The Express - April Issue

Does sexism surround female sports at Northwest?

PAGE 14

THE EXPRESS

LIKE A GIRL VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 6 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

04.07.22

02 | CONTENTS

CONTENTS: THE EXPRESS STAFF Editor In Chief………..........................Megan Yates Print Editor……………............................Tessa Regan

10

12

Sophomore Casey Clark and other students open up about how makeup helps them feel more confident at school.

Photos from spring sports tryouts and the 6A State Basketball Tournament.

ALL MADE UP

Online Editor…………..........................Liz LaHood

GAME DAY GALLERY

Managing Editor……….................Julia Moser Sports Editor……………......................Jack Nitz Photography Editor…….............Lindsey Farthing Design Editor…………….....................Sabrina San Agustin Editor At Large…………….................Lucy Halverson Online Chief Writer……….........…Rachel Hostetler Print Chief Writer…………..........….Elizabeth Caine Chief Photographer...................Bailey Thompson

Writers Quinn Brown • Hannah Rakolta Alyssa Gagnon • Lizzie Lively • Anna Bailey Reagan Kauth • Thomas Rose • Reagan King Lindsay Maresh • Libby Addison • Payton Porter Alex Cowdrey • Ashley Adams Photographers

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CROSS-TOWN RIVALRY

Laura Benteman • Anna Shaughnessy Norah Alasmar • Lila Vancrum • Maci Miller Remi Nuss Designers Sophie Dellett • Regan Simeon • Avery Sigg Adviser Jim McCrossen

Assistant Adviser Amanda Ford

Spirit leaders and students from BVNW and BVN discuss the rivalries and tensions between the two schools.

04.07.22

05

CONTENTS | 03

GUEST OPINION AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BVNW COMMUNITY

06

OPINION THE REAL WORLD STINKS

07

OPINION TAKE A BREAK

14

COVER:

LIKE A GIRL Female coaches and athletes representing softball, soccer, basketball and cheer reveal the perceived inequity in boys and girls sports and explain why they think female athletes deserve equal treatment.

22

WHERE DO I FIT?

24

CREATIVE ESCAPE

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28

Morgan Mcquarters comes from a biracial family and said she has faced hardships inside and outside of the Blue Valley community.

Students discuss how taking art classes has allowed for their creativity to shine and prepared them for their future.

Students struggling with seasonal depression look forward to the brighter seasons around the corner.

A collection of photos from student activities from February and March.

NEW SEASON, NEW ME

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS

04 | EDITORIAL

04.07.22

THE PROBLEM WITH

POP U L AR ITY

The idea of social hierarchy, although universal, is almost always applied to high school. Films like “Mean Girls” display this concept to an extreme and unrealistic degree, solidifying high schoolers as the ultimate example of social hierarchy and the toxicity it creates.

Despite its overexaggeration in the media, social hierarchy is still a very present and influential aspect of the high school experience.

Although many schools have tried to distance themselves from this narrative in an attempt to create a more inclusive environment for students, many of these stereotypes are still applicable to us. From seniors making classmates give up their spots at sporting events because they are “better” to being forced to sit alone because no one from your friend group is in your class, this toxicity is still present at Northwest.

The truth of the matter is: we forced this system upon ourselves. Thus, we are the only ones who are able to deconstruct it. In order to do this, we have to step back and ask ourselves why we give social hierarchy so much control over our lives.

Social hierarchy has a strong influence on friendships. Relationships that go against the rules of this system are oftentimes discouraged because they disrupt the flow of popularity and status in our student body. Having friendships outside of your designated group is completely normal; it should not be something your friend group is upset about or threatened by. At the end of the day, you should surround yourself with people who make you happy, regardless of the

social status those friendships come with.

Having tight-knit friendships during adolescence is a crucial part of forming relationships later in life. According to a 2020 study in “The Post-Grad Survival Guide,” individuals with close friendships as teens are less likely to experience social anxiety and depression as adults. Interestingly, the study found that people who are more popular in high school show less social competence and are more prone to criminal behavior and substance abuse problems.

Popularity’s importance peaks in high school; your relationships with people should be determined by who you like and get along with.

Social hierarchy will always be present, but the good news is, the rewards for being at the top of the social ladder will not.

Remember that friendships are not permanent.

People change and can outgrow relationships, so focusing on making yourself happy will benefit you much more in the long run than trying to appease your friend group to maintain your social eminence.

Your social status in high school does not have to be a preview of your future.

Despite how things may seem now, prioritizing your popularity will do nothing but further dissociate you from your peers. Nothing is more beneficial for relationships than being yourself. When all is said and done, being a good and genuine person is worth more than a front row seat at a basketball game.

04.07.22

GUEST LETTER | 05

An Open Letter to the BVNW Community BVNW Community, As many of you are aware we are in a global climate crisis.

While some of you may not care or think this is a big deal, the rest of you, we assume, are trying to find ways to be more environmentally conscious.

To be honest, some of us have had moments where it feels worthless even trying, because how is just one person changing small things in their life going to better the environment as a whole? But, the thing is, it has to be done as a group effort with everyone pulling some weight and not just an individual.

The great thing about trying to be more environmentally conscious is that you can do it at your own level or pace.

Whether you want to make a large impact like going vegan or want to start off small by purchasing reusable grocery bags, all the choices you end up making have a lasting impact on our environment.

Along with making personal changes in your life you can also become an advocate in your community by voicing your opinion on matters in your city, workplace or even school district.

Blue Valley has already done a decent job with improving air quality in school buildings as well as having recycling bins throughout the schools. The problem is, not much else has been done since these items were implemented.

With the budget cuts the Blue Valley School District faced this past year, they have yet to make any public statements on what possible ideas they may try in order to make Blue Valley buildings more environmentally friendly.

As a result, the Northwest Environmental Club will be hosting an open night to hear from students on what they would like to see be done within Northwest and the Blue Valley School District. We will then create a paper with a list of changes we would like to see implemented into our district.

In the end, what matters most is being mindful of your impact on the environment and what you’re willing to change in your day to day life to make a difference.

Signed, The BVNW Enviromental Club

OPINION

06 | OPINION

S

04.07.22

THE REAL WORLD

STINKS

Written by Lucy Halverson, Design by Sophie Dellett

itting in the school bathroom one day, I noticed a phone on the sink receiving three Snapchat notifications. I suddenly realized ‘Wait, why can I see that much detail?’ And the answer is, I really should not be able to.

Needless to say, school bathrooms need some work. Not only are they often closed off to the student body, but there is also very little privacy within the stalls.

I cannot be the only student who feels like they are on display when in the restroom. After measuring the bathroom stalls, I found there is more than a foot of airspace below each stall door, perfectly big enough for someone to crawl under or slide a phone below. Now, would someone really do either of those things? I doubt it. But, the structure of the school bathrooms leave room for situations like this to happen.

Adding to the poor structure of stalls, the door only reaches 5 feet 8 inches, meaning anyone 6 feet and taller can look over the stall or is able to be seen. And in some cases, the gap where the door opens is wide enough for someone to glance into the stall. Anyone can see the privacy concerns this causes.

In Kansas, there have been cases where peeping toms slide phones under dressing rooms or bathroom stalls. In response to these events, Kansas Senator Kellie Warren is sponsoring Senate Bill 385— a bill requiring invasions of privacy, like the ones mentioned above, to be considered sexual offense, and therefore having offenders face harsher punishments.

In an attempt to relate SB385 to the state of our school bathrooms, I contacted Senator Warren multiple times, each time waiting eagerly for ker to keep our scheduled appoinment, but apparently she had more important things to attend to. So why are the bathrooms all built this way?

It is almost as if the district is setting us up for potential privacy issues.

District Director of Facilities and Operations, Jake Slobodnik, explained that the district follows the International Building Code in terms of structuring school bathrooms. Slobodnik named various logistical issues and safety concerns that go into building a bathroom, such as: The gap at the bottom or top of the stall allows for custodians to clean, and can be used for emergency access, air regulation and helping to keep lines moving.

Additionally, the Americans With Disabilities Act requires a minimum of 12 inches of toe clearance for childrens’ stalls.

This is to help people with wheelchairs navigate the stall.

Admittedly, I had to concede my point of privacy after learning the valid reasoning behind the stall measurements, but I have learned a greater lesson.

When formulating my opinion, I went to extensive lengths to understand the purpose of our bathroom structure.

I conversed with Principal Amy Pressly, the Blue Valley School District and studied the International Building Code.

In addition, I reached out to Senator Warren for support in my argument, resulting in lost time. Furthermore, I studied and annotated SB385 which, considering my lack of legal background and jargon, was difficult to comprehend.

I am not saying this to complain about the work I went through to get answers. I say this to show how despite all the research and effort you may put into solving an issue, it may very well remain unresolved.

I am disappointed that a local government official could not be bothered for an interview, and that the district has not voiced any interest in my concerns. I realize I am just a 16-year old student, who has no credibility or movement behind me, so why would they listen?

Through this quest of mine for more privacy in the school bathrooms, a piece of my appreciation for our local district and government authorities was flushed away.

04.07.22

BREAK

Written by Reagan Kauth, Design by Sophie Dellett

wake up on a Monday morning with only two hours of sleep under my belt. Having spent the past weekend studying for upcoming exams, working and practicing my golf swing, I did not have an opportunity to take any time for myself. After not relaxing my entire weekend, I am expected to go through five days of school and loads of homework, maintaining my perfect grades. The pressure never stops.

As a high school junior, I find mental health breaks as a crucial part of my success in school, sports and life.

Sometimes, however, I restrain myself from taking these breaks out of fear of missing too much school.

School psychologist Monica Symes said while attending school is important for students in many ways, so is taking much-needed mental health breaks. Symes defines mental health days as a time that you take for yourself to do forms of self-care in order to relieve stress or anxiety. Aside from just being a break, Symes said allowing mental health days can be a crucial step for helping students know when they are reaching a breaking point.

“I think it is important for all of us to know and honor the signs of overwhelm and stress in our life and to be able to have the opportunities to engage in that self care piece,” Symes said.

According to Symes, being able to recognize feelings of unproductivity as well as stress is important for all people. Many people, including adults and teens, can start to feel ineffective if they are forced to attend school or work, Symes said.

I am glad to attend a school that is able to recognize these as an excused absence considering their extreme importance to the well-being of students. Principal Amy Pressly said the Blue Valley School District has policy 3200 in place to govern the student attendance policy district-wide. Policy

OPINION

I

TAKE A

OPINION | 07

3200 category A9 states “personal matters” as an excused absence which, Pressly said, she would categorize mental health days beneath.

Along with personal matters, “personal illness” is listed in policy 3200 section A1. Pressly said she sees mental illnesses fitting into this category because many physical symptoms are a result of poor mental health. Symes said she sees mental health as a personal illness as well and said stress is displayed in physical ways.

“If you have muscle tension or maybe some signs of psychosomatic symptoms, that you just need a day to be able to do some self care, rest or relaxation,” Symes said.

Without the words “mental health days” being listed as an excused absence, it can be open to interpretation on if mental health days are truly seen as excused. Luckily, for students who may take these breaks, Pressly said as long as a parent calls the school, the absence is considered excused.

With this being said, it is not a requirement for parents to give a reason for their students’ absence, Pressly said. According to section B of policy 3200, administrators are authorized to request verification for an excused absence but are not required to. Pressly said this gives them the choice to gather reasons from parents.

While this can give students and parents a sense of confidentiality, Symes said admitting to taking mental health days can be the first step to reducing the shame that people feel for having mental illnesses.

“I think as we progress as a society, being able to recognize what the mental health concerns could be are really important to reducing that stigma,” Symes said.

There should be no shame or stigma around needing a day off, it will only help.

Take a break. Everyone deserves one.

04.07.22

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All Made Up

10 | FEATURE

04.07.22

Students explain why they choose to wear makeup and what it means to them Written by Lizzie Lively, Photo by Norah Alasmar, Design by Lindsay Maresh

04.07.22

A

ccording to freshman Milo Logan, her dark eye makeup prompts people to approach her with unwelcome comments.

“I get [told], ‘Halloween was in October,’ and, ‘Oh my God, look she’s so emo.’ They’re like, ‘Oh you have scribbles on your face,’” Logan said.

At the start of the COVID-19 lockdown, Logan said she got into darker and more dramatic makeup. She credits her interest in this makeup to “alt” and “emo” TikTok creators.

“I started looking at [those pages] and I thought they were really cool, so I just started doing [that makeup],” Logan said.

When Logan returned to in-person learning, she said she was treated differently because her makeup was not conventional.

“When I came back from the big Covid lockdown, everyone was like, ‘Who is that? What is she doing here?’”

Logan said. “I [had been] this little basic girl. I wore mascara, blush, a little bit of concealer, and that was it. And now I do full-on big makeup.”

Theater is another reason why some students, such as junior Audrey Roberts, develop an interest in makeup.

“I always liked the ability to express myself with how I act and express myself in creative artsy ways. When I started having to do makeup for theater, that kind of opened that up for me,” Roberts said.

Roberts added that she has not received any derogatory comments but has noticed people staring at her.

“I’ve certainly gotten some stares or whatnot just because my makeup doesn’t exactly match with my outfit, but I don’t wear makeup quite often enough to really get comments,” Roberts said.

Unlike Roberts, Logan said she receives negative comments about her big makeup style. Despite this, she said she does makeup for herself.

“It’s a way to express myself. It just makes me feel confident,” Logan said.

Sophomore Casey Clark agreed, adding that he likes the creativity and versatility of makeup.

“I get to try out new things and new styles. There are unlimited things I can

FEATURE | 11

do with my face,” Clark said.

From Logan’s perspective, she Makeup has become a part of said she feels a lot of people trying to Roberts’ morning routine, which she get into makeup are scared of other said helps her prepare for the day people’s reactions. Logan said she ahead. knows she has been the subject of some “I do [makeup] because it helps me snide comments. feel happier with my outfits, as well as “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, I really helping me feel ready,” Roberts said. want to do this, but I don’t want to get “It’s a ritual [that is] somewhat calming judged. I don’t want to get made fun for me…it’s very similar [to getting of,’” Logan said. “Do it. If someone says dressed.] Both ways are just things that something, it’s fine. Do what you want.”

I do [for] myself to make myself look a Despite the stereotype that only specific way.” women can wear makeup, Logan Senior Carly Lindgren agreed with believes gender should not be a factor. this, despite saying she only wears “Makeup is for everyone. It doesn’t minimal makeup and very rarely. matter what gender you are…everyone “When I do wear makeup, it is can do makeup,” Logan said. normally just to make myself feel put Roberts voiced the same opinion together or ready for the day,” Lindgren and said makeup is a means to express said. oneself.

She added that the reason she only “ If makeup makes you feel wears makeup on occasion is because comfortable in yourself, no matter what it is not time efficient for her morning your gender is, you should be able to do routine before school. it,” Roberts said.

For Clark, makeup is a fairly new Clark agreed, saying makeup is made aspect of his life. He said he started to highlight certain features and should wearing mascara after his friends put not be delegated to a single gender. some on him while they were bored in Clark also mentioned it is important to gym class. do makeup for yourself “Last year, my and not because of friends put mascara on societal pressure.

I think makeup is me, and I was like, ‘Oh, “I understand reflective about this is easy,’” Clark why people do said. “So I asked my [makeup] because of the things that mom for some of her insecurities, but it’s people like about not necessarily a bad mascara, and she gave me an unused one that thing. Makeup is a way themselves, not she had, and I started to present yourself in what they think is a way that you want to using mascara.”

Michelle Clark, be presented,” Clark bad.

Casey Clark’s mom, said. “So, if you want to - AUDREY ROBERTS said she was open to hide some insecurity her son experimenting or maybe make with makeup. She said the only thing yourself a little more impressionable, she worried about was other kids do that as long as you’re doing it mostly bullying Clark. Michelle said Clark for yourself.” has yet to tell her of any bullying Roberts disagreed, arguing the way occurrence. someone does their makeup represents “I was only afraid that people would how they see themselves and not their make fun of him, but I am comfortable insecurities. with him expressing himself,” Michelle “I would say that while it is possible said. to hide one’s insecurities with makeup, According to Clark, practice is a lot of times makeup isn’t for hiding essential to getting into makeup. insecurities. It’s for bringing out the He described watching eyeliner things that you like about yourself,” tutorials on YouTube to get different Roberts said. “I think makeup is perspectives on how he could do his reflective about the things that people own eyeliner. He advises those wanting like about themselves, not what they to get into makeup to simply start think is bad.” practicing at home.

Logan held the same opinion, saying Sophomore Casey Clark expresses himself “There’s no harm in trying [makeup] that she personally does makeup as a through makeup. “I like that makeup can out and seeing what happens. Of course way to express herself. heighten your features and change your it takes a long time to get good, but “For me, I don’t do it because of mood, because when you look good, you feel that’s all you need. Practice and you’ll insecurities, I do it because it’s fun and get there,” Clark said. it’s a form of art,” Logan said. good,” Clark said.

12 | GAMEDAY GALLERY

04.07.22

GAMEDAY GALLERY Junior Grant Stubblefield goes up for a one-handed dunk alongside seniors Joey Robinson and Avnoor Bhullar at the end of the semifinal game of the 2022 6A State Basketball Tournament against Lawrence Free State, March 11. “It felt really special,” Stubblefield said. “It’s a moment I’ll have forever and remember forever.” The Huskies defeated the Firebirds, 51-42. (Photo by Bailey Thompson)

Junior Abby Allen and freshman Nastassja Garrett go head-to-head during girls soccer tryouts, March 2.

“I think tryouts were more fun for me this year since I know the girls in the program from last year,” Allen said. (Photo by Annabel Thomas)

Senior Brianna Curry swims butterfly during warmups at girls swim tryouts, March 2. “I am really looking forward to seeing all the girls work hard this season and to see them race the way they practice,” Curry said. (Photo by Laura Benteman)

FOR MORE GAME DAY

04.07.22

GAMEDAY GALLERY | 13 Senior Matthew Lemke fields a ground ball during baseball tryouts, March 3. “The guys on the team are really close with each other, so our chemistry is going to be a strong suit this year,” Lemke said. (Photo by Sophia Freimanis)

Senior Shayla Edwards works on soft toss hitting during softball tryouts, March 1. “I do enjoy tryouts,” Edwards said.

“It’s fun to see all of the girls from all different levels playing together and enjoying the sport.” (Photo by Jessica Witt)

Senior Alex Mojica forehands the ball during boys tennis tryouts, March 3. “I’m hopeful for this season,” Mojica said.

“We have what it takes to win state as a team this year.”

(Photo by Ellison Gracik)

PHOTOS, SCAN HERE

04.07.22

14 | FEATURE

Does sexism surround female sports at Northwest?

Written by Alyssa Gagnon and Reagan King, Photos by Lila Vancrum, Design by Avery Sigg

E

very day after school, the varsity girls softball team hauls their gear to the Blue Valley Rec Center to practice, while the varsity boys baseball team practices on their reserved BVNW fields, according to senior varsity softball player Brynn Grosdidier. “[The boys baseball team] has two big practice fields, and we don’t have anything, so we’re lugging our stuff over to Blue Valley Rec every day,” Grosdidier said.

According to Athletic Director John Hilton, Blue Valley Northwest used to share their baseball fields with both Blue Valley and Blue Valley North. While BV and BVN constructed their own softball fields, Northwest did not, due to limited space and greater student interest in baseball than softball, Hilton said.

Senior Brynn Grosdidier thinks the stereotypes that surround female athletes do not have to be a negative thing. “‘It’s a limit to go beyond and an expectation to break,” Grosdidier said. “It’s something to prove.” (Photo by Lila Vancrum)

As well as the unequal availability of resources between the two, softball receives much less recognition than baseball, according to Grosdidier. She said people do not show up for softball the same way they do for baseball.

“Nobody ever wants to come to games,” Grosdidier said. “We have no fans, ever. I’ve gone to baseball games in the past, and [the boys] always have fans.”

In addition to the unbalanced treatment between baseball and softball, Grosdidier, who is also on the varsity girls basketball team, said girls basketball is not recognized on the same level as boys basketball.

While Grosdidier said she appreciates having fans when they do come to her games, she said they usually only show up at the end of the girls game, just before the boys game starts, and do not actually watch her game.

“Boys basketball is always gonna be seen as better, just because it’s boys basketball,” Grosdidier said. “We have a lot of good players that can do really amazing things. I wish people would want to watch our sport.”

This past basketball season, Grosdidier said the team worked hard every single day for two hours or more.

She said they worked hard in and out of practice. But, according to Grosdidier, no one ever saw their hard work pay off because while winning is expected out

04.07.22 of boys sports, fans did not expect it out of the girls.

“We work just as hard or harder than boys,” Grosdidier said. “The level of commitment that women athletes have is so insane. People just don’t see it because they choose not to show up for us.”

In addition to having fewer fans at their games, the girls basketball team also did not get to have the BVNW band in their sub-state game against Olathe West on March 1. The next day though, the band showed up for the boys sub state game.

The lack of support impacts Grosdidier, as she said it shows her how underappreciated girls sports are at Northwest.

FEATURE | 15 “The fact that people don’t show up for us is very disrespectful to me,” Grosdidier said. “I feel like you’d want to support your peers and you’d want to support the people that you surround yourself with every day. And whenever people don’t show up and don’t support me or my team or the program as a whole, that, to me, is just disrespectful and it shows they don’t really care about who I am or what I do.”

According to senior varsity cheer captain, J Hadleigh Fallon, the BVNW cheer squad also demonstrates a high level of hard work. Except at Northwest, cheer does not receive the same amount of support compared to other sports, despite the fact they have won state twice in the last four years.

Cheer is not considered a sport at Northwest; instead, Kansas State High School Activities Association

classifies it as an activity, according to Hilton. However, Fallon questions why cheer is not a sport.

“When we put together big routines, it’s so much work for all of us,” Fallon said. “You can see every single person and what they’re doing on the mat. I honestly don’t know why that’s not considered a sport, but it should be.”

Just like any other sport at Northwest, the varsity cheer squad has a lot of morning and evening practices during their competition season, which goes from May through the end of the basketball season. During the summer, Fallon said cheerleaders are expected to be at the Blue Valley District Activity Center (DAC) at 6 a.m., and the cheer Sophomore Nimu Karani has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old.

“My family is a soccer family,” Karani said. “My dad played soccer, my older brother plays soccer, so I was kind of born into it.” (Photo by Lila Vancrum)

16 | FEATURE team has to do conditioning if any member is late.

Fallon said although their dedication is similar to other athletic programs, other student athletes stereotype cheerleaders as stupid, overly happy and peppy, with no depth to their talent.

People often see the team cheering on the sidelines and assume that is all the cheerleaders do, according to Fallon. In response, she said people do not understand all of the work that goes into the competitive aspects of cheer.

“There are some parts of cheer that no other kind of athlete could do unless they trained for it,” Fallon said. “Some of the stunting that we do, I don’t think any football player could just get in there and do it.”

Not only are cheerleaders not given credit for the work they put in, they are overshadowed by other Northwest sports, even after major achievements, Fallon said. Earlier this year, the assembly held for the cheer team winning state was supposed to feature the cheerleaders passing down their trophy and celebrating their victory, but according to Fallon, a large part of the assembly was dedicated to the

04.07.22 football team. goalkeeper Nimu Karani said she feels “For other people to walk up to me that women’s soccer has always been or other cheerleaders and say that viewed as less compared to men’s it was a football assembly, and [for soccer, at both the high school and the there to be an] email that said it was professional level. a football assembly, made it not as “Women’s soccer is definitely special to us,” Fallon said. “We kind considered second to men’s soccer, of did get robbed of having our own mainly because people don’t care as assembly.” much,” Karani said.

Fallon said In 2021, the average this disregard annual salary for a for highlighting Obviously [boys] member of the women’s the cheerleaders team was $54,000 will look down accomplishments per year, whereas the on you because showed the sexism average men’s Major in sports as well League Soccer player’s you’re a girl, but I as what Northwest salary was $398,725 a usually just work actually cares about. year. hard to prove “When you’re In 2016, the fight supposed to have for equal pay officially them wrong. an assembly for just began for the United the cheerleaders States Women’s National -NIMU KARANI and you bring up the Soccer Team (USWNT). football guys for such Five of their players filed an extensive amount of time, it shows a federal claim of wage discrimination, people want to talk about boys’ sports claiming they earn significantly less and activities more than they want to money than the United States Men’s talk about girls,” Fallon said.

National Soccer Team.

According to Fallon, cheer is an On Feb. 22, The U.S. Soccer underappreciated women’s sport, but it Federation announced they will pay is not the only one. Sophomore varsity $24 million to the USWNT as part of the

04.07.22 settlement for equal pay. Girls varsity soccer coach Michelle Pothoven said she is thrilled to see women continue to fight for equal pay.

“I think that it’s so exciting for girls to see women who are not settling, who are going after their value,” Pothoven said. “When you look at what each [team] has produced, the women’s side has produced numerous world championships [and] Olympic gold medals. For them to be making a fraction of what the men’s team was making was embarrassing.”

Karani said she is also excited to see the USWNT begin to make equal pay. She said she feels that as the pay between male and female soccer players becomes more equal, more women will want to continue their soccer careers.

“I think the reason why so many good, really talented women’s soccer players weren’t going to play Left: Senior J Hadleigh Fallon (center) and members of the cheer squad lead a chant at halftime of a boys basketball game, March 2. “I think a lot of people think high school cheer is just cheering on the sidelines at football games and basketball games,” Fallon said. “We also do competitions and harder things.”

(Photo by Lila Vancrum) Right: Girls varsity and boys assistant varsity soccer coach Michelle Pothoven has been coaching at Northwest for seven years, but was told in college finding a coaching job would be harder for her because she is a female. “[Pothoven was told] ‘a man can coach boys and girls and a woman can only coach girls’,” Pothoven said, “look at me now.”

(Photo by Lila Vancrum)

FEATURE | 17 professionally is that the opportunities [were not the same as] the guys. I think that after [the USWNT is paid equally], it’s really going to open up a lot more competition and a lot more people who want to play,” Karani said.

As pay becomes more equal between men and women, Karani hopes the treatment between the two genders will become more equal as well.

“It’s so much harder [for women] to get exposure and be recognized for something that [they’re] really good at because people always downplay womens sports,” Karani said.

Not only is it harder to get recognized as a female athlete, but according to Pothoven, girls soccer is also often overlooked compared to boys.

“The boys [soccer team] definitely gains more of a crowd [and] gains more attention. Sometimes I think people forget we have girls soccer in the spring,” Pothoven said.

Despite feeling overlooked at times, Karani feels that her love for soccer is what drives her to continue playing, not the amount of fans or amount of recognition the team receives.

“The passion for the sport is what keeps me going. It’s not the money or college, it’s just the passion for it, so if it’s what you really love, just keep doing it,” Karani said.

The only way to combat the stereotypes surrounding girls sports, Karani said, is to prove your worth to anyone who questions it.

“Obviously, [boys] will look down on you because you’re a girl, but I usually just work hard to prove them wrong,” Karani said. “I mean nothing [beats] proving someone wrong then showing it on the field.”

04.07.22

18 | FEATURE

CROSS-TOWN

RIVALRY Students keep the fire of a 29-year-long feud alive

Written by Alex Cowdrey and Elizabeth Caine, Photos by Lindsey Farthing and Bailey Thompson, Design by Julia Moser

T

he rivalry between Blue Valley Northwest and Blue Valley North formed when BVNW opened in 1993, according to Principal Amy Pressly.

Pressly said the fact that the majority of the students moved from BVN to BVNW was a leading cause of the rivalry because those students had all

been together and when they were separated, it created a competitive nature between the schools.

“I think that’s just been handed down from class to class. It’s kind of just one of those things that is a part of who we are,” Pressly said.

In addition to the students, Pressly said there were also a lot of teachers and coaches from BVN who moved to BVNW. “When head coaches left [BVN], then kids came here and I think Northwest really kind of opened bigger than they thought it was going to be because North got really small when Northwest opened,” Pressly said.

As long as it stays positive, Pressly said rivalry is a good thing as she said there is always going to be a natural competitiveness in high schools to be better than other high schools.

“I get word sometimes if it gets a little negative or a little inappropriate. Then I worry [because] that’s not really who we are and that’s not who we want to represent,” Pressly said.

Senior spirit leader Drew Kaufman said the tension between BVNW and BVN grew during this school year.

“We didn’t really get to play with The rivalry between BVNW and BVN has grown even stronger through the use of social media. (Photo by Lindsey Farthing)

the student section [last year], and so this year just having the student section being a lot rowdier than they were because they couldn’t come out last year definitely made the rivalry a lot more tense,” Kaufman said.

The rivalry prompts more people to come out to the games between BVNW and BVN, according to Kaufman.

“I think a lot of people see that we’re playing North and wanna go see [the games] because they see that we’re rivals. I also think it makes the games more fun for the athletes because [students] will start hyping them up in the hallways before the game, and if we win, people really start hyping them up,” Kaufman said. “So I think it has an impact on both the students and the athletes.”

Blue Valley North senior cheerleader

04.07.22

FEATURE | 19

Seniors lead the student section during a soccer game against Blue Valley North, Aug. 27. “It was super cool to see so many students show up to one of the first big events and make it a great atmosphere,” senior Kaden Sorenson said. (Photo by Lindsey Farthing) Abby Glenn agreed with Kaufman, saying she thinks whenever North plays Northwest, everyone looks forward to it more than other games.

“When it’s Northwest week, it’s a good week for school spirit. Everyone kinda is on their toes,” Glenn said.

BVN sophomore Austin Boulton agreed and said school spirit was especially high at the BVN and BVNW boys varsity soccer game in the fall of 2021.

“Pretty much like the whole school came to that game just because it was against Northwest,” Boulton said.

Overall during the 2021-2022 school year, Northwest holds more victories against North. In the fall, Northwest’s boys varsity soccer team went 1-1, the girls varsity volleyball team went 0-1 and the varsity football team went 1-0.

This winter, the boys basketball team went 3-1, the girls basketball team went 1-1 and the wrestling team went 1-0.

Although they are supportive when the players win, Kaufman said the student body gives the athletes a hard time when they lose to BVN. However,

Kaufman said the teachers support the players regardless of whether or not they win.

“I definitely think that the staff cheers on the athletes a little harder when we play North. Even when we do lose [the teachers] are always supportive, but when we win, they let us know

BVNW spirit leaders use BVN chants like “Rock the Stable” during sporting events to mock Mustang traditions.

(Photo by Lindsey Farthing)

about their excitement,” Kaufman said.

Despite the thrill games between the two schools create, Kaufman said he encountered situations where the rivalry was taken too far, especially in years past with previous senior classes. Kaufman said particularly when the games were at BVN, some of the derogatory language that was used around young kids and parents after the game went a little too far. He added that BVNW’s student section would say some curse words to BVN’s student section.

“Sometimes it’s egged on, and sometimes it’s just, you know, some team loses and they just want to take out their frustration,” Kaufman said.

“Usually, it’s probably North because we’ve been dominating North the past five years of basketball.”

Senior spirit leader Kaden Sorenson agreed with Kaufman, saying there were a couple basketball games this year where he saw arguments breakout between players and students, but he said that it is just a part of the game and that the arguments make the games more exciting.

“It just adds to the hype of the

20 | FEATURE game because everyone always says person, but also on social media using that we’re rivals and when stuff like Twitter as an example. that happens it just shows how much “The people, games and students are the players and students care about wild. Parents and kids start fighting and winning the it is out of control game,” Sorenson sometimes,” said.

Boulton said.

Everyone always says Glenn said According that we’re rivals and in her opinion, to Kaufman, when stuff like that rivalry games the rivalry also get chaotic and influences happens it just shows out of control. students outside how much the players Glenn shared of school and students care about an example of activities. the chaos in a “When we’re winning the game. game between at parties, and -KADEN SORENSON Northwest and North people pull North. up, they kinda get “Some other kids’ mom was in our booed and people tell them to leave and student section being racist towards vice versa,” Kaufman said. our students, which was kind of Contrary to Kaufman, Glenn said embarrassing,” Glenn said. she has not experienced anyone being Boulton added to Glenn and said the brutal outside of school, and that it is rivalry can get out of hand not only in all mostly a joke.

04.07.22 “It’s more just the game itself.

Everyone has friends from Northwest from my school, and [the rivalry] gets totally blown off,” Glenn said.

Similarly, Boulton said whenever he meets someone from Northwest, it is normal for the two to joke around.

However, he said it has no effect on how they treat each other.

“When you’re getting to know someone and then you find out they’re from Northwest, you’re obviously going to joke around with them,” Boulton said.

Glenn said, all things considered, the rivalry offers an opportunity for the two schools to show spirit and support important causes such as fundraising for Leukemia and breast cancer research. “[Overall] I think that [the rivalry] brings a lot of us together in the community,” Glenn said.

Seniors Dakota Smith, Jack Olm-Shipman, Owen Brockner and Jack Rost participate in a free throw chant, March 5. “It’s a lot of fun to see everyone get together and do the chants to cheer on the team,” Olm-Shipman said. (Photo by Bailey Thompson)

04.07.22

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04.07.22

WHERE DO I FIT?

Multi-cultural students share the differences they face in a predominantly white community

J

Written by Libby Addison and Rachel Hostetler, Photos by Maci Miller, Design by Regan Simeon

unior Morgan McQuarters around me, but they just so happened said she was in the sixth grade to be white,” McQuarters said. when she was called whiteMcQuaters mother, Terri Owens, washed for the first time. The said there are better ways to describe comment was intended as a people than with the term ‘whitejoke, and was made by a white student. wash.’

“I didn’t even know what it meant, “I think there is a way to act but I denied it,” McQuarters said. “I was unintelligent and there is a way to act just embarrassed for being singled out classy, and there’s a way to act not in my group of white friends.” classy. I feel like there are other ways McQuarters is biracial, as her mom is for people to put that to make more white and her dad is Black. McQuarters sense than ‘acting white’ or ‘acting said she identifies most with her white Black,’” Owens said. side, having grown up in an area that As a mother, Owens said she is primarily white, yet said she feels witnessed differences in the way people turned away by her white side because would view her when she was with her her grandparents are kids. not accepting.

“I notice things “The Black side probably more than You can’t act of my family is she does, but I see definitely a lot more people giving her looks a certain color welcoming, it’s more when she is with me. of skin. I was homey over there.

It’s usually the older only acting like The white side of my generation because I family is still in the feel like they are still everyone else old days, I guess you not comfortable with around me, but could say, and they [having kids that are they just so do still make racist biracial,] Owens said. jokes now and then,” Owens said the happened to be McQuarters said. “I looks that some people white. don’t know if I would would give her and her -MORGAN MCQUARTERS children was the most call it a joke, but they like to call me and common abnormality my siblings ‘cultured.”’ she sees, but also said that sometimes Growing up, McQuarters said she felt people would say things under their like an outlier when she was at family breath when McQuarters was younger. events on her mom’s side because of “It was either - and this is just my her grandparents’ offensive jokes. experience it hasn’t happened to “It gets a little awkward when they everybody- African American people make those racist jokes or little passes who maybe have a chip on their at us, but we don’t want to make it shoulder who don’t like the Black and worse for ourselves so we just stay white thing, or older white people. quiet,” McQuarters said.

Those are the people I’ve noticed will This caused problems with her self make comments or give certain looks, identity, McQuarters said, because in and they want to let me know or let her addition to being singled out at family know that they don’t agree,” Owens events, she has been called whitesaid. washed by friends, despite believing Additionally, another issue that white wash does not exist.

McQuarters faced being biracial “You can’t act a certain color of skin. was the fact that no one could offer I was only acting like everyone else guidance on how to style her hair,

despite trying numerous products when she was younger.

“I didn’t know what products to buy, and nobody was really there to tell me because obviously my dad isn’t really into the girly stuff and my mom is white, straight haired, blonde, has blue eyes, so there was really nobody there to help me with that,” McQuarters said.

Despite the abnormalities present, Owens said she is grateful for the strong minded daughter she has.

“No matter what struggles we’ve gone through, I have to say I would do it a thousand times again because I have beautiful children, and they are super intelligent,” Owens said. “It’s worth the little things to have them here.”

Sophomore Sophie Lage also has issues with her self identity. Though she does not know whether she is biracial or not, being adopted by a white family as someone of an Asian race has also presented identity struggles, according to Lage.

“I was found on the street in Chongqing, China, so I think I’m Chinese,” Lage said.

Lage said in her life, she mostly identifies with more white cultural tendencies.

“I grew up surrounded by the sort of stereotypical American customs,” Lage said, “I’ve turned more away from my Asian culture because I don’t participate in a lot of the cultural aspects.”

Though Lage mostly identifies with her parents’ cultures, she said she has faced discrimination from both sides.

“When I was growing up I always felt like the other Asian girls at school were judging me for not participating as much in that culture,” Lage said.

On the other side of Lage’s life, she said she also faces hurtful stereotypes that many other Chinese girls face.

“When the Asian hate crimes came about last year a lot of my friends texted to make sure that I was OK, but there were still times where I’d been called

04.07.22 hurtful stereotypes,” Lage said, “A lot of it’s not true, they’re just assuming things about me because of my race.”

Lage said there were instances when people assumed how smart she was supposed to be or made comments when she had not lived up to the expectations they had set for her solely based on her race.

Lage said she also feels out of place when people assume her parents are not hers just because they are not the same race.

“When I went to get my ears pierced for the first time you needed to have a parent or guardian with you,” Lage said, “My mom and I both told the lady that she was really my mom and we even had to pull out our IDs before she finally believed us. She felt really bad afterwards and offered [to get us] something for free from the store.”

Similar to Lage, senior Ryan Masterson has both Asian and white cultures prevalent in his life. However, he said he does not feel a stronger push or pull from either side.

“I feel like I’m more Filipino than I am Irish,” Masterson said, “I’ve never had any problems with people on either

FEATURE | 23 side, honestly.”

Unlike McQuarters and Lage, Masterson said he has not dealt with feeling like an outlier with either race.

“I don’t think I’m white-washed,” Masterson said, “but what does that even mean?”

Masterson said that while he doesn’t feel like either ethnicity is favored in his household, the fact that they see his mom’s side of the family more frequently than his dad’s causes him to feel closer with his Filipino side.

“I don’t think we favor one side, it just happens to be like that,” Masterson

said, “Filipino culture is more prominent in my house through stuff like the food we eat but we don’t like that more than my dad’s side.”

Lage’s mom, Christi Lage, said it has been enlightening seeing potential effects of racism in her daughter’s life.

“It has been eye opening. I try to just judge people by their hearts, not their skin color or ethnicity,” Christi said.

When parenting, Christi said they always encouraged Sophie to pick her own route when it came to her own self-expression.

“I always left it up to Sophie to decide how she wanted to identify. We allow her to live her life how she wants to,” Christi said.

Most importantly to her family, Christi said, was that Lage remained true to herself.

“We just told Sophie she’s a beautiful girl and not to let the world affect her beautiful heart,” Christi said.

A composite photo of senior Ryan Masterson, junior Morgan McQuarters and sophomore Sophie Lage. These students share their experiences with self identity and growing up in multi-cultural families.

24 | FEATURE

CREATIVE

04.07.22

E SC a P e

A look into students’ artistic side and how their experiences will benefit their futures Written by Lindsay Maresh and Hannah Rakolta, Photos by Bailey Thompson, Design by Lucy Halverson

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he art program at Northwest effectively teaches life skills as well as artistic techniques, according to junior Gabbie Troutner. She said the art programs offer a variety of classes so anyone can find a class they enjoy. In addition to the art skills she learned through the art program, Troutner said she also learned crucial life skills.

“I think I’ve learned a lot of patience.

If I mess up, [I think,] ‘how can I fix that mistake?’” Troutner said. “I think I’ve definitely learned a lot of patience and how to problem solve.”

Art teacher Chris LaValley agrees the art program can have benefits for students later in their lives. She said not only do art classes teach new artistic techniques, but art classes can also benefit students in their careers and adult lives.

“If you look at current businesses, when you ask them what they’re looking for in future hires, they always want students who can think creatively, who can think outside the box, who can creative problem solve on the fly,” LaValley said. “Even if they’re not art jobs, those are still things that employers are looking for in their employees.”

The school art program includes a variety of classes in order to reach a wide audience. Senior Aniela Cabrera began taking virtual art classes during her junior year and she recently started taking in-person art. Her favorite is Ceramics II. “I really like Ceramics II for the more advanced and more in-depth [projects.]

Even though we have set projects, we are allowed to do other things that we want,” Cabrera said. “So if you

want to make a little plate for jewelry, we can go ahead and do that, or you can do whatever you want, as long as you’re following the guidelines for the project.”

Although it can be tough to hear at times, receiving constructive criticism is critical to her artistic process, Cabrera added.

“Making sure the student knows what they should do to improve [is important],” Cabrera said. “If you’re just giving constant criticism, it really diminishes how they think they are as an artist.”

Another outlet for artistic expression at Northwest is MUSE. MUSE is a literary magazine where students publish their writing and artwork of all styles. Senior Cass Bryant, who has been the co-editor of MUSE for two years, said joining MUSE has allowed her to have a platform and receive beneficial feedback for her work, which is mainly poetry.

“I think [MUSE] is a really cool way to get your work seen. It’s also a really interesting way to get information or critiques on your work,” Bryant said.

“It’s been a really good way to learn

Senior Aniela Cabrera enjoys the creative freedom she gets in Ceramics, allowing her to make the pieces her own. “Having the chance in Ceramics to create my own unique pieces from start to finish always leaves me in astonishment,” Cabrera said. “[It’s] a very fulfilling form of art that I’ve never really been able to experience before.”

FEATURE | 25

04.07.22 how to improve my writing.”

Finding inspiration is a necessary element for artists to be creative in their work, according to Bryant. She said she feels most creative when viewing the artwork of others. Bryant added she is most motivated when she feels a strong emotion from particular pieces.

“I find a lot of inspiration in good pieces of art. I love movies, books and poems. There is a lot for artists to gain from seeing other people’s work and how they express themselves,” Bryant said.

Similarly, Cabrera said she draws inspiration from multiple places, such as TV shows and nature. She said it is OK to draw inspiration from outside sources, as long as the finished piece is original.

“It’s OK, in art, to kind of base your ideas off of somewhere else as long as you’re not stealing their work completely,” Cabrera said. “That’s totally fine because you have to get ideas from somewhere, whether [it is] nature or other people, and I feel like learning off of other people is great.”

Another style of art taught at Northwest is jewelry-making. Troutner said her favorite classes have been Jewelry I and II. “[ Jewelry teacher Carly Kimbrough] is an amazing teacher, and she’s really nice,” Troutner said. “I just love making jewelry; it’s a lot of fun and you have a lot of creative freedom.”

Along with enjoying the process of creating art, Troutner said art classes allow her to escape from the stress of the school day.

“I really just like [art] in school because it gives me a break in my day, [and] it’s not something that’s a super high-stress class,” Troutner said.

“It’s really chill. It calms me down, honestly.”

Some students at Northwest plan to make a career out of art. Senior Jack Minor is one student who will be attending the Kansas City Art Institute

As long as you’re happy with [your art], that’s really all that matters.

- JACK MINOR

Junior Gabbie Troutner learned how to problem solve and be more patient through the jewelry-making process. “I feel so happy and proud when I finish a piece because I get to see my idea form from the paper to the final product,” Troutner said. next year. Submitting art to galleries is a way to showcase people’s artwork to the public, and Minor currently has two of his pieces at Jones Gallery, located in Kansas City, Mo. According to Minor, the public seems to be reacting positively to his work, and he plans to submit more of his pieces to galleries in the future.

When creating art, Minor said the most important thing to remember is to not make it entirely for other people; one should make art for themselves to

be proud of and not to get discouraged because of others.

“My mom always said, ‘comparison is the thief of joy,’ and I kind of live by that. Don’t look at other people’s stuff and compare it to yours because you will just be unhappy with what you make,” Minor said. “As long as you’re happy with [your art], that’s really all that matters.”

08.20.21

02 | FEATURE

NEW SEASON NEW ME A depression that comes and goes with the seasons.

Written by Payton Porter and Quinn Brown, Photos by Remi Ness, Design by Sabrina San Agustin

S

enior Olivia Ryan finds the warm months especially enjoyable, more so than the average person.

“Spring is my favorite season, but summer always makes me happy. It’s warm, sunny, and I can finally see my friends consistently. [My friends and I] go to the pool, or hang out in someone’s backyard, and it feels amazing,” Ryan said.

However, Ryan said she finds it difficult to enjoy summer knowing later in the year, she will be impacted by seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as seasonal depression.

“I become way less productive, I don’t see my friends as much, my family, I get moodier around them,”

Ryan said.

Ryan’s mom, Tammie Ryan, said her family makes sure to treat each other well, to minimize the effects.

“We’re cognizant of the role that seasonal depression plays in shaping our moods, and so we try to treat each other kindly,” Tammie said.

Therapist Libby Rooney, who practices in Overland Park. and was a school counselor for the Blue Valley and Piper school districts for five years, explained some symptoms of seasonal affective disorder that are similar to the patterns Ryan described. “[Symptoms could include] increased sleep during the day, social withdrawal, isolation, irritability and some anxiety.

A lot of these symptoms look like the same symptoms of depression. Fatigue,

low energy, feelings of guilt [and] hopelessness,” Rooney said.

These symptoms, according to Rooney, typically appear within a certain window of time during the year.

“There is a fall onset where it is more of a winter depression and the symptoms usually come late October and go in through the early months of January and February,” Rooney said.

Although the two are similar, Rooney explained the primary difference between depression and seasonal affective disorder. “[Seasonal affective disorder] looks a lot like depression that we diagnose all the time, but the discerning factor is that it comes and goes with the weather,” Rooney said.

Having that said, senior Cara Mall

04.07.22 Similar to Ryan, Mall also finds added seasonal depression is often herself to be more active when taken less seriously. springtime comes around.

“People think it’s [easy] to get over “Getting out of bed is easier. I have or move on from. [They think] you more motivation and energy,” Mall can ignore it or that you don’t need said. treatment for it,” Mall said.

But when the colder months are in But for now, as the spring season session, Ryan finds it crucial to talk starts to begin and the weather starts about feelings with people she trusts. to look cheerful, Mall wants people to “I think it’s the most important, no stay hopeful. one could keep anything bottled up “You are not alone in your struggle. for long without having Don’t hesitate some serious side to get help. Go effects,” Ryan said. outside and enjoy If someone is As thoughts of the the newly warm depressive cycle repeat, struggling with weather, [and] tell yourself positive seasonal depression, for Ryan, feeling better goes hand-in-hand with affirmations in the or anything [else], being around the people mirror,” Mall said. she loves. they should just be In the same “Even when I’m having manner, Ryan also open about it. a nice time, you have favors springtime that thought [that] this in terms of a -OLIVIA RYAN isn’t permanent. But mental fresh start. once you’re out with “I think it’s a really positive time of your friends, having fun, you feel great, the year, especially with all the spring because being around people you love cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t just makes you feel better,” Ryan said. physical, it’s nice to clean mentally, Yet with the recent shift in seasons, and then you get to move on [from the this past winter was especially hard for depression with] the sunlight,” Ryan Ryan, and school was no exception. said.

“In the winter I am a very cranky Along with cleaning mentally, Ryan is excited for the end of the year, and to person. You’re angry, you’re tired, you’re sad, and you also [feel] guilty have a break from her school stress. that you’re feeling these ways,” “During summer we don’t have Ryan said. “When you have seasonal school, and school is most of my depression, it can be a really bad school stress,” Ryan said. “Even though spring week, [the days] stacks onto [each does bring around finals and studying, other], and your schoolwork can fall you know you have to make it to a behind.” certain date, and then you’re done with To help with her seasonal school.” depression, Ryan said she is in therapy.

Besides this, Ryan enjoys outdoor She said she believes expressing one’s activities significantly more in the feelings is critical. warmer than colder months.

“Mental health is a completely “The troop that I’m in for Boy Scouts, individual thing, it is not a competition troop 449, does what’s called yearor who has it worse, and if someone is round camping. It’s a lot more fun to camp when it’s 70 degrees out in spring struggling with seasonal depression, or anything [else], they should just be and summer than it is to camp when open about it,” Ryan said it’s 10 degrees out,” Ryan said.

As she has noticed significant To stay positive during the height of progress with therapy sessions, the depression, Tammie said the entire Tammie said it has helped Olivia family engages in hobbies which are tremendously. good for them.

“We’ve seen improvement “Like most parents, we encourage in how Liv manages seasonal healthy living and activities. In the depression. We talked with Liv’s winter, we try to do activities outside, doctor about ways to eat good food, make sure everyone manage seasonal is sleeping well, and do something depression, and fun together, like play board games,” sought counseling Tammie said.

FEATURE | 27 for Liv so she could learn good ways to help herself feel better,” Tammie said.

Additionally, Tammie said with a good therapist, Olivia is now able to find ways to get through the depression.

“Liv’s therapist was very good at empowering and teaching Liv to treat as you would any other illness—find the good treatments that work and use them,” Tammie said.

For people who might be struggling with seasonal affective disorder, Rooney offers counseling examples to consider. “[Organizations like] Psychology Today and Johnson County Mental Health are wonderful resources.

Church of the Resurrection offers free counseling services to anyone in the community. Online counseling is great, betterhelp.com can offer you quick and affordable help from the convenience of your home,” Rooney said.

Urging people to actively seek out help is important, according to Mall.

“You’re not alone, reach out for help. Help can be as small as Googling ways to cope, but reaching out to professionals is ideal,” Mall said.

When the cycle repeats, and with eventually entering winter, Ryan wants people to know there are ways to combat it.

“I think it’s really important to come up with several coping mechanisms that you [can] use. Being with friends, being with family [is great]. When winter comes around, and that seasonal depression hits you, you already have [preventative measures],” Ryan said.

04.07.22

28 | HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS Senior Regan Poppen solders her ring during her seventh hour Jewelry I class, March 9. “Jewelry class is a fun way to be creative, and it is a fun opportunity that not many high schoolers get to do,” Poppen said. (Photo by Remi Nuss)

Senior Jaclynn Pickens plays air hockey during her fifth hour field trip to the College Lanes Bowling Alley, March 2. “I had fun just being with everyone,” Pickens said.

(Photo by Laura Benteman) Senior Sree Nagaraj donates blood for the National Honor Society’s blood drive, Feb. 28. “I donated blood because it can help save someone’s life, and with the blood shortage, it was the perfect time to donate,” Nagaraj said. “I think if anyone has the chance to donate and they can, they should because it can help so many people.” (Photo by Laura Benteman)

SCAN HERE FOR MORE

04.07.22

HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS | 29 Senior Drew Kaufman cheers on the boys basketball team during the 6A Basketball State Championship game against Wichita Heights, March 12.

“Realizing late in the fourth quarter that they wouldn’t be able to make a comeback put a real knot in my stomach,” Kaufman said.

“However, that feeling didn’t last long because of how proud I was [of] our guys.”

The Huskies were defeated by the Falcons, 54-61.

(Photo by Bailey Thompson) Sophomore Taylor Lochmiller works with her first hour Baking and Pastry class on a flour lab, Feb. 25. “I enjoy cooking and baking, and this course has more complex recipes,” Lochmiller said.

(Photo by Laura Benteman) Freshman Eva Minor attempts to make a flower pot on the potter’s wheel during her seventh hour Ceramics I class, March 9. “My friends make this [class] super fun and exciting to come to,” Minor said.

“This class would not be what it is without my friends.” (Photo by Lindsey Farthing)

STUDENT LIFE PHOTOS

04.07.22

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The Express is printed by The Sedalia Democrat, 700 South Massachusetts, Sedalia Mo. 65301.

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.

Blue Valley School District #229 Blue Valley Northwest H.S. 15020 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66223

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