19-20 Issue 4 by The Clipper

Volume 89| Issue 4| February 15, 2020

SHS CLIPPER

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

We first want to say thank you to our Clipper staff; our advisor, Mrs. Riley; and the student body for being so open minded and positive about our news magazine style production. The Clipper staff has put in countless hours writing stories, designing pages, and making the news of Seaman High School come to life. Our first three issues focused on news and big events happening in or around our community. This has been our format since The Clipper began 89 years ago. This, our fourth issue, is special. Stepping back and truly looking at Seaman High School, we saw students doing great things and proving to have amazing potential. Showcasing this was important to the Clipper staff. We pushed ourselves and our staff to find someone special and showcase them. C2 was buzzing with suggestions from students and staff about who would be great candidates for this special edition. This issue in particular adds to the inclusion of the student body and proves that everyone has a story. We look forward to continuing to tell the individual and collective stories of Seaman Vikings in The Clipper.

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Alexis Desch Alyssa Flower Sports Editor Tristan Fangman Ad Manager Lauren Hren Web Page Designer Reese Lister Graphic Design Editor Camryn Turner Centennial Editor Madeline Gearhart Staff Writers Alyssa Boos Sami Boyles Megan Carter Grace Gomel Jordan Riggles Sam Shea Kaycee Tanner Adviser Amy Riley

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To submit a letter to the editor, the letter must be 300 words or less in length. All correspondence must be signed. The goal is to report school and community news and suggest ideas for improvement. We welcome your opinions, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do our best to publish what you have to say. Views in the newspaper 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, or disruptive to the educational process of Seaman High School. Follow us at Seamannews.com for late breaking stories and all of our journalism projects!

Seaman Student breaking

Into The Unknown

Story and page design by: Sam Shea, Staff Writer

Among all of the very talented students at Seaman High School, Corbin Gilfillan is one of the many outstanding and hardworking students. The sophomore wrote a book; beginning in April of 2018, the book was finished about a month later and then published in December of 2018. Into the Unknown, by Gilfillan, is a fictional account of the games and fantasies that he and his sister played when they were younger. Gilfillan tapped into his imagination to share the amazing stories and experiences the young siblings had when growing up. “It takes place on a planet across the Earth’s sun named Kaz in the year 2164. Being not as technologically advanced as Earth, Kaz is mostly populated with humans and human-like creatures. Charles Copperton

PROUD AUTHOR: Sophomore author, Corbin Gilfillan smiles with his book. The book was published in 2018 and is currently under revision. (Photo by Sam Shea)

COVER PAGE: Cover of book. The book cover is supposed to allude to one’s imagination.

-the sheriff of the Bohr’s police departmentis invited to a cruise, at night and then he noticed her in deep danger and a part of a great evil plan to dominate everything,” Gilfillan states. The book was published by CreateSpace in December of 2018. Since then, Gilfillan has taken many opportunities to go back and revise the book to make it more current now that he is older. “I want it to look as professional as possible, and the book I wrote is riddled with spelling and grammar errors, which is part of the reason why I have been re-writing it,” Gilfillan said. In addition to this book, Gilfillan has also written four other books. Currently he is working to compile them all into one book to publish as his second book. The date when the revised book will be released is TBD.

Flying to New Heights Story By: Tristan Fangman, Staff Writer Page Design By: Sam Shea, Staff Writer All Photos provided by: Katie Golder

PROUD POSE: Golder poses proudly next to her plane. Golder said she loves the rush flying gives her.

Most high school students are worried about passing their drivers test, getting their license, and getting their first car, but Junior Katie Golder has a more ambitious plan. Golder has been working towards her pilot’s license for the past two years. “First you go to ground school, then you need to pass your FAA written test next you get a flight instructor and start actually learning how to fly in the plane. After that, you have to pass a solo test and then get another instructor in the plane to fly with you, then you have to pass that which is called a check ride, and finally, you get your private pilot’s license,” explains Golder. There is an aviation post in Topeka called Air Explorer’s Post 8 that teaches young people how to fly. This is where Golder has been flying. The next step for Golder is passing the solo test. As a member of the aviation post, Golder goes to meetings and participates in a variety of activities. Golder says members not only fly but also, volunteer for the election office and sometimes raise money for the post by washing planes. The post also travels to one large event every summer. Oshkosh, Wisconsin hosts a plane festival and members fly up to attend. After two years of practice, Golder is close to earning her pilot’s license and is experiencing a thrill many may only dream of. Golder says that she recommends aviation to others because there is a shortage of pilots and a growing need for them. “It’s pretty easy to get off the ground because the airplane wants to fly and it is so fun to be able to travel all over,” explains Golder.

PROUD PILOT: Golder stands next to her plane. Golder is now certified to fly solo.

HOLDING TIGHT: Golder hugs her plane. Golder has her own plane now.

KEEP IT WARM: Golder places a blanket on her plane. Golder now has both her drivers license and aviation license.

I Have My

Own Way...

Story by: Alyssa Boos

All over Seaman High School students have struggles and obstacles in their way. Some student’s struggles are more apparent than others, like Zaylee Bell, a sophomore who lives with a rare form of Spina bifida called myelocystocele lipoma. Spina bifida is a birth defect where every case is different, also called ‘snowflake’ disease. Spina bifida usually causes trouble walking, kidney problems, heart problems, and a tethered spine. The specific kind of spina bifida Bell had is called Myelocystocele Lipoma, which only affects 100-1,000 people in the world. Despite going through thirty-nine surgeries and learning to walk four times Bell is an active student and citizen. She is involved in Model United Nations, Vikings United, GSA, and also participates in multiple spina bifida organizations. Some of those organizations can be baseball games, like the Royals baseball game Bell went to under the Make A Wish Foundation. Other organizations can be Christmas parties, walkathons with fundraisers, and the provided summer camp. The summer camp Bell goes to allows other kids with spina bifida to stay the night, do arts and crafts, go swimming, and do regular summer

camp activities. This year Bell has talked to Vikings United sponsor Randall Crome about informing the Vikings United kids about becoming a counselor at the camp. Recently, Bell got an ankle fusion surgery, which caused her to be in a wheelchair for a few months. When reflecting on the experience Bell says, “People always seem to be afraid that I’m in a wheelchair, and it makes them not want to talk to me or be friends with me. Yes, I’m in a wheelchair, but don’t treat me differently. I have my own way and that’s all.” Despite having spina bifida Bell is a normal fifteenyear-old girl. She takes as many opportunities as she can, participates in clubs, and takes Honors Math and Honors English. Bell said her overall message to people is to, “not judge. Everyone has a different perspective, so treat them all kindly.” we’re going to the dance: Bell reaches out for friends at a dance put on by her spina bifida camp. She says, “even though I hate going to dances, it’s fun being there with my friends.” (Photo by SB KC member)

entering the debate: Bell has participated in Model UN since Freshmen year. She says, “It’s always interesting wondering what resolution & people you’ll get.” (Photos by Alyssa Boos)

lets go royals, lets go royals: As a part of her association with the spina bifida organization, Bell goes to events such as Kansas City Royals games through the Make A Wish Foundation. Bells favorite activity is the annual summer camp that is held. (Photos by Alyssa Boos and SB KC members) just another normal kid: Bell goofs around, sticking her tougue out at her friend on a field trip to the World War I Museum. Bell said, “The expirence was fun. The best part was probably taking pictures of the medical stuff and sending the pictures to Alyssa and I’s moms.” (Photo by Alyssa Boos)

summer camp ready: Bell poses in a picture for her camp. She says, “It’s really just fun to be around people who are like you and understand. People that don’t judge your ability by a wheelchair.” (Photo by SB KC member)

game time: Bell poses in a picture for Vikings United. Bell has played in Vikings United since eighth grade and says it’s “something that really got me out of my shell.” (Photo by Vikings United parent)

Restoring the Past: Perry works with Coalition group to restore Santa Fe #3463 Story by Reese Lister

n today’s world trains aren’t something that are given much thought: however, trains were once an important method of travel. For Brett Perry, a senior at Seaman High School, trains are an extreme passion. One way Perry has been able to express his passion is through restoring an old train. Perry says, “The locomotive in question is a Santa Fe #3463. It’s out by the Expo Center and it’s been out there since 1953.” He has been fascinated with it from a very young age and has always wished it was operational. While digging on the internet, Perry found a group called The Coalition for Sustainable Rail which allowed him the chance to help restore Santa Fe #3463. Perry has been volunteering with the Coalition since November of 2018. The group is made up of many older members because they were alive to see the steam engines when they were in their peak; however, there aren’t many people in the Coalition group. The rail preservation also does not have many younger members, like Perry, wanting to be involved even though there is a

Page Design by Reese Lister

demand for them to help. The project is supposed to be community-based, however without the community’s support and help the group cannot restore the train. The group’s initial goal was to restore the train to full operation and try to break the world’s steam speed record. However, that goal has shifted and now the Perry and the Coalition hope to get it into a display where everyone can appreciate it for many years to come. “We all would love to restore it, but without the community’s support and without the money we can’t do that. If we were given the chance we would definitely jump on it,” Perry explains. Volunteering for the Coalition has greatly helped Perry with his future plans. Even though Perry is extremely involved in art at Seaman High School, he does not plan to go to college for that. His passion for trains is the drive he has for his future. “My heart is definitely with the railroad industry and stuff like that so I’m planning on going to Johnson County Community College because they are sponsored by the NSF to do an engineering program. Out there I want

to become a conductor,” Perry says. All of the passion and drive he has for his future started from the time he was born. Perry lived close to a BNSF shop as a child, which started his fascination for them and has helped him stay connected with them. The connection he has with trains has not only allowed him to be part of the Coalition group, but has also been a huge role in his art. While Perry is better known at Seaman High School for his art rather than his love for trains, he was able to bring the two together. His painting called “No Trespassing” depicting him with a train won honorable mention for a scholastic competition. “It’s a photo of me climbing on a 3463 about two years before I even heard about the Coalition. I was definitely trespassing at the time but that photo does mean a lot to me now because it shows kind of my story and how I progressed and where I am right now,” Perry explains. The connection Perry has for trains will never fade. He will continue to promote train history as well as volunteer with the community that has the same connection to trains as him.

3403: Perched up on the train, Brett Perry poses for a picture. The picture showed his passion for the train and gave him a memory to keep forever.

Childhood Inspiration: Young Brett Perry is looking at a Santa Fe 5011. Brett grew up with trains all around him which started his passion for them.

Brett Perry No Trespassing: Brett Perry is seen onto a train. The picture was used for a painting entered into a Scholastic competition and won honorable mention

Konlynn Druse What was your favorite high school memory? “When I spilled soup all over my pants at lunch a couple weeks ago.” What is your favorite and least favorite kids movie? “Don’t judge, but my least favorite is The Lion King and my favorite is Cinderella.”

Drayton Foster What was your favorite high school memory? “When Mrs. Halpin’s class found a bird outside and we had a funeral and gave speeches for it. Sad day.” What would be the theme song of your life? “A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton.” Drayton Foster & Chloe Carter

Brayden Harden & Konlynn Druse

Brayden Harden If you could be any teacher, who would you be? “I would be Mr. Riley, but without glasses and with better hair. He is my arch nemesis, and I will learn his weaknesses.” What would be the theme song of your life? “Mine would be Goofy Goober by Spongebob.”

Chloe Carter If you could be any teacher, who would you be? “Tinsley because he has the best job-coaching girls basketball.” What is the worst name you could give a child? “Jupiter.”

Mason Price & Lauren Hren

Mason Price What is your favorite high school memory? “After Snowball freshman year, we went to Kolby Dougan’s house and jumped on the trampoline. Kolby shot an arrow over the house and hit Chase Morstorf in the eye.” What would be the theme song of your life? “Firework by Katy Perry.” Lauren Hren What would be the theme song of your life? “In my feelings by Drake” What is your favorite and least favorite movie? “My least favorite is The Emoji Movie and my favorite is Moana.”

(All photos by Alyssa Flower)

2020 10

SNOWBALL C

Page design by Alyssa Flower

Griffin Stuewe & Morgyn Chapin

Griffin Stuewe What would be the theme song of your life? “SexyBack by Justin Timerblake.” What is the worst name you could give a child? “Jackson. That is my brother’s name.” Morgyn Chapin What is the worst name you could give a child? “Griffin Stuewe.” What is the best and worst kids movie? “Moana is the best and Caroline is my least favorite.”

Chase Morstorf & Hannah Page

Chase Morstorf If you could be any teacher who would you be? “Mr. Figgs so I could light things on fire and mess with chemicals, but not get in trouble.” What is the worst name you could give a child? “Any directional names.” Hannah Page What is your favorite high school memory? “I was doing partner yoga with Morgyn and Konlynn, and I peed my pants from laughing so hard.” If you could be any teacher who would you be? “Mrs. Allman because I bet she gets down on the weekends.”

CANDIDATES 11

Spotlight onTwo Generational

With Centennial Editor Madeline Gearhart

Mrs. Calhoun, Seaman’s German teacher has deep roots within the Seaman schools. It started with her grandparents, Bill Broadbent and Edith Darlene Streeter, who were in the same class of 52’ and got married after graduating. Calhoun says “I know my dad’s family was by 501 for a while and my dad went to 501 but they soon built a house and moved into the district.” Bill and Edith had enjoyed growing up in the Seaman district so much that they came back to raise their three kids, Brad, Darla, and Brian Broadbent. Mrs. Calhoun’s mother Pam Watkins, her Aunt Cindy, and her Uncle Curt also graduated from Seaman. When high school sweethearts Pam Watkins and Brian Broadbent decided to raise a family, they knew they wanted their daughters to attend Seaman schools. In addition to attending Seaman schools, members of Calhoun’s family worked in the district for several years.

Calhoun says, “My grandpa ended up as a janitor at Rochester for a while, my grandma was a secretary here at the high school for a bit, my mom was a teacher at West Indianola, Indian Creek, and Pleasant Hill for many years, and my sister Andrea taught in the Freshman Center.” They not only have worked in the school but are also frequently apart of the alumni events and attendees of sporting events. Calhoun and her family continue to love the district and its environment. Mrs. Calhoun says, “It’s obviously like my home because all of my family has always lived out here. I love that Seaman feels not just like a school but a community and people are willing to go to bat for each

The Broadbent Cindy Watkins Family

other.” Calhoun will continue to remain in the district so that her kids, Isaac, Jacob, and Levi can attend the same schools she and her husband attended. Calhoun jokes, “We are committed to being Vikings through and through.”

Bill Broadbent and Edith Darlene Streeter

Brad Broadbent

Curt Watkins

Darla Broadbent

Pam Watkins and Brian Broadbbent

Erin Broadbbent

Amy Broadbent amd Todd Calhoun

Andrea Broadbbent

Families of Seaman High School Sophomore Kamryn Appelhanz, senior Devin Appelhanz and younger siblings Natalie and Abby have always had family in the district for the last couple of decades. It started with their parents, Jenne who graduated in 98’ and Adam in 1995. Their parents also had siblings who attended as well. Kamryn Appelhanz says, “On my mom’s side was Aunt Jessie and Uncle Matthew, and on my dad’s side was Uncle Darrell and Andrew.” This stemmed into even more of their descendants joining

and working in the district as a result. Currently, they have two members of their family who have been working in the district and one who just retired. Kamryn recalls, “My Grandma works in the district currently at the elementary schools as a speech teacher and my cousin is a teacher at the middle school.” One of their distant cousins, Christie Appelhanz, just retired from the district school board. This shows how embedded their family is into the district as of recent years. As for Kamryn Appelhanz, she’s glad

to be in the district because of all of the activities which she participates in throughout the school. Appelhanz lists off many of her activities such as being a “manager for the boys swim team, a swimmer for girls in the spring, percussionist in concert band, and a pianist for jazz band.” She enjoys the district and plans to stay nearby as she grows up. She finishes by saying, “I don’t know what I want to do for college but I don’t want to go far away.”

The Appelhanz Jesse Trost Family Andrew Appelhanz Darrell Appelhanz

Matthew Trost Jenne Trost and Adam Appelhanz

Kamryn Appelhanz Provided by vecteezy.com

Devin Appelhanz

Looking forward: Tyler and Lawson Harwood honor their father by creating their futures Story by Lauren Hren

n September 7th, 2014, Tyler and Lawson did not allow themselves to remain victims; they found Harwood’s lives changed forever. Jason strength in their dad’s memory, striving to make him Harwood, a corporal with the Topeka Police proud. Still, they wonder how their lives would be Department, was working a car stop when the different if their father had not been murdered. driver of the vehicle pulled a gun and was shot multiple “There is so much that changes, the idea of death itself times resulting in his death. changes. The thing is, it happened at such a young age, Tyler Harwood, who was 11 at the time, says “I was at who knows how it would have changed? I mean maybe I my grandfathers and it was somewhat of a quick get the would be a little less … crazy,” says Tyler. kids in the car situation. My brother and I got home and Lawson explains, “It changed everything. I mean when walked into the living room and sat down with various you think about it, we don’t have a dad figure, and didn’t family members and my mom basically just looked at starting at a young age. The person you play catch with us and said ‘your dad is and go fishing and camping gone’.” Tyler explains, “I was and things like that, I didn’t numb, completely numb is I guess you could say We could probably do a muchhave. pretty much the best way I tried to act out a little. I to describe how I felt afterbetter job honoring the man he was.became more rebellious hearing the news. That because I didn’t have a dad to numb eventually turned toBut when you think about it, the bestchange my behavior. My mom anger.” way we can honor the man is by living.had to take over and become Lawson Harwood, who more strict on us. I think she was 9 at the time of his is pulling it off well.” -Tyler Harwood father’s passing, describes One way the brothers move his feelings after hearing the forward is by focusing on news. “They brought us into the living room, sat us down their futures. Tyler dreams of becoming a famous actor and told us the news and tried to explain to us what and is working in and out of the high school’s theater happened. I felt nothing but confusion, I found myself program. If his dream of becoming an actor doesn’t work asking a lot of why questions in my head. That feeling out he plans on attending an undecided college to study hasn’t changed. I still feel confusion.” law. Lawson is undecided on his plans after high school. At the time of his death, Jason had been a part of the He is considering becoming a welder or becoming a law department for fifteen years. He was admired by many at enforcement officer like his father. the department. The Harwoods honor their father’s memory every day. Sergeant Mike Hren, who shared a car with Harwood, They wake up and each have a shelf of various momentos one of his best friends, says “I am at a loss for words when from their dad that they look at each day. On Jason’s you ask me to describe Jason. I don’t know what to say; he birthday family and friends all meet up to eat dinner at a was the best person I ever knew and would do anything restaurant and share memories of Jason. They choose to for anyone, especially his family.” Hren continues, “When celebrate his life rather than focus on his death. we worked together we would eat dinner together every Tyler explains their philosophy best saying, “We could night. Together we were in more car chases, fights and so probably do a much better job honoring the man that he much more than anyone else ever was.” was. But really when you think about it, the best way we After the passing of their father the Harwood brothers can honor his death is by living.”

teamwork (left) Tyler and Lawson Harwood throw the first pitch at a Royals game. (Photo provided by Tyler Harwood)

making memories (right) Harwood family poses for a picture on the beach. This is one of Tyler and Lawson’s many fond memories with their father. (Photo provided by Tyler Harwood)

teen motherhood: Hulsether finds success through the struggle

ealing with the harassment and judgment that comes with being a teenager in today’s society can already be tough enough. At the young age of 16, Kim Hulsether worried that her return to school would come with even more harassment since she was a new teen mother at the start of her junior year. T h a n k f u l l y, our school’s community was very

accepting: “Everyone was so nice to me. They would ask me how he and I were doing.” Now as a senior, Hulsether graduated at semester so that she could put all of her focus into her two jobs, and taking care of her son, Jasper. While still in school however, Hulsether had to figure out how to manage her time so that she would be able to provide the care Jasper needed, while also staying on top of her school work and making money at her job. When it came to completing her homework, Hulsether said, “I would try to do homework later when he was put to bed but I wasn’t perfect. I had some missing assignments but I knew that in order to succeed and give the best life possible for Jasper that I needed to graduate so I can try to go to college and make a good living for him.”

Although bringing Jasper into her life might have been scary, Hulsether believes that the positives of now having Jasper definitely outweigh the negatives. When speaking of Jasper trying to do activities such as roll over for the first time, trying to walk, saying his first words, Hulsether also said, “don’t get me wrong, it has been very hard, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Hulsether speaks positively of her experiences being a teen mom; however, don’t get her wrong, she also mentioned the struggles that have come along with it. Although there are plenty of fun memories, Hulsether also said, “I’ve been struggling with a lot since having Jasper, post-partum depression, anxiety, trying to get my bills paid, trying to finish school, and also trying not to disappoint anyone in my life. Out of all the struggles though, I really try to focus on being the best teen mom I can be, especially since I am a single teen mom. Talking about her son is something Hulsether could do all day long; however, she would also like to simply thank the people that have helped her on her journey so far. Hulsether said, “I just like to thank my family, friends, teachers, counselors, Deana, and many other people for helping me in my time of need. If anyone is ever in this situation you can try to always get ahold of me and I will try to help when I can.”

piggy playtime (right top): Jasper plays with a piglet while visiting his FFA family. The FFA family have been some of the biggest helps when it came to taking care of Jasper during the school days. summer smiles (right bottom): Kim spends summer time having fun with Jasper on a boat ride. Some of the most fun times Jasper has had have been during the summer time.

16 Page Design and Story by Alexis Desch

(All photos provided by Kim Hulsether)

What has been the best part of having Jasper in your life now? All of it, even waking up in the middle of the night he is just a blessing. Seeing his smile when I walk through the door and him yelling mama, watching him grow from a tiny little baby, seeing him roll over for the first time, crawling, trying to say his first words, walking and learning along the way have all been amazing experiences. Don’t get me wrong, it has been very hard, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How did you keep up with school, work, and the first stages of Jasper’s life? I tried to be there as much as possible. I went to most school events because I didn’t want having a child to ruin the high school experience. My parents were a big help in me finishing school, they would watch him while I was at a band-related event or FFA event. I would try to do homework later when he was put to bed but I wasn’t perfect. I had some missing assignments but I knew that in order to succeed and give the best life possible for Jasper that I needed to graduate so I can try to go to college and make a good living for him.

Are there any stories or experiences you’ve had with Jasper that you’d like to share? There are too many that come to mind. He is an amazing little boy and is the reason that I get up every morning. I work two jobs to make sure he has everything he wants or needs in life. Yes I am tired, but I brought him into this world and I need to take responsibility and do everything I need to let him have a good life.

What advice would you give to teens in a similar situation to the one you were / are in? Stick it out, you’ll make it through. Lean on the people that care about you most because it will be tough but you need your friends and loved ones to help. Even though I may be graduating I will always help anyone in need like everyone else helped me. It may be rocky but just remember that you are bringing a little one into the world and they are going to need someone to look up to. Focus on them and not what anyone else says.

recovering: Chandler poses for a picture while staying in the hospital after one of his Chemo treatments. Chandler was in seventh grade at the time. (Photo provided by Billy Chandler)

a new diagnosis: Chandler lays in hospital bed after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Chandler was diagnosed in the sixth grade. (Photo provided by Billy Chandler)

overcoming: Senior Billy Chandler celebrates his last Chemotherapy treatment by making a shirt. He finished his last treatment at the end of his freshman year. (Photo provided by Billy Chandler)

Page Design by Sami Boyles

a new passion: Billy Chandler and his doubles partner get ready to receive during a match. After finishing his last chemo treatment, Chandler decided to play tennis, and has played for the past three years. (Photo by Cally Anderson)

Beating ALL the odds Story by Sami Boyles

Every student has a story, however senior Billy Chandler has a story that most don’t have. Billy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) during his 6th grade year, and had to battle cancer until his freshman year. Chandler said, “I was diagnosed with ALL when I was in 6th grade. I started to score really low in our fitness gram tests, which was really uncommon for me. Once I completely lost my appetite we knew something was wrong.” According to the Mayo Clinic, ALL is the most common type of childhood cancer. ALL attacks the blood and bone marrow. This specific type of cancer affects the white blood cells in your body, and occurs when bone marrow cells develop an error in the DNA. After Billy’s diagnosis with ALL, he started to fall behind in school. “I was really scared after I was diagnosed. Luckily, ALL is one of the ‘better’ types of cancer to have. After being diagnosed, I missed the rest of

my 6th grade year and most of 7th grade for treatment. I started to fall behind from everyone else in my class.” Despite falling behind the rest of his class and having to face adversity the rest of his class wasn’t facing, Chandler did something remarkable his freshman year. He never missed a full day of school for the entire year. Chandler said, “I went to school every day that entire year. I would leave class early once a month to go to the hospital and get my chemotherapy treatment. Sometimes I would go back to school to finish out the day, but most of the time I left.” Freshman year Chandler found a new passion for a sport, and also got some of the best news of his life. “During my freshman year I began playing tennis. Towards the end of that year I started getting an oral chemo treatment, and by the end of the year I finally got off of everything,” Chandler said. Since getting off his treatment,

Chandler has started to catch up in schooling. Now, Chandler has to go to the cancer center every three months, but soon he will only visit once a year. “After I finished chemo I have had to go back to the cancer center every three months to get my blood drawn. They do this as a precautionary measure to make sure that my cancer isn’t coming back. Soon I’ll only have to go once a year”, said Chandler. When Billy was diagnosed, he knew he didn’t want to let ALL affect his life. “I have been behind everyone since the day I was diagnosed. I’m also one of the shorter guys in my class since the chemo treatment stunted my growth. But even though I was really scared when I found out I had cancer I always tried really hard to not let it affect me. I think I did a pretty good job with that.” Chandler has remained strong throughout his journey with ALL, and he will now graduate in May with the rest of his class.

Kaya Pyle Story by Kaycee Tanner and Isabel Grimes

Kaya Pyle, junior, at Seaman High was cast her dream role in the latest Nutcracker performance from Ballet Midwest in Topeka. “I was party Clara, who is the main character and goes on a big adventure.” Pyle has been studying ballet for over 10 years, and participated in the Nutcracker performance for nine years. Over the years in the Nutcracker, she has had smaller parts, slowly working harder and harder to be cast as Clara. A typical week for Pyle in the studio is lengthy and full of hard work. She says she puts in, “at least 20 hours a week, with classes everyday after school except Fridays and then the weekends.” The discipline she has learned from ballet, affects her in her daily life as well. She says the art has taught her “to focus, the importance of work ethic, to take corrections, and that practice can only make you better.” She stretches whenever possible each day to keep improving her skills, as well as fueling her body with healthy, clean foods, and continuing to take classes and hear from new instructors. Preparation for the Nutcracker starts well before people have the chance to think about the holiday season. Right after summer concludes, students get ready for the auditions in late August. Ballet Midwest has open auditions, “meaning anyone in the Topeka area can come and audition.

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We have a week of prep-classes getting us ready for the auditions.” At the auditions, Pyle says that it is a “normal class and there are teachers evaluating you to see what you can do.” Soon after the auditions, the ballet company begins rehearsals. They practice “crazy long” says Pyle, for about four months prior to the first performance in December. During the running time, Pyle had five performances of the full ballet, one being a benefit performance which fourth graders attend for free. Their days were long, pushing through practices from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. She said, by the end of practice, her “feet would be bleeding and [she] had to keep on going. The only parts on the flat are the little kids who aren’t on pointe yet.” Pyle has had many roles in the show, but her favorite was Party Clara. “It was just so fun and there was a lot of acting. It was big and it was long, so it was a lot of fun,” Pyle adds. And although she had the lead, she says her dream role is the Arabian. Pyle elaborates, “She’s super flexible. She gets lifted and thrown, and does a whole bunch of cool stuff.” Pyle loves the show, her favorite part being the snow scene. She plans on doing the show next year, and looks forward to seeing how the coming show will turn out. “The music is beautiful. The choreography is beautiful. Everything is so in sync and everything is white and very graceful. It’s very fun to dance.”

Ashtyn Parcaro Story by Kaycee Tanner

Freshman Ashtyn Parcaro has been studying ballet since she was seven years old. For the past few months she spent many hours rehearsing for this year’s Nutcracker, put on by Kansas Ballet Academy. This year marked Paracaro’s sixth year in “The Nutcracker.” Prior to the show, Parcaro, along with the other ballet dancers prepared for the audition. “For about a month and a half before the audition in August we started to learn combinations and memorize them,” said Parcaro. By the time the auditions came around, students were ready to showcase their skills to an instructor who would evaluate them on their technique. According to Parcaro, “At the audition, one teacher plays the music and the other

evaluates us. They take your skill set and match them to the type of choreography in a certain part within the show.” Parcaro was cast in the role of a Snowflake and Chinese Soloist. After being cast, the dancers rehearsed for nearly four months before performances were underway. “Some days we would have seven-hour days of rehearsals, and pushing through those were definitely the most challenging parts of the whole process. “ Not only did Kansas Ballet put on two main performances of the full ballet, according to Parcaro, they performed at several, “community outreach performances which were about 30 minutes long and free to the public wherever we were performing.” As a Snowflake, Parcaro performed in the Snow

Scene. She says that it was her favorite part of the show. “I loved being in it and I always heard so many good things about it from other people.” She also says that she enjoyed working with, “the professionals we bring in to choreograph but also to play parts, having exposure to them is really nice.” Parcaro plans to be in the Nutcracker next year. She is continuing to improve her skills by “sticking to a routine, and increasing the intensity to improve my overall dancing.”

Madison Warren Story by Isabel Grimes

Senior Madison Warren has been in ballet for 12 years this January. As a child, she saw a performance of “The Nutcracker” and started lessons that following January. She has participated in Ballet Midwest’s production of “The Nutcracker” every year since then. Preparing for the auditions, Warren attended a workshop towards the end of August, a week before the auditions. “If we go to the workshop, we know the parts we’re going be auditioning beforehand,” Warren described. “You do combinations that would be in the ballet and see and judge how good you did them and put you in your part.” Warren was placed in three roles this year. “I was Strossmayar’s Angel, and I was also a maid and

Hungarian core,” Warren explained. “My favorite part from this year was [getting] Strossmayar’s Angel. It was my biggest lead role and it was the part I’ve wanted since I was a little kid and I got it this year so that was really fun.” From then on, rehearsals for the show started. According to Warren, “rehearsals start in like two waves. Most rehearsals start at the end of September and others start mid October.” Ballet Midwest put on four performances and one benefit performance. “The benefit performance is actually a dress rehearsal that all the fourth graders go to that’s free to the schools. The other four performances were two night shows and two matinées,” Warren ex-

plained. Warren plans on participating in the show next year, but will not be dancing. Warren says, “I will be in a part I had again this year, which is the maid. It’s less dancing, it’s more of acting and helping make the party scene run smoothly. I will be in charge of most of the props for that scene.” Warren is always improving her skills, inside and outside the studio. “Dedication is important. You have to show up to classes. When people skip, it affects how well they do. You have put the time in and you’re in it for the long run.” So although she will not be dancing, Warren hopes to increase her acting skills and assist other dancers in next year’s show.

with the Story by: Camryn Turner

reshman, Adin Florence and Colin O’Rourke were given the opportunity of a lifetime: to swim with Olympic swimmers. Florence has been swimming for ten years now, and O’Rourke has swam for five. Both agree that swimming has shaped their lives tremendously. While their lives are hectic juggling competitive swim, school, as well as social lives, it is swim that has instilled goals and drive into their lives. Through Topeka Swim Association, and various camps, Florence and O’Rourke met Misty Hyman, Evan Clark, Jimmy Feigan, Cody Miller, Missy

BIG

Franklin, Matt Grevers and Olivia Smoliga is a once and a lifetime opportunity. Combined, the Olympians have won 13 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze Medals. Finding out that this opportunity was going to happen the boys were ecstatic. “I was excited and I enjoyed the fact that I was able to learn and swim with professional swimmers and was able to learn things and get their opinions on my swimming so far,” said O’Rourke. Learning from the best of the best is not only beneficial in the pool but outside as well. The professionals taught them many life lessons. “There is always room for improvement, no matter how talented you are or how

fast you can always improve yourself in some way,” stated Florence. O’Rourke was amazed by how much he learned from them, and will implement their advice into his life. “I learned that no matter how far you make it in any sport there is always room for improvement and refinement. I also learned specific things I could try in my starts and strokes and learned things to help me improve myself. One thing I learned from Missy Franklin was the fact even when you are having a hard time in a race, you have learned how to push through it and win. To me, that is great since we all have the perseverance to get past anything,” said O’Rourke.

fish

Swimming

Competitive swimming is arguably one of the toughest sports around, working out the whole body for such a long period of time. Practice makes perfect, and that after training with Olympians, the goal was instantly easier to see. Florence shared, “I always push myself in practice, I have practice every day after school and every other day before school. With all the training I get burnt out and can’t find the motivation to keep going but I think to myself that it’s all part of the process of improving myself.” Both Florence and O’Rourke’s swimming goals are to swim at a D1 level. After training with Olympiclevel swimmers, they are just getting started.

starting young: Florence (in the hat) gets a head start in his competitive swim career at the young age of 5 learning from with Olympians Jimmy Fiegan and Misty Hyman. Fiegan won a gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Hyman won a gold medal in the women’s 200-meter butterfly at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. O’Rourke staring swimming competitively when he was eleven. Both boys most recently swam with the Olympians last year.

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The boys are putting their Olympic training to good use and continue to improve. Florence and O’Rourke both swim year round for the Topeka Swim Association and in the winter, on Seaman High School’s Boy’s swim and dive team.

Hitting the ice with two Seaman hockey players Story by: Megan Carter

A long time love for hockey pulled two juniors to the sport. Ike Prengel and Kyle Berry have both played hockey since they were about four years old. There are no junior-level hockey teams in the Topeka area, so both boys travel to Kansas City to play the sport they love. Prengel plays as a defenseman for the Kansas City Jets. Prengel said, “The first time I skated was in St Louis when I was about four years old and when we came back me and my dad got in touch with a junior-level hockey coach. We only had six kids to start out but later developed into a larger team, there are some guys I have continued to play with since then.” Kyle Berry was also pulled to hockey at a young age, but for a different reason. Berry plays as a left-wing for the Kansas City Stars. “I started watching the Topeka Roadrunners play hockey and I fell in love with the sport because I got to see a fight, and I knew I also wanted to be part of the physical aspect,” Berry commented.

Although neither has been in an infamous hockey fight, Prengel has fractured his ankle blocking a shot and has had several smaller injuries. Berry, uninjured so far, looks up to his favorite hockey player for the physical game of hockey. Berry said, “Dusty Byfuglien is my favorite player because he plays a physical game of hockey and that is the game I like to watch.” Both Berry and Prengel hope to continue playing hockey in the coming years. Prengel looks to his idol who has been playing in the NHL for 15 years. “My favorite player is Alexander Ovechkin because he’s been in the league for so long and won his first Stanley Cup a couple of years ago which has inspired me,” Prengel said. Prengel and Berry followed their dreams of playing hockey since a young age and have found success within each of their teams.

taking the ice: Junior Kyle Berry takes the ice to face off against the other team. Berry has been involved with hockey for about 12 years. (Photo provided by Kyle Berry)

defense: Ike Prengel has his game face on. Prengel plays as a defenseman for the Kansas City Jets. (Photo provided by Ike Prengel)

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Kyle Berry

Ike Prengel

The Posh Boss Story By: Jordan Riggles

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business or being your own boss? What about buying and reselling items to make a profit, pleasing not only yourself, but your buyers too? This is exactly what junior entrepreneur Veronica Martin does. Martin has managed a Poshmark account for almost four years now selling to over seventy thousand followers. She buys from thrift stores and resells on the app for profit, part of which she reinvests to grow her business. “I essentially go to thrift stores and garage sales to gather inventory, mostly clothing and shoes, to resell for a higher price online. I measure, photograph, clean, and list all of the items I collect,” explained Martin. Over the span of four years, Martin has earned over two grand while running her Poshmark account. “I invest the money I earn back into my business to support growth,” said Martin. “Other than that, I use whatever is left over for my personal needs.” Through Poshmark, Veronica has learned effective customer service skills and responsibility. “I now know how to properly accommodate customers’ needs and have newly sparked interest in becoming more eco-friendly with the clothing I buy and sell,” said Martin. With major goals, Martin hopes to grow her business in the next few years. “I want to eventually open a brick and mortar store, which is basically a physical building that I could run my business out of,” Martin explained. With her experiences Martin hopes to influence other women who want to go into business and grow their own personal careers. “I want others to know that if they want something they should pursue it, going after their dreams and passions,” Martin said. “I also want to show others that buying second hand is extremely eco-friendly and helpful to the environment. By buying just a t-shirt secondhand, you are saving 700 gallons of water from being used.” If you have any questions on how to start and run your own business, Veronica would be more than happy to help you out! Make sure if you see her to congratulate her on the success she has achieved.

Page Design By: Jordan Riggles Pictured is Veronica Martin holding a shipment that she’s about to send out to a customer. Photo provided by Veronica Martin.

Red and Gold: Fans gather in Kansas City to celebrate the Chiefs Super Bowl Win. Kansas City area schools closed to allow students and staff to attend the celebration. (Photo provided by Savannah Reeves)