Athletics can be intense whether it is dribbling down the court, cheering on the side, dancing at halftime or wrestling someone to the ground. When an athlete is passionate for something, they fight for victory. Medi-ocre is not an option when participating in a beloved sport.“I am looking forward to being on the court and

playing with my teammates I played [basketball] with last year,” said Chris Bybee, 11.Rivalry is a substantial part of sports and it often

keeps the competitiveness going between teams.“One of our biggest rivals in girls’ basketball is [the]

Louisburg [Wildcats],” said Shelby Baker, 10. “We have had a tough time beating them in the past.” Tryouts give coaches opportunities to add new mem-

bers to the team, whether they have years of experi-ence or none. “There are several qualities the team looks for in

new members. To be a cheerleader, you have to be sharp, have good facials, act with leadership, receive

Chilly Outside, Sweaty on the Court

The weather outside is frightful - and so is that shirt with those pants As the winter winds rolls into

Kansas, so does the change in popular attire. From tank tops to long sleeves, the transition from hot to cold is, as usual, gradual. The leaves transform and populate with the colors of Thanksgiving – eventually making their way to the ground below. The overcast skies become more visible due to the lack of volume in the trees. Houses add bright bulbs and green wreaths to their tan and beige paint. The list goes on and on, but there is one change that truly rules the human world – and that’s what

Chris Bybee, 11, Niles Kahn, Matt Smith, and Danny Martinez, 12 walked back out on the court at halftime ready to come back and defeat the Eudora Cardnals. (photo by A. McClurg)

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January 7, 2013

good grades and want to learn,” said Sam Stewart, 11.Some sports practice for months before it is final-

ly time to perform. Both cheerleaders and dancers attend competitions for chances to show off what

hangs around our shoulders. “I like how all the hoodies start

showing up [around winter time],” Zach Shields, 10, said. “What I don’t like is how there are people still wearing shorts [in the cold].” We all love flip-flops and open-

toed sandals, but there will be a point where shoving your feet into thick socks won’t keep you warm. Even though it’s a short walk from the parking lot to the boundaries of the school, that short rendezvous can leave faces frozen in place. “[I hate] the walk from the bus

to the school,” Regan Owen, 10,

said. “It’s so short, but it’s terrible enough to ruin your morning.” Sporting earmuffs and mittens are

the easiest ways to keep the most sensitive places warm – even if you look a little like an Eskimo. Feeling embarrassed about what you’re wearing is normal, especially if you are truly prepared for winter. Other students may look at you funny, but they are probably secretly wishing they had what was keeping you warm because they’re freezing in their wind-breaker.

Continued on page 7

Continued on page 7

The Rubber Wars

2

day, get away Winter break usually awakens the thoughts of ice,

snow and plummeting temperatures. For some, the chilling weather signals the time to head for warmer climates. Winter break is the prime time to travel for many students and whether the end point is warm or cold, winter vacations provide excitement for most. “I might get to go to Michigan. I’m pretty excited be-

cause my family lives there and I don’t get to see my family that often,” Lara Spaulding, 10, said. Different destinations bring about different activi-

ties to do on vacation. “I think that we’ll do lots of stuff,” Spaulding said.

“We’re going to Detroit and I think we’re going to go to the art museum.” Students discussed what they most looked forward

to on their trip.

After school on Nov. 9, StuCo put on their annual dodgeball tour-nament located in the gym. It is a big fundraiser for StuCo. For $30, a team captain could sign up their team and five other people.So all teams play each other, they are placed into a pool. They are

then placed into a single elimination bracket depending on how many people each team gets out. “The winning teams this year were the Barking Spiders and the

Senorellas,” said Sam Goble, StuCo reporter, 12.One of the teams, Call Us Maybe, made it to the semi-finals, unlike

other teams like Ball of Duty that didn’t make it quite as far.Most teams said they were satisfied with the turn out and how

well they performed.Garrett Kroutch, 10, said, “It was hectic because we had six games

back to back, so we went from one game into the other gym and then came back and had two more games right after each other.”Other teams, like Casey Arter’s and Colton Sloan’s, 10, said they

had a good time and are ready to do it again next year.“The rules are made fair, and teams are hard, which makes it a

challenge,” said Arter. “It’s also a lot of fun.”1. After Jac Spradling, 10, threw the ball, Elijah Schnetzler, 11, caught it. Spradling then got out. 2. The team, What Would Jesus Dodge, was having a talk before the game. They won and went on to another round. 3. Launching a ball at the opposing team, Abby Bell, 10, takes a powerful stance. Mary Larson, life skills teacher, looks on from her position as referee. (photos by B. Smith)

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“In California, I am most looking forward to seeing my cousin, Taylor. I haven’t seen her since she was born. She’s now five,” Connor Mosley, 11, said. Spaulding said she was most looking forward to

bonding with her family during the 12-hour car drive they will make. However, not everyone is using their winter break

to travel. Some students said that they wished they could travel, but weren’t going to. “I’m not going anywhere during winter break. I’m

probably just going to live up my time off at home getting sleep and spending time with my family,” Mattie Sills, 10, said. Whether they are traveling or not, most students

still looked forward to a break from academics.

3

The cold weather is on its way and with it comes many elements of the holiday season – including movies and snacks.“My favorite winter movie is ‘A Princess for

Christmas,’ because I love Hallmark movies,” Mikaela Crotchett, 9, said. “[My favorite holiday snack is] peanut butter balls, because my uncle makes them homemade.”Most enjoy watching movies. No matter how old

someone is, holiday movies are for all ages.“My favorite holiday movie is ‘A Christmas

Story,’” Dan Wooge, band director, said. “’How the

Cold Feet

Winter Movies & Snacks

Unlike bears, hibernating isn’t an option for staying warm in the winter. So instead of going outside, free time is spent doing other things.“I usually stay inside and get lots of blan-

kets so I am warm,“ said Sarah Riley, 10. “Then I light a fire and watch Christmas movies, eat cookies and drink hot chocolate with my family. When it is snowing, I like to go outside and build a snowman.”Some people said they prefer to sled when

Grinch Stole Christmas’ is a close second.”Getting together with the family or curling up

with a favorite snack to watch that favorite holiday movie is always a great feeling. “My favorite holiday snack is Chex mix,” Tim Shea,

assistant principal, said.The holidays are a time for family to be together.

When together, watching a movie is a great way to bond.“[The holidays] are [a good] time for my mom and I

to be together, and it is so fun,” Rochelle Hosler, 11, said.

Winter Preferences

Best Winter Movie

Best Winter Food

Best Winter Drink

Soup

Cocoa

152 surveyed

it snows outside. “I sled behind my house because there are

deep slopes,” said Casey Arter, 10. “I like sledding because of the adrenaline rush.”Yet sometimes it doesn’t go as planned and

crazy things can happen.“One time me, my mom and my uncle were

on a sled and we were going down this really big hill; hit a tree and the sled split right up the middle while we were still on it,” Riley said. Continued on page 7

DON’T USE..... OR ELSE

A time for giving and getting

Early in December during homeroom, teachers pass out slips of paper offering any student their wildest dream. Wishes can be wild, while remaining in the safe boundaries the school has to stay in. This time of the year, Christmas lists are being written up and the school plans to join in on the fun. StuCo is providing the chance for every student to get their wish granted. Wishes that are granted are shown on the morning announcements.“[I wished for] my brother to be on the

announcements, because he’s hilarious,” Sam Stewart, 11, said. On Dec. 5th, Jon Stewart, graduate, anchored the

Snow forts and snowballs

Winter Wishes

Little white flakes falling from the sky, cold weather and cuddling up next to a warm fire. That’s what many people look forward to every winter. Taurean Guzman, 10, said she only likes the snow

when it is fluffy, but once it turns into gross slush she cannot stand it. There are many things someone can do in the snow

to pass the time, such as sledding, making snow angels, having a snowball fight and making forts. Students share the best moments in the snow with friends and family. “One time, my brother and I decided to go outside

and play in the piles of snow and we would build awkward lopsided snowmen and make forts to protect us from the pretend bad guys,” Alicia Young, 10, said.

Christmas commercials start appearing on every television set and stores begin to bring out items featuring red and green. Dreaded Christmas present shopping begins and parents begin to panic, they wonder what gifts they can afford. Children everywhere start hearing the question, “So, what do you want for Christmas?” People ubiquitously scan through their

minds to find out just what they are really hoping to receive from Santa. “I get really excited [when people

ask me what I want for Christmas,] because even though I don’t know what I want, I’m happy because it’s almost Christmas,” said Aleah Bueker, 12. Christmas isn’t just about

receiving and giving gifts, it’s

about families coming together to celebrate. Families can gather around a food-filled table regardless of their traditional fare and reflect on what they are thankful for. “I’m really excited [for Christmas]

because my brother is coming home and I haven’t seen him in a long time,” said Meg Sharemet, 12.

4

Everyone has their opinions of the snow, whether they like it or not. Being outside in the cold is just not for some people. Kelsey Fletcher, 11, is one of those people. She said she used to like it when she was younger because she got out of school and could play outside, but now she does not like it because it is too cold. Being in the snow can be fun, scary and wild all at

the same time. “One time, my two brothers and I were all on a

sled, and we were going down our grandma’s long driveway when it was really icy and we all fell off,” Tyler Kiriakos, 9, said. Winter and playing in the snow can pull people

closer, allowing each special moment to bring them together.

announcements for his sister’s Winter Wish. Her winter wish was broadcasted for the whole school to enjoy, whereas some students are for one student or a small group to enjoy.“[Winter wishes are a good idea because] it allows us

to be creative,” Dylan Thompson, 11, said. Students’ winter wishes varied from balloons

filling the hallways, to teachers dressed in assorted costumes. The more creative the more of a chance the winter wish will be granted. “[My winter wish was] to have a fathead of Mrs.

[Kerri] Rodden [English teacher],” Chris Bybee, 11, said.

Continued on page 8

Timely When the Weather Outside is Frightful, Here’s How We Make it Delightful

Snow forts and snowballs The sun is disappearing sooner and Christmas lights are

springing up on assorted houses - it’s that time of year again. Christmas fever is spreading faster than the flu this season. Children are lining up to tell the “big man,” also known as Santa Claus, what they want and parents are stashing wrapped presents in the backs of closets. Christmas lists are being written and ABC Family has Christmas movies most of us have seen multiple times playing around the clock. Families aren’t the only ones participating in the

Christmas spirit, however. The high school likes to add a spin to the holiday season as well. StuCo, SPUB, the faculty and Abby Stallbaumer’s art classes, among others, are spreading the spirit in the form of Secret Santa. “[Secret Santa] gives the students something to look

forward to,” Anna Kearns, SPUB adviser, said. Secret Santa brings out the holiday spirit among

students, but it’s also noted by sponsors, that it brings

‘Tis the Seasonthe students together. “Secret Santa can build relationships,” Katie George,

StuCo sponsor, said.Students can be spotted hiding unmarked gifts

in lockers or handing off a gift to a friend of the recipient. The key is to keep your identity a secret and to keep the gift receiver happy. The guessing game aspect of Secret Santa adds to the fun. “[I like finding out who my Secret Santa is, because] it

drives me crazy,” Kiana Moffat, 10, said. So it seems that students no longer have to wait

for Winter Break to indulge in the season’s favorite activities - gift giving and gift receiving. The holiday spirit is lingering in the hallways a little sooner than Dec.- 25 with students having their turn as Santa. Coming to school doesn’t just mean learning complicated equations and typing essays, it can mean presents waiting in lockers.

When most people think of Christmas traditions, they think of decorating the house and the tree, unwrapping presents and spending time with family. But some families have other traditions.“Every Christmas, before we get to open any

presents, we read an entire chapter from the Bible,” said Madison Novak,10.Some families have Christmas Eve traditions instead

of Christmas day traditions.“Every Christmas Eve, my parents buy my brother

and I a pair of pajamas to wear on Christmas morning,” Sarah Presley, 10, said.Christmas traditions are simple ways to make

memories when the family gets together. When the kids are all grown, they can look back and cherish those memories. “Every year, my mom buys a big table cloth and the

whole family writes their names on it in Sharpie,” Sydney Shoemaker, 10, said.While others have Christmas traditions, some

people’s Christmases are completely changing.“This year we will be going to Josh Nichols’s [house,

graduate, then go to] his mom’s house on Christmas Eve and spend a part of Christmas day with his mom, we’ll go see my family, then go see his dad’s family,” Meghan Moody, 12, said.

Traditions

When winter comes, it brings the frosty weather.

Being cold is not an option; therefore, one must find

a way to get warm. There are many options a person

has to become steamy hot; it just depends on their

preference. A very common choice is cuddling.

“I love grabbing a handful of blankets and curling

up on the couch while watching a ton of moives with

my little sisters,” said Andrew Edwards, 10.

There seems to be something about grabbing a

blanket and snuggling up to someone who is warm

that is enjoyable. The way two peoples bodies form

together to absorb the others body heat is commonly

liked. However, if curling up to someone isn’t

something one is too keen about, there is always the

option of getting under a mound of blankets. Then

one would be immensely filled with warmth after a

while. Overall, there are many ways to become toasty

in the bitter cold it just depends on what mood one is

in.4 5Continued on page 8

Winter Accidents

Christmas season is a time of happiness and peace. It brings a sense of joy and togetherness. The jolly music, especially, can make people feel that way. So, why is it so wrong to listen to Christmas music outside of the season? Some people get annoyed with it, which I don’t

agree with. The music is lively and innocent, which is not something we get normally in our lives or our music. Sometimes we just need a break from the world and a chance to get back to what gives us a calm, cheerful feeling. I have talked to people about why they absolutely cannot stand Christmas music before the actual season, and one person said it was

One of my worst fears is to not be able to handle my responsibilities in and out of the classroom. I wish to excel at everything I do, hoping that the story I write or the picture I draw ends up becoming an example that the teacher shows to future classes.

So when I’m promoted to a high rank of power, such as being the editor of this newspaper, it was exactly what I had been working so hard for – so of course I would accept the position. I’ve been able to handle the stress of being the editor for a year and a half, but with college becoming a priority and taking other classes that require high levels of thinking, my responsibility as an editor started slipping. I started stressing because I didn’t want to admit that I had bitten off more than I could chew. As a stubborn senior, I rejected these feelings of defeat

and kept working at becoming a better editor and picking up the slack – but I soon found that no matter how long I wanted to deny my weakness, I was keeping the writers from achieving their complete potential as journalists. Deciding whether I have the strength to try to make a come-back, or the strength to selflessly give up a position, was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make.

I’ve been in newspaper since I was a freshman - dedicating myself to the productivity of this journalistic extracurricular activity for over three years. The next leader, however, is confident and can lead the staff in a way that I never could. Being able to give her more experience by giving her the position early would be in her favor completely. I’ve been honored with the title editor in chief for a year and a half, and I now gladly announce that the next editor will be someone who is more than just a talented writer. She is a silent leader and knows her journalism inside and out. Ladies and gentlemen, Kalie Drago, 11, will be the new editor of the Stampede. As a retired editor, I will serve as a mentor for her and point her in the right direction.

If I’ve learned anything from this experience, it’s to have the strength to make the right decisions, even if they don’t seem to be in your favor. I know that I’ll miss being the editor and I’ll miss being able to lead the group – but I know that Kalie will be able to lead these “journalistic junkies” into the right direction and more.

Knowing when to step down is true strength and it shouldn’t always be seen as admitting defeat, but as the ability to tell if you’re pulling others down with you; it’s a true quality that is selfless and overlooked by the masses. So don’t be afraid to step down if you feel that you aren’t able to be a power house. True selflessness is when you do something for others rather than yourself.

because people put so many materialistic thoughts into Christmas. Examples of this would be how people obsess over gifts they hope to get, or how expensive their gifts are. Instead, they said, we should think of it as the birth of Christ and a time when you get to be with your family and out of school. I feel that way too, however, I understand that it is annoying when all you see, even before Thanksgiving, are Christmas commercials with Christmas music accompanied by aggravating children’s voices. What makes it annoying is the materialistic aspect. If everything about Christmas was focused on the true merriness of the season and on having fun with the people you love, everyone would have a better feeling about Christmas, and Christmas music, year round.

I Don’t Want to Hear What You Hear!

During the winter season, everyone is shivering and on edge, which, in turn, leads to more vehicle accidents. Add the icy road conditions and the wildlife and you’ve got an accident waiting to happen.“Around this time, deer crashes are

most popular because deer are moving a lot this time of year,” Officer Mark Rokusek, Johnson County sheriff’s department, said. With the odds of someone hitting a

deer being 1 in 164, drivers need to be extra careful. Students will need to be more observant, especially since 199th

and Ridgeview is a major hot spot for wrecks. And with winter coming in slowly this year, students might not be as cautious as they should be.“In bad weather, it’s people driving

faster than the conditions permit,” Rokusek said. “[So it is best to] operate slowly.” One of the other top causes for

accidents during the winter is black ice. Black ice is a thin layer of clear ice that is almost impossible to see, leaving drivers unaware of how dangerous the road they are driving on really is.

If you do happen to get into an accident, the police department encourages you to follow these steps to move things along as smoothly as possible.“[First] call the police department,

or if someone is injured, 911. Then make sure you are in a safe place and possibly start exchanging information if there was another party involved in the accident. Have your driver’s license and proof of insurance available as well,” Rokusek said. Accidents do happen and the best

thing one can do is to be prepared and

Letter from the editor

6

they’ve been working for.“I am looking forward to competition season because

we are able to show off our accomplishments to all the otherschools,” said Alyssa Westfall, 11.Ever heard the saying “practice makes perfect”? Prac-

tice after practice may not seem fun in the beginning, but gratifying moments make it all worth it. “My overall favorite thing about wrestling is when

you win,” said Keaton Idell, 10. “They raise your arm in the air, and the feeling is awesome.”Personal goals can be a good start to the season,

allowing athletes to strive for success. Goals provide short-term and long-term motivation. They can be used to improve athletes’ personal performance.“I want to become a stronger base,” said Stewart. All in all, the hard work and dedication shows the

passion players have for their sport.“I would do anything to help my team win,” said

Bybee.

Chilly Outside, cont’d“I don’t care what people think [about how I look],”

said Owens. “I’ll wear whatever I need so I can survive the cold.”Gloves, boots, scarves and coats begin to make their

appearance around the hallways of the high school. Being cotton-stuffed or thick fleece, as long as they do their job keeping the wearer warm, they will continue to leave our lockers packed. Opinions on proper attire may be strong, but the

wind is stronger. Boots, coats, gloves and scarves will continue to dominate the influence of fashion around the school. And for those who aren’t willing to give up their booty-shorts and tank tops, they will soon have to surrender to Mother Nature. Until spring has sprung and the snow has wrung, students will be sporting their favorite, or not so favorite, winter attire.

The weather outside, cont’d

New Year, New LifeEvery student has something

they wish they could change in their life. Whether it was changes in their lifestyle or changes in their appearance, every student had something in the back of their mind that picked on their imperfections. One night a year, people all around the world have the opportunity to plan these

Even teachers do things in cold weather, although it’s usually with their kids.“[We] stay inside, build a fire, [make] hot chocolate

and I sit around the fire with my kids. [When it is snowing outside we] play in the snow, the kids love it,” Kerri Rodden, English teacher, said. “[We make] snow angels if there is enough snow and then I pull my kids around in a sled. We don’t really go anywhere I just pull them around our neighborhood. Personally I don’t sled because we don’t have any big hills, but

changes through a New Year’s resolution. “I think resolutions are good,”

Rache, said. “But only if people actually go through with them. A lot of people either give up or just forget after a few days.”Not all people see good things in

resolutions. Some have a different outlook on the time of change.

“I think resolutions are stupid,” Miranda, said. “They’re just excuses for people to feel good about themselves. If someone really wanted to change their life, they wouldn’t wait for a certain day to start, they’d just do it.”Whether they choose a resolution

or not, most students are looking forward to the New Year.

Cold Feet, cont’d my children love it just because it’s fun.”Some people also watch movies either on Christmas

or before.“[We don’t watch movies] on Christmas, but we

watch Christmas movies leading up to Christmas,” said Rodden. “My favorite movies are ‘White Christ-mas’ and ‘A Christmas Vacation’ said Rodden.People do all sorts of things when Jack Frost bites,

such going outside, sledding or curling up and watch-ing movies in the toasty indoors.

7

8

Many peoples’ winter time wishes begin before Christmas. For some students, they begin as soon as the cold weather descends. Hopefully when the cold weather comes in, it will snow at least once. And with a lot of snow comes canceled school days. An extra day added on the weekend or a few more hours of sleep is generally a nice surprise.When the lists of school closings begin rolling

across the news channels, most students are on guard, or have their parents on guard, watching and waiting for their school name to flash across the screen for those few brief seconds. For Kasey Paez, 12, the best parts of snow days are

the warm parts.“On snow days I stay home, drink hot chocolate,

and watch movies,” Paez said.Each school year, we are allowed approximately

five days to miss. But sometimes, we can get lucky enough to have one or two of those days attached to the weekend or winter break, extending our blissful time away from school. Snow is, in general, a wel-come sight. “I like the new snow from the first day, but then

after that, when it’s dirty, I hate it,” Meg Sharemet, 12, said.Erika Hartman, 11, shared Sharemet’s opinion. “I like snow, as long as I don’t have to be in it,”

Hartman said.In preparation for a big snow, many students, and

even their family members, have traditions to keep the snow falling. For some, it’s a snow dance or an ice cube down the toilet. For others, such as Brian Denson, 11, it’s a pajama twist and a spoon under his pillow.Denson said, “The night before, if there’s a chance

of snow, me and my sister wear our pajamas inside out and every now and then I convince her to put a spoon under her pillow.”Regardless of the traditions each student does or

doesn’t carry, in the end snow days are wished for by the majority. Here’s to hoping that this year we are able to take full advantage of snow days. These snow days might just give everyone the extra break they need to make it through to Christmas.

Five Day Snow Day Lee Way“On Christmas day, my family and I will get

up and eat orange-glazed cinnamon rolls, open presents and watch Christmas movies.”Giving gifts to loved ones, though stressful

at times, is part of the joy of Christmas. Activities like Secret Santa and white elephant gift exchanges are fun and allow everyone to participate in gift giving. Seeing smiles on other’s faces once they’ve opened up a heavily-wrapped present is priceless. “I’ve participated in Secret Santa because and

it’s one of my favorite things,” said Brad Smoot, 12. “I buy people really weird things, and I like seeing how people react to my gifts. It makes me happy when I see them smile.” What kids wish for Christmas has changed

throughout the years, with gifts becoming pricier and more technologically based. “[When I was a kid,] I really wanted a

millennium falcon, which I did receive,” said Curtis Allen, government teacher. “Gifts [nowadays] are very technologically based and have to do with social networking. Also, kids usually get one large gift and then a few smaller gifts, whereas I used to get lots of smaller gifts. I think Christmas is about spending time with friends and family, but it’s also fun to give gifts and see people happy.” Holidays are filled with food, fun and

presents, which makes them looked forward to throughout the year. Christmas is a special holiday that brings families together with maybe a few presents.

A time, cont’d

Teachers are often included in winter wishes. Lumberjack costumes are requested and blown up pictures are wished for when it comes to favorite teachers.“I want [a fathead] because I love her,” Bybee, said.Winter wishes keep the school laughing and let

students have a chance of getting what they want from the school besides a promising education. “It’s fun and people enjoy it,” Chance Hollern, 10,

said.

Winter, cont’d