The Tiger Print — April 2007 by The Tiger Print

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tigerprint Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 April 13, 2007 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 37â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 8

Senior choir members, chambers perform at New York arts school page 3

photos submitted by Anita Galler

Siblings Hidden Talents pages pages11-13 8-9

Dirty talk page 17

currentevents

April 13, 2007

Same day, new places Annual community service day loses 1 location, gains 4 new ones

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editor-in-chief

uniors and seniors will participate in the seventh annual Community Service Day on April 20. During this day the students will travel throughout the community to help out in over 25 locations including the Olathe Police Department, Habitat for Humanity and Heartland Book Bank. “It’s [Community Service Day] a tradition that our school reaches out to the community,” Student Council Community

Service Chairperson Katherine Ebling said. “It’s important to let the community know we care and aren’t just reckless high schoolers.” While most locations that students have worked at in the past have allowed Blue Valley students to return, the Kansas City Zoo is unable to accept students this year due to other Earth Day activities already scheduled. In the past the zoo has been a popular destination that

Seniors Micheal McDonald, Morgan Snell and Joseph Sayegh help build a walkway for the Wilderness Science Center during Community Service Day last year. Photo courtesy of Tiger TV.

iger riefs

Broadcast The interns who produce Good Morning Blue Valley for BVTV Channel 18 traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the Student Television Network convention March 611. This group which consists of students throughout the district, included Jeremiah Watkins, Garrett Griffin, Michael Simpson, Scott Simpson, Alex Sandmoen, Alex Freeman and Sam

Frickleton. Their on-site contest categories were a music video (Watkins, the Simpsons, Frickleton), a spot feature story (Griffin), anchoring (Freeman) and a public service announcement (Sandmoen). The yearly STN convention brings all the “affiliate schools from coast to coast with an active interest in furthering scholastic broadcasting and video production” together in one place. Students, in each of their competitions, were given a prompt and a time limit to create an original project. BVTV won three awards: first place in news writing, an honorable mention for a video essay, and an honorable mention for a show of Good Morning Blue Valley that had to be completed in only 16 hours.

Social Jusitce

filled up fast. “We would have liked to go back,” assistant principal M e l i s s a Hansen said. “They would take students any other day than that [April 20].” The zoo might have declined students but many more places are eager to have Blue Valley students return. Usually when calls are first being made to see

if an organization wants help, most are hesitant to accept high school students until they learn the students are from Blue Valley, according to Hansen. “The community is very receptive to Blue Valley,” Hansen said, “because of our reputation in the community and the work that we do.” The majority of the work will be done outside like washing police cars, painting buildings or maintaining nature trails. Other locations do offer indoor activities such as helping out in nursing homes, organizing donations and babysitting children with Down syndrome. Four new locations have been added this year – Armourdale Renewal Association, Operation Iraqi Children, Horse Power and Alterra Clare Bridge of Leawood. This year about 605 students are currently signed up to participate, with Lakeside Nature Center being the most popular location. Freshmen and sophomores don’t participate because of organizational difficulties. “The first year the entire school participated,” Hansen said. “It just got to be a logistical nightmare organizing transportation and everything.” Planning for the event starts

Students for Social Justice, a club which works to raise community awareness and prevent social injustice among different groups of people world wide meets Thursdays at 3 p.m. The club’s goal is to inform students in the school about events that may occur outside of the community. The club often works to put together fundraisers to help achieve this goal. “It is important that students in Blue Valley know about the ways that other people are living, who may not share the same privileges that as citizens of Johnson County, we may be more available to us,” senior Taylor Laemmli. The club is led by President Taylor Laemmli and Vice President Brandon Mikel.

Relay for Life Relay for Life on March 9-10 raised a total of $25,000 for the

in January with Hansen calling places through April. This year administrators also had to organize funding since the Kauffman Foundation grant, which funded the day in the past, was discontinued. Some cuts had to be made in the planning such as not having Community Service Day tee shirts but enough funding was received through the district to continue with the activities without the shirts. According to Hansen, students appreciate the day and some have even come in with suggestions for locations. Students suggested a Boy Scout camp in Belton, Mo. which has been added to the list of locations. “I feel that the kids really enjoy it,” Hansen said. “They are so excited in the beginning and come back with smiles.” The aim of the day is not only to assist the surrounding community but also to encourage students to volunteer outside of school on regular basis and become more involved in their community. “It [the students’ work] makes a big impact that day,” Ebling said, “but it’s supposed to get kids interested in more community service which will make a bigger impact.”

American Cancer Society. “Sara Ster and I raised over “It was the most successful $1,000.” Relay Blue Valley has ever NAHS had,” committee organizer junior Megan Adams said. National Art Honor Society The night started off in is for students who have exthe gym with a survivor lap, celled in art and have a deepwhere cancer survivors walk er interest in improving their together with the cheers of talents. Meetings are usually support from all the relay every other Wednesday. Each participants. Then there is a member must attend 75 perluminaries ceremony where cent of the meetings and acstudents can take time to tivities, which last two to four remember those that have died from cancer or have had hours. Members also have to have 15 hours of community cancer. The rest of the night included service. NAHS officers are senior Patwalking the track and games rick Cooley and junior Taylor such as moon bounce and Odom. Current members inkaraoke. Smoothie King clude Thuy Nguyen, Morgan was there handing out free Greenough, Sara Crawford, smoothies and many pizza Adrea Morris, Emily Friskel, places donated pizza to Sarah Kelly, Danielle long, the event. At midnight the Emily Hale, Kelly Nichols comedy troop performed as a reward for those who raised and Laura Mendez. Sponsors over $100 and stayed the include Mark Mosier, Keith Putnam, Cheryl Mattke and whole night. “We raised a lot,” junior Mike Johnson. Michael Borgerding said.

currentevents

April 13, 2007

Band, choir rewarded for their commitment to music Students given opportunity to travel to New York, Orlando mitchsmith cover story

staff writer

s students daydream during chemistry class about walking down Broadway or riding a roller coaster at Disney World, many Blue Valley music students will spend part of their spring traveling to those destinations. The band will travel next Thursday, April 19 to Orlando while the choir’s seniors and chamber singers spent much of their spring break performing in New York City. The band will perform next Friday at a local high school as part of the MusicFest Orlando Band Competition in a local high school and will later visit the Disney Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios and the Universal Studios Islands of Adventure park during their four days in the city.

The symphonic, concert and originally planned to be in jazz bands will all perform Hawaii. However, high travel competitively. This will come expenses made the proposed after the band’s competitive trip cost prohibitive for many concert next Wednesday in students. “I really wanted to go to the local band contest, which Hawaii, but is also Orlando is hosted by I think this will be a okay, too,” the Blue sophomore great opportunity for Va l l e y b a n d b a n d . our band to grow and student Although have fun D a n n y the band sophomore Rachel Tate Wood said. is looking Choir’s forward seniors, to their time in the amusement during the course of their parks, students realize the spring break trip, attended competition is the most three Broadway musical performances. The chamber important aspect of the trip. “I think this will be a great singers also performed at opportunity for our band LaGuardia High School of to grow and have fun,” Music and Performing Arts, sophomore band member which is considered to be a very prestigious music Rachel Tate said. This year’s band trip, high school. Following their which traditionally occurs performance, all students on every three years, was the trip had the opportunity to

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tour NBC Studios, the Empire State Building and the United Nations Building. While not sightseeing, many members also shopped in Times Square and Chinatown. “The trip [to New York] was really fun, being with the people I was with and seeing all things I did in a city I’d never been to before,” junior choir member Ronald Morgan said. Although the chamber singers’ performance was not part of a competition, the performance was the culmination of months of practice and, according to many choir members, the highlight of the year following several local performances. “The chamber singers practiced really hard,” sophomore Treveor Cornley said. “They deserved to go on the trip and I hear they performed really well.”

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130 students inducted into prestigous NHS

Blue Valley High inducted 130 students into National Honor Society at a ceremony March 28. The requirements for NHS include a 3.5 cumulative GPA, as well as 20 documented hours of community service. One must show outstanding leadership as well as good character within the student body. One also must commit his time to monthly meetings and group service projects. The new members are as follows: Megan Adams, Annette

Ahlmann, Ashley D. Apple, Leslie Asquini, Kelly Aubuchon, Elizabeth Baldwin, Gwen Bergerhofer, Melissa Biagioli, Ashley Bili, Michael James Boergerding, Kyle Braathen, Travis Blake Brockmeyer, Brock Brown, Emily Ann Brown, Kimberly C. Burczyk, Brianne Burlin, Lauren Callison, Tucker Wilson Cape, Stacey Carabello, Rohini Chakravarthy, Christy Chau, Ryan Clark, Sarah Cline, Amanda Cobb, Laura Cobb, Melody Constant, Kelly Cosby, Steven T. Cox, Courtney Crape, Emily Crooks, Marissa Cwach, Jenna Dennis, Katelyn Dunahoe, Brian Dess, Brianna Eldridge, Kristen Ellison, Tiffany Evans, Megan M. Ferguson, Emily Friskel, William Gilliam, Jessica Gnoza, Katie Gough, Michael Grant, Jennifer Hansen, Taylor Hanson, Maggie Haren, Molly Hartz, David Hayward, Philip Heinrich, Nathan Hess, Laurel Hill, Spencer Hockenbery, Michael Irwin, Brian Israel, Kiley Johnson, Sarah Kelly, Nate Kherkoff, Andrew Kochendorfer, Courtney Kreamer, Rachael Krupco, Erin Lewis, William Blake Lickteig, Kaitlyn Lutz, Zakary Madelen, Morgan Matile, Cameron McCallie, Anne McClain, Morgan McMahon, Lauren Meyer, Michael Minoofar, Lauren Mitchell, Kyndal Moore, Bumni Morohunfola, Courtney Murdock, Tyler Nuehedel, Thuy Ngog Nguyen, Kelly Nichols, Elizabeth Nikoomanesh, Karaline Nunnally, Jay O’Dell, Taylor Odom, Matt Otterstedt, Kathryn Owens, Griffin parry Page, Courtney Parcell, Lauren Penn, Alexandra Perel, Kayla Pollock, Justin Bradford Prelogar, Allison Proll, Ashley Rasa, Nicholas Renaud, Victoria Renn, Andrew Renz, Megan Ritter, Hannah Ridlund, Alix Lea Santa Maria, Hillary Schloemer, Alyssa Sehorn, Riley Shaw, Sarah Shoemaker, Jennifer Sickle, Alyson Smith, Jeffery C. Smith, Melinda Smith, Sammy Southerland, Kelsey Leigh Sparrow, William K. Steinwart, Sara Ster, Ashley Stickler, Sarah Stinson, Megan Stockman, Brooke Thurman, Victoria Tiller, Park Mitchell Ulrich, Laura Elizabeth Updike, Alexis Varriano, Mollie Wallace, Sarah Weaver, Jaime Welsh, Erin White, Devin Wiegers, Earnest Williams, Matthew Wilson, Malissa Wolfe, Stacy Yowell and Simon Yu .

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ourvoice

What is your favorite Olympic sport?

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April 13. 2007

curling with the little brushes

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“ snowboarding ” freshman Kyle Poje

sophomore Ryann Green

extreme ski jumping

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junior Tyler Neuhedel

Home-baked foods trump pre-made foods mattkillen

news editor

hen most students think of school lunch, they think of re-heated soy products that are about as tasty as they are fresh. For some students though, this is not the case. In a small alternative school in Appleton, Wis., students are served meals that are all cooked at the school, instead of reheating the products.This alternative school is the same one noted in the movie SuperSize Me, for an increase in morale and improved behavior since making the switch. With such dramatic improvements, why shouldn’t a school like Blue Valley do the same thing? Appleton Central Alternative High School, the equivalent of the Blue Valley Academy, has employed Natural Ovens of Manitowoc, Wis. since 1997. Since then their unruly students exhibited normal behavior. According to Pure Facts, the newsletter of the Feingold Association of the United States, the students’ “grades are up, truancy is no longer a problem, arguments are rare, and teachers are

brookethurman

entertainment editor

he dresses, the tuxes, the corsages, the limos, the dates and school drama. All the things that sum up the biggest time of year, at least when it comes to dances. This is prom season, which Blue Valley kicked off March 31. Now is when most junior and senior students see how much money they can spend on their prom attire, prom flowers, prom accessories, prom transportation and prom dinner. All of these are factors in the debate of how much prom is too much? While prom used to be the fun party thrown by the junior class for the graduating seniors, it has now become a red carpet-like event with $300-plus dresses from well-known designers

able to spend more time teaching.” In fact, since the program started there have been no dropouts, expelled students, students found using drugs, students carrying weapons or students who committed suicide. The school district’s nutrition guidelines are roughly the same as ours. No meal can have more than 30 percent of its calories from fat. But the way the school serves its food, as well as what it serves, is totally different. Currently, the Blue Valley School District employs an offer versus serve guideline, which allows the students to choose what they want instead of being served what is available. Their options are limited during elementary school, but students gain more responsibility during middle school and high school. It is here that they can purchase ice cream, candy bars and chips. Students have a lot of room to make choices, at least at the high school level. But most of the entrées are pre-made foods that are usually made with cheap ingredients. While some of these foods are pretty

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senior Sara Miller

photo poll by Gwen Bergerhofer

Letter to the Editor

darn good — the country-fried steak is always a good choice — most would take a homemade version over the pre-made meal. Of course, this new lunch program is more expensive than the one we have now. Pure Facts found out that it cost $20,000 a year to change the program, but BV’s change doesn’t have to be as drastic. A change to fresh, home-cooked foods would benefit the school in that students will start taking, and will want to start taking advantage of entrée meals. It could also make lunch lines move faster. If there were more than one or two good entrées available; (usually students have to pick between fried chicken and pasta) then there wouldn’t be as many people waiting in the same place to get the same entrée. And the school probably wouldn’t need to cut its endorsement deals with Pepsi. If the school district can find a more practical way to serve healthier meals, there isn’t much of a reason to not do it.

Dear Editor, I am complaining about the “Double Take” story that you had a reporter write. It was not at all what I was hoping it would be. First of all, the least you could do was put all of us in the story, I mean by picture. You could have come around and asked us for a picture so there was more than three twins in the paper. Second, you did not talk to all of the twins. My brother was not interviewed and about half of the twins weren’t asked any questions. Third, I was put out of context. You wrote, “I wouldn’t mind having a twin sister.” That makes me sound like I don’t like my brother. I know that I said, “I wouldn’t mind having a twin sister, but I love my brother.” You need to rewrite this article and give credit to all of the twins and apologize. If you haven’t noticed, I’m mad and you need to fix it! - senior Elizabeth Kendrick

for a night they may eventually forget is quite excessive compared to a wedding day, which most will always remember. As students go prom overboard, even some schools make the end of the year event over the top. Blue Valley’s prom is held at Ritz Charles while in previous years Blue Valley North students held theirs at Union Station. However, some schools, like a high school in Uniondale, New York, decided to cancel their prom all together because of their students excessive flaunting of money. When the clock strikes midnight and the prom music turns off, the

party doesn’t stop. It’s now time for after prom, which is one of the most well organized productions put on by the parents of the school. The event which goes from midnight until 4 a.m. hosts a variety of activities including a casino, caricature artist, magician and inflatable games. However, the extravagance of the night didn’t end once after prom started. The goal of most students was to walk away with a laptop, gaming system, iPod or some other major electronic device. So, the night finally ends and some are happily walking away with their new Gateway and others have “settled” for their $40 massage. However, for the juniors, they still have another year to make their prom even more over the top. When will it stop?

Prom Season has turned into red carpet season like BCBG and $1000 Escalade limos. However, as extravagant as all these things may sound, this is the norm for prom now. Those who go more extravagant take their $1500 party buses to the most expensive steak house in the city and pay around $50 a person for dinner. All this might sound exciting, but spending anywhere between $1500 and $2000 on five-hour time span is a little much, considering that this is one night of dancing and hanging out with friends; it’s not a wedding. Even though weddings are obviously a lot more expensive and extravagant than prom nights, the amount of money spent by teenagers

gymnastics

Johnson County women have given aging gracefully a new meaning

Weaver writes

ourvoice

April 13. 2007

staff editorial

tacy’s mom has got it going on…” The music group Fountains of Wayne must have visited a Johnson County pool once or twice because they hit the nail right on the head with their hit song “Stacy’s Mom” because Johnson County moms are hot. Last summer while babysitting, I visited a neighborhood pool full of well-off JoCo families who obviously have gym memberships year-round. Nearly every mom there had a six pack. I know it isn’t all about outer beauty, but come on! She was 33 years old, had two kids, one under the age of three and she still had a better body than me. That just isn’t right! Given I am 17 years old, gravity has yet to hit and these mothers of about 30 are hotter than me. I know some have great genes and are naturally thin, but after giving birth to two or three children shouldn’t they have some sort of flab hanging off of their perfectly toned bodies? These moms have to be doing something right and I’m not, obviously. Their husbands must rack in the cash because looking that good can’t be cheap. Maybe they have good genes or work out and eat healthy, but I highly doubt it. There are over 500,000 residents in Johnson County and there were 11 million cosmetic surgeries performed last year in the U.S. according to the American Society of Plastic. With that in mind, I’m guessing quite a bit of those surgeries were performed on the women at the pool. Those minor surgeries aren’t cheap and memberships to the gym aren’t pocket change either. Now, I do give them credit. Looking that good can’t be easy. Even after surgery these moms have to work out hours on end. I applaud them on doing what they do which may be nothing but work out and shop, but I still dread this summer spending time at the pool with hot moms flaunting it beside me.

Sarah Weaver

B staff V

Graduating licensing, thankfully delayed

e’ve all heard the saying “with great power comes great responsibility.” While it is obvious that cars are capable of producing great power, and teenagers are known for being very irresponsible, it doesn’t mean that teenagers between the ages of 15 to 17 should not have an unrestricted license. The Kansas legislature recently proposed a graduated license measure, stating that teenagers should not get their unrestricted driver’s license until they are 18 and passed the three stages of graduated driver licensure. That would include, for example, not getting a learner’s permit until 15 and not getting a restricted license until 16. A restricted license, of course, sets limits on when a teenagers can drive unsupervised. Fortunately for students, this bill has been delayed until next year. But most assuredly it seems that the Kansas Legislature will want to follow the national trend for a graduated system in the near future. But how fair is this new system? Perhaps statistics solidify the idea that teens are involved in a disproportionate share of accidents (12.6 percent of all the drivers involved in fatal crashes), but there are also adults that are terrible drivers. Does that mean there should be an age for a maximum driver’s license? Once a person reaches perhaps the age of 70, should he also endure a graduated license procedure to drive. For students, how embarrassing would it be to have their parents drive them to a school dance

tigerprint 2006-2007 Managing Editors Ellen Thomas Sarah Weaver News Matt Killen Opinions Editors Megan Van Sooy Brian Israel

Features Editor Sarah Weaver Entertainment Editor Brooke Thurman Sports Editors Hank Driskell Garrett Griffin

when they’re juniors? High school brings many privileges to students, and one of the many things they look forward to is being able to drive to school, dances and friends’ houses. Not only is it a great lesson of responsibility for students, but it is also helpful to parents. Parents should not be tied down for 17 years by having to drive their children to every school event. Parents have with their own lives. Though this bill has been mercifully delayed, one part of the legislation remains. Police officers now can stop any 14 to 17 year old who is not wearing a seat belt. That is now a primary infraction. Like the other bill, this sends the wrong message. It tells the public that adults don’t need seat belts, but teens do. Where is the logic in that? Accidents recently have been attributed to multitasking, like talking on a cell phone while driving. When someone is doing more than one thing at once, it naturally causes the person to lose focus and make mistakes while driving. Anyone can become distracted while driving; teenagers aren’t the only people who talk on their cell phones and need to wear seat belts. We’ve all heard the saying “practice makes perfect”; if teenagers have more time (say two years) to practice driving unsupervised, then they will be better drivers by the time they turn 18. Forget the law completely, and while we’re at it, expand the seat belt law to everybody.

Photo Editor Nina Humphrey Cartoonist Garrett Griffin Reporters Jake Faber Anita Galler Mitch Smith Braden Miller Andrew Fiori

Photographers Morgan McMahon Gwen Bergerhofer Advertising Manager Sara Ster Circulation Manager Braden Miller Adviser Susan Agee

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District #229

Checkmate:

currentevents

April 13, 2007

Blue Valley takes home third in state chess championship tournament, despite obstacle

brianisrael

opinions editor

lue Valley has long been a forefront in academics and athletics, two categories in which this school has taken the state by storm, but what about board games? Yes, board games. Along with the best-in-the-state football team, second-best debate squad, who knew there was a third best in the state chess team? Last month the Tigers took on the Kansas State Chess tournament and came home with a third place win in 6A and a sixth place win overall. The tournament consisted of 31 teams, all competing in Maize, Kan., to be declared the best chess team in the state. “It’s a nice accolade,” coach Richard Gill said “We should have second place though; in all honesty, we lost due to a computer malfunction.” Gill refers to a computer malfunction which took approximately two hours to work out and managed to jilt Blue Valley High out of what was at one point an attainable lead by not allowing chess players to compete. “The malfunction meant that we weren’t able to compete and that lost us some valuable

During the fall students attended the Blue Valley chess tournament

to hone their skills prior to the state competiton. Today senior Brandon Mikel, junior Cameron McCallie, sophomores Matt Estrin, Kyle Petersen and freshman Brady Jerome will participate in the USCF National Chess Tournament at Crown Center. Photo by Sarah Hockel.

playing time,” team captain Brandon Mikel said. “The way the odds are, I’m likely to win more matches than I lose, so by missing two hours of competition, we lost a rather large opportunity.” Regardless of the obstacles in the way, the general team feeling is optimistic considering certain circumstances. “Despite everything that happened, I feel that we are right where I expected us to be at the beginning of the season,” Gill said. “Seeing that we lost some of our best chess players to graduation last year. In all honesty, we were state champs two years in a row, and I had a feeling we were going to lose it this year.” Some chess players see this disadvantage to be to no detriment next year. “I think that next year we will be the ultimate chess team because we will be able to compound our old and new players, and we will have more experience to help us,” sophomore chess player Matt Estrin said. “I think that next year we will be able to get that first place spot again and show everyone in the state who’s boss.” After three finishes in the top five in the last three years, the Chess Team seems destined to continue the BV winning tradition.

April 20 no longer seen as threat to school an eye out and to report any suspicious behavior.” editor-in-chief Many places outside of schools don’t see April 20 as chool security will a day needing heightened be slightly more security, but the recent school pronounced on April 20 violence episodes have to try to keep the day as regular caused school security to be as any other day. April 20, the increased overall to protect anniversary of the Columbine school shooting, Adolf Hitler’s the students. “April 20 is just something birthday that’s been and the publicized We try to identify celebration throughout of the high risk students the media cannabis and try to influence because (Marijuana) of school them. Some we culture, v i o l e nce,” usually can and unfortuR a n dall has some said. “We nately some we can’t concerned [the school a b o u t resource school security. officers] are just more attuned “There will be no more to it than others. We [police security personnel than officers] have a ‘sixth sense’ usual,” school resource on certain days.” officer Dennis Randall said, The celebration of marijuana “but we will be more vigilant on April 20 sprouted from in the halls and with the a San Raphael High School outside doors.” in California. A group of Besides the concentration on students there in the 1970s hallway security, Randall will would meet everyday at 4:20 also remind teachers of the p.m. and smoke marijuana. day’s potential activities. “I’ll send an e-mail to all The popularity of the use the teachers,” Randall said, of marijuana spread across “reminding them to keep the country over the years and the “4-20” date has been

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recognized among its users. According to the U.S. Department of Justice marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. It acts as a sedative, slowing reaction times by 41 percent after smoking only one joint, and leaves four times the amount of tar into the lungs than one filtered cigarette, according to the American Lung Association. Marijuana use is most common among teens 12 to 17 years old. The only incident that has publicly taken place on April 20th was a message written in chalk on the roof of the church across the west parking lot. No one was charged, but it was considered vandalism. “We had a good idea who could have done it,” Randall said. “We have no evidence, though.” School security has also been an issue following the hit list found during late March at Blue Valley Middle School. A sixth grade boy confessed to having a list of people who bothered him after he confronted a boy on his list. Police said that there was no “credible” threat and no

criminal charges were made. Students sign a “Code of Conduct” at the beginning of school year that outlines what is acceptable according to Randall. Hit lists are against this code and therefore can result in school and possible legal consequences. The two school resource officers try to minimize any threats in the school on April 20 or any other day by befriending the students and letting them know that they always have a person to

confide in. “Our job is about relationships,” Randall said. “We try to identify high risk students and try to influence them. Some we can and unfortunately some we cannot.” Overall the security of the school on April 20 and all other days is rather vigilant. “Blue Valley is one of the few school districts with police officers in it.” Randall said. “Kids should be pretty confident with us [Randall and Thrasher] here.”

Mission Trips

sarahweaver editor-in-chief

studentlife

April 13, 2007

jakefaber

staff writer

exico is an ideal spring break destination for some, but most of these spring breakers typically plan on lounging by the beach and enjoying some rays; however, some students found themselves in Mexico for spring break, but they did much more than just lay by the water. Instead of sitting on the couch at home, junior Kelly Aubuchon traveled to Reynosa, Mexico, for four days to work at a children’s home. “The Children’s home is a place where kids stay that don’t have parents or have been abandoned,” Aubuchon said. “I really liked working with the kids.” Aubuchon knew she would be helping others, but nothing could have prepared her for all that she experienced. “It was an eye-opening experience,” she said. “Living in Johnson County, you don’t realize how hard it is for other. It was hard to see.” Sophomore Alex Robinson traveled to Merida, Mexico, for one week and it left quite an impact.

Students ﬁnd buildings homes more rewarding than relaxing

“We laid a concrete floor for a retreat center cafeteria and also worked in the city with kids,” Robinson said. According to Robinson, the trip was worth the cost and he plans on going next year. Junior Nick Noren and his church, Knox Presbyterian, traveled to Pensacola, Fla., to build three homes for Habitat for Humanity. Noren, along with other local students, spent four days building houses. “It was a blast,” Noren said. “I go on these trips because it’s fun, and I like to see the faces of the people we make the house for. I would definitely go on another one.” These trips take a pretty big chunk out of these volunteers’ wallets. The total cost of a mission trip can range from $300 to the thousands, due to the flights and accommodations. “It was definitely worth the money; we built houses for underprivileged children,” Noren said. Although the price is high, especially when one is already giving up his break to help others, some find it more than worth it. Others get to volunteer without spending as much as others. “All we had to pay for was the flight, which was $300,” Aubuchon said.

These students spent their time doing good and being productive rather than sitting by the pool. They also found that fun doesn’t always mean just

hanging out. Spring break really can be a great break from school, knowing they helped others.

Home away from home. The rotary sponsored Children’s Home in Reynosa, Mex-

ico, houses young girls who have been abandoned by their parents. The home cares for the children and doesn’t put any of the girls up for adoption. Photo submitted by Kelly Aubuchon.

Handling phones could be dirty Cell phones harbor germs, bacteria

farm, and in a survey of 11 students only one actually sanitizes her phone. “I clean my phone with my facial cleanse eningitis anyone? From your wipes,” senior Ryann Lucansky said. “I nightstand, to your purse, to think I’m one of the few people that actually your pocket, to your face, then cleans their phones,” to your friend’s face…yum. Do you think Some students will look to change their your phone is clean? According to a British ways, but on the other hand, the facts won’t microbiologist, the phase some. average cell phone “It doesn’t Most people don’t even carries more germs really bother me,” think twice before freely sophomore per square inch than Kyler doorknobs, the soles of setting down their phone Leiker said. shoes, and worst of all, Others felt obligated on any given surface or toilet seats. to purchase a sanitizer holding it to their faces. Most people don’t to clean up their welleven think twice before handled cellular freely setting down device. their phone on any given surface or holding “That’s absolutely gross,” freshman it to their faces. Brooke McNerlin said. “I want to carry “If I don’t have a hand to hold it, I’ll put wipes now.” it in my mouth,” freshman Annamarie For germaphobics and people that don’t Weddle said. enjoy holding 10-15 million bacteria to their The warmth from pockets and purses, face, Motorola is coming out with a solution, combined with the heat generated just from an anti-microbial coated phone that keeps powering on the phone, creates the perfect bacteria from growing. Would students place to harbor germs and a variety of turn in their stylish phones for a sanitary bacteria that will only multiply all over the alternative? phones surface. “I’d rather look cute than feel clean,” Students have their own personal germ freshman Alysha Palacio.

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Apirl 13, 2007

April 13, 2007

Hidden Talents W

Men in Kilts

Senior ﬁnds expression in heritage anitagaller

staff writer

ith his plaid kilt blowing in the air and the beautiful notes flowing out of his bagpipe, senior Sam Frickleton feels a calm wash Talents abound at Blue Valley. Senior Robert Alex- over himself. He gets lost in the music and ander lives life on the edge as he participates in activ- doesn’t even notice he has been playing ites such as four-wheeling (top left) and wakeboarding his pipes for two hours straight without (center). Directing people is not what junior Philip Hein- stopping. He is totally engulfed in the rich finds himself doing with his Lego films (bottom left). music and forgets everything else. Playing with fire is a part of senior Jeff Schober’s daily “Once the pipes get tuned up perfectly, life. Photos submitted by Robert Alexander, Philip Hein- they are the most beautiful instrument I’ve rich and Jeff Schober. ever heard,” Frickleton said. Frickleton began playing the highland bagpipes two and a half years ago. After having listened to bands that incorporated bagpipes into their music, he thought it would be unique to take up the bagpipes. “I have Scottish heritage, and I thought it would be cool to play the country’s instrument,” Frickleton said. Along with the bagpipes Frickleton plays the drums, piano, guitar, bass and trombone. Compared to the other instruments he plays, Frickleton feels the most passionate about playing his pipes because it connects him with his culture. “It’s hard to describe the feeling when playing the pipes,” Frickleton said. “Other musicians would know what I mean.” According to Frickleton, playing the bagpipes has exposed him to the piping community in Kansas City. “It’s opened me up to a whole new sub culture in the music scene,” he said. For Frickleton the bagpipes are a way to get in touch with his heritage as well as wheeling dirt bike riding and water sport, wake boarding. explore music in his own way. “It’s an instrument I can identify myself wakeboarding. Alexander Leible fell in love with the with,” Frickleton said. “I identify it with began at the age of five, riding sport at first sight. these vehicles, thanks to his “I like it a lot because it’s my Scottish heritage.” parents who got him into kind of a new sport,” Leible After playing for two months, Frickleton ATVs. Alexander rides his said. “And not many other was asked to join a band his instructor was putting together. ATV in sand dunes where kids do it.” The band is called Tullintrain West there are hills and jumps for Leible can only perform more intense action. this unique talent during the Pipe band and consists of eight pipers and As for the future of summer and practices every six drummers. The band plays weddings, Alexander’s talents, he looks day at KC Watersports. Leible funerals and bar gigs, along with Scottish forward to participating in envisions taking his sport to and Irish festivals. Frickleton meets with them for the rest of his life. the next level later on down his band often for practice. “My pipe major and I practice about “I plan on riding for the rest the road. of my life,” Alexander said. “I can see myself possibly four times a week,” Frickleton said. Frickleton and his band compete locally, “But I don’t think I’m going to going pro,” Leible said, “or be a pro wake boarder or ATV doing something with some and in the summer of 2008 they are planning to compete in the World Pipe rider, but I’d like to.” companies.” Alexander will be attending These talents may be unique, Band Competition in Glasgow, Scotland. Last year Frickleton spent seven weeks Arizona State University next but these students enjoy year, where he hopes the performing them. They may of the summer in Scotland, where he went weather there help improve develop their talents further, to the Piping Center, which is a school his skills. be it taking them to the next dedicated to teaching the bagpipes. “I was there for the summer to study Sharing Alexander’s level or maintaining their enjoyment of extreme sports proficiency, but for now they Scottish history,” Frickleton said. While he was in Scotland, Frickleton was is freshman Reed Leible. He take pleasure in what they instructed by Willie MacCallum, who is a participates in the intense do.

Talented TeensStudents enjoy alternative talents bradenmiller

staff writer

lying through the air, making movies, ﬂipping around and going at an incredible speed are unique skills. All students that walk these halls have some kind of talent, either weird or common. People usually discover their talents at a young age, like junior Philip Heinrich, whose talent started to emerge when he was in the ﬁfth grade. Heinrich’s gift is directing, but he has a different style. “I make movies by using Legos as my cast and props,” Heinrich said. Heinrich started by watching shows like Wallace and Gromit and thought that it would be interesting if he did it with Legos. “I like to make movies,” Heinrich said, “and it’s fun.”

He has been ﬁlming these movies off and on since the ﬁfth grade and begins a new movie once every couple of months. “I need a lot of time to prepare my next movie,” Heinrich said, “So I can plan it out.” Besides directing, juggling is another hidden talent among students. Senior Jeff Schober is a juggler that works on new tricks every three or four days a week. Juggling requires quick hands and good hand eye coordination. Schober picked up some baseballs one day and decided to learn how to juggle. “It took me about one day,” Schober said, “to learn to juggle.” Schober started by practicing every couple days trying new tricks and performing in small shows. He can juggle

many different objects, such as bowling pins and balls. Schober doesn’t see himself going professional with his juggling, but does see himself performing in shows. “I don’t see myself going far,” Schober said, “just impressing people and performing in shows a couple times a year.” NASCAR drivers Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and even Ricky Bobby can’t compare to another talented student, sophomore and race car driver Luke Driskell. Driskell races very expensive 600-horsepower cars all over the Midwest during the weekends of the ofﬁcial racing season, April through October. “[I race] for the love of the sport,” Driskell said. Senior Robert Alexander is also into speed doing extreme sports like four-

hiddentalent

world champion pipe player. Frickleton felt honored to get the opportunity to work with someone with so much experience. “ I learned that it takes years and years to reach the level of an open piper,” Frickleton said. Pipers are classified into different groups or grades. They range from grade five to grade one. A grade one piper is the best. Frickleton is currently a grade two piper. Going this far in such a short time is difficult, but Frickleton dedicates a great deal of time to practicing. “I practice everyday for one to two hours,” Frickleton said. Living in Scotland for the summer gave Frickleton a taste of what college life will be like next year. He also got the experience of what living in a foreign country is like. “I hope to go back to St. Andrews, Scotland to study abroad,” Frickleton said. Frickleton plans to continue playing the bagpipes for as long as he can. Next year he will be going to the University of Denver but still plans on playing with his band. “The commute back is easy enough so I can come back for competitions,” Frickleton said. Little did he know that playing the bagpipes would play such a large role in his life. The hidden talent Frickleton discovered two years ago has opened his world to culture and amazing opportunities still to come.

No talent? Not so saraster

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unior Laurel Hill remembers standing backstage at Prairie Star Middle in the dark. It was the afternoon of her eighth grade talent show. With a single streak of spotlight streaming across her face, she waits in excitement for the MC to say her name and the curtain to open. It is almost her turn to perform, and her peers and teachers get to hear her sing by herself on stage. This moment of excitement will have to remain a middle school memory, for in high school, talent shows don’t exist. “I think talent shows are a great way to bring the school together,” Hill said. “It’s also exciting to see people that usually aren’t on stage perform.” In high school students feel like they have to be involved in thespians or choir to be on stage. Some students like the spotlight and the chance to perform. The Class of 2007 attempted to have its own senior talent show, but was unsuccessful in making things come together. “It needs to planned a year ahead and have auditions the year before,” senior Collin Isham said. Although there will not be a talent show this year, there is hope in the future, as long as enough students step up and take the initiative to make it happen. “There is a lot of student interest,” Assistant Principal Melissa Hansen said. “It’s more of an issue of finding space.” The probability of finding stage time with the spring show and the spring play under way at the end of the school year is slim to none. According to acting teacher Dan Schmidt, it would be possible to have a talent show at the beginning of the school year. Speaking with athletic director Bob Whitehead, and then finding time on the school’s calendar would just be the first steps in having the show. It wouldn’t be an easy task for a group of students to take on, but it could be more than worth it in the end. Maybe next year a talent show will fall into line on the big stage at BV and bring back the middle school memories of performing in the spotlight.

Scottish culture takes a predominant role in the lives of seniors Sam Frickleton, Andrew Jackson and Chance Adams. Frickelton traveled to Scottland last summer to learn more about the culture and music. Photo submitted by Sam Frickleton.

hiddentalent

Apirl 13, 2007

April 13, 2007

Hidden Talents W

Men in Kilts

Senior ﬁnds expression in heritage anitagaller

staff writer

Talented TeensStudents enjoy alternative talents bradenmiller

staff writer

hiddentalent

No talent? Not so saraster

ads manager

seniorprom

April 13, 2007

All That Jazz Prom 2007

All that Jazz and so much more. Prom was held at the Ritz Charles Saturday, March 31 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Seniors Melissa Richardson, Mandy Christ, Ali Paryse, Katie Myers, Mary Thompson, Cortney Copp, and Katie Baker gathered together for their last Prom snapshot. Students enjoyed dancing in groups on the dance floor. The prom candidates clapped for each other as they were being announced. Junior Laura Updike got down on the dance floor with her date, Kevin Cheal, from Olathe East. The dance floor was full of students dancing the night of way. Seniors Sarah Nelson and Spencer Hockenbery won Prom Queen and King. Photos by Nina Humphrey.

afterprom

April 13, 2007

School provides activities for students after Prom

Students find alternative ways to have fun, win prizes after dance sarahweaver saraster

activities,

Dance Dance Guitar Hero, Karaoke and various Wii games were set up. A popular attraction was the caricature artists who made caricatures that the students could take home as a souvenir. By participating in these various activities, students won fake money they later used to buy raffle tickets which were put in the drawings for prizes. There were $10,000 worth of prizes donated to the event by local businesses and parents. “We [PTO] want to provide the students with a great After-Prom,” committee chair Terry Chinery. According to Chinery, After-Prom would not happen without the great aparticipation from the staff. “Mark Moiser was delightful to work with,” Chinery said. Overall, After-Prom gave away $10,000 worth of prizes and gave students an alternative way to celebrate the American tradition known as Prom.

editor-in-chief ads manager Revolution,

fter approximately 500 students went to Prom at the Ritz Charles March 31, 515 students flooded the commons and gymnasium for After-Prom. After-Prom was on April 1 from midnight to 4 a.m. After-Prom activities were set up by the PTO to provide a safe alternative to other prom celebrations. Parent Danita Hill and her crew decorated the halls for the event. The commons had a casino feel with the craps tables and a Texas Hold’em tournament set up. The Texas Hold’em tournament started at 1:30 a.m., with nearly 100 students playing poker. The Texas Hold’em tournament lasted until the end of After-Prom. Junior JP LaMunyon won the tournament. After-Prom had many activities including moon bounces and an obstacle course. Among all the other

After-Prom gave students a great way to have fun after the dance. The school was full of se-

niors, juniors and their dates whether they visited the Ritz Charles or not for the dance. Activities were set up for students to keep them entertained. Bouncing around on the moon bounce and obstacle course keep many students entertained. “I had fun at After-Prom,” junior Drew Rogers said, “beacuse I won a lot of money at the obstacle course.” Photos by Nina Humphrey.

anitagaller

April 13, 2007

Blue Valley seniors aspire toward ollywood opefuls careers in acting, musical theater

staff writer

redcarpet

hether she has had a bad day or bad news, senior Mindy Moeller knows the moment she begins to dance everything will change. She instantly feels relaxed as she starts to move. For Moeller dancing is her therapy, and hopefully the start of a journey that helps her toward her career as a dancer. “I like that whenever I’m in a really bad mood I can guarantee myself, if I go to dance, I can feel better,” Moeller said. Moeller has studied tap, jazz and ballet since the young age of three. Moeller currently dances at Miller Marley six days a week for three hours each night. She is involved in all the performing groups at Miller Marley. “Dancing makes me very, very happy,” Moeller said. This summer Moeller will

be traveling to New York and Los Angeles to dance and take lessons. “I’m just going to be continuing my training,” Moeller said. Next year Moeller will attend the University of Arizona and study in their dance program. After college Moeller hopes to possibly join a dance company. “I’ll go audition and see whatever I make,” Moeller said. Moeller would like some day to live in London, study dance and join a professional dance company. “My goal is to be a part of Mia Michael’s dance company,” Moeller said. Like Moeller, senior Rachel Hanson also hopes to have a career in dancing. Hanson has been dancing for the past 15 years and is trained in ballet, tap and jazz. She has been in the Nutcracker for the past six years and has competed in many dance competitions

throughout the years. “I have always wanted to be on Broadway,” Hanson said. “I just want to see where it takes me as I go along.” Like Hanson, senior Taylor Avazpour dreams of having a career on Broadway. “I would definitely love to be performing on Broadway,” Avazpour said. Avazpour has been involved in musical theater since he was 11 years old. His biggest accomplishment was making Starlight Theater and being a finalist for Broadway Artist Alliance. “It was my first experience with real professionals,” Avazpour said. After studying musical theater in college Avazpour plans to move to New York to pursue his dream of musical theater. “I know its going to be a difficult journey because it’s so competitive nowadays,” Avazpour said. “I know how hard it is going to be to get

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Seniors Lauren Friedlander and Morgan Bingham act as doctor

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Sub Showdown Local, national sandwich shops market healthy meal choices April 13, 2007

brookethurman

entertainment editor

h, the wondrous smell of fresh baked bread, fresh deli meats and cheeses and freshly sliced vegetables that fills the nose as one enters a sandwich shop. For a first time sub eater, it can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are many choices and hard-working employees willing to take a variety of orders. But before one purchases the sandwich, he or she first has to decide where to get the sandwich. It’s obviously a very difficult decision with such choices as Subway, Mr. Goodcents, Planet Sub and the Stilwell favorite, Jersey Boyz. In the royal world of sub sandwiches, Subway would be named the King. The sub chain has almost 30,000 restaurants in 85 countries around the world. Subway’s biggest claim to fame came when frequent Subway customer Jared Fogle lost a

245 pounds by eating Subway and exercising. Ever since Subway has prided itself in being a very healthful choice for a meal. Subway’s delicious

for the sub market in the Midwest. Planet has become a favorite in most college towns in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa and

Photo by Morgan McMahon

Sub Sandwiches like this one from Jersey Boyz are a healthy and popular choice among students for meals before school actitvities and sporting events. menu consists of eight subs that are six grams of fat and under, all of which can be put on one of their 12 different choices of bread. As Subway continues to take over the international sub market, Planet Sub has settled

Colorado. This franchise got its start about 45 minutes away in Lawrence, Kan., which is ironically similar to national chain Mr. Goodcents which got its start in Lenexa, Kan., before expanding into 15 other states. The Lawrence

(Spider)-Man in tights

weren’t bad enough, J. Jonah Jameson (J. K. Simmons) has sports editor hired reporter Eddie Brock to his could be the end of find out why Mary Jane left Spider-Man.” Jameson’s son (Daniel Gillies) Sandman, Harry and what secrets Peter is Osborn and Venom. Spiderhiding. Man has his work cut out for Consequently, Eddie him. On May 4, Spider-Man 3 is exposed to the same opens in theaters, bringing alien substance and Tobey Maguire (Peter a hideous Someone Peter loves is undergoes Parker/Spider-Man), metamorphosis into a Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane going to die in the battle beast called Venom. Watson) and James Franco between good and evil — This movie is not (Harry Osborn) back to merely an actionthe big screen. Not only or perhaps in the battle of packed comic-book that, new stars include evil and evil. adventure. Peter Parker Thomas Haden Church must also fight the (Flint Marko/Sandman) dram of evil inside him, from Sideways and Topher brought to life by the Grace (Eddie Brock/Venom) Man has greater power and suit that tempts him to forget from That 70’s Show. new abilities. However, with about the people he cares Just when Spider-Man enjoys them comes a darker Peter about. Audiences will also see great popularity among the Parker, bent on vengeance for a new woman in Peter’s life people of New York City and Uncle Ben. that threatens his relationship decides to marry the love of Harry Osborn decides to with Mary Jane. Someone his life, the police bring him avenge his father’s death Peter loves is going to die in news that Uncle Ben’s real and use his father’s weapons the battle between good and killer is alive. Flint Marko, the to kill Spider-Man and he evil — or perhaps in the battle supposed killer, on the run unites with Sandman in of evil and evil. The film runs from the cops, accidentally the endeavor. And if things 156 minutes and is directed by

garrettgriffin

“

location still exists today, but don’t be confused by the name Yello Sub, as the two sandwich places are the same. Although Planet Sub’s sandwiches

becomes transformed into a being that that can change into any shape of sand. Spider-Man goes on his own manhunt, but in the process his suit becomes infected by a black substance from another world called symbiotes. Suddenly, Spider-

”

are nothing superior, the restaurants atmosphere is the real business attracter. Every store is reflection of the community it resides in making Planet Sub a great and relaxing place to relax, study, eat lunch and hang out.

Of all the sub places out there, the best ones are the local ones. Jersey Boyz is a local restaurant that is a favorite of many who live in the area and a secret to those who don’t. It’s fun and friendly atmosphere isn’t the only thing that keeps this east coast style deli in business. Jersey Boyz extensive menu doesn’t stop with sub sandwiches. They sell a variety of hot sandwiches and some of the best Philly Cheese steaks in the area. Along with being a great establishment, they are also a great supporter of activities in the community, making Jersey Boyz a topnotch eatery. So, there are plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to get your next sub. You can go the international route with Subway, jump on the Midwest bandwagon with Planet Sub and Mr. Goodcents, or stay true to your Stilwell roots with Jersey Boyz. However, whatever choice you make remember to always “Eat Fresh.”

SAYWHAT?! It’s amazing what you can hear in the halls...

“I want to go to KU to be a marine biologist.” “We have diseases of the day; today is heart burn.” “I shaved my armpits today, and they’re really burning.” “My boobs are trapped in this shirt.” “Where is Arizona?” “I don’t carry germs!” “I have this theory that aliens are controlling all of us.”

Delicious ideas for improving women’s basketball

o the other night I was flipping through my normal rotation of channels. This means going from ESPN to ESPN News to ESPN Classic to ESPN 2 and then going back the other way. On ESPN and ESPN 2 the women’s college basketball tournament was playing. On ESPN News it was College Gamenight, since the tournament was on. So what did I do? I settled on ESPN Classic and watched Tim “The Dragon” Chin sink his famous Kyoto Freeway trick shot; that’s right, billiards over basketball. I’m not trying to say that women’s basketball isn’t exciting. I attended many of our girls’ basketball games this year and enjoyed them. I’m not saying that the girls aren’t amazingly talented. Tennessee’s Candace Parker would kill me on the post. What I am saying is that women’s basketball is in need of something, something that will put the fans in the stands. Maybe it’s someone that they need. I don’t know, but I can try to help out the situation. The most obvious suggestion would be to make girls’ basketball like hockey. Make it legal to substitute on the fly and all that jazz. More importantly, let them fight but don’t penalize them. I mean an all-out-punch-a-girl-in-the-back-of-thehead-when-she-isn’t-looking fight. I would pay money to see that. I’m sure a lot of people would pay money to see that. Another thing that would boost the stock of girls’ basketball would be bigger and faster players. First off, we need to find out how the Chinese made Yao Ming. I’m not trying to be racist, but that man is freakishly tall, and he is from a country that doesn’t have a reputation for height. So, with a little help from Chinese science, we have a solution for achieving bigger women. Now we need faster women. All we have to do is find a way for D-Wade and Kevin Durant to have a female child together. I don’t care who carries the baby, and I don’t want to know how it was conceived, but when that girl hits the court, I will be there to watch. I’m sure many fans would join me to watch the freak-child play. Hence, problem solved, fans in the stands. Just these few simple suggestions could transform women’s basketball into America’s, maybe the world’s, number one sport. Are these suggestions unreasonable? I don’t think so. But until things change, I’ll watch my pal Tim “The Dragon” and catch the highlights of Candace Parker swatting shots out of the gym on Sportscenter.

Call Me

Hank

Hank Driskell

Tigerturf

Playing for the Enemy

April 13, 2007

8 students play hockey for BV West club jakefaber

staff writer

an you picture Zach Rampy putting on a West jersey? Eight students from BV play on the Blue Valley West hockey team. Senior Sam Frickleton, junior Wesley Fletcher, sophomores Nick Williams, Tyler Vollick, Miles Murphy, Jake Faber, freshmen Spencer Robbins and Michael Fischer play for either the JV or Varsity teams. The teams compete

in the KC High School Sports hockey league, along with club teams such as BVNW, Rockhurst, Olathe East and Lee’s Summit. The varsity team went 9-11, placing third, and the JV team had a record of 1010, placing second. The majority of the teams are made up of students from West, with only a few from this school. Although the school doesn’t fund the team, the team uses Blue Valley West’s name and logo.

Hockey isn’t considered a “school sport” by the KCHSS program. “Our position at the BV district allows us to choose from the list of activities available to us,” Athletic Director Bob Whitehead said. One’s only left with one question, if West has a club, why don’t we? The answer, according to Whitehead, is that since we only have eight players, that wouldn’t be enough to fill a team. “We would have to go to North Dakota for our

games, and I don’t think we have the funding for that,” Whitehead said. For some players, putting on the Jaguar jersey is pretty painful, but for some it’s just a uniform. “They do ask why I play for West, but I just explain that it’s because our school doesn’t have a team,” Fletcher said. If more students went out for the team, perhaps BV could have its own Tigers hoceky team.

Royals opening day builds hope for future ianjanes

staff writer

s sophomore Bobby Specht sat watching spring training, he noticed something: the Royals actually look like a baseball team this year. Now is this the same optimisim that haunts Royals every year? Or will this finally be the year when the Royals crack the playoffs? “They are definitely heading in the right direction,” Specht said. Kansas City was once a storied baseball city; they’ve posted seven playoff appearances, two American League pennants and one World Series championship in 1985. Since that coveted World Series title, the Royals have not reached the playoffs; they have posted seven seasons over 90 losses, and four 100-loss seasons in the last five years. But still fans remain optimistic about the 2007 season. “I believe they will go 85-77, because they’ve got some good arms in the bullpen, and given our prospects, I like their chances,”

Sports Profile

senior Spencer Hockenberry said. The Royals this season will have their growing pains. They plan to start rookies Alex Gordon at third, who was the minor league MVP in 2006, and recent addition from the Braves, Tony Pena Jr. at shortstop. Last year’s third basemen Mark Teahen moves to right field, where he has no experience. “I’m a little concerned about Tony Pena Jr.,” senior Joey Mendrala said. The Royals pitching will have some new faces this season, highlighted by the acquisition of free agent pitcher Gil Meche. Meche signed a $55 million contract in the off-season. He hasn’t posted good spring stats, (0-3, 7.31 ERA), but he was the Royals opening day starter. The Royals got a lot of bullpen help by acquiring veterans Octavio Dotel, and David Riske to fill voids that young prospects couldn’t fill last season. “I think we have an excellent chance to finish right at or close

Erin Lewis Grade: 12 Sport: Girls’ soccer Do you have a particular memorable sports moment? Beating North in the first EKL win junior year.

to 500,” senior Tim Hieber said. Kansas City got off to a good start against the Boston Red Sox on April 2. After going down 10 on a David Ortiz double, the Royals scored seven unanswered runs, defeating the Red Sox 7-1. Meche silenced his critics for one more day tossing 7 1/3 innings and striking out six. Tony Pena Jr. made a good impression on the Royals’ faithful going two for three with two triples and three runs. “I was really surprised that the Royals played as well as they did against a team like the Red Sox. I just hope they weren’t playing above their heads,” sophomore Ryan Magdziarz said. The Royals will look to rebuild this with a more talented team then they have had in the past. Under new general manager Dayton Moore, they seem to be heading in the direction of being a more competitive team. But all good things come with time, and the Royals are a team that fans will have to have patience with.

Biggest rival: West, North and St. Thomas Aquinas Favorite professional sports team: Royals Quick, the meaning of life in three words: Peace, love and money...or happiness

Describe your athletic qualities: Hustle, hard work Favorite movie: The Lion King and Aladin Profile compiled by Morgan McMahon; player selected by coach

Tigerturf

April 13, 2007

Spring Sports Heat Up

Boys’ Golf The Tigers played in their ﬁrst East Kansas League event April 2 at Kansas City Country Club. The team did not fair so well, placing next to last in front of Bishop Miege, who hosted the tournament. Senior Trevor Hampton, however, won the tournament with a 74. Hampton now leads as an individual in EKL play. The Tigers traveled to Lion’s Gate Golf Course March 26 for the Blue Valley West Invitational. The Tigers earned an impressive second place medal with a team score of 316, being beat only by Blue Valley West’s 306.

Girls’ Soccer

The Lady Tigers soccer team was scheduled to go up against the second ranked team in 6A, Shawnee Mission West Vikings last Friday; however, the match was cancelled.

April 4 they took on the Piper Pirates for their ﬁrst win of the season, 6-0. The girls faced their rivals from 163rd Street on April 2 but in a tough game came out short.The Tigers were caged by Blue Valley West in a losing effort, 0-2. “We’ve played some good teams so far,” junior captain Elizabeth Baldwin said. “But we are really coming together and the rest of the season is looking up.”

Softball The softball team traveled to Topeka Washburn Rural April 3. Washburn was 24-1 over their previous 25 games. The Lady Tigers dropped the ﬁrst game 1-0 in 12 innings. Lindsey Muller pitched all 12 innings for the Tigers. In the second game, the Lady Tigers pulled the upset defeating Washburn 3-1.

Heather Gruber pitched a brilliant game for the Tigers, holding them to six hits. Muller, Leslee Kinnison, Lizzy Nikoomanesh and Stacey Carabello each added clutch hits in the Tigers’ win.

Girls’ Swim and Dive The girls’ swim and dive team hosted Bishop Miege, Blue Valley West, Leavenworth, Bonner Springs and St. James on March 27. Sammy Southerland took second in diving and qualified for state. Andrea Rowe qualified for state in her first swim meet. The Tigers took first. On March 29 the girls’ swim and dive team traveled to Chisolm Trail and competed against Shawnee Mission Northwest and Olathe South. The Tigers took second at the meet.

The girls’ swim and dive teams have a meet Tuesday at BVHS.

Track and Field

The track team got off to a great start on March 30, when the girls’ and boys’ track teams each placed second out of eight teams at the Ottawa Invitational. Sophomore Travis Lloyd placed second in long jump and triple jump. Junior Alan Chinery placed ﬁrst in high jump, junior Derek Leutjen and senior Robert Alexander placed second and third respectively in pole vault. Junior Ben Loats won the mile and placed second in the twomile, senior Patrick Cooley placed third in the 300 meter hurdles, senior Marshall Stula placed ﬁrst in the 800 meter dash.

Senior Kristen Daschke placed second in javelin and third in high jump, junior Taylor Hanson won the pole vault, senior Liz Minoofar placed second in discus and senior Brook Gorthy took ﬁrst in the mile run and second in the 800.

Baseball

The Baseball team hosted the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies on April 1. The great game wound up going to the 10th inning when Tim Hieber, ended the game with a walk off single. The ﬁnal score was 6-5. Drew Mikkelson picked up his third win, throwing relief for Nate Kerkhoff. The Tigers’ record stands at a history-making best start, 5-0. The Tigers also hosted Aquinas March 28. The Tigers rallied late, down 2-1 in the sixth inning, to win 7-2. Kerkhoff pitched a complete game, striking out six. The baseball team travels to Branson tomorrow to play Branson High School and Nixa, Mo.

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Spring back into

Spring Break!

Thanks to...Emily Miller, Sara K. Crawford, Sarah Cline, Nate Chastain, Sarah Shoemaker, Jorden Fields, Casey Sieckman, Ali Foster, Sara Miller, Anita Galler and Maggie McNiel for submitting their spring break pictures.

April 13, 2007