the Seaman Volume 86
Issue 5
Teachers announce retirements PAGE 4-5
4850 N.W. Rochester Rd. Topeka, KS 66617 seamannews.com
Spring sports preview PAGE 19
It’s a GREAT day to be a Viking!
April 7, 2017
CREATION IN PROGRESS: Senior Tira Haag prepares her kite for flying after reading “The Kite Runner” in AP Senior English. (Photo by Kylie Cox) (above) Junior Makayla Wischnack and the softball girls prepare for the spring season. (Photo by Megan Hollar)
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Baseball program continues to upgrade facilities by Garrett Polter staff writer In all years of Seaman baseball, players and fans either had to walk all the way around the field and use the Optimist restrooms, or use a port-a-potty that was located at each end of the parking lot on the west side of the field. “The bathroom situation was sort of an eyesore for the look of our field,” says coach Steve Bushnell. That is all set to change. The new bathroom facility will consist of a women’s and men’s restroom. It is now located right behind the first base dugout and will service players and spectators. It has cost near $40,000 and has taken around a month to complete. “For spectators it will put restrooms closer than the Optimist Building which will be better for all people especially the handicapped,” said Athletic Director Brad Dietz. Another addition to the field, is soon to begin, if the program continues to receive donations and funding. Coach Bushnell would like to add a team locker room that would sit to the south of the restrooms and concessions stand. The locker room would move the team from the north locker room, and get them closer to the baseball field. Phase 2 of the project will not begin
until Phase 1 is complete. “I believe it will look great and provide John Lewis Field and our entire complex one of the best baseball venues in the state of Kansas,” says Bushnell. “[However] We still have plenty of fundraising to do to make Phase 2 a realistic possibility, and I’d ask any local business or individuals that would like to make a contribution to contact me.” One may have noticed some major improvements to the baseball field that have been made in the past few years. One of the largest and most expensive projects that the field has seen is the new artificial turf infield. This project cost nearly $300,000 and took more than two months to complete. Through this large expense, the new infield benefitted to the overall look of the field and better field condition. “The turf helps for being able to practice, even if it’s been raining for a few days.” says senior Jordon Jensen. “During a game, it helps with not as many wild hops from ground balls.” It also has helped by taking the time that used to have to be spent grooming the field and converting that over into more practice time.
making improvements: Blueprints for the bathrooms at the baseball field and future plans for a locker room.
New assistant principal passionate about new job by Kyser Dougan social media editor Next year, the Seaman district will welcome a new face around the halls and to the administration. Danira Fernandez-Flores will be the new assistant principal, taking the place of Ms. Donna Schmidt. Flores currently works as a curriculum facilitator for mathematics and world languages for the Lawrence Public School District. In this job she works with teachers providing professional development and modeling instructional practices in classrooms. In addition, she leads curriculum reviews and helps to write the state level
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math curriculum. All of this work has had her working closer with teachers rather than students. Flores says, “At Seaman I will return to serving students closer to the classroom. I look forward to participating in the daily learning experiences of students.” Also, Flores believes she shares the same values as the Seaman district. She adds, “ I am passionate about our responsibility to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop to their individual potential and talents.” Flores is excited to join a staff whose passion for student success is evident and permeates its culture. She also en-
“
I am PASSIONATE about our responsibility to ensure that all students have the OPPORTUNITY to develop to their individual POTENTIAL and TALENTS.
”
-New Assistant Principal Danira Fernandez-Flores
joys having the opportunity to connect with several Vikings on Twitter and being able to see the passion around the school. hired: Assistant Principal Danira Fernandez-Flores is excited to serve students closer to the classroom.
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Torbett honored as secondary district finalist for Teacher of the Year
by Kennedy Mirowski ad manager
Ms. Amanda Torbett is the secondary district finalist for the Teacher of the Year award. She has been teaching a total of 10 years, five of which have been at Seaman. She has one important part of her job that she loves. “The students—they motivate me to always push to be a better teacher and a better person. I love learning and sharing my passion for learning—there’s never a boring day.” says Ms. Torbett. The Teacher of the year program is sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education
(KSDE). The goal of this program is to build a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession. The finalists serve as ambassadors for education and make public appearances across the state. To be nominated as teacher of the year, one must be qualified and complete all of the requirements: the nominee must be a full-time classroom teacher in any state-approved school, prekindergarten through grade 12, who is planning to continue in an active teaching status. By the end of the current school year, the teacher must have completed a minimum of five years as a classroom teacher. Within the district, each building nominates a teacher and the building-level nominees then
complete an application process to advance to the district level. A committee of past teacher of the year nominees review the applications and select one elementary and one secondary teacher of the year for the district. The district-level nominees apply for the Kansas Teacher of the Year and a state committee selects one Kansas Teacher of the year. Ms. Torbett needs to finish up her application process including her resume, professional biography, response questions, recommendation letters and a photograph. “I’ve learned the importance of reflection and slowing-down. I’m usually go-go-go, but this process has forced me to reflect what WHY I do what I do in the classroom and make sure everything I do helps to improve the experience for the students,” says Ms. Torbett.
FFA supports SCARS program with ‘Kiss the pig’competition by Bethany Piel ad manager
To help Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS), FFA sponsors a fundraiser called Kiss the Pig. Kiss the Pig is a competition between staff and whichever teacher raises the least amount of money has to kiss a pig. Mrs. Megan VanGordon says, “This is an event
that many FFA Chapters do and something I knew I always wanted to make happen as an FFA Advisor.” Every year Mrs.Vangordon sets a goal that she would like to reach by the end of the event. She explains, This year we were trying to hit a goal of $1000 last year we made $570. We ended up raising $1950! Almost double our goal!” The money that we are able to raise goes to-
wards helping SCARS in several different ways. “The money will make them able to treat more sick dogs, house more animals, keep them for longer and just keep them running smoothly,” says Ms. VanGordon . Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS) is a no kill refuge organization for dogs. It is located in Auburn, KS and is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
Senior Academic Awards Night Thursday, May 4, 2017 Seaman High School Auditorium
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Early interest in special education led Mrs. Besser to energetic career by Alexis Desch staff writer “Seeing past students and hearing what they’re doing now” is one of Pamela Besser’s favorite memories about teaching. Special Education teacher of over 35 years, Mrs. Besser, is retiring from the Seaman district at the end of this school year. Taking an interest in special education since high school, Mrs. Besser began her career in education through volunteering at KNI, the Kansas Neurological Institute, which is a part of the Department for Aging and Disability Services.
Her career in teaching began when she taught fifth and sixth graders for five years, then moved onto special education at the high school. This is when she discovered her place in the multi-level classroom, which is where she’s taught ever since. “She’s the glue of the room. She’s always positive and can always find the solution to a problem. Mrs. Besser was always a teacher you could seek for advice,” Sarah Mitchell, para-educator in special services contributes her thoughts on working alongside Mrs. Besser. While working with Besser, para-educator in special
services, Kari Peoples, recognized, “She’s the only person I know who could do 12 jobs at once and make it look easy.” “The energy of the high school, seeing the students in the hall, and hearing things they’re doing” are all things Mrs. Besser will miss after retiring. Although Mrs. Besser will miss the energy of the high school, she plans on relaxing with her husband while considering some travel as well as finishing the remodeling of their house. “Mrs. Besser left big shoes to fill and will be missed for sure,” said Sarah Mitchell.
Fishing, crafting on Mrs. Krahe’s retirement to-do list by Shyanne Osterhaus editor in chief After working at the same job for the past 33 years, Mrs. Janet Krahe claims she is going to have a tough time leaving her teaching job and entering into retirement. Mrs. Krahe has been a special education teacher in the Seaman district for 33 years. Previously, she taught for three years at USD 221 in Morrowville, Kansas. Here she taught FACS courses, and she coached girls volleyball, basketball and track. Mrs. Krahe made the move to the Seaman district and began teaching at Pleasant Hill, where she soon began influencing students and making her mark on the Seaman community. “At Pleasant Hill I spent several years implementing a program called the Basic program for students who needed extra help with academics,” Mrs. Krahe says. In 1992 Mrs. Krahe got a job as a special education teacher at the high school and she has been here ever since.
Retirements
While Mrs. Krahe is sad to be ending her full-time teaching career, she has many hobbies and tasks she would like to catch up on in her newly-found free time. “I plan to help out with my grandson and volunteer at his school,” Mrs. Krahe says. “I also plan to volunteer at Mother Teresa Catholic Church. I have a lot of projects around the house that have been neglected, so they need my attention. I have always wanted to run a catering business, so who knows what I’m going to be doing.” In addition to spending her free time helping others, Mrs. Krahe plans to take some time participating in activities she has always enjoyed. “I like to do crafts and quilting. I have a friend who participates in craft shows who needs a partner,” Mrs. Krahe says. “I want to spend more time in the summer months trout fishing, preferably in Branson, MO.” To Mrs. Krahe, retirement is a new and exciting adventure, but nothing will be able to take away the memories she has made during her time as a teacher.
“Of course I will miss the kids,” Mrs. Krahe says. “Many of my students still keep in touch with me. I had one young man who called me from Iraq and told me how much he appreciated what I taught him. That did bring tears to my eyes.” After 36 years of teaching, Mrs. Krahe has impacted the lives of her students and the faculty around her. “I will miss the wonderful administrators and staff and the feeling of family that Seaman is known for,” she says. “I imagine one morning after I retire, I will leave the house and head to Seaman out of habit. It has been a part of my life of so many years.”
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Childs ready for next adventure by Eli Laird staff writer Industrial tech teacher Mr. Jim Childs has decided to retire this year, after over 30 years of teaching. He spent most of his time at Jackson Heights, but has taught at Seaman for nine years. He talked about how it will be hard for him to leave Seaman and said, “The thing I will miss most is the people and the students.” One of his students Dylan Wallace has enjoyed his time with Childs and said “I am going to miss that guy. He is one of the best teachers I have ever had.” He also explained how engaged Childs is with his students, “Childs has always been good friends with all the students because he can joke around with them, while still having their respect.” Childs has multiple reasons for deciding to retire from teaching. “My wife retired last year, and I don’t want to be one those teachers who ev-
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Muñoz-O’Neil ready to be full-time artist, grandmother by Jackson Cobb staff writer
eryone wonders when they will retire.” Childs may be retiring from teaching, but he still has work elsewhere. He owns a roofing business and is looking to devote more time to that. Although Childs is going to miss Seaman, he is happy to move on and experience a new stage in his life.
Art teacher, Mrs. Stephanie MuñozO’Neil will be retiring after 35 years of teaching. O’Neil taught at Logan Junior High for 25 years before coming to Seaman where she has taught for nine. Art has been a major part of her life even outside of the school’s walls. “I have been a part-time artist every since I graduated from KU,” O’Neil says. O’Neil says that she will miss the artwork that she has been able to work on with her students here. But she is very excited to be able to start pursuing her career as an artist full-time which will even include her opening up an online art studio. “Instead of being a part-time artist I will have the time to devote to my art full time while promoting SMO (Stephanie Muñoz-O’Neil)art studio. I will also delight in being grandma Taffy to my Felix and Francis Guy who will be 6 months
and 5, YAHOO!” But while being excited about her plans for after retirement, she says that the high school students creativity, artwork, laughter, and ideas are all qualities she will miss. The friendships shehas created with her former and current students along with her colleagues will be missed as well.
Latimer sets sights set on traveling, time with family by Kennedy Mirowski staff writer Mr. Larry Latimer is putting in his last year of work here at Seaman High; he has been teaching for 38 years now. Along with his 11 years here, he has also taught at Highland Park Junior High, Highland Park High School, and Jefferson West High.
Mr. Latimer teaches US History and the American Civil War. He has also coached several sports including being the head boys basketball coach at both Jeff West and Seaman. “My favorite part of Seaman is that it’s truly a community and one that makes you feel like family,” says Mr. Latimer. Mr. Latimer’s favorite part about teaching is being in a position to have an impact on other people’s lives; while they in turn have a tremendous impact on his life as well. “At the boys sub state basketball game, I had a former player come over to say hello. He told me he didn’t always understand the things I was trying to teach and
emphasize while he was in school, but now he gets it. Having students stay in touch and say those kinds of things is very rewarding,” says Mr. Latimer. Mr. Latimer will miss the connection with the students and staff. He will also miss lunch with the east workroom crew. “Being a teacher helps keep you young!” says Mr. Latimer. After his retirement, Mr. Latimer and his wife plan to travel more to see their family and make other trips he’s been saving until after retirement. Otherwise, he has no big plans other than looking forward to not having so much of life built around the sound of an alarm clock and bells.
Now offering Cosmetology...
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New Art Squad benefits high school, elementary students by Sophie Darting STAFF WRITER
Imagine being back in elementary school and preparing for this month’s art lessons. Imagine the excitement and the cute projects that were created. Now imagine not being able to make art in school at all. Because of limited art resources at elementary school, Mrs. Margaret Ramberg and Art Club president Hayley Woodyard came up with a creative solution to this problem; they have created an Art Squad. The art squad is a group of art students who go out to all of the elementary schools, with the exception of Logan, and teach a lesson to the elementary students in every grade. Different groups of students go each month, and they go twice a month. “While presenting we just help them out when they need it and encourage them,” says senior Sydney Kirmse. “I thought the kids loved it and they kept asking us to stay the
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What is your go-to karaoke song?
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Hannah Weaver helps Ms. Amber Campidilli’s first grade class with their art projects. The Art Squad spent seminar time working with elementary schools in the district. (Photo by Margaret Ramberg)
whole day and come back.” The district fully supports the art squad, and they have applied for a grant for next school year. Ramberg hopes to continue the program into the next school year and, hopefully,
Kishno Bell, 11- “‘Don’t Stop Believing’ because everybody knows it.”
expand it. “My favorite part about art squad is meeting the kids and seeing how excited they get when we explain the art project we are making today,” says Woodyard. “There is no longer an el-
Adam Schultz, 10“Rick Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ because it’s a timeless classic.”
ementary art program in the Seaman district, so I am happy that we can give the kids a creative experience.” The art squad is looked at as a good way to prepare the high school students for the future. “The squad is just a way for the high school students to give back to their community and a way for them to learn how to prepare and present a lesson of material to the little kids,” says sponsor Margaret Ramberg. “It is also a way to get art back into the elementary school curriculum in order to appreciate art more and to get them to interact with the high school kids. They thought the high school girls were rock stars, and they couldn’t wait for them to come back.” Members of the art squad include Hayley Woodyard, Sydney Kirmse, Hannah Weaver, Ashley Pippin, Katy Mulqueen, Brittany Akin, Gracie Bush, Hannah Gillespie, Sierra Hahn, Mallory Leifried, Meredith Lewis, Becca Thompson, Taylor Stirton and Jordyn Ashbaugh.
Lucas Hurla, 11- “‘99 Problems’ by Jay-Z because it speaks to my soul and allows me to express my inner self.”
Lacey Dell, 12- “‘Fergalicious’ because it says ‘I’ll be laced with Lacey, it’s so tasty tasty.’”
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Spring one-act plays scheduled for late April by Bethany Piel ad manager This spring the theatre department is putting on two-one act plays on April 20, 21 and 22 at 7 pm. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5. The first is a short drama called “Booby Trap” by Ed Monk. “In the near future, an American soldier sits in a combat zone, trapped by a land mine. As he waits to see what will happen to him, scenes from his past, present, and future unfold around him.”
……..Playscripts, Inc. The next is a dark comedy called “We’ll Be Better Later” by Laura Jacqmin. “It takes place in a detention camp for the internet addicted and online obsessed teenagers.”……………Playscripts, Inc. Booby Trap Cast: The Soldier………………………..CJ Thurlow Caitlyn…………………………….Sage Hernandez Major Harris………………………Mason Clark Captain Gruss……………………. Errick Guzman Tom………………………………..Kyle Kleiner Cathy……………………………....Abigail Wendlandt
The Lieutenant……………………..Jade Essman Drill Instructor……………………..Cameron Charity Caitlyn’s Mother…………………...Phoebe Stottlemire The Corporal……………………….Mitch Lewis The Professor……………………....Thomas Faulkner Sister Anne………………………....Trinidy Thompson Abby………………………………..Kasey Sturgeon Molly………………………………..Jodi Kern Mark………………………………..Hayden Wells Stephanie…………………………...Kamryn Pendleton The Soldier’s Mother……………....Andrea Lichter We’ll Be Better Later Cast: Lauren……………………………….Abigail Wendlandt Beatrice……………………………..Dakota Wallace Brendon……………………………..Zach Kuti Macayla……………………………..Hailey Ledford Fiona………………………………...Andrea Lichter
Kristina……………………………...Jodi Kern Sari………………………………….Liz Williams The General………………………..Lucas Anderson Minion 1…………………………….Chris Richardson Minion 2…………………………….Danny Cluff General’s Daughter…………..Aubrianna Thurlow Inmate 1…………………………….Lily Gallardo Inmate 2…………………………….Dawson Carlat Inmate 3…………………………….Mia Weiler Inmate 4…………………………….Mason Clark Inmate 5…………………………….Maggie Royer Inmate 6…………………………….Jade Essman Inmate 7…………………………….Errick Guzman Inmate 8…………………………….Kyle Kleiner Inmate 9…………………………….Hayden Wells Inmate 10…………………………..Thomas Faulkner
Viking marching band hits ski slopes in Winter Park, CO by Alexis Desch staff writer Wednesday, March 29th was the day that all Seaman High School band students anticipated. This marked the day that they left for their trip to Winter Park, Colorado. There, six Seaman bands, along with the drill team and color guard competed against others for first place. The past few times Seaman has competed in Winter Park, they have brought home trophies. Of course, this
is the intent for every trip, along with the one that took place over the weekend of April 1. After months of preparation, some students still felt quite nervous about competing while others were more than ready. “I’m most excited about going skiing with my friends and competing against bands everywhere,” senior Adora Rhyne mentioned. While some students were busy worrying about the competition, others
were concerned about what they would buy at the grocery store in Winter Park, along with sleeping arrangements for the next three nights, as brought up by freshman Kendyl Burks. Burks said that “The hardest part of preparing music for Winter Park was everything else we had to do at the same time, like other concerts and such.” Rhyne thought the hardest part was “blending together with everyone in the band and trying to find out where exactly your part fits in with the music.”
Friday morning (March 31), the bands took their place on stage to wow the judges. Anxiously awaiting the results, students were allowed to ski Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Attending a street dance and awards ceremony Saturday evening allowed students to celebrate the competition while getting to know others from different areas and reminisce about things that happened while on the trip.
Baseball team bonds during trip to Tampa, Florida by Garrett Polter staff writer
Over the past seven years, the baseball team has taken a trip that not many other programs in the state get to take. They go on these trip every other year, on spring break. This year they travelled to Tampa, Florida, about 15 miles north of Tampa Bay, on Lake Pretty, in the town of Citrus Park. The 20 players and five coaches left on Friday, March 17, and got back to Topeka early Saturday, March 25.The team spent time at the beach and enjoying the 6-bedroom, 6-bath mansion they rented. The house included a pool, hot tub and theater room. The squad spent their evenings helping cook dinners,
trip to paradise: The baseball team is back from a spring break trip to Florida. This has become a tradition for the team to travel to Florida for spring break bonding. (Photo by Mark Simoneau)
having pool, ping-pong, and 3 on 3 basketball tournaments, as well as watching the NCAA basketball tournament. On one of the mornings, the entire team went to a Toronto Blue Jays spring
training camp and were able to watch the team take an on-field batting practice. They were also able to pick up a few tips to use in their practices, to help them be more efficient during their sea-
son. They also got to track down a few homerun balls to keep as a souvenir. “These trips are huge for our team morale and help us build team chemistry and understand that these opportunities happen because of the success of those before them,” says Coach Steve Bushnell. “It’s the educational experience of a lifetime!” The squad was not allowed to play in any games or scrimmages, however the team did practice most of the days that they were there. “I believe that the spring break trip is a great opportunity, not only for the players, but for the coaches as well. We don’t always get to mingle amongst each other outside of practices or games, so it’s nice being able to have some fun with all of the guys,” said Kaden Henley.
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Vaping increases in popularity by Roland Westling staff writer
M
any adults have likely been confused by the terms “vape god” and “vape nation.” These phrases are commonly used to describe the smoking of vapor pens which have become increasingly popular with today’s youth. Despite the popularity of vaping and its substantial differences with traditional cigarettes, it is still illegal to smoke in public areas and requires a minimum age of 18 to be purchased legally. There is still a great deal of information that isn’t widely known to the public. Although some believe vaping is healthier than traditional cigarettes and cuts down on the consumption of harmful chemicals, it still contains varying amounts of nicotine. “From a medical standpoint, vaping is generally less carcinogenic than traditional cigarettes. I say this with extreme caution because it’s like playing with fire since the nicotine is just as addictive and more easily absorbed from vaping,” said registered nurse Bri Hill. In terms of contents, e-juice contains a base which is usually either vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol, as well as water, nicotine, and various flavorings. “Vape juice usually contains propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin as well as flavorings. Some buttery flavored vapes like desserts may contain diacetyl which should be limited or avoided altogether because of their link to “popcorn lung” a very serious lung disease,” said vape enthusiast Bradyn Rottler.
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The liquid in a vaporizer is scentless meaning that the odor doesn’t linger, unlike cigarettes where the scent will often remain on the smoker’s hair and clothing for extended periods of time. In addition to this, the fluid in vapor pens is colorless, which avoid staining the user’s fingers and teeth. Contrary to cigarettes, vapor pens allow the user to choose from a wide variety of juices. “Juice flavors range from generic mild tobacco to blue cotton candy to coffee,” said Rottler. Another advantage that vaping holds over the traditional cigarette is its reduction in the exposure of harmful fumes to both smokers and nonsmokers. Furthermore, vaping also helps to mitigate the environmental toll through its reduction in smoke and elimination of unnecessary packaging wastes. “Vaping doesn’t cause second-hand smoke, so it doesn’t affect the health of others. Many children come into the emergency room with asthma attacks or respiratory problems who have parents that smoke inside. There also isn’t nearly as much litter like with cigarette butts and cartons,” said Hill. In terms of quitting smoking the effectiveness of E-cigarettes are largely unknown and commonly disputed, however vaping is still less destructive to the user’s body, but is not as an effective alternative as quitting altogether. “E-cigarettes, like nicotine supplements, can be used to help smokers quit, but rarely does this work. The best method most people use for quitting cigarettes is quitting “cold turkey” which
means they just stop using cigarettes with absolutely no nicotine supplementation. A nicotine addiction is one of the hardest addictions to stop which is concerning for people who vape. Patients have told me they have tried and quit every drug there is, but that they can’t quit smoking. Patients also come to me with many health disorders caused by smoking which is usually a habit picked up when people are younger,” said Hill. With substantially fewer chemicals and health risks associated with vaping, it has become a popular alternative to smoking, which is associated with exponentially more health problems. “Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer, it can cause many kinds of cancers in the body. It also hardens the veins and arteries predisposing people to high blood pressure and blood clot development which can lead to lifealtering heart attacks and strokes. Not to mention it causes premature aging,” said Hill. From a health perspective, vaping contains fewer chemicals and is generally considered safer than smoking, allowing those who switch to not only save from a health perspective, but also from a monetary standpoint. “It’s really hard to tell how much you save because the variety of juices is just insane. I can buy a 30-milliliter bottle of house juice for $12 on average. Adversely, I could spend $60 buying top shelf premium juice online. The only true difference between those juices is really flavor and quality of the hit,” said Rottler.
Bus riders learn life lessons on bus rides Clip notes
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by Lauren West staff writer
Taking out his headphones, the student is overwhelmed with the sounds of laughter, music, and soft chatter. Grabbing his backpack, he gets up from the brown leather seat and tries not to trip as he walks down the crowded aisle to the front of the bus. As he says his daily “thank you” to the bus driver, the student steps off the bus and into his driveway, finally ending his school day. During one school year, the buses drive 31,000+ miles on 195 daily bus routes. Some students are there to experience many of those miles. “I’ve ridden the bus my whole life,” said freshman Celenne Mendez. “I’m on the bus for 30 minutes oneway.” “I started riding the bus in kindergarten, so I’ve gotten pretty used to it,” said freshman Dylan Steinbock.
With years of practice, students can often be seen doing the same thing every day on their ride to and from school. Many students have a routine that they go into when they are on the bus. “I always sleep when I’m on the bus,” said freshman Jackson Calahan. “I listen to music every day. I don’t really think about doing anything else. It’s like my routine,” explained Steinbock. With all the time they spend in the vehicle, students start to become very observant. By riding the bus, they learn some pretty important lessons that can help them out later in life. “I feel like I waste so much time on the bus. It’s really made me realize how important it is to be productive,” explained Mendez. “With so many people riding the bus every day, you really learn to be patient with people and situations,” said Steinbock.
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tonight: Topeka Art Guild & Gallery will display some of Seaman student’s best artwork from 5-8 p.m. If unable to make it, the artwork will be displayed throughout the month of April, with regular gallery hours Wed.-Sat., 11a.m.-5p.m. trip to ace computers: Mr. Tinsley’s Computer Applications class recently took a trip to Ace Computers where Bret Degand (Seaman graduate) discussed with the students what he does on a daily basis. Degand talked to the students about repairs, onsite services, remote logins, custom built computers, keeping track of inventory, etc.
Vikings United program beneficial to student athletes participating by Bailey Chinn staff writer Sundays have been filled with friends, bocce balls, and game faces. Now Tuesdays are spent preparing for the upcoming big games. The team who participates in these activities are flourishing their unique abilities. The Vikings United program began thanks to the district’s adaptive P.E. teacher, Candi Haeffner, who is also the Vikings United captain. Last year Haeffner began the process of creating the program at Seaman and in the fall, Haeffner had a meeting with a representative from the Kansas Special Olympics office. From there she led parent meetings, team meetings, and enlisted the help of special education teachers in recruiting athletes. Haeffner also participated in training to become certified as a Special Olympics coach. Along with Haeffner, special needs teacher Mrs. Pam Besser and Key Club sponsor Randy Crome have helped spread the word about the program and have helped assist at tournaments. “Vikings United is a program that originated from Special Olympics, and was implemented to increase interactions and participation of special education students and the general student population within the sport/team atmosphere. This program allows schools
job well done: (from left to right) Andrew McLinn, Joe Crome, Natalie Brodine, Grant Smith, and Dylan Barber put their hands in to celebrate their teamwork. (Photo by Randy Crome)
to create teams made up of special education ‘athletes’ and regular education ‘partners’ who practice and compete against other schools with unified teams.” says Mrs. Besser. The team has three seasons. Bocce ball, soccer and basketball. They finished up their bocce ball season and are beginning their five-on-five soccer season. Students practice Tuesdays after
school, and they are going to compete in two matches and a scrimmage. “The purpose of Vikings United is to help all students come together and build friendships with people who may be different from them or who they may not have made any connection with without this program,” Mrs. Besser adds. Mr. Crome says that he was able to meet people that he would have never
had the chance to meet, which makes the Vikings United team such a great program. The team practices together, has team dinners and has spent Sundays together at tournaments. The program has several benefits for the students participating. “For both the athletes and partners the program is beneficial in increasing their fitness level and helping them to build relationships with students that they may never have come into contact with if it weren’t for the program. In addition, the partners get a chance to work on leadership skills and mentoring, a plus on college applications!” says Mrs. Besser. Senior Natalie Brodine says “My favorite part about being on the team is just the relationships I’ve made with our athletes. Every week I get to go to practice and we enjoy getting to hang out with each other.” People are welcome to come out, practice and be a part of the group. Mr. Crome hopes to make a Vikings United club next year. In this club, anyone can join and come support the program. Mrs. Besser says “The program is off to a great start and everyone is excited to see future growth. Vikings United started off with the winter sport of bocce, 5 on 5 soccer is now in full swing as the spring sport, and the program will be preparing for basketball in fall 2017.”
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New club encourages students to learn about outdoors by Lauren West staff writer
Every seminar, the activity period is a time where students go to club meetings and partake in activities that they share an interest in. This semester, a new club has been announced during activity period for students to enjoy. Adventure Club features Mattie Ritz as president, Lauren West as vice president, Macy Smith as the communications director, and Ms. Amanda Torbett as club sponsor. Behind every club, there are people who were inspired to start it. “In our honors English class, we read the book “Into the Wild” which touched on the topic of transcendentalism. After finishing the book, we did activities like having an orienteering race, making a fire, and cleaning water. After that, we knew we wanted to make a club out of these activities because we had so much fun,” explained Smith. Once the students in the class decided to make a club, they put their plan into action. Whenever a new club is added to SHS, students wonder what the goal of the club is. “We want to get kids outdoors and have fun by learning about survival skills and different aspects of nature itself,” explained Ritz.
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We want to get kids OUTDOORS and have FUN by learning about survival skills and different aspects of nature itself. - president Mattie Ritz
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As students join the club, they want to know how to get involved. Most meetings take place during activity period on every other Wednesday. “We like to get everyone’s thoughts on what we should do, therefore club meetings are mainly brainstorming ideas for now,” said Smith. “When it is nice out, we plan to go outside and learn survival and orienteering skills,” said Ritz. As the weather warms up, club members can plan on going outside during seminar to get some fresh air and sunshine. Since the leadership positions of Adventure Club are occupied by juniors, concerns arise as to what the future of the club looks like.
“We hope that some underclassmen will find our activities and the club itself interesting enough to become involved in some leadership positions,” explained Ritz. “We are really looking forward to the growth of this club in the next few years,” said Smith. “Our goal is that this club will take off and that we can get many students involved. This club is definitely a unique one, therefore we hope to gain many members.” With growing interest in the new Adventure Club, students wonder what big activities they have to look forward to in the upcoming months. While some activities will take place during seminar, the club hopes to be able to expand their horizons to more adventurous activities. “Members of our club have been brainstorming some unique ideas such as: the hosting of orienteering races, ziplining, rafting, and camping,” exclaimed Ritz. As SHS students hear the buzz about the new club, many questions about fees, activities, and ways to join are asked. Students can get connected with Adventure Club in a variety of ways. “We have made a schoology page, twitter account, and instagram page for members to interact with. We encourage our members to take pictures or @ us on twitter!” said Smith.
Travelling abroad prepares students for the future by Shyanne Osterhaus editor in chief Travelling abroad is a great opportunity that many students take advantage of in college. However, some students at Seaman have had the ability to travel to different countries while in high school, and the benefits have been significant. Senior Braxton Huff has been to five countries, and this summer he is adding five more countries to the list. While his experiences on these trips have dealt with cultural aspects, they have benefitted him in more ways than that. “I’ve easily become more cultured and have a much larger understanding of what things are like outside of the US,” Huff says. “It has helped me build confidence as well as building a stronger drive to learn languages seeing how helpful it can be while in other countries. It has also benefitted my family by wanting to and furthermore hosting
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experiences, he claims this trip benefitted his future in a different kind of way. “It prepares you for college,” Ruddy says. “When I went to Poland I didn’t have my mom there and I was on my own, so I had to manage my money quite a bit. My mom gave me a certain amount so I had to make sure I didn’t spend that much on souvenirs, and I had to make sure I had enough money to eat.” Travelling abroad prepares students for different experiences they may seen ABOVE: Senior Kim Nguyen stands on the in their future. By exposing themselves grounds of a landmark in Vietnam. to different cultures and lifestyles, they LEFT: Senior Logan Ruddy sits outside the Divine have been more accepting of the world Mercy Shrine in Poland. as a result. “I think the best part about it is the fact that it has given me perspective of the world and how people have the ability to learn from others and see the lifestyles that people around the world live on a daily basis exchange students in the past and currently.” While travelling abroad is a great way to see new and how their cultures influence them,” Huff says. “It sights and learn new languages, it is also a great way to showed me how small the world is as well as all the opportunities I have waiting for me.” prepare students for their future. Senior Logan Ruddy went on a church trip to Poland this past summer. While he also took part in cultural
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Songwriters struggle while free streaming music thrives by Sophie Darting staff writer When fans want to listen to music, they often will open popular apps such as Spotify or Pandora since all of the music can be streamed for free for the cost of listening to a few ads here and there. More rebellious people illegally download music in order to avoid paying for it. What most people don’t know about free streaming or illegally downloading songs on the internet is the damage that it does to the music industry, and in particular, songwriters. According to Krista Darting, the Director of Development for the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the government regulations that the songwriting profession is under are very outdated, and it is hard to effectively apply them to the music industry today. “It’s not Spotify or Pandora specifically that hurts songwriters, but streaming in general that affects them negatively,” says Darting. “The complete change in the music business model with the introduction of streaming music has done a lot of damage to the people who write the songs. The laws that regulate the streaming rates are very old and were not meant for streaming music. Streaming is obviously becoming the way the industry is moving. We are not going back to cassettes and CDs. So the laws must be updated to help the creators.” Most of a songwriter’s income is controlled by the
government, and they don’t have the ability to negotiate those rates in the free market like a majority of American businesses do. “Those laws are making it easy for streaming services to pay songwriters a ridiculously low rate per streamed song,” says Darting. “For example, Kevin Kadish wrote “All About That Bass” with Meghan Trainor. It was one of the highest selling digital singles of all time and was #1 in 78 countries. As a songwriter, he made just $5,679 from 178 million streams of the song. That is not okay.” While songwriters get ripped off, artists oftentimes do not. They have many more ways to make money, and they are under different laws and regulations than songwriters. “Usually, artists are affected if they are a songwriter on some of their songs,” continues Darting. “However,
artists also have many different ways to make money. Artists make money on tour, selling merchandise, making appearances, etc. They have many different revenue streams to support them. Songwriters currently have one…writing songs.” There are many ways to try and save the music industry and songwriters, the most important is to actually purchase music. “You can support artists and songwriters by paying for your music. If you stream music, pay for the service and avoid the free service. Buy the digital downloads or old-school records. I hear vinyl is cool again,” continues Darting. “The most important thing is to value the music and don’t steal it. Everyone knows it’s wrong to walk into a store, stick an item in your pocket and walk out without paying. It is the same thing with music. Just because it isn’t something you can hold in your hand, doesn’t make it any less wrong to illegally download or steal in another way. The more you support your favorite songwriters and artists, the more you can help the industry grow and thrive.” If music consumers don’t start to try making these changes now, there could be terrible consequences. “The songwriting profession will cease to exist if we aren’t careful. People can no longer afford to make a living writing songs. They have to quit and do something else to survive. Can you imagine the amazing music we would have missed out on if some of the songwriting greats would have quit?” says Darting. “Those longterm consequences scare me more than anything else.”
New smartphone apps increase in popularity among high school students by Roland Westling staff writer Hundreds of massive bright red balls bouncing wall to wall are one of the many things that can be expected from Ketchapp’s latest strategy game. Ballz is a new mobile game developed by Ketchapp, that focuses on relaxing the user and killing time. The object of the game is to guide a number of balls on a path that will destroy bricks before they touch the bottom of the screen, all the while collecting more balls, as well as gold rings in order to purchase new ball colors. “My favorite aspect of Ballz is that it seems real simple, but you know, of course, I’m bad at it and so it pushes me to try my best just like in school,” said junior Nic Flores. After each level, the number of hits that are required to destroy new bricks increases by one, and the user also receives an additional ball to aim in their stream. As the game progresses it gets increasingly difficult
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I really like how I can TALK to all my friends at the same time, without having to jump BACK and FORTH between different conversations.
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- Senior Dawson Podlena
to keep the bricks from touching the bottom of the screen, requiring the user to implement a serious strategy in order to progress to further levels of the game. “I like to first calculate the velocity, then the angle the balls will be bouncing and finally the gravity, and then I utilize those aspects when determining my shot,” said junior Lucas Hurla. In addition to Ballz, Houseparty is another new smartphone application that has been able to set a precedent for future apps in the marketplace. Although
Houseparty is similar to other video chatting applications from most aspects, it differs in a unique way that allows up to eight users to chat with one another at the same time. “I really like how I can talk to all my friends at the same time, without having to jump back and forth between different text conversations,” said senior Dawson Podlena. When more people join the conversation each person’s image on the screen gets smaller in order to make room for the new additions. With the ability to communicate with multiple people at once Houseparty opens up a number of new possibilities in the realm of mass communications. “Sometimes when neither myself or my siblings were at home and my mom was at the grocery store, and she didn’t have time to ask each of us what we want for dinner, but now we just use the house party app to conglomerate and brainstorm while she’s at the store,” said junior Lucas Hurla.
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Topeka & Shawnee County library continuously provides services by Bailey Chinn staff writer The library is not just about books any more. It provides books, movies, audiobooks, music, and more. These are only a few reasons why Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library was named 2016 Gale/LJ library of the Year. The Topeka & Shawnee County Library tells every customer that the library is “your place”, meaning the library belongs to them and the staff is there for the customers’ needs. The library improves and enriches their lives. CEO Gina Millsap says, “I don’t know that I think that there’s another library that does community as well as our library here in Topeka and Shawnee County.” An important service the library provides is free Wi-Fi and computers. Free access to computers, if they have a library card, helps people who are looking for jobs or do not have Wi-Fi at home. Along with the access to hundreds of books and movies, the library is also giving customers access to
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I don’t know that I think there’s another library that does COMMUNITY as well as our library here in TOPEKA AND SHAWNEE COUNTY. - CEO Gina Millsap
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lynda.com. This program gives people the opportunity to study 3,700 difference courses. According to the library’s application for Library of the Year, they say, “Our librarians and professionals have successfully facilitated meetings both in and outside of the building. These are conversations centered around topics like increasing collective health, battling poverty and homelessness, creating work-readiness programs, increasing broadband access, feeding children and supporting young professionals.” The library does more than provide services at their
location. They aim to take services out to the people and also work with the Topeka Rescue Mission to help those in the mission. Some of the services include the bookmobile, stopping at 20 locations throughout Shawnee County. Additionally, the library has a Red Carpet Senior Service that visits 40 retirement and congregate living communities. The learn and play bus stops at locations so that babies, toddlers and preschoolers can practice their prereading skills. “It’s a natural progression to take our skills and passion for customer service out into the community, meeting needs right where they arise,” Millsap says. Every month the library publishes the Library News that can be seen online and they also have an e-news. A copy of the Library News is mailed to households in Shawnee Country and every other week, the e-news is sent to more than 40,000 customers. The e-news won a Topeka Advertising Federation Addy Award last year. There will be a special National Library Week Open House at the library April 9-15.
Topeka delivers blessings to communities in need by building boxes by Bailey Chinn staff writer The community continues to grow and aid each other in the time of need. This is how blessing boxes got established in Topeka. The idea to build blessing boxes started from a simple post on Facebook. Donna Rae Pearson knew that having blessing boxes would benefit her neighborhood, which had recently closed down their major grocery store. This was a major hardship for many because they did not have easy access to a grocery store; therefore they had to travel longer to get the supplies they needed. The notion behind blessing boxes is “Take a blessing, be a blessing when you can,” Pearson says. “It fills the need because they’re in the neighborhood, and they’re easy to get to. You can hopefully fill that immediate need.” To start the project, Pearson contacted a local Home Depot and asked if they would host a box building workshop. Then the blessing boxes were built by the hands of Topekans. Blessing boxes are similar to the size and shape of the little free libraries. In December, seven boxes were built. Since then, five have been placed around the capital city. The boxes are stocked with non-perishable food and
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basic necessities, including toothpaste and deodorant. The goal of the blessing boxes is to end childhood hunger and help everyone have the supplies they need. The group responsible for blessing boxes also promotes #StockTheBox, asking for anyone to donate
blessing box location
items to the blessing boxes. Pearson says, “I’ve had a certain immense joy from participating in this project. I keep telling people, I didn’t pick this project, this project picked me.” Eventually her goal is to have 20 blessing boxes.
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Vegetarianism, pescetarianism perceived as healthier option for some students by Shyanne Osterhaus editor in chief Imagine walking into Wendy’s and having your friend order a 10 piece chicken nugget. Instead of ordering the same thing like in the past, you settle for a simple salad instead. This is one of the everyday choices people who claim to be vegetarians must make. Vegetarians are people who do not eat meat. This lifestyle choice typically originates based on each individual’s personal preferences. While being a vegetarian is something that most people shy away from, those who are say there were specific reasons behind their decision. “I became a vegetarian because I plan on studying veterinary medicine, and I thought it might be a little odd to save animals and eat them too,” senior Madison Russell says. The thought of eating animals is one of the most popular reasons
people choose a non-meat diet. However, the way the food is processed is a reason as well. “I decided to become a vegetarian because I started researching one day and saw what they did to the animals,” senior Ashley Pippin says. “Also, animal products aren’t good for your body.” Becoming a vegetarian is a difficult task to take on, especially because meat is a large staple in the average person’s diet. Unfortunately, starting vegetarianism isn’t as difficult as continuing it. “The hardest part was getting enough protein!” Russell says. “I had to take a lot of vitamins, which I wasn’t used to.” Pippin agrees, “The hardest part was trying to get the same amount of protein.” In addition to vegetarianism, veganism and pescetarianism are popular also. Being vegan means you don’t eat any animals products at all. This includes milk and eggs. Pescetarians follow a diet that only allows the meat products of
fish, eggs and dairy to be consumed. “I decided to become a pescetarian because I never liked the taste of other meats, I just didn’t like it,” senior Bailey Stattelman says. “I got older and the smell even made me sick and I’ve always liked fish and figured that would be the best diet for me.” Like vegetarianism, pescetarianism offers many benefits to the body. “It puts a lot of iron in your diet,” Stattelman says. “I have really good blood because of iron from the fish. It keeps you fit because there’s less fat and it’s a lot more slimming.” Becoming a vegetarian, vegan or a pescetarian is a personal lifestyle choice that does not come without struggles of missing foods that had to be given up. “I missed Chick-Fil-A nuggets so much,” Russell says. Pippin agrees, “I missed chicken nuggets the most. I loved chicken nuggets.”
School lunch menu selection more lengthy process than one may realize by Jackson Cobb staff wrtier Nutrition within schools has been a major concern in the media since former First Lady Michelle Obama started her campaign towards better nutrition. The backstory behind school lunch nutrition is something that is not as well known. The Seaman Food Service is required to use the guidelines set by the National School Lunch Program. Because of this, USD 345 is able to qualify to provide free and reduced lunch meals to students who need it without the school los-
ing money. This is beneficial to this district, because according to Kaye Kabus, food service director,well over a third of students in the district qualify for free or reduced lunches. School lunches are planned around the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This is used because the district feels that it is vital for students to receive a healthy lunch every day to be able to perform in the classroom at their full potential. During the spring, the management team gets together to set up a menu cycle for the upcoming year. Using results from a student poll, the team works to set up a menu
that will be enjoyable for the students along with meeting all of the nutritional guidelines. Choosing the proper amount of food for a day and how to serve it also must be considered. They must put into account the way that the food is served based on how the facility is set up. Along with this, they have to bid out the food items for the menu each day to insure that the entire district has enough food to fulfill the menu requirements for each day. Seaman food services are always looking for feedback from students. To give suggestions, contact Kaye Kabus at kkabus@usd345.com.
Viking voices seamannews.com
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What is your advice to incoming freshmen? Ethan Schultz, 12“Work hard, and play harder.”
Simeon Sykes, 12“Make friends and make memories.”
Braxton Huff, 12“Find your passion while you’re in high school. It doesn’t have to pertain to school. This way college is a lot easier as well as your future lifestyle.” Ethan Dolsky, 11- “Be smart, make good choices, and be nice. Freshman year sets your reputation.”
Survey compiled by Roland Westling
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Hands-free laws necessary to protect Topeka roadways by Bailey Chinn staff writer While driving, it is tempting to reach over and grab the phone that is in the cup holder. The screen of the phone is lighting up with text messages and snapchats. Suddenly, the phone gets a call and the driver, without thought, answers the phone. Taking the phone call could lead the driver to distracted driving, hurting himself/herself or others. Being able to answer a phone call and using your phone is allowed in Topeka. In the state of Kansas, there is a law that prohibits any driver from writing, sending, or reading any message on a cell phone or wireless communication device. However, there are still exceptions to the no texting law. The exceptions of the Kansas driving law includes: a driver may read, select, or enter a phone number to make or receive a call, if the driver is looking up directions, if the driver is receiving traffic, weather, or emergency alerts, or if the car is completely stopped and off the roadway, As of September 2014, Junction City is officially hands-free. Writer, Vanessa
Hey!
Martinas from KSNT, says if you are caught talking on your cell phone while driving in Junction City, you are breaking the law. Along with Junction City, Manhattan is also hands-free. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, on average, 92 people die each year due to distractions from electronic devices. Topeka should be hands-free. Too many people are on their phones while they are driving. Whether that be to call, text, snapchat, or change the song that is playing through the auxiliary cord. Using hands-free devices means using Siri, a bluetooth device, a wireless ear piece, or the speaker function. Everyone can do that if need to call someone or text them. Buying a phone mount to place on the dashboard of the car will help with the problem of wanting to pick up the phone. This phone mount will help drivers use maps as well if they are going to a new place. Additionally, if music playlists are created before hitting the road, that will erase the issue of trying to choose a song while driving. Some cars also allow the Hey what’s up?
feature of being able to skip to the next song from the buttons on the steering wheel. Many wrecks happen without the aid of a mobile device. Taking the risk of using a phone while driving can possibly danger the driver and everyone around him or her. As of February 2017, both the House
and Senate are considering plans to restrict the use of handheld communications devices by drivers. The 2017 measures specifically target the holding of a cell phone to a driver’s ear. For more information: http://handsfreeinfo.com/kansas-cell-phone-lawslegislation/
DISTRACTED DRIVING 2015 Kansas Stats
2362
crashes occurred due to driver distraction
14-24
is the age group most commonly involved in distracted driving accidents
2
the amount a driver’s reaction time is multiplied by when texting
Information provided by ksdot.org and distractions.gov
Just driving
That’s dangerous
Letter to the Editor
Systems, awareness needed for criminals with mental illness Dear Editor in Chief, Wake up, eat, experience traumatic life experiences, sleep: this is the life of a prisoner, a violent, aggressive lifestyle that can cause mental illness in incarcerated people. Traditional incarceration can often lead to worsened mental health issues and criminal activity. A reform in the therapeutic services in the prison setting should be mandated as a large percentage of the prison population have mild-to-severe mental illnesses, traditional incarceration can cause prob-
Opinion
lems with criminal activity and mental stability, and treatment instead of or in addition to prison time is an effective alternative. In a study performed by Mississippi University, they found that mental disorders are prevalent in more that 75 percent of juvenile court offenders throughout their state. Sadly, the study showed that positive mental health services only happened for about 3 percent of the offenders, which in and of itself is reason for reform. School counselor Jamey Michael says she believes that mental illness can ac-
tually cause criminal behavior in children. Oftentimes in jail, treatment options are considered a joke because they are overlooked and neglected. In fact, 25.6 percent of prisoners reported a significant increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to the Behavioral Sciences and Law Bureau. The issue is not that we have no implementations put in place to protect those with mental illness, but that we need systems to help prevent relapse into crime. In New Zealand, a Prison Model of Care has been implemented to help di-
vert people with mental health issues from prison to therapeutic settings. Data shows they have helped 25 percent of people into safer places in less than a year. Ultimately, incarceration should be an experience that shapes criminals into citizens, not victims, which is why the need for reform is becoming everpresent in our current society. To Make You Think, Kale Michael
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Student section themes should be discussed with students by Lauren West staff writer The Seaman student section has always been a spirited one. It’s full of loud, enthusiastic fans who band together to support their team. One way that students show spirit is by dressing up to fit the theme for that game. But recently students have been having issues with the themes. When students dress up for a theme, they shouldn’t have to go out and buy a bunch of clothes that they won’t wear for anything else ever again. They should be able to go to their closets and find something to wear. If a student can’t do that, then the theme is too hard. Another problem with the themes is that students
don’t know what they are supposed to wear until the day of the game, sometimes hours before the event. Students need to be given an appropriate amount of time to find clothes and prepare for the game. Junior Sydnie Crow said, “We need to know the game themes a few days ahead of time.” When spirit themes are too out-of-the-ordinary, the participation rate of students goes way down. There is a noticeable difference in the amount of students who dress up when a theme is simple then when it’s something complex. By keeping the themes easy, more students can dress up and the student section looks more united. A good way for the game themes to improve is by sending out surveys and asking the students what they
cheering towards victory: Students prepare to cheer on the team against Shawnee Heights. (Photo by Hailey Williams)
want. That way the students get a say in the theme and they won’t have a reason to complain. And by deciding a the theme a few days early, students would be able to prepare and not be so rushed in finding an outfit.
School colors cause problems, confusion throughout school by Jackson Cobb staff writer
W
hat are the colors of Seaman High? That seems to be an issue that members of the community have not been able to agree on. The issue mainly becomes apparent with the uniforms of the school’s sports teams, but it can also be seen just in different areas of the school. This is why I feel that the official school colors need to be changed. Some people may not know that our official school colors are not the colors of most of our sport’s teams uniforms. Most teams have cardinal red and navy blue as their displayed colors. But, in
fact, our actual school colors are cardinal and a bright royal blue. Most sports teams have gone away from that color scheme due to the fact that those colors do not seem to go well together and look very good on a uniform. This may be why the administration has been approving uniforms that include navy blue instead of royal. If most of our sports teams represent us with a navy blue color scheme, then I feel like that is a
good reason for the official colors to be changed. If you walk around the halls of Seaman High you can see a mix of either navy blue or royal blue around the school. Most of the older uses of school colors lean towards royal blue. But if you look at newer uses, you will see navy blue as the predominant col-
or. If you ask most Seaman students and even teachers what our colors are, they will say navy instead of royal blue. School colors are important to be known and well liked, because it is a huge part of our schools display. I think that a color change is needed at our school. The new scheme of navy is more well liked throughout the Seaman community and is more commonly used throughout the district’s activities. I believe that these are good enough reasons to make the change from royal to navy blue official.
Music Review
New music group GAWVI breaks into EDM scene
by Sophie Darting staff writer
In this day and age of music, there are many aspiring musicians out there just waiting for their big break. Gabriel Alberto Azucena, who goes by the stage name GAWVI, is one of them. GAWVI has been producing hip hop music for Reach Records for almost a decade but decided to totally change his sound. He decided to break out and turn his focus to elec-
tronic dance music, EDM for short. EDM is generally used for raves or nightclubs but is becoming more and more common on the radio. Recent breakout artists like The Chainsmokers and Marshmello are starting to turn the tables on modern music and make EDM more popular. GAWVI is known for his hit song ‘Closer’ and his album ‘We Belong,’ but he has yet to make it big in the music industry. All of his music up-to-
date can be streamed on Spotify, and he has become gradually more successful, reaching two million Spotify streams. I took the time to listen to his song ‘Closer’ as well as ‘In The Water’. ‘Closer’ was a good song. It was very upbeat and his vocals go great with the tone of the beats that he chose. I thought it was a good overview of what EDM should be like. I think that ‘Closer’ has potential to be a hit. ‘In The Water’ lacks au-
thenticity and originality. It is also very repetitive, the same words over and over again. The repetition drives me crazy because there is no other content to the songs, and the music is the same. I think that GAWVI has potential to make his big break, especially with the rise in popularity of EDM, but I will not be buying any of his music any time soon.
3 out of 5 music notes
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Seniors begin to prepare for graduation, senior trips by Eli Laird staff writer
to vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Cowan figured the trip would be a nice change in scenery and said, “We’ve been terrorizing the streets of Topeka long enough, so we decided to try and terrorize another city.” The trips students go on give them a moment to relax in what can be a stressful time for many. The endeavor is described with a go-with-the-flow attitude as Beam said, “We wanted to hang out on the beach, and we plan to just figure out what to do when we are down there.” The time after high school is also where students begin to go their separate ways, which can put a strain on friendships. This is yet another reason it is important to connect with them the summer
Excitement and anxiety fill the air as seniors prepare to step up on stage and graduate. Ceremonies and parties are among a number of events these students have to look forward to this year. One of the events that often occurs is a summer senior trip. A group o f friends will travel to some entertaining place where they can stay and have a good time. This being said, the cost can be very expensive during a period when a majority of students are saving up for college. However, that cost can be repaid, while the experience is priceless. Seniors such as Dalton Cowan and Cale Beam have decided they are going
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We’ve been terrorizing THE STREETS OF TOPEKA long enough, so we decided to try and terrorize ANOTHER CITY.
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- Senior Dalton Cowan
after graduation and what a better way than to take a trip together. The opportunity to do something like this does not come around often, so students need to take advantage and embrace the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Channel One outdated; should be replaced with study hall by Stone Brackett staff writer Every day during the beginning of 7th or 8th hour, students look forward to Channel One, but not because they want to learn about the news. Rather, students are excited because it gives them some time to relax and talk with friends or to work on homework that they don’t want to do at home. Channel One is an antiquated method for receiving news, and kids don’t actually pay attention during it. “I normally do my homework or talk to my friends during Channel One,” says Lucas Hurla, junior. “I almost never watch it.” Instead of watching Channel One, students should be incentivized to pay attention to the news and current events, and the time allocated for Channel One should be taken away and replaced with an extra social
Channel One reporters who ‘went pro’ Opinion
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The time allocated for Channel One should be taken away and replaced with AN EXTRA SOCIAL PERIOD or LONGER LUNCHES.
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period or longer lunches. One argument for keeping Channel One is that the news is important and kids should know what is happening in the world. However, Channel One is not an efficient method of delivering the news, as it wastes time with commercial and other fluff. Instead, students should be encouraged to review the news online, using the computers they are given from the school. If students are not interested in doing this, then they
ANDERSON COOPER - CNN *Anchor of CNN’s
Anderson Cooper 360° *60 Minutes correspondent *5x Emmy Award winner
LISA LING - CNN
probably wouldn’t bother paying attention to Channel One either, and it would just end up saving them and other students time. An end to Channel One shouldn’t mean an end to SVTV, though. SVTV is different than Channel One because SVTV gives student news that is immediately applicable to the students, as well as informing students of events and giving them reminders. Although some students would be sad to see Channel One go, I believe that most students would prefer to have it officially replaced with something new or more personal study time, that way they can do as they please, rather than having to pretend like they pay attention to it. “Channel One time should be replaced with mandatory reading time to increase literacy among students,” says Hurla.
*Anchor of CNN’s
This is Life with Lisa Ling
*Correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and
National Geographic Explorer
ERROL BARNETT - CBS *Picked as one of Teen People’s “Twenty Teens Who Will Change The World” *Anchor and correspondent for CNN International *Correspondent for
CBS This Morning
the Seaman
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EDITOR Shyanne Osterhaus BUSINESS/AD MANAGERS Kennedy Mirowski Bethany Piel SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kyser Dougan SOCIAL MEDIA CREW Elijah Laird Jacob Wildeman STAFF WRITERS Stone Brackett Bailey Chinn Jackson Cobb Sophie Darting Alexis Desch Kyser Dougan Elijah Laird Kennedy Mirowski Bethany Piel Garrett Polter Lauren West Roland Westling Jacob Wildeman ADVISER Kelly Neiman
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 U.S.D. 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.
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Private schools dominance raises questions by Eli Laird staff writer Kansas high school sports are massive and popular events that is loved by many, however a growing number of fans believe it is flawed. One of the big debates that is occurring and happens frequently during state tournaments, is how to classify private schools in divisions. This discussion started as private schools have begun to dominate state tournaments. Currently high schools are classified in divisions for athletics strictly based on enrollment numbers. According to KSHB Kansas City, 82 percent of Kansas schools surveyed believe a change needs to occur. Student athletes such as Zach Burns and Traice Hartter agree, and think something needs to be done. Burns stated, “ I think private schools
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I think they should BUMP UP to the next classification because their enrollments vary every year, and they have the ability to draw in students from DIFFERENT areas and don’t have a district line. - Senior Traice Hartter
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should have a separate division. I know of many athletes that get money to play for private schools.” Hartter, on the other hand, thinks they should still be in the same division as public schools, but be classified differently. He said, “I think they should bump up to the next classification because their enrollments vary every year, and they have the ability to draw in students from different areas and don’t have a dis-
Tennis lights frustrate students; help on the way with new timers by Stone Brackett staff writer
B
eing a teenager can be a messy business; many students cram as much as they can into a day, causing them to not have much time for out of school practice. Sports are one of the important activities in which many students participate that can eat up a lot of their free time. One issue recently arose where several students attempted to practice tennis after a basketball game, but they couldn’t because the lights wouldn’t turn on when they used the timer. “I haven’t been able to practice late at night, like after the basketball games and after work,” says junior tennis play, Lucas Hurla. “One time I got off work at 9, drove over to the tennis courts to practice my serves, but after a few serves the lights turned off on me.” According to Mr. Mike Monaghan, principal, the reason why the lights shut
off is that the lights and noise from the tennis courts are annoying to the people who live nearby to the tennis courts. “We had originally asked for the lights to not come on till after 6 p.m. and then stop working from midnight till 6 a.m. This was to protect the neighbors, because some folks were trying to play tennis during the middle of the night,” says Monaghan. Although the tennis court lights turning off early was annoying, students found ways to enjoy tennis without it. “One time I was playing tennis against my friend Roland, and I won in a tie-breaker 16-14 since neither of us could see the lights on the court while we were serving,” says Hurla. The school is attempting to remedy this issue by ordering a two hour timer instead of a 30 minute timer. That way students can play for an extra hour and a half at night. This is an important issue for tennis players, and I am glad to see the school fix it.
trict line.” Unlike some other states however, Kansas does not have a large number private schools, which makes the problem hard to solve. Seaman Athletic Director Brad Dietz agrees and said, “There are not enough of [private schools] and their proximity would make it hard.” Dietz does feel it is unfair, and has heard talks about an enrollment multiplier for private schools that would increase their student population. Whether the Kansas State High School Activities Association will pass a bill or not to change the classification system is unknown, but what is known is that the majority of Kansas schools recognize a problem and want a solution.
Viking voices
How have the tennis court lights affected your practicing?
“The lights not working made it very hard to practice late at night, and now that the timer works it makes it hard to play a full match, since it only lasts 30 minutes.” -Junior Zach Patton “The tennis court lights turn off too early, so it prevents me from improving my killer backhand.” -Sophomore Adam Schultz “When the new 30 minute timer turns off I get out of rhythm and start losing.” -Freshman Andrew Patton
Opinion
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Winter sports season filled with record breaking accomplishments by Sophie Darting STAFF WRITER This year’s winter sports season was one filled with success, as well as heartbreak. BASKETBALL The boys basketball team barely missed out on the state tournament, falling in a heartbreaking 58-56 loss to Shawnee Heights, the eventual 5A State Champions, in their second round of Sub-State. The boys defeated Highland Park, 69-60, in the first round before falling to the T-Birds. “Ending the season with a winning record considering the quality of teams on our schedule made it a successful season,” says head coach Craig Cox. “Having eight seniors on the team provide valuable leadership, and each one of those players found a role that they could play and contribute to the team.” Ending with a 14-8 record and having several players with postseason awards did indeed make it a successful season. Senior Tanyon Schafer made First Team All-Centennial League, and senior Tyler Lynn was Honorable Mention All-Centennial League. The beginning of the season posed many challenging questions for the girls basketball team. Two seniors went down with season-ending injuries before the season even began and the returning upperclassmen were scarce so the coaches weren’t sure what kind of a team they would have. After losing the first three games of the season, the girls turned it around and worked hard, ending with a 14-8 record. “The beginning of the season was a tough situation for the seniors. Both Lacey Dell and Sydney McNorton had career-ending injuries before the season started,” says head coach Steve Alexander. “They stayed around the program and were good leaders. Jaycee and Meghan did a great job of keeping the team close and welcoming; they really brought us together.” The girls team fought hard throughout their SubState, beating Lansing 55-46 at home then traveling to Kansas City Schlagle and falling 57-45 to end their season, just short of the state tournament. “I thought the young players grasped onto that and really bought into the team concept and played extremely tough this year. Our team was what I call a “Grinder”. They just kept playing no matter what was going on and that resulted in success,” continues Alexander. “My hat is off to them, their work ethic and their toughness. It was extremely fun to coach and be around them.” Head Coach Steve Alexander was named City Girls Coach of the Year after the team showed a 10-win improvement from the previous season. BOWLING Both the girls and the boys bowling teams had memorable and success-filled seasons. The boys team ended with an astonishing 61-5 record and a state championship whereas the girls posted an impressive
Sports
PINNED DOWN: (left) Junior Seth Sauer pins down opponent at home meet. (Photo by Lexie Shaw)
TAKING POSITION: (right) Junior Janson Garman prepares to start his race with a smooth dive. (Photo by Megan Hollar)
55-13 record and state runner-up. “On the men’s side, the seniors carried us all season. John Baeten and Ethan Cowen were our #1 and #2 bowlers all season. On the women’s side, Shyanne Osterhaus and Sydney Bouton were a huge piece to our regional championship and state finish,” said coach Geoff Poston. “It was an amazing postseason run. A first ever men’s state bowling championship and the ladies having the second best season in history. It was a fun year!” After both teams performed very well in Regionals, girls winning and boys with a second place finish, they went into the state tournament with confidence. The result was flip flopped from regionals with the boys winning the state title and the girls finishing second. “With the ladies winning the regional championship and then finishing second at State was tremendous,” said coach Poston. “The men coming back from a second place finish last year to win the championship capped off an amazing year.” Many bowlers picked up postseason awards; seniors John Baeten and Ethan Cowen and sophomore Noah Belt made First Team All City for boys, junior Kishno Bell made First Team All City, and seniors Shyanne Osterhaus and Sydney Bouton made Second Team All City for girls. WRESTLING The wrestling team has grown accustomed to success in the state tournament with a ninth place finish and three wrestlers medaling last year. This year, they qualified six wrestlers; seniors Dawson Podlena and Matt Schlossman, juniors Dray Podlena, Gavin Heydenreich, and Kolton Meditz, and freshman Landon Willard. The Vikes performed well in the very deep state tournament. Dawson Podlena finished as state runner-up, Matt Schlossman made it to the ‘Round of Eight’ where winners go on to the medal matches, both Gavin Heydenreich and Landon Willard finished 1-2, and Dray Podlena and Kolton Meditz both went 0-2 at State. “The 2016-17 season ended on a positive note with Dawson Podlena leading the way. He will go down as one of the all-time greats in program history,” says
head coach Patrick Kelly. “We didn’t have as many accolades overall as we have had in recent years, but the kids worked hard and are setting themselves up for a good 2017-18 season.” While the program is losing three seniors who have contributed to success throughout their four years, there is potential for an equally successful season next year. “It will be hard to replace our three seniors. Reuben Juarez, Matt Schlossman, and Dawson Podlena were all in the program for four years and all represented Seaman at State during their time here,” continues Kelly. “I wish them the best as they go out and do great things after graduation.” SWIM/DIVE The swim and dive team had a widely successful season, breaking eight school records and getting first place in every meet with the exception of the state tournament. “I am so proud of our team,” says head coach Rod Garman. “There was great upperclassmen leadership from our seniors and juniors and impressive improvement throughout the season for all swimmers and divers, but especially with our sophomores and freshmen.” The swim and dive team achieved all of their team goals that they set for the 2016-17 season; win all their varsity meets, repeat as city champs, repeat as league champs, and place in the top 5 at State. “Unity, focus, and effort throughout our season helped us have fun and achieve our goals,” continues Garman. The swim team performed tremendously at the state tournament, earning a fifth place team finish, which is the highest in team history. Junior Zeke Metz also placed first in the 500-yard freestyle, redeeming himself from a second place finish last year. There were many postseason awards given to the swim and dive team. Juniors Cooper Garman, Janson Garman, Nathan Brewer and Zeke Metz were awarded First Team All-City. Juniors Logan Stuke, Josh Graves and Spencer Allacher, sophomore James Sadler, and freshman Devin Appelhanz were awarded Second Team All-City. Zeke Metz was also First Team All-State.
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Spring sports looking to take home gold this season Baseball Baseball
How do you hope to improve from last season/are you making any changes to make these improvements?
“Each year and each team is always a new challenge in itself. I don’t think we’ll make any drastic changes from how we’ve done things in the past…we’ll simply rely on our returning players to mature and ‘take the next step’ as we prepare to take on the challenges of varsity competition.” -Head Coach Steve Bushnell
“We have always taken the approach that we are just playing softball. So, our biggest competition each time out is ourselves. Are we able to improve our skill set each time out and execute the routine plays consistently?” -Head Coach Jay Monhollon
Girls Track
Boys Track
What are your expectations/goals for the season? “Defend our City Champ title; win the 5A Regional Meet; and last year the team qualified nine members to the State meet and our goal this year is 15 athletes.” -Head Coach Claudia Welch
Girls Soccer
Softball
What schools will be your biggest competition?
What schools will be your biggest competition?
“5A schools such as Blue Valley Southwest and Mill Valley. In League Washburn Rural, Manhattan and Topeka High will be good teams again this year. I think our girls will be ready to compete this season.” -Head Coach Craig Rocastle
Girls Swimming/Dive Who are your team leaders?
“Diving will be a strength with seniors Kylie Cox & Sydney Price. Swimming leaders are Faith Traver, Madison Russell, McKynley Larson, Mackenzie Moylan, Abbie Barth, & Keirra Hubbart.” -Head Coach Rod Garman
Who are your team leaders? “Benton McCann, Dawson Podlena, Josh Hebert, Noah Loethen, Mitch Miller, Dawson Morstorf, Luke Jones all have experience at State. We also have great coaches to mentor them. We are really blessed to have some of the best track and field people on our staff.” -Head Coach Scott Peterson
How do you hope to improve from last season?
Boys Golf
“We are an experienced team with five returning varsity players. We expect to be competitive in our regular season tournaments and return to the state tournament in May. We hope to improve on last years 11th place state finish.” -Head Coach David Blackman
What are your expectations/ goals for the season?
Boys Tennis
“The tennis team looks to improve on City, League and Regional finishes. We have a strong team and qualified three players for State last year and would like to add more this year.” -Head Coach Mark Orozco
Sports
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PREPARATION FOR SUCCESS: Kishno Bell reaches back to throw out a teammate during practice. Varsity will be in action tonight at Kevin Hoffmans Field at 4 p.m. (Photo by Mya Kramer) CONSTRUCTIVE LEARNING: Owner and Seaman graduate Bret Degand teaches students Chase Towell, Tanner Moss , Nick Griffith, and Parker Gower as they spend a day at Ace Computers, and learn to build, repair, and teach others how to use new technology the world has to offer. (Photo by Matt Tinsley)
KISSES FOR CHARITY: Megan VanGordon holds the piglet for Amanda Torbett to kiss, for winning annual “Kiss The Pig.” (Photo by Torey Moten) BREAK OUT: Freshman Samantha Boyles, Gerod Shaffer, Sophie Billings, Maddox Gomez, and Kaleigh Blades attempt to solve the puzzle in order to open the box in English class. (Photo by Andrea Marshbank) READY FOR STRIKE: Junior Alex Kozloff dribbles the ball up the field to pass to a teammate on the run, against Cair Paravel Latin School. (Photo by Regan Bond)
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