The Standard — December 2015

the

the standard blue valley southwest volume 6 | issue 4

standard

technological ties Students share their experiences meeting friends on the internet

feature: pages 08/09

inside

it’s the holiday season special sections: page 06 the ballot box news: page 12 mastering the mat sports: page 18 diving deeper feature: page 28

Front cover: Students are beginning to meet people online and in turn, creating new friendships in a different way than ever before. Senior Brianna Bartalos has created a friendship in this way. photo illustration by Kate Bowling

contents www.bvswnews.com volume 6 | issue 4

28

features 08 | technological ties 10 | returning to their roots 14 | learning to fly 16 | a collection of cultures

16

26 | enlightening exchange 28 | diving deeper 31 | exploring art styles

sports 18 | mastering the mat

18

14

24 | living a double life

opinion 04 | racism: not just black and white

news 12 | the ballot box

special sections 06 | it’s the holiday season

06 10

20 | galactic generations 22 | start the day 30 | coffee craze

online exclusive Gallery: boys varsity basketball vs. Shawnee Mission North

Editor’s Note

C

thestandard editor-in-chief lexi tarter

omfort zones: we all have them. Realizing we have them is the

online editor-in-chief margo johnson

easy part, but trying to break out of them is a different story. The

associate editor michael magyar

thought of trying to tie all of the stories that our staff has told this

issue into 200 words frightened me to say the least; so why do it? With my

business manager nicole becker

editor-in-chief pushing me to write the note, I realized now was as good a

photo editor delaney oliver

time as ever to expand my horizons in order to grow as a writer.

This issue, many of our staffers also took leaps out of their comfort zones.

Some writers played with their graphic design and photography skills, while some photographers and designers tried their hand at writing. Without our staff’s willingness to try new things, we would not have the diversity that’s showcased in this issue. The staff could have just continued with their normal tasks, but, instead, they pushed themselves and because of that, they were able to grow as journalists. But why didn’t they just take the easy route and stay in areas they knew they would excel at? I believe the answer lies within our readers who push us, as a staff, to improve in order to tell the stories that we feel are important and deserve to be told. The ability to investigate and share stories of students who are pilots or aspiring scuba divers truly has inspired us as a staff to reach out of our comfort zones in order to create, in my opinion, our best issue yet.

I’d like to thank our readers and my staff for the motivation to break out of my comfort zone and to finally write the editor’s note.

| socialmediamanager

online photo editor donna armstrong social media manager blake gustafson writing coaches nicole becker michael magyar design coaches lillie hoffart riley martin staff writers kelsey demel uma desai kelyn lynch sydney swyers seth wingerter photographers cheyenne greathouse lily smith kara torgler graphic designers kate bowling abby yi adviser rachel urban The Southwest Standard is published seven times a year for students, faculty and surrounding community of Blue Valley Southwest. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration of Blue Valley Unified School District #229.

Letters to the editor and reader responses are encouraged for publication. The Southwest Standard reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content and encourages letters to be no more than 350 words. All letters must be signed and names will be published.

Racism: not just black and white students are becoming accustomed to using racial slurs as common greetings OFFENSE: RACISM, DISRESPECT

your face here

your face here

R SOS Racismo is an antidiscriminatory organization founded in Madrid. Their campaigns (like the ones above) focus on addressing stereotypes that accompany different ethnic groups. See more at www. sosracismo.org.

4 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | opinion

acism is an issue that has been ongoing since the beginning of time. With incidents such as the Michael Brown shooting or the death of Freddie Gray, the media has picked up on racial issues and has addressed them as a “crisis.” Not that there’s an easy solution to this problem — removing the slurs completely from society is next to impossible. A start to fixing the problem is by realizing that racism is one — a big one.

Racial and offensive words have begun to be used as common greetings and are prevalent all over the world. They range from a conversation starter to deep rooted hatred. The younger generations are targeted for perpetuating racism through the casual use of racial slurs and offensive language. Using offensive slurs and language is ruining our generation’s reputation, and we need to be the ones to fix it before it impacts the next generation.

“It’s all ‘just words’ until you put a specific tone or connotation or circumstance to it, and then it’s not just words, then it’s life or death,” counselor Kristi Dixon said. “What’s just words in our zip code or in our building is so much more than that every place else. So when you leave our bubble of protection, all of a sudden you don’t know why someone is wanting to fight you.”

The recent events at the University of Missouri are prime examples of the impact of words.

According to the Huffington Post, AfricanAmerican student groups have complained of racial slurs and other slights on the overwhelmingly white, 35,000-student campus for months. Students criticized former president Tim Wolfe for not adequately responding to a spate of incidents where the student body president and several others encountered racial slurs.

Their frustrations flared during the homecoming parade on Oct. 10 when protesters blocked Wolfe’s car, and he refused to address the issue presented by students on the topic of racism. The student group issued its list of demands, which the Columbia Daily Tribune published; they demanded that the school adopt a mandatory racial-awareness program and hire more black faculty members.

“I understand the unhappiness of students, but I think this should have been handled in a much different way,” said alumna and University of Missouri freshman Abby Morrow. “Chanting ‘black power’ through a campus is not the right way to get equality. It’s very hard to see both sides of the situation, seeing as I have never been on the other side, but it has given this school a very negative image.”

All students will be impacted by the issue of racism — whether they were involved in the recent movement or not. Current and prospective students at the university are expected to take a mandatory racial-awareness program from here on out. Students will be ineligible to enroll in classes without successfully completing this training. According to CNN, Mizzou Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin said this training will inform students and faculty about the diversity of the campus and the organizations present on campus and also make people conscious of how to be inclusive in their words and behaviors.

“People will always have their opinions, and a mandatory program isn’t going to change that,” Morrow said. “There are people everywhere who still have feelings of racism, but the majority of Mizzou’s campus is not racist, which makes it hard to understand why all of the students would have to complete mandatory racial-awareness program.”

These situations occur everywhere, not just at local universities. Racial slurs and word choice have impacted people all over. Our generation in specific is being called out for not using them intelligently.

“I’m always frustrated by stereotypes of this generation, and I think that’s because I know

this generation and I know you’re good people, so when somebody says, ‘Today’s youth…,’ I’m ready to argue it,” Dixon said. “They don’t know that these young people are changing the world, but it’s the language this generation uses that gives evidence and support to the people who try to put this generation down.”

Despite the increased efforts by the Diversity Club and Gay-Straight Alliance to spread awareness of racism and discrimination, these issues are still prominent within the school.

Dixon said students frequently visit the counseling office about discriminatory issues.

“Some of the common greetings I hear in the halls of this school are bitch, whore, slut and the ‘N’ word,” Dixon said. “I hear a lot of words that to the casual passerby would be like, ‘What is happening?’ and those are the ones that concern me. In specific, I hear the ‘N’ word — it flies fast and furious in our hallways.”

They’re everywhere, not just prevalent in the hallways of a high school — they’re in music and all over the internet. In this generation, the word is tossed around without thought — it’s no more impactful than a comma. We’re so exposed to these words we hardly recognize it; therefore, we refuse to see it as an issue.

“I think [the use of these words are] the social norm because pop culture is a big influence,” Dixon said. “It’s in our music; it’s in our videos and our stories. Teenagers are consumers of popular culture, so it comes up, and when it’s so pervasive and you hear it all the time, you start to think it’s normal. And it’s not until somebody challenges you to think just a little bit differently and a little bit deeper before you start to think, ‘Maybe it’s not OK.’” The pressing statement in this generation still remains — “but I didn’t mean it.”

“I don’t think older generations should be concerned about how we communicate — that’s just how we talk,” senior Alex Henke said. “The older generation probably had their own slang and did their thing when they were growing up.

It’s just our generation. It’s who we are.”

Not all students refer to it as a generational fixation, but instead a larger issue which deems more attention.

“This reflects poorly on our generation because those words should not be taken lightly,” senior Shayna Byers said. “It’s sad that our generation tries to put a positive connotation on such terrible words. Especially because I’m an African-American, most students don’t realize that I hear them saying those words even when they don’t think I’m listening. People of this generation are claiming that since the African-American students are sticking up for themselves, they’re being ‘dramatic’ and need to ‘get over it,’ little do they know how hard it is to speak up.” cont. to bvswnews.com.

twitter analytics The ‘N’ word is used

500,000 times a day on Twitter

70%

of tweets using such language were deemed to be using slurs in “nonderogatory fashion.”

500

tweets a day were directed at an individual and appeared on first sight to be abusive.

information from the Daily Mail.

| lexitarter graphics by Abby Yi |5

HOLIDAY SEASON

I

t’s the time of year students begin to think about the end of the semester. According to kaplaninternational.com, December is known around the world as a family time of celebration honoring cultures, religions and traditions that have been with humanity for hundreds of years.

“December is my favorite month because there’s no feeling quite like waking up to a blanket of white snow everywhere,” senior Cooper Courtney said. “December is a beautiful month because there’s always something going on, whether it’s the speed of the holiday season or just watching college basketball, it’s hard to get bored.”

With snow days, holiday wish lists and seasonal attractions, winter break is just around the corner. | rileymartin | abbyyi

WINTER WISHLIST The most popular gifts of the 2015-16 holiday season according to leading retailers courtesy of flipboard.com

#1

SPHERO BB-8 APP ENABLED DROID $149.99

HOVERTECH BATTLE FX GAME $39.99

#2

“[The top three things on my holiday wish list] are probably a Polaroid camera or a new camera and a new Michael Kors purse.” | seniorjadatorian

#3

APPLE WATCH $383.95

HOVERBOARD $$288.00-$498.98

#4

“The top things on my wishlist are some new sweaters and Hunter rain boots.”

| freshmanallymartin

#5 6 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | special sections

K’NEX Thunderbolt Strike Roller Coaster Set

SNOW DAY

HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS

The superintendent makes the final decision to keep schools open or close them during inclement weather before 6 a.m. based on:

bus company information weather service information

Temperature and wind chill

“This year my family is flying over the Plaza in a helicopter to see the Christmas lights at night.” |seniorheatherhuesman

CROWN CENTER

amount of snow and ice accumulated and whether snow and ice is continuing

Parking lot, sidewalk, and building conditions

DISCUSSION WITH officials about road conditions

COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA

&

other Johnson County school districts

“I go ice skating and shopping with my friends every holiday at Crown Center.” |freshmanlaineydow THE KAUFFMAN “Every year around the holiday I go to the Kauffman to see The Nutcracker.” |juniorbutchclemons

Information from bluevalleyk12.org.

|7

Technological ties Students share their experiences meeting friends on the internet

A

midst the hustle and bustle of school junior Brennah Welch glances at her cell phone screen. Her best friend’s name, Katie, flashes across the screen. Welch and Katie Ziter don’t have an average friendship, though. They originally contacted each other through Instagram and have never met in person.

For many students, digital friendships are becoming more common. In a survey

by Pew Research Center, it was found that 57 percent of teens have met a new friend through social media or online gaming.

The technological world continues to be a dominant way of contact and that results in many long distant friendships.

In 2012, Welch contacted Ziter due to a mutual following of an Instagram account. It wasn’t until the summer before Welch’s sophomore year that the two of-

ficially became friends. Welch and Ziter talk constantly, and have found many ways to connect with each other despite never actually meeting.

“I don’t talk about her a lot but when I do, my other friends get really confused,” Welch said. “At first they ask ‘who is that?’ or ‘how do you know her again?’”

While Welch lives in Kansas, Ziter lives in Pennsylvania. With the help of technology, the hundreds of miles separating them does not put a damper on the relationship and connections the two share.

“I feel like I am a lot closer to her than I am with other people,” Welch said. “Katie and I are the same person, which a lot of times is a bad thing, but it’s pretty good for us because whenever something happens, she just knows and it doesn’t matter

8 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

how far away we are.”

For Welch, meeting Ziter has positively impacted her life. Often the dangers of the internet are the only facts exposed when it comes to meeting people online.

Forty one percent of teens said they have witnessed or been a part of a negative experience on social media according to Pew Research Center.

“People often think that the internet is bad and yes, there are weird people out there and some can end up using others or doing bad things,” Welch said. “But that doesn’t mean that everyone on the internet is out to get you. I think that as long as a friendship is real and true, then it’s good, then it shouldn’t matter where you meet them.”

Similarly, senior Brianna Bartalos met her current best friend through a social media outlet. During Bartalos’ sophomore year, she noticed a tweet from an upset Blue Valley student, Brycen Gunn. She decided to reach out to him and offer her condolences.

“I direct messaged him because I noticed he was upset about something going on over Twitter,” Bartalos said. “I wanted him to know that even though I didn’t know him, I was looking out for him and if he needed someone to talk to, I was there.”

This simple act of kindness from Bartalos launched the two’s friendship.

As Bartalos and Gunn began texting, they realized that they would both be attending the same Relay for Life event which would allow them to finally meet.

“We hung out the entire night together

and we’ve been best friends since,” Bartalos said. “It’s been one of the best friendships I have developed.”

After Relay for Life, Bartalos and Gunn continued to make connections over their similar interests and common hobbies. The common denominator between the two was their love for cheerleading. Both were able to become closer with each other despite the unique initial contact. Bartalos doesn’t think of her friendship with Gunn any differently than the relationship she has with her other friends.

“We had this weird click, and it’s nothing different than my other friendships,” Bartalos said. “I look at all my friendships differently depending on the individual. I have all these separate relationships, but then we’ll all come together and now we’re best friends.”

While Welch and Bartalos had

valuable experiences on the internet, they both recognize the necessary precautions that should be taken to stay safe while meeting new people through social media and technology.

“Sometimes there are dangers that exist on social media but that’s true for anything,” Bartalos said. “I don’t think meeting people over the internet is a bad thing and I think a lot of people meet their best friend over the internet. We have the opportunity with social media and new technologies to meet new people with unique personalities and similar interests and I think we should take advantage of that.”

| karatorgler photos submitted by Brianna Bartalos and Brennah Welch

| 9

W Returning to their Roots alumnae return to Southwest as paras

10 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

alking back into the doors of the school they had graduated from just a few years earlier, Ashley Dorris and Veronica Buendia felt back at home in the atmosphere they grew up in.

Dorris and Buendia decided to come back to their high school when they were hired to become paraprofessionals this past fall. After Dorris graduated in 2014 and Buendia in 2013, they did not think they would come back to high school so quickly.

“I went to JCCC and tried KU but it wasn’t really working out for me, so I just decided to come back home,” Buendia said. “But I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, so I figured that I might as well come back and get some experience while I’m not going to school, so that’s why I decided to become a para.”

While Buendia went to school, Dorris tried out being a para with younger students at Harmony Middle School.

“I just decided that I really would like to explore high school, and to be with my brother too,” Dorris said. “I love being able to interact with kids that can actually hold a conversations for themselves, and I just really enjoy it.”

They both decided to return to Southwest because they loved their high school experience, the teachers and growing up in the environment. Before graduating, both paras got the chance to be peer tutors and work alongside their peers with special needs. It was after that experience that they knew they wanted to work with students with special needs.

“In peer tutoring it was more about being friends with them,” Buendia said. “So that is what I went in thinking it was going to be like, but I realized that I needed some type of authority. I think that working with them so far has built the confidence in that, and yes, I can still be their friend, but now they have to listen to what I have to help them with.”

Dorris, however, had another reason she wanted to get involved with helping special needs students.

“I have an uncle that was adopted from the Philippines and when he was a child he was badly beaten and it shifted his brain so he’s very handicapped,” Dorris said. “He’s so sweet and special to me and that’s what helped me realize that I really liked working with people who have special needs and how awesome it is to help them and to see them grow.”

During the school day the two paras go from class to class with their students and help them in any way they can. They often go about the entire classroom and assist other students as well and the teacher. At the end of each day they upload their students’ notes to a website where they can access them if they need them. They work hard to make sure that they are able to assist their students’ understanding of the lessons being taught, and are always available to help guide them in the right direction. In most classes they not only help their student but the rest of the class as well, whether it is doing a science lab or a math problem.

Kent Jackson, Dorris and Buendia’s adviser, acknowledges the hard work the two paras put in on a daily basis.

“Both are doing a great job in showing flexibility in their work schedule,” Jackson said. “That can be tough because many jobs you show up and have a good idea what to expect for the next eight hours. In both of their jobs, each day may be different and they work with many different teachers.”

Their overall daily ambition is to help their students to achieve their goals, in and out of the classroom.

“When I went into teaching I knew teachers didn’t make a lot, but the reason I went into it was because I wanted to help [special needs students] reach their goals,” Buendia said. “I know that sometimes there are setbacks that could prevent them from reaching their goals, but I know that they can overcome them.”

Jackson agrees that the age difference between Dorris and Buendia and their students is somewhat unusual.

“In some instances, current students feel like they understand them a bit more since they are close to their age,” Jackson said. “However, it can also be a struggle for the paras because they need to maintain a professional distance from students because they are now in a different role than they were two to three years ago.”

With the two paras being so young, they both have other career ambitions. Dorris and Buendia have both considered becoming either a special education teacher or a teacher in general but for the time being, the two are enjoying learning from the experience while they figure out their next move.

“Being a para you’re able to learn alongside the students but you’re also helping them a lot,” Buendia said. “There is a lot of experience that comes from working with kids, because every day they can act differently so this experience has definitely been important.”

| blakegustafson photos by Donna Armstrong

"When I went into teaching I knew teachers didn't make a lot, but the reason I went into it was because I wanted to help [special needs students] reach their goals," Buendia said. "I know that sometimes there are setbacks that could prevent them from reaching their goals, but I know that they can overcome them." | veronicabuendia

| 11

The Ballot Box T

his year’s seniors will be eligible to vote in the upcoming 2016 presidential election. At this point, the candidates who will be representing the Democratic and Republican parties are not known. However, Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump are leading the polls.

“If you don’t vote you are letting others make decisions for you — things that will impact your life, your money, your liberty,” government teacher Kathryn Pinto said. | kelseydemel

Students’ Political Makeup:

Democrat 21%

?

Female

Male

85%

89%

Based on a poll of 53 seniors

How to register to vote: ___________________ Register online at vote411.org/register

Independent/Other 22%

Based on a poll of 53 seniors

Students who plan to vote:

Republican 57%

You are eligible to vote when you are 18 years of age on or by election day and can provide proof of citizenship.

Politicians’ Opinions on Current Topics:

Marijuana Legalization:

Increased Gun Control:

U.S. Accepting Syrian Refugees:

Hillary Clinton For medical use

Ben Carson

Bernie Sanders

Donald Trump

For medical use

12 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | news

Source: isidewith.com

ads | www.bvswnews.com | southwest | dec. 2015 | 13

junior Evan Haas finds his passion in the air

S

tepping onto the plane, junior Evan Haas begins analyzing each part of the plane to verify it is ready for take off. Starting with the flight control surfaces, Evan then examines the lights, fuel, oil, engine compartment, the fuel levels and fuel sump. Finally sitting down, Evan switches on the master switch, primes the engine, calls “clear prop” out the window and turns the engine over.

Each step is essential to the process as Evan guides the airplane down the runway and into the air.

“I get jitters at the beginning because there are so many things that have to be done to go off the ground and get the airplane prepared to fly, but once I am up in the air, I get really relaxed,” Evan said.

“You get an awesome view, and once you get outside of the airport’s traffic, there is not really much going on,” Evan began working over the summer with his instructor, Matt Miller, who has been teaching private, instrument, commercial and various other courses since 1979. As a flight instructor, Miller said he has found joy in watching his students fly solo for the first time, and he appreciates the rewarding feeling when his students receive their certificates.

“Some of my scariest moments have not been instructional flights but ones in bad weather alone by myself with that new certificate and not much experience,” Miller said. “So this is one reason I still

teach, I’m trying to make it better for the next group so they won’t have to suffer that kind of terrifying experience that I had at first.”

When he receives his license, Evan will be able to fly anywhere he would like with as many passengers as he would like in a single engine, non-turbo plane. Evan is on the first of three main phases in receiving a private pilot license. The first, presoloing, involves learning the airplane.

The second phase is cross-country flying and the techniques involved with using the airplane for travel. The last phase prepares the pilot for the flight test with a final review, which can take between four to six months.

Becoming a private pilot requires a minimum of 40 hours of flying time, but Evan said the national average of flight time needed to receive a pivot pilot license is approximately 71 hours. Evan is also required to complete broad amounts of reading material, including the private flying handbook and the technical handbook, and memorize all safety procedures for his specific plane. Miller predicts it will take Evan 50 hours of flying time to become certified, but Evan doesn’t see it as work.

“I like learning about it because it is a subject I am really interested in,” Evan said. “I like learning about all the weather and the technical aspects of the plane and how everything works in it, which really

14 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

fits along with my passion of being an engineer. I find it a lot of fun, and I would love to dedicate more time to it.”

At first, Evan was skeptical about whether or not he would enjoy flying.

Evan described his first time in the pilot’s seat as overwhelming with juggling the strict procedures, talking to the tower with the correct lingo and actually flying.

However, after some getting used to, Evan has found a passion in flying.

“When I started flying and was in the pilot seat, I kind of caught the bug and I have loved it ever since,” Evan said. “I always thought it would be just a little hobby, but then it turned it into a passion.”

Evan has been fascinated by airplanes since he was little, though he didn’t think about becoming a pilot until he flew with his dad, Tim Haas, who allowed Evan to occasionally take over the controls. Tim has had an interest in flying since he was young as well, but was not able to commit to it until the age of 42, when he decided to pursue his license in order to help with his business travel schedule. Tim said he not only enjoys the fast travel time and the hospitality in small airports, but also the freedom of flying.

“Once you have experienced the freedom of traveling in a private airplane, you definitely do not look forward to flying commercial,” Tim said.

The Haases have had opportunities to experience things many other people who

regularly fly with commercial airlines do not, such as circling around and seeing Mount Rushmore up close, flying through the Rocky Mountains and landing at the airport located at the highest altitude in the U.S. Likewise, rather than dealing with the stress of commercial airlines, the Haases have appreciated the experience of smaller airports.

“Going to small airports, which are really nice and crazy-homey, there are people that come out to you and help you off the plane and ask what they can do,” Evan said. “And they love talking about flying. It is really cool and an awesome environment.”

Evan and Tim have always been close and shared many interests and views, but now they experience the mutual enjoyment of flying. They often discuss Evan’s training and have grown closer through Tim’s interest in Evan’s work.

“I love that Evan is excited and challenged with the pursuit of his license,” Tim said. “This has given us one more common interest and it has brought us closer together.”

Though there are risks that come with becoming a pilot, Tim said he believes with the proper training, flying can be a safe and fun hobby. He understands that Evan’s job is to make proper pilot decisions, and he trusts Evan to do so.

However, on his first flight, the collection of decisions proved to be stressful.

“My first flight was overwhelming, but it was a ton of fun, and I decided I loved it right then,” Evan said. “It’s a whole different experience riding in a plane and being a co-pilot with my dad than when you have the controls, knowing that you have the freedom to go anywhere you want.”

Before Evan finishes his training, he will be required to do a cross-country flight. This entails three different legs and more than 50 miles covered each leg. Tim said he is most excited for his chance to be the “right-seated rider,” otherwise known as the co-pilot, on family vacations and for Evan’s chance to meet new people while he enjoys his freedom to travel in a small airplane.

“I am looking forward to being able to sit in the right seat relaxing and reading a paper or watching a movie while Evan is the left seat with the responsibilities of pilot in command,” Tim said.

When Evan completes his private pilot lessons and receives his certification, he hopes to begin working on his instrument certification which enables him to fly in adverse weather conditions. At some point down the road, Evan also aspires to receive a single-engine sea add-on, which will allow him to land in the water in places where there are no airports to land.

Evan ultimately aspires to volunteer with the Angel Flight Program.

“This is a volunteer organization that

provides free air transport for people needing medical care or treatment but do not have easy access to medical facilities and cannot pay for the transport needed,” Evan said. “People needing treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis or other medical needs can be transported through this organization of pilots at no cost to them. It’s really an amazing organization that I would love to be a pilot for and donate my time to.”

Along with volunteering, Evan is looking forward to his future with his pilot license. With the numerous uses for his certification, Evan said he is eager for the opportunities his passion will bring him. “[My favorite part about flying is] the freedom of it, there are no stop signs in the sky,” Evan said. “You can go anywhere you want whenever you want without having to check your bags or go through TSA. I love to travel and see new things that are off the beaten path, so I feel that flying is a great fit.”

| delaneyoliver

| 15

J

unior Amira Bajracharya’s Nepalese culture holds a special place in her heart. She gets to celebrate her heritage in many different ways, whether it be dancing, enjoying traditional Nepalese food or participating in special rituals during holidays.

“We keep our culture alive at home by keeping up with old traditions that my parents did when they were younger,” Bajracharya said. “My whole belief system and the things I do at home are all because my culture.”

| michaelmagyar photos by Lily Smith

W

ith most of her family still living in the Emerald Isle, a trip to Ireland feels like a homecoming visit for junior Finn Murphy. Her parents came to the United States in the 1990s, before her or any of her siblings were born. Murphy said her culture and heritage

is apparent in the way she grew up and was raised by her parents.

“Culture is all the different aspects of where you’re from,” Murphy said. “It distinguishes you from another group of people and their beliefs and customs that have been passed down through generations.”

16 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

S

enior Jesse Truong’s parents were no different than their hundreds of thousands fellow countrymen leaving Vietnam in 1976. They were refugees, searching for a better life after the ending of the Vietnam War. Truong’s parents sought a better education for their future children, something

they hoped to attain in the U.S. Today, Truong and his family keep their Vietnamese heritage intact, celebrating events at home like the Lunar Festival, eating Vietnamese food and speaking the language.

“My culture is a way for me to understand and relate to the history of my family before we moved to the U.S.,” Truong said.

A COLLECTION OF CULTURES culture fesitval displays an array of different nationalities

R

eligion has always been an important aspect of senior Sneha Bhavanasi’s life. She enjoys embracing her background in this way, whether it be going to temple, or participating in festivals.

Bhavanasi’s parents immigrated from India soon before she was born, and have put an emphasis on staying true to tradition. These customs are important to Bhavanasi and impact her daily life.

“My culture is my connection to where I came from,” Bhavanasi said.

“It’s a huge part of who I am and how I was raised. I love taking part in customs and learning more about how my parents grew up and why we do what we do.”

| 17

senior varsity wrestler Marty Verhaeghe reflects on his wrestling career What do you do to keep in shape for wrestling season year round?

Why do you continue to wrestle?

I’m just constantly pushing myself, not letting myself get out of shape... I’m always active, no matter what it is. Always doing something. Chris Perry said, ‘20 minutes a day doing something,’ it doesn’t have to be directly wrestling, it can be anything, it can be basketball even other sports. Just keep your mind active.

It’s a great sport. In the real world you have to manage three or four or five things, and it’s going to be really hard. [Wrestling] is just preparing me for the real world. It’s really stressful in the real world sometimes and in the wrestling season it can be stressful managing certain things. I think it’s just the fact that it’s preparing me for the real world.

What has been your biggest motivator in your wrestling career?

How do you train for wrestling in your personal fitness hour?

Just to be the best, the best I can possibly be, to give myself the best chance to be the best that I can be and knowing that I did everything that I could. That’s kind of my motivator, just knowing that ‘wow, I did everything I could.’

What has been your biggest struggle?

In my seventh grade year, I would get pinned, and I didn’t like getting pinned, so I just told myself I wasn’t going to get pinned anymore. It was a mental hurdle I had to get over because I would get pinned quite a bit. I realized I couldn’t get pinned anymore. I had to set up my mind and say I wasn’t going to do that. And sure enough, it doesn’t happen anymore. I think I’ve only been pinned once in my high school career and I’ve had well over 150 matches.

That was my biggest mental hurdle.

18 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | sports

I like the exercise; it keeps me active. I took weights and I didn’t like it because it was a lazier attitude. I like this hour that I take on my own… It’s a lot of hard work — it’s as hard as you make it. I think exercise has a lot to do with your mind, too. Exercise helps me to perform all my daily tasks a lot better.

(1) Wrestling in green, senior Marty Verhaeghe aims to pin his competitor, fellow varsity wrestler senior Jake Willson, at the Black and Green Duel on Nov. 28. Verhaeghe won the scrimmage against Willson 3 to 1. (2) Escaping from Willson’s grip, Verhaeghe competes at the Southwest wrestling scrimmage.

The scrimmage was held on Nov. 28 and consisted of matches between varsity and junior varsity wrestlers. | donnaarmstrong

THE MAT

1

2

| 19

galactic J

generations

students and staff prepare for the upcoming Star Wars movie

erry Holtorf was 8 and brimming with anticipation for the third movie in the Star Wars saga, “Return of the Jedi.”

Although it was the first Star Wars movie he had seen in a theater, Holtorf was already familiar with all of the characters, as he had spent hours upon hours playing with the small action figures. As he played with the figurines, he built years and years worth of imaginary storylines, all leading up to this date. Finally, instead of having to fabricate storylines in his mind, Holtorf got to watch the action unfold on the big screen.

Thirty-two years later, Holtorf now teaches various math classes. However, with “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” set to release on Dec. 18, Holtorf is given a chance to relive a highlight of his childhood.

“I’m hoping, and I think that every single Star Wars fan out there is hoping that they get to relive a little version of them at 7 years old again,” Holtorf said.

After almost 40 years since “A New Hope” came out, the experience has grown on Holtorf and taken a fond place in his memories.

“If the original Star Wars were to come out now, it would be big for me, but it wouldn’t be as big,” Holtorf said. “It’s a lot of nostalgia instead of a lot of brand new stuff, and we’re hoping we get to relive part of our childhood.”

For math and science teacher Neal Doolin, much of his first-hand experience came through the second Star Wars trilogy, starting with “The Phantom Menace,” and then the second and third movies, “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith.” However, despite not being alive in 1983 and therefore missing the first trilogy, Doolin does not experience the generational gap.

“Sometimes with music there’s a sort of territorial feeling,” Doolin said. “I would listen to classic rock in high school, and my dad would be in the car and say ‘This is my music. Why are you listening to this?

You don’t appreciate this.’ I feel like what’s cool about these movies is that there’s not that [feeling], even though they span back so far in time.”

The territorialism was nearly nonexistent for junior Reese Crawford, whose parents were just children when the original trilogy was released and have passed their love of Star Wars onto him.

“My dad was a fan when he was a kid, so when I was old enough to see the movies we watched them in the order that they came out,” Crawford said. “My parents tell stories about when they were 7 and how they would go to the movie theaters and how there wouldn’t be a seat left, but they were still selling tickets and they were sitting on the stairs.”

The upcoming trilogy represents a first, as for the youth that go out to experience the movies themselves were the direct descendants of those with similar Star Wars experiences. Keeping this in mind, Holtorf has already begun preparing his children for the experience that he had over 30 years ago.

“You have a lot of dads taking their sons and daughters to this movie, and my own kids, we’re re-watching episodes four, five and six to introduce them to the Star Wars universe,” Holtorf said. “They’re getting to know Darth Vader and Princess Leia and Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Every single weekend we watch another one of the movies.”

Similar to the evolution of the movies, the culture around Star Wars has evolved with each generation, as specifically the toys and games have evolved.

“The Star Wars figures at the time were huge too, like the Millennium Falcon and TIE fighters; they were like G.I. Joe’s,” Holtorf said. “I loved the toys, and the toys drove the movies instead of the movies driving the toys for me when I was a kid.”

Years later, as technology had advanced and the target audience was beginning to shift away from the first trilogy’s generation, Star Wars began introducing early video games into the market, most of which Doolin directly encountered.

“Some of the very first video games I ever played [included] Rebel Assault, which was a Star Wars game,” Doolin said.

“It was so old that everything was prerendered, so the characters were pictures

20 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | special sections

of people and the picture moved.”

Despite the primitive graphics, his collection of Star Wars-themed video games grew, as games like “Rebel Assault II,” “Dark Forces,” “Jedi Knight,” “X-Wing Alliance” and “Rogue Squadron” were played over and over again. However, as Star Wars attempted to tap into this new generation before the movie’s release, the list of Star-Wars themed games expanded, as Star Wars: Battlefront was released on Nov. 17, making it the first major video game release for Star Wars in the last 10 years.

Coming full circle in a different sense, the Star Wars franchise applied the same tactic to the video game as they did with the three trilogies, by spacing each release out by a considerable amount of time.

Similarly, the time inside the plot line was spaced out a considerable amount, allowing characters such as Obi-Wan Kenobi to age between trilogies. Doolin said all of these were key ingredients in keeping the movies alive.

“Part of what I think makes something stale is when there’s not enough change or not enough time to digest or let things pass,” Doolin said. “I think a lot of people will appreciate the amount of time since the last movie came out, but also how big of a time jump they’re going to do in the movie itself.”

With the generationalism wrapped into the plotline of the movies in combination with the unique storyline, Holtorf feels as if the feeling of wonder will continue to be passed down from parents to their children.

“It had become a part of a lot of people’s memories, and I think that’s the biggest draw for it. You have a good story that has been told pretty well and there is a giant universe that so many stories can come out of,” Holtorf said. “Now you’ve got a bunch of moms and dads trying to pass that along, the feeling of their own childhood to their kids. It’s a bridge between adulthood and childhood.”

| sethwingerter graphics by Kate Bowling

star wars: by the numbers

| katebowling

star wars: the force awakens will open on

The first trailer for the force awakens obtained

in

views in its

dec. 18 3,461 theaters.

58 million 1st

week

domestic box office sales in 100 days: star wars Ep. iv: A new hope

$ 786,535,665

star wars Ep. v: the empire strikes back

$ 534,058,751

star wars Ep. vi: return of the jedi

$ 572,625,409

star wars Ep. i: the phantom menace

$ 1,027,044,677

star wars Ep. ii: Attack of the clones

$ 648,200,000

star wars Ep. iii: revenge of the sith star wars: the clone wars

$ 848,998,877

$ 68,695,443

information gathered from: thenumbers.com.

| 21

Start the day o n e h u nd

red and six students and staff were surveyed

about their b

1/4

of students and teachers eat cereal on weekdays: the most popular is Frosted Flakes at of people, followed

by Cap’n Crunch and cocoa cereals at

17%

reakfast prefer e

| l il l i e h o f f a r t

24%

11%

45%

nces

of people do not eat breakfast before school: among reasons, say they don’t have time to eat in the mornings and of people don’t like to eat early.

53%

23%

22 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | special sections

of students and teachers eat pancakes or waffles on the weekend compared to before school.

8%

ads | www.bvswnews.com | southwest | dec. 2015 | 23

Living A Double Life teachers share their experiences teaching and coaching

Michael Pangborn

T

eaching math hadn’t become a thought when Michael Pangborn decided he wanted to coach baseball. An opportunity arose for him to teach and coach at the same school and it has been a supplement to his coaching since.

When Pangborn was young, he got involved with baseball and has loved it since. He played all four years of high school and then played three years at Beloit College in Wisconsin. Pangborn decided to become a coach because of his passion to see athletes overcome a problem they have struggled with.

“Being able to talk them through or work with them — to get them to a point where they’re being successful on a consistent basis is my motivation,” Pangborn said.

As a teacher and coach, Pangborn deals with a lot of failures and successes in the classroom and on the field, and having to teach students how to deal with those situations. He is teaching his students and players how to do this in hopes they will continue to use it throughout their lives.

“Having coach Pangborn as a coach is really fun,” sophomore Nick Allen said. “He doesn’t just teach us how to play baseball, he gives us life lessons that are really useful.”

Being a coach has brought Pangborn closer to his players that will hopefully last throughout high school and afterward because he enjoys

24 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | sports

coaching all his students. He wants to build strong relationships with his players because when everyone is comfortable with each other then they play as a team.

“I always see him in the halls and never not say hi,” Allen said. “I feel like we have a strong connection, but he has strong connections with every baseball player, too.”

The biggest thing Pangborn tries to teach his players is how to overcome adversity and be able to play as a team.

If his players are able to understand how to deal with adversity and apply that knowledge, then Pangborn hopes they can apply it to the real world when they start finding jobs and doing things on their own.

During school, Pangborn has a laid-back demeanor and often takes it onto the field because he knows the players will ultimately listen to him, even if they are having fun. He sees a lot more personalities in school than he sees outside of school because in school, some kids want to be there and some kids don’t want to be there.

Students won’t always listen during school, but every player on the team listens because every single player has to earn a spot.

“On the baseball field, everyone is there with a common goal,” Pangborn said. “They want to be there and they want to play baseball.”

Shari Schaake

A

spark of curiosity that developed into a passion. This is how it started for counselor and head coach of the softball team Shari Schaake.

As a little girl, Schaake strived to do it all. When she got involved in softball, she was immediately hooked.

Schaake began to get involved with coaching little children and after that experience, she knew she always wanted to be involved in softball.

“All those memories were so fun and so amazing all the way through college,” Schaake said. “And even now, every year that I am coaching, I build more and more relationships with the kids.”

Softball paid her way through college, where she played all four years at Baker University. Other than being the softball coach, she is also a counselor here where she spends everyday talking to students about many different things.

Schaake said she got involved with counseling because it has always been her first love, but she’s always had a passion for athletics.

“It’s what you do with that inside passion,” Schaake said. “It’s kind of an extra way to show my inside self.”

Every year, Schaake builds more and more relationships with students on and off the field. Being able to coach has also given her the opportunity to bond with her players.

“I would say the biggest benefit of having Schaake with me is that if I ever need someone to talk to,” senior varsity player Riley Swickard said.

“Whether it’s about softball or simply

life help I know she’s just a short walk down the hall from me.”

Being able to teach and coach has opened Schaake to seeing students in a different realm. As a counselor, she experiences different types of conversations than she would on the field. Either way, it’s an opportunity for Schaake to continue building relationships with her students and athletes.

“One-on-one with a counselor is one thing; to have discussions is totally different,” Schaake said. “But to go out and watch a team perform and execute together and to be a part of that is awesome.”

Schaake said she wants everyone to experience something amazing.

Her coaching side wants every player to know the varsity experience and a game-winning hit, but it’s not realistic.

“There are tough calls to be made every day” Schaake said. “But, the main goal for the players is to get something out of it and that they enjoy it.”

She says being able to develop healthy relationships in a teamwork environment is a positive thing, even when it comes down to a difficult situation.

“You can just cut loose and have fun playing a sport everyone loves to play,” Schaake said. “And it’s an opportunity to hangout whenever the weather is nice and get a little dirty.

It’s awesome.”

| cheyennegreathouse graphics by Abby Yi

25 |

enlightening exchange

YES program offers senior Sadaf Naeem an opportunity to share culture

26 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

T

he roller coaster neared the top of the hill and paused for a moment, allowing time for the fear to sink in before it slowly crept over the edge and began its long descent. Four girls, including senior Sadaf Naeem, shrieked in terror as the roller coaster neared the bottom of its crest and returned up. Fearful screams quickly became joyous as four exchange students relished their first experience of a roller coaster.

“Every day is just like an adventure for me, and I am experiencing new things, like I had been on a roller coaster before” Naeem said. “I had never celebrated Halloween before, so this was my first Halloween experience. Halloween will always be one of my favorite American holidays. I sometimes screamed a lot when people scared me, but it was one of the best experiences.”

Naeem resides in Pakistan, but this year, she became a cultural ambassador, living in the United States and studying for a year through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. The YES program was established in 2002 in response to the attacks of 9/11, and it gives scholarships to students from more than 40 different countries with a significant Muslim population to experience the United States for one academic year.

Through her opportunities with this program, Naeem hopes to experience America and understand the culture as she simultaneously shares her own culture with America.

“These countries don’t know what we’re really like in the United States, so we bring youth people here,” YES program local coordinator Laurie Jacobsen said. ”It’s for us to know that not everybody is a terrorist and for them to know we’re not all as strange as their newspapers say we are. And that’s the goal — the ultimate goal is world peace.”

On her first day at Southwest, Naeem was asked whether or not Pakistan had electricity, to which she sarcastically replied, “No, we use candles.” Naeem said in the United States, many people think that Pakistanis are backward and terroristtype people because of 9/11, but she wants to prove that her country is actually full of loving, educated and friendly people.

“Being a student ambassador, I want American students to know Pakistani culture, values and people,” Naeem said.

“There are many stereotypes about Pakistan, so I am working to break them and promote a positive image of Pakistan.

My greatest challenge living abroad is that everything I do and say doesn’t just represent myself, but also my country.”

Along with teaching Americans about her culture, Naeem is eager to learn from the United States. Jacobsen arranges cultural activities to showcase volunteerism, American citizenship, leadership roles, free-market economy or anything that’s uniquely American. The students attended a Royals baseball game earlier in the year, and their next activity includes visiting the Steamboat Arabia Museum.

“After I take them to this, I sit with them after and ask them, ‘What did we learn from this? Is there anything like this in your country?’” Jacobsen said. “And that will be a question that we always ask, ‘Do you think you should encourage more museums or more arts in your country?’

And it might be the next person that opens up a program for arts for school children; you just don’t know where the spark is going to come from.”

“In my opinion, this is the best way we can learn: stepping outside of our familiar reality into unfamiliar reality.

Shaing ideas and thoughts with other people helps to grow and strengthen our own.” | seniorsadafnaeem Although Jacobsen enjoys spending time with the students and learning through different activities, she said that the program is “not always a bed of roses” for the students. The YES program students often struggle at first with making new friends and adjusting to new classes and a new culture.

Naeem said the most difficult thing for her in the United States was making friends. However, students assisted in making her assimilation easier by inviting her to different events and introducing her to new people.

Sophomore Mahrukh Jamal became friends with Naeem because her host mom has known Jamal’s mom since they were kids. Jamal’s family originates in Pakistan, and she’s enjoyed hearing from Naeem about the current state of the country since she last visited in sixth grade.

“I want her to feel welcomed and her to feel that it’s diverse here, and it’s an accepting community,” Jamal said. “Like when I started wearing my hijab, the scarf I wear, last year, I didn’t think that I would

be easily accepted, but I’m here now, and I was accepted. A lot of my friends were bullied when they started, so I was really surprised when people started accepting me for who I was and not for what I wore.

I want her to feel the same way about her culture; she should be accepted for who she is because she’s a wonderful person, not by what her culture is.”

Sophomore Raaham Sheikh and his family host Naeem in their home, and he said he views Naeem as an older sister. The biggest adjustment for the family was adding another person to the household, but the experience has been positive. Sheikh said he likes that he can ask her questions about her country that he wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to ask. “[I’ve learned from Naeem] that you shouldn’t take things for granted and people go through hardships, but she told us to believe in luck and destiny,” Sheikh said. “She said that since she was working so hard in the exchange program to make it here, she believes that destiny brought her because she thought she wouldn’t make it, but she did.”

Naeem said she is lucky to have the opportunity to study in America for a year.

In order to qualify for the YES program, Naeem had to complete a community project in Pakistan, clear a test, undergo individual and group interviews and fill out countless forms. Naeem said although it was a long process for her to make it to the United States, it’s worth it because she’ll be able to go home with a lifetime of experiences. Naeem said she loves the people in the United States because they’re so friendly, and one of the most important things she’ll take with her when she returns home is the friendships she has created.

“The diversity of this world has always fascinated me and intrigued me to learn more,” Naeem said. “In my view, to remain in one area, culture or among same people is not enough; it seems if you are an inert gas. In my opinion, this is the best way we can learn, stepping outside of our familiar reality into unfamiliar reality. Sharing ideas and thoughts with other people helps to grow and strengthen our own. I discovered the person I want to be, and I will return to Pakistan with greater knowledge and experience, which will assist me in enlightening my fellow citizen.”

| nicolebecker

| 27

senior Reagan Dupriest explores his interest in scuba diving

28 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

hen he was 16, senior Reagan Dupriest dove deep into the waters of the British Virgin Islands. Reagan, his instructor and a few other divers were diving off the shore of Scrub Island, which was a destination he had drift dove before. The water boasts cliffs nearly 100 feet deep and various underwater patches of coral and other reef life. Normally, divers hope to spot an octopus or even a shark, but this particular dive did not live up to ‘normal’ expectations.

“We started hearing a clicking noise, then my dive master started shaking a bell so that we would look at him,” Reagan said. “He was pointing to dolphins. There were about seven or eight of them and they were circling us. They followed us for about 15 minutes while we swam around the outskirts of a reef. I’ve only seen dolphins in the wild twice before and seeing them in their natural habitat was probably one of the coolest things I’ll ever do.”

Reagan first started diving in eighth grade and has kept with it ever since. With support from his parents, Darren and Noreen Dupriest, and various diving instructors, Reagan has been training to be an instructor himself and will be certified by the spring.

“We just do the mom and dad thing as we encourage him to do what he loves,” Reagan’s mother, Noreen, said. “Scuba diving has become something that has defined Reagan. At home, Reagan can be more reserved and quiet, but when he is discovering the ocean, he morphs into a studious learner, insightful leader and reverent guest of the sea.”

Darren and Noreen showed Reagan an ad for a scuba diving camp which allowed young divers to experience the tropical waters of the British Virgin Islands and immediately, Reagan was on board.

Once there, Reagan lived on a catamaran sailboat for three weeks and scuba dove every day. The experience sparked his interest in diving by providing him with opportunities to dive and sail, learn about environmental services and tropical marine sciences, partake in community services and cultural exchanges and live with other divers from various parts of the world.

“Hearing the stories of his various dives, especially wreck and night dives, is very enjoyable,” Darren said. “It’s amazing to see him take such an interest in something a bit out of the ordinary that can take him all over the world. I really haven’t worried as he takes his safety training very seriously; his mother does enough worrying for all of us.”

Although diving has the potential to be dangerous at times, Reagan has logged over 100 dives and earned multiple diving certifications to ease his parents’ worries. Darren said diving may be recreational, but it requires a great deal of training, preparation and focus to do it safely.

“It’s not a lot of practice, you just need to know how to do it right to be safe,” Reagan said. “Depending on how you’re diving or where you’re diving determines how much time and practice you need to put into that specific dive. Getting ready for a dive takes about 20 minutes but getting out to where you want to dive or the rest time in between dives takes a couple hours. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”

Noreen realized the actuality of Reagan’s passion shortly after she received a call from him while he was scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands. He was calling for her permission to stay an extra three weeks at his scuba diving camp, and she immediately answered, “yes.”

“I believe that Reagan was surprised that I was willing to let him stay, but what he couldn’t understand is that I was willing to allow this because it is something that he loves,” Noreen said.

“While everything under the sea is simply amazing, watching Reagan discover a passion and successfully experience it is far more rewarding, and to see my child do something that makes him perfectly happy is complete bliss to me.”

| sydneyswyers graphics by Riley Martin photos submitted by Reagan Dupriest | 29

students discuss seasonal coffee drinks

A

s the holiday season approaches and the weather turns chilly, coffee becomes a staple in various students’ lives. The comforting warmth of coffee is universal, but what is inside of the cup is varying. Seasonal coffees are inspired by the different elements within seasons — pumpkin spice for fall and peppermint for winter. The excitement for a new flavor brews within after drinking classic coffee drinks all year, giving students something to look forward to.

“I totally like the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I like it because it has a really cool sweet taste.”

| seniorzachmiller

“My favorite seasonal drink is the Sea Salt Caramel Mocha from Starbucks.

It reminds me of the Holiday Season, and going to Starbucks is very cozy and home-like. I also like all of the holiday flavored coffee creamers like Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Cookie.” | seniormadisonmoore

Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe from allrecipes.com

1 cup milk 1 tbsp. white sugar 1 tbsp. pumpkin puree 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 cup brewed espresso

1) Combine and whisk 1/2 c. milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract in small saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add in remaining 1/2 c. milk.

2) Pour mixture in sieve to remove pulp and return to saucepan. Whisk for 2 minutes. Add espresso and whisk until it foams.

30 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | special sections

“My favorite drink is the Iced Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks, but I also like the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino.” | freshmanbethiegregory

Exploring junior Grant Gruenhaupt explores various styles of art

O

n a daily basis, he works on his piece of art, learning more about it each day.

With each stroke, he becomes one step closer to completing his masterpiece and feeling a sense of accomplishment for what he has put all his energy into for many hours.

Junior Grant Gruenhaupt has been creating art ever since he was 8. His work has ranged from quickly scribbling on a notepad to meticulous wood burning, which could take over 100 hours.

“I re-created the picture that I saw, and people were impressed with it,” Gruenhaupt said. “Like, OK, people think this is cool. So I guess I was motivated by the people that were inspired by it, and then it’s progressed more from that. It sort of translates to my faith.”

His motivation not only comes from the people in his life, but also from where he lives. Nature is another inspiration Gruenhaupt draws from due to his connection with wildlife painter Maynard Reece.

“For photography, it’s more that I’ve been inspired by a lot of photographers that I have been following on Instagram,” Gruenhaupt said.

“Some of them are just adventure photographers, so they go out and just travel the world and take photos. That’s just kind of what I started on, and I was like, ‘OK this is kind of cool.

This is what I want to capture and this is what I want to

see is going. I want people to experience this.’ I guess it’s the next best thing to being there.

The photos don’t compare to being there, obviously. I want to take photos to capture the feeling of the place and how I was feeling at that time.”

His interest in photography has sparked new horizons for Gruenhaupt as he recently won a photography contest which was featured on the cover of the Kansas City Star. This all started with a trip to Zion National Park in Utah. With each trip, Gruenhaupt becomes more and more intrigued in all of the adventures that come with wildlife. To Gruenhaupt, material things are far less significant than experiences, and photos help him express that. Even though he has taken up photography, Gruenhaupt said drawing will always be a part of his life.

“I love the freedom,” Gruenhaupt said. “Yeah, there are rules to art, but the last and definitely most important rule is to break all of the rules.

[Drawing] is also a good way to escape, relieve stress or just have something to do when you’re bored.”

Junior Brady Lierz has been friends with Gruenhaupt since age 3, and he’s watched Gruenhaupt continue to grow in his art career. He said he truly thinks Gruenhaupt can do anything in his future.

“He’s incredibly talented, and I hope he pursues it as far

as he can because, honestly, I think he would be very good at anything to do with art,” Lierz said. “I also hope he adapts to any opportunity he is presented with because while he may not find a career as strictly an ‘artist,’ there’s a lot of fields where he can use art as an advantage.”

Lierz said Gruenhaupt has a certain drive that keeps him creating. Making art does not all happen outside of the classroom; at school, Gruenhaupt has many people around him who support his actions and have high hopes and dreams regarding his future with art. In particular, art teacher Shawn Stelter has pushed Gruenhaupt to make him a better artist since his freshman year.

“I mean once you set your mind to it, you have the potential to do anything you want,” Stelter said. “The sky’s the limit. He can do whatever he wants to. As long as he keeps his passion for it and he keeps pushing himself, the sky’s the limit.”

Gruenhaupt has not quite decided what he wants to do with his future, but he does know that it will involve art which has been his passion for about nine years.

As a young boy, Gruenhaupt was involved in art, and he carried around a sketchbook everywhere he went. He has put in hours of practice with participation in multiple drawing and painting classes and involvement in

National Art Honor Society.

Gruenhaupt has worked hard and hopes to continue his artistic development as well as pursue his dedication to creating.

“If anyone thinks that I’m impressive, you’re just the same,” Gruenhaupt said. ”[It’s] just how much you’re willing to put into this because it is, I mean, it’s been a lot of commitment to me sometimes.

I love art, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you have to sacrifice things, like time needs to be sacrificed in order to be good and refine your skills and experiment. It takes time and it’s still taking time for me.

I’m far away from where I’ll probably be in a few years, but it’s just that commitment and time that it takes.”

| umadesai

feature | www.bvswnews.com | southwest | dec. 2015 | 31

“There are rules to art, but the last and definitely most important rule is to break all of the rules.� | juniorgrantgruenhaupt

32 | dec. 2015 | southwest | www.bvswnews.com | feature

art by Grant Gruenhaupt photos by Delaney Oliver