Students return
TIGER
the blue valley high
Poker craze sweeps BV nation
P R I N T
Issue 1 Vol. 34 Sept. 17, 2004
Bringing home the Bacon Scott Bacon assumes principal position after stint at Pleasant Ridge Middle Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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student walks down the hall, eyes cast down. He looks up uneasily, not sure what look will shoot back his way. Suddenly, the authority figure smiles broadly. The student’s eyes lifts and he smiles back. One more student feels at home in BV’s halls now. Principal Scott Bacon wouldn’t have it any other way. “Relationships are what it’s all about,” Bacon says, in his matter-of-fact way. By his voice, one can’t help but realize he is serious. Aug. 18 brought about a new era in Blue Valley’s history as Bacon takes over for Dr. Dennis King who is now Executive Director of School Improvement. After a stint in Nebraska, Bacon began his career at BV, serving as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. He returns now amid praise from colleagues, faculty and students alike. “I knew he would be a great match for the community as Graduated from Augusta High 1979 Born 1960
Graduated from Wichita State 1984
Bacon timeline
principal at BVHS,” former principal Dr. Dennis King said. “He is an extremely dedicated educator who is always looking for strategies to make school a better place for students and teachers.” Praise from Dr. King carries weight as he resigned after one of the most successful years in Blue Valley’s academic history. Last year’s seniors contributed to the best ACT and SAT scores in school history. The current senior class has achieved the standard of excellence from the state of Kansas in reading, writing, math. They are the first class to ever achieve these standards of excellence. “He has great communication skills,” Spanish teacher Anita Lemons said. “He’s idealistic and very positive and a real people person.” Lemons reiterated Bacon’s premise about education. Relationships, not status, really are what it’s all about at Blue Valley this year. “I hope you can’t find me in this office,” Bacon said, “because that means I’m where I want to be: out in the classrooms watching students and teachers. I enjoy interacting with the students.”
The Scott Bacon Profile
Returns to BV 2004
Received Masters 1993 Became principal Began BV career of PRMS 1989 2002
Began teaching 1985
name: Scott Mitchell Bacon birthday: Oct. 29, 1960 height: 5’11” weight: 185 eye color: Blue hair color: Brown favorite professional sports: Football, Bass fishing favorite college sports: Wrestling, Football
Falling sports, rising expectations Test scores reach all-time high Senior Bobby Bennett lines up to hitt the sled at football camp in July. Football, soccer and cross country begin the season with high hopes after trips to state last year. Volleyball, tennis and golf look to improve with returning lettermen and another year of experience. See fall sport previews, page 10. Photo by Brandon Lutz
Katie Beye
Students outscore entire district, second best in Overland Park Adil Shabbir Assistant Editor
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lue Valley High School students have once again raised their level of academic achievement. Last year’s test scores on annual tests show improvement from prior years. When the students took the Kansas State Assessments, 93.1 percent scored a proficient or higher rating. As a result, the school has met the State Standard of Excellence in reading, writing and math. “We were the only school in the district to get all three,” counselor Tonya Merrigan said. In addition to meeting the standard of excellence, students also scored very high on the Advanced Placement test in various subjects. “Eighty- two percent of the students who took an exam scored a three or higher,” Merrigan said,
Andrew Baldwin
Kristen Trum
Congratulations National Merit Semifinalists
“which is the highest percentage the school has seen in a long time.” Teachers feel that the improvement is a result of one vital part of testtaking, preparation. “It doesn’t matter how smart the students are if they don’t prepare,” AP U.S. History teacher Mark Klopfenstein said. “In reflecting back, last year’s class prepared better.” AP students are proud of their accomplishments and agree that preparation is vital in scoring well. “I was happy and surprised that I got such good scores,” AP student Katie Beye said, “but I worked hard for them.” Students also scored an average of 589 on the verbal section and 599 on the math section and an average composite score of 1188 on the SAT. Both the math and composite scores are the highest Blue Valley has ever seen. This success in the classroom is a result of the school wide effort, administrators say; however, they feel the students deserve most of the credit.
Front page edited by Kyle Rogers
Senior countdown: days
2 NEWS Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal
Sept. 17 ,2004
While you were tanning Blue Valley students kept busy during the summer at camps, tournaments Newspaper and Yearbook staff members attended the Kansas Journalism Institute from June 20 to 24 at the University of Kansas. Six BV students attended the institute:Andrew Robinson, Kyle Rogers, Shay Alford, Brandon Lutz, Brady Skjervem and Maneeza Iqbal. Students learned about new design trends and how to
apply it to high school publications. In certain sessions students learned how to edit stories. The camp also concentrated on writing techniques and effective interviewing skills. The Blue Valley cheerleaders attended a cheerleading camp at Butler County Community College from July 27 to 30. The camp focused
‘Making a
on jumping techniques and new cheer materials. The BV cheerleaders learned 15 chants, three dances and five cheers. At the camp, the cheerleaders came home with seven trophies: two for extreme routine, two for home routine and three for spirit. The National Forensics tournament was in Salt Lake City, Utah from June
12 to19. BV sent juniors: Eric Min, Brett Bolton; seniors: Matt Crooks, Kristen Trum, Katie Beye; and graduate TJ Trum. At the tournament, T.J. Trum placed sixth in congress. Kristen Trum, congress, and Beye, commentary extemp, both reached semifinal rounds in their events. Min reached the octofinal round in orginal oration.
BIG school seem
Speaking Briefly small’ small
Federal grant allows Blue Valley high schools to change academic structures Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief
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with their career paths.” Last year, teachers from each of the high schools wrote grant proposals based on the idea that students learn better in smaller environments. The high school submitted the grant proposals collectively because there was a better probability of the district receiving the funding than the individual high schools. The grant is flexible so that if the proposal needs to be changed it can be; however, the grant does not allow the funds to go toward hiring new teachers or paying teachers.
tudents walk across the stage, their gowns all pressed and their hats fitted so they won’t fall off. However, many of these students don’t have any idea what they plan to do during college. Other students have an idea for a potential major, but they didn’t take any classes during high school that will help them prepare. “We have students who want to major in business, but they don’t take business classes,” teacher The Plan Karen Nixon said. “Students are not To meet the goals and the paramfocused to the point where they can eters of the grant, BV will adopt the reach a high position of success.” small academies concept. A handThe Blue Valley school district has ful of teachers will teach a small a plan –– it will help students focus group of students core subjects- Enon the future and help them get conglish, social studies, math and scinected to the school. ence -with in the academy that corThe Blue Valley high schools reresponds with the grade of the ceived a $1.4 million grant from the students. According to Department of Education in July. Nixon, this will The grant will fund the planning, allow for a development and training needed stronger to implement the small learning bond communities program at the high beschools. At BV, teachers will focus on stronger bonds and more opportunities. Phase in juniors and “First we need to meet our goal seniors to make students feel more connected to our school,” counselor Sandy Fryer said. “The second piece, or the career piece, is to Phase in sophomores have students unPlan career academy derstand the electives we offer and match them Phase in freshmen
tween teachers and students and more opportunities to answer questions and to do activities. “The best way to summarize [the concept] is to make a big school seem small,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “We have a big school and it is getting bigger each year, and we want every student to get the attention he/she needs.”
The Setup As students graduate to the next year, they will transition to the next academy. As ninth graders, students will start in the freshmen transitory academy. The academy will be an extension of freshmen advisory that goes into the classroom. Sophomores will enter the interest academy where they will take interest and career surveys. “[The interest academy] is to help students find their strengths and their area of true interest,” Nixon said. “[The career academy] will help students utilize their strengths toward their true interest.” The juniors and seniors will enter into the career academy. The career academy will be broken into smaller academies, which will concentrate on a certain major or career path. Students will be able to work with other students that have the same goals and teachers who will be able to teach the students subjects that pertain to their area of study. According to Fryer, the career academies will help students understand the relevancy of school to their future and help them focus on areas of interest. “We have students who want to major in business, but they don’t take any business classes,” Nixon said. “Students are not focused to the point where they can reach a high position of success.” Also within the career academy, students will be able to find internships or shadow a professional in their field of interests. According to Fryer, the experience students will gain from the shadowing will strengthen college applications and illustrate a sense of maturity to the universities.
Plan interest academy
Plan transitory academy
Time frame for phasing in the academies
The Blue Valley Stridin’ Tigers under the field direction of senior Carly Fogle and junior Eric Min started their season early in August with their annual band camp. The Stridin’ Tigers will head to their first Bands of America Regional Championship Sept. 25 in Pontiac, Mich. They will perform at 8:15 in the morning on Saturday. The trip to Pontiac kicks off the competition season for the Tigers. On Monday Sept. 27 the Tigers perform in the Blue Valley District Exhibition at Blue Valley Northwest. By Andrew Robinson
The first Eastern Kansas League leadership conference, sponsored by student council, was at Blue Valley on Sept. 8. All schools but Blue Valley West sent representatives to BV to discuss the topic “Leadership and Teamwork” with students from the other high schools. Dr. Tom Trigg was the keynote speaker, addressing the audience for 30 minutes. The students broke into small groups to discuss and share ideas about how organizations function at each EKL school to improve leadership at within the entire league. By Kyle Rogers The Stridin’ Tigers and Drill team sponsored a garage sale on Sept. 11 in the commons. The band raised about $1400. The band and drill team sold everything from household appliances to furniture. Parents of band and drill team students donated the items. By Andrew Robinson
The debate season kicks off today. The first tournament of the season will be at Fort Scott and Washburn Rural. Tomorrow the novice squad at Blue Valley West and Open tournament will be at Leavenworth. The resolution this year is: The United States federal government should establish a foreign policy substantially increasing its support of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. By Maneeza Iqbal
Audtions concluded on Friday, Sept. 3 fo this year’s fall play will be an adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath written by John Steinbeck. The play, opening Thursday, Nov. 4,takes place during the Great Depression and follows the Joad family’s struggles as they are forced to leave from their Oklahoma home to find work in Califormia. Tom Joad (Tosin Moronhunfola) joins thousands of others looking for work during hard times. One time preacher Jim Casy (Matt Crooks) joins the Joad family on their journey. By Matt Galloway
NEWS 3 Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal
Homecoming approaches; students pick perfect outfit for red carpet Emily Kuykendall
part for the guys” Ster said. “Half of the time, the guy’s date will just pick out his outfit for him.” Most guys seem to go with the trolling through the dress classic dress shirt, tie and slacks, shop, junior Amy Ster shuffles while others may choose a nice suit. through a wide variety of dif“Getting the right dress that you ferent colors and fabrics. Nothing love is the hardest part,” she said. seems to catch her eye, but there are When shopping for Homecomstill many more shops to visit and ing, there is the matter of finding a many more dresses to see. She is store and getting a reasonlooking for the perfect homecoming ablypriced dress that dress that will wow her date and one loves and stand out in the hundreds of pictures y: y ld that no one a that will be taken. k o d fri Roc &G else will While the Oct. 2 Homecoming k c Day : a have. Then weekend is drawing closer, l ay ld B there is still the istime for making arrangei sd u y r W sue of finding the perments is winding th ild est Da W W ern fect shoes and dazzling down. Not only are t y: te a es d jewelry to complete the attire many students a s W ne Priv d for this year ’s Homecoming still lookwe ing yan Day Dance Theme, A Night At the Osing for v R o Sa m cars. that a C e y: “We’ll have a big red carpet that perda eagu s y e L a everyone can walk down like at u son they r t D ajo orts award shows,” junior class vice want to go M p S president Krista Dunleavy said. with, but even : b y u l a C d “We can’t wait to see how it turns after that date is st ay on out.” found, many preparam akfa a D e am r As a take off on the Oscar Night tions are yet to be made. B aj P theme, each day during spirit week There are still dinner reservawill be named after a movie and tions, hair appointments and what will correspond with the theme of about the clothes? the day. “Getting dress clothes is the easy Staff Writer
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Junior Amy Ster tries to find the right dress at Jessica McClintock located at Town Center for Homecoming. Picking the perfect dress requires finding the perfect size, color, style, accessories and the right price. Students usually go to many stores to find the movie star look. Students will be ready for their close ups as they arrive at the red carpet on Oct. 2. Photo by Emily Kuykendall
Construction: Slows down traffic, causes problems for students Michaela Cross Features Editor
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THIRSTY?
Stop by Sonic FOR
A Route 44
Only 99 cents am to am Sonic Drive-In 8501 W. 151st Stanley, KS 66223
marked for general operating budgets in Johnson County, the money also went toward school street improvements. “This is the same construction that was added to [Blue Valley] West last year, and it has helped traffic a lot,” Archer said. However, the beginning of the school year saw slower traffic and hassles for students. It was especially bad last week when a portion of Nall was closed.
he Public Works departemnt of Overland Park nears completion of road improvements along 159th Street east and west at the high school. The project, costing $546,000, began Aug 18. It will make turning more convenient at Horton, Lamar and Nall. According to Joe Archer, senior engineer technician/project manager of Overland Park Public Works, the construction should be finished by the end of September. “We were supposed to be finished by the start of school,” Archer said. “However, the 13 power lines caused a month delay because they had to be moved away from The construction caused 159th Street to be narrower and harder to navigate through before and after school.However, the goal of the the street.” A 1/4 cent sales construction is to widen the road and make turning on to 159th street easier for students. Photo by Kendra Kruse tax, put in affect a couple of years “I was on my way to school,” junago in Johnson County, was used to fund district school improvements ior Jessica Katzenstein said “when a and was just approved for Blue Val- road block at 159th St. made me have to turn around and find a different ley High, Archer said. Though some of the money was way to school.”
4 OPINIONS Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Adam Lary
Bacon sizzles at BV Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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he 2004-2005 school year has already proven lively. Former principal Dr. Dennis King has moved on to district office and Scott Bacon took over with an excitability seldom seen by returning Tigers. Our new leader takes school spirit to the max, and I have to admit this quality is refreshing. Bacon opened the year with class meetings detailing how he believed Blue Valley High could be not only the best school in the district, but also the best school in the nation. We’ve heard about being the best before but never in such detail.
New principal brings measure of excitement to Blue Valley halls
Talking about being number one is lovely, but for BV to truly become the best school in the nation, teachers and students must agree upon the goal and work toward it. It is early in the year, but teachers already buy into BV’s new ideal. “You have to have something to look forward to,” social studies teacher Mark Klopfenstein said. “You want a reputation of being, if not the best, one of the best in the nation.” Spanish teacher Anita Lemons agreed. “I don’t think you ever reach the pinnacle, but you keep
New tardy p
trying to get there. If you think you’re there, then you stop getting better.” These teachers hit the nail on the head. Our school, while already successful, must continue setting goals and reaching for them. BV has accomplished great feats academically in recent years, but the new level of focus will only push students further. I am excited about this year. I’m excited because I’m a senior. I’m excited because of my activities. I’m especially excited because I get to be a part of Scott Bacon’s first year at Blue Valley. I have a feeling his name will be one known around the country in years to come. It’s a great year to be a Tiger, so I hope you’re as excited as I am.
Roger that
12 3
9
licy well received
6
Staff Editorial
Do you think the new tardy policy is better than last year’s?
YES: 73% NO: 27% Survey of 100 people
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lue Valley High School’s previous tardy procedure could not have been more pathetic. One would need the eyes of an eagle to find the slightest bit of logic behind last year’s method. It’s hard to even imagine the reasoning we had behind sending students who were two minutes late to school to wait in line for 20 minutes to get a pass from the office. One minute they’re drilling the importance of education into our minds, and the next they’re kicking us out of class until we get a pink piece of paper that says we have a 15-minute detention. Fortunately, the administrators realized how senseless it was to make the zillion kids who were late to school wait in one line for one lady to write a zillion passes. With the new procedure in affect, students who are late go straight to class and miss only the amount of time they were late. The teachers are then responsible for providing adequate punishment. The number of tardy students and the amount of class time they were missing was obviously a problem. Instead of addressing this problem by increasing the length of detention for being late, the administrators did the
right thing by changing the tardy procedure rather than the tardy punishment. By increasing the punishment, the administrators would be using force to motivate their students. However, by changing the procedure, the students are required to be self-motivated. The improved system also benefits the faculty. Now that the students go straight to class, the “One would need the eyes of an eagle to t e a c h e r s find the slightest bit of logic behind last don’t have to year’s method ” repeat instructions to late students. And now that the students aren’t waiting in lines at the attendance office, the administrators aren’t having to hand out 50 detention slips every morning. Ultimately, the new tardy procedure is a good idea. Students are able to miss the least amount of class. Teachers are not forced to reiterate lessons. And attendance office administrators aren’t filling out detention slips for the first half hour of their day. Everyone is happy.
TIGER PRINT
YES:
73%
NO: 27%
2004-2005
Editors in Chief: Maneeza Iqbal, Kyle Rogers
Entertainment Editor: Kim Hieber
In-Depth Editor: Andrew Robinson
Features Editor: Michaela Cross
Sports Editors: Michael Johnson, Adil Shabbir
Photo Editor: Brandon Lutz
Photographers: Shay Alford, Kendra Kruse, Autumn Fuller
Opinions Editor: Adam Lary
Artist: Garrett Griffin
Adviser: Susan Agee
Staff Writers: Nick Speed, Matt Galloway, Emily Kuykendall
OPINIONS 5 Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Adam Lary
Sound off: BV speaks out about dress code “I think it’s unnecessary because students can still be good students without enforced clothes.” junior
“It’s incredibly difficult to enforce, but I think teachers use their best judgment.”
“It’s kind of strict, but I understand the staff is trying to improve the school atmosphere.”
“People should be able to wear what they want as long as they don’t take advantage of that privilege.”
teacher Jason Peres
Neil Likens
sophomore Teal Marsh
senior Katie Anderson photo poll compiled by Autumn Fuller and Shay Alford
Dress code skimps on logic; clothes good idea Michaela Cross Features Editor
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ashion alert: tube tops, miniskirts and short skirts are this summer’s trend. It’s true that skin is in, but what horrible consequences does great fashion have? This year seemed different on the first day of school, and not just because it was a new school year. The faculty decided to enforce the dress code, and they were finally going to crack down on the students. They felt we got away with dressing inappropriately last year, so this is the punishment. This new crack down has students asking themselves “When did showing half an inch of midriff become a horrible sin?” And, the answer is different to whomever you ask. Ask a teacher and there will be something close to an exorcism taken place; ask a fellow student and he or she will give a light shrug or “whatever.” On the second day of school a teacher told a junior to put on a jacket because her shirt was too
short. When she turned around everyone expected a piece of cloth draped just enough to cover important parts, but there was nothing of that sort. The student had a shirt that sat just half an inch above her pants. Go anywhere in the school and most likely there will be one student being asked to pull down her shirt. To figure out the true problem, dig deeper into the media influenced world and see that really students are not to blame. Walk around any mall, surf around the Internet or channel surf and there will be hundreds of different models clad in clothes maybe not so appropriate for school. But, try to find something to buy other than pieces of cloth for skirts and tube tops for shirts; it’s practically impossible. Everyone is merely victim to this fashion trend, and if it causes a disruption then that’s what it takes to be fashionable.
The left side of each student demonstrates what girls and guys can’t wear to school. Right side shows appropriate attire.
photo illustration by Brandon Lutz
Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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irls groan. Guys sigh. The administration and staff caused a stir within the halls because BV’s dress code is now being enforced. Frankly, it’s about time. For the last three years, student attire has steadily become offensive and distracting. Some girls want to impress their male counterparts. Unfortunately, they are choosing to do so with their lack of clothing instead of their brains or pearly smile. Many guys enjoy seeing a pretty girl’s legs, but school is not the place. If they are looking at Sally Smith’s scantilycovered body, they certainly won’t listen to an English lecture. Girls may contend that their clothes aren’t that bad or that clothes makers simply don’t make conservative clothes, but I don’t buy it. I have seen young ladies in our halls who dress stylishly without an excess of visible skin. It may be difficult
to find “appropriate” clothes that still look “cute,” but it’s not impossible. So far, girls seem to have the most problem with the dress code. This is because males have been under teachers’ thumbs for the last three years over school attire. Many guys have been told to pull up their pants or change an offensive T-shirt, but until now, girls were allowed to wear anything short of thong bikinis to school. Finally, the sexism pervasive in recent years is over. Girls must adhere to the dress code with the same vigor guys have. If nothing else, the newlyenforced code is a positive because equality between the sexes will exist. It may be new, and it may upset some, but our school’s dress code is now in effect. Ladies and gentlemen alike may complain, but it will not change a thing. The only way to avoid embarrassing confrontations with teachers or calls home is to adhere to our administration’s wishes and follow the dress code. If everyone does this, our school will have far fewer interruptions.
Tiger Print staff announces 2004-2005 editorial policy The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229. The goals of this newspaper are to: 1. Inform accurately, objectively, fully and in depth. 2. Entertain 3. Provide leadership. Editorial comment will be frequent, but only within
editorials. 4. Adhere to journalistic standards and ethics. 5. Provide a forum within BVHS for the free exchange of ideas Letters to the Editor and other reader contributions are accepted and encouraged. In accordance with communications law, the standards of libel and obscenity will be upheld, and free speech may not be used to disrupt the educational process and must not attack anyone in a personal manner. Letters must be signed unless the editorials and managing editors agree that circumstances
warrant withholding the name. 6. Support and give publicity to school projects. 7. Validate the concerns of the students and BV community. 8. Acknowledge mistakes and correct them as soon as possible. 9. Avoid endorsing political candidates. Special Consideration for advertisements are as follows: 1. No political advertising is accepted. 2. No advertising for products that are illegal for high school students to use or consume will be accepted. 3. The Tiger Print staff reserves the right
to decline or edit any advertisement that conflicts with our editorial board philosophy. 4. The staff reserves the right to assign rates for its ad space, which will be according to the going rate for high school papers within the area. 5. The Tiger Print staff and its adviser are not liable beyond the cost of the ad for mistakes made within its design, editing or production. In summary, the Tiger Print will strive toward verbal and visual excellence. It will aim to be a vital part of the Blue Valley High School Community.
6 IN-DEPTH Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Andrew Robinson
The
d n e l in
r T
l a is
Blue Valley buys into game Nick Speed Staff Writer
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During the summer poker became all the rage. Now The Tiger Print takes a closer at the game that is one of this fall’s hottest gaming trends.
t’s taking this school by storm. It’s not a certain song or a catch phrase every one is using. It’s poker. Students have really embraced poker as their new favorite game to play during their spare time. ESPN broadcasts The World Series of Poker, which is a big poker tournament in Las Vegas. This show may be the origin of the new craze. “I really got hooked on poker from watching the show on ESPN,” senior David Tafreshi said. “I learned different tips and strategies so now I dominate everyone.” Although playing poker is thought to be more of a guy oriented activity girls aren’t hard to be found at local games. “I like playing poker with all of the guys,” senior Alicia Pollack said. “I enjoy it because all of the guys get really mad when I beat them.” Poker can be played almost anywhere. All you need is a deck of cards and something to bet with. “Clays (chips) are a little expensive to buy,” junior Jacob Tupper said, “so we just play with plastic chips we got from WalMart.” Some students prefer the nicer venues to play. They need felt tables, clay chips and reclina-roller chairs. “We play poker at my house a lot,” junior Kelly Bubeck said. “I have clays, a nice felt table and nice chairs to sit in, not to mention a pool table and a shuffle board, if you cash out.” Most of the time poker implies that money is exchanged; at Blue Valley the consensus is to play for pride. “I don’t have a lot of money to spare so my friends and I usually play for bragging rights,” senior Robert Bennett said. “I always win anyways.” Some of the more experienced players are unhappy with the victories of the sub-par poker players. “Bob (Bennett) won a game once when everyone else had to go home and now he thinks he’s the man, “Tafreshi said. “He’s not even that good.” For money or not, poker has proven to be a good way to spend your time with friends
The Games of Poker
No Limit Texas Hold’em
Omaha
Pot Limit Texas Hold’em
Blackjack Blackjack
Razz
Poker through the decades
1834: Jonathan H. Green calls poker a “cheating game”.
1875: The joker was introduced as a wild card.
1910: Nevada made it a felony to run a betting game.
1931: Nevada reverses its felony law on betting and legalizes casino gambling.
Currently: Poker is regulated by gambling laws.
IN-DEPTH 7 Page Edited by Andrew Robinson
Sept. 17, 2004
Gambling now could mean addictions later Michael Johnson Sports Editor
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e’ve all heard it: most addictions start young. This hasn’t repelled teenagers from smoking or using addictive drugs, and it’s not keeping them away from the newest threat of addiction among teens either…gambling. A simple pass-time such as poker may be driving teens into the beginning stage of a life-long addiction, and the severity is worse than most realize. This disorder can start as far back as early childhood from shooting marbles or flipping baseball cards. It escalates to popping quarters for pinball and video games, and then to betting money on sporting events or card games. Before you know it, you’re laying down sums of cash on anything you can. It’s a compulsive drive that can’t be stopped. “It seems that gambling is becoming more and more popular, so I wouldn’t be surprised if lots of people do become addicted, senior Paul Cantin said.” According to Health and Wellness, the teenage years are the most crucial in developing life-long pathological gambling habits because teens are bored and restless. Signs that show that a person may be an addictive gambler include betting increasing amounts each time one plays in order to keep the excitement, using gambling as an escape from stress or losing control of how much is gambled. “My grandpa still denies he’s a compulsive gambler even though it’s caused him a divorce,” senior Brett Farmer said. If precautions aren’t taken during the teenage years, many may experience future consequences, such as divorces, along with over half of the obsessive gambling population. fifty-three percent of spouses
Seniors Connor Humphrey, Adil Shabbir, Kyle Luetjen and Sean Kosednar gathered at the Humphrey home on the final evening of ESPN’s World Series of Poker last Tuesday to both watch and play. Photo by: Kyle Rogers
married to a pathological nineteen percent of these gamblers are bankrupt. Those that do manage to keep their spouses have a 43 percent chance of neglecting their children. It also leads to other addictions as well, being that 19 percent of teenagers with gambling addictions have other addictions, most of them revolving around the use of drugs.
Media Helps Popularity Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor
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ith a flip, a fold and a turn poker became all the rage during the past summer. With vast television programs on the cable side, both celebrities and professional players alike are showing their skills on the likes of ESPN, The Travel Channel and more. According to USA Today, over 50 million people play games like Texas Hold ‘em, Seven CardStud and more both at home and at casinoes. As for the popularity around Kansas City currently Argosy Casino does not currently have poker rooms, although they do offer Video Poker. With this it would make one believe that the poker craze is coming from the place that most other crazes come from, the old tube. The World Poker Tournament on the Travel Channel has three million to five million viewers weekly; and the World Series of Poker has been averaging one million households throughout the season. And what about the players who win the World Series of Poker? Well they rack in more money than Wimbledon, the Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby. How long will the poker craze last; well it’s tough to tell. If television brought the trend in, then it will most likely be the one to take it out.
8 FEATURES Page Edited by Michaela Cross
n i g n i Clock
Sept. 17, 2004
More students clock in everyday to become responsible adults
ew… plication, dress professional. i v r e t n i e h Getting t g up and dropping odffreasps pants. r kin When pic kirt and nice top o t. s r a shir ation. Girls, we button up ing off your applic a r. d n a s k c e manage ropp Guys, sla g with th r when d e in g lk a n . ta a k n e m w h Ask for a nly 3 hrs/ contact w bility is o keep eye a il d a n v a a e if il Sm ired t least rs./wk. a ect to be h h p 5 x 1 e k ’t r n o o w it up. D enough to and don’t crumple ’s rush hour. le ib x e fl Be ess lean the busin lication c ber it. r during e Keep app g nd remem a a n r a e m g a a n r a fo m k g Don’t as f the hirin mployers. e name o e th to r fo rd o k s A lden w o g a is y Flexibilit
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Illustration by Garrett Griffin
The Pros and Cons of Working Life
Students decide to work... Brady Skjervem Staff Writer
I
n the real world every student dreams of finally being on his or her own and being able to live without the help of his or her parents. Individuality is something most teens strive for and seem to find in work. Rather than living off mommy and daddy, students get out and make a statement through a job. Students learn the valuable skills including: financial management, time management and work experience. By going to school and working a job, teens have a way to pay for luxuries on their own, learn responsibility and step out a little bit. Jobs give students a bit of self-confidence when it is needed most in life. Life costs money and the sooner that is learned, the better. Cars, insurance, clothes and fun don’t pay for themselves and mommy and daddy won’t always be there. Paying for yourself is something most people like and it gives the feeling of accomplishment. With over 70 percent of American teens working a high school job sometime during their education, according to the National Consumer League, teenagers all over realize how important having a job is. Through teaching responsibility, time management, and giving an outlet to live a little, most students agree having a high school job is a good and Photo by Shay Alford needed thing.
...or not to work
S
ara get up!!!” someone yells from the floor be low. “Whhhhhhyyyyy....”you can hear from underneath a flood of pillows and blanket. “Sara...I won’t say it again; get up or I will never call you in again for being late!” replies the shrill voice. While looking at the glaring green lights changing every minute on the alarm clock, Sara mumbles to herself, “Why did I ever agree to take that job, money isn’t worth this.” Scenario sound familiar to some? It will once a job enters into the picture of your hectic life. School, work, sleep, school, work, less sleep and over and over again seems to be the routine of many high school students. Rather than focusing on studies and the occasional recreation, students are beginning to cram high school jobs into the picture. Trying to balance too many things at a time can be stressful and tiring to the average students. Teens are supposed to have a healthy 9.25 hours of sleep a night, but polls say the average teen is only getting six to seven. The extra cash flow from a part-time job may be nice every two weeks, but is it worth the work putting your body through the extra stress? Sometimes enough is enough. Again, balancing work and school, and to some even sports, can be a challenge just to stay sane. Working is a great way to earn some cash, but what happens when you get injured on the job and you’re knocked out for the season? It happens. Over 281,000 teens get seriously injured on the job according to the National Consumer League. With everything pulling students every which way, is it worth giving up your free-time, sleep and education just for a few extra bucks?
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ENTERTAINMENT 9 Sept. 17, 2004
NBC’s New Shows
Page Edited by Kim Hieber
‘Father of the Pride’ a bit crude
NBC’s P
Joey
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Father o f Pride Hawaii Medica l Investig ation LAX
Wednes days at 7 p.m. Fridays
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Monday
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Joey’s back for more Kim Hieber Entertainment Editor
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he same executive producers that brought viewers the hit television show, Friends, are filling that empty time slot with a new show called Joey. The show premiered on NBC on Sept. 9 with Matt LeBlanc returning in his role as Joey, where he moves out to Hollywood to pursue his dream of becoming a better actor. The essence of Joey lies in the fact that it’s a spin-off of the original hit show Friends, for those fanatic fans that just didn’t want to see that era completely end. The story behind the new show is both happy and sad. Joey has to say goodbye to a time when
his friends were all he had, but he is moving to California to have a chance to reunite with his family. After reaching Hollywood, Joey meets up with his sister Gina, played by Drea de Matteo, and then moves in with her 20-year-old genius son, Michael, who is played by Paulo Costanzo. Joey and book smarts typically don’t match as one can easily see from the show Friends; however, what Joey may lack in intelligence, he makes up for by being the best friend his nephew could ask for. This show may not ever live up to the reputation of Friends, but it can definitely spice up NBC’s primetime lineup for the fall. It will also prove to find a new place in the hearts of Friends fans in the upcoming weeks.
(voiced by John Goodman) and his wife Kate (voiced by Cheryl Hines) Adam Lary Opinion Editor try to move the process along, it ends rude, vulgar and downright up backfiring in a humorous, though funny. That is the best way to awkward, twist. The animation brings the voices to describe NBC’s new computeranimated comedy Father of the Pride. life and makes the characters believFrom whipped cream happy faces to able (or at least as believable as a carmonkey pheromones, this show is defi- toon can get). Though somewhat innitely not intended for younger view- consistent at times, it is still rather entertaining to hear a cartoon monkey ers (but certainly is for us). From the producers of Shrek and Shrek swear. This definitely isn’t Bugs 2, Father of the Pride made its primetime Bunny. All the voices are well cast debut Aug. 31. Airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and help the viewer get into the on NBC, the show takes place in an ani- show. But perhaps the show’s biggest mated version of Las Vegas. Attempting to create a panda breeding program, strength is the comedy. The subtle Vegas stars Siegfried (voiced by Julian presentation of the character Hunter Holloway) and Roy (voiced by Dave (voiced by Daryl Sabara) wearing an Herman) bring in a male panda (voiced Elizabethan collar makes one laugh by Andy Richter) to their “Secret Gar- out loud. Though the humor is rather den” and attempt to mate him with the rude at times (yet again, whipped local panda Foo-Lin (voiced by Lisa cream happy faces), this unsophistiKudrow). But when white lions Larry cated hilarity really separates this show from the rest. As a whole, Father of the Pride is good, but it just seems to be missing something. Many of the characters were underdeveloped, so the viewer doesn’t really get the sense of what each character is like, but this will likely be fixed in upcoming episodes. Though it didn’t quite reach the bar set by Shrek, Father of the Pride is definitely worth watching, especially for those who enPhoto printed with permission from nbc.com joy unrefined humor.
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VMA’s moved due to republican convention Matt Galloway Staff Writer
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ue to the Republican National Convention in New York City, the MTV Video Music Awards took place Sunday, Aug. 29, live from Miami, Fla. This marked the first time the American Airlines Arena hosted the awards in MTV’s 23-year history. The show was unusually mellow considering its history, but the night seemed more about the artists than the controversy. OutKast won the Video of the Year Moonman for Andre 3000’s catchy gem “Hey Ya,” but their highlight of the night may have been closing out the evening with a patriotic message to the
viewers. As they performed, red, white and blue balloons fell from the ceiling as the audience held up “vote” signs, urging the young viewers to get to the polls in November. This seemed to be the theme of the night as both the Sen. John Kerry and Pres. George Bush daughters made statements to the divided audience. Jenna Bush said, “We can all agree on the importance of voting.” Stemming from last years girl-on-girl kisses and Janet Jackson’s Super bowl debacle, MTV made sure the usually risqué program was on a short leash by putting a several second delay on the feed. Other than Christina Aguilera and Nelly grinding on each other during a performance (and who didn’t see that
coming), the show was calm and came off as a mature version past year ’s shows. The most surprising moment of the show came when Grammy winning piano guru Alicia Keys gave a passionate spin on her single “If I Ain’t Got You” with one of her idols Stevie Wonder joining her on harmonica. They followed the song by having Lenny Kravitz join them to sing a remixed Wonder classic, “Higher Grounds.” “It was a brilliant mix of old and new school piano,” junior and piano player Justin Vazquez said. “I liked the style.” Other notable moments included Usher winning his first Moonman for his collaboration with Lil’ Jon and Ludacris titled “Yeah!”
Photo printed with permission from Wire Image
“This is my first time coming up here– let me take my time with this,” an overwhelmed Usher said. “I’m so happy right now I don’t want to leave.” Jessica Simpson and little sister Ashlee Simpson sang solo tracks during the show and before it, respectively. However, neither was able to win her first Moonman. And Jay-Z ended his storied run as a rap artist by winning four Moonmen including Best Rap Video - for his controversial hit video for his single “99 Problems.” The video depicts Jay-Z being shot to signify his career ending. For a night that hip-hop ran the show, it was surprisingly more calm and modest than everyone expected. Although that may seem boring to some, maybe MTV has gone back to its roots of celebrating the music and videos rather than the controversy.
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10SPORTS Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Michael Johnson
Pass the mike
Player
Senior
Sport: Volleyball Position: Middle Hitter Grade: 12 What’s your favorite part of the sport? When someone on the team gets a kill What’s your least favorite part of the sport? Conditioning, but it pays off in the end Do you have any pre-game rituals? We pound it What are your goals for the season? Make it to State and have a winning record.
Tackling athletics Health concerns arise
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Lee’s Summit North cross-country runner collapsed and died last week after a JV meet. A nineyear-old boy died the week before from overworking himself for football tryouts, and another cross country runner a few years before that. The annual death of an athlete is getting scary. Athletes should better prepare themselves for competitive sports so accidents like this don’t happen. The whole idea seems ludicrous. How do people just die from working out? It must have to do with the somewhat dangerous mind-over-matter aspect of sports. Athletes continuously hear from coaches, “your body can do more than your mind thinks it can do.” Talk like this offers motivation to push an athlete through extreme conditions. However, a body needs to be properly prepared to get through such conditions. “We get plenty of water breaks in football,” senior Tyler Wisdom said. Water is the first key. During these crucial first few weeks of the fall season, the heat will make sweat fall like rain. Coaches do all they can to properly hydrate athletes during practices, but water should be constantly flushed through athletes’ systems all day long. “The heat hasn’t been that bad this year,” senior Louie McClendon said. “We’re getting a big break from previous years. Wrestling is the dangerous season.” This is true. Wrestlers overcome some of the toughest mental obstacles in sports. Making weight continuously denies the body food and water, only to be worked harder. Wrestlers work in hot rooms with sweat pants on and minimal food in their bellies for much of the season. This is great, but only when done wisely. “I lost 15 pounds in one night for a match once,” Junior Max Miller said. That’s not wise. Wrestlers are only allowed to lose 15 percent of their body weight, which is a state regulation to ensure safety. Other than abiding by regulations, proper hydration is all that prevents fatal accidents in any sport.
Ali Pollock
Nick Biagioli
Senior Sport: Football Position: Cornerback, wide receiver, punt return Grade: 12 What’s your favorite part of the sport? Intercepting a pass or returning a punt What’s your least favorite part of the sport? Conditioning, such as back peddling up hills, 40yard sprints and bear crawls Do you have any pre-game rituals? I like to give myself a little “Nick Time” to think about the game What are your goals for the season? Defend the title and beat BV West
Olympic Reflections Matt Galloway Staff Writer
T
he 2004 Summer Olympics from Athens, Greece, wrapped up on Sunday, Aug. 29, with a multi-cultural celebration ceremony, ending one of the most record setting Olympics in history. The United States delivered on its goal of 100 all-around medals, but not without controversy in Men’s Gymnastics. Kansas City native Maurice Greene won the Bronze in the closest finish in Olympic history; the top four finishers were separated by only four-hundredths of a second. Swimmer Michael Phelps lived up to the hype by tying another Olympic record– eight all around medals. Five students voiced their reflections. * “I liked the swimming the best because I used to swim.” junior Jess Prelogar * “Women’s judo because the German’s got the upset win.” ` junior Ryan Ogden * “The women’s beach volleyball because USA won and afterward they jumped on each other.” junior Darrin Hicks * “Women’s sand volleyball because they’re hot and undefeated.” senior Mikhail Mendizabal
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SPORTS 11 Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Michael Johnson
What happens in Fargo stays in Fargo Baker twins represent ‘work hard, play hard’ theory Brady Skjervem Staff Writer
What Happens in Fargo stays in Fargo. “All I can say,” Grant Baker says with a smirk, “womanizing did happen, but that wasn’t the only thing that happened in Fargo.” Summer seems to be the time for people to relax, kick back and enjoy the sweet times of freedom from school; however, others just work and make the most of it. Grant and Keaton Baker are twin brothers who both went to the national wrestling championships on July 24. Placing in the top 40 in both Greco and Freestyle wrestling doesn’t mean the fun stopped there. The Bakers used their “work hard play hard” theme to make the most of the week in Fargo. Starting the road-trip with a speeding ticket and a lecture on identity theft by a police officer (due to the collection of old ID’s Grant carries with him in his wallet, including women’s ID’s), the Bakers had anything but a normal trip. Getting lost on the way up there didn’t help after the incident with the cop, but to top it off Keaton decided to pick up a hitch-hiker at a gas station in the middle of nowhere. “I just sat there in the back, half sleeping, waiting for the guy to make a move, so I could start kicking him in the head,” Grant said. Losing in the first few rounds of wrestling gave the
boys time to stretch their legs in the great city of Fargo. “We were the only ones who drove up on our own, so we shuttled everyone [the Kansas Team] around. We had a car that barely fit five people and we somehow got nine people crammed in, not to mention one kid had to ride in the trunk,” Grant said. “We were cruising along when we realized a cop was following us. Of course, Keaton had to race into the nearest parking lot and hit an oncoming speed bump at about, oh I would say thirty miles an hour.” “The car seriously flew over it and all we can hear is this ‘UHH!’ coming from the trunk,” Keaton said. “We couldn’t stop laughing and rather than stopping, we just kept on driving crazy to see what noises would come from the back.” The fun didn’t stop in the car. The entire team decided to stir up trouble on the swirl slide at the local pool, where all the wrestlers decided to go down at the same time. The lifeguard at the top was getting so mad he turned off the water. “We were just shooting in as fast as we could. There were probably 18 of us at one time on the slide,” Grant said. “It was crazy. All you heard was the screech of skin being rubbed off on a dry slide. The guys were in so much pain.” Even through the crazy times, Grant and Keaton said they learned a lot. They are excited for this next wrestling season to roll around, where they are expected to take first at state by teammates.
GrantBaker fights to put his opponent on his back at State last February. Grant finished as a State runner up. Photo submitted by Grant Baker. Keaton Baker’s victory last February at the State tournament motivated him to compete at Nationals in Fargo, S.D. Photo submitted by Keaton Baker.
Sports in Short Football Head Coach: Steve Rampy
Highlights from past games: Freshman Andy Heyen’s lone goal won the game against BV Northwest last Monday. Shut-out went to senior Sean Kosednar. The Tigers lost to Aquinas 7-0 on Sept. 11.
Assistant Coaches: Ken Braden, Eric Driskell, Jeff Tupper, Anthony Orrick, Rick McNerlin, Paul Brown
Upcoming games: BV North on Sept. 20, Ottawa on Sept. 27, Lawrence on Sept. 28
Returning Varsity: Senior Geno Waters, senior Casey Donahoo, senior Nick Biagioli, junior Cody Scribner, senior David Tafreshi, senior Bobby Bennett, senior Nick Speed
Quote from player: “I think we will go far in State. There’s really good team chemistry and we have some awesome freshmen that will up our game,” Leutjen said.
Highlights from past games: Junior Tywon Hubbard rushed 148 yards against Manhattan. Total offense rushed over 400 yards.
Volleyball
Upcoming games: Great Bend today, BV North on Sept. 24, Aquinas on Oct. 1 Quote from player: “We have a strong tradition and a great program at BV. I think we will be successful this year,” senior Peter Brown said.
Head Coach: Keil Pittman Assistant Coach: Kathy Spalitto Returning Varsity: Senior Ali Pollock, senior Kaley Miller, senior Leanah Heather Highlights from past games: Kaley Miller had two pancakes. Upcoming games: Louisburg on Sept. 25, Ottawa on Oct. 2
The football team practices on the practice field for today’s game against Great Bend. Photo by Brandon Lutz
Soccer
CC Head Coach: Diana Huber Assistant Coach: Marsha Parr Returning Varsity: Senior Brad Chinery, senior Andrew Vance, junior Michael Ivanuska, senior Brandon Marcurella Highlights from past games: At Paola, the boys team placed first. Ivanuska placed first, Chinery placed second, Marcurella placed fourth, and Vance placed ninth. The girls placed fourth as a team. Freshman Devin Wregers placed fifth. Upcoming games: Lawrence on Sept. 21, Miege on Oct. 5 Quote from player: “When it starts to hurt, we run faster,” senior Brad Chinery said.
Quote from player: “We’re a young team, but we’re excited about the season,” senior Ali Pollock said.
Girls’ golf
Tennis
Head Coach: Jim Laughlin
Head Coach: Nelson Elliot Assistant Coach: Azie Taghizaden
Head Coach: K. Dean Snell
Assistant Coach: Kayla Bruce Returning Varsity: Junior Ashley Ratliff, junior Anna Frazier, sophomore LeAnn Stilley
Returning Varsity: Junior Kristina Cassone
Highlights from past games: Won two tournaments against Blue Valley North and Olathe South last year.
Highlights from past games: Against Olathe South, girls had a good comeback win.
Upcoming games: Heritage Park on Oct. 12, Metcalf Ridge on Oct. 16
Upcoming games: Great Bend on Sept. 29, Bonner Springs on Oct. 6, Regionals on Oct. 11
Quote: “Ashley Ratliff was chosen as one of the top 10 golfers in Kansas City,” coach Jim Loughlin said.
Assistant Coach: Liz O’Brien, Kelly Edwards Returning Varsity: Senior Kyle Rogers, senior Sean Kosednar, senior Kyle Luetjen, senior Sam Swirczynski, senior Austin Lucansky, senior Scott McQuinn, junior Calder Sagen, senior Ryan Wallace.
Quote from player: “We were off to a rough start, but with all the players and new coach, we’re getting along a lot better and we’re really acting like a team,” Cassone said.
LIFE IN PICTURES12 Sept. 17, 2004
Page Edited by Brandon Lutz
IT’S THAT TIME A G A I N . . . Ahh, the joys of summer, from catchin’ rays by the poolside, to going to athletic camps for those players among us. These were memories of yesterday, But school has begun. Along with the beginning of school, Blue Valley has also welcomed new teachers, as well as the freshman class. “I love high school,” freshman Kaitlyn Lutz said. “It’s just different than Blue Valley Middle.” Seniors also anxiously awaited the coming of school because seniors get all the amenities, including the ability to have “exclusive” access to the senior parking lot or having a ridiculously easy schedule. Senior Danielle Billings said, “I think that the coolest thing about being a senior is not having to be here all day. You could be here for five hours instead of seven.”
Kick it, kick it good! During soccer camp, sophomore Morgan Snell practices his passing technique. Summer camps occurred all summer, spanning dates anywhere from June 5 to July 30.
Do I fit? Senior Danielle Bacon tries her new locker on for size. The class of ‘05 had the opportunity to choose their locker location for the 2004-2005 year before school started.
Listen up, kids. Secretary Margaret Upchurch explains to incoming students how the filing system works at her desk. Freshmen toured the office during Freshmen Class Day Aug. 20
Sign me up. Seniors Keaton and Grant Baker write down their measurements for caps and gowns, which they will be wearing on graduation day. Aug. 5 was also the day to get credit checks by the counseling department ,as well as cap and gown sizing.
Ahh, sweet soda. Freshman “You can learn a lot from a box of crayons.” Spanish teacher Tina Martinat explained at a freshman meeting. Martinat is the club sponsor of “It’s Up to Us,” a group dedicated to helping students make smart decisions.
Nicole Defranco takes a swig of her soda at the allschool pizza lunch on Sept. 6. The school was awarded the lunch because last year’s students test scores made Blue Valley a state school of excellence in all three subjects tested.