April 15, 2011 • Vol. 81 Issue 9 my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper 4850 NW Rochester Rd. • Topeka. KS

Check out our blogs for more specialized info on sports and clubs • • • my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper

on theFaculty attacks ‘Tough Mudder’

Spring brings back baseball!

By Jessica Hillebertstaff writ er

The end of the year always brings talk of graduation, finals, and senior pranks. Before any actions are taken seniors should consider the consequences and take into account the person responsible for determining their punishments.

“I’m opposed to all senior pranks,” said Vinduska.

As long as the students don’t violate school policy

By Morgan Simpsonasst. editor

It all started back in November when Sam started feeling really down and under the weather. Minihan said “It was mainly just yucky sinus stuff.”

After being down for a few months, she finally got over it and moved on with her life. On March 18 she was playing in a volleyball tournament in Colorado and arrived home at about 1 a.m. on Monday, March 21.

Minihan commented, “I started getting sick in the middle of the night but didn’t think anything of it.”

On Tuesday, March 22 is when Sam’s journey began. Tuesday during the day, while her mom and sister went to town to run some errands. She decided to take a nap. As she was waking up from her nap, they were coming home. Her mom, Staci, noticed the whites of Minihan’s eyes had turned yellow. So they took her to Sunflower Prompt Care.

Sam commented, “They sent us straight to the emergency room to get blood work done.” The next day Wednesday, March 23, Sam was transported to Children’s

By Kyle Dunhamstaff writ er

After arriving back to school from spring break, many students had an opportunity to see new equipment in the weight room. Approximately $130,000 (non-tax) from the federal grant that Mrs. Claudia Welch earned was used for fitness and weight equipment.

Data collected by the PE staff from pedometers, health assessments, and fitness gram results were necessary for the grant.

“Buy-in from the staff was the most critical part. They kept requesting more

‘Mighty Minihan’ fights disease

by Shelby Slimmerstaff writ er

Throughout life everyone has to make a sacrifice for someone else. Here at Seaman High a student learned what a sacrifice can really do for a special someone.

In August of 2009, junior Ryan Peskuski’s mom, Wendy, was flown in a helicopter by Rocky, Wendy’s boyfriend, to the top of a glacier in Alaska. After they landed, while they were overlooking the Alaskan scenery, Rocky got down on his knee and proposed.

Later that year, in October, Ryan was diagnosed with cancer. Rocky and Wendy put their wedding on hold to help Ryan get through this hard time in his life.

Once Ryan was healthy again, Rocky and Wendy started to re-plan their wedding.

In December of

2010, the Make-a-Wish Foundation approached Ryan and his family. Since he was a cancer survivor, they wanted to grant him a special wish.

That’s when the idea was formed.

“I knew my mom had filled out an application to be on “My Fair Wedding,” so when Make-a-Wish Foundation approached us, I wished for David Tutera to come out with Make-a-Wish Foundation and give my mom her dream wedding,” explained Ryan.

When Make-a-Wish Foundation informed Tutera about Ryan’s wish and all the struggles he and his family had been though, Tutera immediately wanted to film the wedding.

“My mom found out about my wish on April 1, 2011. Rocky and her tried to keep it a secret from me as long as possible, but that was hard with all the

interviews that needed to be done,” said Ryan.

On April 4, Ryan was in the middle of a ‘fake’ interview with Make-a-Wish International when the doorbell rang.

“I was told to go answer the door, and when I opened it, David Tutera was standing there! I was so speechless and didn’t know what to do!” excitedly explained Ryan.

Ryan has been through numerous hard time in the past couple years, but his mom has made many sacrifices for him.

“My mom has always been there for me as long as I remember and she means a lot to me!” said Ryan.

The wedding was last Sunday on April 10. Ryan as unable to say much about the wedding because it’s going to be premiered in Oct. of 2011 On Women’s Entertainment TV called “My Fair Wedding.”

SENIORS Caitlyn Priddy and Bridget Baker, members of the band, are in on the surprise for Ryan. The members did a pre-filming of a crowd scene before the wedding at the Capitol Plaza Hotel . They had to sign release forms stating that their videos and pictures could be used on television. (Photo By Cary Stahly

Mercy where she was diagnosed with Wilson’s disease. The disease causes the liver to not to be able to get the copper out of the system, so it was going wherever it could find a place.

Minihan said “It was mainly in my blood and was killing my red blood cells.” At that time she was moved to the ICU and was put on the top of the list for a transplant. The Minihans didn’t really know what to think after hearing she was going to possibly have a transplant done.

“I was really scared of what was going to happen,

they won’t get into trouble, but Mr. Vinduska warns, “If it’s against the law we are going to prosecute to the highest level we can.” On top of being punished by the law the students involved could be suspended and not allowed to walk during the graduation ceremony. Those students would still receive their diploma, but may be required to complete a certain amount of community service before they can get it.

In the past students

Pranks have punishmentsbecause no matter how many times your surgeon has done it, it still scared me that you could be the one something bad happens to,” Minihan added.

After four days of playing the waiting game, her liver started responding to her meds, easing the stress on it. The meds made the copper leave her body other ways than through the liver.

At that point Sam said, “I was finally out of the ICU and back to a normal room. Everything continued to be looking good.”

As of now Sam is at home with her liver functioning well enough she is able to keep it.

“So I may need a transplant in the future but as of now I get to keep mine,” commented Minihan.

In order to do so she is under some restrictions: she can only eat foods low in copper; no chocolate, no nuts, ketchup or shell fish. She will have weekly check-ups at Children’s Mercy for awhile. In the next few weeks, she will be having a liver biopsy to see how damaged it is. Sam can’t wait to live her normal life again with or without a transplant.

“ It ’s amazing the amount of people that love and care for me.”

Sam Minihan

have found a way to do harmless senior pranks such as wearing the same shirt to school, riding lawnmowers to school, or parking the wrong way in the parking lot. These students weren’t punished. However, when the class of 2009 vandalized the school by writing with window paint on the windows of the school, it was considered a crime. Remember, “The graduation ceremony is a privilege not a right,” said Vinduska.

and more things from us, like more pedometer data but it’s been worth it. All these little things had to be done,” commented Welch.

Through all these efforts, so far 10 racks that can used for squatting and bench pressing, various weight plates and bars to put them on, dumbbells, and machines that isolate hamstrings are the main new objects gained.

According to Coach Lincoln, five platforms for lifts such as hang or power clean, more dumbbells, as well as more racks and carts to hold weight plates will be coming also.

“What excites me is now there will be a lot of opportunities to get a lot of people lifting with more space and better equipment,” said Lincoln.

Not everyone lifts here at school. People go to gyms or maybe their own house to work out, so it’s important to know how to properly use equipment.

The equipment in the weight room is likely more luxurious than others since the latest top-notch products were purchased.

“Hopefully it will instill an appreciation of fitness for a lifetime for us,” said Welch.

New weight room installed, in use

Cancer survivor grants special wish for mom

my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper Friday, April 15, 2011

Editor-in-chief Krysten Purkey

Assistant Editor Morgan Simpson

Ad Manager Peyton Michalski

Sports Editor Tyler Garst

Feature Editor Karisa Kirkendall

Asst. Feature Editor Erin Sumner

Photo Editors Rachel Hutchings

Staff Writers Kyle Dunham, Tyler Huddleston,

Jessica Hillebert, Tate Lawson, Sierra

Moore, Tyler Munger, Lucas Boyd,

Tyler Bushnell, Adam Gill, Alex

Hamilton, Hayden Kramer, Shelby

Tajchman, Shelby Slimmer

Photographers Makenzie Crow,

Brooke Harris, Dalton Hiegert,

Kylie Matney, Paige Hildebrandt,

Madison Kramer, Shelby Slimmer

Adviser Kelly Neiman

by Sierra Moorestaff writ er

“The facts I’ve heard say that just going tanning one time can increase your chances of developing skin cancer by seventy-five percent, and that’s just not a risk I’m willing to take just to get a little bit darker,” Junior Katelyn Ford commented.

Is this a risk you’re willing to take?Every year during “tanning season”,

which is between the months of March and May, local tanning salons are filled with teenage girls hoping to darken their

pasty white skin left from the winter. But do they really know what kind of danger they’re putting themselves in as soon as they flip the switch to those bright UV rays?

Indoor tanning can cause premature aging, which includes wrinkles, brown spots, and lax skin, but it’s most known for being a human carcinogen since the UV rays are the number one cause of skin cancer.

Even though she knows all of the facts, junior MacKenzie Cowen says she’s not worried about the possibilities at all.

“I don’t really think about any of the

harmful effects tanning has,” Cowen stated, “Tanning really relaxes me and I usually go about five times a week. It just makes me feel good.”

Although indoor tanning, also known as fake baking, has a lot of bad consequences there are numerous positive effects from the rays, just like Cowen had said.

According to local dermatologist, Dr. Matthew Ricks, fake baking can take away minor muscle pains from its infrared heat, heal some types of acne by drying out skin, and can psychologically make a person happier.

The UV rays also produce vitamin D which helps maintain normal blood levels, promotes healthy bones, and gives the body calcium. Even some dermatologists recommend indoor tanning for people with eczema and psoriasis.

“I’ve seen a few cases of acne that indoor tanning cleared up. It just depends on your skin type,” Dr. Ricks said.

So is fake baking as really bad as people say?

“An occasional dose of vitamin D is always healthy, but going to a tanning booth four or five times a week could be dangerous.”

Max Bunker’s work environment is a little different than the average teen. For most teenagers, work is usually found as a lifeguard, waitress and cashier. But not for senior Max Bunker. Bunker is greeted every time he walks through the front doors to rows of delighted faces that just can’t wait to play.

Max gets to spend part of his time in high school on an internship program. He hopes this will help him understand the job of a veterinarian in case he pursues that as a career.

“I want to be a vet just because the fact, I’ve worked at a vet for so long and have gotten to know how to do so many different things during my time working. My favorite part of working there is being able to interact with so many different types of animals. Of all the different types of animals there, the two that’s my favorite to work with, I’d have to say cats and dogs,” said Bunker.

Counselor Rich Godfrey also likes the internship option. “I think internship is an absolutely wonderful idea,” said Godfrey. “Internships are a growing educational opportunity for students. You get the experience to work in an atmosphere that you’d possibly want to go into later on in your life.”

Bunker started working with his veteranarian three years ago and still

loves what he does. “While at work I’ve got the opportunity

to experience giving medical tests, x-rays, shots and medications to all the animals which is not usual for most teens.”

Just like any other jobs there is always going to be at least one circumstance that won’t be liked about your job.

“The least thing I like about my job would definitely have to be coming in on weekends and having to work,” said Bunker.

According the Godfrey, “The only negative aspect of internship would have to be that you don’t get paid, but other than that, there isn’t anything that’s negative. Most kids find out after a while if the internship job that they’ve chosen is something they’d be interested in later on in life.”

Even though there are several students who participate in internships, the administration is still looking for more students to have opportunities to participate. There are several different ways to do an internship. Students have to find what works in their schedule.

Principal Ron Vinduska says, “ Some kids take it to be a part of their class and then other kids take it as an entire class for their last semester. It just depends on the student and the situation that they are looking to go into.”

“For seniors that have shorten schedules, it’d be the perfect opportunity

to either come to school then go to the internship or the other way around. That way they get more of a feel of how things would be later on down the road,” said Godfrey.

Over the years there have been several students that take this option. “Some of the different options teens mostly pick

are education, body shops and paint shops. Probably the hardest opportunity is the medical field just because it’s very confidential. But there are so many different kinds of jobs out there, there is one for everybody, you just have to find the right one for you,” said Godfrey.

by Shelby Tajchmanstaff writ er

Imagine being covered in mud, running and working through an obstacle course that is 14 miles long. This was a reality for Miss Patty Allacher, Miss Julie Kizzar, Miss Christin Sheldon and Mrs. Michelle Mettner who dubbed themselves the “sassy four-pack”. Tough mudders is an obstacle course that is roughly 10 to 12 miles in length and tests strength, stamina and mental grit according to toughmudders.com. This course is designed by British Special Forces the website claims is probably the toughest event on the planet. All of the proceeds raised by runners go to the wounded warrior project. Event coordinators recommend only people in strong physical condition participate. In 2010 only 78 percent of participants finished.

Two weeks before spring break, the weekend of March 12 these faculty members drove to Georgia making a road trip of it. Before the big event they had to endure intense training to prepare. This included running, weights, sit-ups and hill work.

When it was time for the race, each of them had a number written on their forehead, arm and leg so they could be identified when they finished. They ran through trails and ice-cold water.

“The hardest obstacle was running up a ramp to a 20 ft drop off and jumping into water full of ice and swimming for 40 yards,” said Allacher.

Unfortunately Miss Sheldon had to leave at mile number eight due to her low blood sugar. Kizzar, Mettner and Allacher were able to finish the race. With their numbers smudged and shoes ruined by the mud

they crossed the finish line tired, dirty but a better team. This experience allowed them to build teamwork; this helped them get through the race together. At the end they got a Tough Mudders headband and were offered a free Tough mudders tattoo.

“Working together as a team and meeting new people in the race was awesome,” said Kizzar.

With Georgia checked off the list, the sassy four-pack team plans to attack a different course in a different state each year.

Fake baking, is it as dangerous as you think?

STAFF MEMBERS (left to right) Miss Kizzar, Mrs. Mettner, Miss Al-lacher, and Miss Sheldon at the Tough Mudders finish line in Georgia during Spring Break

First hand experiences enlighten student educationby Peyton Michalskistaff writ er

Faculty face new fitness challengeOne muddy, muddy mess

MAX BUNKER takes time to pet one of the local residents during his internship at the Animal Clinic of North Topeka. (Photo by Madison Kramer)

Friday, April 15, 2011 my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper

To submit a letter to the editor, the letter must be 300 words or less in length. All correspondence must be signed.

The Clipper is published every three weeks by the stu-dents of Seaman High School.

The goal of the staff is to report school and community news and suggest ideas for improvement. We welcome your opinions and will do our best to publish what you have

Letter to the editor policy

by Alex Hamiltonstaff writ er

Shirock is a five person pop/rock band from Nashville, TN. They recently released their debut album, Everything Burns, which has this quote in gold lettering on the back; “It’s been said there’s only two ways to live: you can either love things and use people, or you can love people and use things. I’ve made my choice, I’m going to love people and use things. People, they last forever… Everything else just burns.”

Good-hearted ideas such as this one are the theme to the album.

The band’s compelling frontman and founder, Chuck Shirock has been playing the guitar since he was fourteen. In 1999, Chuck met Pap, the vocalist/pianist of the group. They had both grown up in musical families and shared interests and outlooks on the world. In college, their

Apparently the Kansas State government has finally revealed what it truly is: A government for

the people, by the people, of the people, and against students.

Just last month, Governor Sam Brownback cut $56 million dollars from the state’s flagging budget by “transferring funds”- as if the governors cannot ratify the budget.

A large chunk this number ($50 million) was made in education cuts. The governor reasoned this action was necessary to fix Kansas’s deficit problems as the House and Senate negotiators would not reach a compromise on the issue. Now it seems as the next phase in writing the budget is reached, both legislative and executive branches deem deep cuts in state aid to each school district per student would be fiscal.

The cuts could be as much as $250 per student. Seaman High School has 1,125 students alone. That’s a total of $281,250 lost in funding for the classes we want, the activities we do, and the salaries to attract the highly qualified and superb staff that we need.

USD 345 will lose up to $953,500 from that budget cut alone.

So while politicians tout the importance of our future and the significance of a good education to compete with a more interconnected world, they cut the funds, which are the means to achieve such goals. Stupid.

*Statistics from the Bloomberg News and WIBW

by Krysten Purkeyeditor in chief

Revolution. It’s a powerful word resounding through the Middle East. From Tunisia to Egypt, governments have tumbled with the power of the people.

However, one revolution is not progressing as swiftly—the country of Libya. Mr. Randy Crome, social studies teacher, provides a quick catch up for students who won’t understand abridged version of the situation.

On February 15, 2011 citizens of Libya finally had enough. They had been protesting, picketing, yelling and demanding a new government. They were tired of their reigning leader, Muammar Muhammad al- Gaddafi. Gaddafi has been the dictator of Libya for

Letter to the Editor

by Joey Hentzlerguest writ er

Student irritated by State funding cuts in education

41 years. Gaddafi was not going to have his people hating him and protesting against him so he shut off all social media networks like, Facebook and Twitter to stop protesters from getting the words out. When that didn’t work he decided to act in a violent way by shooting and bombing his people.

As of March 28, President Obama had decided to contribute to the war efforts. As of the week of March 30 the U.S had spent over $500 million on air and missile strikes and military actions, to protect civilians from Gaddafi’s government forces, which the U.S. calls Operation Odyssey Dawn. Obama also stated no U.S. soldier will be n Libyan ground. in recent statements Obama announced NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organization) will be taking over for the U.S.

According to Mr. Randy Crome, Google lists 112 different ways to spell the Libyan leader ’s name.

‘Libya for Dummies’Revolutions in Mideast important to follow

shared experiences lead them to collaborate and put together three album demos. Towards the end of school, they met their other band members Adam, Derek and Jason.

Together they have put together an album of

songs about their lives, relationships and friendships.

“They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out who we are, who God is, and how it all makes sense. It’s all of that put to music,” said Chuck.

The first song on the album is “New Solution.” “ ‘New Solution’ for us is a psalm of sorts. It’s about hoping and holding on for a change, and seeking new answers,” said Chuck about the song.

The second song, “Time Goes By,” is about being in a time where you were in a different place or life wasn’t so hard.

The album’s namesake and theme, “Everything Burns” is the eleventh song on the album.

“It’s this idea that no matter how rich or poor a person is, the most valuable thing we have is our time,” Chuck says.

All in all, this is a very good rock album. It has a feel similar to what Coldplay used to grasp the world’s attention. The

songs are powered by strong vocals and classical piano backgrounds from Pap that drive the melody. If you are a classic Coldplay listener, you will definitely enjoy Shirock’s magnificent pop rock “Everything Burns.”

Shirock works out life’s lessons through musicMusic Review

“Lollapalooza’s Best Dancer and ‘Move it Like Bernie.”

Peter Schmidt, 12

What is your favorite youtube video?

to say. Views in this newspaper do not always represent those

of the staff, faculty, or the school board of U.S.D. 345. The Clipper reserves the right to edit or refuse publica-

tion of material that is libelous, obscene, invading privacy, infriging on copyright or disruptive to the educational pro-cess of Seaman High School.

“Julian Smith-Malk and Kyle Dunham’s highlight reel.”

Taylor Dunham, 11

“Friday -- Rebecca Black.”

Carly Rahmeier, 9

“Paper Towels”Jenna Hosey, 10

“...you can either love things and use

people, or you can love people and use

things. I’ve made my choice, I’m going

to love people and use things. People,

they last forever… Everything else

just burns.”

my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper Friday, April 15, 2011 Friday, April 15, 2011 my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper

All Types of prinTing

ALSO:•Engraving of all kinds•Self-Inking Stamps•Metal & CorrugatedSigns•Banners, Plaques& Magnets for your car

by Tyler Huddlestonstaff writ er

To remember Earth Day and Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, many Topeka organizations are helping to promote the Green Movement.

RECYCLING CENTERS and landfills will be WAIVING ALL DISPOSAL FEES include the Learning for Life Center, Rolling Meadows Recycling and Disposal Facility, the City of Topeka Yard Materials Recycling Facility, and Shawnee County Recycling.

GAGE PARK WILL BE HOSTING GAGE PARK PRIDE DAYS, between April 2 and May 7. Volunteers will be helping with cleanup and beautification of the park.

Other volunteer opportunities include REBUILDING TOGETHER TOPEKA ON APRIL 23 where volunteers will help remodel 10 houses in the community.

HANDS ON TOPEKA, occurring on May 1, is a collaboration between local United Methodists Churches who will be CLEANING UP THE TOPEKA AND SHAWNEE COUNTY PARKS.

Another fun activity for volunteers will occur on May 14 (rain date of May 21) when volunteers can “ADOPT-A-PIECE OF HISTORY AT THE TOPEKA CEMETERY.” Volunteers will clean, mow, and do general cleanup at the Topeka Cemetery for Memorial Day. Volunteers will receive lunch at noon.

So whether you are a volunteer interested in cleaning up the community or are interested in disposing used materials for free, Earth Day has opportunities to help.

by Morgan Simpsonassistant editor

About five to seven years ago, Mrs. Marian Sweany started a recycling box in the library. Deffenbaugh trash company called the school and talked to the Stuco representatives who then asked Sweany if they could make it a school-wide project. Sweany talked to Mrs. Pam Besser to see if she would want to help out with the recycling.

Besser said, “I thought it would be a great way for my students to use it as vocational training.”

Then Besser sent out an email to faculty and she received great feedback, so she rounded up some boxes, and the recycling began.

Besser has a schedule typed up that hangs in her doorway of what days each part of the school’s recycling is picked up.

Each classroom then sees senior Mike McKinley usually once a week.

She commented, “McKinley looks forward to doing this; he feels proud and accomplished.”

It’s a good way for him to be able to interact with other students and see the teachers throughout the school day.

Besser thought starting this recycling was a great opportunity for her students to be able to be a part of the school and use it as a work skill.

Molly Ingram, a 2008 graduate, set up a plastic recycling program as her senior gift to the school. Besser keeps this going as she empties out the bins every few weeks.

by Karisa Kirkendallfeature editor

Now that the overwhelming atmosphere of prom has passed, what on earth is next in line to take on? Two words: spring-cleaning.

That’s right. It’s the perfect time of the year to finally kiss those dust bunnies

out the Earth,” says Mrs. Mathes. The kids will be using the song “3 R’s” by Jack Johnson and will be individually thinking of unique ways to help the Earth.

Another great idea for saving energy is Electronic Recycling at the Middle School organized by Mrs. Penny Guy. This will be tomorrow from 9 to 1 p.m. They will be taking items from calculators and computer towers to vacuum cleaners and video game systems.

Electronic RecyclingSeaman Middle School

Tomorrow9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bring your calculators, computer towers, vacuum cleaners

and video game systems.

learn what Earth Day is and what it should mean to them.

“This has made my students more aware about what is happening to the Earth and making sure to put trash in appropriate places,” said Whitley

The class will use various activities to help them with this; these include making necklaces using rocks they find outside, and worlds using coffee filters. At both locations the preschool students will have the opportunity to plant seeds with the high schoolers.

“It’s taught me to start taking pollution more serious and know it has a greater

effect than we think,” said Marilyn

goodbye. Not to mention the dirty clothes on the bedroom floor, miscellaneous items roosting in the car, and that rank smell coming from who knows where.

The reason that cleaning in the spring is so desperately needed is because of the long winter days where people and pets have no choice but to coop up indoors. This leads to a significant amount of dirt build-up. Therefore, it’s now a good idea

to dust in those hard-to-get areas. Some of these areas include the tops of ceiling fans, picture frames, dressers, and vents.

In order to clean the right way, one must make the choice of using the correct cleaning supplies. There are a growing number of less-toxic cleaning products that are available in stores and online. When buying certain products, make sure to avoid the following ingredients that can be

harmful to humans and the environment: Nonylphenol ethoxylates, ammonia, chlorine bleach, fragrances, and many more.

Cleaning may not be the most exciting activity in the world, but the satisfactory feeling that takes over after the job is done makes the extra labor worth it.

lator) there is a carbon footprint calculator that averages a family’s emissions to the average for people living in 32 countries around the world, and all 50 states.

The calculator bases it on how many people live in the household, how much energy is used, the family’s travelling, the

food that is eaten, and the family’s recycling plans. The United States is second only behind China in the most carbon put out into the atmosphere. China averages 22.3 percent of the world’s carbon output and the U.S. averages 19.91percent.

Many things can be done to offset emissions. For instance, now some automobiles are being put out on the line with a flex fuel option. Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are made to run off of gasoline or a mixture of up to 85 percent ethanol. Dozens of models are now on the market with the flex fuel option.

China

United States

Russia

India

Japan

Schools apply principles of reduce, reuse, recycle

Spring cleaning calls for less hazardous sanitation supplies

Students explore possible future career

Providing a better world

City groupscontribute to‘going GREEN’

Gas emissions affect ozone layer

Largest C02 emissionsTOTAL EMISSIONS

(MILLION METRIC TONS OF C02)

6534

5833

1729

1495

1214

PER CAPITA EMISSIONS

(TONS/CAPITA)

4.91

19.18

12.29

1.31

9.54

Information provided by the Union of Concerned Scientists/ 2008

Total emissions (second column) estimates the carbon dioxide emissions from all sources of fossil fuel burning and consumption. Per capita (third column) is per person. China leads the world in total emissions, but that amount equates to 4.91 tons per person because of their large population. The U.S. uses 19.18 tons per person.

APRIL 29school will be

dismissed

early to prepare for

Seaman relays

SENIOR MIKE MCKINLEY poses while on the job of respectively collecting recycled papers throughout classrooms in Seaman High School. (Photo by Rachel Hutchings)

Recycling continues

To celebrate EARTH day, the Clipper is produc-ing its first ALL on-line edition, saving landfills from the 1000 copies we print each issue. Give us your feedback at my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper.

by Shelby Tajchmanstaff writ er

Changing ways at an early age. The early childhood education class taught by Mrs. Jennifer Whitley will be working with preschoolers in honor of Earth Day.

“I like how we are giving the kids knowledge to learn about how to save the Earth. It is a good thing to teach them that way they have the skills later in life to keep the environment healthy,” said senior Marilyn Bisnett

On April 21 the class will travel to ABC Learning Center and Northland Christian Daycare to teach the kids various things about Earth Day. The preschool kids will

by Hayden Kramerstaff writ er

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Those three simple little words are what it takes to save this planet from terrible things such as global warming and air pollution. By following the three R’s it can benefit humanity by increasing manufacturing jobs, reducing the size of landfills, saving energy and decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases released in the atmosphere. The question is though how do we educate Americans across the country into following the three R’s. That’s where Earth Day comes in.

On April 22 instead of throwing those Gatorade bottles into the trash or throwing that barely used napkin away, people all across the country are changing their ways and respecting the Earth by recycling, reducing and reusing their home products. The Seaman Community is making a difference as well.

At Elmont Elementary Mrs. Gina Mathes’s first grade class are working on a music video informing us all on how important Earth Day is.

“In the video we wanted to show the school how we can use the three R’s to help

by Tyler Mungerstaff writ er

Greenhouse gasses have been the topic of discussion for the last 40 years. For all who don’t know what greenhouse gasses are, they are the carbon emissions leaking out to the Earth’s O-Zone layer.

Emissions aren’t just from exhaust from the cars people drive though. They come from what people do in their homes, sometimes as seemingly harmless as travel plans, food, and what people purchase and throw away.

On The Nature Conservancy’s website (www.nature.org/greenliving/carboncalcu-

Do you know your carbon footprint? Take the quiz at www.nature.org/greenliv-ing/carboncalculator

my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper Friday, April 15, 2011

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by Krysten PurkeyEDITOR IN CHIEF

Prince William, the most wanted bachelor in all the land and Catherine Middleton, the English commoner who caught his eye, are said to be throwing the ‘Event of the Century’. With so much secrecy about most details, millions of viewers will be tuning in to watch the ‘Royal Wedding’ on April 29.

After meeting at St. Andrews University in Scotland and dating for eight years, William decided to put a ring on it. But not just any ring, the late Princess Diana’s wedding ring, which is a sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds bought by William’s father, Prince Charles, in 1981.

According to People magazine, Kate will not be giving a ring to Will. The Royals author says, “ Men

by Tyler BushnellsTaFF wRIT ER

Gums falling away from your teeth and white and red sores growing in your mouth are two things teenage girls don’t find attractive. Yet teenage guys are still getting hooked on chewing tobacco. Eleven percent of high school boys across America are addicted. Three percent of teenagers started when they were in middle school.

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in America. Few may ask, “Why do young teenagers get involved with tobacco?” The answer is usually peer pressure.

Peer pressure among teens tends to lead to negative effects in life. While peer pressure is not always a bad thing, but when in comes to tobacco, there isn’t a single situation that is positive.

For example, a sophomore has been a frequent chew user since before seventh grade. He does it every day, and when he isn’t doing it, he has the urge to.

“If I go a day without chewing, my left ear twitches and I get terrible headaches.”

Chewing tobacco has an effect on the user that creates a “light headedness.”

This is because of the nicotine. This buzz is what teenagers are looking for when they put a dip in their lower lip. Young adolescents are also looking for acceptance from their group of friends or clique. If the popular person in a clique is a regular tobacco user, other people may follow in his footsteps thinking it’s cool. (If he does it, then it’s okay for me to do it.)

Tobacco abusers find it hard to quit dipping once they have gotten started.

Peer pressure isn’t always the case for young teenagers. Fathers also have a big influence. “One day

when I was a younger, my dad offered me a dip,” said one Seaman student. “I really like it. Then I asked for a can, and he bought me some.”

In sixth grade, Seaman students go through the D.A.R.E program. D.A.R.E stands for Drugs, Abuse, Resistance, and Education. The officers teach students about how drugs are bad and they should not get addicted to them. Young kids learned that people can get oral cancer, lung cancer, and tongue cancer. Even though teenagers go through the program, they still avoid all of the warnings the officers tell them about.

Coaches also warn their players about the dangers of tobacco.

“As a coach, I think it’s important that our youth or high school athletes become educated about the use of smokeless tobacco. Knowing the health risks prior to one becoming a recreational user may save that person’s life,” says head baseball coach Steve Bushnell.

by Erin SumnerassT. FEaTuRE EDITOR

Twitter is rapidly gaining users everyday. Many companies use Twitter to build brands, do research, send information to customers, conduct e-commerce, and create communities for users.

“Twitter is a 2009 phenomena, it’s another internet species that will become extinct,” says a social media expert at http://4thweb.com/facebook-sun-sinking-twi t ter-s tar-r i s ing/ .

But for now Twitter activity is growing. It has 200 million registered accounts compared to Facebook’s 500 million users.

In the past school year Twitter has become very popular among Seaman High students. Senior Ethan Beckett explains, “I enjoy Twitter because I like to know what people are doing

Twitter novelty hits full steam

British royal wedding days away Tobacco use updespite dangers

School will be in session on April 25th and 26th!

PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED SNOW DAYS:

Nicotine content of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

Cigarettes (15)a

Moist snuff (8)a

Chewing tobacco (2)a

15.7(13.3 - 26.9)b

1.4

10.5(6.1-16.6)b

16.8(8.1-24.5)b

.54

7.9

8.4

14.5

133.0168 mg

per 20

cigarettes157 mg per

15 g1176 mg per

70 g

a Number of brands testedb Range

Source: Systemic absorption of Effects of Nicotine from Smokeless Tobacco

Concentration of Nicotine (mg/g)

Typical Single Dose(g Tobacco)

Nicotine in Single Dose (mg)

Nicotine in Dose typically Consumed in 1 Day

of their social class don’t wear wedding bands.”

The couple will be getting married at Westminster Abbey, a church located in Westminster, London, England. This has a special meaning because this is where Will’s mother’s funeral service was held.

Kate will be arriving to Westminster Abbey in the same horse-drawn carriage Diana used while arriving to her wedding. She will be wearing the ‘mystery dress’.

Kate has been keeping her dress designer, cake designer and florists under tight lips. No one

will know these details until the awaited day.

According to People magazine, Queen Elizabeth will be hosting a party for 600 guests and later on Prince Charles will also be hosting a party for 300 close family and friends. Both parties will be at Buckingham Palace.

similar interests. You can find people by using Twitter directories. Step three: get into a conversation, don’t be afraid to interact.

Step four:

don’t spam, this will cause unfollowers, there is a 160 character word limit for a reason.

Step five:

update daily, this will help to gain followers.

Step Six:

find the latest news and contribute, this will help gain attention, and won’t be a “nobody” anymore.

Step Seven:

help other people out, before you can receive retweets you

and they know what I’m doing. I like Twitter over Facebook better because it’s newer and Facebook has too much drama.

Junior Tosha Duncan says she likes Twitter because “you can follow whoever you want. But she still likes Facebook better because she’s used to it.”

Sophomore Taylor Czajkowski says, “I like Twitter because I can stay up-to-date on news and follow whoever I want. I like Twitter better because my parents don’t have it.”

Now for those people who have no idea how to begin using Twitter, there are 10 easy steps to getting started.

Step one:

set up your profile, click settings at the top of the Twitter page.

Step two:

follow people with

must give them.

Step eight:

create relationships, talk to the same group of people at the same time every night.

Step nine:

integrate Twitter with other social networks, connect it with facebook to branch out to people.

Step ten:

establish relationships even outside Twitter, arrange to meet up with people or Skype.

Friday, April 15, 2011 my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper

by Adam Gillstaff writ er

The Viking track men compete today in Manhattan. With KU relays in two weeks, the team is in the thick of competition.

There comes a time in every program for rebuilding. The boy’s track team is doing just that.

The Vikes graduated seven state qualifiers a year ago and are looking for some young guns to pick up the slack.

“We’re pretty young, but getting better every day. Our guys are very coachable and focused in preparation,” says head coach Scott Petersen.

“Our goal is to get better every day in practice and

Girls excited for KU, Seaman relaysby Peyton Michalskiad manager

Preparation will be key to the next couple of meets for the Lady Vikes track team. With both the KU and Seaman Relays coming, it’s a way to get ready for State.

The KU Relays will take place Friday and Saturday, April 22-23.

Coach Claudia Welch says, “We’re hoping to qualify for the 300m Hurdles, 4X1 Relay, 4X4 Relay, 4X8 Relay and the 400. All of these events will happen on the track. In the field we’re looking for the javelin and the discus throw.”

Events aren’t decided yet. All the schools’ bests are ranked in each event. Those who fit into the top group will be able to go to the KU Relays to compete.

Right after KU relays, the Vikes host the 30th Annual Seaman Relays that will take place on April 29 at 3 p.m.

“There will be a lot of tough competition at this meet. We’ve got 15 full team schools coming and then there will be five schools that will send their top individuals. Out of the 15 teams there will be a lot of good athletes from Emporia, Junction City, Lawrence, Lawrence Free State and Manhattan which will all help us in preparing for State,” said Welch.

Welch also said, “ This is an all- round good meet to have. It helps out everybody will having so many different classifications. The smaller schools will get the opportunity to compete against the bigger schools which will give them better prepared for State.”

Seaman students will be released at 2 p.m. April 29 so staff can help get everything set up for the events that will start at 3 p.m.

by Tyler Bushnellstaff writ er

The 2011 Seaman tennis team has a new look that they are working with for the first time. The JV coach, Mr. Danny Miller, decided it would be a good idea to minimize the team so the coaches could put forth all their coaching efforts towards the present and future players. The number of players shrunk from 38 to 20 players from the 2010 tennis season.

Returning state qualifiers, sophomores Trenton Miller and Trey Horton, bring back some state experience but also have the energy of an underclassman.

Trenton Miller said, “Rich is a fun guy and we feed off his humor. He motivates us in many unique ways. And we

by Adam Gillstaff writ er

The Lady Vikes swim team will travel to Bonner Springs next Wednesday to compete in at the Bonner Springs Invitational. With a new coach and 12 returnees from a season ago, the team is excited about the upcoming season.

“The team is starting to come together nicely; we have a range of depth that has stepped up to the challenge and

improve every meet,” he added.The Vikes will look for leadership from seniors Trent

Johnson and Tyler Hutton. “We just try to set a good example with our work ethic

and how we compete,” says Trent. “Track’s an individual sport, but, at the same time, we have to push each other every day, and that’s what us upperclassmen have to do.”

There will also be help from underclassmen Cody Scheck, Matt Bryan, and Wyatt McKay who are all varsity returnees.

The Vikes have had three meets so far this year and have finished in the top half in all of them.

“The Relays are a great opportunity to compete against some of the best talent around,” says Trent. “It will be good to see where all of us are at.”

Boys track heads to Manhattan

Senior leaderskeep team competitive

scoring points for us,” says first-year coach Darrell Halsey.

Coach Halsey is relying on senior leadership to contribute to the team’s success.

“Three seniors are returning as consistent performers, and will lead the way for us,” he said.

Maggie Metz, Paige Hildebrandt, and Ashley Woltje are those seniors, and they also are looking forward to answering the coach’s call for leadership.

“It’s important that we work hard every day and listen to coach so we are the best we can be,” says Hildebrandt. “Coach is pretty strict and demands we work hard every second we’re in the pool.”

Despite it being his first year, Coach Halsey is expecting great things for this team.

“I think we will have a very successful year as long as the girls can remain focused and continue to work as hard they have so far.”

So far in three meets, the Lady Vikes have lived up to the coach’s call and finished in the top five in their last meet in the Topeka High invitational last week.

The team will race at Hummer twice and travel to Emporia before the city meet May 6.

“All us girls have a goal to win City so coach will smile,” joked Hildebrandt.

“All us girls have a goal to win City so Coach will smile.”

Paige Hildebrandt , 12

Salina Central’s regional switch opens door for squad

UP AND OVER: Junior Jacob Thonen hangs over the hurdles in the 200 relays. (Photo by Shelby Slimmer)

KRISTA AKERS ____________________________________________________ (Photo by Shelby Slimmer)

work as hard as we can so we don’t have to run the hill, except when it’s windy… we just have fun.”

Myles Wyer and Connor Downes currently hold the title as varsity singles players. Trenton and Trey, along with Cole Dunham and David Notter are the varsity doubles teams.

Last year, no medals were brought home from State. This year, Salina Central, a high school known for housing a great tennis squad, left the Seaman’s regionals. The whole team is hoping to get their opportunities this year in McPherson, where the state tournament is held.

Young Miller ended his passionate comments with, “We want to cut down the nets in McPherson. Last year was disappointing.”

SENIOR DAVID NOTTER returns a ball , preparing for his next meet at Manhat-tan. (Photo by Rachel Hutchings)

my.hsj.org/ks/topeka/shsclipper Friday, April 15, 2011

by Tyler Mungerstaff writ er

After dismantling Highland Park 18-0 and 19-0 in the first doubleheader of the year, the Lady Vikes softball team is back in action tonight against Topeka High.

(Topeka High) A team that the girls took care of last year has also lost quite a few players due to graduation. “They are young just like us, I don’t think they will be bad, but we are capable of beating them,” said Junior Mackenzie O’Brien.

This years softball team has only three seniors, Megan Moore, Cori Munoz, and Rachel Potvin. “It’s got its ups and downs, it’s an advantage because we can be leaders and not have to step on anyone’s toes, but it’s a disadvantage because we don’t have the experience our past teams have had,” said senior Megan Moore.

by Kyle Dunhamstaff writer

The Seaman Boys’ Golf team will take the greens next on the 21st for the Washburn Rural Invitational at Shawnee Country Club. The golfers are looking to build on the momentum they gained coming off a team victory at the Salina Central Invitational. “We’ve had a lot of practice in the wind and it was a really windy day,” said senior Caleb Stromgren.

They won despite a lack of experience, with three freshmen on the varsity squad, being Mason Wages, Ruger Hummel, and Tate Emert. Juniors Kyle Emert and Gunnar Algott who took first overall shooting 13 over

With only a few upperclassmen, there comes a times when the younger players have to step up in a position and sophomore Jenna Hosey agrees, “We are young, so we have a lot of room for improvement and I think we can learn and catch on quickly.”

Youthful lady vikes take on T-High

by Lucas Boydstaff writer

The 2011 Lady Vikes will head to Manhattan tonight where they will take on the Indians. Last year the Vikes fell to Manhattan with a final score 3-1. The style of play will have to be quick and defend properly to try and increase opportunities for shots on goal. The program has picked up two new coaches this season that have been great contributors to the team.

“We are very young and we have a lot of the same returning varsity players. The majority of our squad are freshman and sophomores”, says

head coach DiLeonardo. Captain Jessica Hillebert added,” Hayden is

the team to beat this year, it will be a challenge with the young team we have, but we are continuously getting better”.

“We would like to play our best game and improve our skills every game and hopefully make a solid run in the post season” said DiLeonardo. “It’s not how you start it’s how you finish”.

Coach DiLeonardo believes that this team will have much to offer in the future.

CATCHER MEGAN MOORE prepares to recieve a pitch during the Junction City game the lady vikes captured two victories that night winning 9-2 and 19-4. (Photo by Paige

Hildebrandt)

PITCHER ERIC CHERAY fires one down the middle during the closing inning at home against KC-Turner. The vikes won both games in the double header, 20-1 and 7-0. (Photo by Adam Gill)

Lady vikes soccer works for post-season run

with a score of 83, and the lone Senior Caleb Stromgmen helped lead the way, with Emert and Stromgren being the only returners from last year.

“We really came out ready to play considering it was our first meet,” said Stromgren.

Preparation and practice is obviously important, and the team took advantage of the off-season as well.

“We’ve been working hard and played in tournaments this summer” said Kyler Emert.

The team only has the Washburn Rural, Topeka West, and their own invitationals left to obtain some competition experience for the Centennial League meet, but they have got off

to great start this season already.

by Tyler Garstsports editor

The three-time defending champs have resumed play this season and are looking like they are headed for another great season. The baseball team is 6-0 in the early portion of the season and are out scoring opponents, 99-17. The Vikes are in action tonight, weather permitting, against Topeka High at the Hummer Sports Complex.

Fundamentals are the main focus in practice.

“Our guys need to be able to concentrate and perform at a high level in practice every day,” said Coach Steve Bushnell, “If you don’t practice those things on a daily basis, it’s difficult to expect those things to occur on game day.”

Coming off another State championship, a possible challenge

may arise with players looking too far ahead.

“I believe with the experience we have on this team, it allows us to focus on our next opponent,” said Bushnell, “we’ve always emphasized that the most important game on our schedule is the next opponent, and that no one game or team is more important than any other.”

As the season progresses the Vikes will face stiffer competition. “We need to be more aggressive at the plate,” said senior Ethan Beckett.

“We have won these early season games off of talent. As we get deeper into the season, our team has to understand that talent alone won’t win the game. We have to execute,” said Bushnell.

Baseball returns wealth of experience

“We are young, so we have a lot of room for improve-ment and I think we can learn to catch on quickly.”

- Jenna Hosey

JUNIOR COLE DAVIS sets his ball on the green shortly before he knocks it in . (Photo by Tanner Stirton)

Golf sustains great start to short season