The Tiger Print — August 2021

THE TIGER PRINT

blue valley high school | vol. 52 | issue 1 | august 2021 | bvtigernews.com | overland park, kansas

in business

As Blue Valley returns to a fully inperson school schedule, normalcy becomes more common in everyday life.

Read on to discover how students took advantage of these new opportunities this summer.

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ON THE

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Contents NEWS

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FEATURE

Part of the Club Learn about clubs to join and ways to be a part of something at BV.

FEATURE

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Bullseye Sophomore Michael Walls discusses opportunities recieved through archery.

FEATURE

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Senior Reagan Howard reflects on experience as a junior.

Summer Schooling Seniors Jason Casey and Matthew Lane explain their decision to take personal finance over the summer.

FEATURE

OPINION

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Earn your Niceties Should high schoolers be given everything to them by their parents? Publications editor Kaitlin Green considers the damages of being spoiled.

THE TIGER PRINT editor-in-chief Charlie Trent

design editor Ayesha Khan

assistant editor Stephanie Kontopanos

staff members Regan Byrnes Amy Collins Emily Fortin Brynn Friesen Isaac Hudson Sofia Hughes

publication editors Kaitlin Green Frannie Lamberti Charley Thomas

Ava McGuire Harrison Melton Elle Moulder Chanie Rankin Rhylan Stern Isabella Vaz Mena Walker

Senior Josh Jackson talks relaxing during the summer.

INSTAGRAM

adviser Michelle Huss

“The Tiger Print” is an official publication of Blue Letters to the editor are encouraged for Valley High School, an open forum distributed to publication. “The Tiger Print” reserves the all students six times a year. This publication may right to edit all submissions for both language contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the and content. Letters should be submitted to suppression of a student publication solely because it may Room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@gmail.com contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School or mailed to: District No. 229 and its board members, officers and The Tiger Print employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content Blue Valley High School of this publication; it is not an expression of school 6001 W. 159th St. policy. Student authors and editors are solely responsible Overland Park, KS 66085 for the content of this publication.

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SUMMER WORKOUTS Summer workouts took place over the past few months as athletes experienced the brief respite from the mask mandate following local and CDC guidlines.

Mask and safety protocols will be monitored by the district as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads throughout the country. Students can stay updated on future expectations for outdoor events and athletics through BV Tiger News on Instagram, as well as through BV student email.

| PHOTO BY CHARLIE TRENT

ANNUAL CAR WASH On Saturday, June 5 cheer hosted their annual car wash to gather donations to support the team on their journey to State, as well as through their Regional and National competitions.

The team completed learning its State routine at cheer camp prior to the school year and will continue to work on their routine until State takes place.

| PHOTO COURTESY OF BV CHEER

CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING Cross country kicked off their rigorous training schedules with Fun Week beginning Monday, July 12.

The week consisted of five days of activities that combined both practice, as well as team bonding and prize giving. Seniors Ellie Graham and Nolan Rodriguez were crowned as the winners of Fun Week.

The season officially began August 16, and the team will have its first meet Saturday, Sept. 11.

| PHOTO COURTESY OF BV CROSS COUNTRY | WORDS BY CHARLIE TRENT

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GETTING INVOLVED A run down of all the clubs BVHS has to offer, why students enjoy participating in them

COMMUNITY SERVICE - Prairie Restoration Club - Relay for Life Comittee - Environmental Club - SAFE (seatbelts are for everyone) - Students Assist Schools - FFCLA

“

We contact some of the local like middle schools and elementary schools and we go after school to help the teachers or the office staff with whatever they need us to do. I wanted to be a part of this club, because I really wanted to show my appreciation towards teachers and help them out. When I was like a kid, I remember watching the older kids help out teachers, and I’ve always just wanted to be a part of that and give back to my community.

”

- Brooke Hoffman, 12, SAS Co-President

RELATIONSHIPS + HONOR SOCIETIES - Latin Club - French Club - Jewish Studuent Union - Unified Sports - Gay-Straight Alliance - Diversity Club - FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

- National Honor Society - Latin National Honor Society - Engish National Honor Society - French National Honor Society - Science National Honor Society - Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica - Mu Alpha Theta

- History National Honor Society - Tri-M Music National Honor Society - International Thespian National Honor Society - Quill and Scroll National Honor Society

SOURCES OF STRENGTH

“

We raise money that is donated to children in developing nations that need help or warstruck areas. I feel like it’s an important club because it’s very important to be aware of other issues that are going around, not just being centered around the sort of bubble we live here in this suburb and helping other people. I encourage others to join this club because it’s just a great way to raise money for others that really need it more than us and are in impoverished areas.

- Joaquin Toro, 11, UNICEF President

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- Science Outreach - KAY Club - UNICEF

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PERFORMANCES

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[We get] together [to] do improv games and do it in front of people for show sometimes. It’s fun and it allows people to be themselves and not worry about what people think— it gives us time to show our creativity.

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- Cannon Simpson, 11, Fiftth Wall Member

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- Rep Theater - Advanced Rep Theater - Drama Club - Musical - Technical Theater (Stage Crews) - Fifth Wall

COMPETETIVE + ACADEMIC - BV Business - Science Knowledge Bowl - Scholars Bowl - Debate - Competetive Speach - BV Computer Science - Investment Club - Model UN

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Model UN goes to different conferences throughout the year-- at each conference, you are assigned a country and are put into a committee with people from other shcools. You try to come up with a solution that your county would probably support in real life, and then try to get the other countries to agree with you. It teaches you how to speak, write, and even think more succinctly, and I think it helps you gain a global perspective on many issues.

- Emily Clausen, 11, Model UN Member

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HOBBIES + OTHER

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Wigs out raises money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I encourage others to join the club because you get lots of service hours while supporting a good cause through fun activities. It’s an important club because the BCRF raises money to actively find cures for all types of cancer, and they can’t do it without our help.

- Kristen Rupp, 12, Wigs Out President

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- Anime Club - Dungeons and Dragons - YAF (Youth America’s Foundation) - Tiger Esports - Fandom Club

- Wigs Out - Literature Appreciation - Young Progressives Club - Go Club - Educators Rising

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Stepping up to the

plate charley thomas |publication editor With former athletic director Matt Ortman’s move to another position within the district, the tiger community was in need of a new administrative member. Having been in education for 27 years and administration for 8, Mill Valley’s Jerald Vanrheen had more than enough experience to step up to the plate.

“I taught/coached for 19 years in the Gardner Edgerton School district,” Vanrheen said. “I served as head baseball coach [and] assisted with football, wrestling, basketball, and golf throughout the years.”

Although most students know that Vanrheen’s position deals primarily with the school’s sports teams, the details of being an A.D. remain a mystery to many. “[Being an A.D. consists of] hiring / evaluating coaches, scheduling, arranging transportation, officials, game day management, security, eligibility, budgets, dealing with issues from time to time, finding extra duty workers, and supporting student-athletes,” he said.

Vanrheen went on to express his optimistic prediction for what is to come of his switch to BVHS. “I would expect BV and MV [to be] very similar,” he said. “Both have outstanding programs, great kids, and great coaches. I know expectations are high for teams to be successful.”

Furthering his

BVHS welcomes new athletic director positive stance on the move, Vanrheen described the factors that led him to become a tiger.

“BV has a reputation of being a first class district,” he said. “BVHS specifically has great coaches and quality programs. It is exciting to be part of such a great athletic community.”

Going beyond BV’s “on-paper” athletic success, Vanrheen expressed his excitement for the interpersonal aspects of his new position.

“I look forward to meeting and getting to know the coaches [and] watching coaches work with athletes to help them become the best version of themselves,” he said.

Though Vanrheen doesn’t have any changes in mind for the Athletic programs at BV, he intends to contribute all he can after getting acclimated.

“I want to observe and learn,” he said.

“I want to get to know as many people as possible and be a resource for teachers and coaches.”

In addition to working with staff members, a key part of Vanrheen’s role as an athletic director is interacting with the players themselves.

“My favorite part of being an A.D. is being able to see the development in athletes from 9th grade to senior year,” he said. “It is fun for me to see kids realize their potential.”

All things considered, Vanrheen is confident in both his initial decision to become an A.D. and his more recent decision to join the tiger family.

“I have been around sports my entire life,” he said. “This seems like a perfect fit for me.”

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reshman ashionista Student shares her secrets to stayng fashionable this summer

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hen it comes to fashion, Emma Chamberlain is many teenage girl’s go-to. However, BVHS has their very own fashion fanatic, freshman Layla Masters, who has all the tips and tricks for creating the perfect summer wardrobe.

A good starting point for any wardrobe is finding versatile basics that can be styled several ways.

“I think plain colored tank tops, gold hoops, and honestly cute socks [are good staples to have,]” Masters said. “For accessories, I love square sunglasses and lots of colorful jewelry.”

Trendy pieces and accessories are also a fun way to add variety and spice up your style.

“I like cross halter tops and flower chokers— just a lot of floral [items] in general,” she said. “Also, sandals that are kind of blocky are really cute and clear colorful rings.”

Masters has mixed feelings for the clothing trends she predicts will cycle around this summer.

“I think halter tops will come back in a lot and I feel like dresses will be more in than usual, especially those flowy sundresses and slip dresses,” she said. “Low rise things [on the other hand] really aren’t my jam.”

Personally, Masters enjoys finding her style through influencers and real life connections.

“I love Emma Chamberlain of course,” Masters said.

“Josie Ray [also] has a local boutique here and I love her style.”

“

She also takes inspiration from 2000’s movies, which got her into fashion from a young age.

“Honestly, just watching movies and seeing all the people dressed cool I was like, ‘Oh my God,’ like I love Clueless and I feel like a lot of 2000’s movies had good style,” Masters said.

Although hopping on clothing trends can be fun, Masters encourages others to find their own style by Layla browsing social media Masters platforms.

“Check Pinterest 9 and look up what you’re into like colors or any type of style, and just branch out because you can press more options and I think that’s a good starting point,” she said. “I’d say if you think something is cute or you like it, you can start a trend. If something draws your eye, I say go for it.”

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ayesha khan |design editor

I’d say if you think something is cute or you like it, you can start a trend.

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Tee’em High and Let’m Fly mena walker |staff writer As we all know, sports are a tradition for all students here at Blue Valley. Even though 2020-2021 didn’t occur under the best circumstances, many sports teams still had a great showing, including the boys golf team.

On May 10, 2021, the varsity boys golf team won EKL for the first time since 1998. The team has broken the record by the lowest team score three times this season. The score record is 292— the team shot a final round of the EKL tournament at Iron Horse led by sophomore James Ackerman, who placed sixth.

After playing golf for eight years, Ackerman validates that “every swing and shot counts.”

“I was introduced to golf by my parents,” Ackerman said. “We went on a trip to California once and they let me play golf and I fell in love with it.”

Though his coach has taught him positive aspects of the sport, Ackerman has learned on his own how fun it is to compete with other people.

“The benefits of playing golf is that you get to interact with different people and you are also outside a lot and away from electronics,” he said. “I know a lot about golf which helps me score better than others. I know that you have to stay mentally focused all throughout the round, and you can’t let one bad shot turn into another.”

Ackerman said golf is not like any other sport because it’s played individually but the score goes toward the team’s score.

“Playing an individual sport is a lot

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harder than other sports because if you have a bad day, there is no one to help you or make it better,” he said.

“Your team can pick you up and you might still win. This is different from playing individually because you’re all by yourself and you can’t really screw up.”

On the day of every tournament, Ackerman listens to music and stretches before each round to be warmed up, less stressed, and prepared for his game. Whenever he is on the golf course, Ackerman appreciates the support from his parents, coaches, and other golf friends which helps him become a successful golfer.

“It’s really nice to have [my family] at most of my tournaments there to cheer me on,” he said.

Already thinking about his future objective to academic heights, Ackerman is achieving his dream career. He was influenced by his favorite two golf players, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods.

“I would love to [join the golf realm] and [become] a professional golfer one day,” he said. “I’m working hard to achieve that desire.”

Summer is a time for students to enjoy the outdoors, grow and adjust to a change of routine. They engage in lots of fun activities, trips, camps — you name it — but for Ackerman, his summer was spent with his friends and family and staying active.

“I [golfed] with some of my friends who push me to be better, but have fun at the same time, “he said. “I try to work out once every week at Hallbrook with my dad or friends to get some gains. I practice every day on the weekend.”

Over the long summer, Ackerman prepared for his next BV golf season, setting many plans and many hours of practice and putting his principal goal in action.

“I want to consistently shoot,” Ackerman said. “Also [I want to] improve my putting and make it the best part of my game.”

G I B AIMING

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Sophomore competes internationally in archery

isabella vaz |staff writer

I “[Through archery,] I’ve gotten to see a whole lot of places I probably wouldn’t have gotten to see.”

Michael Walls sophomore

t hasn’t been long since sophomore Michael Walls first picked up a bow but ever since, he’s been hooked. “[I discovered archery] about five or six years ago,” Walls said. “My dad had always shot bow hunting, so I started to shoot bow hunting too and then I moved into competitions.”

Archery has now become a significant part of Walls’ life. The sport has given him opportunities to do things he never could have imagined. “[Through archery,] I’ve gotten to see a whole lot of places I probably wouldn’t have gotten to see,” Walls said.

“I’ve been to West Virginia, and this fall I may even go to Paris.”

Becoming a skilled archer requires meticulous accuracy and consistency, which only comes with repetition. Walls achieves this by devoting a lot of time to the sport. “[My] competition schedule really just depends,” Walls said. “I practice every day for about an hour and a half.”

The type of bow Walls uses and the way he practices also have an affect on his performance.

“I shoot a Hoyt — it’s one of the best target bows,” Walls said. “To practice, I do blank bale, which is where you put nothing on the target and you go about five yards away and close your eyes and just picture a perfect shot.”

Through the years of competing, Walls has earned countless awards, but he is most proud of his achievement at a national tournament in South Dakota.

“I got second in the First Dakota Classic,” Walls said. “We shot at 40, 50 and 60 yards. I only lost by one X, and an X is about the size of a half dollar.”

Walls has already accomplished many of his goals but he continues to find ways to improve.

“I’m working with a coach right now in Georgia,” Walls said. “He’s a really good guy, and there’s a bunch of people that shoot with him. I plan to work with him for a while and keep continuing to win and get better.”

Walls works hard at the sport in hopes of one day making a career out of it.

“I’m planning on going to college for archery and maybe getting a scholarship,” Walls said. “I’d like to go pro at some point.”

Archery is special to Walls because of the connections it has created for him.

“It’s really just a big family — that is how archery is,” Walls said. “ I’ve made great friends [from it] and I continue to grow the archery friend group with each tournament.”

Walls has also learned important life lessons from the sport.

“Archery has taught me self confidence [because] archery is all mental.”

Walls said. “I’ve seen my friends shooting the best game of their lives and it all falls apart with one arrow after it gets to their head.”

Walls is grateful for the unique opportunities archery has provided him with.

“I really enjoy shooting,” Walls said.

“It has allowed me to go places and meet people I never would have dreamed of meeting.”

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A SUMMER AWAY

Senior discusses time as camp counselor brynn friesen |staff writer

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magine traveling to a change of scenery for weeks at a time, laughing with new faces, and making unforgettable memories. For senior Avery Harris, this was her reality this past summer. “[I went to] Cub Creek Science Camp in Rolla, MO,” Harris said. “It’s basically a normal summer camp with an on-property zoo where campers can have hands-on experiences with all kinds of exotic animals.”

Harris leaves town for two weeks every summer for this specific camp, and this summer was no different.

“It is a sleepaway camp, so you basically live there for those two weeks,” Harris said. “I always pack way more than I need to because I’m just extra like that.”

Rather than attending as a camper, Harris played the role of a leader for the younger attendees.

“Cub Creek has a really unique program called the ASIT program (Animal Specialist in Training),” Harris said. “It is considered an “elite” program full of role models and people who truly love camp and animals and

aspire to be leaders.”

With the enjoyment of a camp also comes more responsibilities as people get older. As an ASIT, Harris experienced a much more intense role to play at camp.

“Being an ASIT is a lot of work. We wake up every morning at 6 A.M. to feed and take care of the 300 different animals,” Harris said. “During the day, we assist the full-time staff with classes, serve as safe spaces and role models for the campers, and assist in any way we can. We also get assigned a cabin of kids each week — our “adopted” cabin — that we bond with and do activities with, to serve as their mentor and friend.”

Despite these various duties, counselors of Cub Creek still enjoy their experience in a different way.

“Although the ASIT program is a lot of hard work, we have a lot of privileges that the normal campers don’t.

We can have our phones, and we even have a designated lounge with lots of unique amenities,” Harris said. “We can have outside food and energy drinks and we have a lot more freedom to be with the camp’s animals and each other. ASITs get to pick which classes they assist, and also get to pick a designated break time every day where we have an hour to relax or just be with friends. We also get a whole day where all the ASITs get to do anything at camp they want to.”

Harris had her share of significant moments at Cub Creek this past summer — an addition to the incredible time she had at camp.

“All the ASITs hiked up to a cliff to look at the stars,” Harris said. “We all sat there in silence and cried because it was the last day and we all comforted each other. I had never felt true friendship at that level before and it was a beautiful moment I’ll never forget.”

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Finance Friends Two students take summer class together

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brynn friesen |staff writer

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ummer — a time for many to wind down after stressing over schoolwork. But with the enjoyment that summer brings many people, there are still some responsibilities for school.

Seniors Jason Casey and Matthew Lane decided to take the personal finance summer class together.

“It was more of a forced thing,” Casey said. “I didn’t really want to take any of the tech credits that were available, and that one is becoming a tech credit this summer.”

Similarly, Lane took this class because it would conveniently give him more tech credits as he preps for college.

“I still needed to finish my tech credit, but I didn’t want to take it in place of any of my electives during my senior year,” Lane said. “I was already planning on taking it, but taking it over the summer meant I had more time during the year.”

Although a summer course might not sound appealing to many, Casey said he tolerated it more because he could get help from his friend.

“I’m in the class with one of my other

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friends, so I have the ability to talk and collaborate with somebody, unlike the other eight-hour ticket to health and wellness in the past,” Casey said. “I didn’t know anybody else in that class, so I wasn’t able to really talk about any of it.

If there’s any questions I will know somebody now, which will be better.”

Time is a required factor for any summer course, and Casey explained how he navigated the class conflicting with his outside obligations.

“This summer I [worked] five-hour shifts throughout the week,” Casey said. “[I did] some dance stuff this summer [and] I have to continue with singing, getting ready for the musical next year and I [had] to do my Eagle project too, or else I’m going to age out and not be an Eagle Scout and my dad will be pissed.”

While not having as many time-consuming activities going on during the course as Casey, Lane is still giving up a great deal of time for the class.

“I have the motivation and the time — it just means I won’t have much extra free time,” Lane said. “However, I do have the motivation to do it because without the tech credit, I can’t graduate.”

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Working Woman Senior discusses summer employment kaitlin green |publication editor

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hroughout high school, summer break becomes more than just a chance to relax and spend time with friends; summer is a chance to get a job and earn money before returning to school in the fall.

For senior Sarah Gravitt, the Blue Valley Recreational Sports Complex was an appealing summer job choice for more reasons than one.

“I started working at the beginning of the summer of 2020 because I wanted to make some extra money aside from babysitting,” Gravitt said. “[I also wanted] to have a legitimate job under my belt before going to college.”

During a typical shift, Gravitt would work at one of the concession stands or collect spectator fees at the gates.

She scheduled herself to work three to four times a week, and shifts would usually last six hours, which could be exhausting during weekend games.

“Because of a constant long line due to large tournaments, I never sit down — so by the end of the night, my back aches,” Gravitt said. “It is so worth the pain, but man oh man do I hurt.”

Though her work could be tiring and stressful, Gravitt found joy working with the other teens who turned to the sports complex for their summer job.

“Everyone is so chill and just having fun, making jokes, enjoying themselves and having a good time,” she said. “I am pretty close with my coworkers, as we are all there just trying to have some summer fun — and we usually do.”

Apart from having fun with her coworkers, interacting

with little kids throughout a shift also helped Gravitt stay positive and feel appreciated.

“A lot of times young players won’t come with their parents, so they feel all proud of themselves to hand me some cash in exchange for a snack or drink,” she said. “I also love watching their eyes light up when they get a sweet treat or something that really excites them.”

When she looks back on her time at the BV Rec fields, Gravitt not only remembers the moments she’s shared with her coworkers or the interactions with players but also the funny memories that have helped teach her to be flexible while on the clock.

“One time, I was in a rush to make popcorn, so I reached up for the oil cup to refill it — I was bringing it down to the counter and because I had used it earlier, the excess oil spilled all over my shirt and shorts,” Gravitt said.

“It was quite funny at the time but also stressful because [I had to] call my manager to bring me a new shirt, and customers judged the oil on my shirt.”

Because of the overall positive experience she has had at the BV Rec fields, Gravitt plans on returning to her job for the third time in summer 2022. To her, working a summer job has taught many valuable lessons that she can use throughout her daily life.

“Working the concessions is a whole lot of work people don’t always realize,” Gravitt said. “Now having experienced it, I do my best to treat workers and employees with as much respect as I can because I know how much hard work goes into it.”

Hot Girl Sum mer Before and after pics featuring a summer of tanning, beaches and fun eleanor warren|staff writer Summertime often brings a much-needed break to many students’ and teachers’ lives, resulting in healthier and happier people by the time August rolls around. This transformation from stress-filled Mondays during which everyone is cramming for finals and AP tests, to only worrying about what swimsuit to wear to the pool or what day of the week it is, is evident in many ways, and pictures are a great way to demonstrate this shift. Students pre-summer vacation are often stressed, worried, and tired, seen in their postures, facial expressions, and overall mental state.

However, after an exciting summer, kids return to school rejuvenated and oftentimes much happier, as seen in the pictures to the right.

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beginning of summer

S A R A H

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W A L S H

G E L L E S

T H O M A S M A R Q U A R D T

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end of summer

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self-improving summer isaac hudson |staff writer

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he COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for nearly 18 months now, and it has definitely been one of the most stressful times any of us has been through. For most of this, the summer was a time to unwind and relax.

We all have different methods of coping with stress, and for many people it is to be creative. Sophomores Ella Hibbard and Allie Heidemann both let out their creativity this summer with some fun endeavors.

Hibbard continued her pursuit into baking over summer vacation.

“Baking is a hobby that I have enjoyed for over 4 years,” Hibbard said. “[This summer] I experimented in baking with different flavor combinations and presentations.”

Hibbard no longer finds basic baking challenging, instead she finds difficulty elsewhere in the hobby.

“The baking part is easy, but choosing the right flavor combinations has been difficult. However, I love baking and always enjoy it,” Hibbard said.

Hibbard has some advice for people who are looking to get into baking: “Follow the recipe and don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out. Baking is trial and error.”

Heidemann’s creative interests lie in photography.

This summer, she started not only taking pictures but also adjusting and editing the pictures she took.

“I’ve been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, so it is not anything new to me. When I was little, I

would steal my sister’s old camera and take pictures of nearly anything I could find that would stand still,” Heidemann said.

“It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I was gifted a real camera.

Ever since then, I have been taking pictures of all sorts of animals.

Although I have been taking pictures for a while, this summer was actually the first time I started to really focus on my editing each photo.”

For Heidemann, photography was a way for her to destress this summer.

“Photography has always been one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy taking time out of my day to just relax and take pictures of all the beautiful wildlife.”

Heidemann has used her interest in photography to spend time outside in nature and improve her photography skills at the same time.

“As a whole, I am very pleased with the pictures I have taken this summer. I was lucky enough to see lots of wildlife and to have the time to really focus on editing each picture I took,” Heidemann said. “Although I use very basic software, I can still see a major difference in the quality of the pictures I edit. I hope to carry these new skills on with me and to improve even more in the future.”

Heidemann also had advice for people who are interested in photography: “I would advise them to stay patient. Sometimes it takes multiple photoshoots to find a picture you are truly proud of.”

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WHICH FRIEND ARE YOU?

“She doesn’t even try to be flirty, she just is.” - Kendall “You can catch her carrying rose quartz at all times.” - Nikki

THE FLIRT

Kate Bowersox, 11

“She’s always laughing, and laughs at her own jokes even when they’re not funny.” - Hayes

“You could literally suggest anything to Alli and she would be up for it, no matter how bad the idea is.” - Kendall “Ask Alli to do anything and her response will be ‘Bet.’” - Kate

THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

THE COMIC RELIEF

Alli Kornfeind, 11

“She mooned our softball coaches— actually she’s mooned most people I know.” - Alli

Nikki Walters, 11 “She told us her entire life story the first day she met us.”- Nikki “If you told her something, there’s a good chance we’ve heard about it too.” - Kendall

THE OVERSHARER Hayes Courtney, 11

“Kendall always gets mad at [me and Nikki] because we’re obviously Dumb and Dumber over here, and Kendall is super sophisticated, so she gets mad so easily no matter what we do.” - Alli “Her snack of choice is straight up radishes— I feel like that speak for itself.” - Kate

“In the beginning of our friendship, we lied to her and told her that there was an initiation and that she has to sit on the floor instead of at the table with us— and she actually did it.” - Hayes

THE GULLIBLE SWEETHEART Connelly Kilgore, 11

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“She asked us all to go out to breakfast for her birthday, but we already had a surprise breakfast planned for her, so we all told her ‘No’ and she didn’t even question it.” - Kendall

THE MOM Kendall Bub, 11

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Work For It Students need to earn luxuries they have

kaitlin green | publication editor

During my freshman year, there was a phrase one of my teachers would ask the students in my class: Did daddy’s money buy it?

The question did not necessarily mean to ask us if our parents had paid for something on our behalf, but rather asked us what we did to earn it or contribute to it.

Many teens today, especially in the Johnson County area, are fortunate enough to come from affluent or well-off families whose parents are able to gift them with expensive things. In a survey taken by the US Census, the average Johnson County household income in 2018 was $86,746, close to a $23,000 increase compared to the national average of $63,179 in the same year.

I admit I come from a family where we are able to live comfortably, and I have been able to pursue different opportunities throughout my life due to this fact. However, my parents have made it a point to talk about expenses with my brother and me and be upfront about how many hours, and how many jobs, they have to work in order to afford what we have.

I believe this honesty is essential in raising children to be knowledgeable about real life. The knowledge my parents have passed down has caused me to save every bit of money I earn working a minimum wage job so I can provide for myself and feel pride with each paycheck I receive.

Because of the opportunities they are freely given during childhood on account of their family’s wealth, many teens will grow up lacking a mindset that hard work equates to success — a lifestyle must be earned and deserved, not expected.

Of course, I’m not saying teenagers are not allowed to accept gifts from their parents or enjoy luxuries. What I am saying is that as teens get closer to adulthood and independence, they must be exposed to the reality that it takes both time and effort to own as well as maintain anything worth having in life.

Take, for instance, a car.

If a teen is fortunate enough to have a car gifted to them, it should be their responsibility to help cover other expenses, such as gas or insurance.

If that same teen does not have the time or the means to earn money, it should be expected that they will keep the car in good condition to express their gratitude while working extremely hard at school or community service to continually demonstrate they deserve to have the car.

If neither of the two scenarios is feasible, what purpose is there in owning the car? What have they done to deserve that luxury?

It should ultimately be a teenager’s job to devote their energy to earning each opportunity they are offered instead of simply having it handed to them.

If teens do not learn how to put in the work and operate independently, they will enter college and adult life unprepared to maintain the lifestyle they envision themselves having.