The Express - December Issue

The Express

The effect of a major injury and the road to recovery.

PAGE 16

A Season

on

Pause VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 3 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

CONTENTS 4

EDITORIAL

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Sarah Derks

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OPINION Talking Stage Trap

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OPINION Success has no Formula

FEATURES

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Student Spotlight: Ford Bevins

Senior Ford Bevins transferred to Northwest before second semester last year and joined multiple activities, including the connections program and varsity football.

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Invest Don’t Rest

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Behind the Scenes

Investing Club offers a place for students to gain interest and preparation for long-term financial plans.

Staff members in various positions at Northwest are recognized for their efforts to keep the school running.

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

16

A Season on Pause A major injury puts an end to an athlete’s season. Junior Max Moser, defensive back on the varsity football team, fractured the head of his ulna and dislocated his elbow during the first playoff game this season.

“We work so hard to be able to go out there and play to the best of our ability and to not be able to play is frustrating,” Max said. “I wasn’t even that mad about my injury, I’m more mad at the fact that I can’t play.”

A&E

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A&E

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WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?

SAVOR THE SEASON

A recap of major news this year.

A collection of family recipes and traditions from students and staff.

CONTENTS

A&E

INTERACTIVE

COLLEGE EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY

QUIZ: WHICH TEACHER ARE YOU MOST LIKE?

Alumni share what they thought college would be like, vs. what it actually is like.

A holiday themed quiz to find out which Northwest teacher you are most similar to.

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DECEMBER 2024 | 03

THE MOST

WONDERFUL

TIME OF THE YEAR As we near the holidays, life becomes hectic. Teenagers are stressed cramming for finals, moms are fighting over the newest toy at the mall on Black Friday, and everyone is pressured to have the perfect start to a new year. With all this chaos, the holidays can sometimes feel like another checklist—something we must endure rather than enjoy.

People are constantly disappointed by “the most wonderful time of the year.” We get so caught up in aspects of our normal lives and putting on the holidays for those around us that we become focused on simply getting through the season rather than relishing it.

It is easy to treat the holidays like just another task on our plate of never-ending things, especially since they no longer have the same magic they did when we were younger. As kids, we glorified the holiday season. The lights, elementary school parties and seasonal episodes excited us as we impatiently waited for the holidays to finally come. As teenagers, this anticipation doesn’t exist. While studying for finals, trying to find the perfect gift for Grandma and navigating unpredictable weather and icy roads, we naturally lose our childhood cheer.

Rather than let this ruin the season for us, it is our responsibility to make the holiday season enjoyable again. It is our responsibility to make this time of year magical. The holidays didn’t change, we did.

When we focus on what we can give toothers rather than curating a perfect

04 | THE EXPRESS

holiday, the season starts to feel full again.

Even if you do not have a family to host or a big gathering, there are other ways to participate in all the gifts that come with the season.

If you struggle to find your place this holiday season, find community through service. Donate to those in need. If you cannot donate money, donate time. By helping others, you help yourself.

Acts of service and kindness trigger a chemical response in the brain releasing serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.

Serotonin regulates your mood, dopamine gives you a sense of pleasure and oxytocin creates a sense of connection with others.

The combination of these creates what is known as a “helper’s high” which boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combats feelings of depression.

The holidays are not about decorations, presents or even fantastic food; they are about connecting with others through gratitude and joy. It is crucial to be abundantly kind to people during this time of year because, for many, the holidays are a reminder of loved ones they have lost or the communities they do not have. Extend the holiday spirit to all those around you, and the season will become better for everyone.

Restore the magic of your holiday season by making it magical for others. When you shift your focus from receiving to giving, you’ll find that the holidays become meaningful again, and they truly will be the most wonderful time of the year.

EDITORIAL

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: SARAH DERKS Dear Express Staff, In your last issue, the Staff Opinion piece centered around the new board policy on cell phone usage. There were two passages that stood out that I could not ignore.

The first was the statement, “we were never taught how to properly use our phones in school.” What does this request look like for a student? What do you want teachers to do beyond what we already have for years - we started with a stoplight, then we added cell phone caddies, and now a board policy and at every step of the way, students resisted. I know in my classroom, I speak to the reality that students cannot pay attention to their phone, music and me at the same time, but year after year, students don’t change.

The way I understand your opinion is that the board policy has gone too far too fast, but you have to understand that educators have been fighting this fight for over ten years.

We have witnessed the fall of attention in the classroom, and no amount of “teaching” about how to use your cell phone has helped. BUT, if you want to learn “the why” this policy is necessary, I shall address that as a science teacher.

You have a brain. This brain develops in chunks. Your “reptilian” brain is the back part.

It helps you survive. That develops first. Later, the middle part of your cerebrum (top mushy part) develops as you learn new things. The final part to fully develop is your prefrontal cortex. This is right behind your forehead.

Your prefrontal cortex is what makes humans special compared to other primates. This is your intelligence part, and it is still forming.

If you look at an adult brain, there are lots of gyre (folds) in the brain - this aligns with

GUEST OPINION

of gyre (folds) in the brain - this aligns with knowledge acquired and passage of time. In the adolescent brain there are not as many and specifically, you are missing the part of the brain that tells you right from wrong.

Right now, your brain is pruning parts it doesn’t need and making stronger connections to things you do. You are LEARNING right from wrong by living life, being told stop or go. This time in your life is vital for identity and growth and survival. All of this is a biological fact, it’s not your fault, but that’s what makes it our job to tell you no, and that’s the reason for the policy.

The second passage I noticed was a complaint that teachers were taught why cell phones are not healthy but you weren’t, so here you go. In addition to the wiring of your adolescent brain as described above, there is the part that controls speech and language comprehension called Wernicke’s area. The key word in that Google definition is comprehension. This means to take in language of sound or text, process, interpret, and figure out what is being said.

The words that are coming out of my mouth as a teacher are speech, the words that are on the screen of your phone are speech, and the music running through your headphones usually has words, which are also speech. The neurons in Wernicke’s area are taking all that language and trying to comprehend what is being said.

Scan to read... the orginial editorial:

the rest of the letter:

NOVEMBER 2024 | 05

TALKING STAGE

TRAP

Written by Natalie Churchill, Designed by Ellie Votypka

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feelings or a relationship, then you ne of my best friends should not have been in the talking “talked” to a guy stage in the first place. for more than five Rushing into a relationship months. Or, so she without knowing the other person thought. She put in or realizing what a relationship effort and thought this could lead takes can be problematic. However, to one of the best relationships she people who spend forever in the has had. Unfortunately, they did not talking stage without saying how define their relationship. So, while they feel are not protected from she was giggling over texts, missing heartache. If you invest mental him while traveling and thinking power and emotional attachment about possible homecoming plans, into someone, then it is inevitable he was talking to another girl. This that there will be some sort of pain misunderstanding led to heartache if things end. over a guy she You date for was not even either a future dating. or a heartbreak.

The talking If you have a problem All of this is stage is what committing to your to say, I do not teenagers often think being in refer to as how feelings or a relationship, a talking stage two interested then you should not have is wrong. If you people get to think talking know each other been in the talking stage could lead to a without officially real relationship, dating. It is about in the first place. then tell the exploring your other person dynamic with and let them the other person. know. If not, Relationships then tell them that too. take commitment and the talking Spending one month getting to stage is what people do to get to that know the other person provides level of commitment. plenty of time to figure out what According to Connecticut you want. Talking and flirting for 30 PsychCentral, it takes teenagers days should be enough to figure out two to eight weeks to fall in love whether or not this person is worth and about 12 weeks to admit to your effort. being in love. A month is plenty of If my friend had just talked time to romantically understand to him and established their the other person, or at least to relationship status toward the begin to understand what dating beginning of their talking stage could be like. then it would have prevented the After that month, the constant false hope and miscommunication.

“What if they don’t like me back?”, The future of the relationship “What if I get rejected?” and “I don’t should come from a conversation want to get hurt!” will lead to more with the people involved. If you heartache than just being brave and do not feel comfortable talking to talking about how you feel. If you the other person about what you have a problem committing to your

06 | THE EXPRESS

want from a relationship, then you should not date them.

Casual dating in high school is fine, but dating is about finding who could be the one. It does not necessarily mean that dating in high school is for marriage; realistically, marrying your high school partner is unlikely. However, being in a relationship with someone who challenges you and creates a positive environment for you to be yourself is important. Talking and flirting for four weeks and then creating a relationship to grow and better yourselves together is a positive high school experience. Casually dating to figure out what you look for in a partner is completely normal, but it is important that by the one-month mark of talking, you lay down what you want from the relationship.

Dating is a commitment that two people make to each other. If you are not ready for that commitment, that is okay. Just let the parties involved know how you feel on the subject. It really is for the best.

OPINION

SUCCESS

HAS NO FORMULA

I

n the halls of Northwest, college posters are everywhere; there are QR codes leading to college fairs, lists of SAT prep classes and constant reminders about upcoming college visits. I can’t go a single day without hearing about the “perfect college application” and the need to stack my resume with AP classes and extracurriculars I know I will might even loathe. Clearly, high school is about preparing us for college, but where are the resources for students who don’t want to follow the traditional “route to success?”

While college is a great option for some, it’s not for everyone. High school should be about preparing us for a variety of futures, not just one. Yet, at Northwest, the majority of resources cater to collegebound students. In fact, 20 out of 24 posters on the wall next to the student services office are college related. Meanwhile, there are barely any visible resources for students exploring trades, gap years or other post-secondary high school options. Students interested in these alternatives often need to search harder to get “specialized” attention.

According to Northwest’s Registrar Jamie Berry, only 10% of students go on a “non-traditional” pathway after graduating from BVNW. This percentage includes students who take a gap year, go straight into the workforce or attend a trade school.

It’s easy to feel the pressure.

High school is all about getting into a good college, and anything less is seen as a failure. I’ve overheard countless conversations at lunch about AP classes, with friends telling me I’m “wasting my potential” if I take an elective like Child Development & Human

OPINION

Written by Danielle Croom, Designed by Ellie Votypka

Growth instead of something more mom is a pediatrician, people react “impressive” to colleges. This with admiration and assume we’re mentality, especially in a wealthy wealthy. When I mention my interest community like ours, reinforces in early childhood education, the idea that if we don’t go to mental health counseling, interior college, we are somehow missing staging or journalism, I get that out on success. look of, “Why don’t you want to be Trade careers like plumbing, successful too?” mechanics, cosmetology and This mindset needs to change. We janitorial work are vital to our need to stop assuming the only way society. Without them, who would to be successful is through college. pick up those nasty pieces of gum Trade careers and alternative paths you find under the desks? Where are just as valuable and deserve the will you go to fix your dark roots? same respect. Parents, teachers Who will clear the snow off the and adults need to rethink how they roads at 5 a.m. before we even go to engage with students. Instead of school? Despite asking, “Where this, students are you going who express to college?” interest in these ask, “What are It’s not about titles or careers are your plans after often dismissed high school?” the amount of money or steered Let’s create an you make, it’s about toward college, environment even though where all paths— finding a path that brings these jobs are college, trade you fulfillment and just as valuable school, a gap year as any degree. or the workforce— contributes to society.

I recently are valued equally. came across Students are a Reddit post listening, and where someone we deserve the said their best job was being a freedom to choose whatever journey janitor. They wrote, “I worked 40 is right for us. hours a week and made 12.50 an hour. My job was cleaning banks at night, I would clean while listening to podcasts and it was so relaxing.

There was no stress whatsoever.

My family were embarrassed of me, they didn’t think I was living up to my potential. I didn’t care though because I was so content with life.”

It’s time to redefine success. It’s not about titles or the amount of money you make, it’s about finding a path that brings you fulfillment and contributes to society. When I say my dad is a neurologist and my

DECEMBER 2024 | 07

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:

FORD BEVINS An inside look at how senior Ford Bevins has made his impact at Northwest

Written by Ruby Halverson and Sara Scheibel, Photographed by Rachel King, Designed by Iqra Nadeem

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s a peer mentor in the connections program, a class to assist students with disabilities, senior Ford Bevins said he has made lifelong memories. He took seniors Alex Biancalana and Michael Rice and junior Clayton Trysla to the homecoming dance this year and said it was a core memory of his due to the excitement and fun they experienced.

“Clayton was up in the very front dancing his heart out,” Bevins said. “It wasn’t just like every other dance. It was something I actually enjoyed.”

Bevins transferred to Northwest at the start of the second semester last year and got involved with multiple activities, one of which was the connections program. Bevins said he started helping with the program as a freshman at Blue Valley High School and wanted to continue after transferring.

“It’s been a place in my heart where I feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m able to help them,” Bevins said.

“Honestly, they do more for me than I could ever do for them.”

Connections is a class for people with disabilities who are in the intensive resource program. As a peer tutor, it

08 | THE EXPRESS

is an opportunity to mentor playing games. On what is students with disabilities and known as Fun Friday in the help them learn social skills. connections class, he said they Bevins said he helps play Uno together and it is a students in the class get started fun time. on projects and assignments.

Likewise, Bevins said Trysla He said it is a fun class and he is a super sweet kid and he loves is happy for the opportunity to to be around him. participate in it. Bevins said his “I can talk to Clayton about favorite part of the class is the anything. He can tell me people he has about anything. met.

I think I can be a “I’ve been mentor in his life, really close because [it is] an Honestly, they do with Clayton importance I see in more for me than and Michael,” our relationship,” Bevins said.

Bevins said.

I could ever do for “Getting to Bevins said he them. hang out and Clayton have with them is a strong bond that - FORD BEVINS awesome.” allows them to Bevins said connect easily. He he has an said they have lots especially of inside jokes and strong bond with Trysla. He have a good time together. said they always have a fun Bevins’ mom Kortney Bevins time at lunch and in weights said she sees Ford’s empathy class. and thoughtfulness in what he Trysla said he views Bevins does. She said he has expressed not only as a leader in the that working with people with classroom, but as a friend. He disabilities is a passion of his said he likes it when Bevins and people tend to continue to tells jokes and thinks he is do what they enjoy. really funny. “[One time] he was helping “He’s a good guy. He’s funny teach them how to ride a bike, and he’s smart,” Trysla said. “We [and] he was just on cloud nine,” like him. He’s a peer model.”

Kortney said. “He was so excited.

Trysla said Bevins does He talked about it for weeks.” many activities with him, like Along with Connections,

FEATURE

Bevins joined the Northwest football team after transferring.

He said the bond he has formed with the team is awesome. He explained as the season went on, the team got stronger.

One teammate Bevins said he is close with is freshman Baron Marshall.

Marshall said he met Bevins over the summer during football workouts and admired how funny and kind he was to people. Since they are both currently injured, he said they talked every day on the sideline.

He said Bevins has a lot to say and will talk about anything.

Marshall said Bevins makes a difference on the team and ensures everyone is feeling

happy and doing well.

“I’d say he’s a leader, and he encourages people to do better,” Marshall said.

He said Bevins has grown on the team in being more vocal and reaching out to the players.

Similarly, Bevins said he has become more social as the year has progressed. He said it has been fun to be on the football team, hanging out with the guys and getting to know new people in this aspect of his life.

“It’s been getting better and better. We have leaders like [seniors] Brock [Heath] and Andrew [Babalola] [who] have stepped up and said ‘We got to be together as a team to win this.’ I think a lot of people have

taken that to heart,” Bevins said.

Kortney said she admires her son’s mental strength and how hard he works. She said this trait has grown over the years, along with Bevins staying true to himself in and out of school.

“He doesn’t try to act differently or try to be anybody that he’s not to impress people,” Kortney said.

Despite not having the easiest of paths, Kortney said Bevins is not a quitter and sticks to his belief system. She said transferring schools was something she was nervous about him going through since both Kortney and her husband come from small towns but her son exceeded her expectations in many ways.

“He was just fearless in it.

It was really admirable to see him think through the whole process,” Kortney said.

Kortney also said Bevins has made her very proud of all he has accomplished and the mental toughness and positivity he maintains throughout the ups and downs.

Bevins attributed a lot of his character to his passion for music, which he said he has been pursuing since he was around 8 years old. He said music has helped him build self-confidence and resilience.

“I could go up in front of anybody, any stage and play so [it’s] a confidence booster for me,” Bevins said.

He said he was able to find his love of music largely through his mom, who always

Quarterback and senior Ford Bevins runs the ball against Shawnee Mission Northwest Sept. 13. “Football is important to me because it is a way to decompress and spend time with friends,” Bevins said. “I’m proud of how I grew as a person because of football.”

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2024 | 09

Bevins poses with his guitar in his senior pictures. “Playing guitar is a way to express myself,” he said. “I have always

loved music and it has always been an outlet for me.”

(Photo courtesy of Whitney Benson Photography)

kept it in their lives. able to sing and play the guitar “From the moment he was born, at the commemoration. In that the moment he could walk and talk, moment, she said she has never felt he was singing. I think he was a more impressed with her son, and little under two, and he was singing nothing else could make her more Folsom Prison proud of him.

Blues [by] Johnny “He has a Cash in church. really good ear, He doesn’t try to act It was absolutely [and] he has differently or try to hysterical,” taken guitar Kortney said. lessons. It was be somebody that Kortney said [so] rewarding he’s not to impress watching her to hear him son’s love of start singing in people. music grow has public, and to been extremely be so fearless,” - KORTNEY BEVINS rewarding for her.

Kortney said.

When an She said she unexpected was so excited funeral came up for her fatherto see him try something in-law, Kortney said Bevins was different and express himself

10 | THE EXPRESS

in a new way.

“It’s a way to express myself, a way to, even if I’m not even being serious, find another sense of joy,” Bevins said.

With the many passions and interests Bevins has expressed, he said transferring to Northwest has allowed him to learn more about himself. “[I] just appreciate everything [I have].” Bevins said. “All of these activities help make me who I am and [I] can’t imagine what I would be without them.”

FEATURE

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OCTOBER 2024 | 11

INVEST, DON’T REST

As investing gains popularity among students, a club offers insight into enhancing financial literacy for long-term financial goals Written by Blen Belachew, Photographed by Miles Thomas, Designed by Hailey Heckman

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wo days after selling his stock in Tesla at $270 a share with his father, senior MairtClydrick “Mc” Nagar said Tesla’s share price rose to $300, leaving him upset at his financial loss.

“I would have made somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 more dollars if we had just waited, but at the end of the day, you never know where a stock is going to go,” Nagar said.

In his freshman year of high school, Nagar said his father exposed him to the world of finance through watching videos of the successful businessman, Warren Buffet. Now, he is the president of Northwest’s investing club. “[Investing] calls me to be more financially literate and know what I’m talking about,” Nagar said. “I’m just getting to know more about investing, and then spewing those findings to my members.”

Nagar said he ran for president of the Investing Club because he wanted to elevate the club’s recognition and lead a group of people. Last year, he said there were not many members in the club and he hoped to increase the number this year.

“It was not as exciting. There wasn’t much energy in my

12 | THE EXPRESS

mind,” Nagar said. “When I was all of the involvement going at the meetings, I was like, ‘If on and the buzz that’s going I were the president, I could around and how big it’s grown,” definitely make things way Nagar said. “I feel like that’s bigger and make a big impact on worth the cost.” this club.’”

Additionally, on the second Senior Evie Fisher is in meeting of the school year, charge of media and outreach Nagar said he promised the for the club. She said Nagar club that he would let a club has promoted it through member buzz his hair if the club a revamped social media met the $500 mark through the presence and running more simulated account. hands-on activities.

“If we meet $500, we can “He has been spending so pay for senior cords, fund our much time and dedication to own catering event, and donate this club, as well as making it excess funds to charities,” Nagar fun for others,” Fisher said. said. “Shaving my head is just a “We invest his actual money, little cherry on top.” and we as a club get to decide Fisher said alongside where we invest.” educating members, one of Nagar the club’s main said all of objectives is to the club’s bring everyone Everybody should activities together. come join. It’s a really are funded “The community fun time, a really great out of his that has come from account. this has been so community and a great He said it great,” Fisher said. way to get involved in typically “We’re getting to Northwest. costs $60 meet kids from all every different grades, -EVIE FISHER month to and everybody’s fund the been talking to meetings, but he’s been working one another and having fun and more shifts to compensate for learning about investing.” the money going to the club.

Financial Literacy teacher Erin “I don’t care about the fact Izzo said she has noticed a rise that I have to pay for all of it in student interest in investing. because of just how much I love She said her students participate

FEATURE

QR Code for the Investing Club GroupMe

Important Vocabulary Investing Club President senior Mc Nagar informs his club on the most popular stocks. “Everyone in the club has their own opinions on what stocks you should invest in,” Nagar said. “The stocks that are most popular among the club, we actually choose to invest in that.” in projects, such as online simulated accounts mimicking the stock market, to teach core concepts such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

“Students have $100,000 to choose investments they would be interested in and see how that simulated account might fluctuate throughout a semester,” Izzo said. “I’m always happily surprised to hear students tell me [about] the level of knowledge and the level of interest that they have in investing.”

Izzo said it is important for students to learn about investing and take advantage of setting themselves up financially to achieve more in the long run.

“At a young age, they can take advantage of compound interest, which means that as your investments grow, you’re earning interest on the interest that you accrue in those accounts,” Izzo said.

Through each investment,

FEATURE

Nagar said he will continue investing in the future because of the money he is accruing over time. However, he said if students are interested in investing, committing to the time required to maximize the stock market’s benefits is important.

“Investing money carefully is such a tedious process, and you really need a lot of time and attention to it every single day, just to make sure that nothing goes awry,” Nagar said. “Kids tend to be really impatient, and investing is all about patience, and you’re never going to make money if you’re not patient with your own money.”

Similarly, Izzo said students should be patient with the stock market and allow it to take its course to reach their financial goals but also be conscious of the amount of money they’ve invested.

“You can’t be in a situation where you need to sell [your

Accrue - to accumulate an amount of money in increments Stock - an asset made of shares which represents a company Interest - an additional amount to be paid on top of regular rates Share - the unit of measurement defining a fractional piece of ownership of a company Definitions from Mc Nagar stocks] in order to pay for day-to-day expenses,” Izzo said. “Be aware that when you do invest for the long term, it’s not always going to go up immediately.”

Fisher said students should join the Investing Club because the world revolves around money.

“At every single meeting I’m learning more about the investing world,” Fisher said.

“Everybody should come join.

It’s a really fun time, a really great community and a great way to get involved in Northwest.”

DECEMBER 2024 | 13

What happened A look into major news headlines from 2024 Written by Ruby Halverson, Designed by Blen Belachew

Top Stories

Feb. 14

Shooting at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade A 43-year-old woman died and more than 20 civilians were injured during a shooting which occurred at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, Feb. 14. Two juveniles were detained by the a uthorities and charged with connection to the shooting and g un-related crimes.

Caitlin Clark breaks the NCAA Division I record for most points scored

March 1

The University of Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA Division I record for most points scored, man or woman. On Feb. 15, Clark broke the women’s overall record with 3,569 points. Two weeks later, she broke the record for most points scored of all time with 3,685 points. At the end of her college career, Clark had 3,951 points.

May 30

Donald Trump is found guilty in New York criminal case

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records on May 30. This is the first time in American history that a former or current president has been convicted of criminal charges.

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A&E

this year?

All News Images Videos Shopping Forums Web : More

Aug. 17

USA takes home the most golds for the 2024 Summer Olympics Paris hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics. The United States took home 126 medals, the most overall at the games, with 40 gold, 44 silver and 42 bronze. Though tied with China for the most gold, this was the United States’ eighth consecutive Summer Olympics win in overall medal count.

One Direction star Liam Payne dies One Direction star Liam Payne died at 5:07 p.m. local time on Oct. 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. He and his girlfriend were visiting his former bandmate, Niall Horan.

Payne was reported dead at the scene.

Nov. 6

Tools

Oct. 16

Trump is named the winner of the 2024 Presidential Election Donald Trump was named the winner of this year’s election on Nov. 6. He is set to take office in January of 2025, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump swept several key battleground states and won more votes than any other candidate.

SpaceX launches a sixth test flight to land on Mars

Nov. 19

Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched a rocket in Boca Chica, Texas for a sixth test run in an attempt to reach Mars on Nov. 19. Musk said h umans will be able to land on the red planet within the next f our years, furthering discoveries of our universe.

A&E

DECEMBER 2024 | 15

A SEASON On The consequences of facing a major sports injury as a student-athlete Written by Adria Heinauer and Emily Olm-Shipman, Photographed by Ellie Votypka, Designed by Claire Elley

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oncern, worry and nausea are all Michael Moser said he could feel when his son, junior Max Moser, defensive back on the BVNW football team, fractured the head of his ulna and dislocated his elbow. Michael described this experience as watching his fears in real life.

“It’s really hard to sit there when he pops up and his arm’s facing the wrong way,” Michael said.

Max was injured early in the first playoff game of the season against Shawnee Mission North.

Prior to the injury, Michael said the atmosphere was full of excitement and anticipation as it was also Halloween.

“It looked like the guys came out of the tunnel really amped up to play football,” Michael said. “When the game started, they seemed to be playing with a lot of adrenaline and speed.”

Max said missing the playoffs was disappointing because it’s the best part of his season.

“The first night I was so upset

16 | THE EXPRESS

because I’m out for the year,” Max Max’s girlfriend and member of said. “Regular season is fun, but The Pack Dance Team, junior Devon playoffs just feel different.”

Hotze, said she was scared while Max said he was initially in shock watching Max’s injury from the and frustrated. sideline.

“We work so hard to be able to go “When you care about someone out there and play to the best of our a lot it sucks to see them get hurt, ability and to not be able to play is especially doing something they frustrating,” Max said. “I wasn’t even love so much,” Hotze said. “I that mad about got emotional my injury, I’m because I didn’t jh more mad at know what the fact that I happened and I can’t play.” was worried for I wasn’t even that mad After getting him.” about my injury, I’m home at 3:30 Throughout the a.m. from a rest of the game more mad at the fact long night and the following that I can’t play. at the ER day at school, consisting Hotze said she of X-rays, struggled to focus. pain meds “When halftime -MAX MOSER and waiting, rolled around, I Max said he forgot a part of received lots of encouraging texts the dance because my mind was from his teammates. somewhere else,” Hotze said.

“It’s nice to see that they care During Max’s recovery, she said about me,” Max said. “Multiple she plans on being a support system people came and visited me, and for him. that helped me get through it.”

“If he needs someone to talk

FEATURE

to, I’m trying to be there for him,” Hotze said.

Physical Therapist Ben Peterson, who does not treat Max, said encouragement is a very important aspect of his job because of the mental toll injuries can take on athletes.

“When you’re out there performing at a very high level and then all of a sudden you can’t do it, doubt can creep in and you can lose hope,” Peterson said. “A big part of this is coaching and encouragement that everything’s going to be alright.”

Peterson said the most common injury he treats is sprained ankles but this year he’s treated an unusual amount of fractures.

Similarly, Michael Moser said Max’s orthopedic surgeon said there has been an increase in injuries this year.

“The first thing he said to me is, ‘I don’t know what’s going on.

This year, I’ve seen more injuries like Max’s than I have in my whole career,’” Michael said.

Similarly, BVNW Athletic Trainer Christy Grimes said she and other schools noticed an increase in severe injuries.

“I would say this season the injuries were more severe, not necessarily the most,” Grimes said.

“This was a lot more severe seasonending type injuries.”

Grimes said she normally treats one fracture a season for a sport but this year she treated an unusual amount.

“This fall season, I probably had more injuries than I’ve had in years. In one season, I had about a fracture a week, and that was just in football,” Grimes said.

Freshman Drew Aadland has experienced two major injuries in the past two years. After tearing his meniscus, which cut his eighthgrade football season short, Aadland said he was excited to get back to playing football. During his first game after being out for five

months, he tore his ACL on a play nearly identical to what caused his previous meniscus injury. Aadland said it was against the same team, tackling the same kid on the same type of play.

“It hurt pretty bad, but I was more frustrated [with] the fact that I knew this was happening again,” Aadland said. “I felt the same pain, felt everything the same, so I just had the same feeling.”

Aadland said this season is now very different from what he imagined.

“Sitting there watching, helping

out, [and] throwing some balls really is all I can do,” Aadland said. “I had a schedule planned out for the beginning of the year and now it’s just nothing.”

Similarly, junior Ava Jennings, The Pack Dance Team co-captain, said this season has been very different from what she expected due to a recurring injury involving her flexor hallucis longus tendon in her ankle. Jennings said she had to miss dancing at the first two football games.

“I had to sit out and watch, which [was] definitely hard because when

Freshman Drew Aadland works on strengthening his knee for recovery at the University of Kansas rehabilitation facility.

FEATURE

DECEMBER 2024 | 17

Junior Ava Jennings dances during halftime in a varsity football game. “I remember the first day I finally felt like I wasn’t in pain dancing,” Jennings said. “It was very

rejuvenating. “Every single time I do something I hadn’t done since I got surgery, it’s exciting.”

you really love a sport, not being excruciating pain in her ankle. able to do it can affect your mental “I was active for 30-plus hours a health,” Jennings said. “Having your week,” Jennings said. “It wore down activity taken away just leaves you the tendon, and eventually it started bored.” tearing.”

Jennings After nationals, jh said her Jennings said she injury began stopped putting off I had a schedule freshman professional help year due and found her injury planned out for the to overuse. was more serious beginning of the She was than she initially participating thought. She said year and now it’s just in track she hoped physical nothing. while also therapy would help, dancing. but she ended up -DREW AADLAND Due to a needing surgery. lack of time, “I thought it was she said she just one of those didn’t get the strain addressed. things that would go away, but I did After the initial strain, Jennings physical therapy for about a year and began preparing with her studio it didn’t really get fixed,” Jennings for a national competition. She said said. “I finally went to an orthopedic she had really long days and felt doctor and they said the option was

18 | THE EXPRESS

either to keep dancing on it or get surgery to fix it.”

Jennings said she decided to get surgery to prevent further injury in the future which could inhibit her from dancing in college.

“It was really important for me to get it done now and get it done as [quickly] as possible so I could continue to progress,” Jennings said.

Jennings is still recovering from the surgery and goes to physical therapy 3-4 times a week to work on strength and mobility.

Aadland said the recovery for his ACL is expected to take 8-10 months, also causing him to miss his freshman-year baseball season.

“I was really frustrated with the fact that I wouldn’t be able to play baseball. I really wanted to show a good impression and everything,” Aadland said Aadland’s parents Todd and

FEATURE

Mandie Aadland said they saw him go through frustration and anger while coping with reinjuring his knee after all the time, energy and effort he had already put into recovering after his first surgery.

“It hurts as a mom and a dad on the sidelines,” Mandie said. “The first injury, there’s a lot of unknown, then when he re-injured it the second time, it was immediately known that we were looking at another surgery in the near-term future.”

Along with missing the rest of the football season, Max said he will miss the beginning of the basketball season.

He is expected to have

a minimum of a six to eight-week recovery process.

Michael said his son has dealt with the recovery process well.

“I see him mentoring at the football games to the players that are stepping up to take the place of some of the injured players,” Michael said. “I see him very active on the sidelines and being the team’s support and biggest cheerleader.”

Throughout his recovery, Max said he plans to stay positive and help his teammates.

“I’m trying to hype up my teammates whenever they make a good play and trying not to get too down about it, because it kind of sucks, but I’m just trying to stay

positive,” Max said.

Jennings also said it’s important to stay positive while recovering from an injury.

“Focus on recovery. Don’t look at the bad side of things,” Jennings said. “Look at the fact that as soon as you’re able to get back, you’re going to be so much better and progress so much more than you had because you’re not in pain anymore.”

Injury Types Last Six Months

Max Moser dislocated his elbow Max Moser fractured his unla

Concussion

Sprain

Fracture

Other Cardiovascular Disorder

Bursitis

Other

Injury Locations Last Six Months

Drew Aadland tore his meniscus and ACL Ava Jennings injury invoved her flexor hallucis longus tendon

FEATURE

Brain

Elbow

Shoulder

Ankle

Cardiovascular

Other

Information from Athletic Trainer Christy Grimes and athletes

DECEMBER 2024 | 19

SAVOR THE

SEASON Students and staff share their family holiday recipes Written by Rishitha Bonthu, Designed by Sri Trikona

1

Anna ScheibeL’S

1

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Freshman Anna Scheibel’s mom started making this recipe for people who were struggling and as a way to congratulate people. This continued to be a family tradition that her family participated in. Their secret is using a pizza stone instead of a normal pan and making the dough into firm balls. Scheibel said she began making them when she was 8 years old and she would always help her mom whenever she was baking in the kitchen which fueled her own love for baking.

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F.

6. Turn mixer to low speed add in 1.5 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and blend.

2. In a mixer, blend a stick of unsalted, room temperature butter with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup granulated sugar.

7. Scoop cookie dough mixture into balls and place on pizza stone

3. Add in one room temperature egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, mix well.

8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the tops of cookies are lightly brown

4. In a separate bowl, sift 1.5 cups of flour with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.

5. Slowly add flour mixture into mixer bowl and blend.

20 | THE EXPRESS

FEATURE

V

AMIRA BOWERs’

SAND tarts Source: Paula Deen

V

Junior Amira Bower’s mom started making these sand tarts two years ago and has continued to make them for Christmas ever since. After she made them the first time, every year they have been making these cookies. The recipe hasn’t changed over the years, but her family loves to make them because they’re delicious and find it enjoyable to bake.

1. Preheat the oven to 270 F. 2. Cream one cup of softened butter and 1.5 cups of sugar until smooth, using an electric mixer at low speed, then add in one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and gradually add 1.75 cups of all purpose flour.

5. Place the cookies 1-inch apart on cookie sheets.

6. Bake for 40 minutes.

7. Dust with powdered sugar while warm.

3. Add one cup of chopped pecans with a spatula.

4. Take out about 1-tablespoon of dough and shape it into a crescent.

Sheryl LAUGHLIN’S

HOT MEXICAn-STYLE SPINACH DIP

h

h

Source: Church of Nativity Cookbook

Office staff Sheryl Laughlin has been making the dip for 35-40 years, with a recipe she got years ago from the church. The spinach dip recipe comes together very quickly, and can be eaten when ready. She said it is best to make it in advance and bake it when you're ready.

1. Saute one chopped, medium sized onion in two tablespoons of hot oil until softened; 4. Additoinally, add two cans of drained stirring occasionally. sliced black olives, one tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper.

2. Add two ripe, peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes and four ounces of 5. Spoon the mixture into a shallow drained jalapenos and cook for two minutes. ovenproof baking dish.

3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in two cups of grated Monterey jack cheese, eight ounces of room temperature cubed cream cheese, one cup of half and half, and ten ounces of thawed and squeezed dry frozen spinach.

FEATURE

6. Bake at 400 F until the dip is bubbly and browned (about 35 minutes).

7. Serve with tortilla chips.

DECEMBER 2024 | 21

College Expectations Vs. Reality

BVNW alumni compare their college expectations to the realities as freshmen while senior Mayah Newman shares her predictions for next year Written by Danielle Croom, Photographed by Paige Mailliard, Designed by Claire Elley

: Ronan Gander Alabama

Attends: University of Studies: Mechanical Engineering Fraternity: Delta Chi

Expectations:

Reality:

night, still have to • Not partying every ol work. scho less and ies part uent Freq • keep up with work.

• Prominent hookup culture. crazier with more • Fraternity parties get es.

• To be very close with roommat se together and clo y ver people standing t to wan and time the all esick hom be • To more drinking games. come home way regularly. don’t heart much • Hookup culture heavy; being • Strict attendance with grades nships. tio rela about long-term mostly focused on attendance. ates. mm roo like lly • Doesn’t rea , not in e, Gander said • Eating more meals in the dorm hom ses mis l stil he ile • Wh the dining hall. he loves life in Alabama. s. club • Join no a couple of friends • Stays in touch with and s polo of lot a r Wea • from high school. khakis everywhere. nt varies • Attendance requireme • It to be a more mature setting. between class. pus • Students walking around cam ney, as most of Hasn’t spent a lot of mo • is. wearing polos and khak fraternity house. the the meals come from school. o clubs to be tw • More mature setting than high st lea at • Required to join in the fraternity. they do at BVNW. • Students dress like dents is not very stu • Maturity among ool. sch h hig m different fro

University of Alabama freshman Ronan Gander (second from the left) stands with his pledge brothers at the first home football game of the season on Aug. 31. (Photo courtesy of Ronan Gander)

22 | THE EXPRESS

A&E

Remi Nuss:

Attends: Louisiana State University Studies: Psychology with a concentration in cognitive neuroscience Athletics: D1 athlete in indoor girls volleyball

Reality:

Expectations: • •

Tough and intense.

A pretty supportive/strong fan base.

Close relationship with teammates.

Busy move in day with help of family.

Adapt quickly to the surroundings in Louisiana.

• • •

• •

• •

Louisiana State University freshman Remi Nuss (right) stands • with fifth-year teammate Bailey Ortega (left) at the LSU vs. Ole Miss football game on Oct. 12.

(Photo courtesy of Remi Nuss)

Exactly what she expected but Nuss has a wonderful support staff.

Stronger fan base than expected with people in Louisiana “bleeding purple and gold throughout the school, especially athletes,” Nuss said.

Hard to make friends outside of volleyball.

Moved into LSU while still attending BVNW, moved in by herself and with the help of coaches and teamates.

Being away from family and friends has been the toughest part. Though it’s tough, it’s incredibly worth it.

Mayah Newman:

Planning to attend: Kansas Sta te University Planning to study: Integrative Physiology

Expectations:

• • • •

Lots of parties with illegal acti vity.

Hard classes, especially with nursing major.

Have a close relationships wit h roommates.

Feel homesick, while also look ing forward to branching off.

• Unhealthy and gross food .

• Some immature people, but also people who are more stable minded and underst and that there’s more responsibilities.

• Students will take advant age of the “freedom” given to them by not attendin g class.

• Join no clubs due to a bus y schedule.

• Spend more time on cam pus, unless running errands or visiting home.

• Plans to wear comfy clot hes.

Senior Mayah Newman sits • A normal day for Newman would be to wake up around 8 and hang in the library browsing the out for a bit, go to breakfast in the dining hall then go to earlier Kansas State website. “I chose classes in the morning. Once Newman is done with classes, she plans to K-State because I love that clean up her room and hang out with people later in the nigh atmosphere and community,” t.

Newman said.

A&E

DECEMBER 2024 | 23

BEHIND

THE SCENES

SCENE DATE PROD. CO. DIRECTOR CAMERAMAN

TAKE

ROLL SOUND

A custodian, bus driver and cafeteria worker walk through their daily schedule and routine

Written by Hailey Heckman and Inaya Zaman, Photographed by Jordyn Johnson, Designed by Lily McCann

5 - 7 a.m.

Before any staff members arrive, bus driver Tien Tran wakes up at 5 a.m. to get ready and goes to the Hilltop Learning Center parking lot to get his bus. He leaves the parking lot at 6:30 a.m. to begin picking up Northwest students and arrives at

the school by 7:20 a.m.

Custodian Sid Khongmaly normally has an afternoon shift.

However, sometimes he is called at 6 a.m. to go to work. Though he normally begins working after school, if he gets called in the morning he said he gets to the building by 7 a.m. to begin his day of work.

When he works mornings, his responsibilities include setting

up tables and chairs and ensuring all restrooms are clean and have enough supplies to last throughout the school day.

Maria Novelo, a food service assistant, said she and other lunchroom workers begin preparing food for the day at 6:30 am.

Beginning before students arrive at school, they set out the different items and make sure everything is ready for the day, she said.

Tien Tran prepares to start his afternoon route after school Nov. 13.

24 | THE EXPRESS

FEATURE

.

M .

A 5 3 : 7 After dropping off students, Tran has a 15 minute break before he begins his route for Oak Hill Elementary school. He then goes to his second job until he goes back to Hilltop at 2:15 p.m. to prepare for his afternoon route.

During school, Novelo said the lunchroom staff continues to prepare until 9:15 a.m, so they are ready to serve food when the first group of special education students comes at 10 a.m. As the rest of the students arrive for lunch, Novelo and the cafeteria staff work the

.

2:45 P.M

After students are dismissed at the end of the day, Tran waits until 2:55 p.m. and begins his route to drop students off at home. He drives until 3:40 and then returns to the elementary school to begin that route. He said he ends his day around 5 p.m. Tran said he likes his job as a bus driver because it allows him to drive, which he said he enjoys, and because he is able to learn from students.

“I love driving. Either driving [the] school bus or driving the car, but I love driving [especially] for the school,” Tran said. “Each year I meet with a lot of students, and as you know, English is my second language. I can talk to students and when I talk to [them] I learn English from them, too” While students are being dropped off at home, Khongmaly and the custodial staff will begin cleaning the school in preparation for the next day. He said the afterschool custodians typically begin

FEATURE

register and restock the food as cafeteria and prepares the chips and needed. other snack items for the next day, As with any job, Novelo said before leaving school around 2 p.m. she faces challenges within the The custodial staff is responsible lunchroom, as she helps students for cleaning all the lunch tables and works and putting away with other all the chairs. lunchroom Khongmaly said workers. he is appreciative I like [the students] to Despite of students who be happy when they these play their part in challenges, cleaning up. come in to have lunch, she said she “They help and I have fun with enjoys her job, cushion our work,” and said “I like Khongmaly said. “I that. [the students] want them to take to be happy care of themselves, -MARIA NOVELO when they not throw food on come in to the floor.” have lunch and I have fun with that.” After the lunch periods are over, Novelo said she cleans up the their work day at 3 p.m. and end as late as 11:30 p.m. on days with after-school activities.

During their shift, the custodial staff is in charge of cleaning and checking classrooms and bathrooms, taking out all trash and making sure the school is ready for the next day.

Khongmaly said he enjoys working at BVNW because of the hardworking and collaborative nature of his team.

Khongmaly said the custodial staff always is thorough and works together to complete all of their tasks.

Maria Novel laughs with a student while ringing them up for lunch Nov. 21.

DECEMBER 2024 | 25

26 | THE EXPRESS

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DECEMBER 2024 | 27

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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 December Issue of Volume 32. The Express is printed by Valley Print Logistics, 160 S Sheridan Ave, Valley Center, KS 67147.

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THE EXPRESS STAFF Editors in Chief Reagan Wald Sydney Barnett

Managing Editor Sri Trikona

Assistant Managing Editor Danielle Croom

A&E Editor Rishi Bonthu

News Editor Inaya Zaman

Online Editor Madison Kraft

Social Media Editor Bridget Hamlin

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

Sports Editor Miles Thomas

Chief Photographer Rachel King

Chief Writer Blen Belachew

Staff

Natalie Churchill Julia Curotto Claire Elley Nafsiya Hafiz

Allison Leese

Ruby Halverson

Emily Olm-Shipman

Hailey Heckman Adria Heinauer Jordyn Johnson

Paige Mailliard Lily McCann Iqra Nadeem

Assistant Adviser

Amanda Ford

Adviser

Jim McCrossen

Sara Scheibel Ellie Votypka

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