Staff writer explains why having a job in high school is great for teens
editors-in-chief
Ella Lim
Emma McAtee
publication editors
Katie Kennedy
Nikoo Tahmasebi
web editors
Gaby Ayres
Ashling Bahadursingh
design editor
Callie Dyches
photo editor
Miranda Henry
staff members
Dayna Bemiss
Paige Faulkner
Aspen Gallentine
Lucy James
Emily Kozlowski
Mikey Leach
Jazzmyne Means
Lailah Pulley
Cady Reynolds
Sami Sandler
Noor Sarwar
Benjamin Werner
adviser
Michelle Huss
“The Tiger Print” is an official publication of Blue Valley High School, an open forum distributed to all students seven times per 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 518, emailed to thetigerprint@ gmail.com or mailed to:
The Tiger Print
Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th Street Overland Park, KS 66085
ella lim| editor-in-chief
Two weeks before the start of the school year, students and families received an email regarding the first week of school.
Attached to that email was updated parking information, which relayed the news that starting on the first school day, there would no longer be a designated senior parking lot.
Instead, the parking lots will be open to students of all grades. Administration made this change for three reasons: changing CAPS student schedules, upcoming construction and refocusing the attention of the SROs.
Stating 20-30 spots will be open during the day due to CAPS students coming and going, the brief loss of
parking spaces from construction may not be a big complication if students can fill the empty spots in the senior lot.
Additionally, the SROs can now focus more on their roles in student safety inside the building than outside it.
However, this abrupt change led to outrage from the community, sparking a petition on Change.org with over 275 signatures and multiple emails to BV administration.
Concerned about the safety issues this would cause, especially for inexperienced teenage drivers and the breaking of the long-standing tradition, many believe this was not the right solution. There has yet been any discussion of changes or alternative solutions.
The president’s perspective
emma mcatee| editor-in-chief
As this parking situation has caused different reactions from the student population, executive president Omar Hamarshi shared his thoughts on the issue.
“I worry that this system is going to have an impact on tardies and absences — finding a spot will be more difficult as you have to circle through so much space,” he said. “While many students will accommodate, I think this can be a barrier for students who sometimes don’t want to come to school”
Many concerns have been raised about the overall traffic patterns and if this new system will cause issues with dismissal.
“The movement out of the lots is an intricate method that takes time to learn,” he said. “It is a lot more simple coming out of those back lots, but less experienced drivers are going to be forced to learn that pattern in the closer lots. All of us are going to have to bear the burden of that learning curve.”
With discussions surrounding the recent changes to our parking system, it is important to address the
underlying concerns raised by administration.
“Something I would like to clarify on behalf of the administration, while I am of the opinion that this isn’t the most elegant solution to the problem, I do think there is more of a security concern with our old parking system,” Hamarshi said. “Something a lot of students do not realize is how much effort managing the lot divide is for our SROs. Being forced to mediate constant disagreements between frustrated students is extremely time consuming, and frankly not worth their time. While BVHS is among the safest schools in our state, we are not immune to the need for people in charge of school security.”
Hamarshi believes as a school, we will get through this issue by speaking up when needed.
“Our school administration cannot see into the future any better than us students, and I know a change as big as this is going to be under constant observation by our administration,” Hamarshi said. “We need to be the voices for the state of the parking situation. If you are noticing a serious problem that you feel has not been addressed, it is on you to bring that up to someone important.”
“I feel like all the freshman who are just learning how to drive will start to park in these spaces and make the parking lots full right away. There could be a lot of potential accidents, especially if they don’t understand how parking and traffic work.”
“This will cause more parking issues because now everyone is going to want to park in the senior lot. This is obviously going to create more congestion and traffic. Us seniors were looking forward to not having to deal with that like we have the past couple of years, just like everyone before us, considering it’s one of the only perks of being a senior that we get.”
“I feel like it is very unfair for this to be sprung out of nowhere on the kids who have been looking forward to their right to park in the senior lot — they’ve been waiting for three years. It’s frustrating that the people who have A.M. CAPS could possibly have to park in the sophomore lot because of how their schedule was set up. It will most likely increase the number of crashes because of the amount of way less experienced drivers being thrown into a very fast-paced and busy parking lot.”
“I think [the parking situtation] will resolve issues for the police officers and allow them to focus on more important issues, but it might cause issues among students — especially seniors who have been waiting three years to park in the senior lot.”
12
Position: Yearbook Editor-in-Chief Time in organization: 3 years
“I really enjoy Yearbook, and I feel like I have a lot to contribute to the book. I wanted to take the leadership position and make the book the best it can be.”
“This year I hope we keep the flow of the class the same. I also want people to enjoy themselves during yearbook while getting work done at the same time.”
Position: Executive President Time in organization: 3 years
“We are hoping to have it be one of the more organized years, one of the years we train future leaders better, and gather increased school spirit.”
Position: C-Team Captain
Time in organization: 2 years
“I really want to achieve things the former captain couldn’t achieve and create a bigger bond between the team. I also want to carry on the legacy of K$.”
“I want to make the yearbook good and something everyone can enjoy.”
| feature august 2024 design by emma mcatee
“Something we want to do different is the idea that StuCo is going to take control of the morning announcements and show every aspect of the school.”
“I want to continue the traditions, team spirit and hype circles. I’m going to try to add my own type of spice to the mix and make things unique for this season.”
Mary Elizabeth Putthoff, 12
Why were you given your middle name?
“My parents thought it sounded good with Mary.”
Do you like it? “Although it is a very common middle name, I think it is a very pretty name.”
Do you like having a more commonly used middle name? “I enjoy being able to share a middle name with so many people. I have met many Mary Elizabeths, and I think it is so fun to have names in common.”
Would you change it if you could? “No, I wouldn’t change it. I love my name, and I love carrying the symbol of my family. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Emma Grace Unrein, 10
Why were you given your middle name?
“My mom really liked it, and it reminded her of God’s grace that she was having me.”
Do you like it? “Yes because of the meaning behind it, [but I also] don’t like it because it’s deemed as a basic white girl middle name.”
Do you like having a more commonly used middle name? “Yes — everyone knows how to spell it.”
Would you change it if you could? “I don’t know what I’d change it to, and my family calls me Emma Grace.”
Charlie James Lynn, 12
Why were you given your middle name? “James is my middle name, and it was named after my mom’s maiden name to honor her father who passed away before I was born.”
Do you like it? “I like it. I think it suits me well and some people call me Charlie James.”
Do you like having a more commonly used middle name? “I really don’t care — it’s easy for people to guess.”
Would you change it if you could? “I would change it to Adam Bartholomew because I gaslight people to believe that it’s my actual middle name.”
Elizabeth: 40
Ann: 40
James: 34
Marie: 31
Grace: 32
Lila Marie Schlagel, 11
Why were you given your middle name? “My great grandma was named that and was very close to my mom, who gave me her middle name.”
Do you like it? “I like it but it’s really basic — but the sentimental value is really cute.”
Do you like having a more commonly used middle name? “Yeah because when people guess it, they guess it really quick, and it’s easy to write out.”
Would you change it if you could? “No, I don’t think I would because I honestly don’t know what I would change it to. A lot of the women in my family have that middle name so it’s cute.”
Lily Ann Fitzpatrick, 11
Why were you given your middle name? “It’s my mom’s and my nana’s middle name so it’s passed down.”
Do you like it? “I like it because it’s simple but goes good with Lily.”
Do you like having a more commonly used middle name? “I don’t care that my middle name is common — I think it fits well with the rest of my name. People are [also] able to guess it quickly since it’s so common.”
Would you change it if you could? “No, I would keep my middle name.”
Violet Porter, 10
Senior Sibling: Lily Porter
How close are you?
“Closer than I want to admit — [we’re] very close.”
How do you feel about them leaving?
“Our mom is going to have a breakdown.”
How will the atmosphere at home change?
“It will be so much more peaceful and quiet.”
Reagan Gallentine, 10
Senior Sibling: Aspen Gallentine
How close are you?
“We’re friends. It’s like we chose this life, but we didn’t.”
What is it going to be like without them?
“Bad, lonely, sad — a lot of other bad adjectives”
How will the atmosphere at home change?
“It’ll be party time, but it’ll be sad party time. It’s like you’re having a party to make you feel better, but it’s gray and lonely.”
Danin Hokanson, 10
How close are you?
“We’re close, but we don’t see each other a lot because we’re busy all the time.”
What do you think their departure will be like after graduation?
“I think she’ll just be happy to be gone. She’ll finally not be here and get to do what she wants to.”
How will the atmosphere at home change?
“It’s going be a weird visual. I won’t see her around the house — she just won’t be there.”
Russell Franklin, 12
Younger Sibling: Annaleen Franklin
How close are you?
“I’d say we’re pretty close — we spend a lot of time together.”
What’s your favorite memory of them going to the same school?
“We would take turns driving because she got her restricted license.”
How do you think the relationship will change?
“We’re both feeling proactive, so we’ll definitely stay close.”
Sheridan Hokanson, 12
How close are you?
“We’re relatively close — we’re very, very similar.”
What’s your favorite memory of them going to the same school?
“We did the musical together. It was really cool because they love ‘Newsies.’”
How do you plan on staying connected to them?
“We share a lot of the same interests, so we’ve always stayed connected. Any time there’s new releases we talk about it.”
Alan Richey, 12
Younger Sibling: Myra Richey
How close are you?
“We’re pretty close. We’ve spent the last 10 years moving around the country.”
What’s your favorite memory of them going to the same school?
“We’ve done choir together. Having those last two years is probably the best memory I have.”
How do you think the relationship will change?
“If anything, as we both grow up, it will probably evolve into something that mirrors what it already is, just a bit more.”
gaby ayres | web editor
The South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) was busy this summer hosting a Father’s Day BBQ for all to enjoy. The event took place on June 15 and served a mix of food with an emphasis on Indian cuisine. Senior Adhvika Veerapaneni helped plan this event from her position as secretary.
“We met up frequently, typically at the park where we were hosting it, and we discussed the details and planned it out from there,” Veerapaneni said. “For food, we asked restaurants for donations, and since it was a charity event, most restaurants were willing to give us some free food.”
The Fathers’ Day BBQ was hosted in order to fundraise for the Kidney Federation of Indian and the downtown KC Hope Lodge.
“The Hope Lodge helps homeless people and the Kidney Federation helps people with medical issues in India,” Veerapaneni said. The event went pretty well; a lot of people showed up, and I think we raised around $2,000.”
The event was co-hosted with other local SASA chapters including Olathe North, Blue Valley Southwest and Blue Valley Northwest. For Veerapaneni, the collaboration between SASA clubs is key.
“The idea actually started [with] Southwest,” she said. “I’m excited about the collaborations with other schools and all the fun events we have planned [for the future].”
Veerapaneni’s favorite event was another joint celebration.
“My favorite event was the mock mehendi we collaborated with some other schools on,” she said. “It was really fun. It was a fake mehndi, which is sort of like a South Asian wedding ceremony.”
This summer BBQ along with any other function serves a joint purpose to build community and educate on South-Asian culture.
“SASA, to me, is like a way to spread south Asian culture,” Veerapaneni said. “It would be great if anyone came and supported [our future plans], they would have a really great time. “
cady reynolds | staff writer
With every incoming school year, a new wave of freshmen enter Blue Valley, all filled with anticipation and expectations for their first semester in high school.
So, what are they excited about? What are they planning on doing?
Freshman Devin Splittorff personally has a lot of goals for her BV career, especially ones revolving around sports.
“I am planning on playing basketball and softball,” Splittorff said.
On the other hand, Splittorff also is apprehensive to go into Blue Valley.
“I am a little scared,” she said. “There is more homework in high school, and there will be people I don’t know.”
This seems to be common thread in incoming freshmen as Hannah Marshall is also worried about homework management.
“[I’m most scared about] not having time to do homework,” Marshall said.
However she doesn’t seem to be frightened by the classes or new people as she said she’s “more excited than nervous.”
Both Splittorff and Marshall also have extracurriculars on their mind, ready to dive into new territory as well as continuing clubs they did previously.
“Tri-M and Spanish [Club] seem interesting,” Marshall said. “I would like to join FCA since I have done it all through middle school.”
Beyond getting involved in the school community, Splittorff said she has also received advice on getting through the transition to high school.
“[I was] told to create study habits to prepare for tests and to stay organized,” Splittorff said. 10| feature august 2024 design by cady reynolds
I’m more excited than nervous.
hannah marshall 9
Whodidyouseeinconcert, andwhatmadeyouwanttoseethem?
“I went to all the Benefleur concerts this summer. I’m friendswithsomeof thepeopleintheband.”
Howlonghaveyoubeenafanofthisartist? “I’vebeenafansincetheyperformedGoblinSandatFNL lastyear.I’vebeentoalltheirshowssince.” Whatdidyoulikemostaboutthisconcert?
“Themusicandthepeoplethere.Igowithfriendstosee themplayandseealotof familiarfaces.”
Zaida Awan, 12
Who did you see in concert, and what made you want to see them?
“I saw Hobo Johnson at the Truman. I wanted to see him live since I’ve been a fan of him for so long and had a feeling he would have good energy on stage.”
How long have you been a fan of this artist?
“I’ve been a fan of him since around 2019. I’ve never seen him live before.”
What did you like most about this concert?
“I really love how comfortable he was on stage and how open he is with his audience. I thought the show was great and the openers were also really cool.”
Noah Mack, 12
Who did you see in concert, and what made you want to see them?
“I saw Ken Carson — I wanted to see him because his music is meant to be played loud, and I’ve got other friends who are big Ken fans.”
How long have you been a fan of this artist?
“I’ve been a big fan for about two years. I’ve never had the chance to see him live before.”
What did you like most about this concert?
“I loved the energy from the concert. It felt like everyone there really loved his music.”
Kamryn Fisher, 10
School Essential: “A good stainless steel water bottle that will get you through [a] hard day of school.”
Why? “It’s good to stay hydrated, and when you’re really bored in class, it’s nice to drink water — then finishing your water [gives you] an excuse to get out of class.”
Mary Putthoff, 12
School Essential: “Definitely have deodorant.”
Why? “People stink — even if you put deodorant on in the morning, sometimes you need more at lunch or something; I hate walking around people who have the musk — I would even prefer Axe body spray over the smell of teenage boys.”
Stone, 10
School Essential: “Good walking shoes.” Why? “So you can get around to your classes faster without your feet hurting, especially if you play sports. Sometimes when I need to get to class really fast [my feet hurt].”
May through June
Esami sandler | staff writer
very summer I’m so excited to spend eight or so weeks relaxing, traveling and hanging out with my friends — but this summer was different.
My parents told me I needed to have a summer job. I didn’t want to spend my off-time working, but as I began to work, I noticed multiple benefits and now plan to continue working during the school year.
I applied for jobs before the school year finished and ended up having two different ones. My summer got busier as I picked up more hours, but I managed to find time to relax and be with friends.
While waking up early to work was not a summer highlight I got into a routine. I was able to keep myself busy and be more productive.
Though I had a busy summer with two jobs, trips and summer assignments, I learned so many valuable skills. I gained a new sense of responsibility, started to make money that I can save to pay for college and got a glimpse of adulthood.
It’s important to apply for jobs you have real interest in and that seem fun to you. Having to work somewhere you
do not feel comfortable or happy at can lead to a loss in motivation to work.
Teens can be extremely busy during the year with schoolwork, extracurriculars and other activities. All these things added up can make students feel easily overwhelmed and then avoid taking on a job.
However, the benefits of being employed, even if schedules only allow working once or twice a week, are impactful to a teen’s confidence and independence.
Students should consider having a job because of the life skills they teach, including responsibility and finding a sense of purpose. Time management, people skills and money management are all additionl benefits having a job comes with.
While my summer wasn’t as relaxing as I originally hoped it would be, I still found a way to work and make money while also having fun moments with my friends and family.
The Tiger Print Staff acknowledges the content in this article may elicit unwanted reactions from those struggling with their mental health. Please read at your own discretion.
emma mcatee| editor-in-chief
In the busy moments of our lives, we often take for granted those we hold close to our hearts.
The recent loss of a vibrant member of our school community serves as a reminder of the importance of life and friends we make along the way.
As we mourn the passing of our peer, many may feel the need to reflect on the impact of mental health and the value of reaching out to one another. As we go about our grief, it is so important to understand that mental health is as critical as a person’s physical well being.
Many people struggle silently and may even feel isolated in their own feelings; during moments like these, small acts of kindness can make all the difference. It’s important to remind ourselves and those around us, that it is OK to not be OK.
We need to help each other to become more open in expressing our emotions, seek support from those we love and utilize resources that are available to us.
To reiterate the importnace of seeking help, life often throws challenges our way and behind all the smiles and laughter, individuals carry burdens that we cannot see.
By this statement being the reality we live in, it shows the importance of being present for one another. Due to the busy lives we live, it is easy to become absorbed in our own little world and overlook signs of someone we care about
being in distress. Whether it’s a friend, family member, classmate or teammate, everyone has their own battles and a simple conversation or act of love can provide the support they need.
As for Claire, she was loved by everyone in our school community. She was a great leader, a caring friend, an amazing pole vaulter, an avid painter and so much more. She left such a positive impact on everyone she interacted with, even if it was just a smile passing through the hallways.
Claire brought such a light to Blue Valley, and she will always be remembered in our hearts. As we reflect on the importance of mental health and the importance of caring for our loved ones, let us become more attentive and compassionate.
Each and every day is a reminder we will never fully understand what someone else is going through; however, we can choose to be there for our loved ones. Embrace that the idea of love and support can truly change someone’s life for the better.
By holding our peers close, we can truly make a difference in their lives. Hold your loved ones close, and truly cherish the time you have together.
You are cared for. You are loved. You are important.
loving memory of Claire Hannasch
A caring friend, teammate and leader
emma mcatee | editor-in-chief
Before the start of the school year, seniors gathered in the front parking lot by the football field to paint jeans with school colors and designs to show their spirit.
