VOLUME 3 • SPRING 2013

Tableofcontents

Dear readers, Welcome to the fourth edition of The Gamut news magazine. As the school year wraps up, each and every one of us gets busy with studying for finals, sports and various other activities. Take a little bit of time to relax and read The Gamut. The staff has been working diligently to provide you with the latest news from Jeff West. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of our publication. Bethany Heiden, Editor

The Gamut• Jefferson West StuPub special edition •

Editorial Policy: The Gamut does not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, student body, administration or school board. The material is the research and responsibility of the individual writer.

Staff Members:Editor: Bethany HeidenOnline Editor: Olivia KellerWriters: Jenna Blad, Grady Middendorf, Olivia Keller, Nichole Gartner, Sarah Allison, Caitlin ScottAdviser: Lisa Sage

2•The Gamut

•3• Features John Riley’s retirement nears, replacement named •4• News Board of Regents scholars prepare for graduation; FBLA highway adoption•5• Features Greenhouse generates funds, helps students learn; new academy for pinners•6• Features Pizza - get some!•7• Features Nail art trend makes its way to JW•8•9• Spring Blood Drive•10• Features Students plan for life after graduation•11• Features Summer may be near, but you still need your boots•12• News Musical requires commitment; students rewarded for attendance•13• Sports Thelen plans to continue golf; Scott named champion•14• Sports JW hosts track invitational•15• Sports Golf team optimistic for state

Students’ work will be fea-tured at the annual fine arts night Tuesday, May 7. The event will be-gin at 7 p.m. and also feature musi-cal performances. This celebration of arts gives parents and others a chance to appreciate student work. Art teacher Mark Ralston encourages students to display their work. The students who have been in an art class for at least one semes-

ter of the year will have work at the event. “It is nice to celebrate the students’ creativity,” Ralston said. “I hope that their parents come out to see their achievements.” The band will start off the evening by performing three dif-ferent melodies from the musical Chicago, the Blues Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

“Fine Arts Nights allows students to take pride in what they do at school via the arts,” said junior band member Sarah Allison. Vocal performances are also planned. “This night helps the art pro-grams by letting people know that the art programs do hard work,” said senior art student Ally West.

Story by Caitlin Scott

Students’ artistic talents on display May 7

Riley plans to improve golf game, pursueother opportunities

“ ” John Riley’s tenure as ath-letic director at Jeff West is coming to a close. Riley, who has been at Jeff West since 1991, has also been a track and cross country coach. Ri-ley says he only has one goal that he didn’t reach. “I just wish we could have won a state championship in a sport-ing event while I was here,” Riley said. Riley believes that there will be a state winner soon. He says that baseball has the talent and coaching to do it this year. “We have a combination of good coaches and good kids,” Ri-

ley said. “It will happen someday soon.” Riley said he would like for a relay team to qualify for state. He knows they can do it this year and would really like to have it happen while he is a coach. “It would be great to have a relay qualified for state,” Riley said. “It could be a great experience for everyone involved.” Although he is retiring, he made some great memories. Riley has seen some great teams and ath-letes during his career, but he has some in mind that he will never for-get. “My favorite memories

were Briar Ploude high jumping seven feet two inches, multiple trips to state for track, all athletic teams qualifying for state, lots of new friends and working lunch duty with Darrell,” Riley said. Riley has lots of plans he wants to accomplish when he leaves Jeff West. Some include riding his motorcycle and a possible part-time teaching job. “I want to ride my motorcy-cle on the Silk Trail,” Riley said. “I also want to ride to the four corners of the United States, teach, and im-prove my golf game, which needs a lot of work.”

Story/photo by Grady Middendorf

He was a good cross country coach and will be missed.-Senior Libby Martin

“I will support both the staff and students that

participate in all the activities that JW offers. I

will encourage both parties to work hard and

do their best.” -Brandon Giltner

Interview conducted by Jenna Blad

Q: Why did you decide to apply for the athletic director position? A: I chose to apply for the asst. prin-cipal/AD position because JW is the district that is home for me. I have lived in Meriden since 1998. I used to teach seventh grade biology at the middle school as well as coach at both the MS and HS level. Both of my kids have attended JW for all of their schooling. JW is a great dis-trict, and I look forward to working

here again.Q: Where are you coming from? A: I am currently employed at JCN where I am the principal / MS AD at the pre-k-eighth grade building in Nortonville.Q: How long have you worked there? A: I am currently completing my sixth year at JCN.

Former JW teacher takes new role

Athletic director, continued on page 7

Features The Gamut•3

4•The Gamut News

Students adopthighway, improvecommunity

Board of Regentsscholars preparefor graduation Students who invest the time and energy in pursuit of rec-ognition as Kansas Board of Re-gent scholars say the investment is worthwhile. There are five different requirements to complete the cur-riculum, including four years of English, two years of social sci-ences and foreign language, three years of science including chemis-try and physics, and four years of math, including trigonometry and college algebra. “The most challenging part of the curriculum is getting through the math and sciences because by the time the physics comes around people just give up,” said counsel-or Amanda Rush. Senior Bethany Heiden didn’t plan to follow the curricu-lum, but finished it anyways, com-pleting all the required classes as well as all seven AP classes and AP psychology, which is not a sched-uled course, along with anatomy and physiology. “If I could go back and change how I decided to take the AP classes I would have spaced them out more so I had more time with each of them,” Heiden said. Even though Heiden didn’t plan to follow the requirements to a T, some students, like senior Quentin Hahn, did. Hahn juggled all the required classes as well as an extra year of AP biology, four KS regentS, continued on page 12

•Community Service •Friends •Fun •Education

In an effort to promote posi-tive change and deliver community service, the JW FBLA chapter ad-opted a section of K4 Highway ear-lier this spring. The two-mile section from Miller St. to 62nd St. will need to be cleaned at least three times a year. “It took us four hours to clean two miles,” said FBLA spon-sor Matt Tinsley. The adoption process in-volved completing paperwork from KDOT and agreeing to KDOT’s safety requirements. FBLA presi-dent Blaine Hawley came up with the idea. “I think it’s really good for our group and the community,” said member Austin Irvine. KDOT provided safety vests, signs and trash bags. “Keep Kansas clean,” Haw-ley said.

Photos submitted by Matt TinsleyStory by Sarah Allison

FBLA members Austin Irvine, Zach Sur-ritt and Blaine Hawley complete trash collection for the stretch of highway adopted by the student organization. Sponsor Matt Tinsley accompanied the FBLA members on Good Friday. The collection took four hours.

Features The Gamut•5

Nineteen plant and soil science students have been preparing plants for community members in the green-house - planting seeds, taking care of the plants and preparing them for sale since the beginning of this semester. Students were separated into groups to take care of plants for the greenhouse. “We have a wide variety of plants - anything from petunias to snap dragons,” said junior Tazz Eastman, plant and soil science student. The students take care of the plants from seedling to when they are blooming. “My favorite part of being in the greenhouse is seeing the plants grow successfully,” said junior Bret Ricklefs. Students learn about the parts of plants, potting and the difference be-tween spring and winter blooms.

Story/photo by Sarah Allison

Students prepare plants for sale

JustPin it

Students seekinspiration

from Pinterestfor new

academyStory by Olivia Keller

Pinterest is in the air. JW students have recently begun partaking in a Pinterest academy during advisory two to three times a week. According to sponsor Lisa Sage, the academy was considered because she has a personal interest in Pinterest and knows other people do as well. There are currently seven girls who attend the academy. Junior Hannah Howey found out about the Pinterest academy from fellow junior Sarah Allison. “Sarah made it sound fun, and I love Pinterest,” Howey said. Sage also liked the idea

of offering an academy a little bit different than any that had ever been offered, and having time during the week to work on projects is also helpful. “I don’t have time outside of school to do any projects,” Sage said. Students have the option of bringing in all different types of projects to work on during the academy. Projects range from making food outside of the class and bringing it in to making crafts in the actual academy. Freshman Olivia Neuens-wander first heard about the PintereSt, continued on page 6

Get a sliceMultiple options available not far from home

Pizagel’s2830 SW Fairlawn Rd., Topeka (785) 273-7070Offers catering services, specials of the month, an order online feature, pizza along with fresh bagels, printable coupons and flexible hours.Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

www.pizagels.com

Via’s Pizzeria738 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka(785) 215-8421Offers authentic pizza at a reason-able price, dine-in, carryout, or de-livery, offers online menu including dessert calzone, and fresh subs.Hours:Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

www.viaspizzeria.com

LaRocca’s Pizza2025 SW Urish Rd #107, Topeka(785) 861-7141Offers a variety of entrees in-

cluding subs, pasta and pizza, hometown feel with locally-based owners, catering services available, kids’ menu and dessert menu avail-able.Hours:Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.

www.laroccaspizza.net

College Hill Pizza Pub1418 SW Lane St., Topeka(785) 232-8882Offers late hours, newly reno-vated, outdoor seating, kid friendly, take-out, walk-in, catering services available, low prices.Hours:Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.Friday - Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.Sunday 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

www.facebook.com/CollegeHill-PizzaPub

Sbarro1801 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka(785) 271-6805Located in the mall, quick and easy meal, cheap prices, catering servic-es available for reasonable price,

friendly services.Hours:Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

www.sbarro.com

Buzzard’s Pizza4745 NW Hunters Ridge Cir., Topeka(785) 215- 8827Hometown-based, friendly and fast services, voted Best of Topeka, offers lunch specials, subs also offered, catering and fund-raising services available.Hours:Open daily 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

www.buzzardspizzatopeka.com

AJ’s NY Pizzeria 1930 S.W. Westport Dr., Topeka(785) 861-8000Unique pizzas, low prices, friendly service, hot wings, subs available, friendly atmosphere, desserts, and salad available.Hours:Sunday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

www.ajsnypizza.com

Information compiled by Jenna Blad

6•The Gamut Features

academy from listening to the announcements. Neuenswander has completed numerous projects found on Pinterest, including making a ring out of a quarter and a scarf

from an old t-shirt. Sage believes that attendance for the academy could increase as more students learn about it.

“If students want to have the

Pinterest academy in the future, I will be the teacher responsible for it,” Sage said. “It has been enjoyable to work with the young ladies.”

PintereSt, continued from page 5

From one color to crazy de-signs, fingernail art is a trend that won’t soon disappear. Ranging from locally-owned shops to national chains, nail salons are easy to find, includ-ing Beauty Brands at 5820 SW 21st St. in Topeka. “The most popular design we do would have to be holiday designs, from little ghosts on Hal-loween to snowmen for Christmas,” said Beauty Brands nail technician Jennifer Richardson. Richardson said prices vary

depending upon the client’s wishes. “For extra designs on nails we charge anywhere from $5 to $10,” Richardson said. Another choice for do-it-yourselfers is looking for inspira-tion and picking up the polish and tools themselves. Pinterest is a pop-ular source of inspiration for many. “I look to Seventeen maga-zine to find inspiration in designing my nails,” said senior Olivia Mar-tin.

Story/photography/survey by Caitlin Scott and staff / nail polish art courtesy MCT Campus

Keep it simple like sophomore Wynnne Taylor with colors and polka dots.

Do funky, fun designs like senior Ashton Symonds with a little flower and sparkle.

Celebrate a holiday with themed nails like senior Whitney Gibson onValentine’s Day.

Teens partake in beauty trend, express themselvesNail it

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Survey Says:JWHS students use OPI more frequently than any other brand.

Q: What do you look forward to most about your new job? A: I look forward to working with the students, staff and parents of JW. Q: What will be challenging? A: Working outside of the district for the past six years, I do not know as many of the students and parents that go to school here. It will take

me a little time to learn all the stu-dents’ names and develop a positive relationship with each of them.Q: What made you want to go into the education profession? A: I have always wanted to teach and coach basketball. I love work-ing with students and watching them grow as they become young adults.

Q: Anything else that you would like to add? A: I just want to thank the JW ad-ministration team and board of edu-cation for giving me the opportunity to work again in this great district.

Athletic director, continued from page 3

Features The Gamut•7

Held biannually, the StuCo-sponsored blood drives provide stu-dents, staff and community mem-bers with the ability to participate in life-giving opportunities. The spring blood drive on Thursday, March, 7 was successful in that life-saving blood was col-lected. A total of 77 units resulted. StuCo members help set up the blood drives and serve through-out the day in various capacities.

Bottled water was donated by Coun-try Harvest. “You can save two lives by just donating one pint of blood,” said StuCo vice president Sarah Grose. Fifteen first-time donors contributed to the spring drive. “We always try to out-do the last (amount of blood donated),” said StuCo president Taylor Bahm.

Story by Olivia Keller and staff

Senior Meranda Hunt donates blood for the last time in her high school career. Hunt participated in the blood drive six times since her sophomore year and once during the summer. “I like knowing I save someone’s life,” Hunt said. Photo by Bethany Heiden

To help other people.

-Sean McMahon, 11

To be a good

Samaritan.

-Kelsey Perine, 11

I signed up because I wanted to help save lives.

-Taylor Bahm, 11

I wanted the

experience for my

senior year.

-Olivia Martin, 12

Why do you donate blood?

Photos by Nichole Gartner

8•The Gamut Features

77 units

Sophomore StuCo member Danielle Slimmer donates blood for her first time. Slimmer also participated in helping set up the event and working two hours by handing out food. “I was a little scared, but I’m very happy to help save a life,” Slimmer said. Photo by Bethany Heiden

Junior Josh Hothan donates blood for his second time. He believes everyone should donate blood even if they just do the regular donation. “I think it should be required. It’s pretty cool to know I’m saving lives,” Hothan said. Photo by Bethany Heiden

Sophomore StuCo member Cassidy Sands donates. Sands, who worked at the blood drive, helped at the revital-ization station and gave blood for her second time in high school. “I don’t like needles so it was a little tough but it was worth it,” Sands said. Photo by Bethany Heiden

collectedSeniors donate for last time in high school Seniors Alexander Wick-ersham and Meranda Hunt do-nated blood on the Alyx machine for their last time their senior year. Wickersham donated red blood cells, and Hunt donated plasma. “I knew it was my last time to donate in high school,” Hunt said. “It was more memo-rable for me.” The Alyx machine is a de-vice used to separate white blood cells from the red ones. According to theblood-center.org, the Alyx machine dou-bles the impact of donation: “One Alyx donation collects twice as many red cells.” “This time was different for me because I had to rush out of there right afterwards to go to a doctor’s appointment,” Wicker-sham said. Wickersham has O nega-tive blood and believes that if they can get the most out of his blood then he has a duty to donate. “It’s quick, easy and pain-less so the only reason not to do-nate is if you don’t have time,” Wickersham said.

Story by Nichole Gartner

Features The Gamut•9

JW seniors are like other seniors all across the country, and their future plans are about to be-come a reality. There are many dif-ferent options and future pathways for graduates. “I am not really sure what I want to do so I’m taking a year off to work, save money and then go back to school,” said senior Harold McCall. “Probably somewhere like Washburn.” Senior Nancy Heeney is choosing to stay local by going to Washburn because it has the best classes for her communications or human resources major and wasn’t too far from home. “I picked Washburn because I didn’t want to leave my friends just yet,” Heeney said. Sometimes going to a junior college can be more cost effective while getting prerequisite classes out of the way, according to senior Joe Platt. Platt plans to attend High-land Community College for two years in order to receive his associ-

ates degree, then transfer to Kansas State University to major in civil engineering and minor in business. “Civil engineering has been

my career choice for awhile, and business, because I want to open my own shop someday,” Platt said.

Story by Olivia Keller

Seniors plan for life after high school

Former students shed light on life after graduation College freshmen are often worried about money, choosing a major, GPA, curriculum and The Freshman 15. Former students shined light on concerns and give advice for fu-ture college students. Financial aid is available to all students, not just to the top stu-dents of a class. Taking the time to fill out forms and submit letters of recom-

mendation can help to prevent hav-ing $27,000 of student loans ac-cording to CNN. In high school many stu-dents start deciding on majors be-fore they even start college. How-ever, one doesn’t need to decide on a major right away; many freshmen and sophomores switch their majors a couple of times. “Taking general ed courses, like those at a community college

with an undeclared major, actually can help by broadening your hori-zons and helping you see paths you couldn’t find in high school,” said 2012 graduate Nicole Feyh. In the movies college stu-dents are portrayed by pulling all-night study halls, drinking tons of espresso to keep their energy up, and of course are swamped by homework, books and papers. College homework can be You grAdS, continued on page 13

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Post-graduation plans

10•The Gamut Features

1. Top brand of boots sold

TSC: mostly sells Ariat and Justin

Vanderbilts: sells Ariat, Wolverine and Merrell for men

2. Top-sold brand in the store

TSC: for women sells more Ariat and for men sells more Justin

Vanderbilt’s: depends on the season, but in spring more

Merrells

3. Size of boots

TSC: for women sizes 7 to 11

Vanderbilt’s: for men sizes 71/2

to 17

4. Tall or Short. Round or Square?

TSC: We carry a variety of boots

Vanderbilt’s: as of right now the shorter boots are in demand

Art/interviews by Caitlin Scott

Mocha frappuccino from

Starbucks.

-Danelle Snodgrass, 11

Caramel Iced Coffee from Starbucks.

-Jordan Hall, 12

Chocolate Chip Frappuccino from McDonalds.

-Kayla Dillenbeck, 11

What is yourfavorite kindof coffee?Graphic/photos by Nichole Gartner

Black coffee from home.

-Bret Ricklefs, 11

Made for walkingTractor Supply Company, Vanderbilt’s sell boots

KEEP KANSAS CLEAN

Jeff West FBLA adopted a section of K-4 Highway from 62nd to Miller St. in Meriden.

Features The Gamut•11

KS regentS, continued from page 4

years full of weightlifting and base-ball, and five social science classes. “I think my biggest encour-agements to do well in school are my parents and teachers encourag-ing me to do my best,” Hahn said. Other challenges students face are keeping up with college-level reading, managing their time wisely, studying and taking multiple challenging classes simultaneously. “I think it better prepares students for college, especially at

the bigger schools, and builds re-sponsibility,” Rush said. “I encour-age students to be real with them-selves about their level and ability. It is good to challenge, but take the classes that are appropriate for your education level.” If Hahn could, he would have planned his schedule different-ly so he could have taken calculus II his senior year. Hahn plans to attend Kansas State next year and major in engineering.

“It is a worthwhile time and energy investment because I feel like it made me ready for college, and I had the opportunity to save money,” Hahn said. Heiden plans to become a pediatric oncologist. “Anyone thinking about tak-ing the harder classes should work hard and have a desire to do it be-cause if not it will be a burden,” Heiden said.

Story by Nichole Gartner

12•The Gamut News

So marvelous

Sophomore Katie Farrant and juniors Kayla Dillenbeck, Bethany Harvey and Sarah Grose perform

as the Marvelous Wonderettes dur-ing the March 15 musical perfor-

mance. Requiring a commitment to student theater, participation in the

musical was a choice to dedicate much time and energy. “Learning

my individual part for the music was probably the hardest thing for

me,” Farrant said. Grose said keep-ing up with homework during the

rehearsal season was a challenge.Photo by Sarah Allison

Each week eight students with no tardies or unexcused ab-sences receive an award. Students can receive either a free pass to a game or event, extra credit points, preferred parking in the teachers’ parking lot for a week or placement at the front of the lunch line for a week. “I’ve had two before,” said junior Danelle Snodgrass. “Both times I won extra credit.”

Students get to choose which prize they would like; many favor the extra credit tickets and the preferred parking. Moving to the front of the lunch line is a new prize for students this semester. Attendance prizes will be used next year as well, according to principal Rhonda Frakes. These prizes help influence students to come to school. “It gets kids to actually care

about attendance,” said senior Riley Starr. Weekly prizes are funded by the S3 grant the school received last year. Semester prizes are given as well for attendance winners; stu-dents receive gift cards to multiple places for showing up to school. “Be here. It pays off,” Frakes said.

Story by Sarah Allison

Students rewarded for attending classes

Senior Abbie Thelen will get to follow her dreams and play college golf this coming fall. Thel-en signed with Barton Community College. “I feel blessed to be given an opportunity like this, while playing the sport I love,” Thelen said. However, Thelen will see changes in the amount of golf she will play and the amount of free time she has in the upcoming sea-son. “College golf is in the spring and in the fall, so I won’t have a lot of free time and will miss a lot of classes due to tournaments,” Thelen said. But with less down time, also comes great opportunities and life-long memories. “I will get to travel a lot and place at nice courses,” she said. “Nationals is even in Daytona Beach Florida and we’ll be there for two weeks.”

The team will have big shoes to fill after the departure of Thelen and fellow golfer Ally West. “The younger golfers will have to golf a lot in the summer to fill the big shoes she’s left,” golf coach Larry Kennedy said. Kennedy has coached 16 seasons at JW. “Mr. Kennedy has supported me throughout my golf career and always knew how to make me smile when things were rough,” Thelen said. Along with missing her old coach, Thelen will miss the people she’s bonded with the past four years; however, Thelen is ready to start this new journey of her life, do-ing what she loves. “Golf was always some-thing that I would do to bond with my dad, but now it’s even better than that. I’m going to college for free because of it,” Thelen said.

Story by Jenna Blad

Senior Abbie Thelen practices for the Lady Tiger golf team. Thelen competed at state and signed earlier this spring to play college golf at Barton Community College.

Photo by Chance Kueny

At home on the rangeSenior signs to continue golf career during college

Scott named champion After a notable finish at state, junior wrestler Justin Scott reflects on his season. Scott pinned all of his opponents in about a total of four minutes. “My favorite part about state was pinning everyone,” Scott said. “My hardest match was the semifinal match.” Sophomore Sam Shenk

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Sports The Gamut•13

defi “You defnitely learn time management skills and prioritiza-tion,” said 2012 graudate Marci Greene. “Don’t come to college afraid. Come expecting to learn things. Learn things about school of course, but mostly about your-self and where your interests are, how you handle certain situations and things like that. It is a great ex-perience if you keep on track.”

Story by Sarah Allison

grAdS, continued from page 10

was Scott’s wrestling partner throughout the season. Shenk re-ceived third in league. He tries to push Scott to make him better and prepare him for his upcoming matches. “I pushed him every day,” Shenk said. “I made sure he did everything right so he could be the best wrestler around.” Head wrestling coach Shawn Dolezilek was very happy with Scott’s work ethic. According to Dolezilek, Scott will have the chance to be the first repeat champ at Jeff West.

“As a coach, when a wres-tler is that dominant it requires some creativity to challenge them in practice and push them farther than they think they can go,” Dolezilek said. Scott plans to compete in a few national tournaments during the off-season to help prepare him for the future season. He appreciates support received throughout the season. “I would like to thank my parents and practice partner for all the help they gave me during the season,” Scott said.

Story by Grady Middendorf

Scott, continued from page 13

Junior Justin Scott wrestles an oppo-nent at state. Scott was named state champion for his weight class. Photo by Olivia Keller

14•The Gamut Sports

JW InvitationalUnseasonable temperature doesn’t cool Tiger enthusiasm

Despite the cold temperature at the Jeff West invite, freshman David Sayles pole vaults. Stu-dents were released at 2 p.m. to help with or view the activities at the April 16 track meet. Photo by Nichole Gartner

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Gamut on Twitter at

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Consider joining!

JW Chapter Activities 2012-13•Topeka Rescue Mission •Adopt a Highway •March of Dimes •State and District Competitions •Fundraising

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Staff and students helped make the April 16 Jefferson West invitational a success. The invitational is a unique meet because it has a pentathlon similar to an Olympic decatholon as well as different relays, according to athletic director John Riley. The girls’ team took fourth place, and the boys’ team took fifth place out of 10 schools. “Mrs. Silvosky had students help doing various activities, such as shagging shots, raking pits and running informa-tion,” Riley said.

Story by Bethany Heiden

As pitcher for the varsity team, soph-omore Olivia Brees winds up to pitch against Holton. Jeff West played Holton at home April 8. Despite their best efforts the Tigers lost.

Senior Sydnee

Mundhenke catches at the Holton

game. “Sydnee

is a good leader,” said

freshman catcher

Maddy Brox-terman.

Sports The Gamut•15

Coach Larry Deiter has grat-itude for the boys’ golf season going well so far. Both the varsity and junior varsity teams took first place at the Lake Perry league quad April 29. The varsity team score of 152 was the third best score in school his-tory. Senior Avery Farrant placed first in the tournament, and his score of 36 ties him for the second best score in school history. After com-mitting to the game for four high school years and since the age of five, Farrant is the top scoring golfer on the team. “I have placed in the top 10 for all the tournaments so far,” Far-rant said. “It is the only sport that you don’t have to be good at to en-joy.” Also noteworthy are the scores of senior Mitch Flood, who placed second with a score of 38, sophomore Connor Mickens with a

fourth-place score of 39 and junior Aaron Brooks with a fifth-place score of 39. Even with limited practice this spring Deiter is excited that the scores are better than last year, and this is due to practice during the summer and fall. The biggest challenge the team has faced is the weather that has limited practice time in March and made April “just about as miserable,” Deiter said. “We are still competing against each other in order to make the regional team in May,” Deiter said. Brooks said he wants to make it to state. He is more serious about this year’s season and plans to play golf in college. “To make it to state we have to either place individually in the top five during regionals or place first or second as a team,” Brooks said.

Story by Nichole Gartner and staff

Team optimistic for state

(Above) Sophomore Jacob Dickey prepares to bat during the junior varsity Ton-ganoxie game April 2. (Right) As his teammate comes up to bat, freshman Keis-hon Brown leads off to steal base. As catcher for the team, Brown looks up to senior Cole Woodyard for help at practice. “The seniors are helpful,” Brown said. “I hope to become a better player.” Photos by Caitlin Scott

Play ball

JV, varsity golfers take first at quad

Photos by Haley Siess

My fellow seniors, Wow! It’s crazy that we’re here, in this moment, already. The past four years have been a journey that none of us will ever forget. At times they seemed to drag on, but I think for our parents especially they seemed to fly by. Our class is very unique, and at times I think our teachers wanted to pull their hair out dealing with us. Even though we weren’t always easy to teach or easy to get to pay attention we had the will in us to do the best we could, and all our teachers saw that. Besides our parents the whole Jeff West staff was our biggest fans the past four years. As I was thinking about what I should write about, I became really blank - crazy right? Me, not having anything to say?!? But then after a while I realized what I really wanted to write about. I wanted to write about how the past four years has shaped my life, who I am, what I believe in, and who I want to be. I also realized it did for all of my classmates too. For most of us we’ve been together since we were in elementary school. So in a way we’ve gone through almost everything together. No matter what, if you were having a terrible day, if you were having a good day, someone was always there to talk to. That’s what I always loved about my school that I thought some other schools lacked - the family atmosphere. No matter what, if you were having a terrible day, if you were having a good day, someone was always there to talk to. And I think that is one thing my classmates will always have - compassion toward others. We’ve watched each other turn into adults, even if our parents don’t agree with that…yet. Even though we’re not certain about where we’re going to end up, or what’s going to happen to us, I do know that we’re going to be good people who care about one another. I’m so excited to see all our dreams come true! Good luck, and always remember where you came from. Love, Jenna