Andover High Trojan Bluestreak- Issue 4

TTB the trojan bluestreak

1744 N. Andover Rd. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 26 - Issue 5 Dec. 2, 2011

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What Would You Do?

Exploring the consequences of risky behavior {pg. 15-18}

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news: Officer Parker to leave position, new officer replacing him in January {pg.

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feature: science teacher develops new method of teaching uses of a microscope{pg. 10}

sports: soccer coach Chris Lemons playing for wichita soccer team {pg. 22}

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Food drive brings in less than expected for needy Going from the skyrocketing amounts of food donated last year to a major decrease this year, StuCo’s annual food drive took some unexpected turns.

“I personally think one of the reasons we didn’t do as well this is year is a combination of the economy, advertisement from StuCo, and the announcements,” Sophomore Elizabeth Yowell said.

This year Andover High School students and staff donated 3,705 items for the food drive, a major decrease compared to last years total of around 6,000 donated items. Many staff members believe the root of this problem was the economy hit.

“With the economy being rough, it’s hard for many to donate,” math teacher and StuCo advisor Rachel Neibling said. “But sometimes a problem with the food drive is students not being willing to donate.”

Even though the lack of items donated is a disappointment to many, there were still many benefits.

Andover beat Andover Central and since the school raised 20% more items then Andover Central, Principal Bob Baier has to shave his mustache.

“I think it’s hilarious that Mr. Baier has to shave his mustache,” sophomore Maddie Routhier said.

“It was good motivation for students to bring more food.”

StuCo also encouraged students to bring items for the food drive by offering rewards to classes who brought the most. The resource room, the counselors and library aides, Miller, and Conover were some of the highest donating classes and were rewarded with either a pizza party or baked treats.

“Students tend to want to donate more when parties are offered,” Neibling said. “But students also should want to donate because it’s for a good cause and helps out the unfortunate.”

Snip-its

Junior Bill Hodge and sophomore Garrett Swanson sort food before they take it to the United Methodist Food Bank. Photo by Heba Madi Another benefit of the food drive was the large amount of unfortunate local citizens who didn’t go hungry over Thanksgiving and will have food for Christmas as well.

“People who don’t normally get a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner are able to receive the food everyone donated,” Yowell said. “It’s good to do things for those who are less fortunate, especially around the holidays. It makes a lot of difference in my attitude when it comes to giving.”

After the final day of the food drive, StuCo members took all the donated items to the local United Methodist Food Bank.

“We brought all the food there, sorted and

StuCo adds ‘Winter Wishes’ to activities

Vanity Fair has been an activity that students participate in that takes place on Valentine’s Day and gives students the chance to send little gifts to friends. This year StuCo will be sponsoring the winter version of this, entitled “Winter Wishes.”

“We’re doing Winter Wishes because it’s a season for giving and it spreads holiday cheer,” junior StuCO representative Becca Butts said.

“Winter Wishes” will be selling various items including sugar cookies, hot cocoa mix, candy canes and eskimo kisses. The Madrigals will also be delivering singing grams to students and staff members at the school. The prices will range from 50 cents to five dollars.

“Winter Wishes,” StuCo sponsor Rachael Neibling said. “Is a fun way to show students they’re thinking about each other during the holidays.”

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boxed items, and handed out food to people waiting in line,” Routhier said. “Everything was used and we had to make sure we handed out food of nutritional value.”

StuCo hopes that students take this years decrease of donations into consideration and look at the next food drive opportunity as a chance to donate more.

“I think,” Yowell said. “The food drive went alright, I know our school could have done better, but everyone helped to turn it around the last few days.”

brookeLEATHERMAN

District monitors progress by survey

Sophomore Austin Beahm works for a shot during the beginning of basketball practice. The team plays tonight against Goddard Eisenhower to start off the season. Photo by Alex Durano

The Climate Survey is a survey taken by students, teachers and staff. The climate survey is used to monitor bullying and satisfaction with different activities and review the results with the SITE council.

“Ultimately what they tell us is what we need to improve on,” principal Bob Baier said.

Results in the past have shown that 67 percent of the surveyors feel “satisfied” with Andover schools. Student’s polls showed that they’re most satisfied with the quality of core subjects (84.5 percent). The staff survey showed that staffers are most satisfied with the administration (95.3 percent).

“Survey results,” Baier said. “Will be posted soon on our website and if students or parents have questions they can come to me.”

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Clubs sponsors holiday programs for children in need Christmas charities, such as It’s A Kids Christmas and Operation Christmas Child offer students opportunities to give back through their clubs.

Each year, students in K4K have the opportunity to participate in It’s A Kids Christmas.

“It’s A Kid’s Christmas exists to help other kids that are abused and neglected. It perfectly aligns with the mission of Kids 4 Kids,” K4K sponsor Jane Harwell said.

It’s A Kid’s Christmas not only helps foster children but the families of these children.

“This event that Kids 4 Kids put together gives the kids the opportunity to pick out gifts to give to their loved ones so they can participate in the giving of Christmas,” sophomore Victoria Haas said.

K4K begins preparing for this event months in advance.

“In a sense we prepare all year long for this event because we work concessions and solicit donations from businesses and even other events such as Voice Of The Children and Trunk Or Treat help to fund It’s A Kids Christmas,” Harwell said.

In addition to hosting other events for the program, students also take an active involvement in purchasing the gifts.

“We have to buy the gifts, sort them into age groups, and set them out on the day and we also have to make decorations,” sophomore Jenny Hahn said.

Students in K4K have been participating in this event on the first Saturday of December every year since 2004. The event will be held Dec. 3.

“I love that It’s a Kids Christmas isn’t to get gifts

for themselves, but to give gift to their foster parents,” Hahn said. “Last year it was amazing to see how excited the kids were to get the gifts for their family. I didn’t hear one kid complain about not getting the gifts for themselves, they were just so excited to give the gifts.”

Sophomore Thomas Burns agreed and said the group of people he worked with added to the atmosphere of the program.

“What I like most about It’s a Kids Christmas is helping the kids that don’t have the things that we have and putting a smile on their face,” Burns said.

“It was a blast. We had a ton of people show up and it was a lot of fun.”

Students are excited about past involvement and look forward to participating in the future.

“I want to participate as long as I can, because it is a great program and it brings so much joy,” Hahn said.

Operation Christmas Child is another Christmas charity hosted by FCS. “It’s an effort to collect items for children in foreign countries to have in a Christmas package,” English teacher Julie Hying said.

This event helps children around the world at Christmas time.

“Operation Christmas Child is a charity where you pack a shoe box full of different things such as little toys or school supplies for little girls or boys that live around the world that can’t afford gifts for Christmas,” freshman Meg Plank said. “The people at the organization ship out the packed boxes and are delivered to the children on Christmas morning.”

Students said this is important because it gives

students an opportunity to help at Christmas time.

“I think it’s important because something as little as this with things inside that we take for granted every day brings the kids so much joy,” sophomore Mackenzie Pepper said.

This was FCS’ first time participating in this charity students feel it was successful.

“It was success so we will probably do it in the future,” Hallmark said.

Students get involved during the holidays to help those less fortunate then themselves.

“Charity,” Hallmark said, “is one tool to help other people and use your wealth from God to give to his children.”

haileyPURDY

Preparing for Operation Christmas Child 1. Students create a list of items they can pack in boxes 2. They divide the items between the group members and shop for them 3. Once the items are purchased, they put them into the boxes and prepare them for shipping.

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Challenging college-level courses provide benefits for future college students, graduates When selecting classes for their junior and senior years, students have the option to enroll for advanced placement (AP) or dual credit classes, which can reward them with tremendous benefits.

Social studies teacher Joel Schaefer has taught AP United States History for 10 years. He said that AP classes greatly help students prepare for college.

“AP classes help kids tremendously in preparing for college,” Schaefer said. “They put kids in college situations. AP [classes] mirror college classes, but they are smaller.”

In order to qualify to teach AP courses, teachers have to adhere to the curriculum. Science teacher Sherri Schaake-Bushell has taught AP Biology since the early 1980’s and said that she had to meet some standards to make sure her class could be considered AP. “In order to be called an AP class, you have to go through what’s called an AP audit,” Schaake-Bushell said. “You have to turn in your syllabus and labs to make sure you are teaching AP material. Biology just had a course redesign, which modernized everything, and I had to attend a new seminar to learn all of the new material.”

Graduated in 2010, Elizabeth Eney took AP biology and dual credit English her senior year of high school. Taking those classes was beneficial for her.

“AP biology helped me a lot by preparing me for the intense reading I have to do now in college since I’m taking harder and time consuming classes,” Eney said. “It helped me prepare for the demands professors

have that high school teachers may be a little more relaxed on. Like in high school, you can take a test without carefully reading the chapters assigned to you. You cannot do that in college.”

Graduate in 2011, Nicole Kirkhart took AP biology, college algebra, applied statistics, and dual credit English while in high school.

Taking those classes showed her the fast pace of college.

“They got me prepared for the work that was expected at the college level and how fast a college class can go,” Kirkhart said.

Senior April Richardson has taken AP U.S. History, college algebra, applied statistics, dual credit English and will be taking AP U.S. Government next semester. Taking those classes will help prepare her for the demands of college.

“I won’t have TA’s (teacher assistants) attempting to fail me thanks to taking those classes,” Richardson said.

English teacher Mike Lee has been teaching dual credit English since 2001. He said that dual credit classes are also highly beneficial for future college students.

“Not only do you get college credit, you get it from teachers with experience,” Lee said. “They know you and they are more willing to help.”

Lee said that he tries to make his class as college-like as possible with the parameters of a high school building. Schaake-Bushell, on the other hand, said her class is a hands-down college level class.

“I run labs during the class period,” Schaake-Bushell said. “[The] students are to read the material and

understand it on their own, just like in college.”

Sophomore Katie Wiggins said she plans on taking AP US History, dual credit or AP Government, college algebra, statistics and dual credit English in order to prepare herself for college. She wants to take the classes in order to challenge herself.

“Knowing me, I’d get bored really easily in on-level classes,” Wiggins said. “I won’t have to take any weird classes [or] required classes [my] freshman year [of college].”

Eney said that taking dual credit and AP classes are worth the time and effort that is required for those classes and it is always a good idea to be thinking about the future.

“It’s always a good idea to get a head start if you’re thinking about higher education,” Eney said. “If you prepare for college early, it will help you a lot, especially in the transition.”

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Current SRO moves to patrol, new officer takes place As School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) Lance Parker prepares to go back to patrolling the streets of Andover, Officer Heath Kintzel will fill his spot at the high school.

“I believe that he’s a valued staff member and he’s gone to a lot of training to help our students, and he’s made connections with the students personally and professionally, it’s sad to see him go, but I understand his desire to get back on the streets,” principal Bob Baier said.

Taking the place of Officer Parker is no easy task, he’s worked here at Andover for about four years. During this time he has formed good-standing relationships with both students as well as staff.

“I wish him the best of luck, though I didn’t always see eye to eye with him at times, we did joke around a lot and I’ll miss him,” senior Peach Ablah said.

Parker will be moving back to patrol on Dec. 26, he will work daytime shifts, until January rolls around then he’ll be able to pick-up night-time shifts and

S.R.O Lance Parker will be leaving Andover High School after winter break to continue with patrolling the streets of Andover. Officer Heath Kintzel will take Parker’s place at the high school. Photo by Suzanna Gehrer

cases. The new S.R.O. will be taking over after winter break and is anxious to get work done.

“I’ll think he’ll be a good addition to the S.R.O. program, he’ll be different from me, but he’ll still do the same job, which is to ensure a safe learning environment,” Parker said.

His decision to leave was tough, but well thought out, Parker is hopeful for the future, and for the new S.R.O. and hopes that he will like this job as much as he has. The connections to the students here run deep for Parker.

“I’ve gained a lot of friendships in this school. I love working with the kids, helping them grow and learn from the mistakes they made,” Parker said.

With Parker leaving and with many close bonds being left behind, the new S.R.O. will have a lot to catch up on. Between forming new bonds and adapting to the new challenges that come with being an S.R.O. officer.

“It’s going to take some time for him to adjust to the school,” Baier said. “The setting getting to know the kids, and staff and change is always a challenge.”

One thing that students and staff may not know about Kintzel is that one of his family members is a student at the school. Senior TJ Rigg is Kintzel’s stepnephew through his step-grandfather, Kintzel’s father.

“Even though I don’t know him very well,” Rigg said. “I’m confident that he will do a good job being the school resource officer.”

Rigg said as the new resource officer, Kintzel will step up to the plate and be able to create a safe environment for the students and staff.

“I know that he will do a proficient job at it,” Rigg said. “I’m excited to see what he will do with as the resource offier. We are getting a really good guy.”

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{feature}

Senior Adam Hilbert salutes the flag of the United States. HIlbert is planning on joining the Air Force after completing high school.

Photo by Brooke Hilbert

Students face advantages,hardships due to decision to participate in military

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As job security worsens, students are beginning to think about the military as a career choice.

Students can join the military during or after high school or during or after college. Junior Fluke Buathong plans on joining after high school.

“Some of the benefits are a steady job, unmatched benefits like medical, money for family, grocery and vacation, pride in your job, great people, training that you can apply for the rest of your life, free college while you are enlisted, MGIB for when you get out, and 30 days paid leave for a year,” Buathong said.

Junior Trey Link also plans on joining the military, but at the end of the month. Education and health care are some of the benefits he likes about joining the military, but there are also many disadvantages of joining.

“Being away from family or going to war are some of the big disadvantages,” Link said.

Dec. 2, 2011

Similarly, sophomore Maddie Routhier looks to the military as her future because of benefits such as more college opportunities. Even more, it would allow her to go through medical school while she is serving.

“It provides a lot of opportunities in the medical field and is a great way to serve my country,” Routhier said.

Different opportunities and a variety of other jobs are what attracted junior Drew Murray to the military. Murray either wants to join the Air Force or the Marine Corps. “[Some disadvantages of joining the military would be] dying or getting injured to the point where I can’t work,” Murray said.

According to military.com, one must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, at least 17-years-old, have a high school diploma, and must pass a physical medical exam to even begin thinking about joining the military. Students choose to go into the military for a multitude of different reasons.

“It’s a job that I like and I believe that I can do it and also I can get benefits for my family,” Buathong said.

Other students, such as Link, want to be a part of the military because they grew up in homes where parents participated in the military. And some, such as Routhier, want to serve their country and fight to

keep the country’s freedom. These students the advantages of the military out weigh the disadvantages.

“There’s always that chance that I would have to go into a combat situation, and leave my family,” Routhier said.

Within the military many different job opportunities are available. Some of these jobs would require someone to go into combat, but other jobs would not be require someone to go into combat.

“My first choice is to be a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force and my second choice is to join the U.S. Navy SEAL,” Buathong said.

Other benefits of the military is that there a college scholarship programs and programs like Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). ROTC is a program where students could go to college while still enlisted in the military.

“I will go to college and be in the ROTC programs with a civil engineering major,” Link said.

Because of how many opportunities the militaryoffers students, enlisting in the military could be a stable decision in a time of economic instability.

“Many of the opportunities available to people in the military are job training,” Link said. “A steady pay check, education and health care.”

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Seniors choose to serve in armed forces Photo by Cale Minear

Glenn Karnes

“Would you join the military?”

Tim Penrod

This December, senior Tim Penrod will begin his once a month training for the Reserve.

“My grandfather was a marine during the World War II and he died before I really got to know him” Penrod said, “This would be tribute to him.”

Penrod said he has always wanted to become a soldier and is excited about his future “My biggest fear is being deployed and then being in a horrible ambush, like you seen in ‘Black Hawk Dawn,’ and seeing all my friends blown up to bits,” Penrod said.

Penrod believes that the physical aspect and working with unfamiliar people are the biggest obstacles of his training.

“I could do 25 pushup before I went but now I can do 65 in two minutes,” Penrod said.

With the Reserve, Penrod hopes to learn valuable life lesson that he will need in the long run. He also believes the Reserve would help him pursue his law enforement career.

“It will give me more varieties of experiences,” Penrod said, “and a work ethic that I never had.”

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Adam Hilbert

Senior Adam Hilbert is at the beginning of his journey to become a member of the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP).

“Right now I am at one level, you have to take that course to go to basic training,” Hilbert said. “I will go to basics and then technical school. After that, I’ll legally be a TACP.” According to the U.S. Air Force, TACP is one of the few true front-line combat jobs in the Air Force. Ensuring deliverance of bombs or calling out air-strikes are some of the few responsibilities of this job. However, Hibert said few barriers remain to be crossed in or for him to become TACP specialist.

“I am most nervous for tech school; I think it will be my biggest obstacle,” Hilbert said.

Hilbert became motivated to look into the armed forces due to his father’s stories. In addition, the honor and the prestige of the job also has a certain appeal for Hilbert.

“It’s like the varsity, not everyone can become TACP,” Hilbert said. “It’s the best people Air Force has to offer.”

24 would join

38 would

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27 were indifferent

Use smart phones to access The Trojan Bluestreak’s Issuu.com page, where all the issues are present.

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160 students females

Senior Glenn Karnes now awaits for the response that determines whether or not he will receive a scholarship for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program.

“Right now, I don’t know if I will go out for it because I don’t know if I got the scholarship or not,” Karnes said. “I will find out in February.”

The NROTC program resembles a four-year college system in which students learn about matters such as military history and are put through a physical fitness program. During the junior year of college, students are sent to Officer Candidates School (OCS).

“If I pass [OCS] I will become a marine officer and after my senior year, I will be a second lieutenant,” Karnes said.

Karnes was attracted towards the NROTC after seeing how other people, including his father, benefited from the program. He said the program helped them getting a career, exciting experiences and learning new things.

“I am most excited about,” Karnes said. “Seeing the country, being deployed and seeing the world.”

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Photo by Cale Minear

Photo by Brooke Hilbert

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Use smart phones to access The Trojan Bluestreak’s website for current news coverage.

Dec. 2, 2011

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Science teacher, student build microscope tool Walking into science teacher Daniel Smalley’s classroom, one would immediately see his love for the subject that he teaches in his own unique way.

One way Smalley plans on teaching his students biology is through a microscope. Using an iPhone 4, Smalley places it on a square plate that holds the iPhone while he takes a picture. He then plugs the iPhone into his computer and is able to blow the image up, demonstrating the tremendous detail a microscope can show. Smalley got the idea for this project from his cousin.

“My cousin, who is also my best friend, thought of the idea,” Smalley said. “We grew up together and attended school together. We came up with the idea and built a prototype version at a biology teacher’s convention. We didn’t do any research for it. We just talked together about it. I knew it could work and I just wanted to do it.”

Smalley had freshman Coby Hanshaw build a holder for the iPhone during shop class. Hanshaw spent about two weeks building the holder.

“He came to me with the idea about [four weeks ago],” Hanshaw said. “I built a metal square which is a holder for the iPhone. We put an iPhone on it and it worked.”

To test this new method of looking under a microscope, Smalley required an iPhone 4. Freshman Kenton Criser provided him with one.

“One day, he just saw my iPhone and just asked for it,” Criser said.

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Before putting the iPhone holder on, the microscope is like any other.

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When the image is put onto Smalley’s computer, he is able to blow it up for the whole class to see.

Smalley said the amount of detail it shows is almost astonishing. Smalley plans on using his microscope technique beginning next semester.

“We’ll use it [at the beginning of] next semester when we starting talking about cell replication,” Smalley said.

Smalley’s ultimate goal for his students is an embryo genesis project which shows how organisms develop. He plans to work on it next semester with his students.

“My dream is to do a embryo genesis project with my students. We will have glowing eggs that will divide and make glow-in-the-dark fish that we will breed,” Smalley said. “I would like to present it and get an award for it.”

Criser said in addition to Smalley thinking outside the box, his youthfulness adds a certain air to the way he teaches.

“He’s probably the coolest teacher I’ve ever had,” Criser said. “He’s young and is able to relate to us. I like how he goes out of the box to make new discoveries.”

Ultimately, Smalley hopes to contribute to the school’s standard of high quality education.

“I’m really blown away by the quality of Freshman Coby Hanshaw builds an iPhone holdeducation the students get here,” Smalley said. “I want er for science teacher Daniel Smalley. Hanshaw to contribute to that.” spent two weeks building the holder. Photo by tjRIGG Daniel Smalley

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Smalley adjusts the iPhone holder before putting the iPhone on it.

The iPhone is placed on the holder and the image is put into focus.

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Once in focus, Smalley takes pictures or videos of what is underneath the microscope.

Senior discovers new future in rowing Throughout the four years students are in high school, the desire to discover what they will do in the future begins to expand. For senior Hanna Larsen, one of her choices preparing for college has been decided as she will be on the rowing team at Kansas State University.

Though it is not advertised much in the midwest, this sport is about to become a crucial aspect in Hanna’s priorities.

“I love traveling, meeting new people and working out, which are all the things rowing involves,” Hanna said.

Kansas State University recruiters such as Grace Riekenberg search for tall high school athletes such as basketball or volleyball players, as they are easier to identify. They also recruit students from other various sport backgrounds such as track, swimming and soccer.

“I first noticed Hanna on the basketball roster,” Riekenberg said.

Hanna received the scholarship offer last May at a basketball game while Riekenberg was scouting potential athletes.

After identifying an athlete, Riekenberg and her recruiting staff contact her to ask if she is interested in participating in a Division I level of athletics and if Kansas State is one of her college options.

Kansas State searches for as many athletes as possible to receive the highest level of competition.

“The bigger the team, the more motivated each athlete will be and the faster we will be as a team,” Riekenberg said.

Fellow senior and twin sister Katy Larsen was also asked to join the K-State rowing team.

“I decided [rowing] wasn’t for me,” Katy said.

Even though rowing is not in Katy’s future, Kansas State will be.

“I’ll be there next year to make sure she’s getting out of bed in the morning and working hard,” Katy said.

Senior Hanna Larsen is planning on rowing at Kansas State University next year. She will spend her first year training, beginning in Aug. 2012. File Photo Since freshmen are not allowed to compete, Hanna will train throughout the year for the seasons to come.

“We practice as a team whenever school is in session, so Hanna will begin training with us on Aug. 20, 2012,” Riekenberg said.

The team mainly practices on Tuttle Creek Reservoir, which provides 20 plus miles of open water. Several on-campus facilities are also provided for other training.

“I’m excited she’s rowing and I hope it’s a good experience for her,” Katy said.

The rest of her family and friends are supportive of this transition as well.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity,” Hanna said. “I’m really looking forward to being a K-State athlete.”

sydneySTAEHR

Fast Facts: ROWING

• Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, was a rower.

• Rowers were the third largest U.S. delegation (48 athletes) to the Olympic Games in 2000.

• Eight-oared shells are about 60-feet long - that’s 20 yards on a football field.

• The first rowing club in the U.S. was the Detroit Boat Club, founded in 1839.

• Rowing was the first intercollegiate sport contested in the United States. The first rowing race was between Harvard and Yale in 1852.

• Dr. Benjamin Spock, the famous baby doctor, was an Olympic rower in 1924 and won a gold medal in the eight. Gregory Peck rowed at the University of California in 1937. art by Garrett Wolf; Source: www.avoncrew.org

Dec. 2 2011

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{ EDITORIAL} Staff

{editorial}

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Illustration by Alicia Renich

Vote: 23-3 In order to eliminate the fear of losing solid GPAs and encourage students to challenge themselves, advanced courses should receive more grade weight than regular.

Advanced courses pose more challenges and require even more dedication, time and will; thus, it is only logical for students to expect more reward for taking such classes. In addition, the fear of losing their solid GPA strikes every hardworking student when forced to choose between a harder class and a regular class.

In order to eliminate the fear of losing solid GPAs and encourage students to challenge themselves, advanced courses should receive more grade weight than regular.

With the weighted grading system in effect, Andover High might see an increase from the pitiful 13 percent of students taking AP classes. As a result, it establishes the foundation for students to challenge themselves in not only academics and school but life itself.

Even more, the system will finally serve some justice to those students who take demanding classes and then lose their valedictorian spots to those student who take easier classes.

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 KSPA All-Kansas honor recipient.

Dec. 2 2011

kaitlynDEYOUNG&chrisJONES {editors-in-chief}

The most significant concern related to the weighted grading system rest on the possibility of classes such as music, art, or theater losing value. Students might choose courses based on weighted grades rather than their interest.

For example, students would receive greater weight for taking class such as teacher aid, a pass and fail class, than a publication class which a student might receive a B or C. Similarly, another fear is that students interested in the arts would have lower GPA just for following their passion.

However, putting more weight on advance music, art, or theater course offers a simple solution to that problem. So it becomes a win-win situation for students focused on academics and the arts.

Though many colleges remove the weighted grade when evaluating transcripts, a transcript with AP classes with a B or even a C presents a better impression than a transcript with straight As in regular classes.

Also confusion might rise when determining what classes get more weight.

Many student can agree that some classes are more vigorous than some AP classes.

Nevertheless, most AP classes offered at Andover High prepare students for the rhythm in college and motivate them to step outside of their comfort level.

In conclusion, the weighted grade system benefits the already diligent students and provides the gentle push to the students debating whether to challenge themselves or restrict their capacity by taking the easy classes.

ryanLAKE {opinion editor}

henryHOOK {pop culture editor}

kelseyDICK {business manager}

trinaBHATTARAI {senior writer}

edenVIERTHALER {DPS editor}

hollyHEIRONIMOUS {copy chief}

jacobHIGHFILL {photo editor}

alexHERNANDEZ {asst. DPS editor}

katieSCHNEIDER {design editor}

robynHERBERT {writing coach}

tjRIGG {page editor}

chadHAMMAN {web managing editor}

kathrynSILL {senior writer}

aliciaRENICH&samuelLEE {illustrator}

ryanMINEAR {sports editor}

laurenPRILL {circulation manager}

laurenQUAM {fun editor}

{staffers} alexLEFF ericaANDERSON chaseLEMMONS abbyBRADSHAW hebaMADI claireCHRISTOPHERSON caleMINEAR alexDURANO stephanieMUNSON alyssaFRIEND haileyPURDY suzannaGEHRER sydneySTAEHR alyssaGOODMAN mariaSTANLEY jordanHERNANDEZ garrettWOLF brookeHILBERT brookeLEATHERMAN

kristinBAKER {adviser}

New style of music destroying music industry

JULIAN {liebeck} In the course of the last decade, the music-industry has changed dramatically. New artists and genres have basically taken over and the artists people are listening to are disappointing to say the least.

When turning on music television channels such as Fuse or MTV in this it seems to me that there is almost nothing else than auto-tuned voices and the same boring computer-made melodies in the process.

There are often not even any real musical-instruments or instrumentation aside from perhaps garage-band to be involved in the making of this ‘”music”. To put it simply, everything is used from the computer.

The lyrics of the songs are often pointless and without any special meaning, all in the name of landing hits on the airwaves through the radio. For the

songs that have a meaning, they often have the same overall theme, usually about the want and need of women, money and power. it is stunning to see how song lyrics have developed into what they are today.

When seeing music-awards that are broadcasted on TV, it has transitioned to being a severe departure from anything rock related into rap pop, which is extremely disappointing to see.

It’s mostly singers and rappers from the genres of R&B, rap and hip-hop that are nominated and quite frankly, there is little to no musicianship shown by these artists. I think this music is on top because the music-industry prioritizes things that make money, and it is easy to get youth to like any kind of music.

Personally, it is incredibly upsetting to see this style of music being supported and it’s a slap in the face to those who work hard to create music through the practice of being creative and innovative with simple guitar, bass, and drum sounds with lyrics symbolizing something significant.

A combination of auto-tuning, computer-made melodies and poor lyrics seems to me like a really bad piece of music. I’m not talking about rap and hip-hop, which I actually think can be good music. It’s more about this R&B and pop music that comes out all the time, nothing is new even at that.

At times, it can be a good track with some cool effects, but when they make song after song with the

same basics and theme, just a melody that is a little different, I just can’t listen to it and say I am a fan of it. It seems like the newest R&B-artists are just chosen because they are good-looking or have connections.

Their voice can be auto-tuned anyway, so who cares if they can really sing or play music. I’m more of a Rock, Metal, Punk and alternative type of listener myself, and I think it will stay that way. Just because of the fact that I respect music and the creativity that it brings upon people. Music is made to inspire and bring happiness upon people, but for the majority of what our population is now listening to, I can’t help it but be disgusted.

If this “problem” goes on, I can’t even imagine what the future will bring for musicians. I keep thinking that the world will lose its real musicianship, and all music will be computer made, and excist for one single purpose: to earn a lot of money.

Of course, people want to earn money and have a great career, but that shouldn’t be what people get into the business for because what else is music if we don’t have a passion for it.

I feel that anyone from any other time period in music would be incredibly disappointed with how our culture has surrounded itself with the music that is currently being put out. Other genres of music in the rock area need to be more respected and it deserves more support and recognition.

People born with certain rights that cannot be taken away

TJ{rigg} It’s been said that we can never see past the choices we do not understand. I find this too true when it comes to people who protest issues of human rights.

As someone who accepts everyone, regardless of anything that people discriminate against, I find that fact astonishing. I hear people all the time say that they are accepting of people, yet I still see large amounts of prejudices every day, especially in the high school.

Some people always say that homosexual people should not have the right to marry. Every time that I hear this argument, I ask why? Why should people protest having equal rights for everyone? I ask people who are against allowing gay people to be married, why they protest it? Does their choice honestly affect them in their day-to-day life?

Anytime I see members of the Westboro Baptist Church protesting military funerals because the army allows gay people to serve, I always ask myself why

they do that. In all honesty, they should not protest other people’s decisions of those decisions have no direct impact on their lives.

Now I know some people will say “the Bible says that homosexuality is immoral and wrong,” and those people can stop that argument right there. The Bible also says that Jesus loves everyone, regardless of the choices they make in their life.

And then I hear all about the protesting of military funerals because our military allows homosexuals to serve. I get really annoyed at that because not only are those people honoring somebody’s life, they are honoring the life of someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

In all honesty, who cares that our military allows homosexuals to serve? They are simple human beings who are willing to serve in our military in order to preserve our freedoms. People who protest their funerals should suffer some sort of punishment; be it fines or some time in jail, funeral protests needs to carry some sort of punishment.

Then there is the matter of abortion. I have seen dozens of news stories about people protesting abortion. Usually when I see these stories, I see men protesting and I ask myself “why are they protesting it?

They are men, they do not go through the process of giving birth so what is the point of them protesting?”

I have even seen signs on the highway with a picture of a baby on it that says “how much does one abortion cost? One human life,” and I always think “Give me a break, when a child is aborted, they do not

feel it, the embryo is so small that it is about the size of a fingernail so it does not feel anything unless its a late term abortion and in that case, it is up to the woman.”

I understand why some women choose to protest abortion because they believe that it is murder, but at the same time, it is up to the individual to make that decision.

Recently, there was an issue because a Shawnee Mission East student who was under fire for tweeting about disagreeing with Gov. Sam Brownback. Brownback’s staff and the student’s principal demanded that she apologize for tweeting about that and using his name.

They cannot do that. The first amendment includes freedom of speech in it and the student was utlizing that right. Even Brownback himself later said that his staff overreacted to the tweet and apologized on his staff ’s behalf.

Ultimately, the message I’m trying to get across here is that people need to learn how to be accepting of others. Being a homosexual or getting an abortion is a choice that some people choose to make. Just because some people are against it does not mean that they need to protest human rights.

If something does not directly influence someones daily life in a negative way, then they have no cause for protest. And if somebody is a supporter of issues such as human rights, they should have a voice and advocate what they believe in in any way they can.

Personally, I say human rights is something that we are born with, and nobody can take that away from us.

Dec. 2 2011

13

No playoff, no problem: College football better with BCS

CHRIS {jones} There has been a furious debate throughout the college football community during the past decade over whether a playoff system should be adopted. The installation of such a system would send shockwaves through the sports world, but in the end it would ruin what makes college football so great - the idea that every week matters.

For those who are not big fans of college football, or do not fully understand the current BCS system, here is a brief explanation: Each week during the second half of the season, the Bowl Championship Series, or “BCS” rankings are released revealing the top 25 teams in the nation. These rankings are comprised of the coaches’ polls, AP rankings, and a computer formula that determines top teams by looking at such attributes as record, margin of victory, and strength of schedule.

While it is a complicated process, the BCS system has been, and currently is the way we determine who plays in the National Championship game in college football.

What currently makes college football so great, and what playoffs would ruin, is the fact that every week matters in the season. In the BCS system, if a team loses at any time during the season that team automatically drops out of contention for the National Championship, and unless teams in front of you also lose, there is no shot at reaching the ultimate goal of a National Championship Title.

Why change what makes college football so great, and so unique from any other sport.

A major argument for installing a playoff system is that teams that would not normally get a shot at a National Championship would have a fighting chance.

Let’s be serious for a second, could Houston or Boise State beat an Alabama or LSU? No. There is a reason that mostly the same teams from the same conferences play in the National Championship each year, it is because they are superior to the rest and have earned a chance to play for the title.

The ultimate goal for a lesser team with no shot at a national title is to end the season on a positive note, which in most cases means winning a bowl game. Sure we do not really care who wins the New Mexico bowl or the famed Meineke Car Care Bowl, but to the teams participating in those bowls, it is a culmination of what they would consider to be a successful season.

In a proposed college football playoff system, only the eight winners of the major conferences would move on to the postseason, and with only one team able to become National Champions, every other teams season would be considered a failure.

There are probably too many bowls at the end of a season, but at least out of the 34 bowls that currently exist, we can crown 34 champions including a National Champion, instead of just one team celebrating at the end of the season.

If a playoff system were to be implemented in college football, the constant arguing would not subside.

The argument would simply change from “We need a playoff in college football” to “We need a larger playoff system in college football.”

There is no way to stop the yearly arguments. In a world where there is a playoff system, there would be annual bickering about how more teams need to be allowed to play in order to crown a “true champion”.

Sure the BCS system is flawed, but what system isn’t? But before jumping on the college football playoff bandwagon, think about what we would lose from implementing such a system. No longer would every game matter, no longer would college football be unique, and no longer would there be that great sense of excitement and anticipation every single week of the season.

In the end, why fix something that is not broken?

Top four 2012 myths successfully debunked with research

HENRY {hook} Distracted and hypnotized by Rockstar games acclaimed “L.A. Noire,” I began to see the television screen shaking. Soon, the whole house began to rattle for a matter of seconds, and it was over.

What I experienced on Nov. 5 was an earthquake that started in Oklahoma and reverberated all the way to Wichita. My friends slowly jumped to conclusions.

“Is this the beginning of 2012?” one of them said somewhat jokingly.

Quickly, we jumped to the laptop and began to research 2012 on the ever-so-handy Google. Many ridiculous websites emerged claiming we the Earth was going to run into distant planets, and that the Mayan Calendar was going to end on Dec. 21, 2012.

Soon I began to question all of these incredible accusations, and embarked on a journey to find the truth. Before researching, I believed all accusations to

14

Dec. 2 2011

be completely false and fraudulent. Four main myths continue to exist.

One of these is a mysterious planet entitled Planet X or more specifically Nibiru is being accused to collide with Earth. Two key scenarios exist, that were originally predicted in 2003. First, Nibiru, is guessed to collide directly with and decimate Earth. Second, the planet is guessed to glide right by the Earth and cause a deadly asteroid shower.

David Morrison, a senior scientist with the NASA Astrobiology Institute, claims that “there is no object out there. If there were a planet or a brown dwarf or whatever that was going to be in the inner solar system three years from now, astronomers would have been studying it for the past decade and it would be visible to the naked eye by now.”

Websites such as Alignment 2012 make claims that a certain galactic alignment will occur for the first time in 26,000 years.

The alignment is composed of the sun rays seeping through the Milky Way, allowing the Earth to be exposed to “unknown galactic forces.”

Again, NASA’s Morrison worked to debunk the supposed myth.

“There is no galactic alignment in 2012, or at least nothing out of the ordinary,” he said.

The most reasonable assumption and prediction made, states that the Earth will face a pole shift. Meaning that rapid shifts will occur that causes the locations

of the Earths poles and axis of rotation to dramatically shift.

This supposed shift would apparently cause a lot of disasters such as hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and even earthquakes. This was demonstrated in the movie “2012.”

This theory is typically dismissed by scientists, but some predict that smaller, subtler shifts have the possibility to occur.

Lastly, the Mayan calendar is said to end the day before my 18th birthday, Dec. 21, 2012. These allegations are false.

The Mayan calendar does not end on that date, it is simply time when the Mayan calendar begins a new 1,872,000 day cycle said Anthony Aveni, a archaeoastronomer at Colgate University.

“The idea is that time gets renewed, that the world gets renewed all over again—often after a period of stress—the same way we renew time on New Year’s Day or even on Monday morning,” Aveni said.

The long journey finally ended and my questions had been answered; I had nothing to be afraid of.

High school students, like myself, seem to quickly jump to assumptions without doing a little bit of research. By simply searching the web, I was able to find reliable sources that debunked fraudulent 2012 claims.

I can now peacefully enjoy my path to, and my 18th birthday without fears of world ending.

Underage drinking can lead to MIC, MIP The results of

DANGEROUS behaviors

Statute 41-727 deals with consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages by a minor

A) If the offender is above 18, it is a class C misdemeanor with a $200 fine.

If the offender is under 18, one becomes a juvenile offender and pays a $200-500 fine.

B) 40 hours of community service C) Required attendance of an educational of training program dealing with the effects of alcohol or other chemical substances according to kansasstatues.org

Around 72 percent of students engage in underage drinking before the end of their time in high school, making it fairly common in most high schools across the country.

However, no matter how common underage drinking may be, it is a big deal that can potentially lead to legal trouble for a minor.

A minor caught drinking by law enforcement can either be charged with a Minor in Possession (MIP) or Minor in Consumption (MIC).

“With a Minor in Consumption we [the police] have to prove that a minor had consumed alcohol where as with a Minor in Possession we have to prove that a minor is in possession of alcohol,” School Resource Officer Lance Parker said.

The charges on an MIP of MIC, a Class C misdemeanor, can be as low as $200 or as high as up to $500 in fines. An individual could also possibly be required to do 40 hours of community service and complete an educational program dealing with the effects of alcohol.

In some instances the court can also drop charges.

“When I got caught we had to blow into a Breathalyzer and I blew

a zero, but since there was alcohol in the room, I got charged with an MIP,” an anonymous student said.

“The police wrote our names and information down and then we were given a court date, but it was never followed up so there’s noth-

Since there was alcohol in the room, I got charged with an MIP ANONYMOUS

ing on my record.”

Police officers will usually let the school know if an incident involving alcohol occurs with students.

“I give the information of what happened during the incident with police to school administration.

The information is of when and where the student was charged with the MIC or MIP. Administra-

tion then uses that information to decide what to do,” Parker said.

If an athlete or activity participant happens to be part of an incident involving alcohol or drugs, they will also face consequences with the school.

“We have to see if it’s a school related issue and if it broke any of our policies when looking at the consequences,” assistant principal Gary Merritt said.

According to the Activities Regulations in the school handbook, participants with one violation are suspended for one week, and are required to have a conference with a coach/sponsor and an administration before returning to practice.

If a participant commits a second violation, then they lose their eligibility to play for the remainder of the season, and possibly for the following year.

Charges such as MIP/MICs can also possibly lead to future consequences.

“Ultimately, they can definitely hurt recommendations from teachers,” Principal Bob Baier said.

katherineHARTLEY

Speeding brings about negative repercussions As drivers push the speed limit beyond any accepted bounds they hurt themselves and others by not following the legal speed limit through careless driving habits that have been accepted as normal now.

“Speeding is really bad and puts a dent in your pay check,” junior Jerad Rogers said.

According to the Andover Kansas official website, the Andover Police Department uses a program known as S.P.E.E.D which stands for Specialized Policing through Education Enforcement and Deterrence. The main goal of S.P.E.E.D is to create cooperation with the community and the police for decreasing speed limit violators in school zones and residential streets.

“We try to get in schools but sometimes other programs are taken more seriously than others, that program is more designed for residential speeds whereas we think that students from either school be more aware of school zones,” school resource officer Lance Parker said.

Through meeting and educating community programs police officers address problems about speeders and provide other information about it. The police department deal out this information through channels like the website, local access television, community events.

“It seems fine, I don’t think its too bad,” junior Andrew Bunting said.

The police department also uses a variety of techniques to crack down on speeding especially in areas that have enough complaints. Radar trailers, drone vehicles, and citizen radar programs are all programs that aide the police in lessening the traffic citations.

“You got your school zones we hit those and construction zones because people are in a hurry wherever they go, Andover Road we can always be on Andover Road, Kellogg those are other areas, we can pick an area and just go,” Parker said.

In Kansas a three strike system that states after three major violations in a twelve month period the license will be revoked or suspended based upon the nature of the violation in accordance with the DMV protocol.

“Speeding is a safety issue generally,” senior Will Murfin said. “I believe speeding in Andover is ok, I just wish we would raise the speed limit, that way other drivers would be aware of how fast other cars are going.”

In October 2011 the Andover Police... issued 192 traffic warnings gave 107 traffic citations averaged 43 a week for warnings; 6 a day averaged 24 a week for citations; 3 a day

alexHERNANDEZ

15

Dec. 2 2011

THOSE MEDDLING

kids

taking a look into the harmful and dangerous behaviors of teenagers

Many decisions teenagers make can have long-term effects.

Some bad decisions made as a young teen can be consequential in the future and, depending on the severity of the crime, inhibit a person from certain things, such as obtaining a certain job for example.

If a high school student, younger than 18 years of age, was to commit any sort of crime, it would be documented in a juvenile record.

Juvenile records are kept by the Juvenile Justice Authority and are not usually open to the public, because they contain information regarding a minor, according to beforeyouplea.com/KS. “The age of the individuals involved will determine what information is used and who sees that information. For students under the age of 18 those records, charge, and convictions are sealed as a juvenile and are used in the court proceedings only,” School Resource Officer Lance Parker said. “For students 18 and above those records, charges, and convictions are open for public record and are viewed in criminal records.”

Under Kansas law, juvenile records are strictly protected, and usually one must identify themselves through fingerprint before accessing them, according to kscourts.org.

A juvenile record can lead to problems down the road, and depending on the type of record, can be available to employers.

“Employers can look at your driving records and see if your driver’s license was ever suspended,” Parker said.

When it comes to applying for other things, such as college, a juvenile record does not play as big of a part when it comes to most of the application process.

16

Not all state grant juveniles the right to a jury trial.

Parole combines surveillance with activities to reintegrate the juvenile into the community.

The juvenile offender faces a hearing, rather than a trial, which incorporates his social history as well as legal factors.

“A college wouldn’t know anything except the GPA, transcript and test scores of a student,” principal Bob Baier said.

However, some universities may ask for specific information about previous criminal records. For example, when applying to the University of Kansas School of Law, the application asks two questions pertaining to an individual’s juvenile criminal history. One must be honest when answering these questions and include an explanation, date, nature of the offense, and the name and location of the court.

Eventually, a teenager’s juvenile record can be expunged or a minor may pay a larger fine to receive diversion.

To expunge a juvenile record the individual must reach the age of 18 and file a petition with the court. They would then usually attend a hearing where the expungement would either be approved or disapproved. After the record is expunged, it is removed and all the records are isolated. The court also handles diversion.

“I got a $223 speeding ticket for doing 62 in a 40 and to get diversion on a ticket that was for 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, it tripled the price of the ticket to $669,” an anonymous student said. “I needed diversion to take it off my record so the my insurance wouldn’t skyrocket.”

The choices and decisions that teenagers make during high school can potentially cause long-term consequences in the future. It is important for everyone, including minors, to make the right choices now and avoid legal trouble that could lead to issues down the road.

juvenile VS. adult

justice

katherineHARTLEY

All adults have the constitutional right to a jury trial.

Parole is primarily based on surveillance and monitoring of illicit behavior.

Adults in the criminal justice system are put on trial, which is based largely on legal facts.

ADULTS

JUVENILES

{breaking it down}

Understanding juvenile consequences

www.pbs.org

Dec.2, 2011

Protect yourself, know your rights for future Being cognizant of basic rights allows for a person to protect oneself from the abuse of power.

“Every person needs to be informed so they can make competent decisions about their rights,” Wichita police officer Stacy Mercer said.

“Whether or not they want to cooperate is up to them, so they simply need to be informed.”

According to flexyourrights.org, if people do not use their rights, they may as well lose them.

“The basic rights are granted through the U.S. and various state constitutions,” Wichita lawyer Brian Pistotnik said.

Pistotnik and other sources such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) emphasize the importance of the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments.

These Amendments protect people from unreasonable searches, from incriminating themselves by speaking and by allowing for legal counsel to assist the accused.

“At trial, law enforcement can testify about the statements [one makes],”

You have the right to remain silent.

Pistotnik said. “Admissions of people’s wrongdoing come in evidence through the law enforcement officer’s testimony. In a criminal case, this can be used to convict the person of the crime. It is always better to remain silent to prevent statements from being used against you.”

If a person is arrested, Pistotnik said police are not obligated to share the reasons for the arrest. However, the officer must read the Miranda rights: “You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.”

“A police officer has the right to detain you long enough to see whether probable cause exists to arrest you,” Pistotnik said. “Ask the officer if you are being arrested to see if you are free to go. If that fails, ask for a lawyer.”

The ACLU states a person cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question and that it is a good idea to consult a lawyer before answering questions. Notably, lying to a government official is a crime but remaining silent is not.

On searches or entering a person’s home, a police officer must have a warrant. Pistotnik recommends having a search warrant reviewed by a lawyer to see if it is real.

“A search warrant specifically allows police to search areas upon proof of probable cause of a

I plead the fifth.

crime to a judge,” Pistotnik said.

Probable cause is defined as a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. The ACLU said, if officers come to a person’s door, to ask through the door if the officers have a warrant, then have the officers slip it under the door or to only open the door enough to see the warrant.

For cars, however, Pistotnik said many justifications exist for searching a car. “[Some justifications for searching a car are] if an officer is in danger, if illegal activity is being done within plain sight or if a search warrant has been issued,” Pistotnik said.

Overall, Pistotnik claims it is extremely important to know your rights.

“You can use your rights to your own advantage and for your own protection,” Pistotnik said.

Generally, dangerous behavior can lead to fines, imprisonment, paying for a lawyer and a criminal record.

“You can have your freedom away by going to jail,” Mercer said. “There are a lot of things that can arise from dangerous behavior.

edenVIERTHALER

TROJAN TALK

How well do you think you know your rights?

Junior Holly Rowe “On a scale of one to ten I would probably say an eight.”

Sophomore Bryant Klusener “Not very well.”

Freshman Meg Plank “Not well because I have not learned them.”

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Dec. 2, 2011

Shoplifters recognize consequences

Editor’s Note: The names of some of the students in this story have been changed to protect their identities.

Shoplifting, the act of stealing merchandise from retailers, comes with big risk and bigger consequences.

“It is very risky, you have to be smart to get away with it,” freshman Kim Smith said.

Students who said they have shoplifted say they begin by grabbing items they desire and head to the dressing room. From there they put the desired items on under their clothing.

“It depends if it was clothes and if they had a sensor,” sophomore Sally Mae said. “I would go into the dressing room and put the clothes in my purse.”

If the items were small Mae would put them up her sleeve. For items such as earrings she would place her purse on the ground and “accidentally” drop them in.

“I don’t feel bad in any way, shape or form for the stores. I feel bad for breaking the law though,” Smith said.

Other students find the act of shoplifting immoral. “[Shoplifting] is stealing, it is against the law and it cheats the store owners out of money they deserve,” junior Alec Wilford said.

Shoplifters held different reasons for the actions they committed. “[I shoplifted] just to get new clothes to wear, because my parents do not give me money to go shopping,” Smith said.

Different stores hold different and opposing policies. Stores such as Dillards were unable to comment unless corporate was contacted.

“I was at JCPenny [when I got caught],” Mae said. “I was on the escalator when a guy in black said you need to give whatever small black item you stole back. I gave him the makeup brush, and he said I need to follow him.

He asked me a few questions, then called my dad. Finally they handcuffed me and took me to JIAC [Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center]. After that I had to talk to my dad, and they released me; I’ve never done it since.”

Why students should think before shoplifting: If caught and convicted of shoplifting less than $1,000 worth of merchandise in Kansas, adults are charged with class A misdemeanor, which comes with up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Stealing items worth more money increases the offense to a felony and comes with increased jail time. Juvenile penalties depend on the court judge and can range from restitution to probation to community service.

henryHOOK

WHYstudents shoplift:

Peer pressure: to seem cool or daring, their friends do it, want cool new things Challenging authority: to see what they can get away with, get a rush, receive attention Getting back at a store: dislike toward a company

happens to

WHAT shoplifters:

The shoplifter may be arrested and paraded through a store in handcuffs. He or she could get theft charges.

The thief may be banned from the store. A criminal record can arise. according to kidshealth.org

Vandalism results in lengthy clean-up and repairs

Defacing another person’s property is vandalism; a crime committed among teenagers in the area mostly with hateful intentions but occasionally as a friendly joke.

“I think people vandalize houses or cars to be obscene and to express their emotions through destruction,” senior Lindsay Frederick said. “But sometimes, like with tagging cars, it is just supposed to be funny.”

Although students use vandalism as a form of humorous communication, the damage it can cause leads to fines, community service or even incarceration according to criminal-law-lawyer.com. Types of vandalism is broken windows, graffiti, theft, arson, damage to mailboxes, destruction of state-owned facilities, egging or toilet papering property and littering.

“One time I woke up and there was something white outside my window,” senior Katie Hobble said.

“My brother and I went out and people had toilet papered my house.”

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Dec. 2 2011

The vandals wet down the toilet paper so that it would be hard to clean up out of the trees.

“They put shaving cream on my driveway and wrote my brothers name in shaving cream,” Hobble said. “It stained the driveway for five years.”

Hobble says her parents were really mad.

“They made me and him pick it up and it took a few hours,” Hobble said.

According to direct.gov, vandalism can hurt people’s quality of life. Not only can it cost money to repair, but people also lose the demeanor of safety.

“I got toilet papered four weeks in a row and we had to go out at six in the morning to clean it up each time,” sophomore Sydney Kaufman said. “It seems people are just out to get us.”

Kaufman’s family called the police when they found that their house had been egged.

“It ruins your paint,” Kaufman said.

Some students are suggestive that getting toilet

papered is an extremely common occurrence.

“I have gotten toilet papered so many times I cannot even count,” senior Anna Brown said. “[The vandals] did stuff in the driveway, garage and in the trees.”

When Brown’s house was a target, significant damages were made to her property.

“The shaving cream on the garage ate away the paint so you can still see what they wrote. They egged my car and it was ruined forever,” Brown said.

Students agree one of the worst problems about being vandalized is that they can never find out who did it. Some believe its smart to have their property protected, just in case anything were to happen.

“We have cameras outside our house and most of the people at the school know that,” senior Peach Ablah said. “No one ever vandalizes our house.”

edenVIERTHALER

Professional pictures not just for seniors

I

n several classrooms, including that of English teacher Ken Dusenbury, pictures of seniors past line the bulletin boards.

“I like hanging seniors’ pictures in my room because everytime you look at the picture, you’re reminded of the student,” Dusenbury said.

Every year, many seniors go to professional photographers to forever capture their high school years in film.

“Senior pictures are important for a few reasons,” Gingeroot photographer Jaclyn Lippelmann said. “First of all, the experience of having professional portraits made is such a fun part of being a senior, it is an opportunity to have a blast being the truest version of yourself.”

With Gingeroot, and with many other photographers, clients are able to pick their own locations and objects with which to pose.

“I use a lot of funky chairs, furniture, or found objects as props to add interest to photos,” Lippelmann said. “The most common object seniors bring is their pet. After that, I would say sports outfits and props are the most popular. I also see quite a few musical instruments or props from other school activities. I always encourage seniors to try to think of unique objects that represent who they are.”

Seniors can also choose to take pictures with other people.

“I took my senior pictures along with some friends of mine that go to Independent,” senior Apryl Richardson said. “We took group and individual shots.”

Clients meet with photographers once before the shoot to go over details.

“I cover all of the things seniors need to know during their pre-session consultations,” Lippelmann said. “This is where we plan out and personalize the shoot as well as cover other details to keep in mind before the shoot. There is a lot to think through if you want to get the most out of your session. It is important to be creative and to think about how you can make your session your own.”

Many seniors and other clients choose to have multiple outfits to go with different locations.

“Location, outfits, and style should all work together to create a cohesive final product that totally reflects each senior’s personality and attitude. For

Photographer Gabby White started taking senior pictures for Andover students this year. She is a senior at Maize South High School. Students use professional photographers for a variety of motives. Photo by Heba Madi me, planning ahead is the most important thing because this will ensure that we make stunning portraits. The process is really an artistic collaboration between myself and each individual senior,” Lippelmann said.

Professional pictures do not have to be just for graduation, some students choose to commemorate multiple events in their lives.

“I had pictures taken for my 16th birthday,” junior Suzanna Gehrer said. “My brother and I did not get a lot pictures taken as we grew up, so we got them done at our 16th birthday.”

Gehrer took her pictures in Old Town and Gingeroot Studios by photographer Lindsey Penney. The Studio is located was previously located in Old Town.

Currently, the company is in the midst of transitioning into three separate businesses with addresses to be announced.

“I only take 25 or so senior clients per year, and

my clients are almost exclusively girls. My business is currently focused on wedding photography, so I only accept seniors as I can fit them into my schedule.

Also, I spend quite a bit of time making sure that each senior’s session is entirely unique and personalized,” Lippelmann said.

“I took my pictures in her studio as well as outside, I loved the way they came out. She was amazing at angles and capturing the moment,” Gehrer said.

Gehrer also plans to have senior pictures taken.

“I think they are very important to look back on when you get older,” Gehrer said. “They capture the moments of growing up.”

Richardson feels that her senior pictures will be a great way for her to leave her mark upon the school.

“Teachers will be given my pictures,” Richardson said. “Since all of them hang up senior pictures, future students will be able to see me.”

robynHERBERT

19

Dec. 2 2011

Driving distractions lead to accidents

{in-depth}

Three Andover students deal with aftermath of wreck

20

A

t age sixteen, the average teenager may receive a coveted prize: their driver’s license.

In October, three Andover students were involved in a six-car collision.

According to car-accidents.com, the age group most prone to car accidents is 16 to 19-year-olds. In fact, they are about four times more likely than other age groups to crash.

“Accidents happen because of inattentive driving, meaning, not having your total attention to driving and road,” School Resource Officer Lance Parker said.

In this particular car accident, junior Hannah Edwards was at the front of the car accident that involved three cars. Then, in a separate car accident a few hundred yards back was junior Kail McGuire and senior Ryan Lake.

“I was driving and I hit the lady in front of me because she stopped because she had hit the lady in front of her,” Edwards said.

Edwards suffered a totaled car and was without a car for a week in a half.

Similar to Edwards, McGuire and Lake also had car damage.

“I had to pay a $150 ticker, my lights were knocked out and my hood was messed up and my radiator was messed up. Kail’s back bumper was dented in,” Lake said.

Car accidents are considered traffic violations and can accumulate $150-300 in court costs. However, traffic violations can also be considered as improper lane change or speeding. Fines double when a improper lane change causes a accident.

“I have to replace my bumper, but I have not yet. I just cannot get hit again or my car will not be protected [from further damages],” McGuire said.

Dec. 2, 2011

According to distraction.gov, common distractions include using cellular devices, loud music, or anything that takes away ones attention to the road.

Parker believes there are more distractions now than in past.

“The more driving you do the more experience you gain. Teenagers are more prone to accidents at first because they are just starting out,” Parker said.

Jack Mahan, who is a driver’s education teacher has experienced firsthand new drivers and their habits. He believes that driver’s education is a must.

“Until you reach [age] 25 or 26, your brain is not mature [because you have a] lack of good intentions in good decisions until the brain is mature,” Mahan said.

Driver’s education consists of a couple of hours in a classroom, or online and in a car. To receive a license the driver must also log a certain number of driving hours in daylight and night time signed off by a guardian.

“They say it takes six to seven years to be a competent driver. I am 75 [years old] and I have been driving since I was fifteen. 60 years of driving and I am still learning new things everyday,” Mahan said.

As stated in car-accidents.com, over 5,000 teens ages 16 to 20 die because of car accidents each year. When Edwards, Lake and McGuire were involved in a car crash it was on the way to school in the morning. Whether early morning traffic is the cause or not, car accidents can lead to fines, injuries, or even death. “[I think car accidents happen because] people are in a hurry,” Lake said.

“And are fearing being late to school or are coming back from open lunch.”

kathrynSILL

Tips for Winter Driving

• Watch weather reports.

• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle to avoid getting lost.

• If you are unable to push your car out of the snow, then don’t.

• Use blankets, car mats or whatever you have to insulate your body from the cold.

• To save gasoline, run the engine and heater for as long as possible.

• Do not use cruise control on winter surfaces that are wet or icy.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly on icy roads.

• Drive slowly. Don’t follow so closely to other cars.

Winter driving poses dangers Black ice, snow patches, freezing rain, wind and speeding are often avoided during the winter season when driving in order to practice safe habits while operating a motor vehicle in cold weather.

According to forbes.com, it is 14 percent more likely for someone to get into an accident on the first snowy day of the season than on any other given day.

Senior Robyn Herbert experienced a woe on a day in January when she was involved in an accident.

“My accident was the day that almost every other school was closed. My mom didn’t want me to drive because they don’t plow streets in or around my neighborhood and it was slick, so she drove me.

We were going to turn out of my neighborhood to a two-lane street that wasn’t plowed and there was a car coming another direction; they hit a patch of ice and slid into my side of my car,” Herbert said.

Herbert’s accident was caused by none other than a weather mishap. “[It was caused by] ice. No one could have done something to prevent it. I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Herbert said.

The accident was not one that Herbert walked away from with a few scratches. She resulted in having a fairly serious injury in the shoulder area.

“I had leaned away from the car and when we hit, my seatbelt wrenched between my collar bone and my shoulder joint, so I have a separated shoulder. I had to crawl through the driver’s door to

get out because my side was crunched in so that my door wouldn’t open,” Herbert said. “I was in a sling for six weeks and had physical therapy for months.

The muscle in my neck connected to my shoulder is doing all the work in my shoulder, when usually it just does a little, so I’m in constant pain, we were trying to rebuild the muscles on my shoulder blade.

It didn’t work very well.”

Not only did Herbert experience damage in her shoulder area, the car met its breaking point.

“The car was completely totaled. After I was taken to the hospital, they sent the car away. My dad took pictures of it on his phone, but deleted them later. It looked pretty gruesome,” Herbert said.

In order to warn other teenagers, Herbert hopes they will be more careful by using her accident as an example to encourage them to follow driving regulations.

“The fear isn’t real until you’re actually in an accident. Parents say, “Watch out, drive carefully” and you say ‘Yeah, OK, Mom,’ and don’t really listen,” Herbert said. “But it’s so scary. Teenagers, we think we’re invincible so we say ‘oh it’s just one text,’ or ‘it’s just one French fry,’ no big deal. But it can be so much worse. Wear your seatbelt or else the damage would be much worse. The doctor at the Emergency room told me that if I hadn’t had my seatbelt on, I Senior Robyn Herbert drives with one hand in a wouldn’t be here today.” sling. In January Herbert got into an accident, damaging her shoulder and neck causing her to wear a hollyHEIRONIMUS sling for six weeks.Photo by Jacob Highfill

Dec. 2, 2011

21

Spreading his

ings

Chris Lemons expands his love of soccer by playing for the Wings

Chris Lemons settles in Andover as the new head coach, he also plays on a major indoor soccer team, the Wichita Wings. This is the first time the Wings have come back to the league in a long time.

They play teams from across the country including: Missouri Comets, from Kansas City, Milwaukee Wave, from Wisconsin, Syracuse Knights and Rochester Lancers, both from New York, Baltimore Blast, from Maryland, and lastly the Norfolk Sharks, from Virginia. The team works very hard to be ready for each and every game.

“We train every morning from 9-11 a.m. at Hartman Arena, our sessions are very well organized from warm-ups, to ball work, to fitness, tactical walk though’s and game-like playing, our training sessions are very intense and the coaching staff demands a lot of us,” Lemons said.

The team started its season with an opening game against the Missouri Comets, unfortunately they fell in a 16-14 loss after over time. The Wings have had a tough season so far winning one out of their five, but pulling close to the win each time. Lemons does everything he can to help his team reach to their goal.

“My preparation for the games starts in training, I

22

Dec. 2 2011

use training to help me prepare for the games on the weekend, as for games days, I love to have a peanut butter and honey sandwich three hours before the game,” Lemons said. “I just make sure physically I am feeling good and that I am mentally prepared for the fans, the noise, the pressure and the team we are playing, the only thing I hate about game days is waiting for that whistle that starts the game.”

The Major Indoor Soccer League season goes from the preseason on October 15th to the Championship game which is in the middle of March. There’s eighteen games left on the schedule, half of which we’ll be played at home, which is the Hartman Arena, in Park City. The type of indoor play is new to Lemons as he is a season outdoor player.

“The team and program doesn’t differ a ton from previous clubs I have played for, but the game itself differs quit a bit. I have been an outdoor pro for 10 years and now transition to indoor has been a bit tough, I love the challenge though,” Lemons said. “It’s a lot faster and more physical tan the outdoor game and you have to rely on your reactions a lot more than the outdoor game.”

Being able to come back to his home town and

being able to play here in a professional setting is a miracle for Lemons. He was eager to try out back in Spring when he heard that the Wings where for sure coming back this season.

“Individually, my goals are to help the Wings team and organization on and off the pitch in any way I can, I aim to make the team and my teammates better,” Lemons said. “I am honored to be able to play for the Wings in front of my family and friends who have supported me in all aspects of my life, I love playing at home, its a dream come true.”

The Andover boys are proud of their coach, playing professionally. It gives them a goal to work for their dreams as well. Lemons is torn on whether playing the game or coaching it brings him a better satisfaction.

“I am a soccer player at heart, that is what I do, but I know my career is coming to a close at some point, so my transition to coaching is with a good heart,” Lemons said. “I love to coach, to give back to the game that has given so much to me, I want to help players become better at the game, but most of all help them grow as human beings, coaching the AHS boys this past fall has increased my love to coach ten fold.”

jordanHERNANDEZ

12

Locked and

20

11

- 20

Loaded Girls’ Basketball Preview

N

ow that the fall season has come to a close, winter athletes have gotten back into shape and are ready to compete in a new season. For the girls’ basketball team, this meant it was time for some serious conditioning.

Conditioning began in the middle of October and continued until buffer week. During conditioning the girls ran a series of different drills to improve their running and jumping abilities.

“We went in the gym to do sprints and jumping drills during conditioning,” sophomore Maddie Routhier said.

When buffer week arrived, girls who wanted to be on the team were left to prepare themselves for tryouts, but with the leadership of the upper classmen the girls decided to meet and run together.

“The seniors lead a conditioning group and we just ran on the track,” junior Sydeny Tilson said.

That week the girls all worked together so they were all ready for tryouts.

“We all ran as a team [during buffer week] and [Routhier] and I went to the Y to shoot and

run together,” sophomore Ryann Horton said.

On Nov. 14 girls’ basketball tryouts began. A total of 29 girls tried out for the team. Head coach Max Hamblin was impressed with the talent the girls displayed at tryouts.

“We are too deep in most positions,” Hamblin said. “There is a lot of competition for each position.”

With this amount of talent on the team, Hamblin is looking forward to quite a season.

“We have five letter winners returning and a good group coming in,” Hamblin said. “It is a pretty talented group.”

Upperclassmen including seniors Audrey Meisch, Kelsey Dick, Hanna Larsen, Katy Larsen and junior Sydney Tilson are key returning players who have become leaders and role models to underclassmen.

“I feel like there are many key players this season,” freshman Riley Messina said. “Audrey Meisch is an extremely good player. She is one of the seniors that I really look up to.”

The freshman class has had much experience of working together because of their past together. Throughout middle school, the girls’

basketball players made it through both seventh and eighth grade as an undefeated team.

“It is really exciting being a freshman and hopefully continuing our great record,” Messina said. “Being undefeated is an awesome accomplishment for us freshmen and I am looking forward to keeping our streak going.”

This group of girls has become a strong team and a group of close friends.

“My goals for this season are to continue our streak of being undefeated, play hard, and stay close,” Messina said. “I have grown up with this freshman team all the way from elementary. We know each others strengths and weaknesses, how to play together, and lastly how to come together as a family.”

One of these freshman girls, Jaylyn Agnew, made it on the varsity team.

“It’s really exciting that Jaylyn Agnew is going to be playing varsity as a freshman,” Messina said. “Even though she is young, she is very experienced and seems to fit right into the team.”

caleMINEAR

Dec. 2 2011

23

2011 Boys Basketball Preview

Boys Basketball looks for depth, success

With a heavy turnover from last year’s team, losing four of the five starters, the team will look to their younger players for help.

“I think we’ll be pretty well rounded but we will have more guards than inside players,” head coach Ryan Harshaw said.

Although Harshaw said they will have the most depth in the guard position, the team will have balance in their talent.

“We are kind of even,” sophomore Austin Beahm said. “We have some talented posts and [senior] Robert [Peare] will be really good for us.”

The Trojans lost four of the five starters from last year’s team. The only returning starter will be senior Robert Peare.

“Robert Peare is the only returning starter from last year,” Harshaw said. “Players from last year that will contribute more are [juniors] Dallas Bruner, Brady Carter, Tyler Kvansicka and [sophomore]Austin Beahm.”

With the loss of four starters, Harshaw looks to the underclassmen to start filling in leadership roles.

“We will have several sophomores contribute,” Harshaw said. “We will also have a lot of juniors who will be stepping up and contributing.”

Early on in the season, the team is already beginning to recognize what there strength will be for the upcoming season.

“Our team’s strength will be the ability to run the floor,” junior Dallas Bruner said.

Beahm also sees the team’s strength beginning to form.

“We will be fast,” Beahm said. “We will have a faster tempo than last year.”

The team will also have weaknesses that they will have to work on before the season begins.

“We lack experience and we have trouble taking care of the ball,” senior Robert Peare said.

Harshaw also sees some weakness from their inexperience, but believes they can overcome it.

“There is some inexperience,” Harshaw said. “They are gonna have to learn under fire once we get into game situations.”

The excitement of tryouts and practice has players already looking to playing games and what teams they think will be their toughest opponent in division play.

“I think our toughest division opponents this year will be Goddard, McPherson, and [Andover] Central,” Bruner said.

Head coach Ryan Harshaw gives commands to the basketball team. This is Harshaw’s second year as head coach. Photo by Alex Durano.

Harshaw believes that the team does have the potential to win if they can learn his system.

“Play as a team, work hard, be coachable and learn the system,” Harshaw said. “If we grasp the philosophy that we are trying to put into place, we will be successful.”

Harshaw is excited about coaching this year. This will be Harshaw’s second

year in his tenure as head basketball coach at Andover.

“I’m looking forward to a fresh start,” Harshaw said. “Last season when I took over, I didn’t feel as prepared and this season I feel prepared and I’m very excited.”

ryanMINEAR

Important Games Wichita West

Last season, the team lost both games to the Wichita West Pioneers, first an early season 63-51 loss, then a devastating 59-50 loss in the playoffs. This year the team will look to get revenge on the Pioneers, who finished with a surprising seven win season the previous year. The Pioneers also have to deal with a huge turnover from last year, and will look to their younger players to help. Arguably their best player is senior forward Daylin Thomas, who impresses with his offensive firepower. This will be the teams only chance against a Wichita city school, and it will be interesting to see how the team stacks up.

24

Dec. 2 2011

Goddard Eisenhower In the first game of the season, the team will look to start off with a win against the Goddard Eisenhower Tigers, who will be playing their first game in school history. The Tigers probable starters include senior guard Zach Bush, sophomore guard Trevon Evans. and senior forward Ashton Briggs. Although it is the inaugural season for Goddard Eisenhower, there is not much turnover, as most of the players played together during their time at Goddard. the team will have to step up and perform in order to pull of a victory, as they will have to travel to Goddard Eisenhower and play against a team who will probably play inspired.

McPherson

The team will probably be major underdogs in both games against the McPherson Bullpups, as they return to defend last years state championship. The Bullpups, who finished last season 24-1, are currently ranked 60th in the nation according to Maxpreps. com. Last season, the team lost both games by at least 15 points, and will look to pull off adleast one major upset against the Bullpups this year. This will be an extremely difficult task, as the Bullpups play a very fast, clean game, and will return the bulk of their strength from last years state championship team. In order to compete, the team will have to majorly step up.

5

minutes with head coach Ryan Harshaw What are some key losses for the team?

We lost Grant Ralston, Trent Garman, Landon Oberg, and Steven Clausing.

Who are some key returners this year?

Robert Peare, Dallas Bruner, Tyler Kvasnicka, Brady Carter, and Austin Beahm returned.

What are some key newcomers?

Dylan Driver, Brodey Dick, and Adam Dekoning will be key addidtions to our team.

What is your main team emphasis?

Play smart, play with discipline, pay attention to details, and defend.

Player Profiles

44

Robert

PEARE

Being the only returning starter from last year’s 9-12 team, Peare will be looked on heavily to lead the team this season. Peare averaged 11 points and 5.1 rebound per game, and at 6’5” tall, he was a constant force near the basket.

Peare will be seen as one of the few senior leaders, and will look to step up.

35 BRUNER 25 PATRICK 3 Dallas

As a sophomore last year, Bruner got quality playing time as a varsity starter. This year, with four of the five starters from last year gone, Bruner will see an increased starting role. at 6’4”, Bruner will look to team up with senior Robert Peare to dominate the paint.

Against tough 5A competition, Bruner will need to step up and perform

Joe

A transfer from Kapaun Mt. Carmel, senior Joe Patrick will look to quickly make an impression on his new team.

Patrick will probably see good time as a varsity starter, as he performed well at Kapaun. As a mostly unknown talent, Patrick will look to perform and lead a team that he is new to. It will be interesting to see how he adjusts.

Tyler KVASNICKA

As a sophomore, Kvasnicka also saw substantial minutes as a varsity starter. He averaged 3.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game last season and will look to increase those totals this year, as he will be a probable factor throughout the season. This year, he will look to avoid injuries and, although only a junior, will look to lead the team.

Dec 2. 2011

25

Rising above the competition

Senior wrestlers’ help improve through experience, hard work Success is not a word that was common three years ago for the wrestling program. Times have changed now since head coach Brett Fiene took the head coaching job.

“Coming from Kansas City, I was just looking for a teaching job and I also wanted a coaching job as well,” Fiene siad.

Fiene has been coaching for three years and has been teaching for two years. “ He is a great guy, he has good morals, and he knows how to interact with everybody,” senior Devin Blose said.

All the players follow the system that coach Fiene introduced when he came to Andover. “ I brought the system from Mill Valley High school, and it has changed the team, and it brought them from a below average 4A team to a average 5A team,” Fiene said. “Eventually the team will be a top five team but it’s going to take alot of work.”

Fiene also belives that senior leaders play a big part in the devolpmental process. A prime leader is senior Hunter Weddington.

“He [Weddington] leads by example, and likes to teach underclassmen new moves and tips,” senior Kieran Ritchie said.

Weddington is a returning captain and he placed fourth in the 5A state finals, and finished the year with an impressive 38-9 record. Andover only had one more placing at state with sophomore Cole Gumeringer.

“When I got here Weddington was just an average wrestler, but he belived in the system and through hard work he has become one of the best wrestlers, and this is his year to win state,” Fiene said.

Senior Forrest Scott’s story is almost the same

26

Dec. 2, 2011

but he was cut short in his quest for a state title. Scott had to win just one more match to qualify for state, but he was pinned by his opponent.

“I wish he would of won, but I think that his loss lives with him, and that fired him to have a great offseason and he works harder than ever, becasue he should of won and he knows that,” Fiene said.

Even Blose has stepped into the leadership role.

“I come to practice with a smile on my face and I make sure that I have a positive attitude,” Blose said.

Blose is a first-year wrestler, but Fiene has trust in him and has big plans for Blose in the furture.

“He [Blose] is eager to wrestle and I think he is wrestling to prove something to himself, and to the team,” Fiene said.

Fiene encouages people to come try out the sport and to see if they are wrestling material.

“Some people try out the sport thinking that they are tough and that they want to fight, we also start with big numbers but we end the season with wrestlers who want to actully want to wrestle ” Fiene said. “Quitting doesn’t bother me, sometimes the sport isn’t for that person; the sport is the toughest sport for people to do, and some people are not tough enough.”

Early this year the program brought in a new assitant coach Chase Nitcher. Nitcher wrestled for Valley Center High school and posted a rediculous record, losing only four times in his high school carrer.

“I love the guy, I knew him from last year and he is a stud,” Scott said.

The success starts in the offseason were players do whatever they can to better them physically and to not make the same mistakes that they made the previous year.

“Getting in shape is a big thing, so I spent the whole summer and winter getting in shape and cutting down,” Scott said.

Fiene and the senior leaders have set the bar high for the whole team and it keeps getting higher every year.

“Every year we are getting better and in time,” Fiene said. “We will be a program that will be known for producing state finalist.”

alexLEFF

Returning Seniors

Forrest Scott: 11-23 Hunter Weddington: 38-9 Kieran Ritchie: 12-15 Dakota Swanson: 4-9 Zach Starbird

Senior Additions Devin Blose

State Placings:

Cole Gumeringer: 6th Hunter Weddington: 4th

Bowling expects larger turnout, same success

Graduate Scott Rochat gets ready to throw the ball down the lane at a bowling meet last year. Rochat was a key loss for the team. File Photo

For the first time, Andover’s bowling team just might have a full team stacked with junior varsity and varsity players for both boys and girls.

“This is our first time we might actually have a full team, I was really impressed with the amount of high school students that tried out,” head coach Ernie Hager said.

Having a large team may not win games, but it increases the chance a better outcome of talented bowlers.

“What I appreciate most about the size of this years team is the size of the good bowlers we’re going to have,” Hager said.

Multiple factors make plays on the alley, but to some, it is important where it starts.

“North Rock is what you would call our home court and I think that it gives us an advantage.” Hager said.

Some bowlers even feel that there are important assets to the team that open up doors for exceeding expectations, and achieving their most-important goals.

“Trevor Hybsha is a good role

model because of many reasons,” sophomore Matthew Rochat said. “He’s a senior, he’s really good and has been bowling for a long time. I think we can go to state this year.”

It is still early on in the season, but the team seems to be very comfortable already.

“Everyone’s getting along great, and there’s no doubt we’re going to have a great season,” Hager said.

Even with bowling being an independent sport, bowlers feed off being accompanied by peers.

“Bowling for the school is just like bowling with your friends only you don’t have to pay for it and it’s competitive,” Rochat said. “I enjoy it and I think it helps me play better.”

Following in the footsteps of his brother, 2011 graduate Scott, Rochat appears to be a talented bowler.

“I like having Scott’s brother bowling for us, he’s very talented and we’re always looking for young players to replace the graduates,” Hager said.

chaseLEMMONS

Coaches Corner: Leadership displayed through key players

Hamblin has big expectations for girls’ team Harshaw leads boys’ team in second season After eight years of coaching girls’ basketball, Max Hamblin takes on his ninth year with big expectations.

With last year’s results of 16 wins and seven losses, Hamblin strives to compete for a league championship and return to the state tournament.

“We expect our players to work hard every day in practice, improve, compete, and be a team player,” Hamblin said. With these tactics, Hamblin had confidence in his team to open up with Goddard Eisenhower game tonight.

With a drive to always give 110 percent effort every day in practice and in games, senior Audrey Meisch believes she will go far as a leader.

“When you’re a senior, you are seen as a leader, so the best advice you can give to your peers is practice makes perfect,” Meisch said.

To Hamblin, Meisch is considered to be a key player and expects the best out of her to lead their team to victory. A newcomer for the varsity team is freshman Jaylyn Agnew.

“Being a freshman and having the opportunity to play on the varsity team is an honor,” Agnew said.

Agnew’s personal goal for this season is to make sure that she works together with her teammates. In order to keep her goal possible she looks up to her coaches, teammates and her dad for help.

“No matter what obstacles get in my way, I will always try my best to overcome them,” Agnew said.

With the new additions and past experience that the basketball team has in store, Hamblin encourages that every player will strive for success.

abigailANDERSON

Coach Ryan Harshaw has high expectations for this year’s varsity boys’ basketball team.

The competition is going to be intense this season, Harshaw claims.

According to senior Joe Patrick, McPherson will be the hardest game because McPherson was the state champion last year.

“Our entire league is pretty tough,” Harshaw said. “We are going to have to show up prepared for every game if we want to be in a position to win.”

Harshaw says senior Robert Peare will be the team leader for the season; he is the only returning starter and Harshaw has high hopes for him.

“He is skilled offensively, shoots the ball well and is a good role model for other players,” Harshaw said. “[Peare] has a good work ethic in practice.”

Even so, the team needs more than just one single key player.

“Several players should step up this year to pump up the team,” Harshaw said. “We are trying to erase individuals and create a team.”

Working as a team is a way to turn out the most wins, according to the team.

“We are working on our team chemistry to get to know each other so we can play well together. We have to communicate and come together as a team,” Patrick said.

Harshaw has his own reasons for being a coach. “[I coach so I can] be around young people and teach them some life skills to become more successful later in life,” Harshaw said.

monicaGOLDBERG

Dec. 2 2011

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{pop culture}

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MW3 carries on legacy of series Call of Duty, a name that he slips off the tongue. It’s a staple of the gaming industry and each year, the newest release is highly anticipated.

Once the November release date rolls around, almost every gamer is brought together to play the newest entry of the CoD series. This year’s game is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, based around the hypothetical World War III in present day warfare.

These days, CoD is all about massive explosions, jaw-dropping set pieces and frantic action; which surely is delivered in the MW3.

The campaign, which tells the story of multiple characters, some familiar and some new, is a series of explosive snapshots; players hurtled from one dramatic scenario to the next as just all-out war.

The plot serves as a showcase for the spectacular game maps, the excellent weapon balance, but also the futility of war. There are brief moments of reflection, the sense of loss and rage and futility conveyed surprisingly well for a game that is all about shooting people in the face.

Taking pages from the storyline of the previous 2009 release, the campaign follows the story of special ops forces that are fighting in the present day against terrorist forces in what is seen as World War III being fought on Ameri-

VS

COD MW3

Battlefield 3 gives MW3 run for its money Long time game producers, EA & DICE, have developed yet another game continuing the franchise known as Battlefield with the latest installment in the series “Battlefield 3”.

The game was releaseded in late October and was one of the most anticipated games of 2011. It brought out an entirely new experience in virtual combat from bullets flying over your head to buildings collapsing all around; Battlefield really makes you feel like you are in the action.

The quality of the game just might be enough to give the Call of Duty series a run for their money. Battlefield 3 was made to compete with the Infinity Wards game series, and a competition it will certainly be.

Battlefield’s story mode is a suspenseful chain of events that is being told in a second person point of view- basically as if one is playing through the action that is portrayed by telling a story.

Story mode in the game is very fluid and has intense scenes that would keep you on the edge of your seat. If you like driving tanks, flying airplanes, skydiving, explosions, fire fights, then this is a great game for you.

Most people who follow the battlefield

Dec. 2, 2011

franchise would probably get into Battlefield 3 more than those who are more for the Call of Duty series because of the familiar feel of the gameplay and the squad based action, as apposed to the “run & gun” techniques.

Just like every game out there, the multiplayer has its advantages and disadvantages.

The maps provide a massive area, a very destructible environment, and many vehicles to choose from. From hummers to fighter jets, you can drive it all.

Although, there is some drawbacks of having a big playing field. The players can be glitchy at times however it can go unnoticed.

Still, the game has very little issues in terms of the multiplayer gameplay.

The smooth gameplay and the realistic scenarios really gives the game a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience whether or not they have played any of the games’ previous installments in the series.

Overall, this game is very top notch and would definitely be in for a nomination for game of the year.

anthonyLARA

can soil.

The campaign is worth the price of admission; however for the hardcore gamers, the real treat lies within the multiplayer online play.

For online gamers, the gameplay is phenomenal. However, the structure of the game is the same as almost every other game in the series--shooting people up and having a good kill/death ratio.

A couple of new games modes have been added such as “Kill Confirmed” which requires players to collect floating dog tags from the corpse of a downed enemy before the kill can be registered. However, the opposing team can pick up the dog tag as well to deny the other team of a kill. It is a fun new add on that gives a little more diversity to the game.

Commercially, the game has already set a new record for number of sales and been well received by fans alike. I can not help but agree the game is worth the money as Infinity Ward has produced another hit in the Call Of Duty series.

I would certainly recommend the game to anyone who is a fan of video games regardless of whether they are a noob or a vet, the game is suitable for anybody to enjoy throughout the next year.

ryanLAKE

Battlefield 3

Top

5

iPhone

Apps

New apps create new opportunity to accessorize iPhones Fourteen percent of teenagers’ day-to-day life involves implementing iPhone applications. From music players to local business search engines, iPhone apps dominate the life of an American teenager.

Angry Birds, iPhone’s most popular game, became a well-known trend for all ages with 200 million downloads.

Statistics show over 200,000 years worth of Angry Birds have been played since its first release in 2009.

Ever traveled out of town and wondered what restaurants were near? With iPhone’s AroundMe app, one will never wonder again. AroundMe allows one to find out information about the surroundings in a quick manner. Not only

does AroundMe find local restaurants, this app also locates movie theatres, supermarkets, hotels, banks and more.

Along with informing the iPhone user of local businesses, AroundMe located each listing on a map, making life just a little bit easier.

Editing photos is easy, and can also be enjoyable with the right program.

IPhone’s Instagram app allows users to filter, crop, and resize photos with just a click of a button. On Instagram, with over five million users, 15 photos are uploading each second.

Music exists almost everywhere. At some point in one’s daily life, music is heard. Pandora is a personalized radio that allows listeners to listen to their fa-

vorite artists and songs at any time or place. By picking stations listeners can choose a playlist related to their favorite songs or favorite artists.

An important role in one’s day is weather. Wearing the an outfit for the wrong temperature can ruin one’s day or cause much discomfort. Instead of contemplating whether to wear that short sleeved shirt or sundress can be easily solved by checking iPhone’s Swackett application. Swackett allows Apple users to determine what to wear each day according to the weather.

While watching a favorite movie, one may question certain details in the film. By downloading iPhone’s IMDb app, all questions can be answered

with just a few clicks of a button. IMDb include cast lists, backgrounds, critical reviews, summaries and more.

Last but not least, Twitter. Keeping users updated on their friends, family, coworkers and more. IPhone’s Twitter application is a quick way to let friends know what one is doing and keep oneself from falling asleep in class. With one billion tweets per week, Twitter becomes a popular social networking place from people of all ages. iPhone apps can help one through their daily life, from making it more entertaining to helping navigate through the hometowns.

Like a Good Neighbor State Farm is there

alyssaGOODMAN

Tony Durano CLU ChFC Andover. KS 316-733-1000 tony@tonydurano.com

Dec. 2 2011

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the bluestreak {BUZZ{ December Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday SAT Test

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Illuminations, A Holiday Light Extravaganza @ Botanica Gardens, 5:30p.m.-8:30p.m., Dec. 4-Dec. 30, $7

4

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Choir Concert @ 7:30p.m.

Ice Cream Social during advisory for COTY Winners

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7th Hour Finals Cocoa & Cram @ 6-8pm

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Holiday Break

Christmas Day

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Holiday Break

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Basketball vs.

McPherson @ McPerhson

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1st, 3rd, 5th hour Finals Cocoa & Cram @ 6-8pm

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Holiday Break

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Winter Wishes sold during lunch

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1

Wichita Wildcat Classic, KSU vs. W. Virginia @ Intrust Bank Arena, 8pm

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Winter Wishes sold during lunch

Band Concert @ 7p.m.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, INTRUST Bank Arena, 6:30p.m.

2

Winter Wishes sold during lunch Pep Assembly (Mr. Baier shaves off his mustache)

9

Basketball vs. Valley Center Tacky Holiday Sweater Day

Acoustic Café @ Scooter’s, 8-10p.m. every Saturday

3

ACT Test The Nutcracker presented by Friends University @ Sebits Auditorium, 2pm & 7:30pm,

10

JV Wrestling @ Rose Hill

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Final Friday Fire & Drums, Old Town Square, 8-10pm, Free

New Year’s Eve

2nd, 4th, 6th hour Finals

Holiday Break

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Holiday Break

Holiday Break

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Holiday Break

Holiday Break

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Holiday Break

Holiday Break

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316-267-5287 | HallsWater.com

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Dec. 2 2011

339-CULL-11-Wichita-Sponsor-3.5x2-FA.indd 1

9/2/11 3:37:19 PM

Dec. 2 2011

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Feed me a ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Students partcipate in the annual fall musical

Junior Jake Dutton feeds junior Alli Dutton to “the plant”. The matinee performance of ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ was on Nov. 10. Photo by Abby Bradshaw The cast of “Little Shop of Horrors” gives a final bow during their matinee performance. The play was performed Nov. 10-12. Photo by Abby Bradshaw Junior Alec Jahnke talks to the audience during the matinee performance of Little Shop of Horrors.

Tickets were sold for $4 during lunch. Photo by Abby Bradshaw Senior Cody Lacrone sings about his occupation of dentistry. Lacrone played an evil dentist in the show.

Photo by Abby Bradshaw

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Senior Cody Lacrone scares junior Jake Dutton as Lacrone’s character, Orin Scravello, attempts to perform dental work on Dutton’s character, Seymour. Photo by Abby Bradshaw

Dec. 2, 2011