Winnetonka Griffin Rites May 2015 7&8 senior edition

Griffin RitesWinnetonka High School May 14, 2015 Vol. 45 Issue 7&8

Contents

The Griffin Rites staff strongly supports the First Amendment and opposes censorship. Freedom of expression and press are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by example and lesson. We welcome letters to the editor and reserve the right to edit them for grammar and length, but we will not change ideas. Letters may attack policies but not people. They must be signed and submitted to F6 or mailed to Dr. Shannon Rennaker attention at 5815 NE 48th St., Kansas City, Mo. 64119. Subscriptions are available for $13. Advertising space is also available. Please e-mail [email protected] or call 816.413.5500 for information. Our organization is a member of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City, Journalism Educators Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Chloe Minnick- Co-Editor and Copy Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & DesignAmber Murray- Co-Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & Design Emily Elliott- Photo Editor; Writer, Photographer, Layout & DesignBrianna Hartleb- Web Page Manager, Assistant Editor; Writer & PhotographerSavannah Moore- Assistant Copy Editor; Writer & Photographer Rachel Adamson- Infographic, Cover; Layout & Design, Photographer

Photographers/reporters:

Alyssa Magrone-Entertainment columnistBaylee Gilliland Eli Stenner-Sports columnistEmily Noyes Eva YangHayden Weatherman Jocelin EgelandKayla PendergrastMallery Zion Marena DraskovichMarley Kennaley-Cartoonist

Staff members and policies

tonkanews.com

AdviserDr. Shannon Rennaker

Page 2- Table of Contents Winnetonka High School May 14, 2015

SPECIAL EDITION EDITORS-Emily Elliott- CO-EIC Amber Murray- CO-EIC Cayla Adamson & Riley Stephenson- Guest writers Brianna Hartleb- Assistant EICSavannah Moore- Senior Organization Hayden Weatherman, Joceline Egeland, Marena Draskovich, Emily Noyes, Rachel Adamson-LayoutAlyssa Magrone- Cover Design

5 Grillin Griffins

6 senior selfies-senior edition

4 gap year

9-16 sports collage

7 Big W

8 griffins marching on

17-35 senior information and photos

The Greater Kansas City Missouri

Principals Association (GKCMPA) has selected Principal Matt Lindsey of Winnetonka High School as their High School Principal of the Year. Principal Lindsey will represent the Greater Kansas City leadership at the Missouri Association of Secondary School

Principals (MASSP) conference this spring. GKCMPA is one of eight districts in the MASSP organization, which recognizes colleagues for their dedication to helping students and staff.

Lindsey was selected among many outstanding building principals in the Greater Kansas City area and will compete against other MASSP district winners to represent the state of Missouri at the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) High School Principal of the Year Program. This is the eighth year that Lindsey has served as principal of Winnetonka High School. During his tenure, Winnetonka has seen steady improvement in both state assessments and Advanced Placement scores. Last year, Winnetonka High School achieved their highest graduation rate in their storied history with 93 percent of seniors graduating on time.

(Submitted press release)

Winnetonka principal honored by peers

Volume 45 No. 7 Griffin Rites Table of Contents-Page 3

Captions for page 7: 1- Seniors Brandy Mends and Marquise Doherty at the Homecoming assembly on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 2- Senior Ashely Gonzalez, photo submitted. 3-Luke Monsees at a district cross country meet on Oct. 23, 2014. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 4- Senior Austin Sayre at a baseball against Oak Park on March 28, 2015. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 5- Senior Madison Dodd getting ready to preform for the fall play, Sideshow on Nov. 17, 2014. Photo by Emily Elliott. 6- Senoirs Sabrina Monsees and Lyndsi Burcham marching in the Homecoming parade on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 7- Senior Sarah Kumpf cheering on her team at a volleyball game against Staley on Oct. 16, 2014. Photo by Emily Elliott. 8- Senior Sabrina Monsees running at a district cross country meet on Nov. 23, 2014. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 9- Seniors Ciara Wiegers and Luke Monsees at the Homecoming parade on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 10- Senior Chase Tagle at performing at half time at a football game on Oct. 10, 2014. Photo by Mallery Zion. 11- Senior Adarius Wells rehearsing at band practice on Nov. 14, 2014. Photo by Emily Elliott. 12- Senior Hakir Oliver at decison day on May 1, 2015. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 13- Senior Paden Osburn performing at the Senior Oscars on March 25, 2015. Photo by Rachel Adamson. 14- Seniors Chase Williams and Casey Allen at the Homecoming assembly on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 15- Senior Joshua Wendl at the Homecoming parade on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb. 16- Seniors Julious Sabastiano and Angela Giammalva at the Homecoming assembly on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by Brianna Hartleb.

38 journalism news

39 music news

school dances

41 debate and competive drama

42 theater collage

36

46 robotics

47 sports updates

45 senior selfies

Contentscontinued

Page 4- News Winnetonka High School May 14, 2015

By Savannah Moore

With every graduating class, there are typically a few students who take a gap year.

US News defines a gap year as a period of time people take between high school and college, or during college to discover their options and interests. According to TIME, a few colleges offer scholarships to incoming students who take a gap year, like Harvard, University of North Carolina and Princeton. Some teachers argue that when students take a gap year and come back to school, they are more involved and motivated to continue their education. TIME claims there are three guidelines experts advise parents to set up for gap year kids: planning, double checking, and financial stability. First, ensure they have a plan: get them enrolled in college so they have reassurance that something is waiting for them when they are done traveling or

working. Second, make sure they have a plan: if they fail to plan their year and follow it, it is likely that they will not return to school the next year. Third, have them contribute to their own expenses. If they bum off on their parents, they will fail to learn the responsibility gap years typically teach teenagers. Robert Clagett, former senior admissions officer at Harvard, says that students who take a gap year typically have a GPA that is 0.15 to 2.0 higher than expected. US News says in 2009, 107 of their 1,665 incoming freshman had taken a gap year before coming to Harvard. Some administrators will encourage their students to take a gap year, persistent in the belief that when students take one they return to school more excited than ever before.

Post graduation gap

It depends on how you spend it

I love this gap year!

By Hayden Weatherman

The new club offers life skills while going to competitions. Along with learning how to work

as a team. The club is an after school activity available to any student interested. “It was to give students the opportunity to learn a practical skill beyond math, science, english and social studies; an actual skill that you could use in life. It was to build comradely and team work for our students to learn how to work as a team,” assistant principal Dwayne Smith said. The club cooks in competitions where they show off their smoking and barbequing skills. “Its called the Best Dam Barbeque Competition and we did really good. We finished eleventh overall, did fifth in pulled pork, first in ribs and we had a great time,” freshman Andrew Hedrick said. There are specific rules and regulations when competing in a barbeque competitions. For example the barbeque first get compared against five or six other teams. The scores are then competing against all of the other teams. “There are four categories in a barbeque competition there’s St. Louis style ribs, pork, which some people would think of as pulled pork. There’s chicken and then there’s brisket. You basically cook or smoke your meat and then you put it in a styrofoam box and submit your entry to the judges. Then the judges judge it at a tablet with a group of five or six other teams. They judge your product versus the five or six other teams and rank it. Then

based upon those rankings, they are compared to all the other teams that are competing to decide who will finish first, second, third, fourth, fifth etc. in that category,” Smith said. The club plans on continuing competing and hoped to host thier own competition someday. “We are wanting to go to more tournaments and possibly host our own in the next year,” junior Richard Cox said. Smith also wants students to be able to see him as a regular human or a friend; not the stereotypical high school administrator. “I want the kids to be able see an administrator in a different light oppose to being a disciplinarian or someone that isn’t more of a authoritative in the school. The kids have been able to interact with me just like I would interact with my family,” Smith said. The club has also been recognized outside of this community by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. “We are getting some national recognition from the Kansas City Barbeque Society which is the people that sanction and run all the barbeque contests and the newspaper that comes out. We are getting a lot of national attention from them,” Hedrick said. The club has been fundraising for their competitions by selling their barbeque to the staff. “This year we have been selling barbeque lunches to teachers and there might be a chance for students to buy them,” said Cox. On May 15 the barbeque club will be holding a fundraiser by selling pulled pork sandwiches to students and staff for five dollars during lunch.

Grillin Griffins grab attention

The Grillin Griffins with Alan Hedrick at the Best Dam Barbeque competition on April 11. Photo Submitted


“Put God first.”

-Adarius Wells

“Don’t procrastinate.” -Tyler Zimmerman

Sen rs“” Sen rs

1515

“Life is like photography; we develop from the negatives.”

-Brianna Hartleb

“Never give up along the way.”

-Angela Giammalva

6 Winnetonka High School Volume 45 No. 8

1 2 3 4

5

6

7

8

9

7Griffin Rites May 2015 Seniors

BIGJulious Sabastiano

Lyndsi Burcham

Ciar

a Wieg

ers

Paden Osburn

Mad

ison

Dod

d

Ashley Gonzalez

Casey Allen

Sabrina Monsees Lu

ke M

onse

es

Josh Wendl

Hakir O

liver

Chas

e Tag

le

Austi

n Sa

yreMarquise Doherty

Adar

ius W

ells

Angela Giammalva

Sarah Kumpf

Bran

dy M

ends

Chase William

s 10

111213

14

15

16

Kha’fre Moore has been

enlisted into the navy

MaKaylynn Mccloud has

been enlisted into the Marines

daMon cantu has been

enlisted into the Marines

erica fontenot has been

enlisted into the navy

isaih tabarez is planning on going into the

arMy

cole carter is planning to go

into the air force

Kyle West is planning to go

into the air force

rayMond peters is planning

to go into the Marines

alexandria barKs is planning to go into the national

guard

Karissa bruner is planning to

go into the the national gurad

Marcia ruiz has been enlisted into the navy

griffins Marching on

annalyse gillespie has been enlisted into the arMy


Stunting Loud n’ Proud

By Rachel Adamson

Overall, dance and cheer were successful this season by placing

in state and regionals. Cheer accomplished big things this year by going into a new division. Varsity took third at state while junior varsity took fifth at regionals. “We did well at state because it was an all girls division. We weren’t sure how it was going to go. We did a lot better than we expected,” senior cheerleader Madison Mead said. Jordan Timmermeyer was the senior captain of the cheer team this year and will be off to college in the fall, no longer being a cheerleader. “I will miss the feeling of flying,” Timmermeyer said. The dance team also did better than they expected this year. Varsity took third at state in hip hop while junior varsity competed at regionals and got first in hip hop, fourth in pom and fifth in jazz “The season went great. This year we accomplished a lot,” senior dancer Gabrielle Simms said. Cheer and dance will continue working hard in hopes of placing again next year.

Top photo: Sophomores Jessica Gebauer, Josh Jenkins, Sally Dishman and Grace Taylor at the spring pep assembly on January 16 performing the same dance they did at state. Bottom photo: Senior Angela Giammalva cheering at the Winnetonka spring pep assembly on January 16. Photos by Emily Elliott. Photo illustrations by Rachel Adamson.

Griffin Rites May 2015 9Seniors


1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

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7.8.

9.

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Photo 1: Senior Luke Monsees pumping across the finish line at the districts Cross Country meet on Nov. 23, 2014. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 2: Senior Jacob Walker pinning his opponent down at the Winnetonka Invitational on Jan. 24, 2015. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 3: Senior Julious Sabastiano drying off at halftime on Feb. 10,2015. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 4: Senior Chase Williams squaring up against Oak Park on March 28, 2015. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 5: Senior Jesse Jasso chasing after the ball during the Belton High School game on Oct. 14, 2014. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 6: Senior Dylan Berry warming up before the Jamboree game on Oct. 1, 2014. Photo By Rachel AdamsonPhoto 7: Senior Angela Giammalva cheering during the Jamboree game on Oct. 1, 2014. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 8: Senior Jordan Younger practicing his tennis swings. Photo by Hayden Weatherman

Photo 9: The dance team performing during the spring prep assembly on Jan. 16, 2015. Photo by Brianna HartlebPhoto 10: Senior Augusta Weber standing at the girls swim senior night event Jan. 27, 2015. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 11: Senior Manchita Tandia performing during the spring pep assembly on Jan. 16, 2015. Photo by Rachel AdamsonPhoto 12: Senior Kaylin Williams kicking the soccer ball. Photo submitted.Photo 13: Senior Sabrina Monsees pushing up the hill at the districts Cross Country meet on Nov. 23, 2014. Photo by Rachel Adamson.Photo 14: Senior Marquise Doherty making a touchdown at the Jamboree game played on Oct. 1, 2014. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 15: Senior Kevaughn Washington shooting a layup Feb. 10, 2015. Photo by Kayla Pendegrast.Photo 16: Senior Anastasia Haynes cheering on the volleyball team on Oct. 16, 2014. Photo by Emily Elliott


12. 13. 14.

15.16.

Rugby1-1-11

final record not available for print

Wrestling Jacob Walker- fifth at state (170lbs), Honorable Mention All-Conference Brandon Zoellers- state qualifier at (285lbs), First Team All-Conference

Volleyball 8-15

Kiera Hall- First Team All-Conference Jocelin Egeland- Second Team All-ConferenceMakayla Power- Second Team All-Conference

Cross Country Emanuella Evans- First Team All-Conference, First team All-State

Sabrina Monsees- First Team All-ConferenceCayla Adamson- Second Team All-ConferenceEmily Glotfelty- Second Team All-Conference

Esther Loukawila- Second Team All-Conference Collin Monsees- Honorable Mention All-Conference

Eric Vela- Honorable Mention All-Conference

Golf BoysBradon Bush-Honorable Mention All-ConferenceDevon Smith-Honorable Mention All-Conference

Patrick Spieler- Honorable Mention All- Conference

Tyler Throckmorton- Junior varsity All- Conference

Golf GirlsAllison Storm- All-Conference Kaylin Williams Mosier- All-

Conference, Sectional Quailifier

Football8-3

Jawuan Anderson and Tanner Hewlette- Touchdown Club Scholarships

Marquise Doherty and Julious Sabastiano- Offensive Most Valuable Player

Jesse Jasso- Special Team Most Valuable Player Will Morrow- Special Teams Tonka Truck Award

Chase Williams- Mr. Griffin Award, Defensive Most Valuable Player, Defensive Tonka Truck Award

Basketball Boys7-19

William Majok- All-District, Second Team All-Conference William Gillock- All-District, Honorable Mention All-

Conference

Julious Sabastiano- Honorable Mention All-Conference

Basketball Girls 5-18

Brandy Mends- First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District

DeeNia McMiller- Second Team All-Conference Mariah McGhee- Honorable Mention

All- Conference

Softball6-16

Kaylin Brooks- First Team All-ConferenceLauren Scott- First Team All-Conference All-District, First

Team All-Conference Courtney Rowell- Second Team All-Conference

Rebecca Hensley- Honorable Mention All-ConferenceDesiree Vaughan- Honorable Mention All-Conference

Swim GirlsState Qualifiers (also set school records) Amanda Kluth- 100 backstroke- 1:02.67

Augusta Weber- 50 freestyle- 25.71 First Team All-Conference- Emily Carleton, Imani Guerrero, Amanda

Kluth, Kaitlyn Presko, Ariel Thompson, Augusta WeberSecond Team All-Conference- Rachel Adamson, Susan Engstrom,

Jordan Ferguson, Angela Kleinmeyer, Jaryn Lasiter, Marcia Ruiz, Kaitlyn Singleton, Allison Storm, Helen Wesner, Suzanna

Zimmerman

Baseball 8-11

final record not available for print


Athletic Statistics for the 2014-2015 School Year

Photo 1: Senior Megan Hedrick throwing a shot put across the field. Photo by Mallery ZionPhoto 2: Senior Markell Flag pushing hard for a personal record for the shot put event. Photo by Mallery Zion Photo 3: Senior Michaela Voss warming up before her pole vault jump. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 4: Senior Michaela Voss making a clean jump over the pole vault bar. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 5: Senior Keasiah Talley hurdling during the 400 hurdles event. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 6: Senior Sydney Smith taking a hard landing after her long jump. Photo by Emily Elliott

Seniors dominate track and field1.

4. 5.

2. 3.

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Photo 1:Senior Kenneth Du focused on the field during shot put. Photo by Mallery ZionPhoto 2: Senior Eric Vela running smoothly during the 1600 meter event. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 3: Senior Kha’fre Moore leaping over the bar during the high jump event. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 4: Senior Jayvon Anderson sprinting to the finish line. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 5: Senior Sydney Smith jumping strong for the long jump. Photo by Emily Elliott All photos taken at the Winnetonka Invitational on April 16.

3.

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1. 2.

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Photo 1: Senior Markel Flagpositioning himself for a shot

put throw. Photo by Mallery Zion Photo 2: Senior Megan Hedrick winding up

during discus throw. Photo by Mallery Zion Photo 3: Senior Kevaughn Washington practicing for the shot put event. Photo by Mallery Zion Photo 4: Senior William Morrow sprinting down the track for long jump. Photo by Emily Elliott

Photo 5: Senior Trey Brummet racing to the finish line during the 800 meter race. Photo by Emily ElliottAll photos taken at the Winnetonka Invitational on April 16.


Photo 1: Senior Michaela Voss gliding over the pole vault bar. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 2: Senior Sydney Smith finishing strong for her 400 hurdles. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 3: Senior Jawuan Anderson and junior Gerald Onama handing off the baton during the 4x200 sprint. Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto 4: Senior Kevaughn Washington keeping an eye on the other throwers. Photo by Mallery ZionAll photos were taken at the Winnetonka Invitational on April 16.

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Photos by Alyssa Magrone

Senior Exibitions

By Eviemae VerniceBy Sydney Pope

By Christina Myers

By Ciara Wiegers

By Lyndi OylerBy Anna HolmesBy Skyler Stacy By Imani

Guerrero

By Kathy NgyuenBy Sabrina Monsees


By Luke MonseesBy Michaela VossBy Julie Cooley


Hawo M. Abukar Metroplitan Community College- Maple Woods

Montrell M. Adams

Sadiq A. Ali University of Kansas

Casey E. Allen Story on page 33. Dalton J. Allen

Celina M. Allman Johnson County Community College

Aulissea A. Anderson Metropolitian Community College- Penn Valley

Jawuan R. Anderson Illinois College

Jayvon T. Anderson Illinois College

Viola R. Aniani Park University

Miranda L. Barber Metropolitan Community College: Maple Woods

Jamie M. Barker

Alexandria M. Barks Military

Andrew C. Barwick HVAC technician

Zachary S. Baughman

Yasmin A. Bautista

Bautista has found a profound liking to the world of cosmetology. When she was little she was not allowed to wear makeup, yet that sparked her desire for beauty products. Bautista prefers makeup and nails. She spends time watching video tutorials and giving tips to friends and family. Between freshman and junior year she was involved in soccer, swim and volleyball. Bautista will be attending Regency Beauty Institute and will be studying all they have to offer.

Trevor A. Belk Park University

Sara A. Bowman Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

If you can dream it, you can do it. - Walt Disney

Tyler Bradshaw Kansas City Kansas Community College

As a student athelete; student comes before athlete.

Bryce C. Brewer

Kaylin N. Brooks Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Desiree M. Brown Missouri Western State University We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle

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Lyndsi N. Burcham

Burcham will be attending the University of Pennsylvania and plans on majoring in psychology with a minor in Spanish. She received a full-ride scholarship through the QuestBridge National College Match Program. Throughout her high school career she has been apart of A Cappella and Spectrum of Sound Choir, Creative Writing Club, DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), Gold Medallion, Key Club, National Honor Society and Scholar Bowl.

Bradon M. Bush

Bush plans on attending Missouri State Technical College. He wants to major in diesel tech. Bush placed first in districts and fourth in state in diesel shop at SkillsUSA.

Christian M. Butterworth

Danny Campos

Campos has been involved in numerous activities including band, choir, Student Council and WGTV. Campos has been accepted to Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods with the A+ scholarship. Campos is undecided as to what he wants to major in.

Damon A. Cantu

Augustus C. Carter Air Force

Trey M. Brummett

Brummet has been center back on the soccer team for three years. He has lettered in soccer twice, has been Technology Student Association (TSA) treasurer, robotics scout designer, center field player for baseball and has been involved in several different track events. Brummet is signed to Graceland University and has yet to declare his major, but is thinking about the computer science and technology field.

Karissa L. Bruner Park University

Miranda L. Buchanan Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Rachel E. Buckle

Kyle P. Buckman University of Missouri- Columbia

Shelby E. Bullock

Bullock is an A Cappella choir member, Graceway Church Praise Team violinist, National Honors Society treasurer, swim team captain, tenor drummer for Kansas City St. Andrew Pipes and Drums, is a violinist in symphonic orchestra and has been involved in many clubs offered at school. Bullock has earned letters in orchestra, Scholar Bowl and swimming. She was also nominated as a prom queen candidate. She has received the Branch of Trustee and Chancellor’s scholarship and is signed to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has declared the major of biology with an emphasis on health sciences.

“Be yourself, don’t change for anyone.”-Colton Richardson

Kapri L. Carter

Carter, a single high school mom, plans on attending college to set a positive example for her daughter. “If I didn’t graduate what would I be teaching my child? She’s going to look at me like ‘okay you didn’t graduate so why should I listen to you’. It’s all about how you want to live your life,” Carter said. She now has a different viewpoint on having a child as a high school student. “You just kind of take it one day at a time. Whatever challenge is in your face then you just have to take it,” Carter said.

Lyndzie K. Carter

MiKelle R. Carter Lincoln University

Brieann M. Caskey

Jessica A. Castro

Alexis T. Ceja Kansas State University

Jeremy C. Chambers Jr.

Savannah L. Comfort Metropolitan Community College

Paula M. Comini

Juli M. Cooley

Angel D. Coonce

Hannah M. Cosman University of Kansas

Dominic A. Costanzo HVAC technician

Jeremiah J. Cravens University of Missouri- Columbia

Kearstin M. Cusick

Jamie L. Damm Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Ronnie D. Darnell

Charles L. Dauster IV

Matthew E. Davis University of Missouri- Columbia

Sandy J. Davis Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School

Melley H. Destahun Saint John’s

Akoul M. Dhokpour

Akoul Dhokpour was born and raised in Egypt and Sudan. Her family moved to California when she was two. Dhokpour has lived in Egypt, Sudan, California, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri.

Mourwal M. Dhukpour

Haley M. Dickey We are all stories in the end, just make it a good one. *Story on next page

Destiny M. Distafino

Madison E. Dodd *See page 33


“ ”

“ [I learned that] hard work pays off.”-Amber Parker

By Rachel Adamson

Depression and anxiety; no one likes to talk about it, yet according to the Anxiety and Depression

Association of America (ADAA) more than 18% of Americans suffer from both. Senior Haley Dickey is part of this statistic, having anxiety since she was nine years old and being diagnosed with depression in the sixth grade. Dickey got help at the Lilac Center after she thought about killing herself at the age of 12. “They [Lilac Center] basically saved my life. I don’t think I’d be alive without their help,” Dickey said. Dickey’s anxiety stems from being in large crowds. “I am very introverted, don’t like a lot of people, hate big crowds. I have horrible panic attacks in big crowds,” Dickey said. Dickey has been homeschooled from third to eighth grade. According to Dr. Lisa Bischoff [school psychologist], it is natural that Dickey does not go to public school because it causes anxiety. “When you get anxious you want to escape the situation, you want to get away,” Bischoff said. Dickey went to Winnetonka for about a month and a half her freshman year and then decided to take her classes online at home. “Online classes got to me because you sit at home all day. No friends, no human contact besides your family,” Dickey said. Isolation from school was not the only thing that contributed to Dickey’s depression. “I grew up with a not-so-great father figure. He never told me I was good enough,” Dickey said. When Dickey was diagnosed with depression she watched her father distance himself from her. Dickey never received any positive feedback from her father, as all the praise went to her sister. “One day my sister came to me and told me that

he said, ‘don’t tell anyone this, but you’re my favorite child,’” Dickey said. Dickey was accustomed to being daddy’s little princess, so that really took a toll on their relationship. Today, Dickey is not in contact with her father. Dickey claims that when suffering from depression and anxiety it can seem hopeless, with the thought of suicide seeming more and more appealing. However, Dickey saw a light through the darkness. She came to the realization that at the end of the day no one could save her from herself, that it was up to her. “Who knows what tomorrow will bring. You could end up with the perfect life and never know it because you chose not to fight for it,” Dickey said. According to Dickey just getting out of bed is a huge accomplishment due to the demons she dealt with through the night. “It’s just so quiet at night; my mind just keeps going and I can’t turn it off,” Dickey said. Bischoff said with graduation coming up it is a huge time for anxiety, so Dickey was debating on whether or not she was going to graduation. “Coach Stamps asked me if I was going to graduation, and I said ‘I don’t think so, there are just too many people there,’” Dickey said. Coach Joe Stamps would not take no for an answer. He wants Dickey to walk across the stage and get her diploma. “I think it’s something that all kids should go through. I think that her family is really going to appreciate it. One day she will look back and be happy she did go to graduation,” Stamps said. Dickey does not believe that everyone has a full understanding of what depression and anxiety are. “People think that if it’s not physical then it’s not a problem. They don’t get that the brain is an organ, it can get sick too,” Dickey said.

Seeing the

elephantin the room



Metropolitan Community College: Maple Woods

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Marquise A. Doherty

Doherty is attending the University of Missouri Columbia with a football scholarship next fall. In his high school career Doherty has won several awards, such as first team all-state defensive back and first team all-conference in football. In baseball he has won second team all-American pre season and first team all-conference. “It’s humbling to know that all of your hard work has finally paid off,” Doherty said. Kayla Douglas

During her high school career, Douglas has been a part of multiple theatre productions as well as WGTV. Douglas also shows off her Alaskan Malamute puppy in dog shows with her mother. She continues to train for dog shows in hopes of one day presenting the dogs on her own. She has applied to Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods.

Sophia P. Downing Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Always pay attention to the little things in life because those are the things you find the most beautiful.

Kenneth Du

Katelyn DuBose Regency Beauty Institute

Komlan B. Duncan

Samuel J. Dupin Metropolitan Community College- Penn Valley University

Evvamae V. Dusenberry

Hanna Eder

Hanna Eder is an Austrian foreign exchange student and will be graduating with her senior class here, but has one more year of schooling left in Austria. Eder does not have a favorite part about coming to the United States, but she has enjoyed the entire experience from the people to the scenery. The hardest transition was being away from friends and family. Eder is involved in A Capella Choir, Treble Choir and soccer.

Adrianne J. England

Emmanuella Estiven

Estiven hopes to be accepted to the University of Missouri-Columbia. Estiven wants to major in music education. She was inspired to go into music education through her choir experience and by her former vocal teacher Janice Popejoy. She has lettered in choir twice and has been involved in multiple musical productions. "I want success; I haven't found the meaning of that yet, but when I do, I want it," Estiven said.

Shannon N. Famuliner University of Missouri - Columbia

Faust plans on taking a gap year after high school and has thought about majoring in theatre. Even though this was his first year at Winnetonka, he has been involved in theater, choir and six different musicals. Faust looks forward to seeing the current students grow in their theatre and choir skills. “I’m really excited to see the freshmen and sophomores. They just have so much talent,” Faust said.

Not everyone should be a champion - Sue Sylvester.

Zachary D. Faust


Katie M. Ferguson Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Markell L. Flag

Erica M. Fontenot Navy

Anthony E. Franco

Madeline E. Freeman

Cerranno Gallen

Samuel A. Gassman

Angela M. Giammalva

Angela Giammalva has been accepted to North West Missouri State University and plans on dual majoring in elementary education and cross categorical education. Angela plans on making a life for herself in the special educa-tion field. She has dedicated her senior year by going forward with this goal, including doing her gold medallion presentation on special ed-ucation. She has had an internship at Pleasant Valley Early Childhood with special education. Giammalva has chosen this path because of how much her cousin has impacted her.

Schuyler F. Gilchrist Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Annalyse F. Gillespie Army

James W.L. Gillock

Maria E. Gomez Missouri Western State University

Ashley Gonzalez Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Ronnie E. Gooden

Elpiniki B. Gregory

Imani E. Guerrero Iowa State University

Brooke A. Guilkey

Madison T. Gustin Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Dustin L. Guynn

Aden S. Hadera North Seattle Community College

Bre’Shawna T. Harris Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Treat everyone you meet with respect because you will never know what type of power they may have in the future.

Brianna N. Hartleb Life is like photography, we develop from the negatives. Makayla S. Hawkins Kansas State University

Anastasia G. Haynes

Troy A. Head

Megan E. Hedrick University of Central Missouri

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“[I learned to] always stay on task.”-Brianca Willams


Eric J. Heggstrom

Casey M. Heller

Heller will be attending Northwest Missouri State University and plans on majoring in marine biology. Heller made the decision to graduate a year early to get a head start on her college career. While Heller is leaving friends behind and had to take online courses to meet graduate requirements, to her it is all worth it. She has been involved in cheerleading, FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America), Key Club and Yearbook. She has lettered in academics, cheerleading and journalism. Heller regrets joining and pursing activities that others pushed her to do. "Do what you want to do, not what others expect you to. If you don't like something don't be afraid to quit. Do what makes you happy, not what stresses you out," Heller said.

Cierra Henderson Metropolitan Community College- Penn Valley

Hannah F.M. Hendrix

Seth T. Hershberger University of Kansas City Tanner D. Hewlette Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Susan I. Hill Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Chanel N. Holden Univeristy of Missouri- Columbia

Anna R. Holmes

When Holmes was just three she was adopted out of Russia. Her AP Art concentration was focused around her time in Russia.

Dakota L. Howard

Mary N. Huffman San Francisco State

Mikel A. Hughes

Liam A. Huntsucker

Keevan M. Hurshey

Nathaniel J. Irick Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Jared J. James Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Jesse A. Jasso


Micheal S. Jennings

Ahmed M. Jeylani Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Jonathan A. Jimenez

Kinshasa J. Jones

Tomasa N. Kachitaro Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Carly A. Kempf Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Sabrina M. Kieffer

Tiarra M. King

Amanda N. Kluth

Kluth is taking a semester off to move to Florida before going to college. During her junior year, Kluth was part of the All-State tonka relay team, a first in Winnetonka history. Kluth competed individually in the 100-meter backstroke and the team placed 15th overall.

Michael A. Kraus

Sarah E. Kumpf Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Get involved and don’t be afraid to branch out from your comfort zone. Kylie R. Lancaster

Rachel M. Lane Metropolitan Community College- Penn Valley

Jeffrey P. Lank

Edward M. Lapuc

Chance M. Lawyer

Haley A. Linder

Kirk C. Linz

Logan D. Looney University of Central Missouri

McKinnon O. Madden Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Samantha P. Magee

Zackary M. Martinez Missouri State University- Columbia

Makaylynn M. McCloud Marines

Taylor M. McCloud Missouri Western State University

Mary E. McCormack Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Charles S. McDaniel University of Central Missouri

Mariah C. McGhee University of Missouri - Columbia“ ”

“[I learned that] it’s best to stay active in clubs and activities.”- Juli Cooley


Brittney A. McKiddy Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Martin M. McKinnon

Madison R. Mead Northwest Missouri State University

Brandy K. Mends

Mends has been accepted to Avila University to major in nursing. She received scholarships for academics and basketball. Mends went to state for the 4x1 in track and broke a school record. She was awarded the first team all conference for basketball and track. She lettered three times in basketball, twice in track, and once in volleyball.

Kalie N. Meyerkorth Missouri Western State University

Follow your dreams not others.

Chloe C. Minnick Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Do what you love, love what you do. Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. -Dr. Suess

Luke T. Monsees University of Tulsa

Any pizza is a personal pizza...

Sabrina J. Monsees University of Tulsa

... If you believe.

Kha’fre T. Moore

William F. Morrow

Christina J. Myers Kansas City Art Institute

Janiah T. Nash

Eric N. Navarre

Christopher J. Neeley

Erik D. Neira Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Krishan D. Nelson Missouri State University

Hoang B. Nguyen Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Kathy L. Nguyen Nothwest Missouri State University

Angela K. Nichols

Shawn A. Nichols

Naomi R. Niffang

Nadia Noor University of Missouri- Kansas City

Andrew T. Odell University of Missouri- Kansas City

Hakier L. Oliver Park University

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“Stay focused on your goals and not get behind.”-Kearstin Cusick


Paden K. Osburn

Osburn has full tuition to Berklee College of Music. She has been involved in choir, National Honor Society and theatre. She was also awarded homecoming princess. “It’s mind blowing and I’m still shocked and surprised," Osburn said. The secret to high school i s simple; Just be nice to everyone.

Sandial A. Osman University of Missouri- Kansas City

Lindi D. Oyler

Oyler has signed onto Missouri University of Science and Technology and plans to major in petroleum engineering. She has received multiple scholarships, including the Beth Winters Memorial Scholarship, which she received by achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. Oyler has been involved in band for four years and has a love for AP Art. Find your treasures and outwit your dragons now and read as many classic books as you can. Bilbo Baggins was 50 before he started adventuring, but most of us won’t have that luxury.

Aurora D.M. Page Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Amber E.L. Parker Southwest Baptist University

Kayla Pendergrast Park University

Heather B. Pennington

Pennington signed to William Jewel College and is majoring in English. She was awarded the Trusties Scholarship and has been writing since the age of twelve. She enjoys writing about dystopian and sci-fi subjects. Pennington has participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for two years, where students are challenged to write 50,000 words in a month. This past year she wrote a retelling of Peter Pan that contained 62,000 words. Pennington gives credit to her English classes for providing a challenge that helped push her. "I like classes that prepare you," Pennington said. If the air smells like bad choices and your parents’ shattered dreams, you probably shouldn’t do it.

Luis E. Perez Jesse C. Peters Missouri University of Science and Technology

Raymond L.E. Peters Marine Corps

You have nothing to fear but fear itself. -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Devin A. Phipps

Sydney L. Pope

Andrew Presko Missouri Western State University

Kevin T. Purkaple

Alexander C. Rabideaux

Colton B. Richardson

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Kianna C. Rideaux Missouri State University

Kelsey J. Ridout

Monica A. Ring Missouri Western State University

James C. Risinger Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Hevonte L. Robinson Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods Louis A. Roccaro

Justin L. Rogge

Tre A. Rooney-Staton Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Cailen R. Rosas

Jacob E. Rosebaugh

David Ruis

Marcia Ruiz Navy

People will judge you no matter what, but how you react is what really matters. Always keep your head up and remember who you truely are.

Summer R. Russell

Julious J. Sabastiano

Sabastiano is undecided about where he will be attending college. He has been offered scholarships from Warburg College, Iowa Western, and Benedictine College. "I am humble about getting these scholarships, it feels good that these schools think you'll be a good help to their program," Sabastiano said.

Phillip M. Samoszenko Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Ryan T. Sanders

Austin L. Sayre Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Isaiah W. Scaggs

Victoria N.K. Schildman Life is not measured by quantity but by quality.

Anthony J. Schneiter

Tayler N. Severance University of Missouri-Kansas City

Gabrielle D. Simms

Simms has been accepted to Kansas State University. She received the Heritage Scholarship. Simms was the only senior on the dance team, and has been on the team all four years of high school. She was awarded Most Dedicated, 110%, and was on the Academic All State Team for dance.

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“[I learned] how to procastinate.”- Trey Brummet


Kaitlyn Singleton Missouri State University

Brittany R. Smith

Bruce B. Smith

Devon D. Smith Remmington B.L. Smith

Syndey L. Smith Wichita State University

Houng Soeuang

Marrina D. Stabler Northwest Missouri State University

Skyler R. Stacy Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Elijah D. Stenner University of Missouri- Columbia

Allison T. Storm

Storm has a golf and academic scholarship at Park University. She has been involved in GOART, Student Council, swim and dive, track, Veggie Club, volleyball and is a Gold Medallion graduate. “When a college looks at you, it’s dif-ferent because it’s a new chapter in life,” Storm said.

Andrew Storm

Storm Is involved in horse shows. He was also involved in football and theater throughout high school. “Training horses makes you a bet-ter rider," Storm said. He has been accepted to Metropolitan Community College- Blue River.

Kayla L. Stotts

Mikayla J. Stubbs Park University

Haley E. Summers

Isaih R. Tabarez Army

Ashley S.L. Tabor University of Central Missouri

Chase Tagle University of Missouri-Kansas City

Keasiah E. Talley Wichita State University

Manthita B. Tandia University of Missouri

Taylor F. Tapp Working for Van Chevorlet

Nicole T. Taylor

Samantha L. Taylor University of Missouri- Kansas City

Caroline Tegelaers

Caroline Tegelaers is a foreign exchange student from Germany. She will be graduating on time here at Winnetonka and will walk with the senior class, but still has two years of schooling left in Germany. Tegelaers favorite part about being in the United States has been playing sports in high school and being involved in Winnetonka’s theatre program. The hardest part about leaving Germany is being away from her friends and family. Tegelaers is involved in soccer, cheer and theatre.

Ariel M. Thompson Metropolitan Community College- Penn Valley


Jasmiyn D. Thompson Northwest Missouri State University

Morgan A. Thummel Missouri Western State University

Jordan Timmermeyer University of Central Missouri

Craig T. VanVickle University of Missouri- Columbia

Desiree S. Vaughan

Vaughan has been involved in Leadership, Student Council and softball. Throughout high school softball has been her highlight; she loves every aspect of the sport and finds excitement in the game. In student council she enjoys planning events. During college, Vaughan is planning on interning with a physical therapist. She has been accepted to the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has declared pre-physical therapy as her major.

Eric R. Vela Missouri University of Science and Technology Fly by Griffin Magic.

William M. Velasquez Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Robin A. Volz

Michaela R. Voss Park University

Tannar M. Walden Stephens College

Jacob A. Walker

Seth A. Walsh

Kaitlynn E. Ward Stephens College

Tyree D. Ward Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

KeVauhn D. Washington Grand View University

Joshua W. Webb Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Timothy W. Webb Missouri Western State University

Augusta D. Weber Missouri State University

Adarius L. Wells Missouri Western State University *Story on page 32.

Joshua P. Wendl Grand View University

Cole R. West Emporia State University

Kyle J. West

Logan A. West University of Missouri-Kansas City

Traci D. Wheeler

Matthew T. Whitten University of Central Missouri

Ian M. Whittlesey

Ciara B. Wiegers University of Central Missouri

Richard A. Williams III

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Brianca C. Williams Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

Chase D. Williams

Williams will be attending Washburn University in the fall of 2015. He plans on majoring in journalism while attending the school on a football scholarship.

Duncan L. Williams

LaTeefah T. Williams

Kaylin C. Williams-Mosier

Williams has a full ride scholarship to Eastern Michigan University for soccer. Her scholarship includes 40 percent athletics and 60 percent academics. "Knowing that I won't have to take out any loans, or go into debt for college is relieving for me," Williams said. She was also an All-Conference and sectional qualifier gold player and has been involved in orchestra all four years of highschool.

Lauren N. Witt University of Central Missouri

Caleb B. Woods Missouri State University

Brittany M. Wyckoff

Alexander T. Yocam

Taylor E. Yoksh

Jordan A. Younger

Younger is going to Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods in the fall of 2015. He received an ACE scholarship and earned the A+ scholarship. Younger is a compound archer, and he went to Las Vegas for the NFAA World Archery Festival. Out of the 300 people he won 42nd place. Younger has received awards in Project Lead the Way and ACE. He has lettered once in soccer and twice in tennis.

Abbey L. Zimmer

Tyler G. Zimmerman University of Central Missouri

Brandon L. Zoellers Metropolitan Community College- Maple Woods

“Don’t procrastinate or you’ll fall behind in the long run.”-Hannah Cosman


By Brianna Hartleb

Overcoming personal challenges in order to make a name for

himself is something senior Adarius Wells knows all too well. “As a freshman it was a terrible year for me. If I could take it all back, I would. I had gotten into a fight a few days before school started, got suspended, got ISS, I just wasn’t really controlled,” Wells said. Wells had moved around multiple times as a child. “It was really tough on me to move around because that meant packing up the house. Sometimes it would take a whole day and other times it would take three to four hours,” Wells said. One move would change Wells

forever. “I moved sophomore year back to Texas and I had to drop out of theatre,” Wells said, “ I hated living in Texas and I knew that if I wanted to come back to Missouri that I had to change myself, so I went a little soul searching.” When Wells came back he decided to put his plan to action. “When I came back to Tonka I had decided to dedicate my high school career to theater,” Wells said, “I have been involved in Anime/Gamers club, Art club, Debate, STUCO, theatre, all of the bands, mixed and A Capella choirs, tennis and other things.” Wells has wanted to speak at his school’s commencement ceremony since he was little.

“I had always watched movies about valedictorian, with speaking and having ribbons and stuff across their chests. I made it a goal to have things around my neck and talk at graduation and now I’m doing both,” Wells said, “It’s a surreal experience right now. I’m so happy that I get to do this because its like a child hood dream come true.” With all of his experiences and struggles to get him to where he is now, Wells has wisdom to pass down to underclassmen. “My advice to underclassmen is the best things happen when your not thinking, when your climbing a mountain as big as the high school setting you don’t want to get caught by avalanches.”

Student changes life for better


By Brianna Hartleb

Being involved during high school can be a challenge

for most students, especially during senior year. For senior Madison Dodd, that is the complete opposite for her. “Here at Tonka I was involved in Gold Medallion, theatre, 48th St. Players, choir, National Honors Society, Knitting Club and SAGE,” Dodd said. Being involved in many things takes dedication. “I’m a very motivated person and it seems that my love for theatre had led me to all of my other activities,” Dodd said. Dodd being involved started with her freshman year. “I was ready to grab at any opportunities that came my way, chewing at the bites,” Dodd said. She thanks her school for everything that has helped her become the person she is today. “I have grown in many ways: in maturity, intelligence in ‘my craft’ but as a friend and in compassion and I thank

Winnetonka for that,” Dodd said. She has won multiple awards in theatre over the past four years. “In theatre I have won best freshman, sophomore and junior, best dramatic actress of shorts my sophomore year, best leading actress for Cathy in ‘The Last Five Years’ and I won the senior Oscar for best actress,” Dodd said. Dodd plans on going farther with her

theatre career after high school. “I’m attending Oklahoma City University to study acting with an emphasis in musical theatre,” Dodd

said. Choir was also an important part of Dodd’s high school career. “I have been awarded 17 1’s for solos and ensembles at district and state,” Dodd said, “I have been in the 9-10 honor choir, the women’s all district choir and the all district choir.” With four years of experience under her belt, she has advice for underclassmen. “If you want to be involved don’t ever be afraid to give what you have and just lay it on the line, you can never get beef for giving something your all,” Dodd said.

Getting involved, getting ahead

Dodd Broadway Bound

Madison Dodd acting during the play Putnam on Jan. 22. Photo by Rachel Adamson

Senior Casey Allen, queen candidate, riding in the homecoming parade on Sept. 26. Photo by Brianna Hartleb

By Brianna Hartleb

Many students get involved in different things through older siblings.

“I remembered that my older brother, Ben, was really involved and it just seemed like it would be really rewarding,” senior Casey Allen said. “I thought it would help me meet people.” Allen has tried to be involved in as much as possible in her four years. “Throughout my four years I’ve been in volleyball, track and field, tennis, band, Science Olympiad, Battle of the Brains, Gold Medallion, DECA, Poetry Lounge, National Honor Society and HOSA/BioMed club,” Allen said. Allen surprises many in that she used to be shy and reserved. “My freshman year I was really shy and quiet because I didn’t know very many people,” Allen said. “But over the past couple years I’ve learned how to open up to

people more and it has allowed me to make a lot of great friends.” Being involved helped her meet her best friend. “My freshman year I went to band camp, where I met Minh Nguyen and he was the first person I had talked to. We ended up becoming best friends,” Allen said. Allen believes underclassmen should avoid neglecting to be involved just because it looks intimidating. “Just try anything that looks interesting or fun because you’ll regret it if you don’t...you’ll make lots of memories,” Allen said.


Logan Looney

Erik Neira

Brittney McKiddy

Makaylynn McCloud Sara Bowman Chase Williams

T H R O W I N I T

B A C K


Angela GiammalvaCailen Rosas

Megan Hedrick

Destiny Distafino

Haley Dickey

Krishan Nelson Ciara Wiegers

Madison Dodd Mariah McGhee Caroline Tegelaers

H o m e c o m i n g : To t h e M o o n a n d B a c k1. Seniors Ciara Wiegers and Luke Monsees in the homecoming parade on September 26.2. Seniors Marquise Doherty and Chase Williams and at the homecoming parade.3. Senior Brandy Mends finding out that she just won homecoming queen at the homecoming football game on September 26.

4. Senior Mariah McGhee riding in the homecoming parade.5. Sophomore Jacob Allen, senior Marcia Ruiz and senior Lauren Witt throwing candy in the homecoming parade.6. Senior Tanner Hewlette escorting senior Paden Osburn at the formal assembly on September 26.7. The 2014 senior homecoming

candidates at the formal assembly on September 26.8. Art teacher Amy White and senior Kaitlyn Singleton at the homecoming parade.

Photos by Brianna Hartleb

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1. Senior Adarius Wells and other peers dancing at prom on April 25. Photo Submitted.2. Senior Augusta Weber entering prom with a friend on April 25.3. The 2015 senior prom court at prom at Arrowhead stadium on April 25.4. Senior Shelby Bullock checking in at prom on April 25. Photos by Brianna Hartleb

1. Senior Julious Sabastiano talking to senior Kevaughn Washington at the winter formal on Feb. 21.2. Senior Joshua Wendl dancing with senior Allison Storm on Feb. 21.3. Senior Casey Allen

escorting senior Jayvon Anderson at the winter formal on Feb. 21.4. Senior Adarius Wells recieving winter formal king on Feb. 21.

Photos by Rachel Adamson

Winter Dance: Frozen in Time

Prom: The Greatest Show on Earth

3


NewspaperBrianna Hartleb- Excellent for Diversity Awareness, Honorable Mention for Feature Story

Chloe Minnick- All-Missouri for Single Page design, and staff Honorable Mention for Editorial Writing, Honorable Mention for In- Depth Article/Series, Superior for Features Writing, and staff Superior for Editorial Writing, Superior for Organizations Photography, Superior for Personality/ Portrait photography, and staff Honorable Mention for Editorial Writing

Kayla Pendergrast- Honorable Mention for In-Depth Article/ Series


Chase Williams and Dalton Dibben- Honorable Mention for “Speed School”

Danny Campos- All Missouri for News Short Story, Superior for Human Interest Feature Story, Honorable Mention for Diversity Awareness

Hakir Oliver, Gracie Taylor and Sally Dishman- Honorable Mention for Benefit for Gage Guffey

Maria Gomez, Kiera Hall, Erika H..... Harland Oden- Honorable Mention for “Breast Cancer Awareness”

Maria Gomez, Harland Oden, Brehanna Abraham- Honorable Mention for “Weather Too Dangerous for School”

WGTV

Ashley Gonzalez- All Missouri for Personality/ Portrait Photography, Superior for Organization Photography, Superior for Best Overall Coverage, Excellent for Sports Design, Excellent for Student Life Design, Honorable Mention for Academic Design, Honorable Mention for Sports Action Photography

Brittany McKiddy- Superior for News Photography

Madison Mead- Superior for Best Overall Coverage, Excellent for Student Life Reporting, Honorable Mention for Sports Action Photography

Kathy Nguyen- Honorable Mention for Sports Design

Yearbook

Seniorawards

injournal-

Exemplary and outstanding (1 & 2) ratings

Shelby Bullock - Violin Solo - (1)

Erica Fontenot - Bass Clarinet Solo - (1)

Kevin Vo – Vibraphone Solo - (1)

Band and orchestra

Casey Allen - Clarinet Quartet0 - (1)

Riley Davison - Violin Solo - (1)

Band

Nate Blanton - Clarinet Quartet - (1)

Erica Fontenot - Clarinet Quartet - (1)

Kevin Vo - Clarinet Quartet - (1)

Matthew Green - Saxophone trio - (2)

Chase Tagle - Saxophone Trio - (2)

Megan Hedrick - Flute Solo - (2)

Chase Tagle - Tenor Saxophone Solo - (2)

Craig VanVickle - Saxophone Trio - (2)

Orchestra

Kaitlyn Presko - Violin Solo - (2)

Kathryn Draper - Cello Solo - (2)

Riley Davison - Duet - (2)

Josh Jenkins - Duet - (2)

Adarius Wells during band practice on Nov. 14.

Photo by Emily ElliottPhoto illustration by Amber Murray


Solos- Lyndsi Burcham, Adeana Carr, Madison Dodd, Evie Dusenbery, Zach Faust, Madie Fields

f Jackson Mattingly, Paden Osburn, Scott Sharp.

f Ensembles- Dodd Women’s 6: Lyndsi Burcham, Madison Dodd, Evie Dusenbery,

Hanna Eder, Sarah Kumpf, Paden Osburn. Kumpf Mixed 8: Lyndsi Burcham,

Hersan Coello, Madison Dodd, Sarah Kumpf, Brian Lincks, Jackson Mattingly,

Paden Osburn, Scott Sharp. Mattingly Men’s 5: Tyshum Bigby, Derrian Davis,

Augustine Goussenov, Kevin Grease, Jackson Mattingly

By Alyssa Magrone

This year the vocal music department has made remarkable achievements despite the switch of

teachers. Both Spectrum of Sound (Show/Chamber Choir) and Womens Choir received a one rating at contest, and A Cappella and Mens Choir received a two rating. Vocal Music teacher Jason Elam also took 27 ensembles to contest. Tweleve recieved one ratings and 21 qualified for state. In addition to the ensembles, 21 soloists went to contest and nine received one ratings, also advancing to state. Senior Paden Osburne auditioned and made it into State Choir. She and senior Madison Dodd both made it into District Choir. Senior Katelyn DuBose and sophomore Madeline Fields made the District Women’s Choir. Although Elam was new to the school this year, the seniors and other choir students welcomed him in. “The seniors were put into a tough position with Popejoy’s departure, but they have been supportive, graceful, and a pleasure to work with,” Elam said.

Choir ends on a high note

Senior Sarah Kumpf singing in Spectrum of Sound on Oct. 16. Picture by Ashley Gonzalez


Exemplary (1) rating * ratings for all 1 rating contest winners

Competitive Drama

Karen Fernandez – Conference 8th place in Public Forum Debate

Carlos Hernandez – Belton Student Congress 12th place

Tray Reaves – Belton Student Congress 10th place, Conference 7th place in Student Congress

Charity Smith – Belton Student Congress 9th place

Cecilia Vasquez – Conference 8th place in Public Forum Debate

Debate

Competitive Drama and Debate Awards

Griffin Rites May 2015 41Seniors*Senior

Serina Alexander – Harrisonville 6th place in Poetry Reading

Westly Bertha – Harrisonville, 3rd place in Duo Interpretation Conference 6th place in Prose Reading

Adeana Carr – Conference 4th place in Duo Interpretation

Glarsnel Estiven - Harrisonville 3rd place in Duo Interpretation

Abel Gousseinov – Belton Student Congress 6th place

Olivia McDonald – Conference 8th place in Poetry Reading

Hevonte Robinson* – Raymore-Peculiar 5th place in Prose Reading

Allison Scales – Conference 7th place in Poetry Reading

Ryan Stubbs – Conference 8th place in Prose Reading

Adarius Wells* – Harrisonville 7th place in Storytelling

Annonda Wilkins – Harrisonville 3rd place in Prose Reading, Harrisonville 1st place in Poetry Reading

Kylee Zerbe – Conference 4th place in Duo Interpretation

Zach Faust and Scotty Sharp

• Superior rating at Missouri State Thespian Conference in Musical Theatre Duet - Individual Event

• Recognized and performed at Fine Arts in Education Day – Jefferson City

• Will perform at International Thespian Festival in June

Madison Dodd

• Superior rating at Missouri State Thespian Conference in Musical Theatre Solo Individual Event

• Selected for Statewide Showcase at Missouri Thespian Conference.

• Recognized and performed at Fine Arts in Education Day – Jefferson City

• Will perform at International Thespian Festival in June

Right: Seniors Maddison Dodd and Zach Faust embrace after Faust wins the spelling bee durring “The 25th Anual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Photo by Rachel Adamson

Seniors Tannar Walden and Kevin Purkaple slow dance before Purkaples death durring “Tell Me That You Love Me Junie Moon.” Photo by Amber Murray

Below: Senior Kevin Purkaple speaking to senior Tanner Walden after realizing he will die soon. Photo by Amber Murray

Senior Zach Faust durring his signature song durring “The 25th Anual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”



Blue Star NominationsOutstanding Actor in a Supporting Role – Zach Faust as William Barfee in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role – Madison Dodd as Olive Ostrovsky in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Outstanding Artistic Contribution by a Student – Zach Faust for Choreography in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Rising Star Scholarship – Madison Dodd Outstanding Artistic Contribution by a Student – Paden Osburn for Music Direction in Side Show Outstanding Orchestra – Side Show Outstanding Hair and Make-Up Design – Side Show Outstanding Technical Crew – Costume Crew – Side Show Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role – Zach Faust as Terry Connor in Side Show Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role – Paden Osburn as Daisy Hilton in Side Show Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role – Madison Dodd as Violet Hilton in Side Show

Rising Star Scholarship – Kevin Purkaple

Senior Adarius Wells introducing himself durring “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”


Senior Victoria Shieldman singing her signature song durring ”The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Phto by Rachel Adamson

Senior Maddison Dodd grinning happily when she becomes a part of the final two in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Photo by Amber Murray

Senior Zach Faust after being placed in the final two durring “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Photo by Amber Murray



Who’sselfie is it anyway?

“If you got it, flaunt it.”

-Aden Hadera

“Be who you is.”

-Brandy Mends

“Don’t live

in the negative.”

-Mariah McGhee

“Stay up on your

grades and don’t listen to others.”

-Gabrielle Simms

“Work first, play later!” -Kelsey Ridout

“Be yourself.” -Marquise Doherty


By Amber Murray

While robotics did not do well in their competition this year they have learned

important skills that can be used in later years. The robotics team encountered a major problem when the design team and the programming team were not on the same page. “I would probably say [that robotics needs] more design ideas in case one is a failure,” freshman Joe Harper said. Another problem the robotics team encountered was that they were not completely prepared for competition. “Robotics did not do fantastic in the competition. The first couple of matches we were not ready to go onto the field,” junior Xavier Cline said. The main problem was that some of the work had to be re-done. “That was probably the worst part; knowing that we spent ten hours doing something and then we had to go back and redo it. We want to make sure that we get it right the first time,” robotics adviser Joseph Morse said. The hope for next year is to have every part of the team work together and communicate their ideas.

“We would like to improve all of our processes that we have in place, the design, the build, our programming, our website design, our social media, our marketing. So in other words we have these organizations up but since they were new and we were inexperienced there is a lot of improvement that we are going to make in the next year,” Morse said. Even though the team did not do as well as they wanted to, they plan on improving in the upcoming years of robotics. “[I plan on staying] all four years I am in high school, simply because it is fun and it would be awesome to see what kind of bots we build later on,” Harper said The students are going to facilitate these improvements by working on what they personally can. “I’ve learned a few neat things in lab view that I am going to be implementing to help make programming easier in the future,” Cline said. Together the robotics team plans on improving year to year and eventually place at competitions. “The best part is always just working with the kids and having fun with them,” Morse said.


Robotics hopes to excel in future

MacalUso’s

By Cayla Adamson, Guest Writer

The dynamic of the team changed when the majority of the varsity team graduated last year. To accommodate this, coach David Flynn has been working on fitting the girls into new positions they will be best at. “We have to work with players that haven’t played for a long time, so we had to shift out whole game plan,” junior Emily Glotfelty said. New players are learning to fill in the holes that the varsity players are leaving as they graduate. “The team is actually sticking with the game plan so they listen and try to follow through with what the coaches are developing,” Flynn said. The girls enjoyed playing together more this year compared to last season. “It’s always a struggle getting that team dynamic where everybody is cooperating and all working together for a common goal, as opposed to 11 individuals and cliques in the team,” Flynn said. With a winning season so far this year, Flynn and the returning girls look forward to next season.

If the girls keep a winning season it will be the second time in school history, the first time being in 2001.

Reaching towards a common goal

Senior Jordan Timmermeyer running with the ball across the field. Photo Submitted

5004 NE Parvin Rd, Kansas City, MO

Phone: 816-452-7989 FAX: 816-453-1412Store Hours 7 A.M.-11 P.M. Deli Hours 7 A.M.- 9 P.M.

MacalUso’s

Congratulations, graduates!

Class of 2015

Volume 45 No. 7 Griffin Rites Sports-Page 47

By Riley Stephenson, guest writer

With beginners popping up faster than you can say hello, Coach

Joe Wendt is preparing the athletes an appropriate state of mind for the incoming players. “We made decisions years ago with being inexperienced, that we wanted to spend as much time as possible for improving their skills,” Wendt said. According to the coaches, their athletes are stepping on the court for more reasons than to win. “It’s not so important who wins each game, but learning to be a better person,” Wendt said. The griffin boys are growing a family bond that hold them strong and keeps them going throughout

the season. “My favorite part about being on the tennis team is winning my matches, getting medals, and being together with my tennis family. They root for me to keep it up, and that’s what keeps me going”, sophomore Cody Young said. The boys are working hard to create a streak that is unbreakable.

“[Varsity] beat Oak Park and Staley, junior varsity took first place at their Excelsior Springs tournament out of eight teams, while varsity took third in their Excelsior Springs tournament out of fourteen teams,” coach Joe Morris said. The team is optimistic in their progress and say they are prepared to take on every challenges future seasons throw at them.

By Baylee Gilliland

The boys golf season has started off with a couple of strong

swings. Returning golfers have learned a lot from their past experience. “This will be my second year playing golf. Golf has taught me honesty, respect, courtesy, patience and weird mood swings,” junior Weston Wagner said. According to Wagner, golf is not as fast paced as other sports are, so it tests your patience. “Golf can be pretty frustrating. If someone is doing bad, we usually keep each other focused and try to not let them get more frustrated,” senior Devon Smith said. Trying something new is something not all people are

comfortable with, but for some, it will stick. “I was looking for a new spring sport and I had a friend talk me into it. I got some experience since I’d never played before, so of course everything was a learning experience,” Smith said. Taking the team to new levels is important for boys golf coach Nathan Stephenson. “This is my first year as a head coach, so my goal is to leave pretty much everything the same as Coach Catlett had it last year. I will work on making some small changes for next year. For instance we will be having a golf camp for this summer, so any students with interest in golf can come out and get some good instruction,” Stephenson said. In order to help the team

improve, Stephenson learns from their mistakes. “[Tournaments] is always hard to predict. I just want the boys to play their best games at districts and sectionals, and then see where that takes us,” Stephenson said. Competing is a recurring theme during practices. “The competitiveness when we play each other is to always beat each other, but at the same time we help each other when we can’t figure something out on our own,” Wagner said. The boys plan on continuing to play golf after their high school years. “I would still like to continue playing golf after high school, not collegiately, but I will probably play golf for a really long time,” Smith said.

Boys push as season comes to an end

Golfers enhance skills

Page 48- Sports Winnetonka High School May 14, 2015

FROM: Winnetonka High School TO: 5815 NE 48 St. Kansas City, MO 64119

Documents

Winnetonka Griffin Rites May 2015 7&8 senior edition