The Tiger Print — May 2014

TIGER PRINT newspaper the

BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Vol. 44 Issue 7 May 2014 Overland Park, Kan.

BON VOYAGE

Students, teachers to travel on European adventure in June

page 10

SUMMER SNACKS Check out the best places to go to cool down, eat frozen treats

pages 34-35

KICKIN’ IT Staffer highlights US World Cup team, makes predictions

pages 46-47

So Long, Seniors

Reflecting on past four years, seniors look forward to post-BV futures Pages 13-33.

Photo illustration by Raine Andrews.

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inthenews

May 2014

Events Calendar May 2 — Raku Party Fifth Wall Performance, 7 p.m. in the PAC May 3 — State Forensics Tournament State Journalism May 5-16 — AP Testing May 5 — Band Spring Concert, 7 p.m.

May 6 — Music Honor Society Concert, 5:30 p.m. in the PAC May 8 — Senior Caps and Gowns Delivered, 12:30 p.m .

Rep Theatre Show, 7 p.m. in the Black Box May 9 — Yearbooks Distributed Senior Picnic, 10 a.m.

Rep Theatre Show, 7 p.m. in the Black Box May 10 — Walk to REbeL, 9 a.m. at Blue Valley Northwest Dance Team Spring Show, 7 p.m.

May 13 — 5th, 6th, 7th hour Senior Finals Forensic Showcase, 6 p.m. in the Black Box May 14 — 3rd, 4th hour Senior Finals May 15 — 1st, 2nd hour Senior Finals Spring Choir Show, 7:30 p.m.

May 16 — Class Day, 9 a.m.

May 17 — Spring Choir Show, 7:30 p.m.

May 18 — Graduation, 1 p.m. at Kemper Arena May 26 — No School, Memorial Day May 28 — 1st, 2nd hour finals May 29 — 3rd, 4th, 5th hour finals May 30 — 6th, 7th hour finals Last Day of School

national news explained

KATHLEEN SEBELIUS RESIGNATION Secretary of Health and Human Services native Kansan Kathleen Sebelius resigned from her position in the Obama administration. She played a key role in implementing the Affordable Care Act as a functioning law.

Many blame her for the incompetent website debut as well as the glitches and sluggishness of the program. She received torrents of criticism in Nov. when the Affordable Care Act came into effect, and many called for her to be fired or for her to resign. Now that all the roadblocks of the law have been smoothed

INTERSTATE SHOOTER CAUGHT

In recent weeks, several Kansas City highways and interstates have been plagued by seemingly random shootings. Police have recorded a total of 18 shots fired with three inflicting injury on commuters. The gunman targeted exits or places where the road split.

After getting a partial license plate number from a driver who was shot at, police located suspect Mohammad Whitaker, and after obtaining a warrant for his arrest, police

SOUTH KOREAN FERRY

While attempting a high-speed turn Sunday April 20, a South Korean passenger ferry capsized due to the negligence of the crew.

When the original blunder was made, all passengers were told to stay in their cabins when they should have been evacuated into lifeboats. Of the 476 on board, only 174 were rescued with over 150 declared dead. Crew members have been charged with a charge similar to criminally negligent homicide.

STOWAWAY BOY

Monday, April 21, a teenage boy snuck into the wheel well of a plane traveling from San Jose, California, to Hawaii — a five-and-ahalf hour journey. According to authorities, he scaled a fence leading to the tarmac and managed to not be seen by any patrolling security or sniffed out by German shepherds.

It was dark when he got into the wheel cavity, allowing this cover to aid his escape. Due to the low air pressure, he was unconscious for the majority of the flight. When he was safely on the ground, authorities immediately spotted the boy and attempted to rejoin him with his family. He will not be charged with anything.

out, Sebelius still had to take the fault for the trouble it caused.

Why is this a big deal? Even though more than seven million people are now insured with the Affordable Care Act, responsibility for the fiasco fell to Sebelius. It was her job to make sure everything worked out with the website, and seeing as that didn’t happen — she had to stay and attempt to fix the problem. This is a triumph for conservatives who despised the law to begin with.

and SWAT teams took him into custody. He was charged with 18 felony counts including assault with a deadly weapon. Whitaker’s bail was set at one million dollars.

Why is this a big deal? After being terrorized for weeks by Whitaker, Kansas City highway commuters can feel safe traveling once again.

Why is this a big deal? Those already wary of sea travel will see this tragedy as the be all end all of maritime transportation.

While charges against the captain and crew members are warranted, there may not be grounds to file them on. Evidence shows that while tides were at a stronger point, it was a clear night with no fog or wind. They were also in a larger canal with room to turn — showing the sharpness of the deadly maneuver.

Why is this a big deal? He seemed to have no problem slipping past all security measures when airports are supposed to be heavily guarded. It will have several airports reevaluating their cameras and police presence. Along with this, he would have needed extensive knowledge of where to sit in the wheel space without being crushed.

Many view this as not simply a runaway but maybe a test of security — gauging the ease of bypassing restrictive measures. Hopefully, this is an isolated event, and we should be grateful he survived the grueling journey.

Stories by Sheila Gregory.

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

May 2014

inthenews

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Past issues with student parking spot selection result in new online process bridgethoward staff writer The hands of the clock tick more slowly than ever as students await the final bell allowing them to rush to the Commons for their parking spots. The never-ending line works its way through the halls, filled with students becoming more antsy by the minute. Everyone is pushing and shoving, trying to get the best spot next to their friend. The clock continues to tick slower and slower, dragging on the day. It’s the last day of school and the last place everyone wants to be is... at school.

This year, the madness will be gone.

Student Resource Officer Dennis Randall is implementing a new online process regarding selecting parking spots.

“It’s going to start during the summer during registration, providing everything’s online and ready to go,” he said. “The seniors will go the first two days, and they’ll be able to fill out the paperwork part, click on the map and choose their spot. In addition to that, you will have to fill out the application on Synergy. The first two days will be for seniors because they get first pick. Then after the two days, it will be open to seniors and juniors.

Sophomores will more than likely not be driving because we are going to have some construction. If you want to have a parking

photo of the

month

spot next to your friend, you guys need to be in proximity because it’s first come, first serve.”

In years past, he said the process of choosing spots has been very troublesome.

“Before assigned parking spots, it was first come, first serve,” he said. “We had the first three or four rows from the football field reserved for seniors and opened it up to juniors and sophomores after that. The first year, I assigned number spots just for seniors to test it out. The kids seemed to love having their own spot. I’ve implemented that throughout the rest of the parking spaces. As of right now, we have a total of 619 spots open to students, and then we have the gravel road.”

On average, Randall issues passes to over half of Blue Valley students. This year alone, he has passed out over 750 permits.

“I’ve heard nothing but bad things about students having to wait in lines [and] coming up and trying to cut each other, and I’ve tried to eliminate that by distributing numbers,” he said. “For something that should only take an hour or two, it ends up being an all-day thing. It’s been really problematic. It will eliminate the really long lines and people cutting them.”

Randall said he hopes to have the new system running by May 1, so he can test it out.

“It’s my brain child, so I'm hoping it will be successful,” Randall said.

Throughout the day on Tuesday, April 15, students attached notes, pictures and paper cranes on freshman Reat Underwood’s locker in the 600 hallway.

Underwood was a victim of the Jewish Community Center shooting on April 13.

Photo by Raine Andrews.

sallycochran news editor The fourth annual Walk to REbeL will occur Saturday, May 10 at Blue Valley Northwest at 9 a.m. REbeL leader sophomore Madison Morrill said the Walk to REbeL’s purpose is to address how people view themselves.

“The REbeL walk is basically a huge event to bring out everyone to raise awareness for body image issues and to let everyone know that no matter what you look like or who you are or what you’re into, you’re beautiful no matter what,” she said.

REbeL sponsor Jessica Edwards said the Walk to REbeL is the largest activity for the organization each year.

“It’s basically a chance for us to get all of the schools who are involved together and get the community [and] family members together to celebrate everything that REbeL stands for,” she said.

The Walk to REbeL will also include activities such as music from a disc jockey, face painting and a photo bus. Edwards said the event has grown with the club.

“The organization has gotten a lot of media attention this year, and we’ve spread to more schools this year,” she said. “So, I think the biggest difference is that [the Walk to REbeL] has just grown a lot. There will be more activities and, hopefully, more people.”

REbeL does other activities throughout the year to discuss the issue of body image.

“We try to do one big project per quarter,” Morrill said. “We’re planning on doing a big ‘Be You’ week this quarter, which is basically a REbeL spirit week where each day will have a theme to encourage positive body image. We do the sticky note attacks every so often. We also do sidewalk-chalkings.”

Morrill said she wants to raise more money than last year’s event.

“This year, we’re really hoping to raise more money that we did last year because this way we can install [REbeL] into more schools,” she said. “It costs about $5,000 for each school to have the program.”

Walk-up registration is $30 for students and $35 for adults. Check-in will run from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on the day of the event.

Photo courtesy of REbeL. Page designed by Sally Cochran.

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May 2014

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Social media should reflect flaws in daily life; perfection in reality and online deemed impossible

rachelcannon staff writer The time you tripped in the school hallway in front of the cutest senior football player ever.

The moment you tried to shoot the game-changing penalty kick and missed — and fell flat on your face.

The time you almost talked to the quiet red-head in your math class.

The moments we wish we could tuck away and shove deep under our beds where no one will ever, ever find them.

As much as I hate to admit it, even though the time I called my teacher “mom” wasn’t

exactly me at my best — sorry, Mrs. Brush — that and other not-so-great moments are teaching me to accept my flaws, move on and just accept myself as I really am.

This is already difficult enough, but lately I’ve noticed this struggle extends to social media, too, perhaps why we never post any of those regrettable moments online.

No one wants to own up to his or her mistakes, let alone share them with the world.

It’s easy to believe that if people only see our successes, they will like us more.

It can take forever to decide if something is Facebook or Twitter “worthy.” Sometimes it seems like it’s getting “likes” or the end of the world.

But is the person I create on my account really me, or a person I wish I could be?

Am I accepting myself for who I am or assuming the role of an actor, trying to prove to others that I am worthwhile?

I’m slowly coming to this remarkable

conclusion: I will never be perfect — so why would I try to be so on social media?

This seems simple, but couldn’t believing it be so freeing?

Think about it: no worrying about how many likes you get, who’s reading your tweets or what you’ve done that’s remotely interesting enough to post.

I know no matter what my profile looks like, I’m still me.

That includes all my imperfections and mistakes, and I don’t want to be fake anywhere, including on social media.

Here’s my challenge for myself and for you: Don’t post anything just to get likes.

Don’t seek others’ approval — especially online.

It doesn't matter who likes your status or retweets that hilarious post — you have worth, even with mistakes and imperfections.

Complete plan for after high school unnecessary; endless unconsidered opportunities available for post-BV

rachellock staff writer According to Disney Channel movies, high school is supposed to be a time to “find yourself.” Through a set of highly unrealistic, miraculous events, these characters somehow manage to rise up from the ashes of their mistakes and find their purpose through song.

Unfortunately, life is never that clean.

Life is full of unpredictable ups and downs, and high school students can’t expect to just suddenly have an epiphany about exactly how their life is going to go.

However, with the imminent choices of colleges and even careers hanging around,

many students feel pressure to have just that.

Incessant tests, college applications, studying, ACTs, SATs and everything else surrounding the transition into the adult world forces young people into thinking they need to have everything planned out for their entire college career and after.

This is an unrealistic expectation.

While having a direction in mind is extremely important, there is a huge possibility this direction will change as you mature and learn more about your interests. According to Purdue.edu, 80 percent of college students are unsure of what their major should be, and 50 percent of graduated students changed their major at least once.

Picking your college major is not a huge, life-changing decision. Nothing has to be set in stone until you are ready to decide. For now, focus on the experience. Take classes you like in high school. Work hard for your goals. And for those of you graduating this year, use your time in college to do the same.

Most importantly, stop putting all of this

unnecessary pressure on yourself.

I am guilty of it, too, but you will be much happier if you realize you don’t have to know all the details of what your life will be. If you just stay true to what you want — not what others tell you to want — you can find a future to support that. Even if your career doesn’t end up involving that, it can still be a part of your life, so don’t dismiss your dreams as useless or impractical. What you want matters.

Don’t force yourself into a specific choice yet — keep it general, and give yourself wiggle room. Chances are, you will end up somewhere different than you originally thought. Countless jobs exist that most people haven’t even heard of. With hard work and determination, you will go places.

Remember — even if you never get that magical Disney moment of clarity, your future isn’t ruined. There’s time to change your mind. If you stick to what you want and persevere in high school, you will find success in the most unlikely of places.

Page designed by Sally Cochran.

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outloud

May 2014

Hateful actions create wasted effort; tolerance and love required in daily life

sheilagregory staff writer There is a difference between love and tolerance. There is an even bigger difference between tolerance and hate.

Tolerance means you disagree or dislike whatever is in question but can deal with it.

Hate will take you to the darkest edge of your mind with no escape. This is not a pleasant experience.

The way I see it, there are basically three stages: hate, tolerance and love. Now this is leaving out some awkward middle steps of liking and maybe some indifference, but we’re just going to go with this spectrum for now.

We as a culture have luckily moved past a lot of stages of hate.

We’ve accepted the color of skin as simply that — a different color.

A history of hate for different ethnic groups has left nothing but centuries of feuding and violence.

For those who know anything about the unfortunate past of the Jewish people, they always got the short end of the stick due to prejudices.

It can generally be agreed that no good or happiness comes from this animosity we seem to harbor.

Said negativity can be aimed at many people, groups or ideologies, but we all hate something.

Has anyone ever noticed how much energy it takes to hold a grudge?

Hate is exhausting, and for what? We are all people just trying to figure things out. We all have our passions and our fears.

Let’s leave each other be and try and accept what others

stand for.

You may detest gay marriage, but what if it was you? What if you wanted to marry the love of your life, and everywhere you look, there are people screaming that the most beautiful thing you have ever felt was unnatural?

Those types of hateful actions quite honestly serve no purpose.

In the time it probably took to attend an anti-gay rally, protesters could’ve eaten a burrito or done some other positive activity that wasn’t actively berating love.

The world could use a little more love no matter whom it is between.

And then there are those who accept the feelings of unconventional couples but bash on religion. The same religions that start hospitals and relief services.

Again, this makes no sense.

It goes on and on how someone claims love for everyone and later has multiple exceptions.

We love the members of our own political parties and hate the others when we should admire the zeal and passion our opponents have for their views.

We should have discussions, not debates.

Figure out why your “enemy” acts the way they do, and accept the mistakes they have made because heaven knows you aren’t perfect.

When we understand where opposition comes from, we see more than what was just in black and white. It opens up our capacity to love and feel empathy.

Recognize the way people fight for their causes, and, even if it isn’t what you believe, appreciate it anyway.

Acknowledge differences, and move on.

Life is too short to spend so much energy despising each other.

Fight for what you believe, but never forget to listen to what others have to say.

Love your enemy.

If we try our hardest to accept and admire what makes us unique as the human race, the discussions will flow freely, kindness will be in surplus and hate will be obsolete.

Page designed by Sally Cochran.

May 2014

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staffeditorial TIGER

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the

PRINT newspaper

Cartoon by Caroline Kalmus.

High schoolers must spend summer break productively, make time worthwhile staff editorial

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agree

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disagree

Everyone counts down until the last day of school.

Tweets are sent out every day stating how much students “just need summer.”

The anticipation for summer has been there all school year long, and now it’s finally here. ...and you’re sitting at home watching Netflix?

Summer is something almost every student looks forward to since the beginning of each school year. And these summer breaks are some of our last before we get out in the real world.

As high schoolers we have slim to no responsibilities — especially during summer — usually nothing more severe than a part-time job and chores around the house. So, unless everyone’s planning on becoming a teacher, summer breaks aren’t something

we’ll typically have as adults with careers.

Think about it — we may not have breaks like these until we retire. As depressing as that sounds, it should make us all feel a little more inclined to use the time we have to have the time of our lives.

The stress of college applications, standardized tests and the school year as a whole goes away, yet we still don’t use our summer breaks to our full advantage.

These summers have the potential to be some of the best times of our lives, so don’t waste them.

Go to concerts.

Make a bucket list.

Go on road trips with friends.

Have bonfires.

Go on a mission trip, or complete some community service.

Do everything you possibly can to create memories that will get you through the next school year (without getting into too much trouble, of course), especially if your spare time would

otherwise be wasted on sitting around doing nothing.

It’s understandable to have a lazy day every once in a while, but don’t make your whole summer into one big lazy day.

Everyone who had to sustain the homework, the projects and the borderline grades right before finals from the past school year is well-deserving of a summer they’ll never forget.

Imagine getting back to school after the long summer and being asked, “What did you do this summer?” in the dreaded “getting to know you” activities. What are you going to say? Hopefully not something regarding Netflix.

Imagine getting to college and realizing how much time you actually have to dedicate to studying rather than partying and wishing you would’ve done more with your last summer break of high school.

Kansas may be pretty boring at times, but that’s no excuse for us to waste away the time we’ve been waiting for all school year — the time we’re free to do almost anything.

co-editors Hailey McEntee Anna Wonderlich

photographers Mollie Hogan Molly Johnson

photo editors Raine Andrews Alex Kontopanos

cartoonists Caroline Kalmus Kiet Phan

news editor Sally Cochran

staff writers Matt Antonic Rachel Cannon Maddie Davis Sheila Gregory Alyssa Hess Bridget Howard Meghan Kennedy Rachel Lock Makayla Nicholis Cassie Nichols Tori Pippins Meredith Strickland

features editor Maddie Jewett entertainment editor Danielle Williams opinion editor Riley Miller sports editor Gennifer Geer

adviser Michelle Wilmes

The Tiger Print, published seven times a year, is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrations of Blue Valley Unified School District #229.

Letters to the editor are encouraged for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content. Letters should be submitted to room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@ yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th Street Overland Park, KS 66085 Page designed by Riley Miller.

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May 2014

TIGER PRINT newspaper the

Check out our website for updated news coverage, exclusive stories, photos and digital issues of the paper.

www.bvtigernews.com

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aSkateboader skateboard scandal challenges district skateboard rules, points out inconsistency

toripippins staff writer In not-so-recent news, students have been banned from bringing skateboards to school. According to both principal Scott Bacon and Student Resources Officer Dennis Randall, the rule is a district policy instead of a school rule. As far as Dan Carney, the District’s Director of Safety, is aware, there is no existing rule that bans skateboards.

So, where is this policy coming from?

I can’t count how many times someone I know has gotten in trouble for having a skateboard in school.

In an interview, Bacon revealed that he didn’t have a problem with students who brought their boards onto school grounds

Q&A

as long as they weren’t riding them. He was surprised to hear students had gotten in trouble despite the fact that their board was in their hands or strapped to their backpacks.

The fact is, skateboards are a very convenient way to travel back and forth from school.

“It’s somewhat [typical] when [skateboards] come to school that somebody goes out the door, they put it on the ground and they’re zipping across the parking lot,” Bacon said. “It’s probably safer — it’s probably better — if [students] don’t bring them at all.”

I have to agree that riding across the parking lot while hundreds of students are trying to escape isn’t the safest idea, but let’s just assume most of us are smart enough to avoid getting hit by a car.

And while we’re on the subject of cars and accidents, how many car accidents do students get in right in front of our very own school?

I understand that you’re concerned, Mr. Bacon, but it seems to me that you have

with junior Ben Keling

Question: How long have you been skateboarding?

Answer: “About a year and a half.”

Q: What got you started?

A: “One of my friends asked me to go skating with him and I liked it, so I kept skating.”

Keling

Q: What do you like best about skateboarding?

A: “The speed and adrenaline rush that it gives me.”

Q: Where do you skate?

A: “167th street, Metcalf Place, Sunrise Point and Kessler Park

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more important things to be worried about.

Bacon said he also has fears about skateboard theft.

“Typically, they’re pretty high dollar skateboards, and we have concerns with somebody messing with them,” Bacon said.

Fun fact: Did you know that regular-sized skateboards fit wonderfully inside the lockers?

It doesn’t take much effort to lock it away.

As long as a skateboard owner keeps the board in his or her locker, then no one will be able to mess with it.

After school, if the skateboard is taken out of the locker, then the person to whom it belongs is responsible for it and should be held appropriately accountable for any misdeeds that may be performed.

It seems to me that the only foreseeable problem with bringing skateboards onto school grounds is that riding one in the hallways or across the parking lot is a big no-no.

If that’s truly the case, then how about we maintain a clear policy that targets the actual danger instead of punishing the entire population of skateboarders.

are my favorite spots.”

Q: What’s your favorite trick?

A: “I really like to hold out Coleman slides.”

Q: What’s the biggest struggle you’ve faced when skateboarding?

A: “Being confident enough to try a trick for the first time.”

Q: What kind of skateboard do you have?

A: “I have three boards — my sector nine dropper, landyachtz evo, and never summer clutch.”

Q: How much do quality skateboards usually cost?

A: “Most setups usually cost $200-400.”

Q: How much did your skateboard cost?

A: “My sector nine was about $250, the evo was $350 and the neversummer was about $300.”

Q: How much maintenance do you usually have to perform on your skateboard? What kind?

A: “I’m constantly changing parts out to get a different ride but not much actual maintenance.”

For more Q&A’s with BV skateboarders, go to bvtigernews.com.

Page designed by Tori Pippins.

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May 2014

Far, Far Away

Blue Valley students and teachers to travel to Europe during summer break, experience culture and historical locations rachelcannon staff writer

Europe is just one of many popular summer vacation destinations, but for 12 Blue Valley students and two teachers, a European trip means more than a little shopping and a selfie in front of Big Ben. English Language Arts teacher Tierney Weed and business teacher Ashley Scheuerman have had previous experience abroad.

“When I was in high school, [I] traveled over the summer with a teacher and a group of kids and thought it was a really cool experience,” Weed said. “Mrs. Scheuerman’s husband is a German teacher, and she does the same thing with his students. They went this past summer, and we just kind of thought, ‘Let’s do this. We’re kind of at a time in our lives where we can.’”

Trip-goers will be guided on a tour of many famous places in Europe.

“The trip is Dublin, London and Paris,” Weed said. “We’ll be in Ireland and then traveling through Scotland down to England and then ending in France. This company that we’re using is called EF — Education First. They have a tour guide who goes with us on our whole thing, and in each city we go in, we’ll have a local tour guide who will take us through the stuff we do.”

The trip was open to all BV students. Junior Kristina Jewell said she decided to go due to a previous European trip.

“I’m going because I went freshman year to England,” she said. “I really like to travel, and I want to go different places. My grandparents have this map, and they have pins [on it] for where they’ve been, and I kind of want to do something like that.”

Though the trip does require some organizing, Weed said planning is relatively simple.

“This company we’re using plans it all for us, so we didn’t have to look at

Weed

Scheuerman

flights, hotels or any of that stuff,” she said. “Since we’re a small group, we’re with another group from Ohio and one from Iowa. We’ll be traveling with those groups wherever we go.”

Jewell said she is not concerned about being ready for the trip.

“My parents have been to England five or six times, so we already have [everything I need],” she said. “You [can’t] wear what you would wear here. I mean, you can, but you’ll stick out a lot.

Like Nike shorts, people don’t wear those [or] open-toed shoes, like flip-flops.”

Weed said future trips are a possibility, as is the opportunity for fundraising.

“We’d like to just see how [this summer goes] and then look at potential further trips down the road,” she said. “The company that we’re using [doesn’t just explore European countries].

There’s some pretty cool ones that are in Southeast Asia, Australia and even in South America.”

Jewell said she feels the trip will be beneficial in the future.

“I think [I’ll gain from] the whole cultural experience, like what kind of food they eat,” she said. “The time change will be kind of fun. It’s like starting over.”

Weed said she is looking forward to the trip.

“We’re just really excited to get to experience this with students and just learn with them,” she said. “We’re used to being the people who are up [front] teaching, and so [I’m excited to be able to go on this], not knowing a lot and learn stuff too.”

Page designed by Rachel Cannon.

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May 2014

Senior Fine Arts

Spotlight

Orchestra: Andrew Lester

Viola, First Chair District Orchestra, Division I Rating at Regionals in Small Ensemble Question: How did you first get A: “No, I’ve always known music involved in orchestra? would be a part of my life.”

Answer: “I’m pretty sure one of the Q: How will you apply playing high schools came to my elementary music in your future? school, and I was like, ‘Hey, that’s A: “I plan to major in music in pretty cool. I can play that.’” college. I think it would be really Q: When was your first cool if I could be a professor at a performance? university teaching instrumental A: “I’d say my first solo performance music with an emphasis on viola.” would be my first performance I Q: How has music influenced your would consider — so, in seventh life? or eighth grade when we could A: “Probably in any way imaginable. have solos for people. Of course, It’s probably not true for everyone, people would get really nervous and but at least for me, I’ve always all that, but that’s to be expected enjoyed music a lot. I’ve been able to whether you’re speaking or playing use it whenever I want. If I feel upset or things like that.” or something, instead of smashing Q: What’s your favorite aspect of a wall, I can play music. I think orchestra? creatively, using it as an extension A: “Practicing and playing there, compounding it with drawing performances not necessarily and composing. One of the biggest sponsored by the school.” ways is my friend group. Over 70 Q: Has there ever been a time you percent of my closest friends are wanted to quit? from the orchestra.”

Forensics: Emma Friedlander

Qualifed for State in Original Oratory and Informative Speaking, Qualified for Catholic Forensics League National Tournament in Original Oratory Question: How did you first get involved in forensics?

Answer: “My sister did forensics when she was in high school, and she was a couple years older than me, so it was just something I knew I wanted to do. However, when I started, I thought I was going to do acting, like she wanted, but as I explored the events more, I discovered I liked public speaking more.”

Q: What was your first performance?

A: “It wasn’t great, but I learned a lot from that and I’ve gotten a lot better because I’ve had something that didn’t go as well.”

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of forensics?

A: “It’s great to see how people progress over time and, although we may have harder weeks and tournaments that didn’t go as well as we’d like them to, overall, everybody does get better.”

Q: Was there a time when you wanted to quit?

A: “There was never a time when I wanted to quit, but there were times

when I, not necessarily gave up, but I got really frustrated, but you just have to get over that and the rest will solve itself.”

Q: How will you use forensics in the future?

A: “Compared to other activities, it has a lot of real-world applications — forensics and debate both do. It teaches you how to write, how to speak publicly, so all those skills are useful. It’s also a team thing. That isn’t as obvious, but it’s a familial thing.

It teaches you to support others and that teamwork is necessary.”

Q: How has forensics influenced your life?

A: “I think we really have developed a family from that. It also is a big lesson about how success works. It isn’t linear. You don’t get better every time.

You will have disappointments even when you work really hard. Sometimes, things just won’t work out the way you like them to. It has taught me that you have to keep persevering when it’s something you care about.”

May 2014

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12

Band: Catherine Hapke

Percussion, Honor Band of America, Division I Rating at District Question: How did you first get hard decision. I got into volleyinvolved in band? ball, and I considered maybe not Answer: “I first got involved in doing band, but then I ended band because all my siblings did up quitting volleyball and doing it, and my dad helps out with band instead. I really liked the drum line. So, I started doing people I got to know in band. percussion. I switched over to In volleyball, it was something that in middle school because I I considered more as a hobby, played piano before.” and with band, I could tell it was Q: When was your first perforsomething I wanted to do for the mance? rest of my life.”

A: “My first real performance in Q: How will you apply music in music was in kindergarten or pre- your future? school, and I had a piano recital.

A: “I hope to minor in music in I remember being really nervous college because I want to go into about playing, but as you do it art education, but I really want to more, you get more comfortable.” demonstrate music is important Q: What’s your favorite memory in schools, and it brings out the in band? best in everyone. It’s really easy A: “My favorite memory of for everyone to participate in it band is the last performance at a and to contribute to the end.” football game of our last show for Q: How has band influenced marching season. It was a really your life? good performance, and I really A: “It’s taught me that it’s imenjoy performing with the front portant everybody plays their line. It’s a good group.” part to make a bigger picture. It Q: Was there a time when you also showed me that if you work wanted to quit? really hard at something, you can A: “My freshman year, it was a accomplish anything.”

Theater: Alec Newport

“Elephant’s Graveyard,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” Question: How did you first get A: “In middle school, I wasn’t involved in acting? having as much fun as I wanted Answer: “I started in sixth grade to with it. A lot of my friends in the play. I had quit sports a were in it in middle school, so I couple years [prior], and it was stuck with it then for that reason. something to do after school.”

Then in high school, I really got Q: What was your first perforto enjoy it again.” mance?

Q: How will you apply acting in A: “I believe it was called ‘Comic your future?

Book Artists’ about these artists A: “I hopefully will be in shows in who had magic pens, and the college and in community theatre characters came to life. I met in the future, but I’m not going to people who I would be acting major in it or do it professionally.” with for years and people who Q: How has acting influenced influenced my acting path.” your life?

Q: What’s your favorite aspect of A: “It’s given me a place to call acting? home in high school. It’s given A: “I like putting yourself in anme a group of friends who have other person’s mind and learning stuck with me and who have supall the intricacies of another perported me. I have been mentored son. Then, you learn more about by [them], and [I have] mentored yourself.” the younger kids. It’s given me a Q: Was there a time when you lot of opportunities to lead and wanted to quit? learn from others.”

Choir: Drew Bormann

Division I Ratings at Regionals, “Guys and Dolls” Question: How did you really enjoyed it.” first get involved in choir?

Q: What’s your favorite Answer: “I moved here aspect of choir? halfway through last year.

A: “All the shows I’ve done.”

I went to a performing arts Q: Was there a time when high school in Michigan, you wanted to quit? and I did choir there.”

A: “Now. I’m not continuing Q: When was your first on — not for any reasons, performance? just bigger aspirations. I’m A: “My first choir concert hoping to go into medicine.” was in sixth grade, and my Q: How has choir influfirst musical theater perforenced your life? mance was my freshman A: “All my friends are in year. It was a lot of fun. I choir. It helps me musically.”

Photos by Alex Kontopanos and Raine Andrews.

Interviews and pages designed by Gennifer Geer.

3 perfect ACT scores

CLASS OF

2014

SENIOR SECTION

34 officiallly signed to play sports in college

$75,000 raised at Relay For Life

3 years of receiving the Governor’s Achievement Award

13 team State championships in the past 4 years

336 Seniors

$27,000 raised for Alex’s Angels at the first-annual community carnival

May 2014 seniorsection 13

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

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seniorsection

May 2014

“Looking back, I can’t imagine what my high school experience would’ve been like if I didn’t join newspaper” annawonderlich co-editor For me, it was Sonic runs after school, late start Thursday breakfasts and Chipotle dinner dates.

For me, it was Friday night football games, Take Five study sessions and long Metcalf drives.

For me, it was crazy spirit days, intense class competitions and colorful SWITCH dances.

For me, it was newspaper.

While my high school experience is as different as the next person’s, we all shared those experiences during our four years together. Of course the academic aspect of school is very important, but when it comes down to it, it’s the memories you make in high school that matter the most.

Sophomore year, I joined the newspaper staff with my three best friends, not knowing it would be one of the best choices I made all of high school.

Originally, I signed up for it because I liked my freshman journalism class and thought it would be something fun to try.

Now I’m less than a month away from graduating and enrolled in the School of Journalism at the University of Kansas for next fall.

At the time, my little sophomore self had no idea joining the newspaper staff would impact my future as much as it did.

From Wednesday late nights once a month to the Saturday editing days to the countless traditions on staff, newspaper has been more than just my fifth hour class.

Newspaper has brought me closer to amazing people I doubt I would’ve ever been in a class with otherwise.

Newspaper has introduced me to a future career path in marketing, advertising or strategic communications.

And most of all, newspaper has played a major role in some of my favorite memories in high school that I can’t begin to describe Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

in this 649-word column.

And with that, there’s several people I’d like to thank.

I’d especially like to thank my amazing journalism advisers Mrs. Chittum and Ms. Wilmes for originally sparking my interest in journalism and allowing Room 450 to become my second home for the past four years.

I’d like to thank my hard-working staff for coming into class with an enthusiastic mood every day, producing amazing work all year and putting up with my perfectionist ways or stressed attitude when it’s close to deadline.

I’d also like to give a huge thank you to anyone who has ever picked up a copy of “The Tiger Print” because there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing students look at our hard work in print on Paper Day. Finally, I owe a giant thank you to Hailey McEntee for being my outstanding co-editor this year. She somehow never seemed to be as stressed as I was during each production cycle, and she always was there to reassure me everything would get done. Plus, she never ceased to impress me with the pages she designed for the paper. She’s the only person I know who can get just as excited over a font or typography as I do. I’d like to thank her for being my proofreader, motivator, InDesign go-to girl and all-around best friend.

Looking back, I can’t imagine what my high school experience would’ve been like if I didn’t join the newspaper staff.

So that’s what high school’s all about: trying new things until you find something you like and just going with it.

Pretty soon, we’ll be lined up alphabeti-

cally in Kemper Arena, ready to receive our diplomas and shake Mr. Bacon’s hand one final time.

I’m leaving Blue Valley content with how I’ve spent my past four years, and — I’ll admit — I’m even a little sad to go, simply because I’ve had such a positive high school experience.

Just enjoy your teenage years because they have the potential to be some of the most memorable.

For me, it was newspaper.

For you, it could be anything else.

Find out what you’re passionate about, and stick with it.

Find your own “newspaper.”

May 2014

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‘Because I knew you, I have been changed for good’ haileymcentee co-editor I’m sorry to say it, but I am going to start this off with probably some of the cheesiest song lyrics of all time. However, every single word in this song is so true.

In “For Good” from “Wicked,” it says, “I’ve heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you.”

This song is the epitome of graduating.

Whether we knew it or not, every single person in this school has made an impact on each other’s lives.

It’s funny to think back to how I was when I first walked in the doors of Blue Valley freshman year. I remember the awkward, yet awesome spirit tunnel we had on the way in.

I remember how small I felt compared to the upperclassmen. I remember how nervous I was to meet new people who I would be friends with for these four years.

Now I think about how I’ll walk out of BV for the last time.

Over the course of high school, I know my friends have changed me for good.

They have brought me laughter, support, love and happiness. The relationships I have with my best friends are indescribable, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. We have gone through bad news, good news, heartbreaks and successes together — all of which formed us into the people we are.

Also, my amazing family has impacted me greatly. My mom has taught me how to organize my crazy life and to set priorities.

My dad has taught me to not take no for an answer, and he is the main person who influenced me to play college soccer. My brother has taught me to not take things too seriously. And my sister has taught me more things than I can put into words — she has been the biggest role model in my life, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t

have her to look up to.

The youth group family I’ve been blessed with has definitely changed me for good. St. Michael’s was practically my second home, and I knew I could always talk to my awesome youth minister, Sara Sheerin, about anything.

Also, everyone I've known through soccer has impacted my life. I wouldn’t be going to Benedictine College without all my coaches' support. They pushed me every day at practice to become a better player and person.

The girls on my team have been some of my best friends over the years.

Another great part of “For Good” says, “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?”

Well, that’s another thing to keep in mind — some of the people and experiences faced throughout high school were a negative influence.

But looking back on it, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The rough times — drifting away from friends, breakups, faith-life struggles — taught me lessons and have helped form me into who I am now.

Each bad experience brought new knowledge that wouldn’t have been found other-

wise. Hitting rock bottom is a good thing because from there you can only go up.

Everyone I came into contact with was an important factor in my life. Everything has led me to exactly where I am now. I’m headed on the path that is designed specifically for me.

Now it’s almost time for us seniors to start a new chapter of our lives.

Later in the song “For Good,” it says, “So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart.”

I can look back on high school knowing it changed me — maybe for better, maybe for worse. But either way, I will take these memories and experiences with me and open new doors of possibility.

Every friendship, every smile in the hallway, every mistake and every blessing will stay with me. These were some of the best years of my life, and I’ll will carry them with me forever.

It will be sad to say goodbye, but I will never forget the impact each and every one of you has made on me. I can gladly say because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee .

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seniorsection

May 2014

SNAP

Photo editor reminisces on two years on newspaper staff; chooses favorite photos from senior year

raineandrews photo editor

May 2014

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‘I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason’ maddiejewett features editor I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason.

The people we meet, the problems we face and the events that take place are all a part of our lives in order to make us into who we are supposed to be.

I had two shoulder surgeries that taught me how to stay positive and work through any obstacle, and I am now stronger than I ever could have imagined.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer my freshman year which taught me that every day in my life is a precious gift to be cherished.

I’ve had people go in and out of my life in order to show me that I need to appreciate and value the people who mean the most to me, and some people come into our lives, but they aren’t meant to stay.

Along with this, everything I’ve been involved with in high school has made me into the person I am today.

Throughout my four years here, I can truly say that I have found myself.

I know who I am.

I know my passions, personality traits and goals.

I’ve had a very diverse four years here, and I feel that this has been crucial in helping me find myself.

Let’s start with softball.

Being a part of the Lady Tiger softball team for four years has been one of the biggest blessings of my high school career.

I have made so many wonderful friendships I just know will last a lifetime.

But, beyond that, high school softball has shown me how quickly a small group of people can become a family.

Softball has shown me that hard work always beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

It’s taught me that we only have control of two things in life: our effort and our attitude.

Next up is newspaper.

I’ll admit it — I’m a nerd.

I absolutely adore writing, and I am so lucky to have found my niche here at BV to express this passion.

Being a part of the newspaper staff has taught me that deadlines are crucial, and we have to pull our own weight in life or else we let everyone else down.

It’s taught me how to relate to all different types of people.

It’s taught me how to interact with new people — I find it enjoyable getting to talk to so many unique personalities and hear their stories.

And last, but certainly not least, is choir.

My biggest regret of high school is not taking choir all four years.

Being a part of chorale and the musical this year has been, without a doubt, the single most life-changing activity I have been a part of.

The people in the choir department are really something else.

They all have such bright, unique personalities, and I honestly think that is the most important thing in life.

My choir friends have taught me being myself is the most important thing in life.

They have taught me that being passionate is a good thing — having passions makes life worth living.

I feel so blessed to have spent my last year here with these lovely people.

I have no doubt in my mind that many of the friendships I have made over these four years will be friends I keep for the rest of my life.

Through participating in all of these various activities, I learned there are so many different types of people. Everyone is unique and special, and this is a great thing.

To the underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to take a chance.

Audition for the musical.

Speak in front of the entire school at the assembly.

Try something new.

Often times, the best moments in our lives occur when we are afraid, anxious or nervous.

“If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.”

Thank you, BV, for changing my life.

For welcoming me with open arms.

For making me into the person I am today.

For helping me find my passions.

Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee .

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May 2014

‘When you really think about it, high school is a lot like baseball’ meghankennedy staff writer Hi, my name is Meghan Kennedy, and I’m obsessed with the Kansas City Royals.

If you even remotely know me, you wouldn’t be surprised that my story is about baseball, let alone the Royals.

But, I’m not here to go on and on about them just so I can fill up space on a page.

I have a point — I promise.

Because, when you really think about it, high school is a lot like baseball.

So, you had a bad day.

But you know what?

That’s life.

No matter what happens, you are still going to have people who love you unconditionally.

The Royals have had nearly three decades of bad days, but there isn’t a day I won’t stand by them. And, the best part? I’m not the only one.

It took third baseman Mike Moustakas seven whole games before he got his first hit of the season. Yet, he is still one of the crowd favorites on the team.

Up until 2013, the Royals did not have a winning season in the previous decade.

Ten whole years of losing records — if that doesn’t test your team loyalty, then I don’t know what does.

But, it isn’t just about the numbers, records or awards the team has received — just like high school. It’s about what has been learned from the experience. It’s about perseverance, and it’s about sticking with something, even when the going gets tough.

Freshman year, you’re sitting on first base.

Home plate seems so far away, but it’s way closer than you think. The future of the game is in the palm of your hands, and you have to make smart choices so you make it to home plate.

High school is a marathon, not a sprint.

So, if you take your time and pace yourself, you’ll be fine.

But remember not to steal bases, no matter how much you think you're ready to be Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

done. The game goes by fast enough as it is, so you might as well enjoy the time you have left on the bases.

By the time you’re a sophomore, you’ve made it to second. You’re halfway done — just stuck in the middle.

Junior year, you’re all the way on third.

This is arguably the hardest position. You’re at risk of being thrown out by one wrong move, so this is when everything begins to count. By now, you’re ready to leave, and the only thing on your mind is getting home and away from the rest of the bases.

And, finally comes senior year. You’ve made it through every base, every obstacle and every opponent without getting out. It feels like you were on first base just yesterday, but all that’s left are the memories.

If I’ve learned anything from running these bases, it’s one thing — no matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter what you like, there will be someone who does not like you.

And what if you wake up tomorrow and that person hits you with a pitch?

It’ll probably hurt for a little bit — maybe even leave a mark.

But, you’ll be OK. So, let them hit you with a pitch.

Because while they think they’re hurting you, they’re really hurting themselves because you’re already on first and that much closer to scoring.

Maybe you strike out.

And you know what? You’ll always get another chance at the plate. As Babe Ruth said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Don’t let someone get in the way of you loving something and loving it with a passion.

Not everyone’s going to like it, trust me.

What I’ve come to learn is that those people do not matter.

Because if you’re passionate about something, then you’ve already won.

You never know what you miss out on when you sprint from first to home. You never know the true happiness you’ll get from something you love if you let someone stand in the way. You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.

And you never know when that perfect pitch is coming.

SNAP

May 2014

seniorsection 19

alexkontopanos photo editor

Senior photographer shares favorite pictures from time on staff

Page designed by Alex Kontopanos.

20

seniorsection

May 2014

336 tigers 27states off to

SOUTH CAROLINA University of South Carolina Alshinard Harris, Jr.

BV seniors prepare to leave for college

MINNESOTA

Pages designed by Anna Wonderlich.

College of St. Scholastica Brianna Lemke University of Minnesota Brad Rowland

KANSAS Allen County Community College Caeden Harris Avila University Grant Kuecker Baker University Logan Brettell Rachel Campbell Maggie DeBusk Sydnie Hanson Rachel Hunt Benedictine College Patrick Kunkel Lauren Larson Hailey McEntee Bethel College Jessica Krestine Blue Valley Access House Alex Couchman Hayden Everett Cessie Palmieri Piotr Quattrone Nick Tokic Emporia State University Harrison Nichols

IOWA

Hutchinson Community College Montana Brady Jalen Cooks Johnson County Community College Jacob Allen Justin Austria Michael Birts Brad Blickhan Brandon Boardman Alexis Bui Dylan Burke Shannon Dowling Anthony Fast Emily Ford Dominic Galeazzi Gabriella Guiterrez Brandon Higginbottom Brianna Howes Steven Huang Nick Idoux Shashank Keshary Maria Lara Brooke McCullough Jenny Moon Samuel Nuss Nicholas Papazafiropoulos Mitch Rogers Erin Selba Claire Shafran Ashlynn Summar Seth Timmons Pat Wallace

Justin Walker Josh Washington Daniel Wells Monae Williams Michael Yangmi Kansas State University Audrey Anderson Sam Anderson Raine Andrews Eric Aubuchon Drew Bormann Nathaniel Burr Steven Cargin Scout Dimick Lindsey Farmer Rosie Fisk Aaron Florian Molly Hall Sumner Harrelson Katie Herbel Maddie Jewett Grant Johnson Joseph Kellerman Emmalee Laidacker Stephanie Lincoln Noah Martin Morgan McCaw Cassidy McCumber Lindsay Miller Victoria Moravek Kelly O’Donnell Jessica Olinger Caleb Patton Ryan Peters

Drake University Madison Biggs Hunter Bower Jeremy Clark Genna Clemen Zach DeLeon

Iowa State University Taylor Yeazel

Grinnell College Emma Friedlander

University of Iowa Ryan Brady Adam Ivers

Paige Peterson Luke Popp Sarah Rawitch Evan Reece Austin Smith Ryan Stoskopf Olivia Taylor Kevin Weinand Riley Winter

Rusha Bajpai Skyler Baker Abby Bamburg Jodran Barkley Jay Bastis Kylee Bliss Brandon Botts Brianna Butler Madison Carollo Truman Cassady Max Chesis Kenley Childs David Coventry Logan Daugherty Megan Doolittle Alyssa Elliott Meghan Fitzgerald Joe Forlenza Lauren Frederick Rhiannon Gehrke Joseph Gianni Troy Goldenberg Niki Hafer Katie Hammel Mackenzie Haun Michael Heider Hillary Heizman Jansen Hess Samantha Hsu Aquib Jamil Aubrey Jeffries Rachel Jenkins Meghan Kennedy Bret King Caleb Kjergaard Josh Krestine

Kansas State University- Salina Calum Fletcher Neosho County Community College Chase Robinson Rayn Robinson Tanner Strickbine Ottawa University Jalen Fulce Pittsburg State University Nate Helder Kelly Nicholson Parker Rouse University of Kansas Jacob Ackland Ariba Ahmad Kirby Alaimo Joseph Alani Ben Anderson Elise Arney

Simpson College Riley Stinson

Kyle Kupchin Ben Lawson Chandler LeValley Max Levins Connor Lucas Arpit Malkin Tawfik Madoukh Ben Marquardt Connor McCombs Hunter Moffatt Danielle Moss Mikheil Motsonashvili Hunter Murray Aubrey Myer Tanner Neuendorf Alec O’Connell Shivani Patel Chris Rayl Trevor Rhodes Ryan Rofail Madison Ross Ryan Russell Marissa Sartory Kristen Sayegh Quynn Scarmucci Brody Sears Adam Steinhilber Katie Theisen Scott Urso Melissa Wilson Anna Wonderlich Wichita State University Amy McClain

COLORADO

May 2014

NEBRASKA

Colorado State University Morgan Turner

University of Nebraska-Omaha Katie Schwarz

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design Courtney Elven University of Denver Lisa Ying

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Baptist University Haley Ballard Oklahoma University Justin Marin

Oklahoma State University Foster Hartman Dede Hayworth Cale Reber

seniorsection

21

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hannah DeBoer Jonah DeBoer Madison Mitchem Mary Morrison Zach Smith

MICHIGAN Hope College Jenna Wetzel

NEVADA

Art Institute of Las Vegas Samantha Harkins Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Zach Jones

TEXAS Baylor University Andy Porter Kennah Morgan Rice University Ajay Subramanian Southern Methodist University Rachel Bergeson Texas Christian University Jack Beardslee Kyle Nunnally Mackenzie Smith

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia University Derek Menzel

MISSISSIPPI Belhaven University Meg Garton University of Mississippi Hailey Heizman

WASHINGTON D.C.

George Washington University Josh Jilovec

ARIZONA Scottsdale Community College Tristan Perkins University of Arizona Mitch McCroskey

LOUISIANA Tulane University Maia Schoenberg

May 2014

Kansas City Art Institute Austin Furey Missouri State University Brittany Rhodes Danny Vandervoort Brooke Zimmerman Northwest Missouri State Mikey Henson Rockhurst University Ben McDonald University of Central Missouri Dominic Buzzelli Ellie Fehlig Blake Freeman Jimmy Geraci Emily Marr Jonathan Schloemer Markus Zimmerman

University of Missouri Bailey Bolden Christine Flaspohler Alli Florack Madison Hinmon Taylor Justmann Connor Lotz Jackson Macoubrie Caroline Meinzenbach Natalie Pace Rachel Phillips MaryKate Rodlund Spencer Underwood

ILLINOIS

seniorsection

MISSOURI

22

Southern Illinois University Lorelle Katz Sami Miller University of Illinois Henry McGrew

University of Missouri-Kansas City Armand Edalati Ella Moore Daniel O’Toole William Jewell College Riley Adelmund Frankie Gomez Chance Nelson

ALABAMA University of Alabama Kaitlin Berry Sarah Cole Taylor Daniels

VIRGINIA

Liberty University Jeff Jacobs

NEW YORK

American Musical and Dramatic Academy Andrew Thompson

New York University Rex Xing

Borrough of Manhattan Montana Fritz

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Emmett Rogers

Cornell University Alec Newport

The United States Military Academy at West Point Rachel Gearon Brandon Lee

Marist College Austin Flack

NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina State University Allie Wismer

TENNESSEE

Lipscomb University Chloe Rogers

Vanderbilt University Adithya Sivakumar

May 2014 OTHER

Yemen Osama Al-Haiki

Military Corban Ruiz — Army Cooper Belt — Marines Tanner Vansickle — Marines Juan Lara — Marines Ethan Mercer — Marines

Undecided Russell Adams Rumzee Bridge Michael Byrnes Ryan Casey Luke Chen Sabrina Collins Brittany Cowell Jamie Crowe Quinten Foster Danny Godbout Emanuel Gonzalez Blake Hoy Mason King Andrew Lester Kaitlin Looney Christopher Moore Keith Mulligan Mario Oliveria Christopher Oliver Nathan Patterson Alex Peterson Nikolas Pippins

Germany Sean Jestel Michel Wegner Indonesia Mustofa Lubis Italy Alessandro Pastore Netherlands Yasmin Wilnis

Victoria Rieck Samuel Roselli Sachi Sarwal Alex Sher Michael Thompson Annika Vanderman Other Jennifer Burge — cosmetology school Alex Fraser Haley Gensure Yasmin Herdoiza — gap year Janel Murphey — workforce Cole Nienstedt — junior hockey Kiet Phan — freelance artist Tristan Thuro Caitlin Vanderman Amir Zakeri

seniorsection

FLORIDA

University of Tampa Sam Roussopoulos Will Munholland

OHIO Case Western Reserve University Zoe Krump

MASSACHUSETTS

Berklee College of Music Grant Dickerson Logan Haynes

Boston College Alex Kontopanos Northeastern University Macy Rainer

HAWAII

ARKANSAS

Brigham Young University McKinzie Norton

John Brown University Savannah Spicer University of Arkansas Catherine Hapke Andria Heckmaster Mallory Hickey Grace Lillis Rae McCarrick Samantha McCormick Lindsey Nemeth Addie Roudebush Madelyn Seitter Emily Todd Zack Williams

SOUTH DAKOTA South Dakota State University Katya Vakshteyn University of South Dakota Megan Nicholis Mitchell Technical Institute Alicia Raines

23

24

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May 2014

2013-14 senior

superlatives 157 seniors surveyed.

Photos by Alex Kontopanos and Raine Andrews.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee and Anna Wonderlich.

most fired up

Elise Arney & Michael Heider

most athletic Chloe Rogers & Logan Brettell

ucceed

most likely to s

best bromance

Luke Chen & Rachel Jenkins

Hunter Murray & Ca

other winners... biggest dare devil: Will Munholland & Molly Hall most photogenic: Brandon Lee & Elise Arney best hair: Tristan Thuro & Emily Todd most likely to stay in stilwell: Cooper Belt & Rachel Hunt

e most likely tomb o m r a socce Jansen Hess

class clown Brandon Lee & Shivani Patel

May 2014

most trendy

Sydnie Hanson & Cookie Cooks

best smile

Cale Reber

Brooke Zimmerman & Mitch Rogers

best laugh Maddie Jewett & Marcus Zimmerman

25

cutest couple

biggest flirt

Drew Bormann & Montana Fritz

seniorsection

Joe Forlenza & Meghan Fitzgerald

most artsy

Skyler Baker & Lauren Larson

best tweets

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Caleb Kjergaard & Riley Adelmund

Will Munholland & Grace Lillis

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May 2014

LOOKING

•US government shuts down for 16 days

From a government shutdown to pop culture icons to multiple snow days, it's been an eventful 2013-2014 school year

•Senior Alex Fraser breaks neck while body surfing over spring break

•“Frozen” surpasses “Toy Story 3” as highest-grossing animated film of all time

•BV experiences three snow days in one week •KC Royals have first winning season in 10 years

•Freshman Reat Underwood killed in Jewish Community Center shooting

•Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth officially break up

•KC Chiefs make it to the first round of playoffs

•BV carnival raises over $27,000 for Fraser •New BV stadium opens

•Justin Bieber arrested for DUI in January •Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 goes missing in March •Marijuana becomes legal in Colorado and Washington.

•Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII •University of Connecticut men and women’s basketball teams win the 2014 NCAA National Championship

•Sporting Kansas City wins 2013 MLS Cup

•BV raises over $75,000 for Relay For Life •Athletic Director Matt Ortman wins Dr. Art Newcomb Promising New Athletic Director Award •BV Scholars' Bowl, Debate, Football and tennis players junior Morgan Steffes and sophomore Alexa Tiefel win State championships • Social Studies teacher Jason Peres receives BV School District Excellence in Education award in December • Categories wins second consecutive championship

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

ANSWERS: 1. Connor Lotz 2. Paige Peterson 3. Justin Austria 4. Foster Hartman 5. Steven Cargin 6. Elise Arney 7. Rosie Fisk 8. Shivani Patel 9. Grace Lillis 10.

Brooke Zimmerman 11. Mackenzie Smith 12. Zach DeLeon 13. Kristen Sayegh and Yasmin Herdoiza 14. Aubrey Jeffries 15. Caroline Meinzenbach 16. Blake Hoy 17. Bailey Bolden 18. Katie Hammel 19. Emily Marr 20. Meghan Kennedy

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Blue Valley

BABIES

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

Guess these seniors from their submitted baby pictures

May 2014

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May 2014

swimming at

south dakota state

Senior fulfills goal of swimming in college, receives scholarship meredithstrickland staff writer The scholarship is on the line as she stands on the swimming block. Ready to swim the important race, she dives in. She paces herself to achieve the best time. Pushing her muscles to the max, she propels against the water. Hitting the finishing block, the timer stops the watch.

She looks up at the time board that determines her future.

Senior Katya Vakshteyn will attend Division-I school South Dakota State University (SDSU) for swimming.

“I received an athletic scholarship for swimming that will cover most of my tuition, room and board costs for next year,” Vakshteyn said.

After swimming for the Kansas City Blazers since she was 8 years old, the hard work has paid off.

Vakshteyn will be swimming for three different events at SDSU — the 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle and 200 backstroke.

Vakshteyn said she chose to swim in college because she has been swimming for so long and she can’t imagine her life without it. She said it has always been her goal.

Vakshteyn's swimming at Blue Valley has not only been noticed by SDSU. "I was offered swimming scholar-

ship money by Eastern Illinois University and William Jewell University,” Vakshteyn said.

"I chose South Dakota State Vakshteyn because when I visited, it was my favorite school. They offered everything I was looking for in a school, and there was just this feeling I got when I was there — I knew it was the place for me."

Vakshteyn said her parents approve and understand her decision to go to SDSU. “My parents accepted the fact that staying in state and swimming were not going to happen for me,” she said. “I had been looking at schools outside of Kansas since last year actually. But since I have a good scholarship and I’m going to a good academic school for my major, they are fine with it.”

Coaches support Vakshteyn in her hopes for college success in swimming.

“My coaches are really happy with my swimming and my decision,” she said.

“South Dakota State was a school that I was looking at for a long time and not until recently did I get the times that were necessary for the scholarship I wanted.

When they heard about my decision, they

Photos by Molly Johnson. Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

were really happy because that had been my goal all year.”

Vakshteyn said she would like to be one of the hardest working swimmers and place at the conference meet.

"By my senior year [in college], I hope to have at least one of their school records," she said.

Vakshteyn said she is excited and anxious to experience college life.

“I want to see things outside of the JoCo bubble, and I want to see what it’s like to be totally independent,” she said.

“I also can’t wait to meet new people and make new friends. That’s a big part of being in college, and I just can’t wait.”

BV swim coach Adam Bien also has high expectations for Vakshteyn when she attends college.

“Katya is a great leader by example,” Bien said. “Other girls on the team see how hard she works and how fast she is, and it motivates them in practice. We have been working on her college recruiting for two years now, and I believe she has found a college that will be a great fit for her and will take her to the next level in her swimming career.”

Vakshteyn said she will miss the BV Tiger family, but she is excited to go to SDSU. "I will miss the team the most," she said. "All the girls here are so great, and we get really close during the season."

May 2014

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Senior gymnast continues love for sport with full athletic scholarship at North Carolina State

cassienichols staff writer The typical five-year-old girl: Gets dizzy jumping on a trampoline.

Falls every time she does a cartwheel.

Can’t do a handstand to save her life.

However, senior Allie Wismer was different. At the age of five, Wismer became involved in competitive gymnastics at Pinnacle Gymnastics in Shawnee, Kan. “At the time, my sister was a gymnast, and I wanted to be like her,” Wismer said.

“Eventually, my sister changed to diving, but I was still in love with the sport.”

Since then, Wismer has been competing in meets all around the country and has been a Level 10 gymnast for about three years.

Competition season begins in January

and lasts until May. In that time period, she participates in eight to ten meets.

Wismer said she dedicates a lot of her time to the gym. She practices five days a week for four and a half Wismer hours a day. On top of that, she works on her conditioning outside of the gym.

Her hard work and dedication for 14 continuous years have paid off. Wismer plans on attending North Carolina State in the fall on a full athletic scholarship for gymnastics. Her teammates, parents and especially coaches Morgan Kuchynka and Hannah Thomas said they are proud of her athletic accomplishments.

“There is no one that deserves this schol-

arship more than Allie,” Kuchynka said on the Pinnacle Gymnastics website. “Her hard work and dedication to the sport, her teammates and herself over the past 14 years have turned her into the athlete she is today.”

A college scholarship isn’t the only thing Wismer has earned through her dedication to gymnastics.

She won vault and bars at the State Championships, placing second all-around, she finished in the top ten at Regionals and she attended Level 10 Junior Olympic Nationals last year. Aside from the high titles and intensity, Wismer views gymnastics as her escape from the outside world.

“Gymnastics is my life,” she said. “It’s full of challenges and commitments, and it is a stress reliever. Once I am in the gym, I can forget about the world and have some fun.”

Page designed

by Anna Wonderlich.

Photos submitted by Allie Wismer. Page designed

by Anna Wonderlich.

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May 2014

Star in the Making raineandrews photo editor

The stage is dark.

The voices from the house begin to die down as the music starts to play.

Performers stand on the wings, waiting for their cues.

The curtain is lifted.

The show begins.

Senior Andrew Thompson said he involuntarily joined the theater department his freshman year.

“My parents actually forced me to do theater,” he said. “My mom said I had charisma [and] thought one day I was going to be a star.”

Thompson said the challenge of memorizing scripts originally kept him away from the department.

“I think [my] biggest fear going into theater [was] memorizing lines and the songs,” he said. “It’s like [memorizing] a monologue from Shakespeare, but normal conversation.”

Because of his outgoing personality, Thompson said he was able to land a role in a Blue Valley production during his freshman year.

“The first play I was cast in was ‘The Brothers’ Grimm Spectacularthon,’” he said. “I was the Frog King. It was an interesting experience.”

During his audition, Thompson said he was extremely nervous.

“I’m told the difference between an actor and an amateur is that the actor throws up before the audition and the ama-

teur hurls during the audition,” he said. “If that is the test, then I’m destined to be a professional.”

Once he was a part of the theater department, Thompson said he was quickly introduced to choir.

“I was plucked from a bit stage appearance by [choir teacher] Marsha Moeller,” he said. “She changed my schedule, added choir and got me the coaching I needed. I was surprised to see such a diverse group of people in choir. There were dancers, cheerleaders, football players, actors, baseball players and even weight lifters. I found my voice and my friends that changed my school experience and my life.”

After this, Thompson said he quickly fell in love with the experience and began performing in musicals such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Crazy for You” and “Guys and Dolls.”

“I like musicals [more than plays],” Thompson said. “They seem more vibrant [because I think] singing is another form of expression. Singing in musical theater, for me, is like when you don’t have the right words to say.”

After high school, Thompson said he plans to continue his acting career by attending an arts college in New York to study musical theater and film.

“I applied to several colleges in New York, [but] I will be attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy,” he

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31

Photos by Raine Andrews and submitted by Andrew Thompson.

Page designed by Raine Andrews.

Senior maps out future goals, ambitions of preforming professionally said. “I only applied to schools in New York [because] I feel at my best when I’m there.

We have a saying in our family that our favorite car is the one that stops when we hail it from the curb.”

Thompson said his parents were skeptical when he first told them of his plans to become a professional actor.

“When I told parents I planned to major in entertainment, they went bonkers,” he said. “I think they hoped it would just be a school activity. They were worried about me going into the field, but I told them I have a foolproof back up plan — my brother Alex’s couch.”

After three years, Thompson said his parents finally believed in his commitment.

“Now they are confident ones, and I am the scared one,” he said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else but entertainment.”

Thompson said his parents have played a huge part in his success.

“My dad is my coach, and my mom is my finance and operations person,” he said.

“A successful actor told me that being an actor is like owning a company. You are the product, but you have to have a CEO, CRO, legal team, etc. to succeed. I don’t need my parents to stand in front of me and fight my battles, but I sure am grateful they are beside me.”

As opposed to a traditional college, Thompson said there are different steps to be accepted into an arts college.

“There are two gauntlets to admission,” he said. “One is to be accepted into the University academically and then to be accepted into the college of performing arts based on an audition [sent in] consisting of singing, acting and dancing.”

Thompson said he understands the difficulty of his career choice, and he will have to work hard after college.

“I am realistic,” he said. “I’ll probably be waiting tables by night and auditioning by day. I’ll tell you tonight’s specials.”

After a successful audition for the Coterie Theater this year, Thompson said he will be a part of a professional production preparing him for college.

“I am going to be doing ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ this upcoming summer,” he said. “It’s actually my first paying job. I am an ensemble [member].”

Thompson said the Coterie Theater is a well-known and respected establishment in the Kansas City area.

“Everyone in theater [business] knows the Coterie Theater,” he said. “They conduct master classes that are invaluable.”

Although the job requires a demanding schedule, Thompson said he looks forward to the experience.

“Rehearsals start the first week of June [and go] all the way through early July,” he said. “[They] will generally start around 5 or 6 [p.m.] and [end around] 10 [p.m.]. We do that every day for the whole week.”

Since the entertainment field is so competitive, Thompson said it is important to have industry connections.

“My brother’s friend’s dad is the producer of ‘Kung Fu Panda,’ and he said he would connect me,” he said. “During an audition, I want to say 60 percent of the time is based off connections, the other 30 percent is your look [and] 10 percent is your talent.”

Thompson said the best guidance he has ever received was to never give up.

“There are professional actors who audition and audition,” he said. “Being in the theater business, people will say you’re stupid, you’re ugly, you’re overweight, you’re not right for the role, [but] you have to keep a positive attitude. You smile, [you] nod, you do what they say, you give your best performance and then you get out of there, and you don’t ever look back. You don’t regret anything.”

Thompson said his favorite part about performing is the anticipation of a show.

“During a production, standing in the wings in the dark, waiting for my cue to enter, I look around see the tech crew, actors, prop manager, costumers, choreographers, directors, stage managers, musicians — so many people who have come together [to create the show],” he said. “It makes me feel like I am a member of the world’s largest family.”

1.) Performing at the Theater in the Park, Thompson sings in the play production “Damn Yankees.”

2.) Rehearsing with choir teacher Marsha Moeller, Thompson practices singing in a group.

3.) Dancing on stage, Thompson plays the lead role, Nathan Detroit, in the musical, “Guys and Dolls.”

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May 2014

a future with

music

Two seniors plan to pursue musical career with band while attending Berklee College of Music next fall

makaylanicholis staff writer Greatness begins in many ways.

For Muse, it happened at a community college.

For All Time Low, it was a garage.

And for Save the Great, the legend began in the Music House School of Music.

Four-year-old alternative band Save the Great is made up of singer/guitarist senior Logan Haynes, drummer senior Grant Dickerson and bassist Hunter Sprung.

“We all started taking lessons at Music House School of Music in sixth grade,” Dickerson said. “They put bands together there, and we all ended up being in a band together as freshmen in high school.”

Dickerson said he knew Haynes somewhat from school, but their elected bassist was unknown to both of them.

“I’d heard rumors about the bassist and how he was just a big loser,” Dickerson said.

“But he turned out to be pretty cool.”

For about two years, Save the Great practiced at the Music House as one of their top bands before deciding to cut ties with the company in order to pursue their own style.

Haynes said their sound has been compared mostly to American rock band Incubus and English rock band Muse.

“Logan writes all the songs, and then we’ll just show up at my house and play it,” Dickerson said.

Haynes said his best writing usually comes during late nights at home alone.

“Just, whenever I get something good, I can feel it,” Haynes said. “And then lyrics are a whole different piece. Lyric writing is a [challenge] for me. It’s just because I’m not good at expressing feelings. I’m kind of a guy.

So, I have yet to figure out how to express my feelings.”

Dickerson said Haynes is getting there.

Haynes said he works to write lyrics that have real meaning.

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

Dickerson

Haynes

“It’s just writing about stuff that makes you mad, I guess,” he said. “Because you can’t write about, like, ‘go party’ because it doesn’t mean anything.”

Dickerson said emotion makes good lyrics.

“Write about something that means something,” Dickerson said. “That’s when you know it can connect with other people and other people can understand.”

With practices in Dickerson’s basement and frequent breaks for Fazoli’s runs for breadsticks, the band began to develop into what they are today.

As of May 21, 2013, Save the Great claims name to one official EP on iTunes entitled “Infinity.”

“It’s the most white girl title I could ever think of,” Haynes said. “I don’t know why.”

The band is also featured on Spotify and can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.

Save the Great commonly performs at local shows around Kansas. “[My favorite] gig was Jan. 19 at the Granada [Theater], when I just collapsed on the floor after because there was so much energy,” Haynes said.

Despite gig opportunities, Haynes said the band doesn’t worry too much about getting paid.

“It depends if we stay to get paid,” he said.

“We’re not really in it for the money, so we play and then we leave. It’s just boring watching the other bands.”

From open mic nights to shows at the Granada, Save the Great slowly worked its way up the musical food chain. Then, last

year, bassist Sprung graduated from Blue Valley Southwest to attend Kansas State University. Haynes said the distance has been somewhat difficult for the band to work around.

“It’s just hard on writing stuff,” he said. “I just get the main structure of the song. Honestly, the best songs come from when we’re all together, writing stuff out. And for that we need all three members to be present.”

Not so long after their mild separation, in December of 2013, Haynes and Dickerson traveled to Boston to audition for a place in Berklee College of Music.

“It just seemed like the logical thing,” Haynes said. “A lot of our peers who we look up to in the music world went to [Berklee] so why not go where they went? I mean, we got in.”

“I’m going to major in Rockstar,” Dickerson added.

The ultimate goal, Dickerson and Haynes both agreed, is to make music for millions of people and to play at Wembley Stadium.

And if they don’t succeed?

Haynes said he’ll “only” be $250,000 in debt.

“I’ll just live in my parents’ basement,” Dickerson said.

Despite the pressures of the music industry, the band is confident about their chances.

As for aspiring musicians, Dickerson shared his words of wisdom.

“Don’t do your homework,” he said.

“Dude, I haven’t done homework in months.

Just, like, if you want to practice, practice. If you want to do it, do it.”

“I’ve spent so many nights trying to do homework and then I see my guitar in the corner and I’m just like, ‘[forget] that,’” Haynes said.

Dickerson said it’s important to go all out.

“If you want to go for it, go for it,” he said.

“If that means you’re not going to do homework for a night, then don’t do homework for a night. Don’t let anything hold you back.”

May 2014

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Seniors share knowledge gained throughout high school

Quotes gathered by Meghan Kennedy and Maddie Jewett.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

“My favorite memory was getting second at State [volleyball] my junior year. It was bittersweet because we didn’t win but we made it that far. It was sad because it was the last time I got to play with the seniors that year.”

Kelly O’Donnell:

“My favorite memory was when Truman Cassidy did the Pokémon theme song in front of everyone in ELA.”

Alex Peterson:

Aubrey Jeffries:

“There’s going to be obstacles or bad days, but you have to find ways to overcome them and know that your friends will always be there.”

Ryan Stoskopf:

“Get your homework done and don’t slack off your senior year.”

“For me personally, you know you’re a senior when you come to school looking ratchet — like really ratchet.”

Ryan Stoskopf:

“When you have two or three back to back study halls and you do nothing.”

Hillary Heizman:

“When your backpack never leaves school.”

“My favorite memory is when Cale and I scootered from his house to mine. It was, like, five miles.”

Cale Reber:

“My favorite memory is Mexico because I got to spend every day on the beach with my best friends.”

“When we won State [football] because we worked hard all four years. We have that bond between everybody, and the whole school came together when we won. It was so memorable.”

Shivani Patel:

Kristen Sayegh:

Grace Lillis:

“Don’t take too many AP classes.

Seriously.”

Ellie Fehlig:

“Don’t be afraid to not do your homework because it’s not the end of the world and you need to make time to have fun.”

Al Harris:

“I would say to not follow the crowd and be yourself. Make goals for yourself, pursue those goals and don’t let anyone or anything get you off track.”

“Don’t be afraid to be who you are and don’t care what anyone else says.”

Sami Miller:

“Embrace the time you have left. Go to all the dances, go to all the games and just enjoy what you have left.”

Emily Marr:

“Don’t be afraid to branch out and try new things that you didn’t think you’d be good at.”

Grace Lillis:

Alex Peterson:

Lindsay Miller:

Kinzie Norton:

Kyle Nunnally:

Tristan Thuro:

“When you do your third hour homework in second hour.”

“When you wake up 10 minutes before school starts.”

“When you do absolutely nothing in study hall.”

“I’ll miss all the friendships I’ve made through the athletics I’ve been a part of.”

“Basmello, Guide Mowry, Señora Sanflé and Jackson Macoubrie.”

“When you go to the driving range during study hall.”

“When you run out of excuses as to why you skipped a class.”

“When all the advice to freshman is inappropriate.”

Andy Porter:

“The sense of community and teachers and staff.”

Brandon Lee:

“The awesome newspaper. The years 2010-2014 and the times I’ve spent here. Also, my childhood years and the times when I wasn’t an adult.”

What are you going to miss the most?

Rachel Campbell:

Steven Cargin:

Hunter Murray:

You know you’re a senior when...

Kaitlin Berry:

“The West [football] game and being able to go to State. I was so proud of my friends, and it was cool to end your senior year with a State championship.”

What advice do you have for underclassmen?

“Cuff yo chick.”

Hillary Heizman:

What is your favorite memory of high school?

Chloe Rogers:

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centerstage

May 2014

Summer’s Sweetest Treats

Favorite delectables around town preface summer

Tads

Shaved ice with a menu of 60+ flavors to add Location: Overland Park Prices range from $2-5.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 1 p.m. - 10p.m.

Friday-Sunday 1 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Orange Leaf

Self-serve frozen yogurt with a topping bar.

Similar chains include: Banana Island, Yogurtini, Peachwave and Appleberry.

Location: Overland Park and Olathe Price: 37 cents per ounce Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-9 p.m.

Friday, 12-11 p.m.

Saturday, 12-11 p.m.

Sunday, 12-9 p.m.

Photos by Alyssa Hess. Pages designed by Bridget Howard and Alyssa Hess.

May 2014

centerstage

Sonic

Hot dogs, tator tots, slushies and ice cream are just a few of the items on their never-ending menu.

Location: Overland Park and Stanley Prices range from $1-7.

Hours vary due to season.

Half-price drinks from 2-4 p.m.

Half-price shakes after 8 p.m. in the summer.

Twisters

Frozen custard with a variety of toppings Location: Overland Park Prices range from $2-8.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12-10 p.m.

Friday, 12-11 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dairy Queen

A favorite place among many that serves ice cream, ice cream cakes, Orange Julius treats and blizzards.

Location: Overland Park, Olathe and Lenexa Prices range from $2-30.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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May 2014

Let it Go gennifergeer staff writer

I find it oddly disturbing to be reviewing a movie that came out six months ago, nevermind the fact that it’s almost summer and said movie is titled “Frozen.”

Yes, Disney has “done it again” with its perfect princess fairytale.

However, “Frozen” leaves something to be desired when compared to the high quality of prior Disney musicals.

First, let me start by saying the animation was gorgeous. I won’t be complaining about the image quality. After all, if you have enough time, money and talent, anything will look that good.

By that same logic, enough time, money and talent should also make a good, solid plot.

Alas, not all the rules of Hollywood apply. There isn’t much premise for why the events unfold. The conflict, Elsa’s (Idina Menzel) lack of ability to control her powers, doesn’t make much sense.

Isn’t it a bit convenient that Elsa is the only one randomly born with these icy pow-

rachellock staff writer Rewind to 1950.

The newest Disney princess is Cinderella, who all little girls are supposed to look up to and is the epitome of a typical female gender role. She cooks, she cleans, she is an amazing singer, birds are inexplicably attracted to her. The usual. And, of course, Prince Charming saves her at the end.

Fast forward to the present.

Children everywhere are singing the infectious, Oscar-winning song “Let It Go” from Disney’s new, sure-to-be classic “Frozen.”

Finally, Disney has given girls and boys role models who aren’t perfect and who don’t need others to define who they are.

“Frozen” teaches that flaws are OK and people make mistakes sometimes.

Princess Anna (Kristen Bell) is quirky, a little awkward and doesn’t end up marrying the first guy she meets. The only love she needs to save her in the end is that of her

Staffers review new Disney animation; contrast in opinion, level of enjoyment

ers? She can’t be the sole snowflake goddess, particularly if there is enough variety in these abilities for the trolls to have the need to ask whether Elsa was born with them or not.

And where did these trolls get this limited knowledge of frostbitten body parts in the first place? Couldn’t they just direct the King and Queen to that source to learn about controlling Elsa’s chilling tendencies?

Wouldn’t that prevent a lot of problems, even save the parents’ lives?

Personally, I theorize the trolls enjoy tearing people apart. I mean, it’s the only way I can explain why those selfish, home-wrecking rocks suggested Anna (Kristen Bell) disband her engagement to a prince for their own awkward suitor who would be better off marrying Prancer, Dancer or Vixon.

Speaking of marrying a dark horse, who didn’t realize Hans (Santino Fontana) was evil? He obviously showed all the signs of being a creep — finishing your lover’s sandwich is definitely something better left for the second date.

However, he’s not the worst villain of the film. The real embodiments of evil here are the ice harvesters. Presumably locally

based, this entire community forgets about a little boy and a reindeer and leaves them to be raised by trolls, where he miraculously retained ice harvesting knowledge and developed that as a business without once running into his long-lost family competition.

That being said, I did enjoy the movie the first time, but the buck stops there. I can’t imagine how some people can suffer through 15 showings of “Frozen.” Hearing “Let It Go” that many times alone would drive me insane. The talk show renditions, Oscar performances and hallway singalongs are enough exposure for one 3:45 tune without repeatedly viewing it in its natural habitat.

As a part of a musical, the songs lack in cohesion. “The Frozen Heart” feels extremely out of place next to such gibberish as “Fixer-Upper.” I would have liked to hear ethnic Scandinavian undertones in the music more to bring the soundtrack together and emphasize the magic of the setting, like in Disney films “Aladdin” and “Mulan.”

It’s May. Let’s leave the winter behind.

And, for the record, I do not want to build a snowman.

sister. The movie ends with Anna and Elsa together again, not some pre-mature wedding with a guy she met halfway through the movie. Anna saves herself and the rest of the kingdom without needing a “true love’s kiss” to do the job for her. She constantly shows her bravery and ingenuity throughout the film, while overcoming her mistakes such as her engagement to Hans, or her confrontational manner that caused her sister to accidentally freeze the kingdom. She holds herself accountable for her actions and acts accordingly.

“Frozen” is well-equipped with a cast of unique, lovable characters who liven up the story and make the movie all the more popular. Olaf (Josh Gad) dominates countless spoof pictures and Twitter updates. The entire idea of him is so absurd — a talking snowman who wants to live in summer?

What? — which is what makes him so adorable. His innocent view of the world is sure to bring a laugh to everyone — unless you have a frozen heart. To top it all off, all of these characters are brought to life by an amazing selection of Broadway stars.

The animation also plays a part in the magic of this movie. Improving on the similar designs in the last Disney princess movie “Tangled,” the characters appeared more three dimensional and their movements more lifelike.

And of, course, there is the soundtrack nobody can seem to stop singing. It has something for almost everyone to enjoy.

The contrast in the voices of the two sisters, Anna and Elsa — Bell and Menzel — was well considered within the songs. Menzel and Bell both bring their own sounds to it and give the songs more life as a result. Each of the nine songs in the movie has a unique feel and vary from the emotional “Let it Go” to the light-hearted “Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People.”

Overall, “Frozen” has a cute storyline and is a fresh, new take on the happily-ever-afters regularly featured in Disney cartoons.

It has become widely popular as a result of this. “For the first time in forever,” Disney has not only reached its younger viewers, but has been devoured by the masses of all age groups.

Page designed by Rachel Lock and Gennifer Geer.

May 2014

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Website for all passions provides outlet to post content Falling for Tumblr. makaylanicholis staff writer Tumblr — also known as the eater of souls, the consumer of time and the end to all social life.

Tumblr is known on the Internet as a center for the random, the fandoms and the musically inspired — which basically means you can post anything without fear of judgment. This also leads to the collection of a lot of crazy.

“I use it a lot for the music I’m into and the bands — basically just my general interest in music,” sophomore Lucy Hall said.

It may sound casual, but in reality, it’s anything but.

If you ever read a book, watch a movie, hear a song or

Tumblrisms.

Fandom — The obsession with a book, movie, show, band,

etc. of the user’s choice; do not insult without fear of death GPOY — (Gratuitous Picture of Yourself) Used when a post describes a user or a user’s life perfectly Tl;dr — (Too long, didn’t read) A warning to the poster; maybe the post had good content, maybe not... nobody knows because there were too many words Ship ­­— (Or to ship), wanting two characters or band members to be together with a ferocious fire that burns from within... usually leads to physical pain Canon ­— The glorious moment when your ship becomes a reality; there will be much bragging and celebration Otp — One true pairing Slash — Also known as fan-fiction, usually between two characters of a series who are not together in reality RP — (Roleplay) When two Tumblr users banter back and forth, taking up the roles of two different characters Hnng — A desperate noise of frustration because something or someone is too perfect and the user wants it Mary Sue — A character who is perfect to the point of driving fans into hatred AU — (Alternate Universe) Mostly used as a descriptor for fan-fiction; warns the user what they are about to read IRL — (In real life) A definer between fiction and reality, because that line is infuriatingly blurry on Tumblr Grammar — Use it or lose it; if grammar is lacking in your comment or post, be prepared for corrections and hate

basically experience anything in life you kind of somewhat like, Tumblr users would advise you to do everything in your power to not look that thing up on Tumblr.

Because if you do, there’s no turning back.

“You meet people who are also into your fandom, which is really fun,” Hall said. “But then you just get into one giant Tumblr wormhole, and you get stuck, and you’re there for life. It’s bad.”

Proof of the wormhole: Hall said she spends at least two hours on Tumblr a day, including free time in class. While Tumblr is a great way to exempt fandom tension in between release dates of books, albums, etc., users should practice caution as they may experience loss of friends, social skills, lowering of grades and an inability to see in the daylight.

Lucy Hall

Follow

Photos courtesy of MCT Campus.

Tumblr Trouble.

There’s a dark side to everything, Tumblr included.

Selfies are a common thread on the website, which is great until the idea of weight loss gets involved.

Unfortunately, a pretty popular theme on Tumblr seems to be the use of anorexia and bulimia in order to procure the “perfect” body shape.

These eating disorders, nicknamed by the users as ‘Ana’ and ‘Mia,’ are being discouraged by Tumblr as the site bans any users or tags that seem to be sponsoring these unhealthy forms of weight loss.

“I think it’s good it’s getting banned because they’re promoting and glamorizing something people who don’t know a lot about the issues think is OK,” sophomore Lucy Hall said. “They’re making [anorexia and bulimia] look like something that’s okay to do, and they’re not raising the awareness they should be. Instead, they’re making it look good.”

Page designed by Makayla Nicholis.

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centerstage

May 2014

URBAN

Legends

Stories by Maddie Davis and Sheila Gregory.

Disclaimer: These are theories with little to no merit and often times created with no trace of sanity. But they have withheld the hands of time and are worth investigating. Here are the top craziest, creepiest and perhaps truest conspiracies.

Illuminati & Freemasons

Secret groups such as the Illuminati and Freemasons have been accused of plotting to create a New World Order, or basically, the creation of a one-world totalitarian government.

According to popular theories, the Illuminati already controls high-ranking positions in the government and one day plans to completely take it over.

With the apparent foretold rise of the Illuminati, religion will be abolished, scientific development will be suppressed and genocide will come about in certain countries that have people the Illuminati refer to as “useless eaters.”

Also — terrorist attacks will be planned and negotiated by the Illuminati and certain terrorist groups.

The Illuminati’s motto is “Out of chaos comes order,” or basically that somehow, anarchy is “disciplined.”

On a branch off the Illuminati theory, certain celebrities have been accused of being members of the group.

For example, Beyoncé is allegedly in the Illuminati because of hidden meanings in her song lyrics and the way she holds her fingers

in the shape of a triangle.

There are two different theories about Eminem as well. One that he is being used by the Illuminati, and that he has become a symbol for them and helps them gain followers, or that he is working against the Illuminati by creating songs such as “Not Afraid” and “25 to Life.”

Other celebrities “in” the Illuminati are: Kayne West, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Jim Carrey, Lebron James, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus.

Now, on to the Freemasons. Simply put, they want the same thing as the Illuminati — to create a totalitarian government.

The Freemasons were made known to a vast amount of people through the popular film, “National Treasure.”

Even though that movie was obviously fictitious, there are conspiracies about the organization that are allegedly “real.”

Many theories about this organization exist, including that Freemasonry is an occult and worships evil power. This is very confusing because there are also some conspiracies that Freemasonry is a religious organization.

Yet, the goal of both these groups is to create a New World Order.

Pixar Theory

This theory isn’t just some wackjob who is finding nonexistent connections through the beloved Pixar movies — it was created by the Pixar company itself. Evidence points to the fact that all Pixar movies are existing in the same world. Starting in the dark ages with “Brave,” the witch provides magic allowing animals to have human characteristics. The effected animals interbreed, which is why they can talk in other movies. “Up’s” villain Charles Muntz creates technology to harness the animal’s power. We also see the beginning of an industrial revolution from Buy-N-Large here.

This is the same technology that Syndrome uses in “The Incredibles” to kill the Supers.

The new technology emits power radiation — which then gets absorbed by toys creating the plotline of “Toy Story.” We see the intelligence and code of conduct the toys live by, and what happens when they are neglected by humans. Back to the technology. It gets too powerful, as shown in “Cars,” causing pollution and forcing humans to flee — “Wall-E.” But as seen in the credits of “Wall-E,” life returns to earth, resulting in “A Bug’s Life.” The “Monster’s Inc” species evolved and uses time travel through the doors to obtain their energy.

Now, Boo knows of that future world and remembers the doors are used to time travel, bringing it back to “Brave,” where she is the witch who is trying to find Sully again. There are several pictures throughout the movies illustrating connections. The pizza car, originally from “Toy Story,” is featured in several other movies including a carving from “Brave.” Also from “Brave,” there is an engraved piece of wood resembling Sully. For the whole story, check out pixartheory.com.

May 2014 Denver International Airport

This is perhaps the most plausible of all the conspiracies. The massive Denver International Airport (DIA) is, in essence, a depiction of the New World Order genocide plan, and the airport is made to house the important members of the Freemason Society. Crazy? Not quite. Several factors contribute to this idea of said lunacy. Let’s start with the fact the there did not need to be another airport for Denver, but they built one anyway. It was privately-funded, and the construction was more than $3 billion over-budget with no record of where the money went or why that much was needed to construct it.

The theory starts here: the extra money was used to create a high-tech military bunker beneath the airport connecting to our nation’s Capital to transport weapons and people. Originally, the plan was to have five separate buildings for DIA, but they were supposedly built wrong and ordered to be buried instead of destroyed.

Among those buildings, there are also concrete tunnels with nothing but sprinkler heads — heads with no purpose seeing it is a bunker 150 feet below the ground made of concrete.

When driving towards the airport a shocking statue of a 30 foot, demonic horse of death with glowing red eyes greets you. On the opposite side of the airport, there is also an Anubis — the Egyptian god of the dead. There are several murals inside which show an evil Nazi soldier stabbing a dove and gassing the world, a young dead girl in a coffin, a cleansing fire sweeping out much of the population and the final desired New World Order of multi-racial

Déjà Vu

We’ve all had the strange feeling we’ve either experienced or seen an event before.

Usually it’s something we don’t think much of because there’s not much to it, right? However, what if there was something more to it?

Like, what if the same thing was happening in a parallel universe at the same exact time?

There are beliefs that state somehow the completion of the same activity happening in two parallel dimensions at the same time causes us to experience déjà vu.

Or, here’s another one — what if you’re remembering an event from a past life?

Some people who believe in reincarnation support this idea. The conspiracists claim that if you feel like something has happened before, it probably happened in your past life.

Other beliefs include that, apparently, déjà vu will be used for mind control in the future.

If doctors could somehow find a chemical that triggers déjà vu, it could be used as a weapon.

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harmony and “peace.” Beneath the mural with the soldier, there is a tile with a cart labeled “AU AG.” Now, one might assume that means gold and silver, but it is actually a very deadly strain of hepatitis, which one of the founders of the airport discovered, called Australia Antigen — AUAG — and could be used for biological warfare.

There is also a very obvious mention to the Freemasons in a stone engraving saying DIA was paid for by the “New World Airport Commission.” No such organization exists. On that same tablet, there is a notation about how, underneath it, there is a time capsule for the people of Colorado in 2094, insinuating the world will be drastically different in the future.

The runways clearly form the shape of a swastika when seen from the air, if everything else isn’t enough.

Now, you’re thinking that the Freemasons wouldn’t have put so many clues in plain sight if they wanted it to remain a secret organization, right?

Maybe we’ll just have to find out.

People have long and short-term memories. One part of the brain stores short-term memories, and one stores long-term memories.

Let’s say it was possible to control where a memory is stored. For example, a chemical could be found that causes a person’s memory to be immediately stored in long-term memory.

So then, a person is exposed to the chemical and then instructed to watch a video about a supposed mass genocide. It wouldn’t be something they would be likely to forget easily.

Then, after the video and after being exposed to the chemical, if they were asked what the movie was about, they would say that a long time ago, they knew something about a mass genocide.

Even though they had seen the video only 5 minutes ago, they would just think that it happened a long time ago.

So, theoretically, this supposed chemical that could control your memories and trigger déjà vu could be used to either make you “remember” something or forget something.

The most widely believed idea is that déjà vu occurs when there is a transmission delay in the optic nerve or that there is some sort of chemical imbalance in the brain.

And finally, just some food for thought: conspiracy theories are actually a conspiracy, and all conspiracy theorists are part of a group wanting to create paranoia and fear in the people so they can be easily manipulated.

Illustrations and page designed by Maddie Davis.

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centerstage

May 2014

Preventing

the Prescription sheilagregory staff writer

Dealing with a serious illness is difficult enough without having to worry about nausea, upper-stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, painful urination, agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, confusion, fainting, seizures, burning in your eyes and/ or suicidal thoughts.

These are only a fraction of side effects for the commonly-advertised depression medication, Cymbalta. Below the 54 possible side effects, it also states the list may not be complete and if you experience any other symptoms to contact your doctor.

If experiencing these effects seem unpleasant, then there is an alternative to prescription medication.

Herbal remedies are the use of plants and essential oils for treating illnesses from headaches to depression.

Junior Whitney Sherraden has first-hand experience using these remedies.

“I use essential oils a lot actually,” Sherraden said. “My skin gets really dried out over the winter, so I made this scrub stuff with coconut oil and mixed a few oils in to make it smell really good, and I rub it on my hands and knuckles when they get super dry. It hydrates them almost instantly.”

Dry skin isn’t the only area these essential oils can help. Sherraden said she had trouble concentrating in school until she found an herbal remedy.

Common Maladies to be Treated: Memory/Attention: Ginkgo leaves —

part of an ancient Chinese tree — are ground up and put into capsules to dilate blood vessels. This improves circulation to the head, heart and other extremities. If the blood flow to the head is restricted, many negative symptoms can occur such as memory loss, depression and difficulty hearing. The ginkgo

Students find alternatives to commonly used medications, use natural remedies

“I started using peppermint oil before school,” she said. “I started focusing a lot better, and I actually wasn't as tired during school.”

Not all essential oils are consumable, but to use ones that are, you simply put a drop on your tongue.

While it differs from person to person, certain medications can cause several liver diseases since all medication consumed are filtered through it.

“All our bodies are different, but some of us could be more prone to liver disease and failure than others,” Sherraden said. “The more medication you consume, the higher your chances of liver issues are.”

She said the reason most people disregard herbal remedies is because they aren’t fully aware of how effective they are.

“They're really overlooked because it sounds kind of weird, but they really do work,” Sherraden said. “I even have this one old family friend who literally threw out every medication in her cabinet and replaced every bottle with a vile of essential oils. I think that's a little extreme, but her daughter was cured of a minuscule form of ovarian cancer that caused her to have a miscarriage.”

Sherraden said she thinks using essential oils could become more common in the future.

“They might become more popular in the next few years because they're doing studies in the [United Kingdom] on frankincense oil and cancer treatment,” Sherraden said.

“Frankincense is actually so powerful it can penetrate cell walls in overactive cancer cells.”

Obtaining common herbal remedies is simple and inexpensive, Sherraden said.

“The basic, multi-purpose oils can be found in a starter’s kit online for pretty cheap,” she said. “It comes with a couple different oils, so you can test out which ones you like the best.”

Sherraden said she recommends herbal remedies because there is no downside to using them.

“Herbal remedies are natural and are meant to be consumed on the daily, so they aren't going to harm your body at all,” Sherraden said. “They're a good substitute because they all have very specific purposes that medications do as well.”

The benefits of using oils range from stress relief to reducing cramps.

“A lot of people just think, ‘Well, I have my ibuprofen, so I don't need any other pain relief,’ and don't really feel like experimenting with any alternatives,” Sherraden said.

Sherraden said she fully endorses the use of essential oils for everyone.

“Think before you swallow a ton of ibuprofen for pain or melatonin supplements for sleep,” she said. “Think about trying essential oils, and you definitely won't regret it.”

capsules combat these symptoms, leading to a more alert and stimulated individual.

When the recommended dosage is kept, no side-effects exist. Only when large quantities are taken, it can cause gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

different forms such as teas and capsules.

It has no side effects and is a very common remedy both here and around the world.

Fatigue: Ginseng also has origins in Asian medicine. It is an herb with has capabilities to lower stress, anxiety and fatigue levels.

While helping the body fight against all kinds of stress, it returns once compromised functions back to normal. Since it has been around for so long, it can be taken in many

To find more information on essential oils or to purchase some, visit YoungLiving.com.

Cold and flu: Echinacea is a member of

the sunflower family whose roots can be used for treating colds, flu, bronchitis and other types of infections. When brewed into teas, it is most effective, though capsules do exist.

It is a generally safe remedy, except for those who have allergies to ragweed. Then, itchy eyes and throat have been reported.

Page designed by Sheila Gregory.

May 2014

centerstage 41

2014

Summer entertainment Information gathered by Makayla Nicholis and Cassie Nichols.

MAY

>>>

13

22 Jump Street

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are back as officers Jenko and Schmidt. They go undercover, busting the bad at a local college after graduating from high school ­— twice.

Phillip Phillips

at Crossroads District

JULY

>>>

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

9

Neighbors

A couple with a newborn baby moves into a neighborhood facing unexpected challenges after the establishment of a fraternity house right next door.

The couple is played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, while the frat house is led by actor Zac Efron.

27

Jamie O’Neal and Austin Mahone albums release

6 JUNE

>>>

20

Think Like A Man Too

The six couples are back in this sequel as they make their way to Las Vegas for a wedding. But arrangements for a weekend away might not go as smoothly as planned when their misadventures get them into trouble.

18

The Purge: Anarchy This sequel to “The Purge” will have viewers hooked as a young couple struggles to survive after their car breaks down right as the annual purge begins.

The Fault In Our Stars

Hazel, played by actress Shailene Woodley, is a 16-year-old cancer patient forced by her parents to attend a support group. Within the group she meets and falls in love with 17-year-old Augustus Waters, played by Ansel Elgort.

27

The Fray

at Starlight Theatre

30-31

Justin Timberlake at Sprint Center

31

Rockfest

at Liberty Memorial

7

Avril Lavigne, Backstreet Boys at Starlight Theatre

28

Tech N9ne

at Arvest Bank Theater at the Midland

31

Warped Tour at Cricket Wireless Ampitheater

42

tigerturf

May 2014

Double Teamed alyssahess photographer Dive coach, Bridget Allen, coaches both Blue Valley’s and BV Northwest’s girls diving teams.

BV’s team consists of four sophomores, Meg Hollingsworth, Meredith Strickland, Rachel Borcherding and Madison Doherty.

BV Northwest’s team has seven or eight dive members.

Hollingsworth said having a coach who has two teams does not affect the individual help she gets from her coach.

“We all learn at our own pace, if we need to work longer, she’ll stay longer with us.” She said.

Allen said she thinks the divers all get what they need.

“I accommodate all dives on an individual basis,” she said. “Diving is a sport that requires more individual attention.”

She said most of the time when teaching new dives, everyone’s will be the same or similar.

Since all divers at BV are cheerleaders, Hollingsworth said it helps to learn dives quickly.

“It helps because I know the correct forms, where my body needs to be and when and which way I should spin,” she said.

Hollingsworth said there isn’t much tension or competition between the two teams.

“We all pretty much think of each other as the same team because diving is more individual rather than ‘Blue Valley vs. Blue Valley Northwest’ type of thing,” Hollingsworth said.

Allen said she agrees.

“I have coached two teams for so long that I very rarely consider them two teams,” she said, “I always view them as one team. It’s

Photo illustration and page designed by Alyssa Hess.

Girls dive coach expresses opinions about coaching two teams

always each girl diving against themselves to do their best, never BVHS vs. BVNW.” Allen said she thinks this year’s team has a lot of potential.

“Now that I have three divers with varsity level dives, I think qualifying for State is an attainable goal for all three of them," she said.

Hollingsworth said having another team to practice with helps.

“I think it helps because when there’s more divers, you get to see a variety of dives and skill-levels," she said.

Allen said she enjoys coaching two teams and thinks it is beneficial to herself and the divers.

“I like that the divers have the experience of diving at two different schools,” she said. “It helps them adjust more easily to different diving boards. But yes, I admit I have occasionally gone to the wrong school for practice.”

May 2014

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Photo by Mollie Hogan.

Page designed by Danielle Williams and Anna Wonderlich.

diamonds are a girl’s best friend Upperclassmen girls form club to support varsity baseball team daniellewilliams entertainment editor Attending countless games.

Cheering ferociously in the stands.

Painting colorful signs.

Hanging up locker decorations.

Baking cupcakes and cookies for the players to enjoy before games.

The Diamond Dolls is a club that started at Blue Valley last year when Coach Tony Scardino first came to BV and wanted a support system for the baseball players.

“Mr. Scardino came from a school that had a program similar to this, and he really liked the idea of it,” senior Aubrey Myer said.

Scardino went to senior Savannah Spicer, who was then a junior, to help him get this club started.

“He approached me in class about making a club for girls who wanted to support the baseball team,” Spicer said. “Girls had asked him if they could be mangers, and, because of issues with the managers at his old school, he didn’t really want girls hanging around the boys during practices and games. So this was a solution to that and also a way to get more support at baseball games.”

Spicer said she was nervous at first to take on such a big responsibility because of her

already-busy schedule.

“I’m always really busy in the spring and during baseball season,” Spicer said. “It was also kind of scary starting a club for juniors and seniors as a junior. I wasn’t sure if the seniors would be on board or if they would take me seriously.”

Spicer said last year’s seniors were willing to listen to her and luckily helped out with most of the activities being a Diamond Doll includes.

“Most of them just got the shirts and showed up to the games, which was great,” Spicer said. “Not many of them helped make signs or goodie bags, which I can understand being a senior now.”

Myer said the girls try to encourage the boys and support them through their demanding season.

Myer said the club’s responsibilities include more than just attending games.

“The whole point of the club is to increase the amount of fans at the games,” Myer said.

“We also ask them to bake treats or help make goodie bags for the boys on game days and make signs for the locker hallway.”

The club has nearly doubled in size from last year to this year — however, Spicer said the club hasn’t spent as much time or effort as they had in the past.

“There are a lot more girls involved this

year, which is awesome,” she said. “We have a little over 50 girls, and last year we had about 25. This year we haven’t been doing as much as we did last year for the guys, which is my fault.”

Spicer said in the future she will advise the juniors to organize the sign and goodie bag making instead of the seniors.

“It’s crazy how hard it is to find time during senior year to make locker decorations for the whole baseball team or buy tons of food to make goodie bags,” she said.

Spicer said her purpose behind the Diamond Dolls is to increase attendance at events because she thinks it is very important for BV students to support one another.

“Attending games and caring for each sport, activity and club are important to our community as a school,” Spicer said. “Also, everyone likes to have people cheering them on in the stands, so our biggest purpose is to get people to the baseball field.”

Myer said she encourages girls who are interested in baseball or just want to support the school to join the Diamond Dolls.

“Overall, I think it’s just a fun club to be a part of, and, if you really like baseball, it is a great way to support the team and get to watch an awesome sport,” Myer said. “Our team is also pretty good, and we get super cute shirts, which doesn’t hurt.”

44

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TIGER PRINT

THE SEE YOU TOMORROW.

7901 West 151st Street Stanley, KS 66223

(913)-814-0031 Sun-Wed: 10:30 AM to 12 AM Thurs-Sat: 10:30 AM to 1 AM

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Check out our website for updated news coverage, exclusive stories, photos and digital issues of the paper.

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it’s tee time Photos by Molly Johnson.

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

“The best part about being on the team is that we all have a lot of fun,” senior Jack Beardsley said. “We become a pretty tight group by the end of the year and we all enjoy playing together.”

1.

2.

3.

May 2014

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1. Senior Josh Krestine watches the ball fly after driving in a tournament. The team took fourth at the tournament. “I’m really looking forward for the next couple weeks,” Krestine said.

2. Junior Jacob Bell prepares to putt. Varsity’s next tournament is May 6.

3. Junior Zach Karney holds the flag for an opponent as he putts. Karney scored 71 at the tournament. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” Karney said.

46

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May 2014

p u C d l r o W

ws Previe

4 1 20 by Stories

tonic.

Matt An

The US came back from the world cup draw reeling from the results — the team was drawn into the long-feared “Group of Death,” filled with four teams ranked in FIFA’s Top 25. Each nation in the group advanced to the Knockout Round in 2010 World Cup. The US was drawn into Group G with heavyweights Ghana, Portugal and Germany, the latter two being ranked in the top ten of the world. Only two teams can advance to the knockout round. US Coach Jurgen Klinsmann called the draw the “worst of the worst,” and few soccer pundits expect the US to make it into the next round. Although the US is between a rock and a hard place, the draw also presents an excellent opportunity to prove itself in a difficult group, having been in one of the easiest groups of the 2010 World Cup. The Americans will be under tremendous pressure to perform in what could be a defining year in the history of American International Soccer.

USA VS GHANA June 18 US Soccer fans wi ll be praying that the Ghost of Ghan Stars have eliminat a can finally be pu ed the USA from th t to rest. The Black e last two World Cu needed a win to m p competitions. In ake it into the knoc 2006, the US kout stage and lost read 2-1 with Ghan 2-1. In 2010, the sc a scoring in extra oreline again time. If the America advancing out of th ns want any realisti e group, three poin c chance of ts are a necessity as the US to beat.

Ghana is by far th e best team for Key to US Victor y — Ghana terroriz es slower teams du tack. The US midfie e to its speed and ld will have to be in counterattop form to keep th and avoid being ov e counter of Ghan ertaken on the wing a in check s by Michael Essie n and company.

Photo courtesy of MCT Campus.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee and Matt Antonic.

May 2014

Sweden, layoff with P A in F E U est player -or-die uably the b l won a do a er, rg g v a u e m w rt o o o h P fr nse — AL — r goals fe G u e U d fo T S to R U s e k O n P ze th tha ediodedly won may terrori n little more than m er e single-han stiano Ronaldo. He st e be ot the mon Cri ments hav lented, is n the world, ancrld tourna ta o y rm w r o t e a v rf e s e p il ce r an gal, wh of poo u l rt fu o d P n , a his perform o if h r ld a d we from Rona Selecao ha nificant po ven cre. Aside ill lose sig m to be. A e w se se p d a y n a a rh g e m p y in , e fy a draw st a le machine th ller nations in quali t a d l nee sma The US wil ny. es against top form. ith Germa in w t o h n tc a is m o e ld a th n o to R o ing tor y, head ow Ronald a way to sl another vic d en d fi n se a e c u ortug ricans e suspect P If the Ame th — ck a ry tt to a Vic S can Key to US touches limited, the U is n h io p ssess . and kee stained po su h g u ro fense th

GERMANY — Germany is widely regarded as a favorite to win it all this summer, with one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Manuel Neuer, and a stacked midfield. To say that the Americans will be underdogs in this game would be the understatement of the World Cup. The US would be smart to have secured passage into the Knockout Round before this match — which won’t be an easy task — but certainly easier than trying to beat two-time World Champions. A tie is within reach, but a win against Die Mannschaft would be enough of an upset to rumble the foundations of international soccer. The US will also look to avenge World Cup losses to Germany from 1998 and 2002.

Key to US Victory - The US will have to slow the powerful German midfield, led by Mesut Ozil and veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger, in order to possess the ball and create a strong counterattack.

Other Storylin

es

Spain Not A Favorite?

After Spain was demolished 30 by the Host B Confederation razilians in the s Cup Final, th disastrous 2013 e debate opened Cup. Spain saw wide as to who its possession-o will take the riented tactics ing prowess of ripped apart by Brazil, and a fu the goal scorture meeting w team may doom ith a fast-paced Spain to an earl South American ier-than-expec ted return hom e to Madrid.

Belgian Dark Horse Oftern overlook ed due to intens e star power in underated team Europe, Belgium at this edition of the World C is the most ance in the tour up, making th nament since 20 eir first appear 02. With an ag Mauouane Fella gressive midfie ini, Kevin Mir ld made up of allas and Eden defeated in qu H alifying and st azard, Belgium ands in a relati went unRode Duivels sh vely manageabl ould see legitim e Group H. Th ate prospects of e a deep run this summer.

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TIGER

TURF BV SPORTS

sports in brief

TRACK AND FIELD Previous Action: 4/25 @ Gardner Upcoming Action: 5/3 STA Invite @ BVNW 5/9 @ SM North Relays GIRLS SOCCER Previous Action: 4/25 vs Lansing (1-0 W) Upcoming Action: 5/5 vs Shawnee Mission North 5/8 vs BV North @ Home GIRLS SWIMMING Previous Action: 4/28 @ Topeka Invitational Upcoming Action: 5/3 @ SMS Invitational 5/9 @ EKL

SOFTBALL Previous Action: 4/29 @ BVNW Upcoming Action: 5/6 @ Aquinas BASEBALL Previous Action: 5/1 vs BVNW Upcoming Action: 5/2 vs SME @ DAC 5/5 vs Miege @ DAC BOYS TENNIS Previous Action: 4/28 v. St James @ BVHS 5/1 EKL @ BVN Upcoming Action: 5/7 @ SMNW BOYS GOLF Previous Action: 5/1 @ Hutchinson Upcoming Action: 5/5 @ St. Andrews 5/6 @ Deer Creek Results current as of April 28.

48

snapshot

May 2014

fundraising for

fraser

Community raises over $27,000 for paralyzed senior’s family at carnival on Saturday, April 19

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1. Senior Chance Nelson hands a child a frisbee for the shuffleboard game.

2. Seniors Shivani Patel and Savannah Spicer punch tickets at a game station.

3. Physics teacher John Holloway gobbles a pie during the Mu Alpha Theta pie-eating contest. Photo submitted by Ricky Shull.

4. Swinging a hammer, sophomore Sebastian Hernandez participates in the car smash.

5. Celebrating, freshman Darby Thompson cheers after dunking principal Scott Bacon.

6. Senior Kelly O’Donnell supervises the lollipop tree in the senior lot.

All other photos and page designed by Alex Kontopanos.

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