lipper
Volume 84
Issue 6
May 16, 2014
Inside: Tiger cubs create excitement at the Topeka zoo.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., takes time before his big race to visit students and staff. Is drug use on the rise? Have parent attitudes changed? Seniors look back on their education and lessons learned.
Seaman High School
4850 NW Rochester Topeka, KS 66617
seamannews.com for latebreaking stories and all of our journalism projects @SeamanNews SeamanNews
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Dale Earnhardt, Jr., receives a Seaman Viking football helmet for his personal collection after speaking with students on May 8.
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May 16, 2014
NEWS
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USD #345 construction: New facility additions begin process by Cassidy Henry staff writer Shovels and hammers have been put to the test in north Topeka ever since the new middle school construction began in December of 2013. USD #345 has been working on new additions, such as: additional classrooms, a gymnasium, security enhancements on the elementary schools, and the renovation of the current middle school into a new Northern Hills Elementary School. Rochester and Pleasant Hill will be shutting down; due to the fact that if they did want to renovate the building and increase the school’s size, it would be way too much of a costly risk. These schools are now put up for sale. Due to additional housing developments in north Topeka Elmont, North Fairview and West Indianola are adding on to their facilities and remodeling starting with North Fairview. “The construction will allow us to close and consolidate two elementary schools, saving us considerable dollars. It will also provide storm shelters at each site,” said district superintendent, Mike Mathes. Elmont and North Fairview plan to add seven classrooms, a gymnasium and remodel the office area; plus improve the sewer capabilities at North Fairview. West Indianola has similar plans but they are adding nine classrooms, new gymnasium, remodeling office area and creating classrooms. The current Seaman Middle School is transforming
into an elementary school. February of 2014 began the construction of the new Seaman Middle School, which will be located on the same piece of land, directly south of the old middle school. “A new middle school will meet the needs of programs like band that have seen tremendous growth, science labs, consumer and industrial science. Rooms will be equipped for technology and designed for team teaching,”said district Board President, Susan Hentzler. The renovation of the current middle school will include renovating the SMS shop and the two classrooms into classrooms, replacing the roof, making playground areas and progress on traffic flow. The new middle school will consist of 2 gyms with seating to hold 600-700 people, a large band room, an industrial technology room and space for expansion if ever needed. The cafeteria will have a stage built for productions. The grand total that McPherson Construction has bid towards Seaman Middle School is $23,305,500. The estimated time for the new middle school building to be ready to be occupied is January of 2016, while the elementary schools will be completely renovated by January of 2015. “As a community it is important to provide a great public education. A good education results in graduating good citizens. Our community will thrive with good citizens living door to door,”said Hentzler.
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Overdrive will be available to any student, with 24/7 coverage. To login, use your powerschool username and password. There are currently 350 books and new books are added on a regular basis. Contact Mrs. Sweany at msweany@ usd345.com if you have problems logging in. Eighteen 2013-2014 Community Service Award recipients have been noticed for achieving at least 50 hours of community service. Seniors Emily Barth, Sara James, Dana Kottman and Connor Tjelmeland have all gotten honorable mentions and will also have their names put on the community service plaque. Summer school is available for grades 9th-12th, so students may recover up to two credits in any core subjects. Fee for each required credit is $125, while fee for only needed completion of failed assignments or tests in a class is $75. In order to only pay the $75, teacher approval is needed. Classes available from May 30-June 5, and June 16-June 25. Checks need to be made to Seaman High Bank. For more questions, ask Mrs. Dawna Edmonds. All SAFE participants have the opportunity to win an award once every month for promising to stay safe and cautious while driving. Senior Betty White won the lucky drawing of a 39’ TV that was awarded to Seaman High School for improving the most in seatbelt usage with an increase of 5% from 2013 to 2014.
lipper Editor-in-Chief Delaney Hiegert(30) Managing Editor Mallory Searcy(30) Business/Ad Managers Kendall Leatherman, Taylor Buessing Staff Ethan Brunetti, Mason Diederich, Cassidy Henry, Cortni Heston, Brett Lichter, Sydney Marney, Jakob Ready, Breanna Schmidt (30), Tatum Smith, Andie Sodergren, Delaney Spence, Kaelin Summers, Brenlee Yingling Adviser Kelly Neiman, MJE To submit a letter to the editor, the letter must be 300 words or less in length. All correspondence must be signed. The goal of the staff is to report school and community news and suggest ideas for improvement. We welcome your opinions and will do our best to publish what you have to say. Views in this newsmagazine do not always represent those of the faculty or school board of USD 345. The Clipper reserves the right to edit or refuse publication of material that is libelous, obscene, invading privacy, infringing on copyright or disruptive to the educational process of Seaman High School. (30) is the journalistic symbol for “the end.” We would like to thank our seniors for the wonderful contributions they have made to our staff as they end their Clipper careers. Write on, friends!
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NEWS
May 16, 2014
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Positives, negatives weighed taking college credit classes in high school by Kaelin Summers staff writer
Junior and senior year is coming around the corner and deciding whether or not to take college classes in high school is a tough decision. From all the college credit classes to choose from in high school, all have their own positive and negative effects once into the real college world. Taking a college credit class in high school is a lot less expensive. Normally these classes are half price. Getting college credits out of the way is a good idea but students have to keep track of the number of hours they’re taking. If too many college credits are taken in high school, a student can get into college so many of those credits can and cannot be used. In high school a college
class is usually with less people than at the university level. Having fewer students in the class gets a student a lot more support and attention from the professor. Most college credit classes are taken at Washburn University so when going to another in-state university, those credits can be transferred over to that college. If a college credit is taken in one state and the student wants to go to an out-of-state college after graduation, there is a chance that the out-of-state university will not take those credits earned in the original state. “After taking college credit classes in high school, once you get to the university, you may be put into classes with more mature students who have already figured out how college life works,” said Counselor Steve Alexander.
These people would know how much time they need to study, how much attention they get for the professor, and how to use all time on assignments wisely. Another pondering question of taking college credit classes in high school is do they affect sports and play-
ing time. Credits earned in high school have no affect on sports in college. “In college the university sport doesn’t begin until the day that the students walk onto campus for the first day of classes”, said Alexander.
School, according to Mr. Mike Mathes, Seaman USD 345 Superintendent. Hammes being moved to Seaman Middle School left the Freshman Center Principal job wide open. Assistant Principal Shelly Prengel will move to the
Prengel has been filled by Mr. Michael Monaghan, current assistant principal at Hayden High School. Also moving to Central Office as Assistant Director of Curriculum is North Fairview current Principal Rod Garmin. Current assistant princi-
Wade was an Instructional Coach at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. The Pleasant Hill Elementary School Instructional Coach position is left open. Pleasant Hill Principal Debra Raines moved to central office, as Special Education Coordinator and Mr. Jason Jones will take over Principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary. “Mr. Jones comes to us with elementary school principal experience at Emporia as well as experience at Lawrence as well as experience with the State Department in the implementation of MTSS across the state,” tells Mathes. Seaman staff members are working hard to make these new changes seemless for all students in the USD 345 district. Hoping that as the new school year is coming to a start it will seems as no changes to the district had ever been made.
Positives - half price classes -credits out of way -better teacher support -credits transfer to state colleges
Negatives - out-of-state
schools may not accept - credit may not be used - bad schedule - more experienced classes
USD 345 job changes affect students, staff
by Kaelin Summers staff writer
Administration changes are happening in many buildings in U.S.D 345. Many staff members are moving to higher positions at the variety of elementary schools, middle school and high school. Retirement of Dr. Bob Balsters and Dr. Carolyn Orozco opened more jobs for those who are working in the Seaman School district. Creating three new jobs from their two jobs. Staff members that have been promoted have positions still to be filled where they used to be. Schools will be getting new principals and teachers. Principal at Seaman Middle School, Bob Horton is moving to central office as the Director of Finance. Seaman Freshman Center Principal Ms. Traci Hammes has been named as the next principal at Seaman Middle
I’m excited to add someone new to our team. I’m also looking forward to suggestions and working together. -Mr. Ron Vinduska open position. This position has been changed to an assistant principal position directly in charge of the freshman. Next year there will be only one head principal, Mr. Ron Vinduska, in charge of grades 9-12. Now the position for assistant principal left by Mrs.
pal at Logan Elementary, Ms. Kelli Finnegan, was named the new principal at North Fairview Elementary School. The change of Kelli Finnegan from Logan Elementary to North Fairview Elementary left the assistant principal position to be filled by Ms. Tami Wade.
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May 16, 2014
NEWS
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Topeka Zoo welcomes three new tiger cubs by Breanna Schmidt staff writer On Sunday, May 4, the Topeka Zoological Park greeted three new members of the zoo family at around 1 pm. Jingga, one of the zoo’s Sumatran Tigers, gave birth to three cubs. Jingga was introduced to Rojo, the father, a year ago specifically for reproduction efforts. Sumatran Tigers usually have a gestation period of about 103 days, with litters of about two to four cubs. It is important that cubs are seen nursing from their mother within the first 24 hours of their lives, which mother Jingga has already accomplished. “They are all three nursing from their mother about every two to three hours,” Animal Care Supervisor Shanna Simpson, says. “They nurse for about one hour.” The zoo considers this birth Photo of the three new cubs born at the Topeka Zoo on Sunday. (Picture courtesy of the Topeka Zoo) to be a huge success in efforts of generation away from never The cubs are expected to for about 90 days. So far, conservation, considering the seeing Sumatran tigers in stay with their parents for zoo staff hasn’t been able to fact that there are only about the wild again,” Simpson about two years, and then identify the gender of the 500 Sumatran tigers left in the says. “The birth of our tiger be genetically matched with cubs, but is hoping to be wild. cubs hopefully will bring other tigers in hopes for more able to within a few weeks. “Sumatran tigers are the awareness to the people of successful breeding. As far as names for the most endangered species of Topeka about Sumatran tiger The cubs aren’t expected cubs, the zoo is still coming tigers in the world. We are one conservation.” to be viewable by the public up with ideas.
Pop-up retail stores becoming new trend by Kendall Leatherman ad manager The city of Topeka was able to experience its very own pop-up store when Mars Chocolate opened up a temporary M&M’s World for 2½ weeks during the month of April. The store was to promote the new Mars Chocolate plant that opened on March 27. The store made limited edition merchandise with a “Made in Topeka” logo on the front. All of the proceeds went to the redevelopment
of downtown Topeka. In the past 10 years the United States has seen a new trend in the retail district known as ‘pop-up stores’. Pop-up stores, also known as “flash retail,” have started because sales are down, and space is available for a temporary store to move in. These stores are given the name pop-up for the quick grand opening of them, and existing for a short period of time in one location. According to www.trendreports. com there are several advantages
to setting up a pop-up store. The businesses are able to get rent for a lower price because the stores are usually smaller and are there temporarily. The owners are able to open up the establishments during the busier months of the year, and close it down during the slower months. Since the establishment is only open for a limited time, customers have an urgency to purchase items then and there instead of waiting. All of the advantages cause the profit to increase in a short amount of time for the business.
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NEWS
May 16, 2014
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Student experiences African culture firsthand by Andie Sodergern staff writer Not many teenagers get the chance for international travel, but this spring break senior Kara Tanner got the unique opportunity to visit South Africa. The main reason for this two-week vacation was that her mom, an employee for Hill’s Pet Science, was launching a new product in South Africa. Because of this, they both got to appear on a morning talk show there to promote the product. While in Africa, Kara visited Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. During her stay, she was immersed in South African culture. She was able to take three-day safari and feed rescued elephants. She also got to see the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. “I loved being abletoexperienceawhole new culture, and I met a bunch of interesting people,” she said. “The food there was amazing, especially the seafood.” While she had some unbelievable experiences, there were also a couple rough spots. Kara’s least favorite part of the trip was the flight. “I flew to Atlanta then had a sixhour layover, then a 17-hour flight directly to South Africa. I was so bored and tired. Thank goodness for in-flight movies,” she said. There was also a concern over safety once she got to Africa.
Kara had many extraordinary experiences on her trip to South Africa, including feeding rescued elephants
“As Americans, we are not welled liked by some people. You have to be aware of your surroundings, especially being female. Kidnapping of Americans is common,” Kara said. Despite that, she still thoroughly enjoyed herself. “All around, this was the trip of a
lifetime,” she said. “There are so many things to do there, I would go back in a heartbeat. Everyone there was so kind to us, and it was such a fun vacation. To those who like to travel, I would definitely recommend South Africa as a must-see at some point in your life.”
Mark Deeter contributes to alumni committee, community by Brenlee Yingling staff writer Mark Deeter graduated from Seaman High School in 1959 along with about 105 other classmates. He has now been an active member of the Seaman Alumni Association for 14 years. He is head chaplain of the committee and was invited to become a part of the Alumni Hall of Fame Association. In 2010 he was appointed chair of the Alumni Hall of Fame Association. Mark was asked to give the prayer at an Alumni Banquet and ever since then has been the chaplain of the committee. He leads the school song, flag salute and national anthem at all the banquets. Mark holds one of the only positions that doesn’t have a time limit. Most positions on the Alumni Committee have to be replaced by someone else every so often by a vote. Mark never gets voted in or out of the committee. “My biggest accomplishment from being on the Alumni
Committee is chairing the Hall of Fame. It is a big responsibility that requires a lot of personal judgment,” said Mark Deeter. The purpose of the Seaman Alumni Association is to develop and maintain relationships with everyone in the high school, provide scholarships, maintain database and Hall of Fame, organize annual banquets and meetings, and publishing the Alumni News. The Alumni Committee is funded by donations only. Mark Deeter not only is a big part of Seaman Alumni Committee, he is also a life member of the Seaman Historical Society. Mark has also been a pastor for Grace Baptist Church located in Oakland for 45 years. He has done many weddings and funerals for the community. “Most people hate their high school days and cannot wait to graduate, but I really enjoyed my high school days. They were some of the best days of my life. That is one of the reasons that I enjoy being a part of the Alumni Committee,” said Mark Deeter.
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May 16, 2014
DALE, JR.
Tanner Massey, 11, gets an autograph from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Massey was one of the 100 students who got photos taken with the celebrity before the general assembly. (Photo by Marcy Anderson.)
Students enjoy brush with celebrity by Michelle Anderson staff writer Seaman High was buzzing with excitement in preparation for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Even the music at the minute bell was an engine revving. Earnhardt visited Seaman High on May 8th in cooperation with his sponsor, The National Guard. Earnhardt became partners with The National Guard in 2007. Earnhardt explained, “The National Guard was struggling with recruiting and retention. They had envisioned tapping into motor sports and tapping into that demographic. NASCAR fans are very patriotic. It has been a great marriage.” Before he became a famous racecar driver and spokesman, he was your typical high school student with pretty typical problems. Earnhardt’s first car was a S10 Chevy short bed truck. He said, “My dad wanted to get me something not too expensive in case I put some dents in it.” Earnhardt said years later, he tracked down the truck using CarFax. He was hoping to restore it but unfortunately, it had already been sent to a junk yard. He’s always had the need for speed and acquired his share of tickets. “I used to get them all the time before people knew who I was. I got four between the age of 16 to 18.” As a student, his favorite subject was physical science. “You were able to work with something tangible. Working with something new every day was a lot of fun.” What was his advice to his high school self? Earnhardt answered, “I worried too much about status and popularity instead of putting effort and work into my academics. I could have done such a better job academically if I had tried harder.”
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Which of the newcomers has the most potential?
Chase Elliot is who we have racing for our Nationwide team. It’s his first season. He is Bill Elliot’s son. I think he is the best talent out there. He’s tearing it up. We got to see if he can keep it going. Nash McKnight, Brock Safarik and Derek Yost get a closeup of #88’s car right before his arrival.
Student media Kaylee Snell, Michelle Anderson, Kara Tanner, Karsen McCarter, Marcy Anderson, Jennifer Jackson, Patrick Orton, Clayton Smith, Ryder Chaffee, and Brennan Dapkiewicz interview Dale Ernhardt, Jr., at the end of his visit to SHS.
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FEATURES
www.seamannews.com ENFJ: The Teacher
Warm, empathetic and responsible. Finds potential in everyone and provides inspiring leadership
ENFP: The Champion
Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. Spontaneous and flexible and can improvise confidently.
Strengths: • communication • affectionate and loyal • honors commitments
Strengths: • fun and optimistic • reads others well • communication
Weaknesses: • harbors hurt feelings • tendency to manipulate • tendency to smother
Weaknesses: • trouble with conflict • can be manipulative • easily bored
INFJ: The Counselor
INFP: The Healer
Strengths: • good listener • comunication • insightful
Strengths: • loyal • loving and caring • reading other’s feelings
Weaknesses: • trouble with conflict • can be manipulative • easily bored
Weaknesses: •reacts emotionally • extreme dislike of criticism • blames themselves
Seek meaning in all things. Want to understand what motivates people.
Seek to understand people and help fulfill potential. Curious and quick to see possibilities.
ESFJ: The Provider
ESTJ: The Supervisor
Strengths: • focus on other’s needs • money management • honors commitments
Strengths: • loyal and committed • social and enthusiastic • born leader
Weaknesses: • dislikes change • takes blame for others • trouble with conflict
Weaknesses: • expresses feelings • can be blunt and insensitive • likes to always be right
Warmhearted, coscientious and cooperative. Want harmony in life.
NEWS
Practical, realistic and matter of fact. Clear set of logical standards.
ISFJ: The Protector ISTJ: The Inspector Quiet, friendly, and responsible. Notices and remembers specifics.
Quiet, serious and very responsible. Values traditions and loyalty.
Strengths: • good listener • eager to serve • great organization
Strengths: • orderly and organized • handles criticism well • good listener
Weaknesses: • neglect own needs • dislikes change • takes criticism personally
Weaknesses: • too rigid • needs to be right • not in tune with feelings
May 16,
May 16, 2014
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ESFP: ESFP:The The Performer Preformer ISFP: The Composer Outgoing, friendly and accepting. Exuberant lovers of life and people.
Quiet, friendly, sensitive and kind. Enjoys the present moment.
Strengths: • working with others • uses common sense • adaptable
Strengths: • loyal and committed • laid back and adaptable • good listener
Weaknesses: • does not take criticism well • takes things personally • long term commitments
Weaknesses: • shies away from conflict • hard to get to know • withdrawn
ESTP: The Promoter ISTP: The Crafter Takes a pragmatic approach. Enjoys material comforts and style. Strengths: • flexible and tolerant • focus on the present • learns by doing
Analyzes what makes things work and can organize large amounts of data Strengths: • self-reliant • handles conflict well • efficient
Weaknesses: • easily bored • unknowingly insensitive
Weaknesses: • emotionally uncomfortable • long term planning
ENTJ: The Marshall
ENTP: The Inventor
Strengths: • excellent with money • takes criticism well • goal setting
Strengths: • communication • laid back • generating ideas
Weaknesses: • controlling and intimidating • appears angry • impulsive
Weaknesses: • poor follow-up skills • easily bored • argumentative
Frank decisive, and notices inefficiencies. Enjoys expanding knowledge and sharing it.
Quick, alert and outspoken. Resourceful in solving new and challenging problems.
INTJ: The Mastermind INTP: The Architect Strong drive for implementing their ideas and achieving their goals.
Seek to develop logical explanations for everything that interests them. Quiet, contained and analytical.
Strengths: • highly intelligent • honors commitments • independent
Strengths: • laid back • not demanding • imaginative and creative
Weaknesses: • unwilling to take blame • arrogant • insensitive
Weaknesses: • explosive • distrusting of others • critical of others
Personality types more than meet the eye by Kendall Leatherman ad manager The concept of personalities types is more complex than people may think. Different personality traits establish whom a person and why they see the world the way that they do. Others tend to not understand when a person reacts to a situation, or has a strong opinion about a topic. Throughout history many psychiatrist and psychologists have looked into the behavior of humans. Sixteen personality types were first established when Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, studied humans and placed each individual into different categories. According to www.personalitypage.com Jung believed
that there are two basic kinds of functions that humans use in their lives: how we perceive information and how we make decisions. There are two categories within each function. We perceive information by our senses or our intuition, and we make decisions based on objective logic or subjective feelings. Each individual uses a percentage of each four functions to make up their personality type. The function of the four main functions that a person uses the most is their most dominant one. An individual either extraverts or introverts their dominant function. An extravert usually has an outgoing, talkative, energetic behavior, while an introverted person has a reserved and withdrawn behavior.
The first piece of a personality that they study is the flow of people’s energy. That is defined by how a person gains the essential part of brain stimulation, whether they receive it internally from within themselves (introverted), or externally from others (extraverted). Taking in information is the second component of personality types. They study a person to see if they trust their five senses when taking in information (sensing), or if they rely on their instincts (intuitive). The third element is how a person makes decisions. It is based on if they make decisions based on logic an objective consideration (thinking) or on their personal subjective views (feeling). Day-to-day basis is what
determines the final preference of a personality type. A person who is organized with a structured environment is comfortable with a scheduled agenda (judging), while a person who is flexible and laid back is more comfortable with an open agenda (perceiving). The different combinations of the categories make up the 16 personality types. A single individual may not fit into one exact type, which shows that we cannot try to fit people into a certain box and expect them to react only one way based on what their personality type says about them. The 16 types are there to help us identify our strengths and weaknesses when handling situations, and what our natural preferences are in life.
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May 16, 2014
OPINION
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Seminar at end of day would affect attendance by Mason Diedrich staff writer
Many times I wonder why we don’t move seminar to the end of the day. After further research, I’ve decided that’s not a great idea. Some students would appreciate time to finish the day’s homework before heading home. Others however would use this as an opportunity to leave school early. Some teachers are against this because of attendance issues. “There’s no way it would work. Too many kids would
leave,” said freshman teacher Allan Cooper. Some students would like to have it at the end of the day. Students would have all homework in their hands and would be a little more energized because the school day is almost over. This could possibly motivate the students to get work done. “I’d rather have it at the end of the day so I can work on everything that I received throughout the day,” said junior Sam Moylan. Another pro of having it at the end of the day is athletes leaving early. Most student
athletes leave towards the end of the day so therefore they would not be missing a class with homework involved. Counselor Patty Allacher believes it would be a good time for some students with good grades and attendance to be rewarded. “It would be a good incentive for some students with good grades,” said Allacher. We could have activities at the end of the day. Some students would take advantage of seminar at the end of the day and have parents call them out for an “ap-
pointment.” The biggest con of this idea is, of course, attendance. This falls completely on secretary Deanna Brady. She would have to sign every student out and take a great amount of phone calls from parents. “Seminar at the end of the day would be an attendance disaster,” said Brady. Senior Clay Haag doesn’t mind having it during third hour. “I have time to study for tests in my other classes,” said Clay. Some students like seminar just where it is.
Physical education make-ups unfair to student athletes By Tatum Smith staff writer Student athletes have had problems with making up their grade for their P.E classes when they have to leave for a sport. Some athletes argue that they shouldn’t have to make-up work in PE when they are leaving to do more physical activity than they would have been doing in the class. Mr. Craig Cox says, “ When you miss math class you have
to do math homework so you should have to make-up PE work.” The purpose for PE makeups is just like math homework, or any other makeup work you have to do for any other class. Cox says, “PE is a participation class, so all that we ask is for students to spend less time than they even do in class to make up the work they missed. Seminar is a great opportunity for students to show that they care about making up their work.”
The PE staff has also made work even though they are wellness nights an oppor- leaving to do more physical tunity to get points or extra activity.” credit in PE classes. The opposing argument is that a student shouldn’t have to make up work in physical education whe leaving to go do more physical activity that would have been done in the class. Wyatt Hendrix, Seaman football player, says, “Itis pretty silly that they make athletes leaving physical education class to participate in an athletic event make up the
Teachers look too far into student affairs by Sydney Marney staff writer As students we will all have to leave class at some point whether it’s for a doctors appointment, we aren’t feeling well, or just because our parents want to go out to lunch with us. It’s extremely annoying
when trying to leave class and the teacher wont quit asking about why I’m leaving. If I have a pass to leave class, I should be able to leave with no questions asked and without my studious behavior being questioned. “I think it’s annoying because I get headaches frequently and when I get called out I should just be able to stay without my teacher try-
ing to get me to stay and wait it out when I know it’s going to get worse,” said sophomore, Kat Frakes. Even if you don’t have a valid reason to leave, but you have a pass, the teacher has to let you leave. It’s not their call on whether or not you can go. Certain teachers feel that their class is the most important one you have and missing even part of it will ruin
your future. They don’t understand that it’s not all that hard to make up a class, even if it is honors or advanced placement. I feel that it’s a complete invasion of privacy when teachers poke their heads into my business like that. It isn’t their job to keep track of what I do after I leave school.
OPINION
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May 16, 2014
9
Seaman community leaves lasting impression, supports students through the years by Delaney Hiegert editor-in-chief
A
s graduation is approaching at such a rapid pace, I think a majority of the seniors have taken some time to look back over their years spent in USD 345. Maybe they’re thinking about their tetherball days on the playground or their elementary school carnivals. Maybe it’s reminiscing on winning the canned food drive in middle school (Go Barracudas!) or when a handful of tight-clad boys danced to Miley Cyrus in the talent show. But Lord knows that every senior is thinking about the ups and downs of the past four years they spent at Seaman High. When I think back on all this time, there is one common theme that is engraved in
every memory: The resilience of the Seaman community. I moved into the district my second grade year, and I don’t think I could have spent the following 10 years in a better community. Immediately, I was given opportunities to become involved in numerous different activities and these opportunities followed me into my high school years. As I began to find my niche in different areas of the school, in sports, the Seaman Bank, and even my role here in the Clipper, I started to notice something – I had the whole community rooting for me. Whether it was my athletics or my academics, I had a huge and outstanding support system. Almost every day I have a teacher or student or parent ask me how the season is going, congratulate me
on our state run, or compliment me on the publications in this very newspaper. These occurrences may not seem uncommon to you, but that is because you have grown up in the same community as I have. You have been enveloped by this support system all these years as well. On that note, I think another aspect of Seaman that goes almost unnoticed is the unusual bond we share with one another. This bond has never stood out more to me than in the past five years of my life. In five short years, this community has been rocked with tragedy after tragedy. My peers, in a sense, have become calloused to these events. However, that has not stopped the community from prevailing, from shining on. The whole city knows
that we are Seaman Strong. I can’t imagine growing up in an area better than this one. Although I, like many other students before me, am guilty of complaining about how boring Topeka is or how much I wish I lived somewhere else, I can’t say I ever genuinely meant it. Now, more than ever, I realize how lucky I am to have grown up in USD 345. I don’t think it really sinks in how exceptional of a community we have until it’s your time to leave it behind. And with that in mind, I’d like to not only compliment the Seaman community for it’s undying support of the students here, but to thank them for the time they spent on me. Although it’s sad to say goodbye, I know I’m forever a part of something great: The Seaman community.
Students make poor decisions in parking lot by Brenlee Yingling staff writer
Imagine walking out to your car after a stressful day of school and finding a huge dent with no sign of who could have done it and no note left with information. That is not an unusual occurrence in the Seaman parking lot. There are currently four cameras located in the student section of the Seaman parking lot. Three are stationary and one is roaming. According to Officer Randy Diederich, the cameras were installed over seven years ago. The cameras cannot always see the whole entire parking lot clearly though. Especially vulnerable are the people in the back right two rows of the parking lot. If someone were to hit a car, in those rows the cameras cannot clearly see that
far or get evidence of who hit the car. According to officer Diederich, there have been approximately 20 accidents so far this year in the parking lot. There have been more that haven’t been brought to authority’s attention. Current in the state of Kansas, if someone is found guilty of a hit-and-run, they will have a mandatory court appearance. They more than likely would get their license suspended. They would have the court cost and fine, and insurance rates would increase. A ticket would also be issued for leaving the scene of the accident. If we had more cameras located in different places throughout the parking lot, we could have better hope of figuring out who hit someone’s car. No one wants to have to pay to get a car fixed for something he did not do. The police officers at Seaman do the best they can with the tools that they have.
If we received grant money to either upgrade cameras or purchase more cameras, I feel there would be more hit-and-run cases solved in the parking lot. I also feel that people might be a little more cautious knowing they could actually get caught. “Slow down, be patient, and follow the same rules in a parking lot as you would the road. Because of the road construction on 46th street and the detour traffic on 50th being heavier, it is going to take a little longer to be able to get out of the parking lot. I expect this to continue for the remainder of this year and several months of the next school year,” said police officer Randy Diederich.
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OPINION
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Brain training apps used to combat aging by Ethan Brunetti staff writer In this day and age, it is very important to save as much time as possible throughout the day, however spending 10 minutes a day training the brain is a good investment in overall well being. Brain training apps exist to help the user in all aspects of life. FIT Brain and Lumosity both have free components for users along with added benefits for those who purchase memberships to the apps and website. These apps specialize in developing different aspects of the brain such as short and long term memory, speed and reaction time, at-
tention, focus, and brain flexibility. They measure how well a person can multi task and solve problems. Lumosity was a company that started out of San Francisco by a team of psychologists, neuro-scientists, and video game designers who were looking for a new and user-friendly way to help victims of Alzheimer’s limit the effects of the disease and in some cases have momentarily stopped the progression of the illness. (www.dailytech.com) FIT Brain is a website that was published in 2012 that was a huge breakthrough in the field of memory and neuroscience. Rosetta Stone, the same company that was making breakthroughs in the learning of non-native languag-
Stereotyping too common among this generation by Andie Sodergren staff writer We’ve all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but how often do we actually follow this advice? Sure, it’s harder than it sounds, but the judgment from some people in this generation is borderline ridiculous. What we all need to realize is that stereotyping and blanket assumptions are often untrue. Yes, the United States was terrorized by people from the Middle East. No, not all people from the Middle East are terrorists. There are good and bad people from every race and religion. For example, Jeffrey Dahmer, one of the most infamous serial killers in history, was white. Any person you see, regardless of physical ap-
pearance, could either be the kindest or most evil person in the world and you can’t tell until you get to know them. Not only does this go for race, it’s also relevant to how people present themselves. I’ve seen a man with tattoo sleeves, a full leather outfit, and a small daughter that he treated like a princess. Likewise, there are people who are well groomed and “dressed to the nines” who are rude and inconsiderate. Again, you never know personalities at a glance. So next time you jump to conclusions about a person you see on the street, take a moment and give them the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume anything about them based solely on appearance because looks can be deceiving.
es, later bought FIT Brain. The goals of these apps and websites are to stimulate the user’s brain through series of fun games that allow the user to work through challenging questions, riddles, and games that stimulate the brain. They chart scores to identify cognitive improvements in the different categories. The ideas of these apps are to improve the way the brain handles information, and to slow down the effects of aging over time. top: logo for the lumosity app bottom, logo for the FIT brain app
Supporters, opposers of war lack voice by Ethan Brunetti staff writer Our current generation has been in war for the majority of our life and we remain indifferent. Every year, our graduates go and put their lives on the line. Do we have any idea what they are going through or where they are being deployed? I would bet many students could not even find Iraq or Afghanistan on a map. During World War I and World War II the whole country rallied behind the troops and the patriotism was overwhelming. Kids were picking up cans for scrap metal that were used for bullets, or finding pennies on the street to buy war stamps. People were rationing everything they could. Then during Vietnam and Korea, the government was
overwhelmed by nonviolent protests by teens and adults. State and local governments had to pass laws to try and stop the protesting of these wars and the so called antiAmerican message that the protests were sending. Vietnam and Korea resulted in the tarnishing of peoples’ names, after they were accused of being antiAmerican or communist because of their beliefs. Whether you are for the war or against the war efforts, make your voice heard. Make an effort to petition or write politicians of your state. Do what you can to help support our troops overseas, whether it is through fundraising for a charity or by visiting elderly veterans One way or another, make an effort to show your beliefs and not to just sit idly by. Go out and make a difference.
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May 16, 2014
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TSA provides much needed safe environment by Mallory Searcy managing editor Rushing through the crowded Cleveland Hopkins Airport dodging those around her, sophomore Cassi McCain was struggling to make it through the winding, long, and what seemed like a never-ending line of security. She was late for her flight from Cleveland to Boston and was flustered to say the least. “The flight attendant told my brother and I the wrong gate number. She told us terminal A, and our actual gate was in terminal C. We were rushing through the airport, and were so late they were calling our names over the intercom,” said McCain. Although they ended up making their flight, the long line at security was quite the detour. Many people who fly, espe-
cially out of big airports, have experienced the same hectic lines. I personally have waited in Seattle’s airport security for at least an hour. Although the waits are an inconvenience, security is important, and the TSA is doing their best to protect us. I believe the TSA has been torn a part by skeptics ever since it was created in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks. The Transportation Security Administration is providing us with a secure and safe environment to travel, and I am thankful they are committed to our safety as their number one priority. Most skeptics have argued that the TSA racially profiles, uses unfair behavioral analyses, and, in general, is an inconvenience when flying. If a certain person is exhibiting strange behavior,
CRAZIEST THINGS PEOPLE TRIED TO BRING ON A PLANE IN 2013
Human skull fragments were found in clay pots at TSA confiscated 1,813 guns the Fort Lauderdale from U.S. airports. That is airport. an average of 5 per day. Info provided by CNN.com.
562 stun guns were also discovered. graphic designed by Mallory Searcy
no matter what race, gender, or sex they should be questioned if others’ safety is at risk. In this day and age, where violent crimes and actions are on the news every night, having everyone go through security is a valid requirement. We must ask ourselves is an inconvenience really worth risking our safety? Even though taking off
shoes, jackets, belts, and possibly standing in a body scanner, or be patted down is a hassle, I would complete all the tasks above without a second thought. Sophomore Kaylee Snell said, “As annoying as it is to stand in long lines, it is definitely worth it. Our security is extremely important when flying.”
New bill increases financial aid but eliminates teacher tenure by Cortni Heston staff writer A plan to increase aid to poorer school districts and eliminate tenure for public school teachers has been given the final approval from Kansas lawmakers. The House voted 65-37 last month to approve the negotiated bill drafted by Republicans. This new plan has been designed to coincide with an order put out in March by the Kansas Supreme Court. This order was a result of a lawsuit filed by parents and four school districts in 2010 and the source of this lawsuit was education funding. The Supreme Court put out the order and ordered lawmakers to boost aid to the poor school districts.
Even though the plan to increase financial aid to the poor districts complied with the Supreme Court’s order, the Republican Senate insisted on eliminating public school teacher’s tenure as well. “First thing, technically tenure is called due process, and it doesn’t mean that a teacher can’t be fired, it means the employer must give a valid reason for firing and give them a chance to correct the problem,” said English teacher Mrs. Riley. This proposal brought dozens of teachers wearing red shirts to the Statehouse in order to protest. Teachers from Seaman High School definitely have an opinion about teacher tenure being eliminated. “Even though Kansas is
“I feel like it’s un-
fair that teachers no longer get the chance to feel secure in their job.”
- Shawna Brewer English Teacher technically a right to work state, most private employers and companies offer something similar to due process through human resources or their contract. Taking due process (tenure) from teachers opens the possibility of teachers being fired over disagreements about coaching decisions or efforts to fight
for student’s rights. Due process gives good teachers the security they need to give students the best educational opportunities within their classrooms,” said Riley. English teacher Ms. Shawna Brewer said, “I feel like its unfair that teachers no longer get the chance to feel secure in their job.” This was the general consensus among teachers who were asked how they feel about not having tenure anymore. Legislatures argue that without teacher tenure, administrators will have more flexibility with school improvements. English teacher Mrs. Kelly Muxlow thinks that the fact that the elimination of teacher tenure was tacked on to a spending bill makes it seem sort of underhanded.
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Drugs:are we out of control?
At Seaman High School...
Graphic desgined by Taylor Buessing and information obtained from the Kansas Communities Care survey.
Parents are becoming more relaxed about teens using marijuana by: Taylor Buessing
ad manager In todays society it is becoming more and more common for teenagers to be using marijuana. The results from a recent survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), said that while teens are saying no to most drugs, the use of marijuana is on the rise (Turning Point Center). Along with the increase in usage, it seems that there has also been an increase in acceptance of people using marijuana. Many teenagers use the drug on a daily basis and never get caught. Some teens do get caught but without punishment because their parents have become more relaxed to the idea. Other teens have parents that would ground them for life if they ever got caught using il-
legal drugs, such as marijuana. An anonymous survey at SHS with random seminars asked over 200 kids how their parents would react if they found out they were smoking marijuana. The results said that 49 percent of students parents would be furious, while 30 percent said their parents would be disappointed, 10 percent said their parents would be indifferent and another 11 percent said their parents would join in. Why is it that some parents simply just don’t care if their kids are abusing drugs? Officer Diedeerich thinks recent laws have prompted a moe lax attitude among parents. “I think they have [become more lax] because of the laws that have gone into place in other states. It is legal medically and recreationally in other states so parents have stopped seeing it as a harmful drug,” said officer Diederich.
In 2012 Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use. Twenty-one other states have also taken steps to legalize the medical use of marijuana (Medical Marijuana). Parents being more relaxed about their kids using marijuana has not only affected their kid’s lives but it also effects the lives of many people around them. It is hard for law enforcement to enforce the law when parents themselves are not enforcing it or even breaking it in their homes. “When we come across teens that are involved they tend to argue that their parents don’t care and think that it should be legalized, making it hard for law enforcement to do our job,” said officer Diederich.
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How will they effect our future? Administrations power used to combat drug problem
by: Delaney Spence staff wirter
How far can administration go if suspecting students of drug use? If there is reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence, then the student will be sent to the office. Assistant principals Mrs. Shelly Prengel and Mrs. Donna Schmidt have been trained to look for the physical signs of drug use that a person cannot control while under the influence at the Recognition and Evaluation of Drugs in the Academic Environment program. Also, Officers Diederich and Fehr and the school nurse are able to detect it too. If they do detect drug use, then they will call parents to come pick a student up from school. The reason Seaman High School does not conduct official “drug tests”
is because the rules would have to change, and so would the funds, therefore it does not happen. This means that athletes or members of clubs do not get drug tested either. A high school in Rush County, Indiana approved a random, suspensionless, drug-testing program for all students who were participating in co-curricular activities, or driving to and from school. If results were negative, then students would be able to participate in sports and/or activities, but if they were positive, then the school would inform students and their family. They would also be barred from co-curricular activities and could not drive to and from school until the test results were negative. This caused the court to get involved, because some parents said it violated the Fourth Amendment
and they did not want their child to be tested. The court came to a conclusion that Rush County High School did have the right to do the drug-testing program for the students involved in activities at the school, but they did not have the right to suspend students if tests were positive. Local private school, Hayden High School, does drug test students. Former Hayden High School student, Peyton Maulbeck explains how the testing works. “They take 10 people from each class every month and do a hair test. If the test came back positive, you were suspended for three days. Then they retested you 90 days after your first time.” According to Officer Diederich Hayden’s funding for the drug testing is privately funded.
How long marijuana is detectable in infrequent users for different drug screens and their cost
Type Blood
Duration Period 2-3 Days
Hair Urine
Up to 90 Days 7-30 Days
Cost $20-50(depending on lab)
Around $100 $12-65(depending on quality)
information gathered from management information services and test country
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Drugs:
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You use, you lose.
Teens ignore the consequences of the temporary ‘high’ by: Taylor Buessing Ad Manager Teenagers will always have temptations to try new things, good or bad. What most teens don’t do is contemplate the long and shortterm consequences of these temptations. The use of various drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD and prescription drugs is very common among the current teenage generation (Treatment Solutions). Therefore, most teens have or will encounter a situation where they might be pressured into trying drugs. While these drugs may create a good “high” they also have extreme consequences. Marijuana is a mixture of dried-out leaves, stems, flowers and seeds of the hemp plant. It is usually green, brown or gray in color and is the most commonly used illegal drug in the world (Drug Free World). After a period of time marijuana, also known as weed, can suppress the immune system causing the body to reduce resistance to common illnesses, cause growth disorders, rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions to the brain, reduce ability to retain information and cause laziness and mood changes (Drug Free World). Proving that marijuana isn’t as safe as it is known to be. “Drugs cause residual effects to your brain. At some point you cant think on your own and become brain deficient. I’ve seen it happen first hand,” said councilor Patty Allacher.
Another more common drug among todays teenage generation is ecstasy. Ecstasy is a synthetic (man made) drug made in a laboratory where makers can add anything from caffeine to cocaine (Drug Free World). While many people consider it to be “fun” and “help them have a good time,” it also has very serious long and shortterm effects. While on the drug or shortly after, it can cause impaired judgments, false sense of affection, confusion, depression, sleeping problems, anxiety, paranoia, chills or sweating, blurred vision and nausea (Drug Free World). While these are only some of the various shortterm effects, there are plenty of long term effects. After a long period of time with using ecstasy regularly, it can eventually cause long term brain damage effecting the thought process, memory, learning, sleep and emotional parts of the brain, kidney failure, hemorrhaging, psychosis, cardiovascular collapse and sometimes death (Drug Free World). Along with the more common drugs, there are also more serious drugs that are becoming more and more common such as cocaine and LSD. The effects of these drugs are a lot more serious and harmful on the body. Cocaine was originally developed to be a painkiller. It is more often sniffed in order for it to be directly deposited into the blood stream but can also b e
smoked, ingested or rubbed into the gums (Drug Free World). Immediately after using cocaine, it can cause a loss of appetite, increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, dilate pupils, nausea, violent or bizarre behavior, hallucinations, seizures and sudden death from high dosages or even one time (Drug Free World). Long-term effects of cocaine can take a longer toll on the body and cause permanent, sometimes-incurable problems. For example, cocaine causes respiratory failure, destruction of nose tissue, extensive weight loss, auditory and tactile hallucinations, irritability, increased frequency of risky behavior and addiction, even after one use (Drug Free World). LSD, more commonly known as “acid,” is one of the most potent and moodchanging chemicals, manufactured from an acid that can be found in ergot fungus found on rye and other grains (Drug Free World). It is mostly produced in illegal laboratories in the United States where it is converted from a crystal to a liquid. LSD has no odor or color
and has a slightly bitter taste (Drug Free World). The effects of it on the body are extremely vigorous. The immediate effects are extremely unpredictable because they depend on the amount taken, the person’s mood and surroundings (Drug Free World). Normally users experience loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, tremors, changes and extreme mood changes (Drug Free World). While it may be “fun” or “trippy” while it is happening, it has many risks. Many users experience flash backs, especially after a “bad trip.” Flashbacks and bad trips are two of the many unlisted risks of the dangerous drug. “Research would indicate that drug use makes school much less important among students that use and can create apathy among a student preparing for his or her future,” said Mr. Vinduska.
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How do you think drugs have changed our generation? “I think they’re more prevalent. I think marijuana is definitely a gateway drug, and I feel some teenagers do it out of boredom and curiosity.” Mr. Jay Monhollon
“I would definitely say there is a drug increase in our generation. Although drugs is a very broad term, I would say marijuana uses could be a good thing and reel in the influence of revenue although certain drugs, with good comes and it does have bad. I think that a negative impact on our society.” people can be dangerous under Megan Carlson, 11
“I think they have demotivated a lot of kids to not achieve thier goals or potential” Officer Randy Diederich
Compiled by Cassidy Henry
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Seniors reflect back on the past 12 years I remember when.... Carly Rahmeier “I played Optimist basketball and softball with all my grade school friends and it was so much fun.”
Growing up as a 90s kid 1991
1993
Rugrats
1995
Boy Meets World
1994
Cassidy Agnew “When I was driving with Jenna and she took this piece of candy and I grabbed it back from her, and we ended up in a ditch.”
Drew Montes
Beanie Babies
1996
1996
Bop It
Spice Girls
1997
1998 “We pushed Evan’s truck down his driveway so we could sneak out of his house. It took 20 minutes.”
The Lion King
Light up Yo-Yo
Nintendo 64
“Memories of childhood were the dreams that stayed with you after you woke.”
- Author Julian Barnes
graphic designed by Mallory Searcy
Bailie Crow
BriAnna Dittberner “A few seniors traveled to Junction City for the football game. There were four rows of students at the game, but it was the loudest we cheered all season. We won in overtime.”
“We all had braces and bad hair in middle school. I am so glad that stage is over!”
Jacob Offerman “The band went to Colorado and we had a really awesome time. The only downside was that Cole Dister hit the ground too hard and had to go to the hospital.”
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May 16, 2014
Seniors decide to stray from beaten path, explore new and unique opportunities
Cruise line entertainment provides student a way to pursue dance after high school, live out dream by Delaney Hiegert Editor-In-Chief As graduation approaches, most seniors are thinking back on all the fun experiences they had in high school. There are clubs, activities, and hobbies that they won’t be able to participate in once high school days are over. However, for senior Cassidy James this isn’t quite the case. A majority of seniors will be heading off to college in a short few months, but Cassidy has a different destination. She will be heading to Florida to train to become a cruise line dancer. Cass has been dancing since the age of three and decided that she wasn’t ready for her career to be over just yet. Amanda Malloy, a former Seaman grad, informed Cass
of the cruise line opportunity. Cassidy was one of the 12 dancers selected out of the 41 who auditioned for contracts to dance with Royal Caribbean. She had to decline her first offer because the cruise line wanted her
Cassidy plans on signing at least one contract, which lasts from six to eight months, and then basing any further commitment to dance on how her first stint goes. The cruise line will pay for her flights, food, and all other accommodations while she is dancing under contract along with paying her $2000 a month. After she is done dancing, Cassidy plans to possibly take classes at Highland Community College and then go on to attend Kansas State University. However, right now Cass is just focusing on the uncommon opportunity she has in front of her. “I’m just excited that I get to experience something as unique as this. I’m getting paid to do what I love – dance. And there’s nothing better than that.”
I’m getting paid to do what I love dance. And there’s nothing better than that. to leave before graduation and although missing school is hard to pass up, Cassidy decided a diploma may be a little more important. As of now, Cass is waiting for Royal Caribbean to rework their offer for her to leave after graduation.
The graphic below depicts the number of seniors that will be going into the service after graduation. The information was collected from graduation sheets filled out by the senior class.
The graphic above depicts the number of seniors who will be attending tech school after graduation. The 25 students will be students at either Washburn Tech, Horry Georgetown Tech, Lincoln Tech, or Tulsa Welding school.
Cosmetology school creates a chance to showcase talent on a bigger stage by Mallory Searcy Managing Editor Flashing lights gleam down the Strip; hotels, restaurants, and theaters are everywhere, ready for the nightlife crowd to arrive. When one thinks of Vegas, they normally picture theatrical performances, and of course showgirls. Senior Serena Samqua’s ultimate dream is to use her cosmetology skills to do makeup for Vegas showgirls. But, before she can go on to achieve her dream, Serena is considering attending Penrose Academy, a cosmetology school in Scottsdale, Arizona. “This is the only academy that is partnered with Bumble and Bumble, a popular beauty product. They also have an amazing makeup design program,” said Samqua. The program at Penrose is 46- 48 weeks long and is very hands-on. Samqua’s knack for creating a natural appearance and bringing out the beautiful features in those she is doing makeup for is a skill she has honed and will continue to refine at cosmetology school, before she goes on to Vegas. Maybe one day soon, Serena will be staring into a lit mirror with bright bulbs, creating her own piece of art on a canvas as she beatufies a Vegas showgirl.
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Senior athlete stays positive through difficulty by Delaney Hiegert Editor-in-Chief The ball is passed up the floor on a fast break and Dani Spence is open under the basket. As she jumps up for the pass, an opposing player undercuts her and takes out her legs. The following thud of Dani’s head on the hardwood floor leaves the gym silenced and echoing with the sound of the impact. Fast-forward a year and Dani Spence has long since recovered from her concussion in that junior year basketball game. It’s fall of her senior year and she’s going to the Expocentre to support the volleyball team in their state run. It’s a normal day so far, actually a little bit better than normal since Dani got to leave school early for the game. However, it will be far from a normal day for Dani Spence; it will be a day that changes her life. In the student section of the game, Dani is cheering and chanting right along with her classmates. Then, a split second later, her arms are flailing and then she falls backwards and begins to seize. Dani’s next memory is waking up to paramedic’s faces around her, asking a flood of questions. This was the first of two seizures Dani would experience her senior year. The doctors couldn’t quite pinpoint the cause of her first seizure, so they put her on anti-seizure medication and wouldn’t allow her to drive or swim for six months. The tests and unanswered questions continued into the start of Dani’s senior basketball season. Due to this, she
missed the first month and a half of basketball. Coach Steve Alexander said, “I didn’t think she’d play at all. I knew how important softball was to her and playing basketball would be a risk. But Dani has always been a competitor, and I should have known she’d start playing the day she was released.” Dani finished her senior basketball season with the Lady Vikes appearance in the state tournament, and then rolled right into the start of a successful softball season. Her doctors had been slowly lowering her medication requirements up to this date, but this proved to be a disastrous mistake. Dani had her second seizure in the beginning of April when she was meeting with her career counselor in the library. The events that followed reminded her all too much of that day at the Expo: Waking up to paramedics, riding to the hospital, enduring test a f te r
prior head trauma such as the concussion she received during basketball her junior year. Dani will now have to take anti-seizure meds once a day for the rest of her life. She is counting down the days until she can get back behind t h e wheel, again. Al-
pened, I’m extremely lucky to still be playing softball today. It’s a game and a sport that I love and if I have to take some pills to allow me to do so, I’m going to do it happily. Yes, this could be a set back in the future, but there are plenty of people who have it a lot worse. Like I said, I’m a lucky girl.”
though this fate may not seem like one most seniors would be able to take in stride, Dani has made the best of it. “I’m lucky I got to finish my basketball season out. And after everything that hap-
Dani Spence catching at the Senior Night game against Emporia (Photo by Pam Anderson).
test. However, this time she was met with answers. It turns out her doctors had actually completely taken her off of anti-seizure meds, unintentionally. This was the cause of the second seizure. The original cause, they said, may be linked to
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Fans excited about MLB season by Mason Diederich staff writer Just eight months ago the Boston Red Sox were on top of the podium. A new MLB season has begun and 30 teams have hopes of being on top of the world. This season has already brought excitement and a record has already been broken. A new replay rule has been put in and the largest contract was signed. The largest contract was signed just as the season began by the Detroit Tiger’s third baseman Miguel Cabrera. This record-breaking contract will keep Cabrera through the 2021 season. He will receive 31 million dollars a year. The reason for this giant contract is Miguel’s determination of being the best hitter to play the game. He was the 2012 Triple Crown winner and last year’s American League MVP. According to mlb.si.com the Tigers are the seventh favorite team to win it all. According to mlb.si.com the overall favorite to win the World Series is the Los Angeles Dodgers. The team has last year’s National League Cy Young (best pitcher) winner. “I want to see another Cy Young go to Clayton Kershaw for two years in a row,” said sophomore Joel Greene. Los Angeles has the largest team payroll and some of the best hitters in the league. Last season they fell just short, losing in the National League Championship to the St. Louis Cardinals. The talented Royals are projected to make a solid run this year. The team has not started off great but hope to turn things around. This team fell just short of the playoffs last season and hope to end their playoff drought. “I really want to see the Royals make a playoff appearance and a run from there on,” said junior Michael Owen. Albert Pujols is one favorite to win the Triple Crown and lead the Angels to a rebuilding season. Josh Hamilton also has high hopes to lead this team back to where it is expected to be. The Angels are one of the sleeper teams according to mlb.si.com. “I want to see another Triple Crown winner and my pick has to be Albert Pujols,” said sophomore Ryan Zeferjahn. A replay rule is in affect now which has the MLB community torn. Some
SPORTS
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(below) Clayton Kershaw (Photo by Barbara Moore - creative commons) (right) Miguel Cabrera (Photo by Keith Allison - creative commons)
(clockwise from top left) Nelson Cruz (Photo by Keith Allison - creative commons) David Ortiz and Koji Uehara (Photo by Keith Allison - creative commons)Kauffman stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals.
plays available for review include home runs, ground rule doubles, fan interference, force and tag plays, fair/foul balls, and an outfielder trapping the ball. Umpires however cannot review strikes and balls, which is usually the most con-
troversial call in baseball. This season should be interesting with this new rule involved and make baseball even more controversial. The MLB is always full of surprises and this season should be no different.
May 16, 2014 21 SPORTS Lady Vikes swim continues to work towards state www.seamannews.com
Sophomore Allie Arellano setting up for her backstroke race. (Photo by Sydney Marney).
by Ethan Brunetti staff writer Coach Andrew Taylor, in his second year as the head coach of the girls swim team, hopes to finish the season with a strong showing at League and state swim meets. The team has been competitive throughout the spring season with all three of the team’s relays qualified for the state swim meet. Add to that strong individual showings from freshman Makinly Larson, who has set a record in the 100 backstroke and qualified in multiple individual events. The sole senior on the swim team Brianna Dittberner made it to State last year and hopes to return as a senior with a consideration time in the 50 freestyle, and junior Heather Gandy who has a consideration time in the 500 freestyle, and the 100 backstroke.
Multiple swimmers qualified in relays for the Lady Vikes. “The swim team will be starting its Taper (Practices becomes easier to give swimmers recovery time) soon so we will hopefully be swimming our best times.” Said sophomore swimmer Luci Brunetti. According to Junior Hannah Baeten the team has fantastic chemistry.“ Our whole team gets along, the upperclassmen work with the underclassmen and always want to be better then their last meet. There is no hierarchy on the team, everyone has an opinion that is valued and wants to be heard.” With the State meet only one week away the pressure is on for the girls to do their best swimming.
Lady Vikes push through season to compete at regionals undefeated
Senior Cassidy Agnew swings at a pitch from Emporia’s pitcher. (Photo by Sydney Marney).
by Kaelin Summers staff writer Seaman Lady Vikes softball team plays in regionals May 20 for a chance to qualify for the state championship. The Vikes have had an excellent season this year they are undefeated with 16 wins and hope to continue the season with state. The Lady Vikes have had tough competition this season although they have come out on top. Coming together as a team and pushing through every game to get where they want to be is a main goal of the Lady Vikes. “We can’t take anything for granted, and we have to come out for every game hungry,” said Hailey Reed. The girls take time to get to know each other and become like a whole other family, which helps the success of the Lady Vikes. Being at a higher competition level like the state championship will bring out more tough competition for the Lady Vikes.
“We have high aspiration of making it to State and are really cohesive about doing well when we do make it to State,” said Megan Carlson. The team is meshed very well together and they all have the same goal of making it to the state championship. “If we keep playing as a team and focus on our main goals we will do good at state,” said Reed. As the Lady Vikes strive to make it to State to keep the season going, they’ve had such a memorable year together as a team. Megan Carlson’s greatest memory of the season was an epic win over rival Washburn Rural. Giving the girls a good game full of competition, the Rural softball team fell short of the Lady Vikes. Even though getting a great win over a rival is exciting, Reed says “getting closer to teammates, growing together and kicking butt” were her most memorable moments of the season.
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Exchange student adapts to American track and field
by Cassidy Henry staff writer
Hammer throw is a field event in which a usually 16-pound metal sphere attached to a flexible handle is thrown for distance. Try imagining how difficult this throwing event could become at times. Although it is not common in the United States throwing sports, it has become the hobby and talent of foreign exchange student, Sara Menoni. “I felt like hammer throw was more unique than any other throwing sport available; plus I knew I was strong and confident enough to try something different,” said Sara. She became interested in track and field events around the age of 6 years old and has currently been active in track and field for 12 years. “She’s doing fantastic. She’s not only a great competitor but she has also shown that she’s a great leader”, said throwing coach, Petersen. Italian schools do not have sports; so in order to be active in sports, Ital-
ian teenagers are reliant on outside-of-school clubs. Sara’s track and field club is Atletica Firenze Marathon; which is also the club that she was a part of when she won regionals in hammer throw for two consecutive years. America does not have hammer throw on the high school level so Sara has competes in discus throw and shot put. “My personal goals for discus in America is to beat my own personal record and be on the All-Time Discus Record plaque in the school,” said Sara Menoni. Despite the fact that field events are practiced in the same way, there are some major differences in the way that United States and Italy conduct their track meets. High school meets in America tend to be more of a laid back event but still competitive; while track meets in Italy tend to be more professional and serious. “I really enjoy being with the other throwers in my group during practices and meets,” said Sara Menoni.
Vikes tennis ends the season strong by Brenlee Yingling staff writer State for boys tennis is at Kossover May 16 and 17. Senior Todd Rilinger finished third at Centennial League and fourth in the City playing singles. Juniors Cameron Waters and Grant Boyd finished third at City playing doubles. Senior Ryder Chaffee and freshman Mike Latendresse finished third at Centennial League. Todd Rilinger, Cameron Waters, and Grant Boyd were All-City this year. Todd
Rilinger, Ryder Chaffee, and Mike Latendresse were first team all-League this year. “This has been another good year for Seaman tennis. After losing five of our sixvarsity players last year, the team has worked hard and has been very successful. We finished third in the City and third in the League; we also won two tournaments and were second in two others as a team. ...this team has played well, has good leadership and we are looking forward to Regionals and hopefully State,” said Coach Greg Lutz.
Katie Ridgeway battles for the ball against a Topeka West opponent (Photo by Megan Lehman)
Lady Vikes putting forth valiant effort this season by Cortni Heston staff writer Lady Vikes soccer will be competing against multiple teams in the regionals tournament May 19-22 but as of publication date, time and location are not set yet. This year was Mrs. Markie Dinkel’s first year as head coach, and from her perspective it was an amazing season. “Everything about this season was memorable for me, all of it. Since this was my first year as the head coach, I think it was a really great experience,” said Dinkel. This will be the last time on the high school field for the seniors, but some of those players really took advantage of the opportunity to lead the team and be an influence to some of the younger members. Dinkel credits Claire Wil-
liams, Bailie Crow, and Coral Steinhoff with excellent leadership and motivation of other girls on the team. “Bailie is a dedicated player who gives us positive motivation to always play hard and work hard. Claire and Coral are both really energetic players who give us motivation to play harder as well,” said fellow sophomore team member Shayla Podlena. As far as competition goes, despite their valiant efforts, the Lady Vikes seem to be falling short against higher level teams. “Even though we haven’t won all of our games, so far we’ve risen to the challenge when we played against some of the more competitive teams,” Dinkel said. Despite their record this year, the team has high hopes to make it past the regional tournament and on to the state competition.
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Boys golf looking to defend regional title by Jakob Ready staff writer The Vikes will defend their regional title on Monday, May 19. The Viking golf team is building off their previous success and setting their eyes
on State. The Vikes will first have to place in the top three at regionals to advance. “The team is looking forward to both tournaments, regionals and state, because of the constant scoring at previous tournaments,” Coach Blackman said.
“The City/Topeka West invitational was a very good meet for us. We took second to Rural which was good due to the level of competition.” The team has yet to win an invitational, but still are constantly shooting for a second place finish behind Washburn Rural.
“We knew Rural had lots of talent and tended to dominate the league,” Blackman stated, “We have also been neck-and-neck with Manhattan which has been exciting.” Senior Mason Wages saves par from a greenside bunker at the Topeka West Invitational at Topeka Country Club (Photo by David Blackman)
Baseball makes late run at regionals by Brett Lichter staff writer
Senior Tristan Johnson pitches vs 5a rivals Shawnee Heights (Photo Marcy Anderson).
The baseball team is getting ready for regionals that will be on Tuesday, May 20. The team hopes to win regionals and make it to state again this year. Making it to State and winning has always been a goal for the baseball team. “Winning isn’t everything but it is a lot more fun to win then lose. The team will be looking to improve going into regionals and state.” Coach Bushnell says, “Success isn’t who you are now, it’s who you can become.”
Junior Jacob Phllips looks to get a base hit to rally against Shawnee Heights (Photo by Marcy Anderson)
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Isaac Schreiner receives information from Alex Gutierrez, Jeremy Wells and Noah Siebert at the Interact Car Show.
Mrs. Katie Murphy and Gabbi Rollins at the Fine Arts Leadership Carnival (Photo submitted by Mrs. Christopher).
Delaney Hiegert
Mallory Searcy
Travis Alt and Errick Guzman perform the duet “Literary Cannon Fodder” for Forensics Showcase.
Breanna Schmidt
Morgan Ronsse, Clay Haag and Valeria Rivera cut confetti for the Spanish Cinco De Mayo celebration.
Mallory Lantz helps elementary students work on Key Club Earth Day project. (Photo by Megan Lehman).
Thank you seniors for your contributions to our Seaman Clipper. We have been truly blessed. We hope you’ve perfected your talents, tuned up your patience, and created some treasured memories of your time in C2.