Volume 52, Issue 2 October 2011
BK students come together for a week of festivities
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October 2011
Students Develop Skills Off Campus l BK seniors intern with local businesses to learn potential career fields and areas of study for the future BY ISABEL DOBRIN
Breezeway Staff Writer Everyday during fourth block, Alexandra Prater takes a stroll down Brookside with some furry friends. Some days she also makes surgery packs, cleans out a surgery room, or even assists in an operation. What is this animal-loving class she’s in and how can you find a new interesting fourth block, you may ask? Try applying for an Internship. Bishop Kelley’s Career Internship program provides seniors with the opportunity to explore their interests by interning at local businesses during the school day. “I have always wanted to be involved with animals,” Prater said. Prater interns at the City Veterinary Hospital on 36th and Peoria. With the program, she has the opportunity to train daily in an area she is considering pursuing in the future. “It will help me make a decision on what I want my career to be and what classes I choose to take in college,” she said. Coach Brandon Birks, Career Internship Coordinator for more than five years, is in charge of organizing the program. “I facilitate senior students through the process of identifying their internship field, location of their internship, and then monitoring their internship while they are taking the class,” Birks said. Internships are available to any qualified
seniors that are interested in pursuing a career requiring specialized skills. “In order to be in the program, students must have at least a 3.0 overall GPA, must be in good standing with Mr. Pratt (no discipline concerns), and have either 1st or 4th block available in their schedule as well as have an internship site that fits this time slot,” he said. In a letter from Birks in the program brochure, he says that “students participating in a Career internship will have the opportunity to understand practices and trends taking place in the world of work. They will also be able to meet Tulsa business leaders and take part in the daily operations of their businesses.” Students have the opportunity to intern at various work places including accounting firms, advertising agencies, financial institutions, hotels, insurance companies, law enforcement, law offices, marketing firms, medical facilities, restaurants, retail establishments or virtually any business establishment a student is interested in. Miranda Balezentis interns at a Walgreen’s pharmacy on 21st and Memorial during fourth block. “I want to become a pharmacist. . . [and] interning will look good on my resume,” she said. Balezentis shadows a pharmacist everyday and helps out around the department performing various tasks. “I take inventory of all the drugs, sort hard
copies of prescriptions, interact with customers and watch the pharmacist do her job and ask her any questions that I have,” she said. Balezentis agrees that her experience will prove worthwhile in upcoming years. “[Interning] show[s] that I have field practice. . . it will also show how interested and dedicated I am to becoming a pharmacist and hopefully help get me accepted into pharmacy school in a few years when I apply,” she said. Colin Price also interns everyday at Superior Auto Electric at 54th and Mingo, a body shop that “specializ[es] in diagnostics and electrical and wiring repair,” he said. Price shadows his boss and works independently on certain projects throughout the shop. “Recently I’ve been learning how to do things on my own like oil changes, turning brake rotors, running the scanners and I’ve just begun learning how to weld,” he said. Price also notes that learning first hand eliminates the mistaken notions commonly associated with his work. “I’d like to add that there are a lot of misconceptions about the world of automotive repair. Most people think that plugging in the scanner into the car will tell you what exactly the problem is. That is not the case, however. The scanner reads codes and the codes only give you an idea of what’s wrong,” he said. The internship program brochure concludes that interns will experience potential
career choices, learn professional standards and expectations, expand career options by learning about different professions that are available, enhance preparation for college and course selection and broaden the possibilities for post-secondary education. Birks agrees that the many advantages of the program prove worthwhile. “As these interns continue their pursuit of their career, they will also have the opportunity to create professional relationships with individuals who will give them invaluable guidance and advice,” he concluded.
Senior Alexandra Prater assists in a checkup at City Veterinary Hospital. Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Prater
Kelley Retreats Offer Unique Experiences BY BEN HERNDON Breezeway Staff Writer Prism. Core. Search. Kairos. Each of these retreats is offered by Bishop Kelley so that students can obtain a genuine and personal experience of God’s presence and love. “Each [retreat] gives a special and unique attribute that can’t really be described unless you go on the retreat,” senior Andrew Alonso said. All of these retreats stand as one of the many elements in the total education of students. “[Retreats] are a great experience for all of the students that attend,” director of Search retreats Daniel Bryan said. “Many of them say that it is one of their biggest highlights of their time at BK.” The freshman retreat, or Prism, opens the eyes of all freshmen through prayer, personal experience and reflection on their own life and gifts and what God wants for them. “It was a good experience to be a part of,” sophomore John Cunningham said. “The seniors who were there did a great job of preparing us for what was going to happen later on in our high school years.” The freshman girls retreat is Feb. 4-5 and the freshman boys retreat is Mar. 10-11, both are offered at $75.
The sophomore retreats, or Cor/Core, teaches sophomores what it is like to have Jesus in their hearts in their day to day lives in the decisions they make. Every day the Bishop Kelley community says “Live Jesus in our hearts! Forever!,” and the sophomore retreat helps sophomores better understand this saying. To understand what it is like to have Jesus in their hearts, students will use the experience and guidance of older students, group interactions and prayer, and reflection to recognize Jesus’ presence. The sophomore girls’ retreat, or Cor, is offered Nov. 5-6 for $75, and the sophomore boys’ retreat is Nov. 19-20 for $75. Search is the junior retreat which is essentially a discovery of God’s presence in the people and communities they are around the most. During Search, students examine and reflect on the communities to which they belong. Throughout the examination and reflection, “students get a great sense of community, a better sense of identity, [and] a greater appreciation for family and friends they have in their life,” Bryan said. Just like every other activity Kelley has to offer, Search allows one to meet new people. “Search gives you the chance to open up to people you wouldn’t normally talk to,” senior Austin Major said. “You get to see a whole new side of people, and you’re given the opportunity to do the same
for them.” Search is led by past Searchers and teachers who show students the impact of the communities to which they belong. Bryan believes “with [his] whole heart that [they] change lives on Search.” Search is Oct. 14-16, Dec. 9-11, and Feb. 10-12 and costs $140. Senior men and women have only two chances to experience the senior retreat, Kairos. Kairos provides the opportunity for the individual senior to examine one’s personal relationship with God in a guided, prayerful, Christian community. This community talks, discusses and prays with the seniors so that they can discover God in new ways and learn how to develop and keep that relationship with God. “I found myself on Kairos,” Major said. Kairos is led by an intergenerational group of adults and peers to provide insight and experiences so they can benefit each senior. Students from both Bishop Kelley and Cascia Hall attend. The men’s Kairos is Jan. 26-29, and the women’s Kairos is Oct. 27-30 and Feb. 23-26 and costs $185. These retreats have changed the lives of many Kelley graduates and students and each retreat offers something special that has to be experienced firsthand. Even if the experience cannot be seen right away, “students gain a different perspective on life that at some point down the road, one will remember that he/she learned more on [retreats],” Bryan said.
l Members of the Bishop Kelley faculty and student body share how the warm embrace of the school community has helped and continues to help them through life’s most difficult, emotional, and trying times BY KELSEY RITCHIE
Breezeway Staff Writer
The news of her son’s accident had barely sunk in when Administrative Assistant Mary Gabel started receiving calls, texts, and prayers. Father O’Brien rushed to the hospital and was by the family’s side when they learned that their son, brother, and friend would not make it out of surgery. “I’ve said this since the day of the accident and continue to say it. I don’t know how anyone gets through this without faith in God, family, friends, and community,” Mrs. Gabel said. The Kelley community is not only there at football games, pep rallies, dances, and other celebrations. This community is there for not only the good and fun times, but also the times when life is simply hard. Junior Kevin Finnegan experienced the healing power of the Kelley community after the death of his sister in 2009. “On April 4 of 2009 my sister was at a friend’s house when a young man shot and killed her over an argument. On April 6, the Bishop Kelley community held a mass in memory of my sister,” Finnegan said. “Many people of the Kelley community showed up and gave me and my family all the love and support we could have ever asked for. The community was loving enough to dedicate the patio outside the library to my sister.” The immediate days following the death of a loved one are undeniably the hardest. Nonetheless, support continues long after the last car left the funeral. “With all the love and support the Kelley community gave us, it made it much easier to deal with. Two years later, they are still helping and showing their love,” Finnegan said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my sister and how much I miss her, but even though I miss her I know I have many people here at school who will be by my side when I need them. These people are now not just my friends or fellow students, they are my family.” The support is not limited to only students. Mary Gabel was embraced by the community when she lost her son Kevin earlier this year.
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“There is nothing like the BK community. When Father O'Brien got the news of the accident, along with personal friends of mine here, the news spread and the prayers were felt. We learned that Kevin had no hope of making it. His injuries were too massive. At that time Mrs. Kmetz was with us. Friends and family (most a part of the BK Community) along with Kevin's friends were there. Everything went fast but felt in slow motion at the same time,” Mrs. Gabel said. The loving support and sympathy continued during and after the initial shock. “When we got home Mr. and Mrs. Bender were at our door with food, drinks, ice and coolers. Then other people from the BK community began coming by with food, paper products, flowers, and themselves, wrapping their arms around us with love and support. The texts and phone calls started immediately. Coach Wads headed up the faculty and staff, being the main
“The people of the community here at Bishop Kelley are now not just my friends or fellow students, they are my family.“ - Kevin Finnegan
while,” said Sydney Turner, lifelong friend of Stewart. Going through such a loss is hard on anyone. Going through something like this alone is unimaginable. The Kelley community made sure that Stewart had support every step of the way. “The morning that I woke up and found out that my mom had passed away, I began getting text messages around 9 a.m. and they continued for the next couple of days. The day that she passed away I believe I received around 40 wallposts and about 50 text messages, mostly from Kelley students, that people had sent me letting me know that they were praying for my siblings and I and that if I needed anything from them, then they would always be there for me,” Stewart said. Although the actions taken by the community may seem small, their significance was larger than words. “Many people would have been scared to return to school in my situation, but I knew that once I returned there wouldn't be anything but love coming my way,” Stewart said. “The Kelley community helped me deal with what I was going through just by praying for me or letting me know they were thinking about me. BK has a great place in my heart for just sticking by my side through it all.”
contact. The administrators came to be with us. A theology class sent us a card, and cards from faculty, staff, parents, students began to arrive,” Mrs. Gabel said. “Also, they are still helping me. The prayer moms have prayed and supported us. There is a very special teacher here at BK who brings me little things to brighten my day at least once a month. My co-workers are here for me when the tears come or I just need to talk.” Junior Mary Grace Stewart has more loss than most teenagers can imagine. After losing her dad in 2007 and her stepdad in 2009, Stewart once again suffered a significant loss this year. On August 17, Stewart said goodbye to one more important person in her life: her mom. “I was more worried than anything. I was worried about how Mary Grace’s older brother and younger sister, but especially Mary Grace, Photo By Kelsey Ritchie would react to it. It just seemed so unfair to me Kevin Finnegan looks at the plaque on the patio that was and I was in shock and didn’t believe it for a dedicated to his sister.
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October 2011
I Heard it Through the Grapevine BY TAYLOR GAJAN
Breezeway Staff Writer They’re gross, they’re nasty. Nobody wants them. They spread faster than peanut butter on jelly. You say one thing during first block, and everyone knows about it by lunch. The Kelley Grapevine is at times more like poison ivy; it infects quickly and there’s no easy cure. Many of the rumors around Kelley are obviously far fetched. Freshman sources said that Mr. Pratt was replacing the drug dog with a drug tiger, and even had a petition going around with more than 100 signatures. When asked how Bishop Kelley would pay for the tiger, the source said they were just going to trade the dog. Looking forward to it! Another recent rumor purported that a teen celebrity, possibly the
Australian Justin Bieber, would soon be on campus, which was false as well. It seems like almost anything can get around. It’s worse than a People magazine. On Friday night after the football game, a girl and a boy go get ice cream, and suddenly they become the hottest couple on Monday - Though one of them may just need a ride home, the story can get completely twisted. Dean of Students Mr. Pratt said, “I don’t deal with rumors, I deal with the facts.” It’s not just girls involved in the grapevine, senior Riley Sloan has had his scare with the Kelley Grapevine. “Upon arriving in the main building after first block, I was bombarded with people asking me if Tommy [Sullivan] was really in a hospitalizing wreck. I had heard of no such things and
immediately started to ask friends in our group; they all had no idea! So I, worried for my friend’s safety, called him between classes only to find out he was sick. The rest of the school championed me for dispelling the rumor but I, needless to say, was quite disappointed because our crew lost some potential street cred from having a member survive from such a horrific incident,” Sloan said. Sophomore Katie Ritchie has mixed feelings about the grapevine. “I think it’s a good thing because it informs you. Unless it’s not the truth. Then it can change people’s opinion of you even though you didn’t do anything,” Ritchie said. Whether you want to or not, the Grapevines can grab you in. Beware of its wrath and stay untangled. Photo by Max Sanders
Bishop Kelley High School 3905 South Hudson Avenue Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135 (918) 627-3390 Ext: 174
The Breezeway welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed, but The Breezeway will withhold names upon request. The Breezeway has the right to accept, reject, or edit any letter at any time and will not run personal attacks. Non-bylined editorials are the opinions held by The Breezeway staff but are not necessarily the opinion of the advisor or administrators. The Breezeway provides an open forum for students and staff and strives to present news in an unbiased and timely fashion. The Breezeway has the right to accept, reject, edit, or cancel any advertisement at any time. Ads which the staff accepts are not an endorsement of the paper, the staff, the adviser, or the administrator. Some material is courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/ MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. Breezeway Staff Maddie Young- Editor-in-Chief Bailey Chambers- Managing Editor Max Sanders- Art Director Kelsey Ritchie- Photo Editor Isabel Dobrin- News Editor Taylor Gajan- Sports Editor Ben Herndon- Online Editor Todd Fernandez- Feature Editor Bailey McBride-Adviser Cover Photo by Max Sanders
By Matthew Douglas First, I’d like to say that I respect Oklahoma’s program and it’s winning tradition, and I do not do plan to bash any OU players or fans. Oklahoma State will have a tough game on Dec. 3, but if they play their cards right, they will win Bedlam. OSU is stacked with a top five offense and quality defense that is capable of making big time plays. The offense is led by Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon. But they are also equipped with some key players who have made numerous plays this year such as, Tracy Moore, Joseph Randle and Josh Cooper. The Cowboys’ O-line has been highly regarded as the Big 12’s top line. They have been a big part to OSU’s success this season. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys are loaded with big hitters. Markelle Martin, one of ESPN’s top ranked defensive players in the country, leads the defense. He is a big interception threat to every quarterback he faces. Last year, he picked off Landry Jones and assisted in the defensive play of the year in which he tipped the ball to another Cowboy defender for an interception. Even though OU has had a successful time against the Cowboys in the rivalry’s history, it won’t affect the players in any way. Oklahoma State will come into this game knowing they have the talent, passion and dedication in order to win. I expect the Cowboys to win in a shootout because I know they are capable of a lot more than people give them credi for. Sorry Sooners, but it’s Oklahoma State’s year to win the Big 12.
OU vs. OSU
Frankie Arndt and Michael Douglas explain why their team will win the big game By Frankie Arndt In 2010, OSU clearly had their best chance in a long time to beat OU but they choked like they always do. OSU will always have a mental block against OU because they are the “little brother” and can never seem to pull through. Some OSU students care more about OU losing than OSU winning; a few years back OSU beat OU and they put it on their graduation rings - how pathetic. OU leads in the Bedlam series with 82 wins, 16 losses and 7 ties. OU is also ranked higher than OSU, but rankings never matter in this game. Intensity and passion matter and thats why it is going to be a great game. This game is going to come down to who doesn’t have turnovers and stupid penalties. Both teams are undefeated so far and very powerful. OU’s defensive backs are talented enough to cover Justin Blackmon and, honestly, if he performs like he did against Texas A&M then the Pokes might as well not even come to play. OU also has one of the best offensive lines in the country. Landry Jones has two great wide receivers; Ryan Broyles and Kenny Stills who seem to always be open. Walker, OU’s running back is a walk on and he already is following in the footsteps of Adrian Peterson. There’s no doubt in my mind that OU will be able to pull this one out if they play a solid game.
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October 2011
Kelley Alumni Discern Religious Life l Bishop Kelley graduates prepare to devote their lives to God and answer His call to the priesthood BY TODD FERNANDEZ
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Breezeway Staff Writer et us remember that we are in the holy presence of God. This phrase is said everyday at Bishop Kelley; before the day starts and when the day ends. We hear it, but to most of us, this saying flies right by our heads and few of us actually choose to listen. “It’s Critical. Seeing the presence of God in your classmates and teachers,” Andy Kmetz said. “Once you really start to internalize that you [are] in the holy presence of God, you’ll the see the relationships in your life change for the better.” Andy Kmetz (‘02), Vince Fernandez (‘10) and David Carvajal (‘11) have taken the true meaning of being in the pres-
ence of God to heart and are discerning the life of the priesthood. “I felt called ever since I was a little kid,” said Fernandez. “Until I was in 11th grade, I thought about doing it throughout my life.” David Carvajal also felt that he was being called from a young age. “My first feeling to be a priest was when I was six, when I was altar serving,” said David Carvajal. “But I did not think about it seriously till junior year.” Both Carvajal and Fernandez entered the seminary right out of Kelley. Kmetz entered after his college life. “I started thinking about it towards the end of my college academics. It wasn’t as serious as it later became,” Kmetz said. David Carvajal credits Bishop Kelley for helping him with his spiritual growth and aiding in making his decisions.
“The mission trips and retreats helped me spiritually. Search and Kairos were turning points where I formed spiritually,” said Carvajal. The seminarians have also felt that members of the Kelley community were pivotal in helping them during their discernment. “I would talk to Fr. O’Brien and Mr. Lawson and other people, and they would encourage me to be a priest,” Fernandez said. “The people at Bishop Kelley, you can really tell they take their faith seriously,” said Kmetz. “If I had not gone to Bishop Kelley, I would not be going down this road.” Each seminarian also had certain inspirations that they looked up to help make their choice. Carvajal looked up to the “two priests
in [his] parish, Fr Samuel and Fr. Briones.” Kmetz looked up to people at Kelley that helped him in his discernment. “There were certain people [at Kelley] who helped me realize the realness and importance of the Catholic faith,” Kmetz said. The seminarians also offered words of advice to the students unsure about entering the religious life. “Trust in God’s will, you can’t do wrong,” said Fernandez “Pray and pray a lot. You need a lot of prayer,” said Carvajal. Father Wakulich, the Bishop Kelley chaplain and a graduate of Kelley himself, said “to allow God to show you what to do that makes you happy in your life. Not about what [you] want to do, but to be happy, to true happiness.”
The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From the Desk BY KELSEY RITCHIE
Breezeway Staff Writer Every student has experienced that moment of panic when he or she realizes they left his or her math homework, essay, or lunch money lying on the kitchen counter. This usually results in frantically dialing parents, begging them to bring whatever the missing item may be. However, for some students at Kelley, they can simply walk down the hall. “I get permission slips signed all the time. It’s so nice to be able to just run down to his [Coach Chambers’] office when I need something,” Bailey Chambers, junior said. Her dad also enjoys being in such close proximity to his daughter. “It’s nice to be able to visit with Bailey, or her with me, in the event one of us needs something. This is something most parents have to contact the of-
fice for, to get word to their children,” Coach Chambers said. However, this can work both ways as well. Mrs. Scherer, new government teacher, “went to her sister, Debra Schuerman, when [she] forgot Beans and Jeans money.” Like Debra and Mrs. Scherer, junior Autumn McBride and a new addition to the journalism department, Ms. McBride, bring sisterhood inside the doors of Kelley. “I treat Autumn like anyone else, although obviously I can talk to her more candidly about some things as she is my sister. This also means I can give her a hard time when I can’t hassle other students,” Ms. McBride said. “However, my sister avoids me like the plague in the halls.” For other students, avoiding their family member in the halls may be a bit more difficult. In fact, for senior Ben Pratt, the hallway guarantees a run-in with his father, who happens to be the Dean of Students.
Photo by Kelsey Ritchie
Athletic Director Mark Chambers assists his daughter Bailey Chambers, with an assignment. “It is nice to have my dad’s office here to print off essays or homework before school,” Bailey said. “I love having my daddy within walking distance at all times throughout the day, you know, like if I get a booboo or something,” Ben said.
Although he has to take on somewhat of a disciplinary role during the school day, Mr. Pratt takes time to also take on the role of a father.
“I think it’s awesome having Ben here. We get to see each other through the day and it’s easier for me to keep up with the things he’s involved in at school. Even if I haven’t seem him through the day, I see the Scion in the parking lot and know he’s here safe,” Mr. Pratt said. Likewise, Betty O’Connor enjoys having her senior son, David O’Connor, here at school. “He occasionally stops by my office and I am always happy to see him! I work in the Advancement office, so it’s not very often. Even if it’s for lunch money, getting something signed, or to getting information back and forth. I sometimes remind him about things I’ve heard from the bulletin. I also love just seeing him around campus, but it doesn’t happen that much. I try to give him space to have his own high school experience, and his older brother and sister made me swear to never chaperon a dance,” Mrs. O’Connor said.
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Leading Ladies on Court Shine BY ISABEL DOBRIN
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Breezeway Staff Writer omecoming week: the pep rally, the homecoming game and dance, and the girls who make it the event of the season. Homecoming Court plays a leading role in the week’s festivities. “It’s a busy week [for the girls],” Mr. Gary Oberste, dean of student activities, said. The Fall Homecoming Court, which consists of sophomore, junior and senior attendants, made various appearances throughout the week. First, the girls were introduced at the pep rally, where each girl was accompanied by two escorts for her first debut. They then appeared at the Homecoming game where the Court was presented at halftime and the Queen and Maid of Honor were crowned. Finally, the dance, where the girls took one last walk in front of the students who elected them. Senior attendant Margo McKenzie admits that the nomination was unexpected.
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“I was really surprised,” she said. “Every time one of my friends is out there I’m always really happy for them. . . [but] I didn’t think I would get on Court.” McKenzie’s best friend Ginna Long was also nominated by the senior class, which made the event even more memorable. “My favorite part about [being on court] is that I’m with my best friend,” McKenzie said. Ginna Long, who was crowned Homecoming Queen during the halftime of the football game against Nathan Hale on Friday, Sept. 30, was also looking forward to the experience. “I was really excited, but my mom was even more excited than I was,” she said. “It’s a highlight of my senior year. . .it’s bittersweet.” Other senior attendants included Inky Ajanaku, Maid of Honor, and Chaewoon Lee. “I was humbled that I got chosen for court, let alone Maid of Honor,” Ajanaku said. Ajanaku’s sister Kitan was also on Homecoming court her senior year in 2010.
“That just makes senior year a little bit better,” Ajanaku said. Mr. Oberste had only good things to say about the group of girls selected this year and the students that selected them. “I was impressed with the classes, they elected good gals,” he said. “Homecoming is not about the most popular girls. . .it’s about who’s given the most to her class.” Mr. Oberste and Mrs. Maggie Gabel work with the girls to make sure everything is in order for all the events. “I make the ballots for voting, meet with the court about their dresses, type the scripts, help with pictures on the field then direct them for the homecoming game,” Mrs. Gabel said. Mrs. Gabel has been working with the Homecoming Court for the past seven years with Mr. Oberste and says the custom is exciting for her, too. “It is great to see the girls, their friends, escorts, and family all so excited to be a part of our special BK homecoming tradition,” she said.
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New events celebrate homecoming traditions BY BAILEY CHAMBERS
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rom elementary school jumpers to overalls and tube socks, Bishop Kelley Homecoming week was full of dress-up days, intense class competitions and overwhelming school spirit. The week ended with a football win against Nathan Hale High School and an exciting dance at the Tulsa Convention Center. The week started out on Tuesday with a blast from the past having students dress up as their favorite childhood memories. Students chose to dress up with a variety of memories such as footie pajamas, television show characters, old school uniforms and sports jerseys from grade school which were all found being worn by most students. Juniors Andrew Wood and Kelsey Ritchie dressed up as Jessie and Woody from “Toy Story.” “We thought we were better than Batman and Robin, so we went with that,” Wood said. Their costumes were so original and adorable it came as no surprise to be the best dressed, winning free homecoming dance tickets. “That was my favorite part,” Wood said. Wednesday was very different than the day before but still rather enjoyable. It was a day full of pressed shirts, dresses, skirts, and polished shoes. Students brought out the irons and shoe polish and wore outfits they would wear to church.
“I just decided to let my creativity run loose and decided to go with more of a modest but chick– look,” junior Juanita Torres said. “Like the ladies from back in the day.” “Sunday’s Best” encouraged students to look their absolute best. It was a nice change from all the untucked oxfords, and rising skirt lengths. Junior Madi Shulz’s favorite day was Church day because “[her] outfit was hilarious!” she says. Thrift store Thursday seemed to be a huge hit. Students wore the most eccentric outfits they could find. Parachute pants, 90’s sweat suits, sun hats and outrageous jewelry was just some of the apparel found on students. On this particular day it didn’t matter what colors went with each other, what prints matched, or even what styles coordinated because frankly, not many students’ did. It was a crazy day filled with styles from all decades. Junior Madi Shulz would like to have a grandparents day next year which primarily stems from the thrift store idea. Red and white day concluded the dress up days with the seniors showing off their “sea of red” during the pep rally. Not only is Mr. Oberste’s favorite part of the week the pep rally, but he “loves red and white day because it shows all the school spirit,” he said. The pep rally had quite a turn around this year. In the past seniors always win the spirit stick, as they usually have the most people show up at all the events, the most spirited class, and the most clever dress up ideas. That all changed this year when the Junior class took over and won the spirit stick.
“It felt great to win the stick as juniors,” junior Alex Malati said. “ It was a roller coaster of emotions because we thought we would lose because we weren’t seniors.” The juniors rose to the occasion and took away what they had deserved. Senior and Student Council president Michael Cunningam knew that the seniors had not had their strongest week. They fell behind at the beginning and just couldn’t quite catch up. “The juniors did a great job throughout the week and deserved to win,” Cunningham said. “With that loss we know what it takes to win.” The juniors better be prepared to fight even harder next homecoming because the seniors will be fired up and ready to take back their spirit stick. Friday’s game began with the “homecoming” of the 1981 football state champions returning to the same field where they had played just 30 years before. The Comets overtook the Rangers 50-20. The celebration continued during the halftime performance with the Spirit Squad and the “Rhythm Factory” collaborating their talents to perform a fantastic halftime performance, and the crowning of the 2011 football homecoming queen, Ginna Long.The dance on the following night ended a great week of lots of activity. There was classic music, fun dancing, and lots of friends all around.(Help with this sentence) In just a few short months Kelley will be doing this all again. Dress up days will be entertaining, but the real fun will begin when the Seniors return with revenge for their spirit stick. There can only be one winner.
1. Seniors Jill Rosco and Chandler Lyster walk to class in their dress-up day kid wear. Photo: Danielle Arquisola 2. Senior Jenna Long snaps a photo with her mom after being crowned Fall Homecoming Queen at the game. Photo: Bro. RIchard 3. Senior Alex McGuire dresses up as Moses to “Part the Red Sea” and runs though the senior class at the Homecoming Pepralley. Photo: Maddie Young 4.Kelsey Ritchie and Andrew Wood dress-up as Jessie and Woody from Toy Story for childhood dress up day. The duo won the dress-up contest. Photo: Todd Fernandez 5. Seniors do the “Shoes off for Kelley” cheer at the Homecoming Pepralley. Photo: Bro. Richard
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October 2011
Ritchie Rides to Championships
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BY TODD FERNANDEZ
Breezeway Staff Writer world championship is something many feel like is an impossible feat. Some may be driven to achieve one much later in life. But to few, that drive is now. Junior Kelsey Ritchie owns a world championship. In fact she owns three in horse riding. Ritchie first started riding horses at a very young age. “My mom grew up riding horses. As soon as I was old enough to sit up on a horse, I started riding,” Ritchie said. “We always had horses around and I just grew up around it. And I was the one who wanted to show and [my mom] helped me with that.” The competitions for riding are called shows. Ritchie started showing (or competing in shows) when she was seven years old. “I’ve shown a lot since then. Some years I’ve shown more than others,” Ritchie said. “There’s a lot of different classes you can do at shows. A lot of different events and stuff. I do the All-Around, so I do everything from English to Western to barrels to jumping. Just kind of everything.” Ritchie attends a number of conventions and conferences because of her riding and showing. “I attend the National Youth Pinto Leadership Conference every spring. I also go to State Round Up at OSU in the summer. And then Youth In Action in the fall at Fin and Feather Resort in Tahlequah,” Ritchie said. Several other opportunities have also been presented to Ritchie through her horseriding. “I have done public speaking contests which was one of
the things I won previously at Quarter Horse World Show. I’ve also gotten involved in horse judging, where you’re basically judged on how well you can judge horses. And I’m coaching a team of younger kids right now. And my team is getting ready to go to Ohio for a week to judge in October.” With the many different events and shows on Ritchie’s schedule, riding has become very time consuming. “I probably spend three hours a day riding and taking care of horses. And then horse shows can literally go from seven in the morning to midnight each day. Some shows are two weeks long and some shows are just one day long. It all depends on the prestigiousness of the show,” Ritchie said. There has always been a passion for riding in Ritchie’s family. She comes from a long line of riders. “They’re all from my mom’s side,” sister Katie Ritchie said. “My grandma showed horses and my youngest sister shows too,” Kelsey Ritchie said. All the hours Ritchie has put in has paid off. Ritchie owns three world championships in riding and 14 in judging. Another benefit of riding is “a lot of scholarship offers,” Katie Ritchie said. Ritchie’s favorite memories of riding are winning her first world championship because of the “shock of getting a title that big,” and all her travels. Ritchie has met a number of people through her many travels for shows. “I’ve made so many friends from all over the United States because at the World Show they all come in for leadership conferences. So being able to see the people I only see at horse shows is definitely one of the main reason why I
TRAUMARAUMA BY TAYLOR GAJAN
Breezeway Staff Writer “One time during passing period, Erin McIntosh tripped me in the hallway. I had a skirt on and all my books when sliding across the floor and my papers fell out too.” -Margo McKenzie, senior “After Monday night cheer practice it was pouring down rain, and I got really scared so I ran to my car. I was parked in the senior lot, and it looked
a little deserted so I wanted to get out of there in a hurry. AsI went to exit out of the gate, it was locked. I panicked and decided the best option was to drive through the courtyard and the breeezeway into the “U” drive. Later I realized the gate is automatic...” - Taylor Gajan, senior “When I was an awkward freshman, I was making my way to the “U” to get into my mom’s car. Once I got in I realized it wasn’t my mom’s car....and it wasn’t my mom
-Andrew Wood, junior “I have a habit of sleep walking, and one time I set off the house alarm late at night. My parents thought I was sneaking out.” -Grant Isom, senior “When I was a freshman, I bought a burger for lunch. While walking back to my seat, Mr. Pratt was telling some sort of story and while he was acting it out, he smashed his hand down violently onto my burger. My fries, burger, self-esteem went
have so much fun and continue to show,” Ritchie said. Aside from gaining new friends from horse showing, Ritchie has also learned values for herself. “I think that I have been taught stuff about myself,” Ritchie said. I’ve learned so much about responsibility and goal-setting. I think one of those important things I’ve learned about myself is that I’ve been presented with so many opportunities I feel like it’s my turn to give back a little bit, which is why I started coaching younger kids and I give riding lessons now. I feel like it’s my turn to step down from making myself the best that I can be and time to show others how to do that.”
Photo By Regina Ritchie
Ritchie and her horse prepare to show at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.
l Bishop Kelley students share their most embarrassing moments at school flying. But Mr. Pratt was nice and bought me a new lunch.” -Todd Fernandez, junior “One time in the parking lot after football, I hit Coach Tapanna’s truck” - Colton Craig, senior “Last year in Coach Ellis’ bible class, I was doing a rap for the class and I had the worst voice crack I’ve ever had. Coach Ellis spit out his water out he was laughing so hard” -Austin Morris, junior
“I was soccer manager last year and Tokar told me to run to the press box to tell them something to announce before the end of the game. There were only 30 seconds left, so he told me to run as fast as I could. So I ran and I turned to go around the fence, I didn’t realize there was a box there so I faceplanted right in front of the whole student section. They all laughed and applauded for me. -Katie Caruso, junior
Order Up: Oliveto Italian Bistro lRestaurant mixes traditional Italian taste with modern feel and style BY MAX SANDERS AND TODD FERNANDEZ
Breezeway Staff Writers
Not too stuffy, not too relaxed, just right. Oliveto Italian Bistro located on the northwest corner of 91st and Memorial serves up traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Upon arriving you are immediately greeted by friendly staff that take you to a seat that includes a full view of the kitchen. The color green is evident throughout the restaurant, from the lighting to the seats. Flat-panel monitors line the walls so you never miss a minute of your favorite show. The atmosphere gives off a modern and casual feel. It is comfortable and the staff is super friendly and helpful; they’ll recommend things off the menu. We had six people at our table and they were very accommodating in what we wanted, even though we were a big group. We started with the Bruschetta “Sundae” ($7.00). It had a little
of balsamic vinegar and that was a nice twist. We then had the Tomato Basil Bisque soup($3.75) which was topped with croutons and cheese. The Amoré pizza($9.50) had traditional Italian items, such as peppers and onions, and blended them together. The Mac n’ Cheese n’ Cheese n’ Cheese ($7.50) was rich and creamy with bits of breadcrumbs in it. The jalapeño bacon the chicken parmesan was tender tender chicken breast with cheese. Ravioli Red and White($9.25) was a great blend of classic ravioli with four different cheeses. The Chicken Alfredo ($9.75) was very traditional and looked beautiful. The Bread Pudding ($6.25) was moist and delicious. All-in all, the staff was very friendly and nice. The decor was classy, and it is a place you could bring a date. We left the Oliveto feeling good about ourselves and feeling full. Photos By Max Sanders
The objective of the game is to fill all the blank squares in a game with the correct numbers. Every row of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every column of 9 numbers must include all digits 1 through 9 in any order. Every 3 by 3 subsection of the 9 by 9 square must include all digits 1 through 9.
See if you can solve this BK sudoku!
ANSWERS:
BK School Spirit Sudoku
Difficulty: Hard
bkbreezeway.com
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October 2011
Let’s Hear it for the Boys Bishop Kelley adds male cheerleaders to the school spirit squad to add new moves
By TAYLOR GAJAN Breezeway Staff Writer New faces are soon to be appearing behind the cheer formations. Chaz Stephenson, Nick Clark, Frankie Ardnt IV, John Conner and Alex Lybarger are temporary members of the BK Spirit Squad. They are going to be helping out with pep rallies during football season, but some will help out during basketball games as well. Alex Lybarger said he can’t wait to help out. “I think I’ll be really useful, especially since I have huge muscles,” Lybarger said. Religion teacher instructor, Daniel Bryan was also a member of the Spirit Squad when he was a student in 2004. Along with Ryan Kane (‘04), he helped out with many stunts and cheer coach, Liz Ritchie, even made them perform a dance with the squad during the Late Night talent show as a joke. “The worst thing was listening to Delilah on the way back from away games on the bus,” Bryan said. Mrs. Ritchie said that she’s leaving Mr. Bryan in charge of the boys helping
out. “Boys on the squad would be nice, and we could do more “Boys on the squad would things but it’s more of Mr. Bry- be nice, and we could do an’s vision. I’m leaving him in more things but it’s more of charge of it,” Ritchie said. This year, Bryan is helping Mr. Bryan’s vision” with new member of the fresh- Liz Ritchie men squad, Brendan Mitchell. Along with being on the freshman squad, Mitchell is also helping the varsity with stunts. “The best part about being on cheer is having hot senior girls give me hugs at lunch and my friends being jealous,” Mitchell said. Though he participates in both freshmen and varsity practices, unlike Mr. Bryan he won’t be doing any dances. They may not be sporting the short skirts and the tight tank tops like the girls do, but the boys are still a fundamental part of the squad.
GOT THE MENCHIES? Local Fro-Yo establishment supports Bishop Kelley track renovations By BAILEY CHAMBERS Breezeway Staff Writer Cherry Berry, Orange Leaf, and PeachWave are all very bright and successful frozen yogurt shops. But one in particular is taking their success a step farther and giving back to help support the Bishop Kelley track. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt on 41st between Sheridan and Yale in the Southroads Shopping Center agreed to a fundraiser to help raise money to renovate and revamp the track. General Manager Brett Swearingen said that “ Twenty percent of proceeds will go back to Bishop Kelley track repair program.” Bishop Kelley has had the current track for 15 years now, it was last refurbished eight years ago. To completely rebuild a new track the cost would range from $200,000 to $250,000. This would include going down to the asphalt, removing all the layers of rubber, then installing all new layers of rubber. With the building and maintenance expenses for asphalt, pricing could reach $300,000. With different surfacing products comes different levels and qualities. Different types of surfaces will need to be put in. Different ranges of quality include very base model, which is currently being used now all the way to a higher collegiate level which will need to replace it. With a higher level comes a higher cost. “We want to get the very best we can so that we aren’t going through this again before it’s general life,” Athletic Director Mark Chambers said. Many students and coaches who have had first-hand experience running on the track
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definitely notice that it is inadequate for long term use. The track’s concrete-like surface is covered with cracks and deteriorating pieces. “The track is in awful shape and needs some drastic improvements” Athletic Director Mark Chambers said. “Safety is an issue.” Coach Phillip West, boys cross country coach, explains that after a workout, since the track is so hard and uncushioned it takes a much larger toll on a runner’s body, leaving them feeling a little more beat up and tired than they would on a softer surface. Injuries such as shin splints, stress fractures in the foot or shin and soreness in the joints can all be linked to such hardened surfaces on the track girls cross country coach Terry Stupp said. “A track should be squishy and nice,” sophomore Quinlan Ward said. Unfortunately, high school students run on this surface everyday during practice and training and this prolonged use is very hard on the legs of our High School students. Not only has the instability of th track affected people personally, it has also affected Bishop Kelley as a community. Since the track is in such horrible shape, Bishop Kelley can no longer host high school track meets. High school track meets have quite a few events that run corners. The corners seem to be in the worst shape than any other part of the track. “The north corner is in really bad shape,” Chambers said.
This is where Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt steps in. For a span of a few days they agreed to give twenty percent of proceeds with the verification of a card to the Bishop Kelley track fund. There is a number of restaurants that are willing to give and get involved with supporting all types of Bishop Kelley activities. “They are a very good neighbor and we are always appreciative of such generous gifts,” Chambers said. This leaves everyone with one question-- Exactly when will all this take place? The cross country teams have had to deal with a big inconvenience of not being able to use the track for this season. The boys’ team has been able to go to the OU Schusterman Center or Whiteside Park and run workouts there. Yet, with a track comes helpful accessibility. According to Coach West having bathrooms, water, and simply knowing the exact distance a student has run makes practice much less stressful and tiresome. However, renovating the track will begin once Bishop Kelley has, at the very least a major portion of the money in hand. We know this is an expensive project and on-going maintenance is neccessary. To take this project on with only a small percentage of what it will cost is not a wise business decision. Nonetheless, “we do believe it will be fairly soon that we will get to move forward with the renovation,” Chambers said. As citizens of the Bishop Kelley community, to get reconstruction underway we must start donating now. it is important to remember that every dollar counts toward making a difference. Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to give back to Bishop Kelley. You could be involved in the betterment of our school without evening knowing it.
Breezeway
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l Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, and Softball continue to win
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1. LEFT: Hannah Barnoski gets ready to serve in a match against Edmond Memorial. Photo by Lauren Wooten. 2. RIGHT: Michael Duke runs at the ORU cross country race. Photo by Chrissy Liotta 3. LOWER RIGHT: Erica Ashley prepares to bat in a softball game against Collinsville. Photo by Lauren Wooten. 4. BOTTOM LEFT: Jack Fischer prepares to run in hopes of scoring against Coweta. Photo by Darienne Chapman.
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