THE GRYPHON TIMES Friday, January 10, 2019 Volume 12 Issue 8 Ms. Kivett: UA‟s Welcoming Face UA Music Tastes By Chadsity Durr By Jordan LeGrair At University Academy, there are many key staff mem- oughly enjoy,” she said. bers who contribute to the school‟s environment. Fun fact: Ms. Kivett The music industry is keeping a steady pace, with not Ms. Cynthia Kivett, Central Office Manager, is one of has more than 50 first much going on and only a few new releases by artists. these staff members. She has been dedicated to UA for 11 cousins. Also, two of A lot of people who use Spotify, a music streaming years. her grandchildren attend service, are reminiscing on their most played tracks “I started as a volunteer, and it turned into a permanent UA. throughout 2019. The service officially released this in- job,” she said. “I have two grand- formation to all listeners who use the platform. The top Ms. Kivett‟s job is of high importance, as she is the UA sons here, Anthony and streamed artist of 2019 were Ed Sheeran, with 62.91 mil- doorkeeper. Her job is not only to be responsible for who Keaton Reese, fifth and lion streams per month. Post Malone and Camila Cabello comes in and out of the building, but also to give a positive first grade. I love being followed just behind that. first impression of University Academy to all visitors. As here with my grandchil- Da‟Marion Young, a senior at University Academy, she maintains a positive environment, she also helps keep dren,” she said. is an avid music listener. His favorite type of music is everyone safe. Born and raised in melodic rap, which is rap with a melodic tone, as if the As a part of the UA Kansas City Ms. Kivett, artist is singing. Young said he thinks the songs are very family, Ms. Kivett has recalls many special catchy with unique vibes. found her years at the memories at her grand- His favorite artists are Trippie Redd, YNW Melly school rewarding. UA is mother‟s house. and XXXTENTACION, young artists who‟ve had a Ms. Kivett is the Central Office her home away from “Sunday dinner at strong impact on others in a positive way, whether it be Manager at UA. home. my grandmother's house touching their hearts or “I believe in the law was a full production. being unique compared of sowing and reaping,” The preparation for the meal started on Saturday. Every- to other artists. she said. “Over the years thing was fresh and made from scratch—no cans, no boxes, The difference in that I've been here, I've not even processed packaged meat was allowed,” she said. art hits harder, Young tried to sow positive seeds Ms. Mae Turner, Central Office Assistant Manager, said. into the lives of everyone works closely with Ms. Kivett and enjoys her company. These artists all I come in contact with— Ms. Turner said Ms. Kivett motivates her to strive for have their own ways of parents, students and what she wants. making their music. staff. Truthfully, we al- “She has shaped me into becoming a strong, independ- Trippie Redd is a me- ways reap more than what ent woman. She‟s always taught me to be an asset, not a lodic rapper, and he has Ms. Kivett welcomes people in we sow, and the reaping liability. She is a great inspiration.” his own signature mel- the front door at UA each from UA has been phe- Ms. Turner thinks every day spent with her coworker is ody in the majority of day. nomenal. I am truly a memory as they laugh, cry and pray together. his songs, which his blessed to have a job that doesn't feel like one.” Aida Tesfay, a junior at University Academy, said fans love. Some of his Other than working hard at University Academy, Ms. she‟s noticed Ms. Kivett as a positive spirit who can always top songs are “Taking a Kivett has other commitments outside of school as well. change someone‟s mood as they enter the building. Walk” and “Dark She has been the senior pastor of Destiny Life Center Min- Ms. Kivett is one of many important staff members at Trippie Redd prepared before Knight Dummo.” istries for 23 years. She is also a member of the Concerned University Academy, and the school is fortunate to have a concert. YNW Melly, also a Clergy of Kansas City. her. melodic rapper, has a “Both of those assignments allow me to do a lot of voice that most singers community outreach throughout the city, which I thor- strive to attain, and he has an amazing flow switch throughout his songs. XXXTENTACION, considered by many to be the king of today‟s music, is loved by millions of people for his self-expression and diversity. He passed away, tragically, at the age of 20, in 2008. Featuring Jasmin McDonald Tyoni Williams, a senior at University Academy, listens to almost all types of music, including pop, alterna- By Aniyah Clark tive, rap, a little country and instrumental. Jasmin McDonald, a senior at University Academy, is Family has been the biggest support to McDonald since Some of her favorite artists are Kanye West, mostly this month‟s student feature. McDonald started attending her injuries occurred, especially her brother, UA sophomore his older music, and Cardi B, who is a highly respected UA in ninth grade. David McDonald. He artist by the female population because of her strong, in- Since she has been at is one of many people dependent personality and her music. UA, she has been who has helped her She also loves Beyonce. “Her music hits the soul,” involved in choir and through this roller she said. basketball. coaster. Williams listens to both mainstream music as well as McDonald Her friends lesser known music she comes across. played for the Lady helped her through the “I love to find someone who is not on the charts,” she Gryphons‟ basketball ups and downs, too. said. A commonality between her and Young is that as team for three years Garcia and McDonald long as they like the music, they will listen to it. straight. Unfortu- have many memories Young also likes finding new music that is unpopu- nately, this is her Left: Senior Jasmin McDonald together, especially lar, yet similar to the more mainstream music he listens first year not playing posed for her “READ” picture. from their basketball to. due to a concussion Above: McDonald previously seasons together. “There are a lot of one hit wonders in the music in- she sustained during played basketball for UA but “My favorite bas- dustry today,” he said, “Everyone sounds the same.” tryouts for the team cannot play this year due to two ketball memory was He likes to keep some music he finds to himself be- earlier this winter. recent concussions. after a game at an cause he likes to see those artists “blow up,” or become But this isn‟t the first away school. We were famous, and watch their journeys; there is great joy that time she has had a meeting in the school‟s music room, and unfortunately we comes from discovering artists and seeing them grow. concussion. Before lost, but the team made the situation better when we all Young also likes to share the music he listens to with oth- the season even began banging on the instruments and creating songs! It ers. started, McDonald was hilarious,” McDonald said. Williams said a lot of today‟s music is based on hype got a concussion because of a car wreck on Sept. 11. Everyone who knows McDonald knows she‟s always and fun that everyone can bop their head to without much A concussion can cause people to behave differently in high spirits. There‟s never a dull moment with her. She thinking. from how they normally act. A couple of McDonald‟s has motivated a lot of people, and she makes everyone She would like to explore the new wave of rap, with friends were asked if they felt her attitude has been different laugh. This is one thing people love about Jasmin. newer and younger artists. Lil Tecca, a 17-year-old rap since her injuries. Her best friend, senior Paulina Garcia, “My favorite thing about Jasmin is that she could make star, or Denzel Curry, age 24, who makes music with deep said she feels McDonald acts the same but is more irritable any situation better. She is also very goofy, and we can meaning, are some newer artists in the industry. These are than usual. They have been friends since they were attend- laugh about anything. Her smile is contagious,” Garcia the artists Young is more into. ing Brookside together in seventh grade. said. Williams wants to be versatile and likes exploring the “Jasmin has been more cranky than usual. It seems like McDonald said positive thoughts help her stay moti- directions of new music. She said her playlist needs to be she has an attitude more often now,” Garcia said. vated. updated so she doesn‟t have to listen to the same songs McDonald also had an opinion on her behavior. “The amount of success I could have depends on the she has been listening to. “Honestly, I didn't notice any change of behavior in the amount of effort I put forth right now,” McDonald said. While the music industry is still strong, and currently earlier stages of my recovery, but deeper into it those If you‟re looking for someone to help you get through in mourning over the loss of Juice WRLD, everyone is around me noticed I was becoming more irritable, putting a tough times, definitely look into getting to know Jasmin giving their regards and moving, on continuing to strain on certain relationships,” she said.