The Express- December 2017

THE

EXPRESS 25 years

phixation Even with the known consequences, students continue to use Phixs and Juuls on school grounds.

Page 18

Volume 25 • issue 3 • Blue Valley Northwest High school

2

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 15 18 Above: Senior Gabby Gillespie works on an illustration for her portfolio class during Husky Halftime. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

Right: E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. (Photo by Gavin Mullin).

Game on Walk-on Wildcat Safety First Perspectives drawing a future phixation

123 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Cover: A vape cloud covers the face of a student vape user. (Photo by Gavin Mullin).

Below: Sophomore Sophia Peng and junior Arvind Shankar discuss their flow notes in between rounds at the debate tournament at Shawnee Mission East. (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

22 24 26 29

Developing Debate Waffle Bar Review Life Styled Opinion

4

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

With the rise in popularity of esports, a group of students founded the esports club.

By Lauren Fischer & Carter Fitzsimmons

F

orty five students gather in room 103 to plan their practice schedule and organize teams for competitions every Thursday after school. This group is the eSports Club, founded by a small group of students in September of this year.

“We’re all interested in video games and esports and so we just wanted to do something after school,” junior Sam Rauter said. “We thought it was a good idea so we can get more people involved within the school and it’s something we’re all passionate about.”

Within the club, there is a varsity, junior varsity and

c-team, for the game League of Legends. There is one team for Counter Strike: Global Offensive due to a lack of players. League of Legends and Counter Strike: Global Offensive teams are a part of the High School Starleague, a national league backed by Twitch, an online game-streaming service. While many club members play on these teams, Rauter said some members elected to just spectate, and others are just in the club for fun.

One of the founders of the club, senior Jiaren Li said the varsity, junior varsity and c-teams were decided based on rankings, skill level and some athome tryouts.

Rauter said the League of Legends and Counter Strike: Global Offensive teams have competitions, or matches, every week against other high school teams. These teams have clubs similar to the one at BVNW, and exist across the country, according to Rauter.

“What these guys are doing is different because they’re making such a concerted effort to rank and keep themselves organized and to improve their skills.”

-Christa wang Li and Rauter both said they view video games as a sport, with pro-gamers having similar practice schedules and skill level as pro-athletes. According to the High School Starleague website, one of the organization’s goals is to promote esports as a positive experience, so one day it will be considered a sport just like the way basketball or baseball is viewed.

Club sponsor Christa Wang

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

512 •

said the eSports Club students are very dedicated to the group.

“I think it is lazy to stay home and just play video games on your own time by yourself,” Wang said. “But what these guys are doing is different because they’re making such a concerted effort to rank and keep themselves organized and to improve their skills and to do something together through it, it’s not a sole hobby alone on the couch.”

Wang said eSports Club exists because the team coordinates to win and play well as a team.

“You have to organize your time between the games and the school,” Li said. “If you want to be good at the games you have to learn while you’re playing, [you] have to learn from your mistakes.”

Left: Junior Sam Rauter practices his reaction time while playing a first person shooter game mode on Roblox.com Nov. 15. (Photo by TJ Vore).

*Information from Sam Rauter, hsstarleague.com and leagueoflegends.com

6

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

By Walker Johnson

D

WALK-ON WILDCAT

As a redshirt sophomore, 2015 BVNW graduate Dalton Schoen continues his football career as a Kansas State Wildcat.

alton Schoen lines up as a wide receiver during the second quarter of Kansas State University football’s season- opening game against Central Arkansas. At the snap of the ball, Schoen streaks down the field, gets behind the defenders and watches the long pass into his hands. He outruns the last opposing player and strides into the end zone for a 70-yard touchdown.

While this Sept. 2 game may have marked the 2015 BVNW graduate’s first touchdown as a Wildcat, Schoen caught seven touchdowns as a Husky. During his time at BVNW, Schoen also collected over 1,000 all-purpose yards and lettered in football, basketball and baseball.

Former BVNW head football coach Mike Zegunis said being involved with three sports made Schoen different than many other student athletes.

“I knew that him being a multiple sport athlete made him special,” Zegunis said. “In today’s age, you don’t see that as much because a lot of kids just choose one sport.”

Schoen’s participation in three varsity sports led to his nomination as a 2014 Wendy’s High School Heisman national finalist.

According to the Wendy’s High School Heisman website, the award goes out to high school students who lead their teammates, classmates and communities.

“That was a really good experience. I was really fortunate to get to do that just because so many people submit applications,” Schoen

said. “It’s also a little bit of luck too, there’s countless kids who were worthy of the award.”

In addition to his athletic ability, Zegunis said Schoen also excelled in the classroom.

“He was a really smart young man that got really good grades,” Zegunis said. “Very, very few times do you see someone that can be so good at so many things like Dalton.”

Zegunis said Schoen’s dedication and self-motivation was what really set him apart.

“He was a guy that would try to outwork people,” Zegunis said. “If he dropped the ball or he didn’t run a good route, that upset him and that would motivate him to work harder and fix it.”

Schoen was chosen as a captain of the Husky football team his senior year. BVNW Wide Receivers Coach Tobin Sample said Schoen led by both his words and actions.

“He was almost like another coach out there on the field,” Sample said. “He would let us know what the defense was doing when he saw from the field vantage point.

He was just very intelligent and very football savvy.”

Although he netted over 1,000 allpurpose yards his senior year and broke the state record for receiving yards in a single game, with 380 yards in a game against Bishop Miege, Schoen said he did not receive any scholarship offers from schools he felt were great fits for him. It was not until he received an offer to play as a walk-on at Kansas State University that he committed

to playing college football.

Zegunis and Sample said they felt Schoen could have success, even as a walk-on, because of his work ethic.

It was this same work ethic, Schoen said, that caused him to get up at 6:00 a.m. everyday before school to go to the gym. He said this made the transition to college football much easier for him because the Wildcats had to get up early for weight training too.

“That’s a really tough time, I feel like, for kids in our program here at K-State,” Schoen said. “I had to make that transition to coming in and lifting in the morning, then to going to class, then having practice, then having to study, but I feel like the schedule I had going on Northwest did a really good job preparing me for that.”

Fellow 2015 BVNW graduate Zack Zegunis, who was Northwest’s quarterback their senior year, also attends KSU and said Schoen is still as dedicated as he was in high school.

“That’s honestly why he’s been successful,” Zack said. “He’s one of the hardest working guys I knew throughout high school and he’s continuing to work hard and he’s getting his opportunities and when he gets his opportunities, he’s done very well.”

Growing up as a K-State fan, Schoen said being able to play football in Manhattan has been an incredible opportunity.

“It’s kind of been a dream,” Schoen said. “My goal ever since

7

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

•

2017 Stats

DALTONSCHOEN

23 Receptions (Rs) sophomore wide receiver 470 Yards 3 Touchdowns getting here has been to do whatever I can do to contribute to the team success and to be able to do that on the field this season has been unreal.”

Schoen is currently studying Mechanical Engineering and said he plans to get a job in this field after leaving K-State. However, he has not completely abandoned the idea of playing football professionally.

“I didn’t even know at the start of the season if I was gonna get to play and to be honest I really didn’t think I would,” Schoen said. “Right now I’m gonna focus on school and football and just try to not have those aspirations because I don’t think it’s very realistic, but I guess you never really know.”

While Schoen continues his football career at KSU, he said each of his high school coaches helped make him into the player he is today.

“Each of them have a building block somewhere inside of me,” Schoen said. “I think all of them at some point have done something that changed me in someway.”

6’1” 205 lbs.

Illustration by Gavin Mullin

8

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Safety first

The SAFE club is working to prevent automobile fatalities by encouraging students to wear seatbelts.

BY Ethan Knauth

E

very hour, two teenagers die due to a car wreck. According to the website Driving Laws, in over half of these deaths the teenage driver did not have their seatbelt on during the time of the accident.

Established to save lives, the SAFE organization seeks to decrease the number of students driving without their seatbelts on.

According to Blue Valley Campus Officer Anthony Garcia, the SAFE program, which stands for Seatbelts Are For Everyone, was established in Kansas due to high teenage fatality rates in the south and southwestern parts of the state. Garcia said the SAFE program is being implemented or is already active in 40 percent of schools across Kansas.

The SAFE organization approached Garcia about bringing the program to BVNW, so statewide seat belt violations could possibly decrease.

SAFE’s program is self-sufficient when it comes to getting funding.

For every seatbelt infraction a police officer writes up, a portion of that fine goes back into SAFE club and education for seatbelt usage.

The club is sponsored by the BVNW SRO officers, which allows them to use their past experiences to

benefit the club.

A member of the SAFE club, junior Drew Ayers, believes violations of the law, such as not wearing a seatbelt, are in need of correction for the purpose of saving lives.

“Everyone knows someone that’s been hurt by a distracted driver, or hurt from not wearing their seatbelt. “ - Drew ayers “Everyone knows someone that’s been hurt by a distracted driver, or hurt from not wearing their seatbelt.

This is a widespread thing that has escalated” Ayers said. “Having that seat belt on really protects them.”

Ayers has personal aspirations for life after being in the SAFE Club.

“I want to be a police officer later on in life, and I’ve found that working hand-in-hand with the SROs, there is so much valuable life experience that you can learn,” Ayers said.

The club has spent their time analyzing seatbelt usage from

students as they arrive at school and documenting seatbelt violations and distracted drivers. Later in the year, they plan to step up their efforts by partnering with local law enforcement agencies in order to enforce seatbelt infractions.

Mary Waxman, a member of the SAFE club, said that so far they are just recording driving infractions, such as not having a seat belt on while driving.

“We are trying to keep an eye out for it right now,” Waxman said, “This is like your warning.”

Although BVNW has not shown an overwhelming problem with seat belt usage and distracted driving among students, Waxman said the SAFE club is still needed.

“There’s not that many who don’t wear seatbelts or who are distracted, but you realize the few that are it could be somebody that you are driving with,” Waxman said.

Garcia said distracted driving is becoming a greater problem among teenaged drivers, which will become a focus of the club, along with increasing seatbelt usage.

“Rarely are there severe injury or fatalities, because students typically wear their seatbelts, which is good,” Officer Garcia said. “Where we do

912 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

#1 “It is so sad to me, because those are lives that could very well be with us today, but ended all over something stupid,” Ayers said.

(Photo courtesy of Drew Ayers).

see a higher fail rate is the distracted driving.”

According to Garcia, anything from texting to messing with your radio, which keeps students from focusing on driving, is considered distracted driving. Even a partially defrosted window is considered distracted driving, as a student could potentially get in an accident for the lack of vision.

In order to decrease distracted driving and increase seat belt usage, the SAFE Club plans to use a crash simulator to educate the student body about its dangers.

“We’re going to be bringing in a nice machine from the Kansas Highway patrol it’s a crash simulator,” Ayers said. “We want students to know what it’s like [to crash]” According to Ayers, along with using the educational material provided by law enforcement, he is hopeful that SAFE Club will make an impact with their educational program.

“The more information we get out there for the students to use, the more people we can help,” Ayers said. “SAFE is about saving lives.”

40%

Safe operates in 40% of high schools in Kansas +

45%

seatbelts prevent deaths by 45% +†

8%

BVNW students were distracted while driving *

93%

BVNW students were wearing seatbelts *

cause of death for 15-20 year olds are Motor vehicle crashes+

$60

fine if caught texting and driving +

$5-30

Fine varies for seatbelt citations in kansas +

1.6 Million cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year +

1 out of every 4 car accidents in the united states is caused by texting and driving + *According to BVNW Safe club observations on Oct. 17 and 18 +According to drivinglaws.org † as opposed to incidents without seatbelts

10

Perspectives 1.

1. Technology integration specialist Nicholas Deffer and math teacher Laura Deffer walk the halls of Northwest on Nov. 3. “It’s nice to bounce around ideas about school with someone you really trust,” Nicholas said. “He challenges me to try new things in the classroom. I know he’s there to support me and my students,” Laura said.

(Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

2. During Hoops for Hope Nov. 7, math teacher Michelle Williams celebrates a victory. “My favorite part about Hoops for Hope is I love giving back to the community,” Williams said. “I also love having fun with my coworkers.” (Photo by Madi Allen).

2.

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • DECEMBER 2017

1112 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • DECEMBER 2017

3.

5.

4.

3. At the Park University Model United Nations Conference on Nov. 10, senior Divya Jain, as the delegate from Myanmar, votes in favor of a resolution to protect human rights. “Model UN has made me much more aware of current events around the world,” Jain said. “I have improved my public speaking, argumentation and research skills.” (Photo by Kanishka Mehra).

4. Performing a practice run on Nov. 10 for the upcoming cheerleading competition, freshman Paige Rigdon does a scorpion stunt. “While I’m stunting, I’m mostly excited and having fun,” Rigdon said. (Photo by Gavin Mullin).

5. National Honor Society members volunteered as babysitters during the parent/ teacher conferences on Oct. 3. Senior Darene Essa reads a book to gifted education teacher Chad Askew’s daughter, Poppy. “As [members of] NHS, we should be an honor society that helps the staff,” Essa said. (Photo

by Gavin Mullin).

12

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • december 2017

6.

6. Juniors Gracie Daniel and Olivia Loepp decided to rap their presentation on The Pullman Strike and labor unions Nov. 13. “We were supposed to present in a way that was unique and not just a powerpoint and we thought it would be fun to rap,” Loepp said. “It was our way of having fun while going above and beyond.” (Photo

by Ellen Bruce).

7. During Hoops for Hope, junior Ian Mureithi attempts to pass the ball in the Main Gym on Nov. 9. “Hoops for Hope was really fun, just getting a chance to go there and hangout with friends and support a great cause,” Mureithi said. (Photo by TJ Vore).

7.

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • december 2017

8.

1312 •

8. In their Physical Science class, sophomores Chad Davis and Ethan Fisher work on their Rube Goldberg machine on Nov. 13. Students push a ball and create a chain reaction of movements. They record the movements and share the videos with the class. (Photo by Ellen Bruce).

9. During English teacher Nicole Orrick’s fifth hour class, freshman Jessica Kim works on an activity on her desk with a marker over the book, The Odyssey. “It’s really helped me since I can physically write it out and it’s very convenient to have,” Kim said.

“We were working with partners and we could easily write down and erase it easily to fix anything.” (Photo by Jack Plank).

9.

14

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • DECEMBER 2017

Bring Back Family Game Night

6830 W. 119TH ST. OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209

Contact bvnwnewspaper@bluevalleyk12.org OR (913) 239-3544

PHONE: (913)-514-4383

1512

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017 Senior Gabby Gillespie works on an ink piece for her portfolio class.

(Photos by Kanishka Mehra).

Drawing Her future

BY Olivia dowell

A

fter receiving an early acceptance into the Savannah College of Art and Design, senior Gabby Gillespie is beginning her college experience.

“I first heard about this school when I was researching colleges that have good animation programs,” Gillespie said. “I visited it my

After being accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design during her junior year, senior Gabby Gillespie started taking college art classes.

sophomore year. I just really wanted to go somewhere else besides Kansas for college.”

To get accepted into SCAD, Gillespie said she had to apply like any other college, but SCAD required additional material since it is an art school.

Gillespie participated in Rising Star, a multi-week program that

happened the summer of 2017 at SCAD’s main campus. Gillespie said participating in Rising Star gave her an advantage when applying to SCAD. The classes at Rising Star were five credit hours each. Gillepsie finished both summer classes with a B average, allowing her to move online for the SCAD classes that she

16 is currently taking.

To manage her online college classes, Gillespie said she chose an easier high school schedule, and is working to be proactive on homework while also focusing on her art.

Chris LaValley, an art teacher at BVNW, said even though SCAD is an advanced school, it is a great place to go for pursuing an art career.

“I think Gabby will do very well because she is self-motivated and dedicated to what she does.”

-chris lavalley “We have actually had a lot of alumni go to SCAD,” LaValley said.

“It’s a really prestigious school, and students do well after school there. The employment rate after graduation is very high and there’s a lot of companies out there that will look at SCAD for future employees.”

LaValley said to be an art student, one must focus on their art and work hard on succeeding.

“I think Gabby will do very well because she is self-motivated and dedicated to what she does,” LaValley said.

Senior Michelle Chung, who is an artist herself, said Gillespie’s artwork is unique because of her ability to use simple materials to create advanced art.

“She can use Crayola colored pencils to get some really good, bright colors,” Chung said. “Her style is cartoony but she can also create some realistic animals.”

Gillespie said her art is unique because of the contrast of her interests outside of art.

“My art is very fun, I like characters, I like things that are cute,” Gillespie said. “But then at the same time, I like things that are gross.”

For her most recent Portfolio project, Gillespie played off of the

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017 idea of a “rat king,” a group of dead rats caught in a trap.

Gillespie said the mediums, the materials used to create art, provide a unique effect that leads to a great finish at the end of her project.

“My favorite medium is probably ink and I love drawing in pen and using markers,” Gillespie said. “I also really love colored pencils and I use a lot of mixed mediums and mix a lot of those two together.”

When it comes to stylistic options, Chung said she experiments with coloring to invoke aspects of Gillespie’s style.

Gillespie said she has many aspects of art she would like to consider for a major when attending SCAD next fall.

“I want to major in animation,” Gillespie said. “But I also maybe want to have a minor in Visual Effects or Video Game Design or something along the more technical route along with art. I was also thinking about maybe doing visual reality or augmented reality as another thing I could specialize in.”

For her current art and continuing art career at SCAD, Gillespie said she has many points of inspiration for her art.

“The things that inspire me probably are the shows and the movies that I watch because those are art and they’re very collaborative,” Gillespie said. “I like the whole thought of people creating worlds and characters, especially in animation where you have to create every single thing.”

Through Portfolio, Gillespie’s current art class, she is able to expand upon her already existing body of work. LaValley, who teaches Portfolio third hour, said Gillespie is always eager to work on her art.

“She’s just very enthusiastic,” LaValley said. “She just always seems happy and just really wants to jump in and is just always really excited about doing her projects and what she can do with them.”

LaValley’s main advice for Gillespie’s future in art is to remember her personal aesthetic and inspiration.

“There will be a lot of challenges

that can get a little frustrating, it can seem overwhelming,” LaValley said.

“But stay true to yourself in artwork and where you think that should go.”

1712 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

SCAD is located in Savannah Georgia

Top: Gillespie combs through a variety of artwork, all of which she has compiled throughout her art classes at SCAD and BVNW. Bottom Left: Gillespie said she spends the most time on her colored pencil pieces, which require the most attention to detail and creativity.

Bottom Right: Gillespie completed this drawing of a bat in a ribcage in her drawing class at BVNW.

18

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

PHIXATION A

Despite negative health risks, students can be found vaping both inside and outside of school.

BY Anna Levine & jaelen Matthews

fter the rise in vapes coming to Northwest last year, students have moved to a more discreet alternative to get their nicotine intake. It is no longer uncommon for students to take hits off their Phixs or Juuls throughout the school day.

“Just last hour, this kid next to me was hitting his Phix,” junior Shawdee Ahmadian said. “He was just letting the smoke out, and the teacher was on the other side of the room. I was like, ‘Are you dumb?’”

In November of this school year, Ahmadian said she received two days of in-school-suspensions for putting a friend’s Phix in another friend’s locker to store it.

Ahmadian’s mother, Fara Tavallali, said through an email her daughter did not receive any big punishments at home because Ahmadian was dealing with inschool-suspensions.

However, Tavallali said the incident was unexpected and does not believe other kids should be getting in similar situations.

“We were very surprised when this happened with Shawdee, because we know she usually does not get involved with these type[s] of things,” Tavallali said. “I think vaping in high school and [in] general is a huge waste of time, and hope my daughter nor any other high school kids bring it to school or Different types of vapes produce different amounts of vapor.

(Photos by Gavin Mullin).

1912 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

do it outside of school.”

Yet despite what happened to Ahmadian, she said there are still people who do not care about the risk of getting caught with some form of a vape in class. Ahmadian said she finds discussion about vaping is frequent throughout the day too, as people talk about their vapes they have to appear cool.

“I was just talking about it in chemistry with people, and three out of the four people I was talking to had Phixs,” Ahmadian said. “I feel like it’s just something people can relate with. Since so many people are getting them, more and more people think they’re expected to get [them] as well.”

Associate principal Tyler Alexander said after the rise in popularity of vaping plateaued from last year, administrators have now seen a rise in Phix and Juul usage in bathrooms. Due in part to a smaller size, Phixs and Juuls have become more popular with students. But, unlike a typical vape, these devices do not emit a large cloud of vapor.

“We are aware about bathrooms being a prime area,” Alexander said.

“We are also more aware of what devices look like, what they could be mistaken as.”

Vaping has become so popular among students that despite its illegality, the rise in willingness to do it at school on the BVNW campus

VAPING STATS at BVNW 34.6%

34.6%

Frequently Rarely Never

30.8%

57.7%

How often do you see someone vape on BVNW campus?

42.3%

DO you think vaping is safer than cigarettes?

YES

No

77.2%

Juuls and Phixs produce less vapor than traditional vape products.

The Express surveyed 338 Students from Nov. 15 through nov. 19.

22.8%

If you saw someone vape at school, would you report it to administration?

YES No

20

has continued. A recent survey of 338 students conducted by The Express found that 65.4 percent said they have seen people vape on campus before. The survey also found that nearly 68 percent of students who responded said they do not think vaping is viewed negatively by the student body.

Almost 58 percent of students said they view vaping as safer than smoking cigarettes.

With recent problems involving vaping in the school, Alexander uses

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • december 2017 the tobacco policy in any instances dealing with vapes, Phixs or Juuls.

“There is a set policy in terms of how we handle anything that has tobacco related consequences, and vaping still fits in that tobacco policy,” Alexander said.

During the survey, 77.2 percent of students said if they saw someone vaping at school, they would not report it.

Senior Kenzie Clark said she believes students are more likely to vape in school because vaping is viewed more positively than smoking cigarettes.

“I don’t know why, but cigarettes have a bad name to them as Juuls and Phixs don’t really have a bad name to them,” Clark said. “I just think they don’t really realize the major consequences of it. They just think it’s not as bad as smoking so that it’s better.”

Ahmadian said people will still vape despite any health problems that can be associated with it, even nicotine poisoning.

“I know some people may take

a break after getting nicotine poisoning,” Ahmadian said. “After hitting it so much, you will get sick and you’ll just be throwing up and stuff. I know of people who have had that. But then again, those people still do it. It doesn’t really stop them.”

“I think if you feel like everyone is doing it, then you probably feel like it’s not that bad.”

-molly haggerty Angela Croom, a pediatrician in the emergency room at Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas, said vomiting is a symptom of nicotine poisoning, but not the most common side effect associated with it. According to Croom, the most common symptoms of nicotine

21

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017 poisoning are agitation, irritability and restlessness.

“We do have concerns about more kids using e-cigarettes or vaping,” Croom said, “only because I think some have viewed that as maybe being a safer way of obtaining nicotine and it is not. It is addictive just like smoking cigarettes would be.”

Croom said more serious cases of nicotine poisoning would include convulsions and difficulty breathing.

She also said depending on how the nicotine was taken in, some people may experience burning sensations or increased saliva in their mouths.

Health and Wellness teacher Molly Haggerty’s viewpoint on vaping is similar to Croom’s, as she encourages others to know the health risks before taking a hit.

“I think there is this misconception that everyone is doing it,” Haggerty said. “I think if you feel like everyone is doing it, then you probably feel like it’s not that bad. It just kind of comes down to the misinformation, making sure

you know what you are putting into your body and understanding the risk factors.”

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, the e-cigarette aerosol users breathe from devices that can contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemicals.

Both Haggerty and Alexander said the unknown health risks associated with vaping concern them, especially with a majority of students not perceiving vaping to be as dangerous as it could be.

“I think the biggest thing is the kids need to not just look for the information that goes along with their viewpoint or their opinion,” Haggerty said. “If they are going to be a responsible consumer, and they want to be considered an adult, then you have to be able to weigh both sides of it.”

•

Top left: Students who bring vapes to school commonly hide them in sleeves, socks or bags.

Bottom left: Vape pods contain different levels of nicotine, usually ranging from nicotine free to double extra strength.

nicotine by the numbers JUUL

Information from juulvapor.com

EACH JUUL POD CONTAINS 0.7 ML WITH 5 percent NICOTINE BY WEIGHT, APPROXIMATELY EQUIVALENT TO ONE PACK OF CIGARETTES

PHIX

Information from phixvapor.com

EACH PHIX POD CONTAINS 1.5ML WITH 5 percent NICOTINE BY WEIGHT, APPROXIMATELY EQUIVALENT TO two PACKS OF CIGARETTES

22

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

DEVELOPING DEBATE With the recent addition of head coach Art Delgado and the strong range of advanced and novice debaters, the debate team hopes to create a successful season after falling short in previous years.

BY Jack Plank lack of participation and excitement surrounding the debate program put it in a troublesome position three years ago, current athletic director Kevin Gerke, who was the activities director in 2015-16 said. The addition of head coach Art Delgado in the fall of the 2015-16 school year caused an overhaul of the program’s mentality.

“I don’t know if it has to do with me as the coach, but I think the students have a very committed focus,” Delgado said.

“Rather than just compete at local tournaments, we are competing regionally and nationally.”

Entering her second season on the team, sophomore Sophia Peng said the program has greatly benefited her. As she continues to advance as a debater, her thoughts and presence in the classroom has increased.

“I got more confident with speaking skills and sharing my ideas, especially in the classroom,” Peng said. “I definitely participate more

A

Top Left: Junior and advanced debater Arvind Shankar spreads, or speed-talks, at a debate tournament at Shawnee Mission East. (Photos by Kanishka Mehra).

Bottom Left: Debate coach Art Delgado reads over freshman Shaurir Ramanujan’s notes during Husky Halftime, Nov. 30.

in classes and in-class discussions, which is a benefit that can come out of debate.”

After two years in the program, vice president of coaching junior Arvind Shankar assists other novice debaters. Shankar said there has been a change in the program since his entry, but the team continues to see more growth and success.

"There is no question, compared to where it was when I got here three years ago that it has grown. It is a very good program right now that I think is doing a lot of cool stuff."

-KEVIN GERKE “When I first joined we were relatively small, didn’t have too many competitive teams and not too many people cared too much about debate,” Shankar said.

“Over the years, thanks to Mr. Delgado and the rest of the coaching, as well as the other dedicated debaters, we managed to grow a lot and become a lot more competitive than the years

2312 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Senior Vandita Garimella gives her second speech in the final round of the debate tournament at Shawnee Mission East. before.”

With the introduction of many amateur debaters, called novices, president and senior Vandita Garimella took a strong leadership role for the team as she entered her fourth year of debate. In her time as a debater, she said the program and the support of Delgado helped her in all aspects of life.

“In a lot of ways it’s definitely opened my mind and made me a more knowledgeable student,” Garimella said. “I feel like whenever I am participating in discussions whether it’s in the classroom or even just talking to people, I am well-versed in what I am talking about and can support what my opinions are just because I have a lot of background knowledge from debate.”

As both Garimella and

Shankar advance in their leadership roles they said they hope to receive both state and national bids at upcoming tournaments.

Delgado said Garimella has played an instrumental role in developing the programs. “[Garimella] has helped to shape and set the tone and tempo of the team.” Delgado said. “One that has a more regional focus, rather than just a Blue Valley area focus.”

In addition to Garimella, Delgado said Shankar has also helped grow the program.

“Arvind is very committed and very passionate about debate,” Delgado said. “He is very knowledgeable about debate, and I respect him.”

As the team looks to receive a national bid at the qualifying tournament in December, Delgado said he continues to

see progress in the program as a whole. For a program that was in danger three years ago, Gerke has seen the team change since Delgado’s hire.

“There is no question, compared to where it was when I got here three years ago that it has grown,” Gerke said.

“It is a very good program right now that I think is doing a lot of cool stuff.”

WW

24

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

The Waffle Bar KC, located at 4745 Central St, Kansas City, Mo., has a wide variety of waffle types and toppings. We take a look at several menu options. Ratings are out of five waffles.

BY ELLIE DRUTEN BUBBLE WAFFLE WITH PUMPKIN PIE ICE CREAM, PRETZELS AND CHOCOLATE DRIZZLE As I walked into the small corner shop, I noticed that the hustle and bustle was larger than the building itself. Many customers squeezed inside to get a taste of these waffles, and the busy atmosphere gave me high expectations. When I finally got my waffle, it warmed my hands as I held the paper container. I stared at the creamy pumpkin pie ice cream melting inside of the cone. It was drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with pretzel bits. The fall flavored ice cream complemented the surrounding airy and soft waffle.

The coldness of the pumpkin pie

ice cream complemented the warm waffle and some other chocolate flavors. I had no complaints as I enjoyed this twist on a normal waffle cone. The bubble waffle was truly amazing, and the “choose your own toppings” section had many unusual delicious toppings such as candies, cereals, gummy bears, sugar cookie balls, Nutella and various drizzles. I tried pretzel bits and chocolate drizzle on my waffle and was very satisfied. This was the perfect fall treat for a Sunday morning.

2512 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

SALTY N’ SWEET WAFFLE POP This next waffle was much more messy. As I tried to take my first bite, a chunk of pretzel and white chocolate fell off onto my plate.

Eating it from the sides seemed to be the only option. While I was enjoying my waffle, I came to the problem of eating around the popsicle stick when I realized this was about to get even messier.

Taking an artsy Instagram picture was getting close to impossible.

But, as for the taste, I was very impressed. The general vanilla taste of the waffle complemented the pretzels, white chocolate, cookie butter icing and almonds.

The crunchy mixed with the creamy chocolates and icings made it a unique treat. I am a personal

fan of the sweet and salty duo; it made me very happy seeing this on the menu. Other waffle pop flavors include Fruity Pop, S’mores, Strawberry Crunch, Toasty and Cookie Madness. All in all, I loved this waffle pop and would recommend it to messy eaters who love an interesting new desert.

Left: A bubble waffle with lemon lavender ice cream, fruity pebbles, and sugar cookie crumble. (Photos

by Ellen Bruce).

Right: The Waffle Bar is located on the Plaza. One of the restaurant’s mottos is “The Diet Ends Here.”

BUBBLE WAFFLE WITH LEMON LAVENDER ICE CREAM, FRUITY PEBBLES AND sugar cookie crumble Lemon Lavender matched with the sweet and delicious sugar cookie topping was an interesting pair.

The Fruity Pebbles also added more flavor to this yummy treat.

The bold and tart flavor of the lemon paired with the lavender created a unique taste that felt refreshing. The tangy lemon flavor was balanced out with a dash of lavender. If you are looking for a tart ice cream, this is your match.

The petite and sweet sugar cookie toned down with the tartness of the ice cream and the addition of fruity cereal added an interesting flavor.

All of these unique flavors wrapped

up in a bubble waffle came out as a more peculiar dessert than the past waffles I tried. It had too many different things happening at once.

While they all would have been good separately, my taste buds were overwhelmed by the chaos happening in my mouth. After the hard decision of choosing what you want to eat with the numerous variations offered, go and enjoy the Waffle Bar. While I don’t recommend this specific bubble waffle, I definitely recommend taking the time to try this hip and trendy pop-up shop!

26

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Life Styled With the holiday season approaching, we highlighted some of the most popular winter trends.

By Sara Rooney & Gia Shipman

Fringe Purses

Fringe purses add a more modernized fun look to the classic bag. These purses usually look vintage and come in many colors from chestnut to pale pink.

Throw on a fringe purse with your cutest jeans and sweater to spice up your favorite pieces from the past.

Sequins While sequins have previously been considered only a New Year’s fashion trend, this winter season, sequins will make a huge wardrobe comeback. From sequin cocktail dresses for a dressier holiday look, to shirts that can be layered under leather jackets, sequins will be shining through on many winter outfits.

This glittery look is offered in many variations, making it easily accessible to add to your wardrobe this season.

(Photos by Madi Allen).

27

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Bell Sleeves Studded Ankle Boots The popular boutique, Etiquette, at Town Center released black studded ankle boots that are becoming a huge hit. With about 4-inch heels, these boots can be fitted with dark or light denim jeans, a plain white or black t-shirt and leather jacket for a night out.

The 2016 bell sleeve trend came back in style this season. This top carries a simple look, but dresses up an outfit with its sophisticated sleeves. These shirts are the perfect way to dress up your favorite pair of old jeans. The sleeves add spunk to an everyday look that can transition an outfit into a fancier night look.

28

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 •December 2017

ZAXBY’S DAYS ®

PLANNING YOUR WEEK JUST GOT

easier!

Monday Zax Kidz Night

Wednesday Family Night

99¢ Zax Kidz Meals with adult meal purchase from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Four $5.99 Meals for $22.99 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

®

Limit two Zax Kidz Meals per adult meal purchase.

Thursday Nibbler Day

Tuesday Spirit Night

99¢ Nibblerz™ all day.

On scheduled fundraiser nights, 10% of all proceeds will support a local organization!

Sunday Bulletin Day

Inquire inside for more details.

Bring your bulletin in for 10% off your entire order.

AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS ONLY:

12195 S. Strang Line Rd. • Olathe • (913) 747-4277 9500 W. 135th St. • Overland Park • (913) 538-4131

Limited time only. Offers not valid at any other locations. © 2017 Zaxby’s Franchising LLC “Zaxby’s,” “Zax Kidz” and “Nibblerz” are trademarks of Zaxby’s Franchising LLC. Each Zaxby’s restaurant is independently owned and operated under a license agreement with Zaxby’s Franchising LLC.

2912 •

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

OPINION

Esports is the next big franchise

By TJ Vore

A

s someone who regularly plays video games, I have come across a lot of gamers who take gaming very seriously.

So, one thing I hate hearing is people saying “video games are not competitive.” Competitiveness in video games is something that has been greatly over-looked, and people do not realize that video games will become just as big as mainstream professional sports in the next 3-5 years.

With the internet becoming a central hub in our society, video games have been making a statement in the past couple years. According to dotesports.com, in 2013, it was estimated that 71.5 million people tuned into web services like Twitch and YouTube that stream live competitive gaming, also known as

esports. Games like Smite, MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) and CS:GO, (a first-person shooter game) are taking the world by storm, bringing in different demographics.

The United States ranks second among the highest earning countries for esports trailing only China, while ahead of South Korea and Sweden. America is one of the main hosts for competitions with prizes ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. The largest esports prize is $24,687,919 in the international Defense of the Ancients (DOTA) 2 tournament in 2017 with 18 teams competing in Seattle, Wash.

In 2016, according to Newzoo.com, the global esports market saw $463 million in revenue with both men and women ranging from ages 18 to 34 watching and playing.

Universities like Miami of Ohio and the University of California Irvine are also entering the esports world by offering scholarships for players just as they would for normal student-athletes.

A group of BVNW students recently started the esports club. The club is currently competing in a Swiss bracket-style tournament where all teams play against each other and the top four go on to compete for the championship. The winning team gets $35,000 in scholarship money to split amongst the players.

With this, many people watching and playing esports and the influx of money flowing into the global market, it won’t be long until people start saying that esports are just as popular as mainstream sports leagues like the NFL, NBA or MLB.

How missing the world cup could benefit the USA

By Ethan Knauth

T

he United States Men’s National Soccer Team committed a monumental disaster recently when failing to qualify for the 2018 edition of the World Cup in Russia. Blame was deservedly placed on the now former head coach, Bruce Arena, but this catastrophe could actually be a blessing in disguise.

The Americans will not be playing in Russia next summer after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. With other countries like Italy, Chile and the Netherlands also failing to qualify, the landscape of soccer in the world is changing.

With quality teams failing to punch their ticket to Russia, more youthful and inspired teams like Denmark and Iceland will be playing there instead.

The US must adjust to this trend and offer up playing time to new, younger

players seeking to make their mark on the national team if they’re serious about making it back in 2022.

Historically, failures in a qualifying campaign have been followed by years of success, a recent example being France. In 2012, the French national team was in ruins after a failed attempt to qualify for the European Championships. Qualifying for this regional competition is undoubtedly easier than qualifying for the World Cup. After a coaching change, France quickly gained momentum, mostly on the backs of talented youth, and recently placed second in the 2016 edition of the Euros. In the 2018 World Cup, the French team is deservedly one of the favorites to win.

Obviously, France has a stronger talent pool than the US, but America could fix their soccer woes with a

stern reevaluation of their program.

As the country looks to hire a new coach, he or she must be willing to play younger, less-experienced players. The U.S. has long since used players who have overdone their stay on the national team. Guys like Tim Howard, Jermaine Jones and DeMarcus Beasley have served their time for the Red, White and Blue.

The fans should be outraged. Why is it OK for the US to trot out older players, when we can give the youth a chance to play? The new coach must have the guts to let younger generations play on the national stage. The team’s results may suffer at first, but the US can only truly progress if the youth are entrusted with the national team’s future.

Things needs to change, and the new coach must provide the answer.

30

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

sTAFF EDITORIAL our Proposal for new learning spaces Principal Amy Murphy is in

However, she has been wanting to

beneficial. Spaces for whiteboards

discussion with District Office to

hear from students about how to fill

or whiteboard walls and Apple

begin removing lockers either over

the spaces with furniture and how it

TVs with AirPlay capabilities could

the summer or during the 2018-19

should look.

give students room to spread out

school year. The administration has a

Staff members from The Express

their work and display it for group

tentative plan to turn the freshman,

toured brand-new Olathe West

collaboration. Having small cafe-

sophomore and senior locker areas

High School for inspiration as that

style tables for two people would

into flexible learning spaces.

school was designed with multiple,

allow partners to work on a project,

alternative learning spaces. Based

and bigger tables would be great to

to having class in the same rooms

These spaces would be alternatives

on that tour, we have a plan for how

have for teaching instruction and

every day and would offer new

these learning spaces should look.

collaboration with larger groups.

spots to eat and work during Husky

Because the spaces will be used

Some of the most important things

Halftime. The junior locker area

during Husky Halftime as well as

to keep are the windows in the

will be kept in place as the central

during class, hard surfaces with no

senior and sophomore areas. Having

location for student lockers.

carpet is a must, as this will put less

natural light helps produce a nice

of a strain on the custodial staff.

environment that also allows a view

The seating should be easy to

outside. The windows also provide a

“This year I was standing up in the freshman locker area, really watching how many kids really use

clean, as well. We tried the big

welcome break from being trapped in

their lockers [and I thought] ‘Are we

swivel chairs at Olathe West, which

four walls for most of the day.

really using lockers?’” Murphy said.

were comfortable even with harder

Murphy said it is crucial for

cushions. This was a nice break to

people with ideas to come to the

passing periods and throughout each

After observing students during

sitting in rigid chairs all day in class.

administration. It is only through

day, Murphy found only 26 percent

Hard-surfaced seating would also

collaboration that we can create a

of freshmen, sophomores and juniors

be sturdier as opposed to bean bag

space students enjoy using.

use their lockers more than once a

chairs or traditional couches.

day. This gave her the opportunity

To make the spaces conducive

We encourage students to take their ideas to their StuGo

to think of a way to incorporate

to work in, having spots for

representatives or to the

alternative learning spaces.

students to collaborate would be

administration.

Editorial cartoon by Eden Kurr

31

THE EXPRESS • issue 3 • December 2017

Puzzles “Prib’s Ribs” Word Puzzles submitted by English teacher Rick Pribyl

System OR

3.

6.

vilization Answers 1. Bermuda Triangle 2. It’s on the up and up 3. Deadeye 4. Honor system 5. A bad spell of snowy weather 6. The end of civilization

4.

IT IT UP D RIP N A 5.

Snowey Whether

2.

i

B AE DU MR

1.

Contact Information

THE EXPRESS STAFF

Responding to the Publication

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mailing address: 13260 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66213 Phone: 913-239-3544 Website: BVNWnews.com Letters to the editor may be submitted electronically on our website at BVNWnews.com under the “Contact Us” tab.

Letters may be published either on BVNWnews.com or in our print edition. Letters may be edited.

Advertising

The Express and BVNWnews.com accept advertisements.

Pricing and information can be obtained by contacting us at BVNWnewspaper@bluevalleyk12.org.

About us

WRITERS

Ellie Druten Carter Fitzsimmons Jaelen Matthews Olivia Dowell Ethan Knauth Jack Plank Dan Edmonds Paige Fulenwider Walker Johnson

Gabe Swartz

PRINT EDITOR

Lauren Fischer

ONLINE EDITOR Ryan Jones

DESIGN EDITOR Kaitlyn Noon

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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 25. Subscription rates are $10.

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

MANAGING EDITOR

Disclaimer

OPINION & ETHICS EDITOR ASSISTANT ADVISER

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.

Madi Allen Ellen Bruce Kanishka Mehra Gavin Mullin TJ Vore

Eden Kurr

SPORTS EDITOR Ben Brown

Anna Levine

Kimberly Hillstock

COPYEDITOR-AT-LARGE

ADVISER

Gia Shipman

Jim McCrossen

A & E EDITOR

Sara Rooney

ONLINE COPYEDITOR Anna Cowden

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

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Stilwell, KS 66085 Permit No. 38