The Tiger Print –– May 2012 by The Tiger Print

Taking the next step !"#$%&'(")*$%#+',-."( 7-17 Photo by Jun Ham.

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TIGER PRINT BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Vol. 42 Issue 10 May 2012 Stilwell, KS

TEACHER TENSION District removes prerequisites from CAPS, BV elective teachers question decision pages 4-5 AROUND TOWN Locations around Kansas City provide opportunity for new experiences this summer pages 20-21 ON THE GREEN Freshman golfer plays varsity, builds on experience page 23

inthenews

May 2012

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Senior Matt Aiello waits for his name to be called during the Academic Awards Luncheon. Due to low attendance at the awards breakfast, administrators met with students and decided on the alternative awards luncheon. Photo by Jun Ham.

haileymcentee staff writer Due to low upperclassmen attendance for last year’s Spring Academic Awards Breakfast, administrators, Site-Based Leadership council (SBL) and Student Council created a new plan for the juniors and seniors academic recognition. On Thursday, April 26, juniors and seniors were recognized in a different way — at a class lunch. “This all came up because last spring, and the spring two years ago, attendance by upperclassman at our Spring Academic Awards Breakfast was pretty shallow,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “If we had 50 percent of our upperclassmen attend, we were lucky.” To solve the problem of low attendance, Bacon sought help from students to get to the root of the problem. He found out students didn’t want to go because they’d rather sleep in on late start. Bacon said SBL students indicated

they prefer lunch recognition. “This idea was one that came up and was really unique, and some of our students proposed it,” he said. “So I thought, ‘Well, let’s see if we can pull this off and see how it goes.’” Although the Spring Academic Awards Breakfast was changed for this year, the fall ceremony will remain as a breakfast for all classes. “We are going to continue doing our fall one the same as we always have because that’s the first time we get to recognize our National Merit scholars and our AP scholars, and we feel like that’s pretty important,” he said. Junior Katie Davies said there were positive and negative aspects of the lunch recognition. “People were actually awarded more because when we had the breakfast no one really knew about it,” Davies said. “Also, it was good eating lunch with your entire class with all your friends. The cons were that no one was really paying attention and that people felt awkward.”

Davies said she did not like the lunch recognition as much as the breakfasts. “I think [administration] should switch it back,” she said. “It’s just kind of a tradition, and I don’t think the lunch worked as well as the breakfast.” Bacon said even though there was no parent attendance, students received recognition in front of their peers. “We want to make it a big deal if you get an academic award that’s a 3.7 [GPA] in the last two consecutive semesters, or a 4.0,” he said. “My hope would be that if somebody isn’t recognized, they would be encouraged and motivated to work to that level.” Despite the tradition of the Awards Breakfast, Bacon said it was time for a change. “I think everybody in our school community feels it is important for us to recognize our students for academic accomplishments,” he said. “We’ve done it one way forever, and it was time to look at doing it a little bit differently.”

Possible enrollment increase may shift BV from 5A to 6A !"#$%&yeazel '(&')$"!(%*+,-"*"./& With a possible increase of students next school year, BV could change divisions from 5A to 6A. All activities will change divisions with the exception of football because of a two-year contract. On Sept. 20, an enrollment form will be sent to the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). After the state receives the enrollments, the highest 32 enrollments in the state will be 6A, the next 32 schools will be 5A, and the subsequent 64 will be 4A, 3A and 2A. Any remaining schools will be 1A. This year’s range of enrollment for 6A was 1,309 students to 2,308 students, while 5A ranged from 722 students to 1,281 students. BV had 1,260 students as of Sept. 20, 2011. If BV moves to 6A, sports would still compete in the Eastern Kansas League, but the sub State would be 6A rather than 5A. Athletic Director Bob Whitehead said he didn’t expect a quick change back to 6A. “I thought it would take us a bit longer,” he said. “But you don’t know how the economy is going to do and you don’t know for sure how enrollment is going to be.” Varsity basketball and soccer player junior Kelsie Carpenter said she thinks a change will provide more competition. “I think it’ll make us work harder and come together more,” she said. Whitehead said he doesn’t think it’s better to be in one division or the other. “If you’re a good speller, whether you’re at a 1A school or a 6A school, you’re still good,” he said.

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inthenews

May 2012

driven !"

discontent Story and information gathered by Jordan Huesers and Sara Naatz.

CAPS class sizes this semester Engineering Design and Development: a.m. — 5 p.m. — 5 Filmmaking: a.m. — 12 p.m. — 8 During a tour of the CAPS building with her Girl Scout troop, fourthgrader Eliza Shultz watches a magnet board. CAPS instructor Jill Riffer gave a tour of the CAPS engineering facility on Thursday, April 26. Photo by Maegan Kabel.

Global Business: a.m. — 27 p.m. — 18 iMedia: a.m. — 9 p.m. — 13

:LH[Z ÄSSLK H[ *(7: 1st year: 250

3rd year: 658

2nd year: 510

Projected count for next year: 940

Number of seats represents students enrolled in CAPS courses per semester. For example, one student enrolled in first- and second-semester CAPS classes represents two seats.

Interactive Design: a.m. — 6 p.m. — 13 Technology: a.m. — 7 p.m. — 9 Teacher Education: a.m. — 8 p.m. — 8

Aerospace: p.m. — 2 Law: a.m. — 11 p.m. — 15 Bioscience: a.m. — 11 p.m. — 15 Civil Engineering: a.m. — 8 p.m. — 8 Computer Integrated Manufacturing: a.m. — 4 p.m. — 13 Foundations of Medicine: a.m. — 18 p.m. — 17 Sports Medicine: a.m. — 28 p.m. — 25

May 2012

outloud

Designed to teach professional skills to advanced students, CAPS waives prerequisites, irks teachers Ð Prerequisites no longer required Last year, the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program ceased to require prerequisite classes for students interested in taking CAPS courses. For example, students no longer have to take elective courses such as Broadcast I to enter the iMedia strand at CAPS, nor Intro to Engineering and Design to enter the engineering strand. “When we started this program, we had very few prerequisites,” CAPS Executive Director Donna Deeds said. “Now we have some recommendations, but there aren’t any hardand-fast rules. If a kid really wanted to be here and would move forward into this career path, we would waive them anyway. So, it was almost like why not tell people what’s really occurring?” CAPS instructor Jill Riffer said taking certain high school courses prior to enrolling in CAPS can provide essential skills for immersion into a professional environment. “We can’t call it a prerequisite, obviously, but your physics class, your math class, any of the science classes that you start to enjoy — your woodworking class, your interactive design classes and your virtual design classes — all of those are great precursors to CAPS,” Riffer said. “CAPS couldn’t exist if there wasn’t a strong foundation in each of the five high schools.” Senior Parker Lewis has taken Broadcast I and II as well as CAPS iMedia. He said students who take introductory classes in a subject area are more prepared to enter CAPS classes. “It definitely helps,” he said. “What I learned from [Denny] Brand definitely helped me excel in iMedia CAPS.” BVHS elective teachers said they were told their classes would be prerequisites when the idea for CAPS was initially introduced. “I think there was the assumption that some classes would have prerequisites,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “I think, in its origination, that was the assumption, and, obviously, that’s changed a little as time has gone on. That was my understanding. I think that was most people’s understanding at the inception.” Counselor Deb Atkinson said the three-hour block of CAPS poses a problem in student schedules because students may have issues fitting in elective courses as well as CAPS classes. “When you only have so many bodies and they’re going to go somewhere, they can’t be in two places at once,” she said. “If they’re going to go to CAPS, then obviously they’re not going to be in their building taking alternate courses that they would have taken if CAPS hadn’t been available. There’s that struggle.” Senior Payton Weaver took Broadcast I and II at BV and is currently enrolled in the filmmaking course at CAPS. He said it would be helpful for students to take prerequisites such as Broadcast I before entering the CAPS program. “We do use the same programs and some equipment, so kids that don’t use that going into CAPS are definitely less ready to start filming than the rest of us,” he said. Deeds said part of the reason for the elimination of

prerequisites was so that students who are unable to fit prerequisites into their schedules can still be involved in the program. To make up for some students’ lack of foundational skills upon entrance to the CAPS program, Deeds said they are immediately immersed into a professional environment in which they have one-on-one relationships with professionals. Broadcast teacher Denny Brand said this experience with professionals is also available in the five high schools. “Besides 25 years in commercial business and lots of years of teaching, what they get from me is experience,” he said.

dents and, to that end, I am obviously going to be supportive of students in my classroom. But if there are opportunities outside of that classroom, as a professional, again, it is my responsibility to make students aware of those opportunities and support them if they pursue them. Unfortunately, through recruitment and some other things, some rather awkward relationships or situations have been set up. That sometimes puts some teachers in a bind as far as what’s the best advice for students, and what’s the best advice for a program in general that supports those students, whether it’s at the building level or the district level.”

Ð Funding and teacher salaries

Comparing CAPS and elective classes Deeds said when students choose the CAPS program over elective classes, it can lead to questions and concerns among elective teachers. “It’s almost just as if you choose one friend versus another friend,” she said. “You know those types of feelings. I think those types of feelings might be happening. Sometimes people might feel like, ‘Wow, how come they’re doing that?’” Weaver said he decided not to enroll in iMedia based on descriptions of the course, because it seemed similar to broadcast at BVHS. Brand said he remains confident in the abilities of the high school broadcast programs. “It would help to have [CAPS] facilities as far as space goes,” he said. “It helps in recruiting. If you brought a student in who didn’t know anything, they would be wowed. But facilities don’t make good broadcast.”

Ð Recruiting strains relationships The CAPS program has given 138 tours of its facilities so far this year. The district requires each middle school in the district to take the eighth grade class to tour the CAPS building, a tour paid for by CAPS. But tours are also provided to groups such as Girl Scout troops, sixth grade classes and high school health classes. “We are required by the district to give a tour to eighth graders,” Prairie Star Middle School Principal Lyn Rantz said. “Every middle school has to give a tour specifically to CAPS. High schools don’t do that. CAPS does. So, that’s an interesting piece.” Art department chair Mark Mosier said the recruitment process puts a strain on the relationships between CAPS teachers and high school elective teachers. “As professionals, we are interested in the best opportunities for students, and we always will be,” Mosier said. “As an individual, I am interested in working with great stu-

Deeds said much of the reason for this recruitment stems from the goal to have 1,000 students for the 2012-13 school year. When the district built the CAPS facility, it received 100 percent funding for the first two years from the state. After the initial two years, the “new building” funds decrease by 25 percent per year. Deeds said the costs for the CAPS program should not be a burden for the district. Deeds also said she does not know how the district plans to handle costs once state funding for the CAPS program stops. Assistant Superintendent Mike Slagle said the number of students enrolled in the CAPS program does not affect costs because the district will absorb new facility costs. He said Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) goes mainly to teacher salaries. These salaries remain the same for all teachers in the district based on years of teaching experience as well as degree of education, such as bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate. “The salary schedule and how you move on it is the same for all teachers in the district,” Deeds said. “But when somebody does something beyond the normal requirements of being a high school teacher, they get a stipend.” CAPS teachers receive extra pay for a longer work day, with 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. hours as opposed to the 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. contract for high school teachers. They also receive stipends for communicating with business partners, mentors and managing real projects, while teaching a changing curriculum. “That is not a requirement anywhere else in the district, so that was one of the things that is an extra thing they have to do,” Deeds said. Atkinson said recent focus on the CAPS program has caused elective teachers at BVHS to feel undervalued. “I think there’s just so much support and energy that’s been put towards the CAPS program, and certainly when you talk to the people who are building that program, you have a better understanding of how important it is, and certainly, the feedback from the kids has, overall, been positive,” she said. “So you get all that part, but again, it’s that perception for the staff in the building, of ‘I’ve been here working hard, doing my job, doing how I thought everybody wanted me to do, but now, I’m not as valued or as important.’”

outloud

May 2012

staffeditorial

the tiger print co-editors-in-chief Jordan Huesers Sara Naatz website editor Maegan Kabel photo editors Dakota Behrman Maria Fournier news editor Kelly Cordingley features editor Annie Matheis

ads manager Anna Wonderlich circulation manager Taylor Yeazel staff writers Abby Bamburg Jansen Hess Maddie Jewett Meghan Kennedy Hailey McEntee Caroline Meinzenbach Katie Wells

entertainment editor Odi Opole

photographers Jun Ham Bailey Outlaw Olivia Roudebush

opinion editor Emily Brown

cartoonist Evelyn Davis

sports editor Jordan McEntee

adviser Jill Chittum

Cartoon by Evelyn Davis.

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agreed

disagreed

For seven periods, five days a week, we are trapped inside. Many classrooms don’t even have windows. And with only a few minutes to get to class, there is little time to step outside for a few minutes to enjoy the sun. After school, students have extracurricular activities, homework and work. Rarely are any of those outside. No wonder a study by the Department of Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College found 14 percent of all teens are vitamin D deficient. According to cornellsun.com,

vitamin D is essential to maintain a person’s calcium balance to grow strong bones and to prevent diseases like Osteoporosis. Where do we get vitamin D? The sun. Our only opportunity to really sit outside and soak in necessary vitamins is during lunch. But because of the school’s less than ideal outside lunch accommodations, we really don’t get that chance. Let’s do a little math. The current enrollment at BV is around 1,300 students. Divide that by four for each lunch period. That leaves around 325 students eating lunch at the same time. Outside, there are only three tables where people can sit. At the most, eight people can sit at each table. Basically, only 24 people of each lunch period can sit outside. If they are willing to cram together and don’t

mind putting their lunch trays on bird poop. If they don’t care about sitting near piles of trash and leaves. Plus, two of the three tables are in the shade, preventing students from getting sun. The school has plenty of space to create an outdoor eating area that could fit more than two dozen people. Actually, they don’t really have to create anything. Just give students permission to go sit outside by the tiger statue or sit on the stone benches near the roses. The school should consider putting a few tables out where the sun actually shines. Maybe then, according to the study, 182 students at BV wouldn’t be vitamin D deficient. Visit bvtigernews.com for letters to the editor by CA I students.

The Tiger Print is published 10 times a year for students, faculty, and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrations of Blue Valley Unified School District #229. Letters to the editor and reader responses are encouraged 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, emailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085 phone: 913-239-4800 Pacemaker finalist, 2009 and 2010. Member, Kansas Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

May 2012

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seniorsection

May 2012

‘The people you associate with have an impact on your life.’ You all remember the days when you were friends with everyone. It didn’t matter if you were athletic, if you liked math or reading, or even if your clothes matched. You shared your crayons with everyone. You played with everyone at recess. And, most importantly, you got along with everyone. I had a revelation in the latter part of my wonderfully long senior year. Anywho, one night, I sat at a table with my best friend and two guys I was not very well acquainted with. We kept the conversation light, throwing a few jokes around here and there. I was more focused on trying to do Anita Lemons’ homework — yes, Señora, sometimes I do actually do your homework — than keeping up a conversation. All of a sudden the boys’ comments took a downhill turn. The jokes became more inappropriate, and I became more uncomfortable. Pretty soon, I decided it was time for me to leave. I took one look at my friend, and we decided to book it. When I got home, I felt there was something wrong with me. Maybe I just didn’t have a good sense of humor. Or perhaps I’m just a little too uptight on certain things. But, no, I don’t think that’s it. So what if I am conservative, Lutheran and listen to Fox News?

maegankabel web editor Senioritis finally hit me around February. As the countdown to graduation dropped to two digits, my excitement grew. But, despite being ready to graduate, the next step became more daunting as the number of days dwindled. Ignoring homework because of senioritis turned into hugging a tear-soaked pillow as reality hit.

jordanhuesers co-editor

How those boys were talking wasn’t me. And that’s my revelation. As we grow up, it becomes more and more important to surround ourselves with people with similar beliefs. No, don’t seclude yourself from everyone with a differing opinion. But, when it comes to people you are with everyday, it’s important they have the same values as you because, like it or not, they influence you. Life is more than just sharing crayons now. It’s about making life decisions based off what you think is right and wrong. And I can say, despite what people may think due to my colorful language, my Christian friends are the people I want around me for the rest of my life. Staying true to what the Bible teaches is important to me, and I want friends who will support me and tell me when I’m going against what I am supposed to do. Find what’s important to you. In college and for the rest of your life, you will make decisions that define who you are. You’ll want to have the voice of a friend who looks out for your best interest, who has the same values as you. Like it or not, the people you associate with have an impact on your life. With that in mind, now is the time to take a step back and look at the people who surround you.

‘You hold the choice for what you do.’ My days of laundry not being my responsibility are numbered. Every time my dog looks at me with big, brown eyes and a wagging, curly tail, I wonder who will miss whom more. Nightly family dinners become more precious as I may not be able to fly home for Thanksgiving. Then, my time to put my last words into the Tiger Print arrived. My chance to pass

on some sort of great wisdom gleaned from my 17 years of existence. My last contribution to the program that changed my life. But, as I sat down to write the column that spun itself in my head all year, I realized the only thing about which I could write with confidence is the certainty of change. Life isn’t fair, and it sure isn’t predictable. Change happens all the time, making things complicated. It can be emotionally draining, physically straining and, at times, debilitating. The one tool we hold to fight change is the power of choice, whether that’s in mindset, the handling of a situation or deciding the next step. Every change can lead to a choice that will have a consequence. But that will lead to even more choices. Those of you returning to these halls next year will continue developing who you are and begin making decisions for your future. I started off wanting to be a journalism and nursing major at the University of Kansas. Then, my interests shifted, and I decided art school might be up my alley. Well, KU didn’t have the program I wanted, so I contemplated a gap year. Then, I took a

chance applying to a school that really interested me, and now I’m going to be a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. In that small, condensed story, there were a multitude of options. The change of leaving high school is inescapable. But you hold the choice for what you do with the change. Life will never be easy, but if we make choices that we can justify, then focusing on the future becomes easier. Embrace the choices you hold everyday and make the ones that are true to you. It’s impossible to choose a “correct” path because there isn’t one. If you aren’t sure about going to college right away, you can take a gap year, join the military or get a job — and those are only a few options. Maybe you dive right into college but don’t enjoy the school or the major you declared. You can transfer, and it may be worth changing majors before you wind up stuck in a career you don’t enjoy. Life becomes more complicated as you progress through high school and, then, into the adult world. Change will be inevitable, but you always have a choice.

May 2012

‘No matter what I end up doing, love is all that matters.’ I remember when I was a little eighth grader. I was 4 feet 9 inches tall. I wore my light blue KC Chaos soccer jacket and jeans just about every day. My hair was always in a ponytail with different colored headbands, and I just scooted on through my days with a smile. Hey, sounds like senior me, too (except, thank goodness, I grew a few inches). But I specifically remember sitting in the computer lab at Blue Valley Middle, enrolling in my classes for freshman year. With every click of the mouse, I felt like I was one step closer to discovering what in the world I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Well, it’s senior year now — in fact, we’re graduating in 16 days — and I have more questions about my future than I did when I first walked into BV. I do know that I’ll be rockin’ the crimson and blue at the University of Kansas next year. And I do know that I’ll be studying journalism and hopefully doing some work for the University Daily Kansan newspaper. But I don’t entirely know where I’m going to go from there. Considering I’ve basically fallen in love with writing and designing for the Tiger Print, I would love to be a

saranaatz co-editor It’s Monday morning again. What a joy. That awful moment when your alarm starts blaring that god-awful sound over and over and over again. That split second of indecision when you have to choose between smashing your alarm clock or pushing your unwilling body out of bed. Subconscious mind makes a snap

seniorsection

jordanmcentee sports editor

journalist. And since I spend close to every waking moment (when I’m not at school) up at St. Michael’s, I’d be thrilled to be a youth minister. But who knows what else I’ll discover. I’ve spent the past four years in this school trying to figure out my future, yet I’m still in the dark. But I’m perfectly okay with that, and this is why: “Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation. It is not what we do, but how much love we put into it.” Mother Teresa said that. What a genius. So all this time I’ve spent stressing about what I’m going to do, all I needed to do was trust — trust that God has some amazing plan for my life, and that when I’m ready to figure it out, He’ll clue me in. No matter what I end up doing, love is all that matters. In the meantime, I’m going to continue living by my other favorite Mother Teresa quote: “Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier.” Because, for us seniors, we only have a few more days until we graduate and are thrown out into the real world — a world that needs each and every one of us. All of us will find something we’re good at, something that makes us happy and something that we love to do. It’s through that vocation that each of us can bring a little bit more joy into this beautiful world.

‘Never let the little things pass you by.’ decision. SNOOZE. No need for a shower today. You read on Yahoo! last night that washing your hair every day gives you split ends anyway. Then, after hitting your snooze button approximately 12 more times, you swing your legs out of bed. As you brush your teeth, you consider

that you have only a few more weeks of waking up early. Only a few more weeks of bashing your head on the steering wheel as you wait at the four-way stop at 159th Street and Nall Avenue. Only a few more weeks of never having time to eat a real breakfast. But guess what? Life doesn’t change a whole lot. We might be waking up in our own apartments, but we’re still waking up early. We might be waiting at a stoplight in New York City, but we’re still bashing our heads against the steering wheel. And we’re never going to have time to grab anything more than a Special K granola bar for breakfast. That’s why it’s so important we appreciate the little things. We don’t get to choose when our schedules are jam-packed or when tragedy strikes. Life is inconvenient. But sometimes, when we’re rushing from a National Honor Society meeting to a doctor’s appointment (which, of course, is on the opposite end of town), our favorite song comes on the radio. And, for a few minutes, all our frustrations dissipate as we crank up the volume. Maybe it’s those things that make life what it is.

It’s Monday morning again. What a joy. You wake up 10 minutes before your alarm goes off and get to go back to sleep — which is pretty much like winning the lottery, but you get paid in sleep instead of money. It’s the little things. On your way out the door, you’re so frantic trying not to be late that you have no time to grab breakfast. As you swing open the door, hauling your 800-pound backpack, your mom grabs you and hands you the cinnamon rolls she woke up 10 minutes early to make for you. It’s the little things. Halfway to school, you realize you forgot your research paper. But when you walk into your first hour class, your teacher informs you she’s moved the deadline back one day. It’s the little things. We’ve always been told “run to finish.” Well, sometimes, that run can be a little tiring. Don’t let all the things you can’t control control you. Whether it’s 10 extra minutes of sleep or a hug from your favorite person in the world, never let the little things pass you by.

seniorsection

Undecided Tony Arling Dakota Behrman Meera Chakravarthy Trever Hendrickson William Ibenthal Katie Martin Kellen Rios Garret Schoenfeld Elliot Voss Eric White

ILLINOIS

OTHER

Military Matt Hastert — Air Force Zack Jenkins — Marine Corps

May 2012 OKLAHOMA

Loyola University Chicago Chris Bruce Tim Smith

PENNSYLVANIA

Southern Illinois University Austin Johnson

Villanova University Megan Kuharich

Eastern Illinois University Beth Houghton

Oklahoma City University Alex Petersen

Oklahoma State University Sean Skaggs

University of Oklahoma Kaleo Cook Beverly Withers

University of Tulsa Alex Schoenberg Alvin Xing

Northern Illinois University Jessica Garrett Columbia College Chicago Madison Cornett

Norway June Kroppan Ecuador Christian Muñoz Work Force Kathryn Silverstein

Appalachian State University Meghan Mahoney

University of Arkansas Emily Allen Whitney Hare Aaron Heckmaster Nicole Martens Jake Miller Kylie Tanner Victoria Theriot Jesse Vollick Chris Webb John Brown University Tess Constant

COLORADO

Harding University Lauren Holland

University of Northern Colorado Weston Mosburg

Trinity University Becca Bond Rice University Brady Buescher Texas Christian University Addie Dolan Haley Schroer Abilene Christian University Kaylee Snedden

University of California Berkeley Jun Ham Edward Jiang

Baylor University Stephanie Shull

Vanguard University of Southern California Jen Kranjec

ARIZONA University of Arizona Matt Aiello Conner Westermajer

NEBRASKA Concordia University Alex Cargin University of Nebraska Kearney Davis Dunham

Nebraska Wesleyan University Kendyl Frerking University of Nebraska - Lincoln Jordan Huesers

309 Tigers off to

states

BV seniors prepare to leave for college

INDIANA

ARKANSAS

Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) Ling Ling Khopanlert

TEXAS

NORTH CAROLINA

DePaul University Gabi Fordiani

Germany Paula Bausch

CALIFORNIA

Indiana University Evan Bell Indiana State University Ryan DeVuyst Erin Mitchell Purdue University Kaylin Demmel

NEW YORK Colgate University Taylor Walter

Miranda Loats Willis Luong Annie Matheis Ian McCombs Luke McElwain Jordan McEntee Gavin Mohar Matt Morrison Kaitlyn Neiger McKenzie Nicholis Richie Noon Kate Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leary Madison Outlaw Corbin Paine Christine Perinchery Jack Porter Nick Reding Joe Rolleston Nick Ross Kevin Ryan Michael Sabaugh Tyler Sauntry Michael Schath Cody Schmalz Ryan Scott Hannah Smith Mary Ster Clayton Stiver Alison Summers Bailey Swimmer Austin Taulbee Danny Theisen

Nick Virgillito Payton Weaver Clint Webb Austin Williams Kansas State University Kyle Anderson Nicole Baith Grace Callison Matt Coole Nick Crissey Grant DeFonso Olivia Florian Hannah Griffin Michael Huston Rebecca Jenkins Kristy Johnson Kelsie Joyce Austin Katsorelos Brandi Klehn Rick McCaw Payton Meyer Sam Nicol Bekah Nyman Lauren Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Toole Rachel Parkhurst Amanda Penn Carlee Ray Lauren Reardon Chris Roche Emma Rodlund Meredith Schmidt

MASSACHUSETTS Boston University Carlos Cheung

RHODE ISLAND

Harvard University Evelyn Davis

Brown University Mollie Chesis

LOUISIANA Louisiana State University Maria Fournier

SOUTH DAKOTA

WASHINGTON Seattle Pacific University Nathan Martin

NEW HAMPSHIRE

OHIO

Dartmouth College Allen Zhu

Baldwin-Wallace University Erin Moylan

MINNESOTA

University of South Dakota Helena Bertels

St. Olaf College Chad Curry

IOWA Drake University Ben Strickland

seniorsection

Andrea Schwarz Turner Smith Jane Webb Danny Wheeler Annie Wilcoxon Brian Witt

Maddie Osmundson Allie Reid Tony Renaud Elizabeth Rinke Hannah Sittig Tanner Walker

Johnson County Community College Laura Acuff Jessica Becker Lukas Bjorgo Nate Borsdorf Whit Buckler Branden Chau Vivian Chen Garrett Clear T.J. Earnshaw Gabe Galeazzi Kyle Gibson Mackenzie Gorthy Dylan Green Martin Hang Aubrey Johnson Nicholas Kawaguchi Lucas King Josh Kjergaard David Kym Kevin Leitch Mercedes Long Caroline McCabe Tyler Moss

Pittsburg State University Ron Bellows McKenzie Botts Breanna Bowzer Courtney Coda Natalie Gloor Mark Nichols Thano Papazafiropoulos Mandy Reno Olivia Roudebush Sloane Sandmoen Hannah Skidmore Washburn University Rianin Bowser Erika Crider Crystal Gutierrez Matthew Holloway Lauren Kostusik Cooper McCoy Sara Specht John Stoothoff Jaxon Tupper

University of Missouri - Columbia Maddie Hansen Toby Harrison Sara Naatz Cara Pace

Missouri Valley College Cameron Bruce

University of Missouri - Kansas City Helena Dunn Maddie Garton Jessica Idowu Ashley Kopko Taylor Leathers Angela Mundakkal Grace Smith

St. Louis University Evan Wright

William Jewell College Lauren Burns Matt Floyd Mackenzie Johnson Cole McCubbin Logan Winter

College of the Ozarks David Maricle

University of Central Missouri Alyssa Buzzelli Lauren Green Alex Hoskovec Tyler Jacobs Ellen Selba Jenna Wiggins

GEORGIA

University of Kansas Sophie Allen Aaron Ammon Alex Assyia Daniel Assyia Tyler Augustine Jack Bamburg Rachel Bazille Lauren Biggs Nicole Brosch Emily Brown Erin Browne Hunter Browning Ryan Burrow Hannah Caplan Allison DeMeo Devon Dewey Lauren Doolittle Jenna Drake Hayden Edwards Beth Ekis Emily Eltomi Austin Fehr Austin Ferguson Blake Friend Allie Goss Joe Godbout Nick Heizman Spencer Ho Gracie Hoover Jake Kennedy Anna Kerkhoff

MISSOURI

KANSAS

May 2012

Savannah College of Art and Design Aubrey Illig Maegan Kabel

Truman State University Matt Cooper

Benedictine College Jake Hackney Baker University Alex Baird Morgan Giudicessi Emporia State University Bridget Carter Fort Hays State University Jackie Dennis Barton County Community College Drew Ferguson MidAmerica Nazarene University Cole Foster Jeff Imber Alyssa Lyerla Fort Scott Community College David Marr Wichita State University Hank Kellerman Butler County Community College Luke Roselli

MIGHIGAN

Drury University Becca McDonald Kansas City Art Institute Parker Lewis

Northwest Missouri State University Chris Foster Justin Fulks Kyle Zimmerman Missouri University of Science and Technology Austin Averkamp

UTAH Brigham Young University Kristin Hawkins

University of Michigan Cameron Bailey Thamara Subramanian

seniorsection

May 2012 Lauren Reardon and Matt Aiello

Jack Porter and Taylor Leathers

class of 2012

senior superlatives Seniors vote their fellow classmates for each category

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Angela Mundakkal and Allen Zhu

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Emily Eltomi and Tony Renaud

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Clayton Stiver and Hannah Smith

25$)#$%2"56&) Grace Callison and John Stoothoff

Mollie Chesis and Nick Reding

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Brady Buescher and Natalie Gloor

Cooper McCoy and Allison DeMeo

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May 2012

seniorsection

‘Make use of the time you have by living and being.’ If you watched any John Hughes movie before you entered high school, you probably envisioned your secondary education the same way I did. You probably pictured yourself as Molly Ringwald, stuck in Saturday detention eating sushi, where a principal, without the slightest concern, handed out detentions to kids like John Bender. Or maybe a dance with everybody lined up, waiting to be asked onto the floor. But, in the end, Jake Ryan would still be waiting for you outside your sister’s wedding. You pictured it as the time of your life. The time of your life. That’s what I was told high school would be. I walked into those front doors an excited freshman, anxious for the years to come. I was constantly reminded to enjoy these four years because I would never get them back. Now I am a senior, soon walking

out of those same doors, and I am supposed to have already had the time of my life. That’s to say, I’m 18, and my life has already peaked. Is it all just one ginormous downward spiral from here? I’m still in my teenage years, and I have already experienced the best of life? I mean, high school has been OK. Too many hormone-driven, dramatic people packed into such close proximity for my taste, but still, nothing horrible happened. I enjoyed the little things, like making a day-by-day spring break staycation calendar and driving around aimlessly while singing horribly off-key. I let my dorkiness hit an all-time high by staying home on weekends and indulging in a Harry Potter or Star Wars marathon. I attended school dances, none of which were anything like the one in “Sixteen Candles.” Taxes and personal financial stability were never on my mind. It’s easy to understand how high school can be construed as the end-

emilybrown opinions editor Ahh, graduation. In my mind, I see Orlando Bloom standing on the stage of the Hollywood and Highland Center, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre. In his right hand, an envelope. In his other gorgeous hand, there is a microphone, which he uses to announce the winner. With a flashy smile, he opens the envelope

anniematheis features editor

all, be-all of our limited time on this earth. But we shouldn’t let it become the peak of our lives. Life will never be the same, but the good will still always be available. I will always enjoy bunking down and watching “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” My singing will never improve, and there will always be people who might react a little dramatically to certain situations. Instead of focusing on what was supposed to be the best time, make use of the time you have by living and being. High school might have been a good time, but there will be many more times, good and bad, to come. Whether we had a good or bad time in high school, it should not define the quality of the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, I can never be Molly Ringwald in “Sixteen Candles” or “Breakfast Club.” Life will never be a John Hughes movie. But that’s OK because high school isn’t meant to be my life’s peak; it is only the beginning.

‘Time for my acceptance speech.’ and calls out my name “Emily Brown.” Well, duh. Still, I pretend to be surprised, and I shake my head in fake shock. Of course, I’m sitting at a glamorous table with Leonardo DiCaprio and a much younger version of Brad Pitt. A round of hugs and pats on the back,

and then I’m strutting to the stage in my Fall 2010 Chanel Couture dress, completely decked out in jewels. I throw a wink at Josh Hutcherson on my way up. I mean, why not? Once I reach the stage, some smiling model hands me my award. A golden tiger statue, in honor of my high school graduation. My name and the words “Release the Kraken,” are inscribed into the base of the statue. Obviously, it is all written in Comic Sans. Gotta love journalism inside jokes! After a hug from Orlando Bloom, which might have lasted too long, I make my way to the podium. I’m here. After four grueling years of putting up with moronic directors and diva co-stars, I’ve finally made it. Thank the journalism gods that all of that annoyingness was balanced with knowledgeable producers and a few amazing fellow actors. Time for my acceptance speech. OK, OK. The likeliness of all of the above ever happening is a whopping 0 percent. Yet, this is how I picture my senior column and my impending graduation. So, I might as well stay true to the theme and give my version of a diploma acceptance speech. A simple thank you.

Firstly, I would like to thank every person who has read my stories this year. To every individual who walked up to me and complimented me on my writing. Or even just wanted to share a relating personal story. Thank you, because I’ve remembered every single comment. Thank you to all of the people who allowed me to interview them this year. Thank you for sharing your amazing stories with me and putting up with any stupid questions I asked. Thank you to Mrs. Chittum, my editors and my fellow Tiger Print staff members. For putting up with my political rants and my borderline obsession with commas. COMMA. Thank you to my family. Mom, Dad, Ash, Ryan and Chester. You guys truly are my best friends. Thanks Grandma and Sophie for watching over me from heaven. All of these people, along with God, have given me hope for a future career in words — whether publishing or journalism. They have inspired me to continue doing what I love most. Reading and writing. Annoying classical music starts playing because I’ve gone far over my word-count limit.

May 2012

º>L ULLK [V ^HRL \W HUK Z[HY[ Ä_PUN V\Y V^U WYVISLTZ » Before we get into this, let me inform you readers that I am not, in any way, a writer. But why let that stop me? Four years of high school and 18 years of life have taught me a couple of things. The most important lessons seem to fly over people’s heads. We forget that our high school drama is limited to the short timespan of our high school years. Which means I had to sit through four years of Twitter and Facebook posts riddled with complaining and negativity. We all did. Girls crying about guys. Guys whining about girls. Frankly, it annoys me beyond belief. I don’t understand how people can fret over little things like that. For some strange reason, I doubt when they are 40 and homeless, they will be saying, “If only I didn’t get upset about Sally insulting me. Oh, woe is me.” A fight or argument I had my

sophomore year will not affect me when I’m 40 or any other age. We need to understand the world does not stop moving because something bad happens to us. The world keeps on going when we get Fs. The world keeps on going when we get speeding tickets. The world keeps on going, even when we get dumped. We need to wake up and start fixing our own problems before complaining. Work hard and do extra credit. Get a job and put in long hours to pay off the ticket. Don’t worry about your ex, many more people will come along, hopefully. The more you worry and concern yourself with little nuances, the worse it will get. Take the most repetitive question you will ever hear in high school, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I’ve hated that question for as long as I can remember.

evelyndavis staff photographer Almost 10 years ago, I moved to Kansas. For almost 10 years, I’ve been wishing and dreaming of the day I would at last be free from the Land of Oz. The day I would be free to live by the ocean, to travel the world, to experience new cultures. And now, 10 years later, the day has almost arrived.

seniorsection

dakotabehrman co-photo editor

I dream of working with a camera for decades, but as a career? I have no clue. I gave off-the-wall answers: pro wrestler, police officer, photographer, director, actor or whatever interest I had on my mind that week. At best, I gave a shrug. Why worry and stress out about a choice, which supposedly determines the rest of your life, at the age of 18? I’m still unsure about what I want to do when I’m older. Just as Daria from the old cartoon show said, “My goal is not to wake up at 40 with the bitter realization that I’ve wasted my life on a job I hate because I was forced to decide on a career in my teens.” Point is, I don’t care — not right now at least. I still have a good chunk of my life to figure out exactly what I want to do to make me happy, to sit back and enjoy the rest of the best four years of my life.

‘Live each day like it’s your last.’ Who knew it would come so fast? There was the blur of the succession of new backpacks, Thanksgivings, family trips, sweltering Augusts, Homecoming dances, Christmas parties and last days of school. Finally, the last of the lasts draws near. Graduation. As I think back on my time in Kansas,

the thought is always the same. I wish I would have appreciated it more. I wish I would have spent more time on the prairie, more afternoons at the Nelson and more evenings with my family. I wish I would have taken a few more deep breaths and a few more naps. So, in order to remain faultless, I blame high school. I blame the consuming classes, my busy extracurricular schedule and my athletic involvement. The funny thing is, I was living in the moment but always looking to the future. I could sense my college experience and world travels right around the corner. All I wanted was the next weekend, the next break — I had always figured that if I could make it to that next marker, I would have time to slow down and enjoy the little things. But time never did slow down, and, for a long while, I didn’t make time for the things that really mattered. Then, as the college process began, I realized my time left in Kansas was too short to allow my existence to be consumed by a day-in, day-out routine of school-homework-occasional meal-bed-repeat. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved everything I’ve done at BV and look back regret-

ting none of my experiences. My classes, Relay For Life, cross country and Student Council have certainly shaped the person I have become over the past four years, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. But, I began to change the little things — trips to the Arboretum and ice cream runs after school with friends, backyard play sessions with my family — finally doing things I had always been saving for the next open window. It made all the difference in the world. So, here’s my challenge to you. I know there has been a lot of build-up to this point, so I apologize for the ensuing cliché. But, live each day like it’s your last. Not in a “YOLO” sense of the phrase, but in a way that allows you to go to sleep each night happy, knowing that the day was worth living. Your future will be here soon enough, I promise. Too soon, even. Spend time with your family. Go out with your friends. Take advantage of the fun opportunities BV has to offer. Just make sure when your head hits the pillow each and every night, you know you did everything in your power to add zest and flavor to your life. It’s been real, BV. Evelyn out.

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May 2012

oliviaroudebush staff photographer

BV graduates Cooper Page and Mizani Hobson celebrate after a touchdown in the 2010 regional game against Bishop Miege. The 2010 varsity football team continued their season to win the state championship. “The team really pulled for each other,” coach Eric Driskell said. “They put everyone else before themselves.”

SNAP SHOT

Senior photographers share their favorite pictures from time spent on newspaper staff

(Above) Throwing a flag in the air, sophomore Lorelle Katz rehearses during a morning dance team practice. Katz has been on the Tigerettes dance team since freshman year. “I like all the tricks we learn, and all the choreography we learn is pretty cool and fun to do,” Katz said.

mariafournier co-photo editor

(Left) Junior Chaise Seasholtz practices a kick at Ko’s Black Belt Academy. Seasholtz started taking lessons about three years ago and is now nationally ranked. “[Being nationally ranked] has really given me a great self-confidence boost,” Seasholtz said. “It’s shown me how far I’ve come and how far I have to go.”

May 2012

BACK

seniorsection

LOOKING

From sports accomplishments to new developments in technology to political uprisings, it has been an eventful school year Story by Emily Brown.

August 2011

September 2011

November 2011

December 2011

Aug. 17 - Varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads win first place in the Extreme Routine Division at the UCA camp. (Pictured below)

Sept. 11 - Americans honor the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Nov. 2 - Students dress up in white clothing and red bandanas to protest the In School Suspensions of those involved with the Running of the Bulls down the freshmen hallway.

Dec. 12 - Thanks to a school-wide power outage, school is released almost an hour early.

Aug. 22 - Libyan rebels capture the capital Tripoli. The National Transitional Council, a temporary governing system created by the rebels, claim Muammar Gaddafi’s regime has finally collapsed after 42 years of dictatorship. Aug. 25 - In a single game, the New York Yankees hit three grand slam home runs.

October 2011 Oct. 5 - Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs dies. Oct. 14 - Apple releases the iPhone 4S, breaking all previous company sales records, selling 4 million iPhones in four days. Oct. 15 - Occupy Wall Street protests occur in numerous cities across the world.

Nov. 5 - Boys Soccer team finishes season as the 5A State runner-up. Nov. 29 - Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s former doctor, is sentenced to four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson’s death.

Dec. 14 - Eric Driskell voted Chiefs High School Coach of the Year. (Pictured below) Dec. 15 - U.S. military operations end in Iraq after nine years in the Iraq War. Dec. 26 - Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, breaks the 1984 NFL record for yards passing in a single season.

Pulling through the water, sophomore Will Munholland swims the butterfly stroke at a home meet. Photo by Erin Browne.

Senior Taylor Leathers dribbles the ball past a defender in the Tigers’ game against the Timberwolves from BV Southwest. Photo by Olivia Roudebush.

Members of the football team dump a cooler of Gatorade on coach Eric Driskell after winning the State Championship in 2010. Photo by Olivia Roudebush.

January 2012

February 2012

March 2012

April 2012

Jan. 23 - Debate squad finishes season with 3rd place at State.

Feb. 11 - Whitney Houston dies at age 48 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Jan. 4 - Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann suspends her presidential campaign.

Feb. 14 - Scholars Bowl team wins its second consecutive 5A State championship.

March 16 - In the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, 15-seeded teams, Lehigh and Nofolk State, beat two-seeded Duke and Missouri in a day of upsets.

April 10 - Rick Santorum, a Republican presidential candidate, drops out of the presidential race because of his daughter’s failing health.

March 20 - Disney takes one of the biggest cinema losses in history of almost $200 million because of John Carter’s poor showing in the movie theatre.

April 11 - Florida resident George Zimmerman is charged with second degree murder in connection with the death of Trayvon Martin.

March 22 - Girls basketball varsity team finishes season as State runner-up. (Pictured above)

April 15 - Eleven Secret Service agents are put on leave, regarding the prostitution scandal in Columbia.

BV cheerleaders root on the Tigers in the football game against the BV Southwest Timberwolves. Photo by Olivia Roudebush.

Jan. 18 - The English version of Wikipedia shuts down for a day to protest the Stop Online Piracy Act. Jan. 22 - Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno dies.

Feb. 22 - In Syria, two western journalists are killed while covering the ongoing civil war. Feb. 24 - Boys swim team wins State. (Pictured above)

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May 2012

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Fiesta Mexicana Staff members critique local restaurants

Maria Fournier

Jalapenos 7729 W. 151st St.

Jansen Hess

Taylor Yeazel

Overall restaurant ratings: Maria: 3.5 out of 5 peppers Jansen: 4 out of 5 peppers Taylor: 3.5 out of 5 peppers

Chips:

Mi Ranchito 8550 W. 151 St.

Jose Pepper’s Border Grill & Cantina

Maria: Huge. Very oily. Jansen: Salted and oiled to perfection. But awkwardly large. Taylor: Generic chips, like the kind you’d buy at a store. Gigantic. Not impressive.

Dips (Salsa and Queso):

Maria: Salsa does not have a lot of herbs. It’s thin, watery and doesn’t taste fresh. Not a big fan. The queso is made with a yellow cheese and is pretty thick. Tastes like Chips: 14373 Metcalf Ave. cheese dip in jar from the grocery store. Maria: Thinner, saltier, just like Jose Pepper’s. Jansen: I love the salsa, it’s nice and thin with no chunks. I’m not a fan of Jansen: Very similar to Jose Pepper’s in the strucChips: spicy things, but this salsa has just the right amount of heat. Queso is pretty ture — small and easy to eat. Perfect for different Maria: Not overly oily compared to other plain. I could probably make it in 10 minutes. dips. restaurants. On the thin side, but I like my Taylor: Salsa has a nice consistency, fresh taste and fine texture. Taylor: Thin and oiled. They tasted sort of stale. chips that way. Perfect spicy kick to it. Didn’t feel like I had to continually cool my Jansen: The perfect dipping chips. Not too big, mouth off with water. Queso is nothing special. More cheesy Dip (Salsa and Queso): not too small. Although, they could have used a tad than spicy, which I didn’t particularly enjoy. Reminded me of Maria: Salsa is chunkier and has more herbs in it, like more salt. the yellow queso I buy at the store. cilantro. Chile avocado salsa also comes with the meal Taylor: Amazing. Unique and perfectly salted. I hon— creamy and green. Very spicy. Espinaca is pretty estly come here just for the chips. Atmosphere: much the same as Jose’s. Queso blanco with spinach and Maria: Under construction right now, so the walls tomatoes. Dip (Salsa and Queso): are pretty bare. Very casual restaurant, and the Jansen: Salsa has a good taste, but a strange consistency. Maria: I adore the Espinaca Con Queso dip. It’s basically meltwaiters are friendly. Not as busy as the other It was like water and tomato chunks. Best queso I’ve ever ed cheese, spinach and diced tomatoes. Thick consistency, has a two restaurants. tasted. Yes, even better than Jose Pepper’s famous espinaca. slight kick to it. I get it every time I go. Must have if you’ve never Jansen: It’s either dead or super Plus, they give you a lot. The perfect amount of spice. been. Salsa tastes fairly fresh. Not too chunky, not too thin. Mild. crowded, depending on when you Taylor: The salsa was good, but not absolutely flawless. Not Jansen: Salsa has too much cilantro for my taste. Good consistency, go. I love the fact that they have enough cilantro in my opinion. I’m not usually a fan of white though. Queso is absolutely fantastic. The perfect combination of the restaurant divided into difqueso, but it wasn’t horrible. I don’t think it was spicy enough melted cheese and spinach to start off a wonderful dining experience. ferent sections. But it takes for me, though. Taylor: The salsa was not as amazing as the chips. Don’t get me wrong — I forever to get your food love their salsa. Really good, but I’ve had better. The queso was a great price. when it’s crowded. Creamy, white cheese dip with spinach, onion and tomato. My family gets it Atmosphere: Taylor: Strange. every time we go. Maria: The quaint, little restaurant always seems to be busy and Split into two pretty loud. The servers are all friendly, but it’s pretty hit-or-miss different with the service. Atmosphere: sections. Jansen: Seemed very authentic compared to the other two. Service Maria: You’re bound to see someone you know if you eat here — it’s family-friendly. Super was awful, though. It took way too long to get our food; they didn’t The waiters and waitresses are all welcoming and sociable. TVs around the restaurant are loud. acknowledge us when we called them over, and the service was just always on with sports games, which I always like. But, if the restaurant is full, it may take a bad. No tip for you, sir. while to get a table, and you’ll most likely be crammed by the front door while you wait. Taylor: Nicely decorated. Slightly noisy and busy. Extremely crowded. Jansen: So welcoming. All the waiters and waitresses are so friendly. The service is some of the The service tends to be slow. best I’ve seen. Taylor: Friendly atmosphere. Very calm environment. Though it’s always busy, not too terribly loud. Long waits sometimes.

Overall restaurant ratings: Maria: 4.5 out of 5 peppers Jansen: 4 out of 5 peppers Taylor: 3.5 out of 5 peppers

Overall restaurant ratings: Maria: 4.5 out of 5 peppers Jansen: 4.5 out of 5 peppers Taylor: 4.5 out of 5 peppers

May 2012

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Spice up

your

Staycation

A guide to sights around Kansas City to help bust the staying-in-state blues

Country Club Plaza

Information gathered by Maegan Kabel from countryclubplaza.com.

> Some Highlights Shopping:

Anthropologie Banana Republic Burberry Chico’s H&M The North Face Talbots XXI Forever Urban Outfitters The JC Nichols Fountain and Giralda Tower in the Country Club Plaza. Photo courtesy of the Country Club Plaza.

Information gathered from nelson-atkins.org.

Traveling > Exhibits Rodin: Sculptures from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation* — Until June 3 Looking at Historic Lands: Urban and Rural — Until June 10 Abstraction: From A to B — Until July 27 The Starr Miniature Collection: Individual Representations — Until July 29 Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs* — Until Aug. 19 Timothy H O’Sullivan: The King Survey Photographs* — Until Sept. 2 Fine Lines: Whistler and the American Etching Revival — Until Nov. 4 Acts of Nature: Contemporary Decorative Arts — May 11 until Dec. 12 * Additional ticket purchase required

Plaza Live! Courtyard Concerts:

The Country Club Plaza will features live musicians through September. Times: Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. Fridays 6 - 9 p.m. Saturdays 2 - 5 p.m. Sundays 12 - 3 p.m. Locations: Mermaid Courtyard - Nichols and Broadway Penguin Courtyard - Nichols and Pennsylvania Neptune Courtyard - 47th and Wornall Valencia Courtyard - 47th and Jefferson

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art jordanhuesers co-editor

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has it all. Everything from African to Chinese art, from modern to contemporary works, from sculptures to photography. Admission is free and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. The beautiful architecture, large windows and gorgeous floors all contribute to the wonderful and pleasant atmosphere. The campus has two parts — the original Nelson-Atkins Building and the more modern Bloch Building. The museum has many different rooms, each allowing the breathtaking artwork within to be respectfully and properly displayed. Currently maintaining more than 33,500 works of art, the museum adheres to everyone’s possible artistic preference. The museum displays many showcase pieces such as Claude Monet’s divine Water Lilies and John Caravaggio’s awe-inspiring Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness. From April 14 to Aug. 19, the museum will showcase The World’s Fairs exhibit. Student tickets cost $5. World’s fairs showcases the exhibition In-

The south façade of the Nelson-Atkins building. The lawn features the iconic shuttlecock sculptures, part of the 22-acre sculpture park. Photo courtesy of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

venting the Modern World. The exhibit will highlight important ideas such as cross-culturalism, technology and nationalism that shaped all objects at fairs from 1851-1939. To top it all off, outside the museum building visitors can enjoy the spectacular Kansas City Sculpture Park. The park allows for a nice breath of fresh air and the chance to look at some beautiful sculptures or lounge in the grass. The museum offers walk-in tours of certain exhibits and collection highlights. However, it also offers an audio-guided

tour that includes information about each work either presented by the artist or a curator. This allows visitors to travel through the museum at a pace of their own liking. After a day of appreciating stunning artwork throughout history, you can stop by the museum store to pick up some souvenirs at very reasonable prices. Or you can enjoy a nice lunch at the Rozzelle Court Restaurant. Overall, your experience at the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art will be very memorable, and there’s no doubt you will want to return.

May 2012

Sporting Kansas City saranaatz co-editor Almost immediately after the soccer ball sails into the net of the opposing team, blue confetti erupts from cannons around the field. The fans that fill Livestrong Sporting Park cheer, hug and yell out of sheer joy. The fans sitting in the members club, also known as the Cauldron, begin to chant “Olé, olé, olé, olé,” as drums beat madly and a man with a blue trombone joins in the melody. People wave enormous blue-andwhite-checkered flags as a man dressed as “Sporting Jesus” dances triumphantly in his robe and a man in a massive headdress bellows out a rallying cry. The fans sitting in the South stand cheer and hold up their Sporting scarves. The entire park is alive with excitement. Livestrong Sporting Park is a gorgeous new facility, unveiled only last year. Many of the players say the park is unlike any other in which they have played, thanks to both the facilities and the fans cheering them on each game. It’s an atmosphere every Kansas-citian should experience at least once. The rush of seeing forward Kei Kamara nail the ball into the net, a referee card defender Aurelien Collin (again) and a crazy fan getting tackled as he jumps from the Cauldron onto the field. Not to mention Sporting Kansas City actually wins games. I know it’s a shocker for us Kansas-citians, but it’s just another reason to go out and support the boys in blue. You’ll be singing “I believe that we will win” in no time.

Get a piece of the action on May 27 at the home game against the San Jose Earthquakes.

> Visit bvtigernews.com Find web-exclusive content on these places: Royals games Sprint Center events Legends College Basketball Experience Union Station Power and Light District Plaza WWI Museum Starlight Worlds of Fun In addition to extra information, find links to their websites and reviews from staffers. Take the opportunity to let people know what you think of these places — are they worth checking out?

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Kauffman Stadium meghankennedy staff writer

Left-fielder Alex Gordon takes a few practice swings and makes his way up to the plate. In the bottom of the first inning, the score is tied, 0-0. With only one out, Gordon is confident he will get a hit. When the Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Drew Hutchison throws a perfect pitch over the plate, Gordon swings, hitting the ball into deep left-field. As the ball lands in the Sonic section, the stadium erupts in excitement. Not only does Gordon win the entire stadium a free Sonic slush but adds points to the board. The Royals lead the Jays, 1-0. Along with giveaways, fans can visit the many attractions offered at Kauffman Stadium, such as the Outfield Experience. The Outfield Experience is equipped with a playground, carousel, batting challenge, base run, mini golf course, pitching mound and mini baseball field. It’s the perfect venue for

children to run and play, while parents watch the game. Every Sunday is Family Fun Day, where kids can participate in the Fun Run and run the bases after the game. From singing along to Garth Brook’s popular song “Friends in Low Places” to cheering on your favorite hot dog condiment in the Hot Dog Derby, Royals games are always a memorable experience. Walking in from the left-field entrance, one will immediately notice the Royals Hall of Fame. In the Dugout Theatre, the Hall of Fame starts with a 15-minute video displaying a timeline of Royals history, dating all the way back to the Negro Leagues and onward to the 2012 All-Star Game and Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium. In addition, visitors will see Royals Hall of Famers Frank White, George Brett and Dick Howser’s jerseys on display. The final stop of the Hall of Fame is a souvenir shop. Tickets range from $10 to $250.

Changes at Crown Center SeaLife Aquarium > The SeaLife Aquarium at Crown Center houses more than 5,000 different sea creatures with talks from experts and feeding show times avaliable throughout the day. Visitors can see creatures such as sharks, jellyfish, octopus and seahorses, touch crabs and starfish in the Interactive Rockpool Experience and take a walk through a shark-and-ray-filled underwater tunnel. SeaLife also works with active conservation organzations. In addition to viewing and interactive activites, visitors can learn about and support local activites to aid the conservation effort. Ticket Prices: Child (3-12) At the door: $15 plus tax Online: $13.50 plus tax Combo SeaLife and LEGOLAND: $23 plus tax Adult (13+) At the door: $19 plus tax Online: $17.50 plus tax Combo SeaLife and LEGOLAND: $29 plus tax Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., last admission at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., last admission at 7 p.m. Information gathered by Maegan Kabel from isitsealife.com/kansas-city/

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May 2012

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BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

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May 2012

Lifelong golfer translates his talents to the varsity level jansenhess staff writer

Following in his family’s footsteps, freshman Zach Karney has a passion for golf. He received his first set of clubs at age six and has been playing ever since. He said he fell in love with golf the first time he picked up a club. This year, he is the only freshman on the boys varsity golf !"#$%& team. Karney said being a part of a country club helps him improve because he has the opportunity to practice individually or get tips from his dad, who, he said, is a very good golfer. “I belong to Lionsgate Country Club, and I am lucky enough to be able to go there just about every day and practice on whatever I like to without people bothering me,” Karney said. Karney said golfing is in his blood. His dad is an avid golfer, and some of his dad’s family members played golf in college. He said he is proud to be playing at the varsity level. “It feels good to be the only freshman on varsity,” he said. “But it is kind of bad because you’re the youngest, and everyone else already has a better feel for what they’re doing. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but overall, it feels good.” Throughout tryouts, he said he wasn’t entirely sure he

FYI The weekend of May 25, state competitions for baseball, softball, track and girls soccer will take place. At 12 p.m. on May 5, at BV Southwest, the girls swim team will compete in the EKL meet.

would make varsity, but it didn’t come as a shock to him. “I was right on the border between JV and varsity, so I didn’t know where I would end up,” Karney said. “On the last day of tryouts, I played well and made it. I was a little surprised, but at the same time I wasn’t because I had confidence in myself.” Karney said his first high school tournament was nerve-wracking. “When I got to the first tournament, I was really nervous because I never had that experience like the rest of the team has,” he said. “I think that it will help me for next year in the fact that I’ll have already had the experience so I won’t be as nervous.” Karney said the team members know how to enjoy themselves while still getting the job done. “At tournaments, we tend to be the team that’s having the most fun,” he said. “We have a good time golfing as a team. And we always go out to eat afterwards. We’re always there for each other.” Varsity golf coach Andrew Millikan said Karney is an important asset to the team. “He’s one of the six lowest scorers, and that’s very unusual for a freshman,” he said. “You can show him something once, and he gets it, but then he takes it and mixes it with his own game.” Millikan said Karney is an outstanding player with a solid work ethic. “It’s pretty good from what I’ve seen so far,” Millikan said. “As he gets older, it will continue to develop in all aspects of his life, whether it’s school or golf. I’m really looking forward to the next three years with him.”

save the dates Sporting Kansas City will take on Montreal Impact at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Livestrong Sporting Park. At 6 p.m. on May 8, there will be a community reception honoring Athletic Director Bob Whitehead in the commons.

in the news The Kansas City Chiefs picked Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe during the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 26.

The Kansas City Royals have the seventh best batting average in the MLB with an average of .263.

Check out the girl’s dive team making a splash this season on bvtigernews.com

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sports in brief TRACK AND FIELD Previous action: 4/27 @ Aquinas Upcoming action: 5/4 SM North Relays 5/11 EKL GIRLS SOCCER Previous action: 4/24 @ Kansas City Christian 5/3 vs BVN Upcoming action: 5/7 vs Aquinas Record: 7-3-1 GIRLS SWIMMING Previous action: 4/26 BV West Invitational Upcoming action: 5/5 EKL @ BV Southwest 5/19 State Finals GIRLS SOFTBALL Previous Action: 4/17 vs BV North (W 11-4, W 9-4) 4/26 vs BV Northwest (W 11-1, W 10-0) Upcoming Action: 5/11 @ BV West BOYS BASEBALL Previous action: 4/27 vs SM East (W 6-3) Upcoming action: 5/7 @ BV Southwest Record: 10-6 BOYS TENNIS Previous action: 4/28 @ EKL Upcoming action: 5/4 Regionals @ Mill Valley BOYS GOLF Previous action: 4/27 @ Hutchinson Upcoming action: 5/7 @ Leavenworth Results current as of April 30.

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May 2012

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*OLTPZ[Y` Z[\KLU[Z JVUZ[Y\J[ Å` hot air balloons for class assignment

(Above) Juniors Rachel Rusnak and Kelsie Carpenter prepare their pigstyled balloon for lift off. While some students focused on flight efficiency, others concentrated on having the most aesthetically pleasing design. “We immediately thought of ‘when pigs fly,’ so our project was focused around that,” Rusnak said.

(Above) Chemistry students gaze in awe as a hot air balloon soars higher and higher in the air. By trapping warm air inside the balloon, it will rise above the cooler air surrounding it. (Left) Sophomore Will Munholland looks up at his group’s hot air balloon as it rises. Wind proved to be a factor in the chemistry project as the balloon was blown into a nearby tree. “Another problem was not being able to see the holes in the balloon until we inflated it,” Munholland said.

(Right) Chemistry teacher Manal Siam uses hair dryers to inflate the student-made balloons. Students were required to construct a smallscale hot air balloon and record the amount of time the balloon stayed in the air.

Photos by Dakota Behrman.