Boys State Soccer Pep Assembly

By Alex Sajna, Tyler Russell, Francesca Lorusso, Mason Sajna, and Preston Hooker

November 18, 2024

To celebrate the varsity boys soccer team’s state title win in their game against Dodge City on Saturday Nov. 9, a pep assembly was held in the main gym before class on Thursday, Nov. 14. During the assembly, the players and coaching staff were recognized and the display of the number of East state titles was updated. The team finished their season as Sunflower League Champions, Regional Champions and State Champions for the first boys soccer state title in school history.

Check out this gallery on Harbie Photo to purchase pictures from this event by clicking the link below:

11.14.24 Boys State Soccer Pep Assembly

Team captains and seniors Lukas Lowry, Quinn McCarthy and George Hartman sing the school song to conclude the assembly. Photo by Francesca Lorusso
Senior Brady Neuman waves to the senior class after his name was announced during the team recognition. Photo by Alex Sajna
Senior George Hartman stands up while being recognized as one of the team captains. Photo by Francesca Lorusso
The Lancer mascot claps for the soccer team after the team was recognized by principal Jason Peres. Photo by Alex Sajna
Junior Dexter Stephens bangs the drum for the Viking Chant before the unveiling of the championship sign. Photo by Tyler Russell
Principal Mr. Peres waves the 6A boys soccer state title up in the air to show the school. Peres then congratulated the team and handed them the title. Photo by Tyler Russell
Principal Jason Peres smiles while presenting the KSHAA State Champions award to the soccer team. Photo by Alex Sajna
Senior Quinn McCarthy speaks to the assembly about the success of the soccer team. Photo by Alex Sajna
The SM East Pep Executives sing the school song to conclude the assembly. Afterwards, they thanked everyone for being at the assembly and released all the students back to their classrooms. Photo by Tyler Russell
Senior Cole Chinnook hugs senior Quinn McCarthy after the end of the assembly. Photo by Alex Sajna

About the Contributors

Alex Sajna, Video Editor

Working on his third year on Harbinger staff, senior Alex Sajna is thrilled to lead the video team as a Video Editor and take pictures as a Photographer. Besides Harbinger, Alex runs cross country and track, takes AP classes and works part time. When he’s not in the J-room, you can find Alex working on his car, making up a cross country practice late at night, or hanging out with family and friends.

Tyler Russell, Photo Editor

After spending hundreds of hours on photoshop, junior Tyler Russell is pumped to continue his journey on The Harbinger as an Assistant Photo Editor. On a typical day, you’ll find him helping the other photographers or scrambling to finish student life photos on time while editing in the library. When Tyler isn’t slouched on the library spinny chair, you’ll find him playing tennis, baking anything he can find on pinterest, or searching through Disney artifacts. Despite the stressful moments, Harbinger has become a family to look forward to every day.

Francesca Lorusso, Art Editor

Going into her fourth semester on the Harbinger staff, junior Francesca Lorusso is delighted to start as an art editor, photo mentor and page designer. When she isn’t struggling to write a coherent caption for a gallery or losing sleep over making someone’s page art, she is helping to plan an International club meeting, making costumes for a play or musical, or trying to perfect an AP Art project.

Mason Sajna, Video Editor

As a fourth year harbinger staffer, senior Mason Sajna is excited to be a leader on staff this year as a Video Editor, Photo Mentor and Equipment Manager. When he isn’t in the J room editing a video or trying to find some tripod piece, Mason is running as a varsity track and cross country runner and is in five AP classes. When things finally slow down, Mason likes to spend his free time with his friends or just hang out at home.

Preston Hooker, Video Editor

Senior Preston Hooker has participated in Football, Track, Policy Debate and more throughout his four years at Shawnee Mission East. The one thing he’s stuck with is Harbinger. Preston is entering his third and final year on staff as a Video Editor, Advertisement Manager, Copy Editor, Staff Writer and Staff Artist. With a full plate in front of him, Preston is excited to finish strong through his high school career, with additional AP and IB courses, to propel him into a hopeless career in film.