Meet The Seniors

Quen Barkyoumb

Quen has a passion for writing. Next year he will be attending the Kansas City Art Institute in order to pursue a degree in Creative Writing and Digital Film and Photography. Quen has already had a poetry novel published called Accolades that can be purchased at Barnes & Nobel and Amazon. Quen's photography has been featured in art shows and galleries in the KC metro area. 

Elena Gray

Elena is special because she has been in the Convergence Journalism class for three years while most of us have only been in it for two. Her favorite responsibly is hosting ONW NOW and sharing news with the student body. She participated in the class trip to Los Angeles to compete in STN, a conference where students from around the nation compete to produce the best news show. Next year Elena plans to attend the University of Nebraska to pursue an accounting degree.

Tyler Soetaert

Tyler has also been in the Convergence Journalism class for three years. Tyler's packages are distinct for their more artistic qualities. Most include music and nontraditional shot styles. Next year tyler plans to attend the University of Kansas to pursue a degree in strategic communications and broadcasting. Tyler has been to large broadcasting networks such as ESPN in order to enrich his understanding of communications and has brought his experience back to the show. Tyler has also gained experience through live interviews with Fox 4 News.

"That's not bragging right?", said Tyler after revealing this information to me.

Isabel Lauby

Isabel is one of our few students who has taken their passion across national boarders. Last summer she filmed her experience in Ecuador to create a documentary. She plans to continue her journalism career at Kansas State University next fall. Throughout her two years in the program Isabel has revealed her interest for finding news.

"I enjoy finding interesting stories to cover and share with the student body.", Isabel said while discussing her experience.

She greatly values the relationships she's made while in the program and is glad she was able to broadcast clubs and people who, without her, would go unnoticed. 

Jack Weafer

Jack has been in the Convergence Journalism class for three years and frequently works with Tyler and Quen. Jack's funny comments and blunt reactions keep us laughing and honest.  He gives our class credit for helping win Homecoming King.

"Was I able to win Homecoming King because of this program?", said Jack when I asked what he appreciated about this program.

Jack's favorite part about journalism is hearing the stories he was told by interviewees. Jack was even interviewed for a feature on him and another student. Jack also contributes to the show by hosting and making his own packages. Jack has proudly been interviewed by Fox 4 and Channel 9 Action News about managing the basketball team and about the special needs baseball showdown. In the future Jack will attend Johnson County Community College and plans to continue his journalism education. 

Savannah Plumlee

Savannah or Sav as we all call her is a frequent host and loves to provide new ideas for the show. This year her and Isabel have become known for their comical weather segment on the Monday show. Her bubbly personality is essential to keep us all sane during stressful days. She works with Isabel to produce many unique packages about students who normally wouldn't be recognized. Next fall Sav plans to attend the University of Kansas to continue her journalism education.

Pedro von Simson

Pedro has been in the e-Communications program at Olathe Northwest since he was a freshmen. He decided after seeing the weekly news show that he wanted to be a part of the Journalism class. 

"I have a passion for politics and the media is a large part of that", said Pedro.

Pedro and Elena work together on most assignments in order to create exceptional packages. He frequently hosts and directs ONW NOW. Next year, Pedro plans to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado to pursue a degree in international business and political science.