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
Ben Wieland

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief

This is senior Ben Wieland’s third year on staff and his second year as Mill Valley News editor-in-chief. When he isn’t running the website, you can find Ben at StuCo, Youth for Refugees, Young Democrats or Quiz Bowl meetings — and if he isn’t there, he’s probably at home watching TV. 

All content by Ben Wieland
Ben Wieland

Trying new activities is worth your time

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 14, 2021
A photo of the district office building the morning before Monday, Aug. 24th's board meeting. At the meeting, the board discussed gating criteria for reopening.

Board receives update on state legislature’s education bills, Coming Back together plan

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 3, 2021
The school board meets for a virtual special board meeting regarding a SB 40 hearing Monday, April 26.

At special meeting, board adopts hearing officer recommendation on mask mandate

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 26, 2021
An aerial photo taken on August 17, 2019, shows a view of the Apusiajik glacier, near Kulusuk, a settlement in the Sermersooq municipality located on the island.

2020 and 2021 came with many large climate-related developments

Aiden Burke and Ben Wieland
April 22, 2021
The school board met Monday, March 1 to discuss the Coming Back Together plan and other logistical agenda items.

Board receives information on COVID-19 relief funds, Coming Back Together plan

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 19, 2021
Students across the school perform, compose, and produce music

Students across the school perform, compose, and produce music

Ben Wieland and Steven Curto
April 19, 2021
District provides information on student vaccine clinics

District provides information on student vaccine clinics

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 16, 2021
A photo of the district office building the morning before Monday, Aug. 24th's board meeting. At the meeting, the board discussed gating criteria for reopening.

School board unanimously votes against taking action on mask mandate at meeting

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
April 5, 2021
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.

New Kansas bill allowing challenges to COVID-19 restrictions forces district to adapt

Ben Wieland and Tanner Smith
April 1, 2021
ACT notified the district that they will not score the exam administered on Tuesday, March 2. Juniors will now be required to retake the exam on Tuesday, April 6.

ACT refuses to score district-wide free tests administered in March

Ben Wieland, Steven Curto, and Anna Owsley
March 23, 2021
The board meets via Zoom for their Monday, March 22 meeting.

Board receives vaccine update, staff survey data, and prom and graduation information

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 23, 2021
Hawaiian Bros opened a new location off of Shawnee Mission Parkway, which boosts an assortment of popular Hawaiian food.

Review: Hawaiian Bros

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 22, 2021
Rapping into the microphone on stage, junior Drew Morgan, also known as Lil Paula, performs at The Roxy in January of 2020.

Students discover community through music

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 3, 2021
The school board met Monday, March 1 to discuss the Coming Back Together plan and other logistical agenda items.

Board approves minor COVID-19 changes, receives staff vaccination updates

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 1, 2021
Using a pre-bought gaming computer build, senior John Scarpa drives through a practice mode to improve his advanced movement.

Senior John Scarpa dedicates time to Rocket League

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 1, 2021
Students, teachers modify study spaces during unique year

Students, teachers modify study spaces during unique year

Ben Wieland and Steven Curto
February 20, 2021
Taking a selfie, senior Ellie Boone and junior Bret Weber smile under their masks during the Relay for Life purple bomb on Monday, Jan. 25. As student body president, Boone has spent the year brining students together in new ways during COVID-19, like assisting with the RFL purple bomb.

COVID-19 shapes the class of 2021

Tanner Smith and Ben Wieland
February 20, 2021
The Science Olympiad team hosted their first-ever virtual meet. Overall, the team placed sixth in the tournament and took first in 2 events: Write It CAD It and Experimental Design. The team also placed second in the Chemical Lab, Circuit Lab and Forensics events.

Science Olympiad team works with De Soto to host virtual invitational

Steven Curto and Ben Wieland
February 6, 2021
Superintendent Frank Harwood speaks to students during a 2018 interview.

Board approves new calendar, discusses vaccinations on first day of fully in-person reopening

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
February 1, 2021
Food delivery apps such as DoorDash and Postmates allow users to have access to nearly any restaurant imaginable - all at their fingertips.

Food delivery service usage surges among students

Ben Wieland and Avery Gathright
January 25, 2021
Senior John Fraka plays his guitar. Fraka is the only guitar player from Mill Valley to qualify for the KMEA All-State Jazz Band for three consecutive years.

Seniors Ella Greenup and John Fraka earn All-State band honors

Ben Wieland and Jack Brown
January 25, 2021
The school board meets to discuss pertinent issues.

Board unanimously approves full in-person return to schools

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
January 11, 2021
The school board meets to discuss COVID-19 gating criteria.

Board approves shift to hybrid for second semester

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 21, 2020

Secret Ingredient Soup

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 16, 2020

Advanced science class creates, maintains aquaponic garden

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 16, 2020
The school board meets to discuss COVID-19 gating criteria.

[Photo] Board discusses reopening plan, snow days and logistical changes

December 7, 2020
Holding their 5A state trophy at midfield, the football team celebrates its second consecutive state championship. The team defeated Wichita Northwest 49-35 in a rematch of last year's title game Saturday, Nov. 28.

Football team wins second straight state title in 49-35 shootout over Wichita Northwest

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 28, 2020
The board meets via Zoom to discuss gating criteria for winter sports at a board meeting Monday, Nov. 23.

Board votes to modify gating criteria, permit spectators at winter sports and activities

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 23, 2020
The school board meets to discuss pertinent issues.

Board votes 4-3 in favor of shift to remote learning for secondary students

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 16, 2020
At the district's board meeting Monday, Nov. 2, three of the seven board members attended via Zoom.

Hybrid schedule change announced at board meeting

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 2, 2020
Making sure the menus are arranged correctly, senior Kyle Moylan sets a table at Nick and Jake's.

Student employees face challenges working through pandemic

Ben Wieland and Avery Gathright
October 29, 2020
Using her laptop at a local Starbucks, senior Patty McClain engages with other applicants during a virtual college visit via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 1

College-bound seniors manage chaotic application process

Ben Wieland and Gabby Delpleash
October 23, 2020
Although the effects of COVID-19 have been overwhelmingly negative, it is important to recognize the positives that have come from this chaos, if only as a brief break from the overwhelming challenges the pandemic has created.

Staff editorial: The silver linings of COVID-19

Tanner Smith and Ben Wieland
October 22, 2020
Frank Harwood addresses students at a pep assembly. Harwood outlined the district's Coming Back Together plan for school reopenings at the board meeting Monday, July 13 2020.

Board votes to fully reopen elementary schools, keep secondary students in hybrid

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 28, 2020
Editorial: Our staff policies for COVID-19 coverage

Editorial: Our staff policies for COVID-19 coverage

Ben Wieland, Anna Owsley, and Steven Curto
September 24, 2020
English teacher Ashley Agre clicks through a presentation for her freshman English class from the back of the classroom. "Normally I have a quarter outlined at a time," Agre said. "And [now], not knowing how everything is going to go and how long lessons are going to take, I am only planning a couple of weeks at a time."

Teachers face challenges adjusting to new learning model

Ben Wieland and Anna Owsley
September 22, 2020
District Superintendent Frank Harwood speaks during graduation. Harwood, along with all other Johnson County school districts, put out a statement announcing school closures Monday, March 16.

Board approves COVID-19 advisory committee, positive case dashboard

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 14, 2020
The exterior of Monticello Trails Middle School.

District reports first presumed positive COVID-19 case

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 14, 2020
Running back Quin Wittenauer steps out of bounds at the end of a 30-yard carry.

Mill Valley routs Derby 45-14 in clash of state champions

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 4, 2020
A photo of the district office building the morning before Monday, Aug. 24th's board meeting. At the meeting, the board discussed gating criteria for reopening.

Board approves gating criteria, opts for hybrid model reopening

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 25, 2020
District chooses remote learning model for school reopening

District chooses remote learning model for school reopening

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 18, 2020
Superintendent Frank Harwood speaks to students during a 2018 interview.

School board votes on county health department reopening guidelines

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
August 3, 2020
Students from the district hosted a rally on Friday, July 31 to garnish support for school to be hosted in-person this September.

Students hold rally in support of in-person classes

Ben Wieland and Steven Curto
August 1, 2020
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.

School board delays start of school at special meeting

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
July 27, 2020
Frank Harwood addresses students at a pep assembly. Harwood outlined the district's Coming Back Together plan for school reopenings at the board meeting Monday, July 13 2020.

District introduces plan for fall reopening at board meeting

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
July 13, 2020
In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, Shawnee community members gathered at Monticello Library Sunday, June 14 to protest against police brutality. Nearly 100 civilians participated in the protest, holding up signs and shouting chants to cars passing by.

Protestors against police brutality gather outside Monticello Library

Ben Wieland and Tanner Smith
June 14, 2020
See which colleges the class of 2020 is attending

See which colleges the class of 2020 is attending

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
June 9, 2020
During the state football pep assembly, principal Tobie Waldeck introduces mayor Michelle Distler.

Principal Tobie Waldeck reflects on his decade as school principal

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
May 25, 2020
As a result of social distancing, students have developed innovative new methods to maintain their connections and friendships.

Staying Social While Distancing: Students connect digitally during COVID-19

Ben Wieland and Anna Owsley
April 18, 2020
As part of the Continuous Learning Plan, a schedule has been developed to allow students to meet with teachers through virtual meeting applications, such as Zoom, without conflict. While a schedule exists, teachers are not required to conduct mandatory class times during these sessions.

District shifts to online learning for remainder of school year

Ben Wieland, Anna Owsley, and Hannah Chern
April 7, 2020
Frank Harwood addresses students at a pep assembly. Harwood outlined the district's Coming Back Together plan for school reopenings at the board meeting Monday, July 13 2020.

Schools close for remainder of year after order by Gov. Laura Kelly

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 17, 2020
District Superintendent Frank Harwood speaks during graduation. Harwood, along with all other Johnson County school districts, put out a statement announcing school closures Monday, March 16.

District announces closure of schools and cancellation of events through Sunday, April 5

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 16, 2020
Many residents of Shawnee flocked to Target to buy items such as cleaning supplies, water and toilet paper after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a pandemic.

School

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 13, 2020
At last year's state baseball tournament, players gather near the dugout to celebrate. This year's baseball season, as well as all other spring sports, are currently set to proceed as normal. However, other local leagues like the Heartland Soccer Association and national leagues like the NCAA, NBA and MLB have cancelled games.

Sports

Ben Wieland, Tanner Smith, and Steven Curto
March 13, 2020
Students cheer during a Relay for Life pep rally. At last year's Relay for Life event, over 1,000 people attended and raised over $100,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, despite coronavirus concerns, the event is set to proceed as normal.

Activities

Ben Wieland, Molly Smith, Steven Curto, and Andrew Tow
March 13, 2020
At the local Target in Shawnee, KS on Thursday, March 12. toilet paper was completely out of stock due to growing concern about coronavirus.

Coronavirus and the school: Everything you need to know

Ben Wieland, Steven Curto, Tanner Smith, Andrew Tow, Molly Smith, and Zach Shrader
March 13, 2020
In an interview Thursday, Feb 20, future Mill Valley principal Gail Holder discusses her ambitions for the school. “I'm going to do everything I can to be the very best version of the building principal,” Holder said.

Meet the school’s new principal, Dr. Gail Holder

Ben Wieland and Anna Owsley
March 10, 2020
Austin Properties filed to have the land near Woodsonia and K-7 rezoned to allow for multi-family and single-family homes. On Thursday, Dec. 23. city council meeting council members voted 4-4 against the rezoning and construction of Austin Properties proposed plans.

Austin Properties files lawsuit against Shawnee over denied housing project

Ben Wieland and Steven Curto
March 9, 2020
Waiting for his opponent on the mat, senior Tyler Green gets ready for match.

Wrestling team takes home first state title

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
March 2, 2020
Racial slurs and derogatory remarks have a long-lasting impact on people of all races and ethnicities and can lead to increased tension within society.

Students and administration face racist language within the classroom

Steven Curto and Ben Wieland
February 19, 2020
Racial slurs and derogatory remarks have a long-lasting impact on people of all races and ethnicities and can lead to increased tension within society.

Students and administration face racist language within the classroom

Steven Curto and Ben Wieland
February 17, 2020
House Democratic women are dressed in white for President Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019.

Representation: How minorities see themselves reflected in society

Tanner Smith and Ben Wieland
February 14, 2020
New Mill Valley principal Gail Holder outlines new ideas for the building at her introduction ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 12.

District names Gail Holder next principal

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
February 12, 2020
Kobe Bryant, shown speaking to the Staples Center crowd before his final game, inspired a generation of basketball fans.

What Kobe Bryant meant to me

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
January 27, 2020
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the district began reviewing applications for the Mill Valley principal position.

Everything you need to know about the school’s search for a new principal

Ben Wieland and Aiden Burke
January 15, 2020
Excessive social media is the largest factor harming teenagers' body image

Excessive social media is the largest factor harming teenagers’ body image

Aiden Burke and Ben Wieland
January 2, 2020
School announces potential snow day finals schedule

School announces potential snow day finals schedule

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
December 13, 2019
Friday Night Fright: Get Out

Friday Night Fright: Get Out

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
December 6, 2019
After the victory, everyone huddles around the State Trophy.

Football team brings home state title after 40-31 shootout victory over Wichita Northwest

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 30, 2019
Forcing his way into the end zone, Tyler Green makes the game wining touchdown.

Five questions that will decide the football state championship

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 25, 2019

The Class Cup competition, visualized

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 22, 2019
With mental health issues at an all-time high, four students found their own ways to cope.

Finding the Light: Students find ways to cope with mental health issues

Anna Owsley and Ben Wieland
November 22, 2019
The remains of spray-painted graffiti outside the media center feature profanity directed toward De Soto High School.

Vandals spray-paint graffiti outside school and break window

Ben Wieland and Anna Owsley
November 14, 2019
Carrying the ball, junior Cooper Marsh attempts to run through the defensive line.

Game Preview: Football team takes on De Soto in massive rivalry matchup

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 11, 2019
Friday Night Fright: As Above, So Below

Friday Night Fright: As Above, So Below

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
November 8, 2019
During the girls individual awards, sophomore Katie Schwartzkopf hugs senior Morgan Koca.

Girls cross country team brings home second straight state title

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 2, 2019
Eyeing a hole upfield, senior running back Tyler Green carries the ball. Green finished the game with 120 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Football team dominates Topeka West 52-0 in first round of playoffs

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
November 1, 2019
Friday Night Fright: Halloween

Friday Night Fright: Halloween

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
October 31, 2019
Friday Night Fright: Scream

Friday Night Fright: Scream

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
October 25, 2019
In front of the congregation at Grace United Methodist Church, junior John Fraka plays his guitar in worship on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Junior John Fraka dedicates his life to music

Ben Wieland and Tanner Smith
October 25, 2019
In the miniatures section in The National Museum of Toys and miniatures, a historic room features intricate pieces of furniture.

Staff reviews the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City

Steven Curto and Ben Wieland
October 22, 2019
The district joined a lawsuit against JUUL led by Olathe Public Schools.

District joins lawsuit against JUUL, while students and staff still struggle to handle vaping epidemic

Hannah Chern, Steven Curto, Sophie Lecuru, Tanner Smith, and Ben Wieland
October 18, 2019
Friday Night Fright: Us

Friday Night Fright: Us

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
October 18, 2019
At the HOSA sponsored blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 5, senior Rachael Kinkade prepares to donate blood.

HOSA hosts first blood drive of the year

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 17, 2019
Mill Valley's Gay-Straight Alliance, or GSA, concludes their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Mill Valley’s LGBTQ population finds acceptance and faces new challenges

Ben Wieland, Tanner Smith, and Aiden Burke
October 15, 2019
Running back Tyler Green breaks away from the Pittsburg defense on a 44 yard carry.

Defense dominates in football team’s 31-0 blowout win over Pittsburg

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 11, 2019
Friday Night Fright: The Shining

Friday Night Fright: The Shining

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
October 11, 2019

Horror movies are the best movies because of their creativity and enjoyability

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 10, 2019
"Joker," the origin story of the iconic DC villain, grossed $93.5 million on its first weekend in the United States. This was the fourth-best opening for an R rated movie ever.

Review: “Joker” is a haunting character study that bucks the superhero trend

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 8, 2019
Friday Night Fright: Hereditary

Friday Night Fright: Hereditary

Ben Wieland and Molly Smith
October 4, 2019
Using software designated for debate, sophomore Taylor Doyle types on her personal laptop that she customized with a #FreeBrutus sticker.

Groups throughout the school find ways to use stickers

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
October 1, 2019
On the opening day of the Catty Shack, sophomore Declan Taylor buys his hot cookie.

Catty Shack opens its doors for the year

Ben Wieland, Mill Valley News editor-in-chief
September 28, 2019
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