BURLINGTON

by Allie Harris

   March is just around the corner, and students are gearing up for the FBLA State conference. This will take place in the Storemont Vail's Event Center in Topeka, Kansas on March 30th and 31st. 23 Burlington students will be in attendance.

   There are over 100 schools from seven districts that are competing in this conference. Only the top three will move onto Nationals in Atlanta Georgia.  This will be from June 26th-30th.

   “My goal is to get as many people that went to State into Nationals,” says FBLA Sponsor Matt Lambert. Of course, this will not be easy. Only the best of the best can make it to Nationals.

   There are quite a few chances to make the top three, however. The main part of the even that Burlington will participate in is the objective tests. These include introductory tests, Journalism, Personal Finance, HR Management, Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, and so much more.

   Objective tests are very simple. Everyone sits down and takes what is essentially a long multiple choice quiz on the topic or topics they

qualified for. To make this easier, Lambert even compiled files of study materials for every student’s tests.

   The second type of test are presentation events. Only a handful of Burlington students are doing any of these, and as the name suggests, they have to create a project or speech and present it. These include Social Media Strategies, Public Speaking, Intro to Public Speaking, and Graphic Design.

   With the deadline of the conference fast approaching, the FBLA members are beginning to prepare for the event. The membership of the club skyrocketed with just about 5 people in the last year.  So, almost everyone is completely fresh-faced and ready to take on this challenge.

by Madison Hawley

  One of the many purposes of school is to educate the public in order to have informed citizens. Students learning about state government is a very import aspect of this. To do just that, the senior class is taking a field trip to the state capitol building in Topeka, Kansas.

   In days leading up to the trip, seniors prepare for their visit to the capitol in class. The students are spit into groups and assigned a representative from Kansas’ legislature. Each group then has to research what legislative committees and bills the representative is working on.

   In addition, the group must schedule a short meeting with their

representative to ask questions about being a state congressmen. The students also have to grab a selfie with a lobbyist and are given opportunities to explore the capitol on several tours. Each student must then create a presentation of their experience at the capitol, including the many photos taken.

   When asked which portion of the trip is most impactful, Senior Chaelyn Webber states “talking to a state representative because we get to learn more about what they do for the state of Kansas. We get to learn how their job works.” The trip to the capitol gives the students many opportunities to speak

with many people involved in government, including lobbyists, representatives, senators, and possible even the governor.

Mr. Over further shares on the importance of visit: “This activity allows students to understand the legislative process and the role they play as constituents. They will have a hands on professional experience of how our government works and also the many job possibilities open to them.”

  All in all, this field trip is a great way for seniors to learn about the state’s history, legislature, and government process. It is an exciting day for seniors. However, it is also an informative experience needed before they enter the adult world.

by Lyra C

  Burlington High School has gone through many changes this year with even more to come. Just this year, BHS has a new athletic director, principal, and a herd of new facility members. Now, next year even more new teachers will arrive.

    BHS has always been known for having a loyal staff. However, there is always a point when they must retire or move on. Many teachers will not be returning this year, allowing for a slew of new positions.          

   Most teachers at BHS are deeply involved.  They are not just teachers, but also club sponsors and coaches.

So, how will the new hires fill such big shoes?    

 When interviewing Mrs. Grover about hiring new teachers, she said, “the school we want to be and what we represent will help. Also, showing applicants our amazing classrooms and clean facilities [will help too]. In just the science department there is 66 years of experience leaving the school between two teachers, which might alarm people who look into the school. However, it shows the great school we have and how teachers want to stay, which is convincing people to join BHS staff.”

   Next year, there is an opening for a head football and track coach.

Also, the school will need a new club sponsor for one of the biggest clubs at BHS: FCCLA. In addition, having very fortunate science rooms and remodeling the FAC’s room will help attract more applicants who are looking for a nice clean school to teach at.

   Teachers who love to be involved and really care for students will love to join BHS. Also, those who join BHS, tend to stay at BHS. It is a loving and caring school filled with a amazing staff and students.

By Teagan H
 These last few years at BHS have brought on a lot of losses in the teacher and coach department. Retiring, resigning, and moving schools have left Burlington to fill in the gaps in staff. 
   Former P.E. teacher and coach, Morgan Stout, is one that has recently left a vacant spot. The school is currently attempting to fill her position. This includes not only P.E, but also head track coaching. As her absent took a recent upon recently. 
   There have been a number of rumors, but very little facts. As the students of the school circulate information, many are left confused. Miss Stout’s reputation is left uncertain. 
 

The truth of the matter is that she, in the words of Mr. Wilson, was not respecting students in a professional manner. He states, “Though I do not want to disclose every personal bit of information, it is important to note that no illegal activities took place in her personal life.”
   Miss Stout formally handed in her resignation recently, she has left the school promptly and will not be teaching or coaching for the 

remainder of the year at Burlington High School. This is to protect the interests of students. Not only that, but it also protects the integrity of the school. 
   Though Miss Stout’s situation has brought on an onslaught of questions and criticism, staff and students aware of the facts will continue to educate and inform. This is true not only in this case, but in any other situation that has to do with teachers leaving the school. And, as of now, Burlington staff works toward finding a respectful and responsible replacement for a P.E teacher. Fortunately, Coach Wilson has stepped forward as head coach for the high school track team in the absence of Mrs. Stout.