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
Gabby Delpleash

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief

This is senior Gabby Delpleash’s third year on the JagWire staff. She is thrilled for her third year as Mill Valley News editor-in-chief and is undertaking the position of assistant editor for the newspaper. When Gabby isn’t busy in the J-room, she can be found leading the Marching Jags as the lead drum major, working as an ELT for Relay for Life, participating in youth group at her church, serving as an NHS officer or on StuCo as her class president. Outside of school, Gabby loves being outside, reading and spending time with her two dogs.

All content by Gabby Delpleash
gabby

High school isn’t everything

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 30, 2023
Senior class of 2023 vote for Senior Superlatives

Senior class of 2023 vote for Senior Superlatives

Julia Shumaker, Gabby Delpleash, and Elizabeth Summa
May 24, 2023
Posing next to the USD 232 sign outside of the central office building, superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood proudly presents himself, Tuesday, April 11. Harwood is to retire from USD 232 June 30 following seven years of district service.

District superintendent Dr. Frank Harwood to retire at the end of the school year

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 21, 2023
Social media has become a natural part of teenagers' daily lives, but with its growing usage comes a disturbing trend of negative impacts on their mental health.

From likes to loathing: How social media is negatively affecting students’ self-esteem and mental health

Gabby Delpleash and Emma Clement
April 18, 2023
Juniors Olivia Peters and Reagan Roberts initially downloaded social media apps to stay connected to the outside world and fit in with friends. When their relationships with TikTok and Instagram grew toxic, Peters and Roberts deleted the apps from their phones.

[Photo] StuCo hosts annual Buff Puff tournament

Avery Cole and Brooklyn LaFon
April 20, 2023
Members of the football team, juniors Gavin Johnson, Daniel Blaine and Ryan Deverill team up to unload a donated bed out of a truck for the House to Home project Tuesday, Feb 28.

Youth for Refugees partners with Della Lamb for House to Home project

Gabby Delpleash and Maddie Welch
March 21, 2023
Covered in vibrant colors with his family, senior Amit Kaushal enjoys the 2019 Hindu Festival of Holi.

Senior celebrates Hindu Festival of Holi

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 8, 2023
Following its exhibition, freshman Zach Chang holds the ramp in place on the JV team’s robot while mentor Gary Hannah measures its width Saturday, Feb. 25.

In the CTEC shop, junior mechanical sub- team captain Evan Mack sands down a partfor the varsity team’s robot Thursday, Feb. 23.

Many high school students are concerned with attending college however, not every student chooses the same path when starting their college preparation process.

Students study, train and explore in preparation for their college journey

Gabby Delpleash and Emma Clement
February 8, 2023
Junior Tristan Baker remains undecided over wanting to attend college for academics or athletics. Baker, a football player and AP student, plans to focus on school first before giving any consideration to playing collegiate sports.

[Photo] Junior Tristan Baker balances athletics and academics to stay ahead in both fields

February 8, 2023
Sitting on her bed, senior Libby Strathman looks through her collection of college acceptance letters. Strathman, who applied to eight different universities, carefully crafted her college resume by getting involved in various extracurriculars.

[Photo] Senior Libby Strathman prioritizes her extracurriculars as a way to make connections

February 8, 2023
Though he is two years out from deciding on a college, sophomore Dalamar Read uses a personally-developed criteria checklist to select universities for his college application catalog.

[Photo] Sophomore Dalamar Read meticulously plans ahead to stay on track with his post-high school goals

February 8, 2023
Moving down the court, junior Jordan Harrison locks to pass the ball to teammate junior Noah Brueggemann at their game Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Students play recreational basketball during winter sports season

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
February 6, 2023
Looking over the counter, senior Libby Strathman beams at the first student-customers in line at the Catty Shack Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Senior Libby Strathman serves as the president of The Catty Shack school store and the DECA team. Though Strathman is consistently putting in copious amounts of work within school hours to lead the business department, her leadership can be overshadowed by leaders of higher prominence.

[Photo] Senior Libby Strathman sets new bar for the business department

January 30, 2023
Senior Libby Strathman listens to junior Ella Hansen’s order from the Catty Shack Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Smiling at student-customers, senior Libby Strathman works The Catty Shack during the school store’s weekly “Warm Cookie Tuesday” event.

Looking over junior Annabelle Alena’s shoulder, senior Libby Strathman attempts to fix a minor problem with the checkout kiosk.

Looking over the counter, senior Libby Strathman beams at the first student-customers in line at the Catty Shack.

Senior Libby Strathman’s DECA photo hangs on the outside wall of The Catty Shack school store. In addition to serving DECA and The Catty Shack, Strathman is the president of National Honor Society and the senior vice-president of National English Honor Society.

Panasonic released a rendering of what the finished De Soto battery facility will look like come March 2025.

Construction begins on De Soto Panasonic battery plant

Ian Chern and Gabby Delpleash
December 12, 2022
A player holds up a four in front on the state championship trophy.

Football wins fourth consecutive 5A state title with 28-14 victory over Maize

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 26, 2022
The football players hold their arms and helmets up in the air after receiving the 5A sub-state trophy for their 63-0 blowout over Blue Valley Southwest Friday, Nov. 18.

Football team goes through rigorous weekly routine to pull off successful season

Gabby Delpleash and Luci Guess
November 21, 2022
Students belonging to different clubs sit alongside one another in the commons to celebrate the fifth annual Clubsgiving held Wednesday, Nov. 16. This year's Clubsgiving saw the biggest turnout of students.

[Photo] Clubsgiving has its biggest turnout yet

Hailey Perrin, Reporter/Photographer
November 20, 2022

Boys soccer wins school’s first state soccer title with 1-0 victory over Olathe West

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 9, 2022
District passes new late start schedule

District passes new late start schedule

Gabby Delpleash and Luci Guess
November 8, 2022
Seniors Laney Reishus and Acacia Weis pose in their matching K-State soccer commits t-shirts on the soccer field, Friday, Oct. 14. Weis and Reishus have formed a friendship through playing competitive soccer that started at age 12.

[Photo] Seniors Laney Reishus and Acacia Weis build friendship through competitive soccer

November 10, 2022
Former social studies teacher Keil Hileman teaches a class April 25, 2017. Hileman's classroom contains thousands of historical artifacts and objects he collected over his 30-year career in the district. His courses were based on the artifacts and their significance in history, and due to his departure from the district, those courses will no longer be offered at Mill Valley High School or Monticello Trails Middle School.

Students, staff and community react to charges against former USD232 teacher Keil Hileman

Emma Clement, Gabby Delpleash, Avery Gathright, Kate Haney, and Ally Sul
November 2, 2022
Broadcast journalism teacher Laurie Folsom monitors ticket collection as students file into the PAC.

Standing at center stage, junior Nate Garner and senior Toby Kornis introduce the next film. Garner and Kornis emceed this year's film festival in addition to having their own films shown.

Students gathered in the PAC to view four separate films that were put together by Video Productions students.

Standing at the entrance to the PAC, senior Sonny Pentola collects tickets for the annual Video Production's Film Festival hosted by VidPro students.

Exiting the bus, junior Sarah Anderson followed by freshman Jenna Lloyd and sophomore Laura Hickman walk inside the school. The girls cross country team finished in sixth place at the 6A State Championship meet Saturday, Oct. 29 with sophomore Charlotte Caldwell placing among the top 20 finishers.

[Photo] Girls cross country places sixth at 6A State championship

October 31, 2022
Junior AJ Vega points in the distance whilst standing next to freshman Jordan Schierbaum as they get off the bus.

Smiling with one another, sophomore Charlotte Caldwell and junior Kynley Verdict carry supplies from the bus back into the school followed close behind by freshman Paige Roth.

Freshman Elly Hayes carries a water cooler up the stairs followed by sophomore Alonnah Gage.

USD232 social studies teacher Keil Hileman explains the plan for presentations in his Archeology and Artifacts class at Mill Valley High School Oct. 16, 2021. Hileman was removed from the classroom Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

Update: USD232 social studies teacher remains in custody after arraignment

Gabby Delpleash, Kate Haney, Emma Clement, Ally Sul, and Avery Gathright
October 27, 2022
Former social studies teacher Keil Hileman teaches a class April 25, 2017. Hileman's classroom contains thousands of historical artifacts and objects he collected over his 30-year career in the district. His courses were based on the artifacts and their significance in history, and due to his departure from the district, those courses will no longer be offered at Mill Valley High School or Monticello Trails Middle School.

District social studies teacher Keil Hileman charged with six counts of unlawful sexual relations with students

Gabby Delpleash, Emma Clement, Ally Sul, Kate Haney, and Avery Gathright
October 26, 2022
Standing on the field at Welch Stadium at Emporia State University, the marching band performs its show "Shockwave" Wednesday, Oct. 5.

[Photo] Marching band places second at Emporia State University Marching Festival

October 7, 2022
The cross country team traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas to compete in the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival Friday, Sept. 30 to Saturday, Oct. 1.

Cross country competes in the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Arkansas

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 3, 2022
Sitting in the PAC, students apart of the Voyagers Gifted students program listen to Dr. Holder explain the changes that will be made to the program for this year Monday Aug. 29.

[Photo] Voyagers program remains with long term sub while district continues searching for a Gifted Facilitator

October 1, 2022
Mill Valley teachers hired as district’s first female football coaches

Mill Valley teachers hired as district’s first female football coaches

Ian Chern and Gabby Delpleash
September 29, 2022
Holding the drug awareness pledge signed by Mill Valley students on Monday, Sept. 12, Libby Davis has spread awareness to the dangers of illicit drugs. Libby says “[the DEA's] campaign is called "One Pill Can Kill." We just kind of grabbed on to that statement and we created "Keeping Clean For Coop".

Libby Davis continues her son’s legacy through activism

Avery Gathright, Gabby Delpleash, and Leah Dresvyannikov
September 27, 2022
School moves up to 6A classification

School moves up to 6A classification

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 23, 2022
Holding a USB flash drive, school IT field technician Darrell Bunger hopes to resolves as many student-tech issues as possible this school year.

New IT field technician comes to Mill Valley after two years at TechnoServe

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 7, 2022
Standing center stage, student body vice president senior Avery Blubaugh introduces the vice presidential candidate speeches.

While waiting for the next candidate to deliver their speech, freshman StuCo candidates sit amongst each other on stage Friday, Aug. 26.

[Photo] Freshmen vote on StuCo class representatives

August 31, 2022
Looking to the side of the stage, freshman Acy VanRheen finishes his candidate speech.

At the conclusion of freshman speeches, StuCo sponsor Erica Matyak addresses the crowd on how to vote for class representatives.

Upon the announcement of the next candidate speech, a group of freshman boys stand up to cheer.

Standing away from the podium, freshman Maddie Martin delivers her candidate speech.

Holding the mic, freshman Ian Weatherman makes a joke during his candidate speech.

Walking into the building, seniors Hayden Jay, Luke Shideler and Zack Kellogg carry a freshman boy to the gym.

Freshman orientation kicks off new school year

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 17, 2022
Staff Editorial: Celebrating success

Staff Editorial: Celebrating success

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 20, 2022
Rounding the track on the second lap, senior Chase Schieber competes in the 1600 meter run. Schieber would go on to finish the race in ninth place with a mile time of 4:21 seconds. Schieber is currently ranked in the state top 10 for his performance in the 1600 meter race.

Senior Nic Botkin pumps his arms to gain momentum for the last 200 meters of the 1600 meter race. Botkin took 12th in the race with a time of 4:23 seconds.

Neck and neck with two other sprinters, junior Savannah Harvey pumps her arms to gain a lead in the 100 meter sprint. Harvey finished the sprint in fifth place with a time of 12.70 seconds. Harvey is currently ranked in the state top 50 for her sprint performance.

Angling her javelin upward, sophomore Anna Strack focuses on where she wants the javelin to land. Strack took 14th place in javelin out of 38 competitors.

Looking ahead, senior Quincy Hubert clears the first hurdle in her path. Hubert would finish the 100 meter hurdle event in first place with a time of 14.94 seconds. Hubert is currently ranked in the state top 10 for her hurdle performance.

As the anchor leg of the 4x800 meter relay, senior Jacob McGlasson runs the last 300 meters of the race.

[Photo] Track and field places fifth and seventh at the 70th annual Shawnee Mission North Relays

May 8, 2022
Junior Nen Matlock sets the pace for the first leg of the 4x800 meter relay. Matlock helped the relay team secure 12th place out of 18 schools.

Running the first leg of the 4x800 meter relay, senior Bridget Roy completes her first lap of the race.

Attempting to pass Blue Valley Southwest's Anna Strickland, senior Logan Pfiester increases her stride toward the end of her leg of the 4x800 meter relay.

Sophomore Ellie Walker grips the baton as she runs the third leg of the 4x800 meter relay Friday, May 6. Walker contributed to the relay team finishing 16th overall out of 19 schools.

Several students share their experiences with lifelong friendships and how the impact has given their life a deeper meaning.

Students find greater purpose through long-lasting friendships

Avery Gathright and Gabby Delpleash
April 25, 2022
Anchoring for the 4x400 meter relay, freshman Josie Benson rounds the track with the baton in her hand. Benson, along with seniors Quincy Hubert, Katie Schwartzkopf and freshman Addison Long, helped the relay team get second place with a time of 4:13.95 seconds, several hundreths of a second behind first place finisher Blue Valley West.

Girls track team ties for first while boys team takes fourth at Shawnee Mission West Invitational

Gabby Delpleash, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 23, 2022
Crossing the finish line at last, junior Nen Matlock anchors for the 4x400 meter relay. Matlock, along with seniors Aiden Burke, Chase Schieber and Krist Twigg helped the relay team place fourth.

_MG_2191

Congratulating each other after the 4x400 meter relay, seniors Quincy Hubert and freshman Josie Benson hug.

Baton in hand, senior Katie Schwartzkopf runs her leg of the 4x100 meter relay.

At the sound of the starting pistol, senior Quincy Hubert pushes off from her starting block to start the 4x400 meter relay.

Freshman Carter Cline strides out to the finish line where he secured his fourth place in the 3200 meter run. Cline's final time was 10:22 seconds.

Senior Nic Botkin leads two runners in the 3200 meter run alongside head coach Chris McAfee in the infield who yells words of encouragement. Botkin took third place in the event with a two mile time of 10:10 seconds.

_MG_1894

In the lead, freshman Charlotte Caldwell hits the one mile mark during her run in the 3200 meter race. Caldwell finished in first place for the 3200 meter run with a two-mile time of 11:41 seconds, 14 seconds ahead of Blue Valley West runner up Sebastian Poe.

_MG_1767

Leading freshman Addison Long, junior Savannah Harvey rounds the track in sprinting the 200 meter dash. Harvey finished in third place for the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.42 seconds tying the 12-year old school record.

Freshman Meghan McAfee leads a pack of runner in the final 100 meter stretch of the 800 meter run. McAfee finished in sixth place with a time of 2:37 seconds.

In the last stretch of the 800 meter run, senior Logan Piester sprints to the finish. Pfiester finished in ninth place with an 800 meter time of 2:39 seconds.

Senior Katie Schwartzkopf sets the pace for the start of the 800 meter race.

In third place, senior Katie Schwartzkopf secures her placing in the 800 meter race finishing with a time of 2:23 seconds.

Running down the track, junior Dylan Nguyen eyes the next hurdle in the 300 meter hurdle race. Nguyen would go on to place sixth in the race running a time of 43.20 seconds.

Junior Carter Kemp clears a set of hurdles in whilst competing in the 300 meter hurdle race. Kemp took 10th in the 300 meter hurdles with a final time of 47.27 seconds.

In mid-air, senior Quincy Hubert leaps over a hurdle to clear it during the 300 meter hurdle race. Hubert, who broke her own school record in the 100 meter hurdles, took first place in the 300 meter hurdle race with a time of 46.22 seconds; four seconds ahead of second place Olathe Northwest finisher Olivia Cooper.

In between races, senior Chase Schieber, sophomore AJ Vega and senior Jacob McGlasson jog around the inside of the track.

Pulling ahead of the pack, junior Nen Matlock strides out ot gain a lead in the 400 meter dash. Matlock finished in first place fo the 400 meter dash with a time of 51.62 seconds.

Baton in hand, freshman Addison Long kicks off the 4x100 meter relay. Long, along with freshman Josie Benson, sophomore Makenna Payne and junior Savannah Harvey, landed third place in the relay with a final 400 meter time of 52.62 seconds.

Holding out her arms, junior Savannah Harvey crosses the finish line as the anchor in the 4x100 meter relay. Harvey helped the 4x100 meter relay team take third place.

Load More Stories