Story Archives

A Theme For Every Tree

Everyone’s Christmas decorations are different, some spreading the Christmas joy, and others killing the holiday spirit. This is a list of my favorites and most

The Rise in Minimum Wage

On November 5, 2024, Missouri voters voted in favor of Proposition A. According to the Missouri Department of Labor, Proposition A will raise the minimum

Eat or Beat the E.Coli

The first ever case of E. Coli dates back to 1885. E. Coli is a bacteria that is often found in the intestines of humans

A New Era

As the sun rose on a new football season in 2024, college football fans woke up to bomb shell headlines. The National Collegiate Athletic

Stocking Stuffers

Candy: Their favorite candy is an easy, no-fail gift to add to someone’s stocking this holiday season. Whether they like chocolate, caramel, or fruity sweets,

Preparing for the Future

One of the biggest milestones of a person’s life is their high school graduation. However, before someone can graduate, they first need to get the

Missing the Celebration Bus

The standard for sports here at our school is held in the highest regard. Our sports have consistently won the Ozark Conference All-Sports Championship,

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Clothing: Everyone wears clothes. That’s why they make such a great gift. If you know their style, a basic shirt you know they would like

Dancing Around the Question

Everyone has seen those posts at least once, the posts where someone gets the cutest Homecoming dance proposal sign. However, In February our school

AMI or MIA?

Starting the 2024 to 2025 school year, the SPS school district has created new rules for snow days. These changes will affect students in preschool

The Curse of the Coin

Recently many National Football League (NFL) teams have been victimized by the rules that are used for overtime in a game. Overtime is used

Honors Changes

Recently, various changes have been made to future classes’ honors opportunities. The Class of 2026 is now the cut off for the changes to honors

On Target

Multiple clubs and sports can be seen in the news, most prominently basketball, football, and the other big sports out there. But what about the

Why Don’t We Have Model UN?

The United Nations (UN) was founded after World War II as a way to foster peace among nations. It consists of 193 different member

The Twelve Days of School

On the First Day of Christmas my high school gave to me: A WiFi that will not connect On the Second Day of Christmas my

Introducing Chief Bucks

During lunch on November 19 a slide was projected for students to read, titled “No Tardies = Chief Bucks (Chucks)” It outlined that if students

Speaking the Future

Human brains are built for language. Of all the abilities that our human intelligence grants, language has been the most integral to our success as

Ways to Kill My Spirit

In my high school life there have been many highs and lows. From projects, rules, and classes I have complained about and praised many things.

How Different Christmas Tales Came To Be

Throughout centuries, stories have been repeatedly told every Christmas about three main characters: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and The Grinch. One

Rethink Your Ramen

Ramen noodles, often seen as a quick and convenient meal, have become a staple in many households, especially among college and high school students. However,

Energy Drink Crisis

An alarm clock blares, waking you up from the temporary bliss of sleep. After many nights up late working, doing homework, playing sports and battling

Fall Sports for Dummies

Football: In this popular sport, the goal of the game is to earn the most points by the end of the fourth quarter. Points are

Tatted Up

Annalise Hill, senior Q: What is your tattoo of? A: “My tattoo is a bouquet of wildflowers. It resembles my mom, me, and my sister.”

What’s on the Missouri Ballot?

This November, Missourians will vote on five amendments and one proposition. Many of these are impactful to citizens, present and future. A brief explanation is

Halloween Around the World

Halloween is a holiday that’s widely known and loved. It involves everything spooky and horrific, and people celebrate it by dressing up as different scary

Top of the Skate Floor

Since 11 years old, Minley Crawford has been roller skating religiously, pushing herself to new limits every day. Crawford’s mother used to skate for fun

State Sanctioned Murder

Convicted of first degree murder, robbery, and burglary, Marcus Williams was executed by the state of Missouri on September 24, 2024. The prosecutor advocated for

School Funding at What Cost?

Amendment 2, if passed, will make Missouri the 39th state in the U.S. to give adults the ability to bet on collegiate and professional sports

Safe Apartments After Graduation

BEAR PAW COMMONS: Located on 405 East Madison Street, these apartments are available to rent for $375 to $575 per month. Bear Paw Commons is

Study Methods That Work

One thing that high school students figure out while in school is what study methods work for them. Some students can simply retain knowledge, remember

Fall Festivities

Each year, we have the Ozarks Food Harvest Fall Festival in the gymnasium at our school. Scheduled for Saturday, October 26, the festival invites everyone

A Spectator’s Guide to Swim Meets

Spectating a swim meet can be confusing. There are so many moving parts, loud noises, and cheers blasting in your ears, making it easy to

How to Make a BOO Basket

Like an Easter basket, but with an autumnal twist, the BOO Basket has most likely popped up on your for you page while scrolling

The Overlooked Necessity

A natatorium, a place where swimmers call home. A place where athletes come to train, recover, and interact with other athletes. However, what’s even

Spooky Springfield

It’s not unusual to hear people talk about their paranormal experiences. In fact, almost everyone has a story about something unexplainable happening to them.

Navigating the Digital Classroom

In the recent school years there have been an increasing number of students taking online courses known as Launch classes. With the rise of digital

Require the Debate

With the election season approaching, voters must have an opportunity to hear each candidate’s viewpoints to make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Meet the Student Government

Being a part of the Cabinet is special. Each person has a specific role and job that they are in charge of. However, many

What Your Starbucks Order Says About Your Personality

Your Starbucks order says a lot about you whether you know it or not. What you enjoy and how you act. How might your go

Generation Sephora

Sephora and skincare are all the rage on social media. People want to look flawless and youthful, but children shouldn’t be concerned about this. Kids

What You Need To Know- The New Teacher Dress Code

Teachers are the ones who have been guiding students since they were little kids. Like everyone else, teachers have daily tasks and deciding what to

Locking in and Clocking Out

Every student involved in athletics at our school has different ways of getting ready for performances and relaxing afterwards, whether it’s with their teammates or

Behind the Scenes- Cheerleaders and Dancers

The joyful pom poms filled with color, you can spot them from the stands, but what goes on behind the scenes? They are the

ID Debacle

On our school IDs we are meant to have two numbers: the school’s tipline and the suicide lifeline. However, the school IDs for the 2024

What Happened to the Lead in Our Water?

At the end of the 2023 to 2024 school year an email was sent out to all parents of students at our school. It said

Ain’t no Rest for the Restrooms

I think all boys would agree that the men’s restrooms are in a sorry state. Through the years we’ve lost doors, access to soap, paper

Picture-Perfect Fall

Golden hour at Lake Springfields flower field surrounded by falls finest flowers makes a beautiful scenery for a photo shoot. Address: 2312 Lake Springfield Park

Expectations Are High & Costs Are Higher

When you think of programs that are accepting of students who cannot always meet high financial demands, the band program is probably one that comes

From State to Nationals: Triumphs in Speech and Debate

Speech and debate is an academic activity typically available to students in middle school, high school, and college. Similar to athletic sports, speech and debate

Prom Time

At prom, Mrs. Miller was running a photo booth where you could have your picture taken on a professional camera or with your phone. Many

Baseball Arm Care

With the participation of the sport rising many kids are getting involved and being too harsh on their bodies. I have dealt with arm issues

Support or Report?

All across the country, millions of minors are being investigated by CPS for reasons such as neglect or abuse. These reports can be harmful for

DeForefest: Bright Laughs from a Blue Room

When a lifetime friend passes away, emotions like grief, sadness, and regret come to mind. A comedy event headlined by Hannibal Burress, does not. Kenny

Passing the Torch: Seniors Share Their Game- Winning Wisdom with Freshmen

Senior soccer player, Baylea Davis. Q: In your opinion, what is the most important thing a freshmen planning on playing soccer should know? A: “Something

Reasons College Athletes Quit

#1 Burnt out For athletes who have played almost their entire life they may get tired of the same thing and want to change it

Galloway Station Open Mic

Everyone is good at something, whether it be, sports, an instrument, or even singing. Whatever it may be, it could be beneficial to have

Based On a Real Story

As a junior in high school, I’ve been through three English classes with the usual requirements of mandatory book readings. I don’t have a problem

Solving the Water problem

Springfield Public Schools (SPS) recently tested the water for lead inside at all SPS buildings. These tests discovered that many water sources used for cooking

A Costly Experience

Many people look forward to their senior year of high school. As the final year of over a decade of work, it’s natural to celebrate

The Music Department Takes on State!

When people work hard for something, they should expect to be acknowledged. The choir, band, and orchestra students all progressed tremendously this year, and came

Summer Yum!

Pineapple Whip Starting off with a classic, Pineapple Whip has always been a fan favorite, and for good reason. This fruity soft-serve dole whip is

MASH Camp

Choosing to enter the medical field can be a hard choice for some high school students. Luckily, there are many opportunities for students to

Working Younger and Younger

Republican state representative, Dave Hinman, has recently sponsored a bill that would remove most of the restrictions on child labor. This allows teenagers under the

Hidden in Plain Sight

Under the Table Students often think they’re being sneaky when they hide their phones under the table and completely brain rot. A secret mission for

Breakfast Madness

The Big Biscuit Located in Kickapoo Corners, The Big Biscuit is a great option for breakfast. They open at 6:30 every morning which allows ample

Summer Flicks

Outer Banks: Although this show is considered “basic”,if you are craving adventure during your vacation. Every summer, this show trends in Netflix’s top ten and

Missouri Reevaluates Planned Parenthood

Access to reproductive healthcare provided by organizations like Planned Parenthood can be very crucial for women. Many women lack access to affordable healthcare elsewhere, making

Launch into Getting Ahead

Online classes are truly beneficial to students. The courses allow students to stay on track with their requirements and keep students on the right path

Au Revoir to Caesar & Bonjour to Candy!

I know we’ve all seen this “candy salad” trend all over our TikTok For You page, but what is it? Candy salad is when you

Unplug and Go Out

There is a running joke about how often teens are on their phone, and how disconnected we are from the real world. During the

Full Ride Ahead: The $180,000 Journey to Excellence

With the end of the year approaching faster than ever, many upperclassmen are starting to plan their lives after highschool. This could be going straight

Fine Arts: It Is Required?

The Fine Arts. A beautiful way to start a high school career, some would say, but others dislike the fine arts and find it embarrassing

Foreign Recap

Cloe Salle (12)- France Q: What is your favorite memory of our school? A: “The football games.” Q: What is something you have noticed here

May: Mental Health Awareness Month

43.8 million adults experience mental illness in a given year. With that being said, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is such an

10 Things I Will (& Won’t) Miss About Our School

My time at our school has come to an end, and here I will be bittersweetly reminiscing on the things I will (and won’t) be

Teachers Who Changed Everything

Haven Henry (12) Q: What teacher had the biggest impact on you? A: “Miss Moore.” Q: Why did you pick Miss Moore? A: “There was

A Game for the Seniors

Pickleball is a sport that can be played by all ages but is mostly done by seniors. The average age for pickleball players averages between

TSA National Bound

Mary Cannella leads a brilliant group of students called The Technology Student Association Club (TSA). It is a club for those with an interest in

From Baby to Brain Rot

Between the Sephora kids and Skibidi Toilets one thing every high schooler is familiar with: Brain Rot. Brain Rot has a few different definitions, it’s

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering over the summer can be a way to stay active, help the community, and still have fun. This is very beneficial to students who

Anticipating the Release Day

Throughout the months of April through September, the weather is hot and can be the perfect time to hang outside. While there are many things

Why Arrive at 25

‘Arrive at 25’ is the phrase coined by Springfield Public Schools in order to encourage students to get the 25 credits they need to

Pay to Play

Our school offers a variety of Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) sports, but they all have some incredible price ranges. Some activities can

The Path to Friendship and Fun

Some things take days to form, and others take years. Junior Eli Barnes met a group of friends a few years ago, and together they

Blocking our Connection

It’s common practice for schools to limit what you can access from your Chromebook, and with good reason. But here, they also regulate accessibility over

Does The Road Work Ahead?

As a new driver, roadwork can be very stressful due to the delays and traffic. Adjusting to losing an entire lane on a road you

The “In’s” of Being Involved

High school is filled with many ups and downs. You go through major emotional and physical changes and that can be hard to undergo alone.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

I first walked into room 201 on August 23, 2021 for Journalism 1 wondering what to expect. I had initially signed up for the class

Parking Lot Palooza

Every year there is an extremely long line of people hoping to get a spot near their friends. Not only that but it also takes

Things That Just Make Sense Here…

It’s no secret this is an interesting school. However, being a student here makes you numb to all the weird things we have. Here is

Distributing the Education in DECA

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) is a chapter based organization that works at the high school and college level to help provide students with

Band Department Modifications for the 24-25 School Year

Extracurricular programs are constantly changing and developing into bigger and better versions of themselves, and the Kickapoo Golden Arrow Band (KGAB) is no exception to

FlySPS Day in the Life

FlySPS is a new Springfield Public Schools (SPS) program established in August of 2023, and is designed to offer an exclusive opportunity for ten students

Shop Cheap Get Cheap

Cheaper online shopping is becoming more popular amongst teens and young adults. Tik Tok Shop, Temu, and Shein are some of the more popular websites

Behind Closed Doors

March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that we should remember and learn about women in history and the present that discovered, innovated,

When Can We Leave?

When becoming a Chief Mentor, one of the benefits that come with it is getting to leave five minutes early from class each day. This

Pathway Towards Medicine

This year, 38 members of our school’s HOSA (Health Occupation Students of American) chapter have qualified for state. Junior Morgan Alder is one of

The Amazing Olympiads

Our science department is very expansive when it comes to their extracurriculars. Science Hub and Science Olympiad are two clubs offered for individuals interested in

Seeing C-Street

Springfield has a rich history, and Commercial Street has contributed to a significant chunk of its story. C-Street Street started thriving shortly after the Atlantic

Behind the Sketches

The halls of our school are full of students with different interests and talents. The artists of our school are often overlooked. One talented artist

What it Takes to Be A Part of The Cabinet

2024 to 2025 Cabinet interest meetings have recently come to an end. The current student Cabinet and advisors will soon choose your school leaders for

Repping for the Refs

Sports is something that dates back centuries and is a fundamental part of human society. It can be one of the biggest things to bring

Team of Sisters

Girls’ wrestling, a rising sport, is one of the fastest-growing sports according to the National Wrestling Coaches Association. On February 9 through 10, the girls’

Easter Around the World

Easter is a Christian holiday that many cultures celebrate but in different ways. As people in the U.S. celebrate differently based on their religion or

Victory Cheers: A Girls Journey to Nationals

This year our competitive cheer team made their way to nationals at Disney in Orlando, Florida. After lots of trials and tribulations, the team made

Wearing School Pride

It’s a popular trope in TV shows and classic movies to see the high school jocks sporting their school pride through letterman jackets, yet over

Physical books vs e-Books–a battle for the best

When I read a book, I get sucked into everything about it. The characters, the plots, the setting, and even the way the author writes

Important Things that You Should Keep in Your Car

Emergencies on the road happen when you least expect it. Whether it’s running out of gas, a popped tire, or your engine stopped working, it’s

Study Spots For an Easy A

The Commons is a great location to study at due to its wide range of seating. Its size and calming atmosphere with music to top

A Rise in Illiteracy

It has been rumored across the internet that Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) cannot read, sparking real concern amidst the many jokes. Research by the U.S.

Students Weigh in on School Dances

School dances like homecoming, courtwarming and prom have been a staple of the highschool experience for a long time. Movies and shows glamorize the dances,

Asian Culture Club Recap

There’s a lot of clubs here that are recognized more than others. This club is just as amazing as the others but is in the

Getting a Percentage Back

You’ve been excited about the school dance for the past week. However, when you walk up to the table to get your ticket, they

More Than Cute Uniforms and Pom Poms

Cheerleaders may just seem like bubbly sideline entertainment at your favorite sporting event. However, when they face some of the best cheer teams in the

The Pulsera Project

From February 5 to February 19, the Spanish IV classes at our school sold over 200 bracelets in support of Nicaraguan and Guatemalan artists. This

Dating in High School: Then VS. Now

Dating has changed a ton over the years. Back in the day, people would meet through friends or while out and about, and they’d chat

All They Do is Win

On January 19, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) participated in a regional competition at Missouri State. Participants competed in events including Say

A Ca-Chief!

The A Cappella Academy in Los Angeles, California is a prestigious ten-day camp for students ages 12 to 18. A Cappella Academy is an audition-only

Flovent Being Discontinued

A popular asthma inhaler Flovent has been discontinued, which stopped being produced on January of this year. Flovent is used to treat asthma for adults

What to Watch When You’re in a TV Show Hole

We’ve all been there. You just finished a fire TV show, and you don’t know what to watch next. Many resort to rewatching something they’ve

Concrete Canvas

In a bid to enhance community safety and foster a brighter environment, Principal Dr. Bill Powers submitted a request to put in street lights on

Prepare to be Practical

The thought of high school classes preparing us for the real world is sometimes seen as a joke. However, the importance of these classes should

Crazy 4 Crumbl

Crumbl Cookies is coming to Springfield! If you haven’t a clue what Crumbl Cookies is, you probably don’t have any form of social media. The

A Trip Down Memory Lane

As a kid, I remember sitting in front of the TV while playing with play-dough or eating a snack. However, it’s hard to remember every

Spring Studying with Spotify

As we venture into the last quarter of the school year, the dreaded period of finals begins to approach. Everyone loves music and needs to

A Senior Year To Do list

As senior year is finally coming to an end. Seniors who have not yet begun the process for ending of senior year stuff. Here are

Teaching Media Literacy

Our nation is currently experiencing a political and social division that has not been seen since the Civil War. Instead of being a place for

Hooray for HOSA!

Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) is one of the most popular clubs students take part in at school. Focused around a career in healthcare,

Seasonal Struggles

Allergies, also known as hay fever, are nothing new. There are over 100 million people in the U.S. alone with allergies. Personally, my allergies come

Outrageous Overconsumption

Stanley Cups, Hydroflasks, and Owala’s. These trending products all have one thing in common: water bottles meant to be reused in order to prevent waste

ACT Prep

It is said that the American College Testing (ACT) is beneficial for students hoping to go to college, but it’s important to know when and

Biomedical Breakthrough

Senior Eli Billue takes an interesting class called Biomedical Innovation. This class is taught here at school and by PLTW teacher, Jami Jansen. To get

Spring Fling Sweets: A Culinary Love Affair

Fruity Pebble Rice Krispy Treats INGREDIENTS/TOOLS: Four Tablespoons of Butter 10 Ounces of Marshmallows Six Cups of Fruity Pebbles Cereal Cooking Spray Pan of Choice

Yes Chef, Thank You Chef!

Before I started The Bear, I had seen clips on social media of people cursing and screaming at each other in a kitchen. Not that

Please Learn to Drive

Imagine this: it’s Friday. You’re ready to leave school and get ready for your work shift. You race to your car in the winter chill,

Opinion Editor, Keegan Bukovatz!

He tends to keep to his thoughts and ways, but his articles make up for his lack of “voice.” Meet our 2023-2024 senior Opinion Editor,

Feature Editor, Alley Ackerman!

We are almost three-quarters of the year done, and we have yet to meet the staff. Let me introduce you to your senior Feature

Gifting Around the Globe!

While giving a gift is a thoughtful act of kindness, it might be perceived as rude on some level if you don’t pay attention to

Galileo to ACT’s

Throughout our years in school, Galileo tests are used to measure how students digest the information in their courses. In my experience, the Galileo tests

What is the Most Important Subject?

When I am in school, all I ever hear students talk about is how they don’t think that what we are learning in school is

Choosing Santa

The story of Santa Claus dates back to the third century, continuing in 2023, there are many different ways to visit and take a

Fascinating Festive Foods

Fruit Cake Everyone has their traditions for the holidays, some more strange than others. Making fruit cake is one of these strange traditions. Fruit cake

Beating the Winter Blues

During the cold, drawn-out months of Winter, it’s essential to keep your mental health in line as Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to as the

Cheerleading On a National Level

Our competitive cheerleaders have won their way to nationals once again, but earning a bid to nationals is only half the battle. Learn how these

New Year, New Me

The new year signifies a chance for personal transformation, starting with New Year’s resolutions. The idea of self-improvement leaves everyone feeling hopeful for the future.

Life After High School

It’s happening. You are one semester down in your last year of high school. That means one more until you graduate and start the next

Should Professional Athletes be Role Models?

Professional athletes are always under a spotlight and their every move is judged by fans and critics. However, they are just like everyone else and

Holiday Glow

Bagwell Lights The Bagwell Lights are a home light display run by Mike Bagwell and his family in Springfield. The Bagwell family house was always

Junior Varsity’s Hot Start

When you think of high school basketball, your mind immediately goes to varsity. However, you should recognize the talents and hard work of the junior

Simmering Winter Trend

As the holiday season approaches, we begin to spend more and more time indoors. A majority of people find themselves reaching for comforting scents to

Let the Competition Begin!

From cutting-edge innovations, such as Teams #10123 robot, pushing pixels from one side of the field to the other and throwing paper airplanes, the team

Rise and Grind

Some of the school’s leading athletes are able to succeed by starting their day off right. Here’s a look at the morning routines of different

Has Black Friday Changed Forever?

In the early 2000s and beyond, it was common for people to camp out overnight in front of major retail stores. But now, the lines

12 Ways to Spotify

Spotify Wrapped came a day early this year and with it new features such as Sound Town, genre sandwiches, and being able to blend your

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

When it comes to choosing your favorite chicken chain, there is a flock of options to choose from. I will be comparing chicken strips, fries,

Let Them Eat Dash

There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the recent food order ban from our faculty. However, what does the school body have to

Cheerful Holiday Giving

The holiday season can bring great joy for many kids worldwide, but for some, they may not be as fortunate. That is why the functional

“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”: A Review

In 2014, Katniss Everdeen shot her last arrow in the Hunger Games and officially ended the franchise beloved across the world. However, on November 17,

College Football Controversy

Going undefeated in any respective sport typically means that that team will make some sort of postseason, right? When it comes to college football, going

How I (Almost) Got Kidnapped

Attempted kidnapping; lying in wait, searching for, or following the contemplated victim of the crime. This is the horrifying, yet all too real, story of

Pass It Please…

Turkey: I said it. I am a proud turkey hater. When it’s time to carve the turkey, I skip over and find something else to

Little Cringy, Lot of Humor!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the best Christmas movie of all time. There is no arguing it, there is no convincing me, there is no

Stepping Up For Down Syndrome

For many, October is known for Halloween and the beginning of fall, but those are not the only things that occur during this time. Down

2024 NFL Playoff Predictions

The 2023-2024 NFL season has kicked off with an electric start, with surprising performances across the league. With 5 weeks under this season’s belt, I

The Best of Banned Books

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Rating: 3.5/5 This book tells the story of a Native American boy named Junior

What’s Going On in Israel?

As the game of battleship between Israel, Iran and Palestine continues, many Americans are wondering what this war entails, and how the US is involved.

Wanted Dead or Alive

Rock n’ roll music was initially popularized in the mid-fifties by artists such as Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the king

Bringing Home the Gold

Band and color guard have been practicing hard for competitions and performances during school events. There are 159 students that are members of the Golden

Tunes From Tlaquepaque

On October 10, Grupo Musical Canela flew out all the way from our sister city in Tlaquepaque, Mexico, to share and celebrate their culture through

Governor Parson in the 417

In late September of this year, Governor of Missouri Mike Parson came to our school to sign House Bill 2 (HB 2). Along with signing

Leave Sooner or Start Later?

Many students have debated if a late start on Wednesday is better or an early release on Friday is better. Here’s why early release on

Chess Rises Again

Chess has gained a new spot at school. Mr. Eric Boston and Mr. Brian Spencer sponsor this newfound group called chess club. It is a

The Man Behind the Camera

We see cameramen running all over the sidelines, goal to goal. The next morning, a cascade of game photos arrives. Sophomore Vincent Mhire’s video

Rating Taylor Swift Albums

Everyone has heard of the pop star Taylor Swift, whether they enjoy listening to her music or not. Her fan base mostly consists of teenage

Double Trouble

This year, the girls tennis doubles team of Windsor Brotherton and Leah Martin qualified for state at the district tournament on Friday, September 29 at

Breaking Tradition

Wouldn’t it be fun to have your best friend escort you and dress up with you? The students elected for homecoming court have the right

Swinging into Success!

Junior Sarah Trotman and Senior Ellie Guthrie are our school’s golf state qualifiers. State competition this year will be held in Bolivar, Missouri at Silo

Stress Free Sick Days

With our coldest months upon us and holiday family gatherings, diseases are just waiting to spread, so why should school put so much pressure on

Lunch Lulls

I’m not saying the options are awful, I would like just a little more variety than the exact same thing every day. There are options

A Helpful Hand

With the fall holidays quickly approaching, so are colder months and tighter budgets for some families, since many struggle with financial problems all across America.

Battle of the Folders

If you are somewhat organized, then odds are you have folders or binders for your classwork. Many students choose to color code their organizers

Kickapoo Broadcast Podcast

There is now a new and trivial way to learn about current events happening within our school, started by the broadcast department filmed in the

Crowning the Queen

Friday night football games, sparkly dresses, and spirit week marked the beginning of Homecoming. Although the dance theme may change and the spirit week can

WYA Provisions on Demand?

If you are new to the school this year, you probably have questions about what the strange locked up element in the commons is. To

Prime or Crime?

Lemonade Rating: 3.5/5 This drink tastes like watered down lemonade. I enjoyed it for a little bit but the more I drank it, the more

Crafting Masterpieces

Woodworking is a creative way to show off someone’s craftsmanship. It is a beautiful art but can be tricky and sometimes dangerous. However, that risk

Old Slang for the Gang

With slang changing every few weeks, it’s hard to keep up. That’s why it’s time for a blast from the past to bring back some

Sewing up Success

Being in high school, you have to come up with a lot of creative solutions for problems you may face. For Kelea Martin, she

Bop or Flop: Prom Trends

Camo Dresses- Although it’s perfect for the deer hunter in you, camo print may not be great for a formal event. If it makes you

A Look At The New Rules

No Propping Doors- Stop the Prop was a new district-wide initiative introduced at the start of this year It was created to help lower the

Meta Gala Whata’?

On Monday, May 1, 2023, the Met Gala took place in New York City, New York, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met Gala,

Behind My Cousin Lino

Kickapoo’s theater program is known to hold high-quality productions, their latest matinee being one of those productions. My Cousin Lino is a play about Katherine

Best Dressed

Whether you are a freshman or a senior you must have that one classroom that no matter what brightened your day. A classroom that you

MH370: The Theories

Netflix has just released a documentary following the biggest mystery in aviation history, the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. It’s been nine years since

Viral Tiktok Food Trends

1. Fruit roll up and ice cream This food combo has been popular for a bit and is still trending so I had to give

The Greatest Gatorade

Everyone has had gatorade at some point in their childhood. However, which flavor reigns supreme over all the other ones? It’s about to be summer

So Good It’s Cruel

The Cruel Prince took the reading community head-on in 2018, Winning the title of a New York Times bestseller and my infatuation. Nothing is better

US Summer Vacation Map

Highlight over a state to see how many people are visiting there!

NFL Draft Breakdown

Not many people know what the NFL draft is or how it works, Well The NFL Draft always takes three days normally Thursday through Saturday

May the Fun Be With You

Bingo is known to be a classic game to play, but it can get boring listening to number after number being read off. This is

May Mental Health

Teens everywhere struggle with balancing school, life, and mental health. In 1949, mental health awareness was established in the month of May by the Mental

Getting Sold

Since early 2005, the Springfield Cardinals have been owned by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team called the St. Louis Cardinals. On Monday, May 1,

Should You Take a Gap Year?

With the 2022-2023 school year coming to a close, many students are pondering about what’s to come after graduation. Gap years have become increasingly more

2023 Summer Bucket List

Key: $ = Inexpensive, usually $10 and under. $$ = Moderately expensive, usually between $10-$25. $$$ = Expensive, usually between $25-$45. $$$$ = Very expensive,

Shake It Up

I am a certified Black Sheep fanatic. I’m actually not, but if there were a certification, I would be the first to get it.

NFL Draft Predictions

The 2023 NFL Draft is going to be hosted from Thursday April 27 to Saturday April 29. There are many prospects, 17 players attending the

Ah! Brain Freeze!

Blue Raspberry Blue raspberry will always be ranked as number one in my books. When I was little, if blue raspberry was an option, that’s

Enough is Enough

We have been in 2023 for 108 days now and in that small amount of time, there have been 163 mass shootings, 16 of which

Old Movies vs. Their Remakes

Remakes of old films are constantly being produced because they allow the audience to travel back in time through nostalgia and pass on treasured tales

Here We Go Again: Coachella 2023

MUNA: MUNA performed on day one of the Coachella weekend. The trio performed songs like “Number One Fan”, and “I Know a Place” and brought

Behind the Seal

In a world where multiple cultures coexist with one another, exploring different customs and lifestyles can help connect with people all around the world. Our

Super Mario Bros Movie Review

When I first heard that a Super Mario Brothers movie was coming out, I didn’t know what to expect. Growing up, I played Super Mario

Stay in Shape This Summer With These Summer Sports

If you are looking for ways to stay off your phone this summer, try these sports. Soccer is a sport that makes you run, learn

It’s Officially Iced Matcha Weather!

Matcha, which literally means “powdered tea” in Japanese, is made of tea leaves grown under shade for a few weeks. Many people suggest it as

Teacher of the Year

There are over 3,000 teachers in the Springfield Public Schools district and only one can be chosen for teacher of the year. On April 17,

2023 Mass Shootings

In the 118 days that we have been in 2023, there have been 173 mass shootings and nearly 14,000 people have died due to gun

Films for the Future

The Little Mermaid Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid made many people excited for the classic story to be retold. The director Rob Marshall

#TurnBackTheClock

The time is ticking until the estimated Doomsday Clock hits midnight. The symbol was created by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and designed by painter

Arrowhead vs. Burrowhead

After the 2023 AFC (American Football Conference) Championship game, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 20 to 23.

“The Last of Us” Review

On January 15, the popular video game “The Last of Us” was adapted into a TV series streaming through HBO Max. Within weeks, the series

Speech & Debates Road to Districts

Between after school speech practices and mock debate rounds, the speech and debate team has been putting in the work since the beginning of the

Ranking Super Bowl Halftime Shows

In case you don’t know me very well, I’m a huge football fan. I down the days until the kickoff of each NFL season, and

A Choral Conference

On Friday, February 24th, Madison Phillips, Olivia Morris, Sloan Roberts, and Jordan Boehme represented our school in the National Honor Choir. The four singers attended

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Living Room: This is usually the largest room in a house, so you want to start with it to get the biggest chore out of

The Best of SOS

Good Days: This was the song I played most during 2020 so obviously must I rank this first. The melody in this song makes

Recapping Winter Sports

School sports capping off their winter season with a spring in their step. Take one final look at what the winter sports were up to.

The 411 in the 417

The Giant Fork- Address: 2215 W. Chesterfield St. Springfield, MO 65807. The Fork also known as Fork Etiquette is 35 ft. tall and weighs an

Bouncing on Top

The girls’ basketball season is slowly coming to an end. But there is no reason to be upset, so far the girls’ basketball team has

Swimming for Gold

As the leaves begin to grow again and the school year begins to close, so does the 2023 Girls Swim and Dive season. The team

Going.. Going.. Gone!

With the upcoming MLB season underway it’s time to take a deeper look into each division and make a brief review and assume a winner

The Future is Female: Springfield Robotics Beats Gender Statistics

Housed at Kickapoo High School, Springfield Robotics is on the bleeding edge of gender diversity with one of the only all-girl teams in Southwest Missouri.

The St. Patrick’s Story

According to the United States Census Bureau, 31.5 million residents claim to be of Irish descent, but how many of them know how the most

Flying Through Competition

Flags being thrown high in the air and sparkling costumes twirling around might be the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about color

The Life of Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President has made the decision to stop all additional medical treatment and enter hospice care. Carter is one of the

A plethora of feminine menstrual products that I believe are a need, not a want.

Period Poverty

The so-called “Pink Tax” is not a literal tax. However, it refers to the price women pay more for similar, or even the same products

Binges or Beaches?

Opting for a stay-cation this Spring Break? Well, whether you’re spending this spring break bored on the couch or stuck in an airport, here are

Yes, Country Music is For Even You

If you are a country music hater, let me ask you one question. Why? If you are not an avid country music lover there is

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

PUMPKIN PIE PARFAITS Ingredients: 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix 2 cups cold milk 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Flipping Into 2023

“About 90% of the turns I take end in falls. To get up every time and never quit is hard, but in the

A Day as a Viking

For this issue of the KHQ, we posed as Parkview Vikings for a day. As we entered the school, we met with the

Why Should You Read?

Since the mid-seventies, teenagers have been quick to replace classic literature with social media. In 2023, it is more common to hunch for hours

AI Advancements

ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It is based on the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture, and it is fine-tuned on

Me Too or Too Far?

The United States is a society where we have a system of justice we all live under. That system, when not muddied, guarantees a

Welcome to the World

Receiving a drivers license, practicing for the ACT, and obtaining a job all have one thing in common. It usually takes place around the

Pin it to Win it

Women’s wrestling at Kickapoo is picking up momentum and gaining more members. Kickapoo senior Wendy Riley-Washington, a state champion, is happy seeing how women’s

Overrated Christmas Movies

One of my favorite things to do during Christmas time is to watch movies that put me in the Christmas spirit. However when that one

NYE On A Budget

Let’s face it, hosting a New Year’s Eve party is costly. However, with a good eye and a budget, you can host that get-together

Issues in the Parking Lot

Leaving the school parking lot is a daily struggle and the after-school traffic doesn’t seem to budge. The traffic jams are entirely caused by

Teacher’s Favorites

Many students have their favorite teachers and although teachers are not supposed to have favorite students, many enjoy watching the students who sit in their

NFL Super Bowl Predicitons

(all of these stats and records are of Week 14 in the NFL Season) With a team as good as the 2021-2022 Los Angeles

2022 FIFA World Cup

The 2022 Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup is underway, and you might have heard a thing or two about it. A lot of

Scheduling at Kickapoo

The day that students actually make their schedules is usually some time during January, but counselors here at Kickapoo have already begun talking with

Silver Dollar Speculations

Missouri’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, is undergoing several bizarre changes this year. Rumors have flown around about Fire in the Hole retiring and

Playlist of 2022

Bad Habit by Steve Lacy I have heard this song a lot and am still not tired of it. This is a very chill and

What is Wednesday?

SPOILER ALERT The Netflix original Wednesday follows Wednesday Addams and her experience at Nevermore Academy. The show stars Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams. The

Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies A Review

It has been over a decade since Casey Anthony was aquitted of murder and manslaughter charges relating to the death of her three year old

Holiday Movie Rating

As the holiday season is right around the corner. Many families gather around to watch Christmas movies together. While some families argue about which movie

Roman Bunn-All State Accomplishment

Freshman Roman Bunn is the only person at Kickapoo this year to make all state orchestra this year. All state orchestra is a four

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots helps bring joy to the children across the United States throughout the holiday season. Pay It Forward was collecting Toys for

Barking Up The Right Tree

Sleepless nights, GPA calculators, plenty of dry shampoo, and oh yeah, what are jeans again? Tis’ the season Chiefs, finals are upon us. The school

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the best holiday movie, and nothing will change my mind. I’ve seen The Polar Express and been forced to watch

Love is Banned?

Gay Marriage has been a controversial topic for decades. In fact, Missouri put a ban on same-sex marriage in March of 2021 because of what

Halloween with the Kickapoo Staff!

NFL Playoff Predictions

With the 2022-2023 NFL season already 5 weeks underway, it is time to start speculating over which teams will outlast the rest, move on to

Knocking Sense into the NFL

Something needs to change! In week three of the NFL regular season Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion after being hit after

Rating School Bathrooms

If you’re in a building for eight hours a day, eventually you’ll have to use the restroom. Everything from the stalls, odor, cleanliness and lighting

Theoretical Teacher Fights

Nunez V Stennett Ms. Stennett and Mrs. Nunez are two of our Spanish teachers here at Kickapoo. They have an amazing friendship, and they

President Biden has Pardoned thousands convicted of Federal Simple Possession of Weed

Amid waves of people across the United States pressing for the legalization of weed; President Joe Biden ordered a sweeping general pardon of those

Boys Soccer

The Boys Soccer team has been off to a hot start with a record of 15-3. The team has been putting a lot of hardwork

Kickapoo Cheer is Headed to State

The Kickapoo competition cheer team has set themselves up for success by placing at their regional competition this past September. They competed against multiple other

The Spookiest Cereals

I decided to try out a bunch of different spooky themed cereals and decided which ones were worth it and which ones weren’t.

FNL Crowd Review

Fall is a season filled with fun things to do. Halloween at the end of October, Thanksgiving at the end of November, and of course

Pet Costume Superlatives

Most likely to star in “Barbie as the Island Princess”: Hank, Golden Retriever Most likely to be picked from a melon farm: Violet, Black Lab

Spooky Sites of the 417

The Pythian Castle holds incredibly rich history within its walls. It was built and opened in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias with the

Feeling Good in Your Skin

1.Panoxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash Panoxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Foaming Wash or also known as “Panoxyl”, is a face wash designed to

Say Cheese: Smile Movie Review

Three days ago I had to watch the new horror film, “Smile.” I am still having trouble sleeping at night because of this movie. I

Best Dressed Staff

Stennett Jessica Stennett, a Spanish teacher, doesn’t follow a certain aesthetic but she always looks welcoming and open with her florals and visually pleasing

Out with the old!

As Halloween approaches kids are scrambling to find a costume. But, Some costumes are used more than they should be. I’m here to tell you

Hocus Pocus 2

While many people like myself loved the original Hocus Pocus, the second one definitely disappointed me. There were some scenes that I loved but failed

Ditch the Parties!

Make Halloween treats One great way to celebrate the holiday where kids get sweet treats is to decorate some for yourself. Bake some cookies and

Hurricanes and Heat

With this years Atlantic hurricane season comes more of the devastating storms. The most recent one to hit the mainland US is Hurricane Ian.

The Golden Arrow Band Has Shot Off

The Golden Arrow Band of Kickapoo has been doing competitions all school year. So far they have gone to Ozark where they got first in

Scholar Bowls Road to Success

Scholar Bowl has seen a year full of success, winning multiple tournaments and making great strides toward their goals. One of the first accomplishments the

Protect Roe v. Wade

The Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade is objectively constitutional and necessary to the societal progression of the United States. The 1973 Roe v. Wade

A Trip Across the World

Whether you follow the news or not, the war in Ukraine is something that everyone has heard about. Reports of refugees flooding European countries, stories

A Year in the Life of a DECA Member

After two years of canceled competitions and hectic online adaptations, DECA was back in full swing this year. Beginning the year, as usual, applications were

Kickapoo Band

Our Band has accomplished many things this year, they have been on long trips. Through frustration and upset they have worked so hard this

Favorite Events of the School Year

Elise Pope (10) What was your favorite event that happened this year? “All of the snow days because I didn’t have to go to school

Orchestra Year In Recap

The school year is almost over, and for most clubs they are working towards their last project, or slowly going over and recapping before their

Headed Home

Lisa Vianello Italy What are you going to miss the most about America? “I am gonna miss all the friends I made this year and

Ozone’s Athlete’s Of The week

These Athletes of Kickapoo have won Ozarks Sports zone Athlete of the week. Varsity Boys Golf- Gaige Lewis: What does getting athlete of the

What the Supreme Court Abortion Leak Means for America

A leak of any Supreme Court opinion or dissent before it is supposed to come out is extremely rare, and has almost never happened in

Choir Year Recap

The Kickapoo Choirs have had a busy year. From concerts and competitions to caroling at schools, they’ve done a lot. Chorus I had their first

Meet Coach Platko

By now we have probably all met or at least seen that tall bald guy with the red beard and tattoos. If you’re like me

Theater Year Recap

The theater department has been incredibly busy this year. They have successfully put on three shows this year. Director Michael Butcher retired at

Goodbye Mr. Broaddus

Beloved history teacher Mr. Broaddus has announced he is leaving Kickapoo at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Broaddus has been teaching at Kickapoo

Speech and Debate 2021-2022 Recap

Kickapoo speech and debate’s 2021-2022 season was filled with first place wins and history making achievements. Starting the year off strong at the Glendale local

What in Carnation?

Oakleaf Hydrangeas start off as an ivory white color then bloom into a shade of ruby-red. Their bloom time is from June to July. Oakleaf

Ranking Coloring Pages in the Library

Coming in last place is the “grow through what you go through” sheet. I mean do I really need to explain why this is the

HOSA Year Review

HOSA, known as future health professionals, has had a productive year. With five qualifiers preparing for nationals towards the end of June,

Super Chiefs, Super Students

Hundreds of students flood the stands every year to watch Kickapoo’s star athletes compete. Whether it’s football or soccer, basketball or baseball, the crowd can

FBLA Year Recap

With everything starting to return to normal after two years of cancellations and distancing, FBLA has had an amazing 2021-2022 year. While not everything

Met Gala or Not Gala

The Met Gala is an exclusive fundraising event in which A-list celebrities are invited to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Science Olympiad 2021-2022 Spring Semester Recap

During the majority of the third quarter, students were all home due to either snowstorms or a break out of COVID-19. During the week’s students

FCCLA Year Recap

FCCLA is a club that stands for “family career and community leaders of America”. As a club, they compete in regional, state, and national competitions.

Kansas Expressway Extension

Recently, the city of Springfield has been tearing down many trees in order to make more room for Kansas Expressway to be extended.

She’s More Than Just ‘That Girl’.

Junior Wendy Riley-Washington is the top female wrestler in the state of Missouri. Since being the girl’s 2019 state champion in just eighth

Shopping Summer Trends on a Budget

With summer approaching, many people may want to trade in their winter coats for crop tops to liven up their wardrobe. But it can be

Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss

Female empowerment has a new look, and she is a pantsuit wearing CEO. The term “girlboss”, originally coined in Sophia Amoruso’s memoir “#Girlboss”, was originally

New Baseball Field Bathroom

Kickapoo’s baseball team and fans have had to relieve themselves without a bathroom with four walls and plumbing until this year. For 50 years players

7 Things to Think About Before Your Senior Year

Source: https://thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/what-every-student-should-do-before-their-high-school-senior-year/ 1.Start Looking for Scholarships ASAP- Some college deadlines are as early as August. So if you’re a junior reading this right now…stop. Go