THE CHS

November 2019 PANTHER Issue III

Panther Staff Concordia Veteran Remembers WW II By Aidan Poore Editors Panther Staff Writer According to the U.S. Department of Veter- nuclear bombs were dropped and Japan Chloe Beims - SR ans Affairs, there are only 389,292 World War surrendered. II veterans alive today out of the 16 million that After his service was completed, Dr. Maddifer Blochlinger- served, and that number is shrinking fast. Nelson decided to enroll at Bethany Col- SR If you were 18 when the US entered the war lege. While the war was underway, there in 1941, you would be 96 today. With the aging were only about 40 students enrolled in Staff population of World War II vets, it is important the entire college; however, once the that we glean as much information as we can war was over, there was a massive influx Wyatt Trost- JR from that generation. of new students. A member of the World War II generation After his first two years, he trans- Nick Vignery- JR living in Concordia is Dr. Paul Nelson. Dr. Nel- ferred to The University of and son graduated from high school in 1944 and decided to go to medical school. Be- Terin Rundus- JR went to the recruiting office in Kansas City -af cause of all the new students being en- ter his friend convinced him to go into service rolled, the entrance exam to go to medi- Conner Thrash- JR with him. cal school was much more competitive While in boot camp, Dr. Nelson took a class than it was prior to the war, and Nelson Dylan Thoman- JR to learn International Morse Code. After he fin- did not believe he would be accepted. ished boot camp, he was assigned to the Philip- To his amazement, he was asked to Juana Ayala- SOPH pines in the Pacific Ocean. His skill in Morse come in for an interview, and he left the Code helped him in his new job as a signalman interview with some uncertainty. Never- Aidan Poore- SOPH between ships. theless he was accepted to The Univer- At this point in the war, Germany had sur- sity of Kansas Medical School. rendered, but the Japanese were still fighting. After Dr. Nelson finished school and His service and every veteran’s service to Meet the Staff It became more perilous the closer the U.S. his residency, he moved to Concordia our country will not be forgotten for they are military got to mainland Japan. Thankfully, and worked as a general practitioner for Saint Terin Rundus the foundation on which our country stands. Dr. Nelson did not see any combat since his Joseph Hospital (now Cloud County Health Thank you, Dr. Paul Nelson! ship was headed for the Philippines when the Center) and retired in 2000. The Avenue of Flags By: Juana Ayala Panther Staff Writer

Have you noticed the newest ad- survey. The Concordia Homestore dition to the Pleasant Hill Cemetery? donated lumber, which was used to On May 26, 2019, a corridor of build form boxes, and Abram’s pro- flag poles became the newest- addi vided concrete at a discounted price tion to the small town of Concordia, to pour the foundations to support the Kansas. flag poles. These new flag poles were put up The old holders were at the ground Grade: 11 to honor the local fallen soldiers. The level and with time they became cov- Avenue of Flags project was brought ered in dirt and grass. This made it Nickname: TK together by volunteers who want to difficult when it was time to put up make a difference in our community. the flags. Garst was able to get longer Favorites..... The process of putting up the flag lasting flag poles. poles took about one month. Zach The new lightweight poles were Verb- Laugh Garst, a local construction contractor, installed to make the process easier was in charge of the project. to raise and lower the flags. The old Thanksgiving Food- An more than 20 local volunteers flags could only be displayed in warm Potatoes and Gravy and contractors came together to com- weather, but because these improved plete the project. This provided Garst flags are designed to withstand- dif Fabric- Cotton-Polyester with the help to complete the task. ferent climates, the flags can be dis- Blend There were many organizations played in all seasons. that provided the finances. This - in Garst took on this project to show Body Part- Pinkey Toe cludes a fundraising committee, local respect to the fallen soldiers that rest donations from individuals and busi- in Concordia and to give to the com- Day of the week- Friday nesses, a Dane G. Hansen grant, and a munity. “I can’t think of a more in- Community Foundation Grant. credible sight than to see the Avenue Moisturizer- Cetaphil There were also many others who of Flags when the flags are flying.” volunteered. Campbell and John- El P’s Dish- Two Beef son Engineers donated their time to Enchiladas

Card Game- Uno Future Educators at CHS by Terin Rundus Litter Box Panther Staff Writer “inadvertent whistle” In 2015 there were approximately 3.8 million teachers in the Unit- has become increasingly valuable. “I shaved a cat one time. ed States. However, during the past 4 years this number has dropped Teacher Cadet also helps push students out of their comfort zones and My cousin, he painted his by 100,000, leaving an alarming shortage of educators for the current forces them to try new things. Blain said, “I try to portray the good, the dog.” school year. Additionally, there is genuine concern that this disparity is bad, and the ugly of teaching. The profession carries it all. Students need only set to increase. to know that. But every job has good, bad, and ugly. I try to let students “They may be annoy- Fortunately, a unique elective class known as Teacher Cadet is of- see behind-the-scenes and method-to-the-madness of what goes in to ing, but that doesn’t mean fered for Concordia High School students. This introduction to educa- day-to-day planning and strategy.” they’re not right.” tion course covers classroom management, theories and theorists, learn- Teacher Cadet is an informal class, so it allows the students to brain- ing styles, and the psychology of education while also incorporating storm more. For additional perspectives on teaching, district administra- “She germ-exed his hair” numerous observations of 5th-12th grade classrooms. tion has also presented to the class. By the end of this semester Steen Hired in 2012, English instructor Ashley Blain eagerly accepted the Danielsen, Derek Holmes, Quentin Breese, Krystal Breese, and Troy “Live dangerously; play a game of spoons, but use opportunity to teach the Teacher Cadet course, but since that time the Keiswetter will all have shared a wealth of personal and professional forks.” language arts department has shrunk. In turn, this downsizing has led advice. to the loss of several elective classes. Blain said, “The hardest part is As a classroom extension, the students enrolled in Teacher Cadet are “Hey guys we are hav- trying to keep Teacher Cadet in the schedule.” This class thrives on stu- currently working on a dodgeball tournament that will take place during ing chili and cinnamon rolls dents who possess an interest in the education field, and Mrs. Blain has PAWS. This project-based activity is sure to make many positive memo- today for lunch and pig in a a passion for it. “Now that I am a mother, I see the need for investing in ries for all of our students and staff. blanket on Monday. Those future teachers because I want my children to benefit from passionate This class provides a wonderful chance for interested students to are two SMACKING lunch- and exemplary educators,” said Blain. learn more about what it takes to be an effective teacher. The nation es in a row!” The hope is that students who enroll in this class find that they are ei- needs more men and women to educate our youth, and Concordia High ther interested in teaching or just as importantly, realize that it is not for School is proud to offer Teacher Cadet as a real-world opportunity to as- Have something to say? them. Since college is extremely expensive, this type of career exposure sist its students as they choose their future careers. Email: [email protected] November- 2019 The CHS Panther Jr High Wheel (Keeps on Turnin’) By Maddifer Blochlinger Editor Student of the Month: Many changes have been made during are both teaching an extra section of junior the 2019-2020 school year. The new high art which means we had to lose high Arista Bombardier ChromeBooks, the PAWS passes, and the school classes.” library are just a few. However, one change Although some don’t like it, the teach- that has affected the junior high is their ers agree that there are some advantages new schedules. The schedule is a called a of the wheel. For example, the students “wheel”. In the wheel the students change have a wider variety of classes. Junior High elective classes every quarter. students like the wheel. When asked, 90 The junior high students and staff have out of 121 students said that they like the been using the wheel for a nine and a half wheel because they have more options. The weeks. Four out of six teachers said that students that don’t like it said, “Stuff is a lit- they don’t like the wheel. The teachers who tle wack.” The reason that the few students don’t like the wheel are the ones teaching don’t like it is because they feel they didn’t electives. learn much. They also have a harder time Gena Kearn said “I am concerned that when it comes to changing schedules every students are not learning as much as they nine weeks. did during semester classes. There is no Another reason that some teachers don’t way I can teach the same amount of skills like it is because students don’t have to take and information in 9 weeks as in 18 weeks certain classes like health and P.E. Tamara which also negatively impacts how far I can Roberts, health teacher, said, “Kids will Finals Advice for Freshmen take students in their skill development. opt out of a class that is important for their We complete half as many projects as we future health because they don’t get the By Conner Thrash did during a semester-long class. Adding knowledge needed to make good deci- Panther Staff Writer more junior high electives without hiring sions.” more teachers to make the wheel work also Teachers and students agree that the Finals are right around the corner and that means long nights negatively impacts current high school wheel schedule has benefits and draw- of intense studying and no sleep. Let’s face the facts. Most students as it cut some of their elective backs. Like every new program, it is going teachers love them, but the students hate them. However, they options. For example, Mrs. Peltier and I through an adjustment period. are a reality. According to a survey sent to the upperclassmen, here is their advice to freshmen on how to handle the stress of Congratulations to the CHS Debate Team! finals. Kylee Hower and Conner Thrash placed 5th in the Open Division. “Welcome to finals week, where everything is Phillip Shirkey and Joshua Wood placed 2nd made up and the homework doesn’t matter.” -Hali Buckley, Senior in the Novice Division. The team placed 3rd overall! “Bring tissues because you will cry.” -Taegen Larsen, Senior

“Use your resources wisely, and don’t get caught.” -Chas Calgren, Junior

“Don’t suck on your finals…” -Lucas Burchfiel, Junior

“Use flashcards when you’re studying.” -Maddie Blochlinger, Senior

“If you study and go into your tests with confidence, you are more likely to do well.” Congratulations to the 7th Grade -Chloe Nelson, Junior Team for placing 1st at the “Go to Cram and Coco and look through your textbooks before the test.” -Liz Duvall, Senior Chapman Tournament! “Ask your teachers questions about what is go- ing to be on the final. If they give you a review, DO IT!” -Maddie Johnson, Senior

“DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!” -Genna Strait, Senior

“Make sure to save all of your tests from the semester and use them to study.” -Dominic Chaput, Senior

“Don’t wait until the last minute to start studying. Make flashcards at least a week ahead of time, and study for the tests you are most worried about first.” -Faith Thurner, Senior

* No matter how bad the juniors and seniors make final exams sound, remember, they survived them and so will you. November- 2019 The CHS Panther CHS Alumnus Plays D1 Car of the Month By Wyatt Trost Panther Staff Writer Cole Larsen graduated CHS in 2017. Larsen’s favorite part about baseball November’s car of While in high school he was a part of Stu- right now is the competition level that he the month is sopho- Co, football, baseball, National Honors So- is getting to face. He enjoys being a part more Hunter Teel’s ciety, journalism, and FFA. Larsen attended of a team and being around the guys in the truck. Hunter drives straight out locker room and on the field. He says the a red 1991 Dodge of high school to play baseball. He said, “I biggest difference between high school Cummins. The best was drawn to Cowley because they have and college is, “how much faster the game part of his truck is been one of the best junior colleges in the is played as you go up in levels. Mistakes that it is a diesel. His country for the last 25 years. I really liked that I may have made on the mound in high favorite memory is the coaching staff at Cowley, and I felt that school and got away with would get capi- riding around with it was the best fit.” talized on more in college. The way I think friends. The truck is Larsen was at Cowley for two years. He about it is when you’re in college you are special to Hunter be- said, “ Those two years at Cowley were the facing all the hitters that you struggled with cause it is his dream most fun years of my life. I became really in high school. The hitters that you may truck. close with a lot of the people there between have dominated aren’t playing collegiately, the coaches, players, and members of the and I think that is how it goes for every community. I had a great host family for level that someone upgrades too.” my two years there, and it was a blast.” Larsen said, “My first goal for the near Larsen had good stats while he played at future is to win a role here at KU. After FOOTBALL: NEW COACH, Cowley. This got his name out and people that, my goal is to get drafted and just see came to watch. Division I schools soon how far I can take the dream. I would also NEW SUCCESS began offering him scholarships. He said, like to get my finance degree here from By Nick Vignery “After Jacksonville offered me a scholar- Kansas.” Panther Staff Writer ship my freshman year that’s when I re- Going into the 2019 football beginning of the season next year to ceived my offers and interests from schools season, there were many community make the team that much better. like KSU, KU, OSU, Houston, Missouri, concerns about how successful the Echer said, “I would say that this Alabama and some others.” team would be. With a new coaching has been the biggest group of coach- Larsen is now pitching at Kansas staff, new offensive and defensive able kids. There are always things University. Larsen said, “I like KU a lot so systems, and many inexperienced that we see as coaches that can be far. One of the biggest draws for me was players facing a big role throughout fixed, and sometimes as a player it their coaching staff. I am a big fan of the the season, fans had their doubts. can be hard to understand that we are coaches here and they have been great. The The Panther’s first game in coaching the guys to be better and guys have all been welcoming and it’s been Wamego was a tough loss and not the not to criticize them.” fun!” Larsen has faced a few difficulties ideal start for the season. Although There were definitely some long along the way. Many people look at his they lost, the team knew the areas lasting memories made over the sea- blindness in his right eye as a disability, where improvements needed to be son. Sophomore, Aidan Poore, said however, he said, “ I would say the biggest made. one of his favorite memories was difficulty to overcome was my size. Size is Jordan Echer, the new head after the Beloit football game which a big thing with recruiting, and I think that football coach, was a key part of we won. Directly after the game, he it slowed my recruiting process down as I the success of the season. During said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been developed later than most.” team camps in the summer, the team with a happier group of guys, and the installed a whole new system on feeling was amazing. Even once we offense and defense. Echer said, “It is got in the locker room everyone was Congratulations to all the Jr. High wrestlers a little easier defensively because it’s jumping around and vibing.” Coach more about getting guys in the right Echer said that most of his favorite who competed at home Saturday Nov. 16th. place with minimal terminology. On memories of the season were made offense it can be more difficult- be during the team’s lock-in at the be- A special congrats to: cause there is so much to learn from ginning of the season. where to align, to terminology and There were a lot of achievements **Christian Bleden placed 1st schemes. Overall, I thought it went the team made this year. This sea- **Carter Eakins placed 1st well, and will make next year much son’s wins were the most the team **Drew Sterrett placed 1st easier early on.” has had since 2015. The team never Echer said that the team had some lost two games in a row through- **Keigan Workman placed 2nd difficulties implementing the play- out the season. Coach Echer said in **Trenton McMillan placed 2nd book. He thought the plays were too regards to the team as a whole, he **Ashton Dooley placed 2nd complex for the players. To solve the thought that they got better and made **Cody Trost placed 2nd problem, he decided to take out the improvements week after week of the **Dustin Sterrett placed 2nd plays and wait to put them in at the season. **Justus Trost placed 2nd **Braeden Primeaux placed 2nd **Reese Dorman placed 2nd **Mason Eickman placed 3rd **Joseph Henderson placed 3rd TRANSLATE: **Tracer Murdock placed 3rd

Coach Hittle said, “We wrestled really well for a young team. We have 35 kids out for this year and only 12 have any prior wrestling experi- ence. We fell just short of earning a team award this weekend. Marysville won Ich ------heirate morgen zwei Pinguine. the tournament with 276 points, Clay Center took 2nd with 253 points and we scored 252.5 points. We are wrestling really well right now, but we still have a Take your translation to the library. long way to go to reach our goals. This is a very special group of athletes that work hard and have a blast competing. We are enjoying our season so far The first 2 correct answers win a prize! and look to continue to have fun and get better the rest of the year.” November- 2019 The CHS Panther What’s Trending At CHS?......

Finals Kerfuffle Haunted Library Dodgeball PAWS Winter Sports Hell CHS Play RudeBoy Giuliani Blood Drive Shattered Window CHS Meme Page New Hair-dos Editorial: PAWS Pass Problems THANKSGIVING FACTS By Dylan Thoman Panther Staff Writer After the week of Fall Break, a new allow their students to just go to that class. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 form of verification was implemented that This new system has given not only frus- allows students to pass from class to class. trated students a headache, but the teach- over a three-day harvest festival. No longer can the students carry around ers are having to adjust. a blue sheet and obtain signatures from The final question on the survey was teachers upon arrival to their classroom. if students preferred the new PAWS passes Turkey wasn’t on the menu at the first Thanksgiving. The students’ 6th hour class, PAWS, is or the old blue sheets. With the blue sheets, their time to receive help from their teach- students carried them to their needed class ers. Now students must obtain a PAWS and had a teacher sign it. With this sheet, There are four towns in the United States named “Tur- pass from that specific teacher before the the student could go on a passing day to key.” They can be found in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, start of 6th hour. any teacher during the PAWS class peri- The students’ reactions are mixed. A od. This made it easier for them to receive and North Carolina. survey was sent out to capture their opin- help on homework even from earlier that ions. Over 50 responses were recorded day. Now, with the new verification form, with a mostly negative outcome. Seventy- the students must receive their pass from The tradition of football on Thanksgiving began in eight percent of the responses said that the specific teacher before they enter their 1876 with a game between Yale and Princeton. the PAWS pass didn’t keep students from sixth hour. On one side, some students roaming the halls, which they were intend- preferred the new pass because of its small ed to do. A majority of the students agree size and minimal writing involved. How- Untangling the Impeachment Process that they can and will find ways to walk ever the majority of students believe that By: Chloe Beims the halls during that period. The next ques- the blue sheet was better because of its Editor tion solidified this point when only 3 % of convenience and availability. Many stu- History is in the making. President Committee to conduct the investigation responses said that an administrator had dents are left to realize that they forgot to Donald Trump has an impeachment case on President Trump. They will find the stopped that student to check for a PAWS ask for a pass when that time of day comes being built against him. He could be the strongest case against the President and pass. Therefore, it seems that the passes around, so they have to sit in their PAWS 3rd president out of 45 to be impeached. bring it to the Judiciary Committee. The haven’t significantly decreased wandering, class and waste time because they didn’t The impeachment process is rather majority of the committee must agree to but they have cut down on people flocking get a pass from their teacher beforehand. complicated. It was put in place by the move on with the impeachment process to certain areas. These new PAWS passes have cut framers of the Constitution in order to to keep it going. On a question about enforcement of down on the number of students roaming hold the President accountable for any 3. It is the Committee’s job to write the pass use by teachers, only 35 % said they and meeting up, but they have also proven crimes he may commit while in office. Articles of Impeachment and bring them consistently use it. Most teachers either to be less convenient and practical than the This has only happened two other times onto the House floor to be voted on. The email each other for the student, or they old blue sheet. in the history of the U.S. to President An- members analyze the accusations. If the drew Johnson and President Bill Clint- majority of those that are present vote yes ion. In both cases they were aquitted, (51%) then the President is impeached. meaning they were both impeached by This would take 235-198 Democrats to the House but not convicted and sworn Republicans. Democrats currently have out of office by the Senate. power over the House. Here is a simplified explanation of the 4. It then moves onto the Senate. This impeachment process: is where the bill of indictment is writ- ten. It is voted on and decided whether 1. A representative from the House the President committed a crime or not. must declare a formal declaration of ac- Republicans currently hold the Sen- cusation, against the President. In this ate. Members from the Senate take on case it was Speaker of the House, Nancy the role of a “manager”. They provide Pelosi. evidence. The President would have 2. Then the accusation is directed to counsel to defend him. The Chief Jus- the U.S. House of Committees by the tice acts as the judge in the case. Sena- Speaker of the House. It is then voted on tors then listen to the case, or act as the by the full chamber (435). There are cur- jury. They then vote, and if two-thirds, rently six house committees investigat- or 67%, deem the President guilty then ing President Trump. Those houses are the President is sworn out of office and as follows: Adam Schiff is in charge of the Vice-President is sworn in. When the Intelligence, Jerry Nadler is in charge of case is heard in the Senate, no legal ram- Judiciary, Elijah Cummings is in charge ifications come from what the Senators of Oversight, Richard Neal is in charge decide. Removal from office is done with of Ways and Means, Maxine Waters is their decisions. in charge of Financial Services, and El- Obviously, it is a long complex pro- iot Engel is in charge of Forgien Affairs. cess that is implemented to insure that Pelosi assigned the House Intelligence justice is done.

This district is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, com- pensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of em- ployment because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, age, disablity or national origin. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to Superintendent, 217 W. 7th Street, Concordia, Kansas 66901-2803 (785) 243-3518