News Briefs

Girls volleyball’s senior night is scheduled for a match against Shawnee Mission South on Oct. 6.

As the season closes, volleyball head coach Alexander Henton is preparing for the senior night and recollects how the seniors performed this year.

“The seniors this year are special,” volleyball head coach Alexander Henton said.

The senior lineup is versatile in how the athletes work together, Henton said.

“It’s a unique blend,” Henton said. “We have Rachel, who’s a four-year varsity player, Ava, who is a three-year, Vivian who is a two-year, Annie and Avery are first year varsity players. It’s an exciting mix of girls, and they all have similar personalities in terms of how they function on the court.”

Throughout the season, the seniors’ ability to keep the ball down and score has been highlighted in games and practices. Because of their work ethic and aggressiveness, Henton is sad to see them go.

“This group has played this year, and it’s hard to believe it’s already over,” Henton said. “We have done well this year and we have been playing well this season.”

The team has played well this year with a 14-10 record and they are hoping to carry their win streak on through senior night.

“We have a great group of girls this year. We all really like each other and there’s good chemistry,” senior Vivian Riehl said. “The team this year is the best team I’ve been on and we all have enjoyed playing with each other this season.”

Legalization of weed in MO

On Nov. 8, Missouri citizens can vote on the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The current law in Missouri states that marijuana is only legal with a state-issued medical card, but the Missouri legislature is looking to legalize the use for recreational purposes for reasons such as the increase in state revenue, the decriminalization of the substance and hopefully an increase of population, according to John Payne, campaign manager for Legal MO 2022.

Marijuana’s legalization will stop prohibitions on purchasing, possessing, consuming, using, delivering, manufacturing or selling marijuana for personal use by any adult over the age of 21, according to the new 39-page Missouri legislation bill.

Even though medical marijuana is legal in Missouri, possession and sale are illegal in Kansas. Possession and/or sale is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for first-time offenders, according to Missouri state law.

Missouri can expect similar effects from states who have already legalized the substance according to the CATO institute. Colorado — a state known for loose cannabis laws — saw a $3.5 million dollar increase in state marijuana tax revenue after years of legalization, according to the Colorado State Revenue Department.

Junior George Anderson thinks that legalizing weed will boost Missouri’s economy.

“Honestly, I think legalizing weed will help Missouri,” Anderson said. “With the condition, the roads, the crime I think the city could benefit from additional tax revenue. I think it may draw more people to live there, and hopefully help with the economy.”

Those looking to register to vote on legalizing marijuana can register online or in-person in their town’s city hall.

The Princeton financial aid

Princeton University has raised the minimum threshold for free tuition from $65 thousand to $100 thousand dollars of annual household income which will take effect in the fall 2023 semester, allowing more students to attend the university.

Princeton’s financial aid program is designed to encourage all qualified students — regardless of financial circumstances — to consider applying for admission to Princeton, according to the school’s website.

Princeton offers substantial financial aid for students whose annual household income is up to $180 thousand a year and can allow students to receive multiple grants and supplemental aid. Due to their generous financial aid program, the university claims 83% of their seniors graduate debt-free.

“Our generous financial aid has ensured the continued and growing enrollment of a diverse group of undergraduates from low and middle-income backgrounds,” Princeton states.
The new tuition change helped to convince senior Presley Connelly to apply to Princeton.

“I was mainly looking at Ivy league schools, but the tuition was just too expensive,” Connelly said. “I then started looking at Princeton, and I was drawn in by their math program, but the more I researched, I found the amazing financial aid program.”