The Express - November Issue

HE EXPRESS

People can struggle to act themselves 24/7 PAGE 12

THE

MASKS

WE WEAR

VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 2 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

CONTENTS 4

EDITORIAL Striving for Authenticity

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7

OPINION Is Two Too Little?

OPINION Taxation without Representation

FEATURES

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Empowering Teen Entrepeneurs

Easton Wilson and Kate Ringgenberg are both students who have started their own businesses as high schoolers.

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Rocking The Rythms

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Untraditional Highschool

Sophomore Brody Bates shares experience with starting a rock ‘n’ roll band in high school, and finding his passion for drumming.

Blue Valley School District offers a variety of real-world education programs.

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

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The Masks We Wear Putting up a personality mask can be very common for people who feel pressured by their surroundings. Senior Lillian Flood described how she often alters her personality when in certain environments. “I would say I’m someone who likes to fit in wherever I am,” Flood said. “I just kind of mold to the conversation and figure out who I need to be in a situation.”

PRAJS PLAYS

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Sports design editor Prajwal Adhikari revisits and reflects on plays from sports in the past month.

CONTENTS

INTERACTIVE

18

MONSTEROUS MAZE: Turn to page 18 to complete a Halloween themed maze.

A&E

22

FRIDAY NIGHT LIFE: Logan Holthaus, Addie Wight and Maggie Connolly share what their Friday nights look like during football season.

OCTOBER 2023 | 03

STRIVING FOR AUTHENTICITY

We live in a society where we are expected to fit in, but also be different.

Be friends with the people around us, but don’t become identical to them and change how we act. Have multiple friends from different groups, but don’t spread ourselves too thin. Be ourself, but the self that people will like. There is enough pressure on teenagers already and finding confidence in our identity and feeling secure adds significant weight to the growing up to-do list.

People, especially teenagers, often believe they must create and use different personas when around specific people or groups. You may have seen the meme about using “Personality #2” with “Friend Group #3”. While this is meant as a joke, it is undeniably a relatable one with more than 400 thousand likes on TikTok. The idea is that sometimes, we act and behave differently based on the people we are with.

It is normal to act differently when we are talking to people. Wewould not talk to our grandma the way we talk to our best friend on the basketball team. The way we speak to an adult is different from the way

04 | THE EXPRESS

we speak to a toddler.

Being flexible in our interactions with people is normal, encouraged and necessary. However, it becomes a problem when we feel like we cannot truly be our authentic self around anyone.

The authentic you may be hard to find.

Trial and error is almost guaranteed, but as teenagers, we have the opportunities to learn and grow, so take advantage of that time period to explore.

Try on different identities like we are trying on different outfits. Be flexible but have the end goal of feeling comfortable.

We don’t have to be locked into one personality when we are with people, just be adaptable. We don’t have to change how we act when we are with people who may see us differently. Let them see the different sides of us. People are not onedimensional, there are unique aspects to every individual. Show what makes us unique, and be proud of who we are.

As we are on the path to finding our authentic selves, it is OK to not know exactly who we are; we just need to remember to incorporate our character in all we do.

EDITORIAL

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OCTOBER 2023 | 05

OPINION

IS TWO TOO LITTLE? Written by Adria Heinauer, Designed by Sri Trikona

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n the halls of Blue Valley Northwork quality to go up. west, I often hear, “Is it Friday With longer weekends, students yet,” or, “I just have to make it ‘til would get more sleep. In turn, they Friday!” would be healthier, both mentally The weekend is supposed to and physically. Health experts say be the two days a week we get to sleep helps boost your body’s ability sleep in, reenergize, spend time to fight illness and helps your brain with family, relax, see friends and regulate emotions. be teenagers.

Students often skip school due to Although I love the weekend, mental health, feeling unprepared most of the time I don’t get to sleep for assignments, vacations, sports or in. I feel stressed, I am overwhelmed doctors appointments. Attendance and don’t have time to reset. Sunday would increase with an extra day off, night I am often cramming in last families would have more time to minute studying and by Monday I’m schedule appointments and studreading the week before the first dents would get more education and bell has rung. miss less school. If students were The stress is sick or absent, due to homework they would also assigned over the have an extra If a weekend weekend, having day to make up to travel for soccer assignments. involves early games, babysitting Last year wake ups, stress, and family time. If I often found weekends look like myself missing homework and a that for me, what school due to job, is it really a does it look like for travel for club other teenagers? soccer, school weekend?

Those who are takcross country ing harder classand basketball es, have a more because we’d demanding job, have to watch their have to leave school early to get to younger siblings or are involved in our games and meets. I would often multiple activities? try to finish the school work I was If a weekend involves early wake missing on the bus or in a hotel ups, stress, homework and a job, is room. If there were four day weeks, it really a weekend? games could be moved to Fridays If we had three day weekends it and student-athletes wouldn’t have would allow students to have more to worry about missing school. time to reset, study, rest and do Not only would a change in things they enjoy. If given this time, our schedule be beneficial toward students would be less tired, allowthe students, it could also benefit ing them to do better in school and staff and parents. 155 school districts would be more positive overall. This in Missouri are participating in would cause their productivity and four day weeks. One reason for the

06 | THE EXPRESS

switch is to attract new teachers.

It would also give teachers more time to grade and prepare lessons.

Parents would have longer weekends to go on trips or take their children to appointments.

Some disadvantages could include ensuring students are getting the state required amount of school, child care, loss of instruction, teacher’s salaries and longer school days adding more stress to students.

However, the advantages highly outweigh the disadvantages. Some additional advantages include not having to run air conditioning and water on the extra day off, cutting the costs of electrical bills for the district.

Childcare could be offered in schools during the day on Fridays, giving working parents a place to send their younger students. For other students struggling with school, there could be optional work days where they can receive help from teachers.

Changing the schedule to four day weeks could easily happen. If summer was a week shorter, professional development days were taken out and moved to Fridays and time was added onto the day, it would be an easy adjustment.

OPINIONS

REPRESENTATION Written by Reagan Wald, Designed by Sri Trikona

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ast month the equivalent of as working Americans, why are we nearly 20 Starbucks drinks not able to reap same benefits of was taken out of my payother citizens and participate in the check in the form of taxes, democracy of our nation? and I got absolutely no say in Consistently throughout the last how my lost coffee money was used. few years of childhood, high school The money could have gone toward students are expected to make any action taken by the federal decisions that may be life-altering: government including policies that such as committing to a college or may go against my moral values. It choosing a career path. We are also is a given that within any organized allowed to get a drivers license and form of government decisions have can even decide if we want to be an to made that not everyone may organ donor. Responsibilities as agree on, but I still deserve a say in important as these demonstrate the who is deciding level of trust that how my money the government is spent. already places in The incompetence Roughly 250 teenagers, so we years ago, a feud should be given of others should was sparked bethe rights that not stifle the tween England come with that and its colonies trust. voices of an entire in America.

Teens are condemographic of Guns were fired, stantly pressured tea was spilled, to perform well in people. you know the school, participate story. What in extracurricuignited the spark lars, sports, and of this infamous revolution was the on top of it all, get a job. According very same thing I’m advocating for to the Federal Department of Labor, today- the freedom that is the right kids under 16 can work eight hours to vote. on school days, and there are no Early colonists were being taxed labor restrictions in place for those without representation in their 16 and older. Teenagers who hold government, so they demanded a the same responsibilities and work say in how their money was spent similar hours as their older coworkand how the nation was to be run. ers should not be denied the right to This is the very core principle on vote. Discrimination of this degree which our country was founded, yet is fundamentally unAmerican. today millions are paying income I acknowledge that voting is a taxes every year without a say in responsibility and a very importtheir government. That unrepreant one at that. We are privileged sented portion of the population is to live in a country where we can the average employed high schooler. advocate for our beliefs but unfortuIf we are fulfilling our due diligence nately, just like any other privilege,

OPINIONS

OPINION

TAXATION WITHOUT

the right to vote is often misused.

Many adults remain uninformed on relevant political events or vote blindly based on party affiliation. I cannot guarantee the same wouldn’t happen with teenagers, but that doesn’t diminish our right to vote in the first place. The incompetence of others should not stifle the voices of an entire demographic of people.

While many students may not be the primary source of income for their households or pay the bills, they still deserve a say in how their money is spent. A large majority if not all of the actions taken by the federal government will or already are impacting teenagers. Policies regarding how money is spent on education, gun control and climate protection all directly affect the future of America and our quality of life now.

Granting teens voting rights would allow us to elect who best represents our needs or values and encourage young people to educate themselves on current events.

At the end of the day, the teenager who works behind the counter of your local McDonald’s deserves the same rights as their 20-something coworker, their 30-year-old manager, and the customer ordering their fries. If the federal government thinks that teenagers are capable of the job of an adult, we deserve to be treated like one as well. If we aren’t granted the ability to retain the rights we as working American citizens deserve, we might just have to make like the colonists and spill some tea.

OCTOBER 2023 | 07

EMPOWERING TEEN

ENTREPRENEURS

Two entrepreneurs share their expereince of owning and operating a business in high school.

Written by Danielle Croom and Sara Scheibel, Photographed by Libby Addison, Designed by Saraphina Wambi

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fter the holidays, senior Easton Wilson noticed all of the packages piled up at his door.

His mother, Michelle Wilson, would typically drive back and forth between stores, trying to return all the gifts she needed. Since stores are busier around Christmas, Michelle said this was tiring and time-consuming, especially since the UPS store required her to have the materials to package a return.

With the help of his parents, Easton decided he wanted to make

returns simpler for everyone.

Easton created his own business, ReturnSimple, earlier this year.

ReturnSimple will pick up returns from any online retailer and will repackage the return and give it back to the original seller.

Easton said he promotes his business in a variety of ways such as parking his van in a prominent position at the DAC. His father, Ben Wilson bought him the van with his business logo on it, and according to Easton, he is expected to pay his dad back in the next few years.

Ben owns three dentist offices across Missouri. Ben said he helped Easton work on the business model and the logistics of running the van effectively. In February, Ben and Easton found a website developer overseas who he works with several times a week. Now, Easton manages his business with less help from his parents.

BVNW business teacher Meghan Trader stressed the importance of finding a mentor, business leader or parent who is willing to support you in running a successful business.

Trader explained how some students get into entrepreneurship without knowing the challenges and risks.

“I have found that teens can get really excited [about their businesses], so having people who have gone before you to give advice to [help with] making good financial decisions [helps a lot],” Trader said.

Easton currently does not have a van driver hired because of the critical need to find a safe, certified driver. He also explains the challenges of finding an employee that will have reasonable charges.

“I believe that it’s hard to find

Senior Easton Wilson can be seen driving his business’ van around the Blue Valley Northwest community to gain traction for his business. “I like to drive my van because it helps people recognize me and my brand.”

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FEATURE

Junior Kate Ringgenberg utilizes her home office space to create and print her designs and art for her self-owned business.

“Depending on the time of year I spend a lot of time in here working on orders, especially during graduation.” adults that are willing to work for their time to make room for school me [because] that means they charge and other activities. more versus a teenager that is just Outside of BVNW, he is enrolled trying to get some extra cash,” in a course at CAPS that is designed Easton said. to help those who want to grow their Junior Kate Ringgenberg is business. another BVNW student who has During the afternoon, Wilson started a business. Since 2021, said he spends time working with Ringgenberg has owned and customers and marketing for his operated a crafting business that website. By 5-6 p.m., Easton gets off does party decorations, graduation from work for the day. cap decorations and “I get to more. work on my “I’ve always liked personal life being creative and and do things If you’re passionate crafting, and when I want to COVID happened, do, whether about making I started making a that’s getting money and lot of face masks… food, hanging then I started selling out with managing people, them to people and I my friends definitely go for [it]. thought it was really or golfing,” fun,” Ringgenberg Easton said.

-EASTON WILSON said.

Similar Furthermore, to Wilson, Ringgenberg said Ringgenberg she likes running a business by is involved in various activities, herself. like marching band, where she is a “I like that I’m my own boss. section leader for the clarinets.

I’m running it myself so I can take Regardless of the stress of it in whatever direction I like,” running her business, Ringgenberg Ringgenberg said. has managed to balance the Despite their busy schedules, operation of her business with her Easton and Ringgenberg manage studies.

FEATURE

“I like to make schedules and divide up my day so I’ll make a to-do list for my schoolwork and after I finish that, I [work on] my business,” Ringgenberg said.

Future plans for Ringgenberg and Easton may change, but for now, they said they want to continue the business side of things. Easton said he is considering going to college in Colorado to continue marketing for ReturnSimple while someone manages pickups.

Easton hopes to one day sell his business to a larger company like Returnmates and ReturnQueen, but for now he wants to keep growing and expanding his knowledge of business.

Similarly, Ringgenberg said she is looking into majoring in marketing because of the creative aspects, but not necessarily continuing her crafting business after high school.

For those interested in starting a business in high school, Easton reminds students to be mindful of what it takes to be successful.

“It’s a lot more than I thought but there’s real-life learning with owning your own business. If you’re passionate about making money and managing people, definitely go for [it],” Easton said.

OCTOBER 2023 | 09

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari shares his favorite athlete performances of the past month Written and Designed by Prajwal Adhikari, Photographed by Lila Vancrum, Rachel King, Remi Nuss and Libby Addison

In a competitive game, the Huskies fell to Lee Summit North, 34-22, at the Homecoming game, Sept. 22. Junior wide receiver Trevor Garlington’s impressive performance kept the Huskies alive throughout the game. Garlington led the team in receptions with 9 catches for 122 yards, as well as two touchdowns. He even completed a pass on a trick play for a total of 34 yards. Garlington said he believed the Huskies were in a good position to win after catching a touchdown pass near the end of the first half to tie the game, 7-7.

“I put my team in a really good position,” Garlington said.

“We had a pretty good chance of winning.”

Although the game did not result in a win for the Huskies, head coach Clint Rider said he knows the weaknesses of the team and how to improve.

“We did some really good things. We had some chances in the first half,” Rider said.“We gotta do a good job offensively of not letting them get out to a head start.”

Junior Trevor Garlington lines up getting ready for a play during a game against Lee’s Summit | THE EXPRESS North,10 Sept.

22.

FEATURE

The girls varsity volleyball team fell to Blue Valley North, 4-1, on Sept. 27. The Huskies struggled early on, but the consistency of junior Marly Burbach prevented a total shutout. Burbach’s quick thinking and determination in the third set assisted in the team’s only win of the day. She had 18 kills and hit a .400% on the match. The Huskies won that set 25-19. Coach Molly Haggerty said she was impressed by Burbach’s resilience throughout the game.

“She’s just a very versatile player.

She’s able to pass, she’s able to play defense, she’s able to set for us and she’s able to hit. She’s just a really huge asset to our team,” Haggerty said.

Burbach was happy with the team’s spirit, but also noted the importance of preservation and staying in the game mentally.

“We had a lot of energy and we’re really positive with each other. We need to work on continuing to fight even if we’re down,” Burbach said.

Junior Marly Burbach sings the national anthem with her team before the start of the rivalry game. “The atmosphere before the game was really high energy,” Burbach said, “We were really excited to play North, especially on our home court.”

The boys varsity soccer team was defeated by Blue Valley Southwest on Sept. 28, 2-0. The Huskies were unable to dominate offensively and struggled to get the ball into opposing territory. The team fought hard, but it was not enough to overcome the 2 point deficit. Junior goalkeeper Ben Silin continued to play hard and worked to prevent any more goals from being scored in the second half. Sillin understands the importance of constant communication with his teammates on the field.

“I’ll usually be yelling at my backline to drop back if they don’t see somebody that I see. It’s my job to let [them] know where that guy is,” Silin said.

Head coach Brian Pollack emphasized Silin’s positive influence on the team’s attitude.

“He has some pretty uncanny leadership abilities. He’s got great energy and we have worked with him on being a positive communicator,” Pollack said.

Junior Ben Silin warms up as goalie for the soccer game against Wichita Trinity High School, Sept. 7.

A&E

OCTOBER 2023 | 11

THE

MASKS

WE WEAR

Altering the way people act in different environments can be a common phenomenon

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Written by Hannah Rakolta and Maggie Dahl, Photographed by Lila Vancrum, Designed by Avery Sigg

hen around different groups of people, senior Lillian Flood said she notices her personality tends to fluctuate. For her, this can often be exhausting.

Although adapting to our surroundings is basic human nature, the line starts to blur when one feels they can not showcase their authentic character.

Completely altering one’s personality in front of certain people can be described as putting up a personality mask, and according to BVNW’s psychology teacher Heidi Gipple, doing so can have consequences.

“I think that anybody who feels like they can’t be forthcoming with who they are is going to have some trouble with their mental health and maybe their identity in general,” Gipple said. “They might start to question some things and [wonder] ‘Is this really who I am?’”

Flood said she allows herself to be more outgoing and open in the theater environment. However, when she is with people that she sees solely at school, she behaves more relaxed and less extravagant.

“At school, I definitely feel more mellow, more toned down. But when

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I’m in theater [class], I’m vibrant and exuberant and I’ve got all this energy,” Flood said. “And then [during] the school day, I’m kind of falling asleep in my chair. At home, I definitely feel like I’m a little bit more mellow too.”

Flood noted how her personality will often change to fit the specific environment.

“I would say I’m someone who likes to fit in wherever I am. I just kind of mold to the conversation and figure out who I need to be in a situation. But when I’m at theater, I never have to do that,” Flood said.

Flood’s friend, senior Casey Clark, has observed Flood’s personality changes when interacting with different groups of people. He agreed that Flood’s authentic self comes to light in the theater environment, rather than other environments.

“She’s just herself [in theater class] and she’s very fun and her personality shines through,” Clark said. “She’s more professional and reserved in her other classes. She just focuses on her schoolwork.”

Likewise, senior Sophia Paduano is involved in drama club and repertory theater and expressed feelings similar to Flood’s. She included how she feels free on stage,

and how theater feels like a different world.

Outside of the theater environment, however, Paduano spends the majority of her time focused on swimming, since she is a national-level swimmer. In the spring of 2023, Paduano placed first in the 100-yard backstroke at the 2023 Girls State Swimming & Diving Meet. She practices nine times a week, before and after school some days, and is training to make Olympic Trials cuts. Paduano is committed to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana on a swimming scholarship.

Paduano said she has several different friend groups within each activity. But instead of feeling pressure to change the way she acts to fit in, Paduano feels confident in herself no matter who she is hanging out with.

“I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve learned to accept I have a different personality than a lot of other people,” Paduano said. “If my friends can’t accept that, I’m not going to change it for them.”

But this was not always the case, according to Paduano. She said she used to let other people’s negative opinions about her personality affect how she portrayed herself.

FEATURE

“I used to always want to try to fit in. I didn’t want to draw any attention to myself because when I would be loud, talkative, or very extroverted, somebody would shame me for that,” Paduano said. “I’ve learned to not care about how other people view [me and] I’m not going to try to fit into somebody else’s standard.”

Similarly, sophomore Olivia Urasma is involved in two distinctly different activities, marching band and cheerleading. Urasma said she enjoys both activities since they both allow her to challenge herself.

“Cheer is really fun. It’s a really good experience. I love going and seeing everyone and learning new

things,” Urasma said. “[And for band], since it’s in the morning, I’m pretty tired. But it’s still a lot of fun.”

Urasma said she has made more friends through cheerleading, rather than band. Due to this, she said she is more engaged around her cheerleading peers and tends to be quieter in the band environment.

Other than being less talkative, Urasma said she believes she does not change how she acts in front of the two different groups of people.

No one should alter themselves just because they are in a new environment, Urasma said.

“If you stay the same, you let people see who you are. And if you change, I feel like you might not

enjoy your time as much, because you’re trying to be someone else,” she said.

The reason why people feel the need to change themselves is because psychologically, we feel the need to fit in, Gipple said.

“I think that for the most part, when we are in groups of people, it makes us feel safer to conform. It’s this idea of herd mentality,” Gipple said. “We might emulate other people’s behaviors because it makes us feel better when we fit in with the crowd. When we’re going against the grain, it tends to make us feel a little uncomfortable.”

Regarding her personality, Flood said it would be hard to suddenly

I definitely feel like I have my school mask, my outside-of-school mask, and I’m also married so I have my wife mask, and when I see my parents I have my daughter mask -HEIDI GIPPLE

FEATURE

OCTOBER 2023 | 13

change the way she acts at school and display the super outgoing attitude that she has in the theater environment.

“I’ve set myself up to be someone at school, and around [my school friends]. At this point, I just feel like I need to keep that going,” Flood said.

Furthermore, Flood explained that behaving how she does in the theater environment, while in the school environment, would be quite Olivia Ursama is involved in cheerleading and marching band.

“Gamedays can be stressful doing both band and cheer,” Ursama said.

“I have gotten used to it since it is my second year, but it can still be stressful because I have to be on time for both groups.” (Photo Illustration)

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a shock for those around her. see how many people supported a “Like one day just waking up and different side of me that I don’t show being who I am all the time would sometimes.” probably [make Alternating some people personalities think] ‘Wait, while in If you stay the same, who is this different girl?’” Flood surroundings you let people see said. may not be who you are. And if Paduano, exclusive to however, said just students. you change, I feel like she enjoys Science you might not enjoy sharing theater teacher Nanet with her other, Sula goes your time as much, non-theater from teaching because you’re trying friends. chemistry “My swim at BVNW, to be someone else team here, and to leading -OLIVIA URASMA even outside workout of school, groups at her they’re all very gym, Genesis. supportive of [me],” Paduano said.

While Sula said she does not “They all came to see my show, notice any significant differences my parents came to see my show in her personality, she does feel a and it was a little eye-opening to sense of confidence while leading

FEATURE

workouts at Genesis that she does not feel at BVNW. She explained that giving a speech in front of a large group of teachers would be very intimidating, but working out in front of a small crowd does not bother her.

“I tend to be more of an introvert.

So for me to get up and present in front of the entire staff at Northwest on a professional development day would really make me nervous,” Sula said. Maybe I just tune it out [at Genesis] and just do my own workout while I’m leading them [which makes me less intimidated].

Sula persisted that certain situations make it inevitable for people to alter their “true” personality. For example, she said on days that she is tired, she may act more mellow, but that does not mean she is deliberately changing her personality.

“I think maybe it’s just the situation that I’m put into where it’s automatically changed,” Sula said.

Gipple admitted that most adults conform in order to fit in, and she even notices how she puts up a mask in different situations.

“I definitely feel like I have my school mask, my outside-of-school mask, and I’m also married so I have my wife mask, and when I see my parents I have my daughter mask,” Gipple said. “I still don’t even know who I am. I mean, I’m 28 years old, and I still find myself not wanting to be the odd man out.”

The difference between most adults and students, Gipple acknowledged, is that most high schoolers have not discovered their true identity and, therefore, are not aware

of their personality changes. “[For me] I think ‘Well, this is who I am,’ and I will find a group of people that I kind of fit in with,” Gipple said. “Whereas for you guys, I think [students wonder] ‘Well, who am I? And can I get those answers from my peers?’”

Gipple explained how in society, it is very normal for people to conform and no one should be shocked that most people want to fit in.

“We’re surrounded by people all the time, and we know how much others influence our behavior,” Gipple said.

Although Sula understands the reason people tend to put up personality masks around certain groups, she said it is important for people to showcase their true self

around the people they trust.

“If you’re around people who are either your true friends or who care about you, you can be yourself,” Sula said “I think as long as you feel comfortable and safe in the situation, you should act the way you feel best.”

No one should be ashamed of adhering to those around us, according to Gipple. She said it is a very common human behavior.

“I think we think it’s so taboo to conform, but it’s really not.

It is a very normal, natural, human experience,” Gipple said.

“Conformity is a crazy thing.”

Senior Sophia Paduano is involved in both swim and theater and says she does not change the way she acts around the two groups. “I think I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve learned to kind of accept that I have a different personality than a lot of other people,” Paduano said. “And if my friends can’t really accept that, I’m not going to change it for them.”

FEATURE

OCTOBER 2023 | 15

Junior Brody Bates finds his passion on the drums and starts his own teenage band, Circle Drive Written by Harper Latta and Madison Kraft, Photographed by Rachel King, Designed by Prajwal Adhikari

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n the rhythm of life, junior Brody that,” Brody said.

Bates finds his beat on the drums.

According to Brody, his start in “I never knew what I wanted the life of rock ‘n’ roll and being to do. But I’d always be the kid a drummer had officially become that was tapping or hitting pots his newest interest. He intended to and pans and things like that. Once pursue this by attending the music I realized, ‘Oh, this is what I want to school, School of Rock. do, it was something my brain was “I went to School of Rock the already familiar with,” Brody said. summer going into third grade, and However, finding something then I just stuck with it ever since,” to entertain Brody at an early Brody said. “It became clear that it age became somewhat difficult, was my thing to do. And it just made according to Brody’s father, Bart sense in my brain.”

Bates, a social studies teacher at Although he had found his calling, BVNW. he said coming from a sports-heavy “My wife and I are very athletefamily made it difficult for him to type people in be introduced to competitive the rock ‘n’ roll sports. So we world. tried him in “My parents It became clear karate, soccer just listened to and baseball,” country music that it was my thing Bart said. in the car. I to do. And it just Despite all the didn’t have the attempts, Bart background made sense in my expressed that knowledge so brain.

Brody wasn’t I was just on finding any a clean slate,” -BRODY BATES success in the Brody said. sports category.

The lack of “We tried for a knowledge was minute and probably [when he was] challenging, as finding his path in about 8 years old, I started getting the School of Rock proved difficult, frustrated, and I was like ‘you got to according to Brody. do something,’” Bart said.

“Everyone else had a general In a turn of events, however, his idea going into it like how the passion for music came alive when instruments worked and how a band Brody went to a talent show in the works, and I was learning from third grade. scratch,” Brody said.

“I remembered one time I saw a As he was mentored and kid play drums in the talent show, continued to learn in his newfound and I was like, I might as well try environment, Brody found himself

16 | THE EXPRESS

slowly outgrowing the School of Rock.

Brody went on to form his band, Circle Drive. The band started off with Brody and two other musicans.

Senior Lucas Nguyen from Maranatha high school as the guitar player, and 8th grader Olivia Todd from Oxford middle school as the bass player.

The missing piece of the band was the singer. Going through several different trials, their collaboration with another band, The Conundrums, led Circle Drive to their newest addition, Nora Harris.

“We just became best friends. She is the perfect fit and it’s worked out really well,” Brody said.

Harris works as a barista as well as singing for Circle Drive.

Harris described how happy she was that she found a band that she immediately connected with, especially since she had been dreaming of being a member for a long time.

“I would have thought that this would not be possible now. But now that I’m here and doing [the band], it doesn’t feel real and it’s the best thing. Honestly, it has been lifechanging,” Harris said.

Despite the group’s quick connection, the band is made up of members wiht varying ages, ranging from 13-19 years old. .

“You have different ages, you have different vibes, and they’re just trying to figure out what their sound is gonna be,” Bart said.

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Sophomore Brody Bates plays the drums for Circle Drive at a performance at Smoking n’ Waldo.

According to Bart, rehearsals can be heard throughout the neighborhood.

“Part of our strategy when we bought our house was to buy one where we could have the band room. We bought a PA system and have everything you need to have a rock band. His drum kits are down there and the band practices at our house,” Bart said.

The support shown has had a positive impact on Brody, as his

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parents became motivators for him.

“Most parents when you’re beating on drums in your house are probably thinking ‘This is annoying, stop it,’” Brody said. “My parents were always like, ‘No, play more.’”

Not only are his parents supporters at home, but Bart is also able to help Circle Drive book gigs. Having parental help allows the band to get venues, especially at places that do not allow anyone under 21 years old to enter.

“It helps him to have me call, and I can say, ‘Hey, look, I’m an adult and I can vouch for them,’” Bart said.

The band’s next performance is scheduled for Oct. 15 and the dress code is any Halloween costume. It is from 4 to 7 p.m. at 7300D West 119th Street and is open to all ages.

OCTOBER 2023 | 17

Directions: Help the ghost get through the monster maze and to the cemetery!

Designed by Alex Cowdrey

18 | THE EXPRESS

INTERACTIVE

UNtraditional HIGH SCHOOL Students enroll in various types of alternative learning options

Written by Blen Belachew and Sanaee Joshi, Photographed by Remi Nuss, Designed by Alyssa Gagnon

O

ver the span of several years, the Blue Valley School District (BVSD) has created various career-ready programs for students to enhance their learning experience. These programs have been known to help students get a jumpstart on their college education or enable them to learn more about a career they are interested in.

Senior Amyia Laskey is enrolled in the Dual Degree program offered through Blue Valley and Johnson County Community College. She was introduced to the program by her counselors.

“I chose to enroll in this program to get a head start on college because by the time I graduate high school, I will have my first year of college done, and honestly [to] save some money,” Laskey said.

She said her first semester enrolled at JCCC has been unique compared to her years in high school.

“You get to experience things that you wouldn’t at high school. You meet a lot of great new people,” Laskey said. “You get to have a college experience before you transfer to a college or university.”

Additionally, Laskey said the coursework is heavier at JCCC and it requires more time outside of school to finish class homework.

Laskey said that the Dual Degree program at JCCC has helped her further her college preparation. She said by the end of this year she will

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have earned 30 college credit hours technicalities involved in welding, which will help her pursue her end according to Beach. goal of majoring in business.

“Welding is very difficult Similarly, senior Carter Beach because it takes a lot of practice is enrolled in the JCCC welding and time. You have to figure out program. He said he enrolled in this what is comfortable and the right program to learn basic knowledge approaches that will not cause of welding and receive three college your weld to be ineffective due to credit hours. impurities,” “I saw Beach said. videos on “In this class, social media you have to dig It’s a great opportunity and was deeper rather if you are willing to like this is than scraping the something surface of what put in the work and interesting, you can really try hard. Take a shot and I might do.” as well take Although Beach at something you’ve advantage is unsure of his never done before of it and see plans after the if I want to course, he said -AMIYA LASKEY do it after the class has high school,” helped him see if Beach said. this is something “I know myself, I won’t be able to sit he could pursue in the future. at a desk job.”

However, he said students who want Beach said he felt apprehensive to pursue the welding field should going into this school year as it join this program. would be a different experience “If you hate sitting in class all from his traditional high school day and writing a lot of notes, I schedule. would say it is nice to experience “At the start of the school year, I a different class environment. You was nervous because I knew it was get to see everyone’s perspectives going to be a lot of work. Now that coming from different backgrounds I’m into it, as long as I can get my and see why they have chosen to go homework done, it’s not difficult. into the field,” Beach said. “You are You have to stay engaged in class under control of what you can do.” every second, so it’s tough, but I like BVSD Career Ready Program it,” Beach said. liaison Sarah Beren said she believes Furthermore, taking the welding the career-ready programs are a course at JCCC comes with remarkable resource for students many challenges because of the who are looking for something

OCTOBER 2023 | 19

After completing his firefighter certification to legally work on a boat, 2023 BVNW graduate George Buckley (top left) poses for a photo with his peers, Sept. 1. “The tests we had to do were so difficult and it was really rewarding when we were finally done,” Buckley said. (Photo Courtesy of George Buckley) beyond their high school. She said there are many programs students can enroll in during their high school career.

“We have nine programs where students can earn a certificate in a high-demand, high-wage field. We also have a partnership with the Overland Park Fire Department so we’ve got a lot of pathways for kids,” Beren said.

With the costs of a four-year college, Beren said this program can be a miracle for families because Blue Valley helps pay for tuition.

“Blue Valley pays $300 a semester in books so students can reduce their college debt by half. It’s free college and life-changing,” Beren said.

Additionally, Beren said that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected student’s perspectives on traditional education. She said it can be influential to students who want to graduate with a certificate allowing them to get a high-paying job right out of high school.

“Since the pandemic, there are

20 | THE EXPRESS

a lot of students and families who are acknowledging that four-year college might not be for them,” Beren said. “Our kids are graduating with a certificate that allows them to get a high-paying job right out of high school.”

Additionally, students can receive college credit and college-level experiences at their high school through advanced placement (AP) classes. Sophomore Aadit Gupta is currently enrolled in AP Modern World and AP Physics at BVNW. He is enrolled in virtual AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, and AP US History.

“Everyone’s goals are different. I think for me it’s important to take AP classes because I’m able to show proficiency in higher-level classes,” Gupta said. “People try to enjoy their high school experience and take lighter classes, but I like to challenge myself by taking advanced courses.”

Furthermore, Gupta said AP classes are more coursework and fast-paced. He said it is necessary to stay on top of the workload in much

heavier classes.

“AP classes are considered untraditional because it’s a lot of work, and it’s not always the best idea to put so much of a workload onto yourself,” Gupta said. “It’s a lot of self-learning, but I plan on taking twelve more throughout the next two years.”

Although Gupta said AP classes are rigorous and require outside work, he expressed admiration toward AP classes preparing students for realworld experience.

“I think AP classes give you a new perspective on how things tie into the real world. They prepare students for college because a lot of the coursework is mapped out,” Gupta said. “We do a lot outside of school work. It’s not just about academics, it really teaches you about general time management, growth and learning.”

2023 alum George Buckley graduated early after three years at BVNW. Buckley said he received his school credits throughout his middle and high school years.

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18% 82%

27% 73%

31% 69%

PERCENT OF STUDENTS GRADUATING EARLY

PERCENT OF STUDNETS ENROLLED IN A JCCC COURSE

PERCENT OF STUDNETS NOT ENROLLED IN AN AP CLASS

PERCENT OF STUDNETS NOT GRADUATING EARLY

PERCENT OF STUDNETS NOT ENROLLED IN A JCCC COURSE

PERCENT OF STUDNETS ENROLLED IN AN AP CLASS

Information curtesy of poll sent out on BVNWnews Instagram.

Buckley said that he wanted to graduate early to earn life experience in the working field.

“I lived in Overland Park my entire life and I loved it. I made so many awesome friends that I know I’ll talk to until I die,” Buckley said. “But when you live in Overland Park your whole life you kind of wonder, ‘what else is out there?’”

Buckley said that he was challenged with uncertainty in his next stage of life after graduation.

“It’s all a bit liberating. When you’re in high school, you know what the next four years of your life look like. [Now], I don’t know what I’m going to be doing every day. I wake up and I find out if I have a job or not,” Buckley said.

Despite the challenges, Buckley said he is grateful for the opportunity to explore his career.

Buckley recently finished his Mariner schooling and received his Mariner certification in hopes of becoming a steward on a boat.

“I felt like there are so many promising opportunities outside of Overland Park and I do plan on going to the University of New Orleans eventually,” Buckley said. “I just wanted some time between high school and college to explore and work to earn money.”

Buckley said that graduating a year early has helped him gain life experience and explore his

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profession. He currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where he is applying for jobs in the area.

Likewise, Laskey said that the JCCC program gives more freedom to juniors and seniors who are looking more into their future.

She also expressed that it gives you more time to plan ahead and

focus on things rather than basic schoolwork.

“It’s a great opportunity if you are willing to put in the work and try hard. Take a shot at something you’ve never done before,” Laskey said.

During his 7th hour honors chemistry class, sophomore Aadit Gupta [right] learns how to count in large amounts by measuring mass with his classmate Dhirab Kamble [left], Sept. 15. “Taking an all honors and AP schedule makes it hard to keep up with work and takes up a lot of family time and time away from friends,” Gupta said. “If you handle it responsibly though, it will definitely have a positive impact.”

OCTOBER 2023 | 21

FRIDAY NIGHT

LIFE

Game day routines of students involved in band, dance team and football

• • • •

MAGGIE CONNOLLY (JUNIOR)

AFTER SCHOOL

Go home and get in the clothes the band wears under their uniforms Go back to the school at 5 or 5:45 p.m.

Practice and go over what they will do that night March down to the field

ROLE

NAME

Written by Sydney Barnett, Designed by Lindsay Maresh

DURING THE GAME • • • •

Play for the first two quarters Perform the halftime show Third quarter break Play fourth quarter

BAND

(CLARINET) •

AFTER THE GAME Go home or get Twisters with bandmates

FAVORITE SONG TO PLAY

THE “HEY” SONG

22 | THE EXPRESS

A&E

(JUNIOR)

AFTER SCHOOL

Stay at school and mark the dance for that night on the field Go to Starbucks as a pregame tradition Go back to the school and get ready in the locker room Meet in coach’s room Go down to the tailgate and either perform or walk around

• • • •

FAVORITE LOCKER ROOM HYPE MUSIC

DURING THE GAME • • • •

ROLE

NAME

FAVORITE PLACE TO GET FOOD

TWISTED FRESH

Free to do whatever for the rest of the night

FOOTBALL TEAM (LINEBACKER)

DURING THE GAME

AFTER THE GAME

(SENIOR)

Go home and gather football gear Get food

•

AFTER THE GAME

HIP HOP OR POM

LOGAN HOLTHAUS

AFTER SCHOOL

•

Do sideline dances during the first two quarters Perform at halftime Third quarter break Do sideline dances during the fourth quarter

DANCE TEAM

FAVORITE TYPE OF HALFTIME DANCE

RIHANNA

•

ROLE

NAME •

ADDIE WIGHT

• • • • •

Play during the first half Go to locker room at halftime Hydrate, eat and get retaped if needed Have offensive and defensive meetings Play second half

•

Either go to a “safe house” to eat and hang out or free to do whatever

FAVORITE PREGAME HYPE SONG

“DREAMS AND NIGHTMARES” BY MEEK MILL

A&E

OCTOBER 2023 | 23

ABOUT THE EXPRESS CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Email: BVNWnewspaper@bluevalleyk12.org

RESPONDING TO THE PUBLICATION Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com. Letters may be published either on BVNWnews.com or in our print edition. Letters may be edited.

ABOUT US The Express is the official high school news publication of Blue Valley Northwest High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This is the October Issue of Volume 31. The Express is printed by Valley Print Logistics, 160 S Sheridan Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147.

DISCLAIMER This is a student publication and may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees disclaim any responsibility for the content of this student publication; it is not an expression of School District Policy. Students and editors are solely responsible for the content of this student publication.

EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT BVNW Publications is committed to amplifying the voices of our student body and community, no matter the color of skin, religious belief, financial status, gender or sexuality. We are an independent platform that by practice, and by law, is not a mouthpiece of the school district. We promise to cover all stories with fact and integrity. We stand in solidarity with all people who are fighting for equality. We promise to educate ourselves and represent our entire community to our audience to the best of our ability. For our students, teachers, readers, viewers and families who are struggling for equality, we deplore the injustices you face. We strive to be a unifying platform that celebrates diversity and shares your stories, and we will continue to work toward increasing minority voices internally, as well as externally. We may not always get it right, but we will try, and we will listen and be open to suggestions on how to better tell your stories.

THE EXPRESS STAFF Editors in Chief Design Editor Lexington Jones Lila Vancrum

Avery Sigg

Online Editor

Social Media Editor

Jenya Jithesh

Copy Editor

Hannah Rakolta

Managing Editor

Bridget Hamlin

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari

Alex Cowdrey

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

Chief Writer Sydney Barnett

Chief Photographer Remi Nuss

Podcast Host Saraphina Wambi

Writers

Lindsay Maresh Saraphina Wambi Addie Aadland Harper Latta Nafsiya Hafiz Blen Belachew Danielle Croom Maggie Dahl Alyssa Gagnon Adria Heinauer Madison Kraft

Sara Scheibel Miles Thomas Sri Trikona Reagan Wald Inaya Zaman Sanaee Joshi Rishitha Bonthu

Assistant Adviser

Amanda Ford

Adviser

Jim McCrossen

Photographers Libby Addison Rachel King

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