Small but Courageous

The OCHS Forensics team is doing well despite having fewer members

By Hannah Mondragon

The OCHS Forensics team this year consists of five freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors, and four seniors. This team may seem small, but they have the courage to go to other schools and perform in front of tons of judges that critique them.

The events that the students perform in are oration, extemporaneous speaking, improvised duet acting (IDA), humorous interpretation, serious solo, impromptu speaking, poetry and prose, informative speaking, and duet acting. They are led by Coach Renee Gallagher.

Senior Katalina Vecchione started forensics her sophomore year. She is involved in prose, poetry, and duet acting.  Vecchione was asked about her goal this year as a senior and she replied, “My goal is to try to attempt to break into finals so I can go to state. Ms. Gallagher has always told us no matter what, we have the ability to reach as far as we want to. Depending on the effort and passion.”

The OCHS Forensics team goes to tournaments on Saturdays to perform. They have three rounds to show the judges what they are capable of. If they place in the top six in their event they break into finals. Once in finals, they perform in front of a panel of judges again (usually three or more). After the finalists are done performing, they wait for the awards assembly.  If a student breaks into the top six in an event, then, based on how many schools are attending the tournament, he/she may qualify for the state festival in May.  If the student gets first or second place in a regular season competition, he/she goes to the state championship.

Senior Madison McKenzie is involved in IDA, duet acting, and prose. McKenzie was asked about her favorite part of forensics as a senior and what experience she’s gained, and replied, “I’m a lot more used to acting now. It broke me out of my shell and got me more open to talking in front of people. My favorite event is duet this year because I get to spend it with Katalina Vecchione.” McKenzie was also asked about all the goals she’s accomplished throughout high school forensics.  She said, “I’ve been to the state championship once for IDA, but I’ve qualified for state festival every year for prose. It’s definitely been one of the greatest high school experiences ever.”

The OCHS forensics team has several tournaments remaining this year. The state qualifiers will perform here at the school for “Forensics in the Spring” on April 26, 2015.  This event showcases what the forensicators have been working on throughout the year, so feel free to come out and and enjoy the entertainment.

Growing in Fellowship

OCFCA strives to influence its school and community through God’s glory

Article by Jake Butterfield

One of the newest clubs to be added to Osage City High School’s list of clubs is Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The organization is a nationwide association with its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri. FCA holds eight national conferences each year totaling with 47,000 attendees. According to its website (fca.org), the FCA mission is, “To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.”

When asked about the goals of FCA in Kansas, East Kansas FCA Director Kevin Wade commented, “The biggest goal for FCA in eastern Kansas is to establish great events and opportunities for coaches and athletes to grow in their spiritual leadership, facilitate existing huddle groups, and help new groups off to a great start and see them grow.” Wade is in charge of establishing funding resources in order to allow FCA to grow in Kansas. “Without a doubt the best part of my job is to grow relationships with coaches and athletes and be part of spiritual growth through FCA. It’s such a pleasure to share a vision for the ministry and see that vision slowly start to come through and see the impact God can make through coaches and athletes,” Wade said about the privileges of his job. The organization is constantly growing and has expanded greatly since becoming a club at OCHS just three years ago.

OCFCA is a student-led organization sponsored by USD 420 teachers Lucas and Kate Boss. Prior to moving back home to Osage City, both Lucas and Kate taught in the Santa Fe Trail school district, where they also started an FCA club and were involved in it for 10 years. When asked about his favorite part of being the OCFCA huddle leader, Lucas said, “Getting to be a part of kids’ lives and influencing them in a positive way. God has blessed me with a great family, school, and hometown. I’d be letting Him down if I didn’t give all I have for His glory!” Since FCA has come to OCHS, the group has developed into a continually growing organization. The huddle began with just a handful of weekly meeting attendees, but sent a bus load of student-athletes to this fall’s FCA Conference held at Rock Springs Ranch.

FCA meets every Sunday at 6 p.m. in Mrs. Wilkins room. The group also hosts 5th Quarter events after home football and basketball games. Upcoming 5th Quarters include February 6th at the Community Building and February 13th hosted by Community Covenant Church. FCA will also be holding its third annual dodgeball tournament February 27th. Dodgeball teams can be made up of three boys and three girls. FCA is a group open to anyone and all high school students are welcome to attend any of these events.

Photo courtesy of http://spartanburg2.k12.sc.us/

Preparing for the Future

FBLA works toward the future generation’s success

Article by Sarah Thompson

If anyone ever wanted to run a business, then this organization is for them. FBLA: Future Business Leaders of America. The basics of running a business are what members learn in this club, along with how to work well with others.

The club’s sponsor, Miss Becky Fraker, has been involved in FBLA since college. “It’s exciting to see these kids compete in an organization I’ve been a part of for a long time,” she affectionately says of her pupils.

Competitions are a big goal for the organization. Fraker is hoping for a placing at districts, and maybe a chance to attend and place at Nationals. Sophomore member Trey Tomlinson stated that they’ve been, “preparing for regionals, along with fundraisers.” Fundraisers are a big part of the club’s future successes. Money for trips and competitions can be earned with these fundraisers. Without them, FBLA wouldn’t be able to continue to teach kids the skills they’ll need.

If all goes well, Miss Fraker says she will continue the organization. Tomlinson says he will continue his involvement, as this club prepares members for the real world.

FBLA helps kids learn skills needed to be ready for the world, giving them a better chance at being successful and prosperous. Without this club, kids wouldn’t have advantages when they attend colleges and go through life.

Photo courtesy of fbla.org

San Antonio, Here We Come!

The OCHS band takes a trip to the Alamo Bowl

Article by Hannah Mondragon

Over winter break, the Osage City High School band took a trip to San Antonio, Texas. The students performed in the Alamo Bowl, played pep band, and got to explore a new environment in Texas.

The bus ride to San Antonio was about 12 hours, and it wasn’t much of a teenage party. Junior Brooklynn Milam was asked about the ride and said, “On the bus we watched movies, listened to music, and slept. Nothing really too special.”

When the students reached Texas, they joined approximately 1,200 other students there from 14 schools all over the country. The practices were four to six hours long with very few breaks. It was drizzling during rehearsal on the day before the performance, so the students went into a gym, practiced in a group, and then broke up into sectionals. Then on game day at the Alamo Bowl, the OCHS Marching Indians and their peers from around the country performed “Bruno Mars Medley.” But this wasn’t the only thing the students did in Texas.

During the trip, the students went to visit Natural Bridge Caverns and SeaWorld. They were also able to go to the mall and have a relaxing time, as well as see other sites around San Antonio. Some members, such as senior Samantha Smith, even made new friends on the trip.  “The [trip] was still good overall and even though I didn’t know anyone there, I met some new friends and I still talk to them regularly,” said Smith.

The band was able to pick five pep band songs to perform on the Riverwalk the day before the game. They chose Samba (during which they shouted, “Go, Wildcats!” instead of the usual, “Go, Indians!”), Hey Baby, Sail, and Shout it Out. Milam was asked about the OCHS band compared to the other bands and she said, “The other pep bands just played cadences and played their marching band music. On the other hand, the OCHS pep band did horn moves and we were a really peppy group. People were looking at us like we were from a different planet, but we had fun and that’s all that matters.”

The students were exhausted when they returned home, but they talked about the trip for weeks. The OCHS band got a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Alamo Bowl after all those long pep band performances to support OCHS throughout the year.

Because They’re Bright

OCHS Scholars’ Bowl works hard to improve

Article by Sarah Thompson

Random facts are the OCHS Scholars’ Bowl team’s specialty. Don’t know who invented the toaster? Ask one of them! Chances are they might know.

Joking aside, these students focus and work hard to memorize useful, specialized facts. Valued time is spent droning over fact sheets, books, magazines, and computers. Despite commitments such as homework and other activities, scholars’ bowl members push on to show what they know at meets.

Scholars’ bowl meets are held against other schools in a tournament setting. The team has competed in five meets and has six remaining.  Two team members, senior Madison McKenzie and sophomore Abby Gibbons, were asked how the year is going for them. McKenzie replied with, “I think that our team is doing well in regards to our personal goals,” while Gibbons simply stated that “it’s been challenging.” Their coach, Mrs. Luanne Jacobs, thought that members have been improving each meet.

These members have to study to improve, so McKenzie and Gibbons shared how they prepare for the meets. McKenzie spends her time learning new things, as she’s always been a studious person. Gibbons, on the other hand, studies with the group at practices every Wednesday.

The amount that scholars’ bowl kids study often earns stigmas for them within society. Most people believe that students who participate in academic activities like scholars’ bowl are “nerdy” or antisocial. Despite the insinuations and generalizations made by television, and maybe even other students, these kids push on and study hard to win.

The amount of preparation that the kids put in really does make a difference. “The ones that are serious about it are doing better; the ones who aren’t do about the same,” Coach Jacobs says.  However, even though some study, the answers aren’t always known to them. Both McKenzie and Gibbons feel that the category from which the question is being asked decides how difficult the question is for them. However, obstacles like that allow the individuals and group to grow in ability.

Students who join scholars’ bowl are strong minded individuals who have the capability to work and learn well in their environment and overcome restrictions that appear, no matter the stereotypes that are associated with this activity.

The Voice of OCHS

A large OCHS Student Council is working to make a difference in the school and community

Article by Aundrea Koger

In recent years, the number of Osage City High School Student Council members has increased significantly, due in part to the fact that OCHS no longer has elections for representatives (however, representatives must run in an election to fill an office position).  Joining StuCo just requires filling out an application in the spring that is available to any high schooler who is interested.  It allows more students to get involved, which leads to increased productivity within the council and the school, and a broader representation of opinions at OCHS.

With StuCo tallying in at nearly thirty members this year, the council has been able to become more active, putting on various new charities and programs.  In addition to sponsoring Queen of Courts, Homecoming, and the Mr. Osage pageant, OCHS StuCo will be involving USD 420 in a charity called “Monkey in my Chair.” This charity, which started last Friday, raises money for elementary kids with cancer, so that they can receive a stuffed toy monkey.  When the student is absent from school because of illness or treatments, the monkey will sit in the student’s chair in the classroom.  It’s designed to help keep the cancer patient connected with his or her fellow students.

Mrs. Kathy Camarena, the Student Council sponsor and guidance counselor at OCHS, noted that StuCo will also be starting a program called S.A.F.E.  This program, “Seatbelts Are For Everyone,” is being integrated into the district in order to encourage more people to buckle up. There will be routine checks, and prizes or rewards will be given out to students who are seen wearing their seatbelt.  And this is not the only program StuCo is taking up that recompenses students for being amenable.

Since Christmas is right around the corner, Student Council has decided to partake in the holiday spirit, not only by making the Mr. Osage Pageant Christmas-themed, but also by starting “Santa’s Nice List.”  Whenever a teacher or staff member sees a student doing something good, such as performing well in the classroom or being especially helpful or kind towards peers, they will put that student’s name in a jar and there will be a drawing for various prizes at the end of the week.

OCHS StuCo has always been dedicated to making improvements to the district and giving back to the students, as well as those in need, through incentive and charity programs.  And with two times as many representatives than in past years the Student Council has been able to take on even more projects.  The many members of StuCo enjoy working for the betterment of the school and community and accurately representing the opinions of the student body.  Many schools don’t have such an active and engaged Student Council, so Osage City High School is fortunate.  In the words of junior and StuCo president Kailyn Robert, “It’s nice to be able to have a voice for the school.”

Now is the Time

The OCHS Marching Band Finishes a Successful Season

Article by Hannah Mondragon

Band has always been the pride and joy of Osage City High School.  Excellence has come to be expected out of the Marching Indians, and year after year, they deliver.  This year was no different.

The OCHS band participated in four marching competitions during its 2014 season and received 2 ratings across the board.  Despite not receiving any 1 ratings, band members worked hard this year, and they were competing against much larger 4A, 5A, and 6A bands at a majority of their competitions.  The members were pleased with how they performed their show, Now is the Time, which consisted of the songs “Old Time Rock and Roll,” by Bob Seger, “Good Time,” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, and the “Time Warp,” from Rocky Horror Picture Show.  And this year, simply gaining experience has been an important goal for the band.

The OCHS band has a large percentage of freshmen and sophomores compared to past years, so this year the band has been concentrating on gaining experience.  And they did exactly that, with Mrs. Melissa Askren, the band instructor, noting that there was much improvement from the first performance to the last.  Even though there will be quite a few seniors graduating, given a few years, the underclassmen will become a force to be reckoned with.  Junior Tate Brooks, a leader on the drum line, said, “I’ve gained more experience every time.”

The experience they’ve gained so far helped the Marching Indians finish their season strongly, and it will come to help them significantly this December when they perform at the the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

On the Grind

OCHS Debate Squad Members Work Like Athletes

Article by Sarah Thompson

Debate isn’t seen as a sport by most individuals, but it is more similar to its extracurricular counterparts than most people might expect.  Debaters must work hard on perfecting their case in and outside of the classroom in order to be successful, much like what athletes must do to get that starting spot on varsity.  And just like in athletic activities, teamwork is important to the success of the OCHS Debate Squad.

At tournaments and at practice, debaters work with partners to learn, provide facts, and debate their chosen topics.  Junior Brooklyn Milam partners with sophomore Sharmin Hicks, while Junior Lexie Hardin teams with sophomore Hannah Mondragon.  Sophomore Caleb Anstaett joins the most experienced debater, senior Sarah Peterson.  And the freshmen pairings are Justin Davis with Faith Long and Jordan Hon with Timberly Dunham.

When asked about how the year is going, Milam simply stated that it is “pretty good.”  Anstaett was also questioned about he feels the rest of the year is going to go for him. “I will continue to keep on being the top athlete every day, every play, every way,” was his jocose response.  And even though Anstaett was joking, the Indian debate squad does work hard just like athletes.

The OCHS Debate sponsor, Mrs. Donna Crane, jokingly called Coach Crane by the team members on occasion, mentioned that, “They’re debating at tournaments that are new, but there are Junior varsity options that’ll be good for more of my less experienced kids. But I don’t really know how the rest of the year will go because it’s hard to predict, as we have four tournaments left.”

Just like any member of an athletic team, the OCHS debaters have ambitious goals in mind. Both Milam and Anstaett have goals of going to state and coming home with a trophy, hopefully a first place one.

All Stars of the Area

Seniors and Band Honored by Optimist Selection

Article by Cassidy Robinett

   Being nominated by your coach to play in an all-star basketball game is a small honor in itself, but actually being picked to play is a great honor. An honor that not one, but two, of our Osage City seniors earned.

The senior basketball players were nominated by their coaches based on their basketball statistics. The surrounding area coaches then met and voted to decide which players should be selected to play in the 2014 Flint Hills Optimist All-Star game. This year, OCHS seniors Darren Spruill and Cayla Lawless were both selected to play in the game, which was held March 29 in Emporia . On the game, Spruill and Lawless both agreed it was fun and a good experience for them both.

“It was fun to be on the same team as opponents and play with my rivals,” Lawless says about the honor. Spruill had similar thoughts, saying, “It was a good experience. It was nice playing with some of my friends from other schools.”

When asked what they liked most about the game, their opinions differed. “I liked playing with no pressure and just getting to enjoy playing the game I love,” says Lawless. Spruill enjoyed something a little different, saying, “We got to showcase our talents that we don’t get to show during the regular season, and were able to do that while listening to the best band in the state.”

If you didn’t catch that, the best band in the state was also honored with getting asked to come play pep songs throughout the game. First, the Osage City band was asked to be the main band over Wellsville’s band at the boys’ sub-state championship game, hosted at Wellsville.  Now the band got honored to play at the All-Star game. Mrs. Askren and band were invited to play because of the great atmosphere they add to games.

Those that attended the games will agree that the show put on by both teams was a fun one. Lawless’s team earned a win, while Spruill’s team took a loss. Congratulations the players and the band for earning such an honor!

Photo courtesy of Studio G Photography

Bringing Home the Hardware

Band and Choir Excel at Flint Hills League Competition

Article by Aundrea Koger

Here at OCHS, students and teachers alike tend to expect great things from the band.  And the band does a wonderful job of living up to those expectations.  It did it yet again at the Flint Hills League competition by bringing home a one-rating, the highest rating you can receive, along with one-ratings for every solo or small ensemble that performed.  Then at the regional solo and small ensemble competition the three soloists, senior Don Curtis on tuba, freshman Makaela Nicholson on saxophone, and freshman Hannah Mondragon on clarinet, all received one-ratings, which qualified them for state.  

Despite the normally high expectations for the OCHS band, second year band teacher Mrs. Melissa Askren was slightly surprised by the band’s successes.  “I wasn’t necessarily expecting to get ones across the board (in regards to the solos and small ensembles), but I did expect the band to get the rating that we did,” said Askren when asked about the matter.  However, even though she was confident that the band would do well, she did admit that she was nervous for the performance.  The judging was tough, with only two bands receiving one-ratings that day.  But the tips given by the judges will be of great help to the OCHS band as it gets ready for the state large group competition.

Freshman Hannah Mondragon also plans on using the advice given to her by the judges during her solo at both league and regionals in order to improve as much as possible before the state solo and small ensemble competition on April 26.  It’s almost certain that she will do well at state no matter what though, because she has been working on her solo relentlessly for the past few weeks.  “Every day after school I went home and focused on improving my pieces,” commented Mondragon, who also had performances to work on for another musical activity at OCHS that is often overlooked: choir.

After the band’s performance at league competition in Emporia it was the choir’s turn to step into the spotlight. It too brought home a one-rating, along with three one-ratings for soloists, junior Stephanie Diehl, freshman Zach Irvin, and freshman Hannah Mondragon, and a one-rating for the mixed ensemble. The girls’ ensemble, and soloist freshman Abby Gibbons, received two-ratings.

    Here at Osage City High School all extracurricular organizations excel, but few succeed as consistently as the band and the choir.  Students can always count on them to bring home the hardware, and build a great reputation for the school and the people in it.