MESSENGERWICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

JANUARY 22, 2010VOLUME 117, ISSUE 7

2301 E. DOUGLAS AVE., WICHITA, KS 67211 // EHSMESSENGER.COM

‘NIGHTS OF GLEE’ PREMIERES IN FEBRUARY - 2LISTENERS EXPRESS MUSIC PREFERENCES - 7WRESTLING TEAM BUILDS TOWARDS FUTURE - 8PARKING LOT SERVES AS SMOKERS’ PARADISE - 10

NEWS

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2January 22, 2010

MESSENGERWICHITA HIGH SCHOOL EAST

STAFFEditors-in-ChiefJohn CamenzindJeremy Koehler

WebmasterJenice Duong

Advertising ManagerSavana Cross

ReportersIan BaileyDamien GilbertEmma GillespieLauren GraberEvan GottstineAaron HeilSalman HusainVioletta LopezAshley MatthewsBrae MinerDonald PepoonSuhayla SibaaiJessica ThomasVictoria TranColin White

Head PhotographerAshley Matthews

Staff PhotographerDanielle Dame

VideographersJacob FaflickMonique Levy

EDITORIAL POLICY“The Messenger” is published in print every two to three weeks, except during vacations, by the Journalism staff of Wichita High School East, 2301 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67211. The Journalism department can be reached at (316) 973-7275 or by fax at (316) 973-7224.

“The Messenger” staff will publish news, enter-tainment, features and sports in an unbiased and professional manner and serve as a public forum for the students of Wichita High School East.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to room W301 or by fax, and must be signed, legible and concise. The staff reserves the right to edit letters to conform to “Messenger” style. Base-less accusations, insults, libelous statements, obscenity, and letters which call for a disruption of the school day will not be considered for publication.

“The Messenger” is the official student newspaper of Wichita High School East and it is distributed free to students. The opinions expressed in this publication reflect those of the student writers and not the Board of Education or Wichita High School East administration, faculty, or adviser.

ON THE COVERThe cheerleading squad performs stunts holding Mickalaila Adkins, soph., and Jenice Duong, sr., on top of the formations during the winter sports introduction assembly, Dec. 4. ASHLEY MAT-THEWS, HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

‘Glee’ puts new spin on ‘Nights of Broadway’JENICE DUONG, WEBMASTER

Unlike the popular Fox show, “Glee,” it is not every day that

students roam the halls bursting into song at every corner. However, the theatre department hopes to bring “glee” and inspiration to “Nights of Broadway,” now dubbed “Nights of Glee.”

Performances of “Nights of Glee” will take place Feb. 4-6 in the west auditorium, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will sell for $8 ($6 with student identification for general seating) and $10 ($8 with student identification for reserved seating).

While “Nights of Broadway” featured songs exclusively from Broadway shows, “Nights of Glee” will feature popular, contemporary music. With “Nights of Broadway,” the theatre department has some song context from Broadway shows to recreate sets for the show, while “Nights of Glee” provides a greater variety for artistic interpretation.

“Speaking as a true fan of the show, I am extremely excited to perform for ‘Nights of Glee,’” Kas-siani Menas, jr., said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been in.”

As the show “Glee” includes “mash-ups” of contemporary music, the theatre department spent an extensive amount of time selecting a song list as well as reconstructing songs in order to make them true to the show’s style.

The final song list will include the Black Eyed Peas’ “I’ve Got a Feeling,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Miss Independent” and Meatloaf ’s “I’d Do Anything for Love.”

“‘Nights of Glee’ takes these songs and puts them onstage with a chorus as if we were perform-ing a musical number in an actual musical,” Keaton Jadwin, jr., said. “The audience will be more inclined to attend ‘Nights of Glee,’ not only because the name catches eyes due

to the widely popular new show, but also because of the music selec-tions.”

Not only is “Nights of Glee” dif-ferent in song selection, but crew members have to work especially hard to adapt to the new show.

“I am really excited for this show because its a different style than a typical musical,” lighting designer Bridget Koenig, sr., said. “It will have a lot more special effects, which are Mr. G’s (Drama instruc-tor Derrick Gronewold) specialty,”

“Nights of Glee” will be the show to watch as well as listen to with new elements such as special effects and perfected old elements such as dancing and singing.

“I love the idea of this show because it really gives everyone a chance to perform and have their own time on stage,” Menas said. “The show will be different and ex-citing, which is an all around win.”

NEWS IN BRIEFBand and orchestraThe orchestra department will perform a concert, Feb. 22. Also, the Symphony Orchestra will perform Feb. 26 at KMEA, the Kansas Music Educators Association.

All-City band and orchestra The All-City band concert will take place at Century 2, Feb. 1 and the All-City orchestra concert will take place at the same location, Feb. 2. While these are not East concerts, the concerts will feature selected East students.

National Honor Society National Honor Society, or NHS, will host a faculty dessert lunch some time in the middle of February.

Scholarship awardedJenica Duong, sr., was awarded the $48,000 Harry Gore Memorial Schol-arship, Dec. 10, from Wichita State. Two Gore scholarships are awarded every year. The other $48,000 award was given to Sarah Thompson, a Salina South student. Duong plans to major in computer engineering at Wichita State.

Darfur Action GroupThe Darfur Action Group is recruit-ing new members and planning a Race Against Genocide relay. Further information will be given through the announcements.

DECAThe regional competion for DECA, a group for students interested in marketing, management, and en-trepeneurs, is Feb. 3, while the State competition is March 7-9. DECA.

EVAN GOTTSTINE, REPORTER

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Water damage estimated to cost $300,000 in repairs

Workers and their equipment attempt to dry the SSC and prevent the formation of harmful mold, Jan. 11 after water pipes on the third floor broke due to extreme cold. Along with the SSC, rooms in the northeast corner of the east building and the vocal music room were also damaged by water. The cost of repairs are esti-mated to be over $300,000. Despite the damage, the SSC is still functional. ALLISON MALONE, PHOTOGRAPHER

4February 26, 2010 EDITORIAL

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Looking back, 2009 was a year of scandal. From David Letter-

man’s employee affair turned blackmail, to Tiger Woods’ seem-ingly infinite number of mistresses, to, more recently, Charlie Sheen’s unsavory domestic dispute, it seemed there was no end to what news tabloid shows would break.

As each new story was uncov-ered, the more it seemed Chris Brown and Rihanna should be in the latest season of ‘Big Brother.’

The moment the news of Tiger Woods’ infidelity broke, internet and TV networks exploded in a frenzy of accusations and hyper-bole. One CNN headline exclaimed “Can Golf Survive Without Tiger Woods?” as if Woods invented the

game himself. It is sad to think that an entire

public career can be destroyed by a private dispute. Though the high number of mistresses of Woods at first seemed exaggerated, many of the claims have been confirmed.

Woods’ dilemma is truly shock-ing, but a line must be drawn for matters best kept private.

Charlie Sheen is a prime exam-ple of what should be reported. And though all accusations are alleged, even an accusation of domestic abuse and attempted assault is a serious situation, and therefore suitable for publication.

A story that involves possible criminal charges is newsworthy. Pro golfers sleeping with Chilli’s

waitresses are not. “How Elin Nordegren Spent the

Holidays” is a blatant invasion of Nordegren’s personal life. “Charlie Sheen’s wife says he threatened to have her killed” is more responsible journalism.

News sources need to shy away from personal topics, and keep a degree of respect for the individual.

Off the CuffWhy are there so many Obama haters? Because there were so many Bush haters. What goes around comes around.

To the person who intentionally stepped on a bunny outside on the front lawn: you, sir, are a terrible person.

January 2010: You can only drive in the right lane on the highway. January 2011: You can only drive blue four door cars.

In other news, the $800 billion stimulus package created a grand total of six jobs. Five of the people are assigned to pick up the 1,000 page health care reform bill and place it on Obama’s desk for him to sign.

Anyone hear that taxpayers made $46 billion in profit from the bank bailout? Good luck collecting that money.

New Zealand and America are the only countries that allow prescription drugs to be advertised on television. These advertisement cause Americans to believe that they are more sick than they really are, which could lead to taking more medi-cation than they really need.

Expensive bottled water is the most ridiculously priced item. No one wants to pay $2 for a bottle of water the that’s basi-cally the same as the tap. Water that tastes like regular water shouldn’t be as expensive as a liter of soda.

To all those smokers in the parking lot: cold days are bad enough without your haze. Seri-ously, do it at home.

Even the most noble legislation that starts out effective and efficient ends up bloated and watered down after Congress tacks on ridiculous amounts of pork spending and waters down the provisions that made the bill effective in the first place.

A second grader in Massachu-setts was sent home for draw-ing a crucifix when asked to draw something that reminded him of Christmas. What was he supposed to draw? A big screen?

IAN BAILEY

REPORTER

After having my mind blown by the excellence that was

“Avatar” and relearning how to walk after sitting down for almost three hours, I began to think about potential deeper meanings for the movie.

While director James Cameron created a imaginary planet with the scene based years in the future, the movie was actually quite realistic in its own way (as in “if that were to happen, it would happen like that”). Whether intended or not, the fact that the humans were entirely represented by a greedy corporation brought to mind the danger of private corporations taking over government functions and vice versa, both in the distant future and in the present.

The inherent attraction of privatization is universal: it is cheaper. Corporations are cheaper and more efficient because profit is their entire reason for being. There is nothing wrong with that; desire for profit is the most effective motivation. I do not intend to blame large corporations for society’s ills, far too many people are doing that already. However, problems arise when functions that should be maintained by the government are outsourced to companies.

The government at least ostensibly exists to protect the interests of the people (please try to keep the eye rolling at a reasonable level). Corporations, on the other hand, have no such qualms. They are responsible to their shareholders to maximize profits, and relying on the moral compasses of corporate executives to keep companies’ actions ethical is a tactic proven to be destined for failure.

Because of this fundamental difference in motivation, corporations are more likely engage

in actions which are not beneficial to anything but their own bottom line. Governments certainly do not exactly have a spotless track record when it comes to human rights either (far from it), but at least in First World democracies they are increasingly being held responsible by their people. While some might say that this has led to a decrease in the fighting effectiveness, overall it is an improvement.

Blackwater CorporationThe Blackwater scandal is a

classic example of a corporation doing the government’s job with disastrous consequences. Now known as Xe Services LLC, Blackwater Worldwide served up as private security for US diplomats, most notably in Iraq. Their work in Iraq was the subject of great controversy, with multiple investigations finding the company’s contractors guilty of use of unprovoked lethal force against civilians and Iraqi government forces, leading to the company being banned from operating there by the Iraqi government in January 2009. Top Blackwater executives were found in November 2009 to have approved payments of around $1 million to top Iraqi government officials in order to silence their criticism and gain support after one of the incidents went public.

Blackwater contractors are neither as well trained nor held to as high of standards as regular US government military and security personnel, which increases the chance of atrocities being committed. Even cost-effectiveness, the alleged greatest advantage of private security firms, was brought into question by a staff report compiled by the House Committee on Oversight and Government

Reform, which calculated Blackwater contractors cost the US six times more than the cost of an equivalent US soldier for the same time period. As government contractors, Blackwater employees were, unfortunately, representing all of America with their actions in Iraq. The use of US soldiers would create a much better image.

Health CareAs far as private areas that

should remain private being taken over by the government, there is the health care reform debate. Health insurance was created as a private agreement which citizens would enter into in order to offset their risk of needing health care.

In the interest of improving the standard of care for citizens, the health care bill would tax those who refuse to buy health insurance. I do not consider myself to be a strict constitutionalist, but there is no language in the US Constitution that even loosely interpreted gives the federal government the power to tax those who choose not to purchase health insurance.

Our leaders need to overcome the “grass is greener” attitude of the present when it comes to public and private control. Despite the current spirit of change, some things would be better left the same.

Crossover between public, private control must be avoidedJOHN CAMENZIND

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Media should respect privacy of individuals

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6January 22, 2009 ENTERTAINMENT

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It is apparently universal law that all rock supergroups must: have

strange names (examples include Happyland, Chickenfoot, Bombastic Meatbats), and put out a single horrific album, quickly grow tired of one another’s huge egos, then break up faster than one can hurl the horrific album out the nearest window.

Them Crooked Vultures certainly meets the first criteria, but strangely - and pleasantly - fails to meet the

second.The band consists of three

renowned rock musicians, including the singer/guitarist of Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Homme, the drummer for Nirvana, Dave Grohl (also of Foo Fighters fame), and the bassist for the legendary Led Zeppelin, John Paul Jones. The debut self-titled album - released by Sony Music’s Interscope Records - is not, however, exactly what one expects from this concoction of musical geniuses – it is not an explosion of rock filled with monster riffs and eardrum-shattering beats, but rather a low-key assembly of 13 blues-infused alt-rock tracks with a wide range of sounds with a unique combination of influences.

The album’s high points – from the meandering epic of “New Fang” to the provocative “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” – exhibit incredible musicianship and the exceptional chemistry that exists between the band members.

Not to say, though, that the album doesn’t have its duds; the eight minute long “Warsaw” gets repetitive, even boring. It is also fair to say that it is slightly

disappointing not to hear any lead vocals from Grohl, who, as any Foo Fighters fan can attest to, has a marvelous voice for rock.

Simply put, “Them Crooked Vultures” may not amaze, but it is guaranteed to impress. At the very least, it should be previewed on YouTube, if not bought. It is a rare

gem, an album from a supergroup that isn’t terrible, but rather a refreshing exploration for the musicians involved.

“Sherlock Holmes,” directed by Guy Ritchie, hit theaters on

Christmas Day and added to the long list of movies that depict the life of the famed English detective.

In his latest adventure, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) uses his intellect, fists, and dry sense of humor to find Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), whom Holmes had previously caught and executed but now has been resurrected.

Not only is this man a danger to Holmes’ reputation but through his use of witchcraft and fear, Blackwood becomes a threat to all of England. “Sherlock Holmes” incorporates magic, action, and wit into two action packed hours.

“Sherlock Holmes” also centers around Dr. John Watson’s (Jude Law) engagement to Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) and Holmes’ struggle with losing his partner and confidant.

To make matters worse for the detective, Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a criminal and love interest of Holmes, recruits him for a mission and continually sabotages his attempts to find Blackwood.

Although major differences are apparent between the original world

of Sherlock Holmes created by Arthur Conan Doyle and Ritchie’s adaptation of 19th century England, “Sherlock Holmes” presents an entertaining film that honors the timeless hero.

The actors brought humor, action, and drama to the film while solving a twisted and supernatural case. Although some of the characters varied greatly from Doyle’s vision, they remained realistic and relatable.

The biggest difference seen in Sherlock Holmes is his newfound desire for action and violence. Rather than using only his wit and reason, Holmes is shown fighting dirty and drunk men that are twice his size.

Even with this major change in Holmes, he used his intelligence in the ring. During fights, Holmes continually voices over his thoughts and the moves that perfectly inflicted pain.

One of the most entertaining factors in “Sherlock Holmes” was the relationship between Watson and Holmes. The perfect chemistry between the two characters brought the story to life. Their abilities to play off each other’s emotions

as well as a near supernatural connection between the two made for an eventful and entertaining film. Many memorable moments in the movie included Watson coming to Holmes’ aid in a comical and action packed manner. Holmes would have been dead if it were not for Watson who not only saved him from a giant falling ship but also explosions and dangerous burly men.

Holmes’ famous attention to

detail was depicted with just as much attention by the filmmakers. Every clue that led to Holmes’ final conclusion was carefully shot and presented in a subtle manner.

“Sherlock Holmes” beautifully combines action, thought, and wonderful costumes. This film is a treat to all moviegoers and proves that a movie can combine adventure as well as psychology to make an award worthy film.

‘Them Crooked Vultures’ delivers where others fail

‘Sherlock Holmes’ provides entertainment, adventure

Unlike many supergroups, Them Crooked Vultures has released a solid first album. PHOTO FROM THEM-CROOKEDVULTURES.COM

Them Crooked Vultures members John Paul Jones, Josh Homme, and David Grohl heading a gig in Atlanta, Georgia. PHOTO FROM THEMCROOKEDVULTURES.COM

Robert Downey, Jr., and Jude Law star in one of the most anticipated films of the year, “Sherlock Holmes.” PHOTO COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS

VICTORIA TRAN, REPORTER

DAMIEN GILBERT, REPORTER

www.ehsmessenger.com

7January 22, 2010ENTERTAINMENT

“I love music, I think music can speak better than words. If I had to to pick a type, I think it would be R&B.”

- Nousette Escoto, jr.

Students think about music

LoudspeakersKarla Estrada, soph., listens to her music while she is working on her geometry assignment. VIOLETTA LOPEZ, PHOTOGRAPHER

Music THAT

MovesVIOLETTA LOPEZ, REPORTER

“Music is something heard, but it’s powerful to be felt and touched. Simple yet complicated words, rhymes, and phases can impact your life drastically. I love music, but I do not live by lyrics. Music can explain feelings that you can’t find. It’s very touching and powerful. It can relieve your stress or just work you up more. Music is the best form of art using words and beats.”

- Jade Stauffer, soph.

“Music depicts your mood and certain songs describe your life perfectly.”

- Michael Franklin, jr.

“Music is a way of expressing how you feel. Music is a gateway ‘drug’ that anyone can relate to, depending on the type of music. It allows you to think in ways or feelings of being sad or happy, like wanting to throw someone off a building or even cry. Music is life.”

- Diego Lucero, fr.

L et me get that boom, boom, pow! As you

walk down the halls, down the streets, anywhere, you hear it; it’s the sound of music.

Music is everywhere, from stereos, radios, iPod’s, mp3’s, tv, etc. You can hear music on the go or at home.

Music is art, life, inspi-ration, motivation, move-ment, and sound. It helps get through days quicker, it expresses individuality and can play a big role in life.

“Music is a big part of my life,” Scot Payne, sr, said, “It helps me focus on my school work. I have over 1,500 songs on my

iTunes. They are all metal and rock. I listen to it loud. I do not like rap at all.”

Everyone is different, so this means that everyone must have a favorite genre of music. There are all sorts of genres to fit your taste.

“Music to me is special,” Brittany Rambo, soph., said, “It’s something that every person should be aware of because it helps you in all your subjects, and it’s essential in life.”

Music can be used as a form of art. In movies as well as in tv shows music can be heard in the background. Music adds dramatic affect and enter-tainment.

“Why wouldn’t you listen to music?” Jasmine Cox, soph., said, “I like rhythm. It’s cool to show how well you can dance with rhythm and it also gives inspiration to become a music artist.”

The thing about music is that it’s perceived in individually. It’s taken deeply into thought and it takes time and concentra-tion to actually know what the music artist or artists is trying to say.

“I think some music has a lot of good meaning to it,” Tori Taylor, jr., said.

What we call music, is more than music. Music is the form of art that keeps us going in life.

Hip hop/Rap/R&B

Rock/Metal/Classic

Alternative

Indie

Pop

50%27.5%

8.75%7.5%

6.25%

Top 5 rated genres

Of 80 students polled, Hip hop/Rap/R&B was the most preferred genre.

8January 22, 2010 SPORTS

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SATIR

EWhen Mark McGwire admitted

that he was juicing on per-formance-enhancing steroids while he hit home-run after home-run in the late 90s, I had an epiphany. Not only was he officially my hero, I realized steroids are the best things in the world.

If McGwire was that beastly while using steroids, it only proves one thing- they truly work. Athletes should not be worried about the ethical dilemma that steroids put them in; they should ignore the rules and safety precautions and juice on up.

That is why I believe athletes shouldn’t just juice up. In order to receive the maximum benefit and positive effects, athletes should saturate themselves with these steroids, building superhuman strength, speed, endurance, and re-flexes. If some people make the ar-gument that this creates an unfair advantage within the sports, ignore them. If all the sports leagues made steroids mandatory, the world and its sports would be revolutionized.

Imagine this: Tiger Woods (after juicing up with his newest mis-tress) prepares for his drive. He walks up to the ball, takes several practice swings, and, in silence,

prepares for the actual drive. Tiger backswings and... the crowd is wowed to see Wood’s 950 yard line-drive down the par 4, 1,500 yard golf hole.

But golf would not be the only enhanced sport. Football players would be 600 lb. behemoths, charg-ing 45 miles-per-hour down a field the size of a NASCAR speedway. Building on the miracles of current steroids, new development and research could create a new style of super athlete. This new, im-proved standard of athlete could lift thousands of pounds, run with the speed of a sprinting cheetah, leap hundreds of feet, and nail home-runs over and over. But how best to implement these miracle drugs to maximize the ability of future athletes?

It is simple - give these highly experimental steroids to high-school athletes. With the steady increase in the use of steroids with high-school students, the extra effort to make it mandatory is not a stretch of the imagination. According to the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse (GDCADA), the use of reported ste-roids in 12th graders doubled from 1991-2001, reaching 4 percent. But

that should not be a deterrent; it should be seen as the success of steroids in high school sports. High schools will prove a perfect test-ing ground for these steroids, and would give these teenage athletes a cutting edge.

But what about the drugs’ controversial health hazards? The GDCADA records the short-term ef-fects of steroids for men as: shrink-ing of the testicles, reduced sperm count, development of breasts, baldness, and infertility. Nothing some strong, steroid filled men can-not handle, right?

While men will be affected by this, women will suffer from deep-ened voices and facial hair growth. But, who in their right mind would think either of these a problem when they may have super human powers? Another perk to the use of steroids is their ability to create a heightened emotional state, which should increase violence and create competitive animosity; also, ath-letes will have a sense of invincibil-ity, furthering their superhuman abilities by making them push their limits.

Wondering about the long-term effects? Actually, long-term effects are nonexistent, because athletes

suffer from a shortened life span. While that would seem like a bad thing, all our amazing athletes will die around age 30, so it will not affect sports in the least. With steroids, the next big stud is right around the corner.

In the end, the use of these body-altering steroids will propel athleticism and sports hundreds of years into the future, ushering in super human abilities in the aver-age person. There may be risks, but hey, if heroic athletes such as Mark McGwire use steroids and succeed, why shouldn’t the average athlete do the same?

Satire: the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding

A group of 39 young men accustomed to wearing tight,

stretchy clothing, touching each other, and recalling daily encounters as “intense” may seem rather unorthodox.

Although perhaps not of the most conventional inter-athletic physical relations - or appearance - the wrestling team deserves far more kudos.

“Right now we’re in the process of building up our program,” Gehrig Keane, soph., said. “Thanks to better dedication and attendance, we’re doing better than we have in the past and are working hard to maintain this upward streak in progress.”

East currently holds the title

of having the second most State Championship wins in Kansas. Hoping to achieve another, the team recently won their first dual in two years against Parsons and El Dorado.

“We’ve made great improve-ments,” coach Chris Wyant said. “The seniors have made a commitment to becoming better wrestlers by competing in the off season and it’s showing on the mats.”

Wyant, a 13 year wrestling veteran himself, became East’s third coach in three seasons when he began coaching at East last year.

“The new coaching style is starting to catch on and is creating the foundation to help us build

over the next few years,” Justin Hartman, sr., said. “We’ve got about six seniors and those starting out have a lot of athletic ability.”

The team has doubled in size, with new members such as Keane, who joined the team in order to prepare for other sports.

“Not only are we well-condi-tioned, but we also learn techniques that help in football,” Jonathan Nelson, sr., said.

The focus, however, remains on wrestling.

“I think wrestling is the toughest sport high school offers,” Wyant said. “Facing one opponent of equal

weight in a dead sprint for six minutes truly pushes you to the limit.”

Goals include learning to wrestle consistently and moving up in the City league. According to Wyant, the team has a strong chance against West and North.

“The team as a whole is important and you rely on your teammates to push you, but winning only comes from how much you stretch your personal limits on the mat,” David Heaton, jr., said. “It’s about pushing yourself as much as possible.”

Wrestling team expands, builds program towards futureBRAE MINER, REPORTER

Billy Snapp, jr., holds down a Heights opponent Jan. 7. HALEY SHELTON, PHOTOG-RAPHER

David Heaton, jr., prepares to face an opponent, Jan. 7. HALEY SHELTON, PHO-TOGRAPHER

EVAN GOTTSTINE

REPORTER

Performance enhancing drugs are worth mental and physical risks they pose

9January 22, 2010SPORTS

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Winning is great, but an undefeated season is icing on

the cake. The swim team won the City

League last year and hopes to achieve that title again this season. Thus far the team is undefeated, bringing them closer to that position.

The team is coached by Joe Hutchinson, IB Physics instructor. He has been the swim coach at East for 12 years, and he used to be a swim coach at the Wichita Swim Club.

“I like seeing the kids work hard, set goals, and achieve those goals,” Hutchinson said.

The team practices from 5:30 to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Team members swim laps totalling two miles during an average practice.

Hutchinson is involved in lots of individual work. Often during a single practice, six or seven groups will be doing different exercises.

“I try to give the kids what they need,” Hutchinson said.

The team has a variety of talented freshmen, so the work they are capable of is more rigorous than what Hutchinson is used to assigning, but he believes they are ready for it.

George Savvides, soph., said Hutchinson knows what he is doing. Savvides is a returning competitor.

“I have had coaches who had (Hutchinson) as a coach,” Savvides

said. “He has been coaching for more than a decade.”

A few changes have been made this season. Unlike previous years, the team will not host meets at the Wichita Swim Club because of scheduling issues. Hutchinson decided to add a Jan. 31 meet in Emporia to change up the competition the team swims against.

The team lost a large senior class from last year. Hutchinson said that the team will suffer from this loss.

“We lost a lot of the emotional leaders, the guys that were the vocal leaders, some of the leaders in having fun outside of practice, and some talent with it too,” Hutchinson said.

In certain events the team is not as strong as last year.

“Anytime you lose somebody who is an emotional leader, it’s difficult for anybody else to step into those shoes,” Hutchinson said.

The team has gained many new swimmers, thanks to incoming freshmen and others who are swimming for the first time.

“We are sort of like a big, fish-like family,” Savvides said.

Hutchinson’s primary goal is to win the City League, and, more importantly, place higher at Sate. Savvides’s goal, like most on the team, is to place at State.

The next meet will be the Heights Invitational, Jan. 23 at the Wichita Swim Club.

Swim champions currently retain undefeated postion

Senior inspires bowling team

An uplifting story can be found in that of Kelsey Kauffman, sr. Kauffman is East

High’s first disabled bowler.“She’s treated no differently than the other

bowlers,” Teresa Hall, head bowling coach, said.

Kauffman has been a member of the bowling team for all four of her years at East, however, she began bowling before she came to East.

“I started bowling with my dad when I was 10,” Kauffman said. “I’ve been bowling for eight years.”

She began her career at East as a team manager and joined the JV squad after a teammate had to quit. Hall was unsure if she could play according to KSHSAA’s grading system.

“We had to find out how we could get her on the team,” Hall said.

All that needed to be done was to set Kauffman’s grades with KSHSAA’S grading system.

Julia Romain, TMR instructor, works with Kauffman on a regular basis. She collaborated with Vicky Gegan, Athletic Department

secretary, to align Kauffman’s scores with KSHAA.

“Mrs. Gegan and Mrs. Romain figured out how, according to KSHSAA, to write a way so she could follow all the rules,” Hall said.

Kauffman has no trouble fitting in at practice with the other bowlers.

“My teammates are really friendly,” Kauffman said. “I’ve made a lot of friends.”

At practice, Kauffman provides a valuable ingredient to any team: optimism.

“She doesn’t let you get down on yourself,” Alyssa Utz, sr., said. “It’s really fun to bowl with her.”

Kauffman, like any athlete, strives to help her team and herself by practicing.

“I like trying to get better scores and I keep getting better,” Kauffman said. “That’s really fun.”

In addition to the team, Kauffman receives much support from her coaches.

“Coaches are great!” Kauffman said. “They really helped me improve my scores.”

“It’s been a delight to have her,” Hall said. “She has been an inspiration.”

ASHLEY MATTHEWS,REPORTER

AARON HEIL, REPORTER

Kelsey Kauffman, sr., bowls at practice. HALEY SHELTON, PHOTOGRAPHER

Ryan Claybrooks, soph., swims the breaststroke to help the team win the meet against Southeast. ASHLEY MATTHEWS, PHOTOGRAPHER

EAST WINNERS vs. Kapaun Mt. Carmel and Wichita NorthwestCharlie King - 100 freestyle and 500 freestyleJordon Neugebauer - 200 freestyle and 100 backstrokeDillon Park - 50 freestyle and 100 butterflyTony Park - 200 IM and 100 breaststrokeJacob Seamster-Davis - 1-m divingvs. Wichita SoutheastCharlie King - 200 IM and 500 freestyleJordon Neugebauer - 100 freestyle and 50 freestyleDillon Park - 100 butterflyTony Park - 200 freestyleJacob Seamster-Davis - 1-m divingvs. Bishop Carroll and Wichita SouthCharllie King - 200 freestyle and 500 freestyleJordon Neugebauer - 100 freestyle and 100 backstrokeDillon Park - 100 butterflyTony Park - 200 IMJake Seamster-Davis - 1-m diving

www.ehsmessenger.com

10January 22, 2010 EDITORIAL

“Cigarettes are killers that travel in packs.”

Unfortunately these killers are ones we too willingly turn a blind eye to and allow to roam around our school. It is befuddling how a school with four security officers, well over 100 teachers, and various administrators can allow students to commit multiple crimes on school grounds daily. Far too often groups of students or individuals can be found smoking in the school parking lot.

Students are seen nearly every day in East High’s parking lot committing several offenses in one activity. First offense: smoking tobacco under the age of 18, second offense: smoking on USD 259 grounds. Not to mention they are escalating detriment to their bodies, and slowly killing themselves.

Judging by the group of kids seen every day on the way to B building, clearly nothing is being done about it. Rather, it seems having several staff yell out “GO ZONE,” telling kids to pull up their pants, and making sure a student has a pass on their way to the bathroom is far more important.

While these may be necessary regulations that should be attended to, it is clear that there is an excess of staff that should be able to deter such blatant illegal and rule-breaking activity.

It is offensive to walk through a presumably smoke-free premises, yet still be affected by the cough invoking fumes, not to mention the

type of reputation that smoking on campus gives to East High. It is not likely that parents or other visitors to the school are going to be impressed when they drive into the parking lot and see students smoking out in the open, unashamed.

Despite the fact that students over the age of 18 may think it is perfectly legal for them to smoke, USD 259 smoking restrictions apply regardless of age. Certainly the kids smoking-ranking from freshmen to seniors-are not all 18, anyway.

School should not be a student’s safe haven to get away with such things as smoking. Turning a blind eye to parking lot smokers opens up windows of opportunities for students to attempt numerous other illegal activities at school.

Preventing smoking on school property should be an immediate concern. Allowing these packs of killers to continue their presence on school grounds indicates deliberate disregard for authority and implies the harm to oneself and others is minute, and the need to follow the law and district and school rules is acceptably discarded.

Commentary: Lack of parking lot security allows students to smoke at school

SPEAK OUT“People smoke at school because they’re influenced to do it -- peer pressure. They’re not really worried about it. They do it at lunch.” Bryan Collin, soph.

“People smoke at school because at home you can get caught doing it, you can smell it in the house. There’s so much time to do it at school.” Breanna Johnson, soph.

“I don’t smoke. I’ve seen the pictures of people’s lungs (when they smoke), and I’ve had friends that have died from smoking.” Maurice Walters, sr.

SUHAYLA SIBAAI

REPORTER

“I know some-one who does it (smokes at school). She’s never gotten caught, she’s not afraid to.” Ivonne Gonzalez, fr.

Smokers’Paradise

Robert Bennett, jr., holds a cigarette while standing in the parking lot dur-ing seventh hour. JEREMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joshua Clark, sr., who is over the age of 18, smokes a cigarette while standing in the parking lot before third hour. JEREMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Two men smoke cigarettes in the junior parking lot during the lunch hour. JER-EMY KOEHLER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Have you ever smoked on school grounds?

Of 100 East students polled, 10 per-cent said they had smoked on school property.

No90%

Yes10%

Do you know someone that has smoked on school grounds?

Of 100 East students polled, 57 per-cent said they knew someone who had smoked on school property.

No43%

Yes57%