North Star Septemper 2012 by The North Star Newspaper

THE

NORTH ST R Issue 2, Volume 27 Blue Valley North Overland Park, KS Sept. 21, 2012

he personalized shoes junior Hannah Bergwell paints started as a fun project for a friend, but the project has evolved into a successful business. As the cash flows in, Bergwell is using it for much more than just a shopping spree. Find out how on pages 12-13.

Photos provided by Hannah Bergwell. Graphic by Sarah Evans.

INSIDE

the cover

Issue 2, Volume 27 Blue Valley North Overland Park, KS September 21, 2012

03- New problems with CAPS come to light 04- The scoop on the new parking policy

07- Snowboarder pursues her passion 08- Football’s new game plan

11- Student seeks social justice overseas 14- Gracie Schram: North’s own superstar

News

Sports

Feature

21-When rape jokes go too far 22- Face-off on the new grinding rule

18- Our thoughts on new films and books 19- Restaurants outside the bubble

Opinion

Entertainment

Mustangs scrimmage during a practice. Read about their goals for this season on page 8. Photo by Erika Brown

News Briefs 15 qualify for National Merit Voter registration drive

Curtains up for fall play

he National Merit semi-finalist list has been released. Recipients of this award will be writing essays to qualify as finalists. The North semi-finalists are seniors Karthik Chellamuthu, Brennan Connolly, Jared Davis, Ethan Douglas, Sarah Evans, Dylan Geary, Jessica Glueck, Chloe Henderson, Neeraj Koduri, Raj Kulkarni, Caitlyn Morris, Gavri Schreiber, Rachel Strohkorb, Annie Yungmeyer and Riel Latimer.

he drama department will be putting on the fall play “Midsummer/Jersey”. Directed by Max Brown, the performances will be Oct. 11-13 in the Little Theatre at 7 p.m. each night. Read more about this performance in an online-exclusive story at bvnnews.com

ept. 25 is National Voter Registration Day. Social Studies teacher Nancy Pence will be going to classrooms on this day to help register voters. Students who turn 18 on or before Nov. 6 will be eligible to vote. They can go to room 417 or any other government class by Oct. 16 to register to vote in November’s presidental election.

Ashley Ruben Business Manager

CAPPED OUT “I

Graduate loses sports eligibility because of CAPS electives

’m sitting in the meeting room and they pull me out,” graduate Peter Gallo explained. “They say, ‘Peter, you’ve gotta go home.’ I just start bawling because it’s been my dream since I was a little kid.” Gallo, who graduated from North last year, had intended to play football at the University of Kansas as a walk-on player in the fall 2012 season. This dream was cut short due to a ruling by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that the courses Gallo had taken at Blue Valley’s Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) would not make him eligible to play in the 2012 season. “He had enough credits to graduate, but he didn’t have the core credits to qualify for NCAA Division I eligibility,” Vicki Petersen, Gallo’s counselor, said. “I don’t know if he was aware or not. [As counselors] we will say ‘here’s what you need, let’s talk about your senior schedule,’ and we talk about what the CAPS classes are.” “Core” credits are accredited English, Math, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, Philosophy, or Religion courses. The NCAA requires 16 core credits for a student to be eligible for Division I athletics. “It seems like there might have been a question about ‘electives’ versus ‘core,’” Executive Director of CAPS Donna Deeds said. “This is a question that should be very clear, because all our marketing material says it’s either an elective credit or core - and we really have hardly any core credit.” Gallo’s family, however, was assured the Sports Medicine CAPS class he took would be accepted as a core credit. “[We were told] it was a core credit, but they never got it checked with the

NCAA to see if it actually was,” Gallo said. “What blows my mind is that this class has been going on for four years and they don’t know if it’s a core class or not. When they sent in my appeal was the first time in four years that they got it checked.” “If he had the knowledge that [the course] was going to short him of opportunities, would you believe that he would spend three hours of his day there when he could have taken one class and then left for two hours?” Asha Gallo, Peter’s mother, said. “What they’re trying to put together for everybody to believe doesn’t make sense.” Although the Gallos, along with the University of Kansas, submitted two appeals for re-evaluation of the course by the NCAA, CAPS was still denied as a core credit. “What I was expecting was for the NCAA to come back and say, ‘this is a natural and physical science,’” Peter Gallo said. “Anatomy and Physiology is what the whole class is about. You’re learning how the body moves, kinesiology... it’s a college class.” Authorities at CAPS suggest it is primarily the role of the high school counselors to inform students about course eligibility and credits. “A student really has to work with their home high school counselor,” Deeds said. “We don’t

have a counselor here, so it’s really important.” Petersen, however, believes that both home high school counselors and CAPS have a responsibility to educate students about their choices. “Counselors should be providing the information that we know, and the teacher at their school should also be talking about ‘Hey, this is an elective credit, not science,’” she said. “Both ends could be discussing with the student, ‘Here’s the kind of credit you’re going to get.’” In light of this situation, changes are being made throughout the district to make information more accessible and accurate for students. “I was told by district office that there was going to be increased training on the way that the classes were explained, on the information the students were given,” Asha Gallo said. “It should’ve been done from the get-go. If this makes it better for another student, then I am happy for that. It is a shame that no one has stepped forward to help Peter.” Peter Gallo is currently enrolled in two courses at Johnson County

Community College to finish his high school credits. He intends to return to KU next year and re-enter its football program. “I could either sit and not do anything about it or I could do something about it, get better, and shove it right back in their face and just say, ‘look at me now,’” Peter Gallo said. Though the Gallos said they do not feel supported by the district, Petersen believes otherwise. ““Peter Gallo is a great kid,” she said. “When I heard that this happened to him, it really broke my heart because we had known for years that he is interested in football - he’s a great kid, a great player. The school district in general feels very badly.” While Peter Gallo’s family feels his ineligibility was an immense hardship for their family, they also feel that they learned valuable lessons. “We trusted an entity that was outside of our family,” Asha Gallo said. “When you have something of that great of value in your life, you need to be in charge of the situation.” “Don’t put your dream in someone else’s hands,” Peter Gallo said. “Be proactive with what you need to get done and approach it ‘full-steamahead.’”

Sarah Evans Co-Editor In Chief

928 juniors and seniors from Blue Valley schools are enrolled in the CAPS program for the 2012-2013 school year. photo by Erica Emert

CAR TROUBLE A senior perspective on parking policy changes

Cars squeeze into their new assigned spaces. Though there was controversy over the new policy, some students feel it’s pretty even-handed. “Senior students should immediately be in the front, but administrators are being pretty fair about the whole thing,” senior Megan Boehler said. Photo by Austin Fultz and Daniel Traub.

Students adapt to new parking policy

or many, senior year means being the top dog, picking your own locker, enjoying your senior prom and anticipating the independent road after high school. Seniors this year, however, have been adjusting to a new idea: the parking policy. Assistant Principal for Activities Shannon Adams, who has been carefully observing this system, said she believes that the previous system needed rectifying. “It was a safety issue. We didn’t know who was parking in the lot and where they were parking. Staff couldn’t find a place to park, and we had a lot of students who were parking without a permit, so it was just kind of a big mess,” Adams said. SROs monitoring the situation spent most of their time in the parking lot, losing time to talk to students and connect with them. “We want our campus police officers to get to be with students and help students, not to be policing the parking lot,” Adams said. Principal David Stubblefield said that complaints have been minimal. “With the new system, we aren’t getting too many complaints, and a main problem can be someone forgetting where their spot is,” Stubblefield said. That said, though, administrators

indicated that the system is a work in progress. “Because it was new, people didn’t really know what was going on. There were some lines that kids have to wait in, so we’re working to get rid of those. We’re going to make it better every day,” Adams said. Adams also made it clear that seniors did get their privilege to park closer to the school, as long as they came to school during the specific dates that the parking spots were

being assigned. “Seniors did get to choose first [on] August 8th, and then we had some makeup dates. Juniors weren’t allowed to get their parking space until after those dates,” Adams said. While administrators are optimistic about this decision, students have mixed reviews. “I think it’s a good idea; mornings are a lot smoother. There is a long wait, but that’s there either waycomplaining about the policy doesn’t change that,” senior Sally Jung said. Senior Raj Kulkarni, however, said that despite following the rules all through junior year, he is still parking in the same area where he had parked last year.

“I wasn’t in town for the senior parking allotments or the make-ups, and as a result, I was given the same parking spot I had always parked in, despite being a senior. Not only this, but someone has already parked in my spot,” he said. After experiencing a debacle with a parking space that was assigned to two people, senior Hunter Jones said he believes the system never really needed to change. “Laura Hockstad and I were given the same parking spot and, on the second day of school, we noticed we had the same parking pass. The SRO said that he could tell he gave it to Laura first because of his handwriting, [it] made no sense to me. She ended up getting that spot and I was moved to the baseball field,” Jones said. He said he thinks this wasn’t a direct fault of the new system, but of the administration. “I don’t like the system any more than anyone else does, but I don’t think the system uniquely led to me getting screwed over. I definitely think that it was an error on the administration’s part as far as their record keeping. There are a lot of seniors that are way in the back, and a lot of juniors and sophomores that are in the [former] senior lot. I understand everyone makes mistakes, but I did like the old parking system better.”

Neha Kulkarni Staff Writer

waited. As a freshman, I walked to the bus every day waiting for my chance. As a sophomore, I’d catch a ride with a friend. Junior year, when I got my license, I parked out in the “boonies”, as my mother would call them, out of respect for the upperclassmen who would soon be leaving. Upon obtaining my license, I was told by an SRO officer that I’d be ticketed if I parked in the senior lot. I knew that I’d get the same respect the next year. Come senior year, though, days before school started, I caught wind of the change. Unfortunately, I didn’t get there in time. I had work; then I left town to help family. My new adult responsibilities got me a parking spot in the “boonies.” This year, my last at North, my car is shoved against a soccer field further away than it’s ever been. As I walk into school, I pass juniors and sometimes sophomores whose less busy schedules won them spots closer to school . No, life isn’t fair. I’ve known this for longer than the parking policy has been instated; that isn’t my problem with the new system. Rather, it seems counterproductive that the system takes away what seniority once meant: the idea that at our school you gave some respect to those above you, and that once you reached the top, the respect was paid back. The senior lot was one more thing to look forward to. Taking this away, in addition to making changes to the homecoming assembly, spirit days, and bonfire, changes our senior experience. These are things stolen from seniors promised to us when we walked through North’s doors four years ago. No wonder there was no senior enthusiasm about Homecoming.

Ellie Holcomb Co-Editor in Chief

September-October Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

photo by Deven Knapp

CHECK OUT THE HAUNTED HOUSES IN DOWNTOWN KC!

05 Saturday

School picture make-up Varsity boys soccer @ BVNW, day Varsity VB @ Varsity girls tennis vs Louisburg STA, Varsity football vs BVSW @ BVSW

photo by Alex Scimecca

Varsity boys soccer @ KC Christian, The head and the heart @ Uptown Theater, KCMO

District Band Showcase Varsity VB @ BVW @ DAC Varsity boys soccer vs Florence and the BVW Machine @ Starlight theater

Varsity girls golf@ regionals Varsity boys soccer vs

Varsity VB Tri-Meet

Orchestra concert in PAC

Bishop Miege(senior night)

Varisty girls golf state Choir concert in PAC

Varsity VB @ Lawrence Varsity boys soccer vs BVHS @ BVW Comedy Troupe in Little Theater

Varsity girls tennis @ SMNW, Varsity boys soccer @ BVSW

Varsity boys soccer @ GEHS Varsity VB vs Lansing

Varsity girls tennis@ SMNW, Varsity boys soccer @ BVSW

Varsity football vs GEHS @ DAC (middle school night)

Varsity Volleyball @ Ottawa, Eric Church @ Starlight Theater

Marching Festival Varsity girls tennisRegionals, JV VB tournament @ BVN

Varsity VB @ Pembroke No School, End of First Varsity girls tennis-state Hill Varsity girls VB @ BVN Quarter, Fall Play Varsity girls tennis-state Fall play Fall play Varsity football @ OE

Traditional schedule Traditional schedule PSAT and PLAN testing Varsity football @ SMS for all juniors, Rep Theater

BVN Debate Invitational Rep Theater

19 photo by Brandon Park

ATHLETE OF THE

Back in the swing of things

“I

M NTH

Girls golf handles coach switch

think O’Dell ultimately made the decision that was best for her and I support her for that,” junior Courtney Sheridan said. After over 25 years at North, coach Susan O’Dell retired from teaching this past spring. O’Dell not only said farewell to her job as a teacher, but as the girls golf coach as well. “It was a week before tryouts were supposed to start, so they had to quickly go find a coach,” junior Sarah Cokington explained. Despite their rocky start this school year, the girls golf team is beginning a new chapter. “It’s a whole new dynamic because there’s a new coach,” Cokington said. The girls had to adjust to substantial changes. “Our new coach is great, but it’s hard for everyone since we are used to doing everything the same. We haven’t had a new coach in years, so we are having to meet in the middle about our old traditions and we are starting some new ones, too,” Sheridan said. “It was a very last minute change; they found out O’Dell retired, then they had new coaches. We didn’t have a lot of time to waste,” coach Kim Drew said. Although faced with difficult circumstances, the girls were still able to pull through.

“It’s a whole new dynamic because there’s a new coach”

YANIV GERSHOM

Sophomore Jean Tyrrell joins the golf team during play at Leawood South Country Club Aug. 29. Photo by Marisa Gallo

“We have some great golfers on the team. The varsity team just recently finished second in both their tournaments,” Drew said. While change can be difficult, an optimistic attitude has helped everyone make an easier transition. “The new coach is great, and she is really handling everything well. This golf season is going great and I think we are all having a blast,” sophomore Jean Tyrell said. Overall, Drew said this experience has had many positive outcomes. “I work with special ed students at North, so this allows me to get to know other kids,” Drew said. “We are all so close and get along so well,” Sheridan said.

Mallory Bodker Staff Writer

or many athletes, a spot on a varsity team is a rite of passage achieved through many years of hard work on their school teams. Soccer player Yaniv Gershom, however, defied this standard by earning his varsity spot as a sophomore after years of individual training. An avid soccer player since the age of 3, Gershom has been involved with club teams such as Kansas City Soccer Club, a team with which he traveled to nationals this year and earned the title of Most Valuable Player. Despite his extensive club soccer experience, Gershom prefers the close-knit atmosphere of the North soccer team. “The BVN team is a lot more fun,” he said. “You get to see everybody every day, and we’re really close. It’s nice.” Though he feels a tight bond with his teammates, Gershom admits that there are shortfalls to being a sophomore on a team of mostly fourth-year seniors, including a few practical jokes at his expense. “I got brownies thrown at my car,”

he said. “I have to pick up the balls and stuff, but it’s not that bad. It’s all in good fun.” he said. Being part of the team has given Gershom the opportunity to meet upperclassmen he looks up to. “[I look up to] Luke Blackwell and Colton Row,” he said. “They’re both really good and funny, and they’re really cool.” “I thought he was one of our best kids,” varsity soccer coach Tom Holland said. “He’s pretty good on the ball, and he’s quick. I don’t really look at it as [deciding between] freshmen or sophomores or juniors, I look at it as, ‘can you play or can you not play?’” Both Gershom and Holland have high hopes for the Mustang soccer team this season. “We’ve got a good group – hardworking, committed,” Holland said. “I hope we do well.” Gershom, however, is less reserved about his expectations. “We can expect a state championship,” he said. “We’re amazing, and we should play great together. It’ll be awesome.”

Sarah Evans Co-Editor-In-Chief

Right forward sophomore Yaniv Gershom throws in the ball to resume play during a game against Park Hill South. Photo by Austin Fultz.

Speeding down the slopes

ot many people would dedicate a good portion of their lives to blasting down mountains at full speed trying to get enough air to perform the best stunt possible. It’s even more of a challenge for a person living in Overland Park, where the Colorado Rockies are a tenhour drive away. But junior Megan Bell has spent countless hours doing just that on her snowboard. “You never know what’ll happen,” Bell said. “And that’s what I like about it; it’s a thrill.” Bell started skiing when she was two with her parents, but decided one day to take snowboarding lessons when she was nine, looking for something that seemed much more exciting. “Instead of a ski [lesson], that day I took a snowboard lesson, but I didn’t like how they were teaching me. So then I decided to grab a board, go on the mountain, and figure my own way down. I kind of taught myself. It took me an entire year to figure out how to go down a mountain. And then it

Bell displays a grab while flying through the air. Taken by Julia M. Provided by Megan Bell.

[took] probably about two years to be able to do jumps and tricks, because it’s really hard.” Bell snowboarded on vacation with her parents for the next five years, but didn’t really get into the sport until she hit high school. “My freshman year, when everybody started talking about ‘oh, I’m doing this sport,’ I [decided] I was really going to get into a sport. That’s when I really started doing snowboarding and started getting out there as much as I could,” Bell said. One of the things Bell loves about snowboarding is its variety. “So a normal sport, it’s the same thing every time you do it. But snowboarding? A hundred percent different every time,” Bell said. “You’ll be in a different state, you’ll be doing different tricks, you’ll be snowboarding down a mountain jumping, spinning. It’s just so different that it keeps you interested.” But nothing compares to the feeling of hanging in the air for a huge stunt. “[I]feel like I’m on top of the world, because I’m just doing a jump, just looking, and I’m not on the ground, I’m in the sky, and nobody can touch me up there. It’s freeing,” Bell said. Bell spends over a hundred days per year honing her craft. “And that’s me living in Kansas,” Bell said. “I would love to live in Colorado where I could

double that.” Being in Kansas has had drawbacks, as Bell can’t train on the slopes. But she has still managed to get more serious about her sport and now focuses more on competing. “I’ve won quite a few competitions [now],” Bell said. “I used to just do them for fun. I’d get out there and I’d have a good time. I wouldn’t do that good though, that’s the thing. But this year I realized I really need to train. [Competitions] became stressful because I realized I needed to get better.” A new opportunity came up for Bell this summer when she earned a sponsorship with Roxy, a womens’ sport clothing company. “I got onto a Roxy team this summer. It’s a sponsor for pretty much any girl that wants to go professional. I’ve got six or seven people that I’m in a group with, and we have a coach. He comes in, he’ll call meetings, we’ll all fly out, and he’ll train us for about a week,” Bell said. Snowboarding isn’t without its risks, however. Just this summer, Bell had a serious injury that made her reconsider her decision to pursue boarding. “I fractured my hip,” Bell said. “I went off a jump and I fell wrong and I got hurt. When I was in the ambulance, the EMT guy was asking me questions, like, ‘So you really get out there and get hurt and you really want to do this.? So I’m like, ‘Maybe it’s not a good idea.’ And I really thought about it for the long ambulance ride. But I realized this is something I need to do. And the next day, I went back up.” These kinds of experiences give Bell a chance to make sure her priorities are straight. Even when she is in

“[I] feel like I’m on top of the world... I’m in the sky, and nobody can touch me up there.”

Megan Bell performs stunts on a half-pipe. Taken by High Cascade Camp Staff. Provided by Megan Bell.

conflict with her family, Bell said she knows what she really wants to do. “[My dad] hates it because it’s very dangerous. When people talk about that, it kind of makes me want to give it up, but it’s not enough to really make me stop. It gives me a reality check. That’s one thing I’m grateful for; he tells me that you have to be safe,” Bell said. Bell wants to continue snowboarding, but she said she realized that going professional was not something that would interest her. After meeting a former pro unable to do anything with his life now that he was too old for the sport, she became disenchanted with the idea. “I want to be a doctor,” Bell said. “And I found kind of a medium. It’d be fun to be on the ski patrol. I’d be able to snowboard every day, and I’d be able to do medical stuff.” Bell is still in love with the sport, and this year plans on spending as much time as she can hitting the slopes. “I really don’t know how to put words to it,” Bell said. “It’s just the most amazing thing that you can do. I’m definitely an extreme sports kind of person, so I kind of get a thrill out of it. People think I’m crazy when I say it, but getting hurt is just part of it, and it makes you [even] more motivated.”

Rachel Strohkorb Staff Writer

Football faces new season

ootball here at Blue Valley North has earned something of a bad reputation. Last year the varsity team went 0 and 8 and many disenchanted players left the team. But last year is in the past, this year’s players say. “[Last season] was less than stellar, but we have high hopes for this year. We’re moving on to the next play,” senior offensive lineman Nate Rosenak said. His optimism is notable in all the players’ morale. They said this season’s game plan has been completely re-vamped. “Practices are longer,” Says senior captain Schafer Broschart said. “The coaches added half an hour or so. They’re three and a half hours long, from around 3 to 6:30 or 6:45.” The team has also

Varsity players participate in a scrimmage to practice blocking and passing the ball. Photo by Erika Brown

Varsity players gear up for a comeback

been doing pre-season training Saturdays. The new dynamic between coaches and players has also brought spirits up. “[The coaches] have been around for over a year,” senior receiver McClain Sharp said, “so our relationships have been made stronger.” Beyond the coaches, a host of new players are re-energizing the varsity team.

“Donte Penn, he’s our new wide receiver,” Sharp said. “He’s injured, but hopefully he’ll be back by week four.” Between the new prospects and strong leadership, the team’s morale is at an all time high. “We’re pretty confident we’re gonna kick ass. State all the way!” Broschart said. The Mustangs

will be looking for their first win of the season tonight when they play against Blue Valley Southwest. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Blue Valley High School stadium. Chris Shanklin Staff Mentor

The varsity team practices a new play their coach has just taught them. Photo by Lindsay Rucker

Players participate in a drill to improve their blocking skills. Photo by Erika Brown

09 A new perspective on learning: The IB program

s the new school year kicks off, many students find themselves packing in Advanced Placement classes to better prepare themselves for college. However, AP is not the only option for more advanced classes at some schools. The International Baccalaureate program, also known as IB, gives students a high quality education and is offered in 3,343 schools in 141 countries all over the world. This internationally recognized program involves testing in six subjects, writing an extended essay of independent research, participating in a critical thinking course called Theory of Knowledge and completing 150 hours of specialized extracurricular activities. While North was considering adding the IB program in 2003, AP U.S. History teacher Hedda Winetroub attended IB training sessions. “I loved the training for the IB program; however, the program entails a tremendous amount of work for the teachers and students. It gives a more global perspective -

North American history is taught apply what you learn in international instead of United States history,” business and have a more global Winetroub said. “All of the teachers perspective on current issues.” have to be trained specifically Senior Sam Tulp, another student for the IB program and papers in the SME IB program, has noticed a and assessments are sent into the difference in the workload. headquarters to make sure everything “All of the classes in the IB program fits the standards of the program. IB are college level and the workload involves a lot more research writing is huge for every class. IB expects a than just taking AP classes.” higher work ethic than other classes at IB was never my school,” Tulp said. implemented because “I think that the There also other it would have been goals of the IB components of the very costly for a school program that IB students that already had a wide program seem have to meet on top variety of advanced worthwhile. It of their rigorous class placement classes that schedule. Students is important to must participate in ambitious students could choose from. IB have a global the creativity, action, is offered at six schools service (CAS) program peperspective.” in order to get an IB in Kansas, including Shawnee Mission East. diploma. Each student Erica Levy, a junior at SME, is in the is required to get 50 hours of each IB program and likes the challenging component. Creativity includes doing classes that offer a thorough an extracurricular activity on your grounding in international affairs. own time that has to do with the arts, “IB is regarded as the most and the action involves doing physical prestigious curriculum that you can fitness. The service hours have to take at my school,” Levy said. “The come directly from working with an IB diploma tells a college that you are underprivileged group of people. taking challenging classes and can Both Tulp and Levy agreed that

Getting aquainted with StudentVUE

Rebecca Myers* said. Even teachers are expressing mixed opinions. “I find it appealing in that I can email all my students every day so that they know exactly what their assignments will be, but the system is too small [so I can’t] see everything I want to see,” CA teacher Susan Whitfield said. Some of the problems arise when students are confused about how to access their grades with the new system. One of the easiest ways of getting your grades, as it turns out, is on your phone. See the sidebar for details.

ne significant change this school year is the new grading system. We have moved away from easy-to-use ESIS and are transitioning to the Synergy system. Some students are frustrated with Synergy because they have found that it comes with glitches. “I hate it. It is so annoying to deal with. In most of my classes I can’t even see what my grades are,”

Accessing your grades made easy

Staff Writer

the IB program forces you to become a more well-rounded and globally aware citizen. “The research writing, the CAS program and the international curriculum make IB a unique experience that will prepare me for colleges in the United States,” Tulp said. Although North does not have IB, it may be beneficial to institute this program in the future. “I think that the goals of the IB program seem worthwhile. It is important to have a global perspective,” senior Jared Davis said.

Sydney House Staff Writer

4. Click “Grade Book” for your grades. Just in case you have one of those days when you have no idea where to go.

1. Search and download “StudentVUE” in Apple App Store 2. Enter the URL you were given when you registered (bvpo bluevalleyk12.org)

*indicates a changed name

Faryal Jafri

IB strives to give a more global perspective than traditional courses. Illustration by Chris Shanklin

3. Enter your school school username and password.

Just in case you need reassurance of who you are.

You know that you are going to be checking this constantly after your tests.

10 Getting down to business...

Applying for a job

hen you reach a certain age, the simple question, “What do you do after school?” becomes complicated. Gone are the afternoons filled with kickball in the cul-de-sac and hide-and-seek around the neighborhood. Most kids don’t just go home after school anymore; they stay for practices and club meetings. Even

1. The Application

Sometimes if a business is hiring, they’ll make it known with a sign on a window, but it never hurts to call the manager to double check. If the manager confirms, give him or her your name and ask when you can come by to pick up an application. Dress appropriately and make sure that you give the application to whomever is in charge. It’s not uncommon to go days without hearing feedback on your application, but don’t wait more than a week to follow up on it.

3. The Interview

Equally important is how you dress. Regardless of the job you’re applying for, whether it be to clean dishes or run a cash register, you need to present yourself in a professional, respectable manner. Society might view you as just a kid , but it’s time to prove that you can act like an adult. While the interview is being conducted, maintain eye contact, ask lots of questions and be truthful in your responses. It’s not just your appearance that defines you, but what you say and how you say it. Speak confidently and show that you’re a knowledgeable person. Photos by Lindsay Rucker

more commonly today, students head straight to work. For those of you interested in an after school job, be warned that job-hunting is a grueling process, but it can be simplified if you know what places are hiring and what skill sets your future employer is expecting.

2. The Pre-Interview

If you do get a call back, then you will most likely need to schedule an interview, though there are extenuating circumstances where managers skip this step. It’s common to feel nervous, but don’t be. Practice with a friend or parent beforehand to gain confidence; ask yourself the types of questions your interviewer will ask so you feel prepared.

4. The Interview

As the interview comes to an end, shake hands and ask when you’ll hear back from the business. Remember to be patient and that if this job doesn’t work out, there’s plenty of other local places hiring teens. The last step of the job search process is crucial. After the interview, be sure to send a thank you letter to your hopeful employer. This action shows that you’re a thoughtful person who is dedicated to your work. You may be just a kid, but you know how to act professional.

Danny Rosenberg Staff Mentor

Lindsay Rucker Photo Editor

Promoting social justice across the globe

Student travels to Africa to make a difference

his past summer senior Deborah Klein participated in the American Jewish World Service Volunteer program in Ghana, working with the Challenging Heights organization. It was founded by a former child slave in 2003 to secure a better future for atrisk youth. The organization has developed a school and center for children who have been trafficked. “The organization honors the ideals of preventing child trafficking and promoting education. They help rehabilitate and reintegrate victims of child trafficking,” Klein said. Klein spent the majority of her time working with 17 other volunteers to expand a school and help out the local community in whatever ways she could. “We built a school every weekday

from 8 to 1, taught second graders French from 1:30 to 3, and made school uniforms from 3:30 to 6,” Klein said. Klein spent time studying the Jewish foundations for her service. “We spent a lot of time talking about global poverty, contemplating the purpose of being in Africa and reading excerpts in Jewish texts that looked at global service through a religious lens,” Klein said. The program strives to integrate volunteer service with Jewish study and values to leave volunteers passionate about their roles as global citizens. “I experienced first hand the power of local people effecting change. Through text study and volunteering, I realized my obligation to give back to the community,” Klein said. During her time in Ghana, Klein noticed that the people

“I experienced the power of local people effecting change.”

Senior Deborah Klein(far left) spent time the summer working with kids in Ghana helping them learn. The people she worked with also taught her a lot. Photo courtesyof Maya Barnett.

living there were not so different from Americans. “People don’t realize how similar we are to other countries, it was not unusual to be carrying around a cell phone and digital camera,” Klein said. Although Klein is done with her program in Ghana, her commitment to volunteering with American Jewish World Service will continue. At the end of this month, Klein

will go to Wahington, D.C., to meet with the founder of Challenging Heights who is giving a presentation to end modern slavery. “We will be protesting to end child trafficking. I am going to start working with post refugee settlements in KC. This program has made me want to effect change in my own community,” Klein said. Sydney House Staff Writer

One step at a time W

ith a quick dip in the paint and a swift stroke of the brush on the canvas, junior Hannah Bergwell creates the paintings and personalized shoes that have gained her attention from many students in the school. From vintage florals to the Beatles, Bergwell has painted them all, impressing anyone who comes across her pictures on Facebook. Art has always played a prominent role in Bergwell’s life. Growing up, her mom and older sister encouraged her to take up painting and helped her perfect her skills in a fun environment. “My older sister was really good at art,” Bergwell said. “My little sister and I used to compete to see who could get the most attention from her art-wise. We used to draw pictures and paint for her to see whose artwork she liked the most.” From a young age, Bergwell has had a knack for creativity and painting. Now, she’s taking her art beyond an amateur hobby.

Art in action

As you walk through the hallways, you’ll see more and more people sporting shoes adorned with their favorite singer or designs. Painted with intricate details and bright colors by Bergwell, these shoes are a popular new purchase for many. “I’d seen pictures of painted shoes a lot on photo websites that I like, such as Tumblr, but it really started when my

friend Rachel came to me with some old Sperrys and asked me to do something creative with them. From there, I kind of just winged it,” Bergwell said. In order to design a pair of white canvas shoes, Bergwell needs a special set of equipment and a chunk of time to devote to the work. “For the shoes I use acrylic paint. With the acrylic, I mix it with a special medium that makes it good for fabric and so that I’m not spending a ton of money buying more paint,” Bergwell said. “Then, once I have everything, a pair takes around two to four hours to finish.” Despite the time commitment, Bergwell finds her shoe business to be an enjoyable pastime through which she gets to express herself and get away from her busy school and soccer schedule. For her, each design provides a new challenge that she can’t wait to begin. “The shoes allow me to get the student body involved in what I’m doing and to be aware of my art. They also give me the opportunity to have a creative outlet since I’m too busy to take art classes,” Bergwell said. “I really like getting to do the tribal print design on the shoes because they’re all different, and I get to be really creative with each one. All the

shoes I design are unique to the person, which really helps to show that person’s personality,” Bergwell said. Other than her shoes, Bergwell also spends time creating paintings. Her main subjects for her paintings are people portrayed in a somewhat abstract way, with an expressive use of colors. “Besides the shoes, I do a lot of paintings where I like to experiment with many colors and materials. Sometimes I’ll have people commission me to do other things, such as making a painting for their family, and I’ve had some people ask to buy paintings I’ve posted pictures of on Facebook,” Bergwell said. Though many pictures of Bergwell’s artwork can be found on her Facebook page, she plans to display her art, and the art of others, to the student body, giving them a chance to see it and even buy it. “With all the money I receive from the shoes, I’m going to host an art show sometime in October after the PSAT,” Bergwell said. “I want to get friends that are also artists and students from art classes to contribute their pieces as well, so that there’s more diversity in what is at the show.” To her parents, Bergwell has always been ambitious with her goals and what she wants to do. For every one of her efforts, her parents support her whole-

“I just want [people] to understand what autism is”

13 Junior sells custom shoes to support autism research heartedly and do what they can to help her achieve what she wants to. “When she talked to us about her plan, we [my wife and I] were supportive and provided some ideas about how to organize and start such a project. We provided some initial supplies for her to start off with, and we set up a space for her to use for her painting in the basement,” Bergwell’s father John Bergwell said. “We believe she embodies the saying, ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.’” Her plans for the show are not quite set in stone, but she has an idea as to how she wants the event to turn out so as to make the art as enjoyable for everyone else as it is for her. “There will be around 40-60 pieces that will be sold during a silent auction. I was hoping to do it at the school, that way a lot more people will turn up,” Bergwell said. “I’m also hoping local food venders can donate food so as to create a nice environment at the show, but for now it’s all a work in progress.”

Her motivation

Although Bergwell started painting as just a hobby, when people became interested in her shoes and she began to charge money for them, she decided to use the art to do something more. “All of the money raised at my art show will go to an autism charity called Autism Speaks, which works to raise awareness for and research autism,” Bergwell said.

Junior Hannah Bergwell immerses herself in one of her many wearable creations, the proceeds from which go to the charity Autism Speaks. photo by Erica Emert

Autism Speaks is a charity that’s meaningful to Bergwell, whose older brother has autism. “My brother went to school here and then transferred to Olathe North. Blue Valley North is no doubt a very open and accepting environment, but many people here didn’t understand what was wrong with him. I just want them to understand what autism is,” Bergwell said. After her brother moved out at 18, Bergwell was looking for ways to continue to keep people aware of her

brother’s disability, which is how she got the idea to donate her art show earnings to Autism Speaks. “Basically, the whole donation thing started when I used to paint while my brother was playing Wii and video games, and we would just hang out all the time. Now he lives in a residential home because he’s 18 and more independent, so I don’t see him as much. I’m trying to continue to spread awareness since he’s not around,” Bergwell said. Bergwell has always had a close

relationship with her brother. As acknowledged by her parents, she is always right there for him when he needs it. “He [Hannah’s brother] has Asperger’s Syndrome, in addition to some other challenges. He is a year and half older than Hannah, but she has always been his ‘wingman’. She watched his back. She protected him. She was never far away, but also tried to give him his own space,” John Bergwell said. Along with Bergwell’s donations to Autism Speaks and aid to her brother, she also works with students at North with autism every week, leading arts and crafts activities for them in her art club. “Over the summer I did an art club with some of the navigator students and some of the art I did with them will also be for sale at the show,” Bergwell said. “I’m continuing the club during the school year on Thursdays in the morning. At the club, I think of some interactive, easy to do projects to do with the kids. We’ve done watercolors, blow drying crayons, and I have some other really fun ideas in mind.” Bergwell’s art club is sponsored by special education teacher Kristin Herscheberger who finds Hannah’s involvement a great contribution. Students of the class find it to be very fun, as does Herschberger who believes it a good way to get them involved. “Hannah has been a peer for my students in the capacity for three years

now. She understands their disabilities, but doesn’t dwell on them and instead focuses on their strengths and finds ways to get them involved as equals,” Herschberger said.

In the future

If you find yourself fancying a pair of Bergwell’s painted shoes, she is planning on keeping the business going. “I enjoy doing the shoes, so I’ll probably continue to do them this school year if people still want them,” Bergwell said. As for whether or not Bergwell would be interested in pursuing art as a real profession, she is still unsure, as she considers the ups and downs of an art career. “I’m not quite sure yet if I want to go into art after high school. I might just keep it as a hobby. I know that the art industry is really hard to get into, especially if you’re new, and I don’t want to be homeless at 20,” Bergwell said. Keep your eyes peeled for more from Bergwell and her future art endeavors, including her art show set to take place near the end of October. “We hope that everyone will support the art show this year, and that it can grow into something that has a life of its own and that is constantly looking for ways to be ever more inclusive of the special needs population as it continues to be a part of the BVN culture,” John Bergwell said.

Hayley Berger Staff Mentor

Voice of change

Freshman raises money for impoverished kids through music

to use her own talents for the benefit sk freshman Gracie Schram of impoverished young people. for an interview during her “I thought, what if I recorded lunch period, and she doesn’t those songs onto a CD and sold it bat an eye. Precisely 10 minutes later to my friends and family...to raise she’ll have arrived for a chat, as selfa thousand dollars, enough for one possessed as if she did this every day. fishpond in Africa? And it just took As a matter of fact, she practically off after that,” Schram said. does. Fishponds help to create sources Schram, a self-described “singersongwriter-philanthropist,” is featured of food and water in African communities, though not every in more than 300 Google hits about community can handle the her original music, the proceeds of maintenance. which she uses for charitable work “The fishpond helps to jumpstart in Africa and Haiti. So interviews their community because you can are nothing new. In August she performed in front of every employee eat the fish, you can sell the fish, you can use the of the Blue water; whereas Valley School if you give them district. Her food...once the schedule is food is gone, filled with trips they’re back back and forth where they were. to Nashville, The fishpond where she starts to create breakfasts this sustainable with music community,” executives. Yet Schram said Schram poses for a head shot. She’s no stranger to publicity, Schram said. her meteoric as she’s raised $30,000 for charitable causes since she began “I built two selling CDs at age 10. Photo courtesy of Jill Schram. fishponds [in rise to the top Africa] and then is rooted in a an orphanage in Haiti. Not every desire to help others and remain true community can have a fishpond to her faith. because they’ll steal all the fish out. So we went to...buildings [like The Inspiration the orphanage]. You can’t steal a Schram got the idea for her building.” philanthropic endeavors during a Though such issues can be church sermon she heard when she daunting, Schram said she always was 10. keeps in mind her connection with “My pastor had taken a trip to Africa and he was talking about what the kids she helps. “I guess it just really struck me to the he’d seen there,” Schram said. “What core as I was watching that sermon: caught my attention were pictures... that could just as easily be me,” of little kids who were eight or nine, Schram said. with no food, no water, and whose [parents] had died of AIDS. And I knew when I left that it was my responsibility to help those kids and to...make a change in their lives.” Schram, who today keeps a photograph of one of these African children in her locker at school, said she began brainstorming about how

Of Margins and Ministries

Schram’s parents are both entrepreneurs, which she said has shaped her ambition from a young age. “I was like, okay, I want to do this, but I need to figure out a way to get

it to cash flow, because without any margin there’s no ministry; if you don’t make any money, you can’t give anything away,” Schram said. At first, she considered skipping Christmas that year and giving the money her family would have spent to the African children. Schram works on a speech in her fifth hour acting class in school. Despite her “But then I thought, what if crazy schedule,“I’m still a 14-year-old,” Schram said I could use other people’s resources, and if everyone else gave like, ‘this song changed my life.’” just a little bit,” Schram said. “This One song that uplifted many hearers summer things took off, and now was titled “How Far” and composed I’ll be in Nashville a week or two a by Schram when she was 8. month.” “I know this sounds weird, but I got Schram has a business manager and inspired by God, and the song was an attorney who each make a percent straight from him,” Schram said. of her music’s profits. She goes to She said the song is emblematic of her Nashville with her mom to meet special relationship with Jesus. with producers and songwriters from “Every day, I trust in him, and I give various record companies, most of my life to him; I’m going to let him which produce Christian music. lead me and I’ll follow,” Schram said. “It’s like work,” Schram said. “I’ll “It’s something that not that many have five or six meetings a day, and people have. I feel really lucky.” then I’ll do a co-write.” As her music career progresses, Schram said the meetings are mostly Schram said that her philanthropy, for networking within the industry. with its faith-based roots, will “You tell them about what you’re continue. doing and they’ll tell you about how “People forget that it doesn’t matter they do business. The whole music how old you are,” Schram said. “Each industry is all about relationships, the one of us can change the world.” right time, the right place,” Schram said. “Everyone knows everyone; Jessi Glueck Co-Editor-In-Chief Nashville’s such a big small town. Once you get in the door you’re in the door.”

Soul Music

Schram said that she has the mind of both a businessperson and an artist, and her songwriting comes from her creative side. “I want my songs to relate with other people. [It] has been really cool to see how much power music has...I’ve gotten amazing emails and letters from people who are

Schram sings in a studio in Nashville. “When I write songs, I try to write them straight from my heart,” Schram said.

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Nerd is the word

The Red Hot Chili Peppers promote their new album, “I’m With You”. photo from stadium-arcadium.

Fresh, classic bands hit KC for fall concerts

utumn: the season for sweaters, scarecrows and soccer. As the leaves begin turning a golden-brown, the homework stacks up and the students stress out. While listening to one’s iPod can help alleviate some of this stress, there’s really nothing like a live performance. Check out this fall concert preview.

Ben Folds Five at Starlight Sept. 28 Ben Folds Five, formed in 1993, is a North Carolina alternative/piano rock group led by lead vocalist and pianist Ben Folds. After the band broke up in 2000, Folds developed a successful solo career. The group reunited in 2008 and released a new album just 10 days ago titled “The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind”. Their melodic and witty tunes are sure to make fans out of any skeptics of these soft-rockers. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at kcstarlight.com

Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Sprint Center

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at The Crossroads Oct. 5

This indie folk rock band first rose to fame nationwide with their storytelling single “Home”. The ensemble band is made up of 10 members that create a more unique and memorable experience than most concerts would. The tickets are $83 a pop, but the group’s eclectic style is addictive and worth every penny. The general admission tickets can be purchased at the Crossroads Art District or at tickets-center.com.

Matisyahu at the Uptown

Nov. 18 Oct. 27 Matisyahu’s back, and this time The Red Hot Chili Peppers finally without his trademark beard. After brings its “I’m with You” tour to going through a recent lifestyle Kansas City. The funk rock/ska band change, Matisyahu has decided to step will be featuring music off their latest away from his Hasidic Jewish image album playing recent hits “Monarchy and trade it in for a new clean-shaven of Roses” and “The Adventures of look. The reggae fusion star’s new Raindance Maggie”. The Chili Peppers album, “Spark Seeker” is, at its roots, are known for their high energy antics much like Matisyahu’s classic tunes while performing and always put on a with a little new flavor that is fueled show to remember. Led by frontmen by his new image. Promising to quiet Flea and Anthony Kiedis, and with his critics, Matisyahu fully delivered some new flavor from lead-guitarist with his new album and will return to Josh Klinghoffer and longtimeKansas City on November 18 at the drummer Chad Smith, the Red Hot Uptown Theater. General admission Chili Peppers will surely rock the tickets start at $58.00 and can be Sprint Center. Tickets begin at $35 at bought at stubhub.com. ticketmaster.com. Ashley Ruben Business Manager

ave you ever needed help understanding what that nerdy kid you know is talking about? Tried being a nerd but couldn’t comprehend the terminology? Been ridiculed by your nerdy friends for not knowing what certain words mean? This list of terms should help you get the gist of what the nerds are saying, and even contribute to their geeky conversation.

Brony n. pl. bronies. A “bro” who obsessively watches the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Cosplay

v. abbr. cosplayed, cosplaying, cosplays. (costume play) Nerds don costumes to represent certain characters. This is especially popular at nerdy conventions, the themes of which range from anime to Harry Potter.

D&D

n. abbr. (Dungeons and Dragons) A role-playing board game where players roll twenty-sided dice to determine moves. Not for the faint of heart; this is about as nerdy as it gets.

FanFic

n. abbr. (fan fiction) A person writes a story involving another author’s characters. Although it typically has its home on the internet, fanfic occasionally makes its way into the published world with books like “Fifty Shades of Grey,” a fanfic of “Twilight.”

Frak v. A replacement curse word used in the sci-fi show “Battlestar Galactica.” LARP

v. abbr. (Live Action Role Play) Nerds dress up as their own characters and either do battle or role play in manufactured scenarios.

Marvel vs. DC

n., pl. Two opposing comic book companies that create superheroes. The Avengers and Spider-man are Marvel; Superman and Batman are DC.

Meme

n., pl. memes. A funny picture or film still, often with changeable captions, that has gone viral. Examples include anime clips, stills from old TV shows and crazy pictures of cats.

StarKid

n. Name of the organization consisting of “Glee” cast member Darren Criss and a multitude of college students that gave us the nerdy musicals “A Very Potter Musical,” “A Very Potter Sequel,” and “Holy Musical B@man.”

Trekkie n., pl. trekkies. The name referring to a fan of Star Trek and series or movies produced by that franchise. Wizard Rock

n. A musical genre that contains all songs pertaining to the Harry Potter series.

42 n.

The final answer to life and the universe, as publicized by the satiric novel “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Rachel Strohkorb Staff Writer

RI E V I E “J W S

Romantic comedy fans, rejoice

ndie music plays lightly in the background as stop-motion pictures tell us the story of Celeste (Rashida Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg), the best friends who fell in love. It’s the romantic comedy for the Facebook generation. It’s cute. We see them driving together, running errands, doing what’s expected of a married couple. They tease each other playfully, the way that only high school sweethearts can. Everything seems “normal”, until we learn that Celeste and Jesse have been separated for six months. Is this normal behavior then, for them to still be so invested in each other’s lives? This is the premise of “Celeste and Jesse Forever”. I found this plot to be intriguing, but

in a romance, it’s the chemistry between the leads that matters most. That said, Jones and Samberg were excellent. Their performances were thoughtful, their relationship seemed real. My only complaint is that Samberg’s comedic talent was underutilized, and he’s the main reason I wanted to see the movie. The romace also features Ari Graynor (“The Sitter”) as Celeste’s best friend Beth. I really liked how she portrayed the witty, level-headed sidekick. Her character was funny and honest. Graynor’s character was also key to one of the movie’s subplots. While Celeste and Jesse’s marriage is falling apart, Beth is preparing to marry her longtime boyfriend. By including this subplot, the writers smartly contrasted the emotions that couples feel at different stages in a relationship. Future screenwriters should take note. And remember Emma Roberts from the Nickelodeon show “Unfabulous”? She appears in a small supporting role as a ditzy pop star. I don’t think her character was necessary, but she did

provide laughs and surprisingly valuable insight for Celeste. Although it had its moments, this romantic comedy wasn’t that funny. I rarely laughed out loud and many scenes had a tone of sadness. I was expecting heavier emphasis on the comedy, considering the track record of its stars. Not everyone will like the movie’s offbeat plot, but keep in mind that it’s intentionally unconventional. After I realized that, I appreciated it more. Too many movies today are formulaic in structure and characterization; I liked “Celeste and Jesse Forever” because of its fresh spin on the genre.

Danny Rosenberg Staff Mentor Celeste and Jesse remain friends after their separation. Photo from http://sonyclassics.com/ celesteandjesseforever/

“Wake” follows a downward trend oin us or don’t. Live or die. telling a story rather than immersing It’s up to you, and frankly, I the reader in it. Gemma is the only don’t care character who has been which.”-- Penn in fleshed out; the others “Wake,” page 174. are flat. “Wake,” by A The action in “Wake” manda Hocking, is also starts off slowly the first book in the and doesn’t gain speed Watersong series. until about halfway The novel focuses through the book. The on Gemma and major plot points that Harper Fisher, two occur in the first half sisters living in the of the book are often town of Capri, and skimmed over. Once the mysterious girls the main conflict of who have shown up the book -- Gemma’s in town. Gemma decision about whether doesn’t know who or not to join the sirens they are, but they -- comes into play, the know who she Fans of Amanda Hocking’s “Trylle” series will story improves, but I is. And they are want to check out her latest book, “Wake.” had such a negative determined to make Photo from Amazon. opinion of the book Gemma one of them. by then that I couldn’t This book’s premise is interesting, but fully appreciate it. not well-executed. The writing style is My biggest complaint about “Wake” is awkward, and the author seems to be that after reading the book, I could not

determine its message. While there were hints of a theme of the strength of love between friends and family, the author sacrificed exploration of the theme in favor of more plotbased drama. Unfortunately, this book’s flaws aren’t unique. They correspond to a general trend in young adult literature of oversimplifying situations, characters and themes to attract a wider audience. Authors seem to believe that unless they spell everything out, teens will lose interest. This theory is not only insulting to teenagers, but it has also led to a decline in the quality of young adult books. “Wake’s” one redeeming quality is its cliffhanger ending. Based on the strength of the ending, I am hopeful that future books in the series will be faster-paced, and therefore more likeable. As for “Wake,” it might prove to be enjoyable for fans of Amanda Hocking’s Trylle series and paranormal fiction. For the rest of us, however, this is one book that is safe to skip.

Emily Levinson Staff Writer

few too many Starbucks and Chipotles surround our school. The “bubble” is hard to pop- Starbucks is adequate and Chipotle is convenient. But venturing further into the KC metro area and searching out a more unique destination is worth the hunt. Here are a few wonderful outside-of-the-bubble spots to get you started, but remember–checking these eateries out is only half the journey. All these finds are in incredibly cool areas, so stick around and explore.

Ellie Holcomb Co-Editor-In-Chief

7126 W. 80th St. Overland Park

omer’s has all the appeal in the world before you even order. The atmosphere is friendly but still elegant. Tons of art, plenty of walking space and a stage where live music is performed Friday and Saturday nights set this spacious shop apart from These baked goods are made fresh daily at Homer’s Coffee in Old Overland Park. any Starbucks. The coffee is wonderful– Also avaliable for a quick snack are fresh fruit and tubs of Umpqua oatmeal . Photo by Ellie Holcomb very rich and full without being overpowering. They also have a huge selection of flavored syrups, which can be expertly blended by friendly baristas. Their lattes are above average. My last visit, I tried the cafe au’ lait (steamed soy milk and coffee) with coconut, which was by far my favorite thing. Homer’s boasts tons of treats too, from freshly-made scones (rave reviews on these guys), to brownies and 50 cent mini cookies. You can also grab some ice cream. They’re open till 10 p.m. every night except Sunday.

FÜD’s take on a chicken wrap (above) and the front of their cozy and small shop (right). FÜD offers wide variety, from clasic grilled cheese or quesadillas to raw juices and cashew ice cream. Patrons and staff alike rave about the food and unique beverages. Photos by Ellie Holcomb

1615 W. 39th St., Kansas City, Mo.

alking in to the repurposed yellow house on the 39th Street corridor, you have the feeling you’re somewhere unique. This small, individuallyowned cafe is, after all, edged between some sort of gardening store with lots of strange decorations, a tattoo parlor and a shop called “Twisted Sisters” specializing in novelty gifts. The front porch is full of bright red umbrellas and a cute wooden staircase leads into the house, where a menu is written in chalk. Baked goods, all baked fresh daily and highly rated, are on display. The prices are super reasonable, so grab something to eat there while soaking in the feel-good vibes of the laid-back, chatty staff, and get something else to take home and eat later. Their lattes are delicious, as is their coffee (they brew Kansas City’s own locally-roasted “Oddly Correct” beans). Options are endless, as you can combine the shop’s huge array of syrups with almond, soy, coconut, cashew or hemp milk to make tons of drink combos. But if you want something different, go for an Italian soda–carbonated water and flavored syrup, any kind or combo you’d want.

FÜD 813 W. 17th St., Kansas City, Mo.

ronounced like “food”, this all-vegan restaurant is impressive in how the chef-owners play with the ingredients to make sure diners won’t miss the meat. The place is tiny–it only seats 26, but with the warm and cheerful decor, it doesn’t feel squished. The food is outside the box, so this is a venue for the open-minded. Items such as grilled tempeh (a vegan protein standing in for meat) or the Rainbow taco featuring cashew goji “cheddar” and collard greens are for the adventurous, but the menu still offers classics such as mac and (dairy free) cheese and a vegan take on a reuben sandwich. To end the meal, you can suck down a “shake” made with agave and cashews (or sunflower seeds, if you prefer). The chocolatecaramel is to die for, and since it isn’t made from ice cream you can convince yourself it’s healthy.

The French Toast Cupcake (above) and lattees (right) from Mud Pie Bakery are grogeous and decadent. Other popular items are their vegan twinkies and cinnamon rolls and their blended coffees. Photos courtesy of Mud Pie Vegan Bakery and Coffee House.

20 Legislating the lunchroom

New federal policy limits students’ meal choice freedom

hen you walked into the lunchroom last year, the process of ordering your food was streamlined and quick. You could grab your food in a snap, wait in a quick line and pay with the updated computer system. The new rule undermines efforts to make buying food quick. Now, the lines for getting a meal are a crowded mess. The wait time has increased because the cafeteria staff is required to check every tray for one cup of fruits and veggies. It gets worse when someone is forced back to get more “healthy options.” This is just a hassle for people who want to get in, get their food and get out. In January 2012, first lady Michelle Obama announced that beginning this school year, school lunches would offer much healthier options for the 32 million students across America.

Photo by Ram Sivakumar

The district now requires one cup of you can make eating them mandatory. fruits and veggies with each meal. The biggest flaw in this plan, Although this may seem a strong though, is that it makes nutritious effort to combat obesity and promote food seem like a burden. When nutrition, I believe that these new students graduate from high school, rules don’t work. they will think that eating healthy is The first problem is that you can’t a restriction, not a positive lifestyle teach old dogs new tricks. Forcing choice. As a result, they’ll only be teens to eat fruits and veggies is more likely to turn to junk food. condescending. It In this way, the “It is an unfortunate truth is an unfortunate regulations cause truth that kids that kids will just shovel the problems they’re will just shovel their cup of veggies into trying to prevent. their cup of It seems as if there veggies into needs to be someone the trash.” the trash. I am to blame, yet no one not saying that is really culpable. teens will not eat healthfully. I’m The cafeteria staff are doing their saying that the kids who want fruits job by enforcing the new rules; the and veggies will take them. We don’t administration is required by law to need the government to put them on give healthy food to students; even our plates. You can force kids to take first lady Obama and the government vegetables, but there is no way that had good intentions. They were just

trying to help kids combat obesity and create a healthy lifestyle. But there are alternatives to the current system. The rules could be implemented with younger students, who wouldn’t feel patronized and would get used to eating healthy. Schools could also offer a wider variety of healthy food at lunch or in the vending machines. The current problems with our lunch room stem from the problems in the rules themselves. A more complex thought process should have gone into this law because it seems an oversimplification and doesn’t anticipate the reactions of students and the logistics of the program. The government needs to get its hands out of teenagers’ lunches and go back to the drawing board.

Ram Sivakumar Staff Writer

Class rank creates destructive competition “S

o how did you do?” Think about how often we hear this phrase when the teacher passes back a test. Even though we may try to deny it, everyone is nosy when it comes to school matters. Students ask around, trying to find out who received a better score than themselves, seeking out the competition. Competetion has become what it is all about. Although it is inevitable that humans are naturally competitive and students will try to be the best no matter what the circumstances are, it is hard to ignore one of the main causes of this extreme competitionclass rank. Many would agree that the school has a rather aggressive “dog-eat-

dog” vibe. Though this atmosphere than actually learning the material. has been created by the students, the Not only does class rank draw school, is ultimately the one to blame people away from learning, but it can for class rank. be very discouraging. While some Putting students on a numbered find class rank to be a good incentive, list institutionalizes competition. it deters many others. Students People might compete over grades become unmotivated and lose the despite this, but the school should drive to make any effort at all. not be making Let’s say a student’s competition an rank is 160 out of explicit part of 300 students. This school life. student may be an For one, A/B student who it distracts has one or two Cs from learning. thrown into the Students are so mix. This student preoccupied with may feel “dumb” their class rank or think that they that it becomes “aren’t that good at Illustration by Chris Shanklin a higher priority school” because they

are being directly compared to every other student in their grade. Overall, class rank can only harm students. If they are not in the top percent of their class, they can be easily overlooked or simply rejected from a college. Top ranking students may argue that their admirable class rank number will help them be a better candidate for certain colleges. If they have maintained a 3 in their class, don’t they already have something to show for that? Their transcript is proof; is it truly necessary to put a number by it? It’s time for North to eliminate school rank.

Mallory Bodker Staff Writer

Crossing the line between humor and hurt Two men stir controversy, others remain ignorant about rape

ith any issue, there’s a line between what is to be laughed at and what is to be taken seriously. Lately,the media has buzzed over a sensitive topic: rape.

media, where untrue representations are all too common. Students here in classrooms. This laughter is misplaced.

sexual intercourse against a person’s will, according to Merriam-Webster. It can happen to anyone, regardless

cannot distinguish between rape and consensual sex, and it is very possible that a woman will become

women. Comedian Daniel Tosh

There is also no such thing as

about rape during an act last spring.

While what they said was ones who are ignorant about rape. The question that should be raised is whether this insensitivity is caused

It’s a travesty that people in the American public sphere downplay the seriousness of rape. Graphic by Jessi Glueck.

estimated 207, 754 cases a year in the United States (according to the organization R.A.I.N.N.), it’s clear that this could happen to someone close to you. Whether they reaction that any victim would like be the same: empathy.

Kiera Bolden comment during an interview in

Staff Writer

Art: the endangered subject

magine a world without art, without colors and pictures, without music and dance. Imagine the world without artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, and without composers like Bach and Mozart. Imagine the world without plays such as “Romeo and Juliet” or “The Phantom of the Opera”. Our lives would be dull and boring. By limiting the number of art classes at North, we are dulling the creativity of this school. The cuts in the art department are based not just on school funds, but also on student enrollment. While student enrollment in honors and AP classes increases, the enrollment in art classes decreases. It is a shame that we are not taking advantage of our fantastic art department. With the number of art classes offered, it should be

Many lose sight of importance of creativity in school

easy to find one that interests a everything from acting to music. student the most. Each one of these All the teachers classes are unique are more than in its own way and willing to help allows students to establish ideas express themselves and encourage through a different students to run media. Art also with it. They find allows students to ways to bring apply themselves in out the best in different ways. For a young artist people who are left or performer. brained, and more This makes focused on studying the learning and logic, art classes environment allow them to in arts classes express themselves great for students artistically and that need a little enable them to Sophomore Cheyenne Ernst takes a break creative help. exercise a part of from her honors schedule to participate in the arts. Photo by Daniel Traub When someone their brain they don’t says the word “art” normally use. There are most people think of the visual benefits for right-brained people arts: painting, painting. These are as well. For right-brained students not all the arts, as the arts include who are more naturally artistic

and creative, art classes allow them to develop original ideas that can blossom into wonderful masterpieces. Similar to English, math, science and the other core subjects, the arts are subjects with important lessons. They teach students patience and responsibility. I personally remember a ceramics pot or a drawing that went terribly wrong. Each art class that I took taught me how to be patient and persevere even when it got hard. Consider giving yourself a break from all the honors and AP class and challenge yourself with an art class. While core classes are good, they seem to suck out most of students’ energy. Taking an art class will relieve students’ stress and encourage them to express themselves. Kristen Haug Staff Writer

HEAD TO HEAD: What do you think of the new grinding rule?

Backlash against rule shows worst side of student body

rise was created among the student body when they found that they could no longer display their youth by dancing with whatever warm body they could find in a way that is meant to imitate intercourse. “It’s fun”, students expertly debated. “We’re adults, we can do what we want”, whined 16and 17-year-olds emphatically. Or more logically, “The junior class will go broke.” Yes, the new “no grinding” rule hit home. But what does it mean for us: that fun for our school is a night of rubbing against each other in a dark, repurposed lunchroom? The first mixer without grinding came across as a massive failure or a tremendous success – depending on your outlook. There was no grinding, making the rule successful in its enforcement. But there was also no crowd. A large chunk of the door fee went to paying the DJ and the teachers in attendance to keep students from dancing suggestively with each other; what was left over wasn’t enough to pay a deposit on prom. It was a far cry from the usual fiscal success these events are for the school. But this, to me, seems beside the point. Yes, a fundraising solution needs to be found for the junior class. But joining together hundreds of teens in a dark, loud room to sweat and dance is not the ideal answer. Why have we dehumanized and depersonalized our own space and

our own bodies so much that a room full of people is turned into a pile of bumping and “grinding” flesh? I disagree with our principal, or with anyone who would assert that this is an issue of “respecting ladies.” It seems sexist that girls in particular, who are half the equation, need to be “protected” from activities they find enjoyable. Instead, it seems problematic that we look so favorably and casually upon such immature and rash human contact. Mixers and dances have become a game of grabbing a body on the dance floor to grind with. The music played supports this, and my peers have even told me that when a slow song comes on it’s more awkward to touch someone’s shoulders or waist and slow dance with them than rub against them and grind. Why is looking at someone’s face so uncomfortable? In the last several weeks North students have displayed their attachment to an overly sexualized and depersonalized way of enjoying themselves. It has been asserted that “fun” is something very few students would allow their parents to see or call their parents to action to defend (as is normally their course of action). Instead of jumping to action to defend our “lifestyle”, maybe a look at why this is such an integral right to us is a question worthy of being asked.

“Is fun for our school a night of rubbing against each other in a dark, repurposed lunchroom?”

Ellie Holcomb Co-Editor-In-Chief

Administration needs to pick its battles

ixers. Everyone looks forward to them, yet few were at attendance at our most recent one. The new rule that stops kids from grinding at school events has created a huge drop in attendance at mixers. While some believe that grinding is disrespectful, the lack of attendance shows that many kids don’t feel that same way. To most, grinding is just a way to dance. It has no connection with dehumanizing oneself or disrespect, it’s really just kids dancing. Our school has made other rules like not attending mixers drunk and high. Kids still attended when that rule was made because it clearly dealt with legality. When asked, teachers like history teacher Mrs. Pence said that we must “pick our battles.” That statement could taken many ways, but it led me back to the grinding rule. Is grinding a battle that we need to fight? From interviews with students, I’ve come to the consensus that the answer is no. “I understand where the administration is coming from, however, it is difficult to put teenagers of the opposite sex in an environment like that and ask them to change their accustomed behavior,” senior Vanessa Kamberis said. “I think it’ll lead to economic downturn. Mixers make money and kids like grinding. No one will go,”

junior Allison Ullman said. I take a more moderate stance. I think that the principal has the right to makes rules as he chooses. I agree that some might find the grinding inappropriate. But I feel that this rule will do more harm than good. Kids shouldn’t get too naughty on the dance floor, but if grinding is the type of dancing they like, then they won’t come to mixers if the administration bans it. We need to find a happy medium. Mixers make money, and after the first one, we have clearly seen that money won’t come out of this new rule. Not only that, mixers are a safe environment for kids to have fun, which is more comforting than what kids could be doing if they were not at a mixer. We could have students sneaking into clubs underage, doing drugs or drinking and driving. Isn’t a little risque dancing preferable to all that? If we lightened up on the grinding rule, then we would increase our attendance and leave our students to decide what they are comfortable with. It is their choice whether they want to grind or not, and even if some people find it disrespectful, the kids should be left to police themselves.

“Mixers are a safe environment for kids to have fun, which is more comforting than what kids could be doing if not at the mixer.”

Sakshi Mahajan Staff Writer

The North Star Letters to the editor staff Advocating the end of school dances Editors Sarah Evans Jessi Glueck Ellie Holcomb Second-year mentors Hayley Berger Danny Rosenberg Ashley Ruben Chris Shanklin Photo editor Lindsay Rucker Business manager Ashley Ruben Photographers Erika Brown Erica Emert Austin Fultz Daniel Traub Staff writers Mallory Bodker Kiera Bolden Kristen Haug Sydney House Faryal Jafri Neha Kulkarni Emily Levinson Sakshi Mahajan 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. The North Star Blue Valley North High School 12200 Lamar Ave. Overland Park, KS 66209 (913) 239-3116

’ve got a crazy idea for you to consider: let’s stop caring about the dances. That’s right, I’m advocating dance apathy, even if that means scrapping dances altogether. Students don’t want to come to dances? Fine. Who cares? Rather than lament low turnout, we should instead shrug and move on. We get instead to focus on more important matters. If we ultimately end up canceling dances entirely, let’s call it progress. The demise of the school dance is long overdue. The school dance as we know it emerged long ago as a way to socialize young people into the etiquette, behavior and “finer customs” of the fancy classes. The idea, which perhaps made sense in the Victorian era, was for schools to provide students a venue in which to practice firm handshakes, cordial conversation, waltzing, ballroom manners and to basically play dress-up for a night.

Imagine a world without the boycotts, the tickets, the money boxes, the enforcement, the planning, the chaperoning, the cost and the absurdity of it all. It’s understandable in context: for young people in 1905, the school dance was probably a welcome respite from working third shift in the shoe factory. But I’m astonished that this outmoded tradition hangs on in 2012. All you need to do is isolate the idea to see the full absurdity – that in addition to the legit education a public school provides, it should also allow students to gather in supervised semi-darkened rooms to dance. Wait, what? What’s next? Scalp massages? Pony rides? These are no more absurd than after-hours dances. Again: this is a school.

Which brings us to Grindgate 2012, BVN’s homegrown dance “controversy.” Student objections to the grinding ban are even more absurd than the dances themselves. Check this: students not only want the school to provide them with a semi-darkened room for dancing, but also to give them license to act as they please, exempt from censure or consequence. This is crazy talk, pure and simple. In what other realm of school is this a reasonable expectation? It’s as if we’re trapped in Bizarro World. Let’s just walk away. I’m not trying to be a wet blanket. I’m not a fun hater. I’m not a prude or a scold. I simply prefer good ideas to bad ideas, and school dances – and the problems they create – are a terrible, terrible idea. So let’s just walk away. It may seem like a crazy idea, but I’ll take a crazy idea over a terrible idea any day. Charlie Huette, Broadcast teacher

Students need to learn respect for themselves

he attendance at school mixers was a large part of the culture at this school. Now with the new grinding rule, the dance floors at mixers are sparse with only a few underclassmen standing awkwardly on the dance floor. The lack of attendance at school dances or the enforcement of an arbitrary rule is not what I am concerned with. I am concerned with the administration’s insensitivity to the ladies and gentlemen of Blue Valley North, starting with a comment that struck me at the senior class meeting on the first day of school. An administrator stated that the rule was being implemented to “protect and respect the ladies at Blue Valley North.” The rationale for the rule singles out the ladies as delicate and impressionable flowers that are unable to make decisions for themselves. It also singles out the males of this school as predatory and completely at fault for the “inappropriate behavior”

at school dances. The comment frames it as though females are powerless to the aggressive advances of males. The females of this school do not need the administration to tell them that they should respect themselves, or what respect for themselves is. I was more disturbed by another comment made at the assembly. An administrator stated that he wanted it so “everyone’s father would be comfortable with how his daughter was dancing.” They are attempting to manage the school as if the student body is their children, which is intrusive. The administration is not my father. Are their sons not culpable in this behavior as well? The insinuation by the administration’s actions would be “well, boys will be boys.” Respecting women is allowing them to make their own decisions. The empowerment of women will only come when they can choose how to “protect” themselves. The

As a female I should be able to determine what respecting myself is, and sometimes I learn the hard way, but that is not under jurisdiction. administration has overstepped its bounds in trying to deal with these personal choices. The administration should rescind the grinding ban, not because smashing up against someone in the crowded cafeteria is my idea of a good time. It should be rescinded because I should be able to express and respect myself in any legal way that I choose. I respect the men in our school and give them the benefit of the doubt, and I respect women’s rights to stand up for themselves. I want the administration to grant us that respect as well. Jenny Phillips, senior

Homecoming 2012: The lamest show on Earth?

omecoming week had a rocky start. Daily assemblies before school were sparsely attended and underground spirit days found more success than their school-sponsored counterparts like “dress like a teacher day.” When rain fell, the “bonfire” was held inside. Fireworks were set off for a shivering and wet crowd outside to end the night. A brief Friday assembly was filled with senior shenanigans including the throwing of glitter, eggs and a sex toy. The dance was poorly attended- a North Star staffer counted 34 attendees at 10:30 p.m. Topping it off with a football loss, Homecoming week was the lamest show on Earth. Ellie Holcomb Editor in Chief

1 1. Pile of Shoes- The shoe race, usually a bustle of activity as students sprint for a mountain of shoes, was a poorly attended skirmish for a small hill of sneakers. Many “olympic” activities were poorly attended due to their new time in the morning. Photo by Erica Emert. 3.Senior Anarchy-Seniors throw glitter and baby powder, wave the American flag and reveal alcohol-themed underground shirts at the Homecoming assembly after a week of underground spirit days. Photo by Alex Scimecca.

2 2. Unsung Races-A team of seniors race, 10-legged style, in front of empty stands before school. Since Homecoming olympic events were switched to the morning, turn-outs were minimal. Photo by Alex Scimecca. 4. Dance the night away?-A few students dance at the Homecoming dance. Attendance was minimal, with most students leaving early and a mainly empty dance floor. Photo by Hunter Robinson.

Frozen-Out Fire-Students shiver in the wind and rain as fireworks sputter in the distance. The bonfire, which usually consists of a crackling fire, fireworks and food, was held mainly indoors due to weather and consisted of club booths and fireworks in the rain. Photo by Jessica Zidek.