an in-depth look

a preview of at the H1N1 virus

fall sports
the Half-Blood

High Life
new tennis courts Prince reviewed
Page 6 Page 3 Pages 4 & 5 Page 11

the
Since 1919
801 e. first
mcpherson, ks

Issue 1, Volume 90 McPherson High School August 19, 2009

Pictures Parking Seniors No School Thought

School pictures will be tak-
en Wednesday, August 26,
in the theater. Seniors are
asked to dress formally: no
bare shoulders, guys should
wear shirts with collars.
Students are not to park
in the Reserved, Guest,
Handicapped parking
stalls, or in the bus loading
zones. Student parking is
available in both parking
lots.
Senior conferences will
begin the second week
of school. Counselors will
go over senior transcripts,
check senior schedules
and hand out ACT and
scholarship information.
There will be no school “A journey of a
on Monday, September 7,
thousand miles
or the following Monday,
September 14. must begin with a
single step.”
- Lao Tzu

“When I was asked to write a statement for the High Life I wasn’t sure
where to begin. My first few weeks on the job have me asking more
questions than people can answer. With that in mind, I figured it would
be a good idea to ask you questions. You can provide the answers to me
when you see me in the halls, share your answers with Student Council
members, or you can simply ponder them for yourself.

Question One: What do you want from McPherson High School? More
specifically, when you graduate from MHS, what you will you need to be
successful in the “real world”, whatever that might be?

Question Two: What can MHS do to make the four years you spend with
us better? (I know the tendency here will be to ask for the frivolous, some
of which may have some validity.) But I want serious answers, examples
in my mind are: provide more individualized learning options, more job
related course work, etc. What are your thoughts?

From my perspective, as someone new to MHS, this is what I need to

know for us to progress. I do plan to ask similar questions of our staff,
our parents and patrons. Yes, your input is valuable. If it wasn’t I would
not be asking. I don’t believe in wasting your time, just as I don’t believe
in students wasting my time, a teachers time, or their own time.

I like high school. If I didn’t, I would not have spent the last 17 years
working in them. Believe it or not, I also like high school age students. I
want your time spent at MHS to be a positive experience for everyone,
including staff and parents. If you ever have a question I will do my
best to give you an answer. Please be patient for a while as I learn a new
building, new students and new staff. It is going to take some time be-
fore I “fit in” with everything. I am excited to be here. And I hope you are
excited at the possibilities of what we can accomplish.”

-Bret McClendon

Principal 10

McClendon
Q&A with the new
principal on page 3

Photo by Nikki Wentling

 Page 2

News
Additions to the staff, lunch line and the increased allowance of
cell phone usage will make this an exciting year at MHS.
Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor
August 19, 2009

New teachers Regular lunch

introduced to MHS
Hannah Martin
Ads Manager
A student’s resume most likely consists of multiple summer jobs, while a
teacher’s boasts of a college education and, for some, years of teaching experi-
ence. They can add McPherson High School 2009-2010 to their list this year.
Cory Buchta, Chris Johnson, Curt Kornhaus, Jennifer Marges, David Maxey,
Sarah Burk, Cody Stucky and Alex Tyler are the new additions to the MHS
staff.
While all are new to the high school, some have taught in other districts.
“I was the assistant debate and forensics coach at Newton High School last
year. I also coached track at Newton. Don’t hate me for that,” Buchta said.
While Buchta taught for USD 373, Kornhaus, Maxey, Burk and Stucky have
taught in USD 418 before.
“The reason I’m coming to the high school is due to an additional section of
Building Trades classes being added. I will only be teaching at the high school
for one period,” Kornhaus said.
Johnson and Marges may be new to teaching, but have experience in the
school’s setting after student teaching here last year.
“I was excited to be offered a job in McPherson as I am familiar with the
district, the teachers and some of the students. This is such a nice area to work
and live in, and I feel very supported by everyone,” Margres said.
Johnson worked in the USD 418 District throughout last year.
“Last fall I completed my student teaching here in McPherson teaching
music at Lincoln, Roosevelt, the middle school and the high school. I gradu-
ated from K-State last December, and spent the Spring substitute teaching in
Manhattan and McPherson,” Johnson said.
Biology and AP Environment Science teacher Maxey will be a new face in
the halls, but teaching at this school isn’t new to him.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been a full time teacher at McPherson High
School. I did my student teaching here in 1989 in room 53. Let me tell you, it’s
great to be walking the halls again, I still see some familiar faces from from
from years past,” Maxey said.
Sarah Burk David Maxey Alex Tyler
FACS Bio/AP Enviorment Help Room/For. Lang.
options extended
Clarissa Fenimore
News Editor
Cory Buchta
Debate/Forensics/English
For the first time, students will be able to choose
their own main dish as part of a regular school
lunch. Along with the salad bar, the a la carte line
will provide four other options for students want-
ing to purchase a school lunch. Although a student
will be able to choose their main dish, they will have
to choose two of the other three indicated items to
complete their meal.
“A student will now be able to build a regular
school lunch within the a la carte line. All a student
Cody Stucky will have to do is fill three components from the
Special Ed
following choices: a main dish (hamburger, chicken
sandwich, homemade peanut butter and jelly, and
deli sandwich), a vegetable (either fries or fresh veg-
etable), a fruit, or a milk,” food director Bill Froese
said.
While students are now being offered four a la
carte main dishes as well as a salad bar option, the
school will still provide a different school lunch dish
every day as in past years. The price of a regular
school lunch, made up of any of these choices, will
Chris Johnson be $2.45.
Assistant Band Students can also expect a new variety of drinks
in the a la carte line.
“We will also be offering some different choices
beverage wise. We will offer diet green tea, chai tea,
and possibly some vitamin waters,” Froese said.
Though there are several alterations in lunch op-
tions this year, the food service team is not expecting
prices in the a la carte line to vary too much from the
prices offered last year. The main differences will
come from new snacks that the line will feature.
Jennifer Margres “For the most part a la carte prices will stay the
Art same. However, some of the new items that we are
bringing in demand a higher price,” Froese said.
As far as a change in the lunchroom setting goes,
Froese is very open to changing up the scenery every
once in a while.
“I would be happy to put together an outside
cookout again as we did last year. I trust that the
organizations that helped in the past will help us put
that together again,” Froese said.
As always, Froese encourages students to contact
him with any concerns or suggestions about lunches
Curt Kornhaus
Building Trades
at bill.froese@mcpherson.com.

Some cell phone usage now allowed

“Students are not to use cell phones, text
message or access the Internet from
any non-school personal communica-
tion device at any location in the
building when class is in session.”
- Student Handbook
Katie Mena
Entertainment Editor
As the school welcomes a new year, it also welcomes
new rules. Instead of last year’s “no cell phone” policy,
students may now use cell phones during passing period
and their assigned lunch period.
“Basically, it’s the exact same during class periods,
but cell phones can be used during passing period and
lunches,” Assistant Principal Greg Smith said.
In the past, cell phones have been an issue during
passing periods and lunches.
“I got my phone taken away by Mr. Reed one year in
the hall” senior Brandi Wishon said.
The administration hopes the new rule will make cell
phones less of a distraction during class.
“Hopefully it will make students not want to sneak it
in class,” Smith said.
Even with less restrictions, some people believe cell
phones will continue to be used during class time.
“Most students use cell phones to get a hold of parents
if they need to, so they can just text them during passing
period instead,” Wishon said. “I still think students will
still text in class though.”
The new policy is sure to bring many different opin-
ions and reactions among students and staff.
“I’m excited to use my cell phone during school where
I won’t get in trouble,” Wishon said.
“It’s going in the same direction as society,” Smith
said. “Obviously, I like it.”
 Page 3

News
The new tennis courts will be a great addition to the MHS ath-
letic department. Hopefully they will be done before the end of
the girls’ season. Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor
August 19, 2009

Tennis courts delayed

8 courts
3 months
0 trees
Construction crews continue to work on the tennis courts. The new tennis courts will boast eight courts, lights and a gazebo. The tennis
courts are slated to be completed by the first week of September. photos by Brent Gipson

Rochelle Cottrell
Feature Editor
Two years of planning, three months of construc-
tion and eight courts later the new tennis courts are
almost complete with just a few finishing touches
left. With more courts, flatter surfaces, more space
and better wind resistance, players and spectators
are looking forward to experiencing new courts.
“I’m looking forward to having bigger meets and
more meets. It will be easier because you won’t
have to look out for cracks in the courts,” sopho-
more Allie Miller said.
Cracks are not the only thing that separates the
new courts from the old ones.
“There will be eight courts instead of six, the
courts are made of a post-tension surface so they are
a lot safer, there is more space between the courts,
they are more viewer-friendly, there is a windscreen
that is taking place of the trees and we will also have
a gazebo that was paid for by private donations, an
anonymous donation and the booster club,” Athletic
Director Shane Backhus said.
Although there are many new additions to the
courts, the decision to put lights up hasn’t been
made.
“We do have funding for lights but as of right
now, it is undecided. If we did put them up, it would
be more for public use,” Backhus said.
While the girls’ tennis season is already under-
way, the courts are not expected to be done until the
first week of September.
“The original timeline was mid-August, but the
weather delays and unknowns have set things back.
We still hope to be on the first week of September,
but it depends on the weather and how hard they
work,” Backhus said.
Some believe that the courts should have been
ready in time for the beginning of the girl’s tennis
season.
“I feel like they should have started earlier be-
cause it will be harder to have big meets, but I think
it will be worth the wait because the courts were
really bad before, so it will definitely be worth it,”
Miller said.
Although the new courts may be worth the wait,
the girl’s tennis team will have to practice elsewhere
until the courts are completed.
“The first two weeks they will have to practice at
Wall Park and the city courts downtown,” Backhus
said.
With the budget cuts the school had to make,
some may wonder how they could afford to pay for
these courts.
“We had $500,000 dollars in the capital outlay
account, a lease agreement with McPherson Col-
lege for $150,000 dollars, and the extra additions
like the lights and gazebo were paid for by private
citizens,” Backhus said.

Teachers move to different classrooms Participation fees increase

Jacob Kresky
Online Editor
The beginning of the school year
brings on many changes. One of
these is teachers moving from room
to room. English teacher Sylvia Eh-
rlich is one of the four teachers that
have moved classrooms.
“I chose to switch rooms,” Ehrlich
said. “I would have been the only
teacher not in the English hex.”
A lot of time is spent in deciding
whether teachers should stay in their
room or move to a new location.
“There are times that a room
opens up and a teacher may just like
the layout of the room better,” Head
Custodian Ron Holm said.
Another teacher that made the
classroom switch was Drafting
teacher Don Willits, who moved to
room 113.
“I switched because of the deci-
sion to move the Learning Center to
the old tech building,” Willits said.
“The displacement issue won’t affect
how the classes are.”
At the end of the school year, Wil-
lits had to label everything and pack
it up so maintenance could move all
of his drafting equipment.
“This room is probably slightly
larger than the other, but I don’t
have any square corners,” Willits
said.
In addition, math teacher Chris
Allen moved to room 303 and his-
tory teacher Patrick Corcoran moved
to room 302.
“I feel that whatever makes the
teaching environment better for the
teacher [is what] we will try to ac-
commodate,” Holm said.
Leigh Loving
Sports Editor
There’s one more reason your
parents are reaching for their wal-
lets this year; it’s for their student’s
ability to participate in school spon-
sored activities.
This year the Board of Education
initiated a participation fee of $50 in
order to participate in any KSHSAA
activity. Students who are eligible
for reduced lunches will pay $35
and those who are entitled to free
lunches pay $0.
“The participation fee was voted
on and approved by the Board of
Education. They decided to institute
a participation fee due to the budget
cuts. They voted to add it to offset
the cost to provide activities at the
high school and middle school,” Ac-
tivities Director Shane Backhus said.
This fee impacts a wide range of
students.
“This affects anyone who par-
ticipates in a KSHSAA activity
that competes at a state level. This
includes all athletics, cheerleading,
Hi-Steppers, Band, Vocal, Debate,
Forensics and Scholars Bowl,” Back-
hus said.
The old participation fee, which
was $20, only covered athletics.
“The district supports each activ-
ity, so they decided they should all
be subject to the same rules. The fee
helps the programs costs for equip-
ment and transportation as well as
salaries for coaches,” Backhus said.
The fee not only allows students
to engage in activities, it also grants
them an activity ticket to be used
to access school sponsored events
without paying every time.

Q&A with Principal McClendon

How many years of experience do you have?
What do you like to do in your free time? I am entering my 18th year in public education. I have eight years
Besides watching high school sporting events, I enjoy bird hunt- as a social science teacher and nine years as an administrator.
ing with my English Setters and competing in barbeque contests.

What do you like the most about your job?

Family?
[I have a] wife named Michelle and two kids, one named
Sydney, sophomore, and Josie, seventh grade.
The best part about being a high school principal is working with
staff and students to improve every day. I believe if everyone gets
a little better every day at what they do, success will follow.

Maybe if people washed their hands once in a while, we wouldn’t
have this problem. Hannah Lujano, In-Depth Editor
SWINE
FLU
Could it happen to you?
The first H1N1 virus in the US began as a small contained
disease and has now grown into a nationwide epidemic.
Everyone is at risk.
Katie Mena
Entertainment Editor
Andrea Nowak
MHL Editor
It started out small, merely 45 confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in
the first US outbreak. But what began as a few concentrated outbreaks
has evolved into a nationwide epidemic. It has affected people interna-
tionally, nationally and locally.
“We are closely monitoring the emerging cases of swine flu,’’ President
Barack Obama said in a statement release in April 2009. “This is obvi-
ously a cause for concern, but it is not a cause for alarm.”
The United States government has already spent $1.15 billion dollars
to buy enough vaccine to immunize the country’s entire population. If
the US decides to put in place a full-scale vaccination program, it would
be the largest and fastest vaccination in the history of the world.
The original sweep of the pandemic did not cause too many residents
of the US to worry, but that may change when the second sweep comes
through. The second wave of the H1N1 virus is expected to happen once
school is in session again. This is due to the large numbers of people in
enclosed areas.
The first confirmed case was in Mexico on March 17, 2009, and just
11 days later it was in the United States. McPherson County had it’s first
confirmed case on Thursday, July 30, 2009.
“In Kansas, as many as 10,000 cases have already occurred, with con-
firmed disease now reported in 35 counties throughout the state,” Kansas
State Health Officer and Director of Health for KDHE Jason Eberhart-
Phillips said.
There have been a total of three confirmed cases in McPherson County
according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, com-
prising of one adult and two children.
McPherson High School has also been affected by the swine flu virus,
which causes the school to take necessary actions to prevent the spread
Page 4
In-Depth
August 19, 2009
of the virus.
“We have three students at MHS that may have been exposed to the
H1N1 virus,” Principal Bret McClendon said. “I will draft a letter to the
parents, and probably give them a call, too.”
The cases of swine flu this summer have not been nearly as high as
other seasons, just like with the regular seasonal flu, but it is expected to
increase again during the fall. Students will need to take special care if
they experience any swine flu symptoms. The symptoms include fever,
body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, chills, fatigue, coughing,
sore throat, respiratory congestion and sometimes diarrhea and vomit-
ing.
There are some ways a person can actively avoid catching the H1N1
virus, such as staying home when sick, covering coughs, keeping hands
clean by frequent hand-washing or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitiz-
ers, not touching eyes, nose or mouth, and not drinking or eating after
others.
Even with a healthy lifestyle, a person may still contract the swine flu
virus. Everyone is at risk of contracting this illness.
Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team was quar-
antined after returning from a trip with the US national team to Mexico
City, Mexico. Donovan was tested, and it was confirmed on August 13,
2009 that he was carrying the swine flu virus. It is thought that he picked
up the H1N1 virus before actually leaving for the trip. Even though he
only has mild symptoms, members of his team that came into contact
with him during that time period are also being treated for the virus as a
precaution. He participated in the match held in Mexico City, assisting
the teams only goal, and he is expected to return soon.
Contracting the virus is not the only way to be affected by it. Many
people are experiencing the effects of the virus in a variety of different
ways.
“My family and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean,” MHS Technical
Coordinator Larry Chaney said. “One of our scheduled stops was Cozu-
mel, but we got rerouted because of the swine flu scare.”
 Page 5

In-Depth
I’m rubber and you are glue, so swine flu bounces off me and
sticks to you. Hannah Lujano In-Depth Editor

August 19, 2009

Steps for H1N1 prevention: the

buzz

1.
Stay home when sick. Don’t contaminate others by going to school
or by being out of the confinement of your home when ill. Gunman leaves $225,000

Every touch to every

bill brings specks of dirt,
food, germs or even
drug residue.

2.
Scientists say the
amount of cocaine
Cover coughs and sneezes. After a cough or sneeze, droplets can found on bills is not
enough to cause health
travel up to 3 feet. Bacteria can travel up to 20 feet. There are 100 bil- risks. Money can be con-
taminated with cocaine
lion bacteria in the average persons mouth. during drug deals or if a
user snorts with a bill.

Michael Jackson

3.
Michael Jackson will be
Keep hands clean. Frequently wash your hands and use alcohol- buried Saturday, August
29, on what would have
based hand sanitizer, especially when interacting with large groups been the singer’s 51st
birthday, according to a
of people. statement from publicist
Ken Sunshine.
Katherine Jackson has
proposed she or one of
her children be added as

4.
an executor to Michael’s
will.
Don’t touch nose, eyes or mouth. Germs could transfer from your
hands and enter your system through these areas. Mozart’s Death
he death of compos-
er Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart at the age of 35
may have been caused
by complications stem-

5.
ming from strep throat,
according to a Dutch
study published on
Refrain from drinking out of someone else’s drink container. Ob- Monday. Since the com-
viously, this transfers germs or viruses that they may have to you. poser’s death in 1791,
there have been various
theories about the cause
of his untimely end,
source: cnn.com

The soccer team is hosting the McPherson Invitational at the
college this week. Come out and cheer on the soccer team!
Leigh Loving, Sports Editor
Volleyball serves
up multiple wins
Clarissa Fenimore
News Editor
Just over three weeks into the school
year and fall sports season, the volleyball
team has already seen its fair share of
time on the court.
With four wins against Hutch (25-20,
25-16), Campus (25-17, 25-12), Salina
Central (25-14, 25-15) and Ark City (21-
25, 25-8, 25-14) and only two losses to
Newton (22-25, 25-21, 22-25) and Maize
(17-25, 14-25), Mac made a good showing
at the AVCTL Pre-Season Tournament in
Hutch on Aug 29.
“I think we did really well. We beat the
teams we were supposed to. Maize and
Newton were pretty good. Newton we
could have beat. It was really close and
we got tired,” senior Lacey Unruh said.
The following week, on Sept 1, the
team hosted its own triangle and fell af-
ter three games to Salina South (25-15,
8-25, 15-25) but triumphed over Hutch
(25-15, 25-17).
“We had some really good rallies with
Salina South. Everyone fought really
hard,” junior Sarah Gaeddart said.
On Tuesday, the team traveled to God-
dard and faced off with Winfield, winning
25-13, 25-11; Salina Central, coming out
on top with 25-23, 25-16; and lost their
match against the home team 16-25, 14-
25.
The only injuries the volleyball team
is dealing with at this point occured be-
fore the season began, with two fresh-
men that are sitting out after surgeries
and a junior who was out for a while with
a returning knee injury.
“Only the two freshmen are still out.
Everybody’s back in action at this point,”
head coach Christy Doile said.
The volleyball team is far from done,
with a triangle coming up in Ark City on
Sept 15 and another triangle in Newton
on Sept 22 with the Newton Invite fol-
lowing on the 26th.
“I think we can go pretty far if we just
work hard,” Unruh said.
Sophomore Kendra Reed races to the finish line at the
J.K. Gold Classic cross country meet hosted by WSU .
photo by Darcie Nelson
Senior Collyn Wall goes up for a header during the Labor Day game against the Thomas More Prep Monarchs. The team pulled off a 2-1 win.
photo by Brent Gipson
Soccer earns first win in double overtime
Team wins first round in McPherson Invitational
Katie Mena
Entertainment Editor
After a rocky start, the Bullpup boys soccer team has a
win on their record. The boys matched up against Thomas
More Prep on Monday in the opening game of the annual
McPherson Invitational and their home debut game. MHS
came out on top with a 2-1 victory, moving their record to
1-2.
“We played pretty good,” freshman Xavier Tores said.
“We controlled the ball well. We didn’t give up and just kept
going.”
MHS’s Davian Lawrence was the first to score with Lee
Williams assisting, sending the Pups into the second half
with a score of 1-0.
“The more possessions we have, the more shots we will
get on goal,” Lawrence said. “That goal was all about hus-
tling.”
The Monarchs answered Lawrence’s goal in the second
half, and there was no other goal for the remainder of the
half. The first overtime produced the same result, which
called for a double overtime. Only forty-five seconds in to
the second overtime, Lee Williams tucked away the game
winning goal for the Bullpups, assisted by Xavier Tores.
Cross country starts off on the right foot
Rochelle Cottrell
Feature Editor
With six new girls and three new boys, the cross
country team has a lot of new and returning runners
this year. With one meet under their belt and another
meet in Emporia this Saturday, teacher and cross
country coach Chad Brake has high expectations for
this season.
“[I’m expecting] for varsity to qualify for state and
place as one of the top teams and for each of the run-
ners to improve their own personal goals,” Brake said.
Some of Brake’s expectations have already been met
at the first meet.
“We had a lot of personal records set on that course
so we competed real hard,” Brake said.
Brake may have met some of his goals already, but
he still has concerns for the season.
“[My biggest concern] is staying healthy and injury
free,” Brake said.
This concern has already become a reality for senior
Kelsi Beam, as she has to abstain from running due to
Page 6
Sports
August 19,2009
“The effort was there, but we could have done better
against a team like that,” Lawrence said. “We’ll always take
the win, but we’re going to need to play better on Thursday
if we want to make the championship game.”
If the Pups make it to the final round, they will be going
for their 3rd straight title of this tournament.
The Pups also took on the Salina South Cougars at Salina
Stadium on Thursday, September 3, falling 0-1.
“We didn’t work together as a team, and we still have a
lot of work to do,” junior Evan Bissel said.
MHS boys soccer opened at Newton on Tuesday, Sep-
tember 1. They suffered a 1-4 loss, with Lee Williams scoring
the only MHS goal off a header in the first half, assisted by
Preston Mossman.
The MHS boys soccer team played last night against Hays
in the second round of the McPherson Invitational at 7 p.m.
Hays also won their first round game against Independence.
Results from last night’s match up were not available at
press time.
The Bullpups will return to action Satuday afternoon
against either Salina South or Wichita Trinity. The time
and opponent is determined by the results of last night’s
matches.
her pre-season injury.
“I have two stressed fractures from running and
can’t compete for a couple of weeks,” Beam said.
While Beam may not be able to compete for a few
weeks, she still has high expectations for the team.
“The boys are probably going to be pretty good and
the girls have a lot of new runners so it will be fun to see
how they do,” Beam said.
Beam’s prediction has held true for the first meet as
the boys placed fourth and the girls took fifth.
Other results from the Wichita State Meet are as
follows. In individual placings from the varsity boys
team senior Adam Porter placed first, senior Morgan
Peterson placed twelth, junior Nicholas Rempe placed
sixteenth, junior Skylar Janda placed fourty-seventh,
and senior Max Archer placed fifty-ninth.
The varsity girls team also had top finishers. Junior
Andrea Nowak placed eighth, senior Emily Reeese
played twelth, freshman Colleen O’connor placed
twenty-fifth, junior Leigh Loving placed thirty-eighth,
sophomore Kendra Reed placed thirty-sixth, and fresh-
man Kayla Faust placed forty-first.
 Page 7

Sports
I’m putting this out there right now. Texas will be in the national
championship this coming Janurary.
Leigh Loving, Sports Editor
August 19, 2009

football playeroftheweek
Kylee Bonham
Te n n i s
Favorites
Color: Blue
Food: Pizza
Movie: Pineapple Express

Andrea Nowak
MHL Editor
Junior Heath Collins attempts to evade a tackle during the Goddard football game. photo by Brent Gipson
For junior Kylee Bonham
tennis hasn’t always been

Football cages Goddard Lions 40-17 a part of her life, but it is an

Hannah Lujano
Indepth Editor
Like the events that transpired at last
Thursday’s pep rally, the senior football play-
ers were not afraid to show their stuff.
“Dylan showed Courtney up on the cheer
moves,” senior Joel Piper said.
However, instead of performing toe touch-
es, they were making perfect plays.
“We executed really well on offense and
defense and we were pretty physical,” senior
Ben Clary said.
With all the early anticipation surround-
activity she’s grown to love.
ing the game against Goddard, it came as no “I wanted to try something
surprise that the final score was 40-17, with new, so in seventh grade I
the Bullpups as the victors. went out,” Bonham said, “I
“I think it went pretty well, I was expecting really liked it and have been
a better game but we played hard and stuck it playing ever since.”
to them,” Piper said.
Despite the nervous
The season opener win was anything but
luck. Coach Tom Young and his staff have butterflies Bonham gets
prepared this year’s team well. at meets, she is comforted
“He demands perfection and brings the best knowing that on and off the
out of everyone,” senior Tyler Davis said. court her role model is always
The football team will be back in action beside her.
on September 11 as they host their first home
“My mom has a full time
game against Campus High School.
job and yet is a full time
mom, always supporting me

Despite low numbers tennis succeeds in tennis.”

Kassidy Glazner
Staff Writer
The McPherson High
School girl’s tennis team is
determined to start off the
year strong. Numbers may
be down, and there may have
been a delay in the finishing of
the tennis courts, but that isn’t
a factor for this year’s talented
team.
“I think that since numbers
are lower, we can get more one
on one and therefore get bet-
ter.” Sophomore, Libby Graber
said.
The team of eleven has
been practicing everyday after
Sophomore Kirsten Holle hits the
ball at the McPherson Invitational.
photo by Kassidy Glazner
girls have been practicing at
Wall Park.
“We’re really excited to play
on the new courts. We’re get-
includes, Casyn Buchman and
Kirsten Holle as number one
and two singles. The duo of
Katie Bomberger and Ashley
Allmon will be competing as
the number one doubles team,
and Kylee Bonham and Erika
Wedel as number two doubles.
The JV lineup includes Libby
Graber as number one singles.
Allison Ivers and Katelynn
Reed competing in number
one doubles, and Alex Bruce
and Harley Ratley competing
as number two doubles.
“ The tennis season is going
to go great,” Casyn Buchman
said.
The Girls kicked off there
season Thursday September
minutes with
There are different forms
of preparation before meets
but no matter what, hard
work is a necessity.
“Practices usually con-
sist of drills and challenge
matches. There’s also a little bit of running too,” Bonham said.
Some of her goals for the season include getting to state at #2
doubles on the top 6 and individually having a better record than
last year.
In her spare time Bonham keeps busy with softball and swim-
ming, but no matter what game she’s playing her favorite aspect of
sports remains the same.
“I hate losing. I play to win and to have fun, but mostly win,”
Bonham said.
Trost

school since the first week of ting tired of driving to Wall 3, 2009 at the McPherson In-
Freshman Volleyball

school. Since there was a de-
lay in the finishing time of the
newly built tennis courts, the
915
Park everyday for practice,” vitational. They compete next
Graber said. Saturday, September 12, at the
This year’s varsity line-up Salina Central Invite. Number of
years coaching

Ashley Sweat How long have you been coaching softball?

I’ve been coaching since 1999 at South Central
Salina.
hometown | McPherson, Kansas graduated | ‘06
college | Kansas State position | 6-2 forward Did you play volleyball?
coach

Yes, I played at Cloud Community College and

Boise State University.
After graduating from MHS in ‘06, Ashley Sweat has contin- What do you like about the team so far?
ued her success in basketball at Kansas State. Starting every I like their willingness to work with each other and
game her junior season, Sweat starts her senior season as be a good team doing it. I’m excited to see what
a preseason candidate for the John Wooden Award. The the rest of the season will be like as they continue
to improve and advance.
Wooden Award nominates players who exhibit strengths of What do you like about volleyball?
character on and off the court, contribute to team effort, and I like that it’s a team sport where all of the individ-
5

have a cumulative 2.00 GPA at an accredited college. During ual skills are put together to make the strength of
her junior season Sweat was named 2009 All Big 12 1st team the team. And it’s about finesse and control rather
photo courtesy of Kansas State than simple brute strength.
sports information and 2009 Academic Big 12 1st team.
 Page 8

MyHighLife
Here are just three of many different places students traveled
with their churches over the summer. The trips included commu-
ity service, worship and fellowship. Andrea Nowak, MHL Editor
August 19, 2009

MISSION
On a
Countdown
7 days until
Picture Day
Students spend summer helping others through church activities
9 days until
Fall Sports Preview

10 days until
Church of Christ
Fall Sports Pictures • Where? Honduras
16 days until
First Football Game • Duration? Two weeks
19 days until
Labor Day • Why? Paint and provide fellowship to youth
24 days until
ACT Test “I learned by what I saw that I have a lot they
don’t have and I’m fortunate and more grateful
31 days until
Melodrama for what I have.”
- sophomore Shelby Cline
44 days until
Fall Homecoming

126 days until

Christmas Break
Trinity Lutheran
• Where? New Orleans, LA
Lowdown

• Duration? Five days

CLUB

• Why? Concerts, Learning Centers and

community service for Hurricane Katrina
victims

“I learned that even a little bit of effort can be a

big help to somebody else.”
International - junior Dani Morris
Please join us this year
as we celebrate many
different cultures and
always have a good
time at our meetings!
New Hope
Dues are $2 and any- • Where? Mexico
one is welcome to join.
Please see Mrs. Krug to
sign up. • Duration? Ten days
Running Club
• Why? Provide vacation bible school for
The running club is up children and construct a new church
and running. The run-
ning club is for anyone
who is interested in “I liked the kids at VBS, they didn’t have
running or walking
after school. For more much, but they were always happy to see us.”
information contact - junior Kylee Bonham
Mrs. Nixon.
 Page 9

Feature
Surviving leukemia two times and now battling it for the third
time, Andrea Voth is leaning on hope to get her through this
battle for life. Rochelle Cottrell, Feature Editor
August 19, 2009

Having Optimistic Powerful Emotions

Andrea Voth diagnosed with leukemia, again
Channing Wall
Staff Writer
Andrea Voth has become accustomed to routines of treat-
ments and physical therapy from her battling of leukemia. Be-
ing diagnosed with leukemia first in June of ‘97, and again in
October of ‘04, she’s now on her second relapse. Having found
out in April of her freshman year, the high school experience
as a sophomore will be a bit different. She won’t be able to be
at school as much, but will continue taking classes.
The consistency of her chemo treatment is determined by
how many days in a row she takes it. For example, taking it a
couple days in a row gets her about two or three weeks off.
“They aren’t painful but usually take two to four hours.
I have a protocalf (a machine to pump chemo through the
body). They use that instead of finding veins to poke,” Voth
said.
Effects from treatment cause her hobbies to be limited.
Swimming is something she didn’t get to do a lot of this sum-
mer. Shopping and manicures, on the other hand, are top priority.
Although, running isn’t something most of us think about often, she
claims it isn’t very reasonable for her because chemo tends to make her legs
weak. Luckily her job at Perkins hasn’t gotten in the way too much. Working
an evening here and there keeps her going and gives her something to do.
Always remembering her goals during the process of treatments, she tries
to stay optimistic.
“I would like to go to college and be a P.A. (physician assistant) or a cos-
metologist,” Voth said.
Having a supportive and caring family helps. Her mom makes sure to give
out lots of hugs, and her brother tries to show his love as much as possible.
The recovery process from these treatments usually leaves Andrea without
much of an appetite.
“It changes my outlook on food. After chemo I usually wont have an ap-
petite for five days or so. Everything sounds disgusting and just doesn’t look
good,” Voth said.
Andrea is very appreciative of friends and family who support her and
keep her optimistic.

Going beneath the surface - Filgrastim

• A colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the production of neutro-
Understanding cancer and its effects on the human body philis (a type of white blood cell).
- Baclofen
• A drug that is used to treat certain types of muscle - Leukemia
spasms by blocking certain nerve receptors in the spi- • Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow
nal cord. and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter
the bloodstream.
- Catheter
• A flexible tube used to deliver fluids into or withdraw -Paralysis
fluids from the body. • Loss of ability to move all or part of the body.

Fiddling in France h t s e e in g
Jeni Arbuckle
Staff Writer
Sig
The fiddle has been around since the 16th century and an estimat-
ed 64% of signed bands have a fiddle player within their members. “It [the cathedral] was cool
For junior Savannah Edgar, playing the fiddle took her to France to because it was from the fifth
play in front of 10,000 people. century and it was really, really
Craig Edgar calls his band W.C. Edgar. It consists of six members.
Savannah (fiddle), Craig (vocalist), Greg Downey (bass), Nick Tate old.”
(guitar) and Chris Hemphling (drums). Craig Edgar split off to do his
own thing after playing for Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson as well.
“One day, my dad was just like, ‘Hey, do you think you could learn
my stuff so you can play the show in France with me?’ I was like,
‘Heck yes!’” Edgar said.
The beauty of London can be captured in pictures, but Edgar
got to experience it first hand during a flight layover on her way to
France.
“We went sightseeing during the layover so I got to see Big Ben,

s
Parliament, Westminster Abbey Cathedral. My favorite attraction
was probably the 5th century cathedral in La Puy, where we stayed. “The food looked all fancy, but
e l i c a cie
The architecture there was amazing. Most of the buildings were re-
ally, really old and looked awesome,” Savannah Edgar said.
Confusing thoughts bombarded Edgar as she arrived in France af-
it was really terrible.”
D
ter the long layover. The illegible signs and unrecognizable language
didn’t help pull her from the confused state.
“There were lots of differences, obviously. For one, they drive
really fast over there. Like, you know how around here, when you’re
going across the street, people wave at you? Yeah, they don’t do that
there. They don’t slow down for anyone or anything. I was pretty
close to being hit a few times,” she said.
After her three days of France, the real reason Edgar went to
France had finally arrived: a concert in front of 10,000 people.
“It was awesome because it was
“It was pretty awesome. Playing in front of 10,000 people was le- Fiddlin in front of like 10,000 people;
git. I know country music and French people . . . weird,” Edgar said.
Looking back at her trip, Edgar can definitely say her most memo- g it felt cool playing in front of
that many people.”
rable moment was playing in front of those 10,000 people.
“The whole thing was actually pretty crazy,” Edgar said.

This is probably the most creative, innovative page design you’ll
ever see. Way better than Sports. Caleb Chin, Opinions Editor
Editorial
Increased fees keep sports intact
Paper, pencils, rulers, pens and protractors.
It’s all about money.
Now the intangible things are coming at a price.
Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, all ac-
tivities including Hi-Steppers, cheerleaders, choir and
band will be paying a $50 fee for participation. Many
athletes and parents are upset about the prospect of
paying a hefty sum on top of the cost of equipment
necessary for the sport already
They should all stop complaining.
The fee includes an activity ticket which is a $35
value, so really the fee is only $15 for those who would
have already purchased an activity ticket.
We should actually be grateful in this situation.
Many schools in Kansas have already instated such fees
for several years.
Don’t make it another boring year
Another school year. Big
deal, right? This year will be
like all the others before it
- sports teams will play, win,
lose, with the student sec-
tion cheering them along the
way; tests will be failed and
aced; freshmen will get their
first dose of high school, and
seniors their last. Life will go
on.
But what if this year could
be different? Maybe the Nikki Wentling
football team will win state, Editor in Chief
or something else equally cool
will happen. Maybe a goal will
be achieved, a dream discovered, a life changed.
This year could be unique.
In the future, we could think back to the 180 days
that lay before us as our freshman/sophomore/ju-
nior/senior year - just a moment in time that has been
pushed away into the depths of our memories. But
right now, every day of this year lay before us, waiting
Head Start
Michael Fay
Page 10
Opinions
Wichita public schools also require the once-per-
year participation fee of $50 and like McPherson, those
students who qualify for free or reduced lunches can
also get their sports fee reduced.
With the serious lack of funding our school and
most other public schools are experiencing, it’s a won-
der we don’t have to pay more than $50.
At least we still have athletic activities to participate
in.
McPherson has not had to make that many athletic
cuts as far as completely eliminating a sport. We still
enjoy many opportunities which other schools have
had to do without for several years previously.
So, be grateful you have an activity to pay for and a
school to go to for that matter.
to be experienced.
We could blow them off, count them down, throw
them away. Or, we could make each day into it’s own
moment, it’s own memory.
How do we do this? Challenge yourself to achieve a
long-awaited goal this year. And I don’t mean some-
thing like setting the record for tests flunked, or seeing
how many parties you can sneak off to without getting
caught. Make it something worthwhile, productive,
life-altering.
Then, at the end of the year when you think back
on the past 180 days, you can see them as not just one
collective memory, but a series of days that got you to
where you are, that changed you for the better.
In the distant future you can look back and see that
this year made a difference in your life, in whatever
way you choose.
Yes, the year will end, moments will be forgotten,
new freshmen will step foot for the first time in the
school, and seniors will depart as they always do. Life
will go on.
What will you have to remember? It’s all up to you.
August 19, 2009
The roller
coaster of life
Life is like a roller
coaster…
I’ve never re-
ally understood if
these are meant to
be words of comfort
or words of cau-
tion. Anyone could
tell you this is a
simile comparing the
twists, turns, jerks, Clarissa Fenimore
highs, and lows of an News Editor
amusement park ride
to the unpredictable
and ever-changing nature of life. Well, that’s
easy to say, but what does it really mean?
Let’s do a play-by-play of a roller coaster
ride:
You get on, you strap in and you try to
mentally prepare yourself for the thrills that
are awaiting you. You’ve been watching all of
the people ahead of you take off, and now it’s
your turn. Life is somewhat the same. When
you’re young, you can only imagine what lies
ahead. You’ve sat back and watched as others
have gotten older and moved forward with
their lives, but now it’s your turn to experi-
ence the thrills that come as life goes on.
As the ride begins, the cars slowly begin to
move, and you get your first glimpse at what’s
coming up. Before you know it, the ride is
going at top speed as the world is passing by
you. As small children, most of us believe that
life is moving too slowly and that nothing
cool has happened yet. However, before we
really know what’s happening, we’re already
upperclassmen in high school, freshmen in
college, and then out of school and starting
our careers.
Continuing on the path of the ride, we find
ourselves being jerked and thrown all about.
Every one of us goes through struggles, both
expected and unexpected, as we live out our
lives. Sometimes, we’re thrown for a loop
when we make a decision that seems to be
leading us forward but only brings us back to
where we were. Sometimes, an unanticipated
death of someone close can seemingly jerk us
off of the course we were on. The loss of a job
or a friend can turn our lives upside down.
No matter what life (or a roller coaster)
throws at us, no matter how scary or exciting
the ride gets, we always know what’s waiting
for us at the end. When the ride is over and
the day is done, only then will we be able to
finally see all of the highs and lows that life
has brought us. Don’t ride with your eyes
closed. Keep them wide open and your hands
in the air while you enjoy the thrills of life.
 Harry Potter is the coolest thing since dino chicken nuggets. Page 11
Katie Mena, Entertainment Editor
Entertainment
August 19, 2009

Sixth movie disappoints

I’m not going into details on these, because most who saw the movie remem-
ber these things, especially the scene when Ginny decided to get on her knees
and tie Harry’s shoe, because most of the theater
started laughing and yelling for Ginny to do some-
thing that would be inappropriate for a Harry Potter
out of 5 stars film. Those who didn’t see the movie will surely fol-
Nikki Wentling low my advise and not see it.
Editor in Chief Now, I don’t want to vehemently attack direc-
tor David Yates’ attempt at a good film, but the only
Many of you have seen the latest Harry Potter reason Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was
movie that premiered on July 15 - Harry Potter and a blockbuster is because the hard Harry Potter fans
the Half-Blood Prince. I also know that many of you will flock to anything that includes their favorite wiz-
did not. For those of you who did, I’m sorry. For those ard, even if it is an over-rated, multi-million dollar,
of you who did not... don’t. sad excuse of a movie.
OK, so maybe it wasn’t that bad, considering it was There were very few positives, but those positives
a portrayal of a 632 page book in a series of seven with made the movie not too much of a waste of time and
various plot lines and diverse characters. However, money. The beginning was action-packed and set a
I didn’t go into the theater expecting a masterpiece. dark tone that was present in the book, and was the
Actually, I had pretty low expectations - omission of first time we got a look at death eaters in the muggle
most or all of the sub-plots, corny jokes and overall world. This beginning set a high standard for the
disorder. next two hours and fifteen minutes that was not met.
All of this was true, but the sixth installment of the Overall, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter movies included a few new unpleasant proved to be another book to movie portrayal that didn’t pan out. We can put
surprises unseen in the previous five - added scenes not present in the book this one in the stack with the other five, and wait for the seventh, which will
(they should leave the writing to J.K. Rowling), an omission of two important hopefully be what all of us crazy Harry Potter fans have been waiting for, a mov-
parts of the book and a few awkward and weird moments between Harry and ie that gives us the same feeling the books did. One that will put us in Hogwarts
Ginny Weasley. with our favorite characters in an amazing, magical world.

Royal Pains proves unoriginal Pizza Hut exceeds expectations Beyonce is fierce in new album

out of 5 stars out of 5 stars out of 5 stars

Caleb Chin Brent Gipson Hannah Lujano
Opinions Editor Staff Writer InDepth Editor

There’s a formula to coming up with something
successful. You can create something new, innova-
tive, and original, or you can copy that new, innova-
tive and original idea, tweak it a little, call it some-
thing different, and claim it as your own creation.
The latter is the plan for Royal Pains, a new
television series on USA and one of the highest rated
shows on cable. It’s about Hank Lawson, a hotshot
ER doctor who one day has to make a judgment call,
and winds up being blamed for the death of a bil-
lionaire benefactor. And just like any normal person
would after losing a billion dollars, Hank is fired
from his hospital. To get his mind off his career,
Hank’s brother Evan takes him on vacation to the
Hamptons.
Somewhat predictably, Hank ends up using his
medical skills to save the lives of three people on his
first day there. Word spreads that he is now the new
doctor specifically for the Hamptons, and despite his
protests, Evan and a mysterious man named Boris
coerce him into accepting the role.
It’s an entertaining, light-hearted show, but it
seems like a watered-down version of Burn Notice.
The main character, being serious and high-minded,
is one of the least interesting characters. It’s nothing
special, but if they can develop the story line, I think
Royal Pains could really be a good show.
Same location. Same staff. Same food.
McPherson welcomed its second Pizza Hut at its
Kansas Street location on Friday, August 7.
At this Pizza Hut, buffet is their specialty. The
buffet includes salad bar, pizza bar and a drink.
This will cost you around $7. A menu is also avail-
able for ordering. Off the menu, I suggest the hot
deep fried apple pie.
I thoroughly enjoyed the buffet. It was
delicious.
The only con is seating space. During peak
hours, hostesses may not be able to seat large par-
ties together.
Altogether, Pizza Hut is an excellent choice for
your faux-Italian cuisine. Breadsticks and salad
are “Italian.” That’s why for the real dive into Italy,
I recommend the pizza.
She is Fierce, Sasha Fierce.
And so is her album. “I Am... Sasha Fierce” has
introduced four hits in to the mainstream music
flow - If I Were a Boy, Halo, Single Ladies and
Ego. It’s like a gift that keeps on giving. Though it
made its debut in the fall of 2008, her songs keep
re-emerging and coming up to the top.
Not only are her beats danceable, but her lyrics
are quite clever.
“You could be a sweet dream or a beautiful
nightmare.”
That’s just pure brilliance.
It is hard to create new sound without sampling
from the great artists of the past, like Kanye West
does, but Sasha Fierce can do it.
I believe that in the future, artists will sample
from her.

High Life
The

Our Mission High Life Staff

Beliefs
We believe that a free press
is essential to maintaining a
healthy democracy. Likewise,
we believe that a free student
press is essential to main-
taining the free exchange of
ideas on a school campus.
We believe that we have an
obligation to serve as a voice
for our audience. We believe
that we have an obligation to
expose dishonesty in public
affairs by public officials, and
the improper or illegal use of
power by public officials.
Legal
Letters to the editor should be sub-
mitted to Room 43. Please limit com-
ments to 300 words. Letters must
be signed by the writer, but upon
request, can be printed anonymous.
The High Life is the official publication
of McPherson High School, the opin-
ions expressed in this newspaper are
those of the students and do not nec-
essarily reflect those of its adminis-
tration, faculty and staff. A publication
schedule is available upon request.
The subscription is $10 a year. Stu-
dent price is $2 per year. Professional
memberships for student journalists
include Kansas Scholastic Press As-
sociation, National Scholastic Press
Association, and Journalism Educa-
tion Association.
Phone
620-241-9500 ext. 115
E-mail
highlife@mcpherson.com
Hours
Staff meets 2nd hour daily.
Staffers also in newsroom
hours one, four, and six. Staff
usually meets Monday eve-
nings before printing in room
43.
It is the obligation of the High
Life staff to act as a voice for
the student body of McPherson
High School. We strive to serve
our school and community,
bring about meaningful change
by demanding honesty from the
administration, publicize our
school’s successes, and provide
growth for ourselves and the
administration. It is our mission
to report accurately, truthfully,
objectively and in good taste.
Editor in Chief: Nikki Wentling
News Editor: Clarissa Fenimore
InDepth Editor: Hannah Lujano
MyHighLife Editor: Andrea Nowak
Feature Editor: Rochelle Cottrell
Sports Writer: Leigh Loving
Opinions Editor: Caleb Chin
Entertainment Editor: Katie Mena
Ads Manager: Hannah Martin
Sports Writer: Chris Rakowski
Online Editor: Jacob Kresky
Staff Writer: Brent Gipson
Staff Writer: Kassidy Glazner
Staff Writer: Jeni Arbuckle
Staff Writer: Channing Wall
Staff Writer: Phillip Watson
Cartoonist: Michael Fay
Adviser: Todd Brittingham
 page 12

News
The Learning Center provides an opportunity for adults to further
their education and find better jobs with their newly earned
diplomas. Clarissa Fenimore, News Editor
August 19, 2009

“Whether you’re
at the alternative
school or the high
school, the best
advice I can give is
to stay with it. It is
worth it.”

- Elaine Farres

Learning Center instructor Carol Ingermanson helps to enroll Tiffany McCue in the Learning Center. McCue’s daughter Leah accompanied her to
enrollment on Tuesday, August 11. photo by Nikki Wentling

Learning Center relocates photo by Nikki Wentling

Nikki Wentling
Editor in Chief
The Learning Center and Alternative School have
been moved from their previous locations to the old
technology building on the high school grounds.
This move has so far proved to be ideal for the
Learning Center staff.
“The counselors have come over and I’ve had a
few meetings with the special education teachers.
It’s convenient to be next to the high school. If we
need something we can get it since we’re neighbors,”
Site Director Elaine Farres said.
How the move will affect the students of the
Learning Center is yet to be determined.
“I’m hoping it won’t change. What they need
won’t change,” Farres said. “We won’t know how
it will affect the students until they come in, but if
there is a problem we’ll address it.”
However, the staff maintains that the move will
be beneficial for the students who attend.
“I’m optimistic,” Farres said. “The important
thing is the people, not the place.”
The Learning Center will be upstairs in the old
technology building, with the Alternative School
downstairs.
“The Alternative School students are mandated to
be there, their class has not graduated yet, and they
are 18 or younger,” Farres said. “In the Learning
Center we work with adults who usually have jobs
and families.”
The two centers may provide different services to
different students, but all the students go to achieve
one common goal.
“We all have something in common, whether at
the Learning Center or the Alternative - earning a
high school diploma,” Farres said.
The services of the Learning Center and Alterna-
tive School are not limited to McPherson residents
only.
“We help students from Canton-Galva, Moun-
dridge, Inman and Little River,” Farres said. “In the
Alternative School they have 20 students in the
morning, and 20 in the evening. At the Learning
Center we have 130 part time and full time students
enrolled, some working for half a credit, some for 12
credits.”
With 170 students enrolled between the two
centers, students are given the opportunity to finish
work outside of the school’s walls.
“The classes are set up virtually, so they can work
from home,” Farres said.
Even with the high enrollment of the Learning
Center, the students are able to receive individual
attention from the staff.
“We have students work at their own pace, we’re
here to help and facilitate 1 on 1,” Farres said. “In
the high school the teachers instruct on the same
material, but here we’re not all on the same page or
even the same textbook. They each have individual
needs.”
During the school year of 2008-’09, the Learning
Center issued 140 credits, and graduated 6 students.
“Six may not sound like a lot to graduate, but it’s
a big deal,” Farres said. “Diplomas equal dollars.”

Welcome back staff and students!

offer suggestions, give story ideas and comment online at www.mhshighlife.com