The Tiger Print — February 2015

the

TIGER PRINT newspaper

Blue Valley High School — Vol. 45 — Issue 5 — February 2015 — Overland Park, Kansas

Broad Beliefs: Students of diverse faiths refute misconceptions, share ideologies, Pages 15-19.

Photo by Sophia Ragomo.

2 inthenews February 2015

inside this issue NEWS 2

FUNDING FUN Activity money distribution gives each a fair share

page 3

OPINION

7

THREE’S A CROWD Tips for maintaining healthy romantic relationships

page 7

FEATURES 12 A THOUSAND WORDS Stories behind faces reveal more depth than what meets the eye

page 22

ENTERTAINMENT 25 DREAM DATES Valentine’s Day ideas and advice for singles, couples page 25

SPORTS 28 KEYING IN Both basketball teams demonstrate leadership, success

page 29 Visit bvtigernews.com for extra stories, pictures and more

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus.

Stories by Sheila Gregory.

Page designed by Sheila Gregory.

national news explained

KANSAS BUDGET CRISIS Kansas is facing a serious budget deficit problem within this fiscal year and an even greater one after that. Due to the deep reduction of income taxes for businesses and the wealthy alike, Kansas is short $280 million. Since that revenue was lost, Gov. Sam Brownback took millions of dollars from the reserves, which leaves an even larger gap of $436 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Budget cuts are 4 percent across the board and even more from certain departments like highways and parks. Some of the most notable cuts are $600,000 from the Department of Aging and Disability Services and $14.5 million from early education programs.

Why is this a big deal? The budget cuts, which might be able to fill the hole temporarily, leave no long term solution for the imbalanced spending and taxation.

Brownback has not provided the option to raise the income tax for those who have not been paying as much — which some view as the most plausible long-term solution.

CHARLIE HEBDO The French satirical magazine, “Charlie Hebdo,” was attacked by Islamic extremists Wednesday, Jan. 7 killing 12 people. There may be significant links to the terrorist cells in Al-Qaeda who took offensive to controversial cartoons published by the magazine.

Later that week, a French policewoman was gunned down by Al-Qaeda member Amedy Coulibaly. He was also responsible for the hostage situation in a Jewish market outside of Paris, which resulted in the death of four of those hostages and eventually his own when he was shot by police. Coulibaly and two others rampaged the magazine.

The other two were brothers, Said Kouachi and Jan Kouachi, who were both killed by police after a widespread manhunt separate from the hostage situation.

Why is this a big deal? While this is one of the worst attacks France has suffered in recent years, support has been coming from all nations and religions. Muslims have condemned the violent attacks and stood with solidarity during the silent march, Sunday, Jan. 11, along with 4 million others. This may be the end of peace, however. “Charlie

Cuts have just been announced, and — however unfortunate for Brownback — the education budget is already underfunded, and legally, no money can be taken from it. In actuality, the state may have to add an additional $500 million to its budget.

Brownback was narrowly reelected in November, and residents are angry the budget deficit problem wasn’t discussed during his campaign. As of now, it seems no solution will leave government programs untouched.

Hebdo,” still exercising their freedom of speech, printed a new issue with a picture of the prophet Mohammed — which is strictly forbidden by the Muslim religion. Throughout the world, people have been protesting the release of the magazine. This divide and fear among religions and countries is exactly what the terrorists want, and if it continues, they win.

Spreading the wealth

February 2015 inthenews 3

Sports, activities receive funding based on need, student participation makaylanicholis staff writer Every year, Blue Valley hosts a wide variety of clubs, sports and activities for its students to participate in. To accommodate student activities, bowling lanes are rented, golf courses are paid for and football equipment is updated, among others.

But where does all the money come from to uphold so many different passions?

BV came up with a solution to solve this issue many years ago, and now Athletic Director Matt Ortman has upheld the responsibility.

“A lot of it was in place when I started this position,” Ortman said. “[Former athletic director Bob] Whitehead established it. I don’t know what reasoning he used to establish it, but I just kept it going.”

Teams at BV are rarely simply given money to play, Ortman said. A lot of the time, students participating in events will raise money through their games or shows.

“When we are taking tickets, all that goes back into our general fund — so all the entry fees, if we host a tournament, attending

RAISE your VOICE

any games — that all goes into just one pot every year,” Ortman said. “And also, the activity fees for activity passes all go into one general fund, and I divide that out among the different teams, the different clubs and the other areas we have to budget for.”

With so many choices, it could be a problem to make sure everyone gets a fair claim to the funds. Ortman said student participation decides how much money each activity will receive. He also said the cost for upholding the ability to participate in tournaments and matches decides how much money an activity will get.

“For golf, we have to pay for the practice fees,” Ortman said.

“We have to pay for tournaments, so that tends to be a little more expensive than cross country where we don’t have to pay to go play at these events. So that also determines how much money goes into each of their budgets.”

However, not all the money that a sport gets comes from the general activities fund.

“To be honest with you, it’s not a lot of money,” Ortman said.

“It’s not really going to solve all problems, and that’s where the PTO comes into play. If a group or organization or team needs to get additional funds, we can go to the PTO. They support all the sports and activities, clubs, everything.”

Which sport or activity do you think gets the most funding?

“I think the football program gets most of the funds because we just built a multi-million dollar stadium for them — they get new equipment every year. I think the band and choir get a couple hundred bucks a year, if that. So, it’s just completely disproportional funding.”

— senior Parker Russell “I think they all get equal funds. It would be more fair that way.”

— junior Brendan Fletcher

Fletcher

Russell

“Football, because that’s the only thing people care about. I’m mad because the swimming pool isn’t even the right size, so we can’t have any home meets, which is just a pain because our parents want to watch and they don’t want to have to travel all over. The pools are supposed to be 25 yards, and ours is 25 meters, which is a big difference, and it’s just a pain. Every other school in our league has a 25-yard pool, and then we just spent millions of dollars on a new football stadium for people to sit, and there’s not even enough room for, like, 20 people to sit in the swimming room.”

— junior Anna Arends

Arends

“Probably the more popular sports and activities. I know a lot of the money goes to the football teams, and the cheerleaders get more money than the dance team does. It doesn’t personally affect me, but I don’t think it’s right. Everyone should get the same amount of money, and certain clubs or activities shouldn’t be favored more than others.”

— junior Madeline O’Donnell

O’Donnell

Page designed by Makayla Nicholis.

4 inthenews February 2015

Get Involved

Shedding some light on the clubs around Blue Valley

Stories by Chloe Breau and Grace Gearon.

Fashion Club

Ultimate Frisbee Club

President: Junior Josie Lewin Summary: Talk about latest trends and popular styles.

When: Wednesdays during TCB Where: Business teacher Ashley Scheuerman’s room

President: Senior Eli Kahn Summary: Chance for Ultimate Frisbee players to play on a casual team with friends.

When: During the fall season, Sundays at 1 p.m. During the winter season, Wednesdays after school.

Where: Blue Valley High School football field

“Our goal is to eventually do a charity fashion show in the spring or next fall. We also have a bulletin board at the end of the senior hallway that highlights our own trend of the month.” — Lewin

“I like playing Ultimate. I have played since fifth grade, so it is fun to play with kids from my school.” — Kahn

Pokémon Club

Chess Club

President: Freshman Caroline Newport Summary: Play the new Nintendo DS Pokémon games and sometimes play traditional Pokémon card games.

When: One Thursday a month Where: Science and Leadership teacher Azie Taghizadeh’s room

President: No elected officials Summary: Play others with a variety of different chess backgrounds and abilities in order to become a better player. Optional tournaments.

When: Tuesdays after school Where: Math teacher Richard Gill’s room

“Everyone there loves Pokémon, and I love Pokémon. We can sit and play the video games for an hour after school.”

— Newport

“I like having a variety of people to play against. If a lot of people show up, then you have a pretty wide range of competition.” — Senior Nick Williams

Restaurant Club

Gay-Straight Alliance

President: Junior Madison Wilkins Summary: An opportunity to broaden students’ cultural horizons and experience new food and restaurants.

When: First Thursday of the Month Where: Science teacher Charlena Sieve’s room

President: No elected officials Summary: Talk in open discussions about LGBTQ issues in the community.

When: Every other Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.

Where: Spanish teacher Jill Gouger’s room

“I like being able to have an excuse to go to restaurants.”

— Wilkins

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus.

Page designed by Chloe Breau and Grace Gearon.

“My favorite part about it is everybody is welcome, regardless of your sexuality, your race, your ethnicity — it’s a totally safe environment. Everything that is said there stays there.” — Senior Ryan Edmonds

February 2015 inthenews 5

Debate team takes second at State

Demonstrating a traditional Bollywood dance, the Diversity Club performed at last year’s assembly.

Diversity Club sponsor Manal Siam said the club has an important impact. “It’s easy in our school setting to say we aren’t diverse, and it’s easy for people to think diversity is only the color of your skin,” she said. “Diversity Club is trying to change that through everything they take part in.” Photo by Darcy Dehais.

ifrahsayyada staff writer

Celebrating Cultures Diversity leaders opt for alternative to annual assembly rachellock entertainment editor In addition to the week recognizing the many types of diversity at Blue Valley, the annual diversity assembly has been changed to an all-new format.

Diversity Club President junior Mercedeh Tavacoli said Tiger Time lessons on Feb. 19 and 26 will provide information on different BV organizations. “[Students] will rotate and go to different groups such as GSA, REbeL [and] Special Education,” she said. “That way, we can get the point of diversity across more.”

Diversity Club sponsor Manal Siam said the change came from student responses.

“The advisory committee felt like some acknowledgment of certain issues and subgroups was still missing in our school recognition and diversity assemblies,” she said. “We felt the audience was most receptive to presentations from within our school community, so this year we are highlighting a few of those and having [students] rotate through what they have to offer.”

Tavacoli said other activities will promote the club’s message.

“We are doing a diversity week, so people can dress out for that the same way they do for Homecoming or Sweetheart,” Tavacoli said. “We are also doing a fundraiser [through Tiger Time], so people can also participate. The winning Tiger Time will get a treat.”

Siam said the new approach will keep

students more attentive to presentations.

“Every year, I think we have to fight harder and harder to keep young people engaged because there is so much out there — both positive and negative — to take away their attention,” Siam said. “Mixing it up with the way we go about it keeps expectations fresh.”

Tavacoli said there will be an after-school diversity performance students can attend.

“I think the change will be beneficial in sending the message because last year, there was a lot of disrespect during the assembly,” she said. “People weren’t able to hear the performances or actually listen.”

Siam said she is proud to be a sponsor of the Diversity Club due to its impact on the BV environment.

“This year our leadership is outstanding, and they are making things happen,” Siam said. “They are like-minded people who share a common goal. Diversity is about everything — sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, race, ethnicity, gender, religion and so much more. I think our Diversity Club does the best they can to discuss these issues as a club and spread knowledge and awareness to those who are willing to listen.”

Tavacoli said diversity is an integral part of BV’s identity.

“I think [Diversity week] shows the school and the community how diverse we actually are because people don’t usually think of Blue Valley High School as a diverse area,” she said. “Everyone thinks everyone is the same, but in actuality, we are all different — that’s the point of diversity.”

You are talking so fast you can’t breathe.

You are trying to fit in every point before the timer stops.

You finally finish your killer speech that crushes the opponent into millions of pieces.

You know you argued well.

Blue Valley’s State debate team prepared for another chance at reclaiming the title they won last year. State debate was Jan. 1617 at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas.

The four-speaker team of seniors Emma Gunnar, Emily Milakovic, Arjun Prakash and Paige Waldberg finished second in the 6A division.

The two-speaker team of junior Alexis Vance and sophomore Caitlin Riffer advanced to the first bracket of final rounds but didn’t make it past this.

Juniors Elyse Kats and Joe Nicol finished in the top 16 in the two-speaker division.

Waldberg said the team had prepared for State the whole season.

“We have work nights every Wednesday where we collaborate as a team,” Waldberg said. “Most of the work is done outside the debate classroom, though. I frequently practice giving speeches in my bedroom until my parents yell at me to be quieter.”

The other two-speaker teams were junior Gennifer Geer with senior Sam Reber and sophomore Sarah Baghdadi with sophomore Maria Gnoza.

Debate coach Chris Riffer said he is really proud of the season and the team as a whole.

“When you have high expectations, like our school does for debate, it might seem like a let down to not win, but to be a runner up to a quality school like Manhattan, there’s certainly no shame in [losing],” he said.

“They are a great school, and we debated really well to be in that position.”

Waldberg said although the team didn’t meet its expectations, they still were satisfied with this year’s season.

“Even though we didn’t finish how we wanted, I’d still consider state a huge success,” Waldberg said. “Manhattan was a great team and they got ahead of us in the very end. We did our best, and so did they.”

Page designed by Rachel Lock.

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February 2015 outloud 7

friends don’t make friends third wheel so annoying....

Tip #3: PDA — we get it.

We understand you adore your boyfriend or girlfriend, but there’s no need to show it off in the hallways at school. Those couples making out in the hallway? No one likes that. There’s a time and place for affection, but school is not it. Holding hands and the occasional hug is completely acceptable, but the second your lips touch, it’s past being cute — you’re deep in obnoxious territory.

Tip #4: Don’t post it all.

If your past 10 Instagram or Twitter pictures are of your significant other, put the phone down. There is no need to post every picture ever taken of you two to show the world you are a couple. The best couples are the ones who keep their privacy and modesty. Your relationship is personal — between you and your partner, not between you and all of your followers. Maybe instead of spending all your time uploading, you could spend some time going on a nice date, one both of you can appreciate.

You finally get the boyfriend or girlfriend you wanted, but it’s not exactly what your friend wanted. Ever since you started dating, he or she barely talks to you, and you find it hard to carry a conversation. You feel like you and your friend are growing apart, but you don’t know what to do about it. But, it’s not your friends job to fix the relationship — it’s yours.

Tip #1: Leave some time for your friends.

Make sure you still hang out with your friends. Especially if they don’t have a significant other, they really notice your absence. Your friends will quickly become annoyed with you if you only talk to them when you can’t find your boyfriend or girlfriend. Balance your time between your friends and your partner. Your friends are going to feel like you don’t care about them if you suddenly drop off the face of the planet, and they never hear from you.

Tip #2: Don’t be “that” couple.

“We like…”

“We do…”

“Our favorite…”

Your friends will hate this. Since when did you become co-dependent? You’re your own person, and, surprisingly, you were before you started dating your boyfriend or girlfriend. Don’t mix up your pronouns. You’re allowed to have your own opinions, wants, likes and dislikes. Just because you don’t agree on something doesn’t mean your relationship is over — you’re not a “relationship goal” Twitter account, so be the couple you’re comfortable being.

Tip #5: We know you “love” each other.

Love is a meaningful and powerful word, and throwing it out to either get something you want or to make your relationship “official” is not the way to use it. Honestly, do we as teenagers really have the capacity to fully and truly love someone? We mean really feeling it, not just saying that four-letter word. Society as a whole overuses the word love in everyday life, when it’s not an everyday feeling between you and your partner. Make sure when you say you love someone, you feel it deep in your heart.

Photos by Isabelle Allen.

Story and design by Charlotte Rooney and Courtney Carpenter.

8 outloud February 2015

Shattered Glass Broken windows theory applied at BV compromises respect for students

mollyjohnson photography editor You, as a Blue Valley student, get in trouble for arriving 30 seconds late to class.

Parking in a spot that was not assigned to you is punishable by a parking ticket.

Even wearing a beanie could get you an office referral.

Why? The Broken Windows Theory, of course.

In the ‘80s, when New York City was less admired and more of a Compton atmosphere, the mayor came up with a solution to lower crime rates.

Essentially, the theory is to make the small things a bigger deal so the real problems never happen. In NYC, the theory was applied by arresting people for graffiti so no one would dare com-

Photo by Riley Miller.

Page designed by Riley Miller.

mit murder. It worked.

Since then, the theory has been adopted all over the United States.

Now, maybe the administrators of BV didn’t plan on using this theory, but we can all probably agree they do a great job of applying it.

Can you honestly say you’ve ever skipped school? Even on senior skip day? Having your guardian call you out doesn’t count. Probably not many of you have.

None of us would easily get away with it when female students get in trouble for showing shoulders.

Maximizing this theory and our high graduation rate are why BV was named a Blue Ribbon school in 2012.

We’ve all been hypnotized into thinking coming to school 12.36 seconds late entirely knocks out our chances of having a successful future.

We are “the best school in Kansas” because they can control us.

We are not worthy of being a Blue Ribbon school.

We do not treat one another with respect.

We may test well.

We may shut up when we’re told to.

But a school should not aim to be run like a city.

The safety of BV is incredibly important, but the administration has taken it too far. They may be trying to better prepare us for our future, but reigning over us is not the answer.

Yes, common rules are needed to prevent chaos.

But, a stricter dress code in the spring will prepare me for nothing other than to accept the fact that as a teenager, I will continue to be powerless. It is confusing that sweat pants are school-appropriate or professional, but a skirt above my finger tips, even with tights, is scandalous.

Taking this theory to such an extreme is simply unnecessary.

It shouldn’t go so far that our respect is compromised.

The administration needs to seriously consider treating us with more respect and less control.

You have control of us. The least you could do is smile in the hall rather than looking us up and down for flaws.

Perhaps it’s not meant to be this way, but I, along with a plethora of students feel uncomfortable at school every day.

February 2015 outloud 9

staffeditorial TIGER PRINT newspaper the

Cartoon by Mandy Novicoff.

Complex process for changing students’ class schedules begins too late staff editorial

22

agree

0

disagree

Months before the beginning of a new school year, students sign up for classes they want to take when school starts back up.

One would think that months would be enough time to get all these classes straightened out.

But among nearly 1,600 students with seven classes each, CAPS, limits to class sizes and the availability of courses at only certain hours of the day, the entire process quickly becomes quite a mess.

When students get their schedules back, they are not satisfied more often than they should be.

Getting these schedules changed is an even bigger mess.

Now, in theory, we, as students, should better prepare from the beginning by not choosing classes we aren’t interested

in as our alternates because we “probably” won’t get into them.

But, in reality, students’ interests are constantly changing. Even if we do choose all of our classes according to what we want to do with our lives, that doesn’t mean they’ll apply to what we want to do six months to a year later.

In order to change schedules, students first have to go to the office and see what classes are available in the hour they want to change by referring to the master schedule, which isn’t too easy to figure out when the office is swarming with a bunch of angsty teenagers who don’t know how to say, “Excuse me.”

Not to mention, with multiple students changing their schedules all at once, the master schedule isn’t always correct as far as what classes are and aren’t full — complicating things even further.

Once that’s completed, the students’ parents and teachers have to sign the schedule-change form.

When a teacher takes personal offense for your dropping their class, it can be a very uncomfortable conversation.

After that, the counselors do their best to change the students’ schedules in a timely manner.

During this process, students fall behind in the classes they’re trying to switch into and awkwardly sit in the back of a class they don’t want to be in.

So, the question is, why can’t we do something to make this an easier, quicker process?

Why can’t schedule changes take place earlier instead of at the beginning of each semester?

Is it really necessary for students to break a teacher’s heart, when in reality, they’re just trying to take a class that will better prepare them for college?

Altering the process of schedule changing by spreading it throughout the year will make things easier for counselors and students alike — and ultimately less stressful for everyone involved.

editor-in-chief Sally Cochran

adviser Michelle Huss

managing editor Gennifer Geer

photographers Isabelle Allen Sophia Ragomo

photo editor Molly Johnson news editor Sheila Gregory opinion editor Riley Miller features editor Maddie Davis entertainment editor Rachel Lock sports editor Matt Antonic

cartoonists Mandy Novicoff Christine Rice staff writers Chloe Breau Hope Brown Courtney Carpenter Grace Gearon Megan Hegarty Lauren Huesers Makayla Nicholis Charlotte Rooney Ifrah Sayyada Alli Williams

“The Tiger Print,” published seven times a year, is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrations of Blue Valley Unified School District #229.

Letters to the editor are encouraged for publication. “The Tiger Print” reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content. Letters should be submitted to Room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Overland Park, KS 66085

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Single girls don’t cry

February 2015 outloud 11

Lack of relationship status not worth distress

isabelleallen staff writer & photographer Heart-shaped doilies and romantic dinner reservations go underway as Valentine’s Day comes up on the calendar.

Your friends, siblings and even your parents seem to have the perfect day planned, along with a special someone to spend it with.

You, however, don’t.

But, never fear, the fact that you’re single does not indicate a flaw in your social life — it indicates your normality as a teenager.

No matter the circumstances, you’ve probably thought about how you want a significant other or why you don’t have one.

The way you should end this train of thought is that you don’t need one.

Whether or not you have a significant other should not define you or your values.

It may not be in your “life map” to lack a significant other during high school, but you will find someone, it may just a little longer than you expect.

On the bright side, being single does have its perks, so take advantage of them.

Aside from the common chivalry of having your dinner paid for, being single doesn’t always mean you have to spend your weekends alone — or even worse: stuck with your parents.

Do something you love. Go to the movies. Hang out with friends.

Do anything to keep your head away from daydreaming about the guy or gal you don’t have.

Even if you do choose to spend your Valentine’s Day alone at home, don’t sweat it — I will be, too.

School rules not meant to ‘oppress’ sallycochran editor-in-chief At some point in your life, if you don’t already, you will have a job.

It could be anything from flipping burgers to managing a small group to being a multi-millionaire CEO. No matter what occupation you find yourself in, there will be basic expectations.

And, I promise, you will be expected to be on time.

Along with its plethora of other goals, Blue Valley prepares its students to join the workforce.

If you are as offended when your future boss expects you to be on time as some students are when they are sent to Tardy Tracker, I wish you luck in finding employment.

Two of the most basic expectations — and, yes, rules — at BV are being here and being on time,

which directly translate to your future job.

The issue is more than just following these rules — it’s accepting the consequences of ignoring them.

If you wish to be late to class, you control your own destiny. Own up to your actions, deal with the consequences and move on with your life.

No complaining about how oppressed “If you are as offendyou are is necessary. ed when your future Speaking of future employment, boss expects you to unless you wish to become some sort of be on time as some exotic dancer, following our dress code puts you right on track for what to expect students are when they are sent to in a future job.

Nix that — you probably won’t be able Tardy Tracker, I wish to wear shorts, tank tops or many other you luck in finding clothing items the dress code does allow. employment.”

When you consider that going to school every day is essentially all students’ full-time jobs, being required to look “professional” (or at least not be hanging out of toosmall or otherwise questionable clothing) makes more sense.

Our administration is not “oppressing” us when they ask us to follow simple rules.

They are only trying to prepare us for work as well as other future experiences and make our school what it’s supposed to be — an effective place for learning.

At the end of the day, BV’s various rules do not define your school experiences. Your effort, academics, school spirit and other qualities will shape you as a person as well as your four years here.

Photo by Sophia Ragomo.

Page designed by Isabelle Allen and Sally Cochran.

12 upclose February 2015

Tapped

Out

From a distance they hear voices from the crowd swell in anticipation. There are only a few moments left of darkness before giving it their all under the blinding lights. They make sure their shoes are strapped on tight so there’s no chance

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of tripping while so much is on the line. Pushing aside the curtain, various members of the cast of “42nd Street” face the audience with months of rehearsal under their belts and the dance moves to prove it.

w ort h as Pe g gy Sa w y er a n

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o rd an [of work] a day,” Do eb Doebbeling said. “Usually be lin rehearsals are three hours, and most g as of the time, I’ll rehearse at home for about Ju lia two hours.” n While Doebbeling has one of the biggest roles, he said continuous effort is required on part of the entire cast.

“It takes a lot of work,” he said. “Even when you’re not on stage doing something, you always have to be paying attention and watching to know how everything is coming together. Even if you are just a minor role, you still need to do a lot of work.”

Ainsworth said while rehearsals can be arduous, the evolution of her character on stage is her favorite part.

“I love being in rehearsals when we’re blocking and seeing how it changes every time you do it,” she said. “You always do something different. You add something new, and I love seeing that.”

Both Ainsworth and Doebbeling said they were not expecting the lead even though their auditions went well.

“Honestly, I wanted to be a tap part,” she said. “I didn’t think I would get [the lead]. I’m a sophomore — I thought a senior would get it. I just wanted to tap.”

Putting everything she has into a performance can take a toll, Ainsworth said.

“After I do I scene, I just feel drained,” she said.

“But, at least for my character, she’s happy, so it’s pretty easy to convey. But still, you have to be so engaged in it.”

M

With the S largest parts and the plot : s ad revolving around them, leads of any e eL production are faced with hours of prepah T ration for the big show.

“Altogether I would say it’s about five hours h op

Musical roles composed of variety of parts

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Practicing her scene, sophomore Stephanie Ainsworth leads the cast. This will be Ainsworth’s first time as the lead role in a high school production. “In middle school [I had the lead in sixth and eighth grade], but this is my first role with bigger audiences who aren’t just parents,” she said.

February 2015 upclose 13 z Kat With a musical as tap-heavy as “42nd Street,” : p Ta junior Evan Katz said his years of dance l ia ec came in handy for the show.

Sp “I started dancing when I was 4, but [I started

n Eva

tap] probably around two or three years [ago],” he said.

The audition for the tap part was a separate dance piece Katz had to participate in.

“It went well,” he said. “I worked hard on the tap, of course. I could’ve done better, but I got [the role].”

Katz, along with the rest of the tappers, tried out for the show within “42nd Street,” called “Pretty Lady.”

“I’m a tapper and [the musical] is about a show, and the tappers are people who are auditioning for that show,” he said. “I’m in a couple dance numbers.”

Katz said there is more to his part than simply memorizing the dance.

“Memorizing the moves [is the hardest part], of course,” Katz said. “If I mess up or don’t get the sound right from the tap shoes, people can hear it and see it. Also [you need to] make sure you’re on time with the other dancers.”

Above: With their hands in the air, ensemble members of “42nd Street” rehearse after school. Along with singing, the musical relies on tap dancing. “It’s a pretty difficult show,” senior Jordan Doebbeling said. “It’s coming along pretty quickly, so I think everybody is doing really well.”

Right: Making their entrance, the chorus practices with their props. Junior Zoe Holyoak said the chorus comes with extra jobs. “We in chorus sing a lot in the background,” she said. “I know it doesn’t sound too exciting, but if people are on stage, it’s really hard to sing and dance at the same time.” Photos by Isabelle Allen.

ak H o ly o Zoe : r e Despite not having emb any speaking lines, chorus member sM u r o junior Zoe Holyoak said she appears in the Ch musical quite frequently.

“I’m in the regular chorus because I can’t tap,” she said. “All the other people in the chorus [and I] are basically dancers, and I’m in a different song since there are a few songs you have to audition to be in. It’s just being there when they need extra people to fill the stage to make it look like a more complete show.”

Without having a lead or supporting role, Holyoak said she was able to enjoy her fellow cast members more.

“The easiest thing [about being in the chorus] would probably be just getting to [have] more time to talk to people since I don’t have to worry about memorizing lines,” Holyoak said.

Ensemble members,

however, are not exempt from the hours of rehearsals, she said.

“We come in for practice every day after school,” Holyoak said. “I would say we put in a lot of time — obviously not as much as the leads — but all the numbers we’re in have all the cast involved. It takes a lot of time for everybody to be able to figure out where they are — especially with such a big group.”

Holyoak said she was optimistic for the show’s opening night.

“We’ve been working really hard,” she said.

“I’m so excited just to show everyone what we’ve been doing.”

Story and pages designed by Sheila Gregory

14 payin’thebills February 2015

7601 NE 38th Street KC MO 64161 Sales: (888) 448-6098 Service and Parts: (800) 598-2285 After Hours Support: (816) 413-3333

February 2015 indepth 15

Students follow variety of religions, explain beliefs

Sophomore Karishma Shah is a Vaishnav — one of the denominations of Hinduism.

“The most basic belief is reincarnation,” she said. “Instead of going to heaven or hell, we believe your soul will be removed from your body once you die, and you’ll be reincarnated into another animal or another human.”

As a devoted Hindu, Shah said she spends time practicing her religion when she can.

“I pray a couple times a day,” she said. “On Sundays, sometimes we’ll go to religious events whenever my mom’s close friends will host.”

Shah said she believes her religion is scarcely represented at Blue Valley.

“In Kansas, there isn’t a large population of Hindu Americans, so it can be misrepresented with all the stereotypes,” she said. “A lot of people around here don’t know much about it, but, globally, I think it is represented well.”

Because of the lack of education, Shah said there are many misconceptions about Hinduism, including Hindus having thousands of gods and worshiping the cow.

“One of the main ideas in Hinduism is that all life is sacred and important,” she said. “The reason the cow is important to our religion is because they are seen as nurturing and maternal creatures, and they provide milk. This is also why many Hindus do not eat beef.”

Shah said she learned about her religion because it played a big role in her childhood. “[I learned about it] through my family, and I went to religious classes when I was younger,” she said. “I still go to them sometimes.”

Shah said it’s important to respect and learn about other religions.

“Hinduism teaches that no single faith is better than another,” she said. “We believe all religions will lead you to a path of enlighten-

“We believe all religions will lead you to a path of enlightenment, and it is important we try to understand all religions.”

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Hinduism: Karishma Shah Story by Ifrah Sayyada.

ment, and it is important we try to understand all religions.”

Because of her faith-based childhood, Shah said she is close to her religion.

“I was born and raised into it, but the reason I haven’t converted [from it] is because I really believe strongly in it,” she said.

“It’s just part of who I am now, and I would never convert because it’s everything to me.”

Above photo submitted by Karishma Shah.

Other photos by Sophia Ragomo.

Pages designed by Maddie Davis and Gennifer Geer.

16 upclose February 2015

Senior Reid Montgomery said he is a Christian who doesn’t identify with a particular denomination.

“Christianity is the acceptance that you can’t do anything to ensure your eternity,” he said. “It’s the acceptance that Jesus died on the cross for us and took our sins, and we can’t do anything but accept that gift.”

Montgomery said although his parents took him to church at a young age, he made the decision to become a Christian on his own.

Senior “I did more research and decided to be a Christian,” he said.

Eli Kahn “That is important when you’re deciding something as serisaid as a Jew, ous as becoming a follower of Christ.” he believes in one Montgomery said he devotes eight hours on Sunday God who created with church and youth group to Christianity. everything and does “During the week, it’s every hour,” he said. not believe in The New “[Christianity is] not something you do just Testament. when you want to.”

“Originally, I went to a Jewish Although he is a devout Christian, Montgomery said he still respects those who have other preschool, so I learned some stuff beliefs. about Judaism there,” he said. “I “I don’t hate other religions or think less of anyone else for believing something differlearned some of it through my parents, ent than me,” he said. “You can have a lot of intellectual discussions with those people and the rest of it I learned from Hebrew that you can’t have with people of your religion.” school — I went there from kindergarten until Montgomery said he has questions about his own religion.

10th grade.”

“Just like every religious person, I’ve gone through parts of my life where I Kahn said he doesn’t regularly go to services was upset with the church or aspects of it. I have strayed away a few times, though he still devotes time to his religion. but I’ve come back stronger each time.”

“I spent summer 2013 in Israel and partook in various According to Montgomery, many Christian stereotypes are Jewish youth groups that furthered my Jewish identity,” he incorrect. said.

“People think that Christians are wrong, judgmental or He said he respects others with differing religions. crazy,” Montgomery said. “They would be half right. It’s just “Everyone is different and has their right to their opinion and relilike the saying, ‘A few rotten apples don’t spoil the whole gion,” he said. “A different background means a different culture.” bunch.’ Unfortunately, the people who have strong Kahn said there are many stereotypes about Judaism, and he wishes more opinions that are hurtful to others are louder than people were educated about the religion overall. the ones who are doing good.”

“Stereotypes about Judaism [are] that it’s a bunch of short, hairy men and Montgomery shared a few tips for people considering bec that all Jews are rich doctors,” he said. “The aforementioned stereotypes are the only ing Christians. thing[s] most people know about Judaism. I really like it when my friends ask me about “You’ll most likely feel outside of your comfort zone it because I can explain it and give people a different perception than what they have.” when you walk into a church,” he said. “All we Kahn said he thinks Judaism is represented well at Blue Valley, especially with the recently really want to do is give you a hug, sit you formed Jewish Student Union. down, learn about who you are and “Nationally, especially in America, it’s not represented horribly, but it’s also not represented too hopefully lead you to Christ. But, well,” he said. “Negative things in the news involving Jews always put a negative look on Jews in genevery relationship is a twoeral. [Late actor] Philip Seymour Hoffman’s drug [dealer] was Jewish, so that put a bad [reputation] on way street.” the Jews. Nationally, it’s represented well, but recently, Jews have been under fire all over the world, which is really sad.” doesn Kahn said his actions in daily life reflect his beliefs.

“I wish “I try to be the best person I can be, and I try to be nice and open-minded to everyone.” or hate — it’s

“[Christianity] is not something you do just when you want to.”

Prot Reid

“I really like it when my friends ask me about it because I can explain it and give people a different perception than what they have.”

Judaism: Eli Kahn Story by Riley Miller.

simple way of life just be a positive per

Isl

February 2015 upclose 17

Religions

Junior Zaynab Jamil said she practices Islam as a Sunni Muslim.

“My family is Muslim, so I was raised in that environment and religion,” she said. “I like all aspects of it, so I chose to stay.”

Jamil said she believes in monotheism.

“We follow the five pillars of Islam in believing there’s only one god Allah and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger,” she said. “We also believe in fasting in the month of Ramadan, giving charity and going to the pilgrimage in Mecca if you can afford it and if your health allows you to.”

Jamil practices the five daily prayers, attends Friday prayers when she can and reads the Quran.

Further symbolizing her faith, Jamil wears a scarf, called a hijab, on her head.

“It shows people that I’m Muslim Story by Maddie Davis. and that I like to cover myself,” she said.

“The main reason people do it is because it’s asked for us to do it in our faith, and people respect you because of it.” dering becomJamil said when she first started wearing the hijab, she wasn’t as comfortable with it.

“I was actually really nervous to wear [my hijab] on the first day of school, so I picked up my friend and asked mfort zone her if she would come with me,” she said. “Nobody really said anything. People complimented me on it, and some peol we ple asked why I wore it.” you Although Islam is a religion that relies heavily on faith, Jamil said there are many misconceptions about it, including associating it with terrorists and thinking women are oppressed and forced to practice Islam. , “[Those terrorists] are all of these uneducated people going around thinking they understand Islam,” Jamil said. “They try to justify their horrific actions by saying it’s in the name of Islam. They don’t realize everything they’re doing is prohibited in my religion.”

Jamil said she hopes people will realize Islam doesn’t advocate for brutality or terrorism.

“I wish they knew our religion doesn’t promote violence hate — it’s actually a really peaceful religion,” she said. “It’s a way of life, and it really encourages you to help people and ositive person.”

Represented

Students follow variety of religions, explain beliefs

Protestantism: Reid Montgomery

Islam: Zaynab Jamil

Story by Ifrah Sayyada.

“I wish [people] knew our religion doesn’t promote violence or hate — it’s actually a really peaceful religion.”

18 upclose February 2015

Atheism: Brittany Walsh

Story by Courtney Carpenter.

“I just think you should do whatever you want, not on the basis that you’re trying to get into Heaven.”

Senior Brittany Walsh has chosen her own path in regards to religion — atheism.

“Personally, I just believe that everyone lives life,” Walsh said.

“Once you’re done, you’re done. I just think you should do whatever you want, not on the basis that you’re trying to get in to Heaven. You should just do what makes you happy because that’s all you’ve got — one life.”

Walsh said she comes from a family of various religious backgrounds.

“My dad’s Catholic, and my mom is undecided, but she grew up a Jehovah’s Witness,” she said. “Personally, [the idea of religion] just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Although she has support from her close family, she said her extended family tend to not be as open to atheism.

“Some of my other family that are super religious, like my extended family, often think that I’m a bad person because I’m an atheist,” Walsh said.

She said she wishes people were more educated about atheism before assuming things that are not true.

“I think a lot of people think that without religion, you don’t have morals,” Walsh said. “But, I find that to be wrong. There’s a disconnect between the two that not Sophomany people realize. You know and have morals regardless of what more Victoria religion you grew up in.”

Roggy said she is a Walsh said although she’s a strong atheist, she’s underdevout Catholic. Every stands people associating with a religion. week she attends Mass, “I’m fine with other people having their own goes to two different youth different view,” Walsh said. “I don’t dislike any groups and prays a Rosary with religion — I think it’s interesting learning her family. about them. I just personally don’t agree Roggy has been Catholic since birth. with any of them.”

“I became even more Catholic around Walsh said she now doesn’t care my Confirmation,” Roggy said. “I was learning what people think about her about my faith more in-depth, and [my family] had and her religion. discussions all the time about it.”

“Usually people just

kind of make a weird face [when I tell them I’m an atheist],” she said. “The people that aren’t already super religious don’t really care — a good majority of people don’t care. But, of course, there [are] the few super religious people that think it’s bad. I tend to not really care or notice anymore.”

Catholicism: Victoria Roggy Story by Megan Hegarty.

February 2015 upclose 19

Mormonism: Sammy Draper Story by Gennifer Geer.

Sophomore Sammy Draper is a Mormon as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mormonism shares many beliefs with other Christians.

“We believe in God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit — not as a trinity, though,” she said. “We believe there’s a prophet on this Earth today and the priesthood is still on Earth.”

She said the general public has many misconceptions about Mormons, including being polygamists, worshiping prophet Joseph Smith and contradicting the Bible. She said pop culture contributes to some of these stereotypes, including the musical “The Book of Mormon.”

“I try not to view [the musical] as too offensive,” Draper said. “I know they don’t really want to offend anyone in particular, but a lot of the stuff they’re saying is not entirely accurate. A lot of people think of [Mormonism] in a joking manner, and we just try to ignore that.”

Draper said she wishes people would make an effort to learn the truth about Mormonism.

“We’re not a cult,” she said. “We have most of the same beliefs as other people [but have] a few She said different ones.” it doesn’t matDespite the difference in beliefs, she ter what religion said she supports other religions. you are, but believing “It’s cool people believe different things and interact with in something is importeach other,” Draper said. “I support what other people ant. believe, even if I don’t believe it.”

“Whether [you’re] Catholic Draper said the Mormons at Blue Valley repreor Jewish or Muslim or whatever sent the religion well. else, religion is really good to have be“A lot of students here are Mormon, and cause it’s setting your morals,” Roggy said. [they] are doing a good job of showing Catholicism is different from other Chrisour standards and being respectful to tian denominations, Roggy said. people,” she said.

“All the other Christian churches have branched She said she devotes time off from people who have wanted to change the every day to her religion.

Church,” she said.

“We spend an hour She said there are a lot of misconceptions about Catholics, before school at a including hating gay place called sempeople. inary, which is “The Catholic church class,” Draper said. “Church is three hours, and we Church does not hate have youth group activities on Wednesday nights for Certain gays, and God does about an hour.” beliefs in not hate gays,” she Though she said her time at seminary is a the Catholic said. “That’s not what great start to the day, Draper said a special Church affect her the Church [or] Pope experience involved the Kansas City political views, and [Francis] says.”

Missouri Temple. people judge her for them, She said people “We were allowed to participate Roggy said. judge Catholics based in a cultural celebration there,” “It’s hard to express you’re a on the few crazy people who call themselves Catholic but say things she said. “The prophet of Catholic and not get judged for your the Church doesn’t believe in. our church actually came beliefs,” she said. “My religion affects “They’re not looking at the normal Catholics who go to church to it. We got to meet how I think of issues such as abortion. every Sunday and know what they believe in [and] instead [are him, and everyPeople get so mad that I’m pro-life, and it’s looking at] the crazy people who just make things up,” she said. thing just made really frustrating.

I think you should be open to Roggy said she would have chosen to be Catholic even if she was sense.” people’s views and accept them.” born into a different religion.

“[Catholicism] gives me a sense of belonging and family.”

“Most of the things the Catholic Church believes in, morally, I believe in, too,” she said. “It always seems like everything points to being Catholic.”

“A lot of people think of [Mormonism] in a joking manner, and we just try to ignore that.”

She said being Catholic means everything to her.

“Catholicism helps me guide my life through ups and downs,” she said. “It gives me a sense of belonging and family.”

20 upclose February 2015

a new

audience

Rep Theatre class performs third grade students’ original stories at district elementary schools

sallycochran editor-in-chief There’s no curtain to rise and no stage to perform on.

Entering into an elementary school classroom, the second-hour Blue Valley Repertory Theatre students prepare to begin their performance.

It’s 1 p.m., and a room full of 8 year olds and their teacher eagerly watch.

The annual Children’s Show took place Jan. 22.

Preparing for the show started with the Rep Theatre class receiving about 15 short stories written by local third-grade students, which they turned into eight to ten minute plays.

After that, four of these scenes were selected to be performed at three feeder elementary schools, Blue River, Prairie Star and Sunrise Point Elementary schools.

Sophomore Skyler Jones said the acting style used by the Rep Theatre students changed for this performance’s audience.

“We have to watch some Disney, some Nickelodeon, see what comedy they do and just be more crazy,” he said. “We’re not going for the whole witty-comedy concept — we’re just trying to be crazy characters that kids like.”

Drama teacher Jeff Yarnell said turning childrens’ stories into plays can sometimes lead to interesting types of characters, such as a whale and a life-size iPad. “The way [those actors] move and the way they do their voices are very stylized and unlike the regular characters who are represented in the show,” he said.

Jones said directing “A Day in the Life of Sand,” one of the show’s scenes, involved casting the scene, editing scripts and setting benchmarks for the actors like “drop books” — when actors are no longer allowed to use their scripts.

Jones said the playwriting experience was a unique aspect of this show.

“It’s very different because we don’t get a ton of opportunities to make our own scripts,” he said.

“We usually do shows based on the scripts we get from professional playwrights. It’s kind of cool we get to use our vision.”

Yarnell said the experience is not only unique for the actors but also for the audience.

“I can’t imagine being a third-grader and writing a little story and then seeing big, high school kids turn my words into a show,” he said.

Yarnell said it’s also exciting to see the third-graders’ reactions.

“The kids treat us like we’re stars,” he said.

“They want autographs, and they want to sit by you and be around you.”

Yarnell said the interaction between the original author of the story and the theater students who transformed it into a play is a memorable aspect of this show. “[The child who wrote the story] will stand up and talk a little bit about it, and I really like the look in their eyes as it’s coming to life in front of them,” he said.

“Sometimes, we talk about the ideas they had or a character. Sometimes they name [a character] after themselves or a friend, so the kids think it’s pretty fun to have themselves represented on stage.”

An idea first presented to Yarnell by assistant principal Mollie McNally, who used to be a drama teacher at Shawnee Mission North, the Children’s Show has been performed annually for four years by BV students.

“I thought it was a really cool concept, so one third-grade teacher did it with us several years ago,” Yarnell said. “It has kind of grown to where we are now getting stories from a lot of schools and performing at a lot of places.”

Above: Leaning on a stool, sophomore Noah Patton watches a scene. He directed “The Mysterious Ring.”

“What I love about Rep Theatre is getting to do something I love with a group of people that I love,” he said.

Left: Sophomore Evan Phillips hides behind a prop.

He was in the scene “Goozak and the Three Children.” “[My] character is the villain, but, deep down, he isn’t a villain,” Phillips said.

Middle: Constructing a tower of blocks, sophomore Maili Cotter-Brown gets in character. She helped write a script from several submitted stories about bullying.

“We get to perform for a different audience,” she said.

Right: Sophomore Kelsie McFadden angrily stands up to her character’s bully. Five students worked on the scene with McFadden. “[Having student directors made] us work with their opinions, not just what we want to do,” she said.

Photos and page designed by Sally Cochran.

February 2015 upclose 21

you can’t stop the

beat

Band student discusses drumline dedication, group dynamic hopebrown staff writer

hours on Thursday night. Then, every other Saturday we have four hours [of rehearsal].”

Drumline consists of three types of drums — bass, snare and tenor — with each instruAbove the flutes, clarinets, trumpets, ment contributing a unique sound. trombones and other instruments, the “The basses have different notes — the booming music from the Blue Valley drumbigger the drum, the lower the note,” Shaffer line resonates throughout the gym for every said. “The snares are more rhythm, and the assembly. tenors add a volume to the sound.”

Junior R.C. Shaffer, a first-year member Shaffer said there is one overall drumline of drumline, said participation requires an enormous time commitment both in and out section leader, junior Kyle Dlugopolski.

Then, there are section leaders for each cateof school. gory of drums.

“Before school we have three weeks of “I was a tenor this year, so [junior] Jack band camp for percussionists,” Shaffer said.

Weber was our section leader,” Shaffer said.

“It’s nine hours a day. We don’t practice on “I listened to him and did what he asked, and weekends.” we cooperated. We’re kind of a close-knit Shaffer said when school resumes, drumfamily.” line holds practices outside of the normal Shaffer said the drumline season coinschool day. cides with the marching band season and “During school, we have an hour-and-alasts for two to three months while drumline half or an hour and 45 minutes on Monday, attends the same competitions as the BV Tuesday [and] Friday,” Shaffer said. “Then, band. we have block day for Wednesday and three “We only have four competitions that we go to, and then we have assemblies that are more for show,” Shaffer said.

“Really, our season is around the four competitions.”

Shaffer said he enjoys competing because of the performing aspect.

“I like when we travel to competitions, mostly because it’s exciting,” As students enter the gym, junior R.C. Shaffer plays the drum with fellow Shaffer said. “It’s drumline members. The band performed at the Sweetheart Assembly on Feb. 29. “The best part of every performance is when the entire drumline feels good kind of a thrill havabout how they played and [gets] positive feedback from the audience,” Shaffer ing other people said. Photo by Maddie Davis. watch you perform

Junior Branden Bienz strikes his drum at the District Marching Festival. Bienz joined drumline his freshman year. “Drumline is both a performance and a sport because it requires physical activity, but you have to make sure you’re all playing at the same time,” Bienz said.

Photo by Isabelle Allen.

something you’ve worked hard on for two or three months.”

Despite all of the effort exerted on drumline, Shaffer said drumline members consider each other family.

“It’s kind of like a family tree,” Shaffer said. “[Drumline instructor Alex] Vallar once called us his kids because he thinks of us like that. Sometimes we get on his nerves, but it’s just a family dynamic.”

Page designed by Hope Brown.

22 centerstage February 2015

HUMANS OF BLUE VALLEY Humans of Blue Valley is inspired by the blog ‘Humans of New York’ by photo journalist Brandon Stanton

“These guys are the dancers, but I also have a passion for music, so I produce the vast majority of the music we dance to.”

— junior Alex Buchert What is your happiest memory?

“When I went to Young Life camp in Minnesota.”

— junior Joe Schuchardt

What do you want in the future?

“I want to be a computer programmer [and] possibly go to MIT.” — freshman Asa Abrahamson

What’s one word to describe you?

“Black-dynamite.”

— sophomore Ari Joseph

What’s something you wish people understood?

“I wish people wouldn’t think they were higher or above someone.”

— junior Lucy Hall

What’s one thing you love in your life?

“My family. I love being with them. I probably say that because my mom’s in Pakistan right now, so I’m living with my sister.”

— junior Zainab Zahid

Photos by Courtney Carpenter, Ifrah Sayyada and Isabelle Allen.

Story and page design by Courtney Carpenter.

What’s your favorite thing about yourself?

“My smile — I like to smile a lot. I don’t stop smiling. I smile underwater.”

— freshman Kyra Redstone

Why do you love Blue Valley?

“My favorite thing about Blue Valley is the debate team. Everybody in debate, or at least all of my friends in debate, are so close, and we all have really nice conversations. We just have a good time.”

— senior Sam Reber

What’s your best memory of traveling?

“This is the first thing that jumps to my mind — I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite, but it’s one I enjoyed — sitting outside under the stars at night listening to a reggae-jazz fusion band playing Beatles songs in Spain.”

— Spanish teacher Jill Gouger

February 2015 upclose 23

the

loving limelight

Student commits to three hours of performing arts classes hopebrown staff writer While some students at Blue Valley pursue one extracurricular endeavor, junior Lavanya Aggarwal participates in band, choir and theater.

Not only does Aggarwal take three Advanced Placement classes and one honors class, but she also devotes three hours of her day to performing arts — Symphonic Marching Band, Chorale and Advanced Repertory Theatre.

Aggarwal said involvement in these activities requires commitment outside of the school day.

“For band, I usually practice half-an-hour a day — the same thing for choir because I take private voice [lessons],” she said. “Drama [doesn’t require] practicing outside of school, but during school, you’re always running scenes and memorizing lines.”

Aggarwal has played the flute since fifth grade and has been enrolled in band since freshman year.

“During marching season we’re outside every single morning, and we’re here at 7 a.m. practicing,” she said. “Your feet have to be in time, and you have to be moving at the same pace as everyone else.”

Aggarwal said one of her favorite events with BV band is solo ensemble, an individual competition where band students perform for judges and receive a rating from four to one, one being the highest.

“I get to take a solo every year,” she said. “If you get a one at Regionals, then you go to State. [I received a one] last year at Regionals. I was sick for two weeks before [State], but I did manage to get a two.”

Aggarwal also attends solo ensemble for choir as an alto.

“At our school, we take soloists and small groups,” she said. “With small groups, you get to sing with all of the girls in your grade. It’s fun to sing a piece that you would normally have 60 to 80 people sing and cut it down to 24 people.”

Aggarwal said although she hasn’t attended solo ensemble as a soloist, she has been an alternate.

“We have a cap of 30 people that we can take for soloists, so

hopefully I’ll be able to go this year,” she said.

Aggarwal has been involved in acting since middle school and partakes in the annual International Thespian Conference with all of the drama departments in Kansas.

“We attend sessions about different dramatic things and how to improve your craft,” she said. “We see shows, and we have competitions. A late night improv competition is something that they do. We have IE competitions which [are] individual events. You can take solos or monologues or duets or groups. You can either sing or act.”

Because of the time Aggarwal spends on performing arts, she was forced to take online classes to fulfill required credits for physical education, health and technology.

“Right now I have at least a semester’s worth of online credits,” she said. “I have a couple more classes to go. I’ll probably take some social studies [classes] online, too.”

Right now, Aggarwal doesn’t have concrete plans for her future in regards to performing arts, but she said she is still weighing all of her options.

“It would really be interesting if I could continue in college and continue professionally to do film or to make music,” Aggarwal said. “That would be fantastic. But if not, I think I’ll always have a passion for it and continue it on the side.”

Although these activities take up much of her schedule, Aggarwal said she is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a multitude of performing arts classes because of the lessons learned.

“I’ve learned that life is always a challenge because you’re always going to want to be better than somebody else,” she said. “It’s taught me that not everything is perfect because anything that relates to performing, you’re always working on this and working on that. There’s no such thing as perfection.”

Photo by Isabelle Allen.

Page designed by Hope Brown.

24 payin’thebills February 2015

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February 2015 centerstage 25

Perfect Dates Neal

The Girls: “I would really like it if we went to an arcade and could play old school arcade games, and we could watch a children’s movie marathon.

I don’t want to be too serious when I’m on a date with a guy that I really like. I’m definitely not a serious person, and I just want to be able to be myself.”

— sophomore Sydney Neal “My perfect date would be going to a drive-in movie on a really nice night under the stars and just [staying] up all night. We could watch old movies and eat popcorn and candy.

Chinese take-out would also be nice.”

— sophomore Erika Lobo

Lobo

“This isn’t cute or extravagant, but honestly, lying around with ice cream, just laughing and having a good time is a perfect date. For me, it’s not where we are or what’s happening — just being with the person is enough.”

— junior Cassidy Lee “Driving in the morning, watching the sunrise and going off the beaten path. I imagine a picnic on the beach, and it would be a rainy day, but we wouldn’t care and we would just have fun on the beach.”

— freshman Molly Harrigan

Lee

Harrigan

Ideas for Singles:

If you don’t have anyone to pay for your dinner or go to a movie with, here are some cheap ideas you can do with friends or by yourself.

• Make some popcorn and have candy ready. On Valentine’s Day night you’ll be re-watching “American Horror Story.” You can either scream by yourself or have some friends nearby to cling to.

• Chipotle is acceptable no matter how single you are. Get your burrito, and get out of there. Then, begin watching “The Notebook” in the comfort of your home in sweatpants. Moms are welcome.

• Ice skating on a chilly February night

Photo by Isabelle Allen.

Story and page designed by Charlotte Rooney.

Whether you’re day-dreaming or trying to find a good date idea for your significant other, these “perfect” date ideas will work for any couple.

The Guys: “Getting ice cream and just hanging out.

Watching Netflix and cuddling or just being with her. We don’t even have to do anything.”

— sophomore Joey Bartsch “It would start off with her picking me up in her dope cherry-red Lambo. We would cruise to the restaurant, get our food and talk about our dreams. She pays. On our way back to the crib, we would race a police car. Upon getting home, we would watch Netflix.”

— senior Joel Thomas “I think going to a nice, sit-down restaurant for dinner and then going to a movie or something would be nice. Something that both people are interested in is a good date, so that both people can have a good time together and can enjoy the other’s company.”

— junior Alex Lentfer “Watching an action movie and eating junk food and Almond Joys and just hanging out.”

— freshman Garin McKenna

never gets old. Bring family or friends, and prepare to indulge in plenty of hot chocolate. Your feet will ache, but you can rest in the restaurants nearby.

• Your whole family is out on dates and you’re the only single friend, but your dog still loves you. Order a large pizza, and let your dog up on the couch. He will completely understand the romance going on in the movie.

• Your friends are single with you, and you’ve decided to have them over. Turn the oven to 350 degrees, and put Valentine’s Day cookies in for approximately 12 minutes. Take them out, let cool and rip them in half.

Bartsch

Thomas

Lentfer

McKenna

26 centerstage February 2015

LOOK

BOOK

We know what you’re thinking.

After turning to this page, opening it and seeing pictures of books, you’re mentally groaning. You, like most teenagers, probably hate reading. But like most high school students, there is a high

probability that you will be assigned an outside reading book for your English class. Take it from two bibliophiles — for the reluctant reader and bookworms alike, here are some novels that remind us “The Hunger Games” isn’t the only book for high school students.

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak Synopsis: The tale of Liesel Meminger, a young orphaned girl taken in by an old couple in Nazi Germany, reminds us that German citizens were affected by Hitler’s oppressive rule in addition to Jews and other minorities. Her love of books drives this determined girl to risk everything. A heartwarming, riveting tale that gives a whole new

perspective to World War II, this novel is sure to please.

Review: This book is well-written, and the perspective, from the point of view of “death,” is very unique. The characters really bring the novel to life and are very relatable. Despite the dismal setting, the novel is captivating and difficult to put down.

“Wake” by Lisa McMann Synopsis: Following the life of Janie Hannagan, a 17-year-old who inadvertently gets sucked into people’s dreams, this novel combines elements of realism with the supernatural. Of course, the apparent bad boy who is more than meets the eye falls for the independent, aspiring Janie. Filled with action and adventure that are sure to surprise you, this

book will allow you to explore the psychological side of peoples’ dreams and realities.

Review: The idea of entering peoples’ dreams adds a unique supernatural element. The trilogy concludes with “Fade” and “Gone,” making this a solid series. These novels are relatively short in length and are quick, exciting reads.

“Unwind” by Neal Shusterman Synopsis: This novel is set in a futuristic society after the Second Civil War, which was fought over reproductive rights. New laws maintain that human life is inviolable from birth to age 13, but between ages 13 to 18, parents can choose to have their children “unwound” — or, have all of their organs transplanted to different humans so that their lives don’t technically end. The lives of Lev,

Risa and Connor are at stake in this spellbinding tale of perseverance and right versus wrong.

Review: “Unwind” is unlike most other current dystopian novels. The teller of the story changes with every few chapters, which keeps the plotline interesting and diverse. Other books in the series include “Unwholly,” “Unsouled” and “Undivided.”

“Proxy” by Alex London Synopsis: In this society, you’re either a Patron — a wealthy, upper class citizen — or you’re a Patron’s Proxy — pretty much the exact opposite. Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. His Proxy, Syd, is punished whenever Knox does something wrong. Syd has no control over his life whatsoever. Knox could care less about his Proxy, but he soon

finds that he doesn’t exactly have control of his life, either. The two find that the only way to beat the system is to save each other.

Review: The modern technology component and the classic privileged vs. unprivileged struggle elevate this YA novel above competing books. “Guardian” is the recently released next installation of the series.

Stories and page designed by Maddie Davis and Rachel Lock.

February 2014

centerstage

27

Students guess what BV staff members do for leisure As students, we all have lives outside of school. We have homework, activities, sports, family and friends. With all of our spare time on our minds, we may forget the faculty also has time on their hands.

Despite having homework and tests to grade, teachers have other activities and hobbies after school.

What do you think teachers do in their free time?

“I think [Bacon] reads a lot.” — freshman Mallory Novicoff “I spend most of my time going to my kids’ stuff and activities. I also like to read, and I work out a lot, too.” — principal Scott Bacon “[Volz] used to play on a flag football team, and she tutors a ton after school. I think she is the type to watch movies.” — junior Rachel Borcherding “I do everything in my free time. I watch Netflix, hang with friends and go to coffee shops.” — math teacher Laura Volz “I think [Mahoney] just coaches basketball most of the time.” — sophomore Jillian Hardeman “I coach basketball, which is my free time. I sleep a lot, and I visit my girlfriend when I have longer breaks because she lives in Nashville. I clean my house.” — ELA teacher Ryan Mahoney

“I think Ms. Toneva solves physics equations.”

— junior Jeff Simeroth “I enjoy playing Sudoku and playing with my dogs.”

— science teacher Anna Toneva “I think [Jost] plays ‘Halo’ on his Xbox 360 and goes hunting.”

— sophomore JD Jones “I don’t really have a lot of free time, but I do hunt. I spend a lot of time at the school since I coach three sports.”

— math teacher Jonathan Jost Information gathered by Meredith Strickland.

Photos by Sophia Ragomo.

Page designed by Lauren Huesers.

the

TIGER PRINT newspaper Check out our website for updated news coverage, exclusive stories, photos and digital issues of the paper.

www.bvtigernews.com The Tiger Print on Facebook @bvtigernews on Twitter

28 tigerturf February 2015

=

senior signings

training time consuming

*as of Feb. 1

Volleyball

• Kennedy Etheridge — ­ American University — Washington, D.C.

Football

• Mazin Aql — University of Kansas — Lawrence, Kansas • Gannon Cornley — Butler County Community College — El Dorado, Kansas • AJ Harris — University of Missouri — Columbia, Missouri • Braydon Huschka — Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs, Colorado • Tyler Jenkins — Benedictine College — Atchison, Kansas • Jackson Maase — Emporia State University — Emporia, Kansas • Cody Sisson — Benedictine College — Atchison, Kansas • Dylan Smith — Pittsburgh State University — Pittsburgh, Kansas

Soccer

• Sarah Olson — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — Edwardsville, Illinois • Nicole Hagel — University of Nebraska Omaha — Omaha, Nebraska

Baseball

• Ryan Cyr — Mississippi State University — Starkville, Mississippi

Lacrosse

• Luke Slagle — Missouri Baptist University — St. Louis, Missouri Information collected by Megan Hegarty and Matt Antonic.

Page designed by Megan Hegarty.

Athletes train numerous hours per day for respective sports

[ [ Wrestling

[ [ Bowling

practice: 3 days per week, 2 hours = 6 meets: 1 day per week, 2.5 hours = 2.5 + total number of hours per week = 8.5

according to senior Abbie Piero

[

Girls Basketball +

practice: 6 days per week, 2 hours = 12 games: 2 days per week, 1.5 hours = 3 total number of hours per week = 15

according to junior Erin O’Toole

+

practice: 5 days per week, 2 hours = 10 weights: 5 days per week, .5 hours = 2.5 meets: 1 day per week, 8 hours = 8 total number of hours per week = 20.5

[[ [ according to junior Devin Graff

Boys Swimming

morning practice: 4 days per week, 1.5 hours = 6 afternoon practice: 5 days per week, 2.5 hours = 12.5 saturday morning practice, 2.5 hours = 2.5 weights: 3 days per week, 45 minutes = 2.25 + total number of hours per week = 23.25 according to sophomore JD Jones

[ [ Boys Basketball

practice: 6 days per week, 3 hours = 18 games: 2 days per week, 1.5 hours = 3 + total number of hours per week = 21 according to senior Alex Martin

February 2015 tigerturf 29

Getting in the Zone Boys team

The Tigers started their season by taking second place overall at the Blue Valley Shootout Tournament, dropping a nail-biting championship game to Lawrence.

After returning from break, the team began league play with two tough losses to BV West and St. Thomas Aquinas — a rough start in a competitive EKL.

Basketball teams enter season’s final stretch

Although the losing streak had reached three games, there was little semblance of despair when the Tigers went head to head with the Huskies of BV Northwest, who owned a 26game winning streak against BV. At the end, the score read 69-60 in favor of the Tigers, and the season was back on track.

However, the Tigers could not capitalize on the momentum from the victory and hit the skids. Three consecutive losses ensued to Bishop Miege, BV Southwest and Topeka-Hayden.

In the midst of this streak was the mid-January Basehor Invitational Tournament at which the Tigers would see some unfamiliar foes.

A 51-25 win over Pembroke Hill seemed to get the mojo flowing again. The team picked up right where it left off in the second game, thumping Platte County, 76-43.

To kick off the final stretch of the regular season, the boys came up clutch in overtime to beat Gardner-Edgerton. Eight games remain between now and the postseason.

KC Christian East W 60-49 1-0 Lee’s Summit North W 47-32 2-0 Lawrence High L 60-63 2-1 BV West L 45-57 2-2 St.Thomas Aquinas L 56-62 2-3 BV Northwest W 69-60 3-3 Bishop Miege L 38-52 3-4 BV Southwest L 56-63 3-5 Topeka-Hayden L 63-67 3-6 Pembroke W 51-25 4-6 Platte County W 76-43 5-6 Gardner-Edgerton W 61-55 6-6

Gardner-Edgerton Olathe East Olathe Northwest BV West St.Thomas Aquinas BV Northwest Bishop Miege BV Southwest Holton Benton SM West BV Southwest

Girls team

The Lady Tigers opened the season on a roll, winning the first three games played before the break. As the second semester went underway, the Tigers picked up right where they left off with a drubbing of rivals BV West, 63-40.

In between two tough losses to St. Thomas Aquinas and Bishop Miege, the team recorded two crucial EKL victories against BV Northwest and BV Southwest.

Heading into the mid-January Basehor Invitational Tournament, the Lady Tigers stood at 6-2 on the season.

Riding high into this tournament marked the mid-point of the season.

The Tigers opened the first of two games agaist Holton. The

W W W W L W L W W L L L

47-40 1-0 46-35 2-0 66-58 3-0 63-40 4-0 34-58 4-1 44-34 5-1 49-61 5-2 47-41 6-2 46-36 7-2 39-41 7-3 36-47 7-4 38-43 7-5

Tigers kept the Wildcats at arms length for most of the game and pulled away late to secure a comfortable victory.

In the first game, the Tigers faced one of their toughest matches of the season against the Cardinals of Benton High School from St. Joseph, Missouri.

After matching the Cardinals blow for blow, the Tigers had the ball with less than 15 seconds left and a chance to tie. However, a last-second turnover sealed the result and a crushing 41-39 loss.

The Tigers began their final stretch of the regular season with a close loss against BV Southwest. The team sits at 7-5 with just seven games left until playoff time.

Photos by Megan Hegarty and Sophia Ragomo.

Page designed by Matt Antonic.

30 tigerturf February 2015

upcoming

games

#Buckets4Bacon Feb. 27 DECA Charity Game after Boy’s Varsity game BV Staff v. BVW Staff Girls Bowling Feb. 10 - Mission Bowl Olathe Feb. 18 - Olathe Lanes East Feb. 23 - Mission Bowl Olathe Girls Basketball Feb. 6 - BVN Feb. 13 - Aquinas Feb. 17 - Gardner Feb. 20 - Bishop Miege Feb. 23 - BVN

Feb. 26 - BVW

Feb. 27 - BVW

4 16

max weight of a bowling ball:

years of BV having a bowling team

1 coach

pounds

300 pins in a perfect game

by the numbers

teams } { 3b-ball

30

varsity record:

7-5

as of jan. 30

games in the season

number of coaches

minutes in a game:

8

quarter

black & gold players varsity/jv players

Away Away Away Away

Q: What are your goals for yourself this year?

A: “My goal is to become a better basketball player and a better teammate. I want us to go to State and to go as far as we can in the season [to] be as successful as possible.”

Q: What are you doing to work toward that?

A: “I plan to keep motivating my team to work hard and do our Jones best.”

Q: What have you done as an athlete to get where you are now?

A: “I’ve dedicated a lot of time to practice and getting better. I’ve worked on being a team player. Since second grade I have put 100 percent effort into my basketball career.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about your games?

A: “I really love the band playing. It’s like pump-up music — I like it during warm ups and time-outs. I love when there’s a lot of fans, but girls games don’t usually have that, so one of my goals is to make more fans come.”

5 jv players varsity players

Boys Swim & Dive Feb. 6 - BVSW

Feb. 7 - BVSW

Feb. 20 - State Prelims Feb. 21 - State Finals

Freshman Katie Beth Jones Varsity Girls Basketball

6

Wrestling Feb. 7 - Lansing

Home Feb. 14 - BVSW Away Feb. 27 - State Hartman Arena Feb. 28 - State Hartman Arena

Q: How do you feel about your team this year?

A: “I feel confident that the work a lot of our JV players are doing this year — because they’re all underclassmen — will really improve the team for the next year.”

Q: What is your goal in each tournament?

A: “There are two goals when bowling ­­­­— you can place individualO’Leary ly, or you can place as a team. Obviously, our main goal is to place as a team, but we still strive for everyone to do their personal best to place individually as well.”

Q: How long have you been playing?

A: “I’ve been bowling since I was really young. [The first year I played on Blue Valley’s team was] the very first year that Blue Valley got a bowling team, so I was in the very first team we had. I’ve been on all four years for varsity.”

basketball 14 (girls) 17

Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home

Senior Kirsten O’Leary Varsity Bowling

bowling

Boys Basketball Feb. 6 - BVN Feb. 7 - Olathe South Feb. 9 - BVSW

Feb. 10 - BVSW Feb. 13 - Aquinas Feb. 17 - Gardner Feb. 18 - Gardner Feb. 20 - Miege Feb. 24 - BVN

Feb. 26 - BVW

Feb. 27 - BVW

Home Home Home Home Away Away Home

Q&A with Winter Athletes

February 2015 tigerturf 31

1.

1. Swinging her arm, freshman Claiborn Schmidt prepares to bowl. Schmidt bowled on the JV team. “When I go up there, I have to go through this mindset of what to do, like holding the ball and letting go of it a certain way,” Schmidt said. Photo by Molly Johnson.

2. Senior Megan Imber dribbles the ball down the court.

The girls team played Blue Valley Northwest Jan. 8. “Our last game was a learning experience,” she said. “Two starters were out, and younger girls had to step up, but we played really hard.” Photo by Megan Hegarty.

3. During the home meet, junior Trevor Spraetz starts his race. The team practices three hours every day. “I like swimming because I did it as a child,” Spraetz said. Photo

by Isabelle Allen.

4. Senior Mason Fuller and alumni Jackson Macoubrie practice after school. Fuller started wrestling his sophomore year. “To prep for matches, I’ll usually just find a quiet corner and listen to music, pump myself up and then find a coach and he’ll give me a shoulder massage,” Fuller said. Photo by Molly Johnson.

3.

2.

4.

5.

TIGER

TURF BV SPORTS

5. Senior Jack Pagenkopf looks down the court. Pagenkopf transferred to BV this year from Blue Valley Southwest. “I like it a lot even when things aren’t going as well as they could be going because we know we’ll be better than we played at the beginning of the season,” he said. Photo by Sophia Ragomo.

32 snapshot February 2015

Learning Takes the Cake AP U.S. History students study by concocting cakes showcasing various U.S. land purchases

1. After creating their cake, juniors Mandy Novicoff and Kella Valentin answer ACT Prep teacher Diane O’Bryan’s questions about it. The judging panel consisted of five teachers and administrators. “[The cake party] was the most fun and tasty way to learn the different U.S. territories of the 1700s,” Novicoff said.

2. Junior Gracie Goheen uses icing to outline the U.S. territories on her group’s cake. Students could use a cake or a pan of brownies to form their creation. “This was a great way to study for the test,” Goheen said. “I was able to connect historical events to real-world examples.”

3. Working as a team, juniors Haley Forsaith, Claire Nameth and Serena Nangia add the finishing touches to their cake. Each group consisted of three to five students. “Our group worked really well together, and our class was successful as a whole,” Nangia said.

4. Juniors Brandon Bienz, Aria Edalati and Nathan Luzum top their creation with a variety of candy. Scores were based on creativity and historical knowledge. “For each group, teachers asked us to explain the historical significance of our cake,” Bienz said.

5. Judged by athletic director Matt Ortman, juniors Brandon Bienz, Grant Daugherty, Aria Edalati, William Liu and Nathan Luzum present their cake. The winning group received five extra credit points. “The cake party was a fun and different way to review the information we had to learn,” Luzum said.

1.

4.

2.

3.

5.

Photos by Sophia Ragomo.

Page designed by Molly Johnson and Sophia Ragomo.