Following the murder of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died at the hands of police officers in May, a wave of protests has begun around the world. The focus of these protests is to end police brutality and support Black Lives Matter (BLM). It is important to end racism once and for all in our country. Deaths like these are unacceptable and should not go without punishment. It goes without saying that these protests have been controversial for many reasons — All Lives Matter vs. BLM, looting and violent protests. Calls to reform policing and address racially charged issues like Confederate statues are filling the news.
Frank to continue basketball career at Ottawa
Jackson Frank has been on the varsity squad for football, basketball, and baseball all of his four years at WHS. Frank has chosen to attend Ottawa University to continue playing basketball next season. “Jackson has had a love for basketball since I can remember and I am excited for him to have an opportunity to continue his career at the next level. He had an exceptional senior year and played very well demonstrating leadership to the rest of the team,” principal Jan Hutley said.
Wright to cheer, dance at Allen County
Cheering and Dance are two staples to every college. Shelby Wright will be a part of those staples at Allen County Community College next year. Wright has cheered for WHS during both football and basketball seasons. The WHS cheer team also doubled as the dance team, performing during the halftime of the football games and the boys basketball games.
Hafenstine signs to play 2 sports at Allen County
Many kids in high school play more than one sport, but then specialize and take their favorite to college. Alexis Hafensitine is different. She will be playing volleyball and softball at Allen County Community College.
USD 329 finalizes checkout plan
Checkout day at school is an exciting day for all ages. Seniors are happy to be done, junior high and high school students are thankful for no more homework, the middle schoolers and elementary students are ready to have play dates everyday and the teachers are excited for a much needed break. This year, the checkout process is different due to the pandemic and Governor Kelly’s restrictions.
Opinion: Mumpower reflects on ‘Star Wars’ binge watch to commemorate May the 4th
Since the release of “Star Wars” in 1977, everyone who’s anyone knew the whole ‘Luke, I am your father’ moment that apparently shocked the world — but up until a few months ago, I had no true knowledge of the magnitude of this epic franchise.
3 WHS journalists place first at state journalism competition
The 2020 Kansas Scholastic Press Association state competition looked a little different than usual, but WHS journalist still captured some awards. Instead of traveling to the University of Kansas, the writing competitions took place online in mid-April. All students who placed at the regional competition in February were eligible to compete. Three WHS students captured state championships. Eleanor Badeker in Copy Editing, Karlee Feyh in Advertising (her entry is pictured above) and Emma Frey in Editorial writing.
Softball’s plan to compete for another championship cut short
Following the success of the 2019 season, the Charger softball team was hoping to win another state championship this spring. Unfortunately, due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, the season was cut short. The team had many exciting changes to look forward to this year, including Joe Dee Tarbutton’s first year as head coach. Tarbutton said he looked forward to a state championship with the team this year. He was also looking forward to “coaching a very talented team with Coach Oliver and Coach Eck.”
Baseball graduates experienced class, but well-stocked for future
With school being transitioned to completely online due to the current stay at home order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHS coaching staff and players took time to reflect on the season that could have been. With the 2020 season, the baseball team had some changes to the coaching staff. David Amer and Colby Harris joined the team as assistant coaches. “I was really enjoying getting back into the baseball groove and working with all of the guys,” Amer said. “It sucks we don't get to enjoy baseball this spring, but if it helps keep family members alive, it's what we need to do.”
Seniors saddened by loss of track season
On March 17, Governor Kelly made the decision to close all Kansas school facilities for the remainder of the year, ending the 2020 track season before it ever began. Track had high hopes for this season, with several returning state qualifiers and medalists, and upperclassmen who “set the tone for what was expected,” according to head coach Roger Alderman.
