The Tiger Print — December 2008

the

print TIGER

B LU E VA L L E Y H I G H S C H O O L

Vol. 39 Issue 5

December 2008

End of the road

Surprise title run ends in sub-state loss to Free State (pages 4-5)

Student X-ing (pg. 3)

Twilight in limelight

Which BV is best? (pg. 11)

Safety concerns bring plans for new crosswalk

(pgs. 12-13)

A district-wide look at school rankings

Phenomenon sweeps nation

Stilwell, Kan.

inthenews

Hot topics from Blue Valley...

TigerFest raises funds for sports, clubs

1. Musicians qualify for All-District groups District auditions for choir, band and orchestra were Nov. 8. The groups will perform tomorrow at various locations.

Seniors AJ Farris, Chris Gibson, Rigvid Mehta, Jonathan Nebel, Samantha Steinmetz, Ben Stratman and Caitlin Valencia and juniors Harrison Drake, Ally Francis, Dalton Homolka, Emily Jones, Kaitlin Long, Jessica Musatto, Emily Mosburg, Hannah Scott and Austin Stang were named members of the All-District Choir.

Seniors Caroline Proulx, Mitchell Smith and Danny Wood and juniors Ben Cooper, Abby Douglas, Alex Doolittle, Garrett Moylan and Austin Thorne were chosen to participate in the AllDistrict Band.

Orchestra members selected for an All-District group include senior Ned Kellenberger and junior Yanjie Yu. By Emily Stickland.

2. Despite loss, Categories hopes to rebound The Categories team lost their first match Nov. 10 against Blue Valley West,18-14.

“We fell behind early in the match, 7-3, and just couldn’t dig ourselves out of that hole,” sponsor Adam Wade said.

The team plans on making adjustments and coming back stronger for its next match Dec. 8 against Shawnee Mission South.

“Our team did not do as well as expected,” junior Kevin Hansen said. “But we have lots of room for improvement.” By Stephanie Roche.

3. Journalists receive honors at national event On Nov. 12, journalism students traveled to St. Louis to attend the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention.

Six Blue Valley students attended, including both yearbook and newspaper staff members. The students attended sessions on various journalism topics taught by professionals.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for these guys to be around other kids who are passionate about what they do,” adviser Jill Chittum said. “It’s also good to hear from different teachers. They hear the same thing from me every day, but for some reason once they hear it from someone else it just clicks.”

Three BV students received awards in the writing competition.

Juniors AJ Barbosa and Tori Freisner received excellent ratings while sophomore Ryan O’Toole received an honorable mention.

By Katie Louis.

4. Students place in Avila science competition Eight girls placed first in a science competition at Avila University Nov. 1. Physics teacher John Holloway took seniors Ali Athey, Alyssa Huff, Jordan King, Caroline Proulx, Katy Schultz and juniors Kelly Lembke, Emily Li and Yanjie Yu. The girls answered trivia questions in different categories, including science, math and computer technology.

This was Holloway’s second year attending the competition.

“It’s a fun competition,” Holloway said. “It’s a great way to promote science for girls, especially with the stereotype that boys are better at science and math.” By Kyra Storm.

5. Repertory Theater prepares for production The Repertory Theater class will be showcasing Misery, a story of danger and abductions.

It will be shown from Dec. 11-13 at 7 p.m. Admission will be $5 at the door.

In the play, an author named Paul Sheldon, played by senior Collin Kessler, has written a series of Misery books and has just finished off his last novel.

Sheldon gets into a car accident and is discovered by Annie Wilks, played by senior Kelly Frickleton. Wilks is a disturbed woman who is a Misery fanatic and is very upset that Sheldon killed the series’ leading character in the latest book. By Rachel McCullough.

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Juniors Anneliese and Kirsten Krull shop with their mother, Gretchen Krull, at TigerFest Nov. 22. The annual fundraiser showcased a variety of items in the gym. Several of the items sold included video game consoles and championship boards. The event is a fundraiser for sports and clubs. Photo by Amanda Blue.

nathanlindshield news editor

For the past four years, TigerFest has successfully brought students, parents and alumni together to participate in an event that raises thousands of dollars to support school teams and clubs.

This year was no different, as members of the community funneled into the gym Nov. 22 to participate in the annual silent auction.

This marked the first year where no live auction was held. All the bidding was done in a silent auction format.

TigerFest raised more than $60,000 over the past two years, although sales total for this year are not yet available.

This year’s three-hour auction showcased a variety of items ranging from the latest electronic appliances to vacation packages.

Among the items were the championship boards that used to hang on the gym wall. The boards are going to be replaced in the coming weeks.

TigerFest coordinator Jane Rowe said that about 25 of the more than 100 boards sold, with the 1991 football state championship board selling for $1,000.

“There were several soccer boards and a variety of baseball, softball and tennis boards sold,” Rowe said.

Other popular items such as travel packages and memorabilia were also auctioned off at the event.

Those in attendance also had the option of buying a puppy or ticket packages to sporting events and concerts.

Attendees also saw performances by the jazz

band, choir and orchestra. The entertainment was accompanied by appetizers, desserts and drinks served in the TigerFest Café.

Despite the recent downturn in the economy, TigerFest still had about the same number of people attend as it had in recent years.

According to Principal Scott Bacon, the number of items sold and profit made by those items might be slightly lower than the previous two years because of the economy.

“The number of people who showed up to TigerFest this year reflects the commitment that the community has made to our school,” Athletic Director Bob Whitehead said.

The money raised by TigerFest comes from the sales made at the auction and the monetary donations made by the families of the students who contribute.

This aspect is just part of what Whitehead believes makes TigerFest a cohesive community event.

“It is a way for the community to come together and support the school,” Whitehead said.

Due to recent renovations, many of the alumni had an opportunity to see a newer and updated Blue Valley.

“It was neat to see the people who graduated and watch them as they saw the new changes to the school,” Whitehead said.

The actual event was the culmination of many months of hard work by committee members and the support of the community.

“This required a great sacrifice of time for a lot of people and support by purchasing items,” Bacon said. “Considering the economic downturn, it was an outpouring of faith and commitment.”

inthenews

Safety concerns lead to new crosswalk mitchsmith editor-in-chief

As a result of a recent traffic study, the city of Overland Park is planning to install a new crosswalk in front of Blue Valley on 159th Street in the coming days.

This comes amid frustation that Overland Park and Johnson County both refuse to provide a crossing guard or stoplight outside the school.

“A lot of parents would tell me that they aren’t comfortable with [the crosswalks],” Principal Scott Bacon said.

The new crosswalk will be in an area currently without sidewalks or ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to Overland Park Traffic Engineer Brian Shields.

The matter is complicated by the fact that 159th Street divides Overland Park from unincorporated Johnson County.

There are already two crosswalks on 159th Street near the school. One is about 300 yards west of the building and the other about 105 yards east of it.

Art teacher Mark Mosier uses the crosswalk east of the school at least twice each day. He said cars rarely stop for him and that he is disappointed that more isn’t done to create a safe means of crossing the road.

“We’re in a culture that says you have to drive a car,” Mosier said. “As a taxpayer in OP, and I’m doing something legal, I think the city has a responsibility to its patrons to make a safe space.”

Mosier said the best way to increase safety would be to extend the school speed limit zone, install a flashing light by the crosswalk and have Overland Park Police ticket drivers who don’t stop for pedestrains.

“I would just like it if I could go cross,” he said. “To me, the best compromise is slow it down to 25 mph and station a

police officer there on occasion to get the people who zip through the crosswalk, like any other traffic situation.”

Shields said the school speed limit Mosier refers to is primarily for Stanley Elementary students and will not likely be extended eastward.

Shields added that initial estimates price the necessary ramps and sidewalks for the new crosswalk at around $12,000.

He said the city will paint the crosswalk soon but is waiting to install the sidewalk and ramps until next year when they can analyze whether students are using it. If they feel the crosswalk is effective, he said a flashing light might also be considered.

“With all the kids crossing there, it looked like it would be a good idea to a put a crosswalk there,” Shields said.

Mosier is skeptical that this new crosswalk will make any positive change in the situation.

“That will accomplish nothing if people just barrel over you in a car,” Mosier said.

“If you’re flattened by a Hummer, it doesn’t really matter.”

Even in spite of the crosswalks, students like junior Gavin Weir jaywalk across the street each day.

“It’s much easier crossing the street (outside of a crosswalk) than walking over to the crosswalk and waiting for an opening,” Weir said.

Weir was struck by a car and injured two years ago while crossing 159th Street after school. He was not using a crosswalk and said that, while he is still traumatized by the incident, the crosswalks are inconvenient and don’t provide much additional safety.

“I’m still freaked out about it,” Weir said. “I don’t feel safe walking across that street.”

Shortly after Weir’s incident, school officials restricted right turns from the far west exit of the school and left turns from the far east exit in hopes of preventing

another accident.

Bacon said those changes allow drivers to concentrate more on the road, making crossing the street both safer and easier for pedestrians.

“The changes that we have made there have worked quite well,” Bacon said.

Weir, though, has not seen much improvement since the changes.

“Truly, without the proper enforcement, any change other than a stoplight or stop sign I don’t think can do anything,” Weir said.

Bacon and Shields agree that this perception of crosswalks greatly increases the risk of another incident.

“It’s easy to leave school and want to get where you’re going,” Shields said. “Be cautious while driving, cautious while walking and use the marked paths.”

Freshman Matt Cooper also finds crossing the street to be challenging. He said traffic rarely stops for him when he uses the crosswalk each day.

“Pretty much nobody does,” Cooper said. “It’s mostly just frustrating because it’s really a law to stop.”

Cooper believes installing a light or assigning a crossing guard could help alleviate the problem.

“I think if there was a light, it would pretty much get rid of all the problems,” he said.

Matt’s mother, Beth Cooper, agrees that the current crossing situation isn’t safe and that additional precautions need to be taken.

“No, from my perspective, it is not safe,” she said. “In terms of a realistic solution, I don’t see why it would be a terribly burdensome cost to have a flashing light to draw the crosswalk to drivers’ attention.”

Shields said the street does not have enough foot traffic to warrant a stop light under the guidelines of the federal government’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Even if it did, a light there

would cost about $150,000.

Shields also said that a crossing guard is not a feasible solution to the problem as Overland Park generally only provides crossing guards to elementary schools and some middle schools located next to an elementary school.

Shields maintains that the city is comfortable with the current street crossing arrangements and that Blue Valley’s situation is comparable to those of high schools lying within city limits.

“If that area was all OP, the only difference you’d actually see was that we’d widen [the street],” Shields said.

Bacon believes that the current crossing situation can be safe if basic traffic rules are followed.

“It goes back to our early days of education in how to cross the street,” he said.

Bacon added that, while the school does assign teachers to monitor bus loading and unloading, he does not specifically assign anyone to monitor street crossing.

“We do have [Ken]Braden and [Dennis] Randall who are frequently out there monitoring traffic,” Bacon said.

Johnson County Project Engineer Ayman Issawi said the county and city are working together on the street.

“We will be working with Overland Park on this issue,” Issawi said.

Shields also coordinates with both the county and school district “Our main group we work with is the school district,” Shields said. “If the county needs to get involved, we’ll let them know, too.”

Shields believes the high volume of inexperienced drivers and large busses makes watching for pedestrains even more important.

“Drivers with less experience may not be thinking of the ramifications of other things than keeping their attention on the road,” Shields said.

Information courtesy of Brian Shields.

Infographic designed by Tori Litardo.

DECEMBER 2008 0 3

inthenews

Sub-State Runners-Up

Junior Evan Ramsey sacks Lawrence Free State’s Camren Torneden. Ramsey had eight sacks on the season. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

Junior quarterback Anthony Abenoja eludes a would-be tackler. Abenoja threw for 2,854 yards this year. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

Season wasn’t a loss, just look at where we started Coach Steve Rampy assured the student body at the school picnic this August that his senior-laden roster was poised to compete for the school’s first 6A football title.

Here, winning a football state championeditor-in-chief • Mitch Smith ship is akin to the New York Yankees winning the World Series — it doesn’t always happen, but it’s no huge shock when it does.

But this season felt different. It felt more like watching the Tampa Bay Rays making their surprise pennant run than watching the Yankees cruise to another title.

After missing the 5A playoffs last year and suffering a season-opening loss this year at Manhattan, the prospects looked bleak for the Tigers, who were competing in 6A for the first time since the Blue Valley West split.

Following that disappointing start, the offense converted to a spread and a quarterback change was made. Critics wondered how a system could change so drastically midseason. The team bought in and never looked back.

At first, many thought it was a fluke.

A win against Blue Valley Northwest was discounted by the fact that the Huskies opened the season on a seven-game losing skid.

A win against Salina Central (who defeated BV in the 2005 5A state title game) was seen as a promising sign, but not as a real indicator of what was to come.

People kept doubting, but the wins kept coming.

Next, an overmatched Blue Valley North squad succumbed to the Tigers and their new offense.

Coach Rampy addressed the student body again that week, saying the team was still aiming for a state

MITCH’s pitches

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title. Believers were few and far between.

“Just wait,” the doubters said. “Wait until Bishop Miege, St. Thomas Aquinas and Olathe North.”

But the Miege game came, no problem. A tough Aquinas team followed, and the Tigers bowled them over in a convincing 31-7 victory.

Confidently, BV entered district play the next week against Olathe North. And, after overcoming two 14-point deficits and landing on the sports cover of The Kansas City Star, they escaped the ODAC with a tense 42-41 victory.

Then people began to take notice.

Olathe South was the next victim. Although a close game early on, the Tigers eventually pulled away for a tight win and with it, a district title.

Next came defending 5A state champion Blue Valley West. After a hard-fought Halloween game, Blue Valley prevailed and clinched the EKL championship as they prepared for the postseason.

Despite riding an eight-game winning streak coming in to the playoffs, the Tigers were seeded third behind Shawnee Mission West and Olathe East in the eastern bracket.

They opened their regional game against Lawrence High slowly. The unseeded Lions led late in the second quarter before BV took the lead at the half and cruised to a win.

Then came a BV Northwest team that, after its previously mentioned seven-game losing streak, rebounded to win its district and knock off top-seeded Shawnee Mission West in the playoffs.

Northwest proved to be a formidable opponent before the Tigers recovered a game-winning fumble in the endzone with just a few seconds left, setting them up for a sub-state showdown with Lawrence Free State.

There, the Tigers met their match in a tough Firebird team. A back-and-forth game was tied 7-7 in the fourth quarter before Free State punched the ball in for the go-ahead touchdown. The Tigers took over

on the ensuing possession, but were apparently out of miracles following the Northwest game. A few minutes later, the Free State band struck up the Firebird fight song as the Tigers’ season ended in a 14-7 defeat.

Despite the disappointing finish, the unfinished miracle, it’s important to remember how this season started.

Here we are, just three months after that agonizing defeat against Manhattan. To think then that we would have made it this far would have been preposterous.

But the truly remarkable thing, even more than the midseason system change, quarterback switch and poor start, was that the team accomplished all this in a series of tight games, as if it was a team of destiny.

When the team made its state title run two years ago, it was with Simone Award-winning quarterback Zach Rampy at the helm. Previous state titles were won with Geno Waters (who went on to Pittsburg State) and Brian Schottenheimer (who played collegiately at Kansas and Florida before becoming the offensive coordinator for the NFL’s New York Jets) leading the way at quarterback.

Then, we looked like the Yankees. We often overmatched other 5A teams and won most games in blowout fashion. A winning margin of less than 20 was sometimes considered a “wake-up call” or “tough game.”

This year, close games were routine. Pressurepacked battles against Salina Central, Olathe North, BV West and BV Northwest tested the team. They prevailed each time.

No, these were no longer the Yankees of the EKL. Every week they went out there, the result was uncertain. Like the surprising Tampa Bay Rays, they had to battle for every play, every score, every win.

And, with so much early-season adversity, who would’ve thought we would have been hosting a substate championship game?

Steve Rampy did.

inthenews

Game Recap ryano’toole staff writer

Blue Valley’s quest for the 6A state title ended in a 14-7 home loss to Lawrence Free State Nov. 21.

The scoring opened with a five-yard rushing touchdown from Free State running back Chucky Hunter on the opening drive to put the Firebirds up by seven.

BV leveled the score with a rushing touchdown by senior Treveor Cornley in the closing minutes of the first quarter.

With 10 minutes left in the half, the Tiger offense gained momentum and moved up the field. After a successful fourth-down conversion, junior quarterback Anthony Abenoja threw an interception downfield and Lawrence took over on their own 33-yard line. After three more drives, the teams returned to the locker rooms with the score knotted at 7.

The third quarter started with Free State kicking off.

BV ran out of steam and was forced to punt the ball.

Following a punt from Free State, Cornley limped off the field after carrying the ball to the 28-yard line, putting the Tigers in good shape to score. The Tigers turned the ball over on the next play when an Abenoja pass

Senior wide receiver Luke Rampy goes up for a ball that was intercepted in the end zone by a Free State defensive back. The Tigers lost their sub-state matchup 14-7.

Photo by Tom Roudebush.

intended for senior Luke Rampy was intercepted in the back of the end zone.

The ball was returned to Tiger possession when senior Christian Ensz stepped in front of a Free State receiver to intercept the ball in the middle of the field. The Tigers couldn’t capitalize on the interception and punted the ball away. After another unsuccessful drive from Free State, the Tigers started the fourth quarter on offense.

Three minutes in, Abenoja dropped back to pass and aimed for the front of the end zone, where the ball bounced off the hands of diving senior Luke Wiggins.

The ball was turned over to Free State, who ran down the clock while moving down the field. Taking nine minutes to drive 80 yards, Hunter dove into the end zone on a 1-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds remaining.

The Tigers carried their kickoff return to their own 42.

On first down, Abenoja was sacked for an 11-yard loss, leading him to spike the ball on the next play to stop the clock at 30 seconds. The pass on third down was incomplete, leaving the Tigers with one last chance on fourth and 15 with 12 seconds left on the game clock. Abenoja’s final pass was knocked down, giving the Firebirds the ball. Taking a knee, the Firebirds hammered the final nail in the coffin and buried BV’s state hopes.

The Tigers’ loss was the result of several on-field miscues, according to Coach Steve Rampy.

“We just made too many mistakes,” he said. “There are a few things I would have done differently in playcalling, but you can’t make the turnovers we made, you can’t have the missed assignments we had.”

Coach Rampy was happy overall with the effort the team put in.

“Our guys played really hard, their effort was good,” he said. “Two or three mistakes in a game like that will cost you the game.”

The players were satisfied with their play as well, as the defense shut down Free State’s passing game.

“We played a good game,” senior linebacker Brett Newell said. “They are a really good offensive team. They had two drives where we just couldn’t get them off the field but we played a really good game.”

Coming so close to the state championship game on their last chance was bittersweet for the seniors.

“It was really tough for us, I was really upset,” Newell said. “It hurt to lose but we had a really great season.”

“I thought we would qualify for playoffs and we had a chance to be a pretty good football team,” Steve Rampy said.

Season Stats

Offense

Passing junior Anthony Abenoja

2,854 yards

Rushing senior Treveor Cornley

808 yards

Receiving senior Luke Rampy

1,046 yards

Touchdowns senior Treveor Cornley

20 touchdowns

Defense “It obviously didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but we can’t complain with a 10-2 record.” senior Luke Rampy

Tackles senior Parker Scafe

119 tackles

Sacks junior Evan Ramsey

8 sacks

Interceptions tie between senior Tyler VanGerpen and junior Tyler Disney

3 interceptions DECEMBER 2008 0 5

payin’thebills

One special per customer. Not valid with other offers. New clients only. Expires 1-15-09

0 6 DECEMBER 2008

outloud

the

TIGERprint

B LU E VA L L E Y H I G H S C H O O L

editor-in-chief mitch smith managing editor emily strickland in-depth editor stephanie roche news editor nathan lindshield opinion editor allison kohn sports editor aj barbosa photo editor amanda blue entertainment editor tori freisner features editor katie louis online editor matt may copy editor kyra storm staff writers kimberly dacus andrew fiori caitlin holland brock humphrey rachel mccullough ryan o’toole steven reno shannon valverde photographers conner combes tom roudebush advertising manager noopur goel circulation manager tyler duke contributing cartoonist emma mosier adviser jill chittum

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

Letters to the editor and reader responses are encouraged. Letters must be signed in order to be considered for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content and encourages letters to be no more than 350 words. Letters should be submitted to room 450, e-mailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085 email: thetigerprint@yahoo.com 913-239-4800 The Tiger Print also encourages guest photography.

Photos should be submitted to room 450 with information pertaining to the photo.

Front cover: Senior Bobby Specht and coach Steve Rampy hug following the Tigers’ sub-state loss to Lawrence Free State on Nov. 21. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

Illustration by Emma Mosier.

Responsibility key to solving crosswalk fiasco jaywalk. is not enough. staff Ultimately, though, the responsiThis will do nothing if pedestrians editorial

Every day, students illegally cross 159th Street, dodging traffic and attempting to get across as soon as possible.

All involved in this dilemma, whether driving, walking, or working to get a crosswalk installed should remember to take responsibility for their actions and make intelligent decisions.

Though two crosswalks already exist, many students find them inconviniently located and unsafe.

The safety of too many students is jeopardized daily, and a change is necessary in order to protect both students crossing the street and those driving. The city of Overland Park should be applauded for planning a new crosswalk, but that alone

raise

your voice Who is to blame for all of the problems with crossing 159th Street?

and drivers refuse to show some common courtesy.

Those driving should remember that they are legally obligated to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at the crosswalks. Don’t contribute to the stereotype that teenagers are bad drivers — remember to remain patient and in control while driving, even if that means taking an extra 30 seconds to stop for that car-less freshman.

Students crossing the street should remember that even if it makes the walk home longer, the existing crosswalks can make your commute safer.

It’s not worth risking personal safety to get across the street faster and it also makes the crossing less intimidating. With the new crosswalk being installed, there is no excuse to

senior Krissy Hockel

“The drivers because the pedestrians always have the right of way, it’s just rude.”

sophomore Kyle Leitch

“The county for not taking the initiative for putting in a new crosswalk.”

bility to ensure safe passage is up to Johnson County and Overland Park and this new crosswalk is a great step in the right direction.

The fact that it took two years after junior Gavin Weir was struck by a car while crossing the street to do this is troubling.

Our community was lucky two years ago ­— Weir recovered from his injuries. There’s nothing saying, however, we’ll be that lucky again.

There is an all-too-real possibility of carelessness, either by walkers or drivers, resulting in a student being seriously injured or even killed while crossing the street.

Simply put, all involved should take precautions to keep a similar incident from occurring and should make an effort to show support for this important new crosswalk.

junior Tyler Kalmus

“The city should do more. We’ve already had an accident and we should prevent another one.”

freshman Kaleo Cook

“The students. If they’re not supposed to cross, they shouldn’t.”

DECEMBER 2008 0 7

outloud

The big

“(n)O” Oprah Winfrey’s influence on popular opinion, politics annoys one-time fan I am officially fed up with Oprah Winfrey. She is no longer a human being, but a corporation, an icon. She is a TV show, a magazine, a production company, a radio host, a book club, a product launcher, kyrastorm a philanthropist and, most recently, a political booster.

I'm not about to sit here and say that Oprah Winfrey is not an unbelievable, self-made, legend. We all know that.

But I am calling on America to question the ridiculous amount of influence we’re permitting her to have on us.

Honestly, tomorrow, Oprah could proclaim that bananas have magic healing powers and we would eat it up, literally.

Like the true Queen Midas that she is, everything she touches turns to gold. The novels she picks for her book club are immediate best sellers. The “experts” she has on her show become household names and the senators she admires become… president.

Don’t get me wrong, the American public puts their trust in this woman for a reason. She’s a self-made, independent, black woman; she’s very admirable.

However, she is only a person. She isn’t perfect and one of her trillions of projects and endorsements is bound to go wrong.

myvoice

Remember the Million Little Pieces scandal with James Frey? She raved about this supposed nonfiction novel about addiction like it was the sequel to the Bible itself. Then we come to find out that Frey fabricated, exaggerated and blatantly lied about major plot events.

She looked pretty foolish then.

No celebrity is immune to these scandals. However, my annoyance with “the big O” is even deeper than that. Oprah used to be my hero. She was real, thoughtprovoking, down-to-earth and entertaining all at the same time. I love to see a strong woman with that much power. But as I’ve grown up watching her, she’s been slipping downhill.

Maybe it’s the fact that she’s nearing her 25th season of the show and has simply run out of intriguing topics, but there’s no excuse for some of the ridiculous ones I’ve seen lately.

She once filled an entire hour of her show talking to celebrity hairstylists. Really? I kid you not, they even aired a question from an audience member, inquiring where she could “get a decent weave in Chicago.”

But at least that episode was consistent.

Better than the random draw-of-the-hat episodes that contain 50 different topics: Gayle King searches for best hot dog in America, amazing yodeling dog, and what to do if your spouse is a transgender.

She’s really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Finally, Oprah lost all credibility for me when she decided to wholeheartedly back a presidential candidate.

We were bombarded with enough political opinions while Barack Obama and John McCain were on the campaign trail.

When her at-home audience sits down to relax for one miniscule hour a day to enjoy her show, the last thing they want to listen to is another righteous celebrity preach their personal views.

But then again, Oprah seems to think that we can’t get enough of her. She graces the cover of her magazine (self-titled of course) every single issue. In April, it’s Oprah splashing in puddles with a bright yellow raincoat. In December, it’s Oprah grinning in a cashmere Christmas sweater. Have you caught on to the pattern yet?

The sad thing is, she’s right. We can’t get enough. The reason her airbrushed face is gracing the cover of every issue is because market research surveys concluded that that’s what the people want to see.

Even with this resentment towards my prior rolemodel, I understand that if anyone can handle this power, it’s her. I mean, better Oprah than Tila Tequila.

But just promise me, next time you’re at the polls, deciding which movie to see, or considering divorcing your husband because sometimes he prances around in your stilettos, ask yourself, "Is this my decision, or is Oprah making me do it?"

letters 2 the editor Obama column upsets student voter Dear Editor, First off, I would just like to say that I have been a dedicated reader of The Tiger Print for the last four years. I always look forward to the Fridays when the school newspaper comes out so that I can read about current issues that are important to students.

On the day the paper came out, I sat down to read it at lunch with an open mind. I had every intention of reading the ‘Yes we can’ article seriously, but I realized right away that this was not going to be the well-educated reading that I had hoped for. Right away, the author referred to Obama’s presidential campaign as a, “journey that was long and perilous.” Perilous? Really? A cancer survivor’s battle is perilous, not a presidential candidate’s “journey.”

I had only read half the article and, already, I was disappointed. You see, what was bothering me about this

0 8 DECEMBER 2008

article wasn’t the fact that the author didn’t have similar views as me. What bothered me was her lack of reasoning and shallowness behind those beliefs.

She stated, “Obama’s smooth swagger, eloquent speech and passion for the issues led me to believe that he would be the ideal president.” While those are all great, commendable qualities, they don’t have anything to do with being a great president.

I can honestly say that I was thoroughly disappointed by this article.

I can only hope that the next opinion article The Tiger Print publishes actually has some substance to back up the opinion. The author of ‘Yes we can’ has only proven what the author of the McCain article stated, that “liberals don’t have ideas, they have feelings.” I guess we’ll have to wait and see how those feelings solve the nation’s challenges.

Senior Heather Gruber

BV graduates rebut pro-McCain column Dear Editor, President-elect Barack Obama’s historic win adds up to more than you can see. For the African-American community, the victory signifies a great leap towards more proportional representation for all minorities. Obama’s election does more than any formal apologies or monetary reparations for discrimination: it gives them hope.

The writer of the McCain colum expressed a common view of those who are afraid of a “liberal” president.

Obama did not spend his time in office drawing lines on the Senate floor. He will make a concerted effort to address opposing opinions; he knows all sides are necessary in an effective democracy. His history in the state and federal legislatures shows a pragmatist and not an ideologue.

We have overheard BV students complaining that “they” will be over-

taxed by this “tax-and-spend liberal.”

The people of America have needs, which may supersede the needs of Johnson County. On a daily basis, hardworking American citizens are losing their jobs and their homes.

Because your parents’ (not yours, remember, the majority of you high school students do not pay taxes) taxes are going to go up three percent does not mean he will be a bad president.

Ultimately, if you were afraid of Obama winning, what did you do? We wanted Obama to become president, so we became interns and donated our time and money to Obama for America. What did you do?

America made its choice. Now, we have the chance to reclaim the American Dream, casting aside cynicism and doubt to unite as One Nation.

2008 graduates Sean Elliott and Kelly Cosby

Can you

outloud

hear me now?

Fragile earbuds leads student to become headphone enthusiast

myvoice

andrewfiori Recently, I have become an object of ridicule. Now I bet you're wondering if, perhaps, it’s because of my beliefs? Maybe my face has an abnormality of some sort? Or because I idolize Ron Paul and believe him to be the savior of our nation? Well, guess what Blue Valley, it’s actually because I chose a higher power. I chose headphones over earbuds.

Now I ask, what’s with all the hate? Not only do headphones provide better sound quality than most, if not all, earbuds, they also last longer. I went through seven pairs of earbuds until I figured that enough was enough. Through my expansive research skills of logic and observation, I have come up with arguments for the top five grievances BV students seem to have with headphones.

1. Headphones look goofy.

OK, ladies and gentlemen, let me ask one thing. Really? I mean is your self-image so important to you that it needs to impede upon your craving of musical enlightenment? Don’t deny that,

deep down inside of you, you cry out for the surround sound, noise-canceling, thunderous hullabaloo that only a good pair of headphones can provide.

And, besides the sound quality, earbuds hurt. I don’t know about you BV, but that’s the last thing I want when I’m chilling on the ocean in a yacht, drinking an ice-cold Kool-Aid, lounging and listening to my tunes is ear pain.

2. They’re too expensive.

As I said said before, I’ve bought seven pairs of earbuds in the past three years, all of them breaking within the first three to four months. Now, I only paid about $10-15 for those earbuds that broke. Cheap, right? Wrong.

Now these headphones I have currently had for six months cost me $35.

I don’t even have to do the math because it’s blatantly obvious that all of those earbud prices, put together, equal a greater sum than $35.

“But wait Andrew,” you may say, “I don’t have $35. I can only afford the $10-15 earbuds.”

Well, lucky for you, I have a solution to that as well: Get a job.

3. I can’t share my music with others.

Well, you have me here. It must be so tough, not being able to give the other earbud to a friend to listen to the same song

you’re listening to. I have only one thing to say to that. How selfish of you.

That’s right, having headphones teaches you better morals and sharing techniques. Now, instead of giving your friend only half an earful of whatever song you have been listening to over and over again for the past week, you can now give them the full effect.

This will greatly increase the likelihood that your friend will enjoy said song and end up downloading it on their music player, as well as avoid that weird "sound imbalance" and earwax that all pairs of earbuds seem to have. You know what I’m talking about.

4. I can listen to people talk when I have earbuds in; headphones’ noise cancellation won’t let me hear people talk.

I cannot even begin to bombast this witless argument. Basically what you say to someone when you're talking to them with your earbuds in is: “I’m sorry you aren’t important enough for me to go through the laborious effort of removing my earbuds from my ears to listen to whatever it is you have to say and give you a proper and respectful response.”

Congratulations, you have just given your friend a mental

back-hand.

“Well, Andrew,” one may ask, “What if I want to listen to my music and listen to my teacher lecture as well?”

I would say, “Congratulations.

You just showed them how much their time and effort in trying to teach means to you. Here’s a cookie for your incompetence."

5. Earbuds are a lot smaller and more compact. They are much easier to carry around.

This may be true, but this is a minor inconvenience that is easily fixed.

Girls carry purses, you see.

Don’t tell me you can fit anything in the pockets of those tight “insert brand here” jeans, so this leads me to conclude you keep your music player in your purse.

Now I’ve seen girls’ purses enough around school to know that most of them serve as an alternative to a backpack.

Not only that, but they're freakishly huge. If you really don't have enough room to put headphones in one of those gargantuan sacks, I suggest you either: a) Buy a bigger purse. b) Take out the meaningless makeup, mirrors, magazines, or whatever else it is you women keep in those things, in order to make room for said headphones. or,

c) Buy a backpack. They're better than purses for carrying stuff, I promise.

Guys, most of you carry around a backpack. It’s quite easy to keep headphones in a backpack as opposed to the pocket, and the transition takes very little time getting used to. And you’ll love all the roomy pocket space you now have.

“But Andrew,” a guy will say, “I don’t want to carry around a backpack. That’s too much work.”

Well sorry guy, I don’t know what to tell you except to just carry the headphones around with the rest of your books in your hands.

“But Andrew,” same guy would argue, “my hands are always full with the books I carry. They’re about to fall out of my arms and adding to them would make it so.”

Then you should carry around a backpack, or a purse. Whatever you’re into, bro.

These are only the top five arguments I hear everyday at school as to why people dislike headphones.

There are certainly many more, ranging from hair problems to hearing loss.

I recommend that you all research which way to make your music experience the most enjoyable it can be.

Drawing class leads student to discover hidden talent myvoice

rachelmccullough How am I supposed to draw that?

I see it, but how do I make it magically look like more than just a doodle? How do I make this object turn? Mine looks like a kindergartener’s depiction of a pancake.

This is so hard.

“Now class, tell me who needs me to look at theirs.”

Phew, the teacher is going to help me.

“Now close one eye and see the crate. Look at all the dimen-

sions. How does the crate fall off the page? Where is the vanishing point?”

How do I make this side look smaller? How do I make this 3-D? Drawing 1 was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I anticipated the course directives to include free-hand drawings of cartoons and maybe some of inanimate objects. I was expecting to ace it easily.

Instead, I wound up realizing it was much more. It’s a class of patience, stamina and self-control.

It’s not about the talent of the latest art prodigy; it’s based on effort, proportions and creativity.

I have worked harder in this class than any other course I have taken. It wasn’t simply memorizing equations or vocab words

and it definitely wasn’t something on which I could simply compile hours of research.

The object of the class was simple: I had to make what was in front of me look like a photograph image of it with only a pen and paper.

Through this class I had many ups and downs. I wanted to quit at least once a week, but I knew it was human nature to want to quit when things get tough. There were also times when I didn’t want to go to my next class because I was really in the zone. One time I even caught myself staying after school until 5 p.m.

This class made me step outisde my comfort zone. When I didn’t understand something the teacher told me, I learned I had to

seek more help. Now, I feel comfortable doing this same thing in other classes. I worked on my listening skills, time management and multitasking. I made amazing new friends that I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise.

The most positive thing about taking a course I wouldn’t normally take was that it revealed to me an ability I never thought I would posses. Now, I’m not saying I’m the next Picasso, but I can draw something for Headrush or just doodle for a friend without feeling as if a fifth grader could do it better.

At Blue Valley, we are asked to set goals and try to accomplish them. This class was something that really challenged me and

made me want to work harder to succeed. After I complete a project and step back to see what I have created, I get an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and sense of pride. I have created a precious drawing, something I never thought I could do.

So, when you’re thinking about enrollment and you have an open credit hour, step outside your comfort zone and take a class that looks interesting but isn’t your expertise. It will probably take extra time and effort, but the outcome of the class could surprise you.

We are preparing for the real world, and in the real world we will face challenges that we might not want to tackle.

Make the most of it. Try something new.

DECEMBER 2008 0 9

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From paper to

Life

Junior’s love of art leads to a recently disovered passion for clothing design

allisonkohn

I

Junior Emma Mosier poses in

the 1920s-style witch costume she created.

The costume was based on illustrations she saw in design books.

Photo courtesy of Mark Mosier.

opinions editor

t’s been a long, stressful school day for junior Emma Mosier. Sitting down with a blank piece of a paper and a newly sharpened pencil, Mosier feels the frustrations and worries of the day melt away. With every stroke of the pencil, her worries are transformed into a new work of art.

Mosier has been interested in art since she was little.

Her father, BV art teacher Mark Mosier, has influenced Emma’s interest in pursuing art the most.

“Seeing a lot of my dad’s drawings around the house when I was younger made me want to draw,” Emma said.

As young as four, Emma had been filling up reams of paper with her drawings.

“When most little kids would be watching TV, she would be drawing or designing,” Mark Mosier said. “She taught herself to read, and the way her art developed was very much the same way.”

Although Mosier is an art teacher, he believes that his daughter’s knack for drawing and designing is a natural ability.

“It’s something she has a real passion for,” Mosier said. “It’s her natural strength.”

Emma’s inspiration for her drawings comes from the people around her, otherwise known as “figure drawing”.

“Humans make the most interesting subjects,” Emma said. “They can be so diverse and different, never the same.”

In addition to drawing, Emma is experimenting with clothing design. Just recently, Emma finished her biggest design project of all: a 1920s-style witch costume created for Halloween. This extensive project started in June and lasted all the way until the end of October. The idea for the costume is based on illustrations Emma saw in design books.

She sewed her costume together with a sewing machine and by hand.

“It’s probably my favorite piece of art I have done because it took so much time and the most work,” she said.

Emma has designed and sewn other clothing as well. The ideas for her designs come from fabric or clothing stores.

“When I see something that I like in stores, I try to remake my own version for less money,” she said.

Although Emma is a passionate artist, clothing design is her favorite type of art.

“Clothes have much more meaning,” she said. “They are actually something you can wear and use.”

Emma plans on attending an art school after she graduates.

“I plan to become a professional artist, I just haven’t decided what kind yet.”

1 0 DECEMBER 2008

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Achieving 1 ‘the dream?’

Blue Valley aspires to be ‘the best school in the country,’ but Newsweek and ACT results rate it as third in the district

caitlinholland

ington Post education columnist Jay Mathews devised a ratio that incorporates a school’s Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Cambridge tests taken by all students divided by the total number of graduating seniors per school year.

Highest ranked of the Blue Valley schools is BVNW, standing at 544th on the list. BVN follows in the 576th spot, then BVHS at 649th and BVW at 928th.

The high schools can also be sequenced by ACT test scores.

Once again, BVNW leads the group tied with BVN, both with an average composite score of

ating seniors on to a two- or four-year university. Next come BVHS and BVN, both advancing 95 percent of students to higher We’ve all heard it before. education, followed again by From day one at Blue Valley High BVW with only 90 percent of School we are told by Principal students en route to a two- or Scott Bacon that BVHS students four-year college. strive to create the best school BVN Principal Carter Burns in the country, the goal which is Jr. says his goal for his students is often referred to as “the Dream”. for them to find personal success, Throughout four years of high and that doesn’t always involve school the dream gets repeated attending a two- or four-year countless times and engraved university. into our memories, serving as a “We want them to have a lot constant reminder of what BVHS of success,” Burns said. “We want aspires to be. to be supportive of them. I’m “We have a dream, and that not one who preaches to you on dream has been articulated by having to go to a the students to four-year college, me,” Bacon said.

We have a dream, and that dream has but you have to “The students have told me been articulated by the students to me. get further skills so that you can get a they want to be The students have told me they want high-paying job, the best school in the country, so to be the best school in the country, and ultimately that is what we all want I’m saying, ‘OK, so I’m saying, ‘OK, let’s go for it.’ to have.” let’s go for it.’” principal Scott Bacon Based on NewsBut really, are week’s rankings, ACT we anywhere composite scores close to being and the class of the best school in the country?

24.9. BVHS trails slightly behind 2008’s two- and four-year univerAre we even the best school in with an average composite score sity entrances, the district does our district? of 24.1, and once again BVW have one high school just a cut Retracing our recent acaabove the rest. demic development, it may seem finishes off the group with an average of 23.6.

Overall, BVNW leads the that BVHS should be considered The schools can also be district’s high schools being the best in the Blue Valley School ranked by the percentage of top-ranked in all three topics District. With tough compition graduating seniors who conpreviously mentioned. Followfrom Blue Valley West, Blue Valley tinue on to a twoor four-year ing BVNW comes BVN in second, North and Blue Valley Northwest, university.

BVHS in third and finally BVW. being crowned the superior Based on the class of 2008, a BVHS may be on its way to school isn’t easy. large number of students chose becoming the best school in the Newsweek magazine ranked to continue their education from country, but starting small and the top 1,300 high schools in the all of the district’s high schools. working to become the best nation this year, and all four Blue Once again, BVNW trumps all school in the district could be the Valley High Schools were elite other Blue Valley schools, sendfirst step in accomplishing “The enough to make the list. In order ing 97 percent of their graduDream.” to select the top schools, Washstaff writer

2

3 4 DECEMBER 2008 1 1

indepth

sucked in

Twilig

Kirsten Ste

For viewers who h book, this movie wou thing close to ridiculou The screen adaptati popular Twilight novel lot to live up to, and it the cut. Having read th see the movie with cer that weren’t met.

Kristen Stewart (Ju derful job playing clu Bella who moves to a sm ington and falls for my played by Robert Patt Harry Potter and the Gob But as far as the act seemed like one reall moment.

When the movie a meets Edward, he is sit in biology class. He is g is completely pale an shaking. If I were Bella, away — the guy looked ing serious bowel troub vampire senses were be the scent of Bella’s blo tic.

The main problem outrageously fast they

Twilight craze sweeps nation, students catch vampire fever

Love triangle splits fans caitlinholland staff writer

The opinions are diverse, but the question is simple. Who are you for: Edward or Jacob?

Blue Valley students and readers worldwide have varying opinons about the Twilight series love triangle. Some support the longstanding relationship between Bella and Edward, whereas others want Jacob to become more than a friend for Bella.

Students can be seen wearing “Team Edward” and “Team Jacob” T-shirts around school, supporting the companion they think is best for Bella.

“I’m team Edward all the way, through and through,” junior Katie Radosovich said.

Edward and Bella have a strong romantic relationship, while Jacob is Bella’s closest friend. Twilight fans like Radosovich support this arrangement.

“A lot of team Edward fans like Jacob, but they only like him as a friend for Bella,” Radosovich said. “I see Edward as the one true love for Bella. I see Edward and Bella together forever, a happily ever after kind of thing and I see Jacob as the best friend for Bella.”

The strong opinions about the Bella,

Edward and Jacob love triangle often lead to competition among fans.

“There is definitely competition,” Radosovich said. “There are arguments about who is better for Bella.”

Radosovich is reading the series for the fourth time. She can cite events from each book and even directly quote the books.

Senior Jordan King favors Jacob, and feels that he is easily relateable for the everyday teenager.

“When people read the Jacob section (of Breaking Dawn) they really like him because he is really easy to relate to,” King said.”Edward is definitely not. He’s not human, and he doesn’t have human qualities.”

King is involved with a group of 11 students who frequently discuss the Twilight series. The group discussed the series often before the final novel, Breaking Dawn, was released. Some of the students met in the 500 hall to talk about the Twilight movie, released Nov. 21.

Senior Alyssa Huff, another Edward supporter, has a Team Edward T-shirt and often gets comments from her classmates.

“Some people in my classes talk to me about it,” Huff said. “They’ll be like, ‘Oh what does your shirt say?’ and some people are like, ‘Oh yeah!’ and others are like, ‘No, I’m Team Jacob.’”

Not ju

myvoi

mattmay Seniors Ali Athey and Katie Beeks show their true colors Nov. 20 before the midnight premiere of Twilight. One T-shirt says, “Why won’t Jacob get rabies already?” Photo by Matt May.

Twilight gives women a false sense of what men are like Twilight is a phenomenon that has swept the nation ever since its debut.

Edward Cullen, the books’ main character, has captishannonvalverde vated the hearts of most teenage girls, but not mine.

I seem to be immune to the charm of this gothic romance series. I don’t find any interest in reading about a teenage vampire and his attraction to someone who is clearly not in his league (or, for that matter, species).

The romance novel genre has been way overdone. There is historical romance, Southern romance and now vampiric romance? I don’t understand how this series has had so much myvoice

1 2 DECEMBER 2008

success. It seems that it only appeals to a certain demographic.

More practically minded people don’t find a big interest in this particular series. I seriously doubt that people in their right mind are going to be interested in a vampire that steals the heart of a human.

On the other hand, people who are in to Harry Potter and other sorts of fantasy novels love the Twilight series, although some might say that the only similarity between the two series is that they are both fantasy. And I must admit that Harry Potter did a better job at grabbing my attention than Twilight did.

After reading only the first book in the series, I became incredibly bored and easily distracted.

Who in their right mind falls in love with a psychotic vampire and his family of assorted vampires and werewolves?

I mean seriously, people that read this series have lofty expectations of how boys really should act. I agree that Edward is very chivalrous and would be any girl’s dream boyfriend, but this character gives girls a false sense of what boyfriends are really like. If this is the standard that girls reading this series are holding their dates to then I’m afraid that they will be sorely disappointed in the end.

If it isn’t already enough that the Twilight series has four books, another four will be added as told from Edward’s point of view. It’s safe to say I will definitely not be reading this series.

failed to touch more th In fact, it’s more accura males, and even a good Twilight.

But why is this series avoid it at all costs?

I’ve heard several re the series.

Most prevalent is th the perspective of a ho izing that the other sex than she thought.

Another common co that all girls need to be love.

And, my personal fa portray women as fickl I’ve read the series m of those concerns is eve the female lead, is inde and careless girl, the se women are this way.

In fact, the women d

indepth

raise

ght

your voice

nson ewart, Robert Patti

★★★★

haven’t read the uld appear someus. ion of the widelyl obviously had a t just didn’t make he book, I went to rtain expectations

umper) did a wonumsy 17-year-old mall town in Washysterious Edward, tinson (Cedric in blet of Fire). tual movie, it just ly long awkward

audience actually tting next to Bella gripping the table, nd is convulsively , I would have run d like he was havbles. In reality his eing overcome by ood. How romanfor me was how transitioned from

barely talking to being completely in love.

A lot of the depth in the characters and the growth in emotions between them were lost in the movie, even though they were so present in the books.

The special effects could have been better — mainly the scenes where the vampires are supposedly running really fast and when Edward’s body glitters in the sunlight. Although this may have seemed cool in the book, on screen it was comical — he looked like a human disco ball.

Some high points were the scenes with the other vampires. The villains of the movies were the rogue vampires — Victoria, Laurent and James, who do the movie a big favor by bringing some much-needed action. It’s too bad they were in only 15 minutes of the movie.

In all fairness, if you read the book and are already wrapped up in the story of Bella and Edward, you will be more apt to enjoy the movie. But, without prior knowledge of Bella and Edward’s relationship, the movie will be a little too far-fetched and just weird.

By Katie Louis.

What do you like/ dislike about the Twilight series?

sophomore Sarah Bergeson

“It has so much to offer: romance, action, vampires, high school — you name it.”

Photo by Matt May.

ust a chick book, a male perspective

Twilight.

The franchise has done a great job of creating its fanbase of teenage girls and women looking for a good romance to fantasize about.

Not surprisingly, it has han a small percentage of guys. ate to say that the majority of d number of females, despise

ice

s so despicable to those who

easons why some girls loathe

hat it seems to be written from ormonal 13-year-old just realx might be more appealing

omplaint is the misconception e protected with passion and

avorite complaint: the books le and indecisive. myself and not a single one en remotely true. While Bella, eed a needy, stubborn, fickle eries does not suggest that all

depicted in the series each

represent a female stereotype. Rosalie could be described as deep and full of remorse for the path that her life has taken. Esme is seen as the sweet and caring woman who puts everyone before herself. And then we have Alice, the girl with a great talent for planning ahead who attempts to make everything better for those around her.

The wide array of female characters supports neither the claim of negative portrayal of women nor the claim of uninteresting writing. The diversity displayed in the characters results in highly descriptive and entertaining writing.

Most of the gentlemen who dislike Twilight do so for one of two reasons.

The first is a misconception linking male Twilight fans to homosexuality. The other is that the Twilight vampires aren’t the typical bloodsucking, sun-avoiding, savage monsters that vampires are frequently portrayed as in other books and movies.

I am completely baffled as to how one who reads Twilight could be construed as homosexual.

Twilight has been conceived by many as a sappy romance novel filled with nauseatingly sweet sentiments. That is a huge misconception. While the main plot of the story does follow the romance of Bella Swan, it cannot be described as sappy.

Despite what many people think, the series is not packed full of graphic romance scenes. Rather, it has its fair share of action and controversy. At times, it even portrays intense violence. While it is still most definitely a romance, its nauseating effects have

been exaggerated.

Another reason that men relate Twilight to homosexuality is because it might not be seen as a “manly” topic to impress their friends with. This exposes a larger issue where society seems to designate anything that is not “manly” as “gay.”

After talking to several girls, I have concluded that most of them would not consider a guy “gay” for reading Twilight. Not only would it give the two sexes a common ground, but also it portrays the romance that many girls want, making it a potentially educational read for guys.

And, as for the fact that the Twilight vampires aren’t real vampires, well that just adds to the originality of the book. While it is different, its innovation offers a relief from the norm. The fact that they can survive sunlight and they don’t have to feed on blood has nothing to do with how good the story actually is.

While it lacks the intense, savage blood-feasting that some other vampire tales incorporate, it is still sure to appeal to anyone’s crave for action and violence. At least give it a chance before you knock it.

So for women, this series is a must-read because it is well written and extremely entertaining. For guys, this series is a smart read.

Why pass up the chance to share an interest with several teenage girls? It couldn’t hurt your chances with the opposite sex, and maybe you could even learn a few things that will help boost your romanticism.

junior Josh Harmon

“It’s a fad and it’s not worth it (I burned said book. Made me LOL). I’m a man and society says no.”

junior Taylor Armstrong

“It’s so unpredictable. The love story behind it makes every girl want it, too.”

senior Whitney Thurman

“I read a page because a friend told me it changed her life and I couldn’t believe how poorly written it is.”

DECEMBER 2008 1 3

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1 4 DECEMBER 2008

upclose

What’S

?

in the bag

MAKEUP:

DENTIST BUTTON:

CAMERA:

SCOPE MOUTHWASH:

LIGHT-UP GUITAR:

TWO iPODS:

“I had another purse and it was a little bag and I put the buttons on them but they fell off so I put them in my other bag.”

“Because you always need to do the random touch-ups.”

“After lunch or I just... bad breath, or just in case.”

“I usually take it with me everywhere.”

“I got it from my best friend’s grandma. I just leave it in there.”

OLD CELLPHONE:

“It’s just there, I’ve never taken it out.”

”One of them is mine and the other is a gift from a friend. They have different varieties of music on them.”

Photos by Conner Combes.

Many different types of things lie in the deep, dark depths of a purse. Ranging from practical items used every day to the odd trinkets.

Sophomore Kristen Buendia shares some of things that she carries in her bag.

SUNGLASSES:

“It can be sunny outside, it can be raining and the next minute it can be all in your face.”

DECEMBER 2008 1 5

upclose

passion,

Teaching as a more than a profession nathanlindshield news editor

Social studies teacher Brian Mowry uses music in class to get the students involved and enthusiastic about learning. For him, learning is about getting his students to engage and relate with the content. Photo by Conner Combes.

Instead of a strong cup of coffee to begin the day, they start with a carefully drawn-out lesson plan.

At the end of the day they take the extra time to plan lessons for the week ahead. These are not the only attributes that make these teachers unique. There are several instructors at Blue Valley High who have incorporated their own style and experiences into the way they teach.

Brian Mowry social studies teacher

“I tend to rely a lot on enthusiasm and applying concepts we learn to everyday life,” social studies teacher Brian Mowry said. “I also try to use Socratic methods in getting my students engaged in classroom discussion.”

For Mowry, learning is about much more than memorization and teaching out of the textbook. It’s about getting his students to engage and relate with the content. Instead of Social studies teacher Jason Peres helps sophomore Alex Eaton lecturing while the class takes notes, one-on-one while teaching class. Peres tries to encourage stuMowry takes a more student-orientdents to learn through discovery. Photo by Conner Combes. ed approach in which the students are relied upon to fuel classroom discussion.

While many instructors feel that college prepared them to become teachers, Mowry feels that his dynamic style of instructing came from the actual experience of teaching.

“My first couple of years of teaching were tough because I did not have the experience so I had to learn through trial and error,” he said.

Mowry has taught both American high school students as well as English to students in China.

“I’ve found that kids are the same everywhere,” Mowry said. “Even though the cultures are different, every student just wants to engage in the process of learning.”

While teaching in China, Mowry noticed several key differences between Chinese students and Math teacher Adam Wade uses the SmartBoard to teach new American students. The Chinese govconcepts to his students. His teaching style is made specific to each class of the day, so that every student is learning. Photo by ernment made it a requirement that students learn to speak English to go Amanda Blue. to college.

1 6 DECEMBER 2008

Due to the strict regulations of the Chinese government, students were always extremely focused and would not stop working towards something until it was complete. High school seniors in China were required to take a two-day-long, 16-hour test that would determine what they would be in life and if they could go on to college.

It was Mowry’s job to prepare his students for the English and grammar parts of the test.

“I taught around the idea of trying to build the students’ conversational fluency,” Mowry said.

Many of the students had a hard time becoming proficient in their conversational use of English because they were so geared towards learning only usage and grammar. Students in America and China have different ways of learning.

“American students are excellent at critical thinking and thinking outside of the box,” Mowry said.

“Students in China take a more passive approach to learning but are still always motivated to learn more.”

They are frequently taught from the textbook and asked to memorize information in which they will be tested over. In the United States, the emphasis is less on memorization and more on comprehension.

Mowry finds it important to not be content with where you are and how you instruct as a teacher. He believes it takes someone who is not afraid to try new teaching techniques and more importantly, a teacher who is open to learning along with the students.

“He does a good job connecting with kids and making learning fun,” senior Kylie Southwick said.

Jason Peres

social studies teacher

Social studies teacher Jason Peres tries to incorporate some of these principles into his style of instructing as well.

“I try to use the story format as my style of teaching and encourage the students to learn through discovery,” Peres said.

Before coming to Blue Valley, Peres was a student at Emporia State University. He went through a rigorous program which emphasized the art and style of teaching.

While at Emporia State, Peres became very familiar with the the newest technology to improve quality of learning in the classroom. This contemporary style of classroom learning is called curriculum mapping.

“When I got to Blue Valley seven years ago the use of curriculum mapping was a new idea,” Peres said.

Adam Wade math teacher

While some teachers like Mowry and Peres rely on student-based interaction as the basis for their teaching, math teacher Adam Wade relies upon technology and his ability to relate to his students.

“The difference between a good teacher and a great teacher, is a great teacher is someone who has the ability to connect with their students on a personal level,” Wade said. “I use the SmartBoard frequently and directed Cornell notes. I try to incorporate my personality into the lessons I teach.”

With a wide spectrum of personalities in each of Wade’s classes, his style of instructing depends upon the hour he teaches.

“What works in one class might not necessarily work in another hour,” he said.

“I’ve been in his class for three years,” senior Heather Gruber said.

“He’s willing to do what it takes to make sure his students learn the material and have fun doing it.”

For these three teachers, learning goes beyond planning a daily lesson or giving a lecture. For them, learning is about adapting and having an open mind to new ideas. It is about creating an environment where students can learn from one another.

Whether it be teaching from a SmartBoard or turning the process of learning over to the students through Socratic seminar, these educators all share one thing in common: teaching is not a profession, but a passion.

upclose

on the cheap Gift ideas for your...

allisonkohn opinions editor

With the economic rollercoaster our nation is currently on, it might be wise to have a holiday season on a budget. These easy money-saving tips will help keep your wallet from drying up during the upcoming holiday season.

1. Make a list.

Write up all of the people you want to get a gift for, whether its your sister, your boyfriend, whomever. Making a list will help organize the gift giving.

2. Set a budget.

Now that you have a list made, set a limit to your spending. How much are you willing to spend on each person? Figure out how much money you will have to spend on presents. Going into a store with a set budget and a list helps to allieviate overspending.

3. Be original.

Instead of rushing off to the mall with your holiday shopping list, try out your creativity. Burn a CD of a friend’s favorite songs, make a picture frame with a special

picture in it or put together a scrapbook of funny memories. Taking the extra time and effort can be more meaningful than any store-bought gift.

4. Shop online.

This not only saves gas money, but it also saves a lot of time. You are avoiding the holiday crowds by staying in the comfort of your own home to surf the web. The only downside is the cost for shipping and handling, so pay close attention to the website you’re using. Often online stores offer discounts or free shipping if you’re spending a certain amount of money.

5. Limit yourself.

This is a busy time of year with a lot of parties and get togethers. Put a limit on how much you can do and what you have time for.

Nationally recognized light display offers holiday entertainment

The ultimate tree flashes a Frosty the Snowman graphic in tune to the wellknown song. The display uses LED lights to portray 120 different images. Photo

by Caitlin Holland

caitlinholland staff writer

A personal radio station playing only holiday music, four software programs, 65,025 shades of color and years of preparation have all come together to make Overland Park’s best holiday light display — ­ the ultimate Christmas tree.

The tree and the rest of the holiday display, which stands in the yard of Mark and Kathy Callegari, was displayed for the first time this year on Thanksgiving night. The display overall features LED energy-efficient lights bordering the house and wrapped around trees, smaller decorations and the famous two-story tree made completely out of lights. All of the lights are coordinated with the soundtrack playing on the display’s radio station, and the tree features 120 graphics that come to life during the songs as well.

An extensive amount of behind-the-scenes work has gone into the production of the ultimate tree and display and a lot of technology is used to create the visual effects that are seen.

“We have four different programs which makes it difficult, but a lot of the software we wrote at our company,” Mark said.

Part of the challenge is assembling the tree and putting up all of the lighting.

“We had to put it all together on the ground, then have a crane lift it up because it weighs probably 800 pounds,” Mark said.

The LED lights on the house and trees are put up by Mark, his friends and brothers.

The Callegaris have been displaying their ultimate tree for four years, but this year features new music, graphics and decorations. They said it should be their best display yet.

For more information and driving directions visit www.theultimatetree.com.

DECEMBER 2008 1 7

VIVA LA VIDA centerstage

Promoting their new album, British rockers Coldplay invade the states

Photo by Stephanie Roche.

stephanieroche in-depth editor

Chris Martin and the rest of the guys in Coldplay were here Nov. 13 at the Sprint Center. They put on one of the greatest concerts I have been to: full of energy, great songs and some eye candy (look out, Gwyneth).

The British band played songs from all four of their albums and the audience greeted both the old and new stuff with cheers.

It was a historic night for the

group. They sang “Glass of Water” for the first time in America. This song was released to the public Nov. 24 on their EP “Prospekt’s March”.

One of the many highlights of the night was during the song “Lovers in Japan” when neon-colored confetti butterflies rained down on the audience.

After goofing up the beginning of “Green Eyes,” Martin went for a second try and it was one of the most beautiful songs of the night.

Martin talked to the audience a

few times, apologizing for postponing the show back in July and saying hello to a 7-year-old boy in the audience. He also made a few jokes at the expense of the Jonas Brothers and Billy Ray Cyrus. But, overall, he let his music talk for him.

It was a battle all night for who was the most energetic, the band or the audience. The entire crowd joined in for a singalong on “Fix You” and were on their feet at all times.

Martin was all over the stage, jumping around and even doing

<

somersaults.

The band was not confined to the stage, though. At one point they all ran off stage and into the audience on the lower level towards the back of the arena. There they sang a few songs, including “The Scientist” for the folks in the back.

Coldplay also brought along with them a kick-butt light show. There were lasers coming from everywhere and large globes that hung from the ceiling with images from the concert projected on them.

This was also my first visit to Sprint Center. Overall, it is a huge improvement from Kemper Arena.

The design is extremely sleek and there were plenty of places to check out before the show.

Coldplay ended the night with their biggest hit, “Yellow.” This received the loudest response and a singalong as well.

It was a great way to end the show during which most, including myself, wished “Oh, lets go back to the start.”

Book Men are Better than Women sparks dialogue between sexes andrewfiori staff writer

As a man, have you ever sat down and wondered just how amazing you are? Have you ever thought about what it is that drives you to be so manly every day? Of course you have, you’re a man.

In the book Men Are Better Than Women, author Dick Masterson explains why being a man is so darn great. Despite the book’s chauvinistic point of view, women will still enjoy it. They probably will deny they loved it, but don’t be fooled. Women will love this book more than they love all the snack foods they eat. If you’re wondering why, men, it’s because they are women, and women love being told how wrong they are.

Upon reading the introduction, it is clear that this book is guaranteed to be a literature spectacle equal to the works of Shakespeare. This page-turner left me breathless from laughter and begging for more. I assure you that you will be quoting this book for the rest of your life.

With the help of his comedic writing style, Masterson reveals the key stereotypes of men and women

of today’s society. This brought me to the harsh realization of why it is we have these stereotypes and how ridiculous they truly are. With witty satire and clever metaphors, sorry, “manaphors,” Masterson’s book will keep you laughing.

This book mostly appealed to me because it answered the basic questions that men have wondered about women since the beginning of time.

Ever wonder why it is women use any and every excuse to go on a diet? Why it is that women will go for a guy by dating his friends first? Why do they have feelings for old chairs, lamps and other things you sell at a garage sale? This book answers all of those questions and more.

Warning: Keep away from all female acquaintances in your life. Despite the fact that they would actually love the book, they would never admit it. Even if they did admit they loved it, they will still be outraged by it. Also, the fact that men tell them they shouldn’t like the views in this book, due to the fact women can’t think for themselves, will cause your relationship to end harshly. This book also contains large amounts of naughty language.

1 8 DECEMBER 2008

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Men are Better than Women paperback $14.95, amazon.com

emilystrickland managing editor

Men Are Better Than Women. Upon reading this title, I was immediately disgusted. No one could pay me enough to read it. I was fascinated that someone felt men are better than women. So fascinated that I decided to read it.

I was in for a shock. Yes, this book is very chauvinistic and degrading.

But it’s funny. Dick Masterson uses tons of witty satire to point out women’s so-called faults and explain how men made them stereotypes. Mind you, it took me a couple of pages to realize he was being sarcastic.

This book is written very well. So well, in fact, that sometimes I forgot that I was supposed to be offended by the rude and insensitive arguments. I directly turned to one of my friends and began reading aloud. We burst out laughing when we read, “Leave a message after the beep, not a monologue.”

This is so true. I, and most of my friends, cannot leave a voicemail of less than 50 words. It just isn’t possible.

Some of these stereotypes are

based off of reality, but other parts of this book are downright awful.

Whoever said that Mother Teresa only got a Nobel Peace Prize because she was a woman is an idiot. She was not the “first woman to go help children.” She was the first person, man or woman, to open up hospices in the poorest sections of the world.

I doubt any man would have enough “feelings” to do that.

Being a woman, I understand this book must be taken with a grain of salt. Humans must be able to laugh at themselves in order to learn from their mistakes.

And, according to Masterson, we women have made a lot of mistakes.

Let’s man up (no pun intended) and break these stereotypes. We are going to learn how to work a computer, spell words like “Chevrolay” and “samwitch” correctly and park between the lines.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I attest to that. I sometimes laugh at myself and other women. But my ability to laugh at myself is something a man would never be able to do. That would mean he did something wrong and, as the book said, a man is never wrong.

Celebrity myvoice

rachelmccullough

How to formulate your own couple nickname Want to create a nickname for you and your significant other?

The notes show some ways of doing just that using long-time couple, freshmen Laura Tucker and David Marr.

Brangelina’s twin pictures of Vivienne and Knox sold for $14 million. If you have no idea to whom I’m referring, you might want to open up a copy of People magazine to find out what I’m talking about: celebrity couple nicknames.

The popular trend of celebrity nicknames broke out in 2005, with the former lovebirds Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez as Bennifer.

Soon it was everywhere we looked, with nicknames for practically every celebrity couple.

TomKat, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Spederline, Britney Spears and Kevin Federline, and probably a thousand more.

Celebrities have it hard enough with all the paparazzi and the hassle of signing autographs.

Now, the media is adding a whole new form of harassment.

People who have just started dating have nicknames; Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon, AKA Gyllenspoon.

These nicknames are getting ridiculous. A celebrity couple, or even friends of the opposite gender cannot go out in public without being harassed by the paparazzi, and thus, getting a semi-original nickname. It’s just another way to categorize people, in an annoying way.

I even saw it the other day used in an on-screen romance on none-other than ABC Family. It’s one thing for it to be with real couples, but to start using it on-screen is just weird.

There are even sites where you can make your own nickname for you and your significant other. How cheesy is that?

Here are some other celebrity

centerstage

nicknames I got a kick out of.

Ashmi (aka Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher) sounds like some sort of Asian cuisine, while TomKat sounds like some kind of dancing movie sequel to Coyote Ugly.

Zanessa (Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens), yet another Disney Channel couple, even made it into the celebrity nickname list.

I’m surprised they didn’t have a catchy one for the former couple Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas. It would probably be something like Nickaly, Jorus or maybe Cynas. Get it? Sinus?

Seriously who comes up with this stuff? I don’t think the nicknames are cute, I think they are weird and we shouldn’t be focusing on naming stars who already have perfectly good and probably trademarked names anyway.

There are better ways people can spend their time. I can’t believe I even spent this long writing about it.

The point is, couple nicknames were cute … for half a second. Like any other trend, hopefully it will die out soon.

Holiday cheese at the box office spoils traditional Christmas movies myvoice

torifreisner Cheesy holiday movies are nothing new. Every year, some feel-good movie about a dysfunctional family who somehow ends up becoming best friends

in an hour and 30 minutes draws in millions of dollars from, well, a bunch of tools and their families.

This year, it’s Four Christmases, starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.

While I face the very real threat of being dragged by my mother to a matinee showing of the movie, I’ve decided to just go ahead and guess how the movie will go. It won’t be hard — after all, it seems that there are about

a thousand of these movies that premiere each year.

Consider it your early Christmas present — these predictions will save you a lot of pain.

Brad and Kate (played by Vaughn and Witherspoon) are a married couple who evade their families every holiday season and vacation instead. Get it? They hate their in-laws!

This year, though, their flight is canceled, leaving them

stranded at the airport, where they are interviewed on the local news. Sure enough, their two divorced families see the interview, and Brad and Kate are forced to — get this — have four Christmases! Funny, right?

Throw in the fact that Kate is horrible with children (complete with a shot of a child getting hit in the face with a cupboard door) and Brad’s crazy siblings, and you’ve got another screwball

holiday comedy.

The only redeeming thing I can see about this movie is Witherspoon being vomited on by small children.

My guess is that she will get pregnant at the end, paving the way for Four Christmases 2: Reese Witherspoon gets vomited on by more children. Coming December 2012!

Actually, I would pay to see that.

DECEMBER 2008 1 9

payinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;thebills

2 0 DECEMBER 2008

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BV SPORTS IN BRIEF

With rosters finalized, teams prepare for opening competition Boys Basketball The boys basketball team looks to begin their season with a win, despite not having a varsity squad selected until Thanksgiving break.

The team will have two weeks to practice before facing Pembroke Hill in the first round of the BV shootout.

“There are some high expectations this year,” Coach Chris Hansen said. “We’ve got a lot of experience and that should take us pretty far.”

By AJ Barbosa

Catch boys basketball in action: 12/11 Pembroke Hill (BV Shootout) 12/12 TBA (BV Shootout) 12/13 TBA (BV Shootout) 1/2 Washburn Rural

Girls Basketball The girls basketball team has wrapped up tryouts and have named their teams for the 2008 season. Coach Andy Unrein has a positive outlook for the team this season.

“As long as our team has a team-first and me-second mind-

set for the season, the team will be just fine,” Unrein said. “And by just fine, I mean we’re going to be pretty darn good.”

After a defeat last year in the state tournament, the team is looking to take it to state again.

“The only regret that I had last year was not talking to the team more about the environment that they would be playing in at state,” Unrein said.

Unrein said if the team makes it to state again this year their experience will prepare them to play their best and leave it all out on the floor.

By Shannon Valverde Catch girls basketball in action:

12/4 Gardner-Edgerton 12/8 @ SM South

Wrestling With the weight room finally completed, the wrestlers will take it to the mats and begin their season with high hopes for another great year.

Last season, senior Brett Newell and juniors Parker Madl and Nick Pearch qualified for state. This season, they look to

move up on the podium and have more of the team join them at state.

“We want more than half of the team to go to state,” Coach Jason Peres said. “We have three returning state placers and we expect them to improve.”

A team goal this season is to place in the top 10 as a team in the state tournament.

By Tyler Duke

Catch wrestling in action: 12/6 Gardner tournament 12/13 Eudora tournament

Boys Swimming The swim team looks to improve this year after a season marred by inexperience and injuries, affecting the state relay team.

“This year we’re building on what we have,” Coach Mary Jo Klier said.

Seniors Austin Wright, Daniel Goergen, junior Brandon Barlow and sophomore Cameron Gallet are all returning members of the state-qualifying relay team.

“In high school swimming, it is all built around people who

Senior Leslee Kinnison scrambles to receive the ball while under defensive pressure from junior Lauren Wormington. After missing out on state last year, expectations are high for the team to win the state trophy.

Photo by Amanda Blue.

swim year-round and we don’t have any,” Klier said. “So we’ll do well but it will be really hard.”

Klier hopes a good crowd watches the meets and supports the team.

“We appreciate any support

from the school, like kids coming out to support us,” Klier said. “It makes the kids feel really good.”

By Ryan O ‘Toole

Catch boys swimming in action: 12/10 Bonner Springs 12/15 SM East

Unconventional methods lead to successful fantasy football season BUZZER beater

sports editor • AJ Barbosa

It’s Sunday morning, who are you going to start on your team?

Tom Coughlin is wondering the same thing, and that question has definitely crossed Tony Dungy’s mind as well.

In swanky offices across the country, powerful men with Super Bowl rings scan their rosters to make key decisions, while I simultaneously sit at my computer picking my fantasy football team, and the only shine that gleams off of my finger is drool from my luxurious sleep.

Being successful in fantasy football isn’t easy, though.

I slacked off for years and never

even got past the opening round of the consolation brackets. I’d forget to set my lineup, would ignore statistics and just float along, continuing to waste $20 each year.

This year I started giving an effort and found myself in first place in my league heading into the playoffs. It’s funny how about 30 minutes a week can change things.

With the fantasy football season ending, I’ll show you the five ways I took my team to the top.

1. It all starts with having a good draft. It’s not your number one pick that counts, but how you respond with your second and third round picks. Unless you’re one of the first few teams to pick, choose a decent quarterback.

Be cautious with your bench quarterback though, and bite on either a starting quarterback for a team with fantastic receivers, or a backup for one of the league’s star quarterbacks. Whoever picked Matt Cassel in the late

rounds of the draft is one of the luckiest men in the league.

2. When you pick your receivers, pick them from teams who either just signed a new quarterback or are under serious pressure to win some hardware.

I picked Chansi Stuckey and Jerricho Cotchery from the Jets, because I knew that Brett Favre would have a lot to prove with the expectations so high in New York. Stuckey turned out to be a bust, but Cotchery is definitely one of the best players on my team, because quarterbacks like Favre love showing off their arm.

3. Each week, pay a little bit of attention to the projections. Never trust the team comparisons, because almost every game this season, ESPN.com has claimed that I’m going to lose. Turns out they’ve never been right, they even picked me to win the one game I lost.

However, most of the individual player projections seem to be pretty accurate. Pay close attention to those, and they usually

make things easier by providing logical reasons why you should or shouldn’t play someone.

4. Part of being successful in fantasy football can come from being sneaky. If you’re near the top of your league and you’re sure to be in the playoffs, pull some strings with some of the lower-placed teams in your league by negotiating trades to make your team even stronger before the trade deadline comes.

I had a fantastic team this year, but, like everyone, it was weighed down by a few deadbeats, so I talked to my bottomof-the-league uncle and got rid of them in exchange for Tim Hightower and Matt Bryant.

Neither are big-time scorers but it never hurts to add a few points a week. I guess anything would be better than Stuckey’s weekly two points.

5. The weeks in which I scored the most points were the weeks I didn’t set my team on Sunday morning. I like to think of my fantasy football team as a

teenager. It’s not like you have to spend every waking hour taking care of it, because no benefit comes from that. The best way to ensure success is by checking in on the team every time you’re at a computer with nothing better to do. I check my team and my projections almost every day for about five minutes.

Almost everyone in the country sets their lineups on Sunday mornings, so most of the time the website will be slow and changing your lineup will be a hassle and can cause you to make rash decisions.

I’ve also gotten burned on weeks where games were played on the NFL Network on a Thursday, and I didn’t set my lineup on Sunday. Trust me, nothing hurts more than playing three players on a bye week because you forgot how spineless the NFL Network can be.

If these tips don’t work, feel free to hunt me down, but keep in mind that my team’s always going to be better than yours.

DECEMBER 2008 2 1

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Senior signings

Softball

Diving

Volleyball

Lindsey Muller

Lindsey Petrick

Lauren Wismer

Other than softball, what are you looking forward to at Missouri?

What are you going to miss the most about Blue Valley?

Why did you choose to attend Illinois?

University of Missouri

“Getting an education and going into the nursing program.”

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we accept the other place’s coupons

2 2 DECEMBER 2008

University of Missouri

“I am really going to miss the teachers and staff because they’ve been very supportive of me over the last four years.”

expires 1-15-09

University of Illinois

“I went there for a visit and, of all the schools that I was considering, I knew that was it.”

we accept the other place’s coupons

Photos by Amanda Blue.

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More than a game...

VanGerpen family supports, encourages one another as siblings aim for athletic success

tylerduke

circulation manager

4

athletes to watch this winter

They can be spotted on the gridiron, the hardwood and at the ballpark. Their home holds a senior varsity football player, a sophomore volleyball player, two former college basketball athletes and a canine.

This is a family that helps, motivates and supports one another everyday. The VanGerpen family is one of athletes striving for excellence.

Senior Tyler VanGerpen is a starting wide receiver and cornerback for the Tigers. He is an athlete with discipline, passion and pride, just like the rest of his family.

Sophomore Morgan VanGerpen is a volleyball player who has just as much willpower as her brother and dreams of playing volleyball in college. She plays volleyball, basketball and softball, adding to the family tradition.

Their parents, Mark and Teresa VanGerpen, were both college athletes and are now avid supporters of their kids and enthusiastic fans of BV. “Life without sports has never crossed my mind,” Tyler said. “I’ve been playing sports since I was five.”

When Tyler was an infant, he would be at his dad’s basketball games, watching and waiting to play on the court.

In college, Mark played football, basketball, baseball and ran track. Teresa, just like her daughter, played volleyball, softball, basketball and ran track. Their kids were born to be athletes.

Tyler and Morgan look for their parents during games for help and confidence. The family always pulls through for one another.

“When I may be having trouble in a game, let’s say I can’t find the strike zone,” Tyler said. “I will look over at my dad and he’ll put his fist to his heart, that tells me you got to have heart…If you don’t have heart you don’t have anything.”

Mark and Teresa balance schedules packed with sporting events by trading kids, so each of them can be there.

They go for the love for the game and the love for their

Sophomore Morgan VanGerpen waits for the pitch during a 2006 softball game. VanGerpen also plays basketball and volleyball. Photo courtesy of Teresa VanGerpen.

Senior Tyler VanGerpen stiff-arms the Bishop Miege defender.

VanGerpen started at both wide reciever and cornerback for the Tigers this year. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

athletes to do well and succeed.

“Everyone has bad games — it’s life,” Teresa said. “They look to us for support.”

A lot of the time Tyler helps his sister out so she can do well. They will practice shooting on the driveway, pitching techniques, or sometimes run together.

“I just want her to do well and live her dream,” Tyler said.

Morgan says playing with Tyler is the best training, because she is playing against a fierce male basketball player, unlike anything she will face in a game.

“He’s probably the strongest ‘girl’ I could go up against,” Morgan said. “He’s my hero, sometimes I won’t want to go to weights and he’ll give me this look and I’ll say ‘Ok, ok, I’ll go now.’”

No matter what they do, they all just want their family to work hard and give 100 percent all of the time.

“We tell our kids if they work hard and earn their way, that’s what counts,” Teresa said.

“It’s attitude and effort,” Mark added.

During the summer, the VanGerpens travel to various tournaments, playoffs and games.

“During the school year, it’s more structured,” Tyler said. “Wake up, school, sports, homework and I’m free.”

With games, practices, weights and homework to do each day they might as well join the circus and add a balancing act to the list of activities.

Without a doubt, they have infinite love, compassion and pride. The VanGerpens will do anything for their family.

The mix of all of these sports, time and effort may be challenging, but the family surpasses it all and manages to keep everyone lifted and ready for anything.

Austin Wright Senior Swimming

Coach’s opinion Teammate’s opinion Loves the sport because...

Individual accolades

By Caitlin Holland and Shannon Valverde.

Brett Newell Senior Wrestling

Josh Wormington Senior Basketball

Shelby Geiman Senior Basketball

“He has been crucial to all three state teams and really follows his goals.”

- Azie Taghizadeh

“He does a great job with the younger guys bringing them along and teaching them.”

- Matt Ortman

“He’s one of the guys who is going to be a leader. He understands what we do.”

- Chris Hansen

“She’s very rooted in the fundamentals of the game.”

- Andy Unrein

“He cheers everyone on and is the fastest guy on the team.”

- senior Kyle Petersen

“He’s a good motivator and makes sure you don’t give up and keeps you going.”

- junior Matt Gormly

“He never thinks of himself.

He’s one of the best decision makers on the team and really brings everyone together.”

- senior Ryan Magdziarz

“She’s very supportive and she just wants the best for everyone, she is very compassionate and open to everyone.”

- sophomore Taylor Popp

“It’s a sport that I found freshman year. I’ve just had a passion for it.”

“It’s a very competitive sport.

It’s you against another person and if you do well it’s on you, but if you do bad it’s on you too.”

“It’s just my passion. I would rather do this than anything else.”

“I mainly just love being on a team and the competition of the sport.”

“I was team captain and took second at EKL last year and was a state qualifier all four years.”

“I was EKL champion, runner-up for regionals and a state placer.”

“I’ve been on varsity for three years and was in the top 40 at Hoop Mountain Basketball Camp.”

“I was first team in all-EKL and an EKL scholar athlete and honorable mention in the Sun.”

DECEMBER 2008 2 3

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DECEMBER w

Wed. 17

Fri. 5

Finals Hours 1, 2 and 3. School out at 12:15.

SWITCH DANCE 8-11 p.m. in the Commons.

Tues. 9

Thurs. 18

Band Concert 7 p.m. in the PAC and Commons.

Finals Hours 4 and 5. School out at 10:35.

Wed. 10

Fri. 19

Orchestra Concert 7 p.m. in the PAC and Commons.

Human Rights Day This year marks the 60th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights by the United Nations.

Finals Hours 6 and 7. School out at 10:35.

End of First Semester Winter break. See you back at school Jan. 5.

Sun. 21

Thurs. 11

Misery play 7 p.m. today, tomorrow and Saturday. In the Black Box.

Hanukkah begins

Thurs. 25 Christmas Day

Mon. 15

Choir concert Winter concert at 7 p.m. in the PAC.

Fri. 26

Kwanzaa begins

January Thurs. 1

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Enjoy watching college football bowl games all day.

Mon. 5

Mon. 19

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day No school.

Sat. 20

Back to School Welcome back. Today is the enrollment fair for freshmen, sophomores and juniors.

Inauguration Day President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn into office, becoming the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first minority president.

Fri. 9

Thurs. 29

Debate tournament Today at 4 p.m. and tomorrow at 7 a.m.

2 4 DECEMBER 2008

Band Chili Concert 6 p.m. in the Commons and PAC

Senior Brianna Ortbals prepares for the SWITCH dance by making posters to hang around the school. The dance is tonight from 8 -11 p.m. in the commons. Photo by Amanda Blue.

[Around Town ] Dec. 6

Big XII Football Championship Game 7 p.m. at Arrowhead Stadium.

Missouri and Oklahoma will meet to compete for the conference championship. Tickets start at $39.

Dec. 27

Jeff Dunham concert 8 p.m. at Kemper Arena. Tickets start at $45. The comedian will be performing with his friends. And, by friends, we mean puppets.

Dec. 30

Annie musical Presented by Broadway Across America. At the Music Hall until Jan. 4. Tickets start at $25.

Jan. 7

Kansas City Boat and Sportshow Downtown until Dec. 11. Tickets $9.

Jan. 21

AC/DC Concert Sprint Center at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $92.

Senior Countdown

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