Seaman High School Topeka, Kansas Volume 90 | Issue 5 May 16, 2021
2 | INDEX
An Inside Look News 4-5 6-7 8-9
Senior Destinations Seniors can’t purchase laptops Cowan Twins Signing
Editorial 10
Parking Lot Slots
Feature 11-13 16-17 18-19 20-21 30-31
Seniors in the arts Early Graduates Snap memories from the year Shipping Out Is there anything you would like to add?
Staff List
Online Stories
@SeamanNews.com
EDITORS IN CHIEF Tristan Fangman Madeline Gearhart GRAPHICS EDITOR Camryn Turner ONLINE EDITOR Kaycee Tanner
MIKE MONAGHAN RESIGNS
AD MANAGER Alyssa Boos STAFF WRITERS Kendal Broughton Rene Cabrera Bethany Druse Jozee Esser Erin Feldkamp Lynde Heald Savanah Reeves Tara Spencer
LISA MARTINEZ: FINALIST FOR KANSAS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
EQUITY ACTION NETWORK AIMS TO MEND RACIAL ISSUES
Page Design by Camryn Turner
PROFILE: KEVIN MANNELL SEAMAN BASEBALL PITCHER
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OPINION | 3
(785)234-3596 1730 NW Topeka Blvd Open 8-9 Mon-Sat
Have a fun summer and don’t forget to wear a mask! - Clipper Staff
Page Design by Alyssa Boos
4 | NEWS
Washburn University Makenna Addington - Radiology Megan Allacher - Computer information Sciences JahnAsia Anderson - Nursing Mia Andrews - Early Childhood Education Corbin Atkins - Medical Sonography Carson Becker - Kinesiolgy Kyle Berry - Early Childhood Development Ashley Bertelsen - Criminal Justice Annalise Bocquin - Technical Design Alisha Bottom - Business Aislinn Bouton - Nursing Amilee Brian - General Sonography Carson Bush - Undecided Alexandra Carlow-Phillis - Sports Medicine Emily Christmas - Nursing Yasmine Cruz - Elementary School Education Devon Doherty - Accounting Tiffany Fairhurst - Vetrinarian Aidan Gardner - EMT Abbigail Green - Undecided Tyler Harwood - Criminal Justice Shelby Hersh - Education Emma Horton - Nursing Zachary Jones - Computer Science Mackenzi Jones - Forensic Science Ethan Juarez - Undecided Trevor Koci - Business Jadyn Larson - Forensic Invesitgation Parker Lesser Undecided Tanner McNutt - Law Nickolas Mercer - Secondary Education Caeden Meredith - Criminal Justice Hailey Morton - Undecided Wheatie Nelson - Physical Therapy Tyler Parkhurst - Nursing Shennen Pineda-Ortega - Pre-Med Cat Roberts - Enviromental Biology Karsyn Russell - Business Daisy Solis - Nursing Zosia Stottlemire - Medical Laboratory Science Hannah Thornwall - Elementary Education Tiffany Twidwell - Special Education Gillian Typer - Physical Therapy Emeri Watkins - Nursing Cayden Wells - Business McKenzie Wessel - Psychology Rayden Wilson - Kinesiology Rachel Wilson - Psychology
Page Design By: Tristan Fangman
The University of Kansas Reece Adams - Aerospace Engineering Lana Denny - Accounting and Business Keeley Gaer - Visual Communication and Arts Madeline Gearhart - Journalism Katie Golder - Computer Science Cailey Keating - Nursing Alexander Lane - Electrical Engineering Abraham Lopez - Computer Science Jasmine Martin - Pharmacy Veronica Martin - Business Molly McClimans - Political Science Sydney Mentzer - Undecided Hailey Minger - Nursing Taylor Parsel - Biology Alyson Shehi - Pre-Med Aidan Thompson - Business Administration Camryn Turner - Undecided Grace Wooten - Undecided Danny Young - Education/Theater
Kansas State University Hanna Addington - Agricultural Business Cole Askew - Undecided Patrick Biggs - Agriculture Jayden Brandt - Chemistry Jessica Davis - Medical Laboratory Science Callee Dempewolf - Kinesiology Hailey Hershey - Elementary School Education Sean Hoffmans - Construction Science and Management Kylie Jones - Undecided Ella Kelly - Elementary School Education Andrew Kirmer - Pre-Veterinary Kevin Mannell - Undecided Tyler Moser - Mechanical Engineering Jaclyn Roy - Undecided Samantha Shea - Education
Pittsburg State University Fort Hays State University Tristan Fangman - Nursing Kaira Izaguirre - Sociology Joseph Meier - Business Marketing Sawyer Stallbaumer - Undecided Spencer Vail - Graphic Communications
Emporia State University Sophia Billbe - Psychology Riley Cowan - Nursing Reid Cowan - Undecided Alexa Crai - Elementary School Education Erin Lardner - Graphic Design Gervase Mercer - Psychology and Nursing Rilee Kreuzburg - Undecided
Jayme Ashbaugh - Undecided Isabel Freisberg - Education Joseph Hanvy - Marketing Brendan Huff - Undecided Jeron Poteete - Undecided Treyton Ramirez - Undecided Stephen Reed - Biology Alaina Roberson - Agriculture Education
Witchita State University Carter Stahly - Aerospace Engineering
Kansas Wesleyan University Jack Horacek - Criminology
Oh The Places You Will Go
NEWS | 5
University of St. Mary
University of Washington
Jordan Riggles - Business Administration
Forrest Brungardt - Political Science
Baker University
Texas State University Abigail Musick - Theater, Film, and Media
Brooke Frederick - Psychology Brooke Frisby - Nursing Kaycee Tanne - Pre-Med
Mid American Nazarene College Peyton Murray - Undecided
Friends University
Tufts University Hastings College
Brynn Parrett - History
Hannah Watkins - Chiropractic Studies
University of Kentucky
Creighton University
Kaden Fox - Chemistry
Molly McLaughlin- Mathematics
Jennifer Montague - Art Education
Ali Reed - Fashion Media
Highland Community College Kaylor Hasenkamp - Undecided Jordan Zahn - Criminal Justice
Butler Community Kenzie Holmes Micah Kobuszewski
LIM College
Northwest Missouri State University
Washington and Lee University Garrett Sandall - Biochemistry
Ewan Mills - Emergency Management
Cloud County Community College of the Ozarks College Aiden Eyman - Marketing Kolden Howerton - Business Shayla Hughes - Undecided Brady Stuewe - Undecided
Elise Schreiner - Nursing
William Jewell Dylan Watson - Sports Management
Johnson County Community College Drew Davenport - Undecided Grace Edwards - Seconday Special Education Madison Harlow - Digital Art Veronica Martin - Business Administration Morgan White - Undecided
University of Arizona Kaya Pyle - Undecided
Berklee College of Music
University of Arkansas
Riley Senne - Audio Production
Raigan Kramer - Sports Management
Vanderbilt University Samantha Viera - Percussion
Fort Collins University Adriana Foster - Undecided
Brigham Young University Audri Budge - Nursing Lily Sadler - Psychology
Oklahoma State Lauren Beavers - Advertsing and Public University Relations
6 | NEWS
Computers sold to seniors in a last minute switch
STORY BY MADELINE GEARHART Co Editor In Chief
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eaman High School seniors are being allowed their laptop dibs ollowing the ending o a five year lease upon devices despite a near restriction to the release. “Since the laptops are on a five year lease agreement they will be available or purchase at the end o the five years with some salvage value stated a newspaper
released by he lipper in this means that when this year s seventh and eighth graders are uniors and seniors they will be the first group able to purchase the laptops a ter having them or the ull five years. owever nothing was done to
ensure this exchange as far as March of this year. Mr. Monaghan stated that it had always been a possible plan back in but that nothing had confirmed that seniors would be able to purchase the devices at the end o the year. The issue went mostly unspoken by the school community all except for a “handful of parent emails that came into email inbox of Mr. Monaghan. The plan was originally to
NEWS | 7 sell them back to Apple in full with all the laptops back in their possession — which would provide a significant amount of returned income in bulk — as opposed to individually selling them to seniors. The sellback completely turned around when technology director Jeff Mathes decided to check in with records detailing what would be done with the devices after the close of the 2021 school year. “In March 2016, the board did approve students to be given first priority in purchasing laptops at the end of a technology cycle,” said Mathes. “The Superintendent has advised our department to follow
this policy by allowing 2021 seniors the option to purchase their laptops at a rate comparable to the buyback purchase program.” The senior class eventually had the opportunity to purchase them back at the $350 a pop with their case and charger included by May 7th, and would later be able to pick them up after graduation. Senior Zosia Stottlemire anticipated having the ability to buy her MacBook to pinch
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pennies while approaching the expenses of Washburn University while studying Medical Laboratory Sciences. The purchase will allow her to get full use of the laptop — allowing buffer time while facing new costs — until a call for a replacement comes. Instead, a little research led her to find out that the district had other plans. Initially upset with the sudden changes, she rebounded by reaching out to the technology department to figure out the plans. Now she’s glad to see the change. “I think it’s a great opportunity to purchase technology we’re very familiar with at a more reasonable price with an easy process,” said Stottlemire.
8 | News
Stingers Up! By Bethany Druse Staff Writer
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enior standout student athletes, Reid and Riley Cowan, have decided to continue the family legacy and continue their journey together by signing to Emporia State University. Multiple members of Reid and Riley’s family went to Emporia including aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents. In 1991, Jeff and Cassie Cowan, the father and mother of twins Reid and Riley, met at Emporia State University. There, Jeff played football and Cassie took part in basketball. Fast forward some years and three of Jeff and Cassie’s four kids signed to Emporia. Dalton, the oldest child, plays football at Emporia State University while Bryce, the second oldest, plays golf at Fort Hays State University because Emporia doesn’t offer golf. Then there is Reid who will be playing outside
Page Design by Bethany Druse
linebacker for the football team and Riley who will mainly play center back for the soccer team. As kids, Reid and Riley had always dreamt of being Hornets just like their parents. “It was always a dream of mine to play at the same college as my dad,” explained Reid. So as the two grew older and started looking at colleges, they both had tough decisions to make. Reid and Riley together had offers from junior colleges, NAIA schools, and some schools in the MIAA. “I had offers from different schools but the ones that made me think the most were Fort Hays and North West Missouri. Both were amazing schools, but Emporia was just for me,” said Riley. Emporia State has many great features but
what drew Reid and Riley to the university was the community, the atmosphere, the town, and the fact that so many of their family members attended Emporia and all had positive experiences. The two never intended to go to the same college. In fact, Reid wanted to go as far away as possible from her. Also, Riley wasn’t all excited when she heard that Reid was committing to the same college as her since she was the one that committed first. “When he committed I wasn’t extremely excited at first because he is so protective, but he is my best friend and will be there for
me when I need him,” said Riley. Even though Riley may not appreciate one of his reasons, Reid is excited to go to the same college as her so that prescreen boyfriends and so that he doesn’t have to wait months and months to see her again. At the end of the day, they still love each other even when they are annoyed with each other. They are also used to seeing each other every day not only because they are siblings but because they are also in the same friend group. Jeff and Cassie didn’t influence Reid and Riley to go to Emporia just because they went there. They wanted their kids to choose where they would go to school. But when Reid and Riley made their final decision to go to Emporia and follow in the family legacy, they were so excited for them because Emporia offers a stellar college experience. Overall, Reid and Riley are excited for the opportunity to go to Emporia State University and follow the family legacy.
9 | News
SHOWING THE LEGACY : Jeff and Cassie plays football and basketball at ESU. This is where the Cowan family began.
BACK IN TIME : The twins are smiling for a family portrait. Reid and Riley have been inseperable ever since childhood.
TOUCHDOWN PASS : Reid throws a ball for a touchdown as quarterback. At ESU, he is planning on playing outside linebacker.
KICKIN’ IT : Riley is high kicking a soccerball. She is planning on playing centerback defender.
FAMILY TRADITION : The Cowan family poses for a picture at the ESU stadium. They went to watch Dalton play at a home football game.
LEGACY CONTINUES : The twins pose with their parents at their signing. They signed to Emporia March 16th.
10 | Editorial
Should Seniority Rule? by Erin Feldkamp Staff Writer
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t used to be that seniors got first pick on almost everything, but now things are starting to change. The parking lot is open to anyone and everyone, so seniors no longer have first pick on their spots and neither do students with morning practices. Some seniors feel that this is not a big deal while others do not think it is fair to believe seniors should have first pick. Raigan Kramer said, “I do not think it is a big deal, I park twenty feet away from where I did my junior year.” Kramer also stated that if in- person enrollment was offered to ensure a better spot her senior year she would not take it. “I do not think it matters, it is such a small thing in a huge world with much bigger problems,” Kramer stated. Ewan Mills said he would have liked a better spot because of football. “Getting home late after games and then walking half a mile to get to my vehicle was not much fun,” Mills said. Mills thinks that as upperclassmen the seniors should get first pick, especially since it is their last year. “Absolutely, if coming in-person means getting a better spot, I would be all in,” stated Mills. Students who are involved in activities such as cheer and dance have early morning practices so they have a different viewpoint on this. According to Hannah Thornwall, “I think it would be nice if seniors were the first to pick their parking spots.” Although she thinks
this, she also said that if someone cared that much about a spot that they should just make sure they get a spot right once it opens up online. “That’s what I’ve always done and I’ve always got to be in the parking area that I wanted,” explained Thornwall. Kaya Pyle believes that the seniors should have first pick on parking spots as well because it is a fair way to ensure every student is able to eventually park up in the front row. “I believe that I should have frontrow parking because of early-morning practices, which require student athletes to be walking through the parking lot before six AM,” Pyle stated. Pyle believes that it is dangerous to walk from the back of the parking lot to the front in the dark and during winter conditions which happen often. “The parking lot is lit with lamps up front allowing students to not only see where they are going, but to be seen by others as well. Additionally, the students would have less of a risk of slipping on ice as the distance they would have to walk to the door is shorter,” stated Pyle. From the administration’s viewpoint, the process had to be changed.
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Officer McKay stated, “I do not see it going back even though I would not mind seeing it go back.” Therefore, it is safe to assume this process is here to stay. The way this new process is set up is first come first serve. There is no way Officer McKay could offer spots for seniors only because there is no way to police the process. It would be easy to just text a senior friend to have them buy a spot for you. The problem with the online parking passes is that students do not come in to get their parking pass. “When they came in person, I could give them their permit and now I cannot, so now they have to come in and see me…all of my spots are taken and people just don’t come and get them,” stated McKay. Administration understands seniors have priority, but the process has changed. McKay’s best advice is to just go online and purchase your stall the day enrollment opens.
Senior Spotlight
Back to School Bash
Battle of the Bands
“Legally Blonde” Musical
Modeling Senior year
Viking Variety Show
2018 Jazz Band
“Working” the Musical
Space Buns for Journalism
Feature | 11
Battle of the Bands
“Into the Woods” Musical got cancelled due to Covid
Modeling Summer going into Junior year
Battle of the Bands
Page Design by: Erin Feldkamp & Kendal Broughton
Jumping in her favorite play “Memphis”
Anchoring her Senior year
Playing in the pit for “Working” the musical.
2021 Spring Band Concert
12 | Feature
Page Design By: Erin Feldkamp & Kendal Broughton
Feature | 13
Making their Mark Seaman Seniors take their talent across the country. By Erin Feldkamp & Kendal Broughton Staff Writers
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n the graduating class of 2021, there are many students that are planning on a future of pursuing a career in the arts. There are musicians, dancers, actors, fashion designers, and many more. Samantha Viera, is attending Vanderbilt University in the fall to pursue music and science. Samantha has been playing percussion since her fifth grade year, and has loved music ever since. She looks up to her grandpa and her mother as the musical inspiration in her life, and has grown to love singing, writing songs, and playing guitar. Samantha considers completing the application process for Vanderbilt her biggest musical accomplishment. She says, “It was one of the most strenuous processes I have ever been part of, but because of it I became a better musician and gained life skills I will continue to use in college and for the rest of my career.” The application process for Vanderbilt included a standard application, just like other colleges but it also included the preparation of roughly six or seven pieces of music in order to audition. The first part of the audition process was the prescreening audition. After passing the pre-screening, Viera sent in her final recorded audition and interviewed with the percussion professors at Vanderbilt. “It was a seven-month-long process and the most stressful time of my life!” said Viera. She believes that the “wow” factor of her audition was her willingness to take constructive criticism from the percussion professors once passing prescreening and applying those changes to the final audition. “I also believe it was being able to have a great conversation with the professors during my interview about why I am
passionate about music and why I am passionate about Vanderbilt,” explained Viera. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans on attending graduate school and pursuing music, science, and helping others wherever it takes her. Viera is also very excited to move to Nashville and has no worries about being able to do well in Nashville on her own.. “I am ready for a new environment that will truly fit who I am currently in my life right now,” Viera expressed. Ali Reed, is attending The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM) in the fall to study fashion media and styling. Reed has been involved in the fashion industry since she first started modeling sophomore year. “I genuinely fell in love with the art behind the scenes and knew that I wanted to pursue it further in the future,” Reed explained. She explained that since she was around five years old, her dream was to be a supermodel, but as she got older, her view on the industry changed along with her dream. She now wants to work behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. The application process for LIM was similar to most colleges’. Students are required to submit test scores, gpa, and write essays. However, there is also an interview and questionnaire process that must be completed before a student is granted entry into their choice program. Reed believes that her “wow” factor for LIM was her participation in journalism while at SHS. “Since one of my majors is in media, the background in broadcast and print pushed me over the edge in the application process,” explains Reed. LIM has been Reed’s dream college for around three years, and explained that when she found out about her acceptance, she started crying in the middle of cheer practice out of joy.
Reed knew that this was the school for her stating, “Not only do they offer hands-on courses such as design and styling but business courses as well. The college genuinely has the best of both worlds.” After college, Reed plans on being either a creative director for a fashion magazine, but says that being a celebrity stylist sounds pretty great as well. Riley Senne, is attending Berklee College of Music in Boston this fall to continue focusing on his love for music. Senne first got into music when he was seven and started taking violin lessons which led him into beginning the guitar and bass at 12. “Ever since I started playing guitar and started playing with other musicians I’ve never wanted to do anything else,” says Senne. Berklee’s application is unique because it is auditionbased rather than applicationbased. “I auditioned the earliest I could (August 2020) so the audition had to take place virtually over Zoom, but I still had to perform in front of a panel of Berklee professors,” says Senne. Senne explained that his grades did not have a huge effect on his acceptance due to the university’s focus on musical talent, but maintaining good grades throughout high school and combining his music abilities is likely what earned him a scholarship. During his audition, he took an extra step by playing the guitar along to a backing track that he created himself. He pre-recorded the drums, bass, and keyboard parts of the song and he believes not many other students did that during their audition. Senne says his biggest accomplishments include, “Getting a scholarship to Berklee, having the opportunity to play gigs with my band around town and getting paid for it, battle of
the band winner twice, maybe three times.” Senne visited Berklee as a freshman and then went to camp there the next summer and just loved Boston, the atmosphere of Berklee, the facilities, the equipment, and being around so many amazing players. Berklee has one of the best programs for audio engineering which is Senne’s intended major. “I’m pretty excited to move to the east coast, I don’t think the nerves have really set in yet but I know I’ll enjoy my experience out there once I move,” says Senne. Abby Musick, is in the process of deciding which school is best for her but is going to college to continue her theatre career. “I started performing when I was seven years old,” says Musick. Musick said that her biggest show so far has been Legally Blonde the Musical. She said that when she performed this show there were around ninety high school students involved in the show. Musick stated that she has never been in a show with that many students. “My favorite part of theatre is the adventure it has given me,” said Musick. So far Musick’s favorite show that she has performed in so far is Memphis at Topeka Civic Theatre. “I performed in this show when I was fourteen and it showed me the impact of live theatre and the family that is created amongst hardship,” explained Musick. The farthest Musick has traveled to perform has been Kansas City. She participated in a few projects there recently. “Film has been something I have really enjoyed for the past year and it has been super great to have the opportunity to branch out into new aspects of performance and acting,” Musick said. “I have had incredible opportunities from being involved with so many creative people.”
Page Design By: Erin Feldkamp & Kendal Broughton
14 | FEATURES
Class 2021 Volunteer Leaders
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very year Seaman High School awards the Senior with the most volunteer hours. With seniors volunteering from all things like concessions, Stormont Vail, to church and theatre events, the class of 2021 has as over 20 seniors with 50 plus hours. With three in the lead with over 300 plus hours. No one will know who has the most hours until graduation, but this class doesn’t need an award to know they are doing great things for their community.
Riley Sell Where & Why: Riley has volunteered at multiple church events, along with Keep America Beautiful, Upwards Program, North Topeka Outreach, the Salvation Army. Ronald McDonald House, Helping Hands, and Eagle Scouts. He said he volunteered at all of these places to give back to his community in different ways. Favorite/Most interesting Experience: His favorite place to volunteer was at Church events. He was a group leader for a Youth Summer Camp. He enjoyed working there because he was working with younger kids and helping them with their activities, bible studies, and helping them grow. Biggest Take Away: He says his biggest takeaway from volunteering was learning humility, patience, and kindness. Continuing: When he has time Riley plans to continue volunteering while attending College.
Madeline Gearhart Where & Why: Madeline had volunteered at Helen Hocker theatre as a seamstress and at the Topeka Civic Theatre as an intern/backstage manager. She has she choose those two places because she enjoys sewing and wanted the Theatre experience. She also volunteers for Mater Dei Catholic School because they had given her so much she wanted to give back to them. Favorite/Most interesting Experience: Her most interesting experience while volunteering was creating a giant overcoat for a performance made out of scrap quilt pieces. Biggest Take Away: She says her biggest take was is growing her skills and learning to empathize with those around her. Continuing: Madeline says absolutely she plans on continuing to volunteer.
PAGE DESIGN BY ZAYLEE BELL
FEATURES | 15 Alyson Shehi Where & Why: Alyson had volunteered at Stormont Vail Hospital for the past four years. She says she had been interested in the healthcare system for a long time and thought this would be a good opportunity to learn and get her feet wet. Favorite/Most Interesting Experience: Getting to meet Stormont’s employees and patients that she most likely would not have without volunteering. Biggest Take Away: Volunteering is a valuable opportunity because it makes you more appreciative of what you have it gives you a different perspective on life and allows you to meet a variety of new people. Continuing: Alyson plan on continuing to volunteer after graduating.
Taylor Parsel Where & Why: Taylor has volunteered at Stormont Vail Hospital to gain more experience and knowledge in the healthcare setting. Favorite/Most Interesting Experience: Her favorite part about volunteering was getting to help sick children and babies on the pediatrics floor of Stormont. Biggest Take Away: The biggest takeaway for Taylor was getting to feel like she is needed and relied on by people and the community around her. Continuing: Taylor would like to continue to volunteer after graduating but is not sure how much time she will have. In college, she plans on joining a sorority and hopes that will give her more chances to volunteer.
Kylie Jones Where & Why: Kylie mostly volunteers at the Viking Brew Coffer show, along with a few other places. She enjoys the coffee shop because of the connections she makes with other SHS students and how it has helped her grow. Favorite/Most interesting Experience: The most interesting experience for her was volunteering at the Expocenter for history day. She had to work with a middle school student who kept giving her sass. They had to go up and down the stairs and by the end she was tired and hungry but the kid was not slowing down. Biggest Take Away: She says the connections she made with people and the life long skills she learned where her biggest takeaways. Continuing: Kylie plans on continuing to volunteer and wants to continue it long into her future.
16 | FEATURE
Early Graduates Move On to the Next Chapter BY KAYCEE TANNER Online Editor
Eight students from Seaman High’s class of 2021 graduated early in December and now are onto the next chapter of their post-graduation lives. Early graduates include Aislinn Bouton, Jasmine Martin, Noah Florence, Drew Henderson, Halli Marlow, Khloe Marsh, Jade Thayer, and Tiffany Twidwell. Jasmine Martin had been thinking about graduating earlier than her classmates at the beginning of the 20192020 school year. “I had almost all my required classes completed, besides a few and the senior year courses, so I didn't want to take more classes than I needed to take to graduate,” Martin says. On the other hand, Noah Florence has considered the idea of graduating early since 7th grade when he watched his older brother do it. Florence enlisted in the Army and was planning to leave during the spring semester which was a factor in his early graduation, but his date has been pushed to May. Since graduating at semester, Florence has been working and getting ready for basic training Page Design by Kaycee Tanner
which will be in Fort Benning, Georgia. “After basic training I will be doing airborne training. I am hoping to get into Special Forces after completion” says Florence. While Florence says that Covid-19 affecting school was not the main reason he graduated early, he is happy he is done doing classes remotely. As for Martin, she says that the way the pandemic was going to change the 2020-2021 school year, she knew she wanted to graduate early. “I knew senior year wouldn't be the same and we wouldn't have the same experience as the classes before us and that was really disappointing so I didn't really want to stay longer than I had to,” she says. She is currently taking two online classes through Hutchinson Community College, where she plans to attend in the fall for their Pre-Pharmacy Program and then transfer to Kansas University for their Pharmacy program. Aside from online courses, Martin is working as a pharmacy clerk at the Dillons Pharmacy as she became a Pharmacy Technician which she says will help a lot when going to school to be a pharmacist.
“Even if I could go back in time, I would still graduate early because it has allowed me to get a head start on my course work at Hutchinson CC which will make my class schedule more manageable when I go there in person.” Early graduate Aislinn Bouton also has been working since her completion of high school. Bouton earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license last spring so she has been able to work full time after graduation in Nortonville, Kansas. Bouton has been considering early graduation since her sophomore year. Bouton plans to attend Washburn University to major in Nursing. She knew she wanted to be able to work full time her second semester of senior year. “I will be paying for college myself so whatever grants and FAFSA doesn't cover, I will,” Graduate Tiffany Twidwell says she has been working to earn money before college in the fall. She will be attending Washburn University and plans to become a Special Education Teacher. When it came to planning for an early graduation, students needed to ensure they met all graduation
requirements by the end of the fall semester of the 2020-2021 school year. This meant taking all the required 12th grade classes in one semester instead of split between two. Florence states “I worked with my counselors and my CLP teacher who guided me in what credits I needed in order to graduate.” Martin did not have much trouble preparing for early graduation. “I didn't have to load up on harder classes, just get all the senior year required classes into one semester and Mr. Alexander helped me with that” she says. When asked what they would tell underclassmen who may be considering graduating early, the students unanimously agreed that it may not be a decision for everyone, but none of them regret doing so and would still graduate early if given the chance again. Florence suggests “graduating early is a great idea only if you know what you’re doing immediately after high school.” Similarly, Martin mentioned students considering early graduation need to think about why they want to graduate early and what they will do with their time if they were to graduate early.
17 | FEATURE
“I would also tell the underclassmen to consider if they will regret missing parts of their senior year. For me it was a little easier because the seniors this year missed out on some things because of COVID and school has been very different this year. But in a normal school year would they regret that 'senior year' experience.” What will I miss if I graduate early? It is a question many should consider if they are
thinking about graduating early. However, for these students, they do not feel like they are left out of school events, or missing anything significant from their senior year. For Florence, he says that swimming was his main activity involved with the high school and with “COVID guidelines would have wore me out and I wouldn’t have had fun with it, so graduating early was the best thing for me”
For Bouton, she says she does not feel left out at all. She has stayed involved as much as she can with the school and her classmates. Tiffany Twidwell agrees that she did not have feelings of regret or missing out even after graduation. “There wasn’t much to experience this year due to COVID effecting a lot of the things school would put on and I was able to experience prom” she says. Finally, Martin states,
“I haven't really felt left out because nothing has been normal this school year. Sports aren't the same, classes aren't the same, some of those activities seniors in years before us have done we have missed out on. I also haven't felt left out because I was able to get an earlier start on the next step in my education and get a job that I love and will help me in the future.”
Semester Graduates
Aislinn Bouton Jasmine Martin Noah Florence Drew Henderson Halli Marlow Khloe Marsh Jade Thayer Tiffany Twidwell
A number of SHS seniors graduate at semester each year. (clockwise from top)Aislinn Bouton works as a CNA in Nortonville, KS. Noah Florence swore into the Army. Jasmine Martin works as a pharmacist clerk in Dillons Pharmacy. (Photos provided by graduates)
SENIOR VIKINGS 1
Tyler Parkhurst gets Jaclyn Roy out in assassins.
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Mr. Hoffmans hands Sam Shea a paper during class.
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Stories
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Benton Chinn and Stevie Slover posed up for a picture. Sydney Mentzer and Sarah Lattendresse are at the footbal game.
Andrew Kirmer takes a picture of his catch. Hailey Hershey gets her hair done for picture day.
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Audri Budge and Carson Becker are ready for soccer practice. Ella Kelly and Sam Ingram get a quick picture at bank.
Sean Hoffmans get a picture in the bank with his underclassman.
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Brinley Boquinn and Emeri Watkins cheesin on the weekend.
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Micah Kobecheski and Cade Anderson strutting on Prom.
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The guys had a great night on Halloween in their costumes.
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SNAPCHAT MEMORIES
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My Eyes Only
October 31, 2020
Flashback from
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20| FEATURE
Shipping Out:
SHS students lead by example joining the military
STORY BY SAVANAH REEVES Staff Writer
Josiah Farrant will be joining the Army. “I’m joining the military because it’s something that I’ve really wanted to do.” says Josiah. Every week Josiah goes to soldier training to prepare for basic. He is planning on making the military his career. Josiah is most excited about the traveling but still a little nervous about basic. If possible he would like to still stay close to home.
Madison Conley will be joining the Army. “I joined as a way to give back to people and help them. I wanted to help protect others and protect my country,” stated Conley. Many things need to be done before leaving. “Every Thursday my station holds a Future Soldier Training and there we physically prepare as well as learn things to help prepare us for basic.”. She leaves for basic training on June first and will be going to Fort Benning in Georgia. Even though Madison has planned on doing this for a while she is still nervous about leaving her friends and family but is very excited to learn about what all The Cavalry Scouts do.
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Air Force Jonathan Ward
Air National Guard Sarah Lantandresse Lauren Ebberts
Army Lauren Ebberts will be joining the Air National Guard. “I joined the Air National Guard because I found that I had a lot of respect for people in uniform that came into where I work. I also knew that there had to be a way for me to do something bigger and better than myself, so I thought what better way than to serve my country.” states Lauren. She leaves for basic training on June 8th and will be going to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. “I graduate from basic training July 30th, and then fly to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio from August 13th to November 19th to complete technical school where I will be training for my job in Bioenvironmental Engineering.”, Her goal is to stay in the Air National Guard for a minimum of 20 years and become at least a lieutenant colonel. She is most excited about seeing where the journey takes her and meeting new people along the way. Lauren is most nervous about basic training and being away from her family with no contact, even though she is nervous she says “that it is only temporary and the rewards are far greater than the initial fear.”
Noah Florence Madison Conley
Army reserves Mikayla Jordan Josiah Farrant
Army national guard Shennen Pindea-Ortega Alexander Do
marines Chandler Buessing Ty Richardson
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Recreating Our Past Favorites Favorites CHEERS: Senior Emilia Pinna is an exchange student from Italy. Her favorite American movie is the Great Gatsby. She poses as Jay Gatsby played by Leonardo DiCaprio
I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU: (Back row) Raigan Kramer, Camryn Turner, Kaycee Tanner, JahnAsia Anderson, (front row) Riley Cowan, Callee Dempewolf, and Hailey Hershey, recreate the iconic couch scene from the hit TV show Friends. This group of women reflect the friendship portrayed in the Tv for they truly are and always will be best friends.
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22| FEATURE
A she
DARK strikes
KNIGHT: a strong
Paige pose
Noyes’s in an
favorite allyway
superhero is Bat Girl. Here portraying the strong woman. EXPELLIARMUS: Senior and Japanese Exchange Student, Ayane Nagakura poses for her favorite American Movie, Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix. Hermonie is here favorite
Page Design By: Tristan Fangman
-The Worst DriversPeyton Murray & Sam Shea
-Be a Stand up ComedianTyler Parkhurst & Hailey Hershey
Pag esD Joz esign ee Ess ed by er -
r o i y l Sen e k i L t s o M s ’ o T
-Get Lost Going Anywhere Dylan Watson & Ella Kelly
-FIght a SharkEwan Mills & Jahnasia Anderson
-Accidently Start a FireTy Richardson & Jaclyn Roy
-Be the First to die in a Zombie Apocalypse Benton Chinn & Callee Demepewolfe
-Be Late to GraduationCole Askew & Elise Schriner
30 | FFe
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 Page Designed by - Jozee Esser
Baby
Guess
who??
Can you match up these seniors with heir baby photos on the other page?
Molly McLaughlin
Jordan Rigg
Tristan Fangman Lily Sadler
Sean Hoffmans
Megan Allacher Page Designed by - Jozee Esser
1-Sean Hoffmans 2- Megan Allacher 3- Stephen Reed 4- Lily Sadler 5Molly McLaughlin 6- Tristan Fangman 7- Jordan Riggles
Stephen Reed
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SHS Tells All:
Seniors confess their best kept secret from high school
My friend and I went hood surfing in the school parking lot once.
I went an entire school year not knowing a girls name I talked to every day.
I have a sticky note hidden in the school no one has found yet.
Me and my friends would share a google doc to text during class because they took off iMessage.
Page Design by Kaycee Tanner
Almost all of the time that I didn’t show up, I was at home sleeping.
I have lied my way out of the principals office multiple times.
I broke the toilet in the library once.
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First kiss? —82% have attended the Homecoming parade and crownings
Before high school:40%
During high school:35%
—45% have made a Tik Tok at school
—The library or freshman bathrooms are the favorite bathrooms in the school by seniors.
—63% have used the “I have an appointment” excuse to be called out of school
—83% aced a test they did not study for
—90% have stayed up past 1am doing homework
49% say they wear their mask properly in school. 34% say “most of the time”
What year in high school was the hardest?
55% junio r —76% have never used a handwashing station
Senior Survey:
enior s % 7 2
15% sop homo
re
—85% of seniors have enjoyed high school
—71% have been tardy but 52% have never had a punishment for it
—87% have fallen asleep in class
30 | OPINION
Is there
anything els The Clipper staff’s last w
Within first days at Seaman High School, I asked myself “how can I spend the next four years here?” just feeling utterly hopeless after walking into an entirely new environment. Then I pushed to become involved and worked hard to grow into this school. Now, I have reached the peak of this place, where it feels like a second home. Though luck has come my way, this high school provided a perfect set up for my future. I will be forever grateful for those teachers such as Mrs. Riley and Mr. McAlister who took a chance on me so I could rise to become the person of my utmost desire. To the students, thank you for letting me write for you these past three years. It’s been an absolute honor and privilege to keep you informed.
I joined the Clipper staff because I wanted to create something memorable. Yearbook would have been a lot of fun, but all of your work amounts to one big moment and you are not able to physically hold in your hands until the next year. With Clipper, I have an abundance of issues that I helped publish and create over my three years as a staffer. I work hard for a month, send it to the printer, and a week later I get to see and hold the product. The Clippers mean a lot to me and are a keepsake I will treasure. I am so proud of what my staffers were able to accomplish and how they grew over this year. The Clipper is not just a memory of the events from our high school experience but also of the wonderful friends who worked alongside me!
While many of us like to say that we are ready for high school to be over or can’t wait to graduate, I know I personally will miss this time once it’s all said and done. I will miss seeing all the teachers and staff that have made my time at SHS so special as well as all the friendships I have made whether it was from a table partner or a teammate. I have made so many memories that I know my friends and I will never forget, and we have SHS to thank. As our time here comes to an end, I realize how much these awkward high school years have taught me. Most importantly to surround yourself with people who support you, and make you the best version of yourself.
High school is such a hard and confusing time. You are trying to figure out who you are, and who you want to be. What I have learned throughout high school is that you should never compromise or change who you are for anyone except yourself. If you are put down because of doing the things that make you happiest, then they aren’t your people and that is okay. Do everything that makes you happy because life is so short, don’t waste time being something you aren’t. Thank you SHS for all of the laughter and tears, but also giving me some people that will stay in my life forever.
2021
Madeline G.
2021
Kaycee T.
2021
Tristan F.
2021
Camryn T.
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se you’d like to
add? words before graduation MADELINE GEARHART
Future Plans: She plans to attend KU to double major in journalism and marketing sPorts/Clubs/organizations: NHS, Art Club, German Club, and Wrting Center awards/sCholarshiPs: Communitcation and Journalism Award Favorite CliPPer MeMory: “Baking shrinky dink ornaments with all the staff’s signatures. We thought we baked them wrong because they started to curl up around the edges and had to run to Mrs. Riley for help — turns out they just needed more time in the oven.”
TRISTAN FANGMAN
Future Plans: She plans to attend Pitt State University to major in nursing sPorts/Clubs/organizations: Interact, Key Club, Clipper, SeaMapp, and Cross Country awards/sCholarshiPs: Student of the Year, Robert J. Dole Congressional History Prize Favorite story: “My favorite story I wrote was definitely the Fred Seaman story. Most high school journalists do not get the opportunity to break such a big controversial story that makes national news.”
FAREWELL FROM ADVISOR, MRS.RILEY
Love, Riley
Ladies, we started on the Clipper staff the same year, and I can’t imagine C-2 without your leadership; thank you for helping me at the helm of The Clipper! You were instrumental in shifting from a traditional format to a news magazine style, and you have each left your mark in the history of this publication. I will miss you as you go off into the world to make your mark there too, but I can’t wait to celebrate your successes as you turn the page to the next chapter of your lives. As you go off to Pitt State, KU, and Baker, I would like to leave you with a little advice. Remember that true success is not measured by how much you have, but by how hard you try and what you do for others. Take the time to make lasting memories with friends--the next four years will go just as quickly as the last four have. Stay out of the bushes. The door to C-2 is always open--come home and visit us as often as you can, and I’ll always be in your corner. I refuse to say goodbye, so instead I will say have a blast in college and I will see you soon!
KAYCEE TANNER
Future Plans: She plans to attend Baker University to major in pre-med chemistry sPorts/Clubs/organizations: Soccer, Vikettes, SeaMapp, Thirst Project, and FBLA awards/sCholarshiPs: Student of the Month, Howard T. Jackson Memorial Scholarship Favorite layout: “My favorite layout was the Homecoming 2020 page! It was fun to make a creative and colorful layout. I was able to ask them some fun questions which were so funny to collect and put on the page.”
CAMRYN TURNER
Future Plans: She plans to attend KU to play volleyball with an undecided major sPorts/Clubs/organizations: Basketball, Volleyball, Interact, SHARP, and Spirit Club adviCe For a Future Journalist: “Clipper is the class that has made me enjoy coming to school every day! There are so many amazing people that challenge you to be your best. Have fun, and take in all the information you will recieve because it has made me a better writer, and a better person.” Page Design by Alyssa Boos
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