Hi everyone! My name is Paige Cornwell and I am a senior at East. I am the assistant editor of the Harbinger, student council secretary, and a member of the German Club. Sehr gut! One of my jobs on the Harbinger is to find the interesting stories of East. There are more than 1800 students and staff members here. Some of them should be interesting. This blog will highlight these 1800 people and their stories through profiles, interviews and videos. I ... Read More

She was still in shock when she reported the news to the faculty.  Advisory Council Member and English teacher Laura Beachy’s e-mail explanation reported the district superintendent’s latest decisions from the latest meeting. Just like always. She e-mailed it to the entire staff, just like always. She got replies, just like always. Usually, she would receive some thank you notes and one or two comments on the latest updates.  When she read them though, something was different.  This time, few people could believe the news: ... Read More

  Principal Dr. Karl Krawitz will be teaching a course next semester called ‘Personal Leadership.’ Twenty-eight students that applied were accepted after Krawitz reviewed their applications. In the application, students described their strengths, weaknesses and goals for the future. These applications will help Krawitz put the students into groups when they work as teams.  “[The application] gives me an understanding so I know where [the students] can work together cooperatively,” Krawitz said. “Because people have various strengths, it’s good that a team recognizes a ... Read More

  As junior Jake Fleming pushes through the third floor hallway he feels his pocket vibrate and he quickly reaches for his phone. Instinctively he looks around for a teacher, but remembers East’s rule allowing phone use in hallways and in the lunchroom. After his quick text, he slips the phone into his pocket and walks into his English classroom.          Later in class Fleming feels the short vibration on his thigh and he slips the phone out of his pocket, ... Read More

A recent grant by the East foundation has given the science department a key tool for the science students. The Vernier Labquest was recently given to the science department as a part of a grant that gave twenty-eight Labquests to the department at an estimated $35,000. The final decision was made by teacher Steve Appier and the head of the science department Cole Ogdon. “We had the decision to make between a Pasco version and the Labquest, and ultimately decided on the Labquest due ... Read More

Popped collars and high test scores. Outside perceptions of East as an elitist school that have only been perpetuated by our policy of closed enrollment.   But beginning next year, East will offer open enrollment to students within the Shawnee Mission School District.    East, one of three remaining high school in the district with a closed enrollment policy, has had its doors closed to transfers for the last nine years because of excessive enrollment.  East will now accept transfers of students from other schools ... Read More

  In the month of December, amidst boughs of holly, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas, it’s easy for a Jew to despondently spin his or her dreidel and wish for more. More drama.  More hype.  More stuff.  A fat, jolly, magical mascot who says, “Ho, ho ho,” and gives to all who’ve been good. Instead, Jews must turn to Hanukkah Hero Judah Maccabee, who purged the temple at Mt. Zion of Hellenistic cult paraphernalia, but still takes ... Read More

1. Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing:  These “starters” may in fact taste phenomenal but great tastes comes at a great, great price. 2,900 calories, 182 g fat, 240 g carbs   2. Chili’s Awesome Blossom: Just like the cheese fries, these appetizers provide you with more than a meal’s worth of calories. 2,710 calories, 203 g fat, 194 g carbs   3. On the Border Stacked Border Nachos: These nachos may have more calories than the “Blossom,”but less fat makes it the better choice. 2,740 calories, 166 g fat, 191 g carbs   4. Macaroni ... Read More

1.     All wrapped up. Get together with family and friends for a White Elephant gift exchange! Gifts brought should be suitable for anyone in the group, but also completely random. They should be wrapped in a fashion to disguise what they might be. Let’s say you bought a mood ring— Wrap it in a giant box. Gift giver identities should be anonymous as well. Players take turns choosing and opening a gift, or, instead of opening one, they can 'steal' a previously ... Read More

One shiny, red can has caused a two-year whirlwind of controversy for an uprising beverage company. All because of its name: Cocaine. The name is scrawled up the 8.4 fluid ounce energy drink in a font resembling a white powder.  Due to this and its “Legal Alternative” logo, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to the manufacturer and pulled it off the market for eight months in 2007. In spite of the rumors that the drink is potentially harmful to ... Read More