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
Lauren Ocker

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief

As she enters her senior and third year on the JAG yearbook staff, Lauren Ocker will be taking on the position of editor-in-chief. Other than yearbook, Lauren works in The Catty Shack and competes in the school’s DECA chapter. Outside of school, Lauren enjoys hammocking, binge-watching Netflix and talking about the Obamas.

All content by Lauren Ocker

19 seniors honored at annual signing ceremony

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
May 5, 2018
Smallcakes cupcakery recently opened its newest location in Western Shawnee, located at 6638 Monticello Rd.

New Smallcakes store creates an after school attraction and job opportunities for students

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
April 11, 2018
After rushing back on defense, senior Adde Hinkle closely guards a Maize player.

Girls basketball falls to Maize 37-44 in state quarterfinals

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
March 8, 2018
After winning the sub-state championship, the team poses for a photo with junior Matt Santaularia on Saturday, March 3. The girls team won against BVSouthwest 43-24.

Victory over BVSouthwest guarantees girls basketball a spot in state tournament

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
March 4, 2018
With arms in the air, junior Claire Kaifes blocks her opponent from passing the ball on Wednesday, Feb 28. The girls won 57-39 against Turner High School.

Girls basketball beats Turner in first sub-state game

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
March 3, 2018
Keeping her eye on a member of the opposing team, junior Trinity Knapp plays defense on Friday, Feb. 9.

Girls basketball falls to Aquinas

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
February 11, 2018
With her dog showing awards behind her, junior Aniston Cumbie sits with her dog Hadie on Monday, Jan. 15.

Junior Aniston Cumbie participates in competitive dog showing

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 27, 2018
Huddled over a laptop, senior Allison Winker and junior Lauren Rothgeb prepare for the state debate competition on Friday, Jan. 12.

Debate breaks school record at state competition

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 16, 2018
Advertising a family-friendly environment at Pegah's Family Resturant, owner Mo Sharifi and server Jeni Ingle stand on the corner of Johnson Drive and Niemann. "People are coming not only because the food is really good, but it's also the people you will see when you're here," Ingle said.

Pegah’s Family Restaurant benefits Shawnee for over 30 years

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
December 7, 2017
Helping a her friend sophomore Shaina Isaacsen pour cheese onto her pasta, Junior Liz Fraka joins in on the festivities durning the first ever Clubsgiving on Wednesday Nov. 15.

StuCo hosts first annual Clubsgiving event

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
November 16, 2017
Participating in Trick-or-Treat-So-Others-Can-Eat on Monday Oct. 30, senior Hailey Stelle puts food into the trunk.

Students help community with ‘Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat’ event

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
October 31, 2017
Preparing for his turn to launch his marshmallow on Tuesday, Oct. 10, junior TJ Smith listens to science teacher Chad Brown's instructions.

Physics students participate in fourth annual marshmallow launcher competition

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
October 11, 2017
Before the annual homecoming parade on Wednesday, Sep. 6, Sophomores Grace Hanson and Abby Miller help decorate the sophomore class float.

16 floats showcased in annual homecoming parade

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
September 7, 2017
Despite the rain, freshman Avery Hansford laughs as she is escorted into the building at freshman orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Students and staff welcome freshmen at orientation

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
August 16, 2017
Senior Alec Bergeron high fives his doubles partner after scoring a point.

Boys tennis receives second place at regionals

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
May 24, 2017
Attending the Country Club Bank art show opening on April 24th, senior Meghan Clark looks at artwork created by Mill Valley students.

Art department holds annual show

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
April 27, 2017
For sophomore Mercy Pryhozen, involvement in yoga and rock climbing has impacted her life for the better. "I've always been into yoga, but rock climbing was an interest that came out of the blue" Pryhozen said. "As a kid, I always loved climbing trees and being outside, so it was no surprise."

Sophomore Mercy Pryhozen cultivates active, healthy lifestyle

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
March 7, 2017
Gesturing towards the board, Dr. Amy Shields uses a powerpoint as an aid to speak to the Marine Biology club about her time in Antartica on Wednesday, February 8.

Marine biology club welcomes speaker

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
February 9, 2017
Focusing on her bowling form, junior Bella Hadden, watches the ball roll down the lane.

Bowling team holds annual bowl-a-thon

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 28, 2017
As the ball rolls down the lane, junior Emily Jackson forces on the play.

Bowling team places first at meet

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 12, 2017
After scoring, junior Delaney Spoonmore and sophomores Lexi Ballard and Trinity Knapp cheer.

Girls basketball wins first game of the season

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
December 3, 2016
Standing in her driveway wearing her Indian suit on a Wednesday Oct. 19th, junior Shanu Kaushal explains every day life. "Growing up has been extremely difficult, because of the two conflicting cultures, I try to balance both of them out." Kaushal said

Junior Shanu Kaushal faces challenges in balancing two cultures

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
November 1, 2016
Senior Adam Grube cheers after scoring a goal for Mill Valley

Boys soccer loses to Blue Valley North on senior night

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
October 14, 2016
Students stand with middle school publications students and teachers at the workshop outside De Soto High School on Monday, Sept. 12.

Journalism students host first ever middle school workshop

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
September 16, 2016
Senior Spencer Butterfield sticks out his arm as he races his St. James opponent to the ball on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Boys soccer defeats St. James Academy Thunder

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
September 7, 2016
Senior Rienna Schriner pitches the ball.

[Photo] Softball defeats Tonganoxie

May 8, 2016

Boys and girls track teams place third at meet

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
April 21, 2016
Retired teacher Roger Bruns leads the survivor walk at Relay for Life.

Relay for Life event raises over $48,000 for American Cancer Society

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
April 5, 2016
2003 graduate Crystal Renaud starts women's ministry

2003 graduate Crystal Renaud starts women’s ministry

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
March 5, 2016
In the middle of the match, assistant coach Andrew Hudgins gives advice to his wrestler.

Wrestling team places 3rd at state tournament

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
February 29, 2016
After going to nearby neighborhoods, senior Emily Mason unloads the food she collected.

NHS hosts food drive for De Soto food pantry

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
February 23, 2016
Seniors Megan Feuerborn and Isabel Crain discuss to crowd of students and staff about Relay for Life event, on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Relay for Life rally has high attendance

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 29, 2016
After the third round of the 5A/6A state debate tournament at Olathe Northwest High School, senior Nick Booth discusses his team's performance.

Debate teams compete at state tournament

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
January 18, 2016
During the lunch intruder drill on Tuesday, Dec. 1, sophomores Parker Johnson and Kaylee Berrios run to the nearest exit to evacuate the commons.

Students participate in first ever lunch intruder drill

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
December 2, 2015
After a week of sitting out due to a concussion, junior Lexi Moore returns to cheering.

Cheer team cancels competition due to concussions

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
November 5, 2015
As she passes pennant flags, family and friends, senior Ellie Wilson sprints to the end of the race in order to be Mill Valley's first finisher on Saturday Oct. 9 at Shawnee North Community Park. "I'd had season after season of something always hav[ing] to go wrong, so it was nice to have a season that went right," Wilson said. "And then for Cross Country it was just nice to be back running and knowing that my body could go that far."

Senior Ellie Wilson overcomes stress fractures and returns to cross country

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
October 17, 2015
Senior Ellie Wilson overcomes stress fractures and returns to cross country

Senior Ellie Wilson overcomes stress fractures and returns to cross country

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
October 12, 2015
Swinging for the ball, sophomore Bella Hadden contributes to the team's overall score of 130 on Monday, Sept. 28 at Overland Park Golf Course.

Girls golf team fails to place at Carol Gillard Invitational

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
September 29, 2015
Following through with her swing, junior Grace Van Inwegen hits the ball onto the green on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the Piper Invitational. Van Inwegen placed ninth with a total score of 99 and was pleased with the team's outcome of placing first. All members of the team placed in the top ten, resulting in their win.

Girls Golf team places first at Piper Invitational

Lauren Ocker, JAG editor-in-chief
September 9, 2015
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