The Express - November Issue

HE EXPRESS

Serving in the military can lead to the development of new values and perspectives about life.

PAGE 12

FIGHTING FOR

FREEDOM VOLUME 31 • ISSUE 3 • BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST

CONTENTS 4

EDITORIAL Faith in Humanity

5

OPINION Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

6

OPINION The Myth About Senior Year

7

OPINION A Revolution or a Threat

FEATURES

8

Runaway Train of Thought

Dissociation is an occurrence with a wide range of severity that affects people in everyday life.

19

The Urge to Splurge

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Home Away From Home

Advice to students who struggle with poor money management.

Foreign exchange students at BVNW experience the everyday life of an American.

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CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

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Fighting for Freedom

Military experiences create new values for those who serve. Principal David Sharp was an infantry soldier in the United States Army after high school.

While stationed in Germany, Sharp got to experience the fall of the Berlin Wall. “In November of 1989, the Berlin Wall came down and it was so cool to see people who all of a sudden had their freedom overnight,” Sharp said.

“As a teenager, I didn’t know what it meant, but to see and observe one of the biggest events in U.S. history was remarkable to me.”

PRAJS PLAY’S

INTERACTIVE

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari revisits plays from sports in the past month and spotlights athletes who are committing to college.

WORD SEARCH: Turn to page 25 to complete a Fall Word Search.

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CONTENTS

25

A&E

26

THANKSGIVING FAVORITES: A collection of students’ favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

NOVEMBER 2023 | 03

FAITH IN HUMANITY

High school is meant to prepare for the outside world, and in reality, the outside world is dark. There is pain and we need to be given the opportunity to learn how to cope with pain in a safe and healthy environment such as our classrooms.

When students asked for more information about the medical emergency that occurred in the DAC parking lot Oct. 20, teachers told us what we already knew, which was very little. Law enforcement responded to a medical emergency involving a weapon outside the school. During a time when rumors were spreading across the school like wildfire, all we wanted was answers and reassurance. Was it a drill or the real deal? We were not officially told.

Being denied information by teachers and not having the chance to have a discussion in classes throughout that day left people anxious, upset and angry. Not only did we not receive any information from teachers, but we were excluded from an email sent to parents providing more detail about the situation. Being left out of the email made us feel ignored and confused. We wanted the truth— to make ourselves feel safer and to show we care during this horrific situation.

So, as a group, we sat down and spoke with each other since we were not going to be given any more information from school officials.

It started off timidly, with a soft-spoken comment about how we need to handle things with kindness. People started nodding along, and the mood of the room became serious but also calm.

We discussed how frightened and stressed we felt in the moment; we all related to feeling shut out and ignored. It was mentioned that we needed more information about the situation to be able to come to terms with the reality of how dark the world can be. Blue Valley administration rightly

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shields us from traumatic situations and has our best interests at heart, but it is unacceptable to keep us out of the loop entirely. Limiting what our teachers can do to help us is not healthy for students, it prompts us to shut down emotionally and not process complex feelings.

Our classroom had a conversation that was healthy, it promoted emotions to come through and break down the walls we had been told were in our best interests to keep up. We were real with one another. We were honest about how people are mean and can do horrible things, but also the aspects of good in people, like how people come together in times of joy, sadness and fear. Talking about how to handle things in a world of confusion and violence made us stronger as individuals and as students. We need to be directly given information sooner in order to process and deal with the aftermath.

Students need to be given the opportunities to speak to each other and have the facts after dealing with a traumatic event. Administration is doing their job to protect us, but protecting us is not necessarily what we need. Adults try to shield students to make sure they don’t taint our innocence, but they are unintentionally making it almost impossible to come together in times of crisis. We must be allowed to have information that concerns us, like reasons as to why we are told we will be experiencing a lock-and-teach.

We ask you to have faith in humanity, that you trust us enough to inform us of emergencies happening in our own school. Teachers and administrative officials should be truthful and honest with us. We put all of our faith in the adults of our school, so do not let it be for nothing. In a world already full of confusion and pain, keep us informed and be honest.

EDITORIAL

JUST WANNA HAVE

FUN

Written by Madison Kraft, Designed by Lila Vancrum

I

consider myself a nice person, and I constantly work on greeting people warmly and making polite eye contact, especially since my job is hostessing at a restaurant. One night on a recent school trip in Boston, I was riding on the subway with some of my girlfriends. We stopped and a middle-aged man got on. So naturally, I smiled at him and in turn, I received the response of kissing faces and noises from him directed at me and my friends.

Thankfully, he got off soon after, but I was extremely bothered and saddened by his immaturity and lack of respect. Am I in the wrong for sharing a smile with a stranger?

While this incident is specific to Boston, these uncomfortable interactions can occur anywhere.

Here in Johnson County, I have experienced being followed home and catcalled. It is terrifying and frustrating. How does one respond?

Do they know where I live? If I classily flip them off, will that prompt further harassment? If I stay silent, how will they learn their lesson? These thoughts run through my mind, and I wonder if these situations and the men behind them will continue to harm women, or if there is something society can do to make a change.

It is beyond ridiculous that women everywhere are seen as some sort of prey to the animals that are perverts. Some men have the audacity to act idiotic, like the man on the subway, and they feel the need to sexually harass and frighten women. Women always have to be on the lookout for men like this,

OPINION

OPINION

GIRLS

including people who are close to touching, being followed and being us, such as teachers and managers. assaulted. Some victims suffer from Frankly, I am sick and tired of it. anxiety and depression, and their Recently there was an incident lives are changed. It also showed where a coach was allegedly sexually that about 27 percent of women first harassing one of his female athletes. encountered sexual harassment at She decided to report him, the police ages 14-17. investigated, and he is no longer a One of the fundamental lessons coach.. Life has continued for the my mom always taught me was to young women who were part of the listen to my “gut feelings” or to be on team, myself included, but I am alert when I get the “heebie-jeebies.” finding it hard In most girls’ to let go. purses, there is I assumed a can of pepper It is beyond that we were spray, waiting in a safe to be used. Girls ridiculous that environment, don’t want to women everywhere strictly to worry about practice our creepy guys, we are seen as some sport. Having want to have fun. sort of prey to the to wonder if If nobody says we should anything, men animals that are tell the police will keep being perverts about what pigs, coaches the coach said will still violate to one of us, is boundaries, truly tragic. and women will I now continue to be have to return to my usual life attacked and watched. while trying to process my anger, However, people have the humiliation, fear and sadness. The power to change how women are coach not only ruined the way I see treated. New generations need to the sport, but he also destroyed my be taught the vital values of respect, ability to trust people. At the mere empathy and prudence. Female age of 16, I have to wonder about empowerment and self-defense for everyone’s— especially men’s— everyone need to be prioritized, ulterior motives. along with recognizing mistakes My experiences with the coach and changing for the better. This and the man on the subway are will create a safer world for not only specific, but the problem applies women but for everyone. to most women. According to Until then, girls stay safe, and an NPR survey in 2018, about 77 predators— just know I always have percent of women were exposed to my pepper spray with me, and I am verbal harassment, and many other not afraid to use it. women have experienced unwanted

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OPINION

A REVOLUTION OR A THREAT Written by Harper Latta, Designed by Sanaee Joshi

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ith the continuous advances in artificial intelligence (AI), there has been considerable debate on whether or not the integration of this new technology will end up harming or helping the world. I feel that if AI can work in the real world— writing interview questions, writing articles for the New York Times, or even coming up with birthday gifts for your Dad, —then the world should embrace the idea of the potential of AI. More specifically, the Blue Valley education system needs to learn how to work with the usage of AI versus continuing a losing battle in trying to ban it.

The best teachers are those who can adapt to the changes in the school system. So why not take advantage of ChatGPT? On my first day at the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) in the global business class, my teacher started the class by telling us that we have the freedom to use ChatGPT as long as we cite it. The explanation behind this was the fact that in the real world, especially in the business field, AI tech like ChatGPT is used constantly. This caught me off guard as in a previous ELA class, I watched those who got caught using ChatGPT drop a whole letter grade.

Yet now when I use ChatGPT in my CAPS class as one of my citations, it will earn me 5 extra credit points.

Staying curious, I went home to ask my dad, who is a senior vice

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president of sales, if he had ever used ChatGPT. Before he even answered, it was already pulled up on his Macbook, as he was using it to come up with interview questions for his next hire. If AI is working for journalists, businesses, and students, why not try to change the minds of teachers who oppose it the most?

In recent years, educational experts have recognized the potential of AI for personalizing learning experiences. According to the Office of Educational Technology, AI algorithms are capable of adjusting to individual students’ specific requirements.

These algorithms allow for personalized lesson plans and the ability to track student progress over time. If done correctly, this approach could ensure that every student is included, and would allow the more advanced learners to have the ability to maximize their potential.

TikTok influencer and teacher Mr. Tudor has developed a following of 179.8k followers, in part due to his tutorials and instructions on how to apply AI for lesson planning purposes. While scrolling through his TikTok page I stumbled across a miniseries in which Edwards uses AI to create lesson plans, and presentations, write emails, and create checklists. With his videos, he has proven that AI can be a beneficial tool, allowing teachers to prioritize their primary role: teaching.

While I believe it to be a necessity,

AI used in schools can bring up the same concerns it does in the real world. Attempting to integrate technology is always a challenge, and is prone to creating dilemmas.

Working to understand the lengths to which AI should be allowed can create tension and stress. For example, I recently had a discussion with my mom about the possible lack of control over privacy and protecting data, especially as a majority of Blue Valley students are minors. While a legitimate concern, adding proper training and the implementation of strong firewalls could help to avoid this.

Additionally, the lack of knowledge about the technology can be daunting. After further conversing with my CAPS teacher, I learned that there are classes that educate and train educators on AI. If district-wide we were able to hold similar meetings or programs to help teachers better comprehend AI, I feel that it could help minimize confusion and show teachers the benefits of using AI in the classroom.

AI has the potential to transform education, however, it also has the potential to bring risks. With careful navigation, schools can use the power of AI to create a more promising future for education.

The key to success lies in finding a balance between the opportunities and obstacles.

OPINION

Written by Hannah Rakolta, Designed by Sanaee Joshi

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ontrary to the popular belief that senior year is a breeze, my experience has been quite the opposite. I walked into the doors this August expecting what most seniors expect: a relatively relaxed and enjoyable final year.

However, this fantasy ended about two weeks into the school year.

While I was trying to juggle the sea of college applications and finish all my scholarship essays, I got bombarded with extensive amounts of homework, more than any other year.

I believe this is due to not only students believing the myth, but teachers believing the misconception that seniors always have it easy. So, I imagine teachers may compensate by making sure seniors do not get to slack off. As a result, I have more assignments and homework than I can handle.

My days more or less consist of the following: I go to school, I come home to finish homework that typically takes at least two hours to complete, I work on my college applications for at least an hour, and I have two to three hours to myself before I go to bed. Originally, I intended to get an after-school job and still have loads of personal time.

Now, thinking about having a job on top of everything I already have to do seems impossible.

I can not imagine how students who are enrolled in similar academic classes and have other obligations handle being so busy. I am only in a handful of outside clubs and

OPINION

OPINION

THE MYTH ABOUT SENIOR YEAR

extracurriculars, including being has been consumed by figuring out the copy editor of The Express and all the new rules and regulations being involved in NHS, both of which regarding applications. This year admittedly require a lot of outsideBVNW is using Xello for college of-school time. But compared to applications, which is something other students, this is nothing. If I that is new for everyone. Constantly was involved in emailing my the same amount counselor sets of activities as of questions my peers, my regarding my life would surely applications took So, I say as a society start to crumble. up my whole first we stop conveying My friendships quarter of the and relationships year. the message that would start to So, I say as a senior year is a weaken due to society we stop guaranteed breeze how busy I would conveying the be. message that I understand senior year is I have the a guaranteed option to drop breeze. All it the classes which are proving to does is create false expectations for be difficult and time-consuming, students who hope their last year but that is just not a realistic or will finally be stress-free. Instead, fair option for students like me.

I want to convey the message to My whole high school experience underclassmen to prepare for senior has been dedicated to trying to be year and help your future self by successful and take challenging taking steps now to assist you in classes to prepare me for my future. getting ahead. This may look like If I quit now, everything that I have having a personal essay started, done to lead up to this year would having a list of colleges you are have been a waste. The classes I am interested in ready, and making enrolled in are classes I need for my sure you are prepared to take future path. standardized tests. Whatever you The academic difficulty in my can do now will make your senior classes is something I can deal self forever grateful. If I was given with. What I cannot deal with is this advice, my life would surely be a the vast amount of busy work I am lot more easy-going than it is now. assigned to when class is over. Not to mention, applying to college is no walk in the park. With the recent changes Northwest has made in applying to college, a lot of my time

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RUNAWAY

TRAIN OF

THOUGHT

Dissociation extends beyond the inability to focus and excessively daydream Written by Adria Heinauer and Nafsiya Hafiz, Photographed by Remi Nuss, Designed by Libby Addison

Sophomore Riley Saugstad says she experiences dissociation. “Ever since I was in elementary school, as long as I can remember, I’ve just referred to it as spacing out or zoning out, and it happens quite often,” Saugstad said.

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FEATURE

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hen sophomore Riley Saugstad is sitting in class and sees a locker outside the classroom door, her brain thinks ‘locker, there’s padlocks on lockers, there’s padlocks on escape rooms, an escape room is what I did for a birthday one time, a birthday, one of my friend’s birthdays is coming up.’ Then, all of a sudden, everyone in her class is standing up and switching seats. She gets stressed, having no idea how much time has passed or where she is supposed to go.

Saugstad said she experiences scenarios like this multiple times a day. She said there are many times throughout the day when she checks out and finds her mind wandering.

When she snaps back, she often gets stressed and has no idea what is going on.

“Ever since I was in elementary school, as long as I can remember, I’ve just referred to it as spacing out or zoning out, and it happens quite often,” Saugstad said.

Oftentimes, dissociation is used interchangeably with terms like “inability to focus.” According to AP Psychology teacher Heidi Gipple, however, there is a distinction between these two concepts.

“Focus is usually on one thing, and it’s something that you want to be working on or doing, whereas dissociation is your body’s response to saying, ‘I don’t want to be in this situation,’” Gipple said.

Another term that is commonly used concerning dissociation is daydreaming, or maladaptive daydreaming, a more complex type of daydreaming. BVNW’s school psychologist, Claudine Boldridge, explained that the difference lies in the aftereffects.

“With maladaptive daydreaming, you remember and know that’s what you did, but when you’re done doing it, you go back to being in reality,” Boldridge said. “With dissociation, you don’t recall what was going on, before you went into that other world of thinking.”

Boldridge described dissociation as a disruption in the way a person’s brain functions.

FEATURE

“Dissociation is a term used to yourself, but you are separate from describe when a person experiences your physical form,” Titus said. a disruption in their normal brain Along with dissociating, Titus said functions,” Boldridge said. “It’s used he compartmentalizes. This is when to describe the types of symptoms he separates different aspects of his that an individual life into boxes, so displays that affect he deals with one their memory, the problem at a time.

If you’re way they perceive Titus said this helps dissociating things, how they him to get tasks experience things done, even if he’s usually that and even their not feeling the best means you’re not perception of mentally. reality.”

Because of dealing with the Gipple further this, Titus said things that are in explained that he believes dissociation has dissociation can front of you a wide range in sometimes be both -Nicholas Titus terms of severity. a good and bad “There is a thing. He said it can spectrum of it. There are times be beneficial in order to keep certain where the dissociation isn’t aspects of his life from intruding necessarily very severe, and then into others, but it can be harmful there are times when it’s almost when he forgets to come back to his like a completely separate person,” problems and process them.

Gipple said.

“I think it can be a problem.

Math teacher Nicholas Titus Dissociating usually means that described his own experience with you’re not dealing with the things dissociation as separating how he that are in front of you very well and feels physically or emotionally from you’re going to miss a lot of nonhow he is trying to act. routine tasks,” Titus said. “You’re “It’s kind of like being an observer not going to do a lot of the executive on your own life. You’re observing functioning things that are outside

During AST, math teacher Nicholas Titus teaches students about exterior angles and how they relate to interior angles, Oct. 31. “Staying present while teaching allows me to focus on my students and what they need, not necessarily other things that are going on,” Titus said.

NOVEMBER 2023 | 09

of the very basic things you do on a daily basis.”

Saugstad often finds herself dissociating several times in one class period and said it causes her to fall behind. Outside of the classroom, Saugstad said she also spaces out when her friends are talking.

“It definitely makes me feel like I’m not being as good of a friend as I could be,” Saugstad said. “The last thing I would ever want is to hurt one of my friends, so I suppose it can definitely impact me socially.”

Saugstad’s mother, Nancy Saugstad, said she rarely notices her daughter struggling to focus.

However, she said Saugstad has told her she has problems focusing.

“I think it’s more of an internal struggle. Although I do notice that sometimes we will be talking about things she needs to do and then she willl forget to do them right after I tell her,” Nancy said.

This year in particular, Saugstad said she has noticed her dissociation’s impact on her academics.

“When I had easier classes, it was easier to figure out what was going on and catch up because I’ve always been a quick learner. But now that I have a heavier schedule and I’m taking a lot of hard classes, it is

68% 68% of students surveyed out of 150 have experienced dissociation

harder to catch up and realize what I missed,” Saugstad said.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) run in Saugstad’s family. Although she is undiagnosed, Saugstad believes it could be a driving factor of her dissociation. She said she is trying to a diagnosis and get something to help her cope, as well as drinking caffeine.

Nancy emphasized Saugstad has not been clinically diagnosed with ADHD or a dissociative disorder, but said if Saugstad did receive a diagnosis, it could be helpful by allowing her extra time on assignments and tests, as well as giving her strategies to improve focus.

Titus has been diagnosed with ADHD and said if someone has ADHD they are more likely to experience dissociation. Titus said mindful meditation, being aware of how he is feeling, trying to stay present and not letting everything pile up are all ways he helps himself.

In accordance with the environmental factors or diagnoses they may have, Gipple explained dissociation is different for every person.

“The likelihood of increased symptoms, if someone already has a

diagnosis of something else, is much higher,” Gipple said. “Sometimes, the severity can increase with something else already in play.”

Boldridge also described an increase in the frequency of dissociation incidents in accordance with another diagnosis.

“If a person suffers from anxiety or ADHD, there would be a tendency to be more easily distracted. So, they may have more frequent episodes of it.” Boldridge said.

Boldridge suggested some simple techniques that may help students stay present in their tasks and maintain their focus. These include turning off notifications, getting at least nine or ten hours of sleep, using a timer to focus on a task for a set amount of time in order to foster momentum, as well as the Pomodoro technique: a technique that includes working in focused intervals and taking five to tenminute breaks in between.

“I teach students to remember that our brains are wired to avoid things we don’t enjoy while doing and seeking out things we do find enjoyable,” Boldridge said. “I teach students and myself [to not] beat yourself up for wanting to avoid something that you know needs to get done.”

80%

96%

80% of students surveyed out of 197 struggle daily to focus on a single task

96% of students surveyed out of 227 have zoned out at school.

Data courtesy of polls sent out on BVNWNews Instagram

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NOVEMBER 2023 | 11

FIGHTING FOR

FREEDOM Military service leads to different values and perspectives for those involved Written by Sydney Barnett and Blen Belachew, Designed by Avery Sigg

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motions military personnel experience while serving can vary greatly, but according to sophomore Lauren Yonke’s father, Jeffrey Yonke, seeing how you can help others makes it worth it. When Yonke was stationed in Afghanistan, he said his first time helping local civilians was impactful. “[The locals] were so grateful that we were there, pushing back the Taliban,” Yonke said. “People being grateful for what you do [and] the sacrifices you make makes a difference to the individuals [who serve].”

Yonke said while he missed his home and family during his time overseas, the service he provided to people in Afghanistan made the struggles worth it.

“You knew you were doing something for another group of people so that they could, in some way, have freedom and the ability to grow and to become a better country,” Yonke said.

Yonke currently serves as a Battalion Executive Officer for a Medical Operations Unit in the Army. However, he did not start in that branch. Originally serving in the Navy from 1985 to 1993, Yonke said he joined the military for college preparation and to experience the real world.

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“I knew I needed to grow up and be a little more mature for [college], so I decided to utilize the military to gain the GI Bill and travel around the world,” Yonke said.

The GI Bill helps qualifying veterans pay for college, graduate school and training programs, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Principal David Sharp also used the military as a way to get into college. He said he joined the military right out of high school at the age of 18 and served for three years as an infantry soldier in the Army during the Cold War. “At the time, I only had two football scholarships that were very small and my family didn’t have the money for [college],” Sharp said. “I was always interested in the military and it paid for my school after three years of service.”

Sharp was deployed in Europe when he served, and his home base was in Friedberg, Germany. Sharp said many historically significant events in his deployment made a difference in his life.

“In November of 1989, the Berlin Wall came down and it was so cool to see people who all of a sudden had their freedom overnight,” Sharp said. “As a teenager, I didn’t know what it meant, but to see and observe one of the biggest events in

U.S. history was remarkable to me.”

In contrast, physics teacher Todd Petersen joined the military when he was 33. He said he was in a transitional period of his life, taking a break from his job, and decided to join the military.

“When I took some time off, September 11 happened,” Petersen said. “The whole world was kind of in shock and people changed, so I just thought, ‘You know what, this seems like a good time to go.’”

Petersen ended up serving as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate in the United States Navy. While serving, he was deployed twice but traveled to many different countries during each deployment, including Bahrain, Qatar, Sicily, Djibouti, Scotland and the Netherlands. One thing Petersen said he learned while deployed overseas was the severity of poverty in third-world countries.

“I don’t think you really understand how poor a third-world country is until you get a chance to experience it,” Petersen said. “[That is] one thing I would say that I learned going to Djibouti. It’s tragic.”

Building substitute teacher and assistant boys basketball coach Orlando McGibboney also traveled to different countries while deployed.

“I’ve been at every major conflict

FEATURE

since 1998,” McGibboney said. “I was in Kosovo, Africa, Iraq [and] Afghanistan.”

McGibboney served as a Special Operations Medic for the United States Army. He enlisted when he was 19 years old in 1998 and served for 21 years. One challenge he said he faced while overseas was religious restrictions in villages.

“We needed females to go to these villages because males can’t touch females,” McGibboney said. “A lot of them were dying after having babies.

We couldn’t, because of religious reasons, have any interaction with their women [to help].”

McGibboney said he felt great once they were able to bring in female doctors, nurses and other medical specialists to help the villagers because it demonstrated real progress.

“You get more out of it when your hearts and minds aren’t blowing stuff up,” McGibboney said. “Hearts, minds and trust solve way more than war.”

One thing Sharp said he learned from the military was how to develop relationships. He said he got to be close with the nurse and medic groups and is still friends with many individuals he served with over 30 years ago.

“You have men and women from all walks of life, from all cities, from

FEATURE

all areas, all diverse backgrounds, military. ethnicities, and you all come “Man’s greatest hurdle in life is together on a common purpose,” time. Nothing’s guaranteed,” Yonke Sharp said. “You walk shoulder said. “You live a nice, cushy life here to shoulder with these people, in the United States. I’ve been to protecting the United States.” about 25 or 30 different countries, Sharp said the military also and seeing how they live puts things helped him learn values such as in perspective.” resilience, time management and Yonke said he appreciates it when team building he is recognized that he could as a veteran carry into but that is not Man’s greatest hurdle his everyday the reason he life. He serves. in life is time, nothing’s expressed how “A lot of the guaranteed, You live the military time people helped him do not know a nice, cushy life here find his that you are in the United States, passion for a veteran, so teaching. it’s nice to be however, I’ve been to “Originally, recognized for about 25-30 different I was going the sacrifices to do law we’ve made. countries and seeing enforcement.

However, that’s how they live puts Yet, I wanted not the reason things in perspective to help people we do what we in a different do,” Yonke said.

-JEFFREY YONKE way because I “You fight for didn’t want to your country, wear all that but also for what gear,” Sharp said. “I wanted to help it stands for: democracy, freedom, and teach people how to work with and freedom of choice, because [others] and understand different where would we be if people didn’t?” people’s perspectives.”

Petersen said he chose to serve Similarly, Yonke acknowledged for personal reasons and does not how his values and perspective on look for recognition in public. life have shifted due to being in the “I don’t park in veterans-only

NOVEMBER 2023 | 13

parking [and] I don’t stand when they ask veterans to stand because it was a choice that I made, and I didn’t do it for recognition,” Petersen said.

“I don’t want that sort of glory [or] appreciation.”

Yonke said his family has shown support through all of his experiences and commitments in the military and how they play a role in his abilities.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time, so it means something to me for my family to recognize the sacrifices I’ve made,” Yonke said.

“It’s not just my sacrifices, but the sacrifices families make as well. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my wife and my kids.”

Lauren expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her father’s commitment and act of selflessness.

“He was deployed in 2004 and was constantly in danger. He could have passed on [or] he could have lost limbs. He was lucky enough to not have that happen to him,” Lauren said. “As a family, we try to be grateful for all that we have and appreciate life.”

Furthermore, Lauren said her overall perspective of life has shifted due to her father being in the military.

“As a country, we are definitely not perfect. I feel like there’s a lot of privileges people take for granted,” Lauren said. “I think I have a little more of an awareness of the privileges I have as an American living in the society we do.”

Lauren said she recognizes the privileges she has in comparison to those living in different parts of the world.

“A lot of countries have women [who] are not allowed to have an education and they have to conform to certain beliefs. Here in America, everyone has the right to education, and you don’t have to follow specific rules,” Lauren said. “You have rights that will protect you that not everyone [around] the world has.”

However, Lauren expressed that teenagers sometimes view patriotism with a negative connotation.

“America has a lot of issues that need to be discussed, [but]

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sometimes we tend to focus on those issues rather than all of the good things we have,” Lauren said. “We should be appreciative of what we do have, rather than constantly talking about the negatives.”

Petersen said it is important for people to know that patriotism can look different for different people. He said patriotism is sometimes used as a political weapon, defining patriots as right-wing conservatives and anything else labeled liberal.

“I think that we tend to paint with a pretty broad brush sometimes and that’s an unfortunate mindset,” Petersen said. “I certainly don’t want people to think that there’s some jingoistic mantra behind every person that’s served in the military.”

Petersen said he disagrees with people telling others they cannot do a certain thing or act a certain way because people have fought for their freedoms.

“If I was fighting for freedom, it was for people to burn a flag if that’s what they believe they need to do and have a right to do,” Petersen said.

“I do what I believe is patriotic, [but that] doesn’t mean I expect other people to have that same view of patriotism.”

Futhermore, different views of patriotism can be seen regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. Kansas Statute 72-5308 requires public schools to regularly recite the Pledge of Allegiance as a patriotic exercise. The Blue Valley School District began this daily recitation on Oct. 22. However, Sharp said students are not required to participate, and he is not bothered if they do not.

“I respect everybody’s thoughts, so you can [choose to] participate [or not],” Sharp said.

Petersen said people’s rights are more important than reciting the Pledge. He said people should be able to decide what they believe in and not be judged.

“I certainly don’t want any of my students feeling like I’m going to judge them in any way if they choose to sit for it, because that’s their right, too,” Petersen said. “Isn’t that more important than [us] all lining up to believe the exact same thing?”

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(Top left) Orlando McGibboney serves in Kosovo in 1999. (Photo courtesy of McGibboney)

(Top right) Todd Petersen serves in the Navy in Qatar in 2005. (Photo courtesy of Petersen) (Middle) Sharp (far right) serves in Hohenfels, Bavaria in 1989. (Photo courtesy of Sharp)

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(Bottom left) Jeffery Yonke holds his daughter Lauren (5 months old) after coming home from a drill on August 10, 2008.

(Photo courtesy of Lauren Yonke)

Sports Design Editor Prajwal Adhikari shares his favorite athlete performances of the past month Written and Designed by Prajwal Adhikari, Photographed

by Lila Vancrum, Rachel King and Libby Addison

Football The Huskies experienced a major victory against Olathe Northwest, 48-10, on Oct. 26. Both sides of the ball contributed to their big win.

The Huskies marched down the field each offensive drive and displayed a dominant performance throughout the game. In just the first half, the Huskies outscored the Ravens, 41-0.

The stifling Husky defense had three interceptions on the night. Senior tight end Gavin Hoffman was a huge contributor to the team’s success, with three receptions for 116 yards.

He also recorded two touchdowns, including an 83 yard touchdown catch. Hoffman was pleased with his early production.

“It was a great feeling,” Hoffman said. “I haven’t really had a touchdown like that so it was definitely a very satisfying feeling to start the game off for sure.”

He explained his strong connection with senior quarterback Nate Livingston that allows for big plays.

“We’ve been best friends since second grade. We’ve been playing football since we were eight years old, so the chemistry is great,” Hoffman said.

Head Coach Clint Rider

16 | THE EXPRESS

understands the impact that Hoffman has on the team’s execution.

“He commands a lot of attention from defenses and he’s a great blocker, so that allows us to get into some more condensed formations and be able to run the ball more effectively,” Rider said.

Senior football captain Gavin Hoffman approaches the end zone after a reception during the first post season game against Olathe Northwest on Oct. 26. “I think we have a really good team that keeps on building each week,” Hoffman said.

GI RL'S TE N N IS

Senior Saraphina Wambi and Sophomore Maryam Wambi were doubles partners this tennis season. “I loved playing with Maryam,” Saraphina said, “She always brought the energy and it was a blessing to win 2nd at state with my sister.”

Senior Saraphina and sophomore Maryam Wambi placed second in the tennis state championship on Oct. 13 and 14.

Saraphina explained how her relationship with her sister reflected their performance into their bond as doubles partners for tennis.

“We couldn’t find the boundary between being sisters, and being teammates, but as the season went on, we got better at it,” Saraphina said. “It definitely helped us because when you’re in a tough match, and you’re feeling down on yourself, you have your sister to support you.”

Maryam expressed how her and Saraphina’s mentality throughout the early games of the tournament changed throughout the season.

“We wanted to do our best and we wanted to finish it quicker as the tournament went on, so we can get to the final more easily,” Maryam said.

BOY'S SOCCE R

Junior Andy Dowsett opens up in preparation to recieive the ball, leading to a goal in the scond half of the soccer game against Pembroke Hill, Oct. 16.

A&E

The boys varsity soccer team clinched a sub-state game after a 2-0 win against Pembroke Hill on Oct. 16. In an intense battle, the Huskies displayed a strong defensive performance, shutting out the opponent throughout the game. Both teams entered the half scoreless, leaving fans in anticipation of the first goal in the second half. Tensions increased after junior Andy Dowsett scored the first goal of the match in the final 14 minutes of the game, sparking offensive momentum for the Huskies. Dowsett explained the team’s focus entering the game, considering the stakes.

“It was a must win game and we couldn’t lose. We had to dial in for warmups because usually we don’t focus in warmups,” Dowsett said.

Coach Brian Pollack knows the weaknesses of the team and explained the importance of scoring moments that make the team more confident in their execution.

“I think that goals are contagious.

Unfortunately, that’s been a struggle for us this season, is seeing the ball hit the net repeatedly. You can see the morale on the bench go up from just seeing that,” Pollack said.

NOVEMBER 2023 | 17

CLASS OF 2024

fall COLLEGE COM M ITM E NTS Seniors signed to colleges to continue their athletic careers on Nov. 8

FOOTBALL GAVIN HOFFMAN UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

TREY RIDLEY SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

SOCCE R CHLOE DILLBECK KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

CAITLYN SAMPLE BAKER UNIVERSITY

EMILY PETERSON MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY

NIMU KARANI ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY

ISABELLE DEBuyL SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

BASKETBALL LAINIE DOUGLAS MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

ELISE GROSDIDIER COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

VOLLEYBALL REMI NUSS WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

18 | THE EXPRESS

JOSIE GROSDIDIER COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TAMIA DAVIS

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SWI M M I NG

BOWLI NG

SOPHIA PADUANO

EMAREE NESTER OTTAWA UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

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Teens overspending their money is a common struggle Written by Lindsay Maresh and Sri Trikona, Photographed by Libby Addison, Designed by Sri Trikona

S

enior Sophie Lage opens her Starbucks app and orders a Venti Iced Chai Tea Latte. This is an every other day occurrence for Lage. Based on her habits, Starbucks costs her approximately $22 a week, or $88 per month, or more than $1,000 per year.

In addition to Starbucks, Lage said a majority of her spending is on clothes. While her friends try to offer advice to reduce her spending, she said she normally still buys what she wants. However, Lage admits spending more money when she is making financial decisions independently. “[My friends] try to get me to stop spending money a lot,” Lage said.

“So I usually spend more money when I’m alone, and I make my own thoughts and choices, rather than with my friends when they try to tell me, ‘Oh, you don’t need that.’”

Junior Sean Lee, founder and copresident of BVNW’s Finance club, said he tries to spend his money wisely, however, he occasionally spends it on things he does not need like entertainment and clothing.

“There’s instances where I spend my money on stuff I shouldn’t, but I don’t let [myself] get too overboard because I always keep my spending in check,” Lee said.

The impulse to spend money on desires and enjoyment ultimately leads to overspending, Abby Foster, a wealth advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Kansas City, said.

“I think sometimes our desire for fun things kind of outweighs our

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logical sense of what we should or real money, and I can buy things on shouldn’t be doing,” Foster said. my own,’ so I [decided] I might as “It’s easy to let the fun side of our well just spend it.” brain drive the decisions we make, Lee said that feeling a sense of especially when it comes to money.” guilt is not necessarily a bad thing Additionally, Foster said spending when it comes to overspending. money has mental aspects to it, “I think that [feeling guilty about including providing an outlet to spending] is a good thing because destress. you shouldn’t be overspending your “I think money is very emotional money anyway, so maybe a little in that it’s just a coping mechanism sense of guilt is good for holding for some people. [Whether it is] yourself accountable,” Lee said. shopping or maybe it’s purchasing Business teacher Erin Izzo, who food items, maybe it’s doing fun teaches a personal finance class things with said she feels friends,” Foster as though teens said. “It’s all kind overspend of a release.” because they In addition to don’t have providing a way pressing to unwind, Lage responsibilities said spending such as rent. money brings her “At this point, happiness. students might “It makes overspend me feel happy because they -SEAN LEE because I am don’t have many buying something expenses they I really like with must pay for my own money, and I am not feeling right now,” Izzo said. “Their income guilty by using someone else’s is mostly used to pay for things money, like my parents’,” Lage said. that are more nice, like going out, An inclination to spend money spending time with their friends, can also arise when someone gets going to get something to eat and their first job, Lage said. When she going to activities.” first started working at Scheels, Izzo said that as students Lage said she no longer felt guilty don’t need to actively track their when spending her money because spending, it’s easy to forget how she was making it herself. much money is actually spent when “I don’t like spending [my they can just buy whatever they parents’] money that much,” Lage want. said. “So once I got my first job, I Additionally, Izzo said that one of was like, ‘Oh, I’m actually making the worst downfalls for teens who

Maybe a little sense of guilt is good for holding yourself accountable

NOVEMBER 2023 | 19

Senior Sophie Lage looks through clothes to find a new outfit for a football game. “I have gotten better [at saving money] but sometimes I still do struggle with saving money,” Lage said.

are not able to manage their income is that they won’t be disciplined with their saving habits. She said saving money as a teen sets the basis for how they will spend their money once they get a job.

Similarly, Foster said spending more than intended can become a detrimental habit as teens enter adulthood. This danger can come in the form of personal loans, credit cards and other financial pitfalls.

“If you’re used to overspending, that habit can become really dangerous,” Foster said. “If you start getting a credit card and maxing that

20 | THE EXPRESS

out, those have really high interest rates and can eat into things really quickly and start you into a spiral of debt that’s super difficult to get out of.”

Izzo said the biggest thing a teen can do to create healthy spending habits is to create an automatic transfer, so a portion of their check goes into their savings account.

“Start off low, with maybe 10% of your check going directly into a savings account up to 20% or even 50% depending on what you think makes sense for you, but an automated savings is definitely

going to help,” Izzo said.

Investing is also an effective way to maintain cost-effectiveness, Izzo said. She said to start saving early, and then figure out ways to invest money and grow it for the longterm. She said if teens start asking their family members for help to start investing, then a small portion of money can grow over time.

Coming up soon is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day in the United States. Foster said it is necessary to plan what to buy before beginning to shop.

“Just because something is on

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sale, [that] is not a reason to buy spending, creating a budget, it,” Foster said. “Always have a plan determining what you are planning before you go shopping and know to spend, prioritizing what your what you’re looking for so you don’t needs and your wants are, and then get sidetracked living that plan,” by all of the fun Izzo said. things you see on Similarly, sale.”

Foster said In addition budgeting is to seasonal a good way to reasons, Foster set yourself up said spending has for success as increased due to an adult. She inflation. recommended a “I’ve definitely 50-30-20 budget. noticed people 50 percent of -ABBY FOSTER struggling more your budget is with the cost of for needs, 30 inflation because percent is for a lot of the things that have grown wants, and 20 percent is for savings. in costs are not things that are However, as a teenager with fewer discretionary,” Foster said. expenses, this can be altered.

As an adult, Izzo said she spends “If you don’t have any spending on money responsibly by budgeting. needs that you have to do, because “[Spending money responsibly] you’re still living at home and your means being able to track your basic needs are covered, then you

Just because something is on sale, [that] is not a reason to buy it

can use that other 50,” Foster said.

“Maybe split it 50/50 so you’re saving half of your paycheck and then spending half of your paycheck.”

Izzo said the values an adult has when it comes to spending money are different than when they were teens because they have more financial obligations.

“As you have responsibilities, moving from your teenage years into your adult years, then of course that’s going to change where your priorities are gonna lie. When you have to support yourself and a family with places to live, food, and transportation, then that shapes how your spending plan gets created,” Izzo said.

by percentage

Information from investment firm Piper Sandler’s 2022 Survey

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NOVEMBER 2023 | 21

HOME AWAY Teens from different parts of the world gain new experiences and pursue different opportunities after transferring to BVNW Written by Sara Scheibel and Inaya Zaman, Photographed by Rachel King, Designed by Alyssa Gagnon

A

s senior Elena Santelli Santelli said she would go to school entered BVNW for at 8:15 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. She also the first time, she felt said that the setup of the schools in overwhelmed by the the U.S. is different from what they unfamiliar environment. have in Italy. In Italy, there is not Not only was it a new building, but it one unified building for school. was in a new country—one that was “The school is much bigger than across the world from home. the ones that we have because in BVNW accepts foreign exchange Italy [they] have different schools students from all for different over the world, subjects,” including Italy, Santelli said. the Netherlands, Senior Femke The U.S. is, in my and more. There Baan, a foreign opinion, a really are currently exchange three foreign student from interesting country. exchange students the Netherlands, It’s really different at BVNW. also decided to from the Netherlands, Santelli moved move to the U.S. to the U.S. from “I always [especially] the Italy. She said she [wanted] to language and the decided to be an [improve my] exchange student English and food in America due to the U.S. looked, -FEMKE BAAN her love of travel. to me, as the “I have had perfect country this dream that to learn it.

I wanted to travel since I was in The U.S. is, in my opinion, a really elementary school. I wanted to go interesting country. It’s really to England, originally, but I started different from the Netherlands, watching Netflix series like Friends [especially] the language and the and movies like Grease and [then] I food, ” Baan said. changed it to America,” Santelli said.

Baan expressed similar feelings After moving to the U.S., Santelli related to Santelli’s struggles. In said she experienced many cultural addition to getting used to school, differences within school and life in Baan said she also struggled with general. For example, she said she the different environment and is not used to mealtimes or the start language. For instance, Baan said and end times for school. In Italy, that she was used to having an hour-

22 | THE EXPRESS

long lunch in the Netherlands, not the 20 minutes at BVNW. Baan noted that when she first arrived in the U.S., speaking English was a bit of a struggle for her. After being here for a while, she said she is getting used to it and picking it up quickly.

Adjusting to a new place, Baan said she misses her family and friends back home but is forming new connections here. Baan’s family back home consists of her dad, Erik Baan, sister, Guusje Baan, and mom Sjoerdtje Boonstra.

“Of course, I miss my family and friends. But here, I’m making a lot of new friends, like all the exchange students here. We have a group [that hangs out together],” Baan said.

Baan’s family back in the Netherlands also expressed emotion when she left.

“On one side, we were very proud of her that she went on this big adventure. On the other side, it was pretty emotional for us to say goodbye to her and not see her in real life for almost a year,” Erik said. “[We miss] her presence in our house, her happiness, her kindness [and] her humor.”

Erik explained that Baan had talked about being a foreign exchange student for a long time and she was finally able to fulfill that dream.

“This is something she wanted from when she was little. She said

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FROM HOME

Senior Elena Santelli said she has a positive relationship with her host family. “When I met them they were super nice and I was instantly comfortable with them.” Santelli said.

‘I want to go to a foreign country to meet new people to discover new cultures.’ At this moment, she is making her dream come true,” Erik said.

However, unlike Baan, Santelli said she does not experience the same feelings of homesickness.

“I’m not homesick at all. I was [during] the first week when I got here. I would call my parents and [feel sad], but not anymore,” Santelli said. “It’s easy for me to get adjusted to new situations, and I love traveling. I’m kind of used to the fact that [my parents are] not going to be with me all the time.”

Santelli said that she likes the

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different environment and the feeling the U.S. has.

“I’m OK, here. I like the fact that it’s not just one culture and you can find people with different cultures,” Santelli said. “People are super nice, like if I find myself running or something here, people are like, ‘Oh, good morning.’ They’re very supportive. It’s all [part of the] experience that you get.”

Santelli’s mother, Arianna Muccini, was less concerned about Elena when she said she wanted to participate in a foreign exchange program. Muccini said that she was the one who actually helped Santelli get all of the forms prepared before

the program.

“It was not that difficult, but the week before [Santelli] left, it was awful because I realized she would not be here,” Muccini said.

Muccini said she felt good about the host family Santelli is staying with as they were able to meet them over the phone. She said it was comforting to know who Santelli was with.

Baan is currently staying with the Wade family. Savanna Wade is a freshman. Her parents, Anita and Randy Wade said that they first signed up to be a host family after hearing about it from a friend of

NOVEMBER 2023 | 23

theirs.

Anita said Baan is fitting in right away with her family.

“It’s been nothing but good. It’s fun. She really fits in. We get to learn a lot about her country,” Anita said.

“It’s fun to watch her learn about America, and try to say words and eat new things. [We have a good time] learning about the other countries and cultures.”

Savanna also said she’s had a very positive experience with Baan joining her family temporarily.

“It’s kind of like having a sister. It’s fun to have somebody to talk to, and bounce stuff off of,” Savanna said. “I get to annoy her and she steals my clothes and stuff like that.”

Savanna is an only child, so having another person added to the family was a big change for her, she said.

However, Savanna said it is very fun and enjoyable.

Santelli’s host mother is Jan Clarkson. Clarkson is a single mother who has adopted five children from China. She said she decided to become a host mother because she thought it would be good for her children to meet people from different cultures.

“We are a multicultural, multiracial family, so it just made sense.

For the most part, it is a very good experience,” Clarkson said.

She said at times it would be difficult for her previous children to adjust to everything in the U.S., but Santelli has done very well at getting used to things.

Clarkson often will try to incorporate different ideas and learn from her host children’s cultures. For example, she said she has tried to cook more Italian dishes and go to more Italian restaurants for Santelli.

Randy Wade, Savanna’s father, said that Baan has given them humor and taught them many new lessons.

“It’s just awesome because we’re able to take someone in from a different culture and learn from her as she’s learning from us. We get to see how they do things in a different country as opposed to how we do it,” Randy said.

Anita said she will always remember Baan and all she has taught their family when she goes home at the end of the school year.

“When she leaves it’s gonna be devastating. She’s so pleasant and helpful. And she’s just a ton of fun.

Having Savanna have somebody to basically be like a sibling has been good for her,” Anita said.

Both host families said the experience was nothing but good and positive and brought pleasant memories.

Anita said that she would definitely recommend other families to consider being host families.

“I would tell them to really consider the people that they look at to bring over here and their interests and how they would fit into [their] family. We chose her because of her personality, but also because her interests match some of Savanna’s,” Anita said.

Baan said that being a foreign exchange student was a good choice for her. She said that she would definitely recommend it to someone else.

“The first few weeks I came here, I [could not] speak [much English]. It was really bad and I was just getting into it really slowly,” Baan said. “But, I really recommend it if a person can do it.”

Similarly, Erik said that this experience was wonderful for Baan.

“It’s everything we wanted and it’s everything she wanted,” Erik said.

“We wouldn’t change a thing.”

1.08 24.25%

million exchange students live in the U.S.

of exchange students living in the U.S. are from China.

23.39% of exchange students living in the U.S. are from India.

Information from ICEF Monitor.

24 | THE EXPRESS

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Fall

word search

Directions: Find the hidden fall words!

Designed by Alex Cowdrey

acorn chilly leaves pumpkin INTERACTIVE

moon cider scarf rake crisp apple sweater hayride cozy harvest football scarecrow NOVEMBER 2023 | 25

AVA GROSDIDIER’S PUMPKIN BAR RECIPE Beat together: 4 eggs 1 ⅔ cup of sugar 1 cup of oil 1 can of pumpkin Add: 2 cups of flour 2 teaspoons of baking powder 2 teaspoons of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of salt Mix together and put it onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit until done.

Frosting: ¼ cup of margarine ¼ cup of butter 4 tablespoons of milk 1 teaspoon of vanilla Mix the listed ingredients and then add 3 heaping cups of powdered sugar.

Frost bars & enjoy!

Pumpkin Bars are sophomore Ava Grosdidier’s favorite way to kick off the fall season!

She said this recipe is special to her because of the memories she has with it. “I have so many memories crowding around my mom with my sisters trying to sneak a piece from the edge,” she said.

ELISE GROSDIDIER’S MASHED POTATOES RECIPE Boil 5 lbs of potatoes Mash the potatoes

2 tablespoons of margarine 2 teaspoons of onion salt ¼ teaspoon of pepper

Add: 2-3 oz of cream cheese 1 teaspoon of salt

Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit until golden brown.

Senior Elise Grosdidier’s Thanksgiving recipe is mashed potatoes. She said this recipe is special to her because her family was “always in charge of making the mashed potatoes” for their family gatherings. “It was a time we could spend together and get to know each other,” she said.

KENDRA HAILE’S CARROT BREAD RECIPE Shred 2 cups of carrots and set aside.

Beat Together (in this order): 4 eggs 2 cups of sugar (gradually) 1 ¼ cup of oil (gradually) Stir in: 3 cups of flour 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda ¼ teaspoon of salt 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Stir until smooth, and then stir in the shredded carrots.

Pour batter into greased and wax-lined loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour (or until the toothpick comes out clean).

Let it stand for 10 minutes before removing from the pans.

One of sophomore Kendra Haile’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes is carrot bread. Kendra said that it is a comforting food. “I correlate [it] with my family and my childhood,” she said.

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

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

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

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

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

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Design Editor

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Writers

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Saraphina Wambi

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