Jake Shields
To do what I love to do and plus some.
Shawn Miller
Eating burritos, probably.
I see myself in Wichita. I see myself in a big city.
Spencer Shively
Alexah More
Hopefully working for an international organization as a social worker.
Kevin Nguyen
Being a hairstylist and have a major in business.
I will be a nurse. I will not be doing drugs.
SeniorPlay / 14
Leann Stanger
Working either researching cures for different mental diseases or consulting people as a psychologist in the USA or Dublin.
Matt Warner
I will be a businessman.
Allison Wheeler
Working on my neurology residency.
Chris White
Settled down, married, have a degree in Agricultural Business/Economics, kids, and being the best dad I can be.
Kristina Wilson I will be happy.
Zach Winter
I will be an engineer.
Sydney Wolgast
Either teaching my own high school history class or traveling the world taking pictures.
SaMya Wolke
I see myself living on a beach and eating mangoes!
Kylie Wood
I will be done with getting my major.
Quentin Yates
I will be in law school or federal police.
Jenna Znamenak
In a city somewhere working at a job that challenges me creatively.
Hardest Goodbyes Teachers leave lasting impressions on their students
Skeeter Rankins He treats you with respect and pushes you to see your true potential. He cares about you beyond the classroom and sport. —Arden Rogers
Megan Sauer She was a positive impact because she really knew how to relate to a student and if I have problems she was someone I could trust to have her arms wide open to every student for advice. — Tatyana Hopkins
Ben Harlow
Jodee Johnson She is an amazing painter and is always so encouraging; it was really great to have a Christian teacher I could trust. — Maddie Gallagher
Pat Snyder She’s been my business teacher, my marketing teacher and my friend. She’s so relaxed and just chilled out, and has taught me a lot about business. I’m glad she waited until my last year to retire. — Shawn Miller
Curtis Shephard
[He] has helped me grow a lot as a player and as a [He’s] overall the best human. Through my years mentor I’ve ever had. He’s of golf he has taught me to basically my second parent. be an amazing leader and — Meet Kapadia teammate, always trying to help our team rise to the top. — Gabi Desjardins
Dan Loving He goes above and beyond for his students and coworkers. He has proven time and time again that he cares about each student as a person. He has welcomed me into a class I would’ve never thought to take and been one of my biggest supporters throughout my time at Maize High. — Kendra Cunningham
Kevin Frye [He] is simply fantastic. He will push you harder than you would ever want to go, but I promise it pays off. You may not enjoy it while you are going through it, but you will be so thankful once it is over. He makes students realize all that they are capable of and always supports them along the way. — Hannah Tice
SeniorPlay / 15
Jessica Shurts She has been really helpful and always willing to hear me out and help me with anything. She has motivated me and inspired me to not be scared of science and to follow my dreams of working with animals. — Alli Franco
Stan Bergkamp [He] has had the most profound impact on me because even though science isn’t my best subject, he has encouraged me to try my best. Also, I have the most fun in his class and look forward to it every day even though the subject isn’t the most interesting to me. —Emma Hahn
Jenny Meirowsky She’s like another mother to all her students and she helps me with anything I need her to. — MaKayla Toth
Susan Fox She has been the most supportive of me and I’ve known her longer than any other teacher here. — Dawson Chenoweth SeniorPlay/ 16
David Walker Mr. Walker has had the biggest impact on me because I’ve had him as a teacher and a coach. He pushes me to do great things and always has a positive attitude. — Brenna Stamper
Brad Hornung He started as my basketball coach and has always been there to “give advice” without actually telling you what to do. He is one influential guy. — Kira Busker
Elizabeth Mans She has taught me how to always be positive and happy. — Aspen Pope
Roxanne Thulin and Floria Jones [They] in the front office because they have helped me make important decisions and were always there when I needed them. Sweetest ladies you will ever meet. — Destiny Meeks
Christine Borrego She inspired me to work hard and find my passions. — Austyn Ferrin
Wayde Watkins He pushed me to do better. — Sam Harroald
Gary Guzman He always tries to give some tips in weights and I can use those in the future. — Logan Paterson
Johnny Yelverton I thoroughly enjoyed having all of his classes and learning about Law Enforcement. — Hunter Davis
Penny McAnulty [She] had the biggest impact on me because she has been my En-Cor teacher for three years and is a fun teacher. — Hannah Jurgensen
Gary Jacobson He’s the bee’s knees. — Zach Winter
Sandy Nitcher She has always encouraged and supported me and every other student with their goals. Her class and the positive environment always made my day better. — Austyn Ritchie
Doris Prater [She] never sugar coats anything, and that has helped me so much. You never have to guess how you’re doing in her class. She teaches from her heart and encourages us to live by our passions and never by our fears. — Hannah Breshears.
John Anderson He always believed in me and never let me give up when I said “I can’t do it.” — Alexah More
Anne Debes
James Hammett From the moment I stepped into D18, she What other student can say welcomed me with open they walk down the arms. There was not a hallway and have their moment that I didn’t dad’s eyes on them the feel like I belonged. She whole time? What student encouraged me, pushed would want to?! Over the me, and supported me no past four years he’s kept matter what. She has seen me on track when no one me at my worst (deadline else could. I thought I week) and still loves hated it, but it turned out me. I couldn’t be more to be a blessing in disguise. thankful for the hours — David Hammett after school and in the summer we spent working Jay Super on finishing our yearbook baby. Ultimately, she is He made me realize that absolutely amazing and I I wanted to be a science could not be more thankful teacher and that I wanted for the way she has poured to be just like him. into my life. — Jenna Bosgraaf — Baylee Dobler Jerrod Handy He has taught me how to be strong and stay strong during the ups and downs! — Jessie Henderson
Amanda Gosch
She gets to travel around and works multiple jobs. She represents that hard work can get you places. — Tori Trueblood
Jessica Fisher [She] because she is a great teacher and really funny. — Spencer Shively
SeniorPlay/ 17
CONGRATULATIONS Ethan Pfeifer-
Congratulations on all that you’ve achieved in high school! We are so very proud of you and wish you much success in college. Love, Mom, Dad & Family
Tyler Stuart-
We are very proud of you and your accomplishments. Good Luck at KU! We love you! Mom, Dad and Spike
Michael VanDeest-
Congratulations, Michael! You have accomplished so much. Keep striving for your goals. We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad SeniorPlay / 18
Hunter LaMunyonAlways chase your dreams! We believe in you! Love, Mom & Dad
Gabi Desjardins-
We’ve loved watching you grow. We are so proud of the person you are becoming. Je t’aime gros comme le ciel, Gabi!
Courtesy of Lifetouch
MHS CLASS OF 2017 SaMya Francesca Rae WolkeCongratulations Babygirl! We love you more than you will ever know! -Dad & Momma
Ryan Kuhl-
David RichardsonTake pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how far you’ll go! We love you! - Mom & Paul
Congratulations, Ryan, on your accomplished high school career! Much goodness awaits you. With love and pride, Dad, Mom and Kelsey
Kendra Cunningham-
Can’t wait to see what your future holds. We are extremely proud of you! Love Dad, Mom, Alaina & Angel
Lauren Brooke Voigt-
Princess Ballerina, We are extremely proud of who you are. Continue to believe in yourself! Love, Mom, Dad, Carter, Gingersnap SeniorPlay / 19
Giving Directions Seniors give underclassmen advice on what not to miss Benjamin Adams
grades matter.
Take some time for yourself every once in a while.
Hannah Breshears
Alli Franco
Set yourself up to be successful. Be organized, efficient and on time. Reliability outweighs talent 9 out of 10 times. Sleep often and laugh whenever you can. There are a lot of great things you can be in this world, but the greatest thing you can be is kind.
Adam Clothier
work hard. be you.
Floss after you brush your teeth. It really helps maintain a better smelling breath.
Aurora Crisp Get involved with anything and everything here at Maize High. Join clubs and groups. It is so worth the effort. I have been in choir all four years of high school and I have been in Drama Club for two years and I have made so many friends and have learned so many things that I can actually use in the future.
Hunter Davis Do your best always. Your grades matter, so treat them as such.
Baylee Dobler Enjoy every moment. Do things out of your comfort zone. Be friends with people you’re different from. Cry if you need to. Join yearbook.
Sam Emerson Have fun but also take school seriously. I’ve seen a lot of incredibly intelligent people who I know have the potential for great things, but they just don’t try in high school and then they live their lives thinking that they are stupid and aren’t good enough for college, which is just plain wrong. Don’t focus too much on school though.
Caroline Erickson
Take that no-block senior year. You need it.
Allison Evans Go to as many Maize High events as possible.
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Austyn Ferrin
Don’t stand in the middle of the hallway.
Try it all! Make as many friends and memories as you can. Soon, your high school career will be over and you do not want to walk down that stage with any regrets. Try out for sports and join all the clubs. Make friends that will stick with you to the very end, but don’t forget that these aren’t the best years of your life. There is so much more to come and many opportunities to arrive. So have fun and experience the amazing journey of high school!
Kelsey Harris Eat breakfast.
Justin Jones
Be organized, write lists, do your homework every night. It’ll prepare you for college and so on.
Hannah Jurgensen
Go to as many school events as possible and get involved in a lot of clubs, you have the rest of your life to work.
Meet Kapadia
Enjoy high school to the fullest because time flies quickly.
Dara Kelley
Have fun! Go to games, dances, anything.
Emily Mast
Try hard and you will go far, the only thing that limits you is you.
Lily McClaren
Be a positive and happy person to yourself and to everyone around you, because after high school a huge majority of your peers will not remember you in high school, but you will.
Alexah More
Just do your work! It’s totally worth it!
Joel Norris
Please, find someone you want to be around and stop acting like everything is a joke or that it’s all a game and face it head on with full focus.
Jake Pfeifer
Talk to the foreign exchange students.
Lyndsey Piska
Have fun throughout high school and don’t congregate in the hallways.
Taylor Potter
Actually try. Don’t slack off. Take advantage of the classes now because they are freaking expensive in college.
Austyn Ritchie
Rooslana Rusk Grades matter, don’t slough off freshman and sophomore year.
Gabby Sanchez High school flies by and you should enjoy it while you can. Just like Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Hannah Tice Get involved and be yourself. These four years go by so fast, so make the most of them by joining clubs and not stressing to be like everyone else!
Kylie Wood Hard work pays off.
Work hard, don’t be lazy, study, do your homework and keep going even when it gets harder.
Arden Rogers Do something because it makes you feel happy, not because you feel pressured by others and immerse yourself in an activity.
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A few last words
Play’s senior editors share their last column before graduating Thank you Maize High
T
o Maize High School: Thank you for loads of overwhelming homework and early mornings. These are the things that made me successful. Thank you for showing me that in the end it is OK and it always will be. The stress is temporary. Thank you for pushing me. Thank you for leading me on a path that will better me for the future. I am thankful for you Maize High. As I reflect on my past four years as an Eagle, I can’t help but smile. I met so many people and learned so much from each of them. I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing me that friends come and go, but the true ones stay. Thank you for those few, special friends. And while I won’t miss your parking lot, there is a lot I will miss. I will miss each and every staff member who helped and encouraged me. I will miss waking up just to walk through your doors and down your halls. I will miss getting ready and looking my best for prom. I will miss the daily lunch date with several of my closest friends. I will miss the smile from teachers as they welcome me into their classroom. You are and have been my home away from home for four long years. I’m excited to move on to bigger and better things. I cannot wait for the people who I will meet and the people who I will learn from. Starting a new chapter is scary, but because of you Maize High it is possible. Thank you for providing me with what I needed to get there. You will be missed. Thank you for the experience. Although I am moving far from you, I will never forget where I’m from. I am proud to be an Eagle.
Her truest friend
H
ere I am, in the final days of my senior year of high school. Thirteen years in the Maize school district and these past four years went by the fastest, almost like they barely even happened. As a freshman, I was more than thrilled to have escaped the misery of middle school. Becoming a high schooler was something I never imagined would happen for me. And once I got there, my four years didn’t happen the way I thought they would. High school was going to be the best experience ever. I was going to have more friends, get super attractive and leave school with a 4.0 GPA. That’s not the way it turned out. These were the years I finally found my true self. I only want a few close friends and only one best friend, I don’t need to be popular in any way. I am no supermodel but I have grown into someone who I am personally happy with. And I am in no way an intellectually gifted student, but I have gone through high school with satisfying grades. No matter how stressful school got, I had my best friend by my side the entire time. My dog, Butterscotch, has been in my life for 11 years. Every day I come home from school, he is so excited to see me. No matter how bad or good my day is, I can always count on Butterscotch to make it a million times better. Everyone who knows who I am knows that my dog is the most important thing in my life other than family. He is the truest friend I have ever had in my life and he does not even talk. Whenever I do my homework, he sits right next to me as my personal stress reliever. I cannot go to sleep unless I have my dog in my arms. When I leave high school and go to college, Butterscotch is coming with me. He will forever remain by my side for as long as he lives. He will forever be my best friend for as long as I live.
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To the next Maize High School student
A
s I leave the school that has played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today, I can’t help but rewind all the memories I have collected throughout the past four years. Oh, what a journey it has been since I first took a step through those blue-trimmed doors. This place will make you cry, laugh, smile, groan and complain. You’ll learn here. You’ll grow up here. Occasionally, you’ll sleep here. But at the end of the day, this will always be your second home. So to the next Maize High School student, here is my advice to you: Take the hard class and the knowledge you will learn from it over the easy A. The fear of not going for it will always haunt me more than the one B that is etched on my (previously flawless) report card. Join something. Do something. And don’t be afraid to give up something if you have too much on your plate. Stress is good, but sometimes naps are nice. Don’t procrastinate. I know that paper or assignment may seem really annoying now and the next day and the next day. But it just gets more annoying when you have to write the remaining five out of seven pages all in one night and finish a Physics assignment and go to work and “Grey’s Anatomy” is on. And finally, take the time to thank someone. Thank your teacher for staying after school so you can make up your test. Thank your counselor for noticing you needed to talk. Thank the custodians for cleaning up after you. Thank your parents for putting up with your obnoxious behavior because sooner than you expect it you’ll be looking at colleges, picking out your dorm room decor and counting down the days to when it all is over.
The end that leads to a new beginning
A
s the days go from triple digits, to double, to counting down the final days of walking each hallway, I can’t help but to reminisce the four years of memories that I’ve had at this school. Walking in for the first time was a breath of fresh air. Well, kinda — the smell of the boys restroom really did take me by surprise. But as far as I knew, I had friends everywhere. I had four years of dance team of people coming and going. But for me, I’ve never liked change. Each year was different: different people, different classes and different attitudes. This school is where I found out one thing about myself. Change is not always bad. Yes, we change our clothes and change our hair, but as far as our generation we do not like people coming and going. Change. From one thing to another, we can’t stand the unknown. But at the same time it’s exhilarating not knowing what comes next. Even though people have come in and out of our lives, we all have one constant here in this school. Maize High has never changed. Well, hypothetically. We did change the entrance of the athletic complex and the baseball and softball fields, but back to not changing. Maize High never changed. Each morning I walked in and the same staff members greeted me with smiles and hellos, and as I see the end near in sight, I can say to everyone how truly thankful I am for those warm grins and cheesy hi’s. I am thankful for having friends who have supported me throughout my journey of this crazy thing called teen years. I am thankful for 13 girls that I’ve spent hours, shed blood and tears over, because all-in-all they are not only my best friends they are family. I am thankful for teachers shaping me and teaching me not only subjects but life skills. I am thankful for Maize High.
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Male athlete of the year Konner Swenson: football, track and field
Play: How long have you been playing each sport? Konner Swenson: Football, I started playing football when I was in the fourth grade. Track, my first time throwing and running track was in the fifth grade. P: What is your favorite memory with your teammates? KS: My favorite memory with my teammates would have to be going out to eat after we won a game and just hanging out. P: What was the most important lesson that you learned? KS: The most important lesson I learned while playing sports was learning how to work as hard as you can to achieve your goals. P: Where are you going to college? KS: I’m going to Pitt State. P: What sports are you planning on doing in college? KS: I have a scholarship to be a thrower on the track team. P: What do you plan on studying in college? KS: I plan on going into aeronautical engineering. P: What are you looking forward to in college with your athletics? KS: The workouts. I really enjoy working out and pushing the boundaries, and I think next year’s workouts are going to be a challenge. P: How do you want to be remembered after you graduate high school? KS: I would like to be remembered as a great athlete and a good friend. P: What is one of your favorite memories in your high school career(athletic)? KS: My favorite memory has to be throwing 198’10” at Pitt State Relays. P: What advice do you have for underclassmen in sports? KS: My advice for underclassmen in sports is there is always going to be someone better than you, so you have to try your best to become the best. P: What are you going to miss the most about high school sports? KS: I am going to miss the coaches and players the most. I left everything I could on the field, but the relationships I created will be hard to give up. P: What was your biggest challenge during your high school sports? KS: My biggest challenge in high school sports was coming back from injuries. P: What is the best advice you’ve received throughout the years? KS: The best advice I have received is always listen to what the coach says, chances are they know more than you. P: Are you happy with your outcome of your four years? KS: I am very happy with the outcome in my career so far. Multiple league and all-state awards in football and a ton more on the track side. Senior Konner Swenson was picked to be Athlete of the Year. He participated in football and track and field. Photo by Brett Loving.
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Female athlete of the year Brecken Roe: volleyball and basketball
Senior Brecken Roe was chosen for Athlete of the Year. She plays volleyball and basketball. Photo by Logan Dillon
Play: How long have you been playing each sport? Brecken Roe: I have been playing basketball ever since I can remember. I started my career playing in funball. Played ever since then. I started playing volleyball at the YMCA and have played ever since. P: What was the most important lesson that you learned? BR: Be happy no matter what you are doing. Don’t let people change your mood or look on something. There is no room in a busy life for drama or people trying to drag me down. P: Where are you going to college? BR: University of Illinois at Chicago. P: What sports are you planning on playing in college? BR: Volleyball. P: What are you looking forward to in college with your athletics? BR: I’m looking forward to all the opportunities that will be open for me. I will get to travel which is going to be great. The close relationship with my teammates and being a part of a new family. P: How do you want to be remembered after you graduate high school? BR: To be the person that anyone can go to for help. Always having a good
personality and happy all the time. P: What advice do you have for underclassmen in sports? BR: Sports aren’t everything. If you aren’t happy doing sports then go find something else to do. BE HAPPY! Give everything you have at practices and at games. You aren’t going to get your high school years back so take it all in while you can. P: What are you going to miss the most about high school sports? BR: Talking to Broadbent the day after a game and talking about what the team can do better. Or it would end up him telling me to make all of my layups. I’m going to miss how close I am with the coaches and players. Teammates are for a lifetime. P: What was your biggest challenge during your high school sports? BR: Juggling all the hard classes and stress but still showing up for practice each day and giving it my best. On top of everything I do outside of school, with school work, trying to fit in sleep, and enthusiastic about being at practice each day and takes a toll sometimes. P: What is the best advice you’ve received throughout the years? BR: Never give up. Keep pushing through even though it is hard. It will pay off in the
long run. P: Are you happy with the outcome of your four years? BR: Absolutely, I could not ask for anything more. Many state appearances that I am so happy I got to be a part of. Along with the league championships and substate championships. I will cherish all of my memories here at Maize High. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that I transferred from Andale. P: Who helped you achieve your athletic goals? Influences? BR: My parents have always pushed my to be the best I can be. They always told me I can play with anyone. I have always played against my brother and challenged him in different sports, so that is where I got my aggressiveness. P: Do you have any pregame rituals? BR: Yes. I pray that no one on either team will get hurt and that my team performs well enough to win. I also listen to music, and I always text my brother right before the game. P: What helps you relax before a game? BR: Just talking to myself and telling myself that I can compete with anyone. I know my abilities along with my teammates are going to be good enough to do anything.
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Born to roam Play throws it back with submitted photos
Austin Nickell, Spencer Bosley and Chase Silliman celebrate their last day of seventh grade.
Loren Fiegel and Mason Lange compare hands on the last day of eighth grade.
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Christina Hand, Emma Hahn, Bailey Tredway and Allison Evans attend a Winter Jam concert.
Hannah Jurgensen, Hannah Wheeler, Carley Bornhorst and Caitlyn Stegman celebrate the last day of eighth grade at a pancake breakfast.
Brecken Roe cheers on the Wolverines cheer squad.
Halle Kloefkorn, Austin Hopkins, Marianna Vazquez and Gabi Desjardins eat at the eighth grade pancake breakfast.
Emily Brecht, Alexah More, Emily Ochs, Kailey Buck, Lauren Matson and Realissa Robertson attend a choir trip to Worlds of Fun.
SeniorPlay / 27
Vacation Scrapbook Play reflects on senior highlights from events and activities
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SeniorPlay / 29
Frappés Lattés Bakery Smoothies
Buy one S’Mores Mocha or Hot Chocolate and get one 12 oz FREE Tues - Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-2pm
316-260-4000 319 S. Park
Can’t be there for graduation? Watch Maize seniors get interviewed backstage on Facebook Live @playnewsmag
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SeniorPlay / 31
Congratulations class of
2017