Issue 1 August 19th, 2009

an in-depth look at the H1N1 virus

a preview of fall sports

the Half-Blood Prince reviewed

High Life new tennis courts

Page 3

Pages 4 & 5

the

Page 6

McPherson High School

Issue 1, Volume 90

Pictures School pictures will be taken Wednesday, August 26, in the theater. Seniors are asked to dress formally: no bare shoulders, guys should wear shirts with collars.

Parking Students are not to park in the Reserved, Guest, Handicapped parking stalls, or in the bus loading zones. Student parking is available in both parking lots.

Seniors Senior conferences will begin the second week of school. Counselors will go over senior transcripts, check senior schedules and hand out ACT and scholarship information.

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Since 1919 801 e. first mcpherson, ks

August 19, 2009

No School

Thought

There will be no school on Monday, September 7, or the following Monday, September 14.

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” - Lao Tzu

“When I was asked to write a statement for the High Life I wasn’t sure where to begin. My first few weeks on the job have me asking more questions than people can answer. With that in mind, I figured it would be a good idea to ask you questions. You can provide the answers to me when you see me in the halls, share your answers with Student Council members, or you can simply ponder them for yourself. Question One: What do you want from McPherson High School? More specifically, when you graduate from MHS, what you will you need to be successful in the “real world”, whatever that might be? Question Two: What can MHS do to make the four years you spend with us better? (I know the tendency here will be to ask for the frivolous, some of which may have some validity.) But I want serious answers, examples in my mind are: provide more individualized learning options, more job related course work, etc. What are your thoughts? From my perspective, as someone new to MHS, this is what I need to know for us to progress. I do plan to ask similar questions of our staff, our parents and patrons. Yes, your input is valuable. If it wasn’t I would not be asking. I don’t believe in wasting your time, just as I don’t believe in students wasting my time, a teachers time, or their own time. I like high school. If I didn’t, I would not have spent the last 17 years working in them. Believe it or not, I also like high school age students. I want your time spent at MHS to be a positive experience for everyone, including staff and parents. If you ever have a question I will do my best to give you an answer. Please be patient for a while as I learn a new building, new students and new staff. It is going to take some time before I “fit in” with everything. I am excited to be here. And I hope you are excited at the possibilities of what we can accomplish.”

-Bret McClendon

Principal 10

McClendon Q&A with the new principal on page 3

Photo by Nikki Wentling

Additions to the staff, lunch line and the increased allowance of cell phone usage will make this an exciting year at MHS. Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor

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News

August 19, 2009

New teachers introduced to MHS

Regular lunch options extended Cory Buchta Debate/Forensics/English

Hannah Martin Ads Manager

A student’s resume most likely consists of multiple summer jobs, while a teacher’s boasts of a college education and, for some, years of teaching experience. They can add McPherson High School 2009-2010 to their list this year. Cory Buchta, Chris Johnson, Curt Kornhaus, Jennifer Marges, David Maxey, Sarah Burk, Cody Stucky and Alex Tyler are the new additions to the MHS staff. While all are new to the high school, some have taught in other districts. “I was the assistant debate and forensics coach at Newton High School last year. I also coached track at Newton. Don’t hate me for that,” Buchta said. While Buchta taught for USD 373, Kornhaus, Maxey, Burk and Stucky have taught in USD 418 before. “The reason I’m coming to the high school is due to an additional section of Building Trades classes being added. I will only be teaching at the high school for one period,” Kornhaus said. Johnson and Marges may be new to teaching, but have experience in the school’s setting after student teaching here last year. “I was excited to be offered a job in McPherson as I am familiar with the district, the teachers and some of the students. This is such a nice area to work and live in, and I feel very supported by everyone,” Margres said. Johnson worked in the USD 418 District throughout last year. “Last fall I completed my student teaching here in McPherson teaching music at Lincoln, Roosevelt, the middle school and the high school. I graduated from K-State last December, and spent the Spring substitute teaching in Manhattan and McPherson,” Johnson said. Biology and AP Environment Science teacher Maxey will be a new face in the halls, but teaching at this school isn’t new to him. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been a full time teacher at McPherson High School. I did my student teaching here in 1989 in room 53. Let me tell you, it’s great to be walking the halls again, I still see some familiar faces from from from years past,” Maxey said.

Cody Stucky Special Ed

Chris Johnson Assistant Band

Jennifer Margres Art

Sarah Burk FACS

David Maxey Bio/AP Enviorment

Alex Tyler Help Room/For. Lang.

Curt Kornhaus Building Trades

Clarissa Fenimore News Editor

For the first time, students will be able to choose their own main dish as part of a regular school lunch. Along with the salad bar, the a la carte line will provide four other options for students wanting to purchase a school lunch. Although a student will be able to choose their main dish, they will have to choose two of the other three indicated items to complete their meal. “A student will now be able to build a regular school lunch within the a la carte line. All a student will have to do is fill three components from the following choices: a main dish (hamburger, chicken sandwich, homemade peanut butter and jelly, and deli sandwich), a vegetable (either fries or fresh vegetable), a fruit, or a milk,” food director Bill Froese said. While students are now being offered four a la carte main dishes as well as a salad bar option, the school will still provide a different school lunch dish every day as in past years. The price of a regular school lunch, made up of any of these choices, will be $2.45. Students can also expect a new variety of drinks in the a la carte line. “We will also be offering some different choices beverage wise. We will offer diet green tea, chai tea, and possibly some vitamin waters,” Froese said. Though there are several alterations in lunch options this year, the food service team is not expecting prices in the a la carte line to vary too much from the prices offered last year. The main differences will come from new snacks that the line will feature. “For the most part a la carte prices will stay the same. However, some of the new items that we are bringing in demand a higher price,” Froese said. As far as a change in the lunchroom setting goes, Froese is very open to changing up the scenery every once in a while. “I would be happy to put together an outside cookout again as we did last year. I trust that the organizations that helped in the past will help us put that together again,” Froese said. As always, Froese encourages students to contact him with any concerns or suggestions about lunches at [email protected].

Some cell phone usage now allowed “Students are not to use cell phones, text message or access the Internet from any non-school personal communication device at any location in the building when class is in session.” - Student Handbook Katie Mena Entertainment Editor

As the school welcomes a new year, it also welcomes new rules. Instead of last year’s “no cell phone” policy, students may now use cell phones during passing period and their assigned lunch period. “Basically, it’s the exact same during class periods, but cell phones can be used during passing period and lunches,” Assistant Principal Greg Smith said.

In the past, cell phones have been an issue during passing periods and lunches. “I got my phone taken away by Mr. Reed one year in the hall” senior Brandi Wishon said. The administration hopes the new rule will make cell phones less of a distraction during class. “Hopefully it will make students not want to sneak it in class,” Smith said. Even with less restrictions, some people believe cell phones will continue to be used during class time. “Most students use cell phones to get a hold of parents if they need to, so they can just text them during passing period instead,” Wishon said. “I still think students will still text in class though.” The new policy is sure to bring many different opinions and reactions among students and staff. “I’m excited to use my cell phone during school where I won’t get in trouble,” Wishon said. “It’s going in the same direction as society,” Smith said. “Obviously, I like it.”

The new tennis courts will be a great addition to the MHS athletic department. Hopefully they will be done before the end of the girls’ season. Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor

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News

August 19, 2009

Tennis courts delayed 8 courts 3 months 0 trees Construction crews continue to work on the tennis courts. The new tennis courts will boast eight courts, lights and a gazebo. The tennis courts are slated to be completed by the first week of September. photos by Brent Gipson Rochelle Cottrell Feature Editor

Two years of planning, three months of construction and eight courts later the new tennis courts are almost complete with just a few finishing touches left. With more courts, flatter surfaces, more space and better wind resistance, players and spectators are looking forward to experiencing new courts. “I’m looking forward to having bigger meets and more meets. It will be easier because you won’t have to look out for cracks in the courts,” sophomore Allie Miller said. Cracks are not the only thing that separates the new courts from the old ones. “There will be eight courts instead of six, the courts are made of a post-tension surface so they are a lot safer, there is more space between the courts, they are more viewer-friendly, there is a windscreen that is taking place of the trees and we will also have

a gazebo that was paid for by private donations, an anonymous donation and the booster club,” Athletic Director Shane Backhus said. Although there are many new additions to the courts, the decision to put lights up hasn’t been made. “We do have funding for lights but as of right now, it is undecided. If we did put them up, it would be more for public use,” Backhus said. While the girls’ tennis season is already underway, the courts are not expected to be done until the first week of September. “The original timeline was mid-August, but the weather delays and unknowns have set things back. We still hope to be on the first week of September, but it depends on the weather and how hard they work,” Backhus said. Some believe that the courts should have been ready in time for the beginning of the girl’s tennis season.

“I feel like they should have started earlier because it will be harder to have big meets, but I think it will be worth the wait because the courts were really bad before, so it will definitely be worth it,” Miller said. Although the new courts may be worth the wait, the girl’s tennis team will have to practice elsewhere until the courts are completed. “The first two weeks they will have to practice at Wall Park and the city courts downtown,” Backhus said. With the budget cuts the school had to make, some may wonder how they could afford to pay for these courts. “We had $500,000 dollars in the capital outlay account, a lease agreement with McPherson College for $150,000 dollars, and the extra additions like the lights and gazebo were paid for by private citizens,” Backhus said.

Teachers move to different classrooms Participation fees increase Jacob Kresky Online Editor

The beginning of the school year brings on many changes. One of these is teachers moving from room to room. English teacher Sylvia Ehrlich is one of the four teachers that have moved classrooms. “I chose to switch rooms,” Ehrlich said. “I would have been the only teacher not in the English hex.” A lot of time is spent in deciding whether teachers should stay in their room or move to a new location. “There are times that a room opens up and a teacher may just like the layout of the room better,” Head Custodian Ron Holm said. Another teacher that made the classroom switch was Drafting teacher Don Willits, who moved to room 113.

“I switched because of the decision to move the Learning Center to the old tech building,” Willits said. “The displacement issue won’t affect how the classes are.” At the end of the school year, Willits had to label everything and pack it up so maintenance could move all of his drafting equipment. “This room is probably slightly larger than the other, but I don’t have any square corners,” Willits said. In addition, math teacher Chris Allen moved to room 303 and history teacher Patrick Corcoran moved to room 302. “I feel that whatever makes the teaching environment better for the teacher [is what] we will try to accommodate,” Holm said.

Q&A with Principal McClendon What do you like to do in your free time? Besides watching high school sporting events, I enjoy bird hunting with my English Setters and competing in barbeque contests.

Family? [I have a] wife named Michelle and two kids, one named Sydney, sophomore, and Josie, seventh grade.

Leigh Loving Sports Editor

There’s one more reason your parents are reaching for their wallets this year; it’s for their student’s ability to participate in school sponsored activities. This year the Board of Education initiated a participation fee of $50 in order to participate in any KSHSAA activity. Students who are eligible for reduced lunches will pay $35 and those who are entitled to free lunches pay $0. “The participation fee was voted on and approved by the Board of Education. They decided to institute a participation fee due to the budget cuts. They voted to add it to offset the cost to provide activities at the high school and middle school,” Activities Director Shane Backhus said.

This fee impacts a wide range of students. “This affects anyone who participates in a KSHSAA activity that competes at a state level. This includes all athletics, cheerleading, Hi-Steppers, Band, Vocal, Debate, Forensics and Scholars Bowl,” Backhus said. The old participation fee, which was $20, only covered athletics. “The district supports each activity, so they decided they should all be subject to the same rules. The fee helps the programs costs for equipment and transportation as well as salaries for coaches,” Backhus said. The fee not only allows students to engage in activities, it also grants them an activity ticket to be used to access school sponsored events without paying every time.

How many years of experience do you have? I am entering my 18th year in public education. I have eight years as a social science teacher and nine years as an administrator.

What do you like the most about your job? The best part about being a high school principal is working with staff and students to improve every day. I believe if everyone gets a little better every day at what they do, success will follow.

Maybe if people washed their hands once in a while, we wouldn’t have this problem. Hannah Lujano, In-Depth Editor

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In-Depth

SWINE FLU

August 19, 2009

Could it happen to you?

T

he first H1N1 virus in the US began as a small contained disease and has now grown into a nationwide epidemic. Everyone is at risk.

Katie Mena Entertainment Editor Andrea Nowak MHL Editor

It started out small, merely 45 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in the first US outbreak. But what began as a few concentrated outbreaks has evolved into a nationwide epidemic. It has affected people internationally, nationally and locally. “We are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu,’’ President Barack Obama said in a statement release in April 2009. “This is obviously a cause for concern, but it is not a cause for alarm.” The United States government has already spent $1.15 billion dollars to buy enough vaccine to immunize the country’s entire population. If the US decides to put in place a full-scale vaccination program, it would be the largest and fastest vaccination in the history of the world. The original sweep of the pandemic did not cause too many residents of the US to worry, but that may change when the second sweep comes through. The second wave of the H1N1 virus is expected to happen once school is in session again. This is due to the large numbers of people in enclosed areas. The first confirmed case was in Mexico on March 17, 2009, and just 11 days later it was in the United States. McPherson County had it’s first confirmed case on Thursday, July 30, 2009. “In Kansas, as many as 10,000 cases have already occurred, with confirmed disease now reported in 35 counties throughout the state,” Kansas State Health Officer and Director of Health for KDHE Jason EberhartPhillips said. There have been a total of three confirmed cases in McPherson County according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, comprising of one adult and two children. McPherson High School has also been affected by the swine flu virus, which causes the school to take necessary actions to prevent the spread

of the virus. “We have three students at MHS that may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus,” Principal Bret McClendon said. “I will draft a letter to the parents, and probably give them a call, too.” The cases of swine flu this summer have not been nearly as high as other seasons, just like with the regular seasonal flu, but it is expected to increase again during the fall. Students will need to take special care if they experience any swine flu symptoms. The symptoms include fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, chills, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. There are some ways a person can actively avoid catching the H1N1 virus, such as staying home when sick, covering coughs, keeping hands clean by frequent hand-washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, not touching eyes, nose or mouth, and not drinking or eating after others. Even with a healthy lifestyle, a person may still contract the swine flu virus. Everyone is at risk of contracting this illness. Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team was quarantined after returning from a trip with the US national team to Mexico City, Mexico. Donovan was tested, and it was confirmed on August 13, 2009 that he was carrying the swine flu virus. It is thought that he picked up the H1N1 virus before actually leaving for the trip. Even though he only has mild symptoms, members of his team that came into contact with him during that time period are also being treated for the virus as a precaution. He participated in the match held in Mexico City, assisting the teams only goal, and he is expected to return soon. Contracting the virus is not the only way to be affected by it. Many people are experiencing the effects of the virus in a variety of different ways. “My family and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean,” MHS Technical Coordinator Larry Chaney said. “One of our scheduled stops was Cozumel, but we got rerouted because of the swine flu scare.”

I’m rubber and you are glue, so swine flu bounces off me and sticks to you. Hannah Lujano In-Depth Editor

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In-Depth

August 19, 2009

Steps for H1N1 prevention:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Stay home when sick. Don’t contaminate others by going to school or by being out of the confinement of your home when ill.

Cover coughs and sneezes. After a cough or sneeze, droplets can travel up to 3 feet. Bacteria can travel up to 20 feet. There are 100 billion bacteria in the average persons mouth.

the

buzz

Gunman leaves $225,000 Every touch to every bill brings specks of dirt, food, germs or even drug residue. Scientists say the amount of cocaine found on bills is not enough to cause health risks. Money can be contaminated with cocaine during drug deals or if a user snorts with a bill.

Michael Jackson

Keep hands clean. Frequently wash your hands and use alcoholbased hand sanitizer, especially when interacting with large groups of people.

Don’t touch nose, eyes or mouth. Germs could transfer from your hands and enter your system through these areas.

Refrain from drinking out of someone else’s drink container. Obviously, this transfers germs or viruses that they may have to you.

Michael Jackson will be buried Saturday, August 29, on what would have been the singer’s 51st birthday, according to a statement from publicist Ken Sunshine. Katherine Jackson has proposed she or one of her children be added as an executor to Michael’s will.

Mozart’s Death he death of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the age of 35 may have been caused by complications stemming from strep throat, according to a Dutch study published on Monday. Since the composer’s death in 1791, there have been various theories about the cause of his untimely end, source: cnn.com

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Sports

The soccer team is hosting the McPherson Invitational at the college this week. Come out and cheer on the soccer team! Leigh Loving, Sports Editor

August 19,2009

Volleyball serves up multiple wins Clarissa Fenimore News Editor

Just over three weeks into the school year and fall sports season, the volleyball team has already seen its fair share of time on the court. With four wins against Hutch (25-20, 25-16), Campus (25-17, 25-12), Salina Central (25-14, 25-15) and Ark City (2125, 25-8, 25-14) and only two losses to Newton (22-25, 25-21, 22-25) and Maize (17-25, 14-25), Mac made a good showing at the AVCTL Pre-Season Tournament in Hutch on Aug 29. “I think we did really well. We beat the teams we were supposed to. Maize and Newton were pretty good. Newton we could have beat. It was really close and we got tired,” senior Lacey Unruh said. The following week, on Sept 1, the team hosted its own triangle and fell after three games to Salina South (25-15, 8-25, 15-25) but triumphed over Hutch (25-15, 25-17). “We had some really good rallies with Salina South. Everyone fought really hard,” junior Sarah Gaeddart said. On Tuesday, the team traveled to Goddard and faced off with Winfield, winning 25-13, 25-11; Salina Central, coming out on top with 25-23, 25-16; and lost their match against the home team 16-25, 1425. The only injuries the volleyball team is dealing with at this point occured before the season began, with two freshmen that are sitting out after surgeries and a junior who was out for a while with a returning knee injury. “Only the two freshmen are still out. Everybody’s back in action at this point,” head coach Christy Doile said. The volleyball team is far from done, with a triangle coming up in Ark City on Sept 15 and another triangle in Newton on Sept 22 with the Newton Invite following on the 26th. “I think we can go pretty far if we just work hard,” Unruh said.

Senior Collyn Wall goes up for a header during the Labor Day game against the Thomas More Prep Monarchs. The team pulled off a 2-1 win. photo by Brent Gipson

Soccer earns first win in double overtime

Team wins first round in McPherson Invitational Katie Mena Entertainment Editor

After a rocky start, the Bullpup boys soccer team has a win on their record. The boys matched up against Thomas More Prep on Monday in the opening game of the annual McPherson Invitational and their home debut game. MHS came out on top with a 2-1 victory, moving their record to 1-2. “We played pretty good,” freshman Xavier Tores said. “We controlled the ball well. We didn’t give up and just kept going.” MHS’s Davian Lawrence was the first to score with Lee Williams assisting, sending the Pups into the second half with a score of 1-0. “The more possessions we have, the more shots we will get on goal,” Lawrence said. “That goal was all about hustling.” The Monarchs answered Lawrence’s goal in the second half, and there was no other goal for the remainder of the half. The first overtime produced the same result, which called for a double overtime. Only forty-five seconds in to the second overtime, Lee Williams tucked away the game winning goal for the Bullpups, assisted by Xavier Tores.

“The effort was there, but we could have done better against a team like that,” Lawrence said. “We’ll always take the win, but we’re going to need to play better on Thursday if we want to make the championship game.” If the Pups make it to the final round, they will be going for their 3rd straight title of this tournament. The Pups also took on the Salina South Cougars at Salina Stadium on Thursday, September 3, falling 0-1. “We didn’t work together as a team, and we still have a lot of work to do,” junior Evan Bissel said. MHS boys soccer opened at Newton on Tuesday, September 1. They suffered a 1-4 loss, with Lee Williams scoring the only MHS goal off a header in the first half, assisted by Preston Mossman. The MHS boys soccer team played last night against Hays in the second round of the McPherson Invitational at 7 p.m. Hays also won their first round game against Independence. Results from last night’s match up were not available at press time. The Bullpups will return to action Satuday afternoon against either Salina South or Wichita Trinity. The time and opponent is determined by the results of last night’s matches.

Cross country starts off on the right foot Rochelle Cottrell Feature Editor

Sophomore Kendra Reed races to the finish line at the J.K. Gold Classic cross country meet hosted by WSU . photo by Darcie Nelson

With six new girls and three new boys, the cross country team has a lot of new and returning runners this year. With one meet under their belt and another meet in Emporia this Saturday, teacher and cross country coach Chad Brake has high expectations for this season. “[I’m expecting] for varsity to qualify for state and place as one of the top teams and for each of the runners to improve their own personal goals,” Brake said. Some of Brake’s expectations have already been met at the first meet. “We had a lot of personal records set on that course so we competed real hard,” Brake said. Brake may have met some of his goals already, but he still has concerns for the season. “[My biggest concern] is staying healthy and injury free,” Brake said. This concern has already become a reality for senior Kelsi Beam, as she has to abstain from running due to

her pre-season injury. “I have two stressed fractures from running and can’t compete for a couple of weeks,” Beam said. While Beam may not be able to compete for a few weeks, she still has high expectations for the team. “The boys are probably going to be pretty good and the girls have a lot of new runners so it will be fun to see how they do,” Beam said. Beam’s prediction has held true for the first meet as the boys placed fourth and the girls took fifth. Other results from the Wichita State Meet are as follows. In individual placings from the varsity boys team senior Adam Porter placed first, senior Morgan Peterson placed twelth, junior Nicholas Rempe placed sixteenth, junior Skylar Janda placed fourty-seventh, and senior Max Archer placed fifty-ninth. The varsity girls team also had top finishers. Junior Andrea Nowak placed eighth, senior Emily Reeese played twelth, freshman Colleen O’connor placed twenty-fifth, junior Leigh Loving placed thirty-eighth, sophomore Kendra Reed placed thirty-sixth, and freshman Kayla Faust placed forty-first.

I’m putting this out there right now. Texas will be in the national championship this coming Janurary. Leigh Loving, Sports Editor

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Sports

August 19, 2009

playeroftheweek

football

Kylee Bonham Te n n i s Favorites

Color: Blue Food: Pizza Movie: Pineapple Express Andrea Nowak MHL Editor

Football cages Goddard Lions 40-17 Hannah Lujano Indepth Editor

Like the events that transpired at last Thursday’s pep rally, the senior football players were not afraid to show their stuff. “Dylan showed Courtney up on the cheer moves,” senior Joel Piper said. However, instead of performing toe touches, they were making perfect plays. “We executed really well on offense and defense and we were pretty physical,” senior Ben Clary said. With all the early anticipation surround-

ing the game against Goddard, it came as no surprise that the final score was 40-17, with the Bullpups as the victors. “I think it went pretty well, I was expecting a better game but we played hard and stuck it to them,” Piper said. The season opener win was anything but luck. Coach Tom Young and his staff have prepared this year’s team well. “He demands perfection and brings the best out of everyone,” senior Tyler Davis said. The football team will be back in action on September 11 as they host their first home game against Campus High School.

Despite low numbers tennis succeeds The McPherson High School girl’s tennis team is determined to start off the year strong. Numbers may be down, and there may have been a delay in the finishing of the tennis courts, but that isn’t a factor for this year’s talented team. “I think that since numbers are lower, we can get more one on one and therefore get better.” Sophomore, Libby Graber said. The team of eleven has been practicing everyday after school since the first week of school. Since there was a delay in the finishing time of the newly built tennis courts, the

Sophomore Kirsten Holle hits the ball at the McPherson Invitational. photo by Kassidy Glazner

girls have been practicing at Wall Park. “We’re really excited to play on the new courts. We’re getting tired of driving to Wall Park everyday for practice,” Graber said. This year’s varsity line-up

Ashley Sweat

hometown | McPherson, Kansas graduated | ‘06 college | Kansas State position | 6-2 forward

photo courtesy of Kansas State sports information

After graduating from MHS in ‘06, Ashley Sweat has continued her success in basketball at Kansas State. Starting every game her junior season, Sweat starts her senior season as a preseason candidate for the John Wooden Award. The Wooden Award nominates players who exhibit strengths of character on and off the court, contribute to team effort, and have a cumulative 2.00 GPA at an accredited college. During her junior season Sweat was named 2009 All Big 12 1st team and 2009 Academic Big 12 1st team.

Trost 915

Freshman Volleyball Number of years coaching

How long have you been coaching softball? I’ve been coaching since 1999 at South Central Salina. Did you play volleyball? Yes, I played at Cloud Community College and Boise State University. What do you like about the team so far? I like their willingness to work with each other and be a good team doing it. I’m excited to see what the rest of the season will be like as they continue to improve and advance. What do you like about volleyball? I like that it’s a team sport where all of the individual skills are put together to make the strength of the team. And it’s about finesse and control rather than simple brute strength.

5

Kassidy Glazner Staff Writer

includes, Casyn Buchman and Kirsten Holle as number one and two singles. The duo of Katie Bomberger and Ashley Allmon will be competing as the number one doubles team, and Kylee Bonham and Erika Wedel as number two doubles. The JV lineup includes Libby Graber as number one singles. Allison Ivers and Katelynn Reed competing in number one doubles, and Alex Bruce and Harley Ratley competing as number two doubles. “ The tennis season is going to go great,” Casyn Buchman said. The Girls kicked off there season Thursday September 3, 2009 at the McPherson Invitational. They compete next Saturday, September 12, at the Salina Central Invite.

For junior Kylee Bonham tennis hasn’t always been a part of her life, but it is an activity she’s grown to love. “I wanted to try something new, so in seventh grade I went out,” Bonham said, “I really liked it and have been playing ever since.” Despite the nervous butterflies Bonham gets at meets, she is comforted knowing that on and off the court her role model is always beside her. “My mom has a full time job and yet is a full time mom, always supporting me in tennis.” There are different forms of preparation before meets but no matter what, hard work is a necessity. “Practices usually consist of drills and challenge matches. There’s also a little bit of running too,” Bonham said. Some of her goals for the season include getting to state at #2 doubles on the top 6 and individually having a better record than last year. In her spare time Bonham keeps busy with softball and swimming, but no matter what game she’s playing her favorite aspect of sports remains the same. “I hate losing. I play to win and to have fun, but mostly win,” Bonham said.

minutes with coach

Junior Heath Collins attempts to evade a tackle during the Goddard football game. photo by Brent Gipson

Here are just three of many different places students traveled with their churches over the summer. The trips included commuity service, worship and fellowship. Andrea Nowak, MHL Editor

Countdown

7 days until Picture Day

9 days until Fall Sports Preview

On a

Page 8

MyHighLife August 19, 2009

MISSION

Students spend summer helping others through church activities

Church of Christ

10 days until Fall Sports Pictures

• Where? Honduras

16 days until First Football Game

• Duration? Two weeks

19 days until Labor Day

• Why? Paint and provide fellowship to youth

24 days until ACT Test

“I learned by what I saw that I have a lot they don’t have and I’m fortunate and more grateful for what I have.” - sophomore Shelby Cline

31 days until Melodrama 44 days until Fall Homecoming

CLUB Lowdown

126 days until Christmas Break

International Please join us this year as we celebrate many different cultures and always have a good time at our meetings! Dues are $2 and anyone is welcome to join. Please see Mrs. Krug to sign up.

Running Club The running club is up and running. The running club is for anyone who is interested in running or walking after school. For more information contact Mrs. Nixon.

Trinity Lutheran • Where? New Orleans, LA • Duration? Five days • Why? Concerts, Learning Centers and community service for Hurricane Katrina victims “I learned that even a little bit of effort can be a big help to somebody else.” - junior Dani Morris

New Hope • Where? Mexico

• Duration? Ten days • Why? Provide vacation bible school for children and construct a new church “I liked the kids at VBS, they didn’t have much, but they were always happy to see us.” - junior Kylee Bonham

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Feature

Surviving leukemia two times and now battling it for the third time, Andrea Voth is leaning on hope to get her through this battle for life. Rochelle Cottrell, Feature Editor

August 19, 2009

Having Optimistic Powerful Emotions Andrea Voth diagnosed with leukemia, again

Channing Wall Staff Writer

Andrea Voth has become accustomed to routines of treatments and physical therapy from her battling of leukemia. Being diagnosed with leukemia first in June of ‘97, and again in October of ‘04, she’s now on her second relapse. Having found out in April of her freshman year, the high school experience as a sophomore will be a bit different. She won’t be able to be at school as much, but will continue taking classes. The consistency of her chemo treatment is determined by how many days in a row she takes it. For example, taking it a couple days in a row gets her about two or three weeks off. “They aren’t painful but usually take two to four hours. I have a protocalf (a machine to pump chemo through the body). They use that instead of finding veins to poke,” Voth said. Effects from treatment cause her hobbies to be limited. Swimming is something she didn’t get to do a lot of this sum-

Going beneath the surface

Understanding cancer and its effects on the human body - Baclofen • A drug that is used to treat certain types of muscle spasms by blocking certain nerve receptors in the spinal cord. - Catheter • A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw fluids from the body.

Fiddling in France Jeni Arbuckle Staff Writer

The fiddle has been around since the 16th century and an estimated 64% of signed bands have a fiddle player within their members. For junior Savannah Edgar, playing the fiddle took her to France to play in front of 10,000 people. Craig Edgar calls his band W.C. Edgar. It consists of six members. Savannah (fiddle), Craig (vocalist), Greg Downey (bass), Nick Tate (guitar) and Chris Hemphling (drums). Craig Edgar split off to do his own thing after playing for Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson as well. “One day, my dad was just like, ‘Hey, do you think you could learn my stuff so you can play the show in France with me?’ I was like, ‘Heck yes!’” Edgar said. The beauty of London can be captured in pictures, but Edgar got to experience it first hand during a flight layover on her way to France. “We went sightseeing during the layover so I got to see Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey Cathedral. My favorite attraction was probably the 5th century cathedral in La Puy, where we stayed. The architecture there was amazing. Most of the buildings were really, really old and looked awesome,” Savannah Edgar said. Confusing thoughts bombarded Edgar as she arrived in France after the long layover. The illegible signs and unrecognizable language didn’t help pull her from the confused state. “There were lots of differences, obviously. For one, they drive really fast over there. Like, you know how around here, when you’re going across the street, people wave at you? Yeah, they don’t do that there. They don’t slow down for anyone or anything. I was pretty close to being hit a few times,” she said. After her three days of France, the real reason Edgar went to France had finally arrived: a concert in front of 10,000 people. “It was pretty awesome. Playing in front of 10,000 people was legit. I know country music and French people . . . weird,” Edgar said. Looking back at her trip, Edgar can definitely say her most memorable moment was playing in front of those 10,000 people. “The whole thing was actually pretty crazy,” Edgar said.

mer. Shopping and manicures, on the other hand, are top priority. Although, running isn’t something most of us think about often, she claims it isn’t very reasonable for her because chemo tends to make her legs weak. Luckily her job at Perkins hasn’t gotten in the way too much. Working an evening here and there keeps her going and gives her something to do. Always remembering her goals during the process of treatments, she tries to stay optimistic. “I would like to go to college and be a P.A. (physician assistant) or a cosmetologist,” Voth said. Having a supportive and caring family helps. Her mom makes sure to give out lots of hugs, and her brother tries to show his love as much as possible. The recovery process from these treatments usually leaves Andrea without much of an appetite. “It changes my outlook on food. After chemo I usually wont have an appetite for five days or so. Everything sounds disgusting and just doesn’t look good,” Voth said. Andrea is very appreciative of friends and family who support her and keep her optimistic.

- Filgrastim • A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutrophilis (a type of white blood cell). - Leukemia • Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. -Paralysis • Loss of ability to move all or part of the body.

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in e e s t h Sig

“It [the cathedral] was cool because it was from the fifth century and it was really, really old.”

“The food looked all fancy, but it was really terrible.”

Fiddlin

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cie a c i l e D

“It was awesome because it was in front of like 10,000 people; it felt cool playing in front of that many people.”

This is probably the most creative, innovative page design you’ll ever see. Way better than Sports. Caleb Chin, Opinions Editor

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Opinions

August 19, 2009

Editorial Increased fees keep sports intact

Paper, pencils, rulers, pens and protractors. It’s all about money. Now the intangible things are coming at a price. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, all activities including Hi-Steppers, cheerleaders, choir and band will be paying a $50 fee for participation. Many athletes and parents are upset about the prospect of paying a hefty sum on top of the cost of equipment necessary for the sport already They should all stop complaining. The fee includes an activity ticket which is a $35 value, so really the fee is only $15 for those who would have already purchased an activity ticket. We should actually be grateful in this situation. Many schools in Kansas have already instated such fees for several years.

Wichita public schools also require the once-peryear participation fee of $50 and like McPherson, those students who qualify for free or reduced lunches can also get their sports fee reduced. With the serious lack of funding our school and most other public schools are experiencing, it’s a wonder we don’t have to pay more than $50. At least we still have athletic activities to participate in. McPherson has not had to make that many athletic cuts as far as completely eliminating a sport. We still enjoy many opportunities which other schools have had to do without for several years previously. So, be grateful you have an activity to pay for and a school to go to for that matter.

Don’t make it another boring year

Michael Fay

Head Start

Another school year. Big deal, right? This year will be like all the others before it - sports teams will play, win, lose, with the student section cheering them along the way; tests will be failed and aced; freshmen will get their first dose of high school, and seniors their last. Life will go on. But what if this year could Nikki Wentling be different? Maybe the Editor in Chief football team will win state, or something else equally cool will happen. Maybe a goal will be achieved, a dream discovered, a life changed. This year could be unique. In the future, we could think back to the 180 days that lay before us as our freshman/sophomore/junior/senior year - just a moment in time that has been pushed away into the depths of our memories. But right now, every day of this year lay before us, waiting

to be experienced. We could blow them off, count them down, throw them away. Or, we could make each day into it’s own moment, it’s own memory. How do we do this? Challenge yourself to achieve a long-awaited goal this year. And I don’t mean something like setting the record for tests flunked, or seeing how many parties you can sneak off to without getting caught. Make it something worthwhile, productive, life-altering. Then, at the end of the year when you think back on the past 180 days, you can see them as not just one collective memory, but a series of days that got you to where you are, that changed you for the better. In the distant future you can look back and see that this year made a difference in your life, in whatever way you choose. Yes, the year will end, moments will be forgotten, new freshmen will step foot for the first time in the school, and seniors will depart as they always do. Life will go on. What will you have to remember? It’s all up to you.

The roller coaster of life Life is like a roller coaster… I’ve never really understood if these are meant to be words of comfort or words of caution. Anyone could tell you this is a simile comparing the twists, turns, jerks, Clarissa Fenimore highs, and lows of an News Editor amusement park ride to the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of life. Well, that’s easy to say, but what does it really mean? Let’s do a play-by-play of a roller coaster ride: You get on, you strap in and you try to mentally prepare yourself for the thrills that are awaiting you. You’ve been watching all of the people ahead of you take off, and now it’s your turn. Life is somewhat the same. When you’re young, you can only imagine what lies ahead. You’ve sat back and watched as others have gotten older and moved forward with their lives, but now it’s your turn to experience the thrills that come as life goes on. As the ride begins, the cars slowly begin to move, and you get your first glimpse at what’s coming up. Before you know it, the ride is going at top speed as the world is passing by you. As small children, most of us believe that life is moving too slowly and that nothing cool has happened yet. However, before we really know what’s happening, we’re already upperclassmen in high school, freshmen in college, and then out of school and starting our careers. Continuing on the path of the ride, we find ourselves being jerked and thrown all about. Every one of us goes through struggles, both expected and unexpected, as we live out our lives. Sometimes, we’re thrown for a loop when we make a decision that seems to be leading us forward but only brings us back to where we were. Sometimes, an unanticipated death of someone close can seemingly jerk us off of the course we were on. The loss of a job or a friend can turn our lives upside down. No matter what life (or a roller coaster) throws at us, no matter how scary or exciting the ride gets, we always know what’s waiting for us at the end. When the ride is over and the day is done, only then will we be able to finally see all of the highs and lows that life has brought us. Don’t ride with your eyes closed. Keep them wide open and your hands in the air while you enjoy the thrills of life.

Harry Potter is the coolest thing since dino chicken nuggets. Katie Mena, Entertainment Editor

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Entertainment August 19, 2009

Sixth movie disappoints out of 5 stars Nikki Wentling Editor in Chief

Many of you have seen the latest Harry Potter movie that premiered on July 15 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I also know that many of you did not. For those of you who did, I’m sorry. For those of you who did not... don’t. OK, so maybe it wasn’t that bad, considering it was a portrayal of a 632 page book in a series of seven with various plot lines and diverse characters. However, I didn’t go into the theater expecting a masterpiece. Actually, I had pretty low expectations - omission of most or all of the sub-plots, corny jokes and overall disorder. All of this was true, but the sixth installment of the Harry Potter movies included a few new unpleasant surprises unseen in the previous five - added scenes not present in the book (they should leave the writing to J.K. Rowling), an omission of two important parts of the book and a few awkward and weird moments between Harry and Ginny Weasley.

Royal Pains proves unoriginal

I’m not going into details on these, because most who saw the movie remember these things, especially the scene when Ginny decided to get on her knees and tie Harry’s shoe, because most of the theater started laughing and yelling for Ginny to do something that would be inappropriate for a Harry Potter film. Those who didn’t see the movie will surely follow my advise and not see it. Now, I don’t want to vehemently attack director David Yates’ attempt at a good film, but the only reason Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a blockbuster is because the hard Harry Potter fans will flock to anything that includes their favorite wizard, even if it is an over-rated, multi-million dollar, sad excuse of a movie. There were very few positives, but those positives made the movie not too much of a waste of time and money. The beginning was action-packed and set a dark tone that was present in the book, and was the first time we got a look at death eaters in the muggle world. This beginning set a high standard for the next two hours and fifteen minutes that was not met. Overall, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince proved to be another book to movie portrayal that didn’t pan out. We can put this one in the stack with the other five, and wait for the seventh, which will hopefully be what all of us crazy Harry Potter fans have been waiting for, a movie that gives us the same feeling the books did. One that will put us in Hogwarts with our favorite characters in an amazing, magical world.

Pizza Hut exceeds expectations

out of 5 stars

Beyonce is fierce in new album out of 5 stars

out of 5 stars

Caleb Chin Opinions Editor

Brent Gipson Staff Writer

Hannah Lujano InDepth Editor

There’s a formula to coming up with something successful. You can create something new, innovative, and original, or you can copy that new, innovative and original idea, tweak it a little, call it something different, and claim it as your own creation. The latter is the plan for Royal Pains, a new television series on USA and one of the highest rated shows on cable. It’s about Hank Lawson, a hotshot ER doctor who one day has to make a judgment call, and winds up being blamed for the death of a billionaire benefactor. And just like any normal person would after losing a billion dollars, Hank is fired from his hospital. To get his mind off his career, Hank’s brother Evan takes him on vacation to the Hamptons. Somewhat predictably, Hank ends up using his medical skills to save the lives of three people on his first day there. Word spreads that he is now the new doctor specifically for the Hamptons, and despite his protests, Evan and a mysterious man named Boris coerce him into accepting the role. It’s an entertaining, light-hearted show, but it seems like a watered-down version of Burn Notice. The main character, being serious and high-minded, is one of the least interesting characters. It’s nothing special, but if they can develop the story line, I think Royal Pains could really be a good show.

Same location. Same staff. Same food. McPherson welcomed its second Pizza Hut at its Kansas Street location on Friday, August 7. At this Pizza Hut, buffet is their specialty. The buffet includes salad bar, pizza bar and a drink. This will cost you around $7. A menu is also available for ordering. Off the menu, I suggest the hot deep fried apple pie. I thoroughly enjoyed the buffet. It was delicious. The only con is seating space. During peak hours, hostesses may not be able to seat large parties together. Altogether, Pizza Hut is an excellent choice for your faux-Italian cuisine. Breadsticks and salad are “Italian.” That’s why for the real dive into Italy, I recommend the pizza.

She is Fierce, Sasha Fierce. And so is her album. “I Am... Sasha Fierce” has introduced four hits in to the mainstream music flow - If I Were a Boy, Halo, Single Ladies and Ego. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. Though it made its debut in the fall of 2008, her songs keep re-emerging and coming up to the top. Not only are her beats danceable, but her lyrics are quite clever. “You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare.” That’s just pure brilliance. It is hard to create new sound without sampling from the great artists of the past, like Kanye West does, but Sasha Fierce can do it. I believe that in the future, artists will sample from her.

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Letters to the editor should be submitted to Room 43. Please limit comments to 300 words. Letters must be signed by the writer, but upon request, can be printed anonymous. The High Life is the official publication of McPherson High School, the opinions expressed in this newspaper are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect those of its administration, faculty and staff. A publication schedule is available upon request. The subscription is $10 a year. Student price is $2 per year. Professional memberships for student journalists include Kansas Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and Journalism Education Association.

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Our Mission It is the obligation of the High Life staff to act as a voice for the student body of McPherson High School. We strive to serve our school and community, bring about meaningful change by demanding honesty from the administration, publicize our school’s successes, and provide growth for ourselves and the administration. It is our mission to report accurately, truthfully, objectively and in good taste.

High Life Staff Editor in Chief: Nikki Wentling News Editor: Clarissa Fenimore InDepth Editor: Hannah Lujano MyHighLife Editor: Andrea Nowak Feature Editor: Rochelle Cottrell Sports Writer: Leigh Loving Opinions Editor: Caleb Chin Entertainment Editor: Katie Mena Ads Manager: Hannah Martin Sports Writer: Chris Rakowski Online Editor: Jacob Kresky Staff Writer: Brent Gipson Staff Writer: Kassidy Glazner Staff Writer: Jeni Arbuckle Staff Writer: Channing Wall Staff Writer: Phillip Watson Cartoonist: Michael Fay Adviser: Todd Brittingham

The Learning Center provides an opportunity for adults to further their education and find better jobs with their newly earned diplomas. Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor

page 12

News

August 19, 2009

“Whether you’re at the alternative school or the high school, the best advice I can give is to stay with it. It is worth it.” - Elaine Farres

Learning Center instructor Carol Ingermanson helps to enroll Tiffany McCue in the Learning Center. McCue’s daughter Leah accompanied her to enrollment on Tuesday, August 11. photo by Nikki Wentling

Learning Center relocates Nikki Wentling Editor in Chief

The Learning Center and Alternative School have been moved from their previous locations to the old technology building on the high school grounds. This move has so far proved to be ideal for the Learning Center staff. “The counselors have come over and I’ve had a few meetings with the special education teachers. It’s convenient to be next to the high school. If we need something we can get it since we’re neighbors,” Site Director Elaine Farres said. How the move will affect the students of the Learning Center is yet to be determined. “I’m hoping it won’t change. What they need won’t change,” Farres said. “We won’t know how it will affect the students until they come in, but if there is a problem we’ll address it.” However, the staff maintains that the move will be beneficial for the students who attend.

“I’m optimistic,” Farres said. “The important thing is the people, not the place.” The Learning Center will be upstairs in the old technology building, with the Alternative School downstairs. “The Alternative School students are mandated to be there, their class has not graduated yet, and they are 18 or younger,” Farres said. “In the Learning Center we work with adults who usually have jobs and families.” The two centers may provide different services to different students, but all the students go to achieve one common goal. “We all have something in common, whether at the Learning Center or the Alternative - earning a high school diploma,” Farres said. The services of the Learning Center and Alternative School are not limited to McPherson residents only. “We help students from Canton-Galva, Moundridge, Inman and Little River,” Farres said. “In the Alternative School they have 20 students in the

photo by Nikki Wentling

morning, and 20 in the evening. At the Learning Center we have 130 part time and full time students enrolled, some working for half a credit, some for 12 credits.” With 170 students enrolled between the two centers, students are given the opportunity to finish work outside of the school’s walls. “The classes are set up virtually, so they can work from home,” Farres said. Even with the high enrollment of the Learning Center, the students are able to receive individual attention from the staff. “We have students work at their own pace, we’re here to help and facilitate 1 on 1,” Farres said. “In the high school the teachers instruct on the same material, but here we’re not all on the same page or even the same textbook. They each have individual needs.” During the school year of 2008-’09, the Learning Center issued 140 credits, and graduated 6 students. “Six may not sound like a lot to graduate, but it’s a big deal,” Farres said. “Diplomas equal dollars.”

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