The Tiger Print — May 2007

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tigerprint Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 May 4, 2007 • Vol. 37• Issue 9

Summer homework re-evaluated Some departaments still undecided jakefaber

SUMMER W HOMEWORK?

staff writer

ill there be summer homework,summer reading? Various academic departments are currently making this decision that will affect many students’ summer plans.

The Communications Arts Department has decided to assign some reading in a reversal of last year’s policy. All current students will have reading, but the amount depends on the grade level and the course. According to CA teacher Britt Qualls, summer homework is meant to keep students on their CA game. “[Summer homework] is like a car tune-up; it helps you keep your reading skills over the summer` and helps you prepare for the AP tests,” Qualls said.

The incoming freshmen, the eighth graders of this year, will be reading, this summer as well. They will have one book for regular CA students, and that book plus an additional book for honors.

Though the CA Department made an early decision to assign some students homework, other departments have yet to decide.

According to AP History Teacher Mark Klopfenstein, he is probably going to assign summer homework, but nothing is determined yet. It is the same situation with Spanish teacher Anita Lemons. In Lemons’ opinion summer homework doesn’t seem to affect her students as much as she expected.

“It seems that students do the work at the last minute, so I don’t think it helps them very much,” Lemons said.

Though many students appreciated the no summer reading and homework policy from last year, many departments felt the good outweighed the bad.

So check your local listings, and find out if summer homework is coming to a class near you. Check with your CA teacher, foreign language, social studies and don’t forget your math and the science teachers, too.

photo by Karen Melton

Siblings Senior Section pages pages11-13 7-18

Building additions page 19

2 currentevents Choir, drill team spice up spring shows with final performance anitagaller

staff writer

A

s senior McKenzi Foster rehearses her numbers for spring show she is filled with anticipation for her last time on stage.

“I’m looking forward to my last performance with all the seniors,” Foster said. “It’s my last one so I want it to be the best.”

As spring time begins the drill team and choir gear up for their final shows of the year. The choir will perform their spring show on May 10, at 7:30 p.m. and two shows on Saturday, May 12 at 2 and 7:30 p.m in the Performing Arts Center. The drill team’s spring show will take place a week later on May 16 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center as well. Admission to this show is free. Tickets for the choir’s spring show will be $5 at the door.

The choir’s spring show, which is like a variety show, consists of pop and Broadway music featuring all the members of the choir. The show also features soloists from state, and solo numbers by the dance captains and

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iger riefs

Forensics The forensics squad competed at the NFL qualifying tournament April 20-21.

Nine Blue Valley students will be attending the national tournament in Derby Kan., during the third week of June.

Megan Adams. Andy Irwin, Brian Israel and Megan Ritter will compete in policy debate.

Maggie Haren and Alex Nichols will compete in Duo Interpretation, Taylor Nichols will compete in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Josh Dean in Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking, and Lauren Friedlander in Dramatic Interpretation.

Newspaper/Yearbook Blue Valley journalists continued their competitive season in the Journalism

the Barber Shop Quartet, as well as some all-women’s numbers.

“Some of the songs and choreography are different than a lot of other stuff we have done before,” Foster said.

“We are doing a lot of sweet songs this year.”

The show will feature songs from musicals such as Hairspray, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera, as well as popular pop songs.

The drill team’s spring show will consist of dances they performed at competitions, as well as other dances performed during the year. The show features a combination of the director’s and students’ choreography and a light show.

“The light show is cool,” senior Laura Wong said. “People always look forward to it.”

Both the drill team and choir’s spring show is a culmination of a year of hard work, but also a exciting way to bring the year to a close.

“It’s been a good four years, but long,” Wong said. “I’m sad it’s going to be over, though.”

Educators of Metro Kansas City contest April 16. Several newspaper and yearbook students submitted works in various categories for judging.

Garrett Griffin received first place in the editorial cartoon category, while also receiving second and third place in hand produced art. Ellen Thomas took second in the column category while Sarah Weaver and Sara Ster received an honorable mention in their co-produced indepth story.

Mitchell Smith also placed, taking third in newswriting.

From yearboook, Amanda Kistner earned first place in the computer generated art category and Karen Melton received an honorable mention in club design. Melton and Cailie Courtney placed first in non-portrait design while Katherine Ebling took third in student life copy and Ashley Apple received an honorable mention in academic copy.

Several Tiger journalists will round out their competitive season tomorrow at the state competition in Lawrence.

The newspaper journalists are Smith, Griffin, Weaver, Hank Driskell and Nina Humphrey The yearbook journalists competing are Apple, Kistner,

May 4, 2007

Finals Time Seniors Tuesday May 15: Hours 5, 6 and 7 Wednesday May 16: Hours 3 and 4 Thursday May 17: Hours 1 and 2.

Junior Allison Wightman bones up on history for her final exam. Seniors’ finals take place during regular class periods. The final schedules are as follows. Photo by Gwen Bergerhofer.

Underclassmen Friday May 25: hours 1 (7:45-9:05 a.m.), 2 (9:15-10:35 a.m.) and 3 (10:45-12:05 p.m.)

Tuesday May 29: hours 4( 7:45-9:05 a.m. ) and 5 (9:15-10:35 a.m.)

Wednesday May 30: hours 6( 7:45-9:05 a.m.) and 7 (9:15-10:35 a.m.)

Melton, Allison Goodpasture, Sarah Hockel and Kelsey Frerking.

These journalists will compete as individuals against 1,066 entrants in hopes of capturing the school’s third state title, which would be the first since 1999.

Next Friday the yearbook staff will distribute the 2007 edition. Seniors will get their yearbooks during the senior picnic and all other students will receive theirs during seventh hour.

Art Recently nine Blue Valley Students earned the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Key. The winners are Lauren Schroer, digital imagery; Nina Humphrey, 2 computer art and digital imagery; Nicole Schlitzer, computer art; Kathleen Apple, photography; Sarah Hockel, 2 photography; Jay MacPhail, Master Photography Portfolio; Taylor Odom, 2 Photography; and Patrick Cooley ceramics and glass.

In the Shooting Stars competition, senior Karen Melton earned the first place prize of $2,000 for her photography portfolio.

Band Twenty-two Blue Valley High music students qualified in 12 events for the state solo/ensemble contest at Emporia State last Saturday.

These students earned a “1” or superior rating April 14 at Regionals.

These students or ensembles and their instruments are: Philip Heinrich, vibraphone; Ann Gorsuch, trumpet; Gorsuch, Molly Hartz, Steven Qui, Danny Wood Ryan Cauffield, brass quintet; Riley Shaw, flute; Joel Cox, bassoon; Kaitlyn Lutz, flute; Shaw, Courtney Crape, Emily Brooks, Lutz, flute quartet; Jacqlyn Swyden, Christina Hayes, Tina Touchton, Maria Smithson, flute quartet; Ben Cooper, trombone; Crape, flute; Caroline Proulx, flute; and Benton Miller, trumpet.

Choir A host of Blue Valley vocal music students qualified for state contests last Saturday.

The soloists who earned this rating were Morgan Bingham, Hayley Black, Sarah Cline, Kelly Cosby, Josh Dean, Erika Nebel and Stefanie

Wienecke. The ensembles that qualified are the Freshmen Girls’ Ensemble, Junior Girls’ Ensemble, Senior Girls’ Ensemble, Classy Ladies, Freshmen/Sophomore Men’s Ensemble, Men’s Ensemble, Chorale and Chambers.

TSA

Ten students qualified for Nationals at the Technology Student Association(TSA) state conference April 1214. They are Sarah Hockel in digital imaging, Stephan Gogov and Derek Leutjen in Technology Challenge, Brock Brown in Technical Sketching and Application, Team of Jeff Schober and Sam Lutz in Video Game Design, Team of Landon Springer, Jackson Cawch and Will Ritchie in Cyberspace Pursuit, Team of Cawch and Angela Niebergall in Electronic Research and Experimentation.

These students will compete against 4,000 students at the national conference June 2428 in Nashville. A total of 23 students competed for BVHS at state. Out of 34 events BV’s TSA placed in the top five in 21 of those events.

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currentevents

May 4, 2007

Faculty members leave Blue Valley for new opportunities

After 21 years at Blue Valley, journalism adviser, social studies teacher leave

ellenthomas

editor-in-chief

B

&

sarahweaver editor-in-chief

lue Valley will not only be saying goodbye to over 300 seniors, but several faculty members as well. Journalism teacher Susan Agee and science teacher Joseph Whalen have announced that they will not be returning next year. Social Studies teacher Bev Bertolone and Assistant Principal Tonya Merrigan are heading to district office.

Agee will be leaving Blue Valley because she is moving out of the area. She will be moving to Dallas, Texas with her husband, who was transferred there.

“I’m excited about the change, but a bit terrified,” Agee said, “because I don’t know what I plan to do next.

After 21 years, perhaps it’s time to move on.”

Agee has been teaching for a total of 28 years, 21 of those years at Blue Valley.

She has also been active in the area scholastic journalism organizations, having served as President of the Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City and Secretary of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association.

“I’ve always enjoyed teaching,” Agee said, “and developing a working relationship with my students.”

Agee has taught many journalism and English courses during her time at Blue Valley, including Journalism I, Writers’ Workshop and Communication Arts III. As a journalism adviser, she has sent 224 Blue Valley newspapers and 15 yearbooks to press.

With Agee’s journalism expertise and guidance, the different publications both have achieved success.

Both the ‘94 and ‘99 newspaper staffs won State championships and her yearbooks and newspapers have won Best in Show and All-Americans.

Even though Agee has lead students into journalistic success, her biggest acomplishment, she said, has been teaching overall.

“Helping to create a solid journalism program at Blue Valley has been one of my biggest acomplishments,” Agee said. “When I came to BV we had five students on newspaper, and it was a bi-weekly paper. It was tough.”

Agee has seen the improvements of the journalism department and has not lost her enthusiasm for teaching.

“Teaching journalism is awesome,” Agee said. “It’s always different… the news, the technology, the people. I will miss it.”

Agee will miss teaching but has many fond memories of her time advising different journalism students.

“My favorite memories are work nights,” Agee said. “I will miss these nights with my publication staffs. It could be stressful, but the food and laughs were great.”

Like Agee, Whalen will be bidding farewell to Blue Valley. The departure will not be easy for him or the school.

“It will be incredibly hard [to leave],” Whalen said. “In fact when I tried to tell my AP Biology class, I all the sudden got so choked up. I kind of surprised how emotional it was.”

Whalen has been teaching here for three years and also completed his student teaching here as well.

“I feel like I got to know the Blue Valley family pretty much over the past four years, Whalen said. “I’ve never worked anywhere with such a feeling of family and community.”

Whalen will be moving to Corvallis, Ore., to better accommodate his love of nature and to get a graduate degree in cellular and molecular biology at Oregon State University.

“I spend so much of my free time and money traveling out West to enjoy the great outdoors,” Whalen said. “If I live out there, it would be a little cheaper and more convenient.”

With Whalen leaving, biology teacher Azadeh Taghizadeh will be teaching AP Biology classes next year.

Social studies teacher Bev Bertolone has been at Blue Valley for 21 years after teaching in Belton for 15 years.

“My heart says I want to stay here, but my head says I need to move on,” Bertolone said.

Bertolone is becoming a school improvement specialist for the district. She will be doing the same job as former math teacher Karen Nixon.

Bertolone will be mentoring and helping teachers in the district.

District office is also gaining another Blue Valley employee. Assistant Principal Tonya Merrigan leaves Blue Valley after eight years. Merrigan spent her first six years as counselor and the last two as assistant principal. She is going to be working at District Office as Director of Student Programs.

She will oversee K-12’s counseling program and work with Avid, a program that started at Blue Valley High that will now be at all Blue Valley schools. She also will work with the at risk, drug and alcohol programs.

“I’m sad to leave Blue Valley. Blue Valley High School is a very special place. It has phenomenal tradition and support.,” Merrigan said, “It’s [leaving] bittersweet to me.”

Leaving may not be easy, but Merrigan reassures everyone that she is “just a phone call away.”

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ourvoice

Bad drivers cram already small parking lot

May 4, 2007

staff editorial

saraster

advertising manager

S

ince 1908 cars have been made with a wonderful invention called “reverse.” This incredible feature allows a car to move in the opposite or contrary direction of which it is facing.

Why this is not utilized in the parking lot of Blue Valley is a mystery. Yes, the parking spaces are a little tighter than at the mall, but all the more reason to make sure cars are parked between the lines.

Some early morning anger around 7:40 is usually directed toward every car taking up more spaces than one. It is not that complicated to muscle down the gearshift putting the car in reverse; it’s only slightly annoying when a student cannot find it in himself to correct his parking.

It is exciting when one finds a spot in the crowded lot, until he sees his car can’t fit. Next year will be somewhat different though. The seniors will have first priority, then the juniors and if there is enough parking passes left the 16-year-old sophomores will have the opportunity to apply.

Common parking courtesy should still be in effect as well as the simple “between the lines” rules. If you have trouble getting out of your car without hitting the car next to you with your door, there is a problem. If you have a ton of space when getting out of your car, use common sense; you know that the car on the opposite side is probably not going to do so well when leaving the parking lot later.

This might be a huge dilemma, but put your car in reverse, straighten it out, and pull in between the white lines to avoid any little fender benders or door dents.

When student drivers make a bad parking mistake, they usually leave it, making it harder for others to park around them. Photo by Nina Humphrey

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Hybrid cars help economy, environment

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etween Anna Nicole Simth, Don Imus and the upcoming 2008 elections, it would be nice for politicians to get a break once in a while, but they can’t. They’re infatuated with one word, a simple three-letter word. A word so powerful many in congress believe that it is more offensive than well, most profanities. The word is oil, the problem is money. The solution is hybrid cars.

A brief history lesson would be best at this point.

Flashback. 2000, Our economy, good. 2007- Our economy trillions of dollars in debt. The problems spurring this are countless, yet agreeably the most poignant is supply. Any amateur marketer could tell you about supply v. demand. Hypothetically speaking, if you have 100 gallons of milk and two customers, milk will be very cheap, but if you have 62 customers, then it is likely that price is going to go way up. Although distant, this analogy is directly analogous; replace 100 gallons with a few thousand barrels, milk to oil, customers to Americans and the number two to everybody who has a combustion engine, using oil and gas. The problem is evident.

The problem is oil is a natural resource and we are running out, we have no “oil seeds” to spread or machines to develop oil and thus the prices must go up. The solution, an engine that doesn’t need oil and gas, or uses significantly less. While some

tigerprint 2006-2007

hybrid cars do run off of some gas and some oil they tend to spew out a significant amount less of emissions than do regular “combustion cars.” It all makes it back to a simple argument; “some is better than none.” If hybrids can solve some of the problem, isn’t that better than solving none of the problem? If only our economy could be saved by being able to fulfill our necessities without killing the economy.

Hybrid cars fit this problem to a “T”. They run off of corn oil at a rate in which an entire tour bus can travel 240 miles on an acre.

The advantages of course don’t end there; the world does have problems beyond money. Al Gore would call the environment a pressing issue.

Fans of breathing clean air tend to agree. That is why hybrid cars are quite a marvelous thing.

They produce an incredibly fractional amount of pollution, as compared to typical engines.

Arguments against hybrid cars would be simple to defeat, if only they existed. The fact of the matter is that when it saves you money in the long run, helps your government’s economy and provides cleaner air for all upcoming generations, the best argument that could be written in opposition would be as futile as calling the hybrid cars robots.

staff

Managing Editors Ellen Thomas Sarah Weaver

Features Editors Sarah Weaver Mitch Smith Anita Galler

Photo Editor Nina Humphrey

News Matt Killen

Entertainment Editor Brooke Thurman

Cartoonist Garrett Griffin

Advertising Manager Sara Ster

Circulation Manager Braden Miller

Opinions Editors Megan Van Sooy Brian Israel

Sports Editors Hank Driskell Garrett Griffin

Reporters Jake Faber Ian Janes Andrew Fiori

Photographers Morgan McMahon Gwen Bergerhofer

Adviser Susan Agee

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

Ryour

aise

In light of the Virginia Tech shooting students in the halls were asked:

How do you think society should deal with mentally unstable students?

voice Identify them early, “ The schools need more and give them the “security to protect us. ” help they need.” freshman Ruben Gomez

should be treat“They ed for serious mental

issues that they have, and there rshould be careful follow-up on that treatment.

teacher Britt Qualls

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ourvoice

May 4, 2007

”

“Give them therapy. ” sophomore Emily Nichols

senior Connor Ronan

Increase security by dealing with “mentally ill people’s problems. ” sophomore Sam Donley all mentally ill people “areNotgoing to shoot someone. It was just random.” junior Darcy Lorenzi

determine a per“sonIf doctors was going to harm others, he shouldn’t be in school, and he should be seeking help.

”

junior Ashley Cook

should put them “They in secure classrooms. ” senior Dan Fry

Students constantly asking for supplies pester others mitchsmith

features editor

P

encils, gum, money, paper; the list of things that the moochers of Blue Valley feel compelled to take each day from innocent students can go on and on. Mooching, however, is truly a sad thing, and is also done with the wrong intentions. The blatant irresponsibility of many students (the moochers) coupled with the inherent sympathy and kindness from others (the people gullible enough to supply the moochers with what can equate to stolen property) make this problem one that must be stopped immediately.

It’s one thing to reciprocate sticks of gum or mints between friends, but to repeatedly ask an insecure student susceptible to your smile and promise

to “give it back” to fork over a pencil or piece of Trident is simply ridiculous.

The real problem with the mooching occurs when one “borrows” an item with no intention of ever returning it. A common example of this is when a test is being handed out and an extremely irresponsible student has forgotten a pencil and, almost immediately, a sympathetic student will pull out his pencil bag and hand over one of his writing utensils, likely never to be seen again by the rightful owner. Everyone has been using pencils every day since preschool nearly a decade and a half ago. The simple fact that the word “school” is included on the name of this building should be sign enough to come armed with a writing utensil in hand. In order for this problem to end, the generosity has to stop along with it, and teachers should take

the problem more seriously. When the moocher knows that a teacher or incessantly kind fellow student will bail him out of their pencil-less problems, then that student will start to take more responsibility for the rampant problem in this school.

For some strange reason, people also seem to want someone else’s food or drink at lunch. Nothing screams delicious like your friend’s saliva in the remaining two swallows of Gatorade, just don’t tell that to someone whose lunch hour thirst is being quenched by the virus infested spit of someone at the same lunch table. The presence of germs and bacteria in a used beverage is astronomical and the notion that someone else would want any part of it is disgusting.

Quite possibly the most commonly mooched item in school is gum. Just

because one individual is smart enough to bring gum to class does not give the half a dozen students in his immediate area the right to a stick of that person’s gum. Even more humorous is when once a stick of gum is given, the moocher decides that apple tangerine mango twist wasn’t that great of a flavor after all and sticks his gum under his desk and asks quietly, “Hey, Jim, how about some of the strawberry peach blizzard spearmint gum?” Are you kidding?

Again, if two people consistently give each other gum or pencils (or spit infested Gatorade), there is no problem.

The mooching problem arises when one gullible individual consistently donates his or her possessions to the manipulative mooching thieves they know as classmates. Perhaps the moocher is a pest.

Copying assignments for credit is not fair, unjustified for everyone Students copy assignments due to pressure, laziness, school-related stress

andrewfiori

staff writer

W

e’ve all seen them. The students copying someone’s homework at the last minute before it’s due. We’ve seen the students who eye others’ papers every now and then while taking a test. Whatever the reason, this act isn’t truly justified. It is not fair for the students who actually work hard for their grades.

Some students say it’s due to laziness while others say that the work is just to confusing to them. But in a school such as this, when every opportunity in the world to do better is given to students, making excuses and cheating

is just not right.

Copying only leads to poorer marks in the future. Copying doesn’t teach someone anything. If someone had to have an open-heart surgery, do they want a doctor that might have cheated on his final exam? And if someone is in a career and caught in some kind of dishonest situation, there will be worse consequences than perhaps just a zero on a worksheet. Doing an assignment one’s self will further prepare one for future work.

Why is it that people let copying go on even when they know they are being copied at that very moment?

Why do they share papers with each other? It’s because of benefits.

One may let his or her friend copy

off his work or another classmate’s in exchange for something else. This could be for money, perhaps another paper from another class to copy, or perhaps some form of food at lunch.

And what if someone is caught cheating? Wouldn’t that someone be disciplined? In fact, plagiarism of someone else’s work is illegal.

While cheating on a worksheet may not be considered a federal offense, it may lead to detentions ranging from 15 to 45 minutes after school. It may perhaps even lead to a Friday or Saturday school if the situation is severe enough.

Not only would the consequences take place, but he or she may also lose the trust of others such as his or

her teachers and peers. How would someone like to walk around school with a label as someone who has to steal in order to accomplish anything in life?

All in all, cheating isn’t worth it in the long run. Think about the future and what needs to be accomplished rather than the current points on a worksheet that is due tomorrow. Writing down rather then copying will allow a mind to practice the material allowing one to gain knowledge on the topic. And don’t be afraid to go after school and ask the teachers for help. With as much opportunities given in this school to succeed, it is hard to imagine that anyone can make a valid excuse for copying.

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ourvoice

Global Warming brianisrael

opinions editor

T

menace to society?

his is why I’m hot. If this were a rap song, it might be semi-catchy, but if this is an explanation as to why global warming is likely to destroy our nation, it seems to lose its entertainment value. The distress caused by Al Gore’s recent documentary and many recent claims indicate that this country has a problem, and that problem is raining down on us.

Global warming is directly analogous to a leaky roof. The idea is that if a roof has more holes in it, then when it rains, people are more likely to get wet…only instead of a roof, it’s our o-zone. Instead of rain it’s heat, and instead of getting wet, we’re killing polar bears, and who doesn’t love polar bears?

Okay, sarcasm may have been evident within that last sentence, however the sentiment remains the same. The heat let into the environment is said to be melting down glaciers at a phenomenal rate; this of course would destroy the natural habitat of all kinds of artic creatures.

Notice, however, that the first set of creatures that are likely to be affected are artic animals, not cows. Just because Kansas is having a snow fall in April does not in anyway dispel global warming to be a myth. The sun is a tricky little star that is anything but tricky.

Imagine taking a bouncy ball and putting a flashlight on top if it, just because the sides of the ball are not as bright as the top of the ball does not indicate that the top of that ball may be glowing.

Al Gore put it most elegantly when he states that global warming is a problem our children are going to have to deal with and soon they are going to live in a “whole new world.” If steps are not soon taken to live in more environmental friendly environments, it is very likely that soon, very soon the average temperature in the United States can raise by up to 20 degrees.

One may contend that this temperature change is equivalent to a simple move from the north to the south, yet the effects are much more detrimental than that. These “simple” temperature changes have the ability to ruin crops, melt glaciers into huge pools of water, and even drive down the average lifespan.

Americans have to stop living in a lazy and naïve world in which someone else can take a stand and someone else can deal with the problem. Corporations have already tried to help the problem by creating aerosol cans without CFC’s and households must soon follow suit. A solution must be found new laws should be put into effect stating that everybody must switch over to environmental friendly practices, drive hybrid cars, support Greenpeace, be tree huggers.

In his Acadamy Award-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice President Al Gore describes the simple efforts that can be taken to prevent global warming as something similar to a moral obligation. The cost of doing things as trvial as switching over to flourescent lights can cost nothing more than pennies a day. For just pennies future generations can be protected, our environment can be saved and most importantly one’s moral obligation to help improve his/her “niche” has been met.

yes

May 4, 2007

meganvansooy

opinions editor

G

lobal warming is an obvious factor that some say is “threatening” the Earth today, but is it? Many higher authorities, like Al Gore, accuse humans of ruining the Earth and bringing our only home in the universe to non-existence. But did Al Gore ever consider the fact that the Earth has recently ended an ice age? The Earth’s cycle is very redundant: once the weather is cold and terrible, there will always be significantly warmer weather.

The Earth has just ended one of its longest winters ever, and at this time we are now experiencing Earth’s longer version of spring. Humans don’t affect the “spring” that we are experiencing; it is just a cycle that the Earth goes through every couple thousand years.

The last ice age ended over 10,000 years ago. While that may seem like eons for humans, for the Earth’s internal clock, it is a very short amount of time. Between ice ages, there are multi-million years of almost tropical climates. These warmer periods are known as interglacials. It does not mean that the Earth will forever be in a “spring” state, but the interglacial periods will most likely last longer, but this does not mean the Earth will end.

One of the arguments that strong believers of global warming bring up is the melting of glaciers, which among other things causes the polar bears to die. The definition of ice age is period of long-term reduction in the temperature of Earth’s climate, resulting in an expansion of the continental ice sheets, polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers. What we are experiencing now is the opposite of an ice age, which means that the glaciers will probably melt, but not because of cars and pollution and excess carbon dioxide.

This is yet another one of Earth’s many cycles, and in a couple thousand years the glaciers will freeze again and the Earth will experience another ice age.

If you are a person that enjoys cold weather, have no fear. Ice ages are supposed to last 10 times longer than interglacial periods, and according to the orbital theory of climate change (which basically explains that due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the Earth will experience changes in its orbit, and tilt of its axis, which causes ice ages and interglacial periods), our interglacial period is not due to last long. It’s just a matter of time. Even though we probably won’t live long enough to see the next ice age, “global warming” will not affect our great-great-great-grandchildren. They may even be worrying about a “global cooling.”

“Global warming” is a problem that is not tangible. It is just someone’s reasoning to try to blame humans for having civilized lives. The Earth is not coming to an end; it is just going through its own seasons. In a couple thousand years, the glaciers will freeze back up, the polar bears will have a place to live, and humans will have found amazing ways to live through a modern ice age.

“Global warming” is not going to ruin our lives forever, and it shouldn’t stand in the way of humans in succeeding in life. Even though humans do not cause this warming, they must adjust their lifestyles to live with the changes in weather.

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seniorsection

May 4, 2007

FREEDOM

From tailgating to State Championships to the Senior-Faculty Challenge, the seniors will never forget the memories of their high school days.

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seniornews

Senior Mason Haggerty, left,

May 4, 2007

Seniors get ready for graduation

spikes the ball to teacher Daman Feuerborn who blocks it while teacher Emily Basil covers Feuerborn.

Teachers won the volleyball and basketball games.

Seniors ended up losing the SeniorFaculty Challenge, 50-45. Photo by Nina Humphrey

School activities help seniors prepare to leave, make final memories before moving to collge brookethurman

where

scholarship about all seniors was read for other seniors and their families.

The seniors took on their teachers in the Senior-Faculty Challenge on April 26, with the faculty coming out victorious.

Today the g r a d u a t i o n festivities continue with the Class Competition Day celebration at AMF College Lanes in Overland Park.

Seniors will leave after second hour and bowl free for the rest of the day.

The anticipation for graduation builds with the Senior Class Picnic at the AllAmerican Sports

entertainment editor information

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Graduation seen as both scary, exciting

Seniors leave BV for college, life beyond high school mitchsmith

staff writer

A

s another school year winds down, another class of seniors is preparing to take its last walk of their high school career across the stage of Kemper Arena. For seniors, the May 20 ceremony will mark the end of four years of high school.

“I’m just looking forward to being done with high Graduation brings very school,” senior Joel Cox said. positive closure to the “Graduation just high school experience. I can’t come soon compare it to a wedding enough.”

The ceremony - Principal Scott Bacon will take place in front of family members and friends from around the nation. Many seniors find the end of their high school career as bittersweet. While excited to move on with their lives, leaving their friends and preparing for future endeavors proves very difficult.

For others, such as senior Cameron Weir, friends didn’t play an important role in their college choices. Weir plans to attend the University of Kansas

“

”

in the fall, but says that the large amount of Blue Valley graduates that attend KU did not impact his decision.

“For really good friends [who will be attending other schools] I plan to stay in contact,” Weir said.

“However, I chose KU for their engineering program, not for the friends.”

Over 320 seniors are expected to walk across the Kemper Arena stage and receive their diplomas.

While an emotional experience, graduation also proves to be a very exciting time for many.

“Graduation brings very positive closure to the high school experience,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “For a parent to think, ‘This is the final chapter of my child’s high school life,’ is a big deal. I compare it to a wedding.”

The class of 2007 leaves Blue Valley with many state championships, as well as giving the school its highest amount of Advanced Placement scholars ever. Although the class is leaving the building, many believe that the legacy they leave behind will live on.

“These last two senior classes,” Bacon said, “have been close to perfect.”

s the year winds down and graduation approaches the class of 2007 prepares for many activities that will lead up to graduation. As senior Michael Simpson prepares to end his career he reflects on his high school years.

“We’ve all learned how to get along together and stay friends because we’re in the same situation,” Simpson said. “It definitely wasn’t like that four years ago.”

Senior activities began on April 25 with Senior Awards Night

Complex in Lenexa, Kan. next Friday.

The picnic is one of the last gatherings for the seniors.

“I think it will be bittersweet,” senior Stefanie Krull said.

“I’m excited to spend time with my class that day.”

Senior finals are May 15-17 with Class Day on May 17.

Juniors and seniors will attend Class Day on May 18 from 9-11 a.m. Seniors Hank Driskell and Maggie Haren will deliver speeches on Class Day. On Graduation, May 20, Austin Quarles and Brent Curry will be speaking at 1 p.m. at Kemper Arena.

Senior girls compete against the female faculty in the tug-of-war

competition during the Senior-Faculty Challenge last Friday. The tug-ofwar competition was the only challenge that the seniors won. Photo by Nina Humphrey

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seniorcolumns

May 4, 2007

After going through ‘so much,’ Class of ‘07 leaves as friends

F

or the past 12 years we have been looking forward to graduation day. The day where we are finally ready, as they tell us, to step into the “Real World.” I have never liked that saying. What kind of world do they think we are living in now?

Yes, we may live in our Leawood/ Overland Park “bubble,” but we have still encountered problems and obstacles that are plenty real to us.

During the years of high school, I have had my share of problems and drama, but through it all I learned what and

senior Anita Galler

who is important to me. From my four years in high school I have learned and come to some conclusions about us.

Yes, we may be the “we know everything” generation, but that’s because we have opinions, voices, and we think we can do anything. They may say we are “out of control,” but really I’d like to say we just don’t like limits or restrictions. We are people who question authority and cross boundaries. We aren’t afraid to be heard or seen.

We’ve had to deal with the bullies, the rumors, the scandalous hookups and the crazy parties. With all of these things to deal with, we have still come a long way in our education. Though we have fun in the process, nothing has stopped us from working hard for the things we really want. Each one of us wants to succeed and be something in our lives. We are motivated, and when we want something we go for it.

As a class we have formed some amazing friends that have changed our lives. Everyone has dealt with the “drama” and had some hard times, but in the end we learn who our real friends are. Though some of these

friendships may have disappeared, we have learned the nature of people and the nature of ourselves.

We’ve also experienced our share of firsts. The first job, car and even first love.

We have shared amazing experiences like football games, dances, crushes, concerts, parties and so much more.

Now it’s time for us to move on to the next step, to take what we have learned from high school and hope it helps us in our future. I think everyone has something from this school they can take with them in college. For me, it will be the wonderful times and memories I have shared with my friends. Laughing till my stomach hurt, screaming till I had no voice and crying till I had no tears.

Ultimately, we have reached our glory day. We are finally going to graduate and be out of here and on to something new and better.

I’ve had an awesome four years of high school and am so happy I got to share it with the people in our class.

Probably the most important thing I have learned about us is that we are the generation of the invincible, we can do anything, and we will. Peace out.

Graduation not an ending, but starting point in life

W

e’ve finally made “it.” We’ve gotten fired up, become the dream, gotten our game faces on, and whatever else Principal Scott Bacon has told us to do. We’ve come down to only seconds left in our high school careers. We’re done — or are we?

Our entire high school experience has been getting us ready to jump into college and be the absolute smartest person out there.

We’ve sat though AP classes and suffered though the SAT and ACT, however many times it took us to get the right score.

Then this year we searched for the college that is heaven, which also costs elevendy billion dollars a semester, so we begged strangers for money in the form of scholarships. We’ve done all of this work, but it isn’t over yet.

We’ve got at least another four years of college to get through. We get to do it all over again. But only this time, once we’re done, we get to go to the real world. We’ll get to experience all the adult things that we’ve been threatened with like finding a job outside a fast food venue that pays more than minimum wage, and, as they told us in that gloriousness that is Tiger Time, taxes and credit cards.

But later when parents and relatives get all excited at graduation parties and say “You’ve made it!” what is the “it” that we’ve made? We’ve survived high school which really is an achievement; I mean just getting down the freshman hallway during passing

one some sort of prize, and we’ve gotten into colleges, but that is only a preparation for things to come.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that today and May 20 isn’t the end of really anything.

Okay, so it’s the end of lockers, but really that is about it. Today should not really be about “yeah, we’re done” but about “yeah, we’re starting.” From here on out, we’re fending for ourselves.

If we succeed it’s because of our dedication and effort, and if we fail it’s not the fault of that teacher who really can’t speak English or who can’t teach; it’s our own. Now our lives are up to what we try and achieve, not what other people tell us to do.

Yes, we have graduated high school, but that is not a reason to stop working and striving for our goals. We’ve made it, but we have to define what the “it” is. “It” could be becoming a doctor or becoming that person we have already dreamt we would be.

However we define “it,” we’ve only made “it,” and we’ve not gotten “it” yet.

We’ve all been given a solid foundation that we can build our “it” on. In high school we’ve learned to be dedicated, and to borrow a Baconism “run to finish.” Now, if we can transfer that mentality and dedication over to college and life beyond that, we will have no trouble getting “it.”

From May 20 onward Blue Valley High School will only be a memory. What we do have, though, are our futures. We’ve made “it” through high school; now let’s go achieve “it” in college.

senior Ellen Thomas

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seniormap

May 4, 2007

Adios Amigos

Arhhem Business School- Holland Michiel Weenik Arizona State University Robert Alexander Avila University Ashley Drake Kelsey Frerking Baker University Taryn Britain Adam Foote Benedictine College Scott Hill Anthony DiGiovanni Boston Conservatory Taylor Avazpour Alexandra Matteo Butler County Community College Kyle Hoge Brigham Young University-Provo Michael Hawkins

Lauren Wissmann DePaul UniversityChicago LeAnn Stilley DeVry Igor Kantor Drake University Anthony Bertolone Geoffrey Fichman Alyssa Urso Emporia State University Alexandra Gompf Ryan Heil Tyler Mikkelson Erika Nebel Zach Rampy Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising- Los Angeles Laura Mendez Graceland University Collin Isham

Harding University Tyler Kennon Hope CollegeMichigan Sarah Stinson John Brown University AJ Riedesel Johnson County Community College Drew Brookner Willy Brown Krystal Bruce Hailey Budenz Shannon Buie Kayla Burke Meghan Burns Ashley Chen Caitlin Clear Vanessa DeSloover Sara Dominguez

Rebecca Feller Jason Goergen Joe Grace Blaine Hermreck Alex Hernandez Matt Humphrey Elizabeth Kendrick Kristin Koehler Adam Knapp Andrew Kuehler Andy Madouras Ashley Martinez Whitney Matthews AJ Mead Alex Meisinger Chelsea Paxson Scott Pinney Jacob Priddy Abigail Ramos Anna Samuel Nicole Schlitzer Morgan Snell Sydni Springer Nick Steele Sonia Vieyra Jeremiah Watkins Jessica Winchel

Kansas State University Ayracon Almaraz Drew Ball Brett Bauer Jennifer Bernard Brecklyn Bolan Krista Chesley Robert Cox Kacie Davis Bradley Deppen Leah Fryberger Britt Gardner Allison Goodpasture Spencer Hockenberry Michael Hodges David Kendrick Blake Malcolm Chris Martin Tom Marten Maggie McNiel Sara Miller Andrea Morris Caroline Nyman Leia Richards Jeffrey Schober Anthony Schultz James Strieby Andy Strutz Nick Viviano

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seniormap

May 4, 2007

Seniors part the black and gold sea Laura Wilcoxon Max Williams

Longview Community College Colin Driscoll Maryville UniversitySt. Louis Robert Arell MidAmerica Nazarene University McKenzi Foster Missouri State University Garrett Griffin Andrea Rowe Miami University Sarah Nelson MMI Phoenix Arizona Chance Adams Neosho County Community College Jason Browar Samantha Martley Northwest Missouri State Ben Ehret Joey Mendrala Northwestern Oklahoma State Derrick Peterson Northwestern University Brent Curry Ohio Northern University Montana Nall Oklahoma State University Stefanie Krull Ohio State University Matt Silverstein Pittsburgh State William Conway Matt Delair Emily Douglas Ericka Gillard

Katie Hastings Kacie Jones Rachael King Miles Owens Carston Scafe Travis Smith Tyler Smith Brock Souders Dan Tangen Jeffery Tangney Nate Wiechman

Pittsburgh UniversityPennsylvania Marshall Stula Point Loma Nazarene Stefanie Wienecke Rockhurst University Michael McDonald Rutgers- New Jersey KT West Savannah College of Art and Design Patrick Cooley St. Lukes Nursing Kelly Shay St. Louis University Tony Britt South Africa Waylon Magobotha Southwestern Baptist University Collin Schedler Truman State University Emily Hale University of Arkansas Morgan Bingham Alex Freeman Ashton Gayer Maggie Haren Megan Kormanik University of Arizona Melinda Moeller University of Central Missouri State Joel Cox Miles Jaben University of Denver

Sam Frickleton University of Evansville Jason Hisle

University of Kansas Vanessa Abenoja Kelsey Adkins Katie Baker Aurora Barker Madeline Bailey Christine Bliar Kelsey Calandro Lisa Cason Chris Castor Amanda Dirks Hank Driskell Chelesa Ehinger Dan Fry Mason Haggerty Taylor Haggerty Erin Hardison Chris Herdoiza Sarah Hockel Valerie Huges Jade Irish Andy Jackson Miles Jackson Courtney Johnson Amanda Kissner Ryan Koerkenmeier Nicole Kovaes Melissa LaFuria Kiley Laemmli Frank Lasley Christina Lee Max Lehman Erin Luis Ryann Lucansky Kirstin Magliacano Paula McCoy Jake McNiel Jessica Menghini Amalia Miller Matthew Mulligan Katie Myers Fayez Nazir Christina Neuhedel Jessica Neuhedel Alex Nichols Jake Osmundson Denys Parker Jeremy Pittman Steven Qiu Sarah Rabe Andy Randall Austin Ray Mellisa Richardson

Alex Sandmonen Alix Santa Maria Carly Schoen Michael Simpson Scott Simpson Alyson Smith Alex Solis Sara Summers Zach Thayer Ellen Thomas Mai To Adam Totten Kara Vaglio Annie Wade Cameron Wier

University of MissouriColumbia Nicole Burzyk Anita Galler Trey Hobson Zach Peterson University of MissouriKansas City Adrienne Esserine Allison Meyer Josh Robinson Dana Skultety University of Minnesota Joel Hill Julie Liu Karen Melton University of NebraskaLincoln Allie Lentfer Laura Wong University of Northern Colorado Cameron Kamen University of Oklahoma Kristen Daschke University of Stanford Elizabeth Minoofar Austin Quarles University of Tennessee Allison Paryse Washburn University Elizabeth Farrell West Virginia

University Mike Akers Wichita State University Teresa Kellerman Witenburg- Springfield, Ohio Thomas McElwee William Jewell College Nate Chastain Katherine Ebling Military Matt Bonabhan Jay McPhail Brian Reams Derek Robb Matt Sobczynski Undecided Daniel Anderson Allen Averkamp Ava Azad Michael Basler Jared Bodner Mikka Call Emily Crews Brian Dess Ryan Dooley Sarah Flynn Eliza Gale Josh Garrard Ann Gorsuch Brook Gorthy Trevor Hampton Rachel Hanson Megan Harris Tim Hieber Lisa Higuchi Ian Janes Matt Killen Taylor Laemmli Samantha Lyman Jacob McNeil Drew Mikkelson Sarah Nelson Joseph Sayegh Jordan Pruitt Michelle Wilhite Blane Williams Information was provided by the counseling office the week of April 16.

Cutest Couple

Class Clown

Biggest Flirt

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Most Friendly

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Seniors given last title before they leave high school

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Most Likely to Succeed

Most School Spirit

Best Laugh

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Most likely to be famous

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Most Artistic

Worst Case of Senioritis

Most Athletic Sam Martley and Will Conway

Cutest Couple

Class Clown

Biggest Flirt

man

Most Friendly

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Seniors given last title before they leave high school

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seniorsuperlatives

ne N y

12

Most Likely to Succeed

Most School Spirit

Best Laugh

Tayl

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Kacie l and edes e A.J. R i

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Most likely to be famous

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Most Artistic

Worst Case of Senioritis

Most Athletic Sam Martley and Will Conway

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seniorofficers

May 4, 2007

Students join military to enrich lives, pay for school

McKaig accepted into competitive Naval Academy; others go straight into service andrewfiori staff writer

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ne has many choices to consider after leaving high school. Some decide to go to college while others take a year off to work. But some seek a life of action. Soon to be graduates Matthew Bonabhan, Jay McPhail, Brian Reams, Derek Robb, Matthew Sobczynski, Matthew Silverstein, Joel Cox and Meredith McKaig all seek to join the U.S. military forces in some way after graduation.

McKaig has been accepted into the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. She is going to try out for the swim team but doesn’t think she’ll make it because it is considered one of the best teams in the nation.

“I think it’s a very good place with good opportunities,” McKaig said, “and a chance to serve our country.”

Getting into the Naval Academy is very competitive and difficult. To just be considered for a nomination, McKaig needed to get a nomination from either a U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative or the Vice President of the United States. The applicants also

need to pass a physical fitness test, which includes running 1.5 miles and maxing out on sit up and push ups.

Robb has decided to join the Navy.

Although he says that it will teach him many life long skills, he does it for a different reason. Robb would like to travel the world.

“Being in the Navy and all, it would be great to travel to the different places of our world,” Robb said. “Since traveling has been something I’ve wanted to do, I figured, what better way than joining the Navy?”

After the Navy, Robb hopes to move to Arizona and attend school there.

McPhail has also decided to join the Navy. He hopes that it will teach him leadership and technical skills to help him in his future career after the Navy.

“I’m hoping for some technical training for my hopeful career as a commercial photographer or sports journalism photographer,” McPhail said.

“With the skills I’ll hopefully learn while in the military,” McPhail said, “I want to become more self sufficient and have a good career.”

Bonabhan seeks to join the military

to help him gain leadership skills for a future career in law enforcement. He also hopes to obtain skills needed to take care of oneself after his military career.

Bonabhan is also joining for traveling purposes and hopes to obtain a good education.

Reams has decided to go into the Marines for his military career. He has had a long line of family members who have been in the military ranging from cousins to grandparents. He is hoping to pursue an engineering career after his service.

“I am hoping to gain some leadership skills that may help me in my future careers after I’m done with the Marines,” Reams said, “mainly engineering skills.”

Sobczynski has also gone the way of the Marines. He has had two grandparents in the Army and one in the Air Force. Sobczynski hopes to obtain money for a future education while he is in the military.

“The Marines will help discipline me,” Sobczynski said. “It will help me to work to get the job done.”

The other two students are going off to the army through a Reserved Officer

Training Core or ROTC scholarship.

This scholarship trains people to be in the army while also helping pay for education through college.

Cox has always wanted to be in the military. His cousins and uncles have all been in the Air Force, Navy and National Guard.

“I’m hoping to fly helicopters,” Cox said. “They have always interested me.”

Cox is also hoping for a career in the airline industry after his service to the army.

Silverstein is also using an ROTC scholarship. He hopes to go into the Air Force or the Navy with it.

“It’s kind of tradition in a way,” Silverstein said. “I’m hoping that it will give me experience for my hopeful future career in aerospace engineering.”

Silverstein will be either going to Texas State for Air Force or Ohio State for the Navy.

These students will be in the minds of many as they venture off to help the United States. The action and adventure life is not all about the glory and honor; these students are preparing for the future.

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seniorfeature

May 4, 2007

Senior signed to Ivy League school Student Body President to wrestle at Stanford

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Senior Austin Quarles signed with

Stanford University to wrestle April 11, with his brother junior Brooks Quarles, father and mother surrounding him. photo by Sara Ster

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accomplishments, but don’t deny they are looking forward to the fall. ome student-athletes are gifted enough “We are so excited to get rid of him,” father to play a Division 1 sport.

Greg Quarles joked. “You have no idea how Some student-leaders are charismatic much we have to pay Stanford to take him.” enough to become school President.

All jokes aside, Quarles is prepared to take on Some students are intelligent enough to his newest challenges at a top-flight school. become National Merit Commended Scholar.

“I think Stanford is one of the best colleges At Blue Valley High School, there is a student in the country,” Quarles said. “It has the same who has accomplished all rigor as Ivy League schools three.

I came in as a freshman but better weather.”

Senior Austin Quarles California weather may be the wrestler, the school thinking wrestling was a perk, but Quarles knows he President and a National about throwing a chair. will miss Kansas.

Merit Commended Scholar - Austin Quarles “Moving far away is a double is about to become freshman edged sword,” he said. “Yes, Austin Quarles the wrestler there’s a beach, but I’ll be a and the Stanford pre-law student. He has had little homesick.” a very accomplished high school career in and Quarles and his parents aren’t the only out of the classroom, but he has learned a thing excited members of the Blue Valley community. or two along the way.

Classmate Erin Lewis indicated her admiration “I came in as a freshman thinking wrestling for Quarles while giving him a jibe Quarles has was about throwing a chair,” Quarles said at heard more than once. his signing ceremony held in the senior lunch “I really look to him. Well, really I look right room April 11. at him,” the 5’2” Lewis said, “but seriously, His parents are certainly proud of his he’s someone I really idolize.”

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Senior goes to Stanford to throw ellenthomas

editor-in-chief

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olumbia or Stanford?

For senior Elizabeth Minoofar the choice was not easy. Both schools recruited Minoofar to throw javelin, but after a month of contemplation, Minnofar decided to sign with Stanford University.

“When I visited it [Stanford], it just felt right,” Minoofar said. “The people were really nice.”

Minoofar has had a successful athletic and academic career at Blue Valley, which gave her a leg up in getting recruited

by Stanford and Columbia.

She got first place in javelin throwing at the state track competition her junior year

and was also a National Merit Commended Scholar.

Moving from Stilwell, Kan. to Palo Alto, Calif. is a big change, but Minoofar does not think that the transition will be too hard.

“I think it will be an easy transition,” Minoofar said.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the team and level of competition.”

Congrats Graduates!

From the 2007 Tiger Print

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seniorcolumns

Senior reflects on lighter side of high school...

May 4, 2007

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igh school has been four long years of ups and downs, through which I have learned many things. Since this peculiar four year extravaganza is coming to a close, I figured I might as well count down the top five things that I’ve learned in high school.

Number one—if someone calls out your last name in a questionable tone, then quickly turns away don’t look directly at them, or even make an attempt to do the same thing with their last name; it’s just not worth it.Number two — If someone happens to catch you by surprise and nut-tap you, don’t overreact and try to tackle the person, or shove him to the ground. Doing so only encourages future nut-tapping and a possibly sterile future.

Number three — don’t show up to practice wearing blank sweatpants, a sweatshirt, a camoflauge hunting coat, and a hat only Elmer Fudd could pull off; even if it happens to be extremely cold outside, and you think that Elmer Fudd hat looks pretty darn good. And definetly do not pose for a picture while wearing that ridiculous outfit. You’ll probably regret it later.

Number four — if – hypethetically speaking — you run into the Sonic sign, knocking the entire menu on the ground, be sure to tip the waitress. And if someone asks if you hit their car, don’t say ‘I’m not sure,’ even if you’re trying to account for the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.

Number five — don’t encourage coach Rabbitt by laughing at his jokes. If you do, you’ll probably hear more than you wanted to.

In all seriousness, the most important things I took from high school are to be yourself and have confidence. High school was a good time spent with my close friends and family. To all those graduating good luck, and god’s speed.

senior Matt Killen

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Senior gives advice from experiences senior Garrett Griffin

ere’s some sweet, heart-warming advice for all who aren’t graduating this year (I feel for you…really).

My dad once told me that if a woman ever asks how old you think she is and how much you think she weighs, just say, “25 years old, 90 pounds.” Just remember NEVER to get those two numbers mixed up.

NEVER make obnoxious animal noises in class.

And if a moo or two manages to slip out accidentally and you get kicked out of the room, NEVER leave where the teacher sent you.

If you’re in a worthless school program and you realize that it’s corrupt and only exists because the school gets big bucks for keeping it around, ALWAYS just bite your tongue and keep your opinions to yourself.

Isn’t it funny how sometimes the only conversation students have is about how tired they are? If you’re exhausted, ALWAYS blast “Back in Black” as loud as you can before your ears start bleeding. You’ll feel wide awake…trust me.

If an annoying friend slams your locker shut before you’re ready to close it, threaten to slap his girlfriend. NEVER actually do it, though.

If a chick slams your locker shut while your fingers are still on the inside edge…well, anything goes on that one.

If you ever hear a story about someone eating a cat, NEVER ask for details.

NEVER tell your Communication Arts teacher that Toni Morrison is the anti-Christ.

If you’re at a football game and some little kid that you suspect is a demon tells you he wants your balloon, NEVER give it to him.

If you find something you love to do, ALWAYS do it, no matter what anyone else says. Art, filmmaking, broadcasting…whatever it may be.

Good times, good times. Well, that’s all I can think of right now. To be honest I’m surprised at how little I remember about past years at BVHS. If you asked me to recall my freshman sixth hour, I couldn’t tell you. Sorry, whoever my teacher was. In fact, most of these helpful hints for surviving high school come from this year – that’s how bad the amnesia is. My last piece of advice is this: write down everything that happens to you, good and bad, and keep that list safe somewhere. So if you ever are on the newspaper staff and need to write a farewell address, it will be better than this one. That’s all I have to say about that.

Good luck.

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seniorcolumns

May 4, 2007

Driskell recommends making friends a priority

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ne of my close friends, Alex Freeman, always tells me, “Sometimes you just gotta say, what the heck.” You may recognize this quote from the Tom Cruise movie, Risky Business. I used to dismiss this quote because it came out of Tom Cruise’s mouth, and he is a witch that believes in aliens. But the more I think about this advice, the more I understand its actual relevance to high school. Here’s a couple of scenarios when the saying may come in use.

If you devote all of your time to academics, your head will explode and that is not just a figure of speech; your head will actually explode. There may be a time in your academic life when you are overloaded with work and you would rather be playing Tiger Woods with a couple of pals. My advice, sacrifice some quality on your homework to have some fun. Your purpose in high school is to learn; however, learning should not be your entire life during high school. Balance is key in life. Sometimes you just gotta say, what the heck.

Maybe you’re walking down the hall and suddenly you have to use the restroom, I mean it’s an emergency, and the closest restroom is the faculty bathroom. You weigh your options; do you risk not making it to the next restroom and having an accident that would totally ruin your fly reputation or do you, a mere student, risk being caught using the faculty’s facility? What can I say, sometimes you just gotta say, what the heck.

It may seem like I’m using my media power to encourage anarchy and turn precious AP scholars into rebels. Well that’s not my aim at all. I’m encouraging students to find balance in life. I’m encouraging students to find a way to stay sane after hours of homework. I’m encouraging students to enjoy being with their friends. Enjoy minimal responsibility. Enjoy high school because in the blink of an eye it’s all over. Thanks to Mr. Freeman I had a lot of fun with only a few regrets. But sometimes you just gotta say, what the heck.

senior Hank Driskell

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Senior shares triumphs, disappointments

hroughout high school I have learned a lot of things, for example paying someone to eat a preserved cat is worth the $5. But seriously, high school has taught me a lot of lessons that I will carry with me into college and beyond. From athletics to academics, I have narrowed my high school lessons down to three that I think are most important.

My first important lesson is that sometimes you can learn a lot more from losing or failing, than you can from winning or succeeding. Sometimes getting a bad grade on a test can make you question your approach to how you study or work at it. I also played on a basketball team that went 5-16, and I am not going to lie it was tough sometimes to accept that we weren’t playing as well as I had hoped. But I wouldn’t trade anyone of my teammates on that team; it was a joy to play with them.

Second, it’s the great people, who can still do good things when nobody is looking. This one is taken for granted sometimes, but it’s true. It’s really easy to show off for a coach, or be nice to a friend or tell a teacher that you are working as hard as you possibly can.

But it’s the practice you put in away from the field, the study time and homework that you do, and the way you talk about people when they’re not around. If you can put in the work outside of the school or field, and treat people with respect when they are not around, then you should feel pretty good about yourself as a person.

Lastly, in the end, the only way to get what you are really looking for is through hard work. If you don’t study, then you won’t get the grade, and if you don’t practice hard, you won’t perform well on the field. The once great pitcher Tommy John once said, “Always give 100 percent, and you will never have to doubt yourself.” If you know that you gave it everything you had, then there should be nothing to worry about.

High school has taught me a lot more lessons than three, but these are the values that I feel that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve enjoyed the experience, and I look forward to the direction that I am heading for in the future.

senior Ian Janes

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seniorsection

May 4, 2007

Home away from home

it’s necessary to know how to downsize and take the appropriate things along when moving into your new home away home.

For the girls, there are obvious things that must be taken to school with photo by nina humphrey you. Make sure you have plenty brookethurman of clothes and all your toiletries; entertainment editor here comes a time in every however, it’s not necessary to bring student’s life when he must your entire wardrobe. Heard of a say farewell to his family, washing machine? Besides that, it friends, pets and luxuries that exist at most likely will not be winter when his home. They must move out into school begins, so why bring along the the world or at least onto a college winter coat, Ugg boots, and sweaters campus and soak in the reality of when closet space can be saved for the next four years being spent in a other items. Save that space for the closet, also known as a dorm room. bathrobe and shower caddy you’ll With the miniscule space available, need when traveling to and from

T

the community bathroom or leave it for the mini-fridge and bulk snacks that will be necessary for when you get the late night munchies or early morning cravings.

As for the guys, make sure you bring enough clothes. While your counterparts try to bring their whole room with them to college, most guys settle for a couple pairs of jeans, sweats, some khaki shorts and six to seven t-shirts to get through an entire semester. Even though those items are necessary there are also some uncommon but important things to have. It’s almost certain that most will bring several electronic items with them to their dorm however, most colleges don’t supply an outlet for a fridge, laptop, stereo, TV, DVD and Wii. Because of this, it would be in your best interest to bring extension cords or a power strip. Also don’t forget a mini-tool kit. While it may seem like a waste, you never know when something might break down or when something might need to be hung.

Seniors’ summer

anitagaller

staff writer

I

plan on hanging with my friends as much as I can before we go our separate ways,” senior Andy Randall said.

Most seniors would agree with Randall. Their summer plans are dedicated to their friends before they head off to college.

As graduation approaches seniors are excited for that glorious moment when they can throw their caps in the air and proudly display their diplomas they worked so hard for. After graduation seniors are left with three wonderful months before that new chapter of their lives, college, begins.

For most seniors summer means time to spend with friends, vacations to take, college to prepare for and to say the dreaded goodbyes.

For Randall, summer means making the most out of his time by working and spending quality time with his buddies.

“My main goal is to get as prepared as I can for the upcoming school year,” Randall said.

Randall plans on working during the summer to save up as much money as possible for college next year.

Many seniors plan on working as much as possible during this last summer before college to save up for the many expenses. Students hope to have enough spending money (at least a $1,000 or more) by the time next fall rolls around. Summer gives students enough time to get started on saving for the many expenses college life will bring. For senior Ericka Gillard this summer is all about working and

Do NOT

forget

clean bedding

“lots of pens and pencils you will lose lots of them”

first-aid “flashlight”

“multiple bath towels” cleaning supplies medicine “comfy sleeping bagyou never know where you’ll end up”

Do NOT pets

“rolls of quarters for washer”

bring

your whole wardrobe

“parents” “a significant other, you’ll meet so many hotties” “too much food, peope will steal” non-seasonal clothing quotes from various college students

Students spend last summer with friends, on vacations

saving.

After graduation Gillard will be moving to Pittsburg, Kan., where she will attend school next year at Pittsburg State University. During the summer Gillard will be working at a local hospital, as well as babysitting for a family.

“I’m working mostly so I can have money to pay for college, and I’ll have something on my resume when I apply to nursing school,” Gillard said.

Unlike many seniors Gillard will be paying for most of her college, including her tuition and room and board. Gillard plans on working around 40 hours a week if she can.

“I feel fine knowing that I have to pay for college and save money,” Gillard said. “It will keep me motivated.”

Saving money for college is an excellent idea, considering the average student spends around $6,500 a year on her personal life, not including their tuition and books said the College Explorer Outlook Study. This amount is spent on everything from food, clothing, concerts, electronic devices and much more.

According to Gillard, working all through high school and paying for everything has made her realize that she needs to step up and put a lot of effort into college.

“I think paying for college is important because it forces you to take some responsibility,” Gillard said.

“It’s really also more consideration toward your parents than anything.”

Not all seniors plan on working the whole summer though. For senior Sarah Hockel, her last summer before college will be marked with a trip to Europe.

Hockel will be headed on the photography trip to France, Spain and Italy with seniors Eryn Hardison and Jay McPhail. Hockel and the other members of the trip will be touring these countries, as well as taking pictures and developing their photography skills.

“It’s a good reward for getting through high school,” Hockel said.

According to Hockel, the timing of this trip is great because she feels it’s a good way to explore more before she heads to college. The trip will also help her determine if she wants to pursue a career in photography.

No matter what each senior will be doing during the summer, the end of the summer is a sweet, yet sad thing they look forward to. Many seniors feel saying goodbye to their friends will be the hardest thing they do all summer.

“Everyday we hang out is like one day closer to the last day,” Hockel said. “ It’s going to be really hard, and I want to put it off.”

For some seniors like Randall saying goodbye to the friends they have known since kindergarten will be especially sad. According to Randall, he will miss all his friends especially the friends he has known the longest like senior Scott Hill.

“It’s going to suck, but I’m not going to cry like a little girl,” Hill said. “I will still see all of them.”

Though each senior will be faced with a goodbye of some kind, the end of the summer really just marks the beginning of a brand new part of each student’s life. “ It’s going to signify that we are changing and how we all have to grow up a little bit,” Hockel said.

19

currentevents

May 4, 2007

Renovations to start this summer, not finished until beginning of 2008 mitchsmith

features editor

S

orry Starbucks and sayonara Caribou, the renovations to Blue Valley High might be tapping into your consumer base. A new coffee shop will just be one of several renovations to the school, which may begin as early as this summer.

Blue Valley will house four more science classrooms, a modernized music wing, a renovated weight room, a new fitness center as well as a coffee shop, redesigned office and kitchen area and new lockers and carpeting. These projects occur along with similar construction at all other Blue Valley High schools. Although most of these renovations won’t be complete until the beginning of the 20082009 school year, many underclassmen are enthused at the prospects of more current athletic facilities and classrooms as part of the school by the time they are seniors.

“The new weight room should give our athletes an advantage in sports,” sophomore Suraj Keshary said.

The funding for most of these renovations, which, according to principal Scott Bacon, totals nearly $9 million, comes from a local bond issue that was approved by voters in a 2005 election.

The funding for the school coffee shop, however, comes from a joint grant awarded by the school

district to the Business and Special Education Departments. According to Bacon, business students will work alongside special education students, giving both groups real world job experience within the school building. Bacon also said that the coffee shop would likely be located in a storefront in what is currently a storage closet in the commons and plans to be ready to open to thirsty students when school resumes next August.

“The new coffee shop will reduce tardies because people won’t be stuck waiting in line at Starbucks,” sophomore Nathan Lindshield said.

Although most of the construction will be completed during the summer of 2008, planning and some foundation work for the new science classrooms and weight room may begin as early as next month on the east and south sides of the building respectively. This new construction will also have an impact on the location of the current mobile classrooms. However, a time has not been set for the relocation of mobiles, which may be in the way of the several construction projects. While the planning stages continue for these major changes, students shouldn’t expect much to be changed when they return next August.

“There really won’t be much change in terms of construction this summer,” Bacon said.

The majority of the renovations will be finished in the fall of 2008.

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Four more science classrooms will be added on

along with several new offices. The total cost of the renovations is expected to be about $9 million, according to Principal Scott Bacon.

The new science rooms will extend out towards

where the mobiles are currently. Another mobile is also in the building plans. Building plans submitted Scott Bacon

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20

redcarpet

General audiences disallowed

May 4, 2007

Film board changes ratings system, makes ratings scale stricter mattkillen

news editor

T

he Motion Picture Association Agency of America has agreed to undergo a much needed change in its ratings system. The system appeared flawed after movies saturated with gore like Saw and Kill Bill received the same rating as Jim Carey’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The movies have seen an increase in violence almost every year, while most scenes regarding sex have been cut down tremendously. This double standard is one of the reasons that the MPAA is on the hot seat.

According to USA Today, the MPAA is made up of parents of children ages four to 17, who are considered to have an opinion consistent with that of most American parents. This means that judges can be forced out, even if they did a good job on rating films. It also means that no person can represent the MPAA if they aren’t a parent, which is a large portion of the US. On top of that, USA Today reports the judges names are currently not released to the public.

The inconsistency on which movies are rated also poses a problem. Sherri Sylvester, a CNN News Correspondent reports that a scene involving a dog licking an empty wine bottle was taken

out of Teaching Mrs. Tingle because it suggested teen drinking. It is also possible for some racy scenes to be left in, and there really isn’t a guideline for rating films. The MPAA plans to have a more specific guideline for films, although these guidelines have yet to be specified.

One of the biggest problems with the ratings system is the R-rating. R-rated movies seem more violent than ever

fare well at the box office. According to USA today, few theaters play NC17 movies even though there is no such ban for them. In fact Scot Bowles, a columnist for USA Today reported that the average amount an NC-17 film makes is less than $4 million; which isn’t much when compared to $33,014,202, the

risk of being NC-17, all a filmmaker has to do is edit a couple scenes, and then add in other ones. Because of this, many movies that deserve an NC-17 rating are put in the R category. The MPAA hopes to make NC-17 more mainstream. The goal is to have less film makers that will try to manipulate the ratings system, resulting in fewer overly-graphic movies.

Perhaps a bigger problem is the fact

before.

T h i s is likely because of how NC-17 movies are seen by the people. These type of excessively violent films would normally be put into the NC17 category. But NC-17 movies don’t

amount Blades of Glory made the first weekend it opened.

But this does not limit the gore seen in R-rated films, it only encourages it.

According to Bowles, if a movie is at

that parents are taking their children to these movies. Some parents feel that they can take their kids to go see Borat or Saw. This not only makes the movie less enjoyable, it also corrupts young children.

Hopefully, these changes will help make movie ratings more in touch with American values.

M

Oceans 13

E

leven, 12 and now, 13.

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has returned with 13 companions this time for another heist, when one of the most hated businessmen in Las Vegas, Willy Banks (Al Pacino), betrays Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), who is one of the original 11.

Banks betrays Reuben when they build a hotel together, but, Banks cuts Reuben out of the deal, before they decided to build the hotel, and ends up in the hospital with a heart attack. A few months later, the

Shrek 3

S

hrek the Third will be released on May 18, and just like its predecessors, it features one of the most outrageous casts ever. Who could ever picture Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonia Banderas, Justin Timberlake and Julie Andrews in one room all at once? Banderas would probably start slashing a “Z” into all of Andrews’ brown

21

redcarpet

May 4, 2007

ovie ayhem

Summer movie season releases third, fourth, fifth editions of previously popular blockbusters

Previews by Braden Miller and Garrett Griffin

hotel Banks runs is flourishing and is getting the recognition of being the wealthiest hotel in the city. Ocean tries to help his friend out by offering Banks to give him Reuben’s side of the deal, but without question, he declines the offer.

Ocean is accompanied by archrival Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia) who is also out to seek revenge on Banks.

Ocean and Benedict have a history together when Ocean robbed Benedict’s casino in Oceans 11 while trying to get his wife back. They all try to discover a plan that will cripple Banks on his casino’s paper packages tied up with strings.

This third installment brings back the crude humor and innuendo that made the first two so popular. This fantasy will begin when Shrek (Myers) is confronted with a miserable suggestion.

King Harold (John Cleese) becomes sick, which means if something happens to him then Shrek and Princess Fiona (Diaz), will sit on the thrones of Far, Far away. Shrek prefers

opening night. The crew isn’t in it so much for the money this time, but for payback.

The crew still consists of Danny Ocean, Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), Linus Caldwell (Matt Damon), Frank Catton (Bernie Mac), Virgil Malloy (Casey Affleck), Turk Malloy (Scott Caan), Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner), Basher Tarr (Don Cheadle), “The Amazing” Yen (Shaobo Qin), Livingston Dell (Eddie Jemison), Reuben Tishkoff (Elliot Gould), Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia).

Oceans 13 will be released June 8. the swamp.

So Donkey (Murphy), Puss in Boots (Banderas) and Shrek set off to find a new heir to the kingdom, Artie (Timberlake), Fiona’s cousin, who needs to be whipped into shape fast. While Shrek dreads the throne, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) would do anything for it. So he takes a villainous army and marches on the castle. But Fiona and Queen Lillian gather an army to defend their home.

Harry Potter 5

A

nother day at Hogwarts, another dark fantasy adventure for Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will bring Harry back to school for a fifth year. He soon discovers that the truth about his last meeting with the thought-dead Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is being rejected as a lie. If Lord Voldemort has truly returned, Harry wonders why the fact is being hidden, even when Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) also tries to spread the truth. Most classmates consider him and Harry a liar.

Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), who have been secretive and mysterious all summer, convince Harry to do something about the insufficient ability of Hogwart students to use defensive magic. After all, something is up with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy). He is taking control of Hogwarts, slowly but surely. Soon the school will plunge into turmoil. Harry forms “Dumbledore’s Army,” a secret group of students that trains to fight the Dark Arts, preparing for Voldemort’s inevitable reappearance.

This film opens on July 13.

B

Die Hard 4

ruce Willis is at it again. Being held in a skyscraper by a group of terrorists and trying to save dozens of people is never easy. Trying to save a bunch of planes from crashing, as well as his wife, and forced to battle mercenaries isn’t easy.

Racing around New York City trying to defuse a bundle of bombs, playing “Simon says,”

isn’t easy either. Bruce Willis is back as John McClane in Live Free or Die Hard, the fourth of the Die Hard series. This time he has to stop a terrorist attack when the terrorists hack into the United States computer infrastructure and are shutting it down trying to cripple America’s economy.

McClane has gone through a lot. He was recently suspended from the police department and is separated from his wife as well. He is currently with the Department of Homeland Security tracking down computer hackers. McClane was on his way to putting Matt Foster (Justin Long) into custody until he witnesses this terrorist attack. Foster becomes his sidekick and helps McClane track down this terrorist and understand what they’re trying to do.

Does John McClane still have the skills to stop another attack? Live Free or Die Hard will be released on June 27.

S

22

tigerturf

May 4, 2007

et ‘em up trike ‘em out

Senior Drew Mikkelson Photo by Jay McPhail

Baseball, softball teams count on pitchers, find success in seasons jakefaber

staff writer

T

&

hankdriskell sports editor

hey stand alone on the mound, holding the game in their hands; Sweat rolls down their wrists on to the ball; they strain to get the signal from the catcher, wind up and let go; the only noise they hear is the ball pop in the catcher’s mitt and the whoosh of a misguided bat that couldn’t find the ball. Another batter, another routine strikeout for a Tiger pitcher.

The softball team, which stands at 7-7, counts on their sophomore striker Lindsey Mueller. Mueller, the pitcher on the softball side, is also experiencing success with her pitching; so far she has a winning record of 4-3.

Even though Mueller is one of the youngest players on the team, age doesn’t seem to hinder the team’s success. She counts on team chemistry to help the team succeed.

“Everyone gets along, even though the players are different ages,” Mueller said.

Mueller says she feels comfortable on the mound, knowing that she has teammates she can count on.

The baseball team has an amazing

record of 10-1, which includes an undefeated East Kansas League leading record of 5-0. Junior Nate Kerkhoff and seniors Drew Mikkelson and Brandon Rusnak lead the Tigers on the mound.

Rusnak has started the season 30, giving up no runs in two games and three runs in one game. Rusnak doesn’t take all the credit though.

“Our offense has been producing,” Rusnak said.

Rusnak says that he can’t single out one part of the team.

“When defense and pitching are lacking, the offense picks up and vice versa,” Rusnak said.

Mikkelson has started a total of two games this season. He has also relieved two games. His combined record is 4-0; His ERA is 0.00. Mikkelson has given up no runs in four games, including an exciting 1-0 victory over the Olathe North Eagles. However, Mickkelson also recognizes that baseball is a team sport.

“Knowing that I can rely on my fielders gives me a lot of confidence on the mound,” Mikkelson said.

Rusnak shared the sense of trust in his field.

Sophomore Lindsey Mueller

Photo by Jay McPhail

“I feel like I can go out there and throw strikes and count on the field to make the plays,” Rusnak said.

Kerkhoff has played a large roll on the varsity squad since his freshman year.

In his third year pitching Kerkhoff has put his name in the record books at Blue Valley. Kerkhoff is currently number three in career strikeouts. While this is an outstanding accomplishment, Kerkhoff has given up the team’s only loss this season to Shawnee Mission East.

“I feel terrible about the loss, but it has only made me more focused and more determined,” Kerkhoff said.

“I feel I have an obligation to my teammates to perform well; I pitch for them, not myself.”

While these successful pitchers seem to be humble about their talent, their teammates recognize how much they have contributed to the success of the team.

Senior and former player Alex Sandmoen commends the pitchers for the job they have done this year.

“It would be very difficult to do what we’re (the baseball team) doing without the performance of our pitchers this year,” Sandmoen said.

NFL draft excites, prepares fans for season

ianjanes

staff writer

T

he 2007 NFL draft was a relief for NFL fans like Spencer Hockenbery, who were reminded that their beloved sport is still around and that training camp is only a few months away. This year’s draft featured many great college players, but only a select few will be able to be successful at the next level.

“I’ve missed football, and for one weekend in April, I got all the football I needed to survive until the pre-season,” Hockenbery said.

The Kansas City Chiefs were in desperate need of offensive and defensive linemen.

To everyone’s surprise the Chiefs’ first pick was wide reciever Dwayne Bowe from Louisiana State University.

In the second round they selected defensive end Turk McBride from Tennessee, and in the third

round they selected Demarcus Tyler, a defensive lineman from North Carolia State. The Chiefs had two picks in the fifth round and selected Kolby Smith, a running back from Louisville, and Justin Medlock, a kicker from the University of California Los Angeles.

The Chiefs’ sixth round pick was finally an offensive lineman. Herbert Taylor, an offensive tackle from Texas Christian University, may find early playing time in Kansas City.

The Chiefs ended the draft picking Michael Allen, a tight end from Whitworth University.

On top of almost all mock drafts and draft boards was Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. At six foot five, and the speed to blow by defensive backs, Johnson is expected to make a mark on the NFL next season with the wide receiver heavy Detroit Lions.

The Oakland Raiders had the first pick in the

NFL draft, so they could have selected any college all star that they wanted. Instead, they selected LSU quarterback Jamarcus Russell. Russell showed in the NFL combines that he has the arm strength to perform at the next level.

“I think Russell was the best quarterback in the draft,” senior Joey Mendrala said.

If your team was looking for a running back, all scouts had their eye on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. However, Peterson was snatched up by the Minnesota Vikings with the seventh pick in the draft.

“Peterson is an unstoppable force on the ground,” Hockenberry said.

With the draft over, NFL fans have plenty to be excited about. They will have to wait and see if their team’s picks can play at the next level. Until then, all they can do is convince themselves that next year is their year.

23

TigerTurf

May 4, 2007

New baseball coach played in pros

bradenmiller

staff writer

T

he talk around the school is that the baseball team has a new coach this season, but just not any coach. He is a former Major League player that played for the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers, but Baltimore is where he played the majority of his career. He is the new hitting coach, as well as an assistant on all the other teams; his name is David Segui.

“I decided to coach the team because it gave me the opportunity to teach other players how to hit and become a better ball player, and I like to work with kids,” Segui said. “I wasn’t sure whether or not I was going to coach, since my son plays on the team, but I wanted to teach players at the high school level,” Segui said.

This is not the first time he has ever

Call Me

Hank

coached before; he was a hitting instructor for major league players, as well as minor league players. Most of Blue Valley’s players are looking forward to what Segui will bring to the team. With his knowledge of the game, as well as his experience in the majors, the players are excited about being coached by Segui.

“Segui’s the coolest man ever. He’s a big help to the team,” senior Tim Hieber said.

The players are also looking forward to Segui helping them with whatever it is they need and helping them improve to become a better baseball player.

“Segui’s the man. He has all the connections to the game. He’s a tight guy,” junior JP LaMunyon said.

“He’s a cool guy. He gives good advice to players and he’s really helpful,” junior Devin Baer said.

David Segui was born July 19, 1966 right here in Kansas City, Kan., Segui went on to play at Louisiana Tech

D

well with what I’ve taught,” Segui said.

Segui is already making an impact.

Currently, all of the baseball teams have suffered only one loss this season.

David Segui (middle) observes senior Kyle Hoge’s throwing form during practice. Photo by Gwen Bergerhofer

Remembering the good old days...one column at a time

goal more often than not. So, with that I have compiled a list of some of my favorite quotes from the columns of my journalistic history.

And yes, I know that I may have overused the list in the last two years, but I like the list, so it stays.

My first column I ever wrote was in uring the past the September Issue two years I’ve of 2005. It was titled regularly written “Writer rejects myth of the sports column. My the dumb jock.” I was goal was generally to fed up with the myth. make you laugh. I hope “The image of the jock I have achieved this should be changed from

Hank Driskell

University and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1987. He played first base, left field and right field, but his primary position was first base.

Segui posted an impressive 1,412 hits in his 15 years as a professional player, including 139 home runs, 684 runs batted in and a batting average of .291.

His son, freshman Corey Segui, plays infield for the C-team as well as the junior varsity team, which Segui helps out with. Corey is eager to work alongside his father.

“I think it’s pretty cool. He could really help out the team. I’m very excited,” Corey said.

Not only does his son play baseball, Segui’s father, Diego Segui, was also a Major League pitcher, playing the exact same number of seasons as David.

With the season half way over, Segui has enjoyed being a coach.

“I have had a fun time so far this season and seeing players perform

A.C. Slater with a singlet to Albert Einstein, book in one hand, jockstrap in the other.”

In the February issue of 2006 I wrote the column titled “The best clubs yet…” about club suggestions; I suggested a mustache-growing club.

“It requires the ability to grow a mustache, and I don’t mean a little dirty fuzz; I mean a full-blown fullgrown wooly mammoth sitting on your upper lip.”

In the December issue of 2006 my column was

titled “Slaps don’t have to be awkward.” Many of you will remember this was about butt-slap congratulations. I quote myself, “We are athletes, and in sports we don’t slap the hand; we slap the butt.”

My column in the February issue of 2007 was about “The best terrible sports movies of all time.” However, I did not take the easy road out and just name off Air Bud movies even though “everyone knows that the Air Bud movies are terrific films with

amazing writing and even better casting.”

In my column in the March issue of 2007, titled, “The little jobs that make a big difference in sports,” I praised the little men of sports, like a Sumo Diaper Washer.

Concerning what this guy would do after returning home I suggest that he “burns his clothes and takes a two hour bath in hand sanitizer.”

In my most recent column about improving women’s basketball I made a few simple

suggestions. I simply wanted to “find a way for D-Wade and Kevin Durant to have a female child together.”

There they are, my favorite quotes from my column-writing career. I hope I made you laugh during the past two years. To be honest, I can’t believe some of these quotes made it in our paper. Nonetheless, I am the proud writer of these columns, the proud writer of your sports columns. Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoyed.

NBA playoffs bore fans; changes sound excellent to many students ianjanes

staff writer

P

lans for the NBA playoffs for senior Tim Hieber are plain and simple: Find something else to watch on TV. Playoff season should be a time for the best basketball in the world, but in recent seasons, fans are turning away from professional basketball to watch things like the professional bowling tour as an alternative.

“All the NBA does for me when I’m watching it, is put me to sleep,” Hieber said.

In a season that saw nine teams average over 100 points a game, and no team average below 94, fans seem to want more defense. Field goal percentage also leads fans to believe that the NBA is an offensive-minded game. The top team in the league, the Phoenix Suns, hit 50 percent of their shots and average 110 points per game. While they may score a lot of points, they are ranked 25th in the league in points given up per game, which is a prime example of why fans are turning away

from the pro game.

“I wish the NBA could be more like college; college teams play tougher defense, and seem to care a lot more,” senior Anthony Schultz said.

The college game is a little more defensive minded; there is only one college team that averaged more than 86 points a game in the 2006 season, and that was Virginia Military Institute. Two teams averaged over 80 points and the rest scored fewer.

“I just think colleges play harder and that the NBA

players just don’t try,” junior AJ Riedesel said.

Well the truth of the matter is, the games are just different.

In the NBA the shot clock is 11 seconds less than the college game, creating more hurried possessions. The other major difference between the two games is that in the NBA not only do you get called for offensive lane violations (three seconds), but get called for defensive three seconds also. So the centers in the NBA cannot fill up the lane like the centers in the college game.

“The NBA needs to put more time on the shot clock, so the possessions aren’t as hurried as they are now,” senior Max Lehman said.

The NBA playoffs should be a time where the best players in the world showcase their skills. With fans lack of knowledge about the differences in the game at the pro level, it creates confusion.

But when you watch the playoffs, you know that the game is different; the players look like they’re playing in the NCAA tournament all over again.

24

Tigerturf

May 4, 2007

I HEAR THE FAT LADY SINGING...

Track & Field

Signing Updates

Cheerleading

Baseball

The track & field team sent a fair amount of competitors to the KU Relays on April 20 & 21. Boys’ qualifiers include seniors Patrick Cooley, Morgan Snell, Marshall Stula, Josh Robinson, Chris Castor, and Zach Rampy, juniors Ben Loats, Ronald Morgan, Troy Emary, Tim Anderson, Alan Chinery and Kevin Butorac, sophomore Travis Loyd and freshmen Austin Stang.

Girls’ qualifiers were Kristen Dasche, Liz Minoofar, Brook Gorthy, Steffi Krull, Maggie McNiel, Brianna Eldridge, Emily Brown, Alyssa Luker, Nicole Berry, Devin Wiegers, Marlee Rodgers, Monica Owens, Kimi Burczyk, Katy Bantham, Melissa Illies and Kelsey McIntire.

The team also competed in the Shawnee Mission West Invitational on Thursday Monday April 16. The boys placed fifth, while the girls placed third. The top placers in the meet were seniors Morgan Snell, Robert Alexander and Ben Ehret. Juniors Troy Emary, Ben Loats Derek Luetjen, Kevin Butorac, and Alan Chinery, and sophomore Travis Loyd. The boys 4 by 400 meter relay placed first, and the 4 by 100 meter relay placed third. Top girls placers were Luker, Brown, Berry, Burczyk, McIntire, Illies, Weigers, Gorthy, Dasche and Eldridge.

Kelsey Frerking has signed with Avila University to play golf.

Jason Browar and Brandon Rusnak have signed with Neosho County Community College to play baseball.

Tim Heiber has signed with Ottowa University to play baseball.

Michael Basler has signed with Allen County Community College to play baseball.

Cameron Kaman will play football Northern Colorado.

Cie Arrell signed with Maryville University to play baseball.

Last week, the cheerleading squad was selected for next year. Those who made varsity were Alyssa Allen, Maggie Baker, Melissa Biagioli, Emily Bourgeois, Caroline Chandler, Heidi Constant, Nicolette Dirks, Tess England, Kaitlin Farrell, Whitney Fletcher, Morgan Hampton, Alexa Hugunin, Kelsey Lang, Madi Martley, Jessie Rose, Frankie Scarafile, Allie Smith, Sammy Southerland, Brooke Thueson, Mollie Wallace and Abby Williams.

Swimming

The softball team hosted Blue Valley West, on April 24. They lost handily 11-1.

The softball team also traveled to Topeka High on April 19. They swept the doubleheader, winning the first game 2-0 and the second game 5-1. Lindsey Mueller had a dominant performance in the first game, giving up just one hit and striking out 15. Heather Gruber narrowly missed a shutout in the second game. The decisive blow came when Mueller cleared the bases with a triple.

The Lady Tigers will host Shawnee Heights tonight at West, and they will travel to Regionals May 14-18.

The baseball team hosted Blue Valley North on April 26. The Tigers, backed by a strong pitching performance by Nate Kerkhoff, defeated the Mustangs, 2-0. He threw a complete game two-hit shut out. JP LaMunyon had a hit and drove in the go ahead run in the bottom of the fourth.

The baseball team traveled to Community America Ballpark to take on the Shawnee Mission East Lancers in the River City Festival April 21. The Tigers lost 11-7, in their first defeat of the season. Trey Hobson had three hits, including an inside the park homerun for the Tigers. Kerkhoff suffered his first loss of the season.

The Tigers also traveled to Hoglund Ballpark on the campus of KU to face the Olathe North Eagles in the River City, Festival. The Tigers won 1-0 in a pitchers dual. Neither team got a hit until the sixth inning when Hobson hit a triple and scored on a passed ball. Drew Mikkelson threw the shutout for the Tigers, only giving up one hit and walking three.

The baseball team’s record is now 9-1.

The Tigers have a full schedule of games next week, traveling to Aquinas Monday, Shawnee Mission South Wednesday and Blue Valley Northwest on Thursday.

Girls’ Soccer The Lady Tigers soccer team took on Shawnee Mission South on Monday coming out on top 1-0. The Vikings from SMW came to the turf April 23, losing 1-4.

The team traveled to Lansing April 19 for a rough battle losing in overtime 1-2.

On the other hand, on April 16 the Tigers showed their character at Pembroke Hill coming back to tie the game with only minutes left, sending it into overtime and winning it all 3-2 in a close match.

During the spring snow fall on April 13 the Aquinas Saints got a break in the first half, but were shutdown in the second.

But the Tigers just couldn’t put it in the net losing 0-2.

On April 10 Miege came to the turf holding their heads high. Although Miege was winning by a goal until a rain delay, the Lady Tigers came together afterward, dominating the Stags 3-1.

Boys’ Golf Last Thursday, the golf team made the four-hour trek to Hutchinson, Kan., for the Hutchinson Invitational. They placed 10th out of 36 teams.

While the golf team is not playing very well in the East Kansas League standings, senior Trevor Hampton is currently in third place, trailing Blue Valley North junior Harry Higgs by two strokes and Blue Valley West senior Kyle Smell by eight strokes. The final round of EKL will be played on Wednesday at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence.

The girls’ swim and dive team traveled to Blue Valley West on April 26 and competed against Blue Valley West and Blue Valley Northwest. The Tigers took third at the meet.

The girls’ swim and dive team traveled to Prairie Trail Junior High School on April 24 and competed against Olathe Northwest, Olathe North and Olathe South. The Tigers took second at the meet.

EKL will be tonight and tomorrow at Blue Valley West.

The team’s new addition brings the fast scores without beginning training this season with the team. She has traveled to China for dive competitions and placed third on Platform, 15 in three meter, and fifth in one meter. Sophomore Lauren Wismer brings experience and excellence to the team.

“Its really fun being apart of a team, because club is more of an individual sport.” Wismer said.

The results for the meets on April 30 and May 1 were unavailable at press time.

Boys’ Tennis

On April 17 the tennis team traveled to Blue Valley West to take on the Jags. The Tigers fell behind in the beginning, but hung on until the end, a 6-6 tie.

On April 16 the Tigers took on Bishop Miege. With one of the top seeds favored to win the singles championship, there were some close games, but the Tigers couldn’t come back and fell with a score of 6-3.

On April 12 the Tigers hosted the Olathe East Hawks. Not having one of their better days, the team fell 11-1, with the victory of Ross Watson preventing the shutout. On April 9, the Tigers went to Lee’s Summit North. With the cold and tough weather, the Tigers fell 7-2, with wins from Alex Robinson and doubles partners Matt Mulligan and Adam Foote.

On April 5 the Tigers hosted Blue Valley Northwest. With a 6-3 loss, the Tigers showed good effort against the Huskies. On March 29 the Tigers traveled to Shawnee Mission East. With tough winds and a cold afternoon, the Tigers fell to the Lancers 72, with wins from Kolbe Joens and Matt Mulligan.

Softball

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