march 2012
DESCRIPTION
This is the March 2012 edition of the Pylon from Salina Central High SchoolTRANSCRIPT
Salina Central High School
Inside
Back to being KatiePage 3
Seniors’ sign to play college softballPage 8
Girls’ basketball heads to state tournamentPage 9
April 2Boys’ golf Salina Invitational
March 15Girls’ swim meet at South
March 15First girls’ soccer game vs. Andover Central
March 29First softball game vs. Wichita SE
Prom is just around the cornerPage 5
days untilSpring Break
2
days untilSummer Break
57
March 20Earth Day
April 8Easter Sunday
April 1April Fools Day
March/AprilCalendar
“It’s an every man for himself type of game with an infinite amount of people playing at one time.”
Tristan AldersonJunior
By Mackenzie MorrisStudent life editor
Darren Shupe attends every sporting event he can to support the students and interacts with everyone who passes him in the hallway with a friendly demeanor. Even though assistant principal, Mr. Shupe, will be leaving after only a year, he has made a great impact on this school.
After being brought to Salina from the small town of Toganoxi in the Kansas City
area, Shupe was faced with one major concern with this new job he was entering; his family. His wife and kids made the decision to stay in their original town close to their grandparents who were facing health issues.
Even though Shupe would stay in Salina during the week and then return home on the weekends, he felt his three boys
“I ideally wanted my family here, but that’s just not the case,” said Shupe.
Taking all of this into
consideration, Shupe has made the decision to leave Central
that will be closer to his family.“This school has great
students, a staff who cares and takes pride in their jobs, and supportive parents,” said Shupe. “That’s nice to see in a larger school.”
Shupe has truly loved working here with a caring group of staff members and meeting all the students and watching them make differences.
After one year, assistant principal Darren Shupe is leaving
‘The Dart Game’ making resurgenceOld games that students used to play in the middle school days are being brought back pages 6-7
March 31Boys’ tennis at home
By David WeinerLead Reporter
Mr. Goodwin’s physics class has just recently embarked on its annual Bridge Project, which requires students to create their very own bridge, design and all, out of only newspaper and glue.
The bridges must meet weight requirements, height requirements and be able to have a HotWheels car drive all the way across in order to achieve the optimum grade.
“I’m going to have the best bridge,” junior Katie Keleman
“Technically I’ll have the best bridge because one of mine won’t have a weight limit and it’s going to be coated in metal,” senior Brenton Hilbig interjected.
Senior Kobe Goodness sat and listened in the corner
as Keleman and Hilbig went on describing how their newspaper and glue bridge projects in Mr. Goodwin’s
physics class would be the strongest in the class; his chin was propped on his hands and his eyes were glazed over.
“I don’t know how good my bridge is going to turn out, “ Goodness said while laughing. “My partner’s not that smart so I can’t imagine it being that good.”
After the bridges are complete, the true test begins where the bridges are stress tested by a pneumatic pressure device that Mr.
“The Crusher.”Bridges, depending on
their design, either squish or shatter under the force of The Crusher. Some bridges have held well over 500lbs before breaking, while others crumble under the mere weight of the HotWheels car.
“Have we started? No. Have we thought about it? No. Are we going to build it? Yes,” Keleman said. Goodwin understands that I always pull through.”
File Photo / The PylonPhysics teacher, Gary Goodwin, begins to see how much a bridge can hold by slowly adding weight. This years bridges will be tested soon.
Riley Gates / The PylonAssistant principal Darren Shupe sits at his desk last Friday.
Heavyweight record (127-254 g.)
1) Jim Reed/Danny Backes648.67 pounds
2) Lee Weiner558.53 pounds
3) Gavin Smith/Tina Thomas516.11 pounds
4) Travis Rolfs/Josh Gray466.62 pounds
5) Robin Booher/ Serena Bell434.81 pounds
Lightweight record (<127 g.)
1) Sam Elsey187.36 pounds
T2) Raychel Bieker141.4 pounds
T2) Kyle Sheahan141.4 pounds
4) Brandon Daley137.87 pounds
5) Beth Blomquist134.33 pounds
Vol. 88, Iss. 8March 15, 2012
the bridgeStudents make bridges in physics class out of newspaper and glue in order to see which one holds the most weight.
9 3 2
1 3
6 8 9 5
4 7 9 3
3 9 4 5
8 3 5 2
7 1 5 9
2 1
5 4 8
- Construction at Ohio/Crawford
- Mice in J-room closet- Daylight savings time- NCAA tournament
seeding- Big 12 tournament
SudokuDi!culty: Hard
The solution to this sudoku puzzle will be posted on , as well as the next issue of the Pylon.
Solu
tion
to Fe
brua
ry
issu
e of
the
Pylo
n
The Pylon 03.15.12Page 2
sham
shams
@chspylon
check itOUT
+ Spring break+ Last quarter of school+ Bridesmaids+ New iPad tomorrow+ Regional journalism
results+ March Madness
Sham wows are positive and negative words or phrases that describe the month. These were chosen by the Pylon sta! for March. If you have a sham or a wow for the April issue, go to
and leave a comment to submit your suggestion.
iTunes Top 10
APRILFOOL’S DA
Y prankideas
5.4.3.2.1.
Wild OnesFlo Rida
Glad You CameThe Wanted
StarshipsNicki Minaj
We Are YoungFun.
Stronger Kelly Clarkson
Trent Bigler, Editor in [email protected]
Casey Leister, Business [email protected]
J.D. Garber, [email protected]
(785) 309-3578
The Pylon gladly accepts contributions from guest writers on any subject. Please email your submissions to [email protected].
The Pylon is the o"cial student newspaper of Salina High School Central. It is produced entirely by students of the newspaper production class, daily on chsPylon.com and monthly in print.
Student LifeMacKenzie Morris, editor
OpinionSammy Jordan, editor
PhotographyRachel Hodges, photo editor
VideographyDakota Rowlison, editor
Sta! reporter: Hayley Hager
Copy EditorDavid Weiner, also lead reporter
CartoonsBrenton Hilbig and
Joe McKenna, cartoonist
SportsNathan Garlow and Carson Jett,
Arts & NewsSarah Gage
Entertainment & WebEric Luce, editor
FeatureEmily Wood, [email protected]
The Pylon wants to hear your opinionEmail your letters, preferably limited to 500 words, to editor@
chspylon.com. Submissions must contain a full name for inclusion,
letter. Letters may be edited for clarity.
By Kate Martens
“Waiting on Spring Break”
RANDOMZ
10.9.8.7.6.
Drive ByTrain
Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen
Set Fire to the RainADELE
Somebody That I Used to Know
Gotye
Part of MeKaty Perry
WOWS
WOWS
4 8 1 9 2 6 5 7 3
2 7 6 5 3 4 8 9 1
5 9 3 1 7 8 6 4 2
8 2 7 3 6 1 9 5 4
1 4 5 2 8 9 7 3 6
6 3 9 4 5 7 1 2 8
7 5 4 6 1 2 3 8 9
9 6 8 7 4 3 2 1 5
3 1 2 8 9 5 4 6 7
or ground in a busy place and sit nearby to watch
as people try to pick it up
Here are just a few practical jokes for you as you prepare for the upcoming day of fun in just a few
weeks. Remember that these are not meant to come off as mean, so be sure that you are pranking a close
friend who will get you back good.
Put salt on the victims toothbrush. Then stand
by to watch the surprised look on their face
While the victim is asleep, set all the clocks ahead two hours. When they wake up, they will
panic and think they overslept and are late for
school or work
Replace the lotion in your victim’s
lotion bottle with mayonnaise.
trickyc inlate
running
saltysurprise
may Ihavemayo?
Page 3 03.15.12The Pylon
A quickoverviewThe political race is heating up between the presidential candidates. Here is a little summary of each person. Read them so you sound more intelligent next time your friends start name dropping.
Rick SantorumRepublicanHas currently won seven state
primaries. He is pro-life and is against gay marriage, which has caused some opposition.
Mitt RomneyRepublicanHas currently won 17 state primaries. This
is his second time running for president. He plans to eliminate the health care reform bill.
Newt GingrichRepublicanHas currently won two state primaries.
He has been married three times and had two a!airs, which has made it hard for him to gain the votes of religious conservatives.
Ron PaulRepublicanHas currently won zero state primaries.
This is his third time running for president. His last campaign earned him strong supporters.
Barack ObamaDemocratCurrent US president. Won by
approximately 10 million votes in the 2008 election.
Statistics from: http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/candidates.html
Opinions on St. Patrick’s Day vary by studentDo you know why people wear green on St. Patrick’s day?
By Hayley HagerSta! Reporter
At this time last year, junior Katie Peacock was recovering from a life-threatening sledding accident. Now a year later, she
more than happy with.“It’s a transition, but that’s just
life really,” Peacock said.Over the course of the past
year, Peacock went from being weeks behind in school to completely catching up in time for the start of her junior year, having her son, and moving in with the father of her child and boyfriend, former Central student Seth Tramble.
“On top of changes with my family and having my child, even my school and career choice has changed,” Peacock said.
Peacock began doing catch-up schoolwork while in recovery and continued with home schooling when she returned home to Kansas. She came back to school at the beginning of this year and has worked hard enough to be able to graduate early her senior year and then go to a two-year sonogram tech school.
just a lot harder than it used to be to get by,” Peacock said.
From the accident, there are still many things Peacock is deprived the ability of doing. She has been recommended to not play sports and she’s also been instructed to avoid things that bounce or jerk too much, such as riding roller coasters, in precaution of something happening to her head again.
Not only does she have the responsibility of taking care of herself, but now a family as well.
“People try saying having a child in high school takes away your youth, but my accident took away my youth in every way,” Peacock said. “There is no party scene and no hanging out with friends. Just all family, and I’m
While there have been many struggles Peacock has had to overcome, there have also been miracles. She came back from her accident with a positive outlook on her life and was then blessed by her beautiful son, Jordan Carter. At this point it’s safe to say Peacock is strong enough to create a great future for herself and her family.
Rachel Hodges / The PylonJunior Katie Peacock smiles despite the fact that she has had to catch up on all of her school work after the accident.
By Sammy JordanOpinion Editor
The upcoming holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. is well celebrated by beer loving Americans, second graders and soulless human beings...Gingers.
If you do not fall under these categories, then St. Patrick’s Day is just another monotonous day in your boring life.
The only noticeable difference in the climate of the day is that if you aren’t wearing green, you will be pinched.
“I’m like 10 percent Irish but I don’t really do anything,” said freshman almost ginger, Hannah Lamb. “In elementary we drew leprechauns, but if a teacher asked me to do that now, I would just think it’s stupid.”
Also a scrooge of St. Patrick’s Day, senior Aaron Giron agrees that St. Patrick’s Day is a waste of time.
“In high school, nobody really cares. I’m not Irish, I’m hispanic. I have other things to celebrate, like Cinco De Mayo.”
Despite the negativity of most high school students towards St. Patrick’s day, some still remain (cheerful) towards this holiday.
“I believe in leprechauns,” said always cheerful, sophomore Yesenia Perales.
Freshman Luigi Perales. “Whenever I see a rainbow, I still look for pots of gold.”
Apparently an expert on Irish traditions, senior Kris Lewis interrupted in an elaborate explanation of his Irish conspiracies.
Lewis explained that the term “Leprechaun” is a misnomer. “Lep” is an acronym standing for “lower elements police recon” which is the only division of the Irish Leprechauns given clearance to go to the surface (as leprechauns live under ground, apparently).
“The pot of gold is also a lie,” explains Lewis. “In order to get fairy gold, you have to catch one and the Lep have a ransom fund that they will use to get the missing fairy back.”
While Lewis’ theory is questionable, most can agree that either way, true or false, St. Patrick’s Day is still a meaningless holiday.
Miracles in the midst of strugglesJunior Katie Peacock is upward bound after life-threatening accident
“Yes, if you don’t wear green, Leprechauns will come into your
bedroom, pour sand in your ears and pinch you. And, if they do that you won’t be able to hear.”
Ken BeckJunior
4%
96% know why they should wear green
don’t know why they should wear green
Student Life 03.15.12Page 4
Top 10Spring
BreakGetaways
1. Cancun,Mexico
2. Panama City, Florida
3. Miami, Florida
4. Europe
5. Puerto Vallarta,Mexico
6. Acapulco
7. Bahamas
8. South PadreIsland, Texas
9. Baja, Puerto Rico
10. North American
Ski Resorts
Credit towww.studenttravel.about.com
Advertising (785) 309-3578
First “spirit bus” in years heads to Topeka for girl’s basketball teamBy Riley Gates
Guest Reporter
Full of excitement and anticipation, the Spirit Bus heads for Topeka looking for a victory from the girls basketball team.
Sparking interest in fans, the girls number one ranking had people buzzing. With a successful season the fans were hooked.
“I think they [the fans] got the rest of the crowd going by being loud the whole time and made the overall experience more exciting along with the atmosphere of the game.” said freshman Bailey Driver.
The Spirit Bus allowed many students to participate who otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity.
“I thought it was very
fun to ride up there with a bunch of friends to support the Lady Stangs.” said freshman Rashun Allen.
time in a long time to do the Spirit Bus, students had a good reaction to it.
With approximately 30 fans on board, students sat by friends, listened to music and even slept.
Being fairly cheap, the Spirit Bus was very
easy for students to take advantage of by only
Even though they had to pay for their way into the game, it was still a great experience for all who attended, and the players and coaches appreciated it too.
“It was great to see that kinda of enthusiasm for the girl’s basketball team,” said head coach Mr. Andrews.
“The coolest part
was that it was the students’ idea to do this instead of being lead by administrators.”
Coach Hall, who rode down with the students on the bus, saw it as bringing a lot of people together to support the Mustangs.
“The kids not only behaved, but really helped bring energy to the atmosphere at state,” said Hall.
A week full of no worriesBy Brantley Straub
Guest Reporter
Spring Break; a week of sleeping in, hanging out, and best of all, no school. That only sums up the basics of it though.
While some students just slide by like it’s an extended weekend, others follow some traditions that they can’t see spring break being without.
“Our tradition is just to stay home,” said Freshman Zach Hampton.
Other students have traditions that are changing a little bit this year, compared to the other years in the past.
“Normally every year we go skiing, but this year I;m going to Ohio to see my relatives with my mom while my brothers and dad go skiing,” said senior Maddy Shetlar.
Some students, much like Hampton, just want to stay relaxed and enjoy the stress free week ahead of them. After three quarters of tests, research papers, books, and more, a break off of the school
scene is exactly what most students need.
Other students, however, decide to leave state and follow more ambitious plans with family and friends.
“We usually go skiing during spring break,” said Senior Dalton Hoffman.
“I leave state each year,” Junior said Jason Henderson.
“I go sea fishing and ride dirt bikes.”
Some students will be enjoying this spring break as their “senior trip”. While a couple students will be on cruise ships or by the beach, others will be soaking up the sun in Mexico.
You don’t have to have a tradition of leaving state, or going to the moon or anything quite so ambitious for spring break to be special. Everyone has a different idea concerning spring break.
Whether it’s a chill week full of asbolutely no plans, or trips full of actitivities out of state, spring break always turns out to be a stress free week full of fun.
Students begin thinking of ways they will spend their Spring Break
Shelby Dinkel / The PylonThe student section cheers on the girl’s basketball team in their first round state game against St. Thomas Aquanis. While some students car pooled together or with parents, over 20 students rode the spirit bus to Topeka. Central had one of the best crowds and student sections representing their team at the 5A tournament.
Bringing spirit to the 5A state tournament
Rachel Hodges / The PylonSenior Dalton Ho!man holds a list of all he wants to accomplish this spring break.
Main attractions: Barco Pirates Night, Bonanza Ranch
Main attractions: Gulf World, Betsy Ann River Boat
Main attractions: Everglades, Seaquarium
Main attractions: Barco Pirates Night, Bonanza Ranch
Main attractions: Bay of Banderas, Old Vallarta
Main attractions: Bungy jumping, parasailing
Main attractions: Gold Rock Beach, Castaway Cay
Main attractions: Air Padre Kiteboarding, Whaling Wall
Main attractions: Casa Alonso Museum of Art, white sind beaches
Main attractions: ice skating rinks, tubing hills
aveStudent Life Page 503.15.12
Hayley Hager / The PylonJunior Mason Brightbill asks senior Sammie Prester to prom with the help of Mrs. Cullin’s creativity during their math class 7th hour.
Scan to see it on your phone!
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@CHSPylon
Do YOUhave a dateto prom?
on prom
How to
1.Have a dress exchange
Instead of dishing out the big bucks for a dress you will
most likely only wear for one
or people on online sites that you could borrow or trade
from for a dress.
2.Less accessories
= more $keep the accessorizing
simple. You don’t need a huge necklace, earrings,
rings and bracelets
At this time of the year the last thing you need to do is drop a bunch of cash you
out. Here are a couple
dough.
3. Do it YOURSELF
hair do or celebrity style make up on your face. Instead, do
it on your own! You can keep it simple, cheap, and still look
beautiful.
48% YES52% NO
By MacKenzie MorrisStudent Life Editor
waited in anticipation for the big moment. As the students
work a “proofs” equation, it began to spell out letters; then words.
was formed onto the screen and
caught on. This was how her
away, dates, dresses and plans
the guys especially are stepping up to the challenge this year on asking their female friends to be their date on this special night.
came up with the idea,” said
“I asked Sammie because I knew I would feel comfortable being around her all night.”
were completed by juniors
to prom with a boat that was placed in the South swimming
pool during her practice, that
had a more spontaneous way of asking his date, junior Suzy Weller.
Last week, the morning announcements came on, but they ended a little differently.
poem he had personally written for Weller and proceeded to ask
building to hear.This jump start to prom has
also began with the girl’s side of preparation.
purchased their dress for prom to get that certain stress out of the way.
well actually two, because I can’t decide,” said Senior
has a date, and also a hair appointment already set up.
Her date, junior Damion
night while she was at dance with rose pettles spelling out “prom” on the back seat of her
seat.
for prom with it being a while from now, but that still hasn’t changed her anticipation for the big night.
Preparing for promStudents get an early start on dates and dresses
“I already have my dress, well actually
Rachel Hodges / The PylonSenior Monica Burch searches through online sites looking at prom dresses and accessories during class.
115 juniors and seniors were interviewed on March 9, during M3.
Page 6 Feature Page 703.15.12Feature 03.15.12
through our
By David WeinerLead Reporter
A middle school game that has students stuck in the hallways, neck bent and calling out for help has made its way to the high school as the school year comes to a close.
A name is called, a funnel is made and raised in front of the mouth and a single whooshing sound of an invisible dart is all that is heard before a student is left paralyzed in whatever position they were when attacked yelling for assistance.
With little time left in the second semester students
their minds off of their
come peeking around the corner, spring sports start practicing and for some
their high school careers are ending.
Not just the young kids, fresh out of eighth grade, are taking part in the fake dart game, but teachers as well. It appears that our lives have become so stressful and our minds so occupied with our futures that we have, in fact, grown more immature as this comes to a close.
Some are about to go off to college, join the military or even just move up a grade; these seem to all be situations that require one to grow in maturity and evolve as young adults, outgrowing past grade school games, but in reality, we all just need a break sometimes. If that means being late to class because nobody pulled an invisible dart out of your neck then so be it. Quick facts about
the Dart Game>>
The ‘lasso’ is a method of getting a dart out of someone’s neck if you are not right next to them.
The dart game is mainly played during school as a way to pass the time.
An unlimited number of people can play the dart game.
The game doesn’t have a beginning or end. It can be played at any time.
Silent football secret
Remember these?
“A kid had to take his shirt o! and spin it above his head
in the student section of a basketball game.”
Rachel Hodges / The PylonJunior Kade True shoots sophomore Austin Huynh with a dart while he is in front of the class. Huynh is frozen because of the invisible dart in his neck. According to the game he cannot move again until someone pulls it out of his neck.
Students spend much of their school day ‘shooting’ each other with darts
By David WeinerLead Reporter
The game of silence. Due to the nature of the game it would mean certain banishment if I were to disclose the secrets that encompass the game of Silent Football. For those who are not of the male species or are currently not in the know of the game, this piece of writing will
the logistics of the gentleman’s game so shrouded in a cloud mystery, but will at least explain why you might
barking like a dog in the middle of class.
The rules of the game can never be explained to new players.
the intricacies of the sport by merely watching with extreme concentration until they feel comfortable enough to jump in. Girls are never to know the rules of the game and are never to be allowed playtime, even if they claim that they’ve heard how to play or have played before with some of their guy friends.
If you are a girl, you do not know how to play; you don’t.
There will probably be some girl reading this thinking, “I know how to play. I play all the time. This guy has no idea what he’s talking about.”
I’m not going to tell you not to play; by all means, continue playing what you think is Silent Football, it’s cute when you act like you know what guy’s are up to.
Before the dart game, we spent our school days playing paper football, MASH, and other games.
Cootie Catcher>How to play:Using one hand open and close, picking di! erent options along the way to fi nd out your future.
arting
What is the craziest thing that has happened during silent football?
education
Origami>How to make it:For best origami making directions, I suggest looking up steps on the internet.
Paper football>How to play:Flick the paper football to try and get it to land on the corner of your opponent’s table. If you succeed, you get a chance at an extra point.
“A kid had to crab walk in only boxers down our
street.”
A game of unspoken rules provides crazy experiences
“Two kids had to massage each other with hand sanitizer
in the middle of a crowded charter bus.”
“A kid had to swim an entire event at a swim meet with a
banana in his swim jammer.“
“A kid had to sit in a trash can during a sports practice until
a coach told him to get out. “
“A group of us messed up and had to streak
down half of our street.”
“A kid had to get duct taped to a pole.”
M*A*S*H>How to play:Make a paper fi lled with di! erent options of houses, cars, jobs, ect. that you could have in your future. Pick a number and go around the list crossing o! options every time you reach that number. Keep going until there is only one option left in each category.
You say someone’s name and when they make eye contact with you, you pretend to blow a dart at them. When they’re ‘darted’ they can’t move and they have to have someone pull the dart out of their neck. If they have their hand on their face when you call someone to dart them, you become stuck.
-Tyler Benson, 10
To play the dart game someone must yell your name while holding their hand to their mouth. If you make eye contact with the dart thrower, you are frozen. In order to get the dart out, someone must pull it out from your neck. -Shakera Ross,11
>> How to play the Dart GameA student’s point of view
Are you stressed out? It’s possible that students turn to games like the dart game to relieve stress
Evaluation:200 and Above. Major life Stress: High likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety disorder. Possible grief/loss issues. Possible relationship issues. Avoid stressful situations and get in control of your life. Learn effective ways to manage stress.199 – 100. Moderate life Stress: Moderate likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety. Grief/ loss or relationship.
100 and Below. Low life Stress: Least likely to get physically sick in the near future or require counseling.
Stre
ssor
Points
Check if applies
40
Dea
th
Preg
nanc
y
Pers
onal
jail
time
Hom
e vi
olen
ce
39 38 37
Payi
ng fo
r co
llege
Dri
nkin
g/ d
rug
use
Pare
ntal
jail
tim
e
36 35
Pare
ntal
div
orce
32
Futu
re c
once
rns
31
Self
-hat
red
30
Get
ting
into
col
lege
29
Gra
des
& te
sts
28
Car
(trou
bles
/bill
s)
27
Punc
tual
ity
26
Prom
25
Lack
of s
leep
24
Illn
ess
23
Extr
a ac
tivi
ties
22
Fam
ily r
elat
ions
21
Peer
judg
emen
t
20
Proc
rast
inat
ion
19
Failu
re/w
inni
ng
34 33 18
Job
rela
ted
stre
ss
17
Mon
ey (l
ack
of)
16
Cell
phon
e
15
Para
noia
/Pho
bias
14
Chor
es
13
Pets
12
Mov
ing
11Re
ligio
us a
ffai
rs10 9
Rela
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ship
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anal
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Compiled by Tionna Trarbach and Andrea Mick
Page 6 Feature Page 703.15.12Feature 03.15.12
through our
By David WeinerLead Reporter
A middle school game that has students stuck in the hallways, neck bent and calling out for help has made its way to the high school as the school year comes to a close.
A name is called, a funnel is made and raised in front of the mouth and a single whooshing sound of an invisible dart is all that is heard before a student is left paralyzed in whatever position they were when attacked yelling for assistance.
With little time left in the second semester students
their minds off of their
come peeking around the corner, spring sports start practicing and for some
their high school careers are ending.
Not just the young kids, fresh out of eighth grade, are taking part in the fake dart game, but teachers as well. It appears that our lives have become so stressful and our minds so occupied with our futures that we have, in fact, grown more immature as this comes to a close.
Some are about to go off to college, join the military or even just move up a grade; these seem to all be situations that require one to grow in maturity and evolve as young adults, outgrowing past grade school games, but in reality, we all just need a break sometimes. If that means being late to class because nobody pulled an invisible dart out of your neck then so be it. Quick facts about
the Dart Game>>
The ‘lasso’ is a method of getting a dart out of someone’s neck if you are not right next to them.
The dart game is mainly played during school as a way to pass the time.
An unlimited number of people can play the dart game.
The game doesn’t have a beginning or end. It can be played at any time.
Silent football secret
Remember these?
“A kid had to take his shirt o! and spin it above his head
in the student section of a basketball game.”
Rachel Hodges / The PylonJunior Kade True shoots sophomore Austin Huynh with a dart while he is in front of the class. Huynh is frozen because of the invisible dart in his neck. According to the game he cannot move again until someone pulls it out of his neck.
Students spend much of their school day ‘shooting’ each other with darts
By David WeinerLead Reporter
The game of silence. Due to the nature of the game it would mean certain banishment if I were to disclose the secrets that encompass the game of Silent Football. For those who are not of the male species or are currently not in the know of the game, this piece of writing will
the logistics of the gentleman’s game so shrouded in a cloud mystery, but will at least explain why you might
barking like a dog in the middle of class.
The rules of the game can never be explained to new players.
the intricacies of the sport by merely watching with extreme concentration until they feel comfortable enough to jump in. Girls are never to know the rules of the game and are never to be allowed playtime, even if they claim that they’ve heard how to play or have played before with some of their guy friends.
If you are a girl, you do not know how to play; you don’t.
There will probably be some girl reading this thinking, “I know how to play. I play all the time. This guy has no idea what he’s talking about.”
I’m not going to tell you not to play; by all means, continue playing what you think is Silent Football, it’s cute when you act like you know what guy’s are up to.
Before the dart game, we spent our school days playing paper football, MASH, and other games.
Cootie Catcher>How to play:Using one hand open and close, picking di! erent options along the way to fi nd out your future.
arting
What is the craziest thing that has happened during silent football?
education
Origami>How to make it:For best origami making directions, I suggest looking up steps on the internet.
Paper football>How to play:Flick the paper football to try and get it to land on the corner of your opponent’s table. If you succeed, you get a chance at an extra point.
“A kid had to crab walk in only boxers down our
street.”
A game of unspoken rules provides crazy experiences
“Two kids had to massage each other with hand sanitizer
in the middle of a crowded charter bus.”
“A kid had to swim an entire event at a swim meet with a
banana in his swim jammer.“
“A kid had to sit in a trash can during a sports practice until
a coach told him to get out. “
“A group of us messed up and had to streak
down half of our street.”
“A kid had to get duct taped to a pole.”
M*A*S*H>How to play:Make a paper fi lled with di! erent options of houses, cars, jobs, ect. that you could have in your future. Pick a number and go around the list crossing o! options every time you reach that number. Keep going until there is only one option left in each category.
You say someone’s name and when they make eye contact with you, you pretend to blow a dart at them. When they’re ‘darted’ they can’t move and they have to have someone pull the dart out of their neck. If they have their hand on their face when you call someone to dart them, you become stuck.
-Tyler Benson, 10
To play the dart game someone must yell your name while holding their hand to their mouth. If you make eye contact with the dart thrower, you are frozen. In order to get the dart out, someone must pull it out from your neck. -Shakera Ross,11
>> How to play the Dart GameA student’s point of view
Are you stressed out? It’s possible that students turn to games like the dart game to relieve stress
Evaluation:200 and Above. Major life Stress: High likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety disorder. Possible grief/loss issues. Possible relationship issues. Avoid stressful situations and get in control of your life. Learn effective ways to manage stress.199 – 100. Moderate life Stress: Moderate likelihood of physical illness in the near future. Anxiety. Grief/ loss or relationship.
100 and Below. Low life Stress: Least likely to get physically sick in the near future or require counseling.
Stre
ssor
Points
Check if applies
40
Dea
th
Preg
nanc
y
Pers
onal
jail
time
Hom
e vi
olen
ce
39 38 37
Payi
ng fo
r co
llege
Dri
nkin
g/ d
rug
use
Pare
ntal
jail
tim
e
36 35
Pare
ntal
div
orce
32
Futu
re c
once
rns
31
Self
-hat
red
30
Get
ting
into
col
lege
29
Gra
des
& te
sts
28
Car
(trou
bles
/bill
s)
27
Punc
tual
ity
26
Prom
25
Lack
of s
leep
24
Illn
ess
23
Extr
a ac
tivi
ties
22
Fam
ily r
elat
ions
21
Peer
judg
emen
t
20
Proc
rast
inat
ion
19
Failu
re/w
inni
ng
34 33 18
Job
rela
ted
stre
ss
17
Mon
ey (l
ack
of)
16
Cell
phon
e
15
Para
noia
/Pho
bias
14
Chor
es
13
Pets
12
Mov
ing
11
Relig
ious
aff
airs
10 9
Rela
tion
ship
sO
ver
anal
yzin
g
Compiled by Tionna Trarbach and Andrea Mick
Sports 03.15.12Page 8
Rhodeman gets full-ride to BethanyTwo softball players have received scholarships for next year’s season
By Nathan GarlowCo-Sports Editor
Many players do not remember the last time one member of their team signed with a college for softball, but this year two players have signed with colleges to continue their sporting careers. Senior Regetta Rhodeman will receive a full ride to Bethany College between her scholarships for both softball and jazz band.
“I was interested in Central Christian, but I got a call from the head coach at Bethany so I went on a tour there and fell in love with it,” Rhodeman said.
Rhodeman started playing her freshman year and has made Varsity each year of her high school career.
“I am a utility player, I do mostly everything in the
and I do mostly everything
Rhodeman said.According to her teammates
Rhodeman is a good presence on the team.
“She is very dedicated,” junior Taylor Knopp said. “She balances between her job, homework, softball, and her family.”
Another player that is continuing their sports career past high school is senior Rebecca Garcia who has signed with Cloud County
Community College.“They are giving me books
for,” Garcia said.Knopp speaks well of Garcia
as well.“She is willing to make
tough plays, she will go for anything; she is also very outgoing and not afraid to get dirty,” Knopp said.
year will occur on March 29, and the players believe that the overall attitude this year is different than it has been in the past.
“I think we will do better than we have in past years, attitudes of players and coaches have improved so there is a better feeling,” Knopp said.
her team will improve as the season progresses.
“I think we will step up and prove people wrong; we have a lot of freshmen this year which should help as we grow together,” Rhodeman said.
Ouderkirk replaces Dibbini as head soccer coachBy Nathan Garlow
Co-Sports Editor
This year will bring a big change for the soccer team. Not
they also have a new head coach in place of Mike Dibbini. Dave Ouderkirk has been the assistant coach for the past few years, but with Dibbini leaving he will now be stepping up to
“Dave has always been a great leader on our team,”
to lead us to victories.”According to Sara Ingrassia
have a huge affect on the team.
in a positive or negative way, it will just be different,” Ingrassia said.
Junior Shannon Bradbury still believes that there will be certain changes this year with the new head coach.
“I think we will be a lot more conditioned going into this season than we have in the past few years,” Bradbury said.
few new players this year that
“We are hoping that Bailey
said. “We also have a transfer from McPherson, Taylor Lummus, who should get some playing time.”
Lummus is a junior this year.“I think Taylor will have a
big impact on the McPherson game; it is already one of our biggest rivalry games, and now that we have one of their Bullpups it will be even bigger,” Bradbury said.
File Photo / The PylonSenior Reggie Rhodeman prepares for an ground ball during one of last year’s games.
File Photo / The PylonNew head coach, Dave Ouderkirk, stands on the sideline during one of last year’s games.
Want to advertise your business in the Pylon?
Contact Casey Leister at 785-309-3578
March Madness
Emily WoodStaff Picks
Casey Leister
Rachel Hodges
Sammy Jordan
Mr. Garber
Trent Bigler
David Weiner
Eric Luce“What does NCAA stand for?”
“Me”
Sarah Gage
Hayley Hager
Nathan Garlow
MacKenzie Morris
Carson Jett
“She is very dedicated. She balances between
her job, homework, softball, and her family.”
Taylor KnoppJunior
Wanna See...HIGHLIGHTS
of the Game?
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Sports Page 903.15.12
321the number of hours until the first tennis meet on March 31.
24the number of home games this spring for
all of the spring sports combined.
5the number of returning starters from last years
varsity soccer team.
35the number of runs softball scored last season.
7the number of returning lettermen from last years
baseball team.
By the numbers a quick look at numbers and stats
from the winter sports season
On the SpotAthletes in
the mix Devyn Schmitz SoccerAlexis Nevarez BaseballMaggie Vernon Girls Swimming Tara Bradley Softball Je!rey Michel Boys Tennis
The Pylon 785 309-3578
Favorite reality show
First thing I do in the morning
Bad habit
“Biggest Loser”
“Check my phone”“Biting my nails”“Toddlers and Tiaras”
“Text Sydney back from whatever nonsense she sent
me while I was asleep”
“Turn on my music while I get ready for school”
“Not being able to stand still”
“Dance Moms”
“Caged”
“Serious road rage”
“Picking my nail polish o!”
“Hope I’m just dreaming and go back to sleep”
“Spacing out during class”“Swamp People” *For more basketball stats visit www.maxreps.com
26the number of days until the first home track
meet at the new track.
“Press the snooze button”
Shelby Dinkel / The PylonThe girls basketball team and fans celebrate after winning the substate championship.
Shelby Dinkel / The PylonCoach Andrews coaches the team during a timeout against St. Thomas Aquinas.
Oh! What a runBy Carson Jett
Sports Editor
The girls basketball team this year, led by seniors Maddy Shetlar and Tionna Trarbach, created a season the fans, parents, families, coaches and especially players will not forget.
The team made a huge run during the regular season by winning 17 games, and then won both sub-state games, defeating Goddard Eisenhower and South, which got them into the 5A State tournament, and they were 1 of only 8 teams.
Beating South in the sub-state championship was one of the season highs.
“Words can’t describe beating them. Beating South is one thing, but beating them to go to state is completely different.” Shetlar agreed and added, “We killed two birds with one stone.”
After winning substate, the team practiced
against defending state champions, St. Thomas Aquinas. Before the game, no one was especially
nervous, but anxious.
stomach, but anxious ones. I just wanted to
They’ve worked so hard to get where they are,” said head coach, Geoff Andrews.
“I wasn’t really nervous. I didn’t really feel anything. I just wanted to play two games after, that was the focus,” said Shetlar.
The team lost the game by two, but after this tough loss, they tried to focus on the good things from the season and not dwell on the last game.
“Obviously I want that game back, but more than anything I want the younger girls to have the opportunity again to play three games at state,” said Shetlar.
“I am really proud of the way Maddy and Tionna led the team. Their leadership quality is hard to describe. They cared about
jealous, just proud of all of their teammates and the success they had as a group.” said Andrews.
Girls basketball team makes first trip to state in 27 years
“I am really proud of the way Maddy and Tionna led the team. Their leadership
quality is hard to describe...”
Coach Andrews
03.15.12Page 10 Arts
Spring show brings new responsibilityBy Sarah Gage
News and Arts Editor
Some people may have thought that it would have been hard for the cast of ‘Funny Money’ to use realistic British accents, but now, a new cast of characters are preparing their ‘deaf voices’ for the production of ‘Children of a Lesser God’.
“It’s hard to talk like you’re deaf and not sound like you’re making fun of a deaf person,”
sophomore Miranda Allen said. Allen is playing Lydia, a deaf student.
The cast has had to learn sign language as well as making themselves appear deaf to an audience.
“As a cast, we have a bigger responsibility to make it look believable and not like we’re making fun of them (deaf people),” Allen said.
This play follows Sarah Norman, played by senior Jennifer Stoddard, a deaf
young woman as she works as a cleaner at the school of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in New England. There, she meets young and energetic teacher, James Leeds, played by senior Martin Tiernan, and the story begins. The budding relationship between the two different people starts to develop as he tries to teach her to talk.
This moving drama has won two awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, a
Golden Globe, and an Academy Award in 1987 when it was
The full cast includes: Jennifer Stoddard as Sarah Norman, Martin Tiernan as James Leeds, Miranda Allen as Lydia, Joe McKenna as Orin, Halie Graybeal as Mrs. Norman, Barret Koch as Mr. Frank, and last but not least, Addie Justus as Edna.
The show will take place on April 5, 6, and 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.
Rachel Hodges / The PylonSenior Martin Tiernan shows o! a sign that means, ‘linking’. This sign is an important part of their production, ‘Children of a Lesser God’.
Students compete at annual music contestBy Sarah Gage
News and Arts Editor
Students piled into buses, instrument cases and music folders in hand. Groups from choir, orchestra, and band prepared to perform their pieces for a panel of judges.
This year, the students will travel to Barton County Community College together to compete at regionals.
There is a procedure to the contest. The student goes in, plays or sings their solo, and the judge listens. Audiences are allowed and can be “as few as three to as many as thirty”. The judge then rates the performance in different categories and gives a final score. If the performer gets a ‘1’, then they get the chance to
perform at a state competition later in April.
“It can be (nerve-racking) if you put a lot of pressure on yourself,” junior Anna McHenry said.
McHenry still gets nervous, even though this is her third year performing at contest. She is not only singing, but also playing a solo on her violin–making it more stressful than if she just performed once.
Even though contest can be intimidating, it also has some positive impacts.
“(The importance of contest can be) self-validation for some, competition, or resumes for music pursuing people. Some just like the challenge of it and want to do their best to improve,” McHenry said.
Rachel Hodges / The PylonFreshman Megan Johnson shows senior Nicole Morgan how to handle a flute.
Photos of the Month
‘Tree Climbing’
by junior Brynne Atherton
‘BFFL’by senior Jackie Palomera
‘Life Springs Faith’
by senior Derec Weis
‘Beautiful News’by senior Cheyenne Menzies
‘Be Happy’
by sophomore Jennyfer Ruiz
Visit
for pictures, videos, sta! blogs, stories, and more!
Opinion Page 1103.15.12
Mu!ing school spirit
Letter to the editor: Dear USD305,
I feel that your policy towards Prom needs a second look. The policy attempts to try to create a scenario in which juniors and seniors are both happy.
However, this approach
best approach would be to enable juniors and seniors to ask whoever they want to accompany them to prom. Prom is still centered around the upper class-men if they are allowed to take their friends,
younger or older. Additionally the approach
to prom has evolved. For the
prom has allowed individuals who have been at Salina Central for three years, even if they aren’t a JUNIOR, to attend.
Changes such as these are incredibly positive, however, they haven’t gone far enough.
This current system awards those students who are
struggling, but does nothing to help those who are passing, or even excelling. Students who decide to graduate early are actually short changed. They are only able to attend prom for one year at most.
Ultimately, Salina Central
but does not work to change outdated policies. Although a month away, it is important to remember what makes Salina Central great. It is not the outdated policies, but the students themselves.
The students have responded and they would like the policies changed.
Sincerely,
Rachel Cusik-A disgruntled and
disappointed high school junior
“The best approach would be to enable juniors and seniors
to ask whoever they want.”
Rachel Cusik Junior
-I hate selling ads for this blasted newspaper just to provide you miscreants with news.
-Shupe is leaving us :(-The unfortunate few
without prom dates.-Mice in the J-Room. I’m
about to go Mice and Men on this ish. I’ll be Lenny.
-Sucky lunches on Friday... darn you, Lent.
-Girl’s looking at the same prom dresses... uh-
-Rachel Norris and Cassie Claybaugh are going to Mexico. Lexi Beedy and Carolyn Exline are going on a Cruise for Spring Break. Yeah, I’m jealous.
-Your mom. -Does anyone even read
these? Or am I writing to myself? If you actually read this, give me a thumbs up in the hallway. And by “me,” I mean Sammy Jordan.
-The lunch lady duo in hamburger line who call everyone pet names. My heart is warmed every time I’m called “baby girl” before lunch.
-Prom is in 37 days. Bout to get my dance on.
-SPRING BREAK. Seriously, I think we all need this.
-First girl’s swim meet and soccer game today. Go support them and stuff...
the left. -Shout out to Nathan
Garlow’s mother. Hey Laur!
hallway last week. Thanks for making my day a little bit interesting, you ne’er-do-wells.
-Research papers for sophomores are done.
-Only 35 more school days left for Seniors. Bye!
-We are almost done reading the Crucible. Sorry, Mrs. Leech, but 15th century Puritan trials aren’t my thing.
weather.
KudosCall Outs
&The following are situations in which our students and faculty deserve praise for a job well done or to be called out for dropping the ball.
Kudos
Call outs
South junior and point guard Megan Holloway pulls up from the top of the key, shoots a three... and misses... by a lot. Our student section of about 25 people erupts in a chorus of “air ball, air ball!”
Suddenly, Athletic Director Greg Maring, lurks out of no where, penetrating the perpetrators souls with his piercing eyes. One look from him and the joyful chants and cheers cease, disappearing with the
school spirit left. After this incident,
administrators are still shocked at the wimpy turn out of fans. They make futile attempts to boost our enthusiasm with themed games and posters sporadically advertised around the school. Although these are appreciated (Mate Magistra Ramsey), it’s just not enough.
South’s student section towers over us, intimidating with the sheer size of their numbers.
rows to capacity, creating a wave of school spirit, while ours is
ripple of maroon.The reason behind their
impressive turn out is that their student section is actually fun. As painful as it is to admit, the kilt crew knows how to show their pride, juxtaposed with our Overall Swag and Wranglers
club. Instead of moaning because
they are forced to stand up (as our student section often does), they moan at a missed basket. They chant “Are you crying?” after an impressive point by their team, exciting the crowd.
However, our lack of enthusiasm can not be pinned solely on the students. Although our administrators consider this to be “mean,” they have to remember that we are not in elementary school. Players do not take it seriously because all
good rivalries include playful student smack talk.
Compared to the profanity and vulgar banter advertised on Facebook and Twitter, being reprimanded for chanting “air ball” is like being sent to jail for
The last game of the girl’s basketball season was the best that the student section has ever been... and it wasn’t even a home game. Maring and Montoy allowed the student section to
been suppressing all season long.
Unfortunately, this was the last game of the season.
Basketball season is over, but there is still time to redeem ourselves. With girl’s swimming, softball and soccer along with track and boy’s tennis and golf, we can prove our support for our school. As cheesy and unappealing as that sounds, high school is as fun as we make it.
To the administrators: Loosen’ up. Back in your day, they were hanging Cougars from basketball goals. I think it’s probably safe to say “air ball.”
The Inciteful LionessSammy JordanOpinion Editor
Rachel Hodges / The PylonStudents sit in the student section during a home basketball game early in January. Due to the hounding of our administrators some students are choosing not to even show up to games.
Shot
Dow
n St
uden
t Sec
tion
Junior Rachel Cusik calls for changes to be made to prom policies regarding dates
Administrators need to lighten up when it comes to student conduct and excitement in student section
David Weiner / Lead Reporter
Page 12 03.15.12The Pylon
Pittsburg, Kansas www.pittstate.edu 1-800-854-PITTPittsburg State University
big careersstart at Pitt State
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2*344*356*7899 Scott Hill, Marketing, BBA ‘00
Attorney and Partner at Hite, Fanning
& Honeyman LLP
Scott Hill, Marketing, BBA ’00
Attorney and Partner at Hite, Fanning
& Honeyman LLP
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