The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

The Student News Site of Rock Bridge High School

Bearing News

Online Staff 2015-2016

[vc_custom_heading text=”Administrators” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_text_separator title=”Jenna Liu, Editor-in-Chief, Editorials Editor” color=”green”][vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Jenna Liu is one of the Editor-in-Chiefs for The Rock and Bearing News, in addition to being the Editorials editor. Well known for her passion for issues dealing with social inequities and injustice, Jenna has a distinctive voice that shows through her writing. She serves on the city’s Human Rights Commission and loves working with people in the community to promote diversity and equality. One of Jenna’s favorite hobbies is “impassioned discussion” and she will fiercely debate politics and Harry Potter with anyone who volunteers.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Abby Kempf, Editor-in-Chief, Chief Financial Officer, Special Reports Editor” color=”green”][vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Abby Kempf is wearing three hats this year as Editor in Chief, Chief Financial Officer and Special Reports Editor for The Rock and Bearing News. She enjoys covering student life, opinion and human interest. In addition to writing, Abby is a videographer and photographer, as well as a designer and sometimes not-too-experienced graphic artist. She is a Harry Potter enthusiast, hard core liberal and proud grower of curly “lion-mane-esque” hair. When she is not creating dance routines to Mamma Mia, she is listening to her other favorite musicals on full volume while violently singing along. Don’t be surprised if she responds to you by breaking into song. Also don’t get offended if she uses her supreme sarcasm skills on you; she just can’t help herself.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”] [vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Alice Yu, Editor-in-Chief, Project Manager” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]“She’s the hero Rock Bridge deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we’ll lean on her. Because she can take it. Because she’s not our hero. she’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector. An Editor-In-Chief.” Much like Batman and scores of other superheroes, senior Alice Yu is willing to drop everything and rush towards the sounds of peril and distress that ring out from the journalism room. In addition to her role as one of the three Editors-In-Chief, Alice also commands both the violin and piano as well as she does a pen and paper, earning numerous awards for her skill with both instruments. The accolades don’t end there though, as Alice is also the secretary of RBHS’s National Honor Society. And while she may be capeless and without a funny looking latex suit, Alice Yu is one of the most integral parts of the Rock Bridge journalism department both in her writing, leadership, and selflessness. After she graduates, Alice hopes to study journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she will but no doubt continue her reign as one of Columbia’s most needed superheroes. (Written by John Flanegin)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”] [vc_custom_heading text=”Section Editors” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Ashley Tanner, Commentary and Blogs Editor” color=”green”][vc_empty_space height=”14px”] Senior Ashley Tanner can be found spending the majority of her time in the journalism room. She can be loud and obnoxious at times but it’s because she is passionate and has a big heart. Her witty humor and big smile wins the heart of most who meet her,and Netflix and Harry Potter fill up much of her free time spent outside of school. Columbia has only been her home for a few years and she has come to love everything about it.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Grace Vance, Features Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Grace Vance is the coolest hippie you will ever meet. Softhearted and persistent, Grace goes the extra mile to perfect her needs and wants. She is passionate about her kittens, photography, and writing, and overly succeeds at maintaining a healthy vegan lifestyle by eating kale salads and taking strolls in the great outdoors. Grace hopes to pursue an exciting career in journalism, serving the public one extraordinary story at a time.
WARNING: When tired, Grace may undergo ULS (uncontrollable laughing syndrome) upon seeing ludicrous objects. Watch out during journalism late nights!   (Written by Joy Park)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Ji-Ho Lee, News Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Ji-Ho Lee is a junior, news editor for The Rock and Bearing News.  His two favorite people in the world are Jesus Christ and Ronald Reagan.  He enjoys fishing, riding the bench for Rock Bridge Baseball, the food channel, and certain TV shows particularly Friends and Saved by the Bell.  He passed his driver’s license test with a 72.  He adores Kelly Kapowski and loves his mama.  He has a great taste in music and fast food restaurants. In the future, he hopes to have an impressive dad bod.  

Contact him at [email protected] 

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”John Flanegin, Sports Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Standing at 5’8 and weighing 120 pounds, senior John Flanegin makes up the better looking half of Rock Bridge’s dynamic group of editors. When John is not scrawling down the athletic ventures of his fellow Bruins he can be found on the mat or in the weight room whilst laboring with the wrestling team. Outside of school John is often haunted by the words “paper or plastic”, which he often repeats mindlessly while working as both a cashier and bagger at Hyvee. An avid fan of all things Kansas City, John follows the Royals, Chiefs, and Sporting Kansas City, perpetually analyzing every diminutive detail of his beloved organizations. John is also a man of many names, Flanny, J Flan, Flan Man, and the beloved moniker of Flagon, which he was bestowed as a junior after a teammate couldn’t pronounce his last name. A self described fantasy football expert and cat whisperer, John is always looking to try his hand at something new. After he graduates John plans to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Kat Sarafianos, Arts & Entertainment Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Kat Sarafianos has been applauded as one of the fiercest Chai latte lovers in the nation. On top of her deep love for frothy drinks, she holds Kim Hyuna, Viki, teddy bears and the Kardashians near and dear to her heart. While her wunderkind ability and extensive knowledge of 90s soap operas may seem intimidating, it’s her awkward and hard to read humor that will really make you love her. Or hate her… scientists haven’t decided if she’s being sarcastic or awful.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator color=”green” border_width=”5″] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”] [vc_custom_heading text=”Visual Editors” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Cam Fuller, Multimedia Editor, Writer” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Cameron Fuller is a sophomore that has a true passion for music, sports, and journalism. As a starting varsity player for the Rock Bridge lacrosse team, an astonishing guitar player, and a spectacular writer, there’s not a talent that he doesn’t have. Cam is a naturally friendly guy who seems to be friends with anybody and  everybody that he can. He is generous, intelligent, and hardworking. Needless to say, the newspaper is lucky to have him on staff.

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Devesh Kumar, Photo Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Devesh Kumar is always available to help a section editor out by grabbing a quick, much needed photo. He loves taking photos, but this junior also enjoys learning new skills, such as various technologies, and helping those around him in whatever way he can. He can recite Pi if you ask him to, and he is a truly faithful friend.

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Neil Cathro, Design Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Neil Cathro is an all around great guy who loves what he does. Most often you can find him in his secondary home, the choir hallway, or in the J-Room working on a computer. Neil’s many hobbies include acting, singing, drawing, and expressing his (very) liberal viewpoints in debates against extremist conservatives. Neil also enjoys arts and crafts and cites ‘Michaels Craft Store’ as his third favorite store to shop at, preceded only by ‘Barnes and Noble’ and ‘Target’. Neil’s occupation of choice for when he grows up is a tie between actor and teen sleuth. He strives to one day have a piece of original artwork hanging on the wall of ‘Sparkys Homemade Ice Cream’. Neil would like to thank Stover, Abwerd, and the academy for presenting him with this opportunity. Stay golden. *peace sign*

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Stephanie Kang, Art Editor” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Senior Stephanie Kang is sweeter than sugar, smarter than almost everyone, and a hardcore over-achiever. With her mega-watt smile and cheerful personality, Stephanie is not only the art editor on staff, but also president of Science Olympiad and a core leader of Rock Bridge Reaches Out. In addition to her many other leadership roles, Stephanie probably earns more credits in a semester than most kids earn in a year, and she has enough experience in calculus to be an astronaut. Yet somehow she maintains a humble persona, and one of her greatest talents is making everyone feel important and loved, regardless of their IQ. She is always willing to help out a fellow classmate and her wise words are always a comfort to anyone who needs to hear them.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator color=”green” border_width=”5″] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”] [vc_custom_heading text=”Staff Writers” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Caylea Ray, Writer/Photographer” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Caylea Ray is girl who spends way too much time watching Netflix. Occasionally, she writes and takes pictures for The Rock and Bearing News. There is not a single day that Caylea doesn’t show up at school in style. Even sweatpants and a simple t-shirt look good on her, without fail.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Elad Gov-Ari” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Elad Gov-Ari comes from a lineage of great Rock Bridge journalists, but this doesn’t stop him from creating his own unique style of writing. His ability to cover any subject he deems interesting is unmatched and allows him to be a jack of all trades for RBHS journalism.

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Faaris Khan” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Despite the fact that he was born in Columbia, Faaris Khan never forgets Pakistan, his country of lineage. A proud supporter of Pakistan’s cricket team, he enjoys both watching and playing sports. His favorite sport is basketball. He has a fiery passion for learning new things and wants to be the smartest person he can possibly be. Faaris loves his family more than anything in the world, and wants to make them proud when he grows up. He is in the process of deciding his profession, but he wants to become a doctor or go into the technology field.

Contact him at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Grace Dorsey” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Grace Dorsey can be found working on homework, at a club or browsing her tumblr feed. She enjoys reading, bike rides on the MKT trail and trying out new recipes.If given the chance she will tell you all about her crazy Boston Terriers, Tui (Pronounce two-y) and Tanē (rhymes with Kanye). She believes that organization is essential for surviving school and that the calendar app on her iPad is the best invention since sliced bread. Beware, if you even mention sports her eyes with glaze over and any connection will be lost.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Joy Park” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Joy Park’s name is indicative of her personality: joyful, benevolent, and loyal. She enjoys writing and playing the piano, and is fascinated with photography and graphic design. Joy moved to Columbia, Missouri from the strikingly rich desert of Reno, Nevada, and is grateful for the opportunities and friendships presented with journalism here at Rock Bridge. A part-time procrastinator and a full-time perfectionist, Joy formulates exceptional stories to inform and connect the community.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Nicole Schroeder” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Despite her daunting schedule and knowledgeable attitude about various happenings at RBHS, many still seem to think that senior Nicole Schroeder is an underclassman. Maybe it has to do with her small stature or maybe it is the air of determined perfectionism that immediately dispels any notions of senioritis. Whatever the reason, however, almost everyone can agree that her friendly face and warm smile openly welcome all those she may meet. In her free time, she enjoys writing novels to her heart’s content, horseback riding, and spending time with her family and her three guinea pigs: Smores, Oreo, and Cinnamon. If she’s not in class, she’s most often bustling in and out the journalism room or tucked away in a quiet corner of the East Atrium.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Nikol Slatinska” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Nikol is a sophomore at Rock Bridge. She enjoys writing and hopes to improve at it over the course of her high school career. Her hobbies include shopping, watching reality television and painting her nails. She loves her Pomeranian, Finn, very much.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Rochita Ghosh” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Fifteen years ago, a small child was born into this world by the name of Rochita Ghosh. Now, this child is a well established member of society. One of her largest affiliations as of now is school. Rochita is a very active student; she is a member of Science Olympiad, Newspaper, and RBRO. She is a very accomplished second-year student at Rock Bridge High School, maintaining her grades all the while juggling extracurriculars. She has received several awards for these achievements, ranging from concrete medals to the simple, everyday reward of seeing faces light up because of her. She has somehow managed to preserve her 4.0 GPA in spite of all the other activities she takes part in. Her life until now was a satisfying blend of success and failures, and the perseverance of hard work and dedication will prepare her for anything life has to offer.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Ronel Ghidey” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Ronel is a strange, small, but totally endearing creature. He can be interpreted as a styling hipster, but really he is so much more, and not a hipster at all. Beyonce is his idol, as she should be, and R&B is his life. If you want to get a sliver of his personality, just let the fact that his screen-name on several sites his “chocolatethunder” soak in. Although he does throw some shade, he truly is one of the funniest, most caring person you can ever meet. (Written by Abby Kempf and Alice Yu)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Skyler Froese” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Skyler Froese is a junior who is dangerously advanced. Her brilliantly executed style of sweats and fabulous glasses allow her to take in a wide variety of challenging classes with comfort and grace. When she isn’t swimming or working at her family’s store Gotcha, she is probably keeping up with her amazing group of friends or coming up with wonderfully entertaining and equally educating scripts for her vlog “Phrase with Froese.”
There is never a dull moment when Skyler is around. When she’s not dropping witty or sarcastic comments, she is educating those around her with her incredible knowledge of a vast amount of topics that brightens up every conversation. Skyler is a wonderful girl who befriends many of those she meets with her witty humor and many advanced looks. The Rock and Bearing News are lucky to have her beautiful writing style and diverse subject coverage. (Written by Ashley Tanner)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator color=”green” border_width=”5″] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”] [vc_custom_heading text=”Artists” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Ana Ramirez” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]When senior Ana Ramirez isn’t running state-qualifying times, doing handstands down the hallway, or working at Shakespeare’s Pizza, you can find her creating works of art. Many claim that Ana’s art is as eccentric, whimsical, and vivacious as she is. Ana’s vices include Earl Grey tea, naps, and Steven Universe.  You cannot help but enjoy time spent with Ana and her crazy, witty self.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Erin Barchet” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Erin is a creative individual, who produces excessive amounts of work, including poetry, prose, drawings, and collages. When she is not creating serious art that makes a statement, Erin is doodling or writing something incredibly sassy or strange. She also occupies herself by laughing at and or making bad puns. In her free time, Erin enjoys listening to Welcome to Night Vale and other odd, dark, humorous things.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Megan Goyette” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]An ideal day for Megan would begin by waking up to sipping Earl Grey tea and reading her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. She would then procrastinate from all of her responsibilities by hanging out with friends and family. Megan is always going out of her way for anyone that needs her, even if she is running ten minutes late as well as puts effort and detail into everything she does. Her sense of style is to die for and she never arrives at school without looking glamorous and elegant. (Written by Ana Ramirez)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Shelby Yount” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Shelby plays the French Horn, Trombone, Mellophone, draws, and is learning to juggle. Her dream is to graduate from college with no debt, get a job in the degree she majored in, and proceed to live a fulfilling life. Her back-up plan is to join the circus. If anyone has any tips on juggling/balloon tying/taming lions, contact her.  

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_separator color=”green” border_width=”5″] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”] [vc_custom_heading text=”Photographers” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:36|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”] [vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_text_separator title=”Cassi Viox” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]An up and coming journalist with a passion for photography, Cassi Viox lights up the community around her to make it a better place. An electric personality and compassion for all those that know her, Cassi gets involved in all that she can to help her school.

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Jae Rhee” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Jae is the most unique person you will ever meet. She is fun and caring. If you ever want to bribe her, food is the best option. Her favourite things in the world are coffee, Lilo and Stitch, instant noodles, and especially Netflix. Her passion is taking photos for The Rock and Bearing News. (written by Devesh Kumar)

Contact her at [email protected]

[vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_text_separator title=”Ty Jamieson” color=”green”] [vc_empty_space height=”14px”]Junior Ty Jamieson is kind of quiet, but very enthusiastic about anything and everything involving music, photography, and kayaking. When not in the journalism room, he can be found in the music wing playing his french horn, trombone, or out on the football field playing mellophone with the marching band. Upon graduating in 2017 he plans on attending Mizzou for journalism and music education, as well as marching with a drum and bugle corps with the Drum Corps International organization.

Contact him at [email protected]

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