January Issue by The North Star Newspaper

THE

NORTH ST R Issue 6, Volume 27 Blue Valley North Overland Park, KS Jan. 18, 2013

s Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rivalry with Blue Valley Northwest heats up, coaches and administrators are looking for ways to keep the competition friendly while players focus their minds and bodies on victory. Read more on p. 8-9.

PLUS: p. 5

Dancing v. wrestling faceoff

p. 7 Beading together success

p. 12 Driving in danger

02 StuCo faces scrutiny for assemblies, school spirit S News • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

tudents have noticed a different level of leadership from Student Council (StuCo). Some feel that Student Council officers are not being responsive to the needs of the students by failing to actively participate in North life. “StuCo had the opportunity to take a more active role in our school, but they missed out. After the mixers

Senior Lauren Adamson decorates for the Homecoming dance. StuCo was involved in setting up the dance. Photo by Alex Scimecca

had lost their popularity, nothing was done to increase the schools social activity,” junior Scott Fromm said. Compared to previous years, senior Raj Kulkarni and Fromm believe that the current StuCo has not performed as well as past years. “In the previous years, I used to see people like David Thompson leading the assemblies and people were involved. By moving the Homecoming assembly to the morning... I don’t really see anyone leading the assemblies,” Kulkarni said. “In the past, I never heard any complaints about StuCo, but this year, the lack of leadership is evident in the inability to run assemblies,” Fromm said. In response, StuCo sponsor Jeff Breedlove and sophomore class president Clayton Covington said that although StuCo has worked hard, they have struggled with their goals. “Our goals were to promote school unity and lead the school forward, but we have struggled along the way,” Breedlove said. “Some goals that we have are increasing support in fundraising and contributing to festivities. Although we have been accomplishing a lot of these, we still have more to accomplish,” Covington said. Another reason StuCo has been

under scrutiny is a perceived decline in its interaction with the student body. “StuCo needs to find a way to interact with the BVN community, maybe allowing non-StuCo students to suggest new ideas in a suggestion box. I would feel more involved if I could submit my ideas,” Kulkarni said. “An important change StuCo needs to make is to create a type of blog between the body and StuCo. When I suggest ideas, not many people hear about it so more feedback would be effective. This blogging option is viable, and we will try to create a system like this in the future.” Covington said. Some suggest that a lack of leadership from all StuCo president Thompson Deufel lies at the root of StuCo’s problems. “Every Monday, there are meetings required for all the officers. He can’t attend, though, because he has CAPS. Because CAPS is so time consuming, his ability to perform goes down. When he can’t fill the role of president, Emily Degner sometimes takes his spot. Miranda

Hall also helps with stuff and I do too,” Covington said. Deufel declined to be interviewed due to time constraints. The student government is also blamed for policies implemented by the school administration because people assume that StuCo is in control. “StuCo commonly takes the fall for things such as the grinding rule, so we get blamed for things that the administration mandates,” Breedlove said. Although StuCo is facing problems now, Covington and Breedlove say that they foresee a brighter future. “We will try to find a way to increase school spirit and attendance at dances,” Clayton said. “We will also mend the bridge between the students and the administration.” “We are striving to get the school back on track, to where it is enjoyable for students, because right now we aren’t lacking school spirit, but lacking community,” Breedlove said.

“StuCo had the

opportunity to take a more active role in our school, but they missed out.”

It’s not just good, it’s Sonic good.

Ram Sivakumar • Staff Writer •

• Jan. 18, 2013 • News

New mascot inflates school spirit

ustang pride is about to get blown up. Thanks to a grant from the Blue Valley Education Foundation (BVEF) and the Dixon Family Foundation, an inflatable Mustang suit has arrived for use by the Navigators. “Navigators is the program that Mrs. Herschberger teaches for students who have autism spectrum disorder, [but] they’re in normal classes,” librarian Abby Cornelius said. “Most of the time, you don’t even know they have some kind of disability.” The suit’s design is different from other mascot suits; it is inflatable, with a fan motor inside and straps that make the mustang move. “You wear a fan motor and a battery pack, and you connect the battery to the fan and [it] inflates. It looks funny

Mustang suit helps kids navigate social situations

when you jump around because there’s this air buffer,” Cornelius said.

Librarian Abby Cornelius tries on the new Mustang suit. “We’re going to work with the students in [Navigators] to be involved in those social schoolspirit situations,” Cornelius said. Photo provided by Abby Cornelius.

Cornelius came up with the idea for the grant after reading an article in Wired magazine. “The man who developed these costumes had a sign company, and his company had inflatable signs, but they were just squares and arrows. He discovered that it looks funny when there’s this thing with someone moving around inside, so [he] started designing suits.” Companies such as Frito-Lay and the Red Cross purchased mascots. Then, one person who was supposed to be a mascot didn’t show up, and a new use for the suits was discovered. “The person who had been hired to wear the suit didn’t show up, and the only person available was one of the employee’s sons, [who] had an autism spectrum disorder. They

were nervous that he would not do well inside the suit,” Cornelius said. “It turns out that the white noise from the fan plus the buffer of the air calms the overstimulation issues that people with autism have, and they can interact with people when they normally wouldn’t.” Cornelius and Herschberger hope the Navigators can use the suit to develop social skills. “It will give kids something to belong to, but they have the barrier of the suit,” Herschberger said. “They’ll work with the current mustang. They’ll do pep assemblies, some sporting events, some musicals. We are hoping they’ll be ready for the Sweetheart assembly.”

Emily Levinson • Staff Writer •

“I

Sports • Jan. 18, 2013 • N ATHLETE OF THE

M NTH

love the feeling of accomplishment when I pin my opponent down, and all of the hard work and effort that I put into wrestling is finally rewarded,” senior Danny Widrig, co-captain of the wrestling team, said. Widrig started wrestling in seventh grade when he heard about wrestling from a few of his brother’s friends. “I decided to start wrestling because I wanted to try something new. I was tired of basketball,” Widrig said. Widrig notes that wrestling takes more discipline than any other activity he has done. “I don’t know any other sport where you have to constantly watch what you eat and drink,” Widrig said. Since the season started, Widrig has practiced every day to prepare for state. “Live wrestling and running probably best prepare me for the intensity of a match,” Widrig said. “As Danny’s practice partner, he

Senior pins down his goals

pushes me to be better every day. He puts 100 percent into what he does on and off the matt,” senior Mike Merenda said. Widrig, who wrestles in the 132 pound weight class, has qualified for state every year since he was a sophomore. To go to state, wrestlers must be in the top four in their weight categories at regionals. Widrig also expressed high hopes for the entire team. His goals are to have the team place at EKL and regionals and to qualify several wrestlers for state. However, the team means more to Widrig than their collective accomplishments. For Widrig, wrestling has become a real team sport. “There is definitely a team atmosphere because we drill and practice together, and we always cheer each other on,” Widrig said In competitions, Widrig relies on support from his teammates and the work he puts in during practice to

perform his best. “It helps to know my teammates are there for me. It takes a lot of mental toughness and strength to go out there and hit the moves I want to hit and know when to hit them and carry them out,” Widrig said. Senior Ethan Douglas and senior Danny Widrig practice their moves after school in the wrestling room. Photo by Austin Fultz. Wrestling coach Dylan on wrestling at the college level, he Hitchcock has high hopes for Widrig’s plans to take his experiences from achievements. wrestling with him beyond high “Danny is one of the best technical school. wrestlers out there. He sets an “I have learned that hard work example for the younger guys on the always pays off. I think wrestling has team. Over the past four years he taught me valuable life skills, such as has been the most consistent in his discipline and leadership, that I will dedication to the program,” Hitchcock take with me,” Widrig said. said. Sydney House Even though Widrig does not plan • Sports Editor •

Athletes face off Training

Compare the intensity and training of two sports

Ellie Holcomb • Co-Editor In Chief •

• Jan. 18, 2013 • Sports

Dancer

“In a normal week I will dance between 15 and 20 hours,” Walton said. “Jazz and tap classes are one hour, but we usually take more than one style of jazz. Ballet classes are two hours and are required twice a week.” Walton also trains two to four hours on Sundays and two to six hours on Saturdays.

vs.

enior Emily Walton has danced for 10 years at Miller Marley school of Dance and Voice. She does jazz, tap, and ballet and is part of Miller Marley’s Entertainers troupe.

Wrestler

enior John Barth has been wrestling 6 years and went to state last year. He is in the 145-pound weight class and is a captain of the team.

Being the best

Training

“We’ll warm up, wrestle each other...then we’ll stretch. And then most of the time we’ll learn a little bit of technique, and then we’ll drill, and then we’ll wrestle live for 30 or 45 minutes and sometimes we’ll run at the end of practice,” John Barth said.

Being the best

“I try to stretch regularly on my own so I don’t lose flexibility. It’s also important to watch what you eat so you stay healthy. I don’t just mean eating to stay thin, either. We actually eat a ton of food, but we try to eat things that are healthier,” Walton said.

Barth said a critical component of wrestling is, “staying mentally focused, no matter how hard it is.” “You have to watch your weight and watch what you’re eating...you wanna drop weight so you have an advantage over other wrestlers,” Barth said.

“Depending on how well prepared I am and how big of a role I am dancing, I do get nervous,” Walton said. “But that feeling usually vanishes the second I hit the stage. I love performing; it’s my favorite part of dance.”

“You get more nervous than any other sport I’ve ever been in because wrestling’s all individual, you can’t blame it on anyone else if you lose. But at the same time, winning after the match, getting your hand raised is unlike any other feeling,” Barth said.

Nerves

Photo provided by Emily Walton

Photo by Austin Fultz

Skating to successJunior finds a passion in ice hockey

“W

hen I lived in Steamboat Springs, Colo., everyone played hockey. I got started as early as age 3,” junior Thomas Corr said. When Corr moved to Kansas in second grade, he realized hockey was not that popular here. “There were not many opportunities to play competitive hockey when I first moved here. I played recreational hockey at Pepsi Ice Midwest until middle school,” Corr said. In the sixth grade, Corr started to get more serious about hockey and devote more time to it. In seventh grade he made the Stars AA team and played on that team for two years. These are both competitive teams that travel and are more of a time commitment. “Making the Stars AA team was a big accomplishment and gave me the confidence to try out for the Jets once I got to high school,” Corr said.

The Jets is the only high level hockey Corr puts time in throughout the team for the high school age group year to maintain his skill set. in the Kansas City. The team, which “I do lots of footwork drills, core practices at the Kansas City Ice center strength exercises and agility drills. in Shawnee, is first in the Midwest Training involves a lot of calisthenics region. and technique building,” Corr said. Corr notes that his favorite part Despite the amount of practice Corr about hockey is the intensity of puts in, he has been injured on the competition. ice. “When I am playing, I am extremely “I have broken one wrist, three focused and in the zone.I love the fingers, cracked a rib, gotten a adrenaline rush and the fast paced concussion and split an eyebrow all speed of the game,” Corr said. A typical game is three periods and the game is very technique oriented. The game is played similarly to lacrosse and there are three forwards, two defenders, and one goalie. “Hockey takes a lot of persistence. It is a highly skilled sport, and you really have to nurture your skills during Junior Thomas Corr goes in for a pass while practicing the on and off season,” Corr’s with his teammates at the Kansas Ciity Ice Center. Photo hockey coach Max Howell said. by Erica Emert.

while playing hockey,” Corr said. His year round training have not gone unrewarded. Corr’s team has won the regional championship for the past two years. “I remember everyone went crazy and threw their helmets in the air. We all dogpiled on the goalie, and the everyone was cheering. It was a very exhilarating experience,” Corr said. Corr continues to improve his skills with a goal of possibly playing hockey outside of high school. “Thomas has become a lot better at stickhandling and puck control. He is a very versatile player and is always there for the team,” Howell said. If Corr decides to pursue hockey at a higher level outside of high school, he would play juniors for two years and then play in college. “No matter what decision I make, I know I will continue to play hockey,” Corr said. Sydney House • Sports Editor •

06 Freshen life with mints B Feature • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

eing kind is cool. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself. This is a single example of the messages on a “complimint.” On Dec. 17, a group of BVN students devoted their lunch time to handing out mints to their peers. This was not only meant to be a kind gesture, but a representation for everything their REbeL club stands for. “We simply don’t get enough pats on the back and we want to make sure we’re spreading kindness”, said Jean Busey, school counselor and sponsor of the club, “we just thought complimints would be a good way to get a positive message out... I think that with good self-esteem, you would be able to do anything and everything that you wanted.” An important aspect of REbeL club is the cooperation between its members in order to reach the common goal of promoting

positivity. “I love seeing kids come together from all walks of life, and different level of interests, accept each other, and be willing to be a positive reinforcement in school”, Busey said. With all of the future projects in store such as mirror coverings or selfesteem discussion at middle schools, “complimints” stand out as a promise for sweeter days with a simple dose of kindness. “The point of this was to make people realize that they’re important

REbeL club takes a step forward in promoting selfconfidence. Photo by Kiera Bolden.

to us... a lot of people don’t realize that body image is an issue,” club member sophomore Dyamond Sutton said. Perhaps the need for compliments is due partly to the pressures of high school. “Our schools in general have a problem with [self-esteem]”, said club member senior Kara Skehen, “high school is hard for a lot of people. I think everybody feels a pressure to be prettier and thinner.” Club sponsor Luke Greene believes that though the overall reaction to complimints was positive, students can take more action with simple gestures. “It does not take much to have a positive impact on others,” Greene said. “Little random acts, such as passing out these complimints, can go a long way in terms of having a positive impact on a person’s day.”

Kiera Bolden

Spread the confidence:

You are strong. You are powerful. You are beautiful. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, be the beholder.

It’s not a matter of believing that you are beautiful. It’s a matter of realizing you are beautiful. The mirror does not define you. “And yet you are all that you have, so you must be enough. There is no other way.” -Marya Hornbachen To wish that you are someone else is to waste the person you are.

Turn on the tracker Parents take new measures to keep tabs on children

oing to college opens new doors for people to gain a sense of freedom and independence. Former BVN student Aubrey Ireland, class of 2010, however, has recently made national news claiming that this freedom has been taken away from her by her “helicopter” parents, whom she says have been harassing and stalking her through technology. Proving to a judge that her mom had installed a tracker in her phone and had been spying on her through her Skype program, Ireland was able to get a restraining order against her parents and take on college as an adult. With the new surge in popularity of Smartphones allow parents to keep a tighter watch on their kids through tracking devices. Photo by imagerymajestic on FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

smartphones and the applications made for them, teenagers spend a lot of time on their phones. New developers have taken advantage of this and created applications, such as Life360, that allow parents to track their child’s cell phone and check in with them anywhere. “It’s an easy way for family members to keep in touch with each other; instead of a teen having to make a phone call or send a text when they arrive somewhere, the parent can easily check the app and see that they’ve arrived,” Lizz Porter, community and social media manager for Life360, said. “It’s a more passive way, so the teen doesn’t need to remember to call or text, but the parent can still stay informed.” Though applications like Life360 are made for safety reasons,

• Staff Writer •

many teenagers, channeling feelings similar to Aubrey Ireland, are raising questions as to the ethics of these tracking programs. “I think it’s wrong and you need a trust system. You have to allow them to grow up and be responsible for themselves. Trackers kind of take away from that. I wouldn’t want one in my phone,” sophomore Mitchell English said. For some, the idea of their parents installing a tracking application is upsetting. “If my parents put one in my phone, I would feel like they didn’t trust me at all, and I’d be upset. I always tell them where I’m going, and I hope they trusted me enough to believe that,” junior Allison Fehnel said. “The worst part is having to be conscious and having to think about everything that I have to do and everywhere I go,” junior Abbie Williams said.” It’s just frustrating to have them stalking my every move.” In Ireland’s case, the parents were

bordering harassment as they were actually watching her every move, so the stakes were much higher than just an application in the phone. So, while some may view these smartphone applications as a sign of lack of trust, that doesn’t always have to be the case. “It’s about communication and keeping channels open. We’re not out to be creepy stalkers,” Porter said. ‘We’ve heard some instances of parents using Life360 as a tool to give their teen more freedom. Like, ‘check in with Life360 and you can have an extra hour on your curfew.’” Some kids actually think that the use of trackers isn’t all that bad of an idea, and that they wouldn’t mind their parents installing one. “I really wouldn’t mind. They’re my parents. They know what’s best, and I trust them to not go too far with it. I’d be safe, so it wouldn’t bug me if they were to put one in,” junior Zach Wilson said.

Hayley Berger • Feature Editor•

Turning pastime into profit

“T

• Jan. 18, 2013 • Feature

Junior designs and sells bracelets

he fact that I can make something completely from scratch that people actually want to wear, that I can make my own money without help from my parents, that I’m doing what I love and not bussing tables in a restaurant – that puts a smile on my face,” junior Jacklin Shapiro said. Jacklin first began making bracelets with a friend in August. The activity evolved into a daily hobby, as it was a way for Shapiro to combine her artistic passion with her interest in fashion. “I’ve always been super artistic. I love drawing, but reaching perfection in a portrait is difficult. Junior Jacklin Shapiro shows her passion for jewelry-making by stringing You worry about every detail, every shade. together bracelets to sell in Annabelles at Park Place. Shapiro has been When I make bracelets, I don’t have to be a successful in selling and creating these bracelets since this past summer. Photo by Erica Emert. perfectionist,” Jacklin said. Jacklin has created an Instagram account and a What started as a partnership turned into a solo Facebook page to publicize her bracelets. In October, effort when Jacklin realized she was more serious she presented her bracelets to her aunt, Jill Shapiro, about making bracelets than her friend, and she who works at Annabelles Fine Linens and Gifts in wanted to sell them for profit. Park Place. When Jacklin makes bracelets, the process of “I have worked at Annabelles for almost 20 years creating one begins with buying beads, string and glue. Next, Jacklin styles the bracelets, incorporating and have seen many jewels sold along the way. Jacklin charms of wings, feathers, crosses and chamsas (the showed me her creations and I was very impressed and thought they would be a good selling item at the palm-shaped amulets that provide protection to their wearers) into her designs. She then strings the store,” Jill said. Jacklin then cosigned with Annabelles, which means bracelets, ties them, glues them, re-ties them and that she gave her bracelets to the store to sell. If the allows them to dry. bracelets sold, they would split the profits, and if not, “I really like the beads [Jacklin] uses, especially the chamsas, which are really trendy right now for Jacklin would have the option to reclaim them. Since October, Jacklin has sold almost 50 bracelets jewelry,” sophomore Sophie Jerwick said. “They’re through Annabelles, and roughly 125 on her own. On elastic, so they’re easier to take on and off.” “Each bracelet takes 10 minutes to string, then 30 Jan. 7, she agreed to merchandise her bracelets, so she will be paid by Annabelles regardless of whether or to dry. I usually make six each day,” Jacklin said.

not the bracelets are sold. “Moving from cosignment to merchandising shows that what I’m doing is the real thing. I’m an artist, and I’m not just trying something out with Annabelles. I’ve proven that my products sell,” Jacklin said. Jacklin’s parents are impressed with how far she has come, but they stress that school is still the number-one priority at the moment. “We had no idea how successful Jacklin was going to be, and we are very proud of her, but we feel strongly that school has to come first,” Kathy Shapiro, Jacklin’s mom, said. Between school, a babysitting job and serving as president of her BBYO youth group chapter, finding time to make bracelets has become a balancing act for Jacklin, but she is determined to continue creating her jewelry. “My goal is to create my own website and business so I can sell jewelry to people all over the world. I would like to continue making them through college, but in a few years bracelet-making will probably return to being just a hobby,” Jacklin said. The bracelets are sold individually for $10, two for $16 or three for $21. Right now, Jacklin is working on a seasonal Valentine’s Day collection. “This whole journey started as my friend and I making bracelets in my basement. I can’t believe it progressed to the point where I’m actually stocking a store with merchandise that I’m making. That’s pretty cool,” Jacklin said.

Danny Rosenberg • Entertainment Editor•

Sports • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

LINEUP

PREVIEW

Scott Edwards guard

#14

MATT Peterson point guard

#25

CLASH OF RIVALS

Students embrace pride through rivalry

ivalry is defined as competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field, or in this case, on the same court. The Blue Valley North vs Blue Valley Northwest rivalry isn’t new; however, in recent years the classic high school rivalry has escalated beyond just a game. “I think several things play into the increase in the rivalry. Both teams are really, really good. Any time two of the best teams in the area are playing, it’s going to create a lot of buzz,” Principal David Stubblefield said. The hype over the game has only grown over the years, due in large part to a potentially anti-Semitic skit performed by Northwest students at a pep assembly last year and subsequent exchanges online. “I hope that [the players] don’t get caught up into anything that their fans do. We have to be very aware of social media like Twitter and Facebook,” North coach Ryan Phifer said. Northwest coach Ed Fritz also believes that the rift in the district is more between the fans than the players. “Among the players on the team, I don’t think there’s a lot of animosity towards each other,” Fritz said. Since last year, the administrations of both North and Northwest have been discussing ways to avoid

such conflicts. From broken doors to stormed courts, this feud has brought on a number of new challenges. “We’ve learned a few things based on what took place last year. I do think that when the game happened here at North the preparation was better. Our gym can hold more people,” Stubblefield said. Other preparations that the administration has taken include pre-selling some tickets, having separate entrances for the two schools and increased security. Stubblefield, who used to be the vice principal of Blue Valley Northwest, has a unique perspective on the rivalry. “We need to move away from that and focus on what we have; these two incredible basketball teams competing on a high level. Bring the focus back on the teams, the student athletes who work hard and practice every day,” Stubblefield said. Another important aspect of the game that has helped drive the team to its success in past years is the increase in support from students. “I really enjoy the fact that our school really gets behind the team and really has been supportive of us this year,” Phifer said. “Those things help...give us energy and I think it gives our players even more of a sense of pride. [The players] want to show the school what it means for everyone to come and support them.”

“Bring the focus back on the teams; the student athletes who work hard and practice every day.”

• Jan. 18, 2013 • Sports

missing four games, North’s rotation is able to reach its full potential. “I’m anxious now that we’re whole as a team and keep building and getting better,” Phifer said. Although the two schools are rivals off the court, the coaches expressed very similar attitudes toward these big games. “North’s a very good team with a very good coach,” Northwest coach Ed Fritz said. “North is another team in our league, and we’re trying to win the league if we can.” As part of the district’s attempt to channel these rivalries into healthy competition, North and Northwest are participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraising Challenge. The competition will take place throughout the week of Jan. 21-25 at ChikFil-A on 135th and Metcalf. Students can participate by purchasing a chicken sandwich at the restaurant and identifying their support for North. The winning school will have 15 percent of the profits donated in the school’s name to the Coaches vs. Cancer Foundation. The game between North and Northwest will be held at BVN Jan. 25. Doors open at 5 p.m., and students and parents with activity passes should use the pool entrance.

Ashley Ruben • News Editor •

Austin Fultz • Photographer •

7 PM

CLAY CUSTER point guard

#44 DAVID SALACH center

Doors OPEN

5 PM

MATT MCHUGH guard

Sarah Evans

• Co-Editor-In-Chief •

JAN

LINEUP PREVIEW

Mustangs prepare to face Huskies

fter recovering from a close loss to Olathe East in the season opener, North’s varsity basketball team had five straight wins. “We got off to a 5-1 start, but I don’t think we are playing close to our potential yet. We have new players in the mix in our varsity team,” coach Ryan Phifer said. “We are trying to be a better team every week; but even if we don’t win every game, we want to make sure we are hitting our stride at the end of February when we play in substate.” One week from today is what many fans would call the biggest game of the regular season. With more and more build-up every year, the rivalry game against Blue Valley Northwest has lived up to its hype. “The last few years between [Northwest’s] success and our success, I know that there’s been some outside things that have been said and done that have added to the rivalry,” Phifer said. With such a range in ages on both of the teams, players in different grades have been given a chance to step up as leaders. “We’ve had great leadership from our seniors this year,” Phifer said. “The three captains are Scott Edwards, Matt McHugh and Michael Dolan; they’ve been good vocal leaders and have led by example.” With senior Cory Taubin playing again after

North students do the rollercoaster during the Jan. 4 varsity game against Bishop Miege. Photo by Austin Fultz.

#24

VINCE FRITZ guard

10 When normal worry becomes an anxiety disorder T Feature • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

have anxiety along with that. I think ake typical anxiety sufferers: that a lot of that is psychological, they will worry about something seemingly harmless though, but it is hard to know.” Counselor Brenda Tretbar said all day, jumping to conclusions, their anticipation of a nerve-wracking hearts beating faster and faster with event can make anxiety worse. worry. They will find themselves “[For some students] just thinking fidgety and distracted all day, worried about a situation can also make a about something that most people situation more nerve-wracking,” wouldn’t take two seconds to think Tretbar said. “It is that anticipation about. Their worry might even that can make a situation worse.” compound itself into a panic attack Some signs of anxiety include which, in the moment, makes them feel like they are dying. They will start absentmindedness and distractedness. Although to hyperventilate. Although it seems It becomes an anxiety there are many students who strange that such disorder when it is suffer from simple things can cause so much panic, causing a disruption in anxiety, many tend to keep worry plagues the your ability to function their feelings lives of millions who hidden. suffer from anxiety. “They keep their outward contact “It becomes an anxiety disorder when it is causing a disruption in your up to a certain level, but inside they are kind of crumbling,” Tretbar said. ability to function,” psychologist Dr. “I think that it makes it harder for us Mark Kenney said. “I think it varies [from a psychological or neurological because sometimes the outward signs are the last to show.” disorder]. You see certain kids who Because North is considered have neurological disorders where very competitive, there is a perception anxiety tends to be highly correlated. It is not unusual to have students who that many students here are more

“

.”

likely to have anxiety. This is untrue, however, because anxiety is something that can affect anyone from any school in any situation. “Many people think that there is a certain expectation here to be real go-getters,” Dr. Sometimes stress can be overwhelming and too much for students to handle. Kenney said. “I Photo illustration by Austin Fultz. think students who Students may not realize that the buy into that push staff is more than willing to listen to themselves. Some students almost them. set themselves up to be in an anxious “There is always someone available situation.” to talk with,” Tretbar said. “I think Whatever the trigger, anxiety can that sometimes students are reluctant have serious negative effects on because they think that we are going students’ daily lives; but there are to call their parents and make a big ways to alleviate the stress. deal. We want you to know that it is “Talking with someone is the best completely confidential and it is a safe way,” Tretbar said. “It doesn’t have place to be. Sometimes as someone to be a counselor. A staff member or looking in from the outside, we can someone who you know will listen put things into perspective.” to you. Just talking it out can often help you feel better. The worst thing Faryal Jafri someone can do is keep it hidden.” • Online Editor •

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Entertainment • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

Ice driving: don’t slam on the brakes

ansas winters just aren’t complete without a huge ice storm, so it’s odd that so few Kansans seem to know what they’re doing when the roads are thick with ice. The storms so far this season have been characterized with several severe crashes. In the hopes of preventing such an event from happening to students, here are several helpful tips for driving in ice and snow.

Avoid spinouts; don’t accelerate too quickly

Again, under icy conditions, the road isn’t normal. Take the speed limit and go ten mph below. When starting from a standstill, don’t slam your foot down. Accelerate slowly to avoid spinning out, and be especially careful when leaving neighborhoods, which are not salted like the main roads.

Go easy on the brake pedal

Remember that ice is slippery. Don’t treat the road as you normally do. Slamming the brakes on ice will cause them to lock, and that will either leave you in the middle of the intersection or crashed on the side of the road. Make sure to begin applying the brake as soon as you notice the red light, and press down slowly. If you’re out of control and need to slow down, use an uphill slope to help decrease your speed.

Use the lower gears if necessary

If you find yourself going too quickly or are in need of traction, there’s this handy feature in your car called low gear. Usually the second and low gears appear just below drive on the gearshift. You won’t be able to drive as quickly in second and low, but the extra traction is useful when attempting to accelerate from a standstill and will help you avoid a spinout. It’s also good for driving in a large ice patch on the road. Just remember to switch back into drive as soon as you feel safe again. Alternatively, if your car has four-wheel-drive, use that when you need extra traction. Just don’t attempt to drive too fast, or you might damage your car.

Watch out for bridges

Because bridges are completely surrounded by the cold air, ice usually forms there first. Always be extremely careful going over bridges in cold conditions. If you need to slow down, avoid the brake at all costs and switch into a lower gear. A cold, watery demise is not what you want on a snowy winter’s night.

Purpose Exploring of thethepants motivations behind wearing yoga pants

Aftermath of a crash where cars spiraled off the icy road. Picture from Oregon DOT.

This fashion trend can have a 15-year-old boy is walking negative effect on young men. down the hallway, minding “I think it is more difficult to focus his own business. Suddenly he looks up, and just a few feet away is [for boys] when girls wear yoga the girl he has had a crush on all year. pants,” social studies teacher Shana Stites said. And she’s wearing yoga pants. The Administration treats yoga pants the pants show off her hourglass figure, same as all clothing. sparking the boy’s interest. “Any piece of clothing can be What are yoga pants really worn revealing if it doesn’t fit for? Comfort, appeal, “Clothes don’t appropriately,” Assistant exercise? Girls at North have many different make the woman, Principal Shanon Adams said. reasons as to why they the woman Students believe wear yoga pants. that yoga pants are “I try to wear yoga makes the acceptable up to a pants sparingly, but clothes.” point, but then they when I do, I wear them become provocative. for comfort,” junior Lauren Schwartz “Of course yoga pants can be said. “Most women wear yoga pants revealing. I’m sure it’s not the to work out or for comfort, but when intention of most people to be you really look into it, it is tight revealing, but it just so happens that clothing on your body.” along with comfort comes your body Some girls feel that yoga pants are to be exposed to others,” Schwartz worn for more than comfort. said. “I believe girls wear yoga pants to Students feel that girls wearing yoga show off their figure,” senior Megan pants can be too much to handle. Schultz said.

“I think there should be a ban on wearing yoga pants for some people for reasons of public decency,” senior Jack Lindsay said. If yoga pants can be revealing and stir up controversy among male students, then why are they sold in the school store? “I think the students like the style, and I know they wanted something with the Nike sign on there,” business teacher and school store supervisor Barbara Lewis said. “For students, if they have the correct tops on, then I just don’t think that yoga pants are that much of an issue.” In the school store, supervisors and staff stress values that make their business thrive; they believe selling yoga pants is not an ethical problem. “One of the things we try to teach in the store is ethics, and obviously we aren’t going to sell anything inappropriate,” Lewis said. “Clothes don’t make the woman, the woman makes the clothes.”

Jake Goldman • Staff Writer •

Rachel Strohkorb • Staff Writer •

Freshman Ellie Bodker shops for BVN yoga pants in the Mustang Stampede. Bodker believes that yoga pants are just a comfortable clothing item. “I wear yoga pants two or three days per school week because they’re very comfortable,” Bodker said. Photo by Erica Emert.

13 Head to Head: Give teachers guns? N

Keep guns out of schools

guns from firing accidentally. Then ntil last month, elementary there’s the cost of buying the guns and middle schools were and ammunition for every teacher in thought of as safe. Even the country. Schools would be better high schools were considered to be off spending their limited funds on relatively secure, even though there security measures to make school have been mass shootings in the past, such as Columbine. Then, on Dec. 14, grounds as safe as possible. Another a man forced problem with this his way into proposal is that Sandy Hook putting “good Elementary guys with guns” School in everywhere, as Newtown, the National Conn., and Rifle Association massacred 20 urged America children and in the wake of six adults. Sandy Hook In the Small guns like this are particularly dangerous because they does not actually weeks since can be easily concealed. Photo from Gideon Tsang. decrease violence. the tragedy, According to a there has New York Times article, scientific been much discussion about how to studies have consistently found that increase security in schools. One of places with more guns have higher the suggestions is to give teachers rates of both homicide and suicide. guns so that, if need be, they can In Australia, meanwhile, homicide defend themselves and their students and suicide rates have dropped by against attackers. Teachers in Texas 50 percent and there have been no and Utah are already flocking to mass killings since 1996, when a mass firearms classes, and in Ohio, the shooting led to much stricter gun laws Buckeye Firearms Association is in the country. The evidence speaks launching a pilot program to train for itself: in order teachers to carry guns. to create a safer Giving teachers country, we need guns at school causes fewer guns, not more problems than it more. solves. Where would How can we teachers keep their prevent another guns– would they wear tragedy like Sandy holsters and keep the Hook? There are many solutions, all guns on their person all the time, or better than giving teachers guns. The would they put the guns in locked United States could follow Australia’s safes in their classrooms? If teachers example, pass stricter gun laws and keep their guns on them, this creates ban assault rifles. We can increase an environment of fear and tension– hardly an ideal scenario for learning. security measures in schools across the country to prevent would-be On the other hand, if teachers kept their guns in safes in their classrooms killers from getting inside. What we cannot do is turn our schools into and someone did attack, they could enter a classroom and gun the teacher war zones. We need to let kids be kids and give them a safe space to do so down before he had time to open the safe. Schools would also need a way to without guns. keep the guns out of students’ hands, Emily Levinson and safety measures to prevent the

“There are many solutions, all better than giving teachers guns.”

• Staff Writer •

• Jan. 18, 2013 • Opinion

Fight fire with fire

ast month, 20 children and reform in school safety. We responded six adults were killed at Sandy with more gun control and safety Hook Elementary school. This systems like metal detectors and strict attack has sparked debate on whether control over the sale of ammunition teachers should have guns in the and weapons. Yet a government study classroom. With today’s times and from the CIA showed that these troubles, my answer is yes. preemptive systems do not work and Before you dismiss this idea as criminals find easy ways around these “radical”, let’s talk about the situation deterrents. today. In many K-12 schools in rural Some might argue that schools and suburban areas, the first line of should hire more SRO officers as defense against an alternative to “Trying to justify a arming teachers, but criminals is the teachers, not police brick box filled with unfortunately, lots officers because of schools across the they are miles away. defenseless children U.S. have extremely Some areas might and adults as “safe” is tight budgets and have police stations can’t afford them. ridiculous.” that are very far Others may argue away from the school, increasing that the guns would get in the response time. The minutes between hands of students or create a violent the start of the tragedy and the arrival environment. There is an easy of the authorities are the most crucial solution to this: we give guns to moments, and armed teachers can be responsible adults (who have have the first line of protection for students. been mentally tested) and train Trying to justify a brick box filled them. Students from the Harrold with defenseless children and adults School District in Texas (a district in as “safe” is Texas that has ridiculous. implemented Let’s go back conceal and to April carry in their 20, 1999, at schools) describe Columbine the classroom High School. with a gun like a Eric Harris classroom with and Dylan a clock: it just Klebold were blends in with armed with the classroom. shotguns and Dismissing explosives the Sandy A gun store shows off the different assualt weapons avaliable for when they Hook shooting purchase. Photo from Patrick Feller. started as a random attacking their fellow students. occurrence and doing nothing is Three minutes after the shooting outrageous. Twenty six people began, police got the distress call and dead isn’t just some number on a reported to the scene as fast as they page. It’s 26 living, breathing humans could. Unfortunately, the tragedy who had friends and families, who continued and 21 people were injured contributed to society. The systems we or killed in the library like sitting use in the status quo are clearly not ducks, defenseless in a large room working, and it’s time we responded. with two armed students. We cannot be taken by surprise next Columbine was the wake-up call time. Ram Sivakumar to America, making people ask for • Staff Writer •

Opinion • Jan. 18, 2013 • N

Make this semester matter

h, second semester senior year. We’ve dreamed of it. We’ve planned for it. We’ve heard tales about it from those who came before us. And now we, too, have at last reached this Olympian pinnacle, with college apps–and grades that determine college acceptances–officially behind us. So now what? Well, for starters, as you’ve probably heard, the whole grades thing isn’t over just yet. Some universities take second semester grades pretty seriously, and if you really slack off, you might find yourself facing a withdrawal of your offer of admission, according to the College Board. This isn’t to say that a few minor slip-ups would be your death sentence, but it’s probably worth the work to avoid totally crashing and burning. That said, the college application process is indeed over for most of us, and it’s time to remember that there are things to

Explore new challenges, have some fun do on weekends besides tinker with our Common App essays. Second semester offers us a practically unprecedented opportunity to stop thinking about the kinds of people our dream colleges want us to be and start thinking about the kinds of people we want to be. So try that sport you’ve always thought looked fun, but never had time for. Do more community service. Spend a few hours with your friends and family,

just talking, sharing stories. Read more. Use this semester to become involved in something that makes you happy. If you don’t make an effort, it’s easy to let this time become nothing more than a college countdown. Admissions people know you’re excited to move on to the next chapter of your life, so they fill their websites with all the delightful tidbits awaiting you next fall, from cool classes to

sports opportunities and scholarship info. It’s exciting, but try not to get sucked in. Believe it or not, there may come a day when you’ll wish you’d enjoyed high school more while you were here. Avoid spending your time in a college-induced haze and make a point of taking pleasure in the little things: nerdy conversations with your teachers, long afternoons spent on a sport or an extracurricular activity, friendships with the underclassmen. The experiences we have here, especially in these last few months, can teach us more about ourselves and what matters to us than any course we’ll ever take. This isn’t a license to spend your life on Netflix or let your weekends devolve into drunken stupors. Our years of hard work haven’t earned us that. What they’ve earned us is a chance to challenge ourselves in new ways, to take on responsibilities we really care about. Don’t let this time go to waste: enjoy it, but also learn from it. To paraphrase Mark Twain, this semester, remember not to let your schooling interfere with your education.

Seniors Deepa Kote, Virbin Sapkota, Brennan Connolly, and Rachel Strohkorb goof around in the senior locker area after school in January. “Balance is important to a healthy lifestyle,” Sapkota said. “Find the balance between schoolwork and having fun.” Photo by Jessi Glueck

Ellie’s Insights

Never stop learning

omehow, as I stumble out of entrust us to substitutes when bed and into a scalding shower, they have the opportunity to learn more about their fields. Einstein, gulp down black coffee to force myself to stay half-conscious through Newton, Curie-they never stopped experimenting. As I dread an essay, or my first hours, and trudge through hallways burdened by a 27-pound avoid a reading assignment, it occurs sack of textbooks defining terms to me that many people, from my mother to my teachers, actively have I’ve known for years, it eludes my mind how entirely “What if we picked to pursue knowledge and would feel fortunate to fortunate I am to up novels, textbooks, be here. And no, I have it handed to them on a daily basis. don’t mean simply biographies, The lifelong love and alive or breathing, instead of scanning pursuit of knowledge but rather in this building, learning. Facebook in our free is something that sets My mother, with apart the great from the time?” ordinary. True discovery her one third of a is a gift that most abandon after college degree, listens to philosophy childhood, and reading one they lecture tapes in the car. Our teachers

Jessi Glueck

• Co-Editor-in-Chief •

ditch after college. But what if we probed the world for new angles and perspectives into our 60s and 70s? What if we picked up novels and biographies instead of scanning Facebook in our free time? What if we never stopped enriching our brains? We would be greater. The world would be greater. We’re surrounded by opportunities to learn. Pick up a book. Go somewhere new. Simply open your eyes and look around, ask questions. But whatever you do, spend the rest of your life learning. It’s what we need to do to be remembered.

Ellie Holcomb

• Co-Editor-In-Chief •

The North Star staff Editors Sarah Evans Jessi Glueck Ellie Holcomb News editor Ashley Ruben Sports editor Sydney House Feature editor Hayley Berger Entertainment editor Danny Rosenberg Opinion editor Mallory Bodker Online editor Faryal Jafri Photo editor Lindsay Rucker Photographers Austin Fultz Erica Emert Business manager Erica Emert Staff writers Kiera Bolden Jake Goldman Emily Levinson Ram Sivakumar Rachel Strohkorb Adviser Mindy Gilman The North Star is the official publication of Blue Valley North High School, an open forum distributed to all students nine times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication. Letters to the editors are encouraged from students and non-students alike and should be less than 500 words. All letters must be signed and turned into room 411 at least one week prior to publication. All letters require a signature. Names will be published. The North Star reserves the right to edit with regard to libel, without changing the substance of the letter. The North Star will not publish obscene or libelous material. bvnnews. com

• Jan. 18, 2013 • Opinion

They meanLearn well to judge people favorably

“O

h my gosh, he’s such a jerk,” one girl says to her friend. And despite anything said or done in the past, that one comment gives that boy the permanent nickname of ‘The Jerk’. People are always gossiping about what happened last weekend. The stories spread like wildfire. While the juicy–and sometimes hurtful– anecdotes are being retold, the judgements begin. Based on one negative comment or action, people are permanetly labeled. But why is it fair to assume the worst? Yes, everyone has the right to their own opinions, and people will judge others based on the choices they make. It’s wrong, though, to punish someone forever. To claim that someone who has made a few bad decisions is a bad person is unfair, especially at this point in our lives. High school is a time to grow as a person and figure things out. For many, this time of self-discovery continues for several years after they

exit the halls of high school. Years from now, chances are those kids who stirred up some trouble in high school will figure it all out. Chances are, that guy isn’t truly a jerk and that girl isn’t really a slut. If we all looked back to examine every single thing we’ve done in high school, we would probably all be guilty of some crime. Speaking of, isn’t it “innocent until proven guilty”? What reason do we have to believe that people

Students make bad decisions. However, we should not make permanent judgments based on these choices. Graphics from freedigitalphotos.net/ digitalart

are inherently bad? If your friend congratulates you on winning an award, and you automatically jump to the conclusion that she’s really just jealous and is only praising you to get on your good side, that’s just a sad, cynical outlook on life. I’m not saying that we should pretend that everyone has our best interests at heart, but assuming that the world is out to get you is not fair either. A more optimistic attitude is not some unattainable fantasy. My favorite quote is one by Anne Frank: “Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart.” Assuming that people are truly wellmeaning underneath the surface is a perspective worth adopting. If Anne Frank, who endured such a wretched tragedy, is capable of this mindset, I am fully confident that we are just as capable. So next time you and your friends are ridiculing the girl next door, try giving her the benefit of the doubt.

Mallory Bodker • Opinion Editor •

Letter to the Editor: Should North support Chick-Fil-A?

n June 16, 2012, outrage broke out at Chick-Fil-A president Dan Cathy’s statements regarding the company’s support for a “traditional family”. In his eyes, that includes a man, woman, and children. His company made millions of dollars’ worth of donations to anti-LGBT projects to do what they identify as “purification.” The Coaches vs. Cancer competition with BVNW raises the question, “Should BVN support Chick-Fil-A?” Before answering the question, we must examine the consequences of going to either extreme. I personally don’t support gay rights. Before being a Democrat, before being a leader, and before even being black, I identify myself as a Christian. I have no hatred, no ill will or feelings, and no respect or disrespect toward people based off

of their sexuality. In fact, I am taught to love thy neighbor as thyself. What some might find ironic is that when I was asked whether the fundraiser was right, my response was no. I said this obviously not because I advocate to LGBT rights, but because the question is, what should North’s involvement be?

“When addressing such sensitive topics...it is of utmost importance that BVN stay neutral.” BVN is a diverse school. When addressing such sensitive topics in the most politically correct way, it is of utmost importance that BVN stay neutral. Supporting Chick-Fil-A, to some,

is supporting continued donations to anti-LGBT groups. In spite of reports saying that such funds have been ended, whether they actually have is unclear. There is substantial likelihood of their continuation. This could directly affect members of our student body. When internal dysfunction and the dismantling of a people are avoidable, they should be avoided. By not supporting Chick-Fil-A, BVN is not saying “Go Gay Rights!”, and the only real consequence is losing that part of the competition to BVNW. So, should BVN support ChickFil-A? I say no because it is more important to be a strong and unified student body that edifies each other than it is to reiterate the rhetorical question, “Is BVN the best?” -Clayton Covington, Sophomore Class President & Black Leadership Club President

Jan. 18, 2013 • N

1. Senior Gray Harker leads BVN students in the rollercoaster cheer at the basketball game against Southwest. 2. Blue Valley North students received a total of 300 academic and sports letters within the past school year. 3. Senior Ethan Douglas high-fives his teammates before his first wrestling match. (Pictured from left to right: John Barth, Matt McCloud, Marshall Rutter, Marland McGee) 4. Seniors Aly Sprengerand Annie Yungmeyer support basketball seniors by cheering and waving posters of their faces. Photos by: Erica Emert

ROCK THE STABLE Erica Emert • Photographer •