The seating chart: students hate it, teachers love it and kids claim it always finds a way to separate them and their best friends. However, the seating chart in Simao Drew’s English classes determined more than the arrangement of his students; it placed four completely different people in one spot for 54 minutes each day. The only thing connecting these students: the desk they share.
Ellie Van Camp 3rd Hour
Walking down the hallway, paintings by her sister and mother cover the walls. Art has always been in her blood, but not until taking classes at KHS did she realize her true passion.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve been interested in art,” Ellie Van Camp, junior, said. “My mom is an artist, and so is my sister. My family is artsy.”
“It’s nice to have something to focus on, and have a break from school during the day,” Van Camp said. “It’s a relief from the stress.”
Van Camp has taken the art classes: Ceramics 1, 2 and Drawing 1.
“I mainly just doodle, but class is nice because they give you specific things to do,” Van Camp said.
She currently works at Michael’s craft store.
“I heard they were hiring and I thought I might as well [apply],” Van Camp said. “I got another job, but I didn’t quit Michael’s because I like it, and the hours are nice.”
As much as Van Camp enjoys art, she does not believe it will be her profession in life.
“I’m one of those people that really has no idea what I want to do yet, but I would love to continue doing [art] as a hobby,” Van Camp said.
Alex Geary 4th Hour
Alex Geary, sophomore, admitted to enjoying his lit and comp class, but his real passion lies on the football field as a wide receiver/defensive end on the varsity football team.
According to Geary, playing football, basketball and track have a huge effect on his life. Playing a sport every season of the school year along with practicing in the off season does not leave Geary with much free 
time.
“I like the competitiveness of football,” Geary said. “We can’t play on other football teams during the year, but I still workout and play football with my friends to practice.”
Geary hopes his work on the field will one day pay off in the form of college tuition.
“I hope to get a scholarship for football, but I’m also pretty committed to playing basketball,” Geary said, but with the support of his friends and family he is not worried about his future
for now.
“My friends and family are so important to me because they help me through everything,” Geary said.
LaQuilah Sharp 5th Hour
Despite LaQuilah Sharp’s self-proclaimed love for 5th Drew’s class and teaching style, she admits running track is a much bigger part of her life. Sharp, sophomore, competes on the track and field team, in addition to running on a year-round team, and hopes to one day get a college scholarship for track.
Not only does Sharp use track as an opportunity to attend college, but she utilizes the positive effects it has on her daily life.
“I like track because it helps me with my mood,” Sharp said. “It calms me down and helps me focus better on school, work and chores.”
Although avid about running, Sharp’s main focus is to perfect her college resume in hopes of attending the University of Missouri-Columbia to further her education.
“My resume means a lot to me. It will shape my future in college,” Sharp said. “I want to better myself with a future.”
Whether attending college for track or academics, Sharp acknowledges it is track that has left the biggest impact on her life.
“[Track] helps me overcome challenges in life, you know, everybody faces them,” Sharp said. “Track helps me manage mine.”
Ashley Guirl 7th Hour
For Ashley Guirl, junior, her seat in English class is just a small detail in her hectic life. Dance is what occupies the majority of Guirl’s busy schedule.
Since 7th grade, Guirl has spent four to five hours each night Monday through Thursday at the Laurie Stream Dance Inc. studio, but has some how been able to manage her time wisely to squeeze in her schoolwork.
“I make sure everything gets done before I have to leave [for dance], and don’t stay up too late because I can’t function the next day,” Guirl said.
In addition to her seven dance classes, Guirl also competes. Guirl will do a solo, and a group routine this year.
“You learn to really trust yourself [when competing],” she said.
Guirl also demonstrates for the younger dancers at the studio.“[Being a demonstrator] has helped me become more comfortable around kids,” Guirl said. “[Demonstrating has inspired me to] want to be a pediatrician, I really like working with kids.”
