Southwest Standard Issue 4 by The Standard

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Southwest

Social media inaccessible to students though offers benefits to future careers pg. 12-13

Vol. 3 Issue 4 November 2012 Overland Park, Kansas

Inside this issue:

Healthy habits Pgs. 6-8

Fall sports recap Pg. 16

southwest

Editor’sNote:

PrintEdition: 12-13

23 17

Social media -doubletruck

Winter sports preview -sports Civil war discovery -feature New drop off -news

Cover photo illustration by Kylie Norcross.

by royan black online editor

appiness and holidays seem to coincide. Add food into the equation, and you have a done deal for a good time. Thanksgiving is known for family, food and kindness. However, sometimes we forget to take the time to sit down with our families and think about what we’re thankful for and what kindness we’ve given someone. Even if you haven’t been considerate in the past, it’s never too late to start. Although there are certainly times when you become frustrated with your family, they can be a source of inspiration. They’re a source of knowledge and a source of morals. Family teaches you what it means to be kind. Family teaches lessons like “kindness always finds a way to come back to someone,” and that’s a lesson that definitely relates in high school. It’s hard to be nice all the time, especially on a bad day, but sometimes being nice to someone, even for a selfish reason, can help lift your spirits and the spirits of another person. Being kind or helpful to someone may not change the past, but it impacts the future. It influences that person to act the same way for others and spreads a little bit of love. It may not seem like kindness comes back to you, but it does. Whether it be walking down the hall and saying hello to a passing student or complimenting someone on his or her fashion sense, it gives them something to be thankful for. It can be heading out to go volunteer at Harvesters to help give a needy family their own Thanksgiving dinner, or it can be donating old clothes and books. Either way, it helps make a difference, and even if it might not appear to be, it’s important. Thanksgiving is meant to be filled with happiness, family and food. The past few months may have been difficult, but coming together with your family at the holiday can make it all worthwhile. So as you sit around the dinner table with your family, take the time to reflect on what you’re thankful for, because the people that you’ve impacted will certainly be doing the same.

OnlineEdition: Sportsmanship Summit

Ten Acts of Kindness

REbeL

Hoops for Hope

Learn about the EKL meeting devoted to promoting responsible actions at school activities.

Read about the impact that this club has made on Southwest.

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Opinion editor Mark Maas takes a new spin on being nice.

Check out a photo gallery from the second annual fund-raising basketball tournament.

november 2012

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New traffic flow plan for parents and buses by brianna bogdan staff writer

Illustration by Morgan Vietti

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ickup and drop-off zones for parents and buses will change on Nov. 26 in order to eliminate legal, safety and traffic concerns. Parents are now being instructed to enter through the northwest entrance off of 175th street. From there, cars can head south then circle around the South Student Parking Lot to drop off students. Parents will then exit the campus onto 175th street where it is advised to make right turns only. Using this new route, the line of waiting parents will be kept inside of the campus, stretching around the parking lot, instead of spilling onto a public street.

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Bus pickup and drop-off will simply be moved to the same system formerly used by parents. The two main reasons for this alteration are primarily the complaints received and the safety issues associated with the old setup. “I watched dismissal a few times and saw that some situations were pretty hazardous,” Director of Safety and Security Dan Carney said. This was because of the shoulder on the street where it is illegal for parents to park the car and wait for the line to move down. Principal Scott Roberts also received a lot of complaints about the extra traffic that was being created. “Traffic is very congested with the middle school too, so it’s taking me longer than it should,” parent Susanna Catron said. In order to address complaints, the administration decided to explore better options. Roberts

worked with school resource officers, the planning department and individuals such as Carney, Executive Director of Facilities and Operations Dave Hill, and Director of Design and Construction Scott Crane. The plan they decided on isn’t actually new at all though. The campus was originally designed for this setup, but because of the lower student population it’s use wasn’t really required. “The traffic pattern that was used when the building opened in 2010 was not necessarily quicker, but it was more convenient for students arriving by car,” Hill said. “With the current traffic pattern, a student arriving by car could be dropped off closer to the front door.” Problems with that only started to arise when the population grew. To read the rest of this article, go to bvswnews.com

november 2012

briefs news

Library wins district grant Library media specialists Cristy Bolton and Lindsay Hogan won the Blue Valley Education Foundation’s 2012 grant for a total of $2,875.68 to purchase video cameras and professional video editing software. The Library Media Center staff

hopes that this technology will promote learning in the 21st century. The new software will go toward compiling a documentary that demonstrates different students’ research procedures and their participation in the research process.

southwest by grant laster staff writer

KAY Club attends 2012 Regional Conference

What: Eight students accompanied Spanish teacher and club sponsor Carolyn Zeligman to Turner High School on Nov. 5. The club received the Gold Award, recognizing its student leadership and service to the school, community and nation. This year’s theme was “The Journey of a Lifetime,” one that allowed students from neighboring clubs to exchange ideas.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 20 When: 7 a.m. or 3 p.m. Where: Room 708 Upcoming events: The KAY Club will be offering various service opportunities around the community to anyone who is interested. Among those opportunities is the Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum on Friday, Nov. 3.

Categories knows trivia What: A trivia team that competes against local Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission teams. It is headed by school psychologist Cathy Kerr. They cover trivia over a variety of topics, from the solar system to politics. The club was created in 2011 when the school opened. The categories team won their first match

against Shawnee Mission South by a score of 21 to 18. The leading scorer was junior Grant Laster with a total score of 15 points. When: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. and Thursdays at 8 a.m. Where: Room 406 Events: Next competition is Nov. 19

What: An organization of students who excel in academics and community service and want to provide an opportunity for education based community service. It is headed by social studies teacher Kathryn Pinto. In order to join National Honor Society, one must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 30 hours of community service, active participation in extra-

curricular activities and must pay the fees. After qualifying for those requirements, one must attend the meetings actively. NHS also ran a blood drive on Nov. 13. When: Every other Thursday at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Next meeting: Nov. 16 Where: Fixed Forum

NHS promotes school spirit Library Media Specialists receive a sizeable grant form the Blue Valley Education Foundation. Courtesy of http://www.bluevalleyk12.org/bvsw

Student Council works around the school and the community

What: An organization that meets to discuss and plan upcoming school events and give back to the Kansas City community. The club, headed by chemistry teacher Melissa McCarty and special education Lynda LaPlant, works to promote a fun and spirit-filled environment around the school. Recently, Student

Council has been planning fund-raisers in preparation for Proms in the upcoming years. When: Tuesdays at 7 a.m. Where: Room 206 Events: Student Council will be lending its services at the Christmas Bureau on Dec. 1, Dec. 2 and Dec. 6.

Science Knowledge Bowl prepares for competition

What: A club that answers trivia on any and every science topic. It is headed by chemistry teacher Melissa McCarty, and it tests students’ knowledge of the wide world of science. Last year, the two squads that competed were quite competitive, but the team would very much

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like match, if not surpass, its successes of the previous year. The team members’ preparation requires them to learn about topics ranging from physics to astronomy. When: Thursdays at 3 p.m. Where: Room 302

National Honor Society members display their school spirit in front of a crowd of Stilwell Elementary School students. Photo by Kylie Norcross.

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november 2012

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2012 election coverage

President Obama secures four more years in a tight race

Photo by Thomas Miller

Photo by Jessica Skaggs

First time voter

urning 18 years old has its perks. From signing permission slips, to purchasing dry ice, becoming a legal adult is something to celebrate. For senior Taylor Baum, Tuesday, Nov. 6 was a day to do just that. She submitted her first ballot. “ All of my friends told me that I should — even those who weren’t eligible,” Baum said. “But I also wanted to anyways. Voting was awesome, and it felt great to be an active member of my community.”

National Results Barack Obama- 61,173,863 (50.5%) Mitt Romney- 58,167,470 (48.0%) Others-1,903,594 (1.6%)

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resident Barack Obama pulled out a second victory on Tuesday, Nov. 6. As the evening progressed, swingstate Ohio became the center of attention for most Americans, as both candidates were counting on its 18 electoral votes to tip them into victory. While only 270 electoral votes were needed to win the presidency, President Obama earned 303, leaving 206 to former Governor Mitt Romney. According to The Washington Post, approximately 129 million voters made an appearance at the polls, which represents 61 percent of the eligible voters within society. Although the voter turnout

was lower than four years ago, President Obama managed to win all of the swing-states, including: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Outside of the Presidential race, congressional electons also occured on Nov. 6. Even though Republicans did not win the Oval Office, they maintained control of the House of Representatives, while Democrats maintained majority of the Senate. “I didn’t like either candidate,” junior David Goodwin said. “Many may think that Romney’s a liar, but I think he was a better candidate than Obama’s been the past four years.”

Photo by Jessica Skaggs

Baum took the first step to vote by filling out the registration papers social studies teacher Kathryn Pinto gave her in government class. Once the papers were complete, the Johnson County Election Office assigned Baum to a polling place. She exercised her right for the first time at Advent Lutheran Church, 11800 W 151st St. “I will definitely vote again, because I feel like it’s important to let your voice be heard,” Baum said.

Southwest Results Mitt Romney- 375 (59.81%) Barack Obama- 212 (33.81%) Gary Johnson- 26 (4.15%) Chuck Baldwin- 14 (2.23%)

National results courtesy of The Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/election-map-2012/president/

by jessica skaggs news editor

lthough not all students are not eligible to vote, the district held a mock election for students to participate. A total of 4,450 students within the entire district voted in this mock election. Exactly 627 of those students were Timberwolves. Photo submitted by Kathryn Pinto

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november 2012

Fight for fitness

The benefits of being healthy by jordon fields

staff writer

he fight for fitness and health can be a difficult one. In most cases, even if people won’t admit it, if they’re not healthy they want to be, and for people who are healthy they want to stay that way. Many of the students at Southwest are well acquainted with the prospect of just how important being healthy can be. “I think that being healthy is good for your self-esteem, and it’s good for others to see that you’re positive about yourself, and that it reflects positively on others,” sophomore Kendall Miller said. Being healthy does more than just express your self-respect to others.

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“I think once you adapt that type of lifestyle; you’re happier ,and you feel better about yourself; it motivates you to do stuff,” sophomore Alexandra Griffith said Also, more than the emotional and motivational level, there is also a blunt way to go about it. “It’s very important [to be healthy],” senior Kendall Small said “If you’re not healthy, you’re not going to live. You know you’re going to die, and you’re going to have a terrible life.” According to a study done by Technorati Inc., decades of dietary abuse is linked with metabolic dysfunction in the brain. Diets rich in artificial fats and sugars (trans fats and high fructose corn syrup) can actually alter the architecture of brain cells, leading to poor circulation, lowered me-

tabolism and damage to areas of the brain which control appetite regulation. “It’s all of the junk foods, here,” junior Douglas Dowell said. “There are so much sugars and fats, and no one really takes it into account. They just see it and eat it.” Depressed people are twice as likely to be overweight, and people who are overweight are twice as likely to become depressed, anxious or to suffer from other mental health problems according to msnbc.com. “I think some different reasons [that people are unhealthy today] might be because, they’re unmotivated about themselves, and they really don’t have an interest in being healthy,” Griffith said. “I feel like once unhealthy has become a habit for you it’s really hard to break.” The unhealthy habits that some people have can be very hard to keep track of. “I just think they don’t exercise or play any sports or anything,” Small said. “Then they start getting big you know, and they don’t

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see it as a problem and it just progress and gets worse.” Now that there has been some light shed on to the reasons some people are unhealthy, there is now the matter of staying healthy and getting healthy. “I think of my body as my machine,” Dowell said. “I’m trying to take care of it. I go to the gym every day, I don’t pay that close attention to my [eating habits], but I do pay attention to it. I stay away from fats and carbs, just high proteins and things like that, healthy foods.” Miller says that she uses consistency by playing volleyball three to four times a week with games on Saturday and Sunday to remain healthy. “During the winter when volleyball is over for school I work out in the fitness center,” Miller said. “I eat right. I eat a lot of fruits, not a lot of vegetables, but fruits.” The key to being healthy is just a little bit of hard work and resisting bad habits. One could run a certain distance at least once every two days or closely watch

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eating habits. Students could take a weights or personal fitness class. However, most people know how to get healthy so the question is; why it is a problem in the first place, and what things could be done to prevent it as a whole. “Either kids don’t care or they’re not informed on the health problem,” Dowell said. “Like taking it [the health class] as a freshman, you’re kind of set in your ways. Like food education and your body need to be [taught] in elementary school. It needs to be the foundation there instead of in high school.” There are many precautionary measures future generations can take in order to stay healthy. “You can’t really force somebody to change, it’s up to them,” Small said. “Just nag them, 24/7, that’s what I did with my mom. She’s running miles now, she’s working out with me at home after school. Figure out what works best with the person; you got to know the person.”

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Healthy portions helpful eating tips by jessica skaggs news editor

These are the five main food groups needed to maintain a healthy diet, according to the Department of Agriculture. Following the arrows are daily portion recommendations given by Blue Valley dietitian Sarah Chellberg.

1-1/2 cups

Fruits Vegetables

3 cups

Dairy

10-12 ounces

Grains

Protein

2-1/2 cups

5-6 ounces Graphic by Matt Forster

lue Valley school district dietitian Sarah Chellberg and the Department of Agriculture both have helpful tips on eating nutritiously. Part of eating nutritiously includes eating correct portion amounts from the five main food groups. According to the De-

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partment of Agriculture’s website, “a clenched fist is about a cup –— and a cup is the amount experts recommend for a portion of pasta, rice, cereal, vegetables and fruit. A meat portion should be about as big as your palm. Limit the amount of added fats (like butter, mayo or salad dressing) to the size of the top of your thumb.”

The USDA also suggests teens, “eat three well-balanced meals (with vegetables, fruits, proteins and starches) and one or two healthy snacks at regular times throughout the day. Skipping meals or waiting too long between them can make you more likely to overdo it at the next meal.” Chellberg works with

the district to make sure cafeteria options meet the standards set by the USDA. Another tip Chellberg suggests is that students skip eating out and eat at home. “Having meals with the family at night gives kids a better nutrient intake than if they eat alone,” Chellberg said. She encourages students

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to design their own plates at www.choosemyplate.gov. There, teens can enter their personal health information and be given specific tips to address their eating habits in healthy ways. The tips vary from how much exercise an individual needs specifically, to general public nutrition education. For example, the website reminds

readers that, “restaurant portions are three or four times the right serving size,” and suggests, “sharing meals with friends, ordering an appetizer as a main dish or packing up the extra [food] to take home before you begin to eat.”

november 2012

Stress solutions for the holidays 8

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Learn how four easy ways can take tension off the shoulders

by royan black online editor

or some of us, relaxing after a long day means sitting in front of the television for a good five hours or typing away on the laptop for the rest of the day, but that might not work for everyone. According to WebMD, too much stress can wear people down and make them both mentally

and physically sick. Physical side effects of stress can include headaches, upset stomachs, insomnia and even chest pain, while behavioral side effects range from changes in appetites to increased use of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. Stress inhibits the population at every moment of the day, and it can often seem like there is no set way to really get rid of stress but there are ways to alleviate it.

1. Reducing stress by burning calories This probably seems like some plot to get people to do physical activity, but exercising really can help get away from the strain. Exercising will help make you feel healthier, and also distract from that upcoming test. Exercise additionally increases the production of neurotransmitters called endorphins. “Endorphins have a feedback mecha-

nism that metabolizes your cortisol level and drops it,” Science Department Chair Lynn Martens said. “This actually proves to reduce stress.” Whether it be running, practicing yoga or simply getting friends together for a healthy round of football, it’s going to relieve some tension.

2. Reducing stress by encouraging peaceful situations Everyone has seen a movie with a warm bath scene with candles flickering in the dark and the sound of the ocean on the radio. Go ahead and mock it, but also see how situations like this can prove to ease stress levels. “Going for a walk clears my head and takes my mind off school,” junior Holly Harmon said. “I like to go on walks also

because the beauty of nature helps me focus on God rather than myself.” Whether it be a scenic walk in the Arboretum to sit down and smell the flowers, or run through the trails, it can do more than one would think to help lower levels of strain. There’s no work or parents as distractions.

When one doesn’t prioritize correctly it can be a big source of stress. Rate activities according to level of importance and the deadline. Strike things off of a to-do list. Procrastinating and leaving everything to the last day only causes stress levels to skyrocket because of the hurried rush to finish things. According to a 2008 Gallup poll, 54 percent of Americans who do not

have enough spare time say they frequently experience stress. This is twice the percentage of those who have sufficient time to attend to their matters. Know how much time is left to do assignments, and know what responsibilities are so there won’t be any procrastinating.

3. Reducing stress by prioritizing

4. Reducing stress by having a day to relax The school year is notorious for being busy. With school, athletics, outside of school activities and even applying for college, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. That’s why everyone should consider having at least one day to relax without interruption, ideally the weekend. Plan out a day to not be bothered by sports, school

or needy friends. Cancel any plans and say no to friends when a day is needed to catch up on some sleep. According to WebMD, a good night’s sleep allows one to tackle the day’s stress easier. When tired, it’s easy to become less patient and agitated which can increase stress. Taking care of physical and mental health should be the most important thing.

For more tips on how to relax, check out our website bvswnews.com

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november 2012

Navigating through relationships 9

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by anna welch special sections editor

@bvswnews what do you do when your boyfriend who graduated from high school doesn’t want to go to high school events because he’s “too old?” Mckenna

ear Mckenna, The phrase “too old” could mean many things to someone. When a person uses that, it could be to cover up small things, such as feeling uncomfortable attending a high school event. Or it could just simply mean he is too old, at which point you should question the relationship. But, to graduate from high school is a moment of moving on, becoming your own independent individual and freeing yourself from the confinement of high school. Depending on how old your boyfriend is, he could have any of those feelings or all of them. One thing you need to remember, is that if he wants to be with someone who is still in high school, you must be very special to him. When you are stuck in high school and he is out going to college or working, remember that both of you are in very different places in your lives. Being in high school, you’re supposed to have fun with friends and make memories. He is done with that chapter of his life and is in a new, more important chapter because he’s growing up. In order for a relationship like that to work, there needs to be a balance between priorities. “You don’t want him to be disrespecting you,” counselor Kristi Dixon said. “If he is bashing high school, you should contemplate the relationship because you are still in high school.” If going to school dances and football games is something you want to take part in, and you have to beg him to come, that’s when you need to have a talk and figure out

Illustration by Matt Forster

what the real reason behind him not going is. Ask him what he means when he calls himself “too old”. A lot of guys who have girlfriends get labeled as “whipped.” For a guy, it could degrade his pride and selfworth to have his friends classify them as being controlled by his girlfriend. We all care a little bit about what other people think of us. But, to the extent of not wanting to go to a dance because you’re afraid your college friends will think of you differently are thoughts that go through a guy’s head. There are going to be things in life that you don’t want to do. If he cares enough about you, he shouldn’t worry about his reputation. His only worry should be to make sure you are happy and are living up your high school years. Most importantly, having a boyfriend not in high school

The Southwest Standard editor-in-chief meg huwe

features editor ananda bhatia

managing editor madison parr

opinion editor mark maas

web editor royan black

sports editor mariem towakoli

news editor jessica skaggs

special sections editor anna welch

photo editor anna glennon

opinion

photographers matt forster kylie norcross morgan vietti staff writers brianna bogdan jordon fields grant laster adviser heather lawrenz

can interfere with your friendships and also your view on high school. It’s important to keep in mind that you’re still young and having fun; you don’t need to rush your life and get out of high school because of a boy. Live up your years at home and cherish the memories you have with your friends. With your relationship, enjoy the time you have together while it lasts. Do what makes you enjoy each other, even if it takes doing something out of your comfort zone.

The Southwest Standard is published ten 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 administrations 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.

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Need Advice? Tweet your problem to @bvswnews, and we will answer in the next issue of the newspaper or online.

Letters should be submitted to room 118, emailed to bvswnews@gmail.com or mailed to: The Southwest Standard c/o Blue Valley Southwest High School 17600 Quivira Overland Park, KS 66085

The Southwest Standard also encourages guest photography. Photos should be submitted to room 118 with information pertaining to the photos.

november 2012

southwest

Rising tuition causes concern College tuition increases and graduate employment decreases by mark maas opinion editor

ounselor Thomas Hult said most students in Blue Valley schools will be heading to some sort of college: about 97 percent of students, in fact. Because of this, the majority of Southwest students will be affected by tuition costs. These costs have risen in recent years, and unemployment has also increased once students are finished with their college education. For the success and prosperity of our generation, Southwest students should be sure that they are making a worthwhile investment in college. According to a report released in October from the Project on Student Debt at The Institute for College Access and Success, college students are getting more student loans and having to pay higher tuition. Additionally, students have less chance of getting work once college is finished. Hult is aware of these recent changes, and has an explanation for them. “Part of the rising tuition costs is that states don’t have as much funding to subsidize as much as they used to have,” Hult said. “The tax dollars in this economy are going other places, not to high schools or colleges.” Of course, even if the numbers are fighting against us more and more with each passing year, college is generally still a good idea. However, getting a degree in

College Financial Statistics in 1980:

-Accounting for inflation, the average cost of annual tuition was $10,374 less than it is today. -States funded about half of all tuition costs in 1980. -Total costs of college were, on average, about $3,101. -Federal grants often covered about two-thirds of tuition costs. -General credit card debt was higher, on average, than student loan debt. 1980 statistics courtesy of: http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76 http://www.utne.com/politics/student-debt-zm0z12jazwar.aspx

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philosophy or basket weaving is a recipe for Hult also said that increased student disaster. Students need to take care to select loan debt is a direct result of rising tuition a degree that is not only fitting of their costs. He thinks this is due to a variety of character, but profitable once college is done factors, not just state funding limitations, and over. especially for private schools. The source of the higher tuition costs “Private schools don’t get any money is still somewhat of a mystery. Even when from the state,” Hult said. “Technology is inflation is accounted for, the numbers are starting to cost them more, and new dorm still astounding. Between 1980 and 2012, buildings are having to be built. All of these tuition costs have skyrocketed by over factors make students have to pay more.” 400 percent. Undoubtedly, the actions of The unemployment rate for college university administrations must be at least graduates is about 1.7 percent higher than partially to blame for the predicament. that of the average American. Of course, Some students, like senior Chris Cowthe economy is suffering today, but college an, think that students specific choices definitely get by the university the short end administrations of the stick. are hurting stu“I think dents’ wallets. that we are “They have a not creating lot of renovation enough jobs costs that are Counselor Thomas Hult as a nation from constructfor college ing new buildgrads,” Hult ings,” Cowan said. “I think this is a justified said. “People are getting a degree, but they reason to increase college tuition. However, can’t use it. A lot of the graduates could get they put too much funding into athletics jobs, but not in their field of study. They are programs.” forced to wait for another opportunity.” New buildings are a necessity at any All things considered, the unemployuniversity, primarily due to the gradually ment numbers are higher for certain deincreasing population of people entering grees. Certain fields of study are in demand, college. Additionally, consider that new such as engineering, medical or business classrooms, new professors or other new degrees. Statistically, graduates with these members of staff need to be paid for. On degrees have lower unemployment rates. the flip side, more students also equates to On the other hand, degrees such as history more money incoming for the university. have a tendency for higher unemployment. Clearly, the rising tuition is a result of a lack Hult thinks students should consider of balance between new students and new their paths carefully when selecting their facilities. college plan. This lack of balance could be compen“My general philosophy is that if you sated for by budget cuts to athletics, as have a passion for something, you should Cowan said. Ultimately, sports are meant go for it,” Hult said. “Still, make sure you for the entertainment of an audience, and choose your educational path wisely.” for entertainment of the athletes. As such, it Some commentators have proposed should be a lower priority to that of tuition new federal aid programs to counteract this costs. If universities were to simply reduce problem. Hult thinks government interventheir funding of athletic programs, they tion is not the answer. would then be able to reduce tuition costs “[Federal aid] will help some, but I think in order to make their balanced budget. it is more based on the individual’s choices

“

Part of the rising tuition costs is that states don’t have as much funding as they used to have.

to make things happen,” Hult said. “A lot of people should go to a community college, then go to a university to complete their bachelors degree.” Cowan thinks that the government should intervene, but with extreme care. “I think [the federal government] needs to take a step back and reconsider the system,” Cowan said. “They do need to take action, though. They need to take the time to make sure it is done right.” Alternatively, some commentators and students have suggested programs, like CAPS, that will help prepare students for the work place. There is a distinct lack of these programs nationally. “They should try and prepare kids to get jobs just out of college,” Cowan said. “This will help the unemployment problem; they just need to get these programs more. ” Individual action can be made in hopes of paying for college easier. Cowan has numerous ideas for his peers to help cope with these future difficulties. “The most important part is that you have to be fiscally responsible,” Cowan said. “Pick two or three activities in high school and stick with them. Get college credit through high school, either through AP or CollegeNow. Finally, don’t spend your money on modifications to your pickup truck. Get a job over the summer, and save the money you get from that.” Regardless of these potential solutions, students across the country will be paying more cash for college than ever before in history. Southwest students are among the ones who will be forced to sacrifice.

College Financial Statistics in 2012:

-8.8 percent unemployment for recent college graduates. -Two-thirds of all college graduates have an average of $26,600 in student loan debt. -Average student loan debt after college has increased by 5 percent in the past 2 years. -Student Loan Debt is the largest form of consumer debt, except for mortgages. -Tuition nationwide in public colleges has increased by 4.8 percent since last year. 2012 statistics courtesy of: http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20121025/ NEWS01/310250017/Fresh-out-college-out-money

Illustration by Morgan Vietti

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november 2012

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staffed: All students deserve social media privileges

*Editor’s Note: This editorial includes the views of both our newspaper staff and wolfbyte tv staff.

ociety is constantly evolving and relying more heavily on the utilization of social media. This being said, logically the district would provide its students with access to these resources since their careers will most likely depend on social media. However, in Blue Valley, the district only provides that option to a select few students. These select few are those who participate in the CAPS program. They need this access to social media to get in contact with other professionals. While their program is career-oriented, so are some of the classes offered here. Broadcast technology teacher Steve Cortez has been teaching for 21 years. He has been told the material his classes produce are to a college-level caliber. If that’s the case, it makes no sense why the district has differentiated this “professionalism” between what the journalism department produces and what CAPS students produce. “CAPS has a professional environment, but I believe dress does not make something more professional,” Cortez said. “CAPS are no more professional than my students are.” Broadcast would benefit from being able to access YouTube to see certain broadcast aspects at work. It often times affects their actual stories and is frustrating to have to cheat the way through the system to see a movie clip for a review. Our newspaper staff would benefit from accessing other blocked newspaper

opinion

websites, as well as Twitter to promote our stories. However, access to Twitter requires a teacher to log on and grant us permission. As young adults, we should not have to have a teacher grant us the right to use valuable resources. Also, part of the journalism curriculum is teaching students how to properly use social media. That is slightly difficult to do when those materials are inaccessible. The main concern the district expresses is privacy. “We have no control or no way to filter the inappropriate material that might be on the social media,” educational technology director Kristy Sailors said. The district does not have access to what students are viewing in the CAPS building either. In which case, we too should be given a chance to prove how we would properly use this material. Though the focus has been on the benefits of the journalism department, allowing these websites would also benefit the general student population as well. If nothing else they could simply be taught how to use the actual privacy settings on social media websites. If you agree that social media would be beneficial if allowed at high schools and want to help put together a presentation in front of District Office that include your reasons, please contact us at bvswnews@gmail.com

staff vote

yes - 18 no -0 your vote Go online to bvswnews.com to cast your vote for this month’s editorial question. Read other student responses and comment on the editorial. Make your voice heard at www. bvswnews.com or mention us on twitter @bvswnews Illustration by Anna Glennon

How could we utilize social media in the classroom setting?

““

Teachers could remind us our homework assignments on Twitter and use Instagram if they want us to go to an event or do something for the class.”

Junior-Shelby Farris

““

For Broadcast, we always need social media for stories and pictures, but it makes it very hard when it’s blocked by the schools.”

Senior-Christina Granzow

by meg huwe editor-in-chief by will barboza show producer

www.bvswnews.com

november 2012

BLOCKED 12

How we ARE using social media

To share interesting things connected with top-

ics currently studying in class

To update parents and players on schedule changes or upcoming events for different sports

To share quiz announcements, reminders for homework and extra-credit opportunities

How we could use social media

To show how to use the actual privacy settings on social media websites

To view what other scientists in the world are working on and their new updates

To access to all of the social media resources already used in several classes To view educational blogs and videos that are normally blocked

To allow people in the middle schools or in the outlying communities to quickly find out how well To allow kids to view forums where other students teams are doing with statistics are talking about college applications, essays and For professional development of teachers: follows scholarships other teachers well-known in the world of language To allow the Spanish 2.5 classes next semester to acas a way to do my own learning outside of school cess Twitter at school for their project requiring them for ideas and strategies to use in the classroom to follow the person they will be presenting about for To inform students of upcoming events such as the music and dance unit

spirit days

Information provided by Rick Sabath, Alyson Kilcoyne, Melissa McCarty, Jacque Cork and Lindsay Hogan

Top five most popular BVSW Twitter feeds

BVSWNews @bvswnews 529 tweets 271 followers

*As of Tuesday Nov. 6

social media

Timber Wolf @bvsw 101 tweets 220 followers

BVSW Sweetheart @BVSWsweetheart 262 tweets 149 followers

Wolf Byte TV @wolfbytetv 48 tweets 177 followers

BVSW Student Council @BVSWStuCo 25 tweets 90 followers

southwest standard

Social media access only granted to select students

by ananda bhatia

features editor

ocial media has become one of the most popular forms of communication in today’s society. It is an easy and efficient way to interact with people, and, for these reasons, more and more companies are taking advantage of it. But despite these facts, access to most types of social media is banned at school. Several classes in the Blue Valley School District require that social media be included in their curriculum. For example, in 21st century journalism, students are required to learn how to identify careers in media and communications, analyze the uses of social networking sites and understand the importance of identity and reputation management in social media. Educational technology director Kristy Sailors thinks that “those skills can be taught regardless of the tool.” “We currently teach those types of skills in some of the emerging technology classes at the middle school and high school level,” Sailors said. “They’re also teaching some of those skills using approved tools.” Edmodo falls under the category of approved tools: it is a “secure social learning network for teachers and students.” It is currently being used by both the gifted education classes and the REbeL Club. “Edmodo is kind of like an educational version of Facebook,” librarian and REbeL leader Lindsay Hogan said. “I like it, but I think it’s kind of silly because it just adds another step.” The website is designed very similarly to Facebook— there is a news feed, private messaging and public posting. The main difference is that a code is required to create an account. Thus, it is virtually impossible to sign up without being in a club or class that uses it. “It is specifically designed for educational use,” gifted education teacher Jacque Cork said. “I think because it’s closed and you’re only communicating with the people in your own group, it still doesn’t teach you how to protect your privacy because the whole thing is private. That [privacy protection skill] still has to come from somewhere else.” Both staff members agree that, although they like using the tool for educational purposes, it is not a substitute for social media. “I am a strong advocate of using social media in the classroom,” Hogan said. “It’s a regular way of communicating. I think that teachers need to take advantage of that communication channel; otherwise, they’re missing those connections.” On Oct. 22 and 23, a total of 100 students were polled in a variety of different classes with students from every grade level. Out of this group, 83 percent had never heard of Edmodo. All of the 17 percent who had were either in gifted education or REbeL.

From the standpoint of district officials, social media shouldn’t be allowed for safety reasons. “The concerns are that we, as a district, have no way to know who would be on the social media other than our kids,” Sailors said. “It’s a tough decision. We understand what the needs are and what the requests are; we just have parameters that we have to abide by as a K-12 institution.” Under that K-12 realm falls the Center for Advanced Professional Studies, better known as the CAPS program. Here, whether students are studying iMedia or Aerospace Engineering, they have complete access to Facebook and Twitter. “You go home and you can utilize it, so our belief is: let’s learn how to use it for the betterment of everything,” CAPS executive director Donna Deeds said. “You can’t really ban it, because you probably have a phone and you’re online at home and have access to whatever. What we want to be sure of is that kids learn how to use it safely, because it’s not going away. It’s just going to get more and more connected.” CAPS students most often use social media tools to collaborate with business partners. For example, companies can ask students to create a Facebook page or a video for them to help raise awareness of a new product. In the past, this has meant anything from monitoring the Twitter feeds during the World Series, to creating a blog for a startup aviation company in Singapore. “You are really on the cutting edge of what we call the digital native kinds of kids,” Deeds said. “I think business partners want to utilize our kids because they are better at this and understand how to connect.” While the access is not very limited, Deeds thinks that the program is still strict on making sure the tools are being used appropriately. “They cannot use the tools for personal use,” Deeds said. “They can be dismissed from this program if we see kids on Facebook doing their own Facebook or if they’re doing their own Twitter.” Although regular high school students would not be using the tools the same way, there are still websites that could be beneficial to students that are blocked. The gifted education teachers subscribe to educational blogs and have found forums where other students are talking about college

www.bvswnews.com

Graphic by Matt Forster

application processes, essays and scholarships, but none of these websites can be accessed at school. Restricting social media access can also affect a student in the professional world. “Your ability to work with social media and to use it in your profession in a way that can help the company is invaluable,” Hogan said. “I think those skills will give them [students] a heads up in the end.” Socialmediaexaminer.com, a company that earns a profit though helping people work with social media, found 3,813 marketers through twitter and e-mail to participate in a survey. 94 percent of these companies indicated that they were employing social media for marketing purposes and 83 percent said that social media was important to their business. “It’s a part of everybody’s life right now,” Deeds said. “And it’s a part of everybody’s business; if they’re smart, they’ll have a presence on the web.”

And while most social media websites are inaccessible by any means through the school’s wi-fi, anyone with a data plan can access it at school through his or her phone. “It’s not like people are on when teachers are talking — I’ve never seen anyone on then,” sophomore Haley Catron said. “But, you see people passing by in the hallway and they’ll be on Facebook or Twitter.” Students and teachers agree that social media is both present and important in the modern world. “It’s a part of life now,” Cork said. “I think when we close things down, we are sending a message that there is something wrong, and I personally think that we should be looking for ways to incorporate social media into the curriculum and into the way we teach. It’s a great way — it can be a great way— to connect people from different schools and different parts of the world, but we’re not able to do that when it’s locked down.”

november 2012

southwest

Top left: Running through the motions as a group, the cheer team practices chants for football season during a cheer boot-camp that took place over the summer. Bottom left: Focused on the drum major, sophomore Abbigayle Caldwell plays along with the band as they practice the National Anthem before the students enter the gym for the fall sports assembly. Above: Before the game against Blue Valley West, the football team stands together as they finish their warm ups. Photos by Anna Glennon.

Defining a sport through different aspects

Different teams compare what it takes to fit the definition of a sport

by caroline fronczak staff writer

ver since the “supafans” were created, spirit and class involvement have dramatically risen at some sporting events. However, the crowd size and participation is still a stretch at a Friday night football game compared to an early morning cross country race. Recently, activities and sports have gotten criticism on how the members do not actually participate in a “real sport.” Comments ranging from “running doesn’t count” or “cheer isn’t that hard” all create the ongoing list of examples of how some people are being put down because their sport doesn’t fit the typical stereotype. “Cross country is other sports’ punishment,” junior cross country runner Bailey Barnhart said. “We work just as hard, if not harder, and train just as long to get where we want to be. It’s harder than most sports and requires discipline and allows us to be competitive with each other

sports

and other teams.” Not only is cross country listed under the sports the district recognizes, it also competes in State along with weekend competitions. Only seven varsity spots are allowed and that can change from week to week, unlike other sports who allow as many to play every week. Even though it has different objectives than more widely-attended sport events, such as football and soccer, cross country meets the requirement for the definition of a sport. “For me a sport is a lifestyle,” freshmen football player Christian Farris said. “It doesn’t have to be a game, on a field, with a ball, a sport is what makes it all worthwhile.” A sport, according to the dictionary, is defined as being an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others. Even though cheerleading and band are mostly seen on the sidelines of football and basketball games, they both also compete against other schools. Cheer and band are classified as activities only so that the team can put in as many practice hours as desired. Team

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members of each group are required to take the specific class which allots them even more practice time. In the fall, band arrives 45 minutes early to school, four days a week and continues to rehearse throughout first hour. With cheer being almost similar, cheerleaders practice throughout their seventh hour class time and sometimes continues on into the after-school hours. “Band can be very physical,” senior drum major Steven Murray said. “We practically have to run across a football field to certain locations while controlling our breath; we sometimes don’t get the chance to inhale until after about 20 to 30 seconds.” Whether it’s running in the early mornings, marching through a football field or playing in the rivalry football game, each team has a different definition of a sport, that all involves one common theme. “Others say we are all crazy for running cross country and that’s true, we are crazy, but that’s the fun of it,” Barnhart said. “A sport is for crazy people who want to do what they love and what most people won’t or can’t.”

november 2012

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Brawn and brains Psychological tips to improve sports performance

layers are constantly practicing and working out to assure victory, but sometimes brains can be just as important as brawn. These three pointers can help players reduce anxiety and increase performance on a psychological level.

Breathe

Illustration by Brianna Bogdan

Signs and symptoms of being stressed provided by the United States Sports Academy include: • Increased heartbeat • Difficulty breathing • Paralyzing terror • Nervousness • Shaking • Dizziness • Light-headedness • Nausea

sports

• • • • • • • •

A lot of players make their sport a huge part of their lives. “I think about it 80 percent of the time,” sophomore Jack McClelland said. “I’m always going over mistakes and what I should have done in my mind.” When thinking about something nonstop, it’s natural for anxiety to arise once in awhile. If players are frustrated about a mistake they keep making during practice or are nerTrembling vous about the game that Sweating night, taking a few minutes Choking to “center” and feel positive Chest pains about themselves could be Feeling of distress the solution. Hot flashes “Centering is bringing Sudden chills Tingling sensation in fingers yourself to a place where or toes you’re calm yet excited and focused,” wrestling coach

www.bvswnews.com

Cody Parks said. “You don’t want any extremes, find a place where you’re in balance.” To do this, a player should first find a quiet place to sit or lie down and start a breathing exercise. Then take deep, slow breaths through the nose and exhale through the mouth. After a while of maintaining a steady pace, an individual can start thinking about one word or phrase like “steady,” or “you can do this,” while he or she is focusing. It should only take 15 seconds to feel the effect, but players can use this exercise for whatever duration they feel is necessary to reduce tension and anxiety. Being anxious on the field or during a meet can distract the player and according to the United States Sports Academy can also worsen performance, lead to dropout, and make it more difficult to recover from an injury.

Visualize

Almost any dedicated player can recall having a dream about his or her sport, but what most don’t know is that it can actually improve performance in real life. In a study performed by the Human Kinetics Journals, individuals were asked to toss coins into a coffee cup from two meters away,

by brianna bogdan staffwriter

the subjects that practiced the action while in a lucid dreaming state did significantly better than the participants who didn’t. Players can use this to their advantage even when awake by visualizing. “Visualization is the key,” Parks said, “If you can’t visualize what you want to accomplish than you cannot expect to be able to perform it physically.” Imagining the process gives players an easy way to know where they are and what they need to improve on; if players can’t visualize themselves doing it, then they probably can’t yet. To do this, athletes should once again find a nice, quiet place where they can be alone and relax. Then, players close their eyes and start imagining the process that they’re having trouble with in real life. “You need to visualize the perfect dive, hitting the ball perfectly, the perfect pass,” school psychologist Cathy Kerr said. Once satisfied, a player should go out and physically do what they had been struggling with before and see if they notice any changes. To read the rest of this article go to bvswnews.com

november 2012

sportsbriefs 16

Volleyball makes Sub-State

by mariem towakoli sports editor

he amount of time and energy put into this year’s fall sports has been greatly recognized considering that most of the Timberwolf sports were able to make it further than ever before in Southwest history. The teams also set new records and are expecting to improve their success in upcoming seasons. Now that all the fall sports have ended, here is a recap of the fall season and what next year has to offer.

Girls golf season up to par Results: 7th at State and 3rd at EKL, 2nd at Regionals The varsity girls golf team has improved their performance since recent years and qualified for state for a third time in Southwest history. The team has already made new plans for next year and what should be cultivated to improve from where they stand now. With this new accomplishment, comes new expectations of what lies ahead for next year’s season. Head varsity girls golf coach Courtney Weber explains what errors must be corrected in order to make it toward a top 5 spot at State. “The girls need to all continue to improve their mental game,” Weber

said. “It is the hardest aspect of the game of golf, and to keep the focus that they need for 5 hours is not an easy chore.” Every season has had great moments according to junior Sabrina Castle, but this one has seemed to have more significance than others. “We definitely made some memories, especially since we are such a close group,” Castle said. “Our team has made huge improvements from last year, and we definitely got better, and I hope to continue that trend.”

sports

Season record: 24-17 Results: Second round (final) of Sub-State (lost) The amount of fans who came to support the volleyball teams this year has improved drastically compared to recent years. With the team making it further than they had the last two years, the varsity volleyball team was able to attend the last round of Sub-State vs. St. James. Now that the season has come to an end, senior Alyssa Phelps has enjoyed being able to be apart of the team and wishes them luck for the years to come. “The next few years are going to have really good leadership, since most of the girls have been playing varsity since they were freshman and have gained a lot of experience throughout the years,” Phelps said. “Everyone this year played with so much heart, and you really can’t ask for more than

With her arm extended above her head, junior Jessica Pollitt sends the ball back over the net. Photo by Anna Glennon.

that.” Since the expectations and experience for next year will increase due to the success of the 2012 season, head varsity coach Scott Dowis anticipates a good show for those who supporters. “This team has come togeth-

Cross Country plans ahead

Football loses starters

Season record: 5-4 The Southwest varsity football team has been represented by the same starters since their sophomore year. Now that most of them are to graduate this year, new players will be given the opportunity to lead the team and bring Southwest to victory. Head varsity football coach Bill Lowe expects new players to help the team and keep the program going. “We will have to get some good leadership, and a lot of young players will have to step up to replace a great group of seniors,” Lowe said. “We will miss the seniors very much.” The seniors all have made memories together this year as a wolfpack, and varsity linebacker Hunter Ashley has enjoyed his time at Southwest as well as his dedication to the football team. “I will remember all the fun times I got to experience with my teammates and being able to play in front of all the fans,” Ashley said. “Most

southwest

Raising his helmet into the air toward the end of the game, senior Aaron Ramsey stands along the sidelines with the team during the varsity game against Blue Valley West. Photo by Anna Glennon.

importantly, I’m going to be able to remember the brotherhood and the bond of the team we have had the last three years.”

Results: Boys got 2nd at Regionals and won three meets, girls won one meet, qualified two girls and the entire boys team for State With the success of this year, giving the entire boys team a chance at State and having two girls qualify as well, has already raised the bar of expectations head coach Richard Wilson has for the whole team next year. “We want to keep improving every season, and we want to come in to the next season even more fit than this year,” Wilson said. “We want to continue to find runners who want to improve and compete at a high level.” Wilson was impressed with those who really worked hard during this season and were able to make new records for themselves, as well as setting new goals for the team. “The runners really focused on improving each week,” Wilson said. “You can tell that they took our training seriously, as we had a large

er so well this year with very positive strides as a program,” Dowis said. “The senior leadership will become even better, and they will show just how much work ethic and enjoyment they have for the team, on and off the court.”

number of personal records in the last meet.” The team had risen from 42 to 60 runners this year and all of them were able to run their best times ever this season. Places were able to be held on the team from the really good runners, all the way down to the casual runners. With anticipation for next year’s season, runners are eager to drastically improve their personal record for next year with intense training and the mood swings that go along with it. “We really need to keep working on being positive,” junior Holly Harmon said. “Sometimes we complain about track or hill workouts, and when this happens, it affects everyone’s mood.” The team as a whole now has a goal to bring the entire boys team back to state next year and more girls also. The team will now work on countless hours of conditioning and bettering personal records for the next season to come.

For information on how boys soccer and girls tennis expect to improve for next year’s season and the successes of this year, check out bvswnews.com

www.bvswnews.com

november 2012

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wintersportsbriefs

by madison parr managing editor

Boys basketball aims for state With boys basketball right around the corner, head coach Mark Rabbitt has already made goals for the upcoming season. “Our goal is to compete for championships (league, sub-state, and state) we feel that we can compete [with] anyone,” Rabbit said. “We have an understanding of what it takes to win.” Returning starters and seniors Don-

nell Bronson, Colton Miller, Dominique O’Connor and Aaron Rogers will be asked to take leadership roles for the upcoming season. Miller expressed his excitement for this season’s competition. “I am most looking forward to playing BVW because of the rivalry and BVN because I used to go there,” Miller said.

Swim and dive splash into the new season With a new year and new diving coach, senior Daryle Rowland shares his aspirations for the upcoming boys swimming and diving season. “I am looking forward to the new diving coach and trying to make it the best season possible,” Rowland said. “This is my second year diving, and I hope to make it to State.” Rowland thinks that their biggest competition this season will either be Blue

Valley West or Blue Valley North and encourages students to watch the very tough match against BVW, because they also have strong swimmers and divers. “My goals for the upcoming [season] are to improve my back diving and inward dives in hopes of making it further into competition and making a name for Southwest swim and dive,” Rowland said.

Girls basketball brings new additions Head basketball coach Rick Rhoades has incoming freshman, as well as new transfers adding new players to the girls basketball team. Senior Hunter Thomas, who transferred from Saint Thomas Aquinas, is one of the additions to the team. “I am looking forward to a new experience and hoping to make a new name for girls basketball,” Thomas said. “I want to create a strong base for more girls to want to play.” The girls’ main goal is to improve upon last year and be victorious all the way to State. “We’ve had a rough past couple of years, and this year we are hoping to improve our record and be competitive in the EKL,” senior Brityn Like said. “Our main goal is to make it to State.”

Upcoming games Nov. 29

Nov. 30

7 p.m. boys basketball at William Chrisman HS 7 p.m. girls basketball at Washington HS

sports

Pinning his opponent to the mat, junior Adam Pelfrey wrestled as a part of the varsity team for the 2011 season. Photo by Sydney Haas.

Wrestling strives to bring home the gold

Head wrestling coach Cody Parks has high hopes of winning the EKL and a Regional title. “We are excited to wrestle St. James, as they are highly ranked entering this season, also to get a chance to defend our title as the best team in Blue Valley,” Parks said. “As a team, we hope to improve on our State finishes and plan on bringing home as many State medals as possible.”

Junior Adam Pelfrey also shares the same expectations for the season. “A goal of mine would be to win JOCO, EKL, Regionals and State,” Pelfrey said. “I hope to improve my mental game on that mat and make sure that every time I get on the mat, it’s the best I’ve ever wrestled, and make sure that if I do lose, that I did everything I could.”

Head girls bowling coach Kimberly Spencer shares her expectations and hopes for the upcoming bowling season. “I expect to improve upon last year, since last year was our first year with the bowling program,” Spencer said. “I would hope all participants from last year would improve on their personal best.”

This year’s team has a strong senior group including Morgan Vietti and Laura Vanderheiden. “There will be tougher competition this year and we hope to do well as team,” Spencer said. “Our biggest competitor is BVW because their girls have really improved from last year.”

Bowling hopes to improve With her eyes focused on her nearest teammate, sophomore Laura Eldridge plays along with the rest of the varsity basketball team during the 2011 season. Photo by Sydney Haas.

Dec. 1 9 a.m. wrestling at Fort Scott

Dec. 4 4 p.m. swimming at home

Dec. 4

7 p.m. boys basketball at SM North

Dec. 5 6 p.m. wrestling at home

www.bvswnews.com

Dec. 7

5 p.m. swim at Prairie Trail Junior High

7:30 p.m. boys basketball at BVW

For a full calender of all sports events, visit http://www.usatodayhss.com/school/blue-valley-southwest-overland-park-ks

november 2012

16RYBREAD

southwest

The passion for makeup and fashion drives freshman Rylee Brown to share her talents on her YouTube channel

by anna welch special sections editor

etting up the camera, preparing the lights and designing the background is what goes into making videos that focus on makeup, hair and publicizing someone’s life on YouTube. Girls all over the world have created channels associated with beauty. Some have almost become famous and have contracts with Seventeen Magazine. Most teenagers think of YouTube as a place to go for a laugh, but for freshman Rylee Brown, YouTube is a source of income, a place to share your life and a good source of fun. Rylee has had a channel since 7th grade. She doesn’t post the embarrassing videos of talking to dogs in a funny voice. She explores the world of beauty. Some girls may call her a “Beauty Guru,” but Rylee chooses not to go by that simply because that isn’t what her channel is about. “YouTube is very ironic because I’m a very shy person,” Rylee said. “It gives me an outlet and an escape from the real world. I get to talk about things I love and share my talent with other girls that could be half-way across the world.” Rylee is known as ‘16rybread’ on YouTube, and her hobby that started in 7th grade has grown to be something that affects her everyday lifestyle. “She seems to think big picture,” Rylee’s mom Peggy Brown said. “She was able to monetize her site very quickly, and so she became the youngest entrepreneur in our family at 13.” Rylee has almost 200 subscribers to her channel. They give positive advice and motivation to keep her making videos. “I believe every YouTube user cherishes their fan base,” Rylee said. “I’m not looking for the fame or the positive comments saying ‘You’re so pretty Rylee’; it’s just nice to know that people take the time out of their days to watch something I’ve spent a lot of time on.” Starting a channel at the age of 13 is something that could be considered very risky in today’s society, with online bullying and not knowing who is actually watching the videos. “I knew I could monitor my daughter’s actions when she is involved in a very public activity,” Peggy said. “Rylee is a very mature 15 year old. She knows what is right and wrong, but I like how I can make sure she is keeping her videos general when it comes to personal details.” Starting a YouTube channel can potentially lead to becoming an entrepreneur, because Google pays users when a viewer clicks on an advertisement. Rylee signed up her channel as a partner, which allowed her to make money off of advertisements. A check is sent to her once she makes over $100. “I think it’s really cool that Rylee can make money from doing what she loves,” freshman Brooke Dennin said. “Everyone should love their job. Sadly, that’s not

features

With the camera all set, Rylee Brown films her latest YouTube video “How to pick your perfect concealer” which will be uploaded on her channel 16RYBREAD. Photo submitted by Peggy Brown

the case for a lot of people. It’s amazing to see that Rylee has made her own channel and also gets paid doing what she loves.” Not only is Rylee fortunate enough to get paid for doing what she loves, but she also has the support of her friends and family. Rylee doesn’t have a set goal for a specific number of subscribers or for the amount of money she makes. Sharing her talent, ideas and style is Rylee’s ultimate goal for her YouTube channel. “Rylee was born with a natural confidence,” Peggy said. “These videos have helped her gain that much more. To make a video and put it into the world and have people tell you they like what you did is a remarkable thing.”

If you have a YouTube channel and would like to share, visit www.bvswnews.com and leave a comment on this story or tweet to @bvswnews.

www.bvswnews.com

Other Popular Beauty Channels: meganheartsmakeup

eleventhgorgeous

FridayNightHighLite

atKristaBraford

MacBarbie07

DulceCandy87

NikkiPhillippi

AndreasChoice

november 2012

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Comparison of schools around the world

Take a look at the surprising differences and similarities of schools in other countries

Sweden Less

Senior Erik Alenfall

school spirit

Same class sizes

Don’t change classes No sports or clubs through school Decide what type of career you might be interested in and then all of your classes are put in place for you If you get in trouble, you get a lecture from the head teacher

No standardized testing

Homemade food at lunch Only basic academic subjects such as math, science and languages Their 12th graders are two years older

by ananda bhatia

Chile

Norway

Senior Cathrine Ruud

features editor

Senior Dominque Dabancens

Elective classes for after school

No standardized testing for college, “National Test” just for comparisons usually taken in middle school No sports through school

Do change classes, different

schedule every day

There is a book where they will write what you did wrong if you are in there three times they may call your parents and if you have two full pages they can expel you

Most classes are required (you choose three of five extra classes junior and senior year) and these usually include art

You get a separate grade in behavior and if you get in trouble you get a “mark” Certain special schools have music programs or art or dance etc.

Less school

You can leave school whenever you want Only basic academic subjects such as math, science and languages at traditional high school

School is much harder because you don’t get points for everything/homework Less school

spirit

Typical break schedule: three hours (of class)

then break, two hour break, two hours then lunch, two hours then home (last interval is the one that differs) Grade system: instead of A-F on a scale of 1 to 7.0 School uniforms

After senior year you take “PSU” to get into college College is similar in length but each school is career specific

spirit

Passing periods vary in length, some five minutes,

some 10 some 15

There is a lunch break at school, but you can go wherever you want for lunch; it’s more expensive, and there is similar food except less hot food

Italy

Senior Benedetta (Benni) Mattei Don’t change classes; teachers

classroom

switch out of

School much harder Decide what type of career you might be interested in and then all of your classes are put in place for you Private schools/colleges not nearly as good as public schools/college; people really want to get into public college and go to a public school No sports through school

No clubs or activities through school

Less school spirit Don’t each lunch at school

In Sweden, school is broken up into four segments that are each three years long. In Chile, all 12 years of school are combined.

features

No standardized testing for college, just for comparisons

Graphics by Morgan Vietti

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Only basic academic subjects such as math, science and languages

november 2012

Moms of Southwest Having a mom around T has its advantages

by mariem towakoli sports editor

southwest

he amount of mothers that have started to fill the offices and classrooms of Southwest has grown rapidly over the last three years. Students who do have a mother working at Southwest have noticed the drastic amount of advantages they have and exceptions to the rules here at school. Some have found school as a lenient environment, and that having a parent at Southwest is greatly appreciated.

The Stevens

Sophomore Jackson Stevens and senior Jeff Stevens goof around with their mother in the Nurse’s office while checking her heart rate and temperature. Jackson and Jeff have enjoyed the amount of extra quality time they get to spend with their mother, and that they are able to visit her during school. Photo by Anna Glennon.

The Hayes

ibrarian Joann Hayes has worked at the school since it opened three years ago. Hayes had two children attending when she started: a daughter, senior Caroline Hayes, and a son, James Hayes, who has now graduated. Joanne enjoys working at Southwest with teenagers and the opportunities that come along with it. “I enjoy a high school setting because of the sports and others activities that make it so much more like a family than middle school or elementary school,” Joanne said. “It makes it very easy to stay up with what this age of kids are into and gives you great insight into how busy and stressful their lives can be.” Caroline appreciates having her mother around during school hours because of the advantages that go along with it, such as being able to talk to her when

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she wants, getting to know the staff a lot better and having a stash drawer full of snacks handy. Besides that, Caroline appreciates how close her relationship with her mother has grown and doesn’t find anything strange about her mom working at Southwest. “It’s very convenient having my mom around, and it might actually be better for me,” Caroline said. “She doesn’t intrude on my school life, and she doesn’t stop by my locker during passing periods or something.” Joanne has respected her daughter’s privacy while at school, and has seen first-hand the experiences her daughter goes through. “I adopted an attitude a long time ago that this is her space, and I am only filling a part of that by her allowing me a peek into her life,” Joanne said. “I try very hard to stay out of her way and not pry.”

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enior Jeff Stevens and sophomore Jackson Stevens have always had a rather amusing relationship with their mother, nurse Jill Stevens. When Jill took the job three years ago, Jeff enjoyed having his mother around for him. Jackson feels the same way now that he attends a school his mother works at as well. “I like my mom because she has many great traits,” Jeff said. “She is kind, caring, smart and a lot more.” Jackson and Jeff love that they can stop by their mother’s office whenever they need to. Jeff is very thankful to have his mom not too far away during the day when he needs someone to de-stress with or talk to. “I’m kind of a mama’s boy,” Jeff said. “When I don’t feel too hot, that’s when I’m glad my mom is at the school.” Jackson has enjoyed the last two years attending a school his mother works at because of the long list of advantages that go along with it. One has been that she is able to take him to and from school everyday, which

helps Jill save gas money. “I love having her at Southwest,” Jackson said. “It’s convenient having her office so I can use it as a locker if I need to, and that she is always around in case anything happens.” Jill likes having her kids around during the day and knowing that they are in a safe place or that they can come by for anything if needed. Things seem to be running smoother for the Stevens family now that all of their schedules are similar during the day. Jill has been thankful that she’s able to take her kids to and from school, as well as take Jackson to practice since he is not able to drive yet. There have been several advantages for this family since Jeff and Jackson’s mom works at the school, and Jill appreciates the extra time that she can spend with her children. “It is great being in the same school as my kids,” Jill said. “It’s not weird for me that we are in the same school during the day, and I actually really like that I’m able to see them more or check up with me when they want.”

Photo by Kylie Norcross

november 2012

standard The Moes

“

To me, being here for my kids during the day lets me really see the atmosphere of the school, and I can really be involved in my kids’ education,” Holly Moes said. Holly is a para who spends the weekdays helping the kids of room 129 while also helping her own two children, junior Matilyn Moes and freshman Caleb Moes. Both, Caleb and Matilyn enjoy having their mom as a para here because of the advantages that go along with it. “Nothing is strange about having my mom around the school,” Caleb said. “Sometimes it can get a little frustrating, since she is always there, but I like that she can help me with my school work if I need it.” Holly has seen a significant difference in her relationship with her kids because of the extra amount of

The Stewarts

time that she can see them during the day. “Whenever my kids have a bad day, I can tell immediately,” Holly said. “It’s great that I can be there for them to sort things out during the day in case they need to talk about what’s bothering them to make the rest of the day a little easier.” Matilyn also agrees that having her mother around more during the day has brought her closer to her mom in the end. “We have always been really close, but now I can go to her when I need to talk about something or forgot something I needed that day,” Matilyn said. “My mom always helps me figure things out when there is an issue or when I just need someone to talk to.”

ike Hayes, secretary Meredith Stewart has also had two children attend Southwest at the same time. Meredith has two daughters, junior Emma Stewart and Ellie Stewart, who graduated last year. Emma enjoys how close her relationship with her mother has become, since she spends a lot of time with her at home as well as at school. “We have always had a great relationship and been close, but in her working at school, I see her much more everyday than I did before high school,” Emma said. “We also have a lot to talk about, because we both understand the things going on around Southwest.” Emma enjoys that her mother is only a hall away when she has forgotten a parent signature on an assignment or being able to run things by her if needed. Emma always knows that she can come to her mother for anything and never thinks that her

privacy is being taken away while at school. “I only have to visit my mom when I want or need to, which, by choice, is pretty often,” Emma said. “There has never been a time I have felt that she has become a ‘helicopter’ because she works in the same building.” Meredith is happy with her job and likes that everyday is a new and different experience, whether her children attend the school, or not. Meredith doesn’t think her relationship with Emma has changed much, but her appreciation for their hard work has grown incredibly. “I am much more sympathetic and understanding than I would have been had I not worked at the high school level,” Meredith said. “It makes me appreciate my children’s dedication to their homework and all the daily expectations that are given to them.”

Want to see more students with moms at Southwest? Visit bvswnews.com for information on the advantages students have with their mom teaching at Southwest

The McCrossens

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Photos by Kylie Norcross.

nglish teacher Marin McCrossen has only had one child attend Southwest, and the level of connectivity she has with her daughter, junior Kate McCrossen, has seemed to expand throughout the last three years of Kate’s high school career. “We have definitely grown closer, and I have become more aware of what’s going on with my daughter and also her friends,” Marin said. “There is a lot that I wouldn’t know about or get to experience with my daughter if I hadn’t chosen to teach at Southwest.” Kate finds having her mother teaching at the same school she attends a little strange at times, but likes having her there for when she has had a bad day and needs someone to talk to during passing periods.

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“What is really weird is having kids I don’t know come up to me and say ‘I love your mom,’” Kate said. “I normally have no idea who they are and how they know who I am, but most of the time having her there is perfectly fine.” Kate also thinks that she and her mom have gotten along better since they see each other for most of the hours of every day. Kate has recognized that the two have been able to talk more and that she feels comfortable enough to discuss what is going on in her life, as well. “Having my mom around more has not only brought me closer to her, but if I ever need anything during the day, I know she is there for me,” Kate said. “I like that I can go to her for anything if I ever have anything I need to discuss, she is just around the corner.”

november 2012

High school for teachers

southwest

Four staff members share their experiences and favorite moments by mariem towakoli

sports editor

n high school, broadcast technology teacher Steve Cortez was a band geek, not athletic; his parents were divorced and he had a job since the age of nine. “School was basic survival for me and just a matter of getting through it,” Cortez said. Never feeling part of the school aspect of life was quite a challenge for Cortez during his high school career. As he moved to a new school for his senior year, he felt unaccepted. Teachers agree that high school is not how it used to be. The social environment is different, the teachers’ strategies are diverse and the technology has all impacted their ideas on why high school is so different today. "There was a lot of face-to-face interaction when I was in high school," Cortez said. "It seems with all the technology we have today that we have started to lose communication

between students and teachers a little more." Theater teacher Dan Schmidt enjoyed his time in high school. “I came from a small high school, so everybody did everything together, and there weren’t many groups,” Schmidt said. “We could be who we wanted to be, and everyone was cool with that.” Schmidt agrees that high school was considerably distinct to schooling in the year 2012. “Students can be who they want to be here, but other forces tend to push students to where they think they should go; we have helicopter parents, outside organizations and teams pushing the student to a certain area,” Schmidt said. “[Even] with all the great technology and choices here at Blue Valley Southwest, students still feel trapped by these conditioning forces, and students need to get a voice and learn what they really want out of life and take advantage

of this great school to help with that choice.” Like Schmidt, math teacher Kimberly Spencer benefited from attending a sparsely populated school as well. “We had a small student body, and we were all friends,” Spencer said. “I was very involved in sports and cheerleading, which made it a fun place to be.” Spencer thinks today’s teachers have changed significantly since when she was a student. “Teachers are much better prepared today than back when I was in school, and there is more emphasis on test scores today,” Spencer said. “Teachers today work closely together to plan good quality lessons to make the learning experience better and more meaningful for the students. When I was in school, teachers planned by themselves and did their own thing.” English teacher Marilyn Brewer enjoyed high school,

What did you learn from

your high school experience? “I felt that when I went to college, that I wasn’t as prepared as I needed to be,” she said. “We didn’t

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Kimberly Spencer

have AP or College level classes at our high school, so I really had to teach myself how to study.”

but her experience was comparatively different than that of most teachers. Brewer attended three years of high school in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and taking corresponding work from her American school. "High school for me was bittersweet,” Brewer said. “Although I missed my family, I had some good times at the school. Mainly I hated all the rules, especially the dress code.” Now that Brewer is no longer a student in the classroom setting, she has recognized a change in how teachers communicate with their students. "Teachers today are much more helpful and understanding; there was no teacher that I felt I could go to and I was far from my home with no overseas phone calls allowed — only snail mail,” Brewer said. "It was an entirely different experience than now, where we can constantly keep in touch."

Marilyn Brewer What is your most memorable moment

from high school? “My most memorable moment was staying in the dormitory alone for two weeks while all the other students went home for Christmas,” she said. “My parents were missionaries, and I could not go home on holidays. Another memory was going on a senior trip to Chicago, and it was

wonderful. We went up on the train, stayed up all night, went sightseeing all day and slept on the train on our return. I remember the pranks. One guy had the unfortunate experience of sleeping with his mouth open, and we filled it with toothpaste. It was fun to watch him wake up.”

Steven Cortez How was high school when you

were a student similar to schooling now? “Kids are kids,” he said. “We still have the same fears and the same insecurities.

We all still question ourselves over, ‘will I be successful later in life?’”

Dan What did you not like about high school? Schmidt “I figured out that I should have learned to work harder and study better,” he said. “I needed to learn these skills before going to college, where I had a lot of

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freedom. It caught up with me during my first semester, and then I had to really work hard to get my GPA up to an acceptable level.”

november 2012

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Pursuing her passions

Freshman Shelby Moseley embraces her love of history to learn about a deceased soldier

by meg huwe editor-in-chief

e stares back, face void of emotion. The picture reflects a face with hollowed-out eyes and no smile. The boy is wearing a confederate soldier’s uniform. He is 16 years old. He is the “face of the boys’ war.” When freshman Shelby Moseley was in sixth grade, she stumbled across this picture in a book. “Its really haunting,” she said. “You can’t just stare at that and then not remember it.” Moseley then began spending countless hours Googling the author and the book in an effort to figure out who he was. “I wanted to know more about him,” she said. “At that point, I didn’t know if he died in war or not. I only had his picture. I just want to tell his story.” The man she was looking at was Private Edwin Francis Jemison. Jemison enlisted in the Civil War with seven of his friends and two uncles. He was stationed at Camp

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Moore and later shipped to Virginia to fight on the confederate side of the Civil War. In 1862, he was decapitated by a cannonball in the Battle of Malvern Hill. “He’s not famous for what he’s done in the war because he died so early, so he didn’t really do anything significant in that regard,” Shelby said. “His picture is famous because it’s the face of the boys’ war because all of the soldiers were so young.” This then raises the question of this boy’s significance compared to everyone else who fought in the war. “Why does anybody’s story deserve to be shared?” Shelby said. “If you want to look at it through the war aspect, he was so young when he enlisted. I can’t imagine being 16 years old, going off to such horrific warfare. His devotion to his family and his country truly amazes me. From a non-war aspect, though, his life was pretty interesting. There are so many stories to be told from that.” The difference between Shelby’s research and a typical book report is she had no basis for this information. To learn about Jemi-

Left: After stumbling across this face in a book, freshman Shelby Moseley was inspired to research and learn the story of Edwin Francis Jemison. Right: Moseley overlooks the sight of Malvern Hill battlefield where Jemison’s regiment had fought. Photos submitted by Shelby Moseley. son, she had to use old town newspapers, military service records and letters. “In a lot of ways, it’s been a good mystery story for me,” she said. “I have clues, but I’ll never exactly know everything about him, and that’s just how history is.” Her family has also been very supportive. “I think it’s great she’s taken a passion in something that interests her,” Shelby’s brother senior Hunter Moseley said. “Even if it’s sort of very crazy.” To further her research, Shelby went to Georgia over the summer. Her mother contacted the Milledgeville Convention and Visitors Bureau and was then connected to a Milledgeville volunteer trolley tour guide Sara Brantley. “I was immediately interested in Shelby and to see what I could to do help her regarding Edwin,” Brantley said. Brantley contacted historian Hugh Harrington, who was also researching Jemison. Together, the two of them planned for Shelby’s trip. Shelby and her mother spent five days

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in Georgia with Brantley and Harrington. While they were there, they viewed monuments dedicated to the Jemisons, as well as visited Jemison’s grandparents’ house. “I was pleased that anyone her age would be interested in history,” Harrington said. “Whether she becomes a professional historian, history teacher or professor, or simply enjoys studying history, she has the opportunity to begin a lifelong hobby, pastime or profession. Some people play golf or work in coal mines. Others, the lucky ones, spend their time on history.” Through this visit, Shelby was able to answer some of the questions she had about Jemison. Ultimately, Shelby hopes to write a book about her findings on Jemison. “What you can learn from Shelby is things that interest you at age 14 is telling of what you will want to do with your future,” Brantley said. “Don’t think you’re too young to know. I wish I had paid attention and followed my heart then like she’s doing.”

november 2012

Romeo&Juliet:

theatre department puts on their fall production, adding a modern twist to a timeless classic

Above: During the balcony scene, junior Lauren Henke looks down at Romeo, played by sophomore Caleb Jenkins, as they pronounce their love for one another. “It was hard to get into character at first,” Jenkins said. “I had to find a way to stray from the stereotypical conception of Romeo’s character, but after I got past that, the rest was all hoodies and punk music.” Top right: After a brawl is broken up, Benvolio, played by junior Johnny Tapp, listens closely to the other cast members as they speak. “We [the cast] are a lot like a team: we warm up together, we put on the show together and we have our failures together as well.” Bottom right: Looking down at junior Alex Peuser, junior Kyle Drum portrays his part as Lord Capulet. Bottom center: After running across the stage, Mercutio, played by junior Jake Louis, squats down before speaking to Romeo, played by Jenkins. Bottom left: As she is separated from Romeo, Henke speaks as though she is near tears. “I feel an immense amount of pressure as Juliet,” Henke said. “Romeo and Juliet is such a well-known show, so naturally there are a lot of preconceived notions in the minds of the audience.” Photo essay by Anna Glennon.

romeo and juliet

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november 2012