The Tiger Print — January 2005

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P R I N T

Issue 5 Vol. 34 Jan. 21, 2005

6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 (913) 239-4946

Former coach turns self in

‘Vulgar’

Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief

community.”

The controversy started when Janet Harmon saw that This Boy’s Life

by Tobias Wolff was on her freshman son’s required reading list. Harmon and a group of parents want to replace books on the list that may offend the reader.

Harmon said in the Kansas City Star, “We feel the books contain vulgar language, graphic descriptions of sex and violence that are gratuitous.”

The next step for the board is to review policy 4600. Policy 4600 specifies the type of material that students can read. The board plans to re-filter the 14 books on the list of objectionable books.

According to Fuller, teachers and

Johnson County prosecutors filed three level 9 felony counts of possessing child pornography against former Blue Valley soccer coach and Harmony Elementary teacher Neal Lenarcic last week.

“I was just like ‘wow,’” former player Andrew Baldwin said. “I just opened up the paper and saw his name and was like. ‘wow, that was my soccer coach.’”

Baldwin went on to say Lenarcic the coach was “a little bit quiet,” but that he never showed any signs of behaving in this manner.

Former players and managers of Lenarcic’s “C” soccer team were called into Activity Director Bob Whitehead’s office last Friday to discuss their time on his team and inquire about any further improprieties.

“I was called in because [Mr. Whitehead] was asking some questions about a former

See Petition, 2

See Former Coach, 2

Parents claim 14 books on reading list too gratuitous for students Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief

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enior Katie Beye was watching the 10 p.m. news when she first heard that a group of Blue Valley parents were trying to ban books from the reading list.

“I was surprised that people thought the books we read were too vulgar,” Beye said. “I didn’t think people would complain.”

The board meeting on Jan. 10 started the banned books controversy. Angry parents presented to the board a petition of 500 names, people who want to see 14 books taken off the BV Communication Arts curriculum because they discuss adult content or are too profane.

“Students need a safe environment to discuss controversial issues, and

that is what we are trying to provide,” Communication Arts Department Head Joyce Katstra said. “We are trained professionals that are trained to facilitate these discussions.”

According to BV Board of Education President John Fuller, this controversy has been going on for one year. The parents came to a board meeting last year because they were concerned with the literature their children were reading. As a result, the board revised the policy and decided that students may opt not to read a book, and the teacher would offer an alternative book to read.

“Some of the names (on the petition) did not live in the district.

Some people didn’t have kids in the district,” Fuller said. “It’s hard to use [the petition] to look at the [whole]

Debaters speak their way to ‘surprising’ results Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief

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even state debate titles. Four straight from 2000-2003, but there was never success in individual post-season tournaments like

this.

In the last three tournaments, as senior Mandie Payton says, the team has been “unbelievable.”

At regionals last Friday and Saturday, the team took first place with a combined 12-2 record. The affirmative team of Katie Beye and Brett Farmer went 5-2 while the negative team of Mandie Payton and Sam Barton were 7-0.

Jan. 7-8 at the Debate Coaches Invitational, a tournament featuring the best 32 two-person teams in the state, the only two teams from host Blue Valley finished second and third.

“It was amazing because they went in ranked 12th and 20th,” coach Chris Riffer said. Rankings are figured in a coaches poll format similar to AP football and basketball polls.

DCI’s format prevents teams from knowing their records until the very end, but BV teams clued in when they faced the number one team and eventual champion team of Rachel Buck and Sarah Bellows-Blakely from Topeka.

The coaches weren’t the only surprised people following BV’s showing at the tournament.

“We didn’t expect to do nearly as well as we did,” junior Sam Barton said. “because [our] NFL [region] is just one part of the state.”

BV also hosted the National Forensic League national qualifying tournament Dec. 10-11 and promptly dispatched of most of the visitors, placOn his way to third place, junior Sam Barton cross examines Hutchinson’s Erin Harper in their first match at DCI Jan. 7. below: Barton discusses his opponents’ case with teammate Mandie Payton. Photos by Kyle Rogers.

NFL: 1st place- Mandie Payton and Sam Barton 3rd place- Kristen Trum and Greg Allen 4th place- Katie Beye and Brett Farmer 5th place- Andrea

Good luck to the students competing today in Topeka for state debate

ing teams in first, second, fourth and fifth. The finishes earned teams of Mandie Payton and Sam Barton and Kristen Trum and Greg Allen trips to the national event in Philadelphia this June.

“We are incredibly deep in really talented debaters, many of which still have a year left to debate,” senior Katie Beye said. “This is a really good sign before the state tournament and for next year as well.”

NFL was difficult for some debaters as Blue Valley teams debated against each other with trips to Philadelphia on the line. Usually teams from the same school never meet in a tournament.

“NFL was rough for us because we had to knock the rest of our teams out,” Barton said. “The only team that eliminated Blue Valley teams was Mandie and me.”

If camaraderie adds to depth, this team has a good chance at the state tournament tonight and tomorrow in Topeka. The debaters refer to themselves as a “cult,” and this year has shown the importance of a unified team.

“The state tournament really shows how close the squad is,” senior squad captain Kate Reno said. “Everyone spends the week before helping each other research and, hopefully, the week after celebrating together.”

Other squad members also realize how important the entire team is to success at state as well as success at the earlier DCI and NFL tournaments.

“We couldn’t have [won NFL and got third at DCI] without the supportive people on our team like Andrea (Hiesberger), Christine (Hansen), Eric (Min), Emily (Beye) and Kate Reno,” Payton said.

Recent Results Hiesberger and Christine Hansen DCI: 2nd place- Kristen Trum and Greg Allen 3rd place- Mandie

Payton and Sam Barton Regionals: 1st place- Mandie Payton and Sam Barton, negative; Katie Beye and Brett Farmer, affirmative

Front page edited by Kyle Rogers

Senior countdown: days

2 NEWS Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal

Bond issue to be voted on Maneeza Iqbal

School Legislation

Editor-in-Chief

Changes to BV

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he Blue Valley district is ready for a facelift. The district proposed a $279.98 mil lion bond that will help alleviate the problem of overcrowding in schools and update existing buildings. The BV community will vote on the issue between Jan. 12 to Feb. 1 with mailin ballots.

“Because of increase growth in the school district, our schools are overcrowded structurally,” Executive Director of School Improvement Dennis King said.

The proposal is to build three new elementary schools and a new middle school. Even though the bond has money to add another high school to the district, the district is still exploring other options said Executive Director Dave Hill. Other options would include adding new classrooms and mobiles.

District officials said that there would not be a tax rate increase to fund the bond.

“This does not mean taxes will not go up,” Hill said. “The part that [the district] is in control of (the tax rate), we will try not to change.”

With past bond issues, there were parent groups that opposed the issue. However, because there is no tax rate increase, the district has not seen any opposition so far, Hill said. The district expects the bond to be passed without any problems.

The goal of the bond is to help schools grow as the district grows. The bond has three areas The weight room updates will greatly improve opportunities for students to reach their weight goals. Photo by Maneeza of focus: to accommodate for enrollment growth, to reinvest in existing buildings and to and better equipment. upgrade available technology.

The other aspect of the bond includes money for According to Hill, every school in the district will the technology-related upgrades. Technology upbe touched for renovations and/or updates. All the grades will include new computers and better softhigh schools will have building envelope repairs (reware. The plan is to invest in technology that will pairs to the actual building). At BVHS, the weight help students and create more opportunities. room will be turned into another gym where a new “There is money is this bond to invest in things that P.E. program, Fitness for Life, will be taught. The haven’t been invented yet,” Hill said. weight room will then be upgraded with more space

Locker replacement Building repairs Practice field reconstruction Music wing renovation Science room renovation Main gym relighting

Former Coach coach,” senior Ryan Wallace said. “I told Mr. Whitehead because he wasn’t a teacher here I didn’t have much contact with him other than soccer. He

continued from page 1

day. He was back at work in Washington Wednesday and commented on the accusations.

“It is important to know that I am innocent,” Lenarcic said, “and that it’s a big misunderstanding.”

He continued by commenting on his time as a soccer coach at Blue Valley.

“I loved my time coaching there,” he said. “It was one of my best times. I enjoyed the coaches and the players.”

Lenarcic, who now lives in a Seattle suburb, is free after posting a $15,000 bond. The first scheduled court date is Jan. 25.

“It’s a big misunderstanding” Neal Lenarcic was a good coach.”

Lenarcic served as Blue Valley’s Boys’ “C” team coach for two years while also coaching North’s girls’ team. Neither the schools nor the district had knowledge of the alleged incident before Lenarcic left to teach in the Francis Howell School District in the St. Louis area.

Both soccer coach K. Dean Snell and AD Whitehead chose not to comment on Lenarcic’s case.

The incident allegedly occurred in the spring of 2002 when Lenarcic gave a camera to three students and asked them to take pictures of each other’s private parts. According to Jim Payne, someone turned the incident in to the district last May, and the district then contacted the police.

Lenarcic was contacted by police about the charges last Wednesday and turned himself in to authorities Thurs-

Bio Box Neal Lenarcic Graduate of Michigan State University Taught fourth grade for three years in Michigan Developed a Peer Mediation Program

State Legislation The Kansas Supreme Court ruled, on Jan. 3 that education in Kansas has been underfunded. The court said that the Kansas legislature must provide more funds for education by a April 12 deadline.

This is good news for the Blue Valley district because in the past three years the district had to cut about $10 million. According to Executive Director Dave Hill, the extra funding would be put in the operating fund, which pays for teachers’ salaries and other expenses.

However, adding extra funding to the budget would be premature, said Executive Director of School Improvement Dennis King. The district doesn’t know how much it would receive and what area it would be put into.

State Science Standards

Petition

The science standards are about to change.

Changes will include ways for science teachers to teach the subject of evolution. The State Board of Education will review science standards starting in February. The standards will go through four public hearings, where the public will be able to state their opinion on the proposal. The first meeting will be held on Feb. 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Schlagle High School in Kansas City, Kan. The hearings were supposed to be this month, but the Science Standards Writing committee decided that they needed to revise the proposal and look over suggestions from the State Board of Education.

At the hearings, the public will vote on the proposal and the suggested revisions to the proposals. Other hearings will be at Derby, Topeka and Hays, Kan.

continued from page 1

administrators will have to read through books on the curriculum during the summer and see if they comply with a revised policy 4600. The books were originally chosen because they fit the district curriculum requirements and contained cultural diversity, Katstra said.

Fuller said that the refiltering will take some of the books off the curriculum and others will stay.

“I anticipate that many parents will

challenge the reconsideration,” Fuller said. “It’s a vicious cycle.”

Many BV students have opinions about this controversy.

“I used to think it was a good idea,” junior Kelly Schute said. “But we will miss out on a lot by reading really tamed books.”

“I think they get the wrong ideas,” senior Stacey Griffin. “I can see where they are coming from, but they are going about it he wrong way.”

Senior Ryan Wallace reads the book Black Boy by Richard Wright.

The book is a memior about the racism and prejudice that Wright faced as a boy.

Photo by Adam Lary

NEWS 3 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal

BV to the rescue Students plan to raise money for tsunami victims a world away Adil Shabbir Asst. Sports Editor

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early a month has passed since the most deadly tsu nami known to man devastated 11 countries in southern Asia and western Africa.

Experts say the unstoppable waves were a result of an earthquake that occurred on the ocean floor just off the coast of Indonesia.

The earthquake forced a massive part of the ocean floor to rise several feet and then immediately fall back to its normal level. As a result, a drastic tsunami set off in all directions destroying everything in its path.

The number of fatalities has surpassed 150,000 and continues to rise. Officials say the people who made it through that 26th day of December are still at risk due to the rapid spread of disease. Reports show that nearly a third of the deaths are of children, and the lack of clean water is making the recovery nearly impossible.

In response to these demoralizing circumstances, the United States has taken an active role in the relief effort. Already the U.S. has sent tens of millions of dollars in donations with more scheduled to depart. The Pentagon has deployed approximately 15,000 servicemen aboard a fleet of naval vessels carrying nearly 60 helicopters to deliver emergency aid.

Opportunities to help are available in various places including Blue Valley High School. BV’s Stu-

Kansas Assiocation of Youth will go to Town Village Retirement Home to spend time with the residents. KAY members will participate in arts and crafts activities with the residents. During first semester, KAY members send the residents holiday cards and painted pumpkins to decorate the halls of the home.

Central Missouri State University is changing tuition rates. Counties on the border of Kansas and Missouri will pay tuition equivalent to in-state tuition.The fee waiver will apply to students who meet admissions requirements. The Stateline Grant applies to students who live in: Atchison, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Doniphan, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami and Wyandotte counties.

National Spanish Honor Society will be collecting money at the BV vs. West Basketball on Jan. 28. The plan is to set up a table in front of the gym to collect donations. All the donations will go to the Renee Sauer Scholarship.

Blue Valley students thinking about siging up for College Now or dual-enrollment with Johnson County Community College, the deadline is Feb. 2. If students decide to mail the forms, they should be postmarked before Feb. 2. Students also have the option to walk up the forms to JCCC. Counselors urge students to fill out the forms as soon as possible because JCCC is very strict with their deadlines.

This is a satellite image taken before and after the tsunami hit a part of an island. Photo printed with permission from Digital Globe. sary to take action,” Student Association vice-president Ryan Wallace said. “We can’t just sit around and do nothing while thousands of people are suffering.”

The council has arranged to have all the money obtained at the upcoming pizza dance to be given as a donation. In addition, t-shirts that will say “Ti-

The number of fatalities has surpassed dent Council is committed to helping out as much as possible.

“As a council, we feel it is neces-

Speaking Briefly

gers Helping... school, community, WORLD: Tsunami Relief 2005” will be sold for $10 a piece.

Once the money has been raised, council members will request local companies to match BV’s donation.

BV’s Student Council knows there are people in need and are requesting its fellow students to help out.

“We are trying to get as many people as possible to get involved,” Wallace said. “It’s really not that hard to show that you care.”

The Coterie Theater will present the stage production of Holes from Jan. 25 to Feb. 20. The favorite children’s book by Louis Sachar was adapted to the stage to entertain students of all ages. The theater encourages the purchase of advanced tickets because several performances have been sold out. On opening night, there is a free reception with the actors and a question and answer session. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for all children.

The Cultural Diversity Council and Student Council need volunteers to attend a leadership workshop on Feb. 25 through the 26. The workshop, Unitown, teaches students how to fight stereotypes and become good leaders.

R5 comes to BV, says open mind Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief

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haking his backside like there was no tomorrow, “DanceMaster” Dalton cut a rug in front of 1,300 laughing, smiling students. Most years this would be unthinkable, but thanks to R5 Productions from Bellevue, Neb., Blue Valley saw Principals Scott Bacon, Mark Dalton and Lyn Rantz cut a rug in the middle of the gym.

“I haven’t done that in a while,” Bacon said.

“I did that one for you guys.”

Led by Boston native Mike Donahue, R5 has visited roughly 250 schools in the last five years.

Donahue is involved with local churches but took out the religious ideas when he saw an opportunity to affect more young people.

“After the Columbine thing,” Donahue said,

“We wanted to take the church message out of [the program].”

Donahue decided that the atrocity could have been prevented if students were more accepting of differences. So now he takes groups to schools to “talk to kids about profiling and stereotypes,” so maybe more acts of violence can be avoided.

BV found the group while talking to other schools about assemblies of this nature. Bacon said other schools called R5’s presentation “one of our better assemblies” and decided to bring them in because of such praise.

Students also found the assembly to be educational.

“That was actually pretty good,” sophomore Drew Carr said. “It didn’t just say ‘keep saying no.’ It was really detailed.”

4 OPINIONS Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Adam Lary

Age-old debate rages on Should intelligent design be taught in our schools?

Adam Lary Opinion Editor

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ver since Galileo argued that the Earth revolves around the sun, science and religion have Evolution: been at odds.

The idea Even now, hunthat every dreds of years later, the debate living between science thing and religion slowly continues to changes heat up. But through now the issue is evolution and the process the origin of life of natural on Earth. selection.

A new idea has recently joined

the fray, called intelligent design, or as some like to call it, “Creationism in a lab coat.” The newest dispute is whether it should be taught alongside evolution in biology courses to give students a different perspective on how life originated on Earth. In a word, no.

Some call it “creation science.” But the theory completely lacks scientific evidence. Instead, it relies on pointing out the cracks in the evolutionary wall.

A common analogy of intelligent design is this: a rock and a wristwatch are lying in a field. The rock belongs, but the wristwatch, with its obvious complexity, could not have just appeared; it must have been designed and put there by someone or something. Here the analogy falls short, because neither a watch nor a rock is a living

organism.

Another problem is that intelligent design is a direct violation of separation of church and state. It implies that life on Earth was created by some higher being. In other words, a god (or aliens, but we won’t get into that). And separation of church and state prohibits the establishment of religion in public schools.

Some believers of intelligent design say that evolution does not explain the origins of life on Earth. While it may not, Stanley Miller certainly thinks it does.

Brady Skjervem

In 1953 at the University of Chicago, Miller created life. Using a mixture of methane, ammonia, hydrogen and water vapor (simulating the Earth’s atmosphere 3.5 billion years ago), Miller flipped a switch that started an electric current through the concoction. The results were startling. In a few days, organic compounds developed, including amino acids, the building blocks for life.

The experiment, simple to reproduce, has been verified countless times by scientists everywhere.

Just last year, the 13-millionyear-old skeletal remains of a possible human/ape ancestor were discovered near Barcelona, Spain.

Scientists say the bones strongly resemble those of humans’.

Regardless of anyone’s belief system, intelligent design should not be taught in the school system. Science classes should teach science, whether it be fact or theory.

Staff Writer

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hen someone wants to learn about space travel, chances are they will not go read through a Star Wars novel for the answers.

The reason is quite obvious, Star Wars is fictional. If this is true, why should a school teach a topic in science, which is still quite fictional? Understandably, intelligent design is not taught in schools due to its relation to a higher being. But if God is a theory and evolution is still a theory, then what makes one more or less right to teach in classes?

The science room is a place where spectacular discoveries are taught and students learn all the “knowns” of the world. Science is an observational study, which tells us everything we know to be fact.

How can a subject be taught which has never been observed nor even replicated? Of course no one has ever seen a higher being create a new world, but evolution is supposed to be ongoing. Animals and plants should still be changing if evolution is true, but there have been no observed cases of changes. Students are learning about a subject that is unobserved, unproven and still a theory.

Evolution theorists believe everything came from a single organism that had all the genetic make up to create life and every kind of life we have today. Those who believe this have theorized that this cell split into others and multiplied and changed over time until it

grew in to the life we see today. People say believing in intelligent design takes faith, but evolution takes just as much. To think there just happened to be this thing called space and there just happened to be this thing called a cell that just happened to start life, seems a bit shaky when it comes to fact and without proof.

If we teach the evolution theory in class, why can’t we teach intelligent design theory as well, which is equally shaky.

There are a few theories actually discussed in the classroom setting, but for some reason evolution dictates them all. Intelligent design is shunned completely by the educated world. Evolution has scores of holes in its theories, yet is still portrayed as an edu-

cated guess that will eventually be proven. We must draw the line when it comes to what we teach in the classroom. A theory is a theory and when a class teaches one as if it Intelligent were fact, Design: then something is terribly wrong. Students are getA theory ting the wrong idea bethat nature cause they are being kept in and comthe dark about other theories plex biologiout there. cal strucWhether it is Star Wars or evolution, fiction should not tures were be used in the classroom. If designed by one theory is taught in the intelligent classroom, they all should be beings and used. Each of these should be were not brought up in the classroom if one is used, and if not, then the created by two should be thrown out all chance. together.

Making up snow days is unnecessary Emily Kuykendall Staff Writer

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ou wake up early for school and look out the window to find a wintery wonderland right outside the house. There is no way school could be opened on a day like this so you run to the TV, turn on the news and wait until the school cancellations scroll to the B’s. And then you see it. Blue Valley # 229CLOSED. There’s nothing disappointing about a snow day. You get to sleep in, no school, and another day to do whatever you want. But there is one thing that can be a little upsetting about this day off.

In order to complete the number of hours we need to a t t e n d school each year, a day must be made up at the end of the year for every snow day that occurred. But is it really necessary to make these snow days up?

The Blue Valley School District exceeds the number of hours needed to attend school by about 40 hours each year. No

one wants to be in school longer than he has to, so why are we still here at

the end of the school year instead of lounging by the pool all day?

The extra time at the end of the year isn’t even being used constructively. It’s just more time for us to be forced to sit in the classroom and day-

dream about the anticipation of summer. There is nothing left to accomplish except study, but by then the students just want to get the finals over with.

“I feel the underclassmen’s pain because I’ve been there before. I think there should be a rule, like, for every three snow days, you only have to make one up,” senior Ryan Wallace said.

There has been some talk about having built-in snow days instead of making up each day at the end of the year For example, if the district had two built in snow days a year and received three snow days, only one of the days would have to be made up and the others would be freebies.

“In Blue Valley, we believe in exceeding the limit,” said Superintendent Tom Trigg of the Blue Valley District Office. “We could build in 190 days but the result would still be the same.”

According to Trigg though, the built in snow days may come into effect as of next school year.

In the students’ minds, the school year is over when the curriculum is completed.

Therefore, if students are forced to come back for extra days, they may shut their minds off to whatever is being said to them. It’s a pointless way to go.

Students should be able to consider snow days extra time off for all the work that is done during school.

OPINIONS 5 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Adam Lary

Sound Off:

“

Evolution

or Intelligent design?

“

Evolution because this is a public school and intel ligent design is what is taught in the Bible

Intelligent de sign because people need to find out about different theo ries and also because a lot of people have heard about or are at least famil iar with evolution

”

” sophomore Morgan Snell

freshman Kaitlyn Lutz

“

Evolution because that is what has always been taught so why change it now?

” senior Katie Swatek poll by Shay Alford

Journalists need to follow ethics Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief

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’m sorry. On the behalf of many journalists around the country, I am truly and deeply sorry. For the past two years, the reputation of the news media has been declining. First there were falsified stories in the New York Times, then Dan Rather unknowingly used forged documents on 60 Minutes. Now there is the Armstrong Williams incident.

Recently, USA Today reported that the Bush administration paid syndicated columnist and talk show host Armstrong Williams $240,000 to promote the No Child Left Behind Act. He promoted the act on his show, and he interviewed Education Secretary Rod Paige on his show, also promoting the act.

Williams admitted that taking the money was wrong, but is not returning it. The Bush administration, however, didn’t comment. The administration allegedly laundered the payment through the

TIGER PRINT STAFF 2004-2005

Ketchum PR firm.

If so, the Bush administration used taxpayers’ money for government propaganda, which violates provisions added to appropriations bills stating that fedgoin’ iqbalistic eral funds can’t be used for propaganda purposes without the use of congressional approval.

What the administration did was wrong, but Williams is also guilty. Perhaps, even more so.

The news media is powerful because it is the number one source of information around the world.

When a person decides to become a journalist, he/ she takes the unwritten

Opinions Editor: Adam Lary

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

and unspoken oath “I swear to tell the truth with complete objectivity.” Armstrong and the other journalists abused their power and broke their oath when they lied or took a bribe.

The motivation for these actions can be pinpointed to the pressure of being first. Journalists want to be the first to get out the story because that equals more money, a better reputation and more respect. People know they can use that pressure to “buy” the news media. A small leak or a paid informant will start the battle for the front-page story or the evening news.

This sends out the message that the news media doesn’t care about information and the people anymore, but instead cares about being the first to publish a story and the money to be made from being first.

But this isn’t true. Most good journalists, however, adhere to the principle that it is better to be accurate than speedy. There are many journalists out there that hold up the ethics of journalism and are bringing the public reliable information.

Artist: Garrett Griffin Staff Writers: Nick Speed, Matt Galloway, Emily Kuykendall, Brady Skjervem, Jessica Katzenstein Photographers: Shay Alford, Kendra Kruse, Autumn Fuller, Emily Kuykendall

Adviser: Susan Agee

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 wihin this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229.

6 OPINIONS Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Kyle Rogers

Editors old, new find faults in petition Rogers wants to read these ‘vulgar’ books McDaneld knows these works are required for success Jen McDaneld

Kyle Rogers

Special to the Print

Editor-in-Chief

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s a Blue Valley High School alumnus, I was concerned to hear that a group of ulgar. Obscene. Gratuitous. parents is attempting to remove many great books from the district’s curricuIn my eyes, the crusade led by Janet Harmon to take 14 books lum. Out of a loyalty to my old school and a long-standing love of literature, I off Blue Valley’s required reading list deserves each of these feel I must express my opinion on this issue in the hope that you will take it to heart, adjectives. The books that I have experienced from this list have been the and take it to the Board of Education meeting tonight (Jan. 11). most enriching, educational books I have read at Blue Valley, and removI graduated from Blue Valley in 1998, and went on to graduate from Duke Univering them from the classroom would be a huge mistake. sity with a B.A. in Literature in 2002. At Duke, my incoming freshman class predomiMs. Harmon and her fellow parents do not lie. Song of Solomon is a nantly attended private high schools. However, I have always felt that my public high graphic book. Stotan! isn’t a feel-good experience. Hot Zone contains school education stood up quite well to the very expensive, very prestigious high disgusting imagery. All of these descriptions are true, but these books are school experiences of many of my peers. I truly felt, and still feel, that Blue Valley was real. They offer perspectives on real, a great place for me to begin my education. More specifically, I am indebted to the contemporary life that books like David English department and to the incredible teachers I encountered there. Mrs. Klein and Copperfield, a recognized classic, cannot Mrs. Katstra immediately come to mind; freshman Honors English and AP English provide.

No one doubts the claims that these were unbelievably fun and challenging classes, and provided excellent bookends for my high school English education. The books we read in those classes, they are one books can be depressing and even and all priceless pieces of literature that not only are worthy of in-depth study, but are disgusting, but life on earth is often worse. We, the students of Blue truly integral pieces of a well-rounded and thoughtful introduction to American Valley High and of the Blue Valley district, live in a bubble. Maneeza literature.

Iqbal wrote about the Blue Valley Bubble last year as an immigrant from Without Salinger, without Chopin, without Morrison and Vonnegut and Conroy, Chicago. This recent development only threatens to perpetuate Blue Valley students will suffer two times over. Not only will they lose many great the cycle. learning experiences, but in a more pragmatic sense, when they begin college they If parents continue to constrict will be behind other students from the very first semester. And not only will they be every aspect of their children’s behind, but who is to say that competitive universities won’t look at a wateredexperience, BV kids will never down Blue Valley curriculum and think twice about admitting its students? learn how to deal with failure or On a different note, it seems to me that while some of these books have discomfort. Life isn’t a bed of mature themes, we not only should respect high school students enough to roses, and making it seem like believe that they can handle them, but we should also understand that one neither helps students high school students ALREADY ARE dealing with mature themes in nor allows them to their own lives. To pretend that this isn’t the case, to ban books and empathize with indishove things under the rug in an attempt to insulate teenagers from viduals from other words and ideas that can put a name to their issues, their problems, is to walks of life. do a great disservice to these young adults and to the educational I’m not the only system as a whole. Class KC’s contention that literature’s primary purpose one in this building should be to “uplift”; is simply wrong. To uplift may be concerned. Teachers ONE function of literature; there are many, many others. have voiced thoughts on the onAnd if one must name a single, primary purpose, it would going debate.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou have to be to expand the mind, to make the reader THINK. “I respect any parent’s right to decide This is not a destructive, evil thing. And yes, there is what their child can or cannot read,” The Awakening, Kate Chopin cursing, there is sex, there is unhappiness within these enrichment teacher Kristin Asquith said, “but I do not feel Lords of Discipline, Pat Conroy contested books. But what better way to start a dialogue like one parent or a group of parents should choose what Stotan!, Chris Crutcher with teenagers about these issues and their lives, than to 10,000 students read.”

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey have the books thoughtfully taught and discussed in class, Ding, ding, ding. She hit that nail on the head. Ms. and perhaps discussed at home as well with parents? Class Harmon does not want other adults to pick what her Animal Dreams, Barbara Kingsolver KC’s impulse that parents should read the same literature children read, so why should she choose what I read.

The Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver as their children is a good one; however, they should take I - gasp - want to read Toni Morrison. I - Oh terror - need All the Pretty Horses, Cormac McCarthy that impulse to its logical conclusion, not banning books to learn from the injustices done to Richard Wright in his Fallen Angels, Walter Dean Myers for all and sheltering where no shelter is needed, but using early life. those books as an entry-point to talk to their children about As a young adult, I am insulted when other people’s Beloved, Toni Morrison important issues. parents suggest I cannot handle reading some of contempoSong of Solomon, Toni Morrison As a doctoral student in the Comparative Literature rary literature’s best works. As an aspiring fiction writer, I Hot Zone, Richard Preston department at University of California, Davis, I have am belittled when some say using the F-word is never This Boy’s Life, Tobias Wolff begun to teach undergraduate literature courses. I think I appropriate. have always had an appreciation for the teachers I have I am no Toni Morrison or Pat Conroy, but I know that in Black Boy, Richard Wright had throughout my education, but I now realize what a some instances characters in a book have to say f***. The difficult job teaching really is. And to make that job even more difficult by weeding world we live in uses this word freely, so as an author, it is my responsibility to use the word if the character I have concocted for my plot would. out some of the most powerful, important books that should, and indeed, need to be taught, is truly a disgrace. I have looked at Class KC’s website and their list of “Great Counting cuss words and assessing the educational merit of a book Literature That Will Not Be Assigned at Blue Valley”; and while there are many without sitting in the classroom to hear a teacher’s comments on the excellent books on that list, as a whole their selections make up a good, but inferior book are misguided actions. BV’s AP III teacher Teresa Schulte is one of reading list for high school students. I am currently teaching Morrison’s Beloved to a the finest teachers I have ever come across. She teaches a good deal of class full of freshmen, and those students that have already read it are at a tremendous books with touchy subject matter, but she has never once mislead a class to believe rape, incest, or suicide is a redeeming action. I feel lucky I have advantage. In fact, over half of the class has already read this book, and the few that haven’t come from poor, urban areas where public schools are under-funded. They encountered these themes in her classroom instead of in the real world.

About the author it; not because it had been foolishly banned, but The parents with concerns are correct. None of these books is happy-go- didn’t have the chance to read because the district’s curriculum is devastatingly behind. Blue Valley does not have lucky or intended to bring constant smiles to readers’ faces. But they this problem, and it would be folly to put the district in a position to waste its good have the most important qualities for high school books. They offer fortune. themes for discussion that can really teach something our community Finally, I wish I could be at the meeting tonight, but since I have moved away from cannot. the area my hope is that this letter makes it to you, and that these ideas may make it to If these parents don’t want their students reading these 14 books, fine. tonight’s meeting in my absence. It is a crucial issue, one that I feel very strongly But don’t let them tell me what I can read. I will witness the corruption about. I want to thank you for your time, and for your willingness to serve on the and disgusting acts some of these books contain. Hopefully, these pages Board. are the only places I ever find these tragedies in life.

Note: This article was presented in a letter to School Board President

Books in Question

John Fuller in support of the district’s current English curriculum.

About the authors Name: Kyle Rogers

Credentials:

Name: Jen McDaneld

Age: 18

5 on AP III exam

Age: 25

Tiger Print Editor-in-chief years: National Council of Teachers of English

Tiger Print Editor-in-chief years:

2004-2005

National Achievement Award in

1997-1998

CA classes: Honors I, II;

Writing

CA classes: Honors I, II;

AP III, IV

1st place regional editorial writing

AP III, IV

Credentials: B.A. in Literature from Duke University, 2002 Current doctoral student in Comparative Literature at the University of California at Davis 5 on AP III, IV exams

ENTERTAINMENT 7 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Kim Hieber

Now Showing: The Palazzo 16 Brand new theater now open on 135th and Antioch Michael Johnson Sports Editor

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little piece of Italy now lives in Kansas City.

It’s called the Palazzo, the new movie theater located at 135th and Antioch.

Dickinson theatres built the Palazzo to elegantly represent a town square of an Italian city. They weren’t kidding around.

One look at the theater would make a movie-goer feel as if attending the Palazzo in anything less than a tuxedo would be considered unacceptable. Although most people don’t see movies in such elegant attire, the employees aren’t afraid to greet people wearing tuxedos. This is just one example of how the Palazzo is by far the grandest theatre in the Midwest.

“I love the Italian/elegant vibe,” senior Brett Farmer said. “It’s hard to find anything negative to say about the place, except for maybe the Renaissance music they always play.”

To add to the elegance, Dickinson theatres put a cast-concrete fountain outside that was actually made in Italy. Interior decor features a fountain centered in a terra-cotta plaza accompanied by columns, exotic murals, recessed lighting, wroughtiron trim and red-tile roofs.

“I was blasted by the elegance,” senior Salar Pankonin said. “I did not expect there to be clowns, trapeze artists and elephants.

It was awesome. The Palazzo is a place where your wildest dreams can come true.”

The actual theaters are as strikingly elegant and supreme as the entrance itself. The Palazzo contains 16 theaters, two of which are GEM. Stadium seating and balcony seating are available, with 18-inch risers in the stadium areas and 48 inches of legroom for every seat.

“On top of being the most attractive theatre in town, it is also the most comfortable,” senior Paul Cantin said.

While luxury and beauty are the Palazzo’s high points, affordability isn’t. A matinee show is $6.50 and a regular adult ticket is $8.50.

The Palazzo is a perfect and majestic place that any movie-lover would thrive on.

With a beautiful fountain as a centerpiece and with the elegant architecture, the lobby of the theater is everything but dull. Photo by Kendra Kruse.

Below, a Palazzo Patron buys a ticket to see a movie at the theater. Photo by Kendra Kruse.

The front fountain is the theater’s main attraction. Photo by Kendra Kruse.

Life Aquatic Proves to be highly humorous With Bill Murray playing the role of one of the main characters, this movie provides a few good laughs Adam Lary Opinion Editor

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fter a never before seen species of shark, the Jaguar shark, eats his best friend Estaban, Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) goes on a hunt for revenge that takes him, his crew and his unpaid college interns across the Pacific. Along the way, Zissou encounters his unofficial son (Owen Wilson), has a runin with a group of pirates and attempts a rescue of the “bond company stooge.” The combination of odd characters and warped humor makes this movie, Life Aquatic, a real winner.

In this film, Murray plays the washed-up documentary filmmaker Steve Zissou. After his earlier success in the business, his career has taken a turn for the worse. Now that he has lost his best friend and his expedition’s funding, his next documentary must be a hit, or he is toast. He sets off on his ship, the Belafonte, with his crew and a video camera in pursuit of the shark that killed

his friend.

The numerous sub plots and subtle humor define the movie’s style. If the film can be summed up in a word, that word is “odd.” Random appearances by the ship’s safety expert (Seu Jorge) playing David Bowie songs translated into Portuguese and a three-legged dog named Cody are just a few of the out-of-the-ordinary characters portrayed in the film. It’s hard to believe that the actors managed to keep a straight face throughout the film, let alone manage to throw in some good performances. The cinematography is also noteworthy, and the intentionally fake looking sea life only adds to the absurdity.

The only drawbacks are the lack of consistency and character development. While the viewer gets a clear picture of Zissou, some of the other characters are left in the dark, such as Cate Blanchett’s character Jane. Also, some of the humor may not be fully appreciated by some onlookers. Even so, director Wes Anderson delivers another great film that will put a grin on anyone’s face.

8 ENTERTAINMENT Page Edited by Michaela Cross

Critic’s Corner

Jan. 21, 2005

Explodes back onto TV

The OC

“The show is explosive,” senior Keaton Baker said. “It melts my face Sports Editor off.”

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what e’s back. The OC has returned is so “explosive” about this show and has brought Ryan home because so many things make it with it. After Ryan slapped the addictive. First off, the plot really relates to teenage life. Even though it focuses on more of the negative aspects such as teen pregnancy, teen drinking, sex and family conflicts, the show is still excellent.

Since sex appeal is television’s newest weapon to get viewers hooked on certain shows anyway, it’s not like the OC is outside the norm.

The characters are really what make the The Cast of The OC poses for promotional photos. Photo show great. Seth printed with permission by www.epguides.com Cohen is the overly viewers in the face when he left to live sarcastic weirdo that is not well liked, in Chino at the end of last season, his but hilarious. Summer is the beautiful, return to the OC has set the happy yet cruel teenage idol. Marissa is the setting for the second season, therefore dramatic and rebellious child of reviving the OC’s reputation as the best divorced parents, both of which are great actors as well. Sandy is funny, show on television.

Michael Johnson

Music Review Brady Skjervem Staff Writer

T

here has never been a band more worth sleeping to than Sigur Ros. All of us have put on a CD during the night to try to sleep, but no one has ever heard the untitled record Sigur Ros just released. Imagine Radio Head, but Sigur Ros is more focused on the music. The lead singer of the band even said he didn’t even use actual words in the album, but just formed vowels and words that fit perfectly with the melody. It is experimental, but great. The sound is full and could put anyone to sleep who listened to it for too long. The music numbs the senses and is like an escape.

Any Radio Head fan would love this album. But even for those who like pop on the radio, the CD is an experience worth the $10.

Music Review Brady Skjervem Staff Writer

All you No Doubt fans be ready to be blasted. Gwen Stefani has taken a road not many will like. Stepping back from her band and all the music style of the day, Stefani has decided to go back to the decade when she was young, the ‘80s. Stefani decided to make this album a tribute to Madonna’s ‘80s career. Filled with pop music through and through, the album is fun and a little crazy. If anyone remembers the ‘80s, it was definitely an experience. The album reflects all sorts of fun music from the era and is worth buying if you like the style and cheesiness. Filled with catchy songs and a few odd hits like “Bubble Pop Electric,” the CD won’t let you down. Just remember this isn’t a No Doubt album and is a complete 180 from her other recordings.

H

and Seth obviously gets his sarcasm from him. Kirsten is straight-up gorgeous, and Ryan just makes love.

“There are too many guys [on the show],” senior Graham Yohe said. “I turned the OC on one time and saw like five gardeners walking around with their shirts off so I turned it off.”

One bad male addition is D.J, the gardener who is currently dating Marissa. He uses super cheesy lines as he exposes his tan chest under a heavy plaid shirt. Take the second episode, for example. Marissa is in her room and D.J. stands in the doorway in a sick pose with his plaid shirt flared open as he just stares at Marissa’s back end.

Marissa asks what he’s doing. “I work here,” he says. They make out and he leaves. Let’s hope D.J. isn’t around too much longer. He is gross enough to scare even the most dedicated viewers away.

Main Characters Ryan Atwood played by Ben McKenzie Seth Cohen played by Adam Brody Marissa Cooper played by Mischa Barton Summer Roberts played by Rachel Bilson Sanford Cohen played by Peter Gallagher Kirsten Cohen played by Kelly Rowan Julie Nichol played by Melinda Clarke Caleb Nichol played by Alan Dale

Half-time show redefined Family entertainment to be back Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor

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ith 144 million people watching at home and nearly 80,000 at Jacksonville’s Alltell Stadium, the NFL will attempt to redefine halftime entertainment. Last year in Houston it was defined by Janet Jackson having a “wardrobe malfunction,” with MTV who produced the halftime show, getting a black eye for many years to come.

This year, though, the NFL has teamed up with Don Mischer Productions to bring the world Sir Paul McCartney. McCartney will be in a halftime show themed “Building Bridges,” building bridges between generations, countries, cultures and music genres according to NFL.com.

The other bridge that they may build is the one back to decent exposure and decent entertainment.

For those of you not familiar with Super Bowl entertainment, last year’s wardrobe malfunction was not the only irony that took place during intermission. In Super Bowl XXV, Michael Jackson performed in a show themed “Heal the World,” 3,500 local children on the field joined him. That same year O.J Simpson was the honorary coin tosser.

Obviously, no warrants were out for their arrests at the time.

Only time will tell where this Super Bowl Halftime ranks in history. Will it be behind the year that Diana Ross was lifted from the stadium in a helicopter?

Will it be ranked ahead of the year that they had 88 grand pianos and the Radio City Rockettes?

With hockey on strike, major league baseball facing steroid accusations and

2000 XXXIV

2001 XXXV

Aerosmith, NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Nelly Enrique Iglesias, Phil Collins, and Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige

the NBA having issues with player-fan relations, the NFL has a chance to make a statement for its league and leave the headlines to the game itself.

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake perform during the 2004 Superbowl halftime show. Photo printed with permission by ruggedelegance.com

2002 XXXVI U2

2003

2004

XXXVII Shania Twain, NoDoubt, and Sting

XXXVIII Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson

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ENTERTAINMENT 9 Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal

Jan. 21, 2005

The Golden Globes They arrived in style Limos tuxedos the most lavish dresses and the finest jewelry known to man Last Sunday millions of people tuned in to watch their favorite actors walk the red carpet Golden Globes night is hailed to be the most unpredictable awards night of the year And this year was no different Jamie Foxx’s acceptance speech was the most memorable moment of the night The beginning of his speech brought laughs but the end was full of tears The night promised to award the best and it lived up to expectations DesperateHousewives: Best comedy or musical television series Aviator: Best drama motion picture Sideways: Best comedy or musical motion picture Terri Hatcher: Best actress for musical or comedy television series, Desperate Housewives

Jamie Foxx: Best actor in a musical or comdey motion picture, Ray Annette Bening: Best actress in a musical or comdey motion picture, Ray Clint Eastwood: Best director, Million Dollar Baby

Hilary Swank: Best actress for dramatic motion picture, Million Dollar Baby L e o n a r d o Dicaprio: Best actor for dramatic motion picture, Aviator Ian McShane: Best actor fordramatic television series, Deadwood Robin Williams receives the Cecil B. Demille Award for outstanding career achievement. Photo courtesy of “HFPA” and “62nd Golden Globe Awards.”

Nip/Tuck: Best television series drama. Photo courtesy of “HFPA” and “62nd Golden Globe Awards.”

The Sea Inside: Best foreign language film

“Old Habits Die Hard”: Best original song, Alfie

Nothing but net ‘Coach Carter’ inspires students, movie goers to become better people Adil Shabbir Asst. Sports Editor

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hrough a story of a high school bas ketball team’s struggle to succeed in the rough neighborhood of Richmond, Calif., Coach Carter teaches the value of opportunity.

Coach Ken Carter, played by Samuel L. Jackson, takes on the role of the new basketball coach. As the new coach, Carter is determined to show his players the opportunity to succeed. His love for the game, as well as his love for his players, motivates him to push his team to its potential.

The story of how the players transform from too-cool-for-school thugs to motivated student-athletes really touches the heart. As they develop a bond with each other, the audience can’t help falling in love with the team.

“The story line was really moving,” senior Kati Chinery said, “It had a good moral.”

Despite the number of inexperienced actors, the cast did a remarkable job.

“All the boys were cute, but the white boy was the hottest,” Contreras said.

“I really liked the acting,” senior Rocio Contreras said. “The best part was when the team became good students.”

Not only did the players become better students, but better people overall. They realize the importance of an education and work hard to make something of themselves.

The thrilling basketball sequences make the audience want to stand up and cheer, and when the final buzzer sounds, the audience is flooded with emotion.

The combination of each players lives brings the best out in both the team and the coach.

Coach Carter is an inspirational sports story that pushes youth to be all that they can be.

10FEATURES Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Andrew Robinson

Moving Ahead ‘05 Looking Back

‘04

2004 leaves behind memories in numerous aspects of news hit it big when the Boston Red Sox stepped up to the plate and hit a 004 has come and gone, but many homerun when they won the World Sememories of the year have been ries after 86 years of futility.

Many celebrity personalities were left to remember. mentioned over and over in 2004, The Superbowl half time show was whether it was Mary-Kate’s eating dissomething no one could forget. How order, Martha Stewart’s prison sentence, could you when Janet Jackson’s “wardMichael Jackson’s child molestation robe malfunction” was shown repeatcharges, or even Brittney’s two maredly on almost every station? Many teleriages.

Usher’s song “Yeah” was the vision shows poked fun at the situation, most played song of 2004 according to and it went without saying that Janet VH1.

Mel Gibson was also talked about and Justin Timberlake would not be invited back for a Part II of the show the with his movie Passion of the Christ which made $370 million and led the hip following year.

Thousands of people tuned into their people to buy “Jesus is My Homeboy” televisions to watch the new hit shows T-shirts.

Technology made new breakouts once of 2004. “You’re Fired” was heard in again with blogs going mainstream and more places than just the office after 3.6 million plus iPods being bought this many turned their TVs to Donald year.

X-box brought Halo back with the Trump’s reality series, The Apprentice, much anticipated Halo 2 game. People America’s Next Top Model continued to could be found lining up as early as midlet aspiring models take a step into the night to buy the game at carious outfast lane of the runways. The OC conlets. tinued to please the fans of the show and But Halo wasn’t the only comeback.

Desperate Housewives became a huge hit ’80s fashion seemed to bounce back into of the year. clothes with pearls, shirts hanging off With the birth of new shows, many the shoulder, bows in the hair and fans said goodbye to their TV favorites pumps.

Designer purses such as Gucci, as they wrapped up their last seasons.

Coach and Louis Vuitton were also must The Emmy winning shows Sex and the haves.

City and Friends said goodbye after nuNot everything was good news in merous seasons of hookups and laughs, 2004, though. The war in Iraq continued but the dedicated fans that aren’t ready as did the fight against terrorism. Natuto let go yet can still catch the reruns just ral disasters also took a toll on many. It’s about every night. one thing to be hit by one hurricane, but Sports were big in 2004 with the Olymto be hit by four?

That’s what happened pics held in Athens. Paul Hamm and to different parts of the Gulf Coast. HurMichael Phelps were two who won gold ricane Jeanne, Ivan, Francis and Charlie for the Americans. Although many all hit one after another.

But that was feared terrorism and Athens, the 2004 nothing compared to what would hapgames were trouble-free. Baseball also pen In south Asia. The devastating Tsunami that hit just one day after Christmas surprised many locals and vacationers. The death toll as of Jan. 7, was near 155,000 people.

The Presidential election also took place in 2004. From Howard Dean’s rousing speech, to Michael Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, this close race turned out to not be as close as everyone expected when Bush won the election with the popular vote of 55%.

2004 was an interesting year that brought us exGreg Hood, left, of Shady Side, Md., and Mike Raab, of citement and entertainAnnapolis, Md take a float through Annapolis, Md. folment, but as they say, lowing one of the seasons many hurricanes. Printed with best is yet to come.

Emily Kuykendall Staff Writer

2

permission by the Assosciated Press.

U.S. soldiers stand by as Iraqis search through the rubble of a building a day after it was damaged by a car bomb. Numerous suicide bombings took place in 2004, more are expected in 2005 from insurgents. Photo printed with permission from Associated Press

New year shows plenty of promise Matt Galloway Staff Writer

2

005 is here. Five years into the 21st century, the 2005 outlook shows a year of political changes, musical comebacks, big screen sequels and hometown sports anticipation.

Of course the big issue of 2005 will be the war in Iraq. With Iraqi elections bound to move forward at all costs, theres more of a chance now than ever for the coalition soldiers to come home.

On the political front, President Bush’s cabinet will undergo some changes; both Homeland Security official Tom Ridge and Secretary of State Colin Powell will be resigning.

On the music front, 2005 will be the year of the comeback. Rock legends The Who are planning to release their first album in 23 years. Veteran rockers Judas Priest are also expected to return to the charts. Hip-hop fans should be delighted to hear that Will Smith will put his acting career on pause for a return to the recording studio. And yes, America should get its J-Lo fix early this year; her fourth album Rebirth is in the works.

Blockbuster big screen flicks are due out this year that should (once again) make it the year of the sequels. Horror thriller The Ring will return with “The Ring Two”, a continuation of the original plot. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith will bring a close to

one of the most worshipped movie series ever. A chapter of Americana will close when the series will finally (and mercifully in some fans’ minds) end in May. Indiana Jones 4 will come out in July, but one has to wonder how much an aged Harrison Ford can contribute to this action packed film.

Contrary to last year, Kansas City sports fans have a President George W. lot to look Bush was sworn in yesforward to terday to begin his secthis year. ond term as the United The big State’s Commander-inquestion Chief. The inaugurathat’s on tion included a parade everyone’s and numerous balls. mind is “Can KU do it?” Will the undefeated Jayhawks win the NCAA crown, or will they succumb to March Madness? Another interesting situation should be the Royals; if this team doesn’t pull it together, we could see the end of the Tony Pena “believe” era. Finally, the Chiefs will try to fix their defensive mess before the 2005 season begins, but is it too late for this aging team?

2005 has started with more questions than answers. But with the change in so many different areas of life and entertainment, it should be an enjoyable year in which to participate.

‘05 Fast Fact

FEATURES 11 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Andrew Robinson

New officer fills void left in security office Randall brings plethora of experience to halls Jessica Katzenstein Staff Writer

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here’s a new officer patrolling the halls. But don’t be afraid — Den nis Randall, Officer Ken Braden’s new colleague, said he was only looking to get to know students.

“I love kids,” Randall said. “I want to learn who’s who, and I want the kids to get to know me.

They gravitate to me.”

Randall was hired after Officer Van Meter took a job at the Olathe Police Department. A retired water patrol officer and teacher, Randall said he was looking for something else to do after his 30 years of law enforcement and 24 years of teaching.

He was hired because of these qualifications, along with his experience with children.

“It’s important that we’re all comfortable with him,” principal Scott Bacon said. “He’s very excited to be here. I think he’ll do well.”

Randall said he was familiar with the

district and knew the kind of students Blue Valley produced.

“I expect kids to be kids,” he said. “But Blue Valley has good ones.”

Randall has high expectations for the rest of the year. He hopes to help troubled children and learn names and faces.

Prior to his law enforcement career, Randall played football in college and in a semi-pro league in Europe called the Rheimien Rockets as a fullback and middle linebacker. Afterward, he became a water patrol officer at Missouri’s Longview Lake.

“He brings experience to the job,” Braden said.

Randall, married to special education teacher Joyce, has two children: a 26year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. He loves athletics and played many sports, including wrestling and track, in high school.

“He’ll be part of the family,” Bacon said.

“He brings experience to the job ”

New officer Dennis Randall stands in the hallway at Blue Valley. Randall is very familiar with the district and looks forward to working with Blue Valley kids Randall started his position on Jan. 4 following the winter break. Randall comes from a background of athletics, safety education and teaching. Photo by Autumn Fuller.

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12 FEATURES Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Andrew Robinson

Sensitive Subject Sensors triggering false interruptions for classes Michaela Cross Features Editor

D

uring a lesson, in second hour Pre Calculus with Sherry Spotts, about logarithms and exponential functions, a sudden sound startles the class. Everyone jumps up and screams as the teacher tries to round up the students and hustle them out of the door. In a rush Spotts grabs her attendance list and room key. She locks the door and rushes after her students with other classes, in the halls on their way outside This situation may seem a little dramatized, but it does seem all too common to some students. To some, this seems like a regular scenario. But, are the fire d r i l l s around Blue Valley too much or just enough to keep the student’s safe?

“I’d rather have motion detectors that are too sensitive than not at all,” principal Scott Bacon said. “It’s also a lot better than it used to be. When I was here before we used to have them all the time.”

Yes, it is good to have a sensor that will keep us safe, but what

“I’d rather have motion detectors that are too sensitive than not at all ” Scott Bacon

is it that seems to set off the fire alarms more than needed?

“A spider can crawl through and set off one of the beam sensors,” Bacon said, “and dust can pile up, too.”

A few times a balloon brought into school floated to the ceiling and disrupted one of the censors. Students are discouraged to bring balloons, or other objects like a balloon, so that there can be limited alarms.

And, even though students seem to think that the alarms go off way too often, it really is just the required amount to follow district regulations.

“We are required to have one drill a month,” Bacon said, “so, if that is how we have our drill then we don’t have to plan one.

However, if it gets toward the end of the month and we haven’t had one yet, then we have to plan one.”

So, maybe there isn’t as many fire drills as students thought; however, there are usually a few times a year in which the alarms will sound due to causes other than a spider crawling or too much dust.

“A lot of people pull the alarms on dares,” Officer Ken Braden said. “If students want to get angry they should talk to their classmates.”

And since the alarms seem to go off a lot more than expected, it’s nice to know we have a fire station right down the street. If a fire alarm ever does happen to be real, it’s comforting to know that the fire department’s response time is quick.

“I hesitate to say this,” Bacon said, “but we treat them all as if they were real so if there ever really was a problem somewhere, we would be prepared,”

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Only 99 cents am to am Sonic Drive-In 8501 W. 151st Stanley, KS 66223

SPORTS 13 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Michael Johnson

Students battle over building new stadium W O Con Pro Jessica Katzenstein

Kyle Rogers

Staff Writer

Editor-in-Chief

verland Park’s proposed new eeknight boredom may soon arena and adjacent entertain have another solution in the ment district at 115th and Overland Park area as plans Metcalf may provide some fun on a slow for a new 8,000 seat arena are now unFriday night. However, the arena has its derway. The project, slated to cost just downfalls. over $150 million, will be paid for by The arena will enter into direct comprivate and public funds. petition with a planned downtown KanThe Kansas City Knights of the sas City, Mo. Arena and a planned $339 American Basketball Association and million arena in Olathe. Olathe’s project, Kansas City Comets of the Major Indoor which plans to seat 8,000 to 10,000 Soccer League have already committed people, has run into problems already. to move to this smaller arena from State tax incentives approved for the downtown venues. Planned for 115th arena were not sufficient, and the develand Metcalf, the proposed arena has opers must show progress by Jan. 21 or few substantial downsides for Overface losing their state financing. land Park and the entire metro area.

The KC Sprint Center, however, will Opponents worry that the arena will draw potential Overland Park arena cusdetract from the planed Sprint Center tomers. If only one of the two planned in Kansas City, Mo., but the size differarenas is built, all ticket, concession, etc. ence prevents any real competition besales would go toward paying off contween the venues. With a planned struction costs. Building both would 20,000 seats, the Spring Center will atneedlessly split sales money. tract more major events and leave miThe Sprint Center, as the larger of the nor league sports and smaller music two with 20,000 seats, would attract acts to the suburban location. more big events, such as concerts, and Both the Knights and Comets will could seat more fans. Its potential benbenefit from moving to a smaller, subefits outweigh those of Overland Park’s A new Overland Park arena might be built within the next year at this location, 115th urban arena because of their target fan arena, which would attract smaller and Metcalf. Photo by Autumn Fuller base and the economics of their leagues.

Small minor league teams are more sucevents and less-popular teams.

Precedents have been set in other cities. Council Bluffs, Iowa, right next to cessful filling smaller arenas than playing in large, empty stadiums as often hapOmaha, built the 8,000-seat Mid-America Center arena in 2002. The arena did pens when the teams play at Kemper Arena. The move will especially benefit the well until 2003, when the much-larger Qwest Center opened in downtown Omaha Comets who can capitalize on the greater number of soccer players in Overland and began competing for customers. Council Bluff’s arena’s opening losses to- Park than in Kansas City proper.

Many successful minor league franchises like the Fort Wayne Comets of the taled $900,000.

An Atlanta suburb opened a 12,000-seat arena in 2003, north of the larger, down- United Hockey League exist in smaller arenas in smaller suburban cities, where family promotions and marketing to upper-income residents are more successful. town-Atlanta Philips Arena. Both arenas have survived financially.

However, the population of Atlanta’s suburb is much greater than OP’s. Kansas Overland Park residents will be able to attend games more frequently than those City’s population may not be sizable enough to support two arenas. Competition in downtown Kansas City and will, therefore, develop a bond with the minor leagues teams which is much more difficult to form while they play in a stadium between the Sprint Center and the OP arena could be devastating to the latter.

The OP facility could end up like the Science Center at Union Station, a project 30 minutes away.

The new arena will continue Overland Park’s that has many similarities to the OP arena. Both are large projects that depend on customer revenue. Revenues for the Science Center were not as high as originally transformation into an upper-tier city in this country and give residents more entertainment options projected, so taxpayers’ dollars were used to cover the deficit.

Stadium will The Overland Park arena would needlessly take funds and detract from the for weeknights. As long as residents know the Sprint Center. If both were built, the OP arena could fail and require public funds Sprint Center and the new OP arena aren’t made cost $150 to offset the debts. If Overland Park decided not to build the arena, the land could to compete with each other, each will be able to million be used for a better purpose and students could go watch big-name concert at the find a niche and rake in a portion of the area’s lucrative entertainment industry.

Sprint Center on a Friday night.

QUICK FACT:

Rabbit joins staff JV basketball coach juggles student teaching with his love for coaching Matt Galloway Staff Writer

S

ome may say a coach is someone who only resides on a court or a field, or someone who only helps his players with their game.

However, taking one look at the past and future of coach Mark Rabbit proves this wrong.

Rabbitt, who is in his second year of coaching the boys’ junior varsity basketball squad, will be student teaching for the first time on Feb. 7.

Rabbitt will assist with Keil Pittman’s two Communication Arts III classes and three senior contemporary communication classes. Juggling these two tasks will be a struggle, but it’s a challenge Rabbitt feels he can learn from.

“I’ll definitely be stressed at certain times,” Rabbit said. “But I should be able to pick up on it quickly. I learn as much from the students as they learn from me.”

Rabbitt is currently attending graduate school to help further his education. He graduated in 2000 and has been preparing to teach since then.

He put in the time and effort to become a teacher and a coach for the purpose of helping kids, something he attributes his drive to.

“I enjoy being around kids and helping them improve at whatever they’re doing,” Rabbitt said.

“Coaching and teaching compliment each other in that I can teach kids skills in both.”

The skills Rabbitt uses to coach his JV team are also traits he hopes his classroom will adopt.

“A couple (of coaching skills) will be important in the classroom,” Rabbitt said. “Communication skills are very important for both, and I feel respect will be another important part of the environment, and success of the students just as it is in coaching.”

Although his love will always be on the court, Rabbitt keeps his priorities in check when it comes to education.

“Both jobs will compliment each other, but education is always most important,” Rabbitt said.

“That’s the job I’ll take pride in the most.”

Coach Rabbitt coaches his team of JV boys’ basketball players against Northwest on Jan. 11 Photo by Kendra Kruse

2001 2005 2002 In the life of 2000 Coached at Coached BV JV Student Graduated private school boys’ basketball teacher coach Rabbitt from KU

14SPORTS Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Adil Shabbir

No talent...

No problem Rec sports are open to anyone who is interested in having a good time

I

Juniors Adam Blue, Jon Teel and Hoyt Banks practice their special play in the BV gym. for their upcomming rec game. Photo by Emily Kuykendull

Fans make plans Nick Speed Staff Writer

T

he big game is coming up and plans are being made. Do you have a place to go? The place you pick has to be perfect, the type of food, the seating arrangements, the company present. All of these things should be critically considered when choosing a place for Super Bowl Sunday.

“Super Bowl Sunday is just like a holiday,” Coach Rick McNerlin said. “All you do is sit around, eat and watch football.”

Senior Ali Pollock enjoys attending Super Bowl parties.

“Super Bowl parties are the best to go to,” Pollock said.

“Food, funny commercials and football; what more could you ask for?”

The game is an event for all.

The boys, the girls, there is something for everyone. Some people like the football, some like the commercials and some like the halftime show.

“My friends come over and have a party for the game. I like watching for all of the beer commercials,” sophomore William Conway said.

Tiger football fans can’t wait for Super Bowl Sunday Many students choose to go over to a friend’s house to see this championship football game.

“I go to (Casey) Donahoo’s for the Super Bowl,” senior Reza Tafreshi said. “Last year we had some sweet lasagna, and I got to see Janet Jackson’s boob.”

Other students choose to go to a Bar-n-Grill.

“I go to Freddy T’s for the game.” senior Mike Gari said.

“I like the drunken atmosphere, even though I don’t participate.”

The stresses of hosting aren’t really apparent when it’s a Super Bowl party and you have someone else preparing everything.

“Hosting is simple,” senior Matthew Donahoo said. “All you have to do is produce cold beverages, a comfortable viewing area and have your mom do everything.”

If you attend a Bar-n-Grill like Freddy T’s, the food is easy and the crowd can be fun. If you choose to go to a friend’s house the food is work but the seating can be awesome. It all depends on the preferences of the spectator.

t’s 7:30 p.m. and a whistle blows, signaling the beginning of another Gamecocks basketball game.

Five attractive men wearing headbands and exotic uniforms start running up and down the court in a desperate attempt to improve upon last year’s 1-9 record.

It’s recreational basketball, the perfect alternative to competitive high school sports. Students who can’t compete at the high school level should not be discouraged; instead, they should look into recreational leagues.

I never realized the benefits of recreational sports until I watched the Gamecocks, a team started by seniors Graham Yohe and Devin Dougan four years ago. Then I realized that recreational sports are truly only as competitive as you want them to be.

“It’s not always about winning,” Dougan said. “It’s strictly about having fun, and occasionally, it’s about the women.”

Too many people hold back from playing sports they are interested in because they don’t have enough natural talent. It’s important to experience involvement in

athletics at some point during high school, and rec leagues offer the opportunity. It just has to be known that the worst player can still play without humiliation as long as he gets mixed in with the right team.

Another glorious benefit is that

Pass the mike

Michael Johnson Sports Editor

you can make your own team of friends who have the same motives as you.

“They’re really bad,” senior Jessica Teel said about the Gamecocks. “In fact, they’re terrible; but they know it and they don’t care. They have fun anyway.”

Take the game on Jan. 9 for example. The Blackhawks, a team of Northwest males, stormed the court with dirty aggression in their eyes. They came to win; and they did, 59-

22. They walked away happy, but so did the Gamecocks. Win or lose, their motivation to play is to strictly have fun. That was apparent when I watched Yohe shoot free throws blindfolded by his headband, or when junior Zack Carpenter put his focus on brutality rather than the love of the game. ”I’m just getting started,” Carpenter said.

On the other hand, it’s just as easy to get involved with a team that loves competition.

The Blackhawks certainly do, and they showed it through their high intensity before, during, and after the game.

When I introduced myself to the gang at the end, I was blasted by a player who didn’t think I was actually a reporter.

After his explosion, his teammate chimed into answer my question, and he openly established the difference between the Gamecocks and the Blackhawks. º “They were a bit unorthodox, but their skills were still impressive, Northwest senior Chris Smith said about the Gamecocks.

Despite the type of team or the sport of interest, recreational sports can be a perfect combination of having fun, staying fit, and playing the game you love.

playerprofile Players selected by coaches

Jay Vaglio Senior

Sport: Basketball What’s your favorite part of the sport? Hanging out with my teammates What’s your least favorite part of the sport? Not winning What are your goals for the rest of the season? Work hard and have fun

Kyle Luetjen

Senior

Sport: Wrestling What’s your favorite part of the sport? Tournaments What’s your least favorite part of the sport? Conditioning What are your goals for the rest of the season? To place higher at state than last year (6th) Profile by Kendra Kruse

SPORTS 15 Jan. 21, 2005

Page Edited by Adil Shabbir

Sports in Short Boys’ BBall The Boys’ basketball team loss 60-48 last Friday to the Stags of Bishop Miege.

Tuesday of that week they welcomed the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies to the Tiger Pit. The Tigers led much of the first half as sophomore Hank Driskell dropped 10, and senior Jay Vaglio added 17 to the scoreboard. In the end, the Tigers won 57-47 in overtime.

The Tigers are playing in the January Jam at Valley Center this weekend.

They traveled to St. Thomas Aquinas on Jan. 7 and lost 60-44.

The guys opened their season in the traditional Blue Valley Shootout. After a convincing win over Pembroke Hill the Tigers struggled against Lawerence losing in the semifinals. In the third place game the Tigers found themselves not shooting well against Sumner and getting fourth place. They are now 2-3 overall and 1-1 and Eastern Kansas League play.

Senior Geno Waters drives the lane against a Northwest defender on Jan. 11.

Junior Stephen Blumhardt keeps the Huskies from getting up the court. Photos by Shay Alford.

Wrestling The Tiger Wrestling team traveled to Basher-Linwood last weekend for the annual Bobcat Classic. With the top schools from 4A, 5A and 6A competing, this tournament is always one of the hardest tournaments on their schedule.

Senior twins Grant and Keaton Baker were tournament champions in their 130 lbs and 125 lbs weight classes. Junior twins Hunter and Tyler Madl also walked away with medal; Hunter took third at 135 lbs, and Tyler took fifth at 119 lbs. As a team, the Tigers placed eight.

The wrestlers hosted their first dual of the season against the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies on Jan. 11. Although some of the wrestlers were not wrestling in their ideal weight class, the Tigers came out with the win.

The Tigers will travel to Chanute, Kan. tonight. Next Wednesday, the Tigers will head down the road to take on Blue Valley West Jaguars.

Senior Kyle Luetjen rides his 140 lbs opponent from Blue Valley Northwest. Senior Louie McClendon attempts to turn the 160 lbs Husky on Jan. 11. Photos by Kyle Rogers.

Girls’ BBall The Lady Tiger basketball team will be traveling to Olathe Northwest tonight to take on the the Ravens. The Ravens are currently 2-4, and they are on a two-game losing streak.

They played Olathe South on Tue. Jan. 18. The Tigers trailed all of the game and despite a late-third quarter surge, the Tigers lost 58-47.

“We made too many mistakes and we turned the ball over too many times to win” senior captain Katie Joens.

On Jan. 13. The Tigers lost to an undefeated Bishop Miege team. The score was 53-44. The Tigers went on a 17-0 run late in the first half but couldn’t keep the momentum. After being down eight to start the second half, the two teams played pretty even for the rest of the game.

Junior Kelsey Slack and Senior Kaley Miller practice their jump shot after school at practice. Both girls are playing on the varsity level. Photo by Kyle Rogers.

Swimming Boys’ swimming is off to a good start, according to head coach Martin Keltner.

The 200-relay has already made 1:36:18, close to the time it made at state last year.

Junior Parker Sargent has reached 21:51, seven seconds above his state time last year, in the 50m freestyle.

Along with Sargent, the swimmers to watch this season include seniors Adam Goscha, Kevin Felix and Tony Britt.

The team’s goals include making the top 15 at state, which will be held Feb. 18 and 19.

Blue Valley High School will hold the next meet for the swimmers on Jan. 27.

They will swim against Miege and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Junior Clark Stenson gasps for air as he races towards the finish line at the Blue Valley West meet on Tuesday. Senior Adam Gosche swims the butterfly stroke at the meet.

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Did you know the 14 wrestlers on the varsity squad have lost over 115 lbs?

LIFE IN PICTURES 16 Jan. 21, 2005

Run, Kevin, run! Senior Kevin Lynch hustles out to his car after school on December 19th. Many students who didn’t bring coats or jackets to school had to brave the harsh winter’s air.

Below: Some residents of this street found themselves dumbfounded when they found their street unplowed, even though they knew that trucks were there hours before.

Page by Brandon Lutz

Ice, ice, baby. During the first few days back to school, many students awoke to find that thier car turned into a block of ice. “My boyfriend’s car’s locks froze. We couldn’t go anywhere for an hour and a half!” one student said. Driving around neighborhoods, you could find numerous cars covered with tarps to keep the ice off of the frigid vehicles.

When there is snow on the twisty road of Mission, people who travel down it know that because of its rural location, some roads get poorly plowed. “I hate it when it snows; my street is an eighth of a mile long, and my car can’t get out of it,” senior Veronica Foltz said regarding snow and ice that occurred. Luckily, no student acciednts occured during winter break, though a driver did lose control and slid off the road on the south side of the Blue River bridge on Mission Road.

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hh, winter bliss. Such a fun time, eh? For some, yes, for some, no. It just depends on how far you’re willing to go to reach that certain level of entertainment to have during that snow storm that’s a– blowin’ outside. Two and a half weeks of nothing but sleeping in until noon, and staying up until dare we say, the wee hours of the morn? From Dec. 19 through Jan. 4, students enjoyed the many oohs and ahhs of winter. Some of us were anxiously awaiting the return of school. And they sort of got that wish, for after only a day back from break, school got called off for two days due to the weather, leaving some students wondering “Why are coming back for Friday? This is bloddy rediculous!”

Students who looked forward to going outside had the ability to have snowball fights, make snowmen, freeze to death and peg that really annoying kid who lives down the street from you with that ice–snowball of death. Or for those of us who were less violent, we constructed a snowman, and dressed it up like our most disliked relative, say Aunt Flaberta, the aunt who is notorious for leaving that crimson lipstick on your cheek that won’t come out for days?