Online Staff
Administrators
Online Editor-in-Chief
Daphne Yu
(Online Sports Editor & Co-Online News Editor)
Daphne is the graceful online editor in chief, as well as the sports and co-news editor. Starting at age four, Daphne has been training to become a concert pianist. Just kidding, she prefers not to play the piano. But she does play violin wonderfully and has been part of the Missouri All-State Orchestra for two years in a row. When not playing instruments or fine-tuning the ROCK’s website, Daphne likes to hate math and science (unusual because she’s Asian) and cuddle with teddy bears. To contact Daphne, feel free to email her at [email protected]
Bio by Sami Pathan
Newspaper Editors-in-Chief
Nomin Jagdagdorj
(Infographics Editor and Web Interactivity Manager)
Nomin-Erdene Jagdadgorj is a girl of 17 well-honed years. Throughout the course of life thus far, Nomin has managed to stamp the world with a rich, sizable footprint. If one were to look closely into this intricate pattern of years, they would find many delectable experiences, a radiating sense of kindness, and an overall glow of a warm life lived. Nomin’s intellect shines in step with the shimmer in her fanciful, caramel eyes. Not only does she speak two tongues, but she does this fluently, the say way she performs many other desirable tasks, such as writing, thinking, and having multiple personas. Nomin’s thick black hair falls like an ever flowing velvet curtain against those rosy, oh-so-pinch-able cheeks. Her charm and marvelous spirit have led to the breakage of many hearts, the acquaintance of a few hearty enemies, and, most importantly, the love of an abundant herd of family and friends. Nomin resides in Columbia, Mo. with her father, mother and younger sisters. Contact Nomin by emailing [email protected]
Bio By Abbie Powers
Maria Kalaitzandonakes
(Southpaw Editor-in-Chief)
“See zos chickens?” her old Greek grandfather would say pointing to the pigeons, “all of zos are yours.”
Growing up, all little girls think they’re princesses. But Maria’s kingdom never had a prince, never a castle. She reigned over her “chickens” and olive trees.
Yup, it was all Greek to her.
Rules in this kingdom were strict. Only A’s in school. No sleepovers. No painting the walls. In pre-school the teachers had her hearing tested three times, thinking that her piercingly loud voice must come from some sort of deafness.
Maria, herself, never realized her life was odd until grade school, when the very American idea of “personal bubble space” puzzled her. And when physically unable to abide by the “arm’s length apart rule” Maria’s teacher gave her a hula hoop, which she had to walk around with as to not disrupt anyone’s personal space.
When a little boy bothered her in middle school, Maria’s hot temper (Greek Blood as Maria’s father called it), got the best of her, and she yelled out a curse “gammoto!” and punched him in the face.
In high school she embraced the crooked nose, the Christmas boat and the five gallon olive oil tin in her pantry.
When Maria’s grandfather first saw a squirrel he said, “See zos fings” pointing to the unknown animal, “Do not be afraid of zem. You are a Greek, baby.”
And with that, she had confidence in her future, as a non-squirrel fearing Greek princess.
Maria is also the editor in chief for “The Rock” and “Southpaw”.
You can contact me at [email protected]
Adam Schoelz
(Advertising Manager)
In the end, Adam Schoelz will be remembered not for his smile nor for his genial nature, but instead for his near single-minded devotion to the board game Risk. He is also an Editor in Chief for “The Rock”. To contact him, email him at [email protected]
Newspaper Production Editor
Maddie Magruder
Maddie Magruder is the sweetest person you’ll ever meet. No matter what, Maddie never fails to evoke a genuine smile. Her undying love for Fun, Mumford and Sons, and James Franco is really quite inspiring. Maddie’s natural habitat includes knitting, watching movies, belting out a Broadway song, or laughing so hard she cries. Maddie is a tremendous writer and Production Manager, a determined intellect, a fierce friend, et une actrice incroyable. You’ll really never meet a more loyal and down to earth person, not to mention questionably the most adorable girl on the planet. She’s just quirky and fun. Some say Maddie Magruder is a Disney princess. But Maddie is better than a Disney princess. She’s real.
Contact Maddie Magruder, production editor, at [email protected]
Bio by Julia Schaller.
Assistant Online Editor
Atreyo Ghosh
(Copy Editor)
About Atreyo GhoshWebmaster
John Gillis
I’m a person of many interests. Two of them being journalism and coding websites. Here at BearingNews.org I get to use both of them! Contact me at [email protected]
Web Editors
News Editor
Alyssa Sykuta
Alyssa Sykuta is the News editor of The Rock and Bearing News. The senior lives most of her life in the journalism room or the band hallway, writing/editing stories or playing her clarinet and messing around with fellow band nerds. She enjoys curling up with her panda pillowpet, named Vincentino, and drinking coffee. Contact her at [email protected]
Features and Special Reports Editors
Trisha Chaudhary
When’s she’s not spewing sarcastic nonsense or making gutteral noises to entertain herself and scare others, Trisha’s probably hanging out with her friends, shopping, or watching “He’s Just Not That Into You” for the 30th time–which is to her, a girl’s best friend. But under her hard exterior, deep down there is a frozen jelly bean of a heart, which she claims has a molten, butterbeer flavored interior. For a straight shot to this frigid jelly bean, buy her a scarf, or better yet make a Harry Potter reference. To contact Trisha, send an email to [email protected]
Bio by Ashleigh Atasoy
Manal Salim
Manal Salim. A name known to all in the journalism room. A name associated with rainbows and sunshine. If she isn’t smiling and asking what she can do for others, Manal is nearly dying of embarrassment from the constant compliments that her friends shower her with. No one can resist smiling in her presence. Manal is the epitome of happiness and is the only one who can justify the writing of a bio as cheesy as this. Unaffected by the mother nature, neither heat nor sunshine affects Manal’s porcelain face. Looking at Manal is like looking into the sun: always bright, always happy, but without the obnoxious constant “glass is half full” outlook that seems to get on people’s nerves. Or at least mine. So do yourself a favor and get to know her. Contact Manal at [email protected]
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Opinion and Editorials Editors
Jake Alden
Most modern day science would frown upon Jake Alden still being alive. He has, after all, eaten dog, cat, snake, shark, spider, centipede, ostrich, kangaroo, alligator, and, as a result of one unfortunate accident, human blood. He has also fallen into septic tanks, off of stages, and, somewhat more frequently, out of desks. He has had run-ins with retirement community police and guard dogs, and also high-velocity golf balls propelled by angry patrons of said communities.
Miraculously, however, Jake Alden is alive and well, and he’s glad to be able to provide you and the rest of society with the latest happenings around Rock Bridge and Columbia as editorials editor for “The Rock” and Bearing News. Cheers.
To contact Jake, email him at [email protected]
Anna Wright
(Blogs Editor)
Although at first sight Anna Wright may be noticed for her beautiful brown hair, her eloquent fashion sense, and her fitting position of co-commentary editor, one should not be fooled. Anna Wright is awkward. Anna is known for spontaneously blushing a bright rose-like tint, and it is a proven fact that she breaks out in hives around cute boys. Along with being cursed with these odd, unnatural quirks, Anna adds to her awkwardness by wearing sandals that expose her abnormally long feet, occasionally wearing weird Irish dance-like shoes in public, and frequently expressing her love for cucumbers. However, fortunately for her, as said by her dear friend Afsah, Anna can pull off awkward. The abundance of awkward situations that Anna can find herself in on a daily basis, merely turn into stories which she can later text Jacqueline about in an all-caps conversation. To contact Anna, send her an email at [email protected]
Bio by Jacqueline LeBlanc
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Lauren Puckett
My name is Lauren Puckett, and I’m one of the A&E section editors for The Rock. I’m a senior, and a member of City Lights show choir and the Varsity Acting Squad. Besides singing, acting, and participating in my church’s activities, I like to write every story I can get my hands on. Writing is what I love, and it’s what I want to do with my life. Other than that, I’m a ridiculous blonde who likes Arnold Palmer and raspberry yogurt pretzels. I’m a Ravenclaw and I’d probably hail from District 8 or 11, although I doubt I’d survive the Hunger Games. Feel free to shoot me an email or come say hello—you’ll probably find me in the choir hallway or the journalism room. You know us “artsy kids”—we don’t ever leave our roost. To contact me, email me at [email protected]
Multimedia Manager
Urmila Kutikkad
Though at first glance all you may see when you look at Urmila is a jumble of awkward Indian, a whole lot of hair, and a striking resemblance to a sloth, there is much more beneath the surface. Despite the tall, lanky exterior, Urmila is a fat cat-lady at heart who would be contented spending her days eating rosemary olive-oil bread and listening to Bon Iver on replay. In addition to being a human dictionary and knowing every tidbit of Harry Potter trivia, Urmila’s true passion lies in singing, even though she refuses to believe that her voice is like liquid gold. Unable to make eye contact with most people, big crowds intimidate this soft-spoken being, and it may take a while before she opens up to you. But you will find that, when she does, the wait was well worth it because no words can describe the deep caring and selflessness that Urmila treats everyone she encounters with. Urmila is the multimedia editor for Bearing News. To contact Urmila, email her at [email protected]
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Photography Editor
Asa Lory
(Photographer)
Hello! I take photos and sing and wander around and generally like people. And cooking. Contact me at [email protected]
Club Blogs Editor
Kelsey Harper
(Calendar Editor)
Kelsey Harper is one of those girls. The ones that has her essays done before the teachers assign them. The kind that spends 10 hours studying for a test you didn’t even know you had. Kelsey is the definition of overachiever. And in case that isn’t enough, she is also a walking, talking Wal-Mart. Need a Band-Aid? Kelsey has a Spider-Man one. Need a Kleenex? Kelsey has a whole box. Need extra undies after laughing a little too hard? Don’t hesitate to ask Kelsey! You can almost always find her studying in the choir hallway or slaving away after school at show choir practices; probably accompanied by her two pillow pets. Get to know Kelsey and she will no doubt save you multiple times, whether it’s answering that one calculus question you didn’t understand, giving you an emergency Alka-Seltzer, or just being a great friend. To contact Kelsey, send an email to [email protected]
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Online Staff Writers
Ashleigh Atasoy
Half Turkish-half White, Ashleigh Atasoy is one cool drink of water. She’s got a Middle Eastern temper mixed in with all those White-people heartburn problems. To top it all off she’s as blunt as a butter knife and will say like she sees it. When she’s not playing practical jokes on friends or recounting hilarious encounters that could only happen to her, Ashleigh’s most probably shopping or being athletic. Forever traumatized by the evil-eye bracelet gifted to her at the age of seven by crazy Turkish relatives, Ashleigh has fully embraced her heritage by claiming that she is 100% Caucasian. As unconventional as she is opinionated, Ashleigh does as much as possible to give to those less fortunate than her and has a heart of gold…sometimes.
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Blake Becker
Blake, community editor for the paper, enjoys long walks along the beach, watching sunsets and playing with puppies. Blake is many things; he is a stud at the wheel, immortal and a swell chap . In all honesty, Blake tries to be kind, open-minded and likes to write, cheer people up, play tennis, is a pool shark, devours souls of the living and rejoices in the agony of innocence. To contact Blake, you can email him at [email protected]
Ipsa Chaudhary
Ipsa Chaudhary writes for the Rock.
That’s all you need to know.
(Plus she’s also the in-depths editor for the paper.)
To contact Ipsa, send an email to [email protected]
Brittany Cornelison
Brittany Cornelison is totally awesome junior. She loves school and homework is her favorite pastime … not really. Actually, she has spent the majority of her Junior year so far with her friends, writing for The Rock and participating in her church’s youth group. She is a great girl with lots of talent and tons of smiles. Brittany is actively involved in her community and loves to use her experiences to enhance her creative love of writing. Contact me at [email protected]
Bio by Kristen Buster
Tyler Dunlap
I’m a guys’ guy, I like sports, all kinds of music, and I have Blonde hair. I also write for “The Rock” and Bearing News. To contact me, email me at [email protected]
Afsah Khan
Afsah Khan, art editor, skates through life under the believable façade of a sweet, introverted Pakistani girl with flawless skin and an enticingly melodic laugh which graces the journalism room at the most unexpected times. Beneath her shy and collected exterior, however, Afsah is a crazy party girl at heart with a quick wit and the ability to politely insult anyone without them ever realizing it. She still dots her “i”s with tiny hearts and loves spending time with her family more than any teenager you’ll ever meet. She has lustrous dark hair which can always be found cascading gently over her left shoulder in a perfect side-ponytail. Afsah’s greatest life aspiration involves a top-secret plan to kidnap Zayn Malik from his home in England and force him into an arranged marriage using memory-wiping potion and her irresistible charm. To Contact Afsah, email her at [email protected]
Jacqueline LeBlanc
Jacqueline LeBlanc is the type of girl who laughs uncontrollably in awkward situations and always has something to say. She may possibly be the only girl in high school who never stopped obsessing over the Jonas Brothers, and is, as we speak, counting down the days until their reunion tour. Jacqueline is set apart by her enticing foreign beauty and infectious smile, which is almost always present on her beautiful face. She also likes to tell people that she is related to Matt LeBlanc, however, this fact may or may not be 100% true. Jacqueline has high aspirations in life such as being on Jeopardy, having her own personal Wikipedia page, and being the commissioner of the National Football League. However, 90% of the time Jacqueline can be found in the journalism room editing the commentary page, arguing with Anna, or tweeting for Bearing News.
To contact Jacqueline, email her at [email protected]
Bio by Anna Wright
Kaitlyn Marsh
Kaitlyn Marsh is a 18-year-old Senior who spends entirely too much time making figurines out of peach pits. In the little spare time she has, she tries her luck at meowing like a cat or playing golf. On occasion, she will pick up the violin, but that’s only when she’s particularly disinterested in whatever else is going on (or when Daphne makes her). She can write, and is the Sports editor for “The Rock.” News is kind of her thing, even though it’s really not. She hates news. But, let’s be honest, no one else wants to write news and Kaitlyn’s the only one nice enough to take on the burden. Kaitlyn can be contacted at [email protected]
Bio by Lauren Puckett
Hagar Gov-Ari
Hagar Gov-Ari is one spicy piece of Jew. She’s not your average plate of hummus and adds an extra clove of garlic to every situation. Hagar has a knack for terrifying everyone that doesn’t know her and never fully wipes that annoyed expression off of her face. Though at first glance she can have you sprinting in the other direction, Hagar really is a gentle Jew who just wants the J-Writers to “finish their [dang] sports wrap-ups!” This petite hottie-patotie can either be found pulling her hair out in the J-lab or otherwise roaming the halls during AP US with her friend Alicia. Though it may not seem like it, Hagar really is just one big softie whose email to this day remains To contact Hagar, email here at [email protected]
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Sam Mitchell
Sam is a pretty laid back, fun loving guy who enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and dog Buddy. A long suffering Chiefs fan, Sam loves both playing and watching football as well as most other sports, and has been playing tennis and swimming since he was a little kid. Sam also spends a lot of time listening to classic East Coast rap, with some of his favorites being the Wu Tang Clan and Mobb Deep. Inglourious Basterds is Sam’s favorite movie and Breaking Bad is far and away his favorite show. If you want to contact Sam, you can email him at [email protected]
Alyssa Piecko
Alyssa Piecko is an all-around journalism all-star. Her huge personality makes up for her lack of stature. Standing at just four feet eleven inches, Alyssa is two inches shy of being a legal midget. She enjoys producing videos, writing and taking long walks on the beach. Alyssa is a total One Direction fan girl. She would enjoy being the future Mrs. Niall Horan or Mrs. Harry Styles. She is good at making people laugh but unfortunately, she thinks she’s funnier than she really is. If you see her on the street, make sure you look down and say, “Hi.” Contact her at [email protected]
Stazi Prost
Anastazia Prost or Stazi for short is a girl of 17 years raised her whole life in the good ole’ hearty town of Columbia, MO. While not writing one of the hundreds of stories for yearbook or newspaper, seeing as she is also an editor in chief of yearbook, you can find her either strolling down the streets of downtown or playing with her lovely pet hedgehog, Pumpkin. Stazi has a mad obsession for poking people and eating everything with butter. Catch her in a really good mood and she will treat you to the ABCs said backwards or better yet a wonderful nursery rhyme sung in the best Czech she can muster. Děkuji! To contact Stazi, send her an email at [email protected]
George Sarafianos
The Strongest most Handsome person at Rock Bridge. Also, a staff writer for “The Rock” and Bearing News. Contact him at [email protected]
Rajesh Satpathy
Raj is a staff writer for Bearing News. He’s tall, dark and unbelievably handsome. He enjoys tweeting at birds and consuming delicious foods. He’s also probably the laziest man this side of the Mississippi. All in all, pretty awesome. Contact him at [email protected]
Julia Schaller
Julia Schaller is a jack (or Jill) of all trades. When she isn’t at home creating a magical masterpiece on the piano, watching a sappy romance movie while eating cheese or chocolate or whatever goodies happen to be around, or giving her dog Buddy more love than he knows what to do with, the senior stays busy running cross country and track. Somewhere in all her busy schedule, she keeps up with her duties as student body Vice President, as well as being the head of about a million other clubs around Rock Bridge. Julia never fails to have a smile and hug for anyone she crosses. If you need someone to talk to, Julia is the perfect friend. To contact Julia, send her an email at [email protected]
Bio by Maddie Magruder.
Artists
Yasmeen El-Jayyousi
Yasmeen El-Jayyousi is a banana. She is a sweet and healthy snack, but with some brown spots that spring up out of nowhere in surprisingly flavorful bites. She is the most beautiful banana you will ever lay your eyes on, hailing from the wittiest species of the fruit. She might seems reluctant to come out to the front of the fruit basket, but it’s only a carefully crafted illusion. When she’s with her fruity friends, she shows off her creative and quirky personality and can blind a person with her charm. You will most likely find her in the Journalism Fruit Basket (Journalism room) concentrating on her art for the Rock, or giving relationship advice, or finding ways to stain the reputation of her equally gorgeous banana friend Afsah with the help of two other fruity friends, Anna and Jacqueline. Nevertheless, Yasmeen is the most creative and beautiful banana in the world, and to those of you who don’t like bananas, it’s time to get your priorities straight and reconsider. (Written by Afsah Khan) Contact Yasmeen at [email protected]
Paige Martin
Thoughtful, knowledgeable, and entertaining, are just a few of the adjectives that describe this newspaper artist. Paige Martin is a super talented artist, an awesome test taker, a skilled driver, a sock-monkey lover, and the best rice-cooking-instructions giver. She is also one of the funniest people alive today. If you’re ever having a bad day, go see her – this girl will make everything better. Paige loves sock monkeys, her family, cheese cake, dogs, cats, other cute animals, good smelling stuffs, Disney World, art, cute socks, and all of her friends (Paige’s friends are all pretty tall, except for one). If you ever need to find Paige Martin, she will most likely be in one of the art rooms at Rock Bridge.
You can reach Paige at [email protected]!
Richard Sapp
Richard Sapp is a senior who does art for journalism, runs cross country and participates in track and field. He is well known for his manly appearance, which has been known to stun many men and women. It is also rumored he met a bear in his childhood.
He turned its pelt into a cape.
Feel free to contact Richard at [email protected]
Bio by Atreyo Ghosh
Jennifer Stanley
Jennifer is an artist for journalism. In her spare time she likes to swim in fish tanks with other ninja goldfish. There is nothing quite like fighting crime and bringing honor to your family while floating in an enclosed glass structure. Contact her at [email protected]
Hyelee Won
Hyelee is a magical Asian baby who crafts magical art. She loves funny stuff and when you make her laugh she sounds just like a wee babe, true to her Asian baby nature. She always needs someone to illicit that baby laugh from her (which isn’t difficult to do). So, if you think you are mildly funny and want to be laughed at, go find her. Hyelee has a kind heart that warms the soul like a blazing fire in the dead of winter. She is also severely restricting what I can put in this bio, so unfortunately this is the extent of what I am able to tell you about her. You can reach her at [email protected]!
Bio by Paige Martin
Michelle Zhuang
Michelle Zhuang has lived in Columbia, Missouri for a good portion of her life, or at least, the portion that matters the most. While she is not busy drawing for the Rock, she is usually Tumbling or exploring new worlds in the TARDIS that she hopes, one day, will become reality. Michelle also enjoys plunking away at the piano, reading the latest George R. R. Martin novel, and walking along the Katy Trail.
Contact Michelle @ [email protected]
Photographers
Paige Kiehl
Paige Kiehl: a name often associated with athleticism, giggles, and green eyes. But what most don’t see, is what’s behind those big, beautiful eyes. Deep down, Paige’s finds great pleasure in taking long, reflective walks on the beach… Just kidding. We live in Missouri and this isn’t match.com. Rather, Paige prefers long runs on the bland pavements of Columbia, Missouri. But don’t let that fool you! Deep within her, buried beneath the heaps of self control lies the wild side of Paige Kiehl. The one that prefers spending relaxing nights in her basement enjoying some nice chocolate ice cream and watching Netflix with her dog. This can be easily triggered by a visit from the Chaudhary sisters or a trip to Andy’s. If you ever find yourself bored, go to bearingnews.org and look up her pictures. Helpful advice: bring a napkin so that you can wipe the drool off of your chin later. Paige can almost always be found either in the journalism room or in the art room. So take some time out of your otherwise worthless day and come chat this fine lady up. To contact Paige, send an email to [email protected]
Bio by Trisha Chaudhary
Maddy Jones
Hey there! My name is actually Madison Tylor Jones, however, the majority of my friends and family know me by Maddy. I am a Senior at Rock Bridge High School and I am a photographer for The Rock… and really whatever else staff needs. This is my first year on staff and my biggest regret is that I didn’t get on sooner. In the near future (aka college), I hope to be taking photos for their staff, and then possibly as a career. I know I will be well prepared because of these tremendous people who have taught me and will continue to teach me not only the ins and outs of being on a staff like this, but working along side new people and creating friendships. I love The Rock and everyone in it!
Check out my pictures to see what’s up!
Aniqa Rahman
Aniqa (pronounced On-eh-kah) is a perfect, pleasant and phenomenal photographer for The Rock and Bearing News. But all alliteration aside, Aniqa is one of the most amiable people around. Her smiles are infections, her sense of style is pulchritudinous, and her many talents are just plain precious.
She can cut hair like no other and sing and dance at the same time, which explains why our beautiful belle is in show choir. And if singing and dancing isn’t already quite the mix, Aniqa can also play the ukulele, guitar and piano (though not all at the same time). She loves to hike, and is the co-prez of the recently resurrected True False Film Club.
If you see Aniqa in the hallways, don’t be afraid to give her a hearty “Bonjour!” (yes, she’ll understand since she’s also in French Honors Society), because you’ll receive in return a beautiful smile that will definitely make your day.
Bio by Daphne Yu
Patrick Smith
Hello there, I take photos, and play the saxophone, and build robots; but in this arena, I just take pictures. I try to keep all my work to the highest standard, and put a great deal of time into my images, so let me know if you like what I do, or if you have any suggestions of things for me to try.
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