The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News
The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News
The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News
Elizabeth Joseph

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief

This is senior Elizabeth Joseph’s second year on the JagWire staff. She is undertaking the position of Mill Valley News editor-in-chief alongside Katya Gillig and Marah Shulda. When she's not in the J-Room, she can be found in A207 serving as the Science Olympiad team captain or the president of National English Honor Society. She is also a part of National Honor Society and MV Outreach. Additionally, Elizabeth enjoys admiring plants, bopping to music and putting together the Elementia literary magazine.

All content by Elizabeth Joseph
Don't fear change

Don’t fear change

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 17, 2019
Holding up a bee smoker in his left hand, beekeeper Jeffery Hoover removes the top portion of the hive to begin his work on Monday April 8.

Bees play a significant role in our agriculture and environment

Elizabeth Joseph and Anna Owsley
April 29, 2019
Students face a variety of options when planning for the future

Students face a variety of options when planning for the future

Ally Nguyen, Elizabeth Joseph, and Hannah Chern
April 23, 2019
Health should come before work

Health should come before work

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 21, 2019
JagWire staffers review art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

JagWire staffers review art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Jonathan Atchley, Elizabeth Joseph, and Ben Wieland
March 27, 2019
Dancing to “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper, junior Kaitlyn Gowin, sophomore Rylee Fouts, sophomore Taylor Bruce and senior Ethan Males enjoy one of the many activities at the Special Populations Prom

Peers in Learning host fourth annual Special Populations Prom

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 25, 2019
Members of the Executive Leadership team from left to right. Top: Helga Brown, Dorothy Swafford, Trish Chandler, Sara Evans, Jeff Wieland, Sara Sedgwick, Amy Welzenbach, Chris Wallace. Front: Jessica DeWild, Deb Steiner, Erin Hayes, Elizabeth Molgren, Emily Schmidt, Jill Lloyd.

Building leadership team allows faculty to grow closer

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 15, 2019
All gathered together, FCA members smile to take a group photo with Rob Collins.

FCA hosts guest speaker at their morning meeting

Taylor Bruce and Elizabeth Joseph
March 4, 2019
CONTRACT_GRAPHIC

[Photo] Updated substance abuse contract outlines penalties for extracurricular activities

Steven Curto, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
February 19, 2019
Social media enables students to express themselves

Social media enables students to express themselves

Hannah Chern, Elizabeth Joseph, and Ally Nguyen
February 11, 2019

Relay for Life committee holds rally to promote spring event

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
January 13, 2019
Strumming her guitar, junior Meghan Sherman practices the song “Make You Feel My Love” for her ‘The Voice’ audition.

Students express themselves through music

Taylor Bruce, Rylee Fouts, and Elizabeth Joseph
January 7, 2019
The Mill Valley leadership team, made up of mostly female staffers, participates in a team building activity over the summer.

Leadership among teachers is female-dominated

Tanner Smith, Sam Hanson, and Elizabeth Joseph
December 13, 2018
Looking out towards different StuCo members, senior student body president Hannah Barnes explains what is going on at their meeting on Thursday, Nov. 29. “I decided it would be a [good] way to get involved in high school,” said Barnes “Little did I know that it would be the best decision I’ve made in all of high school.”

Women dominate leadership roles around the school

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 13, 2018
Q&A with Dr. Joseph Erba

Q&A with Dr. Joseph Erba

Elizabeth Joseph and Sophia Armendariz
December 13, 2018
Media representation of gender impacts students in different ways

Media representation of gender impacts students in different ways

Sophia Armendariz and Elizabeth Joseph
December 13, 2018
Sharing a strategy with a fellow teammate, sophomore Adam White who won 4-2, points to notes pulled up on his computer.

Debate team competes at second NSDA national qualifiers

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 10, 2018
Before starting practice rebuttals in class on Thursday, Nov. 1, head debate coach Annie Goodson discusses the structure of a strong rebuttal.

Speech coach Annie Goodson increases rigor, competition of speech programs

Elizabeth Joseph and Sam Hanson
November 24, 2018
Food and Drug Administration-issued restrictions on e-cigarette companies elicits mixed reactions

Food and Drug Administration-issued restrictions on e-cigarette companies elicits mixed reactions

Elizabeth Joseph, Hannah Chern, and Tanner Smith
November 15, 2018
Working on their computers, sophomores Dutch Platt and Parker Trollinger prepare for the upcoming round. The resolution for this year discusses whether immigration should be more or less restricted by the federal government.

Debate duo places first overall at Shawnee Mission East

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 13, 2018
As she shows fellow judge sophomore Belle Bonn the fake spider webs, senior Erin Miller feels the faux webs surrounding social studies teacher Chris McAfee’s classroom door.

jagPRIDE hosts door decorating contest for Red Ribbon Week

Maddie Schaffer and Elizabeth Joseph
October 31, 2018
During the senior Career Cruising on Monday, Oct. 1, senior Ryan Williams completes the assignments assigned to him. “I used it to understand what careers I might be interested in the future.” Williams said.

District introduces Career Cruising-based curriculum for students

Elizabeth Joseph and Ben Wieland
October 26, 2018

First annual Bark for Life hosted by school

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 21, 2018
With her host family, the Hanson's, senior foreign exchange student Gabriella Silva Moura stands in front of their house on Tuesday, Sept. 25. “It was always my dream to go to another country to know another culture and language,” said Silva Moura. “So I chose the United States.”

Foreign exchange students come to Mill Valley for new opportunities

Tanner Smith and Elizabeth Joseph
October 21, 2018
Head baseball coach Jeff Strickland explains instructions to the Jaguar baseball players at the Bigger than Baseball clinic on Saturday, Oct. 13.

‘Bigger than Baseball’ raises funds for senior Nolan Sprague

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 16, 2018

[Video] Marching Jaguars receive all one ratings at Central State Marching Festival

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 9, 2018
Letter from the Editors: Hitting the ground running

Letter from the Editors: Hitting the ground running

Elizabeth Joseph, Katya Gillig, and Marah Shulda
October 4, 2018
Matt Fedde, pictured here in 2012, served as assistant principal from 2010-2012 and taught technology from 2003-2009 at Mill Valley.

Former Mill Valley associate principal pleads no contest to sexual assault charges

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 25, 2018
Sexuality education varies amongst student body

Sexuality education varies amongst student body

Ally Nguyen, Elizabeth Joseph, and Anna Owsley
September 20, 2018
EnoughisEnough_graphic

[Photo] District announces suicide prevention initiative

Steven Curto, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 18, 2018
Offering aid in times of crisis is invaluable

Offering aid in times of crisis is invaluable

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 4, 2018
Monticello Library utilizes innovative architectural design

Monticello Library utilizes innovative architectural design

Anna Owsley and Elizabeth Joseph
August 24, 2018

School welcomes new teachers

Sophia Armendariz, Hannah Chern, and Elizabeth Joseph
August 23, 2018
A-97 helps make the school a safe place

A-97 helps make the school a safe place

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 20, 2018
After giving his presentation on school security at the Board of Education meeting on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 assistant superintendent Alvie Cater looks at his fellow board members.

Board of education announces goals for upcoming school year

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 18, 2018
Tossing a pitch during a game against SMW in the 2018 season, senior Nolan Sprague works to strike a batter out on Friday, March 23. After pitching five innings, Sprague led the team to a 4-1 victory.

Community rallies around senior injured in diving accident

Ally Nguyen, Elizabeth Joseph, and Jakob Twigg
August 16, 2018
[video credit="Katya Gillig and Elizabeth Joseph" align="center"][/video]

[Video] Gallery: incoming freshmen welcomed to school at orientation

August 14, 2018
After months of construction, the new Monticello Library opened its doors at 1 pm on Sunday, Aug. 5.

New library opens on Hilltop Road

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 7, 2018

Technology

Nora Lucas and Elizabeth Joseph
June 11, 2018
In 2012 when, senior Kendall Gaignet’s grandmother Ova Gaignat moved in with her family there relationship has strengthened. “Originally, I wasn’t that close with her because I just saw her on holidays or if I needed to stay with her while my parents were gone. But, it brought us a lot closer together because now I see her everyday and I help take care of her.” Kendall said.

Students and grandparents bond after living together

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 21, 2018
Using her textbook during a test, junior Zurieli Rojas is an example of what students selected to take the STAMP biliteracy exam looked like on Tuesday, Apr. 20. 

Juniors in Spanish V without class options for senior year

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 20, 2018
Seniors McKenna Harvey, Tyler Orbin, Graham Wilhauk and junior Nathan Sheehan sing as "customers" walk out the door.

“She Loves Me” nominated for eight Blue Star Awards

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 19, 2018
Wrapping up the staff presentation at the District Board meeting, Clear Creek Elementary head custodian Rusty Rhodes gives his perception on what he thinks would make his school safer.

District holds safety and security meeting

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 11, 2018
In efforts to expose the copper wire, juniors Crystal Sivilayvong and Lindsey Edwards pull at either ends of electrical wire on Tuesday, April 24.

Physics classes create friendship detectors to learn current

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 29, 2018
In 2000, Mill Valley opened in a school designed for 750 students. With continued growth in Shawnee, more space was needed, so a bond passed in 2004 which added to the A-wing, increasing capacity to 1,000 students. Another bond passed in 2010 which brought the addition of the C-wing, auxiliary gym and added on to B-wing, raising capacity to 1,500 students. The board has now proposed a fourth bond with six different areas of needs, including additions to make MV’s current facilities the right size for students.

Proposed bond may fund increased space and facilities

Nora Lucas and Elizabeth Joseph
April 12, 2018
Measuring out a sample of magnesium, junior Andrew Thomas competes in Chemistry Lab.

Running a test in a calorimeter, junior Aniston Cumbie touches the rim to gauge temperature.

[Photo] Science Olympiad places fourth at state competition

Katya Gillig, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 10, 2018
During the Experimental Design event, junior Sydney Clarkin writes a lab report. Competitors must create an experiment based on the parameters and materials given by judges in the event.

After receiving second place in Anatomy and Physiology, junior Sydney Clarkin and freshman Hannah Chern share a high five.

In their final event, juniors Sydney Clarkin and Liz Fraka, and freshman Hannah Chern collaborate on Experimental Design. The group placed third.

During Chemistry Lab, junior Aniston Cumbie transfers liquid. Cumbie and Thomas placed second overall.

After the completion of the first hovercraft test trial, freshman Alex Whipple moves the battery to alter its path.

During the first trial of testing, sophomore Srikar Turaga makes an adjustment to the hovercraft.

In thermodynamics, juniors Aniston Cumbie and Andrew Thomas write on the test form. Cumbie and Thomas placed fifth in the event.

Girls swim places first at Lansing Relays

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 9, 2018
After donating a pint of blood, sophomore Stephanie Madrigal waits for the Red Cross nurse to remove the needle on Thursday, March 22.

StuCo hosts successful blood drive

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 23, 2018
Defining student rights inside and outside the schoolhouse gate

Defining student rights inside and outside the schoolhouse gate

Alison Booth and Elizabeth Joseph
March 16, 2018
Speaking up makes a difference

Speaking up makes a difference

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 15, 2018
Looking at the district website on Friday, Feb. 12, District Superintendent Frank Harwood discusses the upcoming bond issue. Harwood proposed a delayed start of school to the board Monday, July 27.

Upcoming bond issue enables district renovation

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 13, 2018
During robotics on Thursday Jan. 18, sophomores Nico Gatapia, Jacob Howe and Kevin Lee work on building a frame for the robot.

Integration of STEM in education encourages students to explore interests and future careers

Nora Lucas and Elizabeth Joseph
February 17, 2018
Holding up a photo of former coworkers from his 18 years of experience in the restaurant industry, math teacher Kevin Mosher stands in the main hallway. Mosher worked as a waiter, manager and executive chef before becoming a teacher in 2010.

Teachers experience varied career paths

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
February 3, 2018

She Loves Me Thespian musical from Dorothy Swafford on Vimeo.

Students put on first ever thespian-exclusive show

Elizabeth Joseph, Taylir Charest, and Jakob Twigg
February 2, 2018
As his opponent bends over, senior Hayden Keopke tries to push him to the ground.

Wrestling falls in dual to Blue Valley Southwest

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
January 21, 2018
Lack of sleep affects mental, physical health of teens

Lack of sleep affects mental, physical health of teens

Alison Booth and Elizabeth Joseph
December 30, 2017
During the English Professional Learning Community meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, English teacher Anna Nelson examines and discusses with fellow English teachers the accreditation rubric for the district. // Victoria Wright

New accreditation process focuses on student growth

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 29, 2017
Being displayed in front of the Catty Shack, the Yuda bands shown appear in a variety of style and design on Monday, Dec. 11. All proceeds went to the fundraiser for the disaster, which took place between December 2-13.

StuCo holds first Yuda Bands sale

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 18, 2017
Mayor of Shawnee Michelle Distler discusses what she hopes to see in Shawnee on Nov. 22.

Q&A with Mayor Michelle Distler

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 8, 2017
Chosen for her excellence in academics, athletic feats and community service, senior Bella Hadden is this years Kenneth Smith Award recipient.

Senior Bella Hadden receives the Kenneth Smith award

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 30, 2017
For over a century, Boy Scouts of America has been for exclusively for boys. However, girls will be allowed to join the program in 2018.

New rule allows for girls to join Boy Scouts

Katya Gillig and Elizabeth Joseph
November 27, 2017
Ever since the start of the year, sophomore Emerson Kaiser has been using her artistic ability to sketch what she is thankful for on everyday of her calendar.

Sophomore Emerson Kaiser creates calendar to stay grateful

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 20, 2017
JagWire reporters discuss the positive and negative effects of social networking

JagWire reporters discuss the positive and negative effects of social networking

Tricia Drumm and Elizabeth Joseph
November 10, 2017
Social media comes with unique advantages

Social media comes with unique advantages

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 10, 2017
Surrounded by her family, senior Sofia Torres-Aranda displays a book that contains many parts of the Mexican culture, like the architecture, food and environment.

Students and families take different avenues to gain U.S. citizenship or residency

Lexi Flipse and Elizabeth Joseph
October 22, 2017
Nurses from the Community Blood Center take donations from junior Lauren Harris and sophomore Alison Wells on Thursday, Oct. 19

Students and staff participate in biannual blood drive

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 21, 2017

Do you know the freedoms in the 1st Amendment? from Dorothy Swafford on Vimeo.

Schoolwide and nationwide surveys find lack of knowledge about the Constitution

Katya Gillig and Elizabeth Joseph
October 18, 2017
JagWire staffers evaluate various carbonated and flavored waters

JagWire staffers evaluate various carbonated and flavored waters

Tricia Drumm and Elizabeth Joseph
September 30, 2017
Before school on the morning of Wednesday Sept. 27, students and teachers gathered around the flag to celebrate pray during the annual See You at the Pole event.

Club 121 hosts annual “See You at the Pole” event

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 28, 2017
Before the homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 8, the drum majors lead the band to the bleachers.

Marching band receives new uniforms after 17 years

Elizabeth Joseph and Michael Sandri
September 28, 2017
While stepping up to the net, freshman Sophie Lecuru anticipates a return from her opponent during her match on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Girls tennis triumphs in dual against Saint James

Elizabeth Joseph, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 13, 2017
Sitting in front of the class, debate coach Ann Goodson instructs her students during debate camp on Monday, July 24.

New debate teacher encourages students to participate in and out of debate classroom

Alison Booth and Elizabeth Joseph
September 2, 2017
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