The Tiger Print — November 2009

the

print TIGER BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL bvtigernews.com

Vol. 40 Issue 4

November 2009

Stilwell, KS

Does that rain cloud over your head seem to follow you everywhere? pages 12-13

inside The Breakfast Club

Keeping the rhythm

page11

page 21

Teachers reminiscence about the good ol’ days of high school

Stridin’ Tigers dedicate time to more than just Friday night football

Dominating the field

Senior forward breaks the school record in most goals made in one soccer season page 22

inthenews

in the halls...

1. BVSW will open as large 4A

The KSHSAA classification has been determined for Blue Valley Southwest. BVSW will open as a large 4A school and be a member of the Eastern Kansas League (EKL).

During the regular varsity football season, BVSW will play all EKL schools. In addition to all EKL teams, the Timberwolves are also tentatively scheduled to play St. James, DeSoto, GardnerEdgerton and Bishop Ward.

“Don’t print off the football schedule until after the first game — it’s constantly changing,” Athletic Director Gary Howard said.

Howard said he is currently in the process of scheduling soccer games, volleyball matches and cross country meets.

Howard has posted everything he has scheduled on www. highschoolsports.net. To access the information, type in Blue Valley Southwest and select the 2010-2011 school year.

By Annie Burress.

2. Dodgeball tourney scheduled

The debate and forensics teams will host the first Patches O’Houlihan Memorial Dodgeball Tournament on Nov. 9 and 10 to raise money for the department.

The tournament will be in one of the gyms in a World Cup-style tournament.

On Monday, Nov. 9, the teams will be put in a pool where they will compete in at least three matches. The winners will go headto-head Tuesday in the finals.

“I have a lot of kids who love dodgeball and Dodgeball the movie and we thought it would a good way to make money for the debate and forensics programs,” debate teacher Chris Riffer said.

By Sara Naatz.

3. Volunteers needed for race

The Safety and Health Council of Western Missouri and Kansas is looking for about 120 volunteers to work the Gobbler Grind race on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22.

The Gobbler Grind is a marathon, half-marathon and 5k event that benefits the Safety for Kids car seat program, to purchase car seats for families in need.

Volunteer times on Saturday are between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday times are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., with five-hour shifts starting at 6, 7, 9 and 10 a.m.

Volunteers on Saturday will help with registration, and volunteers on Sunday will work water stations as well as setting up at the finish line.

See Margaret Upchurch in the main office to get a volunteer form.

By Ryan O’Toole.

4. College visits scheduled

Representatives from the following colleges are scheduled to visit BV in the next few weeks: Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, Nov. 9 University of Kansas, Nov. 9 Fort Hays State University, Nov. 10 University of Central Missouri, Nov. 19 Students interested in talking with representatives should see Cindy Snell in the counseling office to sign up.

By Katie Louis.

on the cover...

People dealing with depression often feel like a cloud is hanging over their head. Mental health issues can range from depression to OCD. For more health coverage see pages 12-13. Photo illustration

by Haley Hickman.

0 2 NOVEMBER 2009

BVSW senior option deadline confirmed ryano’toole sports editor All current juniors who are planning on going to Blue Valley Southwest next year need to declare a final decision by Jan. 6.

Juniors have various reasons for wanting to transfer schools, from distance issues, to be a part of the new theater program or to head up a new sports team.

Junior Molly Sutton is going to BVSW to play volleyball.

“There aren’t going to be many spots open on varsity at BV next year and I don’t want to get cut because I want to play volleyball in college and I really want to keep playing now,” she said.

She is also transferring to attend school with a good friend from BVNW. District officials mailed a letter on Oct. 20 to all current BV and BVW juniors who live in the attendance area.

The letter requires that students decide which school they plan on attending, with a signature from both the student and a parent or guardian.

The senior option letter must be mailed back to the Blue Valley School District Planning Department regardless of if the student is changing schools.

Sutton said she will miss some things about BV. “A few things like some teachers and some friends,” Sutton said. “I’m also going to miss not being able to graduate with the class I came into Blue Valley with, but other than that I think it’s going to be good.”

Sutton said it will be weird to adjust to no longer being a Tiger.

“It won’t be like cheering for the Tigers,” she said.

“It’ll be cheering for their mascot, the Timberwolf or whatever it is. Yeah, that’ll be awkward.”

Even so, she is not all that broken up about it.

“I think it’s just going to be a good move,” Sutton said. “Just get a new feel, start over on high school.”

If a student is outside of the BVSW boundary, they are still eligible for a standard transfer form.

This is the letter that was sent out to juniors living within the Blue Valley Southwest boundaries. Letter courtesy of Carolyn Baraban, Administrative Assistant of Facilities and Operations.

The boundaries are south of 175th Street east of Mission Road, and south of 167th Street between Mission Road and U.S. Highway 69.

However, students outside of the boundary will not be able to participate in Kansas State High School Activities Association sports and clubs until the mandatory 18-week period has passed.

District officials can be reached at (913)-239-4000 for more information.

Poor economy inspires creative TigerFest donations stephanieroche editor-in-chief TigerFest will be on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Donations were initially down compared to past years for all participating activities.

“I think the economy is a major contributor,” committee chair Jane Rowe said. “I really don’t blame anything else but the economy.”

She said their problems started in 2008.

“Last year we made less money because of the economy and that’s just gotten a little harder this year,” Rowe said. “We’re just a little more stretched.”

Although donations were originally down, Rowe and other volunteers decided to extend the donation deadline, which brought in more contributions.

“We extended the deadline a week,” she said. “So hopefully that will give groups more time to get more donations. And we are trying

to get more information out to the general public through e-mail.”

The first TigerFest was in 2005.

Most sports, clubs and activities participate in this annual fundraiser.

“I believe all the groups use it as their main fundraiser,” Rowe said.

“It is just a way that everybody can get together. I like the aspect of the community building, too.

So it’s not just an opportunity for groups to raise cash to buy what they need to, but I think it builds a sense of community and family within the school.”

Rowe said it is important for people to participate and donate.

“If anybody is benefitting, I think they should contribute, if

you’re going to take out I think you should put in,” she said.

All families are encouraged to attend the event and preregister by submitting a bidder form into the TigerFest donation box in the office.

Some of the items up for auction that night include a condo in Mexico, autographed items and airline tickets.

Rowe said there have also been creative donations.

“People are thinking outside the box with handmade things,” she said. “One woman does homemade crescent rolls every year.

People are just thinking about things they can make at home and donate.”

“It’s not just an opportunity for groups to raise cash to buy what they need to, but I think it builds a sense of community and family within the school.”

Committee Chair Jane Rowe

inthenews

Nightmare

on 159th Street caitlinholland & chrisroche news editor & staff writer

A costumed bonfire and Miley Cyrus overload resulted in a memorable Homecoming week.

The festivities started Nov. 28 with the bonfire.

“It is a great way to show our pride in our school and really kick off Homecoming week,” senior Dalton Homolka said. “It gets students pumped up for the big game and dance, and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a bonfire?”

BV took on rival Blue Valley West in the Homecoming game, and their mascot started the fire.

“We basically burn the mascot to let our rival school know we mean business,” Homolka

said. “By burning it, we represent the fate of Friday night’s game and everyone gets to be a part of it. It makes the fire all that much greater.”

Along with the fire comes free food from Chick-fil-A , music, a great school atmosphere and for this year, a costume party.

More than 900 students attended the The Nightmare on 159th Street-themed Homecoming dance, compared to the usual 500-700.

“I feel like Homecoming on Halloween is a once-in-alifetime thing,” senior Kaitlin Long said.

Senior Tyler Disney was crowned Homecoming king, joining Long, who was named queen at the football game the evening before.

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Junior Garrett Woods cheers as the Homecoming king candidates file into the gym. Senior Jessica McCrary laughs while her friends sing her happy birthday. Photo by Jackie Lippert.

meet the candidates King and Queen: Tyler Disney and Kaitlin Long Junior attendants: Sherry Farrahi and Steven Stinson Senior Tyler Disney dances with his mother, Diana Smith, after being crowned king. Photo by Jackie Lippert.

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inthenews

Class of 2010 makes history, receives Standard of Excellence in 4 categories caitlinholland news editor The class of 2010 was awarded the Kansas State Standard of Excellence in four categories: Reading, Science, Social Studies and Math, the most in school history.

Assistant principal Brett Potts applauds students and staff for making school history.

"We are very proud of our students and teachers for the test scores we have," he said.

Each of the tests were taken throughout the students' high school years, and the Standard of Excellence is a reflection of the students' results on each test.

The class of 2010 is 98.2 percent proficient in reading and 92.5 percent proficient in math.

"We're thrilled with the results certainly because our

students took it seriously and the teachers did an excellent job of preparing our students," Principal Scott Bacon said.

Bacon said that student progress has been tracked with learning targets throughout each class, as well as formative assessments around state testing time.

He added that the students' results on the targets and the assessments determine how teachers will focus their lessons and students should take the preparation seriously.

"If people are messing around with effort and we're making decisions on poor effort, that is not very good," Bacon said.

Bacon believes teamwork is necessary to reach the ultimate objective — 100 percent proficiency on state assessments, which BV administration sees as a very

realistic goal.

"We're talking about proficient, we're not talking about perfect," he said.

"There's a difference."

Ultimately, Potts and Bacon see the class of 2010's state assessment scores as one indicator of a great school.

Bacon notes AP class enrollment, few D's and F's and ACT/SAT scores as factors as well.

To check progress, Bacon analyzes test scores, learning target results, AP class enrollment levels, ACT scores and grades, and surveys school climate with students.

He sees a significant correlation between students' grades and how they perform on state assessments.

"We know more about students than ever before, and that is a good thing in terms of academic performance," Bacon said.

Program provides mentors for truant students jamesstatham staff writer

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Project SKIP (School Kids Impacting Peers), a branch of the Youth Court program, has been developed to individually deal with truant students.

SKIP is comprised of a panel of student mentors. The mentors work with individual truant students on school and personal issues.

Every Project SKIP activity and meeting is held off the school campus.

Dennis Randall, school resource officer and Youth Court coordinator, says that involvement in Youth Court and SKIP allows students to learn important legal skills.

"They learn how to become future prosecutors, defense attorneys, and learn how to be on a jury," he said. "Lots of kids like it, especially the juvenile part of it."

Randall is notified of specific cases for the Youth Court and SKIP. The cases are then presented to the Youth Court and SKIP panel.

Senior Taylor Armstrong and sophomore Stephanie Shull agree that SKIP is a beneficial way to connect with struggling students.

"We have a lot of fun with it," Shull said. "I feel good about helping these kids out."

The SKIP mentors work to become acquainted with the different students.

"The first thing we ask them is about their personal lives," Armstrong said. "Then we call them twice a month to check in."

Each truant student is paired with a mentor, or Student Service Officer (SSO).

Jamie Kernaghan, Prevention Specialist and leader of SKIP at the Johnson County Court Services says that students must meet

certain criteria to be labeled as truant.

"They have to have missed three consecutive unexcused days of school, five days a semester, or seven days the entire year," Kernaghan said.

Each of the truant students are required to attend an initial hearing as well as a follow-up hearing.

If the student shows significant signs of improvement, then a final hearing isn't necessary.

Kernaghan says the student mentors take on significant challenges as well.

"It's a lot of responsibility," she said.

"Sometimes the parents of truant students will get cranky and they have to follow-up."

Project SKIP doesn't only benefit the truant students.

The mentors earn community service hours for their time dedicated to the SKIP program.

"SKIP has lots of services to offer, like counseling and tutoring," Kernaghan said.

There are more than 500 truant student referrals in Johnson County alone. Project SKIP allows these students to make a personal change rather than immediately appearing in court.

"It saves them a ton of money by not having to go to court," Kernaghan said.

To ensure the truant students show improvement in school, they must turn in grade reports.

Armstrong feels the best thing SKIP offers is the chance for students to make a difference in the lives of their peers.

"We get to see them grow," Armstrong said. "You get to see your impact on their lives."

NOVEMBER 2009 0 5

outloud

Jon & Kate plus HATE

TLC’s once-favorite couple calls it quits, sets bad example for American families my voice

annieburress Jon Gosselin secretly empties out $200,000 from Kate’s bank account.

Jon Gosselin Ordered to Pay Kate $180K. Jon & Kate Gosselin Arrive at Court for Showdown.

Kate Gosselin Banks Big Bucks as Jon Loses First Round in Court.

Jon Gosselin turns tables on Kate Gosselin with charges of his own.

Jon and Kate Separation Drama Still Includes Glassman.

Jon Gosselin Briefly Bars Film Crews From Home.

TLC Suing Jon Gosselin.

We’ve all seen the headlines.

Even people who, before last June, had no idea who Jon and Kate Gosselin were could probably tell you quite a bit about their divorce.

I’m fed up with the two of them.

They’re talking to the media instead of each other, and their kids stay at home with sitter after sitter while talk show appearances have become priority.

According to a study done by Nicholas H. Wolfinger, a sociology professor at the University of Utah, children of divorced parents are more likely to end their own marriages later in life.

So, in a family with eight kids, such as the Gosselins, you do the math. The kids, all under age 10, already have the odds of an unsuccessful marriage stacked against them.

Comedian Rita Rudner once said, “A marriage is a success in Hollywood if it outlasts milk.”

Somewhere along the line in America, “celebrity marriage” has become synonymous with “divorce.”

Isn’t that sad?

We live in a world where short marriages have become the norm for Hollywood.

This just doesn’t make sense to me. And while I’m thankful this trend doesn’t seem to hold true for most non-celebrity marriages, it’s

still concerning.

Part of the wedding vow says, quite clearly, “I, ____ take you, ____ to be my husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.”

As long as we both shall live.

Not, “until we get sick of each other.”

How do you argue with that?

Divorce wreaks havoc in the lives of all people involved.

It has lasting effects on children.

Some become depressed, others develop an intense fear of abandonment, while some experience guilt, low self-esteem, anger, panic,

destructive and even criminal behavior.

Every Web site I went to about divorce agreed on one thing: a long, drawn-out battle between the parents is especially destructive to the kids. It’s about the worst thing you could do for your children in this situation.

Jon and Kate are going to have to buck up and face the music sooner or later. They’re making a mess for themselves to clean up eight, very confused and sad kids who just want Mommy and Daddy to stop fighting.

That’s what their priority should be.

Not Good Morning America, Larry King Live or Entertainment Tonight.

Are we really

Takin’ Care of Business?

Student questions effectiveness of BV’s 3 academic interventions my voice

jacobpruitt Takin’ care of business, everyday. Right?

Nope.

Academics come first. Right?

Not really.

Overtime is where work gets done. Right?

Not quite.

Our ‘Academic Intervention Flowchart,’ the ominous chart that decides what you will really be doing after school, is nearly as confusing as our new health care policy.

We have our hands held as we are walked through our four years of high school. Countless second, third and fourth chances are thrown at us.

But who pays attention?

To us, late start and early release means less time at school.

People come walking in with QuikTrip drinks and Starbucks coffee at 8:55 a.m. with no intent of doing anything about their bad grades.

But, seriously, who expects better of us?

Because, if we can get away with doing nothing, we do nothing.

Students get babied at Blue Valley. We have no need to turn in an assignment or study for a test when we have every opportunity to turn it in later, or retake it, and get no reflection of that on our grade.

This will be just fantastic when we sit in a lecture hall with a couple hundred other students.

We all need to take a step back and realize what we are getting set up for. Yes, it is possible to slide on through high school with decent grades for our transcript.

But getting yourself into a mindset that you can do little-tono work and get the same grades as those who aspire for a higher education is the worst thing for a college-bound student.

College teachers don’t care if you didn’t do your assignment or forget when the test was. You get a zero.

There is no after-class help or extra review sheets before the test. If you don’t learn it in class then you don’t learn it. If you don’t

0 6 NOVEMBER 2009

Students turn in late assignments to Overtime administrator Christyn Haberly. Some might question the effectiveness of the multiple academic interventions in place at BV. Photo by Jackie Lippert.

pass the class, you have to retake it or take a failing grade on your transcript.

No, you don’t need to stay after school for three hours for that late-night study session (that your teacher work without pay), or take advantage of the numerous other opportunities that are presented

here.

Just realize that the days where you can take advantage of them are numbered.

Students need to take care of business by themselves. Teachers and administrators should be here to teach, not to force us to learn.

That’s our own job.

If we choose not to listen in class or turn in our assignments, we pay for that later.

Until we learn to deal with our own problems and start working in school, we might as well start playing “Everybody’s Workin’ For the Weekend” every Wednesday afternoon.

outloud

raise your voice What do you do to avoid falling into the Winter Slump?

Junior Alicia Watts

“I stay active and get with friends that have the same classes and do work together.”

Illustration by Emma Mosier.

Keep yourself from getting stuck in the Winter Slump staff editorial 26

agreed

3

disagreed

“It’s that time of year again.”

Well, it isn’t really the holiday season yet.

And no, the pools aren’t open.

Instead, it’s that unavoidable time that comes each year between November and February.

Winter.

We’ve gotten through our first quarter of school, Homecoming and fall sports. We’ve spent at least a few hours digging up every hoodie and jacket that was put away last March.

It’s freezing outside, it’s darker all the time and unless someone is having people over, you’re left to just drive around in the cold

looking for something to do on the weekend with your friends.

So beware. The Winter Slump is a deadly trap.

This is the time when it’s easiest to let your grades slip.

Classes become more difficult and tests more frequent. The homework begins piling up faster than we can say “winter break.”

The Slump is obvious in our appearance as well.

You can see it on our faces. The summer glow has long since gone. Deep, purple bags form under our eyes from the lack of sleep.

When asked how we’re doing, our common response is a mere grunt.

Our excitement for the school year is dwindling and our brains are slowly turning into mashed potatoes.

However, the Slump is preventable.

Although classes are stressful and midterms lurk in the near future, it’s crucial to remain focused. The effort you put forth now

can be the difference in a letter grade on a transcript.

Take the initiative. Ask your teachers for help with the concepts you’re still struggling with.

Be responsible. Now is not the time to put your AP CA IV memoir on hold because “you’ll get to it later.” Save yourself the stress and skip the procrastination.

Our mental and physical health don’t deserve to be put on the back burner either.

Prepare yourself for the non-stop eatingfest of the holidays.

Make healthy decisions you won’t regret once swim-suit season comes back around.

If you feel aggravated or anxious, get some fresh air.

Spending eight hours a day under fluorescent lights doesn’t do much for our body.

Take a walk outside to clear your mind and get the blood flowing.

The impending Slump is dangerous, so keep yourself aware.

Freshman Katie Wynn

“Motivate yourself by saying ‘If I make it through this semester, I’m halfway there.’”

Junior Cole Foss

“I attend after school opportunities, such as TCB and Overtime, and talk to my teachers when I’m struggling.”

The Tiger Print co-editors-inchief Allison Kohn Stephanie Roche

entertainment editor Rachel McCullough

multimedia editor Tori Freisner

sports editor Ryan O’Toole

news editor Caitlin Holland

photo editor Jackie Lippert

opinions editor AJ Barbosa

ads manager Jacob Pruitt

features editor Katie Louis

circulation manager Chris Roche

Haley Schroer James Statham Jane Webb

staff writers Sam Brennan Emily Brown Annie Burress Connor Cape Brice Goldenberg Matthew Gruber Matthew Holloway Jordan Huesers Jordan McEntee Sara Naatz Carlee Ray

photographers Haley Hickman Christian Huesers Maegan Kabel Emma Mosier adviser Jill Chittum

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

Letters to the editor and reader responses are encouraged for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content and encourages

letters to be no more than 350 words.

Letters should be submitted to room 450, e-mailed to thetigerprint@ yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085 phone: 913-239-4800 The Tiger Print also encourages guest photography. Photos should be submitted to room 450 with information pertaining to the photo.

NOVEMBER 2009 0 7

outloud

Flu-SeasonFreak out my voice

jordanmcentee Everyone is freaking out about this whole idea of the “swine flu.”

People have these crazy visions of all the bad things that could happen to them if they get sick; they might miss school, their grades will plummet and therefore they won’t be able to participate in after school activities.

This scare is causing them to completely overreact to the situation by doing things like using hand sanitizer every two minutes.

But the question is, will we continue to be cautious of our health after this big swine flu ordeal is over?

We all know the health tips that we keep hearing over and over.

Cover your coughs and sneezes. Don’t drink after other people. Stay away from people who are sick.

Wash your hands.

We all wave these things

off saying, “I know, I know.”

These really are things that we should do, but they won’t make a difference if we only do them now and not all year round.

If we return to our old habits of openly coughing or drinking after others, all of the precautions that we are taking to avoid the “swine flu” now are for nothing.

Think back to how many times you used hand sanitizer this year before the H1N1 virus came about.

Yeah, I don’t remember either.

And now, almost every classroom is equipped with the huge one-gallon jugs of hand sanitizer.

It seems like you could always go for one more squirt — “just to be safe.”

Purell and other hand sanitizer companies are making tons of money off of our paranoia.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this, but every time I squirt some hand sanitizer and rub it between my hands, I think to myself, Now I won’t get the “swine flu.”

If that were the case, that big jug would have a label

on it that said “Anti-Swine Flu Gel.” Just because you use some Purell doesn’t mean that you’re immune to getting the “swine flu.”

In fact, according to Purell.com, sanitizer alone cannot prevent the H1N1 virus.

Therefore, we need to take care of ourselves in other ways.

We need to do all of those things that adults are always telling us all year round.

We can be so much more productive if we are all healthy.

We would have much better attendance, so there would be more students actively learning.

With healthier students, we would have healthier and stronger athletic teams, clubs and activities.

When we keep our bodies healthy, we are overall better students, athletes, performers, leaders and people.

If we plan on living up to our dream of being the best school in the country, we’re going to have to be healthy to do it.

Students, teachers taking extra precautions to avoid H1N1, health should be a concern all year round

how to:

stay healthy Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Clean your hands.

Stay home when you are sick.

Get plenty of sleep.

Eat nutritious foods.

Cover your mouth and nose.

Information from cdc.gov

Hand sanitizers, such as this one, are being purchased for several classrooms to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. Photo by Jackie Lippert.

Obama’s health care plan will solve many of nation’s coverage problems Let’s play a game.

What’s the difference between Blue Bunny and Blue Cross and Blue Shield?

What about Coventry and custard?

Earlier this year I probably wouldn’t have been stephanieroche able to tell you myself. editor’s notes But with my time in the nest creeping to an end, I’ve begun educating myself on the ways of the world.

Oh, and those were health care insurance companies I mentioned earlier.

Health care should not be a game of politics and the only way to combat that is to educate ourselves.

When you are sick, you go to the doctor and they make you better. Right?

Maybe.

It is no joking matter, but the insurance companies seem to be playing a game with our coverage.

We’ve all seen the commercials where they promise to get you the best price out there.

What they fail to point out is for that amazing price, when you get sick, they won’t pay for your treatment.

Wait.

What good is all that money I’m saving, if I get sick and die because I can’t afford to get better?

my voice

0 8 NOVEMBER 2009

Like I said, this should not be a question of whose side you are on — the left or the right.

Health care should be available to everyone.

No one should have to suffer because his or her paycheck falls short.

President Barack Obama’s plans for the new health care reform bill will solve many of our current system’s problems and should be supported.

Let me say it one more time — this is not a political matter.

I am not asking you to support Obama. I am merely asking you to think about your family, friends, neighbors and fellow Americans who may not be eligible for health care coverage under the current system.

Just because you can afford health insurance right now, does not mean you shouldn’t be thinking about others.

What about the woman you passed on the street who is there permanently because she got sick last year and spent her life’s savings on getting better?

According to Obama’s plan, insurance would be more available to everyone and will not put our country in further deficit.

Under this plan, you cannot be discriminated against because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Insurance companies will not be able to drop your insurance when you become sick and need it most. Yes, this does happen.

It creates a public health insurance option for those who

are uninsured and can’t find affordable coverage.

Take the time and research all the information being thrown around. No matter what, a change is needed.

obama’s

plan

Makes insurance companies accountable.

Ensures patient choice of doctor and care without government interference.

Will let you keep your current plan, if desired, and your costs will go down by as much as $2,500 per year.

Offers new, affordable options if you don’t already have health insurance.

Information from barackobama.com

Diabetes outloud

isn’t much of a choice

Disease often misinterpreted by society, student tired of misconceptions my voice

maegankabel If you watch TV, chances are you’ve seen the commercials with Wilford Brimley advertising the companies that make paying for and getting your ‘diabeetis’ testing supplies easier.

This type of diabetes is popularized by

the media because it can, in most cases, be prevented.

What most people don’t seem know is that there are two types. The type caused by obesity and the type most people know about is type 2.

Type 1 is different, and the type I have.

And I’m not the only one in this school.

According to the American Diabetes Association, only about 5-10 percent of diabetics in the US have type 1. It’s also known as juvenile diabetes because children and teenagers are usually the ones diagnosed with it.

The biggest misconception I know of

is that if you have diabetes, your lifestyle caused it.

I’ve read blogs by people who wonder why there is a World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14) to recognize a condition that people could have easily prevented had they just taken the steps to prevent obesity by exercising more and eating less; that it’s the diabetics fault they are what they are.

First off, that is disrespectful no matter what type you have. That sort of ignorance hurts.

I am not and never have been obese.

Type 1 diabetes is genetic.

I couldn’t have done anything to prevent this. I was nine years old enjoying my summer like any other soon-to-be-4th-grader when I went from weighing 82 pounds to 65 in two months. I was drinking more water than normal and no matter how much sleep I got, I was still tired.

As my parents used to say, I was ‘barely eating enough to keep a bird alive.’

A few nights that summer, I had the embarrassment of having to tell my parents I’d wet the bed, even though I’d grown out of that many years earlier.

Not everyone has a say in the bad things that happen in their life.

The common chemical between the two types of diabetes is insulin. Insulin is what breaks down the sugar in the food you eat so it can be converted into energy by your cells.

In ‘normal’ people, your body produces the right amount for what you eat and for

your body. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin-producing cells were destroyed by our antibodies, and we have to take shots or wear a pump to manually control the insulin needed to convert what we eat.

The most common question I hear is “So does that mean you can’t eat sugar or carbohydrates?”

If I abandoned all carbs just because of this condition, I’d be limited to not much outside cheese and iceberg lettuce.

I’m no rabbit. I live off more than just that.

The big cookies from the lunchroom?

Sonic? Chinese food? Ribs? Cake?

Bring it on.

Just about the only no sugar thing I stick to is diet soda.

As far as my whole life course changing?

There are only three things diabetics can’t do.

We can’t be in the military, pilot a commercial airplane or drive an 18-wheeler.

No big dream-crushers there for me.

The biggest change is getting used to having to wear a pump 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and having calloused fingers from testing.

But when your life depends on it, there isn’t another choice.

I live just like any other teenager, I just happen to have the luxury of needles a few times a day.

So next time you meet someone with type 1 diabetes, don’t try to skimp us on the cake.

We enjoy it just as much as you do.

Left: Sophomore Maegan Kabel checks her blood glucose level using a meter, test strips and a lancet device. She is supposed to do this 3-5 times a day: when waking up, before each meal and before bed.

Above: Kabel shows her insulin pump. It connects to her body using flexible tubing and a site with a small tube that lies just under the skin. She changes the site and loads in a new insulin cartridge every 2-3 days. Photos by Emma Mosier.

NOVEMBER 2009 0 9

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meteorology

 r ckstars katielouis features editor

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Juniors Brad Luchen and Anthony Orwick study the complicated data chart and graph on a library computer before school.

“The NAM model showed me nothing,” Orwick said.

“Look, it shows us in this massive comma head,” Luchen said, amused. “It’s like a fantasy snow storm.”

“It’s totally inaccurate,” Orwick said laughing. “Like, this isn’t going to happen.”

“Just go to the GFS, it’s my favorite,” Luchen said.

The boys study the moving dopplers, endless tables of data, graphs and weather models from various sources for the next half hour before class.

They’re trying to determine the most accurate prediction for the weather in the Overland Park area for the next five days — making their own forecast.

Luchen and Orwick do this daily to create weather forecasts that are distributed to their friends each night through Facebook and text messages.

“I’ve managed to do them every night these past months,” Luchen said. “It came close to me not being able to do it one

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day because my Internet was down. It was really frustrating.”

Luchen said he spends at least an hour to an hour and a half each day compiling data to provide accurate predictions. The boys use different sophisticated tools to generate each forecast — tools that they taught themselves how to use and gather data from.

“There are really advanced weather models we study, radars, and certain Web sites,” Luchen said. “I didn’t learn these from a class, I did it on my own.”

Neither of the boys have taken a meteorology course at BV but may in the future.

“I plan to take meteorology next semester,” Luchen said.

“Although a bunch of people are saying I don’t need to take it because I already know everything.”

Luchen has been posting his forecasts as his statuses since the first day he joined Facebook in May. While Luchen ensures the Facebook community is up to date on incoming weather, Orwick sends text messages to those who have requested to receive their forecasts.

“Brad posts his forecasts on Facebook like I used to,” Orwick said. “The status bar says ‘What’s

Juniors Brad Luchen and Anthony Orwick study and discuss weather models in the library before school to create their own forecast. Photo

by Katie Louis.

on your mind?’ and the weather is what’s on our minds so it works.”

Some students rely on Luchen and Orwick’s forecasts and look to them for advice on what to wear the next day or at a certain vacation destination.

“People really like it and thank me,” Luchen said. “Some people ask me for forecasts for a certain day or for other places if they’re going out of town.”

The positive feedback Luchen and Orwick receive from students encourages them.

“It’s kind of fun because people enjoy them which is ideal,” Orwick said, “And I’ve been so fascinated with weather for so many years that it’s just kind of a way to express myself.”

However, over time, these weather gurus have learned to be very careful about what they say to students.

“One time there was an ubersmall chance of snow and I even said I doubt it would happen on the post,” Luchen said. “But still people were freaking out and one girl said ‘I got to get my snow boots.’”

Both boys agreed that students tend to believe any chance of snow means it will actually happen.

“I’ve learned to just never

tell someone it’s going to snow because they’ll expect it even if there’s the slightest chance,” Orwick said.

However, the boys made an exception and told The Tiger Print when they thought the first snowfall would be. Orwick’s prediction for the first inch is Dec. 11. Both agree that the first actual snowflakes will most likely come in mid- to late November. ”If I was to predict the first inch, I would say Dec. 4,” Luchen said. “But, that’s an extremely rough estimate. It’s impossible to tell.”

Predicting the weather is more than a hobby. Both see meteorology as a major part of their futures.

“I’ve been interested in weather my entire life — very interested,” Luchen said, “I want to be a meteorologist when I grow up.”

Luchen said he is looking into an atmospheric science degree at the University of Kansas as well as a meteorology degree at the University of Oklahoma.

Orwick has similar plans for after high school.

“I definitely see a future in meteorology,” Orwick said. “I guess I’m kind of planning my future around it.”

How accurate can Brad and Anthony ‘s forecasts be? See for yourself.

Thursday Oct. 29

Friday Oct. 30

Brad and Anthony’s forecast for Oct. 29 through Nov. 1

Rain. Possible heavy storms.

Hi: 63 Lo: 43

Partly cloudy.

What actually happened on Oct. 29 through Nov. 1

Overcast, light rain.

Hi: 65 Lo: 55

* According to the National Weather Service.

1 0 NOVEMBER 2009

Saturday Oct. 31

Sunday Nov. 1 Mostly sunny.

Hi: 53 Lo: 36

Partly cloudy.

Possible storms.

Hi: 55 Lo: 35

Mostly cloudy.

Hi: 51 Lo: 33

Fair skies.

Hi: 58 Lo: 39

Mostly sunny.

Hi: 73 Lo: 43

Hi: 69 Lo: 41

upclose

The Blue Valley

Breakfast

Club

Teachers reflect on their high school lives haleyschroer staff writer

At one point in their lives, our teachers all experienced the extremes of high school, just like us. They have all suffered through insane substitute teachers, scrambled to finish homework at 3 a.m. and stressed out for finals week. No, they didn’t just appear as teachers one day. Four Blue Valley faculty members share what kind of kids they were in high school and how they bent, broke or followed the rules.

From left to right Azadeh Taghizadeh, Mel Baskett, Paul Brown and Courtney Buffington pose in the BV library as the cast of the iconic movie, The Breakfast Club. Photo by Emma Mosier.

Paul Brown: The Jock Olathe High School Class of 1973

Azadeh Taghizadeh: The StuCo Member Shawnee Mission South High School Class of 1997

Mel Baskett: The Class Clown Carolton High School (in Northeast Missouri) Class of 1965

Courtney Buffington: The Cheerleader Blue Valley North High School Class of 1997

Rock ‘n’ roll and bell bottoms rocked the hallways of Olathe High School (yes, there was just one) during Paul Brown’s high school career.

“It was after the hippie time, so some carried over,” Brown said. “There was a lot of tie-dye.”

Amidst the tie-dye and disco, Brown spent his high school years playing sports year round.

He was the starting quarterback as a senior, played basketball, participated in track and was an officer of the Letterman’s Club.

With sports being a top priority, studying was not his first thought.

“I studied when I needed, probably not a much as I should have,” Brown said. “I was busy playing sports.”

As far as free time, Brown spent most of it hanging out with friends in fast food restaurants.

“We used to get together in the car and cruise around to A&W,” Brown said. “That was the spot to be.”

Other hot spots include the movies and their local pizza joint.

In retrospect, Brown has very little regrets from his time in Olathe’s hallways.

“I got to do whatever I wanted to do,” Brown said. “The biggest disappointment was not getting into the Air Force Academy.”

Science teacher Azadeh Taghizadeh never had a dull moment in her four years of high school.

She did everything from playing tennis to throwing the javelin and swimming to participating in student council and cultural diversity club.

Throughout high school, Taghizadeh tried to interact with everyone.

“I didn’t really fall into a clique,” she said. “I tried to be friends with everyone.”

Senior year in particular stands out to her as a time of easy schedules and intimidating the freshmen.

The first day of school was a perfect opportunity to abuse them.

“Everyone camped out and got to school at 7 a.m. to welcome the freshmen,” Taghizadeh said. “It was nice to intimidate them.”

Senior year was also full of tradition.

“There was a huge amount of pride,” Taghizadeh said. “By senior year, no one wanted to ruin it.”

Looking back, Taghizadeh wishes that her choices in high school had been more driven.

“I wish I had taken it more seriously and built what I think are quality traits,” she said.

“I dropped a lot of hard classes senior year.

There were like two hard classes and the rest was cake.”

Times were different during Social Studies teacher Mel Baskett’s high school years.

Students didn’t act out as much and teachers rarely sent students to the office.

“In some ways, it was a kinder, gentler time,” Baskett said.

As for Baskett, it was an everyday situation to create laughs in class.

“I was a pretty easy person to tease,” he said. “I was pretty easy going.”

Insults then are now words used jokingly between friends.

“In those days there was a different ethic,” Baskett said. “If you called someone a liar, that was basically a fight.”

The British invasion took over the halls of Carolton High School as bands such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and DC5 dominated the U.S. This influenced Baskett’s social life.

“We drove around, hung out at the Shed and listened to live bands like the Crazy Cats and the Litterbugs,” he said.

Like a lot of high school students, Baskett worked a part-time job throughout school.

“I worked mowing lawns,” he said. “I mowed a lot of yards.”

Baskett realized that there was one major thing no one thought of.

“I don’t think we really anticipated how much the world was going to change,” he said.

The grunge era was in full swing when Courtney Buffington entered high school.

“Sadly, the popular clothes were flannel shirts, over-size sweaters and Doc Marten shoes,” Buffington said. “Oh God, those were hideous.”

She was a cheerleader all four years and the president of the Spirit Club. BVN’s yearly powder puff football games stand out to Buffington.

The girls dressed up in football jerseys and crazy hair before the games. With the regular football players as “coaches,” the girls played each other.

“I was a quarterback,” Buffington said. “I didn’t even know what that was, but it was one of those times when no one was in any groups and no one was being catty.”

High school included countless embarrassing moments.

“I was a freshman and I was leaving English class when my tooth just fell out in the hallway,” she said. “I didn’t want to open my mouth and be like ‘oh I just lost a tooth.’

Even my husband, who went to the same school but didn’t know me, knew me as the girl whose tooth fell out.”

Buffington has only one real regret from high school.

“I took too easy of a schedule senior year,” she said.

NOVEMBER 2009 1 1

indepth

Disorder affects daily lives of students and teachers rachelmccullough entertainment editor traightening the cans of food so all the labels face the same direction and all are categorized by type, Communication Arts teacher Keil Pittman organizes his cabinet so that it is orderly and efficient. Pittman enjoys order throughout his household — it helps him feel less stress.

Although Pittman has never been diagnosed with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), he recognizes its tendencies and tells his students of it often.

OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes unwanted thoughts or obsessions, as well as compulsions (repetitive behaviors).

Compulsions can include counting, checking things multiple times, hand washing and cleaning.

These compulsions relieve anxiety that comes along with these thoughts.

People with OCD believe if they do not complete these rituals something bad will happen or they will become very stressed.

When something is out of place, junior Margaret Watermann feels the anxiety of the obsessive organizational thoughts. She coaxes herself to relax.

She tells herself “This is really annoying, I really wanna change it. It’s okay, it’s okay.“ “And then I feel relieved,” she said.

OCD strikes both men and women and can appear in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.

Check out www.bvtigernews.com for more coverage on health issues.

1 2 NOVEMBER 2009

Watermann began to notice her obsession with organization in eighth grade.

“I was a really messy little kid,” she said. “But in 8th grade school was harder and I needed a system to organize myself. I felt like it was my responsibility to be organized, clean and prepared.”

When Watermann is organized she is calm.

If disorganization occurs, Watermann gets completely stressed.

There are many forms of OCD. However, not every type includes every symptom.

Pittman says he just feels more secure about himself when he goes through his little routine.

“I really get stressed out if at the end of my day, I can’t walk around my room and organize things,” Pittman said.

Organization relieves Watermann, too. However, she is more meticulous with her organization, laying out everything she needs for the next day in the correct order.

“In the shower I have to do things in a certain order like washing my face and hair — it doesn’t go out of order,” she said.

When she wakes up, everything has to be in a certain order: bathroom, deodorant before clothes, socks before pants.

Performing such rituals is not pleasurable, but may give temporary relief.

“The more tired I get, the OCD gets less,” Watermann said. “I have less energy for it. But when I’m awake, I put more effort into the organizational perfectionism.”

OCD may also cause preoccupation with order and symmetry, or accumulation of unneeded items.

“I have to organize things a certain way,” Watermann said. “My shoes are organized by type — flats with flats, boots with boots, flipflops with flip-flops.”

She also has two planners, one for social activities and one for homework. Watermann also has a white board in her room to organize her life for the week.

Rituals are used to control the upsetting thoughts the disorder produces. If rituals are not completed, people with OCD experience high anxiety levels. They will complete the compulsion multiple times until they feel relieved.

“I convince myself that I can’t clean the world,” Pittman said. “I have to let it go.”

When Pittman feels overwhelmed by the OCD, he tries to take a weekend off and just relax.

During baseball games when Pittman was younger, he felt anxiety if his warm-up routine was not completed before a baseball game.

“I felt like I had to catch up,” he said. “I might struggle with my control until I’ve made it through.”

Some people with OCD fear germs — they may even fear handshakes or any kind of physical touch. People may be prone to open doors with a cloth, paper towel, or Kleenex, for fear of germs.

“I have noticed that I am starting to get a little weird about door knobs,” Pittman said.

He said he uses a paper towel to open the door after washing his hands.

Watermann feels the pressure of germs as well.

She feels better about herself when her hands are clean and always keeps hand sanitizer close by.

“When I see someone sneeze or cough it just grosses me out,” Watermann said. “I like to be clean and feel clean. When I wash my hands I feel more perfect.”

OCD can also make people want to over prepare or re-check things over and over.

“Sometimes I fix what’s already been fixed and that’s just part of the routine,” Pittman said.

Watermann over prepares for competitions with drill team or vacations.

“I always have to be really extra prepared for everything,” Watermann said. “When I go on trips or competitions I have to bring everything I would possibly need.”

Among her list of items are scissors, sunscreen, lotion, tape (duct, electrical, and packing), Tide-to-Go, hand sanitizer and extras of any clothing she might need.

“If I can, I put everything into separate special cloth or Ziploc bags,” she said.

Disorganization outside the home can also bother people with OCD. At school, Watermann experiences anxiety with disorganization.

“When lines aren’t straight and papers are everywhere, not in folders, I just want to organize it,” Watermann said.

When teachers are disorganized, she worries that they are going to lose her assignments.

She suppresses the urge to organize their rooms.

“When I walked into Mrs. Gouger’s room I about had a heart attack,” she said.

Healthy people also have rituals, enjoy organization and dislike germs. The difference

Communication Arts teacher Keil Pittman organizes the computer desks in his classroom before he leaves school. He puts keyboards on the computer, pushes mice back and hangs the headsets on the left side of the monitor. Photo by Maegan Kabel.

between those who are healthy and those with OCD is the rituals disrupt OCD sufferers’ lives.

They will do their compulsion rituals even if it interferes with daily life and they find the repetition distressing.

“Some people think that whenever something is organized they have OCD,” Watermann said.

Watermann does not think OCD is a common problem at BV. “I think people are smart if they’re organized,” she said. “When you have a system to succeed, it’s not a bad thing to be that way.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD affects about 2.2 million American adults. Treatment for OCD involves coping mechanisms, therapy, or anti-anxiety medication.

“OCD is something that can be a burden to someone’s life and it could be helpful to get it treated,” Watermann said.

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indepth

Strong support system can help students battling depression saranaatz staff writer Editor’s note: The student’s name in the story has been changed to protect the student’s privacy. ast winter, Cara found it hard to step out of the warm comfort of her bed each morning.

She trudged down the school hallways with barely a word to anyone.

When she finally returned home, she would slip into the solitude of her shower.

As the steam began to envelope her, she curled her body into a tight ball and listened to the steady sound of the water as it beat against the floor around her.

Away from the world, at last.

Cara was diagnosed with major depression in 2008. She became one of the 28 percent of teenagers who are diagnosed with this debilitating mental illness.

“For me I just got so focused on school and I didn’t go to any dances or football games,” Cara said. “I felt like nothing was worth it. Everything really drained me.”

Cara’s parents were worried when they found out about their daughter’s struggle with depression.

“Given her perfectionist nature and the fact there is a family history of anxiety and depression, I was worried about how this would affect her future,” her mom said.

Cara removed herself from the social life at BV during her depression.

“I sat by people at lunch, but it was really just for the sake of not sitting alone,” Cara said. “I isolated myself.”

To Cara’s family, her depression was an eye-opening experience.

“Teenagers tend to be moody, so we didn’t really know the depth of what she was feeling,” her mom said. “People always feel that it always happens to someone else. It can’t be their kid, but it can.”

There are many warning signs of depression, such as changes in sleep patterns, diet and lack of toleration towards others.

“The thing people don’t always link to depression is irritability,” Blue Valley psychologist Dr. Paul Chinn said. “People seem edgier and have less tolerance for their friends and other activities.”

Another common warning sign of depression is withdrawal from normal interests and hobbies.

“There’s definitely a disengagement from friends and activities,” counselor Jane McGraw said. “For most healthy human beings, we need time for friends and we need those connections in our lives.”

High-risk behaviors such as repeated substance abuse and promiscuity are also closely associated with depression.

“People that are using substances beyond experimentation are at a much higher risk than non-users,” Chinn said. “It’s not a cause of depression, but there is a correlation between depression and high-risk behavior.”

However, the use of drugs and alcohol doesn’t always go hand-in-hand with depression.

“We all know people experiment [with substances], but there’s a point where it becomes drinking for relief, which doesn’t last,” Chinn said. “It’s not a good self-treatment.”

Though 28 percent of all adolescents between 13 and 19 will experience at least one episode of major depression, McGraw thinks it is important for students to know the difference between the emotion of sadness and the condition of depression.

“Teenagers are moody because they’re teenagers,” McGraw said. “But if moodiness is so prevalent in one’s life that they can’t function at a normal capacity, they should seek out help.”

According to Chinn, sadness is a temporary reaction to a loss or disappointing event.

Chinn, McGraw and Cara all believe that high school students may not always know the difference between depression and sadness. “[The term depression] is thrown around a lot but when you are you really know it,” Cara said. “It seems to follow you. If you’re sad, something happens to change your mood. When you’re depressed, it’s always there.”

Nevertheless, McGraw said that a person struggling with depression can handle their life and mood with the help of medication, counseling and other support.

“People feel like ‘I’m the only one who feels this way’,” Chinn said. “It’s a feeling of isolation. [Psychologists and counselors] know how to deal with depression. The treatments are good and effective and there’s no reason not to pursue that but many people don’t.”

Cara’s mom knew that her daughter needed outside help in order to overcome her depression.

“We felt it vitally important to get her counseling help to

Do you think your life is crazier than anyone else’s? Well, this quiz will show you how stressed you really are.

Using a 1-year time span of events, calculate the number of Life Change Units (LCU) that you circled at the end. A score of 500 or more indicates high stress in your life.

Change in your work hours A promotion A transfer Trouble with boss Major business readjustment Laid off Fired

LCU Health: 74 An illness or injury that kept you in bed for more than a week or sent you to the hospital An illness or injury that was less serious than 44 above 23 Major dental work 23 Major change in sleeping habits 27 Major change in eating habits 28 Major change in your usual type and/or amount of recreation

Home and Family: Move within same city or town Move to different town, city or state Major change in living conditions Major change in health or behavior of a family member Birth of a child Problems with relatives Parents divorce Parent remarries Death of parent Death of a brother or sister

Work: Change to a new type of work

51

35 31 42 29 60 68 79 23 47 42 55 66 38 59 50 100 102

equip her with the tools necessary to deal with the anxieties that were leading to the depression,” she said. “We wanted to give her a support structure that she could count on and talk to, whether it be a counselor or friend or family member.”

According to recent tests, the best treatment for depression is a combination of prescribed medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that addresses the patient’s thought process and how it affects their emotions.

“The thinking there is that medication really addresses the brain chemistry but therapy is ideally giving people skills to use in the long term in case they want to stop the medication,” Chinn said. “They’ll also have the skills to use if the feelings start to reappear.”

Schools also play their part in helping prevent and cure teen depression within the halls.

“In this school and geographic area, we have highly educated parents that are more likely to be aware of the markers for depression,” he said. “We have high-quality schools where staff has been trained not only to look for signs, but to act as the first line of defense.”

As for Cara, she managed to recover from her depression with the help of therapy and support of friends.

Though it was recommended by her therapist, she rejected the use of medication.

“I really wanted to try and tackle it on my own,” Cara said.

“I didn’t want my emotions to be a product of some drug.

Some days I wonder if I should be on it. But generally, with the understanding and support of friends, I can manage it without meds.”

Though Cara’s parents were relieved that her depression seemed to be over, they were still anxious she might relapse.

“We know from personal experience that similar events can trigger feelings that lead to a recurrence of the depression,” her mom said. “Or new pressures could send her back. We just hope that having dealt with it before, it will be easier to recognize the signs and she can implement the tools that she learned the first time to combat it again.”

Cara attended her first BV football game this year. She’s been more involved with activities and friends as well.

“You realize the small things once you’re out,” Cara said.

“You might not realize you’re out of it until you can step back and realize how different things are and feel. Like, your cheeks are hurting because you’re smiling and laughing so much more than you used to.”

Personal and Social: Change in personal habits Beginning or ending school Change of school Change in social activities Vacation New personal relationship Girlfriend of boyfriend problems An accident “Falling out” of a close personal relationship Major decision about immediate future Major personal achievement

26 38 35 27 24 47 39 48 47 51 36

Financial: Major loss of income Loss/damage to personal property Major purchase Moderate purchase

60 43 37 20

Information collected from recent life changes questionnaire. Carolinas Health Care System 10-10-2005. Collected by Emily Brown.

NOVEMBER 2009 1 3

♕ upclose

Crowns and Gowns Sophomore competes nationally in pageants, hopes to inspire youth sambrennan staff writer

Sophomore Rachel Parkhurst’s heart beats nervously. The lights shine down on her as she walks across the stage in a gold evening gown. She glides gracefully towards the judges with a bright, confident smile.

Growing up, some girls dream of living the pageant life, but Parkhurst has made this dream a reality. She was only 14 when she won her first Miss Teen Kansas American Beauty contest in 2008.

Recently, Parkhurst placed in the top 10 out of 80 other girls at the Junior Teen National Miss. This distinction made her eligible to receive $1,000 and a modeling contract.

Pageantry takes hours of work and practice. About a month before a pageant, Rachel will work with her aunt and pageant coach, Vanessa Diaz, on smiling, walking and public speaking.

“Vanessa will ask me questions that the judges will ask me, and will correct me if I use to many ‘I’s’ or ‘Um’s’,” Parkhurst said. “We also look through the current events so that I can answer judges’ questions correctly.”

Diaz puts a heavy importance on physical training.

“Promoting a healthy lifestyle is really important — working out and being comfortable with your figure,” Diaz said. “Rachel really loves dance so that is one way she stays healthy.”

Pageant day preparation begins early.

Parkhurst must wake up at 7 a.m. for hair and makeup.

Diaz curls Parkhurst’s hair and then begins applying makeup, which can take up to two hours.

After the long preparation, the girls are introduced to the judges.

During the introduction, Parkhurst covers a variety of topics.

She chooses to talk about her age, personal ambitions, career hopes, how pageants will help her future and what donations and community service she’s completed.

“The introduction and interview are just like going to professional job interviews,” Diaz said. “Focus should be on your ethics, good morals, and being compassionate.”

Rachel said that during introduction, she wears a professional outfit, gets up on stage and projects her voice across the auditorium.

Next is the interview. The judges ask the contestants questions with no one else in the room, to avoid making anyone feel nervous.

“I really don’t get nervous because my aunt and I review all possible questions that

1 4 NOVEMBER 2009

I might be asked,” Parkhurst said. “I just need to sound intelligent.”

Lastly is the evening ceremony. The contestants walk around in full ball gowns on stage. The long gowns can occasionally cause some stumbles.

“One time I had a dress with a long train and had to walk quickly and stumbled and lost a lot of points,” Parkhurst said.

The contestants are graded in five main areas: a submitted personal photo, the interview with the judges, fashion wear, swimwear and the evening gown.

“The fashion section allows for girls to really show their own personality,” Diaz said. ”One thing that makes Rachel stand out is how she designs her own shoes.”

But pageantry comes with a high cost.

Entries can be pricey, as well as the evening gowns, shoes and other necessities.

Parkhurst receives sponsorships to alleviate a percentage of the cost per pageant.

“It’s very expensive and with the economy there are fewer sponsors, but you want to wear the best outfit for your personality,” Diaz said. “Sometimes it will come down to the girls being equals and the girl in the $1,000 dress will beat the girl in the $100 dress.”

Parkhurst didn’t have an easy start in pageantry. Diaz, who has been in pageants since she was 15, believed her niece would be perfect for pageants. However, Parkhurst’s parents were not as enthusiastic.

“I believe that her parents wanted to support what was in her heart, but in their hearts they were unsure about it,” Diaz said.

“At first it was just me telling Rachel she could do this, she was beautiful. Then after a national pageant where her parents were really involved, they noticed how much the girls help each other and how much confidence it built.”

Parkhurst’s parents still have a lot of influence on her pageant work.

“Now they see it as a good experience because it builds confidence, but they always want me to tell the truth to the judges and not make anything up,” Parkhurst said.

She understands the stereotype that comes with being in pageants. To Parkhurst, pageantry means much more than a tiara and evening gown.

She avidly takes part in the Samuel Caine Memorial Foundation which helps kids with cancer.

“It’s always really special being there,” she said. “Once we went with the kids to Make-AWish-Foundation, and it’s just nice to be able to help out.”

Diaz emphasizes that a pageant title can

Sophomore Rachel Parkhurst poses with her father before a pageant. She recently placed in the top 10 out of 80 girls at the Junior Teen National Miss. Photo submitted by Rachel Parkhurst.

have a major impact on the community.

“Pageants are looking for a girl that is a good representative, so when you win a title it is important to make appearances and be a part of the community and be compassionate, otherwise good luck winning that title again,” Diaz said.

Parkhurst views confidence and leadership as an important part of pageantry.

“It helps a lot with my confidence and inspires me to be a good role model,” Parkhurst said. “I like getting fixed up, being in front of a large crowd and impressing the judges.”

Rachel doesn’t plan to compete in pageants after she graduates high school but will remain involved in pageantry.

“I want to give lessons to little kids and help them to do well in pageants,” she said.

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No Time for Horsing Around Student wins blue ribbons with time, dedication, family support emilybrown staff writer Senior Lacy Turnbow loves the feeling of the wind in her face while riding her trainer’s grey quarter horse, Fazer.

It is one of the great escapes of her world.

Recently, at the White Fox Series on Sept.

26, Turnbow won three out of three blue ribbons in her Long Stirrup class.

“I am usually extremely nervous before horse shows,” Turnbow said. “I can not eat before a show; I usually feel like I’m going to throw up.”

But afterwards, she is often satisfied with her effort.

“I feel very, very accomplished after the show ends, especially if I’ve won many firsts, seconds or thirds,” she said. “I’m always up for more shows, but it’s very expensive so I try not to force too much on my mom.”

To prepare before a show, Turnbow exercises her horse for nearly an hour and allows him to get used to any new jumps in the ring.

“I warm him up by walking, trotting and then cantering,” she said. “Fazer is a pretty accomplished and polished horse, though. He doesn’t get scared very easy, but it’s always good to warm up anyways.”

Four-year-old Fazer is kept in Churchill Farms near Bucyrus, where Turnbow practices.

Turnbow started riding when she was six years old, inspired by Herschel Golub, the owner of the trails she rode on.

“His trail rides were just amazing,” Turnbow said. “I felt as if I was one with the horses.”

Even at a young age, she found herself

Lacy Turnbow

interested in the animals.

“I was always in love with horses, even when I was only like two feet tall,” she said.

Her mother supported her behind the scenes and attended every single one of

her competitions.

“I encouraged her because riding is fun and challenging,” Lacy’s mother, Cheri Cox said. “Learning to jump over fences on a galloping, 1,200-pound animal also builds a young girl’s confidence.”

Turnbow’s riding career has not been entirely free from difficulty.

Safety and money were two concerns that her mother had.

“Safety comes first, of course, because this can be a dangerous sport at times,” Cox said. “Also, the equipment and the shows are costly, so we have to plan ahead for expenses. Lacy saved her own money to buy a saddle several years ago, so she is aware of what it takes to keep riding.”

Turnbow has fallen many times without major injuries.

However, one fall in sixth grade was serious enough to send her to the hospital.

“I shattered my left elbow while falling off another horse that I rode,” Turnbow said.

“I had to go to the ER and everything. I now have two metal plates, eight screws, two pins and a wire in my left elbow.”

Despite the injury, she persevered and was back in the saddle after two months.

Senior Lacy Turnbow and her horse, Fazer, jump during an evening practice at Churchill Farms. Turnbow’s instructor, Brandy Aadland, critiques her riding from the edge of the arena. Photo by Christian Huesers.

Her riding has inspired her to become a veterinarian in the future.

“I love the fastness of the horses, the

different colors, which ones are the tallest,” Turnbow said. “It’s just really fun getting to know all of them by riding them.”

NOVEMBER 2009 1 5

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Handwriting says a lot about personality emilybrown staff writer Some people prefer to decorate their crisp paper with handwriting that has swirling y’s, loopy g’s and other embellishments.

Others only try to slop their words down as fast as possible.

In fact, those are all clues of current emotions and personality.

Also known as graphology, handwriting analysis is a soft science similar to psychology.

Certified Master Graphologist Paula Sassi, uses three elements of writing while analyzing handwritten samples: arrangement of the letters, form (connectors) and movement (speed or pressure).

Sophomore Gabi Fordiani believes handwriting really does portray the personality of the person.

“I’ve noticed that my more bubbly friends have that girly handwriting, where the letters are all rounded and they dot their i’s with hearts,” Fordiani said. “I’ve been told I have ‘guy’ handwriting.

I am pretty unorganized, and my mood changes drastically from day

to day.”

Emotions have a large impact on the style of handwriting.

“In classes that I don’t like or stress out in, my handwriting is pretty scribbly and smudgy,” Fordiani said.

If one’s handwriting is almost unreadable, a learning disability might be the problem.

“Anything that affects your personality will affect your writing too,” Sassi said. “Dysgraphia is an example of a learning disability that makes writing and putting your thoughts on paper more difficult.”

Do you dot your i’s the same way your mother does or do you have tiny handwriting like your dad?

This doesn’t automatically mean that your handwriting style was inherited.

“The writing is not hereditary but the personality often is,” Sassi said. “Sometimes a child might emulate their parent’s style of writing but true handwriting is preconscious.”

Old assignments might show a difference in handwriting from

then and now. This indicates a significant change in personality.

“It all depends on what happened to you personally,” Sassi said. “You will see that a person with multiple personalities will develop several different style forms.”

Sophomore Mollie Chesis prefers to use cursive because it inspires her and helps her think.

“I use cursive because it’s a lot more beautiful and 10 times faster,” Chesis said. “It looks really elegant and scholarly, two things I appreciate.”

Sassi says the global rise of technology might be affecting the quality of handwriting but not diminished its importance.

“Handwriting has definitely changed but it can still be analyzed in the same way as before,” Sassi said. “It is still a sign of self-expression. You can tell the age of a writer just by their handwriting because of the style changes throughout the years.”

Information for Graphic collected from http://www.handwritinginsights.com.

Tiny details in handwriting might mean:

Dark Intense emotions Good health Realistic

Large Loops Hungry Active

Medium Perceptive Conservative Good memory

Long Loops Needs plenty of physical space

Light Gentle Avoids confrontation

“Non-Loops” Simple tastes Responsible

Short Loops Possible laziness Sedentary

Compressed Ability to work in small spaces Introverted

Expansion Need for room Generous

Large Handwriting Self-centered

Small Handwriting Modest

‘Manly’ competition fuels no-shave tradition, benefits FEA club katielouis feature editor It’s November: time for cold weather, Thanksgiving and the young men of Blue Valley High to not shave their facial hair for 30 days.

“You participate in No-Shave November to show off your manliness,” senior Jimmy Lesko said.

The males believe this universal growth of facial hair has a positive effect on the ladies.

“It’s simple,” senior Matt Higginbotham said. “The girls think it’s hot and sexy.”

However, most girls, like seniors Lauren Wooden and Nicole Gloor, beg to differ.

“I think it’s really gross and I don’t like it,” Wooden said.

Gloor pointed out that the high school boys don’t always have the ability to grow actual facial hair.

“They don’t even have legit beards to grow,” Gloor said. “It’s just patchy.”

Men of all ages participate in No-Shave November everywhere. Groups of guys, whether college frats or middle-aged buddies, decide to participate in the unshaven fun.

Students don’t know exactly why this tradition started at BV specifically, but are pretty sure last year’s senior class was the first to decide to participate as a group.

“The first time I ever heard about it was

1 6 NOVEMBER 2009

the senior class last year,” senior Tyler Disney said. “They just decided to grow it out for a whole month, just for fun. There’s nothing on the line — just at the end we all see who grew the best.”

However the tradition is changing this year. The Future Educators of America (FEA) have decided to sponsor No-Shave November.

“FEA is sponsoring the contest this year,” club president Abby Upah said. “We’re going to monitor them throughout November and at the end, the whole [senior] class will vote on who has the best beard.”

The contest will be a fundraiser for FEA. The club will decide whether to charge students 25 cents to vote or to sign up. The club will be at a table during lunch for more information and sign-ups.

It’s common knowledge that No-Shave November is a sort of unspoken contest between friends.

“It is a competition,” Disney said. ”But, it’s more of a moral victory for everyone. It’s just close friends making fun of each other in a fun way.”

There’s no doubt among this year’s seniors of the need to continue the tradition.

Some seniors said they thought No-Shave November had to do with the culmination of the football season and the gearing-up before playoffs.

“I think it started when we went to state,” Higginbotham said. “It’s like before basket-

ball and wrestling but after most of football.”

The amount of participation is expected to grow this year according to Chesley because everyone is encouraged to participate, including girls.

Senior Erica Bowden already stated she wouldn’t be shaving for the month of November.

“I am participating in No-Shave November and my weights class is very unhappy with me about it,” she said. “I think I’m not going to shave the bottom half of my leg or something totally random like that. No

a little smack

shame at all. No shame.”

However, some guys opt out of participating because of the inability to grow enough facial hair.

“I don’t participate because I can’t grow anything,” senior Salar Shahiri said.

Higginbotham has decided to go all out by not shaving until he gets back from spring break.

“It’s just an excuse to grow out my beard,” he said. “I like being lazy and feeling my beard and twisting it in my hands. It’s so manly.”

Talk

Discussing on Facebook who was worthy to be interviewed by the Tiger Print, the guys let each other have it: When senior Corey Chesley agreed to an interview, senior Connor Rusnak replied with, “Corey, you have to have facial hair first.”

“Look who’s talking, Ruz,” senior Ben Wilmes said.

“Seriously, Connor, facial hair means whole face, not just spots,” Chesley said.

“All right, now we all know who has the best facial hair and that is, of course, me!” senior Anthony Abenoja interjected.

“Guys...seriously? Just don’t cry when I show up two weeks in with a Grizzly Adams,” senior Tyler Disney said.

“Bean’s (Wilmes) Hitler stash ­— doesn’t count,” Rusnak said.

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The Icing on the Cake

Junior uses artistic ability, inspiration on cakes allisonkohn editor-in-chief The last, perfectly shaped yellow rose was placed delicately atop the three-tier cake.

Glossy, white fondant smoothly covered each layer. This intricately detailed dessert was without flaw — the masterpiece was now complete.

No, this isn’t a play-by-play of Cake Boss or Martha Stewart’s show on the Food Network. For the past four years, junior Bailey Bode has been sharpening her own cake-decorating skills.

Bode’s natural ability was evident after she decorated a birthday cake like a present for her sister’s 13th birthday. Bode attributes most of her ability, however, to her aunt Janet Hieber.

“My aunt used to own her own bakery, so I can thank her for a lot of my decorating genes,” she said. “It was something I was interested in and wanted to be better at.”

Bode convinced her aunt to take a cake decorating class with her.

Although Hieber had taken the classes before, the course was a perfect way for Bode to bond with her aunt. Hieber was impressed with Bode’s natural finesse in cake decorating.

“For someone in eighth grade to have that much natural ability was incredible,” she said. “I was embarrassed to be in the class with her.”

The four-month-long course at Michael’s craft store taught the fundamentals of cake decorating, as well as advanced skills used at the professional decorating level.

Before long, Bode began decorating cakes for close friends and family. Soon the word was out, and Bode received calls from prospective customers in need of a cake.

“Relatives tell their friends and more people hear about it,” she said. “I’ve made birthday cakes for little kids, anniversary cakes and cakes for other holidays.”

Bode finds her inspiration for cake ideas from different baking magazines, amateur

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cake decorating Web sites and of course, the professionals.

“I own the first season of Ace of Cakes on DVD,” she said. “Watching the cake challenges shows how well people can do under pressure. The cakes they decorate are absolutely amazing.”

Like the professionals, Bode’s experiences have helped her understand that decorating isn’t always a piece of cake.

“I’ve had a few times when the cake has broken once I started to decorate it or I ran out of ingredients right before I needed to finish the cake,” Bode said. “I can get really stressed out, especially when there are distractions from my family. I have to be left alone.”

Preparation for a new cake involves time and patience. Before Bode begins, she sketches out the exact design. She then bakes the cake, either from a store-bought mix or from the Wilton recipe.

Bode makes the frosting for the details, ranging in color and consistency. If the cake requires fondant, it must be rolled out and measured accordingly.

A typical cake takes Bode about an hour to finish decorating.

“People are surprised when they hear how long it takes me to decorate a cake,” she said. “I have the frosting recipe memorized.”

Bode’s most recent creations include Spongebob, an electric guitar and a cake topped with a princess tiara made of frosting.

“The most impressive cake I have made so far has been the Spongebob cake,” she said. “The cake was made with an all-fondant base and it took me two hours to decorate.

The clothing was made from icing and I had a special tool for the fondant to make the cake look like a sponge.”

Cake decorating is an expensive hobby.

Bode invests much of her own money in the different supplies and ingredients needed for cake decoration.

To compensate for the money spent, Bode charges a small price for her decorated cakes. A small cake is priced at $10 and a

2

Junior Bailey Bode works carefully on the border of a newly frosted cake. This cake required a white base frosting with purple and lime-green details. Photo by Haley Hickman.

large cake costs $15.

“I try not to charge very much,” she said. “I want my prices to be fair so I usually accept whatever I’m paid. A lot of cakes are free, like for my friends’ birthdays.”

Although cake decorating is only a hobby, Bode has considered it as a possible career in the future.

“Culinary art school is really expensive,” she said. “There are some really good people there and that could be intimidating.”

However, Bode remains confident in her

3

cake-decorating skills.

“I fail at baking,” she said. “I’m only good at decorating, so maybe I can be the next Ace of Cakes.”

Hieber agrees with her niece and believes that Bode’s future in cake decorating is bright.

“Bailey has always had artistic talent and cake decorating has been her artistic medium,” Hieber said. “She’s going to be happiest in a job she loves, and for her, that’s decorating cakes.”

1. Bode’s Spongebob cake took about two hours to decorate to perfection.

2. This Sweet 16 cake was made with fondant, a thick sugary paste used on many professionallymade cakes.

3. This golf cake was frosted with home-made green butter cream frosting. “I have the frosting recipe memorized,” she said.

Photos submitted by Bailey Bode.

NOVEMBER 2009 1 7

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around the world in a lifetime Spanish teacher uses her knowledge of lanuage to live and travel around the world janewebb staff writer For Spanish teacher Jill Gouger, learning about the world isn't just what she can recall from her high school textbooks.

The Travel Channel airing on an HD TV seems pretty enriching, but she has surpassed this by experiencing the diversity of this world firsthand.

Gouger has traveled to, or spent time living in 16 countries.

"The world is proverbially becoming smaller and smaller," Gouger said. "If you want to become a citizen of the world, you need more than a textbook or a TV." As a senior in college, Gouger wanted to experience something different than continuing on to graduate school.

She learned about a job offered in France where she would work in a lycée teaching English to children.

"As soon as I heard about the job, I knew it was the right thing for me," Gouger said.

"It was what I was meant to do."

That September, Gouger packed her bags without knowing what to expect, and moved to France.

"I suppose it was that first adventure that made me fall in love with traveling," she said.

Having traveled around the world, Gouger isn't afraid of a little adventure.

"I kind of approach things with the idea, 'What will I regret more? Doing it, or not?'," she said.

Among the places she has traveled, Gouger has experienced even more than one may think.

She is fluent in French, Spanish and Dutch, and able to understand German and Italian.

This has helped her get even more out of her adventures.

"Basically, instead of going to just main tourist attractions, I also ask locals what I should do in their city," she said.

This gives her an inside look beyond the traveling guide.

"By doing that, I've gone to places and seen things in a city which weren't big enough to be tourist attractions, but were actually really neat," Gouger said.

She not only experiences unique things, she also is able to relate more to the people of that city.

"You really get much more of a feel for the people who live there by going to places designed for them instead of for tourists," Gouger said.

In visiting different countries, Gouger was able to embark on special adventures, which are hard to come across in the United States.

"It's almost like I don't know where to begin," Gouger said. "There is something special about every country, whether it's hiking through mountains in Switzerland or sitting under the stars listening to a reggae band play the Beatles in Spain."

1 8 NOVEMBER 2009

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, which she visited in May of 2001, is one of many places Spanish teacher Jill Gouger has seen around the world. Her travels and different experiences abroad have shaped her life. “I think my life is all the better because my travels shaped me as a person,” Gouger said. “It made me want to try new things and not fear the unknown.” Photo submitted by Jill Gouger.

While in the Netherlands, Gouger attended the International Film Festival in Rotterdam, where she saw movies from all around the world.

She lived in the Netherlands when they hosted the European Soccer Championship.

Gouger also got to experience the excitement in France when their soccer team won the World Cup in 1998.

"It was just a big party atmosphere," Gouger said. "And it was cool to see all the fans from all over the world."

Growing up in Kansas, Gouger believes it's good for people to experience things beyond their own backyard.

"You realize you don't know much about life outside of Kansas," she said.

Gouger considers Morocco and Japan

to be the biggest contrast from the United States.

As for Japan, Gouger found that the way people act in public is different.

Once when she was visiting her brother in Japan, she got separated from him in a crowd of people.

"I just yelled, 'Hey, James, wait for me!' and everyone turned around and looked," Gouger said. "Here, it’s kind of like no big deal to yell in public, but there, it was."

Even without traveling throughout Morocco, she was able to get a good dose of the culture.

She saw the contrast mainly in the clothing and the food, but her favorite thing about Morocco was its unique location.

"It had its own culture, but you could

where in the world 



      







take a 40-minute ferry ride and be in Europe," she said. "You would be in a completely different world."

Gouger believes everyone should experience the adventures and different cultures found around the world.

Although people may be unsure about embarking on a global expedition, Gouger believes it's worth it.

"You'll do so many cool things, that any problems you encounter will be overshadowed," she said.

Besides the cultural and educational experiences, Gouger met many different people through traveling.

"You meet so many friends, so many great people who will change your life," Gouger said.

She has learned to embrace and celebrate the differences in people while still appreciating the similarities.

"Really, people aren't as different as everyone thinks. You can see the same personalities in people from all over the world.

She said perceived differences keep some people away from the destinations of this world.

"I think a lot of people either stereotype or form opinions on other people or countries when they don't know anything about them," she said. "I think it's important to travel around the world and experience different cultures."

With all the places she has traveled, the languages learned and the cultures experienced, Gouger's life is all the better.

"I can't picture my life without travel or language," she said. "I wouldn't want it any

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Zombie Attack Survival Guide sambrennan staff writer

•

The world’s gone mad with zombies. The University of Florida had a zombie disaster plan until it was taken off their Web site. Not everyone will survive Z-Day. Based off zombie flicks like Night of the Living Dead, ZombieLand and Shaun of the Dead, here are tips and tricks from the zombie-surviving pros to help you make it through the zombie apocalypse.

• •

• • • • • • • •

The virus is transferred by saliva. So don’t get bitten.

Don’t even think about consuming alcohol, marijuana, crack-cocaine, LSD, “shrooms”, heroin or anything that could impair your senses. To survive you will need all of your senses.

Don’t scream or make any noise ­— you will just attract the un-dead.

Stay in small groups of 2-4 and do not form attachments, this may interfere with your judgment when one of them is bitten.

Avoid cemeteries or places where they bury the dead.

Don’t get cornered up a tree, or in an enclosed space. Zombies will get to you eventually.

Always remember the only way to kill a zombie is a shot to the head. Use your brain and destroy theirs.

Firearms are extremely effective, but run the risk of attracting more zombies; try a bow and arrow.

Fire has no effect on zombies. They will bite you.

Wear tight clothing and keep hair up and out of

• • • • • • •

•

grasp. Leather is preferred, but denim is acceptable.

Use vehicles as weapons. But make sure you don’t run out of gas in a tight spot.

Be relentless. It doesn’t matter if it is your mother, a young child or an old man, they want to eat your brain.

Don’t reason with zombies, they’re clearly beyond help. Religion will not convert a zombie back to a human.

Zombies are corpses. They will decompose … eventually. So like in Shaun of the Dead, settle down and “let the whole thing blow over.”

Don’t be overweight or have any problems running away. Or as Columbus put it in ZombieLand, “keep limber and good cardio.”

Travel light. Take only what you need to survive, which is guns and water.

Be cold, don’t try and save the day. Do what you can for others, but remember, your life is on the line.

Un-dead still can hear and smell; they even have some voice (usually moaning and groaning) so don’t give away your position with lights or loud music.

Zombie attacks can happen any time. So just because it’s after Halloween, doesn’t mean it’s okay to let your guard down.

For more information on the un-dead, or simply surviving Z-Day check out the many different zombie books by Max Brooks. It’s better to over prepare, than to be un-dead.

Shuffle iPods on

Everyone has “those songs” on their iPod that they never listen to, they forgot were there, or that their siblings bought and are just plain embarrassing. Eight students shared the first five results that came up after putting their iPods on shuffle.

Freshmen Oksana Spindler 1. 10 Miles Wide - Escape The Fate 2. The Guy Song - BarlowGirl 3. Heaven Forbid - The Fray 4. A Place For My Head - Linkin Park 5. In Pieces - Linkin Park Nathaniel Dorr 1. American Idiot - Green Day 2. Saturday Night Special - Lynard Skynard 3. Peacemaker- Green Day 4. Introduction - Jeff Foxworthy 5. East Jesus Nowhere - Green Day

Sophomores Rachel Bazille 1. The Chanukah Song - Adam Sandler 2. Straight Jacket Fashion - Chevelle 3. Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner - Fall Out Boy 4. Chapter 13 - +44 5. The Opening Departure - Aiden Garrett Clear 1. Blitzkrieg - Metallica 2. I Love NYC - Andrew WK 3. Inside The Fire - Disturbed 4. Suite-Pee - System of a Down 5. Thank You For The Venom - My Chemical Romance

Student-made film premieres, establishes hands-on experience jordanhuesers staff writer It’s a story of murder, time travel and mystery.

Daphne, a film written, directed and produced entirely

by Blue Valley students, premiered Oct. 29. The movie was filmed over the summer at the Blue Valley Film Camp.

Supervisors Dan Schmidt and Russ Hadley developed the idea of a film camp instead of a traditional theater camp.

Schmidt and Hadley felt this was an opportunity students might not have later in life.

“I can’t tell you how much of an honor it was to work with these kids,” Hadley said to the audience the night of the premiere. “I was constantly surprised by the talent of not only the actors, but the crew and the technicians.”

Hadley, owner of Third Eye Productions, dedicated his own time and equipment to help with the production.

“We got some really great advice from Mr. Hadley because he does this for a living and had something to offer to almost every single department,” sophomore film producer Rebecca Jenkins said.

Each student was able to direct one scene and work in the different departments, such as lights, sound and camera.

“The really cool part of making the film was that you were able to help out with so many things and be in the movie too,” Jenkins said. “Everyone got experience everywhere.”

Jenkins feels the film was a success because of how much work each person put into it. Seeing the final product was extremely rewarding.

“I think the entire camp would agree Daphne turned out to be great and we are excited for it to get even better next year,” Jenkins said.

Junior Ali Hadley agrees with Jenkins and looks forward to making a new film next year and looks to improve the

Juniors Rachael Mendez 1. One Love - Bob Marley 2. Lotus - Cage The Elephant 3. Fruit Machine - The Ting Tings 4. Imagine - John Lennon 5. Nearness of You - Norah Jones

Theater students Shelby Mohar, Scott Bolton, Daniel Reardon and Dalton Homolka pose for a picture following the premiere of Daphne, a movie produced by students over the summer. This murder mystery was directed and produced by students and alumni of the theater program. Photo by Jackie Lippert.

skills of the film-making process.

“We learned a lot, but it will be easier next year because we figure out things that worked and didn’t work.” Ali Hadley said.

Students are encouraged to attend the camp next year and be a part of the movie-making experience.

“We are trying to get even more people to be a part of the camp,” Jenkins said. “It would always be awesome to meet new people and learn more about what we all love to do.”

Daphne will be submitted to local film contests as well as around the Midwest. DVDs of the film will be given to those who contributed during the production process.

Other copies will be available to BV students in the future.

Paul DeBey 1. That’s What Country Is - Luke Bryan 2. Real World - Matchbox 20 3. Love Like Crazy - Lee Brice 4. Welcome To The Farm - Luke Bryan 5. Counting Blue Cars - Dishwalla

Seniors Bailey Liberty 1. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody 2. It’s Alive - Tech N9ne 3. Doin’ Time - Sublime 4. If I Fail - Cartel 5. Lazy - Pete Philly Ryne Stanek 1. Any Way You Want It - Journey 2. Cupid’s Chokehold - Gym Class Heroes 3. Dr. Frazier’s Office - Tech N9ne 4. Geeked Up - D4L 5. Shooting Star - David Rush Information compiled by Annie Burress.

NOVEMBER 2009 1 9

centerstage

What else is on?

Popular TV shows debut this fall, grab students’ attention Glee  Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox

Flash Forward  Thursdays at 7 p.m. on ABC Flash Forward, an intense, action-packed new drama on ABC, is the story of a blackout lasting precisely two minutes and 17 seconds.

During this time, everyone on planet Earth did more than just simply black out; they saw a glimpse of their future - April 29, 2010, to be exact.

The main character of the new series, Mark Benford (played by Joseph Fiennes from the movie Luther), is an FBI agent working to find the cause of this crisis.

Benford’s clues are found not in evidence that he collects, but in the vision he saw during the blackout. He uses this information to track down certain sources and attempt to get to the bottom of this blackout.

Along the way, the agents piece together this catastrophe by asking many different people, “What did you see?” All of the different stories are compiled to create a worldwide picture of the future.

If you think that this is just another one of ABC’s confusing series that will leave you scratching your head, you could be wrong. While Flash Forward does require a little bit of brain power, it is very intriguing but easy to follow.

If you like shows that encompass many different emotions, get you thinking or if you’re just looking for a new science-fiction series to watch, Flash Forward is the show for you.

by Jordan McEntee.

It’s one of the most popular shows on Hulu, it’s spawned a resurgence of high school glee clubs across the country and it’s given our generation a new interest in Journey.

It’s Glee, Fox’s newest TV hit about a bunch of high school misfits and the glee club they form.

Ever since Fox teased fans with a one-episode preview in May, so-called “Gleeks” (Glee geeks) have tuned in every Wednesday.

Everything from Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” to Queen’s “Somebody to Love” is reinterpreted, and the show’s soundtrack has become popular on iTunes.

But the craze isn’t just confined to the internet — there are Gleeks among us.

“It’s amazing how effective it has been at bringing people together with a common love of music,” senior Erin Pham said.

Maybe it’s the way the show starts out by introducing stereotypical characters but breaks them out of their dichotomies — the nerdy girl dates the football player, the gay kid teaches the school’s football team how to dance to “Single Ladies.”

Maybe it’s the shock factor when the club breaks out in Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” in front of the entire school in an attempt to gain members.

Whatever it is, Glee has stumbled onto something special. So whether you’re a fullfledged Gleek or a first-time viewer, don’t stop believing in Glee.

by Tori Freisner.

Check out bvtigernews.com to vote for your favorite new TV show.

Expires 12/31/09

2 0 NOVEMBER 2009

Expires 12/31/09

Getting into Step

centerstage

The Stridin’ Tiger Marching band completed band season with two 1st place wins, though many hard hours go into their scores. Marchers have to memorize music, steps and places, keep time, march correctly and impress the judges.

Drill team member Nicki Brosch applies designs on her face before the band leaves for the competition at Lee’s Summit North. “It’s a lot better than last year’s show,” she said. “[The costumes and make-up] are crazy and kind of out there, but it’s cool.”

Band director Avian Bear walks among members of the band, checking on individual marchers and giving them comments on how to improve. The band practiced all weekday mornings except Thursday.

“These students work really, really hard, and are positive most of the time,” she said. “You can’t say that about every group.”

Senior Katie Peacock plays the flute while rehearsing movements from the band’s show during a Thursday night practice. Marchers have a night rehearsal because of late arrival and get a chance to practice under conditions similar to the BV football games.

Practice makes Perfect Summer:

16 days - 7 hours/day = 112 hours 3 days - 3 hours at night = 9 hours

School Starts:

12 weeks/4 days a week - 1 1/2 hours = 72 hours 2 Saturday rehearsals - 4 hours/day = 8 hours

7 Thursday rehearsals - 3 hours/day = 21 hours

Excludes222 total practice hours competitions, bus rides and performances.

Freshman Amanda Robacker places freshman Madelyn Sartory’s marching hat on her head before line-up. Marchers talk and let loose some excitement before they have to perform for judges.

“It feels like a big family,” Robacker said.

Freshman Vaughn Ericson (left) and sophomore Bryan Wallraff do push-ups after messing up on a set. “It’s self imposed in the brass section,” Bear said. “If they make a mistake, they self-impose a certain amount of push-ups.”

Band director Daniel Kirk listens to the band as they warm up before competition at Lee’s Summit North.

Kirk paced the arc, listening for instruments who weren’t tuned or sections that needed to balance with the rest of the band. “These are hard-working students,” he said.

“They have the drive to continue stride each year. It’s fun. There’s a lot of work and pressure to achieve, but the students make it worth it.”

All photos and captions by Maegan Kabel.

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Breaking the Record ajbarbosa opinion editor

“Over the years, he proved to be just as good, and when it came to goal-scoring, better than his brother. He earned everything.”

H

e moves the ball with the precision of Diego Maradona.

He runs with the speed of Lionel Messi.

Although he’s been a natural goal-scorer since he began playing, he still celebrates every point with the rambunctious humor of a kid.

Despite being suspended for three games due to red cards, he broke his older brother’s record to become Blue Valley’s all-time leading scorer.

He’s senior Nick McDonald.

When it comes to soccer, what doesn’t he do?

Some people wonder what flows through the faucets in the McDonald family’s home.

Nick’s older brother, 2007 graduate Michael McDonald, played varsity for three years. Nick’s younger sister, junior Elizabeth McDonald, has played on the varsity girls team since her freshman year and his younger brother is on the way to the BV pitch.

After coaching every McDonald to attend BV, varsity soccer coach K. Dean Snell is very familiar with their habits on the field.

“You can tell that all three have that understanding of the game,” Snell said. “They all have played for a long time, and they have a really good soccer IQ, and that’s something that comes with experience.”

Upon first joining the program as a freshman in 2006, high expectations were placed on his shoulders.

His brother Michael was having

Senior forward takes brother’s scoring title

Soccer coach K. Dean Snell the season of his life, breaking the school’s scoring record in the middle of his senior year.

Even Snell couldn’t resist expecting Nick to do the same.

“I try not to pre-judge kids just because I’ve coached their siblings, but it was so hard because Nick was just like Michael,” Snell said.

“Over the years, he proved to be just as good, and when it came to goal-scoring, better than his brother. He earned everything.”

After netting 16 goals to tie the record, he scored his 17th goal of the season against Ottawa in the team’s last regular season game.

“It felt good, even though we were completely dominating them the whole game,” Nick said.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it during the game, but it set in afterwards.”

Consistent with sports etiquette, Michael texted his brother that night to commend him shortly after the game was over.

“He told me congratulations, and that he was happy for me,” Nick said. “I could have given him trouble about it and joked around, but I just said ‘thank you’ and took it gracefully.”

Despite his scoring prowess, he gained a seemingly notorious reputation due to his tendency to

earn red cards.

Instead of yelling and punishing him for the ejections, Snell tried to help his player understand what he was doing wrong in a calm and progressive way.

“Nobody ever has a perfect game,” Snell said. “Officials never get a perfect game either. We’re all human. I’ve told him to let the ball do the work and let the scoreboard tell the story.”

Though the red cards didn’t hinder his ability to break the record, Snell feels that had he not missed the games, he would have scored many more goals in the season.

“If he hadn’t have missed those three games, he would have easily scored at least 20 goals,” Snell said. “Think about it, he scored in nearly every game he played in. He scored four goals in one game, and had multiple hat tricks.”

One of the more successful teams in the past few years, the team made it to the playoffs only to be knocked out in the first round by Shawnee Mission Northwest.

Halfway through the first half, Nick was tackled, injuring his wrist severely.

He played in the second half, but wasn’t able to score.

Now that his final high school

Senior Nick McDonald dribbles around a defender on his way to breaking the single-season goal-scoring record. Photo by Audrey Scherer.

season is over, Nick seeks to continue playing next year at the collegiate level.

“There are some schools I have in mind,” he said. “I’m not really sure where I’ll go, but I just want to play in college, probably somewhere locally.”

Snell believes that Nick’s ambitions are realistic, and that with the right mindset, he could go on to

play beyond college.

“He understands the game enough, and he could compete well [in college],” Snell said. “If he keeps focused, he could have the opportunity to play beyond college, professionally. As long as he can continue to understand that he isn’t the best out there, but can strive to be the best. With that, I think he’ll go far.”

Sports In Brief Football

Volleyball

Previous Action: Sub-State BVN L (25-22)(15-25)(18-25) Record: 12-22 Key Athletes: Senior Beth Rogers, juniors Morgan VanGerpen and Emily Ball, sophomore Meghan Mahoney

Previous Action: 10/27 Shawnee Mission Northwest

L (3-0) Record: 8-9 Key Athletes: Senior Nick McDonald, junior Tom Adams

Cross Country

Girls Golf

Girls Tennis

Previous Action: 10/23 Olathe South W (42-14)

10/31 BVW W (42-21) Record: 3-6 Key Athletes: Seniors Anthony Abenoja and Brandon Meyers, junior Paul DeBey Jr., sophomore Justin Fulks

Previous Action: Junior Ben Gaede, senior Alyssa Luker both took 4th in EKL Key Athlete: Luker took 20th at State

2 2 NOVEMBER 2009

Previous Action: Regionals, no medalists Key Athletes: Senior Valerie Gaughan

Boys Soccer

Sophomore Payton Meyer 8th in EKL Junior Ashley Tiefel 3rd in State 3rd in Regionals Key Athletes: Tiefel and Meyer

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G BASKETBALL B BASKETBALL

BOYS SWIM

WRESTLING

athletes to watch Parker Madl

2008 State runner-up 2009 State champ 2009 First Team All-Sun 2009 Sun Wrestler of the Year

Cameron Gallet

Member of 2008 200-meter medley team

Paul DeBey Jr. Varsity Letter

Nicole Gloor

2-time Honorable Mention All-EKL

EKL Results Girls Tennis

Volleyball

Junior Ashley Tiefel took third in the State Tournament on Oct. 16-17. Tiefel finished the season with a 24-4 record. Photo by Tess Constant.

Tiefel takes third at State ryano’toole Sports Editor Junior Ashley Tiefel took 3rd in the state tennis tournament on Oct. 16 -17.

“I’m glad I got to go and represent BV,” Tiefel said. “I was expected to get third. I beat everyone but Haley [Fournier] and never got a chance to play Mimi [Fotopoulos].”

While Tiefel is satisfied with her finish, coach Nelson Elliott said it may not truly represent her ability.

“If the draw had been different I think she could have beat the [Shawnee Mission] East[Fotopoulos] girl but the way the [Blue Valley] North girl [Fournier] was playing the morning of state and the day of state, it would have been hard for anyone to beat her,” Elliott said.

Tiefel was also the only BV player to qualify.

“I was kind of lonely,” she said. “All the other teams had girls there. I hope more people qualify next year. It’s more fun with a team.”

Elliott agrees that traveling as an individual player is a different experience.

“It’s very different,” he said. “It was just Ashley’s dad and me. She’s very popular in Johnson County, so she knows

all the girls; it was fine. I would’ve liked to have more Tigers there, too.”

According to teammates, Tiefel’s drive and ability help the team improve during the season.

“She helps the girls with their strokes if they don’t know what to do,” sophomore Payton Meyer said. “It makes us have a better chance of winning.”

Her coach appreciates her helping hands as well and her attitude about accepting the leadership role that comes with Tiefel’s level of skill.

“Ashley cares about the team,” Elliott said. “She helps me a lot in getting drills going and helping them just improve their fundamentals.”

Tiefel will practice two and a half hours a day to prepare for next year.

“I think I have a good chance of winning [state],” Tiefel said. “I don’t know, there are a lot of good girls in our region.”

Tiefel dominated during the season acquiring a 24-4 record with all of her losses coming to eventual State Champion, Blue Valley North senior Haley Fournier.

Out of 24 wins, 19 came without losing a game.

Outside of high school, Tiefel has a 47-17 record and is a four-star recruit according to tennisrecruiting.net.

Football

Boys Soccer

1. Blue Valley North (62) 2. Aquinas (35) 3. Blue Valley West (34) 4. Blue Valley (22) 5. Blue Valley Northwest (10) 6. Bishop Miege (10) 1. Aquinas (5-0) 2. Bishop Miege (4-1) 3. Blue Valley West (3-2) 4. Blue Valley North (2-3) 5. Blue Valley (1-4) 6. Blue Valley Northwest (0-5) 1. Aquinas (5-0) 2. Blue Valley Northwest (4-1) 3. Bishop Miege (3-2) 4. Blue Valley (2-3) 5. Blue Valley North (1-4) 6. Blue Valley West (0-5) 1. Aquinas (5-0) 2. Bishop Miege (3-2) 3. Blue Valley North (3-2) 4. Blue Valley Northwest (3-2) 5. Blue Valley West (3-4) 6. Blue Valley (1-5)

Cross Country Ben Gaede, 4th place

Alyssa Luker, 4th place Danny Willis, 11th place

NOVEMBER 2009 2 3

preview Wednesday

11

American Royal Cutting Horse Show

American Royal is holding a fair with events based on horses and their riders. Admission is $12, and it will start at 7:30 p.m. The last day for the event is Nov. 14.

Wicked

Come see the story of the Wicked Witch of the West before Oz. The show plays downtown at the Music Hall with two shows, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Monday

23

Winter sports night

Parents and athletes are invited to attend a meeting for all winter sports at 6 p.m. in the main gym.

Wednesday

25

No school

Yay, Thanksgiving break is finally here! Slip on the sweatpants and prepare to gorge yourself on turkey and pumpkin pie.

Thursday

26

Country Club Plaza’s Season of Lights

After a lovely Thanksgiving meal, watch the Country Club Plaza bring the Season of Lights to life by lighting 80 miles of holiday lights. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. with live musical performances.

December The cast of Devil’s Arithmetic runs lines at a practice after school.

Photo by Emma Mosier.

Thursday

Tuesday

01

First day back from break

12

Welcome back from break. Hope you had a great time, let’s get back on track.

The fall show for BV is Devil’s Arithmetic and will be preformed in the PAC on the main stage. Tickets will be sold at the doors, but family of cast members may enter first. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Unless you already bought tickets, there’s no way you can get in to this sold-out show. Elton and Billy take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Sprint Center.

Devil’s Arithmetic

Elton John and Billy Joel concert

Monday

Thursday

Winter sports season begins

Rep Theater

16

First day of tryouts for the winter sports start today at 3 p.m. Good luck to all our winter athletes!

Saturday

21

TigerFest

Support the school’s athletics and activities with a silent auction. The fundraiser begins at 5 p.m. in the main gym.

2 4 NOVEMBER 2009

10

The Rep Theater will begin their first of three shows tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Black Box. If you can’t make it tonight, plan on attending their show on the 11 or 12.

NOVEMBER

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