May - Cimarron High School is

WHAT’S INSIDE?
page 5 page 7
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Non-profit
permit #41
Cimarron,
KS
67835
Cimarron High School
Cimarron, KS 67853
May 2012
Volume 9 No 7
By Abby Thompson
Looking back, those of us in high
school can vividly remember what it was
like to make the transition from grade
school to junior high and from junior high
to high school.
The massiveness of the high school
itself was horrifying, not to mention the terror
of going into the bathroom by yourself
for fear of being given a swirly by a high
school bully. Lunch was always a disaster
with questions running through your mind
like, “Who will I sit with?” “What’s the
best table?” “Why is everyone looking
at me?”
Several students at CHS are experiencing
mixed feelings about joining the older
kids on the high school side of the building
next year.
“I’m excited to be in high school
mostly because I’m ready to play sports,”
The Bluejay Post
Eighth graders prepare for high school life
“I will definitely
miss seeing everybody
every day and
will miss all our
inside jokes that
we share with one
another.”
--Breanna Bryant
said eighth grader Isabelle Koopman. “Everything
seems bigger and more exciting
in high school.”
Although some might be looking
forward to sports, there are many more
clubs and activities available to high school
students.
“In high school there are a bunch of
clubs like FFA and KAYs that you can join,
unlike junior high,” said Ellie Moffit.
While many students are excited to
experience athletics and other extracurricular
activities, some are just worried
about finding their next class.
“I was afraid I would get lost and
my brother would make fun of me,” said
Bernadette Shaughnessy.
Though the transition from eight grade
to high school might be difficult, one of the
hardest grade changes might be from sixth
grade the junior high.
“Seeing everyone.
I’ve seen half
of my classmates
ever year since
kindergarten.”
--Megan Claar
“I was so glad to be out
of grade school, it was scary,
but the grade school feels
like a prison,” said seventh
grader Maddi Lacy.
One of the most intimidating
things about growing
up may be the fear of upperclassmen.
“Coming into seventh
grade I just knew I would
be shoved into a locker
but one of the older kids,”
said Lacy. “But it never
happened.”
Teachers and administrators
have done their best to make the
transition as seamless as possible with
orientation and student teacher meetings,
but even that can be scary.
“Becoming a seventh grader was
Seniors:
What are you going to miss about school?
“I’m going to miss
all of my classmates
and just joking
around with
them.”
--Lindsay Wehkamp.
“I’m going to
miss all my classmates
and the fun
times we shared.”
--Will Pingsterhaus
“I’m going to miss
seeing familiar
faces everyday.
And knowing that
no matter how bad
your day has been,
someone always did
something dumb to
make you smile.”
--Taylor Siek
“I’m going to miss seeing
everyone everyday and
all the great times we’ve
shared together.”
--Lyndi Stokes
“All the people, the
automatic doors (it’s
pretty cool; you just
push the button and
it lets you in), Hendrix’s
dangerous toxic
chemicals, Cherney’s
stories, and Beery’s
fire experiments.
Also, I’ll miss trying
new sports and seeing
people sometimes
come to school in pajamas.”
--Gianluca Saviano
BIG BAD EIGHTH GRADERS: Samantha McPhail and Kylie
Rempel discuss their future plans over lunch break. “Junior high
was fun,” said McPhail, “but I’m ready for a change.” Both girls
will become freshmen in the 2012-13 school year. (Courtesy
photo)
“I’m going to
miss all my
classmates and
all the great
times we have
had.”
--Kourtney
Herkelman.
really scary because the very first day
of orientation I got yelled at by a certain
teacher,” said Tana Pickle.
Although terrifc and terrifying, ones
junior high years can be full of good and
bad times.
“In high school, every thing counts,”
said McPhail. “You can represent your
school and community better that way
too.”
UPCOMING
EVENTS
• May 4 - FFA Day on the
Farm at CHS
• May 5 - State Forensics
• May 5 - State KSPA
• May 6 - Graduation
• May 8 - Eighth Grade
Promotion
• May 9 - HS Finals
• May 10 - HS Finals
- Last day of school

2
The
Bluejay Post
May 2012
Opinions
Senior year proves tougher than expected
By Abby Thompson
If you appear to be between the ages of
five and eighteen there is one single question
that you will be asked repeatedly by
strangers, “What grade are you in?”
Inevitably, if you respond by saying
you’re a senior, someone will comment on
how easy your life must be.
Easy? Really?
Being a senior in high school is the
fartest thing from easy.
First, take into consideration the
amount of emotional stress we are put
under. Our parents are finally realizing
that their little pumpkins aren’t so little
anymore; therefore, they take hold of us
with tight arms, making one last attempt
to shelter us from the world’s evil. This
means tighter curfews, less freedom, and
more quality time with our AR books.
Not to mention the mixed feelings we
experience about graduating.
Sure, we all put on a huge front about
how excited we are to get away from this
boring old town, but it eventually hits us
that we are leaving the only home we’ve
ever known. This realization can cause
an extreme amount of anxiety and maybe
even a few (or many in my case) tears to
be shed.
Second, the amount of schoolwork we
are assigned every day looks mountainous
on a Friday night when the senioritis kicks
in. Some of us are incredibly lucky and are
allowed to leave school and go to work
in the afternoons, thus only having to sit
through four hours of class. But most of us
are taking college level classes along with
our regular requirements and electives.
Trust me, nobody wants it to be Saturday
more than a senior.
Third, outside of homework and class
requirements, things like senior pictures,
scholarships, resumes, caps and gowns,
announcements, and graduation parties all
must be taken care of in a timely manner.
I can honestly say that I’ve never had
to tell so many different people my name,
address, and phone number before.
In addition to non-school activities,
extracurricular activities take up a huge
portion of our time as well. As seniors,
we feel it’s our duty to carry our club or
team to the top.
The dreams of a state championship
loom before us every practice, rehearsal, or
meeting. If we don’t succeed we feel like
the biggest let down for our team and our
town. It’s all on our shoulders.
Although our final year of high school
is filled with many exciting events, not
all of it is a walk in the park.
So, to end the assumption that every
student’s senior year is as easy as can be,
trust us, it’s not.
Editorial Board:
Although our editorials are
written by individuals, the
thoughts and ideas conveyed
are those of The Bluejay Post
editorial board: austin Flores
and Hunter Exum.
Girls’ fashion: Choosing your style for summer 2012
By Fernanda Cabrera
Everyone loves spending those long
summer days by the pool or at
the lake with friends and family,
working on that perfect tan and
having a great time. But besides
doing that, what’s new? That’s
the question on everyone’s
mind every time a new season
arrives.
When it comes to girls’
summer clothing, we love to
look good at any age, and
that means getting the latest
in all clothing styles and
brands. Choosing the right type of clothing
that matches your tastes, styles, and
personality is highly important in what you
wear this summer.
Shortened year good, bad
By Austin Flores
School is almost over and many of us
have plans for summer. From fishing to
golfing, or working to relaxing, we all are
making plans for this summer, but there is
one question to ask: where did the school
year go?
With the new schedule change within
the past two years and the school year
shortened, many of us feel like it has gone
by way too fast. Although school began at
8:00 a.m. this year, it didn’t get out until
3:45 p.m., and many of us dreaded the feeling
of coming early and leaving later. But it
has had is its advantages, and thanks to the
extension of school days, we will now be
released for summer break on May 10.
Summer 2012 brings much excitement
with it. So what is new?
This season brings many new
fashions and fashion colors. One of
the many things that are “in” is the
summer dress. The summer dress has
become a popular clothing item this
year and will be worn by many ladies
this summer. There’s nothing a cute
summer dress can’t do for a girl.
Soft caramel colors, including
light
pink, and
peach will
be very popular
this summer.
You can wear
them separately
or together, in
English teacher Lynne Hewes has
mixed feelings for this shortened year.
“In some ways, I’m excited because
it’s spring and you want to be outdoors
instead of being cooped up in a room all
day. In other ways, I’m sad because the
time-frame for this year seemed so short.
I’m not ready for my seniors to graduate,
and I’ve just had an awesome junior
class this year. It’s going to pain me to see
them in another English class next year.”
Like Hewes many, other people feel
that this year has been really short, but
they also have mixed feelings. They feel
like everything was a blur this past year
and that everyone had gotten along pretty
well.
combination with
brighter colors.
Fuchsia, yellow,
and orange are all
a great hits too.
Orange comes in
everything, including
dresses,
shoes, bags, belts,
and sunglasses. If
orange is one of
your favorite
colors,
you can really
take advantage
of it and enjoy it at the same
time. If you like the color white, you
should try delicate lace or pleats for
a more feminine look.
The shortened year was nice to have,
and not many schools get the opportunity
to be released for summer earlier than
usual Also, some schools don’t even have
summer break, They just go yearly.
Another advantage for most of us
students is that we will be getting out of
classes that we won’t ever have to take
again. And with that happening we can
look forward to taking a variety of other
classes next year, Such as art, weights, or
even forensics.
With the year coming to a speedy end
many of us can surely look forward to having
a nice summer vacation and coming
back to school in August, late August, that
is.
Now if the summer dress isn’t exactly
your thing, you can always go with something
a little more simple like Capri pants.
They’re breathable, comfortable, flattering,
and also stylish. This type of clothing is
very flexible, which means you can simply
go casual and wear them to various places,
even to work. If you want to go a little more
formal, you can wear them to church, or
some kind of date night.
Whatever your clothing style is, there
will be plenty of clothing out there for you
to have fun with.
The Bluejay Post
2011-2012 Staff
Editor: Brittnee Rodriquez
Sports Editors: Fernanda Cabrera
and Austin Flores
H.S. Organizations, Arts, Music
Editor: Abby Thompson
Photo Editor: Hunter Exum
Copy Editor: Abby Thompson
Cartoonist: Austin Flores
Advisor: Lynne Hewes
Cimarron High School
May 2012
Volume 9, Issue 7

Arts & Organizations
The Bluejay Post
3
May 2012
Artistic enough: CHS students earn medals
By Austin Flores
`On April 4 the Cimarron art team
took a trip down to the High Plains League
Art Show, which was hosted by Syracuse
and Wichita County High School, and
CHS came home with medals.
Each school was allowed
to take 25 entries, no more than
three per person.
CHS was able to bring home
some outstanding results from
the 25 works of art sent to Syracuse.
Individual medalists were
Alan Carbaja, graphite pencil;
Pamela Cisneros, tempera; Jessica
Garcia, pen and ink; Sierra
Gladman, graphite pencil; Vidal
Mendoza, mixed media; Will
Pingsterhaus, graphite pencil;
Eduardo Ramirez, graphite pencil;
Tanner Smith, pen and ink.
With these results Art teacher
Steve Giebler was able to g,ive
some positive feedback.
“I was really pleased that
Vidal Mendoza
they all did really well,” Giebler said, “and
I just feel blessed with the students for
putting in all their time and effort to show
off all the hard work they do beyond the
classroom.”
CHS Musicians compete at Regionals
By Abby Thompson
After months of practice and rehearsal,
CHS musicians attended the Regional Solo
and Ensemble Festival held at Dodge City
High School on April 14.
Following are the solo instrumentalists
who received a rating of I: Jackie Byer,
alto; Abby Thompson, clarinet; Kaitlyn
Rempel, flute; Nick Franzitta, trombone;
Samantha Inguanza, tenor sax; Issac
Stanley, trombone; Andrea Bryant,
trumpet; Christian Fischer, trombone;
Paige Spurgin, tuba.
Solos receiving a II rating consisted
of Shania Davidson, clarinet; Levi Lacy,
French horn; Char Fleeman, flute.
Band ensembles receiving a I rating
included the percussion trio, Mitch
Chalkley, Joey Franzitta, and Cain Bint;
and the percussion ensemble, Mitch
Chalkey, Nick Franzitta, Cain Bint, Magaly
Lozoya, Joey Franzitta, Wyatt Smith,
Megan Claar.
Ensembles who received a II rating
were the clarinet ensemble, flute quartet,
flute trio, brass quartet, saxophone trio, and
brass ensemble.
CHS singers also participated in
the regional contest. Many soloists and
ensembles will continue on to the state
festival.
Vocal soloists awarded a I rating
include Jackie Byer, Kaleb Neuschafer,
Levi Lacy, Emily Payne, Tyler Siek,
Charise Friesen, and Ellen Waters.
Those receiving a II rating were Seth
Pachner, Kali Redburn, Megan Claar,
Abby Thompson, Jessica Ast, and Alex
Neuschafer.
Three choral ensembles also headed
to state including the Mixed Ensemble,
Ladies’ Ensemble, and the Girl’s Ensemble.
The Men’s Ensemble completed their choir
year with a II rating.
All solos and ensembles receiving a
I rating competed at the State Solo and
Ensemble Festival held in Salina on April
28.
CHS KAY Club will host a 5k run/walk
on May 19.
KAYs to host 5k run/walk
Mail registration form with $20 fee to
CHS KAY Club, P.O. Box 489, Cimarron, KS
67835, by May 4.
All proceeds will go to Talita Cumi
Orphanage in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to help
purchase supplies, food, and clothes.
Registration form can be found on the school website.
Ask Mrs. Jantz for more details!
Organizational Updates
April 29-May 1: State FFA @
Manhattan
May 2-3: Sixth Grade Orientation
May 2: Physicals 8:30
May 2: Baccalaureate @7:30
May 3: 7-12 Band and Vocal
Concert @ 7:30
May 4: FFA Day on the Farm
Mario Barraza
May 5: State Forensics in Wichita
May 5: State KSPA @ KU
May 6: Graduation @ 6:00
May 8: Eighth Grade Promotion
@ 7:30
May 10: HPEA Music @ SWH
May 10: Last Day of School

4
The
Bluejay Post
May 2012
Features
Students’ sweet summer destinations
By Brittnee Rodriquez
Scorching in the 110 degree, dry, extreme
heat isn’t exactly paradise for most
few people. When asked about paradise,
every person envisions various settings.
“This summer I plan to go to the
Dominican Republic, Florida, and New
Jersey,” said Junior Anne-Marie Borrell.
The three months of summer is usually
spent for relaxation and vacation, and
Borrell arranges to do just that and much
more.
“I hope to stay in the Dominican Republic
for at least a month and a half and
two weeks everywhere else,” says Borrell.
“I’m going to visit family and go to the
beach. But when I’m in the Dominican Republic,
I plan to give all the clothes I pack
to my family that doesn’t have much.”
Family is a major motive for traveling.
Seeing the ones you love often is sometimes
taken for granted by others.
“I’m going to Mexico twice,” says
seventh grader Jose Vazquez. “I’m going
to Chihuahua and San Luis to visit family
CHS students find ways to earn $ome money
By Fernanda Cabrera
As summer vacation approaches, CHS
students begin to consider what their summer
will consist of. While some students
are looking for ways to make a little money
over the summer, others already have their
jobs lined up.
“I work at White’s Foodliner all year,”
said Junior Nathan Jenkins, “but this summer
I’m also working at a Boy Scouts camp
in Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch, Colorado,
and I’ll be there for six weeks, teaching
kids about camping.”
While some travel due to their jobs,
other people don’t plan on going quite
that far at all, given that our community
always offers a good variety of jobs for
our students.
“I stay in town and work for Rich
Addison,” said Senior Eduardo Ramirez.
“Every summer we put in fencing, pick
up scrap metal, and put in irrigation pipes.
But sometimes we go out of state to pick
up farming equipment.”
Although earning a little extra money
isn’t the only reason these students go out
and obtain a summer job, we can’t deny
that it does greatly help.
“I get paid nine bucks an hour, but it
also depends on the job,” said Ramirez. “I
usually just spend my money on clothes,
movie tickets, and food.”
Your family, of course, also has some
influence on what you wind up doing during
your three-month vacation.
“I work at my brother-in-law’s ice
cream shop in Garden City,” said Sophomore
Azucena Casas. “My job is to attend
to all the customers. I typically start working
towards the end of the school year, and
I work every day during the summer.”
While working in the summer will
definitely mean long days, it somehow
seems to drag on even more if your job
requires being outside for the majority of
the day. We hope there are a few positives
to your job too.
“It’s hard to work outside in one hundred
degree heat from about nine to five,
but the best part of my job is that I’m never
bored,” said Ramirez. “There’s always
something to work on.”
Getting rid of their boredom isn’t the
only reason people look for something to
do in the summer. Each person has a different
reason as to why they applied for their
SPREADING LOVE OVER SEAS: Junior Anna-Marie Borrell spends time with friends
and family in the Dominican Republic. In the past, she has donated her clothes and other
items to her family members who are in need. (Courtesy photo)
for about two weeks.”
Vacationing on land is one way to see
the world, but cruising through the ocean
may give you another point of view.
“We’re going on a five day cruise
with many people in our family,” said
sophomore Caleb Fischer.
Traveling out of the United States
forces travelers to plan extra days for the
long drives or plane rides that are needed
to reach their desired destination.
“It’ll take about two days to get to
Chihuahua,” says Vazquez.
Crossing waters may be similar in the
length of traveling, but the price of flying
changes immensely.
“The flight to the Dominican Republic
will cost me about $900,” says Borrell.
“To fly to all the places I want to go will
be around $1600.”
As students leave this country and
enter different ones, others plan to stay in
the United States.
“I’m attending a choir camp in Wichita
for five days,” says Sophomore Alex Adams.
Whether kids are staying at home,
driving to a different town a few hours
jobs in the first place.
“I love meeting new people,”
said Casas. “That’s the best part of my
job.”
Finding something you enjoy taking
part in plays a big role in what your job
experience will be like.
“I applied for the job since I went to
camp there myself in the past as a scout,”
said Jenkins.
While some focus on working only
one job, other students have even taken
on the challenge of working two jobs,
a task which requires an even greater
amount of time and energy.
“During the day I farm for Tim
Dewey. I drive a tractor, swath, bail,
and even service the machines,” said
Senior Zach Fields. “I work from ten
to fourteen hours a day, and after that I
go umpire softball and baseball games
at the park.”
And of course, different jobs require
a different interview process.
“My dad worked for him [Dewey]
for a few years,” said Fields, “and my
brother did too, so I decided to do the
same.”
away, or possibly leaving the country,
paradise will be found.
Cadavers in Garden City:
CHS students view
dissected human body
By Hunter Exum
Recently science instructor Melody
Johnson took her Advanced Biology classes
to Garden City Community College,
where they witnessed a live dissection.
“I think it was kind of cool and kind
of creepy,” said Junior Eric Rodriguez.
“Creepy because it’s a human that they
were opening.”
The Advanced Biology class met with
an instructor and his students guided CHS
students through the skinning and dissection
of the human body.
“The purpose of the trip was to prepare
students who are looking into the medical
profession, how to handle a cadaver,” said
Johnson. “Also the students got to see real
body organs instead of cat organs.”
While there, the students were able to
put gloves on and feel the body, along with
feeling the organs.
“I was really excited about the whole
thing,” said Junior Tori Trahern. “It was a
blast to see it.”

The Bluejay Post
Features 5
Msy 2012
End is near: what’s it feel like to be a senior?
By Austin Flores
What’s it feel like to finally be on top?
Although a few seniors this year are ready to get
out of town, others will miss Cimarron and have admitted
that they really don’t feel like they played the senior
role quite yet. Earlier in the year they felt that they
were still the junior class of last year, and they didn’t
have to worry about going to which college would be
best for them when they would graduate, or what they
were going to do when they stepped out into the world
all by themselves.
“It’s pretty awesome, but it’s also like a smack in
the face though because school is almost over, and you
realize as an individual that you’re going to have to do
something in life,” Senior Zach Fields said. “It’s great
to be a senior because everyone looks up to you. You
have all the little kids who want to go show you off
to their friends because they can say, ‘Hey this is my
friend. He’s a senior in high school!’
But it also means we have a lot of responsibility
and have to make a good example out of ourselves to
prove to other classes that they can do just the same
when they are seniors.”
Fields said his favorite memory going to school
would have to have happened this year.
“Me and Big Ed, (Senior Eduardo Ramirez) were
getting equipment out of the football shed during our
seventh hour to get ready for practice, and a grade
school student walked by and yelled ‘Oh, cool, it’s the
football players!’
“It felt pretty good to have a little kid look up to
us, but the funniest part happened when Eduardo said,
‘Hey, little man, what’s up?’ and the kid didn’t even
reply to Eduardo.
“Instead he went straight for his football helmet
and kicked it five feet away from Eduardo. It was really
funny because Eduardo’s facial expression was
priceless.”
By Brittnee Rodriquez
After 43 years of teaching, physics teacher Dan Beery has been teaching at
Cimarron for six years but plans to leave and continue to teach at Ingalls next
year.
“I majored in biology and I like explaining those concepts and watching others
understand it all,” said Beery.
While he is certified in biology, Beery’s true teaching love belongs to another
subject.
“After being certified in Biology,” said Beery, “I got certified in Chemistry
and Physics and realized that I liked them more than biology.”
After becoming qualified to teach, Beery discovered different ways to get his
message across and found his favorite method.
“I like doing labs. The students are such characters,” said Beery, “yet mature
enough to work when needed to.”
People choose teaching as their career for many reasons: for the hours, the
three-month summer vacation, or being around students, Beery has his own
initiative.
“I like watching them understand it all and see the light come on when they
understand it. The students are fun and I enjoy being around them,” said Beery.
Whether Beery is teaching in Cimarron or in Ingalls, he plans to always
continue sharing his love for science.
Onward to the future! The Senior Class of 2012 takes a final senior photo in their new jackets. The class will
graduate on Sunday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m. in the high school gym. (Courtesy photo)
Senior Abby Thompson says she feels happy that
graduation is approaching but also saddened on the
inside as well,
Thompson said, “It’s still surreal and it’s hard to
imagine it’s my last year in Cimarron. It is also really
intimidating to feel like the oldest in school because
you have to set good examples; plus, it feels like just
yesterday we were all freshmen.”
Thompson’s favorite memory also took place
this year.
“I was walking down the grade school hallway and a little
girl and her friends had spotted me in my cheerleading uniform,”
Thompson said. “The girls went crazy and surrounded
me, asking me all sorts of questions, and showing me their own
little cheerleading moves. It was really cute, but most of all it’s
memories just like that are what I am going to miss because most
schools don’t have such a close community where everyone is
happy and glad to see each other everyday. I’m really going to
miss Cimarron.”
Dan Beery to say farewell to Cimarron High
PHYSICS FANATIC: Physics teacher Dan Beery aids Senior Tyler Siek with a
problem. Beery has been teaching for 43 years and will continue to teach at Ingalls
High School after he retires from CHS. (Rodriquez photo)

The Blue jay
Post
Tanner Smith’s dangerous hobby
By Hunter Exum
Everyone has a hobby, whether
it is stamp collecting, knitting, or even
stalking. CHS Junior Tanner Smith may
not be collecting stamps or knitting, but he
does have a hobby that could be considered
dangerous. He is practicing Brazilian Jiu-
Jitsu.
“I’ve been doing this for three
years,” says Smith. “I trained at a school
in Dallas with my brother.”
Those of us who have seen MMA
(Mixed Martial Arts) fighting on television
or in real life know that it consists of two
opponents fight in a somewhat circular
cage, but we sometimes wonder how did
they get into fighting?
For Smith, the influence came
from his uncle, who happens to be a referee
for MMA.
“My uncle encouraged me to
try it,” says Smith. “So I tried out and
happened to really like it.”
Although Smith has only been
in three competitions, he seems to know
what he is doing, considering he placed
first at all three competitions. But most
competitions are quite long, and to place,
the fighters must go through two to three
matches before they place.
“I’ve competed as a team with my
brothers and friends in those competitions,”
says Smith.
When most people win first,
By Brittnee Rodriquez
When a school year begins, students
are faced with brand-new obstacles.
There is a plethora of classes to decide on,
which extracurricular activities to join,
and possibly having the stress of preparing
for college. No matter a freshman,
sophomore, junior, or senior, pressure
will present themselves sooner or later.
Freshmen are considered fresh meat.
The speed of traffic through the hallways
fills them with more nerves now that
they share halls with over-sized senior
football boys.
After surviving the congested hallways,
classes begin to differ as well. In
junior high, the same groups of students
move together from class to class, but in
high school, students see different peers
while they alternate classrooms.
As the fresh meat simmers, year-old
meat, also known as sophomores, have
been lying in the pan for a year.
Sophomores are only bestowed
they receive a trophy
and a medal. But MMA
tournaments offer the
first place winner a
samurai sword for fun.
“It’s kind of
nerdy,” says Smith, “but
I also think it’s kind of
cool.”
Preparing for
these competitions, as
we could imagine, is
quite hard, from getting
into top physical shape to
learning all the moves.
“I practice with
grappling and chokes,”
says Smith. “Also, I
practice arm bars and
submissions.”
While preparing
for competition is
hard, the competitions
themselves are even more
difficult, especially when
the fighters have three
matches with equally
good fighters.
“At the end of
the competitions,” says Smith, “I usually
end up pretty sore.”
So if the fighters end up sore
and bruised and maybe end up with some
broken bones, why would they want to go
with minor changes. They’re currently
experiencing the change of thoughts and
understanding where they belong in the
“cliques” of their school. Teachers begin
to present them with more responsibility
since they’ve finally gotten used to the
environment of high school.
During a student’s sophomore year,
not many things are modified. They go
throughout their year hardly being noticed.
Freshmen are receiving special attention as
their first year begins, juniors are preparing
for their final year, and seniors are more
than eager to escape. Sophomore year is a
dragging year full of consistency.
After surviving the unchanged and
dreary sophomore year, juniors face the
extreme anxiety of being one step away
from being titled a senior.
Parents, relatives, and sometimes
teachers begin to pop the question, “Do
you know what college you might want
to attend?” Being forced to think of the
future can be nerve-wracking and an added
strain on top of the difficult classes juniors
Posing with gold: Junior Tanner Smith shows off
the gold medal which he won at a MMA competiton. Smith
competed against many opponents his age and came out on top.
“It’s really fun,” he said. “I like competing.” (Exum photo)
Students’ High School Journey
through that?
“It keeps me physically active,” says
Smith. “It is also different from other
sports, I really enjoy it.”
News
Chemistry Symposium:
CHS students
perform
experiments
By Hunter Exum
On Monday, April 2, Jennifer
Hendrix’s chemistry class put on
a symposium consisting of students
performing experiments in front of an
audience.
“The purpose of this was for
the students to have a good opportunity
to give a professional speech in front
of an audience,” said Hendrix. “Also,
I really think that this generation will
have to do something similar to this for
a job interview or even a scholarship.”
The students performed experiments
and explained how the experiments
worked. They showed experiments
from a small-scale grain elevator
explosion to elephant toothpaste.
“I thought it was a new and interesting
learning experience that would
later prepare us for future experience,”
said Junior Juliette Riemer.
The students were judged by
individuals from the community with
a background in science, as well as by
family and their peers.
are offered. Physics, chemistry, advanced
biology, trigonometry, and possible college
choices are mind-boggling and are more
than hassling for juniors to handle.
Reaching the finale, otherwise known
as senior year, is one of the most accomplishing
moments of a student’s high
school career.
Departing from the familiar environment,
friends, and family are the most
difficult problems a senior encounters
but, unfortunately, not the only dilemma.
Deciding on which college to receive your
education can be one of the most important
decisions of a person’s life.
The population of the students, location,
price, and distance from home are
all factors that play into the final solution.
Also, seniors are in their closing year,
which means scholarships come into effect.
While completing the tedious work
of answering questions, writing essays, a
superior grade point average is a major factor
in whether a student does or does not
receive the scholarship. These concluding
grades have reached the ultimate importance.
As a senior, the word stress fully
unfolds into its complete definition.
No matter what year a student is
currently facing, high school will always
present itself with issues and obstacles
that every student must find the strength
to overcome. Surviving high school is
easier said than done, but eventually will
provide students with memories they are
guaranteed never to forget.

Sports
The Bluejay Post
May 2012
Speedy season: track nears State
By Austin Flores
The 2012 track season is coming
to a close end, and many of our athletes
have been doing fantastic as individuals
and as a track team overall. So far in the
season the girls have placed first at numerous
track meets, and the boys have done
just as well with effort, and have come in
close for first with many other teams at a
variety of track meets.
Some highlights of the season
have been the girls’ team winning the
Southwestern Heights divisional track
meet with 152.5 points, and the boys placing
second with 107 points.
At that meet sophomore Isaac
Stanley took first place in the 1600-meter,
and sophomore Tyrone Clark set a personal
best in high jump with 6 feet, 2 inches.
For the girls, freshman Morgan
Ediger won in the 300-meter low hurdles,
and freshman Karrie Blattner won the
800-meter and 1600 meter. Freshman Eva
Koopman tied the school record for high
jump, clearing 5 feet and 5 inches.
At another meet this year in Sublette,
the girls placed first with 162 points
overall, and the boys came in first as well
with 119 points.
Koopman placed first with the
100-meter high hurdles. Also, Koopman
broke the record on high jump with a height
of 5 feet and 6 inches, which is a new
school record. She broke Senior Lindsay
Wehkamp’s previous record, which was
set in the 2011 track season at 5 foot 5
inches.
In the 300-meter low hurdles
Ediger placed first, and on the boys’ side
sophomore Eduardo Trevino placed first on
the 300-low hurdles. Clark placed first in
high jump with 5 foot 5 inches, and senior
Steven Stanley placed first in the 200-meter
dash. On the throwers’ side senior Zach
Fields placed first for both shotput and
discus, and senior Breanna Bryant placed
first in discus and javelin.
With a few more track meets left
to come before state track at Wichita State
University, both the girls’ and boys’ track
teams will have plenty of time to concentrate
on what they need to do to bring home
state medals.
Coaches wrap up sports season experiences
By Fernanda Cabrera
As the 2011- 2012 school year
finally approaches the end, both coaches
and athletes also begin to wrap up their
sports season.
Steve Meneley coaches junior
high football, basketball, and track, Bob
Friesen coached basketball, Emily Feldt
coached volleyball, basketball, and track,
although John Mowry is the girls’ track
coach, and Denis Hornung assisted in both
football and track.
As expected, all sports teams have
had their ups and downs, but no one will
deny that all these young athletes have
made great improvements throughout the
year.
“In football seven of our starters
were seventh graders and the rest were in
eight grade,” said Meneley, “and I feel
like we improved a lot as the season went
by.”
Football, however, was not the
only sport that achieved success. This
year’s junior high basketball team was
awarded the HPEA League Title. It took
hard work and dedication to attain such an
award.
Junior high track has also been
highly successful during their season. It’s
difficult not to be with so many talented
athletes on the team.
“Our track season is still going
on,” said Meneley, “but Eli Valentine has
broken the current school record in shotput.
He threw 40 feet 8 inches. Our eighth graders
work really hard, but there isn’t enough
of them to compete, so we can’t always fill
up all of our events.”
Young athletes are not the only
people who enjoy participating in some
kind of sporting event, however.
Coaches enjoy each season just
as much as they do.
Going the distance: Junior Ellen Waters leaps into the air as she tries to go
the distance in the long jump during the Bluejay invintational track meet. (Rodriquez
photo)
“I’ve been coaching for twentythree
years now,” says Meneley. “I really
do enjoy coaching. Sometimes older kids
think they know it all, while junior high
kids are still willing to listen to what we
have to say, and it’s not as competitive as
they are in high school, which means they
have more fun.”
Sports not only allow our students
to have fun and stay active, but to learn a
few things along the way.
“The best part about coaching
would probably be the relationships you
get to build with the kids,” said Meneley.
With memories made, relationships
built, these young athletes are prepared
to continue their hard work through
their high school sports careers.
U p c o m i n g
Sports Events
Thursday, May 3 @ 3 p.m.:
JV Golf at Hugoton
Friday, May 4 @ 3 p.m. HS Track
at Lakin
Saturday May 5: 10 a.m.:
HPEA Track at Sublette
Friday, May 11 @ 8 a.m.:
HPL Golf at Buffalo Dunes:
3 p.m.: HPL Track at Stanton County
Monday, May 14:
Regional Golf
Friday, May 18: Regional Track
Monday, May 21: State Golf
Friday, May 25: State track at WSU
Saturday, May 26: State Track at
WSU

8
The
Bluejay Post
May 2012
Principal’s Perspective
I just returned from a conference in Topeka
where a speaker outlined the Top Ten Challenges
to Education for this coming school
year. Even though he outlined some significant
tasks to be completed, I am ready for a good
challenge.
However, it is also nice to consider all the
wonderful things that are happening in education
and… in particular, our school. I would
like to highlight just a few of the rewarding
experiences I noted for this year.
1. Obtained a ‘hometown’ girl, Mrs. (Siek)
Hubbell, to teach English. Even though she
started at the beginning of second semester, she
is already ‘up and running’ full speed!
2. I brought Mr. Cherney to our school this
year. Not only is he a really ‘smart’ guy, but he
plays classical piano – even for prom. And he
will be teaching Calculus for us next year.
3. Sadly, Mr. Beery is leaving us (he taught
Physics for us one period per day). But, on a
related note, Ms. Hendrix will be taking over
the helm for this course!
4. Mr. Friesen and company have successfully
brought us through Quality Performance
Accreditation. This task takes an enormous
amount of time, energy, fortitude, and solid
thinking. Thanks to Mr. Friesen and his team!
5. Amy Moyer completed her first year
with us. We were sad to see Mrs. Kopper leave,
but Mrs. Moyer had a very successful first year.
Looking forward to many more years.
6. The Board of Education supported the
concept of Collaboration Time for the teachers
of both buildings. Without question, this has
been a positive move in the right direction.
7. After a long period without one, we
were able to secure Mrs. Feltman as our Gifted
Education & ESL (English as a Second Language)
teacher.
8. The students hosted the first annual “See
You After the Pole” event. This event was held
in the evening and was in conjunction with the
See You At the Pole.
9. I was able to accompany students to
the Hispanic Flamenco Ballet in Wichita. It
was interesting to see the different styles of
dance and customs of the Hispanic culture.
What great kids!
10. We have met the Adequate Yearly
Progress (AYP) target scores once again for
all areas (except one). However, even for the
one area (high school math), I believe we can
re-gain our ground next year.
11. I traveled with the band to the Hays
Marching Festival and the KSU Concert Band
festival. Our students are polite, entertaining,
proficient, and know how to laugh!
12. Mrs. Wilson and her crew hosted the
regional FCCLA event. What a huge undertaking!
13. I attended two ‘honors’ banquets (KU
and DCCC). It is certainly true that we have
some of the smartest students in the country.
14. Layman Hicks had a solid connection
with our students during an assembly. I still see
students wearing his bracelets as a reminder of
his message.
15. Attended Get Trombonified with our
trombonists. This is proving to be a highlight
of mine each year.
16. Extended lunches… teachers get to
fellowship and I get to spend time laughing
with the students. Even Mr. Waters got in a
few ‘three pointers’ this year.
17. Can you believe it, a snow day on the
first day of finals?
18. Traveled with NHS to Denver. Did I
mention that our students are fun to be with on
trips? Also, did you know that we inducted a
record number of students into the NHS organization?
Bravo!
Administrative News
Counselor’s Corner
As many of you know, my father and
grandma were killed on Easter morning as
they drove to my house to spend Easter with
all of us. Over the last two weeks I have often
asked myself, “Am I living the life I should
be? Am I the kind of person my dad would
be proud of?”
My dad lived his life in true service to
others. You would often find him helping
others on a Saturday afternoon or in his
shop building something for one of his four
grandchildren. He always had a smile on his
face and would greet even strangers with a
warm smile.
My dad was honest to a fault and would
offer advice only when we would ask for it.
He was kind, compassionate and loved life.
Even with our busy lives, I spoke with my
dad each day by a phone call or email.
He was never too busy to listen.
At the age of 67, my dad left this world
March/ April Students of the Month
Each month, the faculty honors students who have exhibited exemplary conduct, helpfulness,
and enthusiastic involvement as “Students of the Month.“
19. A-Team Banquet – record number of
honorees here as well. Man! We must be doing
something right! Thanks to Arlene Holderness
for her thought-provoking message; “When you
change the way you look at things, the things
you look at change.”
20. Our community supported the students
by voting for the grade school expansion.
Thanks!
All in all, what a great year! I am truly
blessed. Thank you Cimarron!
--Mr. Brown, principal
a better place.
I ask you to think about the following
questions:
Am I making a difference in the lives I
touch each day?
Am I being kind to those in need?
Am I making the world a better place?
When I have people tell me that I “look
like my mother, but act like my father,” I want
that to be true. Each of us has a purpose in this
life; my dad’s was to help others in need.
So I ask you...what is your purpose in
this life?
On a much lighter note: I wish you each
a Happy and Safe Summer!
If you need anything please feel free to
call me at home!
--Mrs. Millershaski, CHS counselor
Konner Moler, 8th grader
“Konner is a mature and responsible
student. She gives 110% in
her schoolwork and extracurricular
activities. Her hardwork makes
my classroom a positive learning
enviroment.
-- Mrs. Hubbell
Kourtney Herkleman, Senior
“Kourtney has proven herself as a
responsible, focused individual. She
volunteers her time and talents eagerly.
Her desire to serve others and
her value for family is something I
truly admire.”
-- Mrs. Wilson
Tony Dizmang, 8th Grader
“Tony is a very respectable young
man that displays strong work ethic
to achieve success. He is opimistic
and strives to consistently improve
whatever he does.” -- Mr. Mowry
Chelsea Dupree, Senior
“Chelsea is a very positive influence
while working with our students.
She has stayed on task and has been
very helpful. She is on the girls track
squad and has embraced her senior
role well.” -- Mr. Hornung
Jacob Resor, Junior
“Jacob is new to vocal this year
and I have appreciated his quiet
approach. All year he has been
willing to assist in any activity we
are working on and is trustowrthy
enough to count on.”
--Mrs. Unruh
Ty Clark, Sophomore
“Ty’s upbeat manner of going
about his track workouts caught
my attention early on. His positive
attitude has affected the other students.
He is a good representative
of our school.”
--Mr. Hornung