Part of the application required the candidates to have a service project in mind that they wanted to do in their hometowns. Baumgardner decided that she wanted to help female veterans in the Kansas City area.

“I just realized that 15% of all veterans are women and they don’t get the help they need,” Baumgardner said.

At the conference, girls were put into groups of 8 and each group had a mentor. They worked on brainstorming for their projects and they each gave each other advice. In addition, they had the opportunity to listen to several different female speakers including:  the CEO of Ann Taylor, the CEO of Vital Voices and Kate Hudson. There was a “Q & A Session” with Obama’s female cabinet members and they also met Hillary Clinton, Ann Curry and America Fererra.

Baumgardner enjoyed meeting these celebrities, but that wasn’t even the best part of the conference.

“My favorite part was getting to meet all these people across the country. They were so individual and empowered and I realized I’m not alone in wanting to make change in our communities,” she said.

Although she cannot attend “Ann Power” next year (it is only for girls who are current sophomores and juniors), she would recommend applying for the conference to anyone interested.

“It was incredible,” Baumgardner said. “You learn a lot and get to meet so many different people. It was really enlightening.”

Baumgardner will be starting her service project in the upcoming school year.

Knowledge is power, to Kelly stone Sporcle champion of LHS PawPrint

I, Konnor Lee Cook, would like to will my time saving file drawer to the New Guy, Tanner Myers. Tanner came into our PawPrint family this year with bright ambitions, ambitions of a true journalist, he set his goals high and prepared himself for the rough roads ahead. So in good faith of him completing his goal of being the ultimate journalist, I am giving up the drawer.

Second item on my will, I would like to bequief the holy grail of computers to Kelly Stone, Kelly showed extreme amount of dedication to the mind blown, brain changing, knowledge enhancing games of Sporcle. I hope that this helps her develop the brain capacity of great minds such as Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Alexander Graham Bell.

Final will item, my Super Chevy magazine goes to the one the only Ashley Ruder. Though I do not know Ashley as well as others do, I feel that she has this unspoken obsession with Chevy Muscle Cars. She just seems like the kind of girl who enjoys fast and loud classic, so with this magazine I hope she one day will have a super-fast classic over her own.

Fast and Loud, motto to Ashley Ruders Life

I give these items away in hopes that these under classman will someday be able to hand them down to future generation.

I do not really have leagacy established at LHS, I felt like I was another face in the crowd. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, being that face in the crowd allowed me to become friends with people I would have never thought would have, done things that don’t even touch aspects of my personality. These last four years of High School I felt at first was a waste of my time. But looking back now it really has defined me as the person I am and I am thankful for that.

Four years ago a scrawny, immature, scared freshman walked into this school and started thinking about what this place was going to be like for the next four years and how long that time would feel. Now four years later a slightly less scrawny and immature senior who is scared of different things now is about to walk out.

The first thing I am giving to LHS is my humor. This was the key to my life throughout high school because without it, I would have not made it here today. Life is way too short to take yourself very seriously, let alone everyone else and you may not make it through life without a good sense of humor. When everything in life is becoming too much to handle, the trick is to stop and think about how important what you’re doing will be in 5 years. Then I’m sure that in most circumstances it will end better.

My second gift is my reigns to the Stall Street Journal.

The Stall Street Journal is the hit of year. Photo By John Stambaugh

This year in newspaper Alex Cook and I had a brain baby together and it was magical. This baby was unlike any that the LHS Pawprint had ever seen before. It resulted in a huge increase in readership and lots of positive comments from readers. This is a quality gift to bestow upon the school and specifically….. drumroll please……. TANNER MYERS, a.k.a “New Guy”. Congrats on this accomplishment Tanner, it may be the greatest accomplishment of your life.

And lastly, the saddest one of all, one of my Pilot G2 Pens. This will forever be placed in Cat’s Alley. These brands of pen are the Cadillac of the pen industry and are incomparable to any others. This pen has molded my handwriting over the years and has gotten better and better. This pen means more to me than any human being ever could. So, it is unto the school do I bequeath this pen.

The pen that is capable of changing a man’s life. Photo by: John Stambaugh

In summary, I have passed down things that all mean a lot to me and I am excited to move on but to bequeath these things to the school. I look forward to college and thank everyone at LHS for making me grow up. I love this old school but it’s all over now and for that I am thankful. So please anyone who reads this, take this quote to live by: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Suess

Tanner Meyers, current sophomore, recieves my beloved seat. Photo by Adam Daugherty

The reason that I have chosen these three things to will is because each of them hold a special place in my heart. First, with the seat, I have sat in this exact seat that I’m sitting in as I type for the past year. Every time I’ve entered this classroom, I’ve come to this seat to write my stories, play my games, and look at Sportscenter. Next, with my special pen, this is a pen that has been with me since the beginning of my senior year. Now for those of you who don’t know me, I lose pens like it’s no buddies business, so for me to give this pen away is really something special. For my final thing I will be willing, it isn’t actually something you can touch, but more of advice. This is for all of those kids out there running late to class every period.

Tardies are the most annoying thing in the world. Photo by Adam Daugherty

My advice to you is to show up to class on time. It helps you avoid the pesky tardies that add up to give you detentions.

From the start of 9^th grade to the end of senior year, I’ve wanted to get out of here. Don’t get me wrong, I loved high school, but I’ve always wanted to leave this place and experience something new. With that being said, I do believe that this school and community has shaped me into the person that I am today. I’ve learned that being the annoying little freshman that messes with everything possible in the bathroom is the most obnoxious thing imaginable and that its uncool to do.

Next year I will be attending Kansas State University, and will studying to become a corporate lawyer. I’m excited for the challenges that will come with this, and look forward to who I will become.

I want to be the kid that was remembered for his success that is almost guaranteed in his future. I say this, because I didn’t achieve a lot in high school, but I still want people to know that I will do whatever it takes to be successful in my life. I don’t believe I could live a life of a poor man.

Jason Nelson is the teacher that had the biggest influence on my life over the past four years. He has taught me more things than anyone ever has. With the “Care Switch” and his actual government class that he teaches, he has showed me what it takes to be successful in life, and the dedication it requires.

It ain’t easy being cheesy,”-anonymous

This binder contains essential StuCo information. I referred to it almost every day.

I, Jaden Scott, would like to will my Student Council binder to Ben Powers and Jack Niebrugge. From organizing homecomings, blood drives and skills days, to all the “in betweens,” this binder became an absolute necessity. I often stated that it “contained my life” inside and now that my duty as Student Body President is officially over, I am glad to pass it on to the next StuCo President. I know Ben and Jack will take their roles seriously and continue to make LHS a better place.

I, Jaden Scott, would like to will my “assigned” seat and computer in the Pub Lab to Matthew Parodi. As Editor-in-Chief, I sat here every time we had 2^ndblock. Newspaper has been one of my favorite classes for the past three years and I have always viewed our staff as a family. The end of my journey on the Pawprint is very bittersweet, as I have been here during many changes over the past few years. Although I hope to continue my journalism career, it is time to exchange LHS purple and white for KU red and blue. Matthew, please enjoy your role as Editor-in-Chief and put in a whole-hearted effort. I know you won’t let us down!

I, Jaden Scott, would like to will the rest of my K-Cups to Mrs. Payton. For those who don’t know, she has a Keurig coffee maker in her classroom and I used this many, many times this year. Whether I was stressed out or just needed an extra source of energy, she was always willing to let me use it. I brought in my own stash of coffee mugs and K-Cups to keep in her room throughout the year. It is only right that I leave whatever is left to Mrs. Payton so that she can get her coffee fix whenever she needs it, just as she allowed me to do.

I used the Keurig coffee maker many mornings to help wake me up. The leftover K Cups will be donated to Mrs. Payton.

In these past four years at LHS, I have grown so much. I found my true self and became my own person. Not only have I matured, but I have learned how to voice my opinion and stand up for what is right. In elementary and middle school, I was often a “doormat” and let people walk all over me. I was afraid to rustle any feathers and wanted to please everyone. It’s not that I don’t still try to please others, but I have learned the difference between being nice and being taken advantage of. I have developed my own opinion of what’s right and wrong and if someone mistreats any of my family members or friends, I am no longer afraid to defend them. I may be a little too outspoken at times, but I’d rather be ridiculed for voicing my beliefs than remaining silent. One of my biggest accomplishments in high school was discovering who I am and who I want to be in the future.

In the fall, I will be attending the University of Kansas to major in journalism, specifically focusing on broadcasting. I plan to pursue a career as a sports reporter. My ultimate dream would be to work for ESPN someday.

As I leave LHS, I hope people remember me as someone who always tried to treat others the way I want to be treated. I did my best to show respect and compassion for my peers and I want them to know how much I truly care about each of them. My biggest wish for the school would be for Student Council to continue doing skills days for special needs children every year. I would like this to become a tradition and increase the number of participants each year.

Throughout these past four years, I have honestly been impacted by every single teacher I have had. I am a firm believer that this school has the best teachers in the state and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Trying to identify who had the “biggest” influence during my time here is extremely challenging. I will attempt to narrow it down to five people, but I do not want anyone to feel left out. Like I said, teachers:  if I had the privilege of being one of your students, please know you have made a positive difference in my life.

I have worked with Mrs. Payton all four years of high school. She was my freshman English teacher, LEO sponsor, and senior year seminar teacher. Mrs. Payton was always looking for ways to assist me and brighten my day. She also provided opportunities for me to strengthen my leadership ability, informed me of national scholarships and loaned her ear to me when I needed someone to talk to.

Mr. Worthington is another teacher who I am very fond of. I was very fortunate to be able to be his teacher’s aide this year. Although I never had him in a math class, he has served as a role model to me and assisted me with countless math problems. He is someone I know I can always count on if I need anything.

Oh, Mr. Nelson. What would senior year have been like without the infamous “care switch”? Mr. Nelson is one of those people who cannot hide his passion for teaching. There is no doubt that he genuinely cares about students, not just academically. He always claims he has a “bleeding heart” and I know this to be true. As much as he tries to avoid sentimental “emotions,” he can’t help but get attached to his students. Even though we like to joke around a lot, I know that our senior class will miss him and all of his “teacher jokes” next year.

Another teacher that I’ve had a special relationship with is Dr. Shirk. What’s interesting about Dr. Shirk is that I actually didn’t like him the first year he was my teacher. I absolutely hated chemistry and rarely found class enjoyable. I did not like the fact that he taught the course similar to a college class because in my head I was thinking, “I’m only a sophomore…therefore I don’t want to be enrolled in a ‘college’ class.” However, I ended up appreciating his teaching style and I completely changed my opinion during physics. I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from Dr. Shirk and for that I am grateful.

The last person I am going to mention (but certainly not the least), is Mrs. Waymire. Or, as I still call her, Ms. Poss. Although I have never taken one of her classes, I have worked very closely with her in Student Council the past two years. She is someone I consider to be like a friend and she’s always there to offer me advice. After hours of hard work, we have accomplished so much together. I will definitely miss her and her sassiness next year.

I want to reiterate one more time that these five people do not even come close to matching the number of teachers who have inspired me. I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for each and every one of my teachers. However, with limited time I could not possibly include everyone.

Lastly, if I were to conclude with quote or piece of advice, it would be this:  “Don’t wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great.”—Orison Swett Marden

Thank you, LHS, for providing me with so many wonderful memories. It sounds cliché, but I honestly do not know how the time flew by so fast. Graduation is such an emotional roller coaster. I have definitely had my fair share of ups and downs, but no matter what, I will always be proud to call Louisburg my home.

First, junior year is the hardest for sure. No matter what classes a junior takes, it is the hardest year of their schooling life. But they survived, and now they are going to be seniors. So now, as a reward, I am giving them my seat in the auditorium as well as some advice.

When you take a seat as a senior, a place you’ve been waiting four years to reach, you might feel this sort of pressure. Don’t worry. It is okay not to have a plan. It’s okay to not know what you’re going to do for the rest of your life. Remember to breathe senior year. Remember to have fun and make memories. Your life will go on, no matter if you have a definite plan or a sort of plan or no plan at all.

Secondly, I have two younger brothers who are going to be freshmen next year. That scares me to death. They were just little kids yesterday, and now they’re growing up. But it’s about time they start to grow up and figure things out. Right now they think they are on the top of the world, as most freshmen do. But they have no idea how their life is about to change.

The 320 hallway is a hallway that most students use because the math departments are located here. Photo by Caitlyn McSweeney

I’m sad that they won’t have some of my favorite teachers, who are leaving or will leave before my brothers reach their class. One teacher I think they would have benefited from the most, is Mrs. Arnett. She was the best English teacher I could have asked for. She made me think in class, let me write my heart out, forced me to make connections in my reading, and really taught me that English is more than grammar lessons and essays. But I trust the other English teachers to train my brothers just as well.

The freshmen are going to come in next year and they aren’t going to know the memories I have of spirit week or the relationships I formed with teachers or hear me and my friends laugh in the hallways. They are going to walk in and see a building. So my hope is to give them this building, but in return they will turn it into something so much more.

And finally, to Andi, this is the most important thing I have to offer. This is my third year being in newspaper and to me, it’s more than a class, we’re a family. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love that class. Yes, it’s a lot of hard work, but its work I enjoy and people I enjoy being around.

The publications lab “pub-lab” is the computer lab that all newspaper and yearbook students use to create the school’s student publications. Photo by Caitlyn McSweeney

But it’s not the class I’m offering in my will, it’s my job as photography editor. I have taken a ton of pictures in my last three years. I have gone to everything from out of town golf meets to people studying in halftime because I had to take pictures. Although I was always on the side line and always looking through a little black box, I went and was a part of many experiences. And through my camera, I have caught many emotions; anger, creativeness, joy, disgusted, and many more, you name it. That alone has helped me survive the stress of high school. I know that people will treasure the moments I have captured and that is a great feeling that I want to pass on to you, Andi.The school would be nothing more than a building without all of you; next year’s seniors, incoming freshmen, favorite teachers, and newspaper class. Now it’s your turn to speak for, represent, and be a part of the school.

“Yesterday is but today’s memory, tomorrow is today’s dream.” – Kahil Gibran

All geared up and ready to read. Photo by:Kieran Bradley

Next, I would like to bestow my infatuation with books to Tanner Myers. Tanner has exquisite taste and appreciation for the written word. He is more than worthy of this immense entitlement and will do well to save “boring” books that have been cast away by fellow students.

Finally, I would like to entrust my severe case of senioritis to next year’s seniors. Class of 2014, prepare yourselves because I have an excessive amount, probably more than enough for your entire class. It’s not helpful nor will it get you very far, so good luck with that.

Cole Hink, current junior, falls asleep in class. And he’s only a junior. Photo by Kieran Bradley

At the University of Kansas I will be immersed in the full college experience….hopefully (all dependent on my ability/willingness to socialize. It shouldn’t be a huge problem though because I am not allowed to take my cat to the dorms). Political Science is what I am planning on majoring in with an emphasis in International Relations and Comparative Government.

I plan on taking with me all of the lessons that LHS has taught me, good and bad. As far as establishing a legacy for myself goes, I don’t really see me leaving one. I’m basically your average teenage girl, my hair never goes the way I want it to go, my room can’t stay clean for more than a day and there is this guy that  I am totally crazy about…..not really……forever alone (sigh*). The struggle is real.

I would like to think that I will be remembered for having the ability to laugh at myself despite my insecurities. It is something that going through high school has really taught me. It wasn’t a particularly easy lesson and it took me all of four years to learn, but I am finally comfortable with who I am despite my quirks. Mrs. Roark, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Arnett, Brown and Mr. Harvey have all played a huge role in the shaping of who I am today (whether they want to claim credit for that or not I’m unsure).

Even when I didn’t know it, they taught me life skills and lessons that I know will help me to succeed in whatever endeavors I choose to pursue. Thanks LHS, it’s been real. “Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.”–James Bryant Conant

Ashley takes the best seat in the house. Photo by Alex Cook

For the matter of my spot, the closest to the door, I give it to Ashley Ruder. Ashley this is the best spot in the Pub Lab. You get out the door first and you can sneak in easier when you’re late. Enjoy this seat and treat her with care. Her name’s Winona Fourlegs. Winona is always reliable so don’t fret, Ashley, you’re in good hands.

Last, but certainly not least, I leave my folder to Matthew Parodi. Honestly he probably won’t want it, it’s pretty beat up. Nothing a little scotch tape won’t fix. Lots of good work has been done with this folder so keep it going, Matthew.

Now before I wrap up this will and officially end my career as a writer there’s a few things I have got to say. To the three people who have ever read anything I wrote 1. Thank you for support, and 2. This is no surprise to you.

Okay okay I’ll get a move on it. Excuse me one second while I hop up on my soap box. Here it goes…

Dear society in general, I really hate you right now. Why do I look around and see a bunch of babies? Whatever happened to this world being ruled by common sense and morality? Listen, I know the majority of people are good, but it’s time for the “crazies” to stop running the show. Since when did rationality disappear? Why does everything have to go to the extreme?

I watch kids do stupid things, heck even I do stupid things (I know, you’re shocked, we all are), and kids act like kids, but how does society react? We throw the book at them. We jump to the extreme and don’t even ask why. Those people in charge always seem to be out to prove something not teach a lesson.

Matthew accepts a folder of brilliance. Photo by Alex Cook

Listen, we get it, you’ve been given power. Would you mind not abusing it for once and act rational? Kids make mistakes, all kids make mistakes, it’s just a fact of life. Zero-tolerance policies for stupid things don’t help anything. I get a zero-tolerance policy on murder-don’t get me wrong I’m not saying every zero tolerance policy is bad. All I’m saying is if you don’t allow a meaningless fun senior prank where nothing or nobody gets hurt, don’t you dare ask for my sympathy when a rogue few lash out in over-the-line reactions. You’re not going to get it. I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s just what happens. Allow the meaningless inconveniences so there are no harmful side-effects.

And since when do we have to walk on eggshells around everything? I always hear about these stupid lawsuits because somebody got offended. Shut up! 9 times out of 10 someone is just being a baby. Stop it people. Grit your teeth and bear it. It happens, you’re not going to like everything that ever happens so get used to it.

Finally, take responsibility for your own actions. Kids too often whine to mommy and daddy about issues they could solve themselves. And guess what parents, you do it oh-so-willingly, why wouldn’t they? Mother birds knock their children out of the nest causing the baby bird to either fly or die. It’s harsh but it’s life. What is your kid going to do if you’re not around and you’ve been coddling him for this whole time? It probably won’t be fly I can tell you that much.

Okay my rant is over and I’m back on level ground.

It’s time to wrap this bad boy up. I’m sorry if you feel it’s too soon but honestly I doubt anyone but my grandma is still reading. Thanks Grandma, love you!

Mr. Bovaird has wonderfully required me to tell you a few things so here they are:

1. I’m going to Kansas State University in the fall where I intend to study pre-law.

2. I’m supposed to establish my legacy so people please remember me as the kid who always tried to have fun.

3. I’d like to recognize a few teachers for being great influences on my life. I feel bad for not really putting anything but your name on here but words can’t do your influence justice. Glenda Beasley and Jason Nelson.

4. Finally I’m supposed to give you a quote to remember me by so here it goes… “Life’s a garden, dig it.” -Joe Dirt

Rules for life

1. Don’t make happy people sad.

2. Don’t make sad people sadder.

3. If more than two people tell you that you’re being an  a**hole, consider that maybe you’re being an a**hole.

4. Flush the toilet behind you.  You’re grossing us all out.

5. Support the underdog.

6. Critics aren’t automatically bullies and you’re doing yourself a disservice if you ignore all of them out of hand.  That being said, it sucks to hear that someone doesn’t like the work that you have done, or read bad comments left by a teacher on a paper you have worked hard on.

7. Real bullies are complete poop shoots but they can’t recognize themselves as such, so maybe spray paint an “x” on their forehead so that we can all just recognize them from a distance and ignore them.

8. Be stupid.  Be childlike.  Be ridiculous.  Be happy.

9. Don’t use the word “literally” when you really mean “figuratively”.  It literally makes me want to stab you a little but I don’t do it because that’s illegal and also because I have a very limited amount of knives.

10. Read more.  Watch shows that inspire you.  Embrace whatever makes you geek out.  Even if it’s Laura Ingalls.  Because Laura Ingalls is fascinating and there’s nothing wrong with obsessively knowing every detail about her life and death.  (Stop judging me.)

11. Bite off more than you can chew.  You can always spit it out on the floor if you decide you don’t like it.  Women do it all the time.

12. Embrace your flaws and foibles.  If people make fun of you, kick them in the back and then blame it on a ghost.

13. Don’t let other people on the internet tell you what to do.  Unless it’s this list.  Then I guess just use your best judgement.

14. Become a pirate.  Or a monster truck.  Or a space toddler.  Or a jacket.  That’s my favorite one.  I just jump on someone’s back and say, “Sorry.  You looked cold.  Zip me up.”  It’s awesome.

15. Don’t feel obligated. It’s okay to say no.

16. Do something nice for someone you love.

17. Do something nice for a perfect stranger.

18. Do something nice for you.

19. Be nice to each other.

20.  Add your own.  Go ahead.  You can’t mess this up any more than I have.

Though you wouldn’t know it by the media portrayal, which seems to delight in every detail of the case, it does actually involve the death of another human being.

Jodi Arias has been on trial in Arizona and has been charged with the first-degree murder of her boyfriend, Travis Alexander. Arias admits to killing Alexander in 2008. She claims to have done so in self-defense. Alexander was stabbed 27 times and shot in the face.

Arias has been on the witness stand for just over two weeks. Despite this, the case has focused less on the murder itself and more on the sexual exploits of Arias and her boyfriend.

If you aren’t familiar with the case, don’t worry, over at the Huffington Post, you can view the crime scene photos for yourself. You can also view Jodi Arias personal photos and look at a “Who’s Who” of the case. It reads like an IMDB listing. Speaking of which, I give it exactly three months before Lifetime announces that this story will be made into a movie starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Is there a problem with any of this? Should all of these things be made public? I’m not one for censorship of any kind. I am one, however, for some modicum of integrity. Treating the case as it should be treated, with a seriousness that the murder of another human being deserves would be a great start. That won’t happen, though, because Jodi Arias is exactly the kind of woman that the American public finds titillating. So we will continue to be saturated with every ounce of detail and coverage that can be squeezed out of this trial.

Why do we care so much about these particular cases? I highly doubt you see Headline News devoting its prime time coverage to the other murder trials that happen every day.

This is essentially the holy grail of news reporting and it gets ratings because we can’t tear ourselves away from the obscenity of it all.

The problem with these stories?

They don’t play out like a Hollywood film or an episode of Law and Order. The Arias case will continue. In coming days she will answer some 100 questions posed by jurors and I’m sure everyone will be hanging on to her every last word.