TIGER
the blue valley high
Innuendo takes over fashion halls of BV
Wrestling swimming state wrap ups
P R I N T
Issue 7 Vol. 34 March 4, 2005
6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 (913) 239-4946
‘Foot to Booty’
Annual break approaches; students to spring away Emily Kuykendall Staff Writer
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Participating in Unitown, a program run by National Council for Community and Justice to promote tolerance and awareness of diversity, last Friday senior Lynn Droegemueller touches her foot to junior Ayushi Gupta’s backside. The activity was an ice-breaker to get students prepared to be open with one another. see brief on page 2. Photo by Brandon Lutz.
’m going to the moon,” junior Adam Blue said jokingly. “I’m getting a rocket and going to the moon.” Spring break, March 10-18, is something every student looks forward to. Why wouldn’t they? Being at school just piles on tons of stress and hours of homework. So when the question of who is going where for spring break comes up, most students dream of getting as far away from school as possible. Spring break is primarily known as the “seniors’ trip,” but that doesn’t mean the rest of the student body will just sit at home and do nothing. “I’m going on a cruise to Jamaica and a lot of other islands,” junior Kristen Burchett said. “I’m so excited because this is going to be the best vacation ever.” Many students would love to get away with their friends, not family. Why would you want to get dragged along with your parents when you could be out partying with your friends? “I’m supposed to go to California with my family, but now, one of my friends wants me to go to Cabo with him instead. I know it’d be more fun to go with him, but I don’t think my parents will let me now, “ Blue said.
Spring break will definitely be a great time for juniors and the underclassmen to take a break from school, but this will be most of the seniors last time to get away with they’re best friends. “Spring break will be really fun because I get to go with my best friend on a road trip to Florida,” senior Kim Hieber said. “Since I’m not going to see her much next year when we’re in college, this will be a great time to spend our last year together.” junior Adam Blue “I’m going to Dallas to visit some old friends because I used to live there. It’s bad enough that we don’t live by each other anymore, so this will be a good opportunity to see them,” senior Vanessa Caudill said. Before anyone can go on the trip, there are many preparations that have to be made. Girls are stocking up bathing suits, tanning oil and waxes. Pedicures are being scheduled and even the boys are utilizing the tanning beds. Whether you’re going to a far away island, or just staying in good ol’ Kansas, spring break will be a great break from school, homework and the stress of student life.
“I’m getting a rocket and going to the moon.”
Southern primaries get district one step closer to new board Maneeza Iqbal Editor-in-Chief
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ook banning, evolution and school finance will dominate the days prior to the upcoming April 5 school board elections. After Tuesday’s primary, the slate is set. Brad Wagner, Chris Lyon, Dan French and Calvin Kleinmann ran for position 6. French, with 37.65 percent of the vote, and Wagner, with 30.59 percent of the vote, won the primaries and will move onto the school board elections. The candidates running for positions four, five and six were at a forum at Blue Valley West last Thursday to Charley Morash discuss the issues. The candidates are Charley Morasch and Sue Matson for position four, Maynard Ahner and Steve Klika, who wasn’t at the forum, for position five, and including the candidates for position 6. Lyon was not able to make the forum but sent a letter saying that his emphasis was on merging community interest with the district. The Teenage Republican Club sponsored the
“There is blatant sexual obscenities in the books. We need to be more responsive.”
forum. The candidates got one minute for opening statements, one minute to answer questions, and two minutes for closing statements. The audience was not allowed to interact with the candidates during the forum. Senior government students and patrons submitted questions before at the forum were selected randomly from the pool. Due to attention from the community, one of the major issues this election concerns policy 4600 and if 14 books should be taken off the reading list. Ahner and French believe that the policy the school board designed should be enforced. Klienmann agreed, but also added that the policy should be revised. Morasch had a stronger opinion. “There is blatant sexual obscenities in the books,” Morasch said. “We need to be more responsive.” Matson said that the district policy 4600 should not stay static and teachers should constantly revise learning material. Wagner said it was a good policy and that the district has good teachers to teach the material. Evolution is another big issue this election because of this year’s state board review of science standards. All the candidates said that this was a state issue, but added their opinions. Matson and French said that the current system worked.
Congratulations to Sunflower Award nominees Eric Min
Robin Lerner
French added that he did not like the idea of preaching in the classroom and not teaching. Klienmann, Wagner and Morasch believe that evolution should be taught in the classroom, but intelligent design should be presented as another idea for students. Ahner said that this was a state issue that BV teachers would follow and teach what the state board decides. He also said that this issue should be open for public discourse. A couple of the questions asked at the forum revolved around school finance. All the candidates agreed that the priority is the classroom and that it should be preserved as is. Kliemann and Wagner believe that personnel will be touched. Kleinmann suggested that early retirement should be encouraged and to hire younger teachers because their salaries would be lower. Wagner suggested an increase in lunch prices and a change in taxes. “No one likes more taxes, but education is an investment,” Wagner said Cutting programs wasn’t off the table with Matson and French. They suggested to either change or cut programs in order to preserve the classroom.
Front page edited by Kyle Rogers
Senior countdown: days
2 NEWS March 4 , 2005
Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal
Speaking Briefly
Amanda Donovan, Sarah Pinney and Eliza Gale pratice flipping thier sabres. It took drill team a couple of weeks to learn the techniques involved with flipping a sabre. Photo by Kendra Kruse
Blood Drive will be held March 8. Students will be able to sign up for donations at lunch. The theme this year is the Wizard of Oz. The first few donators will receive free blood donation T-Shirts. The requirements to donate are that the student has to be 17 years old or older and must weigh 110 pounds or more. Ten journalism students quailified in 11 events at the Regional Journalism competition Feb. 18 at the University of Kansas. More than 577 students from 30 high schools competed in the Kansas Scholastic Press Association. Entires in 17 categories represented all school classifications. BV competed in the 5A/6A division. The winners were: Angela Solomon first in cutline writing and second in yearbook photography, Michael Johnson an honorable mention in news writing, Kyle Rogers third place in editorial writing, Adam Lary an honorable mention in editing, Andrew Robinson second place in headline writing, Emily Kuyendall first place in newspaper photography, Kyle Boomer third place in yearbook sports writing, Matt Galloway an honorable mention in yearbook sports writing, Kelly Schute an honorable mention in yearbook copy writing, Garrett Griffin an honorable mention in editorial cartoons. Blue Valley High School hosted its first Unitown last weekend. Unitown is a leadership workshop that helps students spread tolerance throughout their school and community. BV partnered with BV North to bring the workshop to BV. BV sent 31 students and North sent 25 students. The students stayed at the school for 24 hours to participate in this workshop. Students planning to sign up for the Advance Placement test, today is the last day to sign up. Each test costs $82. Bring the money to bookeeper Pat Fry in the office, then sign up for the test(s) in the counseling office.
Drill team lines up for regionals Jessica Katzenstein Staff Writer
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he Tigerette drill team departed on March 3 for a WGI regional in San Antonio. They return to Kansas on March 6. After a 12-15 hour bus ride, the team will participate in a winterguard clinic hosted by world finalists Northern Lights on March 4. They will visit the River Walk as well. The A Guard performs at noon March 5 and the Open Guard performs at 4 p.m. So far, the A Guard has made finals in Springfield, Mo., placed fourth at a recent MCCGA Lee’s Summit competition and worked on improving their show. “I’d like to get above a 50 score in San Antonio,” freshman Jillian Goss said.
Panel of 4 discuss book banning controversy in Blue Valley district Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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olicy 4600, censorship, book “ban ning,” concerned parents, This Boy’s Life, Chris Crutcher and other terms have come to the forefront recently throughout the district. A petition was submitted to the school board in January by 500 parents and patrons asking for the removal of 14 books from the district curriculum. The Mainstream Education Foundation sponsored a forum last Thursday to discuss this controversy from varying viewpoints. Discussion centered around the motives behind literature choices in the district and the rights and responsibilities the school board has to its patrons. “The issues is the district’s agenda in teaching a philosophy to the students made under the guise of Communication Arts,” concerned parent Cal Berggren said. “I believe that agenda is to teach kids that humans are a depraved species and that life has no meaning.” Berggren was the lone representative on the four-person panel representing the petiton-signing parents. Authors of the classkc.org website declined to participate. Educators responded to Berggren’s comments, disagreeing with his point of view. “What motivates [English teachers] is to do some kind of social good,” Bishop Seabury Academy English teacher Matt Patterson said. “We like to think that what we’re doing will help students cope with some of these [hard times in life].” University of Kansas professor Mickey Imber argued that legally, the board has
done more than it has to. “One thing that we’ve learned from this wrangling over curriculum is that the school board has the right to include any curriculum it chooses,” Imber said. “In fact, Blue Valley is not required to offer the alternative choices it does.” Answering questions from the audience, Berggren explained that parents aren’t the only ones who have issues with the current literature. “My son came to me and he said, ‘This is depressing. This is discouraging. I hate this book,’” Berggren said. Pam Crandall, a parent of a BV North junior, feels the board is correct and that argument over this issue is mistimed. “I am a parent who firmly believes the Blue Valley procedures currently in place to choose curriculum materials are there to serve the best interests of students in this community,” Crandall said in a prepared statement. “It would be a waste for the board to review the books now because they do not know if these books will be on the new curriculum.” Crandall mentioned the on-going scheduled revisions of the district-wide English curriculum. Teachers review materials every five years. Policy 4600 was revised last fall after the book This Boy’s Life was challenged by BV West parent Janet Harmon. Harmon sat on the committee that revised the policy and agreed with the final policy as it was written. She later led the drive for signatures of the petition presented before the board. Policy 4600 is policy concerning the resources used the classroom. The policy states that resources cannot have extreme obscenities.
Some members of A Guard think more practice is necessary before the team departs. “I don’t think we’ll be ready,” sophomore Kristy Veasman said. “The competition will be difficult and challenging because there are so many competitors.” The Open Guard placed third in finals at the St. Louis competition in O’Fallon, Ill. Feb. 5. The team has been unchallenged at the local competitions, including Springfield. “I hope that our show comes together, that we work as a team and that people perform the show well,” junior Kim Varner said. Open Guard will face four renowned teams at the competition. Some members of Open Guard believe that more hours of practice would be beneficial to the team. “We haven’t had a lot of preparation; hopefully, it will
add up,” freshman Karen Liebentritt said. Head coach Sandie Rosenblatt is hopeful about the team’s chances. She wants A Guard to earn a score of 65 or above and Open Guard to place first or second. “We haven’t had enough hours to prepare,” Rosenblatt said. Unfortunately, since the team leaves on March 3, the girls and the tarp crew will miss two days of Kansas State Assessment testing. Regardless of the scheduling conflicts, both guards plan to enjoy their time in San Antonio. “I’ll hang out, go on the River Walk and ask questions,” freshman Jamie Dujenski said. “I plan to practice, hang out, eat, shop and stuff,” Varner said. “I hope our tarp stays on the bus.” Panelist Pam Crandall speaks as Mickey Imber, Cal Berggren and Matt Patterson look on. The four discussed the recent book controversy in front of over 100 people. Photo by Kyle Rogers.
NEWS 3 March 4 , 2005
Page Edited by Maneeza Iqbal
New policy doesn’t allow open hours for seniors Matt Galloway Staff Writer
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Senior Mike Gari gets measured for the tux he will wear at the fashion show. Each partcipant got fitted for all the dresses and tuxes they will be wearing at the show. Photo by Kendra Kruse
It’s all about the fashion BV hosts first charity fashion show Michael Johnson Sports Editor
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atalie M. will sponsor a fashion show in the PAC at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Local students recruited from Blue Valley and BV North will model various dresses and tuxedos. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds go to the Ali Kemp Foundation. Ali Kemp was murdered in a Leawood pool three years ago. The Foundation, in her name, supports free self-defense classes to educate young women on how to protect themselves. Tickets can be purchased at lunch, at the door or at the store located at 126th and Metcalf. All attendees will receive 50 percent off Natalie M. merchandise, which can easily make up for the entrance fee. “A deal like that should attract everybody,” junior Paige Watson said. “Plus, Natalie M. has great stuff and the show should be fun.” Senior Kendra Kruse, along with the
help of teacher Courtney Buffington, organized the show. After two meetings and lots of phone calls, Kruse has 20 girls and five guys all sized and ready to go. “It was a lot of work to get the whole thing organized,” Kruse said. “But I think it will be worth it in the end.” BV models include seniors Cecily Miller, Mallory Mackey, Kendra Kruse, Jon Baldwin, Mike Gari, Ryan Wallace, Ally Ross and junior Courtney Smith. All participants are looking forward to the event. “I’m looking forward to this more than spring break,” Gari said. “I look slimming in white.” Gari will be modeling a white tuxedo. Baldwin will be dressed in black, Wallace is undecided, and the dresses will vary. Students are looking forward to this first-ever fashion experience as much as the models are. “The fashion show will be a fun way to raise money for a good cause,” senior Mike Schober said. “I’m excited.”
ollowing the first three years of his high school education, the student finally let his guard down and relaxed. He had 21 credits, just three shy of the requirement to graduate going into his senior year. As the end of his day approached and the bell rang, he stood and exited the school. Only he did not leave alone, he left with everyone else. He had taken the administration’s advice and booked a full schedule for his senior year. This is the ideal scenario for principal Scott Bacon, who has continued his “run to finish” goal for students with a new policy. Administrators removed the option for open hours when juniors enrolled two weeks ago in an attempt to motivate them to create a full year of classes. However, if students want to pursue the open hours, they can meet with parents and counselors to discuss the advantages of finishing strong before heading into college. Bacon believes these new suggestions will lead to a higher educational experience in high school and ultimately college. “We are asking students and parents to meet with counselors and administrators so they can make the right decisions,” Bacon said. “Research shows a strong seven-hour senior year has a large impact on college success.” Bacon attributes the school’s new policy to a study conducted by the College Board that found students who take rigorous courses during their senior year do better in college than students who choose to take fewer courses with less rigor. “We have become much more aware of the research this year, and we feel the students should be too,” Bacon said. “If students say they are going to ‘hang
loose’ in their free time, we’ll inform them of the statistics.” But some students believe the free periods help them focus on the smaller schedules that result from them, and should even be looked at as a reward for 12 years of hard work. “If you’ve worked hard to get your credits, why should you push harder with the people who haven’t?” senior Kaleigh Nold asks. “The off time should be a reward for the hard working students.” Bacon counters by claiming that a five-hour schedule may seem like a good deal, but it depends on what the other end of that deal is. He stresses that the best education you can get is as an experienced senior. “This is a unique school,” Bacon said. “We hope students take advantage of our benefits while they’re still here.” Junior Jennifer Humphrey, who planned on taking open periods as a senior, questions the motives of the administration for fixing what does not need to be fixed, she claims. “I think it is ridiculous that they want to change the way things have been for years,” she said. “It just makes things harder for us.” Other students agree that a full schedule may help with their education, but the weight lifted off the shoulders of those applying for open periods has a much higher value. “I waited and looked forward to my short senior schedule,” senior Stephanie Grossman said. “It made me work harder so I’d have time to relax and focus on my important final classes.” Release for those with “unique employment opportunities” is still available to those who talk with the administration. Bacon also encourages college release for those who wish to get a jump-start on their college credits.
It’s never too late
Overdue library book returned The janitor unlocked the door, and Randall Hudgins entered the darkened BV library after 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 22. He was returning a library book, The Day Lincoln Was Shot by Jim Bishop. The book was 19 years overdue. The book was stamped as belonging to the original Stanley High library.
Hudgins left it in the BV library with a note saying, “I found this in my storage locker.” A resident of Wichita who graduated high school in 1986, he left town the next day. The BV library does not have the book in its records. No overdue fees will be charged.
Prom fast approaching Prom is scheduled April 2 from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Ritz Charles on 137th Street. The prom committee chose not to share much about the theme at this point. “I’m excited for prom especially because I get to wear my dress,” senior Kelly Baker said. Tickets are $25 except for seniors who attend free. Tickets will be on sale a week before prom in the commons After-Prom is sponsored by the PTO and is scheduled from midnight to 4:30 a.m. April 3 at BV.
4 OPINIONS March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Adam Lary
Good Morning Blue Valley Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor
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t is supposed to be the window to education for Johnson County school patrons. But recently, Blue Valley television’s programming is a window for professional journalists rather than the high school students enrolled in the district’s Broadcast Performance class. During the Feb. 11 show of the student-produced “Good Morning Blue Valley,” sports anchors Cecily Miller and Blaine Muhl introduced five stories. Just two of the five had been produced by students; the other three had been produced and written by “Kansas City’s Sports Leader,” Metro Sports. The network helped the sports segment by lending them stories regarding BV North basketball standout, Casey Crawford, the husband and wife duo, Anne and Ed Fritz, and another about the West cheerleaders. “It is just a dead time right now and we needed something to fill time,” “Good Morning Blue Valley” sports producer Ryan Wallace said. “If [Metro Sports] air something about sports in Blue Valley, we are probably going to air it.” If BVTV could only come up with two stories, then that is all that they should have shown. The Broadcast Performance curriculum was set up for students to be a part of a real life journalism situation, and airing a show during a down time is just one of those situations that they needed to work around. The class was not set up for students to make phone calls to professional journalists down the road for stories to fill time. This topic of “Good Morning Blue Valley” is also
utilization. Are we beginning to see that Channel 18 was set up as a place for public relations; are we just doing this to let everyone know how great the Blue Valley district is, or is it a place to train scholastic journalists? Perhaps rather than “filling time” with the professional media, BVTV could use the numerous sports stories produced at each high school. However, that brings up another touchy issue; Blue Valley is the only district of the three(Shawnee Mission and Olathe) that does not use high school programs like Tiger TV or Blue Valley Northwest’s Husky Headlines on a consistent basis. According to BVTV coordinator Kristi McNerlin, BVTV has no formal relationship with Metro Sports, but they share video with them and other stations, including high schools. She said they used other stations’ programming to provide additional exposure for students throughout the district. Because of a tight production schedule, she said, broadcast students were not able to cover all possible stories. If BVTV utilizes money earmarked for curriculum and students, perhaps they should use student work. If the station uses student journalists to help produce their programming and publicize district accomplishments, it has another mission. A video clip here or there is one thing, but hopefully, “Good Morning Blue Valley” producers will think about other resources before airing professionally out-sourced segments again. Too much money was put into the facilities at the district studio for this to happen.
Stick to the facts Adam Lary Opinion Editor
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volutionary theory. According to dictionary.com, it is a change in the ge netic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species. It is a theory supported by fossil evidence, as well as experiments done by scientists around the world. In fact, it has so much evidence supporting it that it might as well be a fact. So why are some organizations trying to put stickers in biology textbooks saying “evolution is a theory, not a fact?” Districts might as well put up a neon sign saying “Score one for the Creationists.” If this were allowed to happen, it would not only reveal a flaw in our educational system, but also in our government, which is responsible for keeping church and state separate. In reality, placing these stickers in textbooks violates the establishment clause of the constitution. Just two months ago in Cobb County, Ga., the very same stickers were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, so why bother
Textbook stickers need to be rethought
trying? Placing the stickers in the textbooks will only draw lawsuits on the school board, which could drag the state into a costly legal battle against organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline recently made a statement that he would support the idea of stickers in court, if it comes to that. Kline, as well as other supporters of the stickers, needs to realize that the result will promote religion in school, which violates the constitution. Unfortunately, the groups are exploiting a gray area in the law, stating that it does not promote religion. Instead, they ask that students be required to “critically analyze” evolutionary theory. The result will point out the limitations of evolution and in turn make students look to religion for answers. This is in violation of the 1971 Supreme Court case of Lemon v. Kurtzman, which states that any decision regarding a religious matter can neither advance nor inhibit the practice thereof. Placing the stickers in textbooks violates one of the most basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. It is a school district’s job to teach what is in the students’ best interest. At the same time, however, students should be taught how to think, not why to think it.
‘Practice what you preach’ Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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lected officials and many citizens want the constitution penned with religious values in mind. The more modern minority is stuck without the votes or the sympathy to get anything done. Some citizens face potentially grievous rights violations due to the faith-based views of others. Post-election Iraq, you say? The United States of America, I reply. Yes, it sounds outrageous, but in the middle of this “progressive” time for democracy, democracy at home is being limited. The current administration’s desire to amend the constitution to ban gay marriage and civil unions is disturbing and completely undemocratic. An idea central to democracy is that majority rules. Fine. Another central idea is that minorities do not lose rights due to the majority rule. Wait a second. Doesn’t taking away the right of a gay or lesbian person to marry another gay or lesbian person seem like an infringement upon a minority group’s rights? I believe it does. Now, I understand that many people do not agree with, condone or support being homosexual. Okay, but keep that preference to yourself. Just a few years ago, black people were not able to marry white people. Today, this type of law seems absurd, so why does an amendment to the Constitution of the United States banning gay marriage apRoger that pear kosher? Though I did not vote for him, I respect President Bush’s strong sense of values. He has a belief system, and he uses it when making decisions. That’s commendable; many people have no such system. I want the President of our country to know where he stands and why he stands there, but I also want our President to understand the ideals present in the government he so willingly extols to the rest of the world. President Bush repeatedly says that this country will support democracy wherever there is a will to have it. Amen, we love democracy, but let’s make sure we have it right at home before we start peddling it abroad. America was originally a haven for the oppressed, yet time and time again we have seen this country oppress others. I hope this cycle stops soon, but I dare say it won’t. Every time the country appears to become more tolerant and less ignorant, a new issue arises and it is clear that society still clings to familiar, safe premises. The constitution was originally a document designed to guarantee rights. Lawmakers, lead by the President, are now trying to insert an amendment that takes rights away. Opposed parties may argue that “we aren’t taking away rights; we are only guaranteeing the right for only men and women to be married in our society.” Wrong. Any such amendment clearly takes away the rights of a minority group. This action would be a horrible mistake for democracy and our constitution. Stay as intolerant and old-fashioned as you want Mr. President and fellow lawmakers, but please don’t offend the principles of democracy in the process. Let this minority retain its rights. Don’t rule simply because you’re the majority. Lead us and the world into an age of democracy Mr. President, but practice what you preach.
OPINIONS 5 March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Adam Lary
Sound
The question of Off: gay marriage
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I think it should be legal because every one is different and every one should be able to make their own choices
We think that we should be able to uphold the sanctity of marriage which is one man and one woman
” junior Jason Nash
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It should be legal because it’s not hurting any body and people can make their own deci sions
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seniors Sarah Kormanik and Darcey Ball
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It should be illegal be cause it’s just wrong and God said marriage should be be tween a man and a woman It’s just gross
” ”
senior Jenna McAtee
freshman Ryan Munyan
Photo Poll Compiled by Shay Alford
Hopes for world washed away Michaela Cross Features Editor
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hree years ago the drill team took its first trip to the world championship in Dayton, Ohio, to compete against teams from all over the world. It was the first time that the team had the opportunity to show off their skills. Former coach Kelly Berheide brought the team’s talents to new heights. The winterguard team finally had the chance to be the best in Kansas. But this past year a new coach took over because of Berheide’s departure. Sandie Rosenblatt is the new coach of a team with a solid reputation in Kansas. It would only make sense to get the chance to take the two winterguard shows to world once again. But that opportunity has been squelched. Early in the summer, the team still had no coach, which led to problems. It was going to be hard, but after a couple of failed attempts at landing a coach, the assistant coach from the previous year jumped on board to be the drill team director. The administration decided on the schedule for the upcoming year early on. Around August, the team finally found out that they would not be traveling to the world competition in Dayton. This came as a shock.
TIGER PRINT STAFF 2004-2005
Since Berheide did not travel her first year, it was rumored that Rosenblatt would not be able to either. The truth was that there was a cut in traveling expenses, according to vice principal Mark Dalton. Indeed, the drill team travels a lot; usually, the team misses a few Fridays in spring, but the team has always had a cumulative GPA of about 3.6. Even though teachers may have complained about girls missing class, the team still made up assignments and Berheide even set aside required study time. Money is another issue. Within the first month of joining, parents dish out about $200. But, it’s not as if the team members and their parents don’t know. A new parent meeting is held before tryouts and each parent is told how much the team will cost, plus or minus little extra along the way. But Berheide and staff would always work with the parents and plan payment methods, if they couldn’t pay at once. It’s not a big expense on the school, and parents get help with money situations. “We’re trying to cut back on expenses,” Dalton said. “Everyone should be able to join and not everyone can pay that much money.” And, if that has to do with not going to world, there is always fundraising or giving up another trip, like San Antonio. The girls leave on March 3, which is a Wednesday. They’re missing two days of school for a
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
competition that will have four other teams competing in the Open class. At Dayton the open guard team would compete against approximately 50 people and the A guard would compete against approximately 175 people. And, Dayton is three hours closer than San Antonio. Maybe they would miss one less day of school, because they only missed a Friday in 2003 when they traveled to Dayton; and last year when they traveled to San Diego, they spent all day Thursday on an airplane, so how come they have to miss two days for a trip they’re driving to? According to assistant principal Mark Dalton, the administration made the decision because they thought that the team had to go through the San Antonio regional to get to World. The team only needed to go to the St. Louis competition to qualify for world, which they did. So why isn’t this team set to go? The schedule is done for this year, and cannot be changed, but tryouts for next year’s team are coming up and the planning for next year’s schedule will commence. Maybe this can change next year’s plans and allow the team the opportunity to compete in the world competition, because this year seems like a whole lot of work for a whole lot of nothing. Next year could be different.
Artist: Garrett Griffin Staff Writers: Nick Speed, Matt Galloway, Emily Kuykendall, Jessica Katzenstein, Brady Skjervem 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 FEATURES March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Andrew Robinson
More and more messages have a...
Sexual Connotation
DOUBLE MEANING
Innuendo
Two definitions
Shirts, hats have more than fashion statement; stores continue to make it very popular trend Andrew Robinson In-Depth Editor
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here he goes walking down the hall, wearing a t-shirt with a message on it, probably for a fictional business. The message promotes the business with a message or motto that is clean at first, then you do a double take. You see that the message means something else; it has an innuendo, sexual or racial; nonetheless, it is an innuendo, a rising characteristic in fashion. Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, The Buckle, all the labels selling to the young adult audience all put shirts out on their shelves that have the double meaning. Obviously it’s what sells it’s what is worn. Some students prefer the shirts with a sexual innuendo. “Yeah I like the shirts with the message,” senior Luke Stalcup said. Others, though, avoid shirts with innuendos and sometimes words all together. “I don’t buy shirts with words on them at all; I don’t like them at all,” sophomore Tom Marten said. Another question that can come up with the fashion statements is are they appropriate for school, which meaning does the administration accept when it comes to the shirts in the halls. “There’s a fine line there; there is a consideration to whether or not it is disruptive to the learning environment,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “We don’t have to deal with it very often though.” It is not just t-shirts either that offer the double meanings. A line of hats has taken college mascots and found the worst of meanings in them. For example, a hat for the South Carolina Gamecocks just plainly states “Cocks” on the hat. The innuendos on apparel are an issue among students and consumers. But it goes back to the old statement: It is your choice to buy it or not. If consumers stop the purchasing of this type of clothing, the labels and other companies will have to find other messages for their apparel.
W ild E xP ressions For All Your Prom Needs
Jan Maleta~15111 Metcalf Overland Park, KS 66223 Phone: 913-897-4230 www.wildexp.com
Off Corsages Off Boutonnieres
Fresh & Dried Varieties
FEATURES 7 March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Andrew Robinson
Media channels innuendos through shows, ads, themes 21st century becoming more comfortable with content Kim Hieber Entertainment Editor
Commentary
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hat do you think of when you hear the words Herbal Essence? Most students think of some random good-looking girl washing her hair in a shower making what can only be described as provocative noises. Is it an orgasm-er-organic experience? That is the association that advertisers want you to have when you see their products in a commercial. It makes it more popular and more people go out and actually purchase it. This is how it is with a lot of things in the media today. Sexual innuendos are in and they are hot. Even the Pillsbury doughboy is trying to be some sex idol. Instead of the cute, pudgy icon from the 1960’s. Instead of going “hoohoo” when you poke him in the belly, he goes “ohhh.” The commercial is supposed to appeal to empty-nesters. Sexual innuendos are in everything now. And that’s not even mentioning beer commercials. But why does everyone use them? Had commercials like these existed in the 1800’s (at least in print), people would have been embarrassed and ashamed of the content. Talking openly about sex was simply unheard of back then. But as our culture has progressed into the 21st century, not only is our world liberal enough to have its own Sex 101 channel on television, but teens are no longer shocked by seeing it. Students no longer have to buy porn to see this kind of thing, just tune into almost any commercial on television or on the radio and you can find the same kind of thing. Advertisers, TV and radio stations are capitalizing on teens’ interest in sex and using that peaked interest to their advantage. Innuendos are used to popularize products on television and the radio, but actual programming uses this phenomenon too. Take a minute to think about all the shows that are the most popular with teens today. Sex and the City, Friends, The O.C., are just a few. Take one look at MTV’s lineup and you can find more than a few shows that are completely all about hooking up with a “hott” guy or gal to
“get it on.” These shows use sexual humor and drama to get viewers to tune in. And whether it’s degrading or not, it works like a charm. Students have grown up watching this kind of thing on television and just like anyone should, they find it entertaining. But what are these shows teaching us? They provide an example of living life for the sole purpose of hooking up with people and enjoying sexual humor. There are many factors involved in teen sex, but could the commercials and shows they grew up watching on television have been a minor influence in their interests at all? Quite possibly. As it stands now, the sexual innuendos we watch on television and listen to on the radio might not have done all that much influence on our youth. But the question is, where is the media going to draw the line? The more they popularize and accept behaviors like underage drugs and sex, the more we will see them pop up as trends with each generation.
Britney Spears, Madonna and Christina Aguilera have songs questioned by music listeners for being explicit and containing sexual themes. Photo Courtesty of AP
What do you think about innuendos? “I think they’re kind of offensive if people can figure out what they mean,” junior Jenna Southerland
“I think they’re funny, but that’s just me.” sophomore Cameron Kaman
“The world has changed so much that that should be the least of our worries.” senior Vanessa Caudill
“I could really just care less about them,” freshman Craig Cook
8 ENTERTAINMENT Page Edited by Kim Hieber
March 4, 2005
‘Million Dollar’ Night at the Oscars Critics Corner Kyle Rogers Editor-in-Chief
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uiet Riot mixed with Evanescence is set to hit the music scene April 5 as combo band Peppers Ghost debuts its first album entitled Shake The Hand That Shook The World That Day. They hope to appeal to an audience as diverse as ’80s and ’00s rock. Touring since Feb. 16 with emo-pop teen Ashlee Simpson, Peppers Ghost hopes to spread its Philadelphia-born style to the rest of the country. Overall, the CD is a success. Titles like “Hang On My Shoulder” and “Heavy Body Bag” appeal to old-school rock fans and trendy punk-pop enthusiasts alike. The CD is worth a long listen; this band will be mainstream soon.
Brady Skjervem Staff Writer
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e’s at it again; Jack Johnson has created a brand new album using the same equations, but with bright new elements. He didn’t change his style or step away from the surfer love song mood, but he did give this new album a better allround sound. The songs are full and vibrant, and rather than sticking with some seaside recordings, he really spent the time to make these songs enjoyable. The only complaint is his lack of dynamic in melody lines, but most people won’t know the difference between a good one and an overused one. Jack Johnson definitely has his style and it works. The easy listening 14 track album will be great for this spring and will be great addition to any lakeside party.
Students, Academy differ on Oscar selections Finally, there’s the category movie, high school students proved you’ve all been waiting for: the best otherwise. In first place in the Blue Entertainment Editor Valley Academy Awards was Harry picture. The nominees were The Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with Aviator, Finding Neverland, Million ou’ve probably been seeing 59 percent of the vote, and hearing a lot about that followed closely by 41 ever-so-popular golden percent in favor of the man trophy ; it’s because the annual Category BV’s Pick Real Winner soundtrack to The PasAcademy Awards have come and sion. gone again. This year ’s 77th Best Actor Johnny Depp Jamie Foxx Then there was the acawards ceremony took place last tual best song category. Sunday. Many deserving and some Counting Crows’ “AcciBest Actress Hillary Swank Hillary Swank undeserving awards were given dentally in Love” from out. As for Blue Valley students, Shrek 2 won by a big here are the results of their own Animated Shrek The margin of 89 percent in little awards ceremony, who they Feature Incredibles comparison to the 19 think should have won in some of percent the more favoring Best Score Harry Potter Finding popular T h e categories. Neverland Phantom Starting Best Song Accidentally The of the with leadin Motorcycle Opera’s ing actor/ Love Diaries “Learn actress, the to be Best Movie The Aviator M D Baby nominees Lonely.” for those As for categories Directing The Aviator M D Baby best diwere Don recting, students surveyed Cheadle s t u ( H o t e l dents R w a n d a ) , Both BV and the Academy voted Hillary Swank as best lead actress. Picture had a surprisingly Dollar Baby, Ray and Sideways. It was J o h n n y courtesy of www.oscar.com strong opinion in a close race but The Aviator won with D e p p this category as a 51 percent of the vote at BV with (Finding well. The Aviator won with a 93 per- Million Dollar Baby in a close second Neverland), Leonardo Dicaprio (The cent according to BV. place. Aviator), Clint Eastwood and Hillary Swank (Million Dollar Baby), Jamie Foxx (Ray), Annette Benning (Being Julia), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) and Kate Winslet (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). Out of a total of 210 students interviewed, the results were found that 89 percent thought Johnny Depp should win best actor while 75 percent thought Hillary Swank should win best actress. Then there was the category of animated film. That is right, childish or not, many high school students still had a strong opinion about best animated feature. The nominees were The Incredibles, Shark Tale, and Shrek 2. The winning movie according to 60 percent of the students was Shrek 2, closely followed by The Incredibles with a 40 percent vote. Up next was the category of best music score. Though one would think that people don’t pay that much attention to the music in a
Kim Hieber
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ENTERTAINMENT 9 Page Edited by Kim Hieber
March 4, 2005
Tsunami ConcertsGood or Bad Concerts raise money, but how much is personal publicity a factor? Brady Skjervem Staff Writer
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henever something tragic or fascinat ing hits the news stands, music isn’t far behind. After Sept. 11, bands all over the world rose up and had concerts to support the survivors of the attack. Then the war starts, bands dedicate entire albums to the anti-war effort. And now that a natural disaster hits the front page, music steps in once again to support and be in the spotlight. Whether or not a band actually wants to help support the tsunami catastrophe or not, it has become a h u g e marketing tool. The music industry is now capitalizing on a horrible natural disaster. The music industry has become a monster that will capitalize on anything, whether it is an election, a disaster or a holiday. The fact that bands are coming together and doing concerts to raise money for a trag-
The fact is, giving to a relief edy, it is a worthy and noble act, dations rarely receive indi- instant U2 says the tsunami dibut it is sad that a band per- vidual donations from people, saster is worth donating to, foundation is great, but for way but the instant an album comes people will. Not until a pop too long, people have needed forms solely for the fact way too they want to be in the much motispotlight. vation just to “Music is the great give a little. healer,” senior Salar People aren’t Pankonin says, “and it can giving just mend any sort of problem, for the sake but when a band capitalof giving, izes off a tragedy, it’s just but rather plain horrible. They are giving to should give money from get the CD, the heart or shouldn’t give or see the at all.” band, or The bands of today are even just beusing their pop star status cause a pop to contribute to a cause, star tells one which is great, but when to. Whether it turns from the band giva band capiing out talizes off a of their tragedy or a o w n person gives pocket only to reto supceive somep o r t The tsunami caused a lot of damage and a lot of money is needed in donations for repairs. thing in recause and into a record la- Concerts are one way of raising this money thus far. Photo courtesy of Digitalglobe Inc. turn, it is a bel making a band perform for the spotlight, is when out in tribute to the relief, icon brings a tragedy to our at- sad look at America. The public has stopped doing it becomes sick. people flock to buy the album tention, does the spark of phi“The only way I will help is if saying it is my way of contrib- lanthropy arise in the hearts of good and now has a hidden I get something in return.” uting. People have degraded Americans to actually give. agenda behind its giving. The What an American way of themselves into doing only Most people won’t actually problem is both the music inthought. There are tsunami re- what a pop star tells them. give unless they see an instant dustry and the public have lief foundations all over Some people won’t give the $8 gratification of a CD or concert stopped giving without hoping to receive something in return. America helping out, but foun- or 9 to the Red Cross, but the or such.
Commentary
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Music Concert Mania Summer to be filled with music as various artists prepare for their concerts in Kansas City the drums, their recipe for success is Nick Speed back in full effect. Staff Writer These tickets range from $35-75. here isn’t a whole lot to Kelly Clarkson is do in Kansas. also coming to Kansas Therefore when concerts City in March. On come to town every student gets March 31 Clarkson a little excited. Some big names will be appearing on coming to town soon include stage at the Midland George Strait, The Killers, Theater. Pop music Motley Crue, Green Day and George Straight appears in concert tonight. Photo courtesy will be blasting from Kelly Clarkson. of www.tickco.com that stage and Pop The first of these concerts fans will be screaming h a p p e n s in the stands. $40 will t o n i g h t . get you in to see this George Strait American Idol turned is the pop super-star. headliner Municipal singing his Auditorium is the site hits. This show for Green Day on May is being 14. Those tickets are performed at selling for $36 a piece. Kemper Arena The Uptown Theater for $50-60 per hosts The Killers on ticket. Country May 10. Those tickets fans, it’s time will set you back a to bust out the measly $22. These punk cowboy hats bands are at different and belt places but still punk. buckles and The veteran Green Day sport them as Kelly Clarkson comes to town on March 31, 2005. rockers have been in the you watch this Photo courtesy of www.coasttocoasttickets.com game for a while but country legend twang his way into everyone’s heart The Killers are relatively new to the scene. If you are ever bored and don’t know what once more. Another concert hosted by Kemper Arena is the to do check out these fun events. They are Motley Crue Reunion Tour on March 15. This old guaranteed to entertain. These big names hair-band from the ‘80s is making a comeback. don’t come to the Kansas City area very often With Vince Neil on the mic and Tommy Lee on so see them while you can.
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10SPORTS March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Michael Johnson
Pass the mike
A stately performance Swim team finishes up season with success at State Jessica Katzenstein Staff Writer
Michael Johnson Sports Editor
Budget continues to affect athletics
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he constant budget crisis smothering the Blue Valley district has put some major restrictions on what our school can do. The athletic department, however, could be suffering the worst. Now the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports is severely limited, especially compared to other Kansas schools. In an article I wrote last issue, a poll showed that 90 percent of the students interviewed wanted a bowling team. This is a prime example of how our athletic department could be more appealing to students. Now that I have the chance to express opinion on the subject, I’ll let it be known that I am a full supporter of the proposal. It would give students the chance to get involved in school competition without having to spend an entire summer in the weight room; it would just be fitting to the many kids that have talents in other areas other than speed and strength. Activity Participation Fees have the revenue potential of $220,000 and $520,000, but that is still not enough for bowling. Raising these fees may be the only way, but most people reject that idea. Apart from the competitive side of athletics, the physical education classes aren’t as broad as they could be. Other schools, such as Blue Valley West, have Lifetime Aerobic Fitness, a typically female-oriented gym class. This should be an easy change that would benefit the mellow girls that may be intimidated by the aggressiveness of the guys. It focuses on aerobics and calm activities rather than grueling sports, like those of Recreation Team Sports. Although I don’t understand how other schools can afford these activities and not ours, I realize the administration is not to blame. The budget cuts have left no other choice. The district has been doing what it can to watch its spending. However, until the state legislature figures out how to fund public education, physical education and sports will continue to be hurt like other programs. Hopefully some changes will affect the athletic department soon. A broad range of physical activities will make students both happier and healthier.
B
oys’ swimming concluded last weekend with a 12th place overall and a first place finish in 50-yard freestyle by junior Parker Sargent at the state competition in Topeka. Sargent’s 21:18 time in the 50-yard freestyle made him the fastest swimmer in his event in Kansas and Missouri. He also placed second in the 100-yard freestyle event. Sophomore Tony Britt placed 13th in the 100-yard breaststroke. The 200-yard freestyle relay, which consisted of Britt, Sargent, senior Kevin Felix and sophomore Anthony
Bertolone, took third place. The team hoped to place in the top 15 and have both relays place in the top eight at state. Blue Valley qualified in 10 events for state. Among these were the 400-yard freestyle relay, made up of Britt, Felix, Bertolone, Sargent and senior Adam Goscha; Felix, Sargent and Britt in the 50-yard freestyle; and Bertolone in the 200yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle. Last year, BV had five qualifying entries at state. Earlier in the season, the team placed fourth at the EKL meet held at Blue Valley West. Felix and Bertolone were named second team EKL. The swim team also placed 16th out of 29 overall in Manhattan on Feb. 5. All-American swimmer Sargent’s shoulder has healed from when he pulled it in practice recently. According to head coach Martijn Keltner, he “bounced back.” Sargent has held the 50-freestyle championship title for the last two years. Other members of the team, including junior Clark Stinson, accompanied the qualifiers for support.
Swimming State Contenders
Junior Parker Sargent accepts his first place medal at the state swimming tournament in Manhattan. Photo submitted by Bev Bertolone.
Tony Britt Parker Sargent Kevin Felix Anthony Bertolone Adam Goscha
Wrestlers suffer heartbreak at tourney Adil Shabbir Asst. Sports Editor
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s he opens his gym locker for the final time, a dedicated wrestler reflects on the ending of the season. He shuts his locker and slowly walks toward the exit. His mind is flooded with the memories of the trip to State. The Tiger wrestling team made its annual trip to Wichita, Kan., on Thursday Feb. 24. The team got a final practice in that Thursday and then set off for the biggest and final tournament of the year. Out of the nine wrestlers that qualified for state, four of them placed. Junior Brad Harris took fifth in the 160 lb. weight class, and junior Hunter Madl finished fifth in the 135 lb. weight class. “I qualified last year for state but didn’t place,” Harris said. “Knowing there are only four wrestlers in the state that are better than me is pretty cool.” Also placing were senior twins Grant and Keaton Baker. Both Bakers made it to the finals last year, but this year was a different story. Grant, wrestling in the 130 lb. weight class, lost in the semifinals to an undefeated three-time defending state champion who went on to win his fourth title. After winning his semifinal match, Keaton, wrestling at the 125 lb. weight class, spent no time celebrating. He immediately went to console his devastated brother. “Grant has worked hard for the whole year,” Keaton said. “He’s a better wrestler than I am and deserved a state title.”
Grant went on to take third and finished the season with 44 wins and only one loss. It was then time for Keaton to attempt to defend his state title. Keaton wrestled Arkansas City’s undefeated Connor Crumbliss. After an intense match, Keaton came up two points short and lost 10-8. “He wrestled for six minutes,” Keaton said about his opponent. “I didn’t, and that’s why I lost.” As a team the Tigers took 11th and made the trip back to Stilwell with a heavy heart. “You win some you lose some,” Madl said. “But winning is so much better.” As this wrestler walks by the scale, he remembers how hard he worked to make weight. He stops and smiles, for he will never have to skip a meal again. He pauses in front of the coaches’ office and thinks of
how much fun he has had with his devoted mentors. He leaves the locker room. The door shuts. The season ends.
Wrestling State Qualifiers Blaine Williams Grant Baker Kyle Luetjen Andrew Baldwin
Keaton Baker Hunter Madl Brad Harris Cody Scribner
Senior Keaton Baker supports his brother, Grant, after his loss to undefeated state champion Josh Baldridge in the semifinal round of the state tournament. Grant went on to place third and Keaton took second. Photo by Adil Shabir, field reporter for Tiger TV.
SPORTS 11 March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Adil Shabbir
It’s Time to Shine Tiger basketball teams compete for state title Nick Speed Staff Writer
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he playoffs have begun for basketball. The substate tournament is this weekend at Blue Valley West High School. Eight teams from around the city are competing for a chance to qualify for the State tournament. The teams competing for two spots are Harmon, Schlagle, Turner, Washington, Wyandotte, BVW, Bishop Miege and the Tigers. The eight-team substate is divided into two four-team brackets. Winners from each bracket advance to the State Tournament next weekend at the Topeka Expocentre. Blue Valley West, Bishop Miege and Wyandotte are all tied for the best record in the boys’ bracket at 11-8. They are followed by Schlagle at 9-10, BV at 8-11, Turner at 7-11, Washington at 4-15 and Harmon 1-17. Bishop Miege leads the way for the girls with a record of 12-8, closely followed by Washington and BVW at 11-9. BV and Schlagle are next at 6-14, Wyandotte and Turner at 3-15 and Harmon at 3-16. Both the girls and the boys played this week at Schlagle, but the results were not available by press time. While most students will be resting up for a tough spring break, athletes on the basketball teams could be preparing to make a run at the state title. Prior to this past week’s games, the boys have lost the last five games and the girls the last eight. “We don’t have a lot of intensity as a team right now,” senior Eugene Waters said. “But with some crowd support we can step it up and make a run.”
Senior Lauren Heist brings the ball up the court at the Aquinas game on Feb. 4. As a guard, Heist dribbles and looks for an open teammate. Photo by Angela Solomon
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Junior Lance Morris shoots a free throw at the Blue Valley West game on Jan. 28. Free throws have been a vital part of the Tigers’ success. Photo by Brandon Lutz
12 FEATURES March 4, 2005
Page Edited by Michaela Cross
Freshman Ellison opens up about her love for singing, her high school experience Adil Shabbir Asst. Sports Editor
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risten Ellison, a BV freshman, dedicates a lot of her time to improving her voice. She has been in-love with singing since the fifth grade and hopes to continue singing throughout high school and maybe even the rest of her life. “Singing is a way to let my feelings out,” Ellison said. “It’s really fun to be able to have a really nice voice.” Ellison joined the Allegro Children’s Community Choir five years ago after an involved audition process. Since then, she has been practicing every Monday at the Advent Leawood Church. “I like singing all kinds of music,” Ellison said. “My favorite song is ‘Going Up a Yonder.’” Ellison also participates in Blue Valley’s award winning choir. “Kristen is a very hard
worker and is involved with the Choraliers,” choir teacher Marsha Moeller said. “She has a really positve attitude.” Off the stage, Ellison enjoys spending time with her friends who say she is a very positive friend. “Kristen’s always in a good mood,” freshman Jessica Gnoza said. “She is a very entertaining person.” Now that Ellison has entered high school, she is meeting more and more people to entertain. “High school has been really fun because I have gotten to know a lot of people,” Ellison said. “In middle school, you don’t really get to talk to the kids in the other grades.” On the other hand, Ellison fears the down side of meeting so many new people. “Entering high school was a little scary,” Ellison said. “There’s so many people to get to know but also so many people to judge you.” Regardless, Ellison said she was happy to be here.
Kristen Ellison is a freshman this year at Blue Valley, and she is not letting that stop her in her involvement. She is active in choir and she is really big on making new friends. Photo by Kendra Kruse.
Frequently, the Tiger Print conducts profiles of students and Ellison was chosen at random by
Adil Shabbir. He opened up the journalism name book and blindly pointed at a name to interview.
She was interviewed about her life and high school experiences.