The Tiger Print — May 2009

09 the

print TIGER

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

May 2009

Vol. 39 Issue 9

And we’re out.

Senior section (pgs. 7-18)

Kissel calls it quits (pg. 19)

Viva Costa Rica (pg. 20)

Softball standout (pg. 23)

After 33 years, reading teacher to retire

NSHS students plan June trip to Central America

Sophomore hopes to lead team to state

Stilwell, Kan.

inthenews

Hot topics from Blue Valley...

1. Prom royalty crowned at last month’s dance

Seniors Joe Rassette and Kyra Storm were named prom king and queen at the dance April 18.

“I was really excited, obviously,” Storm said. “It’s a great way to cap off my senior year.”

Prom was at the Ritz Charles.

Titled “A Masqued Affair,” the dance was equipped with a DJ and a chocolate fountain.

After-prom was held at the school following the dance.

Prom king candidates included seniors Brett Newell, Tanner Purdon, Mohammad Ramahi and Luke Rampy.

Prom queen candidates were seniors Maxine De Wolf, Tori Litardo, Frankie Scarafile and Lauren Taulbee. By Andrew Fiori.

2. Music groups receive high ratings at state

The choir, band and orchestra performed at the large group state music festival April 15.

Chorale received a superior, or I, rating, as did the chorale men, concert band and symphonic band.

The orchestra received an overall II rating, but received a superior from one judge. By Emily Strickland.

3. Publications receive recognition, name editors Nine journalism students were inducted into the International Quill and Scroll Honor Society for High School Journalists April 22. The inductees were senior Keegan Shepard, juniors Sarah Clancey and Katie Louis and sophomores Lindsay Hale, Gretchen Hess, Caitlin Holland, Ryan O'Toole, Erica Thomas and Shannon Valverde.

Senior Tom Roudebush was named an International Sweepstakes winner in the American Society of Newspaper Editors/Quill and Scroll International Writing and Photography Contest.

The Tiger Print has chosen its editors for next school year.

Editors-in-chief are juniors Allison Kohn and Stephanie Roche.

Other editor positions will be filled by juniors AJ Barbosa, Katie Louis, Rachel McCullough, Tori Freisner and Jacquelyn Lippert, as well as sophomores O'Toole, Holland and Valverde.

The yearbook staff has named Clancey, Thomas and Hess as next year’s editors-in-chief. By Katie Louis.

4. Math Club successful at Pitt State competition

On April 14, 12 students attended the Pittsburg State University Math Relays with some successful performances. Out of 36 individual events, the Tigers had 28 top-10 finishes while also claiming nine top-two finishes.

"We were really successful this year," sponsor Adam Wade said.

Freshman Allen Zhu won two individual events while junior Matt Roselli and freshman Menvitha Marni each won one.

"The overall performance was great," Wade said. "Because we only have one senior, it bodes a lot for the future."

Other students who made top-10 finishes were juniors Stephanie Roche, Francisco Ramos, Kevin Hansen, Yanjie Yu and Johnathon Davis. Sophomores Will Retz and Allen Xu along with freshman Spencer Ho also contributed top-10 finishes.

By Brock Humphrey.

5. Students recognized in 2 local poetry contests Eight students placed in the Blue Valley Optimist Poetry Contest and The Heart of America Shakespeare Festival sonnet writing competition.

Seniors Jen Silvey, Devin Freeman and Tyler Svancara placed first, second and third respectively in the Optimist contest. Senior Jamie Cook received an honorable mention.

In the Shakespeare Festival’s sonnet writing competition, seniors Anna Speer placed second and Alyssa Huff got third.

Seniors Kaitlin Berry and Danny Wood both received honorable mentions.

Awards were presented on April 16 for the Optimist contest.

Awards for the Shakespeare festival will be presented May 13.

By Brock Humphrey.

0 2 MAY 2009

Schedule changes set for next year BV, BV Northwest, BV North Schedule

CAPS Students’ Schedule

Regular Bell Schedule (Mon/Tue/Fri) Hour 1........................................................ 7:45-8:35 Hour 2........................................................ 8:41-9:31 Hour 3..................................................... 9:37-10:27 Hour 4.................................................. 10:33-11:27 Hour 5.................................................. 11:33-12:58 Hour 6....................................................... 1:04-1:54 Hour 7....................................................... 2:00-2:50

Regular Bell Schedule (Mon/Tue/Fri)

AM—CAPS............................. 7:30-10:00 Travel/Virtual Course....... 10:00-11:33 PM—Travel and Lunch.... 11:27-12:20 CAPS......................................... 12:20-2:50

Odd Block (Wednesday) Hour 1......................................................... 7:45-9:12 Hour 3...................................................... 9:18-10:45 Hour 5....................................................10:51-12:47 Hour 7 .....................................................12:53-2:20 TCB............................................................. 2:25-2:50

Odd Block (Wednesday) AM—CAPS............................. 7:30-10:00 Travel.......................................10:00-10:51 PM—Travel and Lunch.....10:45-12:20 CAPS..........................................12:20-2:50

Even Block (Thursday) PLC Time..................................................... 7:30-9:00 Hour 2........................................................ 9:00-10:27 Hour 4......................................................10:33-12:30 Advisory.....................................................12:36-1:17 Hour 6.......................................................... 1:23-2:50

Even Block (Thursday) AM—CAPS............................. 9:00-11:00 Travel/Course/Lunch.........11:00-12:36 PM—Travel............................12:30-12:50 CAPS......................................... 12:50-2:50

Above is the new schedule for next year. TCB has been moved to only Wednesday, while early releases on Tuesdays and Thursdays will end. Late start on Thursdays is pushed back to 9 a.m. The changes were made to accommodate the new CAPS (The Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program. BV, BV Northwest and BV North will adopt this schedule while BV West will keep its current schedule.

emilystrickland managing editor

Due to the new CAPS (The Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program, schedule changes have been set for the beginning of next year. All Blue Valley high schools are working together in order to make CAPS accessible to everyone.

“Students won’t get goofed by this schedule,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “A lot of work went into fixing this.”

CAPS is a new program for students aspiring to pursue the areas of bioscience, business, engineering and human services.

Students participating in CAPS will be gone from their school for most of the day. The classes there will be limited to juniors and seniors.

The district has been working on the schedule since last September.

As a result, Blue Valley High, Blue Valley Northwest and Blue Valley North will have the same schedule next year.

“This scheduling benefits all three schools involved because sharing teachers between us will become a lot easier,” Bacon said. “It’ll also be more convenient for students who take classes at other schools.”

Blue Valley West, however, will keep its own schedule, with block four days a week.

“They were able to incorporate CAPS into their schedule already,” Bacon said.

Bacon said that the schedule changes will be drastic. The biggest change is that TCB will only be Wednesdays at 2:25. The Tuesday and Thursday school days will end at 2:50, just like Monday and Friday.

“TCB one day will work out OK,” Bacon said.

“Overtime and our other interventions have been working fine.”

Thursday’s late start will be pushed back to 9 a.m. Bacon said he expects students to be supportive of this because they can sleep later.

“It’ll probably be a win-win situation,” he said.

Most students agree with Bacon that the schedule changes for next year won’t be a problem.

“I would love to start at nine [on Thursday],” freshman Allison DeMeo said. “Most of my friends will like it too. It gives us kids more time to sleep.

And we need that.”

Bacon said that the 2:50 release time on Thursday might prove to be the most controversial. “[I’d rather] sleep in for sure,” freshman Sam Nicol said. “But by the end of the day, a few minutes added won’t matter, but five minutes in bed lasts forever.”

Nicol feels that these changes won’t cause a lot of problems because they won’t be very different from this year.

“I think these changes will affect every one a little bit,” he said. “But honestly it wont be that hard to adjust and halfway through next year nobody will really notice.”

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MAY 2009 0 3

outloud the

TIGERprint

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

editor-in-chief mitch smith managing editor emily strickland in-depth editor stephanie roche news editor nathan lindshield opinion editor allison kohn sports editor aj barbosa photo editor amanda blue entertainment editor tori freisner features editor katie louis online editor matt may copy editor kyra storm staff writers kim dacus andrew fiori spencer goldenberg caitlin holland brock humphrey rachel mccullough ryan o’toole steven reno shannon valverde photographers conner combes tom roudebush advertising manager noopur goel circulation manager tyler duke contributing cartoonist robert kelly adviser jill chittum The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration of Blue Valley Unified School District #229.

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

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

Front cover: A collage of images of seniors from throughout the school year. Photos by yearbook and newspaper staff members. Photos compiled by Amanda Blue.

0 4 APRIL 2009

Illustration by Robert Kelly.

Looking back, year provided plenty of memories

staff

editorial

The 2008-2009 school year has come and will soon be gone, but not without leaving its mark on Blue Valley history.

With a crazy year that seems to have gone by all too fast, these are the top five moments that defined what it meant to be a Tiger this year.

State Debate Winning the 6A state championship in both two- and four-speaker debate was not only a source of pride for the debate team, but the school as a whole.

Becoming the first 6A school in state history to win both categories in the same year is something to truly be proud of. And who can forget making the school tunnel all the way down the gym floor at the end of the debate assembly? The student body

showed its wholehearted support and admiration of the debaters.

BV Northwest football game This year’s regional football game at the DAC was one for the record books.

It was a frigid Friday night and, by halftime, a win against the Huskies looked unlikely. However, an amazing play in the last seconds turned the tables.

With a catch in the end zone and a touchdown, the football team and fans alike exploded into cheers of victory. Under the intense pressure, the Tigers had pulled through to snag a spot in the sub-state game.

Gold Key Winners Eight art students won Regional Gold Key awards for their work in photography and digital imaging while one student won seven.

The artwork was awarded for its originality and creative design. This recognition showcased students’

hard work and dedication that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

BV West basketball game As a Tiger sports fan, there is no better feeling than the rush of adrenaline during a game against our Jaguar rivals. This season brought some impressive wins, but most memorable of all was the domination of the West team by our boys team on our home court. This important EKL win displayed fan support at its best. The Tiger Pit was jam-packed and we cheered so loud our throats were sore by the third quarter.

Renovations Finished We waited patiently for our “world-class” renovations to be finished.

Two extra months and 20 fire drills later, the renovations were finally completed. Our school became the home to seven new classrooms, a fitness center, a renovated lunchroom and a new gym floor and bleachers.

raise

your voice What was your most memorable moment this year?

senior Amanda Miller

sophomore Nick Drake

“Prom because the decorations were amazing and the tent added something new.”

“Shane asking Faber’s mom out to prom on Tiger TV.”

junior Cole Owen

“The sweetheart assembly when my group danced in front of the school.”

freshman Justin Fulks

“The BVNW football game when we won at the last minute with the lucky pass.”

outloud

Photo illustration by Amanda Blue.

Protest for gay students shows importance of respect, dialogue

pril 17 was an important day for sophomore Michelle Stratman.

While most students walked through the hallways chattering about their weekend plans, a small group of students, including Stratman, remained mute.

What was an ordinary Friday for some was a day of protest for others.

These students participated in Day of Silence, an annual event that takes place throughout the country each spring.

Its goal is to protest discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender (LGBT) students.

“It was a time for people to understand that there are problems in society, so it was just fun to sit there and listen to people talk,” Stratman said.

Staying silent to speak up may seem paradoxical to some, but Stratman said she used Day of Silence as an opportunity to listen to what others had to say.

“Several people were talking about how Day of Silence was stupid, because if there’s something you want to protest, why would you be silent?” Stratman said.

“It’s important to be silent because it’s hard to convince people when you’re talking, because you can just talk over [them].”

Stratman, who is openly gay, came out to her chemistry class one day during a discussion about using “gay” as a slur.

“It was during a debate about using gay as an insulting term so most people were just like ‘OK, whatever,’” Stratman said.

Walk down the halls and listen to students’ conversations. It’s virtually guaranteed that you’ll hear “That’s so gay” or “You’re such a homo.”

While many students view these as just phrases, they’re more than that.

They’re slurs, and whether they’re meant to insult or are just part of casual conversation, the real meaning behind them is to demean someone because of their sexuality.

Nine out of 10 LGBT students reported being harassed because of their sexuality, according to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s 2007 National School Climate Survey.

This has to stop.

In a school that prides itself on respect and a sense of community, this shouldn’t happen, and it may seem to some that it doesn’t.

But it does, and students can do something to stop it.

This is the reason why awarenessraising events like April 17’s Day of Silence

are so important, when gay and straight students alike stand in solidarity to stand up for LGBT torifreisner students.

Day of Silence continues to be a great way for students to exercise their First Amendment rights as well as initiate a dialogue about the treatment of LGBT students in schools.

“We are all human beings and we want a respectful environment,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “Part of our responsibility is to educate all of us on what is perceived as respectful.”

Every year, Day of Silence demonstrates that students across the United States are willing to risk ridicule and stand up for the rights of their peers.

As the event grows, it continually proves how we as a generation have the power to stop harassment in our schools.

Our generation is one of the most socially engaged in history.

We have the power to actually change our society from the ground up.

In a time when people see gay rights as a polarizing political topic, Day of Silence

myvoice

puts a face on the issue.

That face?

It could be your best friend or the student sitting next to you in third hour.

It might be your brother or your sister or your teammate.

It might even be you.

Whomever it may be, Day of Silence shows them that no matter what, they are not alone.

Regardless of political and religious beliefs, each and every student deserves the same opportunity to receive an education in a place where they feel safe and are not targeted.

Don’t misread me, everyone is entitled to express their own views, just as the students participating in Day of Silence are.

But the whole point of Day of Silence is to bring attention to what happens when expressing beliefs turns to verbal or physical harassment.

Because in the end, it comes down to one basic principle: treating all people with respect and acceptance.

No matter your beliefs, Day of Silence teaches the importance of listening and treating one another with respect.

And that’s something we all can agree on.

Additional reporting by Matt May.

MAY 2009 0 5

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0 6 MAY 2009

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seniorsection

2

SENIOR section

1

Here are a few of the class of 2009’s many accomplishments over the past four years 3

4 1. The senior football players contributed to a state football championship in 2006 and a sub-state berth last season. 2. Senior Danny Wood was a member of the National Honor Band this year. 3. The cheerleaders won a National Championship last year. 4. Seniors Josh Dean and Taylor Nichols were two-speaker debate state champions and the top two speakers at last year’s nationals. Photos by Amanda Blue, Conner Combes and Tom Roudebush.

Contributed to: three state debate championships • one state chess championship • one state football championship • two EKL football championships • one state baseball championship • one cheerleading national championship • one girls diving individual state championship • one girls basketball state tournament berth • one softball state tournament berth • placed second and third in speaker points at debate nationals • four superior ratings in symphonic band • nominated for best musical in Blue Star Awards • two plays qualified for Internationals • two All-Kansas newspapers • one student published a novel • one national sports photography champion • one member of National Honor Band • one threetime all-state orchestra member • two three-time all-district band members • one student won seven Gold Keys • one appointment to the US Naval Academy • five Division I signees • two National Merit Finalists • 20 AP Scholars • 123 National Honor Society members • two National Hispanic Scholars • two orchestra superior ratings MAY 2009 0 7

seniorsection

Senior Calendar Checklist Important dates to remember as May 17 approaches Thurs. 7 Cap and gown delivery in Commons.

Fri. 8 Senior Picnic at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tues. 12 Senior Finals: hours 5, 6 and 7.

Wed. 13 Senior Finals: hours 3 and 4.

Thurs. 14 Senior Finals: hours 1 and 2.

Mandatory Class Day rehearsal in Main Gym. Senior awards night, 7 p.m.

Fri. 15 Class Day in Main Gym, 9-11 a.m.

Sun. 17 Graduation, 1 p.m. at Kemper Arena.

Most popular colleges among BV seniors 1. University of Kansas 2. Johnson County Community College 3. Kansas State University 4. University of Missouri-Columbia 5. Pittsburg State University Information compiled by The Tiger Print staff.

Economic slump forces students to attend less expensive colleges tylerduke

circulation manager

The class of 2009 is facing many hard decisions when it comes to choosing a college.

The failing economy has forced some students to reconsider their college plans.

More than 190 students are going in-state.

“The economic times are making state schools look a lot more attractive,” counselor Chris Hansen said. “All of the six state schools have very high reputations and will give students a good experience along with an education.”

This is one of the largest classes to go in-state and Hansen says that it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“The gap between state schools over out-of-state and private colleges is a lot smaller than most imagine,” Hansen said. “State schools here are really high caliber.”

Colleges across the country are trying to cut prices and give low-income students a chance to get the educa-

0 8 MAY 2009

tion they want where they want.

Even Ivy League schools are finding new ways to get students in their classrooms.

Many Blue Valley students are choosing Johnson County Community College because of the price and proximity. In fact, 72 seniors plan to attend JCCC next year.

“I think one of the reasons is the fact that JCCC is close to home for those kids who are not ready for the switch,” said senior Dave Brobeck, who plans to attend JCCC next year.

JCCC may be cheap, but it’s considered one of the best community colleges in the country.

“It costs a lot to go to a big university,” senior Jakob Maase said. “I’m going to build up some money and get some of the easier credits out of the way before I go to a bigger school.”

The other benefit for staying at home and attending JCCC is living for free.

“JCCC is close and rent is free at home,” senior Richard

Oliver said. “It’s really the same education, and I can just transfer my credits to the University of Kansas in two years.”

There are 76 students going to KU, and many say it’s because of the location and cost.

“I have family ties at KU,” senior Spencer Davis said.

“Both my grandparents and parents went there, and it happens to be really close to home.”

Senior Joe Rassette is among the 48 students attending Kansas State University.

“My dad went there,” Rassette said. “It’s grown on me, my dad would take me to football games there, and Oklahoma State University is too expensive.”

Many out-of-state college hopefuls are finding that their dream school is out of reach economically.

Senior Suraj Keshary was accepted to Wake Forest University in North Carolina but chose KU because of the difference in tuition.

“I was 15 grand too short and I don’t want to pay $56,000 a year,” Keshary said.

seniorsection

snatching the best summer job

Most students are looking for a part-time job to keep occupied. But the current unstable job market can make finding a good one tough.

According to counselor Tom Hult, the recession is costing many adults their careers as well, which adds competitiveness to the job market but should not make it difficult for students to find jobs.

“Adults that have been displaced by the economy are really looking for daytime jobs,” Hult said. “The typical 9-5. Teenagers are looking to work more evening and weekend hours.”

While looking for a summer job, it is also important to do something you’re interested in.

“Do something that you really enjoy to do,” Blue Valley Recreation media manager Dawn Harmon said. “Finding something in an area of interest could potentially turn into a career choice later.”

Here are a few summer job ideas...

Do you like to swim?

Try working at one of the Overland Park pools as a lifeguard or a swim instructor. Even if you don’t have your lifeguard certification many local pools provide training. To become a swim instructor, you must be a certified lifeguard and love to work with kids.

Do you enjoy being outdoors?

A great way to earn fast cash is to start your own lawn-mowing company. All you need is your own lawn mower and you’re in business. Many local parks are looking for seasonal workers to do odd jobs as well, such as watering lawns and and landscaping.

Want to spend time with kids?

Many summer camps are looking for camp counselors. You could try babysitting around your neighborhood. Many parents work year-round so this is a perfect opportunity to spend time with kids while picking up some cash.

Are you a social butterfly?

Working in a local store or around the mall is a great way to earn a paycheck.

Most stores offer employee discounts so you can pick up some of the hottest summer looks while you work.

Would you like fries with that?

Although not always the first pick, fast food restaurants are close to home and often looking to hire. Pay may not be the best, but it’s consistent and air-conditioned.

The interview is a crucial part of

getting any job. Here are some tips to make your interview go smoothly.

1 2 3 4 5

Dress for success When heading into an interview try to dress business casual. Wear a nice pair of slacks, a polo and your best smile.

Make eye contact Giving good eye contact makes you appear to know what you are doing and makes the employer feel more comfortable.

Portray confidence Give a firm handshake, be assertive and speak loud and clearly.

Send a thank you note Teenagers can underestimate the importance of a simple thank you. After your interview send a nice letter or e-mail to thank the employer for their time and reiterate how interested you are in the job.

Show off a little Keep in mind future employers are looking for well-rounded students. Be sure to mention any volunteer work you have done, sports or extra-curricular activities you participate in.

Information compiled by Shannon Valverde. Photos by Amanda Blue and Conner Combes.

MAY 2009 0 9

seniorsection

over andout

Arizona Arizona State University Shelley Sparling

Arkansas

University of Arkansas at Fayetteville Sam Lutz Kyra Storm

California California Baptist University-Riverside Andrew Winegarner

1 0 MAY 2009

California State University, Long Beach Katie Beeks Musicians Institute Pete Marten University of San Diego Kelly Frickleton

Colorado Colorado State University Kaitlynn Bundschuh Kirk McPhail Johnson & Wales University Wes Park University of Colorado at Boulder Grace Kay

University of Denver Kari Varner

Florida Eckerd College Andrew Katzenstein Edison Community College Shannon Kobe Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Josh Cox Full Sail University Eric Petersen

Georgia

Westwood College

Hannah Johnson-Pickett

Illinois

Iowa

Bradley University Jacqlyn Swyden

Briar Cliff University Emily Campbell

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Ryan Miller

Drake University Kaitlin Berry

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Lauren Wismer

Iowa Western Community College Tyler VanGerpen

Kansas

Wheaton College Jessie Chastain

Indiana Ball State University Brice Barnard Saint Mary’s College Caroline Proulx

ACCESS House Christophe Gallet Baker University Devin Freeman Brandon Gardner Heather Gruber Jeff Jensen Benedictine College Lance Culver

Andrew Leathers Liz Stinson Butler County Community College Conner Combes Treveor Cornley Central Christian College Samantha McClellan Emporia State University Rachael McDonald Luke Rampy Fort Scott Community College Ted Tegge Highland Community College Jim Keegan Hutchinson County Community College And Area Vocational School Alyssa Allen

Johnson County Community College Robert Acuff Kyle Anderson Tom Baco Ashley Baker TJ Bates Jordan Bloom Emily Bourgeois Dave Brobeck Chris Burke Taylor Clear Mike Cordes Michael Davidson Jacob Davis Brianna DeGraeve Robert Dennis Scott Dickson Sam DiGiovanni Nicolette Dirks Tyler Dobbins Alfredo Dominguez Christina Dougan Luke Driskell Andrea Gallo Morgan Hampton Emily Hanson Skyler Heil Brooke Hendrickson

Johnson County Community College, continued John Iiams Michael Jennings Dustin Johnson Lynne Jones Sara Kawaguchi Ben Kerkhoff Laura Kersz Min Kim Steven Koehler Scott Kolb Bailey Kress Carley LeRette Mike Lodes Michael Luchen Jakob Maase Ryan Magdziarz Brock Maier Matt May Summer McClellan Rigvid Mehta Kyle Meiners Brenna Meredith Amanda Miller Nick Moss Gordon Muir Richard Oliver Crystal Peterson Bret Pilney Alex Pope Andrea Romero Andy Salzmann Gabby Sandino Danae Schlitzer Lauren Shay Joe Simmons Kalee Smith Joe Sutton Emily Tebo Alex Todd Derek Tucker Amber-Michele Turner Caitlin Valencia Alex Villers Bobby Wheeler Jon Whited Gage Young Morgan Young Kansas State University Grant Austin Meredith Bell Corey Britain Carmen Burchett Victor Cassone Richard Chushuk Heidi Constant Matt Estrin Andrew Fiori Tom Fletcher Joey Goodwin Michelle Hall Connor Hickey Alyssa Huff Josh Huston Robert Kelly Heidi Kliethermes

seniorsection Kyler Leiker Travis Loyd Michael Mackey Madi Martley David Maier Haleigh McElliott Sarah Miller Jonathan Nebel Megan Peterson Vinny Praderio Tanner Purdon Ashley Rager Joe Rassette Christy Reinhardt Parker Scafe Katy Schultz Ryan Skaggs Danielle Smith Bobby Specht Tyler Svancara Rachel Tate Nicole Upah Kristina Vance Max VanKirk Tyler Vollick Mitchell Waala Luke Wiggins Nick Williams Neosho County Community College Jessica Crider North Central Kansas Technical College Phil Rogers Pittsburg State University Tess England Jake Faber Katy Fryberger Tom Roudebush Charles Ruiz Blane Siebert Maria Smithson Regency Beauty Institute Aleah Lucas University of Kansas Cristal Barker Hope Bazille Carol Berg Olivia Bertels Amanda Blue Adrienne Brown Jamie Cook Lauren Courtney Martin Craig Jen Cullinan Spencer Davis Josh Dean Corey Devine Maxine De Wolf Satvir Dhanoa Alex Drake Tyler Duke

Jenna Ehinger Shalee Eilderts Christian Ensz Kaitlin Farrell AJ Farris Ryan Fitzgerald Robert Fitzpatrick Brandon Fletcher Amanda Gallagher Jessica Gardner Shelby Geiman Jake Geoffrion Noopur Goel Daniel Goergen Spencer Goldenberg Ross Greenwood Julia Hansen Zach Hennig Victoria Hickman Krissy Hockel Melissa Hughes Alexa Hugunin Spencer Hurst Evan Iliff Brian Ivanuska Hannah Johnson Jordan Kalal Nick Kearns Will Kerdolff Suraj Keshary Ashleigh King Sung Hee Kim Leslee Kinnison Nathan Lindshield Alexa Mangan Stephen McKittrick Kara McLain Alex Milbourn Kirsten Moore Kristen Norman Megan Paustian Hunter Petermann Kyle Petersen Ariel Puccetti Lauren Richter Marlee Rogers Keegan Shepard Jen Silvey Simran Singh Austin Smith Jason Strutz Julia Teply Charlie Thompson Shannon Thompson Sam Towery Ashley Wagner Kenton Watkins Sam Wester Dana Whetter Andrew Woodworth

Louisiana Tulane University Michael Fitzmorris

Maryland United States Naval Academy Travis Hyde

Minnesota Bethel University Ali Foster University of MinnesotaTwin Cities Whitney Thurman

Missouri Avila University Kaitlin Gould DeVry University Colton Coan Michael Portnoy Drury University Courtney Rhodes

Truman State University Danny Wood University of Central Missouri Kylie Alderman JP Richardson University of Missouri-Columbia Rachel Burton Shane Burton Kyle Disney Mikayla Dreyer Jake Griggs Emily Miller Lindsey Muller Emily Nichols Lindsey Petrick Frankie Scarafile Kylie Southwick Monica Supple Brittany Swan University of MissouriKansas City Hannah Fleming Washington University in St. Louis Christine Lang Wentworth Military Academy and College Alex Bush William Jewell College Tori Litardo Mohammad Ramahi

Evangil University Allison Smith Missouri State University Austin Wright Missouri University of Science and Technology Chris Gibson Ryann Green Missouri Western State University Kari Rapp

University of Saint Mary Brian Foote

Moberly Area Community College Jordan Thoman

Wichita State University Sarah Campbell Mary Kellerman

Rockhurst University Christina Hayes

Nebraska Concordia University Ben Stratman University of Nebraska-Lincoln Alex Robinson Mitchell Smith

New York Pace University Sami Steinmetz Vassar College April Levins

North Carolina University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Ali Athey

Oklahoma Oklahoma State University Michael Bennett Grant Reber The University of Tulsa Emily Strickland

Virginia George Mason University Taylor Nichols

Military United States Marine Corps Raul Diaz United States Navy Bradley Schlitzer

Abroad

Oregon Ecola Bible School Steven Canady

South Carolina College of Charleston Abby Williams

Tennnessee Lipscomb University Brittany Portell Middle Tennessee State University Tyler Hicks

Texas Baylor University Emma Smith Anna Speer Doug Stabenow Lauren Taulbee Southern Methodist University Alex Katsorelos Ali Rios

India Mat Ladegaard Morocco Fadi Oulad Hsain Sweden Erik Alander

Working Sam Danley Ariel Galyean Mark Mallett Julian Nichols Kyle Veasman

Undecided

Michael Anderson Caitlin Deckman Rebecca Feehan Connor Francis Jordan Hinmon Ned Kellenberger Collin Kessler Jordan King Brett Newell Mia Scaglia Pavel Tarko Dalton Wakefield Chase Wiedenmeyer Josh Wormington

Texas Christian University Brianna Ortbals

MAY 2009 1 1

seniorsection

seniorsection

best hair

most athletic

most likely to

most likely to become president

biggest case of senioritis

stay in Stilwell

Christy Reinhardt and Josh Dean Madi Martley and Dave Brobeck

Frankie Scarafile and Connor Francis

Austin Smith and Ali Foster

cutest couple

Tyler Duke and April Levins

biggest flirt

best smile

Lindsey Muller and Tyler VanGerpen

TOP of the CLASS

most “fired up�

Seniors vote for peers in various Senior Superlative categories

Ashley Rager and Jake Griggs

most likely to be successful

best dressed

most likely to be on Reality TV

class clown

most likely to be famous

Wes Park and Emily Nichols Sami Steinmetz and Collin Kessler

1 2 MAY 2009

Shelley Sparling and Evan Iliff

most artistic

Ned Kellenberger, Heather Gruber and Whitney Thurman

Monica Supple and Tyler Vollick Kelly Frickleton and Joey Goodwin

Heidi Kliethermes and Conner Combes

JP Richardson and Kari Varner

Poll of 115 seniors.

MAY 2009 1 3

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best hair

most athletic

most likely to

most likely to become president

biggest case of senioritis

stay in Stilwell

Christy Reinhardt and Josh Dean Madi Martley and Dave Brobeck

Frankie Scarafile and Connor Francis

Austin Smith and Ali Foster

cutest couple

Tyler Duke and April Levins

biggest flirt

best smile

Lindsey Muller and Tyler VanGerpen

TOP of the CLASS

most “fired up�

Seniors vote for peers in various Senior Superlative categories

Ashley Rager and Jake Griggs

most likely to be successful

best dressed

most likely to be on Reality TV

class clown

most likely to be famous

Wes Park and Emily Nichols Sami Steinmetz and Collin Kessler

1 2 MAY 2009

Shelley Sparling and Evan Iliff

most artistic

Ned Kellenberger, Heather Gruber and Whitney Thurman

Monica Supple and Tyler Vollick Kelly Frickleton and Joey Goodwin

Heidi Kliethermes and Conner Combes

JP Richardson and Kari Varner

Poll of 115 seniors.

MAY 2009 1 3

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Adíos. Au revoir. Ciao.

“ Emily Strickland

” I

It’s OK to depend on other people

managing editor

“ I

’ve always been independent.

Right after I learned to talk, I started looking for projects I could complete by myself. My parents, just trying to be helpful, would offer assistance but I would refuse.

I yelled at them to leave my room when I was attempting to make my bed for the first time. It was torturous. My arms weren’t long enough to reach two corners at the same time.

I had to tuck in one corner of the sheet, walk to the other end of the bed and tuck in the other, and turn around to see the sheet at the other end had come loose.

This should’ve been a trivial part of my life, but to a 5-yearold, it was the highlight of my week, month even.

I had accomplished something by myself. I felt grownup. And I wanted to grow up some more.

I used to wish the movie 13 Going On 30 could happen to me. I wished I would wake up

Tiger Print seniors say their goodbyes, words of wisdom

one day and be done with high school. I have big dreams for the rest of my life.

I didn’t see why I had to be bogged down in Kansas when I had plenty of things I had to accomplish.

Well, graduation is just a couple of weeks away, and even though I’m still just as anxious waiting for that true independence, I’ve realized something. It’s OK to depend on other people.

For Spring Break this year, I was in New York with friends and I met my family in Mexico later.

So I had to fly to Mexico by myself. Originally I thought, “No big deal. It’s just a plane ride.”

It shouldn’t have been a big deal. However, I found that the night before my flight, I kept calling my parents.

“Mom, what time should I get to the airport?”

“Dad, how much money is it to check my suitcase?”

“Hey, where should I meet you guys when I land?”

When my dad joked that it

didn’t sound like I knew what I was doing, I paused.

I’m not as independent as I like to pretend I am. Sure, I’d like to think I have everything under control, but I don’t. On graduation day, if my parents said they weren’t responsible for me anymore and I was on my own, I’d be royally screwed.

Who was I fooling?

I can’t expect to wake up one day and know where my life is headed and how to do everything.

Some adults I know don’t even have it figured out.

People who try to give me advice aren't my enemies.

I cannot be both young and wise. Not having all the answers isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I’m going to college next year. No one will know if I never make my bed or don’t start studying until 11 p.m.

College is the epitome of independence.

That being said, my mom and dad should be expecting a lot of phone calls next year.

”

You see, life wanted to know what it had to do to break us down

imagined that I would come to the end of my senior year with a profound wisdom only attainable with experience.

I would write insightful words about how I have grown and how the underclassmen should cherish their time here.

Unfortunately, the time to find this wisdom has arrived and I have gathered none of it.

I can’t possibly sit here and claim that I know the secret to success and happiness, or that I have become a better person in any way.

Sure I’ve gained some trivial knowledge about the unit circle and the periodic table, but these things did not change the person I was and still am.

I remain the stubborn procrastinator I’ve always been. I still give my parents plenty to complain about, and find just enough time in my day to annoy my little brother.

I still catch that disappointed look from my teachers when they listen to me tell a bold-face lie about the absence of my homework.

Yep, I’d say I’m exactly the same as I was four years ago, and I can’t say that I regret that.

The experiences that we faced in high school weren’t meant to change us, they were meant to test us. They were all a part of the intricate scheme of challenges life has laid out for us.

You see, life wanted to know what it had to do to break us down.

1 4 MAY 2009

Exactly how many cell phones have to fall down the toilet before we realize that maybe we shouldn’t keep them in our back pocket? How many times did a teacher have to fake cough before we realized that we should probably be speaking in a softer voice? How many times did our mothers have to tell us to pick the clothes up off the floor until we actually did it?

In the coming years life’s tests will become a bit more complex. We will be left to our own devices, no smothering parents or caring teachers, just us and what we choose to do with our time.

For many, the time after high school, Lord knows why, is followed with more school. Such a road is one that most of us are encouraged to take, but it's definitely not the simplest.

Do you realize how difficult it will be to study even though your parents aren’t lurking in the shadows ready to withhold privileges until said studying is done?

Or the insurmountable amount of pain it will cause when you get sick for the first time and there’s no one there to nurse you back to health?

Life is going to be brutal, but if you’ve maintained your character, morality and drive thus far, then I’m sure you can ease yourself into the coming hardships. If you, like me, have never and still don’t display any of these characteristics, then I’d say that it’s about time to let life win.

Noopur Goel

ads manager

“

My friends and I, well, we got high school right

Kyra Storm

never was a journal-er. I don’t do diaries. So when I attempted to look back on my four years here at Blue Valley, I had only one source: My note box.

A Sam’s Club-sized Twizzler container that manages to contain every single note I’ve received, ranging from deranged love letters from that weird dude in my geometry class, to gossip rants from my best friends.

These chicken-scratched papers folded into origami-like packages hold the stresses, dreams, failures and defining moments of my high school career.

But most of them are just hilarious.

And after an entire night of reminiscing and reflecting over these notes, I concluded that my friends and I, well, we got high school right.

Though most of the hot-pink gel pen ink has faded on these worn sheets of paper, the lessons I’ve learned have not.

The first thing to grasp about high school, and life in general, is that it’s a lot more fun if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

Life’s too short to overthink everything you do and say or worry about people's reactions. If you feel like showing off the two-step move you recently learned from that YouTube video at a pizza dance, then do it.

And that takes me to my next point: don’t judge. Some of the notes between my friends and I weren’t the sweetest, especially freshman year. We secretly chuckled at the girl with purple hair who wore her green Converse every day.

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copy editor

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”

She wasn’t in our tight-knit friend group/lunch table that was established at Blue Valley Middle.

What I failed to recognize freshman year, I finally understood as a senior. She just had a bad dye job and Converse are very practical and comfortable shoes! That quirky girl has ended up being one of my best friends and to think I might have missed her because I wrote her and her lavender locks off.

Next, apologize often and sincerely.

No one fully understands the importance of two simple words: “My bad.”

Teenagers screw up a lot. Obviously, we’re infamous for that. You and your friends are going to make mistakes.

There’s a chance you’ll let a secret slip out that you shouldn’t have, or that you’ll smart-off to a quality teacher who is just trying to help you grow.

These mishaps are inevitable, but taking responsibility for what you did is a simple gesture that makes all the difference in forming healthy and functional relationships.

And last, and probably most important, be grateful for who you have and tell them.

There is not a note in this fruity-smelling carton that doesn’t end with “LYLAS,” “BFF(aeaeae),” or “<3 your bestie.”

And that’s the great thing about good friends. They realize how influential and imperative you are in their life.

And they let you know it.

XOXO Kyra

”

Go out there and find what you like and what you don’t like

n life, there are opportunities around every corner. Sometimes you'll miss them. They will fly by and you'll never get a second chance. But every once in a while, you'll have that chance.

My advice to you is to never hope for that second chance. Be ready for the first one, grab it by the horns and hold on tight.

Life will take you down many paths and throw you around. You have to be prepared.

I missed a lot of my chances throughout high school and now I find myself hoping for several second chances.

The thing is, another chance is never guaranteed.

Don't wait and hope for your dreams to come true.

Stand up and do something to get them done. Set yourself up for success in everything you do.

Regrets in life will haunt you for a long time and I don't want you to experience that.

High school is a very short four years. To let it soar by without doing anything is just a waste.

You make high school what you want it to be. If you choose to sit at home and play Xbox all night, I pity you.

Reach out and try something new.

I

Audition for the school plays, try out for a sport, join a club, do something that sets you up to have fun. Don't leave this building with any regrets.

I want you to enjoy your time here and make the most out of it.

For me, though, there are many things I wish I would have done differently. I should have hit the gym freshman year and maybe I would still be playing baseball, the sport I love. I got cut sophomore year and I stopped playing after that. Ever since then, summers just haven't been the same.

But I don't want you to think that I didn't do anything fun here.

I was in two international plays, I joined the swim team and grew respect for the sport, I wrote for the newspaper and found what I want to do for the rest of my life. For me to find my calling in life this soon is a gift I am most grateful for.

But now it's your turn.

Go out there and find what you like and don't like.

High school can be some of the best years of your life. Don't take it for granted.

Anything you think you want to do, do it.

Don't leave with any regrets. Instead, leave saying, "I have done everything I wanted to do here, and I'm ready for the next experience."

Tyler Duke

circulation manager MAY 2009 1 5

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Mitch Smith

“

They didn’t think I was good enough.

They didn’t want me.

Now I’ve got four years to prove them wrong.

editor-in-chief t was a plain little envelope.

My name and address were stamped across the front. I had no idea who it was from.

There wasn’t much inside. A piece of paper, maybe two.

When I saw the return address printed in purple in a font so small you’re not really supposed to see it, I thought I knew what was inside.

When I flipped it over, I saw an equally tiny university crest on the back. That confirmed the suspicions.

There was no bulky packet with a corny mascot head in the corner holding a sign saying “Congrats, you’re in.” There was no housing information. There were no new-student enrollment dates. There were no pieces of paper asking for a deposit or detailing university dining services.

After three years of hoping, a high school career dedicated to getting that bulky packet, a campus visit that was a Christmas present and an agonizing application process, I was about to open my go-to-hell letter.

“Dear Mitchell,” the letter began. “The admission committee has concluded its evaluation of applicants.”

Then the dagger.

“I am sorry we are unable to offer you a place in the freshman class.”

It went on to tell me that they “cannot admit all of the qualified applicants” and that I “should not feel our decision reflects negatively on you or your potential as a college student.”

And, as quickly as the insincere letter started, they wished me “every success as you pursue your education” and ended the note.

I told myself that it didn’t matter. I had already made my college choice. Whether I got the nondescript envelope or the gaudy packet, I knew I couldn’t afford that dream school.

But then again, it did matter.

I had poured my heart and soul into that application. I had mortgaged my Christmas to fly in to visit their school.

I had talked the college up to my parents and begged, literally begged, them to let me apply and see if they’d

I

1 6 MAY 2009

take me.

I thought they just might send me a gaudy packet.

I challenged myself in school and extracurricular activities for four years, all with the “envelope or packet” question in the back of my mind.

I had done my best. My best just wasn’t good enough.

And it wasn’t just the fancy-schmancy university that didn’t want me.

There were scholarships, awards and all kinds of things that I had set my sights on winning this year. For pretty much all of them, I ended up getting insincere letters much like the one I described earlier.

And each and every one crushed me.

I stayed home from school (if anyone in the attendance office is reading this, I was “sick”). I became bitter and kind of muddled through my senior year.

For the first time in my life, I was being told that I wasn’t good enough.

And it was killing me.

But as much as my ego has suffered this year, looking back, those go-to-hell notes have taught me more than any acceptance packet or superficial award ever could.

They taught me to be humble.

I assumed I would win that scholarship and its corresponding trip to Washington, D.C. Didn’t happen. I hoped I might place in, maybe even win, the state journalist of the year contest. Not so much. And I thought that I’d at least get waitlisted at my dream college (In case you missed the first 400 words of this column, that didn’t quite work out either.)

They taught me to be realistic.

Since I was in first grade, I have wanted to be a sports journalist.

I pictured myself sitting in the Kauffman Stadium press box on crisp summer nights, waiting to chat with Gold Glovers and file my game story.

For a while, it looked like I was on track.

I published a classroom newspaper in fifth grade, interviewed a future NFL Hall of Famer as part of my middle school career day, became editor of this fine publication and had some of my stories printed by The Kansas City Star last year.

”

But as the rejection letters started piling up, I had a harsh truth smeared in my face: I’m not that good.

It’s hard to think that I oversold and outdreamt my talent and potential.

But it’s probably true.

The same kids I worked with on the Star have produced more interesting, better written stories. And they earned the recognition they received for that.

And while I’ll go to college still dreaming of and working towards a career in journalism, it will be with a double-major as a backup plan and with much less hope than I had just a few months ago.

They taught me to be resilient.

I got mad. And while I didn’t really talk to people about my rejection letters, I’m afraid I wasn’t much fun to be around for a good chunk of the year. I let my personal problems negatively affect the way I treated others, including my own family, and that’s just not right.

But, more than anything, the go-to-hell letters taught me to be proud.

When I walk across that stage in my goofy outfit to get my piece of paper later this month, I’ll be able to hold my head high.

I know I did my best, whether that was good enough for the people in some ritzy admissions office or not doesn’t really matter anymore.

Next year, I’ll be just fine.

I’ll attend a public university in a neighboring state.

I’ll sleep in a dorm, eat a lot of pizza, agonize over the Chiefs and Royals and go on living my life.

As for the specifics, I don’t really know yet.

But I can promise you that the go-to-hell letter from my dream college will be tacked on my bulletin board until the day I graduate.

Whenever I can’t finish an essay or would rather sleep than study for some miserable test, I’ll see that nondescript envelope and its tiny return address hanging above my computer.

I guarantee that I’ll finish that paper and ace that test.

They didn’t think I was good enough. They didn’t want me.

Now I’ve got four years to prove them wrong.

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“

They are someone you count on and look up to

or my senior column, I have decided to say goodbye to those who have made high school the best: my best friends.

But since I want others to be able to apply this column to themselves, I have listed categories instead of names.

The big brother/sister: The friend you put in this category has the biggest cliché title ever. This person, for whatever reason, will help you fix your mistakes no matter how stupid they are. They are someone you count on and look up to. Even if it's inconvenient for them, they go out of their way to help you.

The "artist": This friend is constantly thinking of other things that have nothing to do with school.

Instead of presents, they draw you pictures for your birthday. They usually keep to themselves in public, but with friends they show a whole different side of themselves.

The friend you hate but your other friends like them so you're forced to hang out with them: You can't stand this person. Everything they say and do is a nuisance to you. Your viewpoints and their viewpoints always seem to clash, whether it be politics, religion or music. But despite not liking this person, you'll still miss hanging out with them for whatever bizarre reason.

Stinky: This friend smells terrible. You want to tell them how badly they smell, but for some reason you think they know they smell that way and will take offense at your attempt at correctional

F

“

”

Andrew Fiori

hygiene. You get your big brother/sister category friend to tell them, but there is still never a change.

The friend you wish you could punch in the face: This friend seems to have everything. Money, expensive objects, two refrigerators... everything.

They're liked by everybody, teachers and parents included. They're good at everything they try and in top physical condition. You secretly hate this person, but will never say it because they buy you stuff.

The "racist" friend: This kid, usually a minority, always talks about how everyone seems to be "racist" toward them. Poking fun at them will usually end in them saying "What? Are you saying that because I'm (insert ethnicity here)?" Everything is a hate crime to this kid.

The Redcoat: This friend is British. You love this kid and you take every opportunity to turn their accent into an attraction. Though they may hate you for this at first, all they do is remember that you're American, so they never take you seriously. If you don't have a British friend, get one.

The sarcastic friend: This friend is sarcastic all the time. Everything they say is just a "joke" or "for the lol's." Ironically, the sarcastic friend is really bad at using sarcasm. You never know when they are actually being sarcastic or serious. The sarcastic kid usually sets others up for awkward situations due to this flaw.

There are many more categories, but I'm out of space. I wish you all well in your future endeavors, Blue Valley.

High school is only a small part of my life

”

Nathan Lindshield

news editor

igh school has been full of unforgettable memories.

We have made friendships that will last a lifetime. We have trudged through the challenges and enjoyed the successes. When people have told us we couldn’t, we proved them wrong.

I am truly proud to have been part of such a unique and talented senior class.

I have learned some important lessons that I hope to take with me as I move on to the next chapter in my life.

The most important thing I have learned is to never give up on something.

There have been countless times when I would like to have been watching SportsCenter instead of studying for that annoying math test. The time I spent cramming for those finals could have been used for other things, but I stuck with it and now I'm glad I did.

Knowing that I will face many challenges in life beyond high school, I can confidently say I feel prepared for them.

High school is one of those

H

staff writer times in life filled with teen drama, the aforementioned late-night cramming for tests and those dates I wished I never wasted my money on.

This is the only time in my life I will get to experience these things.

With this in mind, I have realized the importance of enjoying what I can out of high school because there will never be another time like this.

Whatever my interest is, the knowledge, maturity and experiences of high school are something I can look back on fondly.

I never really cared about winning the class competition because I knew there would always be one the next year. Well now, I can't say that because my time here has come to a close.

I can say I will be screaming my lungs out at football games (It will just be for a different team with a couple thousand more fans in the stands).

I am grateful for the support of the teachers who have contributed to my learning.

I will never forget the numerous times my teachers were

willing to dedicate their time after school to answer my questions to make sure I understood that lesson I missed when I was absent or that difficult chemistry concept.

This is what makes this school so unique and rich in tradition.

The teachers are willing to go the extra mile to make sure I can achieve success in the future.

Knowing that the journey is still far from complete, I must prepare myself for the challenges that lie ahead.

While it's hard for me to believe, high school is only a small part of my life.

It is the combination of the parts that make up the whole.

With that said, it is important for me to make the most of everything I do just as I have tried to do in high school.

The memories and friends I have made through these four years are the things that I will remember forever.

When I reflect back upon this time in my life, I will be glad to know I was at a school where I made lasting friendships and shared so many memories with everyone who supported me.

MAY 2009 1 7

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FLASH BACK

Senior photographers look back on their high school experiences through the lens 1. Seniors Tyler Vollick, Sam Lutz and Connor Francis cheer for the Class of 2009 at the school picnic Aug. 22. Despite close competition from the sophomores and juniors, the seniors pulled off another victory.

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2. Basketball coach Andy Unrein reacts to a questionable call by a referee at the Aquinas game on Feb. 5. The Lady Tigers lost in the second round of sub-state against Olathe South.

3. Junior Parker Madl hugs Coach Matt Ortman immediately after being declared the 6A state wrestling champion. Junior Nick Pearch and senior Brett Newell also placed in the state tournament.

4. Senior Rachel Tate prepares to bake baguettes while in her cooking class at Broadmoor Technical Center Jan. 14.

3

5. Senior Christophe Gallet escorts senior Jessie Chastain at the Homecoming assembly Oct. 2. Gallet was crowned Homecoming king at the dance Oct. 4.

6. Senior Luke Rampy congratulates a teammate following the Bishop Miege football game Oct. 3. The Tigers finished 10-2, losing to Lawrence Free State in sub-state.

Photos by Amanda Blue, Conner Combes and Tom Roudebush.

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Teacher retires after 33 years at BV nathanlindshield news editor

When she started working at Blue Valley, it was a small farmtown high school. The year was 1975. The student body was about 500 and Metcalf wasn’t even paved yet.

Reading teacher Nancy Kissel has been at BV long enough to see it change from a small school surrounded by pastures to a 6A school surrounded by subdivisions.

“When I initially began teaching at this school there were grades seven through 12,” Kissel said. “There were less kids and the parking lot was much smaller.”

After 33 years at BV, Kissel plans to retire at the end of the year.

During her tenure, she has been the sponsor of activities ranging from cheerleading to yearbook.

She taught sophomore Eng-

lish and a variety of study skills classes.

She now teaches reading and PASS, which is designed to help students with their academic performance.

Kissel made her way to BV after teaching Spanish at Shawnee Mission South High School.

She also worked as a reading specialist in junior high schools in Topeka and Wichita.

“They gave me the choice of teaching a science fiction reading class or being the yearbook sponsor,” she said. “I chose to be the yearbook sponsor.”

Kissel has gained a lot from her interactions with students through the years.

“I have had a great relationship with students that I’ve had back from years ago,” she said.

“This school has that community feeling and so many traditions were built here.”

In 1982, she thought of a way to get all the classes together for an all-school picnic for the first

week of each year.

She is the longest tenured teacher at BV. After she leaves, computer teacher Cindy Brown and counseling coordinator Debbie Fryer will be the teachers with the most tenure.

“She has left a legacy with all of the faculty and numbers of students she has helped in a thousand different ways,” Fryer said.

Kissel has seen BV evolve firsthand.

“The teachers have gotten a lot younger and students are using computers more than books now to get information,” Kissel said. “It has made teachers’ lives easier and more challenging because we have to constantly keep grades updated online.”

During the day, she teaches reading and checks grades for her PASS class.

After school, she supervises Overtime and works with teachers who have Overtime students.

Kissel Despite all of her responsibilities, she still finds time for her hobbies.

“During my free time I love to read and do a lot of yard-work because I enjoy working in my flower garden,” she said.

For Kissel, the most rewarding part of her job has come from working with students and seeing those who have struggled with reading become successful.

When Kissel leaves after this year, communication arts teacher Keil Pittman will be taking over

for her. He will teach in her current classroom, next to the Fixed Forum.

He will also teach two Read 180 classes along with four Contemporary Communications classes.

“I admire her spine,” Pittman said. “She tells you how it is and people know where they stand with her. She stands up for what she believes.”

Pittman has known Kissel since he started working at BV eight years ago.

“She loves her job,” Pittman said. “We’re going to miss her because she’s a compassionate teacher who wants the best for kids and their futures.”

Kissel looks forward to relaxing in retirement.

“I will miss the people at this school after all the years I’ve taught,” Kissel said. “The good thing is I’ll be able to spend more time eating lunch now and I won’t have to worry about bells ringing.”

At your service

Upperclassmen released from school to volunteer for local organizations Left: Senior Spencer Hurst spreads mulch around a tree at Deanna Rose Farmstead. Hurst spent most of the day mulching in various areas around the Farmstead. Above: Seniors Heidi Kliethermes, Ashley Wagner and Taylor Clear sort books into genres at the Olathe Goodwill. All juniors and seniors spent Community Service Day volunteering for various nature centers, nursing homes and non-profit organizatons. Photos by Tom Roudebush and Conner Combes.

MAY 2009 1 9

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Exploring: Costa Rica emilystrickland managing editor

As the bell rings and a mass of students rush out of class, it’s not hard overhearing snippets of conversation. But walking past a section of senior lockers, one might hear snippets of Spanish.

Seniors Ali Athey and Anna Speer are two of the students in AP Spanish 5, so they’ve always needed to practice. Now they have another reason to hone their skills. In June, they’re going to Costa Rica with other seniors in the National Spanish Honor Society.

“Everyone who’s going are neat people and it’ll be fun to get to know them,” Speer said. “It’s a fun end-of-the-year thing.”

Along with NSHS sponsor Anita Lemons, her husband Jim, and seniors Jessie Chastain, Ali Foster, Megan Peterson, Christy Reinhardt and Dana Whetter, Athey and Speer will be staying in the capital city of San José for a week.

They will also visit national parks and a coffee plantation.

NSHS officers suggested the trip to Costa Rica at the beginning of the year, although it was originally supposed to be a trip to Spain.

“Spain was more expensive, about $4,000,” Speer said. “They figured it out and we all decided to go to Costa Rica, which is quite a bit less.”

This will be Lemons’ first visit to Costa Rica; however, she said she’s taken a handful of groups

to Spain.

“Every group I’ve taken said it was the most life-changing experience,” she said. “Many have gone back to study abroad after the trip.”

In order to pay for the trip, Speer said they organized fundraisers.

They worked as car hops at Sonic for a day and got to keep all of the tip money. They also held a fundraiser at Robeks and a car wash.

“We got some of our money from the people who bought a smoothie who said they wanted to help us out that day,” Speer said. “A certain percentage of that customer’s sale went to our trip.”

Speer said they raised a lot of money through all the fundraisers, but the trip is still costly.

“It seems like a lot but when you split it up it’s not a ton,” she said. “Every little bit helps, but you have to pay for most of it yourself.”

Even though they will be in a Spanish-speaking country, Speer said she isn’t worried about being able to communicate.

“I don’t know if we’re fluent, like in the sense we could understand what everyone was saying or that we could talk without pausing or talking around a word, but I definitely think we can communicate well,” she said.

Lemons isn’t worried about the students’ communication skills either, but she said that there will be some new phrases to pick up on.

Spanish students raise money for trip to San José

Spanish teacher Anita Lemons instructs her AP Spanish 5 class as they prepare for the AP test and a trip to Costa Rica.

Along with in-class practice, Lemons’ students attend regular study sessions to get ready for the test. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

“There will be many regionalisms we don’t know, since Spanish is spoken in so many different countries,” she said. “There’ll be different expressions to learn.

There are different regionalisms even in the United States.”

Lemons said they will learn about the Costa Rican culture as well as studying the Spanish language.

“NFTC, the company we’re going through, has tour guides who are very knowledgeable about their country and culture,” she said. “They’re outstanding.

It makes us feel ‘Gosh, we don’t know that much about the U.S.’ They’re generally well-versed about history, geography, politics, art and music.”

She stresses the benefits of acquiring a second language in her classes, and especially the importance of Spanish in the United States.

“The world is getting smaller and smaller,” Lemons said. “I was recently talking to a dad who said that his company does business in Costa Rica. It’s more the norm to travel and work. It’s

easier to get a job if you have a second language.”

Lemons said that, even though she would love to go to Spain another time, she’s happy to be able to take the group to Costa Rica.

“It doesn’t have an army,” she said. “Whereas other Central American countries, which have a lot of internal struggles and coups d’état, need one. Costa Rica has an extremely high literacy rate, and the economy is doing pretty well. It’s also very modern. Costa Rica is special.”

Student to spend year in Austria, study German Want to study abroad?

The Rotary Youth Exchange offers scholarships for students looking to study in different countries. About 8,000 students are currently learning in other nations as part of the program.

Rotary Club stresses the importance of bringing the world closer by sharing different cultures and ideas.

Find out more at rotary.org

2 0 MAY 2009

caitlinholland staff writer

Imagine moving to a new town, hundreds of miles away from home, to start your junior year of high school.

Now imagine moving again the next year, to begin your senior year in another different city, different country, thousands of miles away.

Junior Bailey Kennedy, who moved from Chicago just in time for the first day of school this year, has decided to study abroad in Austria next year.

Kennedy began studying the German language as an eighth grader. Since then, she has studied German literature and media and was inducted into the National German Honor Society earlier this year.

The next step for her is to become

completely immersed in the culture she has learned so much about.

“I love the German language,” she said.

“I know a lot of people think it’s really harsh, but I think it’s pretty and now I’ll be able to hear it every day.”

German teacher Ann Heidebrecht, who has been to Austria several times, said that she thinks Kennedy will learn a lot about the country’s culture and become fluent in the language.

She recommends visiting Salzburg, Austria, a city rich with tradition and heritage, where she visited on foreign exchange as a teenager.

“I hope she will take time to go to Salzburg, that’s where The Sound of Music was filmed and Mozart was born,” Heidebrecht said.

Heidebrecht stresses the importance of

studying different languages, because they can lead to job opportunities in the future.

“I hope she does continue learning a second language,” HeideKennedy brecht said. “You can’t put a value on that, it opens up so many doors.”

In August, Kennedy will leave Stilwell and arrive in Baden, Austria.

Baden is a suburb of Vienna, the largest city in the nation. She said she looks forward to the mix of culture that Vienna has to offer — a combination of east and west German history.

centerstage

I know what you’re doing this summer...

Without hours of homework, NHS meetings and band concerts, you’ll need something to fill your summer nights.

Here are 5 flicks to look out for during those glorious summer months. allisonkohn opinion editor

Up

Release date: May 29 This Pixar production is about a 78-year-old man who has always dreamed of exploring the world, but feels he is past his prime. When he ties thousands of balloons to his home, he is ready for take off.

Unfortunately, the neighborhood wilderness scout is a stowaway on board. The two share a unique adventure that changes their outlooks on life. This movie will also be shown in 3-D, which will provide a pretty sweet viewing experience.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures. Used with permission.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Release date: June 24 “Revenge is coming.”

Returning stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox join Optimus Prime and his band of Transformers to fight an epic battle to save the universe from the evil Decepticons. This time, the secret origins of the Transformers are revealed, adding some mysterious twists to the plot. Throw in some over-the-top special effects, and this will be a sequel worth seeing.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures. Used with permission.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Release date: July 15 The sixth installment in the Harry Potter dynasty, this movie follows Harry, Ron and Hermione back to Hogwarts for another dramatic year of school. Lord Voldemort is once again on the rise. Through learning about Voldy’s gruesome past, it’s up to Harry and Professor Dumbledore to unravel the secrets that will defeat The Dark Lord once and for all.

Let’s just hope it can live up to the book this time.

Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers Pictures. Used with permission.

The Ugly Truth

Release date: July 24 Katherine Heigl is a romantically inept morning show producer who is forced to work with an incredibly chauvinistic new talk show host. His advice on love and relationships couldn’t annoy her more. When Heigl makes a bet with her obnoxious client to see who really knows the truth on love, an obvious spark is lit. This romantic comedy could prove to be the date movie of the summer.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures. Used with permission.

Photo courtesy of Universal Studios. Used with permission.

Funny People

Release date: July 31 What would summer be without a Seth Rogen-Judd Apatow creation?

However, this movie takes a spin on the usual Apatow comedic gig. Adam Sandler plays George, a famous comedian, who takes an amateur named Ira (Rogen) under his wing. When George is diagnosed with a rare and terminal disease, he prepares himself for the final year he is given to live. Unexpectedly, the doctors are able to cure the disease, allowing George the second chance for the life he always wanted.

MAY 2009 2 1

tigerturf

BV SPORTS IN BRIEF

Baseball

4/23 Bishop Miege 4/24 BV Northwest

W(13-0) W(9-8)

The baseball team maintained its undefeated record until the River City Tournament last month.

The team dropped a pair of games to Lawrence and Olathe South in tournament play before rebounding to knock off Bishop Miege and Blue Valley Northwest.

By Tiger Print Staff.

Catch baseball in action: 5/1 @ BV North 5/2 Liberty @ BV West 5/2 Nixa @ BV West

Softball 4/7

Washburn Rural

4/20 @ BV Northwest

W(4-1) L(7-6) W(10-5) L(4-2)

The Tigers split two doubleheaders with Washburn Rural and Blue Valley Northwest, but have had much of their schedule rained out.

“It’s frustrating because the girls are chomping at the bit to compete,” coach Jim Laughlin said. “And we just haven’t had the opportunity to play.”

By Shannon Valverde.

Catch softball in action: 5/1 St. Thomas Aquinas 5/4 @ BV North

Girls Swimming 4/14 BV Northwest 4/21 BVHS meet

(1-1) 1st

On April 21, the swim team hosted a meet at home against Blue Valley West and Turner High.

The Tigers took first.

Freshman Becca Bond placed first in the 100-meter backstroke and freshman Beth Houghton finished first in the 200-meter freestyle and 500-meter freestyle.

Sophomore Felicia Walker finished first in the 100-meter freestyle.

By Tyler Duke.

Catch girls swimming in action: 5/4 BVHS meet 5/5 @BV West 5/8 EKL meet

Track and Field 4/18 KU Relays 4/24 SM West

The girls brought home six first place finishes at the Shawnee Mission West Invitational last weekend.

Two relay teams took first place while sophomore Mizani Hobson won both the shot put and discus.

Sophomore Rachel Supple took first in the girls 100-meter dash, as did sophomore Aerial Smith in the girls 200-meter.

By Spencer Goldenberg.

Catch track in action: 5/8 @SM North 5/15 EKL 5/22 Regionals

Boys Tennis

4/22 @ BV West 4/23 Emporia Quad

L(2-10) T(2-2) W(3-1) W(3-1)

The varsity team is 3-3 in duals, beating two teams at the Emporia Quad.

“This season has been very good so far,” assistant coach Brian Mowry said. “We’ve seen a lot of success on the court.”

The high point of the season for Mowry was defeating Olathe East April 16.

By Ryan O’Toole.

Catch boys tennis in action: 5/2 EKL 5/7 Regionals 5/15 State tourn.

Girls Soccer

4/20 BV West 4/23 Lansing 4/25 Olathe North

L(0-2) W(2-0) W(5-1)

The soccer team has won four out of its last five games, including two shutouts, on its way to a 7-3 record.

During that five-game stretch, the team scored 16 goals and allowed only four.

Senior Tyler VanGerpen pitches against Gardner Edgerton on March 31.

After two rainouts, the Tigers started their season with two wins against the Trailblazers at the District Activity Complex. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

After a loss at Blue Valley West, the team shut out Lansing on April 23.

The Tigers beat Olathe North, 5-1 on April 25. Sophomores Brittany Zimmerman, Katelyn Gardner, Presley Chrisco, Annie Humphrey and junior Sally Stromme all scored.

By Steven Reno.

Catch girls soccer in action: 5/4 @ SM South 5/5 KC Christian

Boys Golf

4/22 Washburn Rural

The golf team took first at the Washburn Rural tournament.

The team is now preparing for regionals and state.

“The hardest part is making it through regionals,” coach Laura Kelley said. “When we get to state the competition is a lot easier because all the really good teams are in our region.”

By Ryan O’Toole.

Catch boys golf in action: 5/11 @ Leavenworth

Soccer

Emily Campbell

Briar Cliff University

Golf

Samantha McClellan

Central Christian College

Why did you sign with Briar Cliff?

Why did you sign with Central Christian?

“They offered me a lot of scholarships and I get to play soccer.”

“I fell in love with the Christian environment that I felt when I visited the school.”

Photo by Amanda Blue.

2 2 MAY 2009

1st

Photo by Conner Combes.

tigerturf

Young gunner spencergoldenberg staff writer

The Tiger softball team is hoping to do big things this year and one reason for that is sophomore Stephanie Goodwin.

Last year, Goodwin was named to the All-EKL, All-State and All-Metro teams.

Only a sophomore, Goodwin is among the state’s best.

“I don’t really ever feel like one of the younger players out there,” Goodwin said.

Assistant coach Jim Laughlin has noticed Goodwin’s talent as well.

“She’s the most consistent player on the team,” Laughlin said. “She never seems to be in a slump.”

But success with a ball, bat and glove is not an unfamiliar thing for Goodwin. Her father

played baseball at Kansas State and her brother, senior Joey Goodwin, is a leader on the state-champion baseball team.

“I think they both definitely helped me to get where I am today in softball,” Stephanie said.

Stephanie said she hopes to win a title of her own.

“My main goal this year is to win state,” she said.

With key players returning from the state tournament team last year, the softball team is looking to make a legitimate push for the state title.

“We definitely have the potential to win it all this year,” Laughlin said.

Laughlin believes Goodwin’s experience will be crucial to the team.

“She always has kept a competitive fire and seems to keep everyone calm,” he said.

Sophomore puts state recognition to work, emerges as team leader

Sophomore Stephanie Goodwin throws a ball in from the outfield at a recent practice. Goodwin, who was named to the All-State and All-Metro teams as a freshman, hopes to lead the Tigers back to the state tournament. Photo by Tom Roudebush.

MAY 2009 2 3

preview

May Today

May Day Show someone you care with a flower or a basket.

Tues. 5

Cinco de Mayo More than just a day to say “Hola” to your friends.

Fri. 8

V-E Day Also known as Victory in Europe Day. This was the day Germany officially surrendered at the end of World War II.

Sun. 10

Fri. 22

Finals Hours 1, 2 and 3

Tues. 26 Finals Hours 4 and 5

Wed. 27 Finals Hours 6 and 7

Senior Events

For a calendar containing all of the end-of-the-year senior events, please see page 8.

Windmill Day One of the many new energy sources being used.

Sophomore Lexi Dienstbier constructs a hot-air balloon as part of her chemistry project. The balloons, made with tissue paper and glue, were launched last month.

Photo by Amanda Blue.

[Around Town] Sat. 2

KC Roller Warriors At Municipal Auditorium at 7 p.m. Come out and see Kansas City’s all-female roller derby team. Tickets start at $8.

The Killers concert At Sandstone Amphitheater at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $32.

Wed. 6

KC Wizards game vs. DC United at 7:30 p.m. at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Tickets start at $15.

Fri. 8

Fleetwood Mac concert At Sprint Center at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $50. Yes, they are still around.

2 4 MAY 2009

Summer Events Sat. 9

Kenny Chesney concert At Sprint Center at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $20.

Sat. 16

Dane Cook At Sprint Center at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $30.

Sat. 23

Oceans of Fun opens Don’t forget your sunscreen.

Regular admission $28.99.

Fri. 29

Sugarland concert At Sprint Center at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $34.

June 12

June 20

June 16

July 3

Tech N9ne concert At the Blue Note at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $20.

Mix 93.3 Red, White and Boom At Sandstone Amphitheater at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $20.

Heart of America Shakespeare Festival At the Country Club Plaza.

Tickets are $12.

June 19

KC RiverFest Independence Day Festival.

Tickets are $6.

July 6

Royals game vs. St. Louis Cardinals at 7:10 p.m.

No Doubt concert At Starlight at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $40.

Senior Countdown

17 days until graduation