Seniors have voted for their top 11 king candidates for the Sweetheart-themed Courtwarming week. Seniors will narrow that down to the top five this week, and the winner will be announced at the boys basketball game Feb. 9.
// Photos by Ali Schulz, Kendall Warren
JACOB ALLINDER
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Sorry Not Sorry,” by Bryson Tiller
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Baseball, N2 Sports
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Enjoy high school while it lasts; it goes quick.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Committing to play baseball in college
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a race car driver because I liked going fast.
What are your plans after graduating high school?
I will be attending Crowder College to further my baseball career.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My dad because he was very inspiring and meant the world to me.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Meeting all the new people and starting new friendships
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Coach Willy because he has done a lot for me and will support me through my ups and downs. He has never given up on me and always continues to push me to be the best player that I can be on the field and a better person off the field.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
That I’m an athlete, and ranch goes with everything.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
I like that every year to begin the new school year we had a motivational speaker.
AIDAN BAHN
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Just Wanna Rock,” by Lil Uzi Vert
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Baseball
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Don’t wait until the last minute to do something.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Travel outside of the U.S.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to become a professional baseball player.
What are your plans after graduating high school?
I am going Crowder College to play baseball.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My dad inspires me to be better every day. He pushes me in everything I do on and off the field.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Traveling to Arizona with the baseball team.
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Coach Wilson is my most memorable coach because he cares not only about the game but us. He gets to know each one of us, and team chemistry is important to him. He makes baseball more enjoyable, and he will always get a laugh out of you.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
That I love sports and want to see the world.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Flag football games for hoco
GEORGE BAKER
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
L-o-v-e
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Choir, Theater, Tennis
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Just keep stumbling around; you’ll figure it out.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Scuba Diving
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An archaeologist
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Maple Woods for two years
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My dad; he has always been there to help me and be there for me.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Traveling to Mizzou and getting a one on my state solo
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Coach Sullivan, because he has made tennis a sport I enjoyed and look forward to playing.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
That I do not have Instagram
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Chamber Christmas Party
MILES BOYCE
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Lyin’ Eyes,” by the Eagles
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Cross Country, Track, Orchestra, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Don’t get lazy.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Being able to travel out of the country with friends
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Going to college at the University of Oklahoma
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My mom because she’s always pushing me to do my best.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Listening to Coach Taylor’s stories
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
My most memorable teacher would be Mr. Freise because I’ve been with him for around 7 years.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
That I like funny videos
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Prom
JAYMZ DUNCAN
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“STATS,” by Baby Keem
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Lock in.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An NBA player
What are your plans after graduating high school?
To go to college and then law school.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My mom. She inspires me with her hard work and dedication.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Getting my first car.
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Mrs. Weiberg. She taught my favorite class and made it more interesting.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
My brain is cooked.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Basketball games
ADAM MILLER
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Younger Years,” by Zach Bryan
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Baseball, STTV, N2 Sports
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Cut your hair
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Commit to play baseball in college
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Pro baseball player
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Play baseball and study Occupational Therapy at Central Methodist University
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My mom, because she raised me on her own and taught me everything basically I know and turned me into the man I am.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Junior year first round of baseball districts
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Mrs. Sobbe, because I’ve had her since sophomore year, and she’s helped me with lots of different things through out the years.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
I enjoy baseball and want to travel the world.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Homecoming flag football tournament
GAVIN MOECKEL
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Pursuit of Happiness,” by Kid Cudi
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Cheer, Stuco, Leadership, FCA
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Get involved as much and as quickly as you can, put yourself out there and make friends with everyone.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Become a Cheerleading World Champion
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Hair Stylist
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Go to Utah Valley University to study Business Management and cheer, then own a business.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
My best friend Kelsey. I have cheered with her for a decade now, and she has taught me so many life skills, soft skills and just ways of living like a good person.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Asking out my boyfriend to Homecoming during the halftime of our first game this year.
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Coach Newman was my cheer coach freshman year, and she was very knowledgable
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
I watch the New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce podcast a lot.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Taking Homecoming to new peaks each year and celebrating with each other for the whole week.
KEN’VEON STONE
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Just Wanna Rock,” by Lil Uzi Vert
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Football, Basketball, Student Council, Leadership
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Be humble, and be patient.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Winning a state championship
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An NFL player
What are your plans after graduating high school?
I’m attending Northern Arizona University for football and majoring in Business.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
The person that inspires me is my mom and my dad because they always support me so I can succeed.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Winning a state championship
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
All my coaches have been amazing. They all have put me in a position so I can succeed; it would be impossible to just pick one.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
I love music, dancing and sports.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
My favorite tradition at Staley is Homecoming week and Prom.
AMAR TAHIROVIC
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Passionfruit,” by Drake
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Don’t let online school wear you down.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Worked with an NGO in Bosnia
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Scientist
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Attending college
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
No
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Getting my gym membership
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Mrs. Weiberg. Had her twice, Mahad made the class great in Government.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
Cat videos
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Prom
TAVIAN TATE
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Let Go,” by Aaron May
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
Basketball
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
Take high school seriously.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Zip Lining
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
NBA player
What are your plans after graduating high school?
Go to college to play basketball
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
Yes; I strive to be like this person.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Winning state
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
Coach Will. He always is 100 percent honest and is a great mentor.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
I play video games.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Prom
RALPH YARL
What is one song that will always remind you of high school?
“Life Is a Highway”
What extracurricular and cocurricular activities are you involved in?
NCAPS, SAGE, TSA, NYO, 4H, Science Olympiad, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band
What is one thing you would tell your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self that there’s more to you than you may know, and to try your hardest to unlock this potential early.
What is the best thing you’ve checked off your bucket list?
Going to the All-State band
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be Archaeologist and discover the world for its history.
What are your plans after graduating high school?
I plan to major in Materials Engineering and Minor in Music at either Purdue or Texas A&M.
Is there a person you know in real life who inspires you? Why?
I think the most inspirational person in my life is my aunt. She is such a powerful person, and I feel like I can do anything just from being around her and observing all she has accomplished.
What is one of your favorite high school memories?
Getting to go to a concert with half of the school!
Who is your most memorable teacher or school coach? Why did you choose them?
I think my most memorable teacher is Dr. Mitchell because I’ve been in her class all of 4 years and it has truly shaped my life to the way it is today.
If we looked at your FYP for 20 minutes, what would we learn about you?
That I like music culture, football and everything about Kansas City.
What’s your favorite tradition at Staley?
Spirit Weeks at Staley are extremely fun because you never know what to expect from the school or if someone will bring an entire kayak just because.
Related Stories
