The Express- January 2019

2018-2019

The express

Listen And Learn Page 14 With only four percent of the BVNW population being black, the community asks for help in stopping racism.

Volume 26 • issue 5 • Blue Valley Northwest High school

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Contents 05 06 07 08 10

staff editorial: We can solve this letters to the editor OPinion: THe extrovert expectation run to live, live to run dynamic duo Senior Nachel Sawyer delivers her slam poem, “Mix Tape Deluxe,” March 2 at the Diversity Assembly last year. “My initial thoughts on the poem itself was this is either gonna make a lot of people mad or this is finna change the school up,” Sawyer said. (File photo by Kanishka Mehra).

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Above: After selected as the 13th pick in the National Women’s Soccer League draft, 2015 BVNW graduate Cece Kizer holds up a scarf with the crest of her new team, the Houston Dash. “I owe a lot to my Northwest teammates for making me a better person and player,” Kizer said. (Photo courtesy of Cece Kizer).

Left: Senior Shane Friedrichsen poses before a race. “If you keep working hard at something every chance you get, you’ll improve a little bit each time and over time you’re really gonna start to see that difference,” Friedrichsen said. (Photo courtesy of Friedrichsen).

Below: Manna Meadows farm is off of 16842 Metro Ave. in Bonner Springs, Kan., and is home to 50 alpacas. Visitors can take a tour of the farm as well as meet and pet the alpacas.

Alpacas have three stomachs they use to digest food. (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

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dash on Listen and learn losing the labels perspectives shear perfection life Styled puzzle

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go to bvnwnews.com for more stories

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staff Editorial we CAN SOLVE THIS problem

lue Valley Northwest has been at the front of national news, with dozens of social media comments calling our school racist.

Many are demanding drastic change within our community since 2018 graduate Camille Sturdivant filed a civil lawsuit against the district, principal Amy Pressly, former Dazzler coach Carley Fine and Dazzler mother and Cottonwood Point Elementary School teacher Katie Porter.

While we don’t know all the facts of the Sturdivant’s case, the dozens of people who have attested to experiencing racism at Northwest should be enough for all of us to understand that we have a problem at our school. District superintendent Todd White also acknowledged in an email sent to BV families that “racially motivated conduct” took place.

“An African-American student experienced an incident of racial hostility due to the actions of a former coach. We are sorry for this injustice,” the email said.

All Blue Valley faculty and staff, full- or part-time, paid or unpaid, need to go through extensive racial and bias training to ensure that

every student is receiving the best educational experience possible. The district refused to comment about the extent of their racial and diversity training, but clearly more training is needed.

With a school population close to 75 percent white, the idea of racism lurking in the halls and classrooms of Blue Valley Northwest may seem like a nonexistent issue to the majority of students and faculty.

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privilege as a majority white school. Most of the 75 percent of white students at Northwest will probably never be denied an opportunity based on preconceived stereotypes or be the subject of backhanded racist remarks.

We need to look at the facts and acknowledge that racism does occur here. We need to be cognisant of our behaviors, and understand that while some of our behaviors may not seem overtly discriminatory, they are still racist. Although racism is a deeply-rooted issue and some people’s opinions will never change, we need to be aware of racially-charged comments we hear and call out our peers for making those remarks. We have to stand up for each other. In this way, we are all allies in the fight to end racial oppression.

We’ve always heard that being a Husky at Northwest means being a part of a family, However, while the issue may which means we have to be uncomfortable to talk about support one another, stand up and accept, it’s necessary to for the right things and hold educate ourselves about the each other accountable for reality of racism in order to our actions. While BVNW may acknowledge our privileges have a negative reputation and stand with those who are right now, this should only act at a disadvantage. as fuel to acknowledge this In order to support our problem and do better as a students of color, we, as white community. students must understand our

the dozens of people who have attested to experiencing racism at Northwest should be enough for all of us to understand that we have a problem at our school.

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By tori snell

letters to the editor

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am writing to raise awareness of the impact words can have on one’s mental health. The Merriam Webster dictionary defines a word as “a speech sound or series of speech sounds that symbolizes and communicates a meaning.” Words can impact someone numerous ways, whether it is talking face to face or through a screen on social media. Many factors contribute to the effects of one’s mental health but one main factor is the words people use and how they use them. People are not aware of the impact of their words and this needs to be changed.

Words are spoken every day in a conversation between friends, a parent and his/her child, or a teacher and his/ her student. In the article “The Scary Power of Negative Words” from goop. com, the author talks about how the smallest comment can ruin someone’s day. This article describes a word as vibrations and sounds that have a meaning, but they have a far greater impact than that and their great impact can affect one’s mental health. Studies show one in five adults experience a mental health illness each year and that being negative and making someone

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feel bad about himself/herself can worsen his/her illness. Negativity can spread in many ways such as talking face to face or on social media and there are positive impacts to having social media.

Social media does help those who struggle with social skills while, on the other hand, social media opens up the world to cyberbullying which further affects mental health illnesses. The article “Social Media and Teens: How Does Social Media Affect Teenagers’ Mental Health?” from psycom.net states cyberbullying is associated with depression, anxiety and an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts. While social media makes communication easy and immediate, incidents of cyberbullying also become easy and immediate.

Talking face to face is another way of bringing someone down. In the past people have said to me, “You are not smart enough” or “I hate you.” Although those comments seem small, they made me feel bad about myself and brought down my self-esteem. While some think they are just words and possess no meaning, those small comments hurt me. In the article, “The Scary Power of Negative Words” from goop.com, the

author talks about how the words we hear, read, and speak have power over us whether we realize it or not. Those “harmless” words said to friends may create a negative impact.

I mentioned the negative impact words possess, but words can have some positives. One simple compliment can mean the world to someone. In the article, “The Incredible Impact of Words” from goinswriter.com, the author talks about words that have great meaning. What is said matters, but how it is said, or the tone, may create a greater impact than just the words spoken.

As children, we grew up hearing “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” but as we get older it is evident this is not true.

Words really can hurt. Words said on social media or in person, depending on how they are said and their severity, can quickly bring someone down and even affect mental health. I would like to conclude with this: if you are angry with someone, think before you speak and ask yourself how your comment would make you feel.

Kansas you can register to vote before you turn 18 as long as you will be 18 on the next election day. Registering to vote online takes two minutes--it is that easy. There is no excuse not to vote.

If you encourage your friends to vote and actually go to the polls together, you are more likely to vote. If you carpool to the polls, the driver is more likely to feel like they are responsible for making sure that everyone riding with them votes. Just talking about voting and making people more aware of voting helps. Some may claim that the lines are too long and voting would take too much time. Johnson County offers early voting and it takes as little as five minutes.

Once registered, it is a good idea to look at upcoming elections. Before you go to the polls you should research the

candidates that are running for office.

Look at their Twitter accounts and try to find their campaign website. The information you find there can help you determine what they stand for and what issues matter to them. It is your vote so vote for the person you think will best represent you in government.

If everyone in our age group voted, then we would have very different people in power than we do now. You have the power to select who makes decisions in this country. If you vote, you can make your voice heard. As former president Barack Obama said, “You wouldn’t want your grandparents to pick your playlists so why would you want them to pick your representatives who determine your future?” So get out there and vote!

By kat mason

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e have a problem: voting.

For student elections, less than a quarter of the student body votes, and according to the Census Bureau, only 22 percent of 18 to 24 year olds in Kansas use their right to vote in government elections. Nationally, 57 percent of potential voters in our age group fail to make their opinions and voices heard. But, there are encouraging signs.

According to U.S. news, in the 2018 midterm elections 31 percent of 18 to 29 year-olds voted; that is 10 percent higher than the 2014 midterm elections!

It seems that more and more young voters are turning out to the polls, but we can do better.

Some easy things you can do to help this epidemic are to register to vote when you turn 18. In fact, in the state of

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Opinion The extrovert expectation

By Raabia qureshi

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n the past, I’ve struggled with determining where I lie on the scale of introversion. Although I enjoy talking to people, I find it exhausting and sometimes meaningless to make shallow small talk with others. After hours of spending time and going out with people, the desire to go home, recharge and spend time on myself consumes me. Even though I consider myself an “extroverted” introvert, I still question whether even such a small scale of introversion is acceptable.

Introverts are those who prefer minimally stimulating environments and often need time alone to recharge and appreciate time to themselves.

They don’t depend on others to refuel their energy. On the other hand, many extroverts have difficulties understanding this and quickly associate introverts with society’s perception of being shy or antisocial.

They may also stereotype these introverts as those who simply hate people and being around others. But this can be far from the truth.

Stepping into high school, I immediately realized that my independent, wallflower personality wasn’t going to help me thrive as a successful student. Teachers often seem to favor the outgoing, talkative students. I envied the kids who raised their hands immediately without having to think of what they were going to say before they said it. Consequently,

I tried my hardest to imitate these people. After some time, the pressure of extroversion became a part of me.

The Blue Valley School District is, no doubt, academically competitive. In order to flourish in such a competitive environment, students seek out prestigious positions of leadership.

More than once I have forced myself to fake a bubbly personality in order to get chosen for a position, leading people to falsely label me as outgoing.

it’s detrimental and mentally exhausting for people to portray themselves as those they’re not in order to be successful.

Through my journey of “becoming an extrovert,” I attained important qualities and skills such as speaking publicly, exuding confidence and making small talk with strangers. Yet, simultaneously, I knew I was faking it.

This shouldn’t be the case. It’s detrimental and mentally exhausting for people to portray themselves as those they’re not in order to be successful.

As project-based learning becomes the ideal component of the curriculum, introverts are being pushed more and more to demonstrate qualities of an extrovert. As a matter of fact, some introverts’ unwillingness to put themselves out there reaches beyond shyness or a quiet demeanor.

Sometimes this unwillingness to engage stems from mental illnesses such as anxiety. In such cases, students should be welcome to request exemption from public speaking activities.

As an extroverted-introvert myself, I am not requesting schools put an end to collaboration, group work or public speaking projects. However, I am pushing for more understanding from teachers and a healthy balance between activities suited for both introverts and extroverts. Students also should be allowed more freedom to work in their level of comfort.

Schools need to educate teachers about topics like introversion and extroversion, so they can truly understand their students’ needs. In addition, teachers must stop pushing introverts to learn in an environment they find uncomfortable and stop portraying extroverts as the ‘ideal’ students. Instead, they should allow students to embrace their preferences to be independent or spend time alone.

Only then can they become the best version of themselves and escape the extrovert expectation.

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Run TO LIVE, LIVE TO Run As a supplement to cross country and track, senior Shane Friedrichsen has competed in many half-marathons since his sophomore year.

by Jonny Isaacson

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n a cold New Year’s Day in Overland Park, senior Shane Friedrichsen prepares to run the Hangover Half-Marathon, his twelfth half-marathon of his career. Because he knew the track and trained often, Friedrichsen was able to take home second out of 115 runners. But according to Friedrichsen, coming in second was a little disappointing.

“I was a little disappointed in myself because I was in first for a lot of the half-marathon but then the guy passed me,” Friedrichsen said. “I was proud of how I did though.”

Friedrichsen said he has shown a lot of improvement, since running his first half-marathon in Lawrence at the age of 16, where he recorded a time of 1:46:17. Since then, he has dropped his time 23 minutes and 55 seconds, with a best time of 1:22:22.

According to assistant cross country coach, Ian Frazier, Friedrichsen improved his time with his work ethic and passion to get better.

“He is incredibly passionate, incredibly motivated and incredibly

Design by Erin Reece

Seniors Shane Friedrichsen and Grant Wood pose before a race. “The benefit of having friends I run with is that it creates a cyclical relationship where we all push each other,” Friedrichsen said. (Photo courtesy of Wood).

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Friedrichsen smiles while running in a cross country meet. “I used to love to run because it just made me feel good. And it still does, but it’s so much more than that. I feel like I’m showing underclassmen who aren’t very fast now that if they work hard every day, they can achieve their goals. It also makes me feel connected to my team, and makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself,” Friedrichsen said. (Photo courtesy of Friedrichsen). enthusiastic,” Frazier said. “I would say the enthusiasm is really the number one thing with him. He just has a willingness to improve on practice day and game day, which is rare a lot of times with those very good athletes.”

According to Friedrichsen, he practices six to seven times a week and he runs anywhere from two to 12 miles during his practice runs. Friedrichsen said he practices with a few of his friends, including senior Grant Wood, who said Friedrichsen has a different level he can go to when running.

“It’s one of those things where he’s not always focusing on speed necessarily, but the fact that he can just keep the engine going,” Wood said. “He’s got the engine to just hold a certain pace and then he’s going to have that zone that he can go into on the fourth or eighth lap, where it’s going to hurt no matter what, but he’s got that gear that can manage and handle it really well.”

Going into Nov. 2018, Friedrichsen had yet to win a half-marathon in his career, but that changed when he ran the Gobbler Grind and won the half-marathon for his age group, with

a time of 1:22:46. Friedrichsen said winning the half-marathon was his best achievement in his half-marathon career.

“My biggest achievement in half marathons was probably winning the Gobbler Grind for my age group this last time,” Friedrichsen said. “I got a lot of cool stuff and it was my fastest time yet and I also did it with my team. So overall I felt extremely accomplished and proud of the team me and my senior leaders have made.”

“He is incredibly passionate, incredibly motivated and incredibly enthusiastic.”

-Ian Frazier According to Friedrichsen’s father, Craig Friedrichsen, the proudest he’s been of Friedrichsen was when his cross country team qualified for state, as it was his son’s long term goal.

Due to the nature of cross country

and track being both an individual and a team sport, Craig said Friedrichsen fell in love with both sports and thinks other people would too.

“The one thing that Shane would like people to know is this is such a great sport for people who maybe are looking for something, but haven’t found it because it’s a team sport but it’s individual,” Craig said. “I think that he would want people to give it a try if they just haven’t found that sport [yet].”

According to Friedrichsen, running has taught him some very important lessons, not only about running, but instead about dealing with life.

“If you keep working hard at something every chance you get, you will improve a little bit each time and over time you’re really gonna start to see that difference,” Friedrichsen said. “It’s also taught me that the best remedy for a bad day is just going, getting out there and doing some running.”

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Dynamic Duo

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Brother and sister piano duo Randy and Elaine Yeh perform together in various recitals and state competitions, winning three state titles.

By Jenna Weyforth

Design by Izze Lentfer

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fter playing piano together for fun as children, junior Randy Yeh and his older sister, senior Elaine Yeh, began playing piano together competitively in 2014, and won the annual Kansas Music Teachers Association State Competition for the third time in October.

Combined, the duo has eight state piano titles, both individual and as a pair, and received multiple honorable mentions along with many outstanding ratings in their five years of competition.

At four years old, Elaine’s mother, Grace Xu, played piano as a hobby, which Elaine said pushed her to start playing the piano herself and she eventually learned to enjoy it.

“I picked up piano around my teenage years and reinforced it with Elaine and Randy,” Xu said. “I think it’s good for their techniques and because I can inspire them to get more interested in music.”

Although his mother was also an inspiration for him to play piano, Randy said hearing his sister practice her lessons also influenced his choice to begin the instrument at the age of six.

“When I was around two, I was always sitting next to her on the floor and just listening to her lessons,” Randy said. “We were always under the influence of having a piano at home and then

Elaine and her brother, Randy Yeh, sitting with their awards they won after playing at the Kansas Music Teacher Association Convention in October. “We were so excited and could not believe [we won for] the third time,” Elaine said. “I honestly didn’t play so good so it was a complete shock.” (Photos courtesy of Elaine Yeh). you just want to learn to play it.”

When her children first started playing, Xu said she often helped them, but with more experience playing together, they can work as a team and correct each other’s mistakes.

“They need more freedom to express

their own opinions and how to play, not just limited by the skills that I taught them,” Xu said.

Since moving to the U.S. from Shanghai, China in 2014 for a better and more advanced education, the two musicians both said they began

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Elaine recording herself playing piano for a pre-screening audition video for the KU piano performance degree last year. to practice piano more frequently as individuals. Soon after, when the siblings started playing duets together on the piano, Elaine said they balanced well together naturally.

In order to improve their skills, the siblings started taking weekly piano lessons in February, 2014 with coach Tatyana Rubchinsky.

Since moving to the United States from Ukraine as a piano teacher, Rubchinsky said she has taught many different students in her 50 years of experience, but that the Yeh siblings are among the most prepared of students she has instructed.

“They’re very talented kids, and they hear each other well,” Rubchinsky said. “Elaine is more serious, and Randy, he likes to sit at the piano...he just likes to improvise.”

Each year, the siblings participate in the duet competition together as well as individual solo competitions in the KMTA (Kansas Music Teacher Association) Statewide Competition, competing for the top spot and to win the state title.

In their first duet competition four years ago, the pair brought home the state championship for grades nine through 12 as the youngest members of the

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Elaine and Randy in the summer of 2007 at the Great Wall in Beijing.

age group, at ages 13 and 14.

Randy and Elaine also won the duet competition for the second consecutive year in 2016, and got second runner-up at the

“We tried to kill each other, and then slowly just evolved to the point where it doesn’t sound complete without playing together.”

-Randy Yeh

competition in 2017.

“I feel like we already had piano skills at that time, so when we were put together it was kind of natural,” Elaine said. “At that time my freshman year, me and my brother were best friends, so we used to get along quite well.”

This past October, the Yehs won the duet competition again, making them three-time state

champions in the duet contest, and they received a $50 reward for their achievement each year.

“Playing and winning with my sister gave me motivation,” Randy said. “It also makes me feel my whole year of practices are not going to waste.”

Since their first competition, Randy said their sibling rivalry has grown, although he said this does not affect how they play the piano. While practicing, the siblings said they normally focus on their music and don’t talk often during rehearsal.

“It’s really mainly my fault. I don’t really like working with her, just in general,” Randy said. “I think she is really talented though, much better than me.”

Randy said they have a typical brother-sister bond and often tease each other when one of them messes up.

“We challenge each other by planning out different speeds, so sometimes I go really fast,” Randy said. “Usually I’m the one who’s trying to catch up when we play a different speed, but I’ll kind of slow down a little and see if she can follow my feet.”

Recently, the partners also said they have had trouble bonding, but playing piano together still allows them to connect on a deeper level.

“Usually, it’s a struggle in the first place,” Randy said. “We tried to kill each other, and then slowly just evolved to the point where it doesn’t sound complete without playing together.”

Not only is finishing their music very rewarding, the siblings said it also motivates them to work harder during rehearsals. Reaching the final product requires a lot of concentration and preparation, Elaine said, but it’s worth it in the end.

“I feel like Randy is the best partner that I can find because we’re so related, and we know each other so well,” Elaine said. “I feel like sometimes we just know simultaneously, when to come out, when to end and how we express the music is kind of the same way.”

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While playing for the University of Mississippi, Kizer (5) strikes the ball in a game against Murray State. (Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics).

Dash On

After being selected in the National Women’s Soccer League draft, 2015 graduate Cece Kizer begins the next phase of her soccer career for the Houston Dash.

BY ethan knauth

Design by Ben Hobbs

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chieving success in their post-Husky lives, some Northwest alums have found their niche. For 2015 graduate Cece Kizer, it’s no different.

Coming from the Rick Pribyl era, Kizer helped to lead the Huskies to a triple crown of state championships from 2013 to 2015. From there, Kizer received a full ride to the University of Mississippi. For the Rebels, Kizer scored 45 goals in her senior season to win the 2018 Senior Class award for NCAA Division 1 soccer.

Despite having the Southeastern Conference (SEC) pedigree, Kizer said she knew she’d have a bit of a fixer-upper in the Ole Miss Women’s Soccer program.

“It was a program that I definitely knew going in I was going to be building,” Kizer said. “[I’m] very proud of my career.

I was not expecting to [earn] as many accolades as I had.”

While wrapping up her Ole Miss career, Kizer is set to begin a professional one with the Houston Dash, one of nine teams in the NWSL. Drafted with the 13th pick, Kizer said it’s surreal to have accomplished her longtime childhood dream.

“It’s just been a whirlwind,” Kizer said. “I’m really excited for the next opportunity.”

13 From the first time former coach Rick Pribyl coached Kizer, he acknowledged there were special qualities about her. As the head coach of both soccer programs at BVNW from the day it opened to when he announced his retirement last year, Pribyl said Kizer might just be the most talented player the girls program has ever seen.

“It’s kind of borderline a proud parent moment, where you’re just so excited to see them exceed and go on to do great things.”

-Michelle Pothoven Despite the on-field honors, Pribyl also said his former player displayed many endearing qualities off of the field.

“She’s quiet, yet she’s funny.

I doubt you’ve ever met a nicer person in your life,” Pribyl said.

“But, at the same time, she’s really innately motivated.”

Likewise, Kizer reciprocated a similar praise toward her high school coach.

“Playing for Pribyl, he’s an incredible person. One of my favorite coaches that I’ve had,” Kizer said. “[I] was very fortunate

The BVNW girls soccer team holds up the 2015 state championship title.

Kizer is in the top row, fifth from the left. (File Photo by Emily Staples).

to have gotten to be a part of a great program.”

Former Blue Valley Northwest Athletic Director Steve Harms, who retired in 2015, said although the girls soccer program has always been successful, Kizer elevated it.

“It was very good and competitive all the years that I was there,” Harms said. “Cece just raised that level.”

Agreeing with Harms, former assistant coach and now interim girls head coach, Michelle Pothoven said she hopes to restore the same dominance to the program found with Kizer at the helm.

Pothoven said it brings a smile to her face to have coached a professional soccer player.

“It’s kind of borderline a proud parent moment, where you’re just so excited to see them exceed and go on to do great things,” Pothoven said. “Especially when someone who has worked so hard and couldn’t be more deserving than Cece is.”

Graduating early from Ole Miss in December with a degree in General Studies, Kizer said she will begin the 2019 season for the Dash on March 4. Beginning the next chapter in her career, Kizer said she’s ready to compete with the next wave of talent women’s soccer has to offer.

“This league is growing so I’m really grateful that I get to be a part of the expansion of women’s soccer in the NWSL,” Kizer said. “I hope I can get down to Houston so I can bring my creativity and my different style of play.”

Future professional aspirations aside, Kizer said she wouldn’t have reached this moment without the help of others.

“My family was a really big part of helping me get here. They’ve kind of been my rock,” Kizer said. “I owe a lot to my Northwest teammates for making me a better person and player. [I’m] really grateful for all of the people who have surrounded me throughout this process.”

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Listen And Learn

By Naomi James & Danya Radhi

Additional Reporting by Maddie Oliver, Aidan Knauth & Anna Cowden

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After former BVNW graduate and Dazzler dance team member Camille Sturdivant sued the Blue Valley Unified School District alleging her civil rights were violated, black BVNW students ask others to acknowledge, and seek solutions to, racism.

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ormer Dazzler dance team member and 2018 graduate Camille Sturdivant is suing the Blue Valley School District, principal Amy Pressly, former Dazzler coach Carley Fine and district elementary teacher and Dazzler mother Katie Porter, stating her civil rights were violated while a member of the dance team. BVNW administration and district officials declined to comment about the issue for this story due to the pending litigation.

(For further information about the lawsuit, see BVNWnews.com) Working ten times harder than other BVNW students to discredit the stereotypes of her black heritage, senior Nachel Sawyer said that in a school of close to 75 percent white students, people at Blue Valley Northwest have preconceived stereotypes about her,

Design by Emma Gau based on her race, before they ever get to know her.

Sawyer said when she was in her English class as a junior, her fellow students were unwilling to listen and learn about the black experience.

“When we talked about the black race there was so much ignorance going around in the conversation,” Sawyer said. “Even though we were talking about it and learning about it, nobody was listening and learning anything.”

In an effort to get her fellow students to listen to the idea that everyone matters, Sawyer wrote and performed a poem titled “Mixtape Deluxe,” at the Diversity Assembly last year. While she received a standing ovation after her performance, she said she worried about whether the audience understood her purpose.

“Of course I felt happy because I got a standing ovation. That’s

Senior Aissata Haidara poses in a shirt that says "MELANIN ASSETS.” "Racism happens all the time, it happens to me, it happens to everyone of a different race."(Photo by Sara Maloney)

amazing, but I want people to hear me,” Sawyer said. “They need to listen.”

Sawyer also said not only do people need to listen, they need to understand the extent of discrimination in today’s society.

Looking back at what she said was one of the worst days of her life, senior Aissata Haidara recalled an experience she had with racism at Northwest during Spirit Week of her sophomore year. Haidara and a friend were talking about what to dress as for the day “Blast to the Past,” which encouraged students to dress like their younger selves.

“When people associate the word black, they associate ‘ghetto’ with it They just assume since I’m black that I’m ghetto.”

-Aissata Haidara “We were just talking, and I was like, ‘If I dressed the way that I did as a child, I would look like a total outcast,’” Haidara said. “This girl out of nowhere comes up into the conversation and goes, ‘Well you already are an outcast because you’re black.’”

Haidara was born in New York City, but lived in the western African country of Guinea for nine years of her childhood. She said she has witnessed prejudice based on skin color in both Africa and the U.S. In Guinea, she said there are people who prefer those with lighter skin, which is called colorism.

Though there is racism in Africa and in the U.S., Haidara said there is a greater sense of community in Africa, whereas in America, people keep to themselves. The more reserved nature of American society has caused her to be less open than she used to be, and she said it has affected how she makes friends.

While her connections with her

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2018 graduate Camille Sturdivant, who recently filed a civil lawsuit against the district and others, performs with The Dazzlers for Husky Night, Aug. 25, 2017. (Photo by Paige Kuluva) black friends extend beyond skin color, she said that the commonality of their race was what pushed her to first initiate relationships with them.

“The main reason why I pushed forward and went and started a conversation with [my black friends] is because I felt like we had one thing in common: that is our race,” Haidara said.

Similar to Sawyer’s experiences, Haidara also said her race influences the way she is perceived at Northwest.

“When people associate the word black, they associate ‘ghetto’ with it,” Haidara said. “They just assume since I’m black that I’m ghetto.”

While junior Ayomide Ejelonu said he experiences racist comments and jokes frequently while living in Overland Park, his response is to not take those remarks too seriously.

“I hear racist jokes all the time and all racist stuff, but I never really take it seriously,” Ejelonu said.

“At the end of the day, they’re just ignorant. They just don’t know.”

Ejelonu moved to the U.S. from Nigeria when he was four years old, and said he felt different for being the only black student in his allwhite kindergarten class at a private school.

Being at Northwest, he said combatting racism will take time

as things like Sawyer’s poem or Diversity Week can promote progressive ideas, but more steps will have to be taken in order to enact true change.

“It was great to [reach] people, but I feel like maybe people forgot about it and didn’t really think about it because the next day people act the exact same,” Ejelonu said.

“Diversity week is one thing—one day. I feel like the speech is really good, but I feel like we need more than just a speech one day at a time.”

While she said many students consider the Diversity Assembly to be the most fun school assembly of the year, senior and Diversity

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Mixtape Deluxe Senior Nachel Sawyer wrote and performed her poem Mixtape Deluxe at the Diversity Assembly March 2, last year. An exerpt from her poem is below:

Council member Mary Kiani Nia said that she hopes students leave the assembly with a more open mind.

“I hope that they take something from it and learn to accept people who are different from them, especially with all the things that are going on with the school currently,” Kiani Nia said.

To try and promote more discussions about uncomfortable topics such as race, English teacher Kimberly Hillstock said she allows students to talk about controversial ideas in her Contemporary Communications classes for BVNW seniors. During discussions, she said she often repeats to students

“I am here today to ask you all to buy my mixtape. It’s a 1.99 if you want all five songs and 2.99 if you want all nine. I call that mixtape deluxe. See I am the mixtape deluxe. On track one I will tell you I will tell you. I am a very sweet and kind person.

Honestly I am. I have no reason to be mad or upset at all. Matter fact I take that back I’m furious and actually really darn curious as to why during the whole 28 glorious days of black history month I only learned about my people for two days in history class like I’m not black every second and on the second I will ask you. Why do y’all find it so hard to keep the N word out y’all mouth like these days it’s meant to come out.”

Issue 5 | 01.31.19

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Racial Breakdown of BVNW 1993-1994

2017-201 8 Other - 26.7 White - 73.3

Oth

er -

16.7

1

hispanic -

other - 6.7 white - 93.3

that they must be open to others’ ideas.

“You have to acknowledge that there are other opinions out there,” Hillstock said. “That doesn’t mean you accept those opinions.

Acknowledging someone’s opinion is the first step.”

Rebecca Davis, an associate teaching professor of history at UMKC, said that due to events such as white flight in the 20th Century, there are lasting divisions between the Johnson County suburbs and downtown Kansas City.

“There is a perception, especially on this side of the [state] line, that Johnson County is where the racist white people live,” Davis said.

While many white people deny their privilege because of the hard work they put in to achieve their goals, Davis said the idea of privilege should not be about guilt, but about progress. She said the betterment of society can be achieved if those who have privilege, whether due to race or other factors, use their position to assist those who are marginalized.

“It’s about understanding how you can use that privilege to help somebody else,” Davis said.

Tyler Johnson and Emily Mahapatra, 2014 BVNW alumni,

*This is what the current day demographic breakdown would look life if the KSDE still recorded information the same way as in 1993-1994

5.94 2 BLACK - 4.0 WHITE - 73.3 W

created an online petition after news of the lawsuit broke on BVNWnews’ Twitter Jan. 14. The petition calls for diversity and inclusion training for staff members and intervention in student behavior. When she and Johnson were in high school, Mahapatra said they were not alarmed by certain behaviors they now consider troubling.

“I can’t change how they’re going to look at me because my skin is this beautiful, deep mahogany.”

-Jeanna Repass “We went on to learn a lot more about these types of things.

And that’s when you look back retroactively and it’s almost alarming how many things you noticed that happened in high school that are just absolutely unacceptable,” Mahapatra said.

Because Johnson has encountered people who claim that black people are exaggerating their accusations of racism, he said he and Mahapatra intend to show their solidarity with Sturdivant through the petition.

“One of my central goals to writing this was to say she’s not being overdramatic,” Johnson said.

“We can also attest to this being an active problem.”

Northwest parent and Parent Booster Club president Jeanna Repass said racism is still real, due to people’s biases and prejudices.

“Because the one thing you can’t change is the color of your skin, I can see people with love and respect and treat them the way I want to be treated,” Repass said. “But I can’t change how they’re going to look at me because my skin is this beautiful, deep mahogany.”

Since she said she has mostly seen reporting on one side of the story, Repass said she hopes everyone approaches both the Sturdivants and the school district with an open mind.

“It’s really, really tough for someone to come forward; it’s also really, really tough for someone to make that kind of accusation,” Repass said. “So I think that if we all just have some empathy, all around, we’ll be able to get through it.”

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Issue 5| 01.31.19

Losing the labels

By kathryn Case As one of only 28 people in the world to have Homocystinuria CBLG, Carson Hunt, brother of sophomore Ethan Hunt, brings awareness to this rare genetic condition.

C

arson Hunt is currently providing ground-breaking knowledge for doctors around the globe, by being the only living person with Homocystinuria CBLG and a vision disorder, according to his parents.

Dana Hunt, Hunt’s mother said she was told Hunt wasn’t going to be able to walk, talk or do anything normal kids do. Hunt has surprised all of his doctors by surpassing these odds, she said.

Ethan said this condition has caused a drastic hindrance on Hunt’s sight and ability to learn.

“He was born with a rare genetic disorder, but we don’t live by that word, and we don’t associate with it,” Dana said. “We chose to live our lives the way that was going to give him the most normal life we could give him with the support that he needed.”

Even though this condition has impacted Hunt’s vision, Dana said he has still been able to overcome several of his physical challenges.

“Everything they said he wasn’t going to do, he’s been able to do,” Dana said.

Because of his older brother Ethan, Dana said she believes Hunt is able to overcome several of his challenges.

Since Hunt was born, Dana said Ethan has dragged his younger brother along to whatever he is doing, such as playing soccer, basketball or going down water slides.

In the beginning, Dana said their family lived every day not knowing what Hunt’s future would be, but they

Design by Maggie McCready

Carson Hunt poses in front of waterfalls in Boone, North Carolina while on a vacation with his family. (Photo courtesy of Hunt family).

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21 him by doing all these activities even with challenges. “[Hunt] inspires me by how he’s got so many challenges and setbacks and yet he does so many everyday, normal kid things,” Ethan said.

Darren is Hunt’s basketball and soccer coach, and said it is one of the best things he’s ever been a part of.

Darren said having that relationship has allowed him to grow his relationship with Hunt.

“It’s allowed me to be very engaged in a very close level. It’s a tremendous amount of fun,” Darren said. “Coaching him is one of my favorite things to do with him just the two of us.”

“Just because someone gives

you a label of what’s wrong with you, that does not define you. That does not define your character and certainly does not define your spirit.”

-Dana Hunt

Hunt and his brother, Ethan Hunt stand in front of a Reach for RARE sign. “He is supported through the RARE foundation,” Dana Hunt said as she described the organization that Hunt is part of. (Photo courtesy of Ethan Hunt). finally had to choose to decide to live each day to the fullest. Adapting to this new lifestyle is something Dana said was inspired greatly by Ethan. “[Ethan] is his hero and inspiration,” Dana said. “He helps us just live the way you are supposed to live without any restrictions and any challenges.”

Darren, Hunt’s father, said Hunt is a shining light of personality, and never lets his obstacles stop him from accomplishing his goals.

“As much as he has dealt with challenges, setbacks and hurdles in his life, he has never shied down or backed down from trying to accomplish something that he wants to accomplish,” Darren said. “He does it with the amazing sense of optimism.

No one can tell him he can’t do anything.”

Hunt plays soccer, basketball, the clarinet and is almost a black belt in taekwondo. Ethan said Hunt impresses

In order to make sure Hunt receives the best treatment, Darren said his family goes above and beyond for Hunt’s care.

“We never stop looking for the best doctor support he can get,” Darren said. “If that happens to be outside of the KC area, then we will make the trip necessary to get him the best treatment possible.”

Along with the support of his family, Hunt also has the support of his doctors and the RARE Foundation, which is a coalition of people of over 500 rare diseases.

Hunt has been a representative for five years on SEAC, Blue Valley’s Special Education Advisory Council, with parent education as a primary goal of the council, Dana said. Hunt is trying to raise awareness for his rare condition. For other kids who have this rare eye condition, Dana said her son is a pioneer. Hunt is paving the way for other kids and himself who have this rare genetic condition disorder and retinal degeneration, Dana said.

22

1.

Perspectives

Issue 5 | 01.31.19

1. Sophomore Dominique Gruta tests reactions in a lab for chemistry, Dec. 12. “It was exciting to see how different chemicals would react with each other. Some changed colors and others expelled heat. It was pretty cool,” Gruta said. (Photo

by Grace Davis).

2. At the varsity basketball game against Blue Springs on Nov. 30, junior Markell Hood drives toward the basket. “My favorite part about being a part of BVNW basketball is playing in front of such big crowds every night and playing at home and just playing with a great group of guys and being around them on and off the court,” Hood said.

(Photo by Emma Johnson).

2.

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3.

4.

3. Senior Haley Shin lifts weights in Clint Rider’s sixth hour Strength & Conditioning class Jan. 15. “I was power cleaning in weights and getting swole,” Shin said. (Photo by Lola Shipman).

4. To commemorate the one year anniversary of then-junior John Albers’ death, junior Sasha Mitchell and other friends of Albers get together to keep his memory alive Jan. 20. (Photo by Emma Johnson).

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24

5.

5. On the one year anniversary of then-junior John Albers’ death, seniors Elizabeth Buchele (far left), Caroline Diederich (middle) and Jameson Hocter (far right) remember the memories they and Albers shared. “John was never afraid of being who he was and was always a friend when you needed one,” Diederich said. “The true friendship and acceptance that John taught my friends and I is something that everyone could learn from.” (Photo by Emma Johnson).

6. Juniors Lily Mahring (left) and Julia Masterson (right) make ice cream during a chemistry lab on Dec. 17. “We were making ice cream in chemistry and we had to shake all the ingredients in an ice bag so the ingredients would mix together and become more of a solid than a liquid,” Mahring said. (Photo by Lola Shipman).

6.

01.31.19 | Issue 5

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7.

7. Sophomore Paige Rigdon cheers on the Huskies at the varsity boys basketball game Nov. 30 against Blue Springs. “I enjoy cheering at basketball games because I love watching the team succeed and the environment of the games is so much fun,” Rigdon said. (Photo by Emma Johnson).

8. Junior Jenna Calton, develops film in her Photo ll class, Jan. 16. “This is my third semester in photo and I really love how laid back the class is and enjoy the people in it. We have to develop our photos and print them in a darkroom and it’s really cool to go through the process,” Calton said. (Photo by Sara Maloney).

8.

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Shear Perfection Off 16842 Metro Ave. in Bonner Springs, Kan., Manna Meadows farm is home to 50 alpacas which offers alpaca wool goods and tours allowing visitors to pet and meet the animals.

By Ethan Knauth

i

magine being given an hour or two alone with alpacas. A thick coat of wool covers their bodies, into which you can sink your face. They’re curious. They come and nudge up to you, trying to figure out what you’re all about. You pet them, letting your hand sink down into their warm, soft wool. You watch them, marveling at the sight of being able to be so up close and personal.

Just when you think you’re in the animal’s good graces, the alpaca does the unthinkable and produces a mouthful of spit, promptly covering you head to toe.

Not these alpacas though. Against contrary belief, alpacas are friendly, often shy animals, which only spit

Design by Ellen Bruce when provoked. This common misconception people associate with the South American native is often confused with the llama, a close relative of the alpaca, but with many noticeable differences. The first difference being the aggression level of the two animals as well as their sizes, where llamas are more aggressive and are double the size of the alpaca.

Off the beaten path, Manna Meadows includes at least a 10 minute drive on the back roads of Kansas, no matter the direction one comes from. Once inside, the land is laid out like a picturesque farm with tours starting at a rustic farmhouse.

Tours start at around five dollars

a person, a favorable price for high school students. As advised by Sharon Heimes, owner and tour guide, the summer to fall months are favorable for tours because the alpacas are sheared in April.

Guests usually spend one to one and a half hours at Manna Meadows, where they can meet and pet alpacas while also having the perfect location for taking lots of fun selfies. While on the meet-and-greet, visitors get their own personal Discovery Channel walk-through featuring all there is to know about alpacas, leaving the farm as an alpaca expert.

After the tour, they’re introduced to the on-site store of alpaca wool goods and given the chance to see

Alpacas eat about 1.5 percent of their body weight daily through a diet that consists of mostly hay and grass. The average alpaca weighs around 150lbs. (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

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Spitting Out Facts Alpacas are originally from South America, specifically the Andes Mountains Along with giving tours of the farm, Manna Meadows sells the fleece from the alpacas. They also sell yarn, socks and other clothing items. (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

what alpaca wool can be used for. These goods include shirts, socks, yarn and even soap. Don’t fret though, as mentioned earlier, Manna Meadows is a no-kill farm and shears their alpacas in order produce wool materials.

Although the drive is around 40 minutes from Overland Park, touring Manna Meadows is a life-changing experience. Being at the Manna Meadows farm can conjure up similar happy childhood

memories of petting the goats at Deanna Rose or taking a trip to the Overland Park Arboretum.

By visiting this farm, guests can rekindle some of that child-like curiosity of playing with animals like these gentle alpacas. Not only are they just like us in their nature of curiosity, they also love a good back rub.

Alpacas are very social creatures and need to be in pairs Alpacas don’t have front teeth Llamas can weigh up to 100lbs more than double the average alpaca

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Styled

Life

By Lola Shipman, Maddie Beischel & Grace Davis For this issue of Life Styled, we embraced the winter season with an outfit that’s perfect for the cold weather.

Leggings Pricing: $30-120 We paired this outfit with leggings, which are generally inexpensive and comfortable.

While you can pair any type of pants with an outfit like this, the trendiest addition to this look would be a simple pair of black leggings since they’re easy to match with anything.

Prices for the best leggings can range from $30-120, with our model wearing a $30 pair from Target.

STeve Maddens Pricing: $40 These grey $40 Steve Maddens pair nicely with this look because the color bodes nicely with the overall outfit.

However, any type of shoe similar to the slip-on style can be used for a popular look.

They’re comfortable and great for an effortless style.

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Beanie Pricing: $15-50 This Love Your Melon beanie is a popular item right now because it looks good paired with almost everything and is great quality. We chose this black beanie because it matches the color scheme and is a simple, yet bold piece. This beanie cost $45, and others like it can range from $15-50 as an optional accessory.

Jean Jacket Pricing: $40-100

This jean jacket with fur is a great staple piece for the chilly weather, but any type of denim jacket can be used for a similar look. It’s a simple yet popular item that can be added to a variety of outfits.

Jean jackets are trendy because they offer a fashionable way to layer clothes, while keeping warm, with a quality jean jacket being around $40-100. This particular jean jacket used is from Urban Outfitters and cost $85, but jean jackets like this one can also be found at Target, Old Navy or Forever 21.

Modeled by sophomore Caroline Rose

Sweater

Purse

Pricing: $20-80

Pricing: $15-200

This black sweater is neutral and plain, but perfect for this outfit because it blends in with the casual winter theme. Any type of long sleeve shirt would work, but for this look a black sweater pairs well with every item.

This sweater cost about $30 from Target, but similar sweaters can range from $20-80.

While this purse is the priciest item of the whole look, it’s a good way to transform an everyday outfit into something fancier. A purse for an outfit like this can range from $15-200, and this Kate Spade purse was $140. It’s a great way to incorporate something that will carry necessities, while making the outfit look more stylish.

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01.31.19 | Issue 5

VALENTINE’S DAY

31

puzzle

By Naomi James

Across 1. Odor 6. Trendy smoothie berry 10. Odds and ___ 14. ___ and took notice 15. Male offspring, auf Deutsch 16. Potting ___ 17. Not cursive 18. Mtn. height 19. Grain tower 20. Anonymous writer of a note, maybe 23. Bear, in Spain 24. Kristoff’s reindeer friend in “Frozen” 25. Much ___ About Nothing 28. Mouse ___ 31. Chose (for) 34. British nobleman 36. Musical symbol at front of staff 38. Broadcasted 40. February event in the gym 43. Plains Indian 44. Zeno’s home 45. Would-be lawyer’s test 46. Kagan of the Supreme Court 48. Sup. Ct. term 50. Switch schools: Abbr.

51. Billionth: Prefix 53. “Spill the ___, sis!”

55. Candy heart request 61. (From) a distance 63. Mata ___ 64. Its capital is Apia 65. Meme dog 66. “Frozen” snowman 67. Age 20 at graduation?

68. Clutter 69. Norwegian capital 70. Contrarian

down 1. Nile biters 2. Uncommon 3. Ear-related 4. Alice with a Nobel in Literature 5. H.S. exam for college credit 6. Away from port 7. Common illness 8. Throat-clearing sounds 9. Within a living organism: biology 10. Indispensable 11. Film ___ 12. Tommy’s little brother in “Rugrats” 13. ___-mo

21. Flame on a stick 22. Repair, as worn brakes 25. In addition 26. Search for water 27. Cosmetics brand L’___ 29. Sheltered, at sea 30. Rings 32. Surrealist Max 33. “Unleaded” coffee 35. Ellen 37. No charge 39. Mich. capital 41. Brunch time?

42. One of the senses 47. “Moving on...”

49. Part of a burglar alarm 52. Egg shapes 54. ___ of Two Cities 55. Undereye luggage 56. Asia’s shrinking ___ Sea 57. Last-In-First-Out acronym 58. Film reference site 59. It smells 60. Countess’s husband 61. Navy VIP: Abbr.

62. Enemy

*To view the answers to the crossword, check out BVNWnews.com.

2018-2019

The express staff editor-in-chief

writers

contact information

Anna Cowden

Kathryn Case Emma Gau Ben Hobbs Jonny Isaacson Naomi James Aidan Knauth Izze Lenfter Maggie McCready Grace Miller Maddie Oliver Raabia Qureshi Danya Radhi Erin Reece Katie Rodriguez Jenna Weyforth

Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Website: BVNWnews.com

print editor Anna Levine

online editor Jaelen Matthews

Photo Editor Ellen Bruce

features editor Olivia Dowell

Online Copy editor Ethan Knauth

Photographers Maddie Beischel Grace Davis Emma Johnson Sara Maloney Alyssa Peterson Lola Shipman

contributing writer Bella Rinne

assistant adviser Kimberly Hillstock

adviser Jim McCrossen

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

responding to the publication Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com under the “Contact Us� tab.

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 January Issue of Volume 26. Subscription rates are $10. The Express is printed by The Sedalia Democrat, 700 South Massachusetts, Sedalia Mo. 65301.

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