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SHOW SOME SPIRIT
Northwest will not have a homecoming parade this year. A large portion of this decision could be attributed to the consistent lack of school spirit our student body has displayed in recent years. As a whole, we have made it clear to our administrators that we do not care about school loyalty, so they cannot be blamed for giving up on us.
Since COVID-19, there have been noticeable differences in student involvement in school activities. Between reduced attendance to sports games, less spirit week participation and a lack of interest in skits and assembly games, we have truly distanced ourselves from the ideal community high school spirit that is portrayed in movies.
This disengagement affects more than just the culture and fun of Northwest. It also affects our classroom performance. A study conducted by the Connecticut Association of Schools showed 92% of school principals feel that high spirit correlates with high student achievements. Additionally, the report tied school spirit to better academic performance, engagement and happiness. This suggests if we truly embody the Northwest spirit we will find more success in both our mental and
scholastic future.
As the current student body, we have the opportunity and responsibility to turn our spirit around, not only for us but for our younger siblings and friends. Future classes should be able to experience the stereotypical high school years in every wonderful way we did not.
It should not be embarrassing to participate in Spirit Week because going all out should be praised. It should not be embarrassing to participate in skits and assembly games because there is no shame in helping your class earn spirit points. It should not be embarrassing to have, and show, school spirit.
At the end of the day, it really is up to us, the students. We entirely control the amount of spirit there is in our school because we control the culture around it. To obtain a relationship with your peers where you are all united under the same belief takes effort. We must make bonds with one another by showing respect for all interests and types of people. Everything from football to debate deserves an audience. Showing up for people makes them want to show up for you. Show some school spirit Northwest, and we will make this year a great one.
FOSTERS SUCCESS
Written by Blen Belachew, Designed by Lily McCann
OPINION FLEXIBILITY
With students frantically trying to find their MacBook chargers, figuring out which of their friends are in their classes or ravaging through their wardrobe to find the perfect outfit, the first days of school are hectic for everyone. Unfortunately, the current schedule change process adds unnecessary stress to an already demanding week.
Whether you are leveling up your core classes or trying to take an “easy” elective, high school is the time to find classes that interest you and help you explore various career paths. Why are we subject to stay in a class for a whole semester even if we believe we are not benefiting from it?
Usually, enrollment for the upcoming school year is in January; the week that we have to fill out our enrollment sheet, students are still adjusting to the second semester routine which involves new classes, teachers and environment. For many, this results in putting off enrollment until the very end. Ultimately, students end up making decisions they do not like by the next year, sending them to the next step: schedule repairs.
Students can only request a schedule repair in the first three days of school if there is an error or if they are requesting a level change, per district guidelines. Students cannot request a schedule change for classes other than their alternates.
According to an unscientific poll conducted by The Express
on Instagram, 77% of 111 surveyed report they have experienced difficulties with changing their courses. The same poll conducted by The Express showed that 96% of 135 agree that the schedule change process should have more flexibility in terms of how students can change their classes.
There are various reasons a student might want to switch out of a class. It is understandable that we cannot ask for a schedule change because we prefer another teacher or solely want to be with our friends, but high school is the time to find classes that engage our interests and learn our likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.
informed career choice. If there is more flexibility, students can take classes that align with their passions, allowing for more motivated and engaged students. Our counselors work tirelessly to give students classes that will help them finish their credits and prepare them for their future aspirations, and for this, I greatly appreciate them.
If we cannot have the opportunity to choose a class that interests us now, how will we find a career that will interest us in the future?
According to a 2022 survey of 500 students conducted by YouScience, 41% of students report feeling unprepared to make a career choice or declare a college major at graduation. One probable reason for this is students not taking classes in high school that grab interest for a potential career. If we cannot have the opportunity to choose a class that interests us now, how will we find a career that will interest us in the future?
There needs to be leniency and flexibility in the schedule repair process for students to explore fields and discover new interests that will help them make a more
However, a decision we made in January of the previous school year should not dictate how we progress throughout the current one.
Although there are procedural and resource challenges associated with allowing students to switch classes freely, I believe that schools must work toward implementing policies that balance flexibility and restriction to increase student satisfaction and success.
The courses we take in high school are designed to help us decide what we want to do with our lives. We are in charge of our education and our future. We must advocate for ourselves and take the responsibility of our education into our own hands.
Starting high school was a stressful experience; partly because of the workload, and partly because of the idea that I had to join as many extracurricular activities as I could. This is exactly what I did, joining at least five different clubs. An astounding number of two clubs remained by the end of my freshman year. While two clubs might seem considerably lacking on a college application, I simply could not commit to the clubs and organizations in which I had no interest in. Many of my friends have joined numerous clubs operating under the belief that students need a million extracurriculars to look appealing on a college application.
After a certain point, extracurriculars and activities only add more stress and anxiety to a student’s life. On top of the hours of homework and assignments students complete on a daily basis, many must squeeze in time for the obscene amount of extracurriculars they have signed up for. This overscheduling is bound to cause exhaustion and negatively impact a student’s mental health. In addition to overscheduling, many students join clubs purely because they might look good to a college or university. The point of extracurricular activities is to spark your interest and passion; they are meant to showcase your interests
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH
Written by Nafsiya Hafiz, Designed by Lily McCann
and your talents. Joining clubs solely because they may look “more impressive” to a college admissions officer only adds to the mental exhaustion.
After a certain point, extracurriculars and activities only add more stress and anxiety to a student’s life
There is a substantial amount of honor societies and clubs to choose from at Blue Valley Northwest, enough to cater to whatever interests and passions a student may have. Despite this, I have witnessed friends join honor societies and clubs that are focused on topics that they have no interest in, creating more stress and anxiety for themselves. Hearing people say they only joined a club to receive a senior cord is disheartening, not only does this reflect the obsessive manner in which students “collect” extracurriculars but it negatively impacts the club as well. Rather than being a space where students who care about a shared interest can come together, it starts to feel dispirited. Furthermore, joining clubs just to check them off a “college admissions” to-do list may not be all that impressive to a college admissions officer. Colleges and universities look for extracurriculars to glean what kind of person a student is; what skills have they learned outside of class, what makes the student unique? Joining many different
groups and prestigious clubs is ultimately not what makes you stand out on a college application; the clubs and organizations that spark your interests and showcase your personality are.
Extracurriculars are crucial to students, they are a way for us to make connections with others our age who enjoy the same things as us. According to the National Institute of Health, participating in extracurriculars that students enjoy has shown reduced anxiety and higher levels of self confidence, but there is a point where it stops being beneficial and instead becomes detrimental.
The culture of joining as many clubs and organizations just for a college application is an exhausting and ridiculous process. Instead, students should try to join the extracurriculars and honor societies that showcase their talents, interests and passions. Volunteer with organizations not just because they offer hours, but because that organization reflects your values. Seek out clubs that won’t feel like another check box on an already exhaustive to-do list. That way not only will your college application reflect who you are as a person, but you may enjoy the time you spend on the extracurricular.
SOUNDS
OF THE SUMMER
Q:
BVNW students describe their experiences at various concerts throughout the summer
Written by Rishi Bonthu and Julia Curotto, Designed by Sri Trikona
Evie Fisher Senior
Noah Kahan: We’ll all be here forever
Bonner Springs, Kan. 06.05.24
Did his music “touch you” or “speak to you” in any way? What emotions did it create for you?
A: “I started crying in the song ‘Call Your Mom’. It was so good… I think the music was so immersive and his vocals, like normally that song doesn’t make me cry, but his vocals were so real and raw when seeing it live that I was just like ‘wow this is so beautiful’, like the music just, this is going to sound so cringe but, took over.”
Q:
Do you have a favorite memory from the concert? If so, how did that moment make you feel?
A: “When he came up into the audience I was kind of far back. He {then}came into the middle of the audience so then we were really close to him, that was really cool.”
Q:
Overall, how would you rate this concert?
A: “7/10, Azura, that venue, just isn’t my favorite but content wise, he was really funny and really engaging with the audience. It wasn’t like his fault, it was like the venue’s fault.”
(Photo Courtesy of Evie Fisher)
(Photo Courtesy of Evie Fisher)
(Photo Courtesy of Fiona Dudleston)
Chris Stapleton: All American Road Show
Kansas City, Mo.
What was your experience with the show/what emotions did it create for you?
A: “It was super fun and exciting because it was my first big concert!”
T-Mobile Center
Future & Metro Boomin: We Trust You Q:
Q: What was your favorite part of the show?
A: “My favorite parts of the show were when he played ‘Traveller’ and also when he played ‘Fire Away’ because we all had our flashlights on.”
A: “Overall, it was an amazing experience and I’d give it a 10 out of 10!” 06.12.24
Q:
Overall, how would you rate this concert?
Anavi Vulupala Freshman
Kansas City, Mo.
T-Mobile Center 07.30.24
Q:
What was your experience with the show/what emotions did it create for you?
A:“Honestly I was scared it wasn’t gonna live up to the hype I’d been creating over it in my head but it was so exhilarating and I was so happy I went to it because that experience was orginal and I don’t think I’m going to experience anything like that with the same people or energy.”
Q: What was your least favorite part of the show?
A: “My least favorite part was how long it took for the artists to come out and I understand it was to create suspension but it was annoying.”
Q: Was this your favorite concert you’ve been to?
A: “I couldn’t say if it was my favorite concert because it was my first, but it was everything I wanted it to be and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
(Photo Courtesy of Fiona Dudleston)
(Photo Courtesy of Anavi Vulupala)
(PhotoCourtesyofAnavi Vulupala)
EmBracing Summer Your Self
Understanding other perspectives on insecurities can create an opportunity to overcome them
Written By Adria Heinauer and Natalie Churchill, Photographed by Paige Mailliard, Designed by Claire Elley
Weighing 200 pounds in the past, sophomore Jackson Cowman said he felt like he could not hang out with friends, go outside or try new things. Cowman said he started being insecure about his weight around the fourth grade.
“I remember by sixth grade it got bad enough that I wouldn’t go in front of the class and do presentations,” Cowman said. “I couldn’t sit at a lunch table [with other people].”
Similarly, junior Grace Croutch said she started having insecurities at an early age. Croutch said insecurities can form when people compare themselves to others and believes insecurities are a mental battle.
“I would define an insecurity as somebody’s perception of what they think is wrong with them or something that they should change about themself,” Croutch said.
She said most of her insecurities revolve around her physical appearance. Croutch said she tried multiple diets and going to the gym.
Overall, Croutch said she found herself going to extreme lengths to try and fix her insecurities.
“I thought that was positive because I thought it was being healthier, but I went to a really bad place,” Croutch said. “It turned into a really negative thing in my life for most of this past year. It can be seen as a positive thing to others if it’s done correctly, but to me it was really bad.”
BVNW health teacher Michelle Pothoven said she has struggled with insecurities and believes that it is a part of being human.
jh
makes us human, it makes us imperfect.”
Pothoven said she encourages students to speak kindly to themselves. She said through therapy and changing the way she spoke of her insecurities she was able to face those revolving around her job and body.
I remember by sixth grade it got bad enough that I wouldn’t go in front of the class and do presentations
-JACKSON COWMAN
“I think an insecurity is anything that you’re not sure of. So whether that’s internally or externally, but anything that you’re unsure of or you lack confidence in.” Pothoven said. “I think we have insecurities because we’re human. It’s what
Alternatively, Cowman said he lost weight by changing his life habits. He said he joined sports he would not have before, got into an active friend group and focused less on only eating healthy foods and more on eating smaller portions. After losing weight, he said he became more confident and his mental health improved.
“After losing the weight, I’m way more confident in myself because I no longer think of myself as the outlier in the group,” Cowman said.
Sophmore Jack Cowman Selects Fresh Produce at Price Chopper. “I lost the weight by eating the exact same foods I ate before, just in smalller quantities,” Cowman said.
“I used to think it was the first thing people noticed. I don’t think of that now. I’m happy with myself.”
Croutch said she has not fully learned to love her insecurities, but she believes body positivity is an important part of mental health. She said if someone is being healthy and believes they are healthy, then body positivity can be a good thing. However, when someone is not healthy but tells themselves they are, Croutch said it can mess up their mental state and be harmful.
Pothoven said body positivity is understanding your body is not perfect but still loving it. She said body positivity can be toxic when it is not understood that people can love their body but still want it to be better.
“You can be working to make things change and not [love]
everything about it, but you can still love your body as a whole,” Pothoven said. “You can still be kind to it.”
Croutch said she thinks the internet should better portray body positivity.
“I think since the internet especially affects our generation, it [has] more of an influence on us,” Croutch said.
According to Croutch, the number of influencers focused on “fixing” their bodies creates a negative environment for their audience.
“If we can change [social media] to be a better lesson for the new generations, then it could be a positive thing,” Croutch said.
Cowman said he believes along with social media, summer can also cause more insecurities due to pressure of feeling like he should be bettering himself.
Pothoven said summer can have positive and negative effects on people’s insecurities.
“I think it could go either way,” Pothoven said. “I think it could be a time where maybe more people thrive, but I also think with a lack of routine, it could be an easy place for you to slip into letting your insecurities run your life.”
Pothoven said she believes everyone has insecurities but thinks teenagers are the most insecure. While acknowledging the difficulty of not having everything figured out, Pothoven said that difficulty is a part of young life.
“I feel like most teens are insecure about who they are, just because [they] don’t know yet,” Pothoven said. “You’re still learning, you’re still figuring it out, and that’s the fun part of being a teenager.”
TASTES OF THE SUMMER
Staffers review the summer food hotspots around the city
Written by Nafsiya Hafiz and Hailey Heckman, Designed by Sri Trikona
I Am Frozen: 5/5
One of the best places to find summer desserts is I Am Frozen, located at 14357 Metcalf Ave, where they serve a variety of different summertime desserts including Honey Toast with ice cream, Boba and Shaved Ice. The “I Am Worth It” dish includes honey toast with chocolate ice cream and banana and was fairly expensive at $17.95 but was very delicious and definitely enough food for two people to share. There was a good difference in texture with both the french toast and the ice cream, as well as a variety of flavors from the sweet honey to the cold, rich chocolate. Listed among People’s Top 10 ice cream shops in the United States, I Am Frozen is a great place to go for a summer treat.
Tad’s Shaved Ice: 4/5
Another interesting place to visit this summer for a sweet treat is Tad’s Shaved Ice at 8940 W 135th St. This shaved ice place is open every day during the summer season.Tad’s offers a vast expanse of flavors and summer themed flavor combinations for customers to choose from. One such combination is “Summer Breeze” which consists of peach, watermelon and strawberry syrup. Another flavor combination on the menu was called “Turtle Power,” an infusion of blue raspberry and lime. They also offered simple flavors such as cotton candy and kiwi. For an added few cents, you can add extra flavor to your snow cone as well. Buying more than one snow cone can become a bit pricey if you plan on going with family or friends. Make sure to keep in mind that Tad’s does not offer indoor seating, however the cold shaved ice is quick to alleviate the heat of the day. Tad’s Shaved Ice is a lovely place to visit on a hot summer day for a cold and delicious sweet treat.
Discovering joy in everyday moments through romanticizing life
Written by Danielle Croom and Ruby Halverson, Photographed by Allison Leese, Designed by Bridget Hamlin
Listening to “Back on 74,”
senior Julie Moylan had the windows down on a casual summer day as she watched the sunset with her friends.
“I just felt really good because I was with the people I loved.
I was hearing music, the scenery was beautiful and the wind felt good on my face,” Moylan said. “I was very grateful to be alive in that moment.”
are not about creating a romanticized life but about embracing the natural beauty in everyday experiences.
During her alone time, she said she avoids social media and instead watches movies, reads books or participates in crafts. Her self-care routine begins once she wakes up.
Being grateful for the world makes me want to live and experience it more
-JULIE MOYLAN
The term “romanticizing your life” has gained popularity on social media, where influencers showcase daily tasks, such as brewing coffee, and emphasize finding pleasure in these simple moments.
Moylan said for her these moments
“I like listening to music; however, usually I don’t right when I get up because it’s important to be alone with your thoughts and center [your] thoughts,” Moylan said. “I do things that I love or are beneficial.”
Senior Charley Newby started scrapbooking her freshman year, capturing memorable events like school dances, winning cheer state and the Chiefs parade. She prints the photos and creates scrapbook pages for them.
“I love to look at [my scrapbook] and appreciate all the little moments I’ve had throughout the year,” Newby said. “I get to put it all out on paper and see how much I’ve actually accomplished.”
This summer, Newby said she romanticizes her weekly Target run by dressing up in jeans and a cute top, then wandering through the aisles without any specific task or list.
“Even when I dress up a little bit and go out, it genuinely makes me feel so much better,” Newby said.
“I’ll get a face mask, or go on drives with the windows down and listen to music and get my favorite food.”
Senior Meghan Churchill has also embraced the idea of romanticizing life. She said she used to dread watching the sunset at her family’s lake house every night but has since learned to appreciate the beauty of such a repetitive event.
“My dad would make us go watch the sunset and I hated it, like ‘why do I have to sit here’ when I could be gaming?’” Churchill said. “Now, it is one of my favorite things in the world.”
Churchill said she believes she lives in a mindset of gratitude and has become a better version of herself since changing her perspective on life. She said being more open and grateful reduces her negative mindset.
“You start to become the person that you want to be,” Churchill said.
Some of her favorite high school memories include getting ice cream on a Tuesday night and talking with friends about their lives in a parking garage, Churchill said. Through these moments, she said she has become more self aware, making it easier to navigate challenges in life.
Pediatric Psychologist Stephen Lassen said gratitude can help reduce anxiety and increase feelings of peace, allowing a person to avoid focusing too intensely on their
problems.
“Gratitude is a very powerful emotion and can be very healing and therapeutic for us,” Lassen said. He said recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of each day can lead to greater overall happiness.
Moylan said she shares her gratitude through gifts, letters and words of affirmation.
“When I am really grateful for someone I want to give them the world,” Moylan said. “I often love bomb them with affection.”
Working on her scrapbook, senior Charley Newby personalizes it by drawing designs.
“I started scrapbooking as a fun way to display memories,” Newby said. “I’m glad I did it so I have something to look back on.”
For Moylan, she said romanticizing life should not be used as a mask to ignore or hide something.
“People can romanticize a toxic person or situation, when in reality it’s only harming you,” Moylan said.
But rather, Moylan said romanticizing life is about living life to the fullest and doing the things you love.
I love to look at [my scrapbook] and appreciate all the little moments I’ve had throughout the year
Regarding romanticizing life, Lassen said people should not see life as worse or better than it is. Instead, he said people should strive to live in a state of reality.
-CHARLEY NEWBY
“Being grateful for the world makes me want to live and experience it more. I love being awake and alive, I love looking out my backyard in the mornings and experiencing nature in general,” Moylan said. “I’m thankful for the world, [and] I want to be a part of it as much as I can.”
Senior Julie Moylan posses in a white dress to portray the “romanticizing life” aesthetic. “I don’t really consider my life very romantic,” Moylan said. “to me, it means making the most of your life and like living up every moment.”
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ABOUT THE EXPRESS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: 913-239-3544
Email: BVNWnewspaper@bluevalleyk12.org
RESPONDING TO THE PUBLICATION
Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com. Letters may be published either on BVNWnews.com or in our print edition. Letters may be edited.
ABOUT US
The Express is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This is the August Issue of Volume 32. The Express is printed by Valley Print Logistics, 160 S Sheridan Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147.
DISCLAIMER
This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.
EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT
BVNW Publications is committed to amplifying the voices of our student body and community, no matter the color of skin, religious belief, financial status, gender or sexuality. We are an independent platform that by practice, and by law, is not a mouthpiece of the school district. We promise to cover all stories with fact and integrity. We stand in solidarity with all people who are fighting for equality. We promise to educate ourselves and represent our entire community to our audience to the best of our ability. For our students, teachers, readers, viewers and families who are struggling for equality, we deplore the injustices you face. We strive to be a unifying platform that celebrates diversity and shares your stories, and we will continue to work toward increasing minority voices internally, as well as externally. We may not always get it right, but we will try, and we will listen and be open to suggestions on how to better tell your stories.
THE EXPRESS STAFF
Editors in Chief
Reagan Wald
Sydney Barnett
Social Media
Editor
Bridget Hamlin
Managing Editor
Sri Trikona
Online Editor Madison Kraft
A&E Editor
Rishi Bonthu
Sports Editor Miles Thomas
News Editor
Inaya Zaman
Blue Valley School District #229
Blue Valley Northwest H.S. 15020 Metcalf Avenue
Overland Park, KS 66223
Assistant Managing Editor
Danielle Croom
Chief Writer
Blen Belachew
Chief Photographer Rachel King
Staff
Julia Curotto
Natalie Churchill
Claire Elley
Nafsiya Hafiz
Ruby Halverson
Hailey Heckman
Adria Heinauer
Ellie Votypka
Jordyn Johnson
Allison Leese
Paige Mailliard
Lily McCann
Iqra Nadeem
Emily Olm-Shipman
Sara Scheibel
Assistant
Adviser
Amanda Ford
Adviser
Jim McCrossen
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