Blue Valley High School — Vol. 46 — Issue 3— October 2015 — Overland Park, Kansas
Embracing Race: Biracial students discuss characteristics of being ethnically diverse Photo illustration by Sophia Ragomo.
2 inthenews October 2015
inside this issue NEWS
2
GREEN THUMBS Students introduce changes to existing BV greenhouse page 6
OPINION
8
APPRECIATE THE ARTS Those involved in creative classes deserve more credit page 10
international news explained
TURKISH BOMBINGS
At a peaceful rally in Ankara, Turkey on Oct. 10, two suicide bombers carried out their deadly goal. The blasts killed 97 people and left more than 250 wounded. Turkey observed three days of mourning after the attack. While no group has claimed responsibility for the crime, the Turkish government is looking at ISIS as the main suspect. This occurred three weeks before elections for parliament seats
FEATURES 12 SUIT AND TIE Freshman gets real-world experience trading stocks
page 13
ENTERTAINMENT 21 LOCAL HOTSPOTS Places around KC spark interest for unusual visits page 21
SPORTS 26 BUMP, SET, SISTER Three pairs of sisters play on various volleyball teams page 29 Photos courtesy of MCT Campus. Stories by Sheila Gregory. Page designed by Sheila Gregory.
on Nov. 1, and officials worry about the security of the polls. Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, said while he thought the attack was meant to affect the election, they will go on as scheduled. Why is this a big deal? ISIS has no connection to the Turkish elections other than to incite violence and separatism in the country. The attack was made at a peaceful rally calling for an end in conflicts between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the Turkish government. There is already a fragile relationship with the Kurds — a native ethnic group who wants to separate from Turkey — and the Turkish state. How the government responds to this crisis will decide if full-blown conflict arises between the two. As one of the only sound governments in the Middle East, this attack could prove detrimental to that stability, giving ISIS the availability to take over.
DEMOCRATIC DEBATE
CNN hosted the first Democratic debate for the 2016 presidential election Oct. 13. With a limited field of candidates — five compared to the 18 Republicans — each one had more time to expand on the issues and their stances. Everything from gun control to Wall Street was covered, although several of the candidates used Hillary Clinton’s past mistakes as a way to endorse themselves. As the obvious frontrunner, Clinton showcased how comfortable she was as a debater and seasoned politician. The fact still remains that Clinton and Bernie Sanders are the only two making an impression on the polls. Vice President Joe Biden was invited to participate, but he did not show up and speculation remains as to if he will run. Why is this a big deal? Many thought the debate would be a boring one with so few candidates. However, this proved untrue with fiery performances from Sanders and Clinton. Disagreements over the Iraq War, gun control and capitalism kept viewers on their toes with the back and forth banter. The other three Democratic candidates — Martin O’Malley, Jim Webb and
Lincoln Chafee — did little to raise their already minimal poll numbers. A number of scandals have followed Clinton, such as the release of her personal emails, but she didn’t let that faze her and managed to appeal to moderate and left-leaning Democrats alike. With the Democrats holding less than a quarter of the candidates for this election, the options are limited to Sanders and Clinton — the two who have any traction in the polls. If anything, this debate reasserted Clinton as a political talent.
October 2015 inthenews 3
‘Who dunnit?’
Fall play features young cast, comedic murder mystery rachellock news & web editor This year’s fall play is “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” a parody of the murder-mystery genre. Among the 10 parts, there are two seniors and one sophomore with the majority of the cast being dominated by the junior class. Sophomore Lillian Thompson said being the only one from her grade in the cast will be a rewarding and fun experience. “I feel pretty proud of myself, and I’m su-
Juniors Caitlin Riffer and Tate Clemen practice reading lines. “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” will be performed on Nov. 12-14. “There is a ton of great physical and verbal comedy that we get to play with,” Clemen said. “I love our cast and I am really excited for this show.”
per excited to be working on my first mainstage show,” she said. “I was pretty nervous because I really liked the idea of the show and really wanted to get in — thankfully it all went well.” Senior Charlie Stebbins said this show will be bittersweet for him. “I’m really excited — the show is different than the comedies we’ve done in the past — it’s more realistic,” he said. “It’s sad though, because it’s hitting me that this is one of the last shows I’ll do on this stage.” Stebbins said being one of the only two seniors in the cast will not be an issue. “It’s weird — I never would have expected it, but I’m excited to work with so many people in the junior class,” he said. “They have so much talent, and I love working with them.” Thompson said there is a different caliber to mainstage shows than the winter play, which is put on to give freshmen an opportunity to experience the process of being in a show. “We are already doing more character work than the freshman show, which is a great learning experience — it’s overall more of a professional feel,” she said. “I’m also really excited to learn how to connect more with a character and put on a great show.”
Stebbins said “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” will bring new challenges for him, as well. “This is the first realistic part in a comedy I’ve had, so I’m excited about the change of pace,” he said. “I have to think a lot about my motivations and cognitive process for the character and, of course, How does he talk?, How does he hold himself?, What are the dominant personality traits? But the main thing is still comedy — I have to find what is funny about him.” Thompson said working with the junior and senior cast will be what makes the show memorable for her. “I really like everyone,” she said. “They all have such strong and great personalities. From seeing them perform in the past, I’ve been wanting to work with them.” One major focus at rehearsals, Stebbins said, is forming character development, which makes for a unique type of comedy. “It’s intriguing — it isn’t just for the laughs as the comedies in the past have been,” he said. “You’re going to be wanting to know ‘Who dunnit?’ for the entire show. There’s a ton of surprises and a ton of laughs.” The fall play will be performed in the PAC from Nov. 12-14. Shows start at 7 p.m. Photos by Sophia Ragomo. Page designed by Rachel Lock and Maddie Davis.
4 inthenews October 2015
Land This isMy Land alliwilliams staff writer
Blue Valley AP Environmental Science students teamed up this fall to design an interactive exhibit for the children’s science center, Science City, at Union Station in this year’s Battle of the Brains competition. “We [designed] an interactive science exhibit for kids to play on,” senior Morgan Killmar said. “It’s a model of the United States divided into regions. Each section will have different exhibits involving the ecosystems of those certain areas. It’ll be an area for kids [where] they can play and have fun and also learn about science at the same time.” The team said they initially came up with many ideas but eventually narrowed it down to one big concept, which they named “This Land is My Land.” The exhibit’s main focus will be the different parts of the United States and how the geological factors play into the environment. “On the West Coast, we will have a giant Oak Tree for the [Coastal] Redwoods — it’ll have tree-houses and slides for the kids,” senior Erin O’Toole said. “In Colorado, we’ll have the mountains. We’re going to have the kids push tectonic plates together to create mountain ranges. Then in the Midwest, we’re talking about prairies and soil. We’re going to have an ant [hill] where kids can go underground and crawl around in — like a maze. The East Coast is going to cover sustainable cities because the East Coast is currently moving toward a further sustainable way of living.” O’Toole said the idea was developed using concepts from the AP Environmental class. “Throughout the past few months we’ve been meeting during TCB and on Thursday mornings,” she said. “We decided first that we wanted the environmental aspect. Then we started shooting ideas off of each Page design by Alli Williams.
Students create exhibit design, compete in science center’s contest
other on what we could do and exhibits that could happen — especially things kids would enjoy. That all formed into the ‘This Land is My Land’ theme.” This is Science City’s third year of the Battle of the Brains competition. According to BattleOfTheBrainsKC.com, the goal is to create a passion and curiosity in kids for STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. “With the Battle of the Brains you have the whole realm of science to work with,” O’Toole said. “We tried to focus more on the environment — like formations of land, ecosystems and sustainable living. We want to teach them something they [can] use. We want to help teach them geology and get them interested in science.” Entries will be judged in three rounds. In addition to a $50,000 prize awarded to the winning team’s school, the team’s design will be built as Science City’s first outdoor exhibit. “It’ll be right in front of Science City,” Killmar said. “It’s a really big parking lot right now. We’re going to put down [rubber flooring] on the ground, and we’ll have glass panels that have information about each biome and area of the United States.” The team said they are hopeful they will win. “I think it’s more interactive than [past] winners have been,” Killmar said. “I think [we have a good chance]. It will be easier to understand than the past years’ winners’ concepts. Ours is more interesting and more fun.” Though the prize money could help fund future field trips, the team said the impact on their community is most important to them because people should know about the land they live in. “This all started with the AP Environmental class when [science teacher Andrew] Hulse encouraged us to [participate],” O’Toole said. “This class is a group
Killmar
O’Toole
inside the regions tectonic plates
sustainable cities
west coast mountains
treehouses
midwest
east coast
ant hill
of people who are very passionate about the environment and want to learn more about it. If we are able to win this competition and make a mark on Kansas City that informs people about the environment, we think that would be a pretty cool experience.” The Battle of the Brains entries were due to Science City Oct. 21. If their entry gets through the first two rounds of judging, their design will be available for public voting Nov. 7-14. Anyone with an email address will be able to vote at BOTBKC.com once a day.
visit from
October 2015 inthenews 5
TheVatican juliefreijat staff writer
Pope Francis visited the United States from Sept. 22-27. He traveled through Washington, D.C., New York and Philadelphia. This was the first time a pope visited the United States since Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2008 and the first time Francis himself had ever set foot in America. Junior Victoria Roggy and her family, as well as social studies teacher Dianne O’Bryan traveled to the East Coast to see Francis. “When [my parents] first found out Pope Francis was going to be in Philadelphia, they were like ‘Hey, do you want to do this? It’s going to be a super cool once-in-alifetime [opportunity] to see him,’” Roggy said. Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, a month after Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. He was elected at the age of 76 and is the 266th pope of the Catholic Church. According to a Washington-ABC News poll, Francis is very popular with people — 86 percent of Catholics approved of the new Pope and 70 percent of Americans reported they find favor with him — O’Bryan said she is one of them “To me, he ac-
tually is living out the message of what I think the church should be which is giving to others, giving to those who are less fortunate, being inclusive,” she said, “He’s really about people and helping [them].” During his stay in America, Francis canonized Junipero Serra, the first saint to be canonized on United States’ soil. While in Washington, he gave a speech calling on the United States to embrace undocumented immigrants, protect minorities, create an equal economy, abolish the death penalty and fight against climate change. Later, Francis shared a meal with a crowd of predominantly homeless people consisting of felons, the mentally ill and other groups living on the margins of society. He also paraded through the cities in his popemobile, waving to and blessing people of all ages. Roggy said the energy was amazing. “It was insane — I was surprised people didn’t jump the fences,” she said, “The people there were so happy to see him, they had their phones out, standing on their tippy toes, waving like crazy and screaming at him — it was very energetic.” When Francis arrived in Philadelphia, he said a papal Mass for the World Meeting of Families. The crowd size for this Mass was estimated to be around 142,000 people. His homily centered around the beauty of little miracles and little things we can do for one another in order to bring peace to the world. “People always say, ‘Practice what you preach,’ and I think he actually does that.” O’Bryan said, “[Francis] lives out what he says his message is and that’s not always common in leaders. I respect him for it, and I think it’s a wonderful aspect of who he is.”
Roggy
O’Byan
Photos submitted by Dianne O’Bryan and courtesy of MCT Campus. Page designed by Julie Freijat.
6 inthenews October 2015
lydiahsu staff writer Fixed Forum. Blackbox Theatre. Senior Hall. These are all areas in Blue Valley many students know of, but not many know that just down the 200 Hallway, there is a greenhouse located between the science classrooms. Over the years, the greenhouse has been neglected and hidden from staff and students, eventually becomGreenhouse before renovation ing a storage closet; however, this year, seniors Abigail ing about painting the bottom base either blue or just a Krump and Helen Kontopanos said they want to make very neutral but happy color, so it’s not this disgusting the greenhouse an actual greenhouse. white brick that’s falling apart.” Kontopanos and Krump said it was through one of While Kontopanos and Krump wait on the aquatheir classes when they came across this secluded space. ponics to be built, Kontopanos said she went ahead in “AP Environmental [Science] was actually planning working out the details on the plants. on doing an aquaponics system in that greenhouse,” “I made a composition of all the plants we can put in Krump said. “We spent a day trying to clean out the there that are fit for that environment,” Kontopanos said. greenhouse, and we realized how big of a task it was “Right now, I am talking to [principal Scott] Bacon, and — there’s a refrigerator, and we don’t know why — also we are figuring out budgets. The rest is just organizing there’s a microwave.” the place and then putting the plants in.” At first, Krump said she was the only one cleaning Kontopanos and Krump said they hope to out the greenhouse, but eventually Konfinish the greenhouse in less than a month topanos joined in in an effort to clear it What is after they get approval from Bacon and the out. aquaponics? teachers whose rooms surround the green“I just decided to help her,” KontoIt’s when plants house. panos said. “We started to clean it up, “We have asked the permission of a few and we decided we could add plants and and fish work other teachers like Mr. Driskell, Mr. Mann and make it look green.” together in an Mrs. Kline just to make sure that they are OK Despite the mess in the greenhouse, ecosystem to with what’s going on and that they will support Kontopanos and Krump said the work give each other us in our decisions,” Krump said. “Also, that’s a and the time put into this project would lot of their stuff in there that we need to clear be worth it. nutrients. out, so we don’t want to do that without asking “We saw the potential it could have them.” being such a beautiful space in our When the greenhouse is done, Krump and Kontoschool,” Krump said. “It had been treated badly for the panos said they hope students will recognize the space past two decades.” as a greenhouse and be interested in visiting it more, Besides Kontopanos and Krump, there have been especially the science classes. other people involved with the greenhouse project “They need to be able to access [the greenhouse] Krump said. “[Andrew] Hulse, the AP Environmental teacher, has and say, ‘Look at the potential,’ ‘Look at the aquaponics helped out a lot,” Krump said. “He’s going to be our main system here’ and ‘Look at these plants,’ Krump said. “It’s a way to really show off the natural sciences.” supporter or representative.” Krump and Kontopanos said they hope the greenKontopanos and Krump said they have been working house will continue on even after they graduate from BV. on the greenhouse during their free time, and they “[We only need] a couple of people to really want to already have an idea of how they want it to look. pull together and make a club out of the greenhouse — “Once the aquaponics will be built, we will work do whatever, but keep it running,” Krump said. around it with plants,” Krump said. “We are also thinkPhoto by Isabella Allen. Page designed by Lydia Hsu and Megan Hegarty.
October 2015 payin’thebills 7
8 outloud October 2015
the art of
alliwilliams staff writer Makeup. For some, it’s a part of an everyday morning routine. For others, it is completely unexplored. Whether you choose to wear it or not, it seems everyone has an opinion on it. Especially guys. “Girls look prettiest without makeup on,” — a statement commonly claimed by guys — is often said while picturing a “natural makeup routine” look attained using 27 different products. Yet, many girls can attest to have been asked “Are you OK? You don’t look too good,” on the days they truly are not wearing
p u e k a m Use of cosmetics provides self-expression, confidence
makeup. I get it, you meant to save lives with your overly progressive view on makeup. But here’s the thing. It doesn’t matter whether a girl looks pretty in makeup or not. To imply a girl should avoid doing something she enjoys so you can find them visually appealing is disturbing. A girl’s decision to wear makeup should be no different than her choice to wear a dress rather than sweatpants or wearing her hair down rather than up. It does not make a girl shallow. It does not make her vain. For centuries women have colored their lips and lined their eyes to accentuate features, hide blemishes, feel confident and in general — look pretty. Because it is fun to look pretty. Not because girls want the people looking at them to be pleased. Makeup is an art that, for many, requires practice and experimentation. Was Da Vinci
Three Simple Words maddiedavis co-editor I love you. When is the last time you have said those words to someone? When is the last time you have said those words to someone and meant it? Imagine this: you’re going out on a Saturday night with your friends. As you’re walking out the door, your mom says, “Be careful, honey. I love you.” You’re excited to see your friends, so you just mumble a, “Yeah, Mom, I will. See you later.”
Saying ‘I love you’ when you can makes a difference
Neither of you sees it coming, but on your way back home, a drunk driver hits your car, and you’re killed on impact. You never had the chance to tell your mother you love her one last time. Obviously that’s an extreme example, but as a societal whole, we don’t tell each other that we appreciate and love each other enough. Maybe it’s not “cool” to tell your mom or other people your feelings. But let’s be honest — we’ve all had days where we need to hear that someone cares about us. That someone appreciates us and isn’t just saying that they love us because we give them something. We all need someone to tell us, “I love you.” Not just a half-hearted, “Love you” that doesn’t mean nearly as much. OK, so maybe you’re not ready to tell
Photos and page designed by Alli Williams and Maddie Davis.
ever belittled for enhancing blank canvas with paint? Girls do not spend hours on YouTube watching beauty gurus discuss the latest trends so the boy in chemistry will like them back. It’s for self-expression. Wearing makeup should be a personal choice based solely on the wearer’s comfort. Some people prefer how they look with makeup on. Some people prefer how they look naturally. Some people simply do not care enough to bother with it. And that’s OK. What’s not OK is looking down on someone’s decision — regardless of whether or not it’s the most flattering option for them. The important thing is that a girl loves herself no matter if her routine involves makeup or not. Women wear makeup for a variety of reasons. But not one of them is to please men.
someone that you love them, but you can at least tell them, “Hey, I appreciate you.” Or, “Hey, you’re an amazing human being, and I hope you know that.” I’m lucky enough to have friends who do that for me. And I can tell you that on days when I’ve been down or needed to hear that, it’s made a world of difference. Even if you think you’re above needing other people, we all know — and you know deep down — that you can try to hide it all you want, but you won’t be able to. And that’s the point. We all need to be told we are appreciated, but it is also our responsibility to tell other people they are appreciated as well. Right now, think of at least one person who needs to hear those three words from you. Don’t put it off any longer. Go and say, “I love you.”
October 2015 outloud 9
refugees in need Syrian crisis calls for world, US support
charlotterooney opinion editor An estimated nine million refugees have left Syria since the civil war that started in 2011. More than 428,000 Syrians have put in applications for asylum in the European Union between April and August. The five wealthiest Arab nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have refused to offer sanctuary to Syrians. Hungary has passed a law saying that any refugees who cross their borders will be met with a criminal offense and also built a barbed-wire fence on its border with Serbia. The United States has only taken in 1,500 refugees since the beginning of the crisis. This behavior is shameful. This crisis is not about religion — it’s about humanity. American and European citizens should help these people and get over our Islamophobia. As some of the wealthiest countries in the world, it is
our job — if not our moral responsibility — to do something. These people are asking for help. They’re suffering, and many countries are turning away from them. How can we sit by and watch images of struggling refugees flash across the TV screen? The thousands of people making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean are risking their lives for the hope of a better future. Many of them are washing up on the beach after the boats have capsized. France is only taking in 24,000 immigrants in the next two years. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is raising the cap on immi-
grants from 70,000 to 100,000 each year — which is a step up from our previous plan but is still far less than our European counterpart Germany, which is planning to take in about 800,000 in just a few years. These people have nowhere else to go. They can’t go back to Syria — they’re considered criminals there. Many of the surrounding countries accepting refugees, such as Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq, are under threat from ISIS. These refugees are looking for a better life in a safer place for their families, and everyone should be able to sympathize with that. It shouldn’t be a question whether or not to accept these people and help them — refusing them is disgustingly insensitive and ignorant. As citizens in rich countries who have many more opportunities than most people in the world, we should be opening our arms to people who have nothing. information collected from abcnews.com
Countries who are helping
Countries who haven’t done much to help
Entry countries Page designed by Charlotte Rooney.
10 outloud October 2015
Equality for
the Arts
juliefreijat staff writer I can't tell you how many times I've felt undervalued simply because most of my hobbies and talents happen to be more artistic. It's almost embarrassing to have to admit I excel in fields that are more creative than something factual like math. It seems like we live in a world where being good with music, art or writing just won't give you the credit you deserve. Before you roll your eyes and flip the page — please know I'm not here to bash sports and academics or say something is less important than the other. In fact that's the exact opposite of what I'm trying to get across. Saying you love to draw and are good at art shouldn't be put below someone who
excels academically. Yes, math and science are important, but just because someone isn't great at them doesn't mean they amount to anything less. Football is taxing, mentally and physically, but painting something worth looking at isn't a piece of cake either. Practices take up a lot of time, and there's a lot pressure to win games. But guess what else takes time and is often courted with pressure? The performing arts. Seriously, I can't imagine what those theatre kids go through memorizing lines, getting to know their character and performing in front of their peers. Sure, art students often get compliments like, “Wow, you're so talented!” So why is it that we constantly find ourselves cutting funding for arts classes to make room for something else? Let me be the first to say that when we limit opportunities for students of certain fields, we are telling them their passion is less meaningful than others. This subjects them to a life of feeling inferior and unimportant — and that’s not OK.
And let's be honest, that Fine Arts Potpourri is really just us sitting on our phones without even trying to fake any interest in what's occurring around us. Arts, academics and sports all fall on a spectrum that keeps the world colorful. Without different people being good at different things, life would be unbalanced and bland. I understand some people enjoy sports or academics more than art or music — that's great. However, it doesn't mean we prioritize one over the other. I've spent too much time wondering why it's so hard to admit to myself that I'm not an academic prodigy or an amazing athlete — and I know there are many others out there in the same boat. We all have our hobbies, talents and passions that define who we are. I think it's time we begin to recognize those whose talents are all too often thrown in the shadows to make room for someone else. No passion holds more value than another. No talented art student is any less deserving of credit than a talented athlete.
Panorama submitted by Madison Morrill.
Drawing submitted by Meg Hollingsworth. Page designed by Julie Freijat.
Cast of the Fall Play photo by Sophia Ragomo.
Painting submitted by Ally Berkowitz.
October 2015 outloud 11
staffeditorial TIGER PRINT newspaper the
2011
2015
Cartoon by Mandy Novicoff.
Evolving relationships should result in people gaining, losing friends without guilt staff editorial
20
agree
1
disagrees
We all know that one person who is unrecognizable. You used to be great friends and know everything about each other — but not anymore. The change from middle school to high school has taken its toll, and whomever used to be your best friend can’t make eye contact with you now. What happened? Is high school so filled with pressure that you dump your friends for some new ones? Or are people meant to have many different friends in various stages of their life? No one is exempt from this conversation. People find their friends aren’t hanging out
with the same people they did just a couple years ago. People will admit they don’t know how their previous best friend is doing. High school is a fresh start, and students want to make new friends with people who are sitting in class with them. Somehow, old friends drop off the face of the planet in the process. It isn’t wrong — we’ve all done it at some point in our lives. Most people can say they’re not the same person they were in middle school or even last year. High school changes us all. This is the time to find who you are and what you’re really interested in. People change, and it’s nothing against anyone else. People have different personalities, faiths, likes and dislikes, and these aspects of a person are bound to change
during their lifetime. Though people will fit into your equation at different times in your life, you shouldn’t feel badly about them evolving into who they are. You shouldn’t feel guilty for moving on either. Honor the friendship you had — don’t hold a grudge or badmouth them. Remember you were friends once, and just because it’s over doesn’t mean you should trash them to everyone who talks to you. Your former best friend still deserves respect. Keep the fond memories, and go on with your life. Relationships are meant to change over time, and one bad experience isn’t a set up for a lifetime of bad friendships. Change happens. It should be seen as a good thing, not as something to be afraid of.
co-editors Maddie Davis Sheila Gregory
photographers Isabelle Allen Chloe Breau
photo editor Sophia Ragomo
cartoonist Mandy Novicoff
news & web editor staff writers Rachel Lock Talia Amjadi Julie Freijat opinion editor Connor Heaton Charlotte Rooney Lydia Hsu Lauren Huesers features editor Macie Lawrence Hope Brown Amelia Lock Makayla Nicholis entertainment Alli Williams editor Kaitlin Yu Courtney Carpenter adviser sports editor Michelle Huss Megan Hegarty “The Tiger Print” is an official publication of Blue Valley High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication. Letters to the editor are encouraged for publication. “The Tiger Print” reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content. Letters should be submitted to Room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Overland Park, KS 66085
12 upclose October 2015
Behind the Scenes • • • • OF TIGER TV• • • • meganhegarty sports editor
Be
mi ss
“Tiger TV” is Blue Valley’s resident broadcast show known for making people laugh and the notorious “Hall Pass” segment which has students dodging cameras in the halls. Senior Noah Patterson said the show isn’t just about making people laugh. “It’s hard to please the school because everyone wants this to be funny, but we’re a news show, and we have to report hard news,” he said. “They’ll say, ‘Oh that show wasn’t funny,’ but we can’t make every story funny. The expectation is for everything to be hilarious, but we can’t do that.” Patterson has been a part of “Tiger TV” for the last three years and said it’s such a major time commitment that he can only do it one semester per year. “It takes up two hours a day, so if you want to get all of your credits in, it’s a lot easier to just do one semester,” he said.
Photos by Maddie Davis Page designed by Megan Hegarty.
Patterson is one of the anchors for the “Overtime” segment of “Tiger TV,” and he said that requires an additional time commitment. “In class we have two hours per day [to work], and I have to spend a lot of time out of class filming sports for ‘Overtime,’” Patterson said. “I’d say I spend three to four hours a week out of class.” He said his older brother was a part of “Tiger TV” and loved it, so Patterson thought he’d try it, too. “I kind of already knew [former ‘Tiger TV’ adviser Denny] Brand because of my brother, and [Brand] was an awesome guy,” he said. “I did it and loved it, so I’ve done it every year since then.” Because Brand retired last year, “Tiger TV” has a new adviser, Andrew Reeves. “Mr. Reeves student-taught under Mr. Brand last year, so he saw how [Brand] ran the class and has pretty much run it the same way,” Patterson said. Junior Sandy Bemiss is new to “Tiger TV” this year and said it’s different from any other class she’s taken. “It puts me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “It’s a class full of guys, so sometimes I feel a little awkward, but I’m getting more used to it.” Bemiss is one of the show’s anchors and said that position has its own challenges. “The hardest part is reading off the prompter without stumbling over your words or reading it wrong,” she
said. As one of only three girls on “Tiger TV,” she said the class has a different feel because there are so many boys. “One thing about working with the guys is they’re super creative,” Bemiss said. “Girls are afraid of saying things and getting judged, but guys just put it all out there, even if it might be stupid.” Patterson said the people in “Tiger TV” are the main reason he likes it. “I like interacting with my fellow classmates,” he said. “Everyone has their own unique personality and are funny in their own way. It’s fun to collaborate with everyone.” Both Patterson and Bemiss said the main focus of “Tiger TV” is to make students aware of what’s going on in the school. “We want to get the news that not everyone knows about out and cover sports not everyone watches,” Patterson said. “We did a cross country story, and we’re doing a tennis story — not the mainstream things going on. We just want Pat ters people to know on about the different things going around BV so they can get involved.”
October 2015 upclose 13
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.ISEQ
32.09
- 0.25
.FTMC
32.09
.BFX
43.99
- 0.37
.TRXFLDG 43.99
.AEX
4,782.85
- 13.76
.FTSE
4,782.85
.TRXFLDG 10,229.67
- 33.27
.FTMC
10,229.67
.FTSE
16,924.75
- 157.14 .FCHI
16,924.75
.FTMC
110.21
- 1.58
.SSMI
110.21
.SSMI
58.82
- 1.34
.TRXFLDG 58.82
.ISEQ
125.84
+ 0.03
.FTSE
125.84
.BFX
32.09
- 0.25
.AEX
32.09
.AEX
43.99
- 0.37
.BFX
43.99
.TRXFLDG 4,782.85
- 13.76
.ISEQ
4,782.85
.FTSE
10,229.67
- 33.27
.SSMI
10,229.67
.FTMC
16,924.75
- 157.14 .TRXFLDG 16,924.75
.FCHI
110.21
- 1.58
.AEX
110.21
.SSMI
58.82
- 1.34
.FTTIX
58.82
NKE
125.84
+ 0.03
NKE
125.84
+ 0.03
YHOO
32.09
- 0.25
YHOO
32.09
- 0.25
16,924.75
- 13.76
courtneycarpenter entertainment editor
- 33.27
Freshman year.
-A157.14 time for finding new
friends, participating in new traditions and . . . - 1.58 trading stocks? Freshman Kendrick - 1.34said he has spent Kramer his transition into high school starting out as a + 0.03 European stock trader. “Basically what I do is 0.25 I’ll-go into my AmeriTrade office, and I’ll say, ‘I’d like to -purchase 0.37 X number of shares,’” Kramer said. “I’ll- then take the money 13.76 out of my college savings fund. My goal is to, over - 33.27 a course of time, make money on that stock.” -Kramer 157.14said he has traded stocks for about a year, but he has studied - 1.58 finance since elementary school. He said he has - 1.34 been interested in business since a young age because of his dream of trading + 0.03 stocks on Wall Street. “I have always known - 0.25 I’ve wanted to work on Wall Street,” Kramer said. “I want to accomplish that - 0.37 by using my experience - 13.76 that I have in the field.” Kramer said he chose 33.27 to -work with European stock as opposed to American stock specifically - 157.14 because of the advantage in the business. -“I’m 1.58particularly interested in European
- 1.34
bonds,” Kramer said. “As you might have heard, the European market is not in the best shape right now. That gives me a lot of opportunity to make money.” Kramer said he works almost completely with adults, but that fact doesn’t affect the way he functions or is seen in the stock trading business. “I have worked on many [business] simulations to prepare myself for real-world trading, which I have recently started,” Kramer said. “Adults are impressed and tell me they wish I would have started earlier. I don’t really find [working with adults] intimidating because I have gotten really used to spending time with [them].” Kramer said in addition to his professional work, he feels the need to look the part as well. “I carry a briefcase around at school,” Kramer said. “I prefer [it] over a backpack because it makes me look businesslike, and papers don’t get nearly as crumpled.” His first year with stock trading has been a successful one, Kramer said. “It’s working out very well,” he said. “I’m very impressed [with] my performance.”
Photo and page designed by Courtney Carpenter and Julie Freijat.
14 upclose October 2015
RKING A O W
LA TE T hopebrown features editor On an average Thursday morning at Blue Valley, you cannot walk down a hallway without seeing a student with a Starbucks beverage. BV students indulge in Starbucks all the time, but what is it like to be on the other side of the counter at the coffee shop? Senior Morgan Small divides her time between two Starbucks locations — 135th and Briar Street and 131st and State Line. “At first, I didn’t know where I wanted to work,” she said. “I knew I liked working with people, but I didn’t want to do a retail job. Then I was thinking, ‘There’s a Starbucks right by me. I guess I can apply there.’ I applied at 2 in the morning and got a call from the manager a couple days later. She interviewed me and ended up hiring me.” Because Small has a year of experience at the company, when Starbucks hires new employees, she trains them through a series of steps. “You start out by learning the basics of an espresso machine,” Small said. “You learn the parts, and then you get to make a latte, an Americano [and] a cappuccino — which are the simplest drinks because there’s no syrup in those. It’s just learning how to steam milk and how to pull shots.” Small said using the espresso machine is not as difficult as some people might think. “We just press a button, but at some higher-end coffee shops you have to actually make your shots,” she said. “In the actual steaming pitcher there [are] lines telling Page designed by Hope Brown.
Barista shares experiences of working for popular coffee chain you how much milk to put in.” Although working nights isn’t too busy, Small said working mornings can be overwhelming. “In the morning, it’s really hectic when it hits peak,” she said. “There’s times I’ve had to remember three orders and go punch them in and make another drink.” Small said a misconception about working at Starbucks is that the sole responsibility is drink-making. “I spend three out of my four hours cleaning,” she said. “I’ll spend an hour doing dishes. If anyone wants to work at Starbucks, don’t do it for making drinks. Half the time you won’t be making drinks.” Restrictions Starbucks places on minors do not allow workers under 18 to work more than eight hours, Small said. “During the summer, I said I’ll [work] 30-40 hours, so I was always taking eighthour shifts,” she said. “During the school year, I told [my manager] I wanted to work 15 to 20 [hours]. Whenever she schedules me on a school day, Starbucks puts a restriction on their minors where they can’t work more than a four-hour shift.” Starbucks workers accept tips, but the take-home amount ranges from week to week, Small said. “[Tips are] divided equally — it’s not like waitress tips,” she said. “It wouldn’t be fair if it’s just the person at the register who gets tips when it’s actually the person at the bar making drinks.” As in any retail job, Small said there are sometimes irritating customers. “The most annoying thing customers do in terms of making my job harder is
when they ramble off [their order],” she said. “They see me — they’re standing right in front of me — and I’m still writing their first drink. In terms of just obnoxious things customers do, it’s saying things like ‘grand-a.’ [Or,] when someone orders a small, and I say, ‘OK, a tall nonfat latte,’ and they say, ‘No, honey. Not the big one.’” While she said most customers are understanding, one man in particular caused distress when Small began working at Starbucks. “We have one regular who made me cry the first time he came through,” she said. “I didn’t know his drink because he rambled it off, and he rambled it off wrong. He started screaming at me over the drive-thru window.” Although there are occasional moments of frustration, Small said her favorite aspect of her job is interacting with the regular customers on Saturdays and Sundays. “There [are] about 10 people that come in every morning,” she said. “They put their chairs together and talk about economics. It’s so cute — they always get the same thing.” In the fall, Small said the pumpkin spice latte is a popular request from customers. “Even though I don’t like drinking coffee, I actually really enjoy making pumpkin spice lattes,” she said. “We sometimes have a line of 20 drinks, and right now, threefourths of them are pumpkin spice lattes.” Small said she is grateful for the opportunity to work at the coffee shop. “I love working at Starbucks because I get to know regulars and also meet many new people,” she said.
October 2015 upclose 15
The Melting Pot
In Johnson County, ethnic diversity is not commonly recognized. Blue Valley students are stereotyped as white, middle to upper class Americans. Yes, some students have a diverse background with parents or grandparents immigrating from other countries. However, few students can claim they are of mixed race.
Story continued on Pages 16-17. Story by Hope Brown. Photos by Sophia Ragomo. Photos submitted by Emily Ho and Hayley McCune.
amazing races
16 upclose October 2015
the
Hayley McCune
Sophomore Hayley McCune is 50 percent Hispanic and 50 percent African American. McCune’s biological father is from Mexico, and her biological mother resides in Oklahoma. However, McCune was adopted by Caucasian parents when she was 6 months old. “My parents were pretty open about [my adoption],” McCune said. “Some people aren’t, though. I grew up in a very good environment where my parents made it something I should be proud of. It’s a positive thing — not a negative thing.” McCune said her upbringing was unique because she was biracial in a community where diversity is not a prominent aspect. “I don’t have any friends that are like me,” she said. “I grew up in an area that was way different than what my personal ethnicity would grow up in. To be blunt, I have all white friends, and I don’t have any African American friends. I grew up in a very white culture because Johnson Coun-
ty isn’t necessarily the most diverse area.” Although McCune said she doesn’t know much about her ancestry, she has five older siblings who are the biological children of her adoptive parents. “When my family adopted me, they wanted more kids, and they didn’t care that I was black,” she said. “They’re my brothers and sisters. I’m just their sister, so they’ve always been really kind to me and treated me like a sister.” McCune said she is interested in educating herself about the culture on her Hispanic and African American sides. “I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish because that’s a big component of my Mexican heritage,” she said. “I think it would be cool to speak the language my ancestors and biological [father] spoke.” McCune said her friends are very accepting of her ethnicity and admire her unique background.
“Luckily, I’ve had friends that think it’s cool I’m biracial and grew up in a very diverse family,” she said. “I’ve had moments where people say negative things, but for the most part I’ve been very welcomed.” However, McCune said she sometimes receives racist comments because she is biracial. “People would say I’m an Oreo because I’m black on the outside and white on the inside,” she said. “I don’t act like the stereotypical black would
Mul emb
act. It’s not necessarily a bad always thought it was interes people think it’s funny. I don get offended by it because I g true. I grew up around white Being biracial and growin parents contributed to her u view on social issues, McCu “Personally, I want to lea things that might be on the s American people and Mexic said. “But, I grew up in a ver so I also relate to that. I shar
McCune’s adoptive parents meet her for the first time.
Emily Ho When senior Emily Ho’s father was 8 years old, he moved to America from Hong Kong. However, Ho’s mother grew up in Kansas City, resulting in Ho’s biraciality. While Ho is half Chinese and half Caucasian, she said some people do not realize she is biracial. “A lot of people, if they look at me for the first time — not knowing anything about my genetic background — probably wouldn’t know what my specific race [or] background is,” she said. Although Ho’s relatives are from
Hong Kong, most of them now live in the United States. “[On my dad’s] side of the family, a lot of them live close to here,” she said “I’ve got a couple of aunts, uncles and cousins, and I’ve been able to see them and hangout with them for holidays since I was a kid.” Despite her Asian heritage, Ho said she cannot read or write Chinese. “If I were to go to Hong Kong with my aunt, I would definitely feel very motivated to learn at least the basics [of Chinese],” she said. “But where I a
October 2015 upclose 17
Multi-ethnic students embrace various cultures
ecessarily a bad thing, but I ht it was interesting because it’s funny. I don’t necessarily by it because I guess it’s kind of up around white people.” acial and growing up with white ibuted to her unique point of al issues, McCune said. ly, I want to lean more toward might be on the side of African ople and Mexican people,” she grew up in a very white culture, e to that. I share very mixed
hem now live in
e of the family, a o here,” she said. nts, uncles and able to see them m for holidays
eritage, Ho said te Chinese. Hong Kong with itely feel very east the basics “But where I am
views from both spectrums.” Although it was difficult to discover her self-identity as a child, McCune said she now feels comfortable being herself. “When I was younger, I always felt like I didn’t fit in because I grew up in an area that’s not filled with people like me,” she said. “I didn’t know where I fit into the equation, and I acted a different way than people assumed I would act based on [societal] norms. Now that I’m older, I’ve learned I can be who I am and who I want to be.”
right now and where I think I’m going with my life, I think I’m going to stay in America.” Ho has never visited China, and she said her lack of communication skills diminishes her desire to travel to the country. “I feel like I would be really out of place there,” she said. “All of the family I know is here. Maybe [I would go] if I went with my aunt or someone who knew the place better. My aunt goes there a lot — every couple years or so. She and her husband go there to visit family.” Every Chinese New Year, it is a tradition for Ho’s relatives on her father’s side to exchange money in red envelopes. “It’s a Chinese envelope with characters on it or pretty designs,” she said. “We get together with his side of the family and have dinner at my aunt’s house, which is really great because she and her husband work at Chinese restaurants, so their food is amazing.” Ho said she could learn about her Chinese heritage from written records in her home if she was fluent in Chinese. “In a safe deposit box, we’ve got scrolls of my dad’s recorded history [and] ancestry,” she said. “I’m actually distantly related to a Chinese warlord. But they’re all in
Chinese, so I can’t go and read them.” Last year, Ho performed in a Friday Night Live sketch in which she utilized her knowledge of Asian accents, which she said she learned from her family members. “It was our sketch where my classmates and I pretended we were at a nail salon,” she said. “We basically spoke broken English. I actually learned that from the way my aunt talks because my aunt still has a very strong accent. My dad will slip every now and then, and you’ll hear the accent. [My aunt] was older than my dad when they moved here, so she passed that age where she could quickly adjust her language.” Ho said racism stems from pointing out differences and labeling others. “The way stereotyping works [is] people see a common thing that is associated with a certain race or group,” she said. “Then they kind of take it to an extreme just for joking around.” Ho said she believes everyone is a little racist to an extent. “It’s just the way we are as humans,” she said. “We see people, and we see other things. In our brains, we subconsciously like to categorize them.” Although Ho said she sometimes
receives racist comments, she said she thinks society accepts her. “Especially at Blue Valley High, we really celebrate diversity,” she said. “That plays a big part in acceptance.” Ho said she is proud of her heritage and loves being An artifact made by Ho’s biracial. great-grandmother “I think it has broadened my perspective of how I interpret other people and where they come from,” she said. “It made me more open-minded and accepting of other cultures.” Page designed by Hope Brown and Sheila Gregory.
18 upclose October 2015
Connecting with the Class
Teachers, students share memories of four years of classes Amidst our scramble to fit in all the required classes and graduate with the perfect college application, it is very uncommon to have the same teacher for all four years. French teacher Carol Bar and senior Mandy Novicoff, and choir teacher Marsha Moeller and senior Maria Wonderlich are two of the pairs who have experienced this.
Moeller and Wonderlich experience a similar relationship. Wonderlich will graduate with 14 semester classes with Moeller including Concert Choir, three years of Chorale, two years of Chamber Singers and one year as a teacher aide. Moeller and Wonderlich said they have come to know each other very well. “[Maria] is a wonderful student,” Moeller said. “I’ve gotten to know [her] better as time goes on.” Wonderlich said sharing this teacher-student relationship only increases a student’s enjoyment of the subject. “I love choir,” Wonderlich said. “I have loved every second of my experience. It really wouldn’t have been the same if Mrs. Moeller weren’t our director.”
Bar and Novicoff have had many classes together, including French 2.5, French 3.5, Honors French 4 and AP French 5. Novicoff is also in French Club and an officer of National French Honor Society. This summer, Novicoff will also be attending Bar’s school trip to France with her sister. “I have gotten to know Madame Bar on a [different] level,” Novicoff said. “I not only appreciate her as a teacher but as a person as well. She never ceases to put a smile on my face.” Novicoff said these relationships extend past just the classroom. “Sometimes I go in after school just to chat with her,” she said. “She is such
Wonderlich said this experience has helped her in many aspects of her life. “Mrs. Moeller expects a lot from her students, academically and just in general,” she said. “Choir teaches you how to manage time, be responsible, work as a group and be a good person. We can apply those skills to core classes, allowing choir kids to become more successful students.” Moeller and Wonderlich agree this type of teacher-student relationship would benefit many students. “Mrs. Moeller has presented me with a million opportunities and experiences that I can apply to the rest of my life,” Wonderlich said. “Being in choir has helped me build so much confidence in different areas.”
an enthusiastic person. I love having conversations with her.” Bar said if it fits into your schedule, you should try to stay with a teacher for all four years because it really pays off. “I have never been more passionate about learning about a foreign culture or understanding a foreign language,” Novicoff said. “Madame’s passion makes me even more passionate about the subject.” Bar said the people lucky enough to experience this type of teacher-student relationship learn a lot from it. “When students are truly engaged and love coming to my class, I feel as though I’m really making a difference in their lives,” Bar said. “That’s what it’s all about — that’s what keeps me here.”
Photos by Isabelle Allen. Story and page designed by Amelia Lock.
October 2015 upclose 19
screaming off stereotypes Heavy metal music functions as emotional release for BV junior maddiedavis co-editor “The weight came and went and took my will to live/Spoiled by defeat, forced to drown in what’s left of me/That’s when breathing became routine/And I could feel myself fading…” Most people don’t find the kind of music like “Compass” by Counterparts therapeutic, but for junior Gio Leone, it has been a stress-reliever for most of his life. Leone said he grew up around people who like heavy metal. “My first metal album was given to me when I was 8,” he said. “My mom gave it to me — she used to really like that kind of music. Then I found more people like my dad’s friend that worked for him at his pizza place. I used to spend a lot of time there, so I’d hang out with him, and he would take me around the mall. He had me buy CDs, and I’d listen to metal music because that’s what he made me pick out.” However, Leone also said he is drawn to this kind of music for the music itself, meaning and lyrics. “With the stuff I have faced in my life, depending on what’s going on, I will listen to lyrics that speak to me,” he said. “Sometimes, I just want something with a really nice drop or build-up, and I like stuff that’s complex. I like bands that can make things complex lyrically and with all of the instruments and everything they do, down to the sound in the background you don’t notice one day, but notice another.” Leone said he wishes people were not so quick to judge metal music or the people who like it. “It’s always been that society doesn’t understand one another,” he said. “When we don’t understand something, or one another, we judge because we don’t know what else to do. We’re afraid. We don’t want to try something new, and that’s a lot of what causes problems.” Being a negative person is a stereotype Leone said he believes people apply to those who like this kind of music. “A lot of people associate metal and heavier music with, ‘Oh that kid must have a lot of problems,’ or, ‘Oh that kid must complain a lot,’” he said. “I think that’s really not right. A lot of the time it’s not about that. It’s about trying to get past your problems and giving you something to relate to. It’s not just about the music — it’s about helping others.” Leone said he tried to play guitar and violin because he
wanted to create his own music, but because of various complications, it didn’t work out. However, he said he found an alternative. “This side of me kicked in and I was like, ‘I want to make a difference with this,’ and then I started piecing together how to scream,” he said. “People think it’s really hard to do, and sometimes it is, but it honestly just takes time Leone and tons of practice and knowing what you’re doing. Screaming is just like any other art.” Leone said despite popular belief, screaming doesn’t actually hurt. “You need to learn how to stress certain muscles and how to stress them properly,” he said. “A lot of people misconceive that when you scream, you’re supposed to use your vocal chords, and you don’t. If you do, you will have “Comp to have blood removed ass “ Shark D ” — Counter from your throat. If you parts ad” — Dance Dance do it right, it doesn’t Gavin “Withe necessarily hurt. You’ll r” “Her M — Counterpa feel it occasionally onolog rts ue” — “Ain’t N because there are tons Issues obody Perfe Being A of different styles, but s An O ct” — “ B ce u rn” — unless you’re doing Counte an “ H r o part w something really, We Bo th Won s P e dro really high-pitched rish” — Being A usly Ocean screaming-wise, it’s s An “The H not going to hurt.” ardest Part ting Th Leone said for ose We Is ForgetSw W ould N him, screaming ever Fo ore We B rget” e ing helps him express “The S As An Ocean — feelings he otherett “The A lement” — Is bandon wise cannot. sues ed” phis M “A lot of the ay Fire — Memtime, it’s a really big emotional release,” he said. “Other times, I want to try Playlis t by G to do something beio Leo ne. cause it will be fun. Eventually, though, I do want to make it into something that I can change people with. I care so much about people. And I want people like me to not have to feel like me all the time.” Infographic by Alli Williams. Page designed by Maddie Davis.
20 upclose October 2015
Abby
#Twinning
Anna
BV students discuss their life as twin sisters taliaamjadi staff writer There are 32 sets of twins at Blue Valley. Being a twin in high school can be particularly challenging, but also super fun, especially with a twin the same gender as you, said sophomore Abby Quigley, twin of Anna Quigley. “There are so many benefits of being a twin,” Abby said. “Always having someone there for you and who will never turn your back on you at any time is awesome.” Anna said she agrees she and Abby always have each others backs. “Having a twin is great for having someone to study with and to always have her there in case you need to talk,” Anna said. “I always have a companion, and whenever we try something new, we have each other’s backs. We’re always on the same side.” In terms of personalities and similarities and differences, the Quigleys said they are definitely different. “I’m more of a caring person,” Abby said. “Anna is probably more funny. I am probably more athletic — just being honest.” Photos and page designed by Talia Amjadi.
Though she said she was offended by the “more athletic” comment, Anna agreed she has specific qualities that differ from Abby’s. “I’m more creative,” Anna said. “I care more about the environment. Abby is more picky about food and a little shyer at times. I’m more independent — that’s for sure — and not as much of a baby, since she always comes crying into my room when it’s thundering.” Despite their unique differences, the Quigleys said they agreed they like spending time with one another. “The best memories we have with each other is definitely traveling,” Anna said. “When we travel, we get so much closer — we get to venture out and do our own things, which is really fun since our younger set of twin sisters, Ava and Ella, hang out with one another on their own.” Abby and Anna both said they are glad they are twins rather than sisters of different ages. “Overall life is great, and I wouldn’t trade being Anna’s twin,” Abby said. “We really are best friends and sisters at the same time, so it makes it all worth the experience.”
October 2015 centerstage 21
Hidden Gems of Westport
For an experience filled with rich history, visit Kansas City’s oldest established community, Westport. Known as a popular shopping and entertainment district, the heart of Westport is located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Westport Road. With its unique inclusion of restaurants, patios, shops and boutiques,
Downtown Overland Park
Centered between 80th Street and Metcalf Avenue, Downtown Overland Park is known for its Farmers’ Market that is only open on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 21. Don’t miss out
on the traditions including concerts, shopping, cooking demos, author readings and much more. Downtown Overland Park is the nearest to you but not worth skipping.
River Market
With a mission to create a bond between businesses and residents, the River Market of Kansas City is situated along the Missouri River between Broadway Boulevard and The Heart of America Bridge. Featuring Breakout KC — a
West Bottoms
Known as the business district of Kansas City, you can find the West Bottoms between State Line Road and Beardsley Road. West Bottoms is filled with vintage and antique shopping opportunities, as well as other fun attractions
Westport is bound to be a hot-spot in Kansas City. While you’re there, be sure to check out Mills Record Company — they will feature an all ages, free concert tonight, Oct. 23, with the New Baboons and Squids KC.
game where you unscramble clues and solve riddles to escape the locked rooms — River Market is a unique and quiet district. Here, you can look forward to working, playing, dining and shopping at the famous City Market.
ranging from flea markets to The Edge of Hell, an extreme haunted house open every Thursday through Saturday until Halloween — be prepared to be scared like you never have been before.
Jazz District
On 18th and Vine, a small jazz district strives to create a sustainable, economically strong cultural neighborhood to showcase the historic jazz music of KC. This jazz district encompasses great dining, progressive dance and cultural preservation while providing
education. A popular destination here is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of African American baseball all while creating an experience you won’t forget.
Stories and photos by Isabelle Allen. Page designed by Alli Williams.
22 centerstage October 2015
pumpkin
PARTY 1.
2.
4.
3.
1. Stacked Pumpkins
1. Choose two pumpkins similar in color. One must be smaller than the other. 2. Trim the stem off the larger one so the smaller one can sit on top. 3. Carve a hole in the top of both, and remove the inside contents. 4. Decide on a coordinating design. For example, your pumpkins could be a pumpkin person — the smaller being the head, the larger the body — or a skeleton hand reaching out of the ground. 5. Trace design onto the pumpkins, and use Exacto knife to carve it out cleanly. 6. Attach a candle to the bottom of each pumpkin, and stack to display.
2. Nail Pumpkin
1. Choose a small pumpkin or gourd for this method. 2. Draw your design onto the pumpkin with a permanent marker. Geometric designs or a short Halloween word such as “Eek” are recommended.
Tips and tricks for the perfect Halloween masterpiece
5.
3. Hammer nails in to create your design. Furniture nails, regular nails, thumbtacks, or sewing pins all create the same effect.
3. Nature Pumpkin
1. Get a large white pumpkin. 2. Search in your backyard for interesting leaves. Get a large variety of shapes and sizes. 3. With ModPodge, glue the leaves onto your pumpkin in any shape or pattern. This method looks best if some of the pumpkin can still be seen around the leaves.
4. Night Sky Pumpkin
1. Carve a hole in the top, and remove the inside contents. 2. Color your pumpkin with black chalkboard paint. 3. Use white chalk to draw desired constellation. 4. Drill through the points with a large drill bit. 5. Add additional stars around your design with the white chalk. 6. Light a candle in the bottom of the pumpkin.
Story and photos by Sophia Ragomo. Page designed by Sophia Ragomo and Maddie Davis.
6.
5. Pastel Pumpkin
1. Choose a pumpkin of any color, and cover it in a pastel-colored paint. 2. After the paint dries, use white and silver puffy paint to make designs. A mixture of textures is best — some flat lines, some 3-D.
6. Personality Pumpkin
1. Pick a pumpkin with an interesting stem. Turn the pumpkin on its side so the stem can be used as the nose. 2. Cut a hole in the back, and scrape out the insides. 3. Draw on eye and mouth shapes with a marker. 4. Use a shaving tool to scrape off the top layer of pumpkin on the designated areas. The remaining layer should be thin enough so light can be seen through it. 5. On the mouth, a carving tool can also be used to create teeth after shaving off the skin. 6. Attach a small piece of dried fruit to a toothpick to act as an eyeball 7. Insert a candle into the base.
October 2015 centerstage 23
FREAKY FLICKS Recent scary movies reviewed, rated “The Gallows”
Summary: Twenty years after a freak accident during a school play, students recreate the show as a tribute to the tragedy. They soon find, however, that this plan is a huge mistake — one that proves fatal to everyone involved.
Review: Despite the cliché troublemaker jock characters, “The Gallows” manages to keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow them through the school. This movie includes endless jump scares and an ending that will leave you wanting to watch it all over again.
“Grave Encounters”
Summary: The crew of a ghost-hunting reality show “Grave Encounters” lock themselves in an abandoned psychiatric hospital for the night. Within a few hours, they realize there is no escape, as the building is actually alive and sending them through an ever-changing maze terrorized by the ghosts of former patients.
“The House at the End of the Street” Summary: Newly divorced Sarah and daughter Elissa move into their dream house in a small town. They soon find out that a few years prior, a young girl killed her parents and disappeared. When Elissa gets close to neighbor Ryan, she learns more about what really happened to the family.
Review: “The House at the End of the Street” leaves behind scary ghosts and possessions and focuses more on the suspense. Ending with a huge plot twist, this movie will make you reconsider anything you previously assumed about the characters.
“The Taking of Deborah Logan” Summary: A film crew stays with Deborah Logan and her daughter Sarah to capture the effects of Alzheimer’s. Filmed solely through the crew’s content, they capture more than expected and learn that something far more evil than Alzheimer’s is contributing to Deborah’s deteriorating state.
“The Atticus Institute”
Summary: Dr. Henry West founded an institution for people with supernatural abilities in 1976 but gets more than expected when he takes in Judith Winstead, the only government-confirmed possession case.
Review: Though the overall plotline was not completely original, “Grave Encounters” is a series of convincing found footage, believable acting and truly terrifying ghosts.
Review: This movie is completely creepy. It goes beyond the Alzheimer’s disease into the absolute deterioration of the mind. “The Taking of Deborah Logan” adds horror and an unsettling feeling through its use of an old lady and her disease.
Review: In the style of a documentary, “The Atticus Institute” is almost completely convincing of its authenticity. It inserts “interviews” among creepy footage of the progress of a patient to make one of the best possession movies ever made.
raise your voice
What is your favorite scary movie?
“My favorite scary movie is ‘Saw.’ It’s a classic, and it’s scary because it’s stuff you wouldn’t see in another movie. It’s the first kind of movie like it.” — freshman Ken Akimoto
“I really like ‘Cabin in the Woods’ because you think it’s about something, but then it ends up being about something totally different.” — senior Khira Glynn
“I like ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ I guess I like the gore. I do laugh at that.” — senior JoJo Mannino
“My favorite scary movie is ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ because it’s more funny than scary.” — sophomore Thomas Drosos
Story and page designed by Lauren Huesers and Makayla Nicholis.
24 centerstage October 2015
Primetime Premieres Awaited fall series suggest promising new, returning TV shows The Last Man on Earth stars Will Forte and Kristen Schaal as Phil and Carol Miller—the last people on Earth. Being the last people on Earth has its perks — for instance, they can drive a moped through the White House, drink from a margarita pool, adorn their home with archaic historical objects and lead the United States of America. There has to be a president, doesn’t there? It also has some drawbacks though (crippling loneliness notwith-
standing), for example: their plumbing doesn’t work, so they use the pool. Their friends and family are dead, so they have imaginary ones instead, who constantly give them the stink-eye. Oh, and they just might not actually be the only people left. Contrary to what the title implies, there are more people left, and most of the comedy revolves around these two hopeless scrubs as they pitifully attempt to keep everything together but somehow screw up anyway.
To those unaware, ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” celebrates the revival of classic Disney heroes and villains and puts a modern, unexpected spin on them. All the beloved characters are stranded in the real world town aptly named Storybrooke. From “Snow White,” “Wizard of Oz” and even “Frozen,” each season incorporates classic fairytale characters into its increasingly complex plotline. This season, however, the lines between good and evil have been blurred. Regina, “Snow White’s” iconic evil queen has been swayed to
the light side, while the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, the long-standing protagonist, Emma Swan, has fallen to the forces of darkness. The fifth season shows it will be truly stellar in terms of characterization and development. This season provides a much-needed shift in tone. With a show like “Once Upon a Time,” putting these classic fairy tale characters through unusually traumatic experiences is both rewarding as a fan of the originals and compelling as a devotee to quality entertainment.
This is the story of how civilization ended — not necessarily about what killed it. Not only a spin-off, but a prequel to AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” “Fear the Walking Dead” incorporates what producer Greg Nicotero calls the slow-burn effect. There won’t necessarily be zombies ransacking the place but rather looters, survivors and even the Army. The zombies take a backseat to the story this time around. This approach — brandishing major char-
acter development and story — is also something the original “The Walking Dead” does so well and what sets it apart from traditional zombie flicks. Strap in for a roller coaster ride of tension — taking its sweet time to build — where it inevitably climaxes and subsequently throws the audience into a crumbling society, the likes of which is unparalleled in any show thus far.
Take a clump of pop-culture references, a handful of felty childhood memories, strap them to the “30 Rock” dusty skeleton, throw in a documentary crew and toss it all in a blender — don’t mind the screams — and you have ABC’s “The Muppets.” Kermit, Miss Piggy and the whole Muppet gang are finally back after mountains of hype. The concept — a behind-the-scenes gander
at a late-night talk show hosted by none other than Miss Piggy — who is in full diva mode after a very public breakup with Kermit the Frog. The show mimics “The Office” and its documentary-style filming and tosses in some political satire from “30 Rock.” In the show’s premiere, it conveyed both its wrinkles but also its felt heart that won the world over all those years ago.
Images courtesy of MCT Campus. Story and page designed by Connor Heaton.
October 2015 centerstage 25
DOGS vs. CATS D O G S
Playfulness: The first thing that ultimately makes dogs way better than cats is that their idea of playing isn’t bringing in dead animals and scratching up your arm for trying to pet them. Also dogs are just altogether more playful — it would be very unlikely for a cat to try to engage you in a tug of war contest, let alone play catch with you in the backyard. Dogs love to play with you anytime you want, whereas a cat only abides by its own wishes. You don’t see people with their cats hanging out at parks and making new friends — however, a dog would be overjoyed to tag along. Care Requirements: Who actually enjoys the smell of cat litter and wants to have it surrounding them constantly? With dogs, this is never a problem. While some people might say dealing with the exercise needs of a large dog is tedious and annoying, the exercise is
poll
Students debate whether dogs, cats are the superior pet
making the owners more fit. It’s almost as if the dog is caring for him or her. Also if it’s a problem, you can just get a small dog instead. With dogs, you don’t have to worry if they will come home at night or if that awful yowling keeping you awake is your cat or the one it’s fighting. Instead, your dog is snuggled up in its kennel or lying right beside you as a personal blanket. Nature: Dogs are, and always will be, man’s best friend. They are loyal to a fault and almost always adore their owners. Dogs are the friends who are always there for you, yet will never judge you or get angry. They’re a constant fuzzy companion who will always wag their tails when they see you coming home or even at the slightest pat on the head.
CATSvsDOGS Playfulness: One of the most blessed things you will ever come upon in your life is watching a cat chase a laser pointer. No matter how much your cat seems to be uninterested, once that red dot comes out, its attention focuses on it immediately. Cats can be satisfied with a plethora of different items, whether it be ball toys, string toys, kitchen sinks, cardboard boxes — they make the most out of what they have. You don’t have to take your cat for a walk every day — or even twice a day — and cats are just fine inside your house or apartment. Care Requirements: A human having to clean a cat? There’s such a thing? Cats care more about their cleanliness than most human males. If they’re not sleeping or chasing a fellow cat, they’re cleaning themselves. Not to mention, litter boxes are a gift to humanity. Cats poop by themselves, pee by themselves, cover it up by themselves. All you have to do at the end of the day is scoop it up, and if it smells too bad, add some litter or sprinkle some
deodorant on it. You don’t have to worry about coming home to curtains on the floor or a stuffed animal obliterated by an overenthusiastic dog. All you have to do is install a cute little cat tree and some cat scratchers around the house to maintain the claws, and then you have a sweet, purring cat to keep you company and ask for pets. Nature: People who say cats are not affectionate are lying to themselves. Your cat will ask for pats and love, and in return, they will give you their utmost trust by falling asleep in front of you without caution and turning their vulnerable belly up to you. Once a cat starts purring because of you, you’ll fall in love. Once a cat climbs into your lap and falls asleep there, there’s no turning back. Your cat will be your best friend. They’ll be by your side while you’re doing homework or watching more cat videos on YouTube. Once you have gained their trust, you will have a long lasting companionship you’ll never stop loving.
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Stories and page designed by Amelia Lock and Kaitlin Yu.
26 tigerturf October 2015
Friday Night Lights Students embrace football culture, explain what makes it special
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As a football Blue school, Valley Blue is known Valley for its has high football expectations program, and for the team we have a crazy each year. student section There are THE MIDDLE-SCHOOLER led by seniors who always many are called Superfans Lizzie Wombolt is a seventh grader at Blue Valley Middle School who sits in the middle fans in the stands for a reason. They school section at the BV football games. watching seniors Jeff support the football Question: How often to do you go to the football games? Gurley and Colton team more than anyone, Answer: “Every Friday unless I have mandatory swim practice.” McCumber, who are and get the crowd cheerQ: Why do you think they make middle school students sit in a separate both captains — but both ing at games. area? said they don’t let it bother Seniors Natalie Rapken A: “I don’t know — maybe because everyone is so loud and crazy and them. and Grant Spicer are both could be disruptive to adults.” “Last year, I was pretty Superfans. Spicer said he wants Q: Do you pay attention during the games? nervous,” McCumber said. “This the football team to know they A: “Most of the time I watch. The boys in my grade tell me year, I have more experience have the fans backing them up. what play they just did or if they got a touchdown and under my belt, and I’m a lot more “I think everyone deserves to stuff like that.” relaxed.” be supported for what they do at the Q: Do any other middle school students also watch Gurley said having the crowd school,” he said. “The players have the game? cheering for them affects how the team more fun if they see us supporting A: “A lot of people don’t. Last game, there were performs. them.” so many eighth graders from the Catholic “Knowing we have so many supporters Any senior can be a Superfan if they schools, Lakewood and Pleasant Ridge. helps us on the field because it makes the sign up at the beginning of the school year, It was super crowded. I think people game more exciting and hyped,” he said. Rapken said. just use it as a hang out place, and Gurley said the dynamic of playing at home “It’s a senior tradition, and I wanted to it annoys me.” is different than away games. participate in that,” she said. “Anyone can be a Q: Why do you think middle “We get to go into the weight room before Superfan — you just have to buy a T-shirt.” school students hang out games to blast the music and get into the zone,” he The boy Superfans go onto the field to throw at the games instead of said. “When we walk out together, it’s the same path footballs and T-shirts into the crowd after touchsomewhere else? we walk all the time. We put in so much work on that downs and during major breaks. They also start the A: “Who even field, so it’s cool playing on it in front of all our friends cheers. knows?” and classmates.” Both Rapken and Spicer said being a Superfan makes McCumber said he agreed the atmosphere of home the football games more enjoyable. games is indescribable. “You’ll be more inclined to cheer louder, get people in“Walking out of the locker room and seeing the fans in the volved and get them going,” Spicer said. stands going crazy is a pretty cool moment,” he said. Motivating the players to do their best is the most important Gurley said the team works hard every day to achieve its part of being a superfan, Rapken said. goals, and their hard work pays off. “Without [encouragement], people don’t want to try as hard,” “We just go out there, play our game and have a good time,” he she said. “If they have a lot of fans coming to games to support them, said. “If we play our hardest, the scoreboard will take care of itself.” it makes the team play better.” Photos by Isabelle Allen. Story and page designed by Megan Hegarty.
October 2015 tigerturf 27
serving up double trouble
Volleyball program boasts 3 sets of sisters courtneycarpenter entertainment editor This season in the Blue Valley volleyball program, there are three sets of sisters who play together. Fraternal freshmen twins Danielle Milich and Christina Milich play on Freshman A together, along with identical freshmen twins Kinsley Alley and Lauren Alley who play on Freshman B. Christina said she has always played volleyball with her sister Danielle since she first started with the sport. “I’ve been playing volleyball since fourth grade,” Christina said. “Up until last year, [Danielle and I] have usually played on the same team, but we were on different club teams last season.”
Christina said although they keep it light and fun, they are both constantly pushing each other to be better players. “We’re very competitive,” Christina said. “Sometimes we play the same positions; we’re both middles or we’re blocking each other, or we’re hitting against each other, which gets very competitive. Sometimes we’ll trash talk a little.” Christina and Danielle both said playing with the opposite twin has been enjoyable, along with the head-to-head aspect of the game. “It’s really fun playing with each other,” Christina said. “I love being around Danielle so much.” Kinsley has been playing volleyball for five years, and said she has competed with her from the beginning. “I’ve always played volleyball with my
sister,” Lauren said. “I can’t really think of volleyball without her.” Lauren said her favorite thing about competing with her sister and coming in as freshmen was the support they gave each other. “We always bring each other up,” Lauren said. “I can tell when Kinsley needs that extra bit of encouragement.” In addition to these two sets of twins, freshman Cassidy Carpenter and junior Courtney Carpenter also play with each other on varsity. “Playing with my sister has been a great opportunity,” Cassidy said. “Although it was only for a short time [because of her injury], she was super supportive of me and really helped the transition into playing at the varsity level. I’m so grateful to have this year and next to compete together.”
Photos and page designed by Courtney Carpenter.
28 tigerturf October 2015
FOREVER
ROYAL
After World Series run last year, the Royals have chance at title again to have a long postseason run. The Royals ended the regular season with the third best in franchise history. Prior to last season, fans waitAfter a 6-1 win against the ed 29 years for the Royals return Twins, the Royals clinched the to postseason greatness. No.-1 seed in the American League If you believed their October secured home-field advantage for 2014 run was luck and timing, the the post season — including the Vobach team spent the summer of 2015 World Series. proving you wrong. The Royals played the Houston Astros After the Sept. 24 10-4 win against the for the ALDS. With a rally in the 8th Marlins, the Royals clinched a spot in the inning of the fourth game in the series postseason playoffs and won their first against the Astros, the Royals scored five division title in 30 years. runs and won 9-6. After winning Game 5, The Royals efficient defense and hitting the Royals advanced to the ALCS, facing rallied them into an outstanding season. the Toronto Blue Jays in a series that startHeading into the postseason with a ed Oct. 16. 95-67 record, Royals fans have high hopes Vobach said the victory against the Asfor October. tros will help the team in the post season. “The Royals will have a solid postsea“I think the Royals are doing really well son again,” sophomore Alec Vobach said.
macielawrence staff writer
“They will win the World Series in six games.” From May to August, the Royals had a winning record every month. September looked to be the same. With the return of outfielder Alex Gordon and addition of pitcher Johnny Cueto and second baseman Ben Zobrist, fans had high expectations. However, September was not the same. The Royals got off to a tough start with bad pitching and hitting slumps — losing more games than winning. Midway through September, the Royals fell 1.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, This slump left the Royals with an opportunity to turn things around and head into the postseason on a high note, hoping
Photos courtesy of MCT Campus. Page designed by Macie Lawrence and Maddie Davis.
after the big series win against Houston,” he said. “The city is pumped and crowd will be lit for the ALCS. I think they will dominate and make their way into the World Series.” They Royals started the ALCS strong with shut-down pitching and defense. They defeated the Blue Jays 5-0 in the first game but had a much closer call in Game 2. Blue Jays pitcher David Price kept the Royals scoreless until the seventh inning when the Royals scored five runs and then one more in the eighth to win the game 6-3. The Royals traveled to Toronto Oct. 19 for the next three games in the series. Fans did not have to wait another 29 years for a postseason run, and the team certainly did not disappoint with stellar pitching, numerous homeruns and lateinning comebacks. The boys in blue are back and looking to take care of some unfinished business.
TEE
October 2015 tigerturf 29
Working Down to a
Missing class for tournaments causes increased stress, workload for golf team members kaitlinyu staff writer Students at Blue Valley often carry the workload of school and a sport on their shoulders. Getting home after 6 p.m., working, volunteering and still having to do homework after everything can lead to a lot of stress. Imagine having to miss an entire day of school every week for a tournament and then not getting home until 7 or 8 p.m. This is what the BV girls golf team has to adjust to from the start of the school year to mid-October, said senior Alexis Vance, who is captain of the team. “Toward the beginning of the season, we have about one tournament a week,” Vance said. “In the middle of the season, we have about two tournaments a week. Luckily, it hasn’t gotten this bad, but we have had three tournaments a week.” Vance said sometimes they can go to the first periods of school before a tournament, but other times, they leave the school at 7 a.m. “It definitely affects your grades,” Vance said. “Teachers tend to get angry when you [say], ‘I’m going to be gone this week, this week and next week.’ I don’t think they realize we’re in the same boat. We don’t want to miss that much class, but we do it for our sport because we love it.” Sophomore Lauren Van Winkle said golf has about the same amount of stress as other sports. “It can be hard to get caught up in what you’re doing,” Van Winkle said. “I usually come in to talk to the teacher to catch up on what I missed and study a little bit harder.” Van Winkle said the next years of school will be more stressful if she continues golf.
“As the years go on, the classes get harder, and I will take more AP and honors classes,” Van Winkle said. “[It] can be a little bit more stressful missing those classes.” Vance said to adjust to missing classes, the team will stay up later to get homework done and will study together in the van on the way to tournaments. Some days, they get practice off for school work. “[Golf season is] stress school-wise [and] golf tournament-wise,” Vance said. “You get back from a golf tournament [late], and you still have all of your homework, chores and activities to do. Sometimes, it can lead to a little sleep deprivation when you’re an honors student.” However, Vance said it’s all worth it and said she loves how supportive all the girls on the team are. “It’s a great group of girls,” Vance said. “We just like to do a lot of team building activities together. We’re not competitive within our group. We understand we’re doing everything for the betterment of the team.” The golf team played eight tournaments total and got second at EKL. Vance said they hoped to earn top three at State. “We should play well, although it will be the hardest course we play all year,” she said. “We’re definitely [prepared] — we practice on similiar-styled courses.” The team competed at State on Monday, Oct. 19. Results were unavailable at the time of press. Photo by Sophia Ragomo. Page designed by Kaitlin Yu.
October 2015 payin’thebills 30
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October 2015 tigerturf 31
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1. Scanning the field, junior Mark Rofail looks for a teammate to pass to. Rofail played defense. “I think we have improved in our teamwork over the season,” Rofail said. Photo by Maddie Davis. 2. Freshman Tori Strickbine throws the ball up to serve. Because of upperclassman injuries, the younger players stepped it up on the court, Strickbine said. “Varsity has worked really hard with our two best hitters out,” she said. “We have fought hard without them, and they’ve supported us the whole time.” Photo by Courtney Carpenter. 3. After her performance, senior Audrey Holland holds a pose. Holland is one of three captains on dance team. “I‘ve been dancing for 14 years, and it’s nice that I’m now in a leadership position,” she said.
“My hard work paid off.” Photo by Isabelle Allen. 4. Waving her pom-pom, junior Megan Vorhies stands with the cheerleaders at a home football game. She has participated in high school cheer for three years. “I like [cheer] because I’ve been doing it since I was little,” she said. “I enjoy going to the games to support BV.” Photo by Isabelle Allen. 5. Practicing, senior Gracie Goheen completes her swing. The varsity team competed at State in Wichita on Oct. 19. “Not only has my golf game improved, but I have learned so much from my teammates,” Goheen said. 6. Hearing the gun, the boys varsity cross country team begins the race. EKL was hosted at the course behind BV. “[EKL] wasn’t a great race for, me” senior
Joey Wiederholt said. “I went out faster than all season and was completely gassed.” Photo by Megan Hegarty. 7. Extending her racket, sophomore Mallory Novicoff continues a rally. Novicoff ’s doubles team finished 12th at State. “I performed very well the first day of State,” she said. “My partner and I worked well together in our first doubles matches.” Photo by Isabelle Allen. 8. Senior A.J. Totta recovers a fumble. The Pink Out Game was Oct. 9. “We need to keep the energy levels up during practice because it transfers to how we play,” he said. “That’s what we need to work on before State.” Photo by Maddie Davis. Page designed by Maddie Davis.
32 snapshot October 2015
Empire State of Mind
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Page designed by Sophia Ragomo and Maddie Davis.
1. Senior royalty candidates Jillian Bode and Austin Bade wave to the crowd. Homecoming Queen Nimisha Halder was crowned at the game, while King Joe Schuchardt was crowned at the dance. “I had one kid yell out and say, ‘Hi prince and princess,’” Bade said. “That just warmed my heart because I was being looked up to by so many kids.” Photo by Maddie Davis. 2. Riding in his Donut-Mobile, principal Scott Bacon shows his school spirit. The Homecoming parade and game were on Oct. 2, while the dance was on Oct. 3. “We had a great parade this year — one of the better ones I’ve seen,” Bacon said. “There are a lot of things that come and go in communities, and that’s one of the things that has stayed.” Photo by Sophia Ragomo. 3. Cheerleader sophomore Katrina Doherty pumps up the crowd with a cheer. All fall sports and activites had the option of walking in the parade. “The parade is always so much fun to be a part of and I love seeing our community come together to support the Tigers,” Doherty said. “It’s a great way to end spirit week and get people excited about the homecoming game and dance.” Photo by Sophia Ragomo. 4. Playing his tuba, senior Jackson Hundelt marches with the band. The overall winners of Homecoming spirit week were the seniors. “Marching through the street while surrounded by appreciative people is a good feeling,” Hundelt said. Photo by Sophia Ragomo. Background Photo: Seniors Jacob Marshall, Bella Carpenter and Courtney Thompson dance on the senior class float. The senior class won the float competition. “The parade itself was amazing,” Marshall said. “It was neat to be part of a long-standing Blue Valley tradition.” Photo by Maddie Davis.