Mulvane High School

september 14, 2007 volume 12 issue 1 mulvane, kansas

C TStyle & fashion tips for girls AND guys!

be sure to check the litterbox!

Find Your Way: don’t get caught up in the dramaFind Your Way: don’t get caught up in the drama

meet the newspaper staff (they’re pretty cool)

at racks

senior parking

next issue: fall homecoming, sports highlights, and all your favorites!

2

““

“ “

kristy ebersole

jamie thomaschance carmichael

axel costelloheather branson

katie holladay

adviser

jackie schwemmersports editordeputy photo editoropinion editor photography editorlife editor

copy editor

All views expressed in the opinion section are those of the writer. These views do not reflect

those of the Mulvane school district or theCat Tracks staff. Letters to the editor are

accepted and printed on a space available basis. All letters must be typed and double-

spaced. The Cat Tracks staff reserves the right to edit all letters for length and content.

campus life

robin carmichael activities editor

The parking priviledged

On the cover: Student Council vice president Wade Hock poses in a parking stall.

I would group all the seniors together and give

them their own section of the parking lot.

I think it gives seniors more school spirit and is a great way

to start the school year.

Josh Carroll

Kristen Lervik

Brandy Stapleton

Caleb Hatfi eld

1

2

3

4

A. Travis Imel

B. Brandyn Hart

C. Eric Batman

D. Ryan Malanchuk

1. C, 2. D, 3. A, 4. BAnswers:

What do you think? Guess who?

“

“

“

“I would change the specifi c time we had to paint them. I wanted to choose what day to paint mine.

I think they should build an entire lot just for the seniors!

AndreaJohnson

story and photos by: jackie schwemmer

Kristin Fielding and Robin Carmichael

3staff bios

The Life of Jamie Dean Thomas by Jackie SchwemmerQ: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Fly airplanes with my dad.Q: Do you have a job? What do you do there?

A: I work at Wichita Mortuary Services and drive escort vehicles. I also work at Uncle Bill’s

as a cook.Q: If you were any animal what would you be?

A: I would be an eagle because they can fl y.Q: What is you favorite movie?

A: Space Balls because it’s really funny and stupid.Q: Do you have any quotes or mottos you live by?A: “Life is hard but it’s even harder when you are stu-pid,” by Mr. Huss.

Factuals about Axel by Heather BransonQ: Are you named after anyone?A: “My mom went through the baby book backwards. When she found Axel she knew.”Q:Where do you want to go to college, and what do you want to get a degree in?

Get to Know Heather Betterby Chance CarmichaelQ: Why are you on the newspaper staff?A: I love to write, to get to know new people, and I want to do this in college. I want to write a few books when I’m old and grey. I want people to experience reading something they care about.”Q: Which do you prefer: dancing or writing?A: I do both, because I love them both equally. I don’t plan on dancing after high school. When I dance, it’s like the world is disappearing and I love all of the Klassy Kats. Both are outlets of frustration.Q: What is your favorite food?A: I love pasta and tacos. Because pasta gives me the energy I need and tacos are tasty. My mom makes them all the time.Q: If you could grow facial hair, what would you grow?A: I wouldn’t grow anything because I hate hair! The only hair that is okay on your face is the hair on your head!”

On Holiday with Ms. Holladayby Jamie ThomasQ: What is your favorite animal?A: Little feeder mice…but not the white ones.Q: Where do you work?A: I don’t have a job. But I worked at Braums for three days and Aeropostale for one.Q: What do you drive?A: I have a really cute teal Ford Escort.Q: What is your favorite class?A: Newspaper. It’s a way to say things to a wideaudience without being obnoxious.Q: Who has had the biggest infl uence on your life?A: My parents, because they’re there no matter what. They taught me that honesty is impor-tant. They will always accept you.Q: If you were trapped in Towne East, what store would you spend the most time in?A: Hot Topic, because it’s comfortable in there.

Swimmin’ with Schwemmerby Axel Costello Q: What activities do you do outside of school?

A: I take dance classes and take care of my puppy.Q: If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

A: I would get rid of all sickness and disease.Q: What things can’t you live without?

A: Mascara and Big Sexy hair spray.Q: What are you obsessed with?

A: I’m obsessed with heels because I’m short and because there cute and come in many colors.

Q: Who is your idol? A: Aubrey O’Day because she has big hair and is gorgeous.

Your Chance to Know Chanceby Katie HolladayQ: What activities are you involved in at MHS?A: Theatre, scholars bowl, K-Cat, MHS Radio 99.5, thespians, and journalism.Q: What do you do outside of school?A: Write poetry and stories. I have written over 200 poems. I like to hang out with Ben Holladay and watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I hang out with Wade Hock and do crazy things. I update my xanga blog regularly.Q: Who has been your biggest infl uence in life?A: I know that it’s cliché, but my mother. She has pursued her dreams by opening businesses often and she has developed my sister’s and my taste in music and movies since we were kids.

Q: Why are you in journalism? A: I like to write and I like to put words together

and make them sound good. Words are my tool. I like to inform the masses of interesting stories.Q: What do you like best about being a senior

at MHS?A: The best thing about being a senior is being able to say it. I like how everybody knows each other and we’re all friends.

A: K-State or Fort Hays. I want to get a Bachelors degree in business for sure, and maybe degree in chiropractic care.Q: Why do you like to take pictures?A: I like to catch emotion of people in the mo-ment. I like pictures in general.Q: If you were an animal what would you be and why?A: A hawk. I don’t know why; to fl y high?Q: If you could read anyone’s mind, whose would it be?A: A CEO of a company, to learn how to make money. I would like to know when the stock market is going up or down.

4

campus life

L i v e s r u i n e d b y

d r u g s . C u t -t i n g t o g e t r i d o f p a i n .

R e l a t i o n s h i p s r u i n e d . B e i n g s h u n n e d b y y o u r b e s t f r i e n d s . D r i n k i n g a n d d r i v i n g . S c h o o l s h o o t i n g s . F i t t i n g i n . T h e s e a r e a l l i s s u e s e x a g g e r a t e d a n d a d -d r e s s e d i n t e e n d r a -m a s l i k e D e g r a s s i : T h e N e x t G e n e r a t i o n , O n e T r e e H i l l , a n d L a g u n a B e a c h . H o w e v e r , t h e s e t h i n g s c a n a n d d o h a p p e n e v e r y d a y . O f c o u r s e , t h e r e ’ s a f i n e l i n e b e t w e e n d r a m a a n d r e a l i t y , b u t s o m e h i g h s c h o o l s t u -d e n t s f i n d t h e m s e l v e s i n t h e s e k i n d s o f s i t u -a t i o n s b e f o r e t h e y p u t o n t h e m o r t a r b o a r d . W h e n l o o k i n g a t t e e n -a g e r s f r o m a d e v e l o p -m e n t a l p s y c h o l o g i c a l s t a n d p o i n t , a d o l e s -c e n c e i s o n e o f t h e m o s t c o n f u s i n g p a r t s o f a p e r s o n ’ s l i f e . Q u e s t i o n s l i k e “ W h o

a m I ? ” a n d “ W h o d o I w a n t t o b e ? ” p l a g u e t e e n a g e r s a s t h e y t r u d g e i n t o a d u l t h o o d . “ O n e o f t h e b i g g e s t p r o b l e m s I h a v e f a c e d i s a c c e p t i n g m y s e l f , ” a d m i t s a s e n i o r g i r l . D e p r e s s i o n , s t r e s s , s e l f e s t e e m i s s u e s , a n d a n g e r a l m o s t g o h a n d i n h a n d w i t h t o d a y ’ s t e e n a g e r s . O v e r c o m -i n g t h e s e p r o b l e m s

Students cope with the daunting trials and turmoils of high school

a n d f i n d i n g h i s o r h e r w a y a r e s o m e o f t h e b i g g e s t p r o b l e m s f o r t e e n a g e r s . W h e t h e r a f r e s h -m a n o r s e n i o r , o v e r 2 0 % o f a d o l e s c e n t s s u f f e r f r o m d e p r e s s i o n i n h i g h s c h o o l . F i t t i n g i n a n d f i n d i n g a p a t h i n h i g h s c h o o l i s a s s i m p l e a s f i g u r i n g o u t o n e ’ s i n t e r e s t s . S t u d -i e s s h o w t h a t f r i e n d s h e l p p e o p l e l i v e l o n -g e r a n d t h a t b o o s t s h o u l d b e e n o u g h t o h e l p a l o n e l y s t u d e n t m a k e i t t h r o u g h h i g h s c h o o l . A l s o , w h e n s p e a k -i n g f r o m a p s y c h o l o g i -c a l s t a n d p o i n t , o n e o f t h e m o s t o b v i o u s t h i n g s a b o u t f i t t i n g i n i s b e i n g r e c o g n i z e d i n w h a t o n e l o v e s . F o r i n s t a n c e , i f a g i r l l i k e s t o d a n c e t h e n s h e ’ l l s t r i v e t o b e t h e b e s t a n d b e r e c o g n i z e d f o r i t . T h e e g o i s w h y

“One of the biggest

problems I’vefaced is

acceptingmyself. ”

Waystory by: chance carmichael

Finding

5campus life

Students cope with the daunting trials and turmoils of high school

p e o p l e d o w h a t t h e y d o , a n d t h e r e ’ s n o t r o u b l e i n r e s p e c t i n g y o u r s e l f . T h e r e a r e t h o s e o u t t h e r e w h o d o n o t h a v e f r i e n d s . J o i n i n g a c l u b , a n a c t i v i t y , o r e n g a g i n g i n c o n v e r s a -t i o n i n c l a s s c a n h e l p w i t h t h a t . W h i l e w a t c h i n g a t e e n d r a m a , i t ’ s e a s y t o s e e t h a t h a v i n g

f r i e n d s h e l p s c o p e w i t h t h i n g s . B e i n g a t e e n a g e r i s o n e o f t h e t o u g h e s t p e r i o d s i n l i f e – h a v i n g t o d e a l w i t h n o t b e i n g a c h i l d

“. . . my friends and the people I hang out

with accept me.”

AreWe Just a Teen Drama?

MHS Degrassi: The Next Generation

> Drugs & drinking> Teen parents> Self mutilation> Abusive relationships> Stress

Rumours <Grief <

Eating disorders <Jobs <

Love triangles <Racism <

Over 50 students surveyedanonymously shared

problems with Degrassi characters

Problems & Solutions “My biggest problem is my

identity. I wanted to be myself, not

[my older brother].”

“Having an abusive, harassing boyfriend.

He hit me, would constantly sexually

harass me, and would spread rumours.”

“Just with me being a girl. Like none of my friends getting along and the

second someone leaves the room, someone feels the need to completely

bash them.”

“I try to ignore it, but it’s all over T.V.,

magazines. So, I praise God for the body he

gave me and know I’m made in his image.”

“I can go and visit them when I turn 18, but

that is three years from now. I’ve kind of

accepted my foster mom as my Mom.”

PROBLEM

“Not being skinny. Society makes us

girls think that you have to be super-skinny

to get a boyfriend.”

“Getting taken away from my parents. I’m

not allowed to go back to them. I was really close to my Mom.”

“I tried talking to the school and the

police. No one would do anything so I ended up switching schools.”

“I don’t respond to anything they say.

I ignore it, because I know that they probably do the same to me. So,

I try my best to avoid it.”

Way

Shared Issues

SOLUTION

Some problems MHS students have faced and how they have dealt with them. Results from anonymous surveys given to student body.

“I think that people around me have

realized that although I have a

brother that doesn’t make me his

reincarnation.”

a n y m o r e ; w o n d e r i n g w h a t w h o y o u a r e a n d w h a t y o u ’ l l b e ; a n d e v e r y t h i n g e l s e o n t o p o f i t – s o , f i n d i n g t h e r i g h t p a t h t o g o d o w n

i n h i g h s c h o o l i s a s s i m p l e a s h a v i n g g o o d f r i e n d s a n d f i n d i n g y o u r n i c h e . “ I ’ v e r e a l i z e d j u s t r e c e n t l y t h a t m y f r i e n d s a n d t h e p e o p l e I h a n g o u t w i t h a c c e p t m e f o r a n d d o n ’ t c a r e i f I d o n ’ t p a r t i c i p a t e i n s o m e a c t i v i t i e s . I f y o u h a v e a p r o b l e m [ w i t h m e ] , t h e n d o n ’ t h a n g o u t w i t h m e . ”

6sports & activities

60-second sport spotFootball: A strong start at 2-0 going in to this week. Home game tonight against Buhler, next week’s game at Andover.

Volleyball: Tournament here all day on Saturday; come support the Wildcats! The freshman team is off to a 6-8 start.

Soccer: Team got their first win of the season last week against Circle 6-2. This week’s games are against Andover Central here on Tuesday.

Cross-country: Paving the way to state appearance! David Roberts set a new school record and has taken first place in two meets. The boys team finished first as a team at every meet keeping team scores. Next meet at Lake Afton next Thursday.

Golf: The girls have been doing well so far. “I expect great things from us, and believe we have a good chance of going to state,” said senior Maria Mejia. Next meet is Monday at Cheney.

What’s what? Find out about upcoming school activities

The offense, including running back Aaron Elston #17, lineman Justin Leatherman #77 and tight end Levi Hein #33, prepares to battle the Valley Center defense. MHS won last week’s competition 30-20.

Quill Type:Members have volunteered to sell tickets at the gates for every home varsity game and home volleyball games.NHS:The list of accepted new members will be posted around Ocotber 1.TSA:The group will be holding the second annual Pie-in-the-Face event during the fall homecoming pep assembly on September 28. Seventy-five percent of the money raised with this event will go to Greens-burg High School technol-ogy department. The other twenty-five percent will be kept by our TSA Chap-ter for funding their event competition.

Stuco:The Stuco regional confer-ence will be September 19. Thespians: Mrs. Damm is asking for monetary donations from every member to help pay club fees. The group is planning to continue face painting at home football games.Fall Musical:This year’s fall musical is Annie. Official dates of the production are November 15, 16, and 17. The show will NOT have pre-ordered tickets this year.Band:MHS marching band has been fundraising for their trip to the Alamo Bowl in December. September 15 and 16 they are having “Run

for the Border,” which stu-dents are collecting pledges for. “Cow patty bingo” will be on September 28. Simul-taneous car washes will be held on September 29. And coming in October is the “Horror of Muldoon High.”KAY:Members are planning their area project which is focused on enthusiasm. This project will be presented at the regional conference in November.FCCLA:On October 12 members are hosting their annual Red Cross Blood Drive.Officers this year are:president: Melissa Geer, vice president: Shannon Nelson, secretary: Lachelle Branine, treasurer: Sarah

Low, vice president of membership: Kayla Phillips, public relations: Heather Branson, recreation leaders: Carol Bentley and Kaitlin Adams, Stuco rep: Em-ily Nesbitt, advisor: Mrs. Hillhouse.BEST Robotics:Members had their kick-off day where they learned their goals for this year’s competition. The team must make a robot that will pick up and carry different items. Each item is worth a differ-ent amount of points, and there will be several of each. Four teams’ robots at a time will compete together within a three minute time period to try to earn the most points.

Kristy Ebersole

story by: Katie Holladay

7trends & fashion

Lauren Johnston (11)

Do you notic

e what the o

pposite

sex wears? Yes

If so, what

kind of clot

hes do

you prefer?

Jeans, polos, graphic

tees, fairly nice looking clothes

When you’re

out and abou

t, what

catches you

attention? Hair,

shoes/clothes, teeth (smile) eyes,

height

What is your

least favor

ite ap-

parel in the

opposite se

x? When

they wear sweats often

What kind of

clothes do

you feel

comfortable

in? Jeans and a cute

shirt. Something that makes me

feel good about myself, I feel most

comfy in

Do you notice what the opposite sex wears? Yes If so, what kind of clothes do you prefer? It’s all good, as long as it matches Do you like natural make-up? Or glamorous make-up? I like the glamorous eye shadow, it looks tightWhen you’re out and about, what catches you attention? I think hair does, many people have cool styles of hairWhat is your least favorite ap-parel in the opposite sex? Sweats or Hollister shirtsWhat kind of clothes do you feel comfortable in? Jeans and a t-shirt

This year is filled with color, patterns, and creativity; as the clothes to the left illustrate. Patterns like plaid, argyle, polka dots, and floral prints are coming back into style. Play around with different items to mix and match outfits. Dress up a plain shirt with some cute plaid shorts and ballet flats for example. Accessories are big in personalizing an outfit. Try to make a boring outfit more creative by using jewelry.

Colton Rousseau (12)

Now, for the gentlemen, instead of throwing on a grungy T-shirt, put on a nice screen tee or polo. Grab-bing something nice over a worn out T-shirt takes the same amount of time and effort. When dressing up, you can wear button up shirts with a collar. A pair of brown, black, or white classic sneakers work great! It’s most important to be com-fortable but confident in what you are wearing. Try new things like different patterns, styles, and colors. Guys can dress up their outfits with simple accessories like hats, watches, or belts.

What’s HOT

AE motocross jacket, $69.50

AE reversible knit hat, $19.50

AE treasure choker, $12.50

AE vintage belt, $24.50

AE pretty hearts necklace, $15.50

AE knit riding cap, $17.50

AE preppy dot belt, $17.50

AE cropped trench, $59.50

La

di

es

Ge

nt

s

B2School

F a s h i o nstory and photos by: heather branson & jackie schwemmerclothes from American Eagle

8

just 4 fun: the meaning of emoticons

Congratulations to the cast of “Annie”

:-) Smiley face. The mother of all emoticons. It’s the oldest, the most tired and certainly the most used, but this happy face isn’t going anywhere. Use it to dull the edge of your sarcasm or just let people know you’re A-OK!

;-) The wink. Oh, you sneaky devil. Although this looks similar to the smiley face, it’s actually loaded with meaning and innuendo. That means you probably shouldn’t use it with your mom or your poker buddies.

:-$ Money mouth. Nobody knows what this one means. When you talk, does money spill out? Are your words worth their weight in collectable coins? Or, are you flashing some virtual gold teeth? Our money is on leaving this one alone.

:’( Cry. Well, if you’re actually crying over an IM, then you either have emotional problems or you’re a cowardly relationship-breaker-offer. But barring that, the crying face is mostly used as a funny way to say that you were hoping for a different answer. However deep that tear goes, only you will know.

Reference: The Mobile User’s Guide to: The New Social Ettiquette

the litterbox

wanted: comic artist (or someone funny with good ideas)

guest writers (submit your own work to showcase)

show off your talent to the world! (ok, that’s exaggerating, but you get the point)

see Ms. Ebersole ASAP if interested

joke of the month“I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman where the Self Help section was. She said if she told me it would defeat the purpose.”

-Comedian Dennis Miller

The fall musical “Annie” will be led by the cast of Kyla Ball as Annie, Chance Carmichael as Oliver Warbucks, Rachel Boden as Grace Farrell, Megan Reed as Miss Hannigan, Michael Pagels as Rooster, and Aerica Van Dorn as Lily. Other student actors in the musical include: Abby Beamer, Noelle Lewis, Brittnnee Wiley, Brooke McDowell, Emily Davenport, Paige Shrauner, Patrick Randolph, Crystal Simmons, Wade Hock, Jevin McWithey, Seth Mundt, Landon Jackson, Rylee Dulaney, Amanda

Ryan, Jeremy Cline, Corey Aldershof, Allyson Geschwentner, Lindsay Mills, Kim Bouchard, Kristen Campbell, Sadie Davenport, Kayla Loper, Sarah Stengl, Bethany Thrash, Kyleen Condon, Lorey Douglas, Nick Valin, Tamara Vasko, Shavon Stephens, Brittany Kendall, Josh Dennison, Tricia Simmons, Jessy Wilson, Clara Strunk, Lauren Johnston, Taylor Hanna, Jessica Smith, Cara Simoni, Carissa Phillips. More details will follow as the November 15-17 show dates get closer.

jamie’s random factWhen opossums are playing ‘possum, they are not “playing.”

They actually pass out from sheer terror.Reference: http://www.randomfacts.org/facts-310-10/

Lindsey “Linz” Moser

January 7, 1990 to

August 31, 2007

In Memory