Andover High Trojan Bluestreak- November 11 2010

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the trojan

BLUESTREAK

1744 N. Andover Road Andover, KS 67002 www.trojanbluestreak.com 316-218-4600 November 11, 2010 Volume 25 - Issue 5

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Andover alum returns to theatre roots Mike Wasson helps theatre department create set for this year’s musical As one might recall from last years school musical “Seussical,” on the stage stood a brightly and articulate background. The mastermind behind these unique scenes is Mike Wasson.

“I met Mike because his daughter, Jessica was in the first play I directed here [was], “Once Upon a Mattress” and I had a meeting for all the parents and he approached me about working on the set,” theatre teacher Sarah Koehn said.

Mike Wasson has been making play sets for the high school off and on for seven years. A graduate from Andover, Wasson was also in theatre, which inspired him to be involved with the theatre department.

“My junior year we did [performed] ‘Once Upon a Mattress,’ and I got to sing a solo and I played the court jester and amazingly enough the first show I ever did [designed] at Andover High School for Ms. Koehn was ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’ So, we went full circle from being on stage to being behind stage,” Wasson said.

Koehn and Wasson meet to discuss the plans and ideas for the structure.

“The way we work is that Ms. Koehn gives me a script, I read the script, do some research on that play and then sit down with the director. She [the director] gives me her ideas and I give her mine and we actually work together on the final idea of what the stage should look like,” Wasson said.

Once Wasson returns home he designs the set “I bring it back to her several times for corrections and improvements until we finally have a design we both agree on for construction, “ Wasson said.

Before making play sets and designs for the high school, Wasson helped out with the Andover Community Theatre. This allows for his designs to look so well made.

“Around 1987, [I made my] first set because I was not able to be in the show because I went to second shift [for work]. I was able to help build the set for Andover Community Theatre. It was

kathrynSILL staff writer

ERICA ANDERSON

Junior Kyle Consolover and sophomore Alli Mavis work together on the set for the theatre department’s presentation of Anything Goes. The theatre department is performing for the school on Nov. 11.

snip-ITS

ERICA ANDERSON

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Nov. 11, 2010

my first time being in charge of it,” Wasson said.

Wasson’s experience of 35 years adds to his expertise. The sets take anywhere from two to four weeks depending on the complexity of the project. “[The sets] are built like a house. They are sturdy and the actor feels incredibly safe on them,” senior Tyler Franssen said.

This year the play is “Anything Goes.” Showtimes are on Nov. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. where Mike’s, Ms. Koehn’s and the casting crew’s hard work will be displayed. “[Mike] knows exactly what Koehn wants and he can create a lot of really simple set pieces that work well off of the top of his head,” junior Zoe Hays said.

Due to his occupation, Wasson has moved, making him unable to make future play sets. Ms. Koehn will now have to find someone new, and she says Mike will be missed.

“He brought a unique sense of humor to the set, he was always making us laugh,” senior Lauren Hoerner said.

NHS Blood Drive Nov. 17

Programmers place at KSU

Junior Matthew Dekoning practices his programming in computer teacher Chelli Cranmer’s room. Dekoning went to Kansas State University on Nov. 3 along with other classmates for the a programming competition.

ERICA ANDERSON

Students and theatre teacher Sarah Koehn work hard on the set for Anything Goes.

Wasson and Koehn collaborated to produce the final product.

The advanced programming team placed second at competition on Nov. 3 at Kansas State University in Manhattan.

On Wednesday the competition started at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m.

As the teams competed throughout the day, they started out with one problem. The problems become progressively harder as the teams meet each one. The first problem is allotted 25 minutes. The last problem was two problems in one. The competitors were allowed 40 minutes to finish this final problem.

Conrad Holt, Steven Fritze, Evan Willford and Matthew Dekoning got second place out of 40 teams.

ericaANDERSON

The annual NHS blood drive is on Nov. 17 from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

The morning is already filled up to 10:30 am and there are still some afternoon spots open.

When a doner goes into the gym to donate, he first reads over some papers and signs off on them. He then is encouraged to drink a bottle of water so he stays hydrated.

Next he will go behind a screen to be asked a few questions and to be tested for iron

with a finger prick. After all this he will donate blood and the workers will keep him after for a little while.

After the process of donation, doners are provided with food.

Walk-ins are welcome. The community is encouraged to come and donate blood.

“It saves lives. I think it is scarier dying from not having blood than it is having a needle in your arm,” senior Jenny Cooper said.

ericaANDERSON

Facebook Frenzy: Usage raises questions

Administration says use for student safety edenVIERTHALER features editor

With the rise of the electronic age, people communicate through technology, including social networking sites, about personal activities.

Some topics students discuss on sites such as Facebook can be inappropriate, illegal or rude as with bullying. The administration is now using Facebook as a tool to delve deeper into students’ lives, and to see what they are doing outside of school.

Presently, the district offers no policy regarding the administration using Facebook to punish students.

“There is not a policy, but if it is on Facebook and free for everyone to view, it is all fair game,” Principal Bob Baier said.

The administration admits to sometimes using Facebook with instances such as teen drinking and cyber bullying.

“Usually, another student brings it to our attention,” Baier said. “[Sometimes it is because] they are concerned about their friend.”

Any one of the three administrators can look on Facebook, and so does Student Resource Officer Lance Parker. Students have mixed feelings about this.

“I think if there are threats that could hurt someone, the administration should get involved,” junior Julia Hilts said.

Even if the occurrence happened outside of school, the administration can still get involved.

“If we become aware of it and the student is at risk, we notify parents or the police,” Baier said.

Sophomore Ronia Stephan said she thinks the adminisration looks for alcohol, drugs and fights online. She dislikes their involvement in Facebook.

“It is an invasion of privacy, we cannot even have one little grain of privacy,” Stephan said. “I made my Facebook so that the people who I add can see what I am doing, not for the administration to look at. It is not their business.”

Hilts, on the other hand, thinks differently.

“While we are at school, nothing is private,” Hilts said.

“Even so, it has to be major, like spreading rumors or threats.”

The administration said they are able to access students’ Facebook pages because they are open and not private.

Generally, Baier and the administration simply want the student body to be safe.

“Safety of my kids is my first concern,” Baier said. “If they are in danger I am going to look.”

DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

Student-teacher Facebook friendships should not be social, Baier says edenVIERTHALER features editor

Questions regarding the appropriateness of student and teacher Facebook friendships have become more relevant as the use of this social networking site rises.

Because Facebook is a public website, anyone can obtain one. However, a teacher adding a student as a friend, and then communicating with the student online, can create some controversy.

“I use Facebook [in general] to keep in touch with my family, friends and former students just to see what is going on with them,” Spanish teacher Meredith Mendenhall said.

However, Mendenhall chooses not to add her students as friends. This is not because she is worried she is going to do something wrong, but because she has seen some things on the news about it.

“I want to keep an element of my personal life personal,”

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Even so, Mendenhall does not necessarily see a problem with students who add and communicate with students on Facebook.

“It is a neat way to build a relationship when used appropriately,” Mendenhall said.

Art teacher Lana Kaylor made the decision to accept students’ friend requests but places them on a list that she calls “blocked-out students.”

“Personally I have one because I share artwork and family pictures with people I knew years ago,” Kaylor said.

Kaylor began adding her students for specific reasons. “[I add students] so that if they are having a problem they can get a hold of me.”

The first time Kaylor added a student as a Facebook friend, she asked the student’s mother.

“Then, if you add one, you have to add the rest,” Kaylor said.

No official rules or policies exist at Andover High about student teacher Facebook friendships, but the Board of Education recently has looked into this controversial topic.

“I am sure that the Board of Education will give us some direction as to what is and is not acceptable,” principal Bob Baier said.

Baier does have his own Facebook, yet personally is not aware of any student and teacher communication on the site.

“I would prefer teachers not to add their students and to keep education with students and social life separate,” Baier said.

Without any rules prohibiting student and teacher discussion on Facebook, Kaylor will be able to continue her use.

“If they make a comment, I will comment back,” Kaylor said. “I have had students write on my wall, but not often.”

However, with Baier voicing his opinion, things may be subject to change.

“If Facebook is used for socializing, it is not OK,” Baier said.

Like a Good Neighbor State Farm is there.

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Nov. 11, 2010

3

Marching Band continues to succeed on the field 23 straight one ratings boost band to the top; Linville leads band students to seven-year streak of success kelseyDICK

news editor

The Andover marching band recently added two more one ratings to its streak of 23 consecutive one ratings.

“It has been seven years in a row that we have gotten ones on our performances. The performances continually get stronger,” band director Raymond Linville said.

Lately, the marching band has competed in multiple marching festivals.

This was the first year the marching band competed at the Kansas State Marching Festival because Linville thought marching band was ready for the stiffer judging and tougher competition.

“I thought it was an excellent choice to go to Kansas State,” Linville said. “We got to see a lot of very good bands.”

Student’s agree that the band was on a differnt, and better, level this year.

“The Kansas State competition was a diferent level of competition where every single band who attended was extremely talented,” senior Josh Woody said.

The trip to Kansas State was fun

for members of the band.

“This was our first year going to Kansas State, I liked the field,” senior Jeff Eberle said. “It is a nicer than what I am used to.”

Kansas State was a different style of judging. Their judging helped educate the marching band about their strengths and weaknesses.

“Right after we performed, we were taken into an indoor practice facility where they showed us a video of our performance. A judge then evaluated us, and told us what we could improve on and critiqued us,” Linville said.

Although they did not have major errors to fix, the critique helped the marching band members prepare for their next competition, The Southern Plains Marching Festival. The marching band was the host band of the festival held on Oct. 27 located at the South District Stadium.

“I was very proud of our performance because we adjusted well with last minute changes from the Kansas State Marching Festival critique,” junior Jack Miller said.

Some student’s preferred the newest competition because of it’s competitive atmosphere.

“Even though we performed better

at the Southern Plains Marching FestiDEVIN DYMKOWSKI val, I enjoyed traveling to Kansas State more. The judges were harsher and it was more competitive,” senior Jordan Haas said.

Although student’s are proud of the band’s winning streak, they still realize there is room for growth.

“We are a great band but there are still places where we can improve,” Eberle said.

Because of the band’s great success, Linville feels confident they will triumph in future competitions.

“We will be traveling to an out of state competition next year,” Linville said. “Either the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago or the Holiday Bowl in San Diego. We will decide sometime in the near future.”

Linville seeks other’s input when deciding on which competetions to attend.

“Together with students, directors and parents, the decision will be made,” Linville said.

Linville was proud of the outcome from this year’s marching band.

“I told my students,” Linville said.

“That I believe that this year’s marchDEVIN DYMKOWSKI The Andover High School marching band lines up in order to compete. The marching band ing band was the best we have had recently added two more one ratings to its streak of 23 consecutive one ratings. Band since I have been here.”

instructor, Linville was proud of the outcome from this year’s marching band.

DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

Drum majors Jordan Haas, Lindsey Eck, Josh Woody and Nichole Kirkhart receive the band’s Marching Festival award on Oct. 27. The band recieved a superior first division rating. ” Every performance we have had this year has been better than before,”Woody said.

DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

4

Freshman Kody Koshbroth focuses on playing the correct notes during the marching band festival at the high school stadium on Oct. 27.

Nov. 11, 2010

340 S Andover RD. (behind blockbuster) Mon-Thurs 8-9 Fri 8-8 Sat 8-6 Sun 11-5 316-733-0480

New restaurant expected to be huge hit in town kalliSIKES

The new restaurant, Metro Grill brings a taste of the big city to Andover with fresh food, great service and a unique menu, according to its owner.

“We [Michael Gonzalez and wife Sarita Gonzalez] were looking to open a restaurant. We could not find what we wanted, and we thought, lets think of something fun,” co-owner Sarita Gonzalez said. “We missed how back in New York City we could grab something good and go.

“We started with the idea of hot dogs. The name of the restaurant came from metropolitan city; [Owner Michael Gonzalez] started making dishes like we had in New York. In reality the public really made us do it, the demand from the public.”

Metro Grill offers a unique style menu with high quality food and only the freshest ingredients.

“Our food is fresh, mostly organic and our fish are unique. We serve high-end meals on a plastic

staff writer

plate. We don’t deal with anything frozen,” Gonzalez said.

Currently located in the mall, students are looking forward to the new location in Andover, opening perhaps this month at 321 S. Andover Rd. “We live in Andover and absolutely love Andover. It is very quiet and people are very nice and classy,” Gonzalez said. “I think Andover needs a place with food like ours instead of just fast food.”

Customers are excited about the new location and its convenience.

“I am very excited that they will have their own restaurant and you do not have to go to the mall to eat there,” junior Holly Berdan said.

A few changes will be made along with the change in location.

“We are going to have a VIP Sunday event. You will have to make a reservation ahead of time and it is going to special. There will be beautiful dishes that are not on the menu so you can feel like you are in New

York City,” Gonzalez said.

The quality of service matches the quality of food according to students who have visted the mall location.

“He [Michael Gonzalez] is always nice to everybody and he doesn’t just treat you like a customer.

It’s fast and they are very friendly,” sophomore Courtney Wallace said.

With menu items such as “ham crouquettes,” “mango mahi,” and “the vege,” its individuality definitely plays a role in the restaurant’s popularity.

Gonzalez has big plans for the new restaurant location and he said he plans to give back to the community.

“I have a plan with the Andover location to bring people to Andover, and to provide new coffee and all of the money will go to Andover schools. [The coffee funds] will be non-profit; we are doing it for the schools. They are wonderful.” Gonzalez said.

HENRY HOOK

Michael Gonzalez, owner of Metro Grill located in Towne East Mall, prepares a meal for customers on Nov. 4. Gonzalez is looking forward to opening a Metro Grill in Andover. “It’s different than any other food in the mall,” junior Holly Berdan said.

StuCo’s annual food drive helps out those in need of Thanksgiving meal On Nov. 22, StuCo is delivering staff writer the 5,089 items collected to the United Methodist Open Door’s Community Food Ministry.

“The Community Food Ministry has been where it is now for about 25 years,” Director Donna Volz said. “We serve approximately 2800 families a month.”

The operations runs year round with Thanksgiving and Christmas being their busiest times of the year. It takes numerous helping hands to make the Community Food Ministry run every day.

“It takes 25 volunteers per day as well as myself, a part-time translator, and a warehouseman,” Volz said.

Every year StuCo gets out of

katieSCHNEIDER

KAITLYN DEYOUNG

Junior Glenn Karnes and sophomore Elizabeth Yowell sort food in the StuCo room on Nov. 3. The food drive lasted an entire week. During the course of the week, the student body collected 5,089 items.

school for one day to go to the Community Food Ministry to deliver the collected food and to volunteer.

“First we sorted food and then after that we got to take bags of food to the people that needed it,” junior Representative Katelyn Rose said.

Even though the Community Food Ministry is open on weekdays during school hours, there are still opportunities for students to volunteer.

“We can do an hour or so in the evenings for kids that need the hours of community service to graduate or other circumstances,” Volz said.

Volunteering is not the only way to help in the community.

“It felt really good volunteering last year,” senior class President Monica Farfan said. “I got to talk to

some of the people and I knew what was going on. I was not there not doing anything.”

Volz has worked at the Community Food Ministry for 20 years and still loves every moment of it.

“The most fulfilling thing is being part of a group of people that are really doing the best they can to help people in our community,” Volz said.

“It really catches your heart.”

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Friends don’t let friends eat burgers alone!

Nov. 11, 2010

5

It was crazy when I...

Bungee Jumped

inDEPTH <<

senior Tessa White

1.What was the procedure, cost and location of your bungee jumping adventure?

[It cost] $180. It was off the bridge where they invented bungee jumping (Kawarau Bridge Bungee in Queenstown, New Zealand). There was no teaching of how to jump; all we did was buy tickets, went up to the bridge, put harnesses on, then individually climbed out onto a platform where they put a towel around your ankles, tied together with a few ropes and made it so you couldn’t separate your legs. After that, I was too scared to pay attention. They hooked us together and told us to go to the edge of the platform.

2.What was going through your mind leading up to the jump?

“Oh my god, how am I going to do this?” I was legitimately crying and scared and wondered how I was ever going to force myself off the bridge. The fear of death and of falling scared me the most, not the height itself.

3.While descending how did you feel?

Adrenaline pumping, joy, fear it was a mix of emotions. The positive ones outweighed the fear.

4.Was bungee jumping what you expected it to be?

Yes and no. Yes, because I expected the fall to be how it was (scary and fun), but the “snap,” back was a lot more intense then I thought it would be.

Q: 5.Would you do it again?

Definitely, 100 percent. I want to do it again off a higher [bridge], a 143-meter one!

- henryHOOK

For only the cost of $180, Tessa White took part of bungee jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand. “I want to do it again off a higher [bridge], a 143 meter one!”Tessa White said.

Courtesy Photo from Marion Family Photo

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Nov. 11, 2010

fighting for our

Armed services honored during annual holiday hollyHEIRONIMUS copy chief

Branches of military

Camouflage jackets and Army/ Navy apparel may be a fashionable trend to daily civilians, but the clothing serves as recognition of the men and women who have fought to keep America’s freedom and maintain her safety.

On Nov. 11, the country will honor its heroes on the Veteran’s day holiday. Daily, men and women go out fighting for America, and students plan on signing up to train.

“It [the services] takes a lot of hard work and dedication. The recruiters are not taking GED’s (General Education Diploma) anymore; you have to have a high school diploma. It’s a big step,” 2007 graduate of Andover High School Dane Owens said.

It is common to find a family unit with a parent in the service.

This career path has shown to have positives and negatives on Brad Hilbert, a 161st Intelligence Squadron Director of Operations.

“I am proud to serve my country, [I enjoy] the people I work with, they have become the best of friends, but a lot of times I have to be away. I’ve missed a lot of things, like (my son) Adam’s first five birthdays, and the violence is not always easy,” Hilbert said.

Hilbert has also experienced deployment to several countries around the world such as Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany and South Korea.

“I am an intelligence officer, so I had a lot of jobs [while I was deployed.] I worked on F16’s, targeting work and made sure there were tools for the people who defend our coun-

Army

The Army’s primary function is to protect the United States by means of ground troops.

“ ” [The service] has to be something you want to do. bradHILBERT

try,” Hilbert said.

As well as having parents in the services, the view of the parent who has a child in the services is one that is filled with worry, but also pride as English teacher Mike Lee has experienced. Lee’s son, Anthony 25, is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and is now a lieutenant working on the UAV project.

“I thought [the Air Force] was a great, incredible opportunity. Anybody who gets to go to an academy

Marine Corps

The Marines specialize in capturing and controlling “beach heads” and provide a route to attack the enemy.

and it is a right fit for them, it is a tremendous opportunity. We [my wife and I] knew it was going to be a great opportunity, but it was going to be hard,” Lee said.

Lee realizes that there were some sacrifices of a college student that Anthony never was able to experience, but finds that his son enjoys the service’s daily routine.

“He [Anthony] never got to live a college life. The first two years, you could walk away and there would be no obligations. You have to figure out if you like the life, and I think he likes the life, especially now that he is an officer,” Lee said.

When their child is potentially put into harms way, parents such as Melanie Owens, mother of Dane Owens, try to put their fears behind them and support their child.

“Honestly,” Melanie said. “I did not want him to [join the services],

Air Force

Navy

The Air Force supports the Army in protecting the United States by way of air and space.

The Navy’s purpose is to use the seas where and when the nation requires it.

but it was a good decision for Dane.”

Weights teacher Pat Moore is a Vietnam veteran. Moore was a sergeant and medicator. He found that the army was more of a benefit for him, but still believes that the people in our country do not take their freedom seriously.

“I definitely think that we take our freedom for granted,” Moore said. “I think things are too easy to achieve, everything is given to us too quickly.”

Hilbert believes that the military created opportunities for him that he wouldn’t have otherwise. “[The service] has to be something that you want to do. It is satisfying, you move around the world and do good for the country,” Hilbert said. “It’s a great life, but it has to be something you want to do.”

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard during peace time mainly enforces laws concerning boating and illegal immigration.

Source* usmilitary.about

Nov. 11, 2010

7

Veterans Day commemorates Andover military hollyHEIRONIMUS copy chief

The Owenses

EDEN VIERTHALER

Dane Owens had recently gotten out of the Army and is now aspiring to go to Kansas State college to major in chiropractic medicine.

On Nov. 15, Jordan Owens will leave for Fort Benning in Georgia to begin training for the National Guard.

The Marions

As a child he wanted to become a building contractor in Colorado, but after high school, 2008 graduate Wes Marion decided that the best decision for him was to join the Marine Corps.

“He had to get recruited, go to boot camp, then he had to go to the School of Infantry/Infantry Training Battalion, and then he joined the fleet which means he is certified now. He is a 0351 Assaultman in the Marine Corp,” brother of Wes, senior Bren Marion said.

Wes Marion is the third generation in his family to be in the Marine Corps.

“My dad was in it for four years; I did it for 10 years,” father John Marion said.

“I think for [Wes] it was a challenge; it was the tradition in the Marine Corp that is different than the other services because they have a reputation of being the most challenging physically and mentally.”

As parent figures, John and mother Carmel do worry about his safety but have assurances that Marion will be safe.

“You always worry that he will go into harm’s way or get hurt, but you have to think about the fact that he is the best trained, he has the best equipment and the best leaders in the world, which gives us the confidence that he is going to be

The Smiras

COURTESY PHOTO

Kevin Smira was in the Army National Guard and was deployed in the years 1993 and 2003. Currently, he is part-time in the Aif Force and works with Hawker Beech Craft.

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Nov. 11, 2010

“

about him at the time the country was at war.

“I didn’t want him to [join the Army] with the nation at war, and him being deployed to the war zone. daneOWENS I feared that he would be hurt or worse, killed, but I did my best to support him,” Melanie said.

Dane has recently come home from his deployment, and after service for three years and six months. His brother Jordan has not yet gone off to the services yet, but will train soon in the month. “[I am going to boot camp at] Fort Benning in Georgia,” Jordan said. “I will be there 16 weeks total, I get to come back from Christmas, and then I will come back in March. The physical part is something to worry about, but I think I’ll be ok.”

The experiences brought home are ones that will stick with Dane Owens for forever.

“You gain discipline, confidence and you basically build your character,” Dane Owens said. “It’s something that you live with the rest of your life.”

You gain discipline, confidence and you basically build your character.

Brothers Dane and Jordan Owens, both graduates of Andover, Dane 2007, Jordan 2010, decided that after high school, before attending college, they would sign up to join the Armed Services.

“It’s a break from everyday life,” Jordan Owens said. “It is something new and unique.”

Dane Owens had decided he was not ready for college, so he signed up and joined Active Duty.

“I am in Active Duty of the U.S. Army..

I wanted to be in the Army because, to be honest, in the Marine Corps, you don’t get to pick what you do. [Marine Corps] is what I was going to do, but I don’t want people to pick my job for the rest of my life,” Dane said.

Dane was deployed in 2009. “[Dane] was deployed for one year in Afghanistan. He was allowed to come home for two weeks in May, and then we did not see him until January of 2010. It was a long year,” mother Melanie Owens said.

An uncomfortable part for Melanie to deal with, with Dane deployed was worrying

”

OK,” John Marion said.

Currently, Wes Marion is in the southern hemisphere for training. As all families, the Marions are concerned about Wes’ security, but they can say that they are proud to have him serve for his country.

“I know he wanted to do something good because he is proud to be an American, he wanted to give back to the freedom that we have and do something he’s proud of,” Bren Marion said. “I was a little scared, but overall I am proud to say that my brother is a Marine. It is an COURTESY PHOTO accomplishment that not many can say Wes Marion graduated from School of Infantry/Infantry Training Battalion, certifythey’ve done, to be called a Marine.” ing him to be an 0351 Assaultman in the Marine Corp.

As the war wages on in the Middle East, many families are affected here at home. “[My dad] was in the Army National Guard when he was deployed, but now he’s in the Airforce. Some of the places he wasn’t allowed to tell us,” junior Madelaine Smira said.

During his deployment time in the Middle East, Kevin Smira spent his time mainly in Somalia and Baghdad. The conditions in the environment that Kevin and his troops had to endure were one that many American’s would rarely see in the US. “Americans take for granted their freedoms and a lot of third world countries don’t have the same freedoms as us. We lived in bombed out buildings, there was no running water in the city,” Kevin Smira said.

“

The dangers are not always the guns and bullets. kevinSMIRA

”

While Kevin had been deployed, his family members found themselves worried about his safety. “[The scariest part about him being deployed was] not knowing if you were going to see him at Christmas or holidays and not knowing if he was going to come back,” Madelaine Smira said. “I hated it, but now that I am older, I realize that it is an honor.”

Madelaine’s mother, Amanda, mostly

feared the conditions of the area Kevin was in.

“I was most scared that he would be shot down and taken hostage,” Amanda Smira said.

While in his deployment cycle, Kevin had his own dangers to worry about.

“The wildlife was dangerous, with venomous snakes and spiders. The dangers are not always guns and bullets,” Kevin Smira said.

Though his life was often in jeopardy, Kevin managed to put aside his fears to serve his country. “[My worries were] getting shot and killed or being blown up by bombs. I was willing to put my life on the line for our freedoms in the USA,” Kevin Smira said.

“I do not look forward to it, but I do not shy away from it.”

speakUP <<

BLAME GAME: Students wrongfully blame presidents for all issues henryHOOK “I hate Obama!” said a fellow student.

“Why do you hate him?” I said.

“Because he’s destroying the economy and I hate his health care ideas.”

“Why?” I questioned.

“I, um, I don’t know,” said the unsure student.

This typical conversation occurs daily at school. The truth is claims, are made daily without warrants to support them.

Presidents George Bush, Ronald Reagan and now Barack Obama are being blamed for what seems to be a majority of the United States problems.

Students assume that any change in the status quo can be held responsible by not only Obama but fellow presidents as well.

When President George Bush was in office several of the toughest situations were bestowed upon him; Including 9/11, Katrina, and the tough decision of whether or not to go to war. Split second judgments had to be made to prevent impending disaster.

It’s not fair to conclude that a president is responsible for an incident without actually having examples and facts to back up the opinion stated.

Examples include but are not limited to blaming Bush for lying about Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction or saying he cut taxes just to benefit the rich.

The fact and truth still stands though; Bush did not hold enough power to affect the economy and keep the Iraqis’ nuclear weapons to himself. He was helped by the U.S. congress, who on Oct. 10, 2002 decided to go to sign the resolution and on March 2003 declared war with Iraq.

Congress and the House of Representatives approved the resolution that president

George Bush originally proposed to send the United States into war. Congress knew what they were getting into, and had the same supposed “secretive information” that Bush possessed before making their decisions.

It was not solely President Bush that passed and implemented the resolution; even though he had the final signature.

Reagan has been claimed several times as the original source of the economic slump the United States is in and has been for awhile.

While in reality it has been a combination of the housing market, banks and the stock market collapsing. Yet people seem to over look the fact that the president before Bush may have contributed to the problems in the status quo.

Each president does not have the privilege of starting off with a clean slate; like the students of Andover might assume. Rather, each must suck it up, accept the challenges they face such as 911, natural disasters, war or even a bad economy and carry on with their time in office.

President Obama’s current health care reform ensures more stability and security by “ending discrimination against people with

pre-existing conditions” (disease). Also by “preventing companies from dropping coverage when are sick and need it the most,” says the whitehouse.gov.

Not only that but his “ plan offers a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured who cannot afford coverage with a real choice,” a choice that could be the difference between a citizen paying little to no money for a typical pregnancy, to fifteen thousand dollars for the same exact one.

These are few things that people making hasty generalizations about President Obama seem to ignore or pay little attention to.

The bottom line is that our president and presidents in the past were elected by a majority of the United States citizens; meaning that our respect has to be given to him, because no matter what, he is here for another two years.

Students of Andover need to stop making assumptions based on what their parents might have said, and find a real true opinion with actual, factual information on which to base them off of. .

As graduation nears, time must be be made most of genGAUDREAU As November slowly starts to roll along, I am almost shell-shocked at the idea I will be graduating in a little less than seven months.

High school has gone by at a lightning speed, almost to the point where it is hard to keep up.

I guess you could say I haven’t ever really involved myself in any school activities, and now that all of them have passed me by I’ve realized how I should of involved myself more. I never attended a football game, basketball game, joined any teams of any sort.

I am slowly realizing that that is how you make friends in high school. You join teams; you get involved with what other people are interested as well as what you are. I did one sport the first semester of my freshmen year, and I should of stuck with it.

So my advice to all of the underclass-

You do not dread coming here, but you dread men. Get involved with things, keep busy and maintain a great GPA. High school goes by so being alone and you dread just looking at the clock all day long wishing you were somemuch faster then what you would think, and where else. soon you will be at the end of the finish line For a long time I thought I did not like wishing you were just starting. high school, but I realized that I did like Even if there is not a club you can join, or a sport you are interested in you should still high school, I just did not like the isolation I sometimes felt when I was here. I have always get involved somehow. Find people who like been shy, and I do not have much to say to what you like, put in an effort to talk to the anyone really. administraHowever, tion about please, put your interyour heart ests. Because It may not seem like anyone into your that is what cares that you are, or why you do work and they are there the things, you do. Who cares? Do take pride in for. it for yourself. which you I always are. thought I genGAUDREAU It may was alone in not seem like the hallways anyone cares in a certain that you are, way, sure, or why you I got along do the things, you do. Who cares? Do it for with almost everyone and I kept to myself yourself. Do everything and anything you and I thought “no one would understand love, and that is where your passion will lie. the things I’m into, or the things I want to Do not keep in your thoughts; express them achieve.” However, I was totally wrong about in the most positive manner you can think of. that, there is always some person in your high Whether it be creating a piece of artwork, or school that has similar things you like. I’m playing video games until your thumbs are aiming this article out at the kids who don’t numb. I wasted too much time on focusing think they fit into this high school, because on what I thought other people would like believe me I have been there more then once.

“

”

about me, in the end that should not matter at all. What should matter is how much you love yourself, and how unimportant other’s opinions of you are.

Your teachers care about you, whether or not you think that. I have struggled over a bad case of procrastination and irresponsibility.

High school is really where you find yourself, and who you want to be when you graduate and go off into the real world.

So coming to school everyday is a blessing, rather than a curse. The comfort of each classroom, the smell of the hallways, and the pencils that somehow always seem to become lost in your backpack. I enjoyed high school, maybe when you are just starting you have these preconceived notions that it will be all play and no work. Coming from a student who has greatly struggled with the line between work and fun, it becomes rewarding as soon as you see that grade.

So to all of the underclassmen that feel lost, I can say you are not the only ones.

There will always be somewhere there to help you when you need it, you just might not be looking hard enough.

Nov. 11, 2010

9

Acceptable ways to appear ‘dateable’ laurenQUAM Girls look for a lot of traits in men. We look at your appearance, the way you act around others, your personal hygiene and your personality. These are just some of the contributing factors that attract women to men. I thought I’d share some tips on how you can really get a girl to like you for you.

1. When there’s a break in the conversation, feel free to make crude comments about girls in front of us. Hearing you talk about the back of some girl in the hallway or some girl’s cleavage really makes us feel good about ourselves and raises our self-confidence. It also makes you look like a true gentlemen. Phrases like: “I’d tap that” or “bangable,” show that you see women at a high superiority.

2.When around the girl you like, flick your hair. Girls absolutely love it when guys habitually flick their hair to one side. You know you’ve got this skill down, when it looks like you are constantly receiving whiplash, or it looks as if you have a fly in your face and you’re trying to get away from it.

3.While eating, do not show any glimpse of table etiquette. Seeing you with barbeque sauce all over your face and fingers and elbows on the table may possibly be the most attractive thing to women. Another thing that girls love is when you’re talking to us, chew with your mouth wide open, because we love to see what you’re eating.

4.Call us by names like “bro” and “dude.”

Being treated like one of the boys really shows how much you like us and appreciate us. The sweetness and sincerity of those names is just touching. Terms like “baby” and “sweetie” are unbearing and heartless.

5.While having a conversation, use profanity in every sentence. Hearing you cuss often really shows how cool and tough you are as a guy. I challenge you to use the “f-word” in the adjective, noun and verb form in your next conversation with the girl you like.

6.Dress to impress. Dressing well and being in style shows how much you care about your appearance and it can boost your confidence. Some things that are really classy are Crocs, jean shorts, holiday sweaters, socks with sandals, skinny jeans and embellished Tshirts. Oh, and when wearing a t-shirt, make sure it has a cartoon character of some sort or obnoxious writing on the front. For example, “FBI, female body inspector.”

7.When having a conversation, always remember to talk about your ex. Hearing all about how great your relationship was and how amazing she was really shows that you’re interested. And when you’re around us, make sure you’re texting her the whole time you’re with us, it’s reassuring and comforting to see you texting your ex while hanging out with us.

8. A great idea for an icebreaker would be to quote some guy movie that no girls have ever seen. Make sure its super obnoxious and random. This is very attractive and a great conversation starter. After you tell this joke, you will most likely burst out into laughter because guys tend to find themselves funny. When girls look at you with an awkward smile that looks like they’re thinking you’re a moron, think otherwise, because we think you’re amazingly romantic and hilarious.

9. While with the girl you like, feel free to spit whenever you please. The act of unnec-

REPORT CARD GRADE B

Halloween Dress up day Oct. 29

GRADE A+

Food Drive Nov. 1-5

>>

>>

Day GRADE C+ Market Nov. 4 >> Daylight savings Nov. 7

GRADE A+ 10 Oct. 22, 2010

>>

There wasa great deal more participation this year with a variety of costumes.

We raised over 1,500 more items than last year and beat Central in the food drive.

There was a large variety of food, but some vendors ran out C lunch.

A longer nights sleep is a good for all busy students.

Seniors Grant Ralston, Jordan Jones, Jake Ablah, Cooper Rowe and Blake Gumeringer show off their “dateability.” essary spitting is highly appealing to girls. It definitely does not make you look disgusting or barbaric, but rather makes you look refined and classy.

10. A fun flirty way to talk to a girl would be to make fun of her. Girls love to be made fun of and constantly being told things like how stupid they are or teasing them about a past boyfriend. It makes us feel good about ourselves and makes you look super cool and the opposite of a douche.

11. A great classic joke to tell in front of a girl would be the infamous “that’s what she said” jokes. It’s a great way to make a completely normal statement into something sexual and awkward. If you really want to score bonus points, make sure to say one while meeting the parents. Her mom and dad are sure to think

you are a great guy for their daughter to date.

12. Women love to see intelligence in our men. While having a conversation, use words that have more than 13 letters. Act as if you know everything and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Guys who are “know-it-alls” are sometimes thought to be arrogant, obnoxious and freaking annoying, but that is most definitely a fallacy.

These are just a few suggestions of things guys can do in order to impress girls and get them to hang out with you. For most men, these things come naturally, but make sure to really put in full effort so you can get the girl of your dreams. Good luck boys.

TOP 5 THINGS WE ABOUT...

1 2 3 4 5

Science Teacher Mr. Puckett

His tests have some really funny questions.

He works with students schedules and understands that they are busy.

We did a really fun bridge project.

He lets students use notes on tests when they work really hard throughout the unit.

He asks a random and funny ‘Questions of the Day’ in order to take attendance.

laurenQUAM

speakUP <<

-Evan’s Easel-

BLUESTREAK

editorialPOLICY The Trojan Bluestreak exists to inform, persuade and entertain its readers concerning topics of importance. The newspaper recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment.

The Bluestreak operates as a public forum for student expression, and the staff takes full responsibility for newspaper content and its ramifications.

The Trojan Bluestreak will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, libel, obscenity, copyright infringement, unwarranted invasion of privacy or material that could disrupt the educational environment.

The Bluestreak is a CSPA Gold Medalist and a KSPA All-Kansas honor recipient.

EVAN WILLFORD

Students’ online lives invaded by staff staff

EDITORIAL >>

position:

The administration should not have the ability to view students’ private Facebook profiles, and in some casas hand down punishments for information found on the website.

Vote: 23 for, 7 against

Facebook and other social networking sites are becoming increasingly popular every day and are a major part of students’ social lives. The world of social networking is not like Vegas, though; what happens on Facebook, does not stay on Facebook.

The administration can and does view students Facebook profiles, in some cases even taking measures to punish students for their actions on Facebook.

While Facebook is a free social networking site open to anyone (including administration), many students think their privacy has been violated by the administration.

Being suspended or given detention for the content of a Facebook photo is outside of the administration’s jurisdiction. Events that take place outside of school should not have repercussions in school.

There are a few exceptions to this. If a student is cited wearing clothing with Andover logos, it is the school’s responsibility to take action because the student is then an obvious representation of the school. Students without school attire, however, should be exempt.

Athletes and members of NHS or student council also should be monitored, because they are obvi-

elisaMARTIN editor-in-chief ashtonSCHRAG buisness manager corbinMIHELIC sports editor evanWILLFORD cartoonist chadHAMMAN opinion editor chrisJONES assn. sports editor kaitlynDEYOUNG photo editor kelseyDICK news editor hollyHEIRONIMUS copy chief robynHERBERT in-depth editor edenVIERTHALER features editor

staff writers ericaANDERSON trinaBHATTARAI alexDURANO devinDYMKOWSKI ryleeELLISON genGAUDREAU suzannaGEHRER katherineHARTLEY alexHERNANDEZ jacobHIGHFILL henryHOOK ryanLAKE alexLEFF morganMESSMORE ryanMINEAR hayleyPHILLIPS laurenQUAM tjRIGG katieSCHNEIDER kalliSIKES kathrynSILL devinDYMKOWSKI adviser kristinBAKER

ously not displaying the leadership expected of them in these activities.

While there is an extremely high number of students who meet these exceptions, many would be exempt. The staff thinks the administration has no right to interfere in these students’ online affairs.

One way students could help their case and the case of their friends is to change privacy settings on Facebook. Setting these so nobody outside of one’s “friends” can view their profile could help keep administrators and other students from finding explicit material. Not to mention it will help keep people they do not know from learning all about them.

However, the best way for students to protect themselves from getting busted over Facebook, is to just stop posting inappropriate items. Photos, videos and comments that could be incriminating for a student, should just stay off Facebook.

Facebook does not state whether or not schools or businesses have rights to view your profile.

However, it does state: “When you publish content or information using the ‘everyone’ setting, it means that you are allowing everyone, including people off of Facebook, to access and use that information, and to associate it with you (i.e., your name and profile picture).”

While students make the choice themselves to publish content using privacy settings, it still does not mean the administration should have the right to suspend students for their Facebook posts.That would be like giving a student detention for mouthing off to their parents, or suspending them for speeding on Andover Road.

The bottom line is that though students should be protecting themselves on line and keeping incriminating photos and comments of the Web, the administration should not have the right to punish students for anything they find online or off school grounds.

Nov. 11, 2010

11

Opposing thoughts on ‘gateway drug’ causes controversy jacobHIGHFILL & ryanstaff writ-

A survey recently conducted by the Trojan Bluestreak had found that 29 percent of the student body said they have smoked marijuana at least one time.

“I think students are more careful these days on how and when to use it. And students who do use it try their best not to get caught,” Student Resource Officer Lance Parker said.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted a survey in 2005, which estimated 40.1 percent of the U.S. population tried marijuana at least once in their lifetime. The Trojan Bluestreak found 57.4 percent of Andover marijuana user smokes it in order to have fun.

“I think it’s fairly normal at our high school,” said a female who wished to remain anonymous because of possible legal implications. “To me I don’t think it has a lot of negative effects and kids are trying it out and experimenting with all the things they want to try in every aspect of life including drugs.”

Freshman Elizabeth Yowell’s views on the subject are different.

“I think it’s heart breaking because I find that kids try it at a young age, don’t live in a safe environment and sort of hang out with the kids that are around the older influences so I think that four out of 10 kids that have tried it in sixth or seventh grade is sad,” freshmen Elizabeth Yowell said regarding the National Survey and Drug Use and Health survey.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse long term marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. People who have tried to quit have reported experiencing feelings of irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving.

12 Nov. 11, 2010

“I don’t think its chemically addictive, but I think once people try it socially though, it becomes a habit,” sophomore Allegra Branch said.

Not only has marijuana become a controversial topic at Andover but also it has found its way to the national stage with California proposing Proposition 19 where marijuana would have become regulated in the state. On Nov. 2 the bill was defeated with 53.9 percent of California voters voting no.

An anonymous female source believes that marijuana should be legal in the U.S. “First of all, if you think about all the money spent on the drug wars and all the crime and all the costs and the jail expenses adds up to billions and billions of dollars,” an anonymous female said. “…And also if you think about it alcohol is legal and if you think about all the problems like drunk driving, angry drunks, and drunk violence and marijuana has none of those angry effects because marijuana is more calming.”

Branch’s views oppose those of the anonymous source but prove to agree with the majority thought of California.

“Because I think the way it is addicting it would be bad for people to be valuing it more than they value school, education, or their future. Because obviously the most important thing in their life shouldn’t be smoking marijuana,” sophomore Allegra Branch said.

Marijuana has also been considered a “gateway” drug. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, very few young people use illegal drugs without previously using marijuana.

“I think yes, some people when you smoke marijuana, yes you get that high you can build up a tolerance for it, but I guess that’s why people want to go try other drugs, and then they get addicted to them,” said another female who wished to remain anonymous because of her marijuana use.

Whether opinion points to legalization or keeping it illegal, side effects to marijuana exist. The National Institute of Drug Use has found marijuana to have negative long-term effects on the heart, lungs, and daily life. A survey conducted by the Trojan Bluestreak had found among marijuana users that 65.5 percent of people believed that marijuana would not affect their future.

A former marijuana smoker said her experience has made an impact on the person she has become.

“I don’t know because probably if I hadn’t done it I would have been one of those prissy little [girls] who walk around our school who I can’t stand. So I probably wouldn’t because I’d be with them. So I’m glad I did it because I am the person I am today,” an anonymous female marijuana smoker said.

Parents give personal insight on marijuana usage trinaBHATstaff

“

Among the majority of conservative parents in Andover, several individual parents think the positive effects of marijuana override the negatives.

Many parents said it harms the health and serves as a gateway to other dangerous drugs, while some find it a way better alternative to alcohol and cigarette.

“I try to have an open view. The kids who come from a strict background are more likely to do the harder drugs in the future,” parent Carl Smith* said.

Smith said that marijuana has no effect on a person’s health. Moreover, he said he thinks that marijuana helps people achieve a “Buddha-like” state, in which the users feel peaceful and content.

“Everything is really beautiful; I feel really happy. I think of really deep stuff, but I don’t worry about the problems in my life,” said sophomore and the daughter of Carl Smith, Clara Smith*.

On the contrary, Jamie Halls*, a parent of sophomore Denna Halls*, strongly opposes to the usage of marijuana, because it affects the ability to reason. If for some reason her children began using marijuana, she would take immediate intervention and attempt anything to break the habit. “[Marijuana] opens the door to other tragic situations,” Halls said.

Of all the harmful substances, Smith considers marijuana the least dangerous. He believes that alcohol, cigarettes and other similar substances create hypertension that causes a person to be more aggressive and distortion of judgment. However, according to Halls, marijuana serves as gateway drug, therefore, making it just as dangerous as any other substances.

“It is a great hypocrisy in our society. We ban substances like marijuana while something much more dangerous like alcohol or cigarettes are accepted,” Carl Smith said.

It is a great hypocrisy in our society. We ban substances like marijuana while something muchcarlSMITH more dangerous

”

Nevertheless, Smith disapproves of his children smoking marijuana due to the risk of becoming a victim of the law and the fact that they are underage. Smith fails to understand why his children feel the need to use marijuana, and he said he strongly discourages the usage.

“He [my dad] feels it is a better alternative to alcohol.

You do not make as many stupid mistakes,” Clara Smith said.

Carl Smith actively participates in the Green Party of United States, which promotes the legalization of marijuana along with the promotion of clean living and renewable energy. According to Smith, industrialized marijuana has many benefits such as its utilization for religious purposes, the fact that it can eliminate organized crime groups that sell marijuana, and its ability to replace medical drugs like morphine.

“Organized crimes want to keep marijuana illegal in order to profit from it,” Carl Smith said.

As a parent, Carl Smith tries to be a good model and explain the deeper meaning to everything. Smith’s understanding of this situation allows his children to openly communicate with him.

“I am open with my dad about life in

For more articles about marijuana, turn

general,” Clara Smith said.

When it comes to the level of addiction marijuana creates in a body, Carl Smith states it’s non-existent. According to him, there is a greater withdrawal from caffeine then marijuana.

“A person can stop at [smoking marijuana] any time they want to. Prescribed drugs are more addictive,” Smith said.

A prime example of this come from a sophomore, Alyssa Moore a former frequent marijuana smoker who quit after five months, she experienced some psychological negatives effects of marijuana. After she quit, Moore found it difficult to enjoy activities without the high of marijuana.

“It’s not addictive, but you want the high,” Moore said.

Similarly, Clara Smith smokes marijuana daily with friends and even by herself. Still, she admits that she will have difficulty breaking the habit in the future.

“I am not addicted to smoking it,” Clara Smith said, “I am addicted to getting high.” *Editor’s Note: The names in this article have been changed due to possible legal implication.

Nov. 11, 2010

13

intheGAME

<<

PAYING THE PRICE

Staff members feel long-term effects of serious past athletic injuries corbinMIHELIC sports editor

DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

Weight trainer Pat Moore’s scars are quite visibile from his knee-replacement surgery. Moore, who injured his knee over 30 years ago playing high school football, went years without an ACL in his right knee. “It feels bulkier and heavier,” Moore said of the metal in his knee. “You just know it’s there more than anything. It sure makes life a lot with this replacement.”

11018 E Cetral Ave. Wichita, KS 67206 Phone: (316) 683-4581 Fax: (316) 683-4065 Toll Free: (888) 287-6168 crestviewmarineinc.com Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:30pm Sat 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday Closed

14

Nov. 11, 2010

When a high school athlete sustains an injury, the first question he or she asks is probably along the lines of, “How soon will I be able to play again?”

An even more important question (and one that is often overlooked) is, “How will this injury affect me in the long run?”

Just ask weight trainer Pat Moore.

Moore tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a high school football game, forcing him to sit out the rest of his senior football and wrestling seasons.

He underwent surgery to repair damage in his knee after the season, but further aggravated it between the time he was in the military and the end of his powerlifting career. After he moved to Andover in the mid-1980’s, he had multiple surgeries, including a full knee replacement.

“The knee was being deformed, and it was messing my back up and other stuff,” Moore said. “So, I had it replaced, which kind of brings us to this point.”

Moore said, however, that much of the knee problems he faced wouldn’t exist had orthopaedic medicine been more advanced at the time of his injury.

“Sports medicine back when I was a senior in high school was a butchery compared to what it is now,” Moore said.

Athletic Director Gary Merritt has also seen his fair share of lingering problems from a past injury.

Merritt dislocated and broke his ankle when he was tripped during a college football game over 20 years ago. It sidelined him for about four months, but the injury left a unique after-effect that goes far beyond ankle prob-

lems.

A month after the surgery, a blood clot formed in his leg and spread to his lung, putting him in the hospital.

“It’s kind of a common thing with leg surgeries, but a lot of times [the clots] won’t shoot off that badly,” Merritt said.

The clot was detected and treated quickly, but the clot resurfaced years later with even bigger consequences.

“Later on, I got another one that shut one of my lungs down,” Merritt said. “Since then, I’ve been on medication and I’ll be on that medication for the rest of my life.”

The medicine he takes daily is a bloodthinning prescription similar to that taken by heart-attack victims.

On top of that, years of athletic wear and tear on Merritt’s knees will require surgery within the next few years. However, the blood-thinners he currently takes are delaying his knee-repair.

“One of the reasons we don’t get them fixed is because of the blood clots,” Merritt said. “It creates another option for blood clots when you go in and cut them, so now we just live with them until it’s absolutely necessary to do surgery.”

Assistant football and basketball coach Chad Wilmott is one of many other staff members to still feel occasional pain from an injury. Wilmott injured his shoulder while playing football at Butler Community College.

He played through the injury in his sophomore season, killing his chances of success at the Division I level.

“I have aches and pains every day, but it doesn’t keep me from doing anything I want to do,” Wilmott said. “I’m not restricted. I still hunt and fish all I want. I’m not as active as I used to be, but that’s all right.”

Football finishes strong in rough year chrisJONES

staff writer A season filled with major injuries, missed opportunities, and disappointing losses ended on a high note as the Trojans beat Arkansas City in the last minutes, with help from their future stars.

“The future is bright for Trojan football, we have young players who got experience this year because of the injuries,” head coach Mike Lee said. “We need to build off that experience to make our team great next year.”

The 29-28 win against Arkansas City was capped off in the last minutes by a tremendous touchdown catch by junior Ryan Hoover, and then a surprise 2-point attempt by senior Landon Oberg gave Andover the lead and the eventual win.

The intensity of the game and the satisfaction of the close win after so many close losses took a small amount of the pain away from a team who had endured a rough season.

“It felt good to end a bad season on a good note,” Hoover said. “I was happy for the seniors who had worked so hard all season,” Highlighting their win was sophomore Chase Ogden, senior Grant Ralston and Hoover. Ogden finished the game with 174 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Ralston totaled two touch-down catches and Hoover put the game away with the game winning catch.

Lee is excited by the future of the team with some of these guys coming back next season.

“Chase (Ogden) and Ryan (Hoover) are both very talented players,” Lee said. “Our team is definitely better when they’re on the field.”

Ogden, even with his great performance, was more excited to give the seniors a win in their final game.

“It felt great to give the seniors one last win,” Ogden said.

“It was a good finish to the season after everybody had fought so hard all season.”

As the last seconds on the clock ticked away and the last victory chant was sang, the seniors on the team were hit with the sudden realization that this was all over.

“Well the win felt great but we quickly realized that our football careers were over,” senior Jordan Jones said. “All the years us seniors have spent together have made us really close and there is no other group of guys I would rather play with for all these years.”

Now that the senior football class is moving on, next years seniors are ready to fill the void.

“Now that we’ll be seniors next year, we need to work hard and improve to be able to compete,” junior Ryan Hoover said.

Lee, having seen the juniors and younger players ability due to the playing time they got because of injuries, is excited for next season and beyond.

“These guys, this season, have been hardened by their experience,” Lee said. “We are growing into a 5A team who has seen adversity at an extreme, they are ready for anything now.”

The seniors who are leaving however, have some concerns.

“It will be interesting to see how next years team performs,” senior Erik Nyberg said. “There is going to be a lack of big guys on the team to face this big 5A competition.”

Looking back at the season, Lee appreciates the senior’s effort despite the tough circumstances.

“I just want this year’s seniors to know that I appreciate their effort this season,” Lee said. “I feel bad that their senior season wasn’t under these terrible circumstances.”

The seniors also look back and appreciate what Lee and the coaching staff has done for them.

“This coaching staff was a fun group to be around,” senior Lucas Linder said. “They did whatever they could to help us win.”

With winter coming and the last play executed by the Trojan football team, we look to next year and the bright future ahead.

DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

The football team sings the fight song celebrating its final win over Arkansas CIty. An improbable touchdown pass to junior Ryan Hoover on fourth-and-goal lifted, followed by a successful two-point conversion, lifted the team to a 29-28 win and a 2-7 record.

‘Live by the gun, die by the gun’ used as team motto through 2010 season chrisJONES

“Hopefully we will keep it going after this years’ seniors leave.” staff writer Throughout a season of extreme circumstances and hardships, “Live by the gun, die by the gun” has been an outlet “Live by the gun, die by the gun” is a term borrowed from for the team and a way for the team to be together throughout a popular Tupac Shakur rap song by the Andover football team a rough season. as a motto they have lived by throughout the season.

“The main thing this saying means to us is that we always “Everyone on the team has become familiar with the song, and it gets all of us excited and pumped before each game,” have each other’s backs,” Ogden said. “This season we have battled through injuries and hardships but we overcame.” senior Jordan Jones said.

The term became popular with the team during afternoon meetings in assistant coach Brent Reidy’s room “Every gameday we meet in Coach Reidy’s room for team meetings and it has become one of coach reidy’s personal favorites,” Jones said. ”Since everybody seems to like it, I just got on the computer and played it for a minute to get us ready to play and it just stuck with the team.”

The playing of the song became an after game ritual as the song rings throughout the locker room after a hard fought victory.

“It’s good to have a team motto because it brings the team together in a way,” sophomore Chase Ogden said.

Although the term comes from a simple rap song, it has taken a larger meaning with the team “We took up the term because it fits with our team,” Jones said. “We will play our way and win or lose by it but wont change what we do.”

Even the underclassmen on the team have taken up this COURTESY PHOTO “Live by the Gun,” the motto of this year’s football team, sits on the team banner motto and will carry it on throughout their careers “The term keeps the team together in a way,” Ogden said. alongside signatures from the 2011 senior class.

FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP Volleyball finishes with loss

Mihelic finishes strong

Just competes at state

DEVYN DYMKOWSKI

DEVYN DYMKOWSKI

Senior Taylor Tilson aims to hit the ball on Sept. 14 at the home match against Valley Center and Arkansas City.

The volleyball team finished the season with a record of 4-25. The team went to Emporia High School for substate and lost to Kapaun Mount Carmel in two games on Oct. 23.

The team will lose seniors Taylor Tilson, Alexa Fritz, Elisa Martin, and Rylee Ellison.

-ryanMINEAR

Junior Mel Mihelic swings to hit for a ground stroke at the Collegiate tennis meet on Sept. 9. Mihelic placed 2nd at the meet. Mihelic was the only tennis player at Andover who qualified for state.

Andover’s tennis season finished off with a state appearance. Mel Mihelic placed seventh at state at the class 5A state tournament which was held Oct. 15 and 16 in Emporia. In Mihelic’s final match she beat McPherson’s Moira Pyle 9-5.

“I didn’t finish as well as I wanted to. I did not feel like I played to my best ability,” junior Mel Mihelic said.

Mihelic has gone to state the past three seasons. She placed seventh in 2009.

“I thought it was pretty successful. I think I improved this year and I had some good matches. I’m excited for next year,” Mihelic said.

- ryanMINEAR

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16

Nov. 11, 2010

ALEX DURANO

Senior Michael Just sprints to finish at the Wellington cross country meet on Sept. 11 in Wellington. Just was the only state qualifier this season on the cross country team.

After trying to recover from a rebuilding year, the Andover cross country team sent senior Michael Just to state after qualifying at regionals. At state on Oct. 30, Just ran a time of 17:47 in Lawrence.

- chrisJONES

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Basketball team looks to build on improvement corbinMIHELIC sports editor

As those in attendance clearly remember, last year ended in an overwhelmingly dramatic fashion for the boys’ basketball team.

The phrase “coming up short” may not be the best way to describe the 47-46 loss to Andover Central, but it is the first one that comes to mind. It was an emotional way to end a season full of improvement (In its first contest vs. the Jaguars in December, the team lost by 26 points).

“Everyone was down on themselves for losing when we had a good shot to win,” senior guard Trent Garman said. “We just lost it in the final minutes there and turned the ball over. We felt bad for the seniors because they had a good career, but we’re just looking forward to next year.”

As practices begin this season, Coach Jason Stucky looks to connect the past and present in one simple way—build on last season’s improvement.

“We may not be No. 1 in 5A to start the year off,” Stucky said. “If we can continue to keep the mindset of getting better each day, then by the end of the year, I know we will be able to compete with anybody.”

Garman and fellow seniors Landon Oberg and Grant Ralston return as the expected impact players for this year’s team. All three received significant playing time a year ago.

Meanwhile, Stucky said junior forward Robert Peare could potentially be poised for a

breakout year. Peare played sparingly as a sophomore, but returns as the only “big man” with varsity experience.

“I feel like i’m quicker, faster, and more intense in game situations,” Peare said. “I’m just playing harder.”

Stucky pointed out a solid amount of talent in the current freshman and sophomore classes, some of which are capable of competing for varsity spots.

“Some of those juniors and seniors had better watch their back,” Stucky said.

While this year’s roster may be lacking incredible size, Stucky said it is by no means lacking in speed and athleticism. However, he questions his team’s defensive capabilities, especially for the first part of the season.

“I don’t think that scoring will be an issue,” Stucky said. “I’m a little worried about how our defensive will start off the year. I don’t think we are very mature defensively and we don’t really have any idea how to stop somebody right now.”

Stucky said he is not sure what to expect in terms of a reasonable concrete number of wins and losses, mostly because he is not familiar with much of this year’s competition. He has never coached against four of his five new AVCTL Division III opponents.

“I do think we will be in a position at the end of the year, if the guys buy in and stay focused, to have a great chance of winning two games and going to the state tournament,” Stucky said.

KATHERINE HARTLEY

Basketball conditioning began at the beginning of last week. Conditoining included sprints, suicides, and stretching. Tryouts will being in the coming week.

Bowling: Athletes big expectations for the coming season alexLEFF

staff writer Now that all fall sports are over, it is time to put on the polo shirts and break out the goofy shoes, because bowling season is finally here.

“Blake Baney was amazing,” sophomore Colton Wasinger said.

Last year the bowling team had important seniors like Ryan Viner and Blake Baney.

“Our best bowlers could have done bet-

ter,” junior Josh Sprenkel said.

But that was the story last year. The team looks to come back this season and dominate on the lanes.

“We have a stronger team this year,” Sprenkel said.

The team has some vital bowlers coming back this year like senior Scott Rochat and Sprenkel.

Coach Ernie Hager leads the bowling team as they and hager compete for yet another suc-

cessful season. “[Hager] takes pride in the sport, thats what makes him such a great coach” Sprenkel said.

Hager has been coaching bowling for a total of three years now. He looks to return to the lanes, and help incoming members, and have old members go to state and bowl.

With tryouts approaching quickly, the team looks for newcomers to add to the team.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it, but

I still went out,” Wasinger said.

Tryouts are always nerve racking, but it is the only way to make sure you have a good team in any sport.

“Just play your game and you will be fine,” Sprenkel said.

Sprenkel is a returning player and he played varsity last year as a sophomore.

This year the bowling team has some big expectations for their returning players.

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17

Girls’ basketball puts last season behind for coming expecations chrisJONES

staff writer

FILE PHOTO

Senior Alexa Fritz goes up for a shot during last season’s home game vs. Wichita West. Fritz is one of four returning seniors for this year’s team, all of which received significant playing time last year.

On a cold February night last year, the girls’ basketball team’s season abruptly ended with a loss to Bishop Carroll.

“It was an absolutely horrible feeling,” senior Alexa Fritz said. “We were all so close and it was a complete letdown.”

The 50-44 loss sent the Trojans home disappointed and unsatisfied after state championship hopes.

“It was the worst feeling I have ever felt,” senior Taylor Tilson said. “We all had such high hopes for that team and just knowing that we let the seniors down really killed us all.”

Now that a new season is approaching and preparation has begun for the team, hopes for a state championship are high yet again.

“Since this is my last year of high school basketball, and probably basketball all together, ending this season like last one is unacceptable,” Fritz said.

Coach Max Hamblin likes what he sees in the team this year, and he believes they have the ability to go all the way this season.

“This team has the tools it needs to win a state championship,” Hamblin said. “We have a lot of depth, size and experience which makes for a very competitive basketball team.”

Heading into this season, seniors have set the expectation bar high.

“The way last year ended has really gotten me fired up for this year,” Tilson said. “Being in 5A competition, we really need to step it up--not just the seniors but everybody on the team.”

Tilson and the other seniors on the team know that as seniors, they need to use their experiences to help the younger players.

“We need to emphasize the saying, ‘When you’re not working on your game, someone else is, and they are getting better,’” Tilson said. “I believe I am ready to lead this team as a senior because I have been together with these girls for awhile.”

The seniors also look back at how Hamblin and the coaching staff have helped them throughout their playing careers. “[Hamblin] has brought us all together and makes us really feel like a team,” Fritz said.

“He and the coaching staff have really helped us throughout.”

With the expectations for a state title set, Hamblin has reviewed his team and is excited for this season.

“We are going to be a tough team to beat,” Hamblin said. “We are going to play tough each game and we have a great opportunity for a state title.”

Stability proves a needed, welcomed attribute to varsity wrestling team chad HAMMAN

opinion editor

The wrestling program has undergone quite a few changes in recent years. Cycling through multiple coaches and struggling to find the right fit, the team saw limited success.

It appears, however, that the right fit has finally been made. With the return of head coach Brent Fiene, the wrestlers have found stability for the first time in four years.

“The deal with wrestling is that you can’t

just show up and be good,” Fiene said. “It’s working hard and building up the junior programs and the middle school programs that help you become a solid program.”

The wrestlers know having a coach they can depend on is going to help them succeed this year and work harder in practice.

“Now, we know him, he knows us, it just brings it to more of a personal level with the coaches,” senior Darrion Ray said.

Fiene identified Ray along with junior Hunter Weddington as leaders who have al-

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18

Nov. 11, 2010

ready stepped up to the plate.

“Those two [Ray and Weddington] are our leaders. They’re stepping up and it has been going well,” Fiene said. “One thing you can’t teach as a coach is heart, and those two kids have it.”

Ray, who plans to wrestle at the 135-pound weight class, embraces the leadership role, and knows as a senior it is his time to shine.

“Hunter and I went and conditioned at Goddard, who is like the best team in the state,” Ray said. “We just went and tried to get

better, get ready for the season.”

Other wrestlers underwent a month-long conditioning program put on by Fiene and assistant coach Justin Nacarrato. “[Conditioning] went well,” Fiene said.

“We got to the point that we could get some of the kids who wouldn’t have been able to meet weight requirements and keep up in practice out of there, and got our guys ready to go for the season.”

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Fashion bracelets promote marijuana legalization alexHERNANDEZ staff writer

The fashion world is turning toward causes to non-profit highlight the next big trend, with shirts, shoes, and of course accessories such as bracelets. Even marijuana has gotten involved.

Supporters of the legalization of marijuana are displaying their beliefs that the drug should be legal in Kansas and other states by wearing silicon bracelets with “Legalize It” branded onto them.

“There’s a lot more way worse things that should be illegal and I don’t think it does harm,” said an anonymous female source who wished to remain anonymous to not be judged.

The penalties for getting caught with

marijuana are severe. The first offence may land a person with a one-year sentence as a misdemeanor and/or a $2,500 fine. The more marijuana found on a person can increase the punishment to a felony with a $100,000 fine.

That also happens with repeat offenders, and their jail time possibilities range from 10-24 months.

“I don’t think its bad for you,” said another anonymous source said.

The “Legalize It” bracelets are a way for supporters to protest the ban on marijuana and try a change the way the law sees marijuana. Many people don’t see harmful effects of the use of marijuana. In medicine it’s sometimes used as a prescription but most supporters see to want the more recreational use of marijuana. People wearing bracelets

JACOB HIGHFILL

want to not have to worry about jail time for an ounce of weed that they said doesn’t necessarily cause physical damage, at least none that they are aware of.

“I find it ridiculous for some reason kids don’t think it’s bad in anyway, to which I respond it’s illegal for a reason,” counselor Robin Anderson said.

Columnist sheds light on personal experience with marijuana Editor’s Note: This column was written by a Bluestreak staff member who wishes to remain anonymous because of possible damage to reputation.

The staff member wanted to share his experiences to encourage other students to avoid smoking marijuana for the first time.

It is a highly debated whether marijuana should or should not be legalized in the United States. With legalization pushes by the state of California, I felt it would be appropriate to write about my personal experience with the drug.

As a whole, I personally do not feel that weed should be illegal. Granted, plenty of drawbacks exist to smoking weed; however there are plenty of benefits. I want to make it clear that I am not saying that weed is good for people and everyone should do it, but more so, this is strictly my opinion as to whether people should become involved with the drug.

My answer is: No. Weed is a drug, and like any other drug, it’s only a temporary fix over deeper problems that lie within the mind.

This was my problem with smoking: I saw it as an escape from everyday issues and saw it as a way to forget about my inhibitions, which was a huge problem. I became carefree about life in general and only cared about myself and what was best for me, completely disregarding the feelings of those I truly cared about in my life.

When I say I think legalization should be pushed, I say that because of the fact that when not abused, it’s a lot of fun to smoke.

The problem is that once someone gets wrapped into the world of weed smoking, there’s no going back, and his reputation as the person he was before smoking fades away entirely.

I learned this the hard way as many of my friendships were strained and I became entirely wrapped up in myself making stupid decisions and doing dumb things I regret to this day.

Granted, I do think that weed did offer plenty of benefits: relieving pain, taking away stress, making situations much more fun, and taking away anxiety—which is why the avail-

ability of marijuana for medicinal purposes has become much more widespread across the country. There’s always a reason for everything, and weed being legal or not legal is an argument that has two very compelling sides to the stories.

What makes smoking weed so attractive is the fact that it is illegal; it is somewhat of a thrill doing something that is considered to be against the law. If it were legal, it would not be an out-of-the-ordinary thing, and the buzz for it would die down.

In my prime of smoking weed, it became a habitual thing, where I was doing it on such a regular basis, and I always thought I could get away with it…not long after, I finally got caught. While the experience of getting busted sucked, it was most certainly an eye opener for me, and in the time following I took a deep look at myself and what weed did to me psychologically.

Marijuana is bad simply because it’s illegal.

In my honest opinion, alcohol is much worse then weed. With alcohol, one loses complete control over oneself and becomes a zombie.

When one is completely smashed on booze, there is no comparison to the chill and relaxed feeling of being high. Under the influence of marijuana, one still has control over body functions and maintains a sense of maturity, although it may be severely impaired.

My stance on the drug is while I enjoyed my time with it, quitting was a great decision because in the end, while I made my fair share of mistakes in the past, no longer smoking marijuana will keep me from continuing to make the same decisions I did in the past.

As I said before, I believe the push toward legalization should be continued, but until something in that department happens, I urge everyone not to get involved with smoking weed. While it is fun to do and an enjoyable time, in the end it is not worth it. It destroys relationships and causes nothing but stress in the end.

Take my word for it guys, until it’s legal, don’t smoke if you can. I love it as much as the next person, but getting in trouble and destroying the relationships you care most for isn’t worth it.

Nov. 11, 2010

19

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KAITLYN DEYOUNG

ADHD and ADD: Students handle side effects of disorders

katherineHARTLEY staff writer

According to the National Mental Health Association, ADD and ADHD are two of the most common childhood mental disorders with two million teens in America suffering from them.

ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is a disorder that causes teens to have trouble focusing, and may cause them to become restless and possibly more impulsive than others.

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, has many of the same symptoms including distractibility.

“The difference between the two is that ADD does not respond as well to medications, and students with ADD tend to be more lethargic and not so hyperactive,” school psychologist Tom Mierau said. “ADHD is not a static disability, it manifests differently at different ages.”

Both the mental disorders affect students during the school and workday.

“I can’t focus and I can’t sit still. I also have to be tapping my foot all the time,” a sophomore male said.

ADD and ADHD can propose larger obstacles for students dealing with these disorders as opposed to students who don’t, or those who take medication for their ADD/ ADHD. “Students dealing with this learn differently. They have different struggles with getting the info that is given to them. Some can set

themselves in front of a room and focus, but for others that doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg,” counselor Robin Anderson said.

The way a teacher presents their work can also determine whether an ADD or ADHD student will be able to pay attention.

“Students with ADD tend to have a harder time taking tests and generally works slower, but the distractibility makes them lose focus.

It’s not because they’re slow, they are focusing on too many things. When a teacher is presenting boring stuff, that’s when they lose focus.

Those students tend to do better with hands on activities,” Mierau said.

A student can determine whether they have ADD or ADHD or not by being tested and diagnosed by a doctor. It is important to seek medical help if there is a possibility of either disorder because these two disorders could be mixed up with other medical problems such as severe depression.

“I was tested in eight grade because my teachers thought that I had ADD. I do have trouble focusing in class, but I passed the test and don’t have it,” a sophomore said said.

Once being diagnosed with either disorder, it is important for a student to begin taking some kind of medical treatment, especially those dealing with ADD. According to Mr. Tom Mierau, a high percentage of kids who get killed in car wrecks because of risk taking behaviors have ADHD. “One of the chief reasons for medicating a student dealing with ADHD is to keep

them safe from themselves, because they can become so distracted behing the wheel” Mierau said.

There are several courses of treatment that students can go through to help them deal with their learning disabilities.

“I take medication every morning, and without it I can’t pay attention. I will talk a lot or move because I can’t stay comfortable. I usually get a couple of detentions throughout those days. When I take it, it effects my mood and I’m usually not very talkative,” a junior male said.

Options besides medicine are also widely

available as well. Alternative treatments include computer programs.

“I had to do this computer program over this entire summer because that was supposed to help fix my ADHD,” a sophomore male said.

Medication can be a positive or negative thing for a student, and it may have long lasting side effects and for that reason some parents choose not to treat their children medicinally.

“My medication makes me more awake and alert, so academically it’s a positive thing.

But with anything else, I hate it,” a junior male said.

School psychologist tests students for possible learning disabilities robynHERBERT

in-depth editor

ALEX DURANO

Tom Mierau tests students for learning disabilities.

“Normally the teachers or special education teacher do the testing, but I do it here (in this district) because I enjoy it,” Mieran said.

20

Nov. 11, 2010

When a student struggles in school, the school psychologist, Tom Mierau, steps in and lends a hand.

“When a student is having difficulty in school, the parents, teacher or even the student can ask for extra help. That is when I step in” Mierau said.

Mierau tests students who may have a learning disability or may be a candidate to be in the gifted program, meaning that a normal curriculum does not challenge them enough and they need extra mental stimulation.

“I test ability, achievement and processing skills when I test a student; I try to divide the time evenly between the three [tests]. Most psychologists only test the ability, but I think processing skills and achievement are extremely important, ” Mierau said.

Mierau is entering his eleventh year as psychologist to the high school, the middle school and Robert M. Martin Elementary.

“I spent 30 years teaching prior to this,;17 of those were in Haysville before I came to Butler county. That really helps me understand how precious a teacher’s time is, so I try to do more,” Mierau said.

Toward the end of his in-classroom ca-

reer, Mierau went back to school to work on another degree.

“I first went to school in Bethel and WSU. I got my masters at WSU in mental retardation and special education,” Mierau said. “I later went back while I was teaching and got a specialty degree in school psychology.”

When he finished his degree, Mierau decided that life as a teacher was no longer for him.

“When I got too old to be chasing down kids, I decided to step into more of a grandfatherly position,” Mierau said.

In most districts, the gifted facilitator or another teacher administers these tests, but Mierau feels he is doing more good by taking on that responsibility himself.

“Normally the teachers or special education teachers do the testing, but I do it here (in this district) because I enjoy it, and I would rather see the teachers spending their extra time making life better for their students rather than assessing,” Mierau said.

Those who work closest to Mierau enjoy his help and his overall assistance with anything they need.

“He is a great resource person, good to brainstorm with. I really enjoy working with him,” school speech pathologist Julie Henderson said.

“

I love my job because it’s like being Sherlock Holmes; its a puzzle you have you solve. tomMIERAU

”

Co-workers find humor in Mierau’s resemblance to one of his favorite characters.

“Something interesting about Mr. Mierau is his uncanny resemblance to Sherlock Holmes --watch for him when the weather turns cold -- you’ll see the hat and cape,” gifted facilitator Amber Riedy said.

Mierau also likens himself to Sir Arthur Conon Doyle’s character.

“I love my job because it’s like being Sherlock Holmes; it’s a puzzle you have to solve.

When I figure out why a student has been struggling in school it is an “Ah-Ha!” moment, it makes life interesting,” Mierau said.

Henderson admires Mierau for his talented ability to make his job fun for kids and himself.

“He combines humor and compassion,” Henderson said, “which makes him even better suited for his job.”

cultureSHOCK<<

‘Jackass 3-D’ entertains

Blackberry vs. iPhone: which works best for you?

You are...

Involved with social networking.

Business Oriented.

ryanLAKE

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Texting, calling, games and apps.

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Do you need a lot of memory?

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The iPhone DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

They’re back! With more crap (literally). Jackass 3-D is 94 minutes of exactly what one would expect.

The flick has everyone back in the saddle again. Johnny Knoxville has not learned from past experiences and is trying to break his body this time around.

A prank gets Bam Margera to cry.

Steve-O is actually sober, but still willing to take a pounding. Preston Lacy and Wee-man (Jason Acuna) show why they are one of the funniest tag-teams on screen.

Dave England still has problems with his bowels. Danger Ehren will do whatever is necessary to make the final cut. Ryan Dunn and Chris Pontius act as the super glue that keeps the crew rolling.

Plus, all their friends from over the years show up for a stunt or two. Whether they like it or not.

If you’ve been living in a bubble-or actually decided to mature and grow up-Jackass debuted just about ten years ago on MTV. It was a group made up of skateboarders and guys with time on their hands and that pulled off stupid stunts.

The show gained enough popularity to warrant a feature length movie. And then another.

Since the show, numerous acts have tried to emulate the Jackass crew. None have ever come close.

Reason being…Chemistry.

Yep, chemistry matters. Even in this atmosphere of hand held cameras capturing juvenile ideas.

Just like a band, if the guys do not have respect for one another, the magic can’t happen, no matter how much one forces it.

Director Jeff Tremaine is still pulling the strings as director, and this installment is his best effort to date. He may have got a little too happy with the constant slow-motion shots in this flick,

but his positioning of the camera to capture the unknown result is classic (ex. Bam getting a “high five”). Once again, the opening segment sets the tone right away and fires up the audience. The Jackass franchise knows how to pull back the curtain and instantly bring the audience into their twisted playground.

The “playground” is definitely more creative yet it doesn’t deviate away from the true Jackass formula. All the antics are still simple in concept.

At times though, the simple concept has the benefit of a bigger budget. Bringing in an airplane may seem a bit much.

Seeing how the crew use the plane ushers in the true spirit of this product.

Jackass 3-D is the first flick that may make your stomach turn. And this installment has less nudity and gay activities than the previous two.

Although the nudity and feces are scaled back, the moments when they’re on the screen will give an untested Jackass viewer that sick feeling. That smile won’t leave your face though.

Overall, a few stunts fall flat due to the audience expecting so much more. That said, this is the funniest installment yet.

The guys are having a riot on screen destroying themselves and the audience will feed off their energy. If you’re a fan, see Jackass 3-D right now. I give this film my blessing.

“

Jackass 3-D is the first flick that may make your stomach turn.

”

ryanLAKE

Nov. 11, 2010

21

Students regard illegal downloading as a normal task alexHERNANDEZ staff writer

A new Lil Wayne song just hit the Internet, and most people are dying to get it. But, it cost $3, and some do not want to spend that much for one song.

According to Wikipedia, the definition of illegal downloading is file sharing or the practice of distributing or providing access to digitally stored information, such as computer programs, multi-media, documents or electronic books. It may be implemented in a variety of storage, transmission, and distribution models.

“I do not feel like paying a dollar for a single song on iTunes,” sophomore Alli Mavis said.

Seeing a brand new top-listing song next to that $3 price breaks hearts. So, students choose to go download the song for free and just keep going on like it is totally normal, not realizing they have just committed illegal downloading.

“No, [I don’t feel bad] because half the people in the world do it,” sophomore Bryce Newton, former illegal downloader said.

People do not know that illegal downloading actually does cheat the record labels; from the singer to songwriters to the technicians editing making the production of the song possible.

“The record labels have plenty of money,” sophomore Jerad Rogers said.

On iTunes, the usual price range is

99 cents-$1.29 for a song depending on its popularity and how new it is. One person doing it is not exactly cheating the record label a ton of money, but when thousands of people are doing it, the losses start to add up.

“I think it is fine,” sophomore Courtney Wallace said. “No policeman really watches what you do with your music.”

Recently the law has been catching up with some of the sites that have the free downloads. Limewire, one of the biggest sites for illegal downloading was issued a legal injunction preventing users to access the site.

“Everyone illegally downloads,” sophomore Kade Baker said.

PHOTOS BY DEVIN DYMKOWSKI

As a way to avoid paying relitavely expensive prices for songs, students find it easier to simply download a song offline.

This, however, is an illegal task, so some sites are being shut down. This task, even to protect the music artists, angers many different students.

Two Staffers participate in:

No Shave November

Bluestreak staff members senior Rylee Ellison and junior Ryan Lake plan to participate in No Shave November. No Shave November is a month in which people choose not to shave either their legs or face. Many students are involved in the festivities. The staff will keep you updated for the later results. Photos were taken Nov. 1, demonstrating a cleanly shaven face and leg.

22

Nov. 11, 2010

THE BLUESTREAK

COSTUME AWARDS Staffer makes her top picks on Halloween costumes on dress up day for students and staff

BEST HOMEADE

Name: Ashton Schrag, Rylee Ellison, Elisa Martin, Kelsey Phillips, Taylor Nichols and Kristin Baker How long it took to get ready in the morning:1 hour (30 minutes to make) Idea: Surfing the web for ideas

BEST GROUP

Name: Kasey Criser, Kelsey Dick, Camille Hantla, Lindsay Frederick How long it took to get ready in the morning: 30 minutes Idea: We are all in history together and were all brownies when we were younger.

FUNNIEST

Name: Cody LaCrone How long it took to get ready in the morning: 20 minutes Idea: past costume

BEST LOOK A LIKE

MOST CREATIVE CRAZIEST

Name: Ashley Hernadez How long it took to get ready in the morning: 20 minutes Idea: Got the costume last year and I like guitars

Name: Michael Foster How long it took to get ready in the morning: 3 hours Idea: Rocky Horror, big fan

Name: Glen Karnes How long it took to get ready in the morning: 1 hour Idea: watched dodge ball Information collected by: Suzanna Gehrer

Nov. 11, 2010

23

JACOB HIGHFILL

Junior Katelyn Rose enjoys ice cream purchased during C lunch. Rose along with other students supported Market Day hosted by the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas class.

“Market Day was really fun because they had lots of good choices of food and none of it was overly expensive,” Rose said.

KAITLYN DEYOUNG

Junior Rachel Arbuckle and counseler Robin Anderson prepare trays of fried rice. Arbuckle sold rice from Emperor’s Grill. She sold out before C lunch began.

STUDENTS CA H IN AT

MARKET DAY KAITLYN DEYOUNG

JACOB HIGHFILL

Senior Victoria Lee scoops cheese into a bowl for Market Day. Lee sold chips and queso.

Scott Hale, Business Professional Advisor for Koch Industries, the Business Professional for Heights High School, and Kylie Stupka, Executive Director of YEK, sit around a table and savor their Market Day purchases.

JACOB HIGHFILL

24

Nov. 11, 2010

Students stand in line waiting to purchase food from YEK students. Market Day took place on Nov. 4.

KAITLYN DEYOUNG

Senior Jordan Haas unties cups to prepare his table for Market Day. Haas sold cookies and Kool-Aid.