The Tiger Print — October 2013

the

TIGER PRINT newspaper BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Vol. 44 Issue 3 October 2013 Overland Park, Kan. MARVELING AT MILEY Recent interest in Miley Cyrus sparks contrasting viewpoints between staffers page 8-9 INVESTIGATING iOS7 Newest iPhone software liked, disliked among BV students page 23 KICKIN’ IT Senior players lead boys soccer team to winning record, aim toward State pages 28-29

Fall Frenzy: Fall trends, traditions mapped out for the season.

Pages 16-17.

Photo illustration by Alex Kontopanos and Mollie Hogan.

2

inthenews

October 2013

Events Calendar Oct. 25 — No School Oct. 26 — ACT Chess Tournament, 8 a.m.

Oct. 29 — Mu Alpha Theta Induction, 7 p.m. in the PAC Oct. 30 — Surround Sound Concert, 7 p.m. in the PAC Oct. 31 — Fine Arts Potpourri Nov. 1 — Pizza Dance, 9 - 11 p.m.

Nov. 2 — Fundraiser Jazz Concert, 7 p.m. in the PAC Nov. 7 — Fall Play, 7 p.m. in the PAC Nov. 8 — Fall Play, 7 p.m. in the PAC Nov. 9 — Fall Play, 7 p.m. in the PAC Nov. 12 — Blood Drive Nov. 13 — Senior Signings, 3 p.m. in the Commons Nov. 14 — Fifth Wall, 7 p.m.

Nov. 18 — Winter Sports begin Nov. 21 — Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m.

Repertory Theatre Show, 7 p.m. in the Black Box Theater Nov. 27 — No School, Thanksgiving Break Nov. 28 — No School, Thanksgiving Break Nov. 29 — No School, Thanksgiving Break Dec. 3 — Winter Sports pictures, 3 p.m.

Winter Band Concert, 7 p.m. in the PAC Dec. 5 — Winter Recognition Assembly Dec. 6 — Winter Sports Night Repertory Theatre Show, 7 p.m. in the PAC

Naviance program introduced to students by counselors, provides new tools for college planning, success raineandrews photo editor As of this year, Blue Valley has started using Naviance to help students transition into life after high school. According to its website, Naviance is “a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals.”

Counselors are requiring all seniors to sign up so they will find their ideal college and possible career path, along with request transcripts.

BV counselor Anne Dummitt said the counselors introduced the program to seniors through the English Language Arts classes.

“We went into all English classes and showed [the seniors] the website,” she said.

“We mainly focused on the scholarship programs, sending in applications and teacher recommendations.”

Naviance helps students set personal goals, learn about their own skills or interests, search colleges and explore career options.

Students are then able to design their own pathways toward the future.

Dummitt said the site is very helpful and offers applications for students.

“The coolest thing the site offers is the College Super Match,” she said. “It gives you a feel about each college. You put in your information and criteria, and it then lists what's important to you.”

From strengthening students engagement in class to improving college readiness, Naviance reaches out to students and schools by offering resources to help them both.

“Another cool feature is the scattergrams,” she said. “It shows you past graduates from Blue Valley and their ACT scores and GPA. It shows you what criteria you should aim for.”

Senior Rusha Bajpai said she has used Naviance many times to help with college applications.

“I am applying for a bunch of competitive schools, so I need as much help as I can get,” she said.

Bajpai said the site is extremely helpful when it comes to applying for scholarships.

“The schools I am looking at are not cheap,” she said. “But with academic scholarships, I have a wider list of schools I can look into.”

photo of the

month

Passing out candy to an elementary school student, senior Mackenzie Smith walk with the senior class float during the Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 4. Stanley Elementary students were released from class to watch the parade and catch candy from the parade-walkers.

Photo by Raine Andrews. Page designed by Maddie Davis and Anna Wonderlich.

October 2013

inthenews 3

Jewish Student Union established at BV; students gather to share common beliefs gennifergeer sports editor Eighty-six percent of the Kansas population is Christian.

Nine percent have no religion.

And an even smaller two percent are Jewish.

Given the diversity of America, it’s no surprise Blue Valley has a number of Jewish students alongside the Christians, Hindus and other religions.

Thanks to juniors Jacob Bell, Josh Hurst and Eli Kahn, BV’s new Jewish Student Union (JSU) has taken flight.

“It’s a really good way for Jewish kids to meet and discuss ideas that regard to everything that’s going on, such as Israel and everything that’s going on in the Jewish area,” Bell said. “We have an advisor [Hillel Goldstein] who comes in and talks about that.

We’ll do a lot of community service as well.”

Hurst said he plans for JSU to become wider-known in the school. “[My] goals for the club are to publicize it a bit more and make it more known so it becomes a full-grown club,” he said. “We want to get a charter, so it’s actually official.”

Hurst said he felt BV needed a JSU to keep pace with the other district schools.

“All the other schools have one, and I thought Blue Valley should have one, too,” he said.

Bell

Balke

Hurst

Sponsor Jennifer Balke said she previously facilitated a JSU at BV, and this is one reason she supervises the current one.

“Another teacher sent [Bell] to me, partly because a couple years ago we had a Jewish Student Union here at the school that I sponsored,” Balke said. “We never did meet very much, and it wasn’t very active.”

Balke said because JSU is based on religion, she isn’t allowed to be as integrated in the club’s meetings as other sponsors are — thus, Goldstein provides Jewish insight and guidance.

Goldstein represents the national JSU organization and gave members JSU locker magnets.

“It’s interesting — with religious clubs, the faculty sponsor isn’t nearly as involved,” Balke said. “I’m here mainly in a supervisory role.”

However, she said JSU has her full support.

“I think it’s great that we have [religious]

clubs because we have Fellowship of Christian Athletes and [Refuge],” Balke said. “Since we have a lot of diversity in this school, I think it’s nice we have clubs that represent and show that diversity.”

Bell said JSU will be a way for students to get to know each other, and he plans on the club participating in programs at the University of Kansas.

At BV, JSU holds meetings in Balke’s room every two weeks. “[At meetings, we] discuss community services ideas, or discuss upcoming programs,” Bell said. “That’s usually it, or the advisor will come and speak about something.”

Bell said the turnout at the first two meetings was successful.

“There’s been 15 kids at each meeting, which is pretty good for our school,” Bell said.

With the old JSU, there were both Jewish and non-Jewish members, and non-Jewish students are also welcome to the new club.

“It seems as thus far, it’s been solely Jewish students in large numbers,” Balke said. “I would encourage kids — even if they’re not Jewish — to feel free to join if they either want to explore different religions or learn more about Judaism. It’s good for us all, as individuals, to learn about each other as much as possible and to get exposure to things.”

raise your voice “We eat bagels and other stereotypical Jewish foods.”

—junior Paige Waldberg Waldberg

“I think [the club] will be good for kids who are in it.”

—junior Eli Kahn Kahn

Page designed by Gennifer Geer.

4

inthenews

October 2013

Foreign language requirements discussed, sallycochran news editor Four credits of English Language Arts.

Three credits of social studies, science and mathematics.

One credit of physical education, technology and fine arts.

One-half credit of Health and Wellness.

To graduate from Blue Valley, students must have all of the above courses as well as seven and a half elective credits.

There’s no foreign language requirement — even though, according to Spanish teacher Kathryn Sanflé, most colleges look for a minimum of two years of foreign language on a high school transcript.

“I don’t see [the requirements] changing until there’s an admissions requirement for colleges,” Sanflé said. “Lots of colleges are recommending foreign language for part of admissions — it’s something they look at on your transcripts, but it’s not a requirement. I don’t think states will start to require it as part of [actual] graduation requirements unless it’s driven by universities.”

AP French Language AP French 5 student senior by the numbers...

Taylor Daniels has taken French for seven years and is the secretary of National French Honor Society.

“I know a lot of colleges like having four years of foreign language on your resume,” she said. “I figured, ‘I’ve gone this far, why not keep going?’”

Daniels said she believes there should be a foreign language requirement for graduation.

“I think it’s helpful for each kid to be exposed to that,” she said. “I guess it’d be kind of hard to justify why exactly each kid needs it.”

Sanflé said she thinks foreign language is becoming more relevant in business.

“If you just have a business degree but you’re going up against someone who has a business degree and speaks a foreign language, it’s making for a lot more of a desirable candidate,” she said.

“I think it’s becoming a deciding factor, especially in the business world between candidates who are equally qualified or interview well or if there’s no major determining factor between a couple of people who are interviewing for the same position. But, if someone has more experience or has a foreign language, that’s going to set them apart and make them more desirable for employment.”

She said foreign language is also applicable for many jobs based on where you live.

150 French students 92 Latin students 591 Spanish students 3 German students 836 students in a foreign language 1,472 students at BV 57% of BV students are in a foreign language

r u o j n o b

hola hallo salve

hello

“Depending on what geographic region you are in, what kind of part of town, a lot of medical industries and a lot of even lawyers and court industries are starting to be much more [inclined toward foreign language]. Even in Kansas City, there are a lot more advertisements on Spanish radio stations for traditionally English-speaking companies who are trying to start to serve the growing Hispanic population here. We don’t even have a huge Spanish-speaking population in Kansas City relative to some other places.”

Sanflé said although college admissions generally look for foreign language classes, there are some exceptions.

“Part of the difficulty with universities is they’re not sure, depending on what course of study you’re going to have, that foreign language is a requirement,” she said. “If you’re going to study fine arts, studying a foreign language isn’t going to be a requirement for that.

The university’s not going to make it a blanket admissions requirement, most likely.”

Sanflé said students participate in activities similar to those found in standardized tests in a foreign language class.

“There’s a variety of different skill sets that are measured — reading, writing, speaking and listening,” she said.

“All beneficial skills to have just in life.”

Sanflé said foreign language also enhances English vocabulary.

“There are many words that are actual cognates — they’re just more English words,” she said. “They’re like the ‘ACT word of the day’ type words that we learn a lot of in all the foreign languages here. It will help students perform better when they need more vocabulary. It helps writing skills — it helps comprehension skills. It’s obviously at a lower level than what your ELA class will be doing, but it’ll still be similar activities and similar concepts.”

Page designed by Sally Cochran.

October 2013

the

TIGER PRINT newspaper

payin’thebills

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

www.bvtigernews.com

Exp. 11/30/13

Exp. 11/30/13

5

6

outloud

October 2013

No opinion often times better than an uneducated opinion

sallycochran news editor Black and white.

Cut and dry.

Good and evil.

Right and wrong.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the world worked this way? Every issue would be resolved so easily. Everyone who thought one thing would be right, and everyone else would be a naïve idiot.

But, wait... isn’t that the way we think?

“Everyone whose opinion differs from mine is just uninformed.”

Stupid. Ignorant. Wrong.

Don’t be ridiculous — the world doesn’t work like that.

Last year in social studies teacher Adam Bien’s America Decides the National Election class, I took a few quizzes trying to determine my political party. We had a good laugh when one quiz told me there was no

political party that reflected my views.

Then again, lack of a party could be beneficial. When you define yourself as a member of a party, you could very well be limiting your views. Haven’t you heard the phrase, “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you?”

If you think something because generally like-minded people think it, you’re always in the wrong. Just because you have generally liberal views, it isn’t wrong to have a few right-wing ideas, too.

It comes down to this — if you don’t know the facts (or at least something) about an issue, you have zero right to voice an opinion. When discussing the serious issues, the first question should always be “Why?” So you think President Barack Obama is the best president ever. Or you think he’s doing a terrible job. That’s great, but why? Do you have a reason?

“Well...he’s...he’s just doing a bad job.”

Yeah, no.

Then comes the tough part. After reading up and talking to different people about an issue, you have to make a decision — what do you think?

Being educated about an issue and not having a definite opinion is better than asserting a certain opinion without knowl-

edge. For example, current events in Syria have caused differing opinions to spring up throughout our country: “Their problems are none of our business.” “It’s our duty to help.” “Syria? They’re, like, using chemical weapons or something, right?”

I’ll be straightforward — I am incredibly undecided about how we should assist Syria or if we should even be involved. But I at least know that they’re using chemical weapons, and Obama thinks it is unacceptable to stand back and watch.

I’ve heard so many things about this issue in particular. My dad and I just had a conversation about it the other day. Even though we don’t agree 100 percent about any issue, it’s always insightful to hear what he thinks. In fact, talking to nearly anyone about politics or current issues can be insightful — even if you completely disagree.

Having a civil discussion — no screaming or spitting, please — can open your eyes to the other side of the story, and who doesn’t need a little perspective? Basically, don’t be that person everyone rolls their eyes at when he or she starts talking politics. Know about the issues. Listen to other peoples’ opinions.

And, most of all, an “I don’t know” is always superior to an uninformed thought.

Staffer comments on ideas backing Affordable Care Act

sheilagregory ‘Murica.

This word conjures up images I’m not sure I’m proud of. People who cling to their guns with bacon-greased fingers isn’t a picture I want to be a part of. We aren’t doing well as a country.

The political gridlock, or the fine folks in Congress unable to agree with the president on anything, has made us the laughing stock of civilized countries around the world. And when I say fine folks, I mean near crazy right-wingers.

People voted against stricter background checks for purchasing automatic death weapons since 20 kids getting gunned down in

an elementary school isn’t enough to shock them into action.

People would rather vote against a bill 40-plus times, and each time it was declared legal. Again, for those who don’t know which bill this is, it’s the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

They would rather shut down the entire government, doing much more damage than Obamacare could ever cause than face their defeat of not being able to win this one.

Well, hate to break it to everyone who is in a denial fairytale of Obamacare not becoming a law, it’s legal and is here. Luckily, with this new law, you can receive affordable mental care and not be turned down due to pre-existing conditions, which in that fantasy world, you probably have.

And how does this look to other countries? We look like babbling buffoons unable to do anything but go in circles. We look like Ted Cruz looks to the rest of our country — stupid, fat and misinformed.

Socially we are also the laughing stock,

America has the highest obesity, teen pregnancy, imprisonment and gun-related murder rates in the world. But we still have our guns, right?

We also have the apparent job-killing, tax-increasing, bad-for-America new health care system. Want to know what it really does? It gives poor families, part-time workers and people with pre-existing conditions affordable, quality care they wouldn’t have been able to receive otherwise.

Health care shouldn’t be something the government withholds from its citizens. It is a simple right everyone deserves without going bankrupt.

No matter what party you think you are affiliated with, we are one country. The good of the country should be on peoples’ minds, not their next move to make our president look weak. He is — keyword — our president — we should support him because we, as a country, can’t survive divided.

One nation.

Page designed by Sheila Gregory and Sally Cochran.

October 2013

outloud

7

$1.6 MILLION makaylanicholis $1.6 million.

With $1.6 million, you could buy a Lamborghini Reventon, the most powerful and expensive Lamborghini in the world.

With $1.6 million, you could buy a 6,017 square-foot house. You could beat out singer Jon Bon Jovi’s donation to Sandy Hook victims by nearly two times.

With $1.6 million, you could fully immunize approximately 112,596 children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

You could pay for a cancer patient’s chemotherapy medication 5,333 times — that’s 42,666 weeks worth of leucovorin.

You could put 465,116 gallons of gas in your car, move to an exotic island or send your children and their children to law school.

You could even… build new stands for a

“

football field?

I’ll speak quite plainly — I am morbidly ashamed.

In fact, if I’m being completely honest, I feel embarrassed to even be associated with a school that would waste such a vast amount of money on something as worthless as a place to sit our butts during a sports game.

Come on people — this is football we’re talking about.

The entire idea of a fall sports event is to go sprawl out in the grass, eat some barbecue and toss around a ball.

Whoever thought we had to have a throne in order to cheer on our team needs a serious reality check.

What’s next, golden toilet seats for the bathrooms?

So, you want the school to look nice and seem like it deserves to be one of the top schools in the nation.

You want to show the team that we support them — that’s just dandy.

But does that really mean we need an elevator to get to the top of the stands?

And I’m going to drown the idea now that I think the Blue Valley School District should be handing out all its funds in a regal attempt to save the world.

I realize a lot of people would be pretty reluctant to see their money used in any way that wasn’t benefiting them.

However, I find it difficult to believe seating was where the district needed to be spending such an outstanding sum.

Maybe we should have stopped to consider the school’s parking spaces being smaller than my pinky.

Perhaps we should have taken a glance at the publication date on the anatomy textbooks or looked into the cost of something, say, educational.

This is a school, by the way.

Don’t get me wrong — I like seats just as much as the next American.

But $1.6 million?

I can’t even wrap my head around that.

You don’t like the way people stick up their noses at you, point their fingers accusingly and dismiss you as an ignorant Johnson County kid?

Well guess what — we just fulfilled that label.

We may have a lavish football stadium for our athletes now, but the day I found out the BV District wasted over a million dollars on a place to sit was absolutely not a great day to be a Tiger.

”

Page designed by Maddie Davis.

8

outloud

October 2013

ntee.

by Hailey McE

G N A B Z R E Page designed

bridgethoward Miley Cyrus.

2006.

The sweet Miley Ray from the hit TV series “Hannah Montana.”

She was in love with Jake Ryan.

She sang songs about East Northumberland High.

She was every little girl’s role model.

2013.

The not-so-sweet Miley Cyrus on TV twerking at the VMAs. Miley started her acting and musical career when she was 11 years old.

Her life was practically planned out for her: Her dad wrote her songs, Disney advertised her on every billboard possible and she just had to stand there and smile.

Every aspect of her life was set for her, and she just had to play the part.

When I was 8, Hannah Montana was

Track List: 1. Adore You 2. We Can’t Stop .

3. SMS (Bangerz) feat Britney Spears 4. 4×4 feat. Nelly re 5. My Darlin’ feat. Futu 6. Wrecking Ball feat.

7. Love, Money, Party Big Sean 8. #GETITRIGHT 9. Drive 10. FU feat. French Montana 11. Do My Thang ht 12. Maybe You’re Rig 13. Someone Else

an idol — not only for me, but for all girls my age to admire.

Miley was so down-to-earth that every little girl felt they could relate to her.

She was perfect to them.

Her hair.

Her clothes.

Her music.

What was there not to like about her?

Absolutely nothing.

At least not until the 2013 VMAs. At a glance, her performance included her being half-naked, dancing in a provocative way and showing everyone a new suggestive side to the “Smiley Miley” we had all grown up to love.

She was the girl, not so little anymore, who left the viewers in disbelief.

Especially the parents of little girls who idolized Miley.

Who would want to see an artist their children worshiped twerking and showing half her butt on stage?

Personally, I thought it was genius.

Her goal was to put on a performance that people would talk about for days.

And let me tell you, her goal was accomplished.

It was talked about for weeks.

The video of her performance went viral, and I, alongside millions of others, desperately searched YouTube for it.

Miley wanted to show America she wasn’t the cute-as-a-button little girl from Disney anymore.

That message definitely came through loud and clear.

Miley Cyrus is an artistic and creative woman.

Notice how I said woman?

That’s what everyone needs to realize.

Miley wants to break from that innocent little girl she portrayed on Hannah Montana.

She wants to go “Bangerz” and let loose.

Her songs, appearance and personality together changed for a reason.

For once, finally she can do what she wants.

This is the real Miley.

October 2013

outloud

d on Oct. 8

rz” was release w album “Bange

Miley Cyrus’s ne

g,” HT,” “Do My Than are “#GETITRIG t.” be You’re Righ haileymcentee “Drive” and “May d “Do My Thang” an ” co-editor “#GETITRIGHT k in that will get stuc are catchy tunes aybe “M d an e” r days. “Driv ty worried fo et pr ad as he w I ur y, yo st — s In all hone s Miley e emotional song y, rebellious song You’re Right” ar cent re r he ith about what craz w . do m ly having to for this albu ab ith ob w pr up that e m — co th would this mswor kup with Liam He e by surprise that m ea br ok t to bu it , s, er ar ev te How edge of really good. ill put you on the is w ly w al ho tu ac ow sh m ly bu al and real they’re beautiful y has. ile .

M er re nt le ut her ca much ta e album througho d an bum exceeded th at al be is th up l, of al er ix m Ov t ea d my gr ge a an e’s Ther r it and ch ctations I had fo pe ex s. ng so er slow bum a little bit. rites from the al opinions on her My personal favo MCT Campus.

Photo courtesy of

maddiedavis Nobody saw it coming.

I, along with everyone else watching the 2013 VMAs, sat in shock and disbelief as Miley Cyrus, former Disney channel star, twerked half-naked on stage.

I almost didn’t believe it was happening.

I understand she maybe wants to come off as being more mature, but this is the absolute, completely wrong way of going about it.

Or, maybe she just wants attention.

Sure, she got the attention, but it’s not the kind most people would want.

Frankly, I find it ridiculous that people still look up to her.

I can’t believe she is still considered a role model.

If you looked up “role model” in a

thesaurus, Miley Cyrus would be an antonym.

Some might say celebrities who start changing their personality and acting crazy can’t help it because they were forced to be an adult while they were still a child.

These same people also might say that the breakdown of a celebrity only seems like a big deal because he or she is in the spotlight.

Well, alright, let me put it this way.

Imagine that girl in your school who everyone likes and looks up to.

She’s sweet, has a ton of friends and seems to be down-to-earth all the time.

Then, imagine her suddenly coming to school wearing a nude colored bra and spandex that are a bit too small.

Imagine her posting videos online of herself twerking with nothing, excuse me, not very much clothing on.

Imagine her completely changing herself from how she used to be.

Or maybe I should use the word degrading herself.

This girl and Miley Cyrus are doing the exact same things — degrading themselves.

And yes, Miley is doing it in plain view of the public, but so is this girl.

Miley just happens to be doing it in front of everyone in the nation instead of just in a small town.

I also understand everything in her life was planned out for her, and this is maybe her way of initiating a “rebellion” of sorts.

However, couldn’t she go about it in a different way?

Swinging naked on a wrecking ball in a music video isn’t going to make me think anyone is more adult-like.

In fact, in my opinion, it’s a very childish way of going about things.

Cue whiny voice: “But I’m Miley Cyrus, and I don’t want to be a kid anymore, so I’m going to act inappropriate so people will think I’m older.”

Sounds pretty similar to a temper-tantrum to me.

She’s basically coming off in exactly the opposite way than she wants to.

I realize I can’t change your opinion with just this short, 470-word article.

Yet, I’m hoping those who still see Miley as a role model will think twice about who they look up to.

9

10

outloud

October 2013

Seniors should exhibit role-model qualities, improve for remaining year

maddiejewett features editor We are SEN14RS. Throwback to just three incredibly short years ago.

The varsity football players were tall, hairy, smelly (yet attractive) giants.

The varsity cheerleaders were, in our eyes, perfect.

The presidents of the clubs were the equivalent of the president of the United States.

We looked up to the big kids so much we would even copy the way they dressed — well, to an extent at least.

Now let’s spring forward three years.

We are seniors — 17 and 18 years old.

Only a few years away from having real jobs.

Getting married.

Raising families.

Some of us are even able to sign our own permission slips to watch R-rated movies in class.

We’ll be leaving for college in about 10 short, sweet months.

That’s around 300 days.

Three hundred more days to leave our mark on Blue Valley.

Three hundred more days to be role models for the underclassmen — and yes, they do look up to us way more than

we allow ourselves to believe.

They want to be like us.

Take a second to step back and really think about this statement again: they want to be like us.

Maybe you are a team captain, or the editor of the yearbook or the leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The younger students look to us seniors to see how we act.

If we show our school spirit, they will follow along and show school spirit, too.

I’ve always believed the most influential leader is one who not only leads vocally, but also one who leads by example.

One who attends the pizza dances and bonfire.

One who smiles at the “little freshmen” in the hallway.

One who loves BV with their whole heart.

It’s our job to show the underclassmen just how much fun our school events can be and how much pride they should have for our wonderful school.

Sure, it’s not perfect, but it comes pretty darn close.

What other school has a principal who knows ninety-nine percent of the students by name?

I don’t know of one.

All in all, I think we as a senior class need to unite despite the odds.

No matter what activity you are involved in or what social group you belong to, we all should be able to unite under one common thing: our love for being Tigers.

Page designed by Maddie Jewett and Anna Wonderlich.

New Catholic pope promotes acceptance of everyone regardless of

haileymcentee co-editor I’ll start off by saying this — I’m not writing this article to brag about how great Catholicism is (even though it totally is) but rather to help others see what we’re really about.

Some view the Catholic Church as a bunch of close-minded, non-accepting, traditional robots who disagree with anything society says.

However, since Pope Francis has come into play, that misconception has started to turn around.

He says we need to be more accepting, and I completely agree.

If you go against our beliefs, we don’t hate you.

We don’t think less of you.

We don’t have anything against you.

We love you.

God loves you.

This doesn’t mean we are going to change what we believe — the Church won’t conform to society.

The Church will never change its opinions on issues such as abortion and gay mar-

riage — but that doesn’t mean we won’t treat every person with love and respect.

It’s one of those, “Love the sinner, but hate the sin,” kind of things.

In a recent speech, Pope Francis said, “If someone is gay, and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

Everyone is to be treated with respect and dignity no matter what the circumstance.

Pope Francis is changing the world.

Correction: the Holy Spirit is changing the world through Pope Francis.

He relates to each and every one of us.

He helps us see our worth and what we can do.

So how can this be applied to all of our lives?

First of all, we can try to love and accept other people as they are.

Everyone is on a different path. Everyone will find out where they’re supposed to be and who they’re supposed to be eventually.

As teens, we are all naturally so quick to judge our peers.

Whether it’s by what someone is wearing, who they hang out with or what they do, we all judge people from their appearance before actually getting to know them.

There are some really cool people out there if we would only make the effort to see what they’re like on the inside.

October 2013

outloud

11

staffeditorial TIGER PRINT newspaper the

co-editors Hailey McEntee Anna Wonderlich photo editors Raine Andrews Alex Kontopanos news editor Sally Cochran features editor Maddie Jewett

Cartoon by Kiet Phan.

Hall passes awarded for extra credit challenge students’ bladders rather than their brains staff editorial

25

agree

1

disagrees

Student: “May I use the restroom?”

Teacher: “If you use a pass.”

The student then silently contemplates whether or not to use the pass or keep it for extra credit, frowns, then sits back down.

If students are wandering the halls, they more than likely know they’re missing class time and evidently negatively impacting themselves in the end, which isn’t really the teacher’s problem.

It’s understandable that teachers can’t have every student go in and out of the classroom every day. But,

the fact that some teachers even give out passes only permitting students to leave a certain number of times per semester isn’t necessarily reasonable, especially because those teachers usually let you turn unused passes in for extra credit.

The real question is: extra credit for what?

Lugging around your entire locker in your backpack so you won’t forget anything?

Having a strong enough bladder to sustain an hourlong class because you didn’t have enough time during passing period?

Congratulations.

When a teacher says something like, “What took you so long?” after a student gets back to class, it more than likely makes the student feel bad for something they shouldn’t feel bad about.

Not to mention, it’s extremely inappropriate for

anyone to have to explain themselves as to why they “took so long” using the facilities.

Honestly, teachers might as well just slap a barcode on all of us — or even better, use tracking devices to ensure that we’re actually going to the bathroom when we say we are.

We are not cows.

We are human beings.

We have needs, especially girls during certain times of the month.

And we should not be chastised for that.

It just goes to show the “mutual respect” the teachers and administrators say they have for the students isn’t really there.

Think about it — we don’t stop teachers in the hall and immediately interrogate them as to where they’re going and why they aren’t teaching a class, do we?

entertainment editor Danielle Williams opinion editor Riley Miller sports editor Gennifer Geer

photographers Mollie Hogan Molly Johnson Maria Wonderlich cartoonists Caroline Kalmus Kiet Phan staff writers Matt Antonic Rachel Cannon Maddie Davis Sheila Gregory Alyssa Hess Bridget Howard Meghan Kennedy Rachel Lock Makayla Nicholis Cassie Nichols Tori Pippins Meredith Strickland adviser Michelle Wilmes

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

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

12

upclose October 2013 Page designed by Meredith Strickland and Anna Wonderlich.

heads up meredithstrickland

She takes a deep breath, taking in the atmosphere around her.

Adrenaline courses through her body during sophomore basketball tryouts.

Waking up the next day, she doesn’t remember anything from the night before.

Everyone is telling her different stories about her accident.

The frustration of not knowing is building up inside of her.

Currently a senior, she is finally attending all of her classes everyday along with an online class to graduate.

Never understanding what truly happened in the events following her concussions will always be in the back of her head.

Senior Kylee Bliss has created an event called HeadsUp, a 10K trail run and 5K walk.

This walk will be at Shawnee Mission Park on Nov. 16 at 9 a.m. The run is on a combination of paved and mountain bike trails while the walk is only paved trails.

Bliss created this event to spread awareness of Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and the serious effects of concussions.

Bliss has experienced multiple concussions in basketball and received both concussions within two months of each other.

The first one occurred during her sophomore

Concussion prompts student to create 10K run, 5K walk to raise awareness

year and the second during a basketball game a few weeks later.

“I feel like a lot of people are uneducated about concussions and the dangers of not treating them properly, such as I was,” Bliss said.

Bliss “If I can prevent even one other person from going through this, it makes it all worth the while.”

According to headsupkc.org, a concussion can simply be treated by resting and minimizing stress.

“The only reason I got the second one is because I lied about my recovery in order to play and came back before my brain had healed,” Bliss said.

Bliss said she could not remember what happened or the weeks that followed, relying on others to tell her what was going on.

“Most people think once you have gotten a concussion, your head hurts for a while and then it goes away, but there are many other struggles that can come with being hit in the head,” she said. “If [concussions] aren’t treated correctly, they can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.”

Bliss was an Honors and straight-A student, but after both concussions she needed an Individualized Education Program (IEP) along with help at school.

“If I can prevent even one other person from going through this, it makes it all worth the while.”

— senior Kylee Bliss

“I was just behind because of sophomore year after it happened,” she said. “I took two classes and a study hall. Last year I took four classes and a study hall.”

Bliss said concussions can not only affect a person’s education but also his or her social life.

“I can’t go to loud places or places with many people, which is pretty much any place my friends want to go,” Bliss said. “My head has hurt every day since it happened.”

Now, Bliss cannot play any contact sports.

Through vestibular therapy, Bliss decreased her amount of dizziness.

Bliss said she decided to create the HeadsUp event to make others aware of PCS and to raise money for concussion education and research.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries occur each year in the United States. PCS is a disorder that includes dizziness and headaches for more than three months. For Bliss, the struggle has lasted for almost two years.

“Knowing what I know now, there is no way I would have made the same choices I did two years ago, but at the same time, I wouldn’t change it for the world,” Bliss said.

“This experience has taught me so much about myself, and it has allowed me to help others not have to go through the same situation.”

To participate in the walk

October 2013

banning tthe

Annual Cheer Ball canceled due to misbehavior; participants disappointed in elimination of tradition rileymiller opinion editor

Every year, the Blue Valley Dance Team, cheerleaders and their dates are invited to the annual “Cheer Ball,” a dance including schools in the BV School District, the Olathe School District and the Shawnee Mission School District. However, the behavior at the previous dance hosted at BV North resulted in its cancellation for all schools invited.

Varsity cheerleader junior Lexi Ison said she liked Cheer Ball more than the Homecoming and Sweetheart dances she attended.

“I have a lot of cheerleader friends from other schools, so it’s cool getting to come together and seeing different people and meeting different people,” she said. “Cheer Ball is one of the best dances.”

Varsity cheerleader junior Jordan Chalker said several students from other schools were intoxicated at the dance last year — one of the main reasons why the dance was canceled.

“Last year was probably one of the worst,” Chalker said. “There were two or three party buses that got pulled over, and everyone on them was drunk. People were showing up to the dance completely drunk.”

Varsity cheerleader junior Sarani Pachalla said although she had fun and wishes it wouldn’t have been canceled, last year’s dance became too out of hand due to the lack of supervision. “[People were] hiding in trash cans, running around and taking off their dresses at the dance,” she said. “And since it’s a dance for cheerleaders, there were people stunting — like the stunts that we throw up in the air.”

Varsity cheerleader captain senior Morgan Turner said her Cheer Ball experience was eventful as well.

“We were sitting down waiting to leave, and we saw a guy running from the dance because the cops had found out he was drinking,” she said. “He didn’t get caught because he ran and jumped into a trash can.”

Chalker said she was upset to hear Cheer Ball was canceled because she had so much fun in previous years.

“It was something that was special for just cheerleaders and dancers, and it was something that brought us all together,” she said.

upclose

13

ball

“It was a bonding experience, and, personally, I don’t feel it’s fair they punished every single school just because of a few schools’ actions.”

Turner said it’s always been an expectation that many students will be under the influence at Cheer Ball.

Pachalla said the cheerleading squad has made their own traditions for Cheer Ball, but unfortunately, one of their favorites ends this year.

“It’s a tradition on BV cheer that the varsity [squad] gets a party bus — a clean party bus,” she said. “We were looking forward to that because we’re on varsity this year.”

Turner said Cheer Ball will always be her favorite dance, and she’ll always cherish the memories she gained.

“I think you share a lot of similar characteristics if you're a cheerleader or dancer,” she said. “You’re going to want to have a good time; you’re going to be loud; you’re going to be funny; you’re going to love to dance.”

Chalker said Cheer Ball was very different from other school dances, and the students who attend aren’t afraid to have fun or be themselves.

“I feel like it’s because your entire grade isn’t there — there’s no pressure from the different cliques that there are,” she said. “Everyone’s just one big group.”

Pachalla said when she was a freshman, the senior cheerleaders made a big deal out of Cheer Ball in order to get the new cheerleaders pumped up about it.

“At the banquet at the end of the year, the seniors give speeches, and there’s always, like, five whole minutes dedicated to how much fun they had at Cheer Ball,” she said.

Turner said she’s especially upset because she won’t be able to experience Cheer Ball as a senior.

“It was something everyone looked forward to the entire year,” she said. “It was just so sad — I cried because it got canceled. I think it’s hard for people to understand why it’s such a big deal being canceled if you’ve never been to it.”

In lieu of the traditional Cheer Ball dance sponsored by the District, It’s Your Party KC recently volunteered to host the event for the cheerleaders, dancers and their dates. While it is not school-sponsored, it will be similar to the previous dances.

Page designed by Maria Wonderlich, Mollie Hogan and Maddie Jewett.

14

upclose

October 2013

PASSING ON THE TIGER TRADITION Parents continue BV legacy, send children to alma mater daniellewilliams entertainment editor Tradition is one of the core beliefs Blue Valley has been built around, and tradition continues to exist in numerous ways around the school and community. For senior Mackenzie Smith and sophomore Justin Smith, BV tradition has existed in their own household since both their parents attended BV more than 25 years ago.

Mackenzie said sharing the same high school has created a strong bond between her and her parents, who enjoyed their time at BV so much they insisted upon their children attending. Mother Stacey Smith attended BV from 1984-1986, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband. Unfortunately, they both had to attend the new school being built, BV North, and weren’t able to graduate from BV. “I was very upset,” Stacey said. “When we were sophomores, they told us we had to move to the new school, and there was a walk out. Everyone walked from Blue Valley High to the district office. We walked down the middle of the street to protest.”

Stacey said although her time at BV wasn’t as long as she would have liked, she thoroughly enjoyed her experience there and loved the tight community feel that BV possessed.

“We enjoyed going there, and we like the small community vibe the school has and the tradition that the school holds,” Stacey said.

Stacey said BV is much different now than when she attended.

“They have expanded it,” she said. “The school itself was much smaller than it is now.”

Although the school has encountered many changes, there remain a few traditions that have stayed the same throughout the years.

“Football was a huge deal and just the school spirit,” she said. “The teacher involvement was awesome back then, as it is now.”

Stacey attended BV and BV North with the man that would eventually become her

husband. She said they began dating senior year.

“Our lockers were close together,” she said. “We didn’t really hang out in the same group, but we got to know each other.”

Both went to college in Texas, but they decided to move back in The Smith family poses in front of the tiger statue at Blue Valley. From left to right: 1993 and start father Troy Smith, sophomore Justin Smith, senior Mackenzie Smith and mother a family.

Stacey Smith. Photo by Alex Kontopanos.

“We knew we wanted to dition ever since I was little, and I’ve always live out south, and we were hoping our kids [been] driven by it,” she said. “It’s kind of would be able to attend Blue Valley,” she said. strange sometimes seeing some of the same Stacey argues BV is superior to the other teachers [my parents] had, but everything’s schools in the district because of the tradidifferent now. It’s not the same school.” tion and loyalty.

Mackenzie said she is very impressed her “There are so many teachers that have mom found her true love in high school and stayed at the school for so many years,” she they have stayed together since. said. “It just proves that the school itself and “I think it’s weird because I can’t envision the community are tight.” myself dating or marrying anyone from high Many of the staff members who taught school, but I think it’s awesome it can happen Stacey are still around and a part of her chilat Blue Valley,” she said. dren’s education.

Mackenzie said it has become a compe“Peggy Rose was my PE teacher, and she tition among her family on who can win the looks exactly the same as she did in 1985,” most State titles or have their names up in she said. the gym.

Mackenzie said she is very glad her “My dad was a swimmer and a tennis parents decided to move back so she could player, so his name is up in the school,” she attend BV. said. “My mom was a cheerleader, so she “I love it, and I would not want to go to was always a part of winning all the kinds of any other school,” Mackenzie said. “It’s a lot sports. So now it’s a competition between my of fun to get involved because there’s a lot parents, my brother and me.” of spirit and tradition. You can just tell that Mackenzie said she hopes to be able to everyone wants to be there.” carry on the tradition by having her children Mackenzie said she always looked forone day attend BV as well. ward to being able to go to BV when she was “I am probably not going to go to college older and learned the school fight song at a around here,” she said. “But, I think it would young age. be awesome to have a family and have them “It’s cool just because I’ve known the trago here, too.”

Page designed by Danielle Williams and Anna Wonderlich.

October 2013

upclose

15

Comedy troupe prepares for local improv competition rachellock

The stage lights go up, and the performers take their places. The show is ready to begin, but neither the performers nor the audience have any idea what will happen on stage.

There are no lines, sets, costumes or anything else usually associated with theater.

While this may seem alarming, for the Blue Valley Improv Troupe, Fifth Wall, this is a reality. Their performances consist of various improvisation games led by audience suggestions. This year, the stakes will be raised even higher as the team competes at a local improv competition, Comedy City.

Sophomore Lauren Browning and senior Calum Fletcher discussed their excitement and the obstacles they have to face with the new team dynamic. Browning said her favorite part of being on Fifth Wall is seeing the audience’s reaction. Fletcher said Fifth Wall allows him to be more flexible in a performance.

“It’s some great exercise for building up your creativity, especially for acting,” Fletcher said. “In theater, you only have some freedom in your character, but in improv, you can play whatever character you can think of.”

Browning said she thinks Comedy City will be an excellent challenge for her and the rest of the team.

“When we do anything competitively, we will have to learn new skills,” she said. “It will be healthy and good prep for State and future competitions. Also, the restrictions on the specific game requirements will teach us how to succeed with new games and to use new tactics.”

Browning said learning this new way to perform has caused some challenges for the team.

“The fact that you never know what is going to come at you is a pretty big challenge,” Browning said. “The competition has more direct points we get, and it is not just about getting laughs — it’s more structured improv, so we have to focus on more than being funny. We can only have four performers each competition, so that will be a new restriction for us. It will be difficult trying to

use that dynamic.”

Fletcher said competitive improv brings up complications.

“We don’t possess too much experience in head-to-head improvisation, so that might be a challenge,” Fletcher said.

Despite this, Fletcher said he is ready to face that challenge.

Performing a skit, sophomores Sam Kalmus and Joe Nichols mirror each other’s Last year, the actions. Fifth Wall performed their first show of the year on Friday, Sept. 20 in the Fifth Wall team PAC. “I would say there is more pressure,” Fifth Wall actor Zach Miller said. “We won the annuare doing a lot of games that we had never done before comedy city.” Photo by al state-wide Maria Wonderlich. competition at the Kansas State Thespian Conference, and is the first year we’ve had a non-senior in Browning said she believes this success will charge of Fifth Wall, and it’s great to see such continue this year. a dedicated improvador who puts in his best “We will destroy it, and we are working efforts.” really hard. We are putting in a lot of extra Browning said more people have been hours, and [junior] Jefferson [Harwood], attending the shows lately. our captain, is really working on our strategy.

“So far, attendance has been fantastic,” We’re really focusing on State this year, and Browning said. “We actually moved our first I think we have a good chance,” she said. show out of the Black Box [Theater], which is “Nothing can stop us now.” normally where the first show is held because Besides the new competitions, Browning the numbers were so huge. The freshmen said the team’s structure has changed in other are showing a lot of interest in our group, instances, too. which is neat and shows a promising future “We have a lot more sophomores on the for Fifth Wall. It’s looking good, and I think it team, and as the members change, there will continue to grow as more people find out are different dynamics each person brings about Fifth Wall.” a different aspect to,” Browning said. “This Browning said the audience of the show year, so far, we have been really focusing a can really affect the performance. lot on story games, so a lot of the games have “You have to make sure your show reflects more plot and development to them. The what that audience is looking for,” Browning overall change, I think, is that there is a more said. “When we are playing for different venfocused energy.” ues, such as when we perform at Relay For Fletcher said the team has undergone Life, it has to be a completely different kind changes since he was on it in previous years. of show. We can’t make any Blue Valley High “We definitely have more underclassmen jokes there, so that’s a challenge. Audiences’ than we’ve been with in the past, and things suggestions are interesting, and you never can get a bit manic,” Fletcher said. “But it’s know what you’re going to get.” still a friendly environment. The biggest Page designed by change is our leader, Jefferson Harwood. This Rachel Lock and Sally Cochran.

16

indepth

October 2013

it’s time for Fall

Fall cra

Fads of Fall

Expla

Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Ugg boots

Leggings

Sweaters and Sweatshirts

As the summer weather starts cooling down, anticipation goes up for the release of the pumpkin spice lattes. These perennial drinks are only available in the fall and are known for their espresso, pumpkin and cinnamon flavors.

Walking through the halls, countless girls are wearing leggings and boots. This casual look can be dressed up or dressed down.

The most common outfit is leggings and an oversized sweatshirt or sweater. Leggings can be purchased in various colors besides black. Common stores to purchase them are Victoria’s Secret PINK, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Old Navy, American Apparel, Target and Wet Seal.

Fun fall

These boots come back in style year after year because of their comfort and warmth.

However, they are pretty expensive. Prices are around $100 for Ugg brand boots.

However, knockoff Uggs can be purchased for as little as $20.

It’s always nice to throw on the most comfortable oversized sweatshirt or sweater you have during the fall. An effortless outfit could consist of a crew neck sweatshirt and leggings, or to make this comfy look seem a little nicer you could wear a cute, yet comfortable sweater. Some places to purchase sweaters include Forever 21, JCPenney, American Eagle, H&M or Old Navy.

Football season. Pumpkin s lattes. Leggings. Ugg boots. Sw Bonfires.

These are just a few of the cr have in the fall.

Senior Jansen Hess said boy like fall for very different reaso “Well, guys like fall because season starts up again and so d fantasy leagues, so that’s under she said. “But girls love it becau them a chance to be artsy and t Football is something totally di than a pumpkin spice latte and fect cuddling weather.’”

Senior Taylor Justmann sai excited that it’s finally fall.

“I think people love fall bec weather is perfect,” she said. “A doesn’t love BV football season favorite season is definitely fall Hess said one of the more p

festivities

Louisburg Cider Mill This cider mill is well-known for its apple cider, cider donuts, pumpkin patch and corn maze. It is a fun place to go with friends or family and will surely get you in the fall mood. The Cider Mill and Country Store are open Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Halloween. Go have some cider and donuts, and pick out a nice pumpkin to carve for Halloween.

Visit www.louisburgcidermill.com for more information.

KC

The K ner a corn on w addit Maze p.m., 6 p.m place Visit

October 2013

azes

ained

pice eatshirts.

razes teens

ys and girls ns. football o the standable,” use if gives trendy. ifferent the ‘per-

d she is

ause the lso, who n? My .” rominent

fall crazes this year is the pumpkin spice latte.

“I don’t really drink coffee, so I can’t really give my personal opinion on the taste,” she said. “But, according to the girls all over my Twitter feeds, it’s like heaven in a cup. I guess I’ll have to take their word for it.”

Justmann said she loves pumpkin spice lattes.

“They’re really good because once they’re out of season, you have to wait a long time to get them again,” she said.

“The first one is always the best.”

Hess said she doesn’t fully understand the obsession with fall.

“Yeah, [people obsessed with fall] are a little crazy,” Hess said. “Like, we get it.

You like pumpkins, bonfires and lattes.

There’s no need to tweet about it every time. And don’t get me wrong, I love fall, but I’m not overly obsessive about it.”

C Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

KC Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is located in Gardnd offers a multitude of child-friendly activities, a free maze and a pumpkin patch. Admission is $8 plus tax eekdays and $9 plus tax on weekends — and there is an tional cost for pumpkins. KC Pumpkin Patch and Corn e is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It would be a great e to take a younger sibling or even children you babysit. www.kcpumpkinpatch.com for more information.

indepth

17

Pumpkin Spice Latte Challenge I tried a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks, QuikTrip, Take Five and McDonald’s and compared them to decide which is best. They are ranked in order below. Although Starbucks sells the best tasting latte, it is almost four times the price of the Quick Trip one. For those who can’t go a morning without their pumpkin spice latte, I would definitely suggest trying the cheaper option from Quick Trip which is nearly as good.

Starbucks

Price for smallest size including tax: $4.07.

Flavor: Very good. Definitely the best flavor out of all of them.

It tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie and also has a cinnamon flavor.

Color: Brown-orange.

Smell: It smells like fall — pumpkin and cinnamon.

QuikTrip

Price for smallest size including tax: $1.29. This one was the cheapest.

Flavor: Very good. The pumpkin flavor is definitely there, but it isn’t too overwhelming. It’s also kind of cinnamony.

Color: Light creamy brown.

Smell: It smells so good — like fall in a cup. They should make candles that smell like this drink.

Take Five

Price for smallest size including tax: $4.85. This one was the most expensive.

Flavor: It’s really frothy and not really pumpkin flavored at all.

In my opinion, this one was the least fall-like.

Color: Creamy Brown.

Smell: Smelled more like a cinnamon-type coffee.

McDonald’s

Price for smallest size including tax: $2.29.

Flavor: Way too sugary and sweet. Not really any pumpkin flavor at all, it just tastes like sugar. This one was definitely the worst.

Color: Brown-orange.

Smell: It smells like cinnamon sugar.

Photos by Mollie Hogan. Stories and design by Hailey McEntee.

18

upclose

October 2013

Sophomore artist creates paintings, sells art online gennifergeer sports editor Art takes many forms.

Paintings, sculptures, music, drawings, literature.

Art applies to all senses, and one theme unites it all — self expression.

Sophomore Ally Berkowitz discovered her love for art and this self expression over the summer when she took painting classes for fun.

“My mom just signed me up,” she said. “I always wanted a hobby, and when I started painting, I just really liked it. I wanted to learn a lot more.”

Berkowitz said she typically paints with acrylic or watercolor on canvas, and once she finishes, she uploads her work on FineArtAmerica.com.

Fine Art America allows artists to sell prints of their art on almost anything imaginable from framed pictures and canvas to greeting cards and metal sheets.

Art teacher Mark Mosier said the Internet is a good resource for viewing art, but a digital image or print can’t compare to a physical painting.

“The only thing about selling it online is there’s no substitution for experiencing the piece itself,” Mosier said. “A picture online is going to be different in color than the real thing. You don’t get to see the brush strokes.

You don’t get to see the subtle colors an artist might use.”

Berkowitz said she saw an advertisement for the website, and now she uses Fine Art America not only to sell her art, but also to acquire feedback from other artists.

Not that she doesn’t Berkowitz get any now.

“Considering that my grandpa was an artist and my great-grandma was an artist, my parents are really supportive of it,” Berkowitz said. “They really like commenting and giving me feedback on my art, even though they’re not very talented in stuff like that.”

Berkowitz said she also receives constructive criticism from her brother, junior David Berkowitz.

“He gives me lots of harsh feedback, which I kind of like sometimes because he points out the flaws in it,” Ally said. “It also helps me improve a lot more.”

One advantage to Fine Art America is Ally shares her underlying message in her art with the world wide web. The website automatically posts reminders through Ally’s Twitter and Facebook accounts about new art she uploads. In each post, Fine Art America gives followers and friends alike the chance to buy Ally’s pieces.

“The company site has its own prices, so I have to add to it if I want to make a profit,” Ally said. “On the small ones, I add $10. The

big ones are up to [$]40.”

Mosier said there’s slight danger to having access to art online.

“I guess I would be a little concerned if they’re all available electronically — does that encourage other people to borrow or plagiarize or do other things if it’s that readily accessible?” he said. “If it’s a painting on the wall, it’s a little hard to do anything with that.

But if it’s electronic, you can always copy and paste it into something and call it your own.”

Ally said her paintings take different amounts of time to finish.

“I like doing it in one day, for some reason,” she said. “I start in the afternoon and, depending how detailed the painting is, it can go to 10 [p.m.] — one time I stayed up till 3 [a.m.].”

Ally said she pulls inspiration from what she sees around her, as well as from famous quotes.

“Most of my pieces have a deeper meaning,” Ally said. “I think most art does that.”

When it comes to students displaying art online, Mosier said using the Internet progresses from technology he had as a student, and he approves of the use.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Mosier said.

“It seems like a logical regression for people to have electronic galleries or electronic methods of showing off their work rather than just having conventional prints or paintings or something like that where you put it on the wall.”

To see Berkowitz’s art, visit bvtigernews.com.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

October 2013

upclose 19

faith 50-yard line on the

Photo by Raine Andrews.

Students gather weekly for religious games, discussions at newly-formed Bible study bridgethoward

Homework.

Netflix.

Twitter.

Instagram.

More homework.

These are some typical Sunday evening activities, right?

How about attending a Bible study on the Blue Valley football field?

Reading Bible verses?

Playing games and getting to meet new people in other grades?

Seniors Andy Porter and Savannah Spicer teamed up with sophomore Shawn Alexander to create a student-based Bible study on the BV football field every Sunday night at 7 p.m.

“Shawn Alexander came up with the initial idea after going to [Fellowship of Christian Athletes] camp this past summer,” Spicer said. “Then, he asked me and Andy Porter if we were interested in starting the group.”

The Bible study began meeting weekly on

{

meet the bible study leaders:

Aug. 25.

“I think as the year goes on, more people will start joining us because they are hearing about it from the people that already go and will want to see how cool the Bible study is for themselves,” Alexander said.

Spicer said about 15 to 25 students attend the Bible study each week.

“We start out by just hanging out on the football field, eating snacks, playing frisbee or volleyball and just catching up with each other,” she said. “Then, after about half an hour, we split into our smaller groups — Andy takes the guys, and I take the girls. In our smaller groups, we both have individual lesson plans. I like to start out by asking the girls about their week and times they saw God working in their lives. Then, we start talking about a certain topic.”

Spicer said she encourages other students to come and be a part of the Bible study.

“If I could say one thing to get more students involved in Bible study, I would encourage students to not be afraid to come out on Sunday nights,” she said. “I know high school holds a lot of pressures and stressful situations, but I truly believe that going to

}

Spicer

Bible study will help their lives immensely.”

Spicer said she hopes to connect with students in each grade and share a common interest with them.

“I’m looking forward to growing closer in fellowship and faith with not only the girls, but all the students that come,” she said. “I’m also really excited to see how this can make a change in our school.”

Alexander said his favorite part of the Bible study is the group prayer at the end.

“I love the prayer because the whole group comes together and thanks the Lord for each other and prays to strengthen us to face the week ahead,” he said.

Spicer and Porter said they are trying to make other students who are not involved more aware of the group.

“We are trying to get other students involved through social media like Twitter and Instagram,” Alexander said. “I think at first people would think it is a little bit weird to have a student Bible study on Sunday evenings, but once they get into sports, games and studying of the Bible they would love how much fun and would join us every week.”

Porter

Alexander Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

20

upclose

October 2013

Connecting

Cultures

Foreign exchange students share customs, compare lifestyles Stories by Rachel Cannon.

Osama Al-Haiki, Yemen Host: Norma Latini Question: What is the biggest difference between the clothing here and where are you from?

Answer: In the schools, we have school uniforms. We usually wear Al-Haiki the same thing — we wear the blue shirts and jeans. And here it’s different — anybody wears what [he or she] wants.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat here?

A: Here [there are] so many different things.

I think Kansas is famous for the steak, and I love this. My host family always [has] steak.

Q: At home?

A: The main dish is always rice, but we have minor dishes, too. And the main course is lunch, not dinner as here. So, [for] dinner, we just have a small snack or sandwich — it’s

like a breakfast here.

Q: Biggest difference overall?

A: It’s totally different. I mean, life is very different. People are different. [The] school system is different. Like, for schools back home, we sit in one class, and teachers come around — we don’t leave the class. We study with the same group the whole year. Here, we move from class to class, and in each class we have different people. Family’s traditions [are] different. Everything is different.

Q: Favorite thing here?

A: Weekends. I enjoy weekends because we do lots of activities here on weekends. Back home, every day is a weekend. I mean, after school we can do whatever we want, but here we usually stay late for school. Then we have sports to do, so [the schedule is] totally different.

Q: At home?

A: My favorite thing is, of course, my family and friends.

Q: Stereotypes of people here?

A: They told me that people [might not be very friendly] or that they won’t accept people from other countries or from other religions. I heard so many stories that I was like, “Oh, I’m going to come here and face so many problems,” but when I came here, it’s totally different. It’s all the opposite. People are friendly. Everything is good. Teachers, schools, everyone is great.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about being in the States for a year?

A: I’m excited to let people know about my country more, get to know America, present Yemen in the right way, improve my English, [and] make new friends.

Q: What’s your favorite activity here and at home?

A: I play soccer here, and I play soccer at home. The thing I like here is football because we don’t have football there. So, it’s really interesting, and I love to watch it.

Alessandro Pastore, Italy Host Family: Klehn family *Bailey Klehn is a sophomore at Blue Valley.

Q: Biggest difference?

A: The biggest difference that I notice Pastore between Italy and America is the school.

The school program is very different because in Italy, we can’t choose our subjects.

I think also the atmosphere here is very different. The teacher helps you with your studies and with your qualities. In Italy, the atmosphere is [that] they expect [a lot of] you, but they don’t help you very much.

Q: What is your favorite food here?

A: My house mom cooked me eggs Bene-

dict. It’s like bacon and eggs. I’m liking all the food that is here. It’s very different from Italy, but it’s good.

Q: At home?

A: It is called lasagna. I like my grandmother’s one because she is a good cook, and she made it very well.

Q: What stereotypes do you think there are about the United States?

A: There are a lot of stereotypes. We have the stereotype [that] in the school there are the cool guy and the girlfriend is like the cool cheerleader, but it’s not like this.

Q: About Italy?

A: I have talked with my house dad about this, and he told me that we [Italians] use [our] hands to talk and that we talk loud. Yeah, we eat a lot of food — also, the spaghetti.

Q: Differences in sports?

A: The big difference is the football, for Italy it’s like soccer is your football. And we have a big deal with soccer. We don’t have football. Also the school offers these kinds of sports because you have tennis fields, football fields.

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

A: Now, I’m excited for Homecoming cause it’s my first time I have ever gone to a party, and we don’t have [these parties] in Italy [that are] organized by the school. And, I can try to speak well, better at least, [so] I can communicate with people better.

Q: What do you miss most?

A: My friends, and [that] we can walk from [one] place to another because here it’s like so big and so spread out. But I’m enjoying myself here — it’s so cool.

October 2013

upclose

21

Yasmin Wilnis, the Netherlands Host Family: Jewell family *Kristina Jewell is a junior at BV. Q: Biggest difference in clothing?

A: Everyone dresses really athletic here, whereas if I just came in, Wilnis like, sweat pants or just normal athletic shorts [at home] they’d just be like, “What are you wearing?” So, everyone is like really athletic, which I like cause it’s really, like, just easy and really relaxing.

Q: Favorite food from the U.S.?

A: Oh my gosh. Well, I really like the barbecue here — I don’t know if it’s just Kansas or just U.S. — but it’s really, really good. I went to Buffalo Wild Wings Friday for the first time, and it was absolutely amazing. So, that was really good. I’ve really been enjoying Chipotle.

Q: Favorite thing about living here so far?

A: Probably the school spirit. The school is one big family. And all the activities — cross country and stuff — I’ve really enjoyed that.

And the games — football games — [have] been really good.

Q: Favorite thing at home?

A: I used to dance back home, and I’m really missing that — my theater and stuff like that.

Q: Most annoying thing about living here so far?

A: That you have to drive everywhere. You guys don’t have subways or buses. I’m from a big city, and that’s what I’m used to. So probably that everything’s kind of spread out.

Q: Least favorite thing about where you’re from?

A: I think everything here is a lot better to be honest. Just everything. Just the whole idea of the American Dream and stuff like that.

That everything is possible. So I think that’s pretty amazing.

Q: Stereotypes about here?

A: There are a few stereotypes. Obviously you have the cheerleaders, [but] they’ve been really nice. The football players who are, like, the jocks. They’ve been very, very nice as well.

Q: Stereotypes about where you’re from?

A: Yes. People think we walk in those clogs — wooden clogs. Um, we do not walk in wooden clogs. And everyone thinks we take drugs and stuff because its legal — weed is legal. No, we do not all smoke weed. We do not get drunk every single night (because, obviously, the drinking age is 16).

Q: What are you looking forward to the most?

A: Just this whole school year. I’m really looking forward to the dances — homecoming and prom — and all the big school events, even the games.

Q: What do you miss the most?

A: I really miss my family and my friends.

But I speak to them quite often — thank God for Skype and Facebook.

Michael Wegner, Germany

Wegner

Host Family: Boten family *Quinton Boten is a sophomore at BVHS Q: Is there a difference between the clothing here and the clothing in Germany?

A: No. Not at all.

Q: What is your favorite food you’ve had in the

U.S.?

A: Burrito.

Q: What is the biggest difference between

this school and your school at home?

A: The high school spirit. You have a lot of spirit here and much more homework.

Q: Difference in technology?

A: No. I think it’s the same.

Q: Did anything shock you when you came here?

A: Peanut butter. You do peanut butter on celery. That’s really shocking.

Q: What is the difference in the weather?

A: It’s better. It’s more extreme — it’s hotter, and it’s colder.

Q: What stereotypes did you have of Americans before you came here?

A: That they are fat [laughs].

Q: What stereotypes do you think we have of people in Germany?

A: They are drinking a lot.

Q: What are you most excited about for your year here?

A: Homecoming now, prom, and these things. And the basketball games cause you have basketball games at school. It will be very nice.

Q: What do you miss most about Germany?

A: My family, and [being able] to drive. The organization [doesn’t allow] me to drive.

Mustofa Tamal Lubis, Indonesia Host: Norma Latini Q: Biggest difference?

A: The culture is very different between my country and this country. In my country, it’s very hard to go to school. We must have Tamal Lubis respect [for the teacher]. Here, it’s different because we are [like friends] with the teachers. In my country, there’s so many rules about [manners].

Q: Favorite thing to eat at home?

A: We call it rendang. It’s like meat — but very spicy meat.

Q: Here?

I [really like] pasta. In my country we have pasta, but [here] I think it’s different because [there are] so many kinds.

Q: Stereotypes about the United States?

A: Before I [came] here my stereotypes [about the] U.S.A. [were] tall people, long hair, and everyday they eat bread because everyday in my country we eat rice. And the stereotype of the U.S. is freedom.

Q: Stereotypes about where you are from?

A: I think [the] stereotype about my country

is [that we are] kind, like [to talk], like to make a friend.

Q: What do you miss from Indonesia?

A: The thing that makes me miss my home is my family. I miss the ‘crowded’ because in my country, when we are gathered together, they’re so crowded. They’re so fun.

Q: What do you like about the States?

A: I [really] like the freedom. We can [say] what we want. We can [say] our opinion here.

Page designed by Hailey McEntee.

stage

Photos by Alex Kontopanos. Page designed by Rachel Cannon and Anna Wonderlich.

The Fresh Market

rachelcannon According to cbsnews.com, the Food and Drug Administration allows up to 20 maggots in 100 grams of drained mushrooms, up to a 12 percent mold count in apple products and one rodent hair in 100 grams of peanut butter.

Before you write to your congressman in protest, you should check out The Fresh Market, a gourmet supermarket new to Overland Park.

The Fresh Market sells fresh, high-quality food from local, national and global producers.

I have to be honest. I love healthy food, but I’ve never been into the whole organic, fresh-off-the-farm idea. It just isn’t practical.

No way am I going to drive all the way to some healthy foods store to pay a bunch for the same types of foods I could get at the grocery store four minutes from my house.

After going to The Fresh Market, though, I might have to change my mind.

The store gives a good impression right off the bat with wooden floors, European-style shelving, cute decor — even classical music.

And there are rows after rows of options — over 30 coffee ground flavors and blends, baked goods ranging from Heath-flavored

cookies to Bundt cakes and a ton of trail mixes — just to name a few.

In short — it’s a chef ’s paradise.

I, on the other hand, felt a little lost. I mean, what the heck is a pummelo anyway?

(In case you’re wondering, a pummelo is the largest citrus fruit found in Asia and other regions — it is similar to a grapefruit, only it tastes sweeter, according to paramountcitrus. com.)

Nevertheless, anyone who is willing to get out of their comfort zone could learn a lot by experimenting with all the exotic produce and ingredients.

Don’t get me wrong — I think anyone can enjoy The Fresh Market. Savvy shoppers can easily find the following necessities: lip balm, lunch for those on the go and a large smorgasbord of candy.

(Importance not in that order.)

Even my personal favorite,

sushi, is available in cute, little arrangements.

The Fresh Market also offers more traditional items such as frozen and canned goods and ice cream.

So, by now you’re probably thinking there must be some sort of catch.

And you might be right.

For the most part, The Fresh Market’s products are pretty pricey, but the reason The Fresh Market is special isn’t that it is really cheap — it’s that the food is high quality (and delicious).

Remember those maggots? Well, though I cannot promise you won’t find one of those on your plate, hopefully you have a better shot at sanitation shopping at The Fresh Market.

October 2013

Innovative iOS7 Safari

Thursday

iTunes Store

24

Calendar

Videos

centerstage

23

What do you think of the update?

Photos

alyssahess The apps.

The letters.

The backgrounds.

The control center.

The parallax motion effects. iTunes radio.

These are just a few of the new features that are included in Apple’s new software update, iOS 7.

Other new features include a completely new design, a helpful control center and a smarter way of multitasking. Changes from the old software include notification center, Siri, camera and photo albums and Find My iPhone.

The major difference becoming controversial is the design.

I think it looks a lot like a Windows or Android device. Some say they think it looks more organized and they like the colors — mostly girls say that. The new font and cartoon look of the apps make the design appear as if a teenage girl designed it. Obviously not, since the design was not only made for looks.

The design was created to make the everyday things you do seem effortless and useful. Details such as the redrawn icons, the new sense of dimension and updates to the technology all work together to create a more harmonious and delightful experience overall.

The design is created around the user — users of Apple’s iOS7 did not have to completely change the way they use their phone when they made the decision to update their device.

The Control Center is very helpful allowing a variety of options to be just a swipe away, letting you do the things you need to quickly — turn on or off Airplane mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Do Not Disturb; adjust the screen’s brightness and orientation; play, pause or skip a song; and access a built-in flashlight, timer, calculator and camera.

Just like before, the notification center allows you to know about new mail, missed calls, weather and notifications from different apps. But now you can access a summary of what your day will be like and what you have scheduled for tomorrow. Also, you have the option to look at a recap of today, all or missed notifications.

Multitasking is now a lot easier with your iPhone. Press the home button twice to preview screens you have open and swipe up on the preview to quit the app. This makes it easier to switch between two apps without having to exit each one a million times. iTunes Radio is almost exactly like an application most of us are familiar with — Pandora. It gives you the option to customize stations based on genre, artist or song.

Depending on which station you’re on, it will shuffle songs that are similar. Unlike Pandora, you can make an iTunes wish list, a list of songs you want to buy on iTunes later on. You can add a song to your wish list by pressing the star button.

Siri now checks more sources when answering questions such as Bing, Wikipedia and Twitter. Siri takes on extra tasks such as returning calls, playing voicemail and controlling iTunes Radio. Siri will no longer annoyingly say “I couldn’t find anything for this — would you like to search the web?” but comes up with the web search as the answer the first time. She indicates if she’s listening by showing sound waves of your voice.

The voice of Siri also sounds clearer and more realistic, and you have the option to make it a man’s voice or different kinds of funny accents.

With new additions to the camera, different formats are right at your fingertips.

It now gives you the option to take a picture as a square, put filters on your photos before or after you take them or take continuous pictures by just holding down the capture button. This makes taking a thousand selfies on your friend’s phone a lot easier.

Page designed by Alyssa Hess.

Photo illustrations by Meredith Strickland.

24

centerstage

“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” Release Date: Dec. 13, 2013 Interest Level: 4 out of 5

In the newest Peter Jackson nerdfest, Bilbo (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the Dwarves have made it to Smaug’s lair, filled with immense riches, and — pause for dramatic effect — a dragon. This is part two of the Hobbit movie trilogy and brings back some “Lord of the Rings” favorites including the elf Legolas (Orlando Bloom) — ladies, hold onto your panties. From the trailer, it seems to be an action-packed climax adventure easily worth a $15 IMAX ticket.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” Release Date: TBD Interest Level: 10 out of 5

“All is well.” These were the last three words in the seventh “Harry Potter” novel. And for the fans everything was — for a while. But we wanted more. We craved it.

And we got it, thank the Lord, hallelujah! This movie is taking place 70 years prior to the birth of our beloved hero Harry, and follows the writer Newt Scamander and his adventures in New York City.

From this brief description provided by the wonderful people of IMDb.com, it answers the question of, “Are there wizards in America?” It brings back the sadness of never receiving your Hogwarts letter — or whatever the United States equivalent is — though we can keep our fingers crossed for this movie.

October 2013

M VIE MANIA sheilagregory staff writer

Upcoming movie releases draw attention from viewers; fans anticipate release of sequels

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Release Date: Nov. 22, 2013 Interest Level: 5 out of 5

“Chins up, smiles on.” This will be the reaction of fans everywhere when they catch this much-anticipated dystopian thriller. Picking up where it left off, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must face the consequences of the revolution she inadvertently started. Will she and Gale get together?

Will President Snow kill her? Will Miley come at Jennifer Lawrence with a wrecking ball for kissing her ex-fiance (as seen in the trailer)? With “The Hunger Games” grossing $4.08 million, this new sequel will hopefully surpass those profits and the raving fans’ expectations.

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich and Sheila Gregory.

“Thor: Dark World” Release Date: November 8, 2013 Interest Level: 2 out of 5

Let’s face it — no one liked Thor until the Avengers. Now back with Chris Hemsworth’s third movie as the thunder god from Asgard, Thor must combat a force that’s not to be reckoned with. This journey will reunite him with Jane (Natalie Portman) — his sort-of girlfriend from the first movie. Just from the trailer, Loki (Tom Hiddleston), his evil brother, returns to “help.”

Marvel fans everywhere will most likely eat this one up.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” Release Date: Dec. 20, 2013 Interest Level: 5 out of 5

“Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention? I’ve just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you to stop what you’re doing and listen.” Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and the entire Channel 4 news team is back and better than ever with new comedic faces such as Kristen Wiig, Jim Carrey and Amy Poehler. In this sequel, released almost 10 years after the first movie, Ron, Champ (David Koechner), Brian (Paul Rudd) and Brick (Steve Carell) take on the new challenge of a 24-hour news station. “Love lamp,” but also buy tickets in advance, camp out in front of the theater, grow a Ron Burgundy-worthy mustache and definitely see this movie.

October 2013

CLASH

of the

centerstage

25

COMICS

Story and page design by Rachel Lock.

The two superhero comic studios produce high-grossing, action-packed movies that have grown in popularity recently, but which company is the best: DC Comics or Marvel?

The following are some of the best-known movies made by the two rival studios that bring these well-known comic book heroes to life.

Information from IMDB.com.

DC Comics “The Dark Knight” Fan Rating: 9/10 Critic Metascore: 82/100 2 Oscar Wins: Best Achievement in Sound Editing (Richard King), Best Supporting Actor (Heath Ledger) 6 Oscar Nominations: Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Mixing Released: July 18, 2008 Plot Summary: A new villain, The Joker (Heath Ledger), plagues the streets of Gotham. As law officers struggle to catch him, Batman (Christian Bale) takes the law into his own his hands while fighting his long-time feelings for best friend and Assistant District Attorney, Rachel Dawes (Maggie Gyllenhaal).

“Man of Steel” Fan Rating: 7.6/10 Critic Metascore: 55/100 Released: June 14, 2013 Plot Summary: So-called native Kansan Clark Kent aka Superman (Henry Cavill) must confront his extraterrestrial heritage when inhabitants of his planet invade. Clark struggles to fine tune his powers to save Earth while confronting his romantic feelings for Lois Lane (Amy Adams).

“Green Lantern” Fan Rating: 5.7/10 Critic Metascore: 39/100 Released: June 17, 2011 Plot Summary: Arrogant test pilot Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) must put aside his own doubts when chosen by an alien ring to protect mankind. Hal must take on an evil being who feeds off of fear to save the universe from destruction.

Other Films To See: “Batman Begins” (2005), “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) Future Films: “Batman vs. Superman” aka “Man of Steel 2” (July 17, 2015), “The Flash” (2016)

“I think DC is better because I grew up watching the Justice League and playing with Superman and Batman,” junior Brittany Walsh said.

Marvel

“The Avengers” Fan Rating: 8.2/10 Critic Metascore: 69/100 1 Oscar Nomination: Best Achievement in Visual Effects Released: May 4, 2012 Plot Summary: With a threatening alien attack looming over the world, a secret government agency called S.H.I.E.L.D. assembles a team of heroes to save the day. From many different backgrounds and clashing personalities, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) struggle to unite against the alien force.

“Iron Man” Fan Rating: 7.9/10 Critic Metascore: 79/100 2 Oscar Nominations: Best Achievement in Sound Editing, Best Achievement in Visual Effects Released: May 2, 2008 Plot Summary: Billionaire weapons manufacturer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is kidnapped by a terrorist group in Afghanistan. To escape, he creates a suit of armor, giving him superhuman powers while wearing it. This changes his outlook on his lifestyle, causing him to use the suit to bring justice to those deserving of it.

“Spider-Man” Fan Rating: 7.3/10 Critic Metascore: 73/100 2 Oscar Nominations: Best Sound, Best Visual Effects Released: May 3, 2002 Plot Summary: Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), your average, awkward high school student, gets his world turned upside down when bitten by a genetically-modified spider. After a family tragedy, this teen must use his spider-like abilities to battle evil villains.

Other Films To See: “Iron Man 3” (2013), “Thor” (2011), “Spider-Man 2” (2004) Future Films: “Thor: The Dark World” (Dec. 8, 2013), “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” (May 1, 2015)

“I like Marvel better because they’re the classics,” senior Ryan Russell said.

26

payin’thebills

October 2013

9804 W. 130th Street (913) 681-6993 Overland Park, KS 66213 THE

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

www.bvtigernews.com

F A K S A T E R B WITH BETHEL COLL E

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF CONVERSATION AND EXPLORATION ABOUT BETHEL COLLEGE!

GE

NOV. SATURDAY

9, 2013 10:00 AM—11:30 AM

Meet Bethel students, faculty, admissions counselors, young alumni and the Bethel president.

Find out more about our academic programs, campus life, extracurricular activities, financial aid and so much more!

PLEASE RSVP BY TUESDAY, NOV. 5,

TO MICHAEL UNRUH IN THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

BEST BACCALAUREATE COLLEGE— Ranked #3 in the country according to Washington Monthly 2013–2014

Future students, parents and families are all invited to attend.

For more information, please contact: Michael Unruh, Admissions Counselor munruh@bethelks.edu office: 316-284-5236 cell: 620-382-6560 (call or text)

DOUBLETREE HOTEL 10100 COLLEGE BOULEVARD OVERLAND PARK, KS 66210

BETHELKS.EDU

October 2013

a

game

27

Several volleyball players face setbacks from injuries; players share details, road to recovery time. Rogers was able to make a successful recovery and rejoined the starting team in late September.

“I couldn’t do much for a week except just walk around my neighborhood, and I just kind of gradually got back into volleyball,” she said.

mattantonic A Torn ACL:

Summer volleyball camp is supposed to be a fun time for volleyball players, who work themselves back into form for the upcoming season. But for varsity player senior Aubrey Jeffries, an injury put an end to her promising season before it really got started. The first game of the camp turned out to be the only volleyball action Jeffries would see all season, as she was struck by a devastating tear to her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

“We were playing in our first game,” she said. “I went up to hit a ball, and I only landed on my left leg. I just kind of landed wrong.

It literally just popped four or five times.”

The ACL is one of four ligaments supporting the human knee. A tear or separation can be devastating, usually ending an athlete’s season. Unfortunately, this was also to be the case for Jeffries. Most ACL tears require some sort of surgical procedure. Jeffries had an arthroscopic procedure, in which a doctor inserted an endoscope through a small incision to perform reconstruction.

“The doctor didn’t have to cut my knee open entirely,” she said. “He did most of it with scopes and what-not. The two ends of my ACL that were broken apart were removed, and the new one was put in as graft.”

Grafting is a procedure when tissue is taken from one part of the body and placed in another part for a different use.

“I had my graft taken from my patellar tendon and was reshaped in the form of my ACL,” she said.

Jeffries had a successful procedure and has now moved on to the recovery phase with stretches for her quads, hamstring and calves.

tigerturf

Allen “I have been in physical therapy since two days after my surgery,” she said. “I had surgery June 26, and I have now been cleared to run and do weight-bearing activities.”

A Ruptured Appendix:

During an August volleyball practice, varsity player senior Chloe Rogers began to feel an uncomfortable pain in her abdomen.

The pain bothered her, but she couldn’t figure out what it was. She visited doctors, but none of them could figure out the real problem. “[The doctors] thought it was an ulcer,” Rogers said. “Nobody could figure out what it really was.”

But the injury was no ulcer — Rogers’ appendix had ruptured without anyone knowing. The appendix is a small pouch hanging off of the intestines that serves as a safe house for good bacteria. An infection in the appendix area causes it to become inflamed, and, if left untreated, it can rupture.

The doctors finally realized the problem and quickly made up their minds to perform an emergency appendectomy, a procedure where the appendix is removed permanently.

“They had to take my appendix and part of my colon out, and I was in the hospital for a week,” Rogers said.

For Rogers, the early August practice season became a nightmare.

“The pain just came out of nowhere, and I was in pain for about a month,” Rogers said.

Appendectomies often cause athletes, to be immobilized for a prolonged period of

A Broken Finger:

Having an 150-pound car door slammed against the left hand in the middle of volleyball season is not an ideal scenario for any athlete to have to go through.

But for varsity player sophomore Liz Allen, it became a painful reality when the accidental shutting of a trunk door left her middle finger broken and in screaming pain. “ I was bending over and I kind of leaned up against the car, right where the door shuts. The door accidentally got closed on my hand. It was a ton of pain to be in.”

Despite the circumstances, Allen was fortunate her dominant hand was not hurt, and she would be able to recover more quickly. “[The injury] was with my left hand, and I am right-handed, so it was just setting and blocking that I couldn’t really do,” she said.

After she was cleared to return, her finger was not fully healed but had strong enough that she could play with a protective casing around her finger cast. However, in one incident, referees wouldn’t let her wear the cast case during a game.

“I had a cast to wear with a plastic covering for protection, and they made me take the case off because they said I was using it to my advantage,” she said. “It was annoying because my finger had not all the way healed, and it still hurts.”

Allen had to sit out for a period of three weeks before being cleared, a relief for the team that has suffered a rash of injuries, Allen has been able to get back into volleyball, and her finger has seen improvement.

“My finger is not fully healed yet, but it will be fine in a few weeks,” she said.

Page designed by Matt Antonic.

28

tigerturf

October 2013

reaching the

GOAL

Soccer team focuses on small details for improvement, sees success in current season

meghankennedy Stepping onto the field in their first rivalry match of the season, the Blue Valley boy’s varsity soccer team notices one thing — fans.

Not just four or five seniors, but about 60 students dressed head to toe in Hawaiian apparel, corresponding with the game’s theme.

The boys’ faces light up with excitement as they have their biggest crowd in years.

A BV defender runs up the field with the ball as three BV West mid-fielders charge him.

He fakes left, then goes right, no longer near the opponents.

He crosses the ball to forward senior Sam Roussopoulos who runs to the corner.

Pulling the ball back between his legs, Roussopoulos avoids West’s defenders.

He crosses the ball to forward senior Ben McDonald, who takes one hard, powerful kick.

Goal.

Absolute chaos erupts within the stands.

Leis are tossed in the air.

Beach balls fly.

However, the team’s still down by two goals.

Making an Improvement:

Varsity soccer coach K. Dean Snell said the team goes over similar drills as they have in the past, but the returning varsity experience has made them more successful.

“One of our main focuses this year is paying attention to discipline and detail, and [the players] are doing a very good job of doing that,” he said. “The kids just got bigger, faster and stronger.

They’ve gotten more skilled, and they have a better understanding of what the competition will be like. One of my philosophies is that the little things are what make a big difference, and they’re doing all of the little things.”

McDonald said the biggest difference from last year’s team to that of this year is the level of experience each player has.

“I experienced the State run sophomore year first-hand,” he said. “I try to use that experience to help some of the younger guys that are in the same spot I was two years ago. Most of the guys have a full year of varsity experience now. This team has a confidence about themselves that we just didn't have last year.

We’re learning from all of our mistakes from last year because we lost a lot of games last year that we shouldn't have. This year’s team fights until the end and finds ways to win games.”

Roussopoulos said the team started the season with intense

practices to prepare the new varsity players for the season.

“We took our first couple practices really fast and really serious to show what a varsity game would be like,” he said. “When we played West, Snell put them in the game for a little bit to show how fast the games are, and that has helped them better prepare for the rest of the year. Oh, I just love Snell. This year, we’re focusing more on our strengths as a team and working more on formations, and that’s done wonders for us.”

As of Oct. 7, Roussopoulos had 13 assists on the year, breaking the school record for most assists in a single season. “[Breaking the school record] feels pretty good, I guess,” he said.

McDonald said he is proud of Roussopoulos for breaking the record.

“I couldn't be happier for him,” he said. “He is such an unselfish player and absolutely deserves it. His assists have won us a lot of games already and makes my job a lot easier.”

Roussopoulos said the team has been working really hard on strategies to get the ball in the net.

“Early on, we did lots of running to stay in shape and be able to play for the full 80 minutes,” he said.

All About the Fans: Snell said the strong fan base has boosted the players’ morale.

“I definitely think the fans have an impact,” he said. “[The team] plays with a little added pride — they have a lot of pride to begin with in the program, themselves and each other — but when they see their peers at the games or know they’re coming, it’s a little added incentive to perform to the best of their ability.

It’s been awesome to see the fan support from the school.”

Roussopoulos said the fans have had a huge impact on the Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

way the team plays.

“It’s fantastic to see all the fans,” he said. “The first West game — man, that was just wonderful. Coming out during halftime and just seeing everyone was probably one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever seen. We might have had that many fans at the State finals game two years ago, but never at an actual season game. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. ”

October 2013

tigerturf

29

meet the

CAPTAINS Captain Chemistry:

The 2013 varsity captains are McDonald, Roussopoulos and senior Jackson Macoubrie.

“I think [the captains] spend some time together talking about the game and the team,” Snell said. “I talk to them about the expectations for the team, so I think they work real well together.

[McDonald] is more of a vocal leader, and [Roussopoulos] is more of a one-on-one leader in terms of talking to the players on the team. [Macoubrie] is more vocal, not so much in team meetings, but more on the field. They all lead by example with how hard they work.”

There are 10 seniors on the team this year.

“This year, the senior leadership has been good,” Snell said. “About six of the seniors play quite a bit and have started at least one game.

They mainly lead by example — they’re focused, and they challenge the underclassmen

to play to their potential. I think it is hard for the younger players to adjust to the field of play, but they take it as a challenge. They don’t play scared.”

Roussopoulos said the guys have strong team chemistry.

“We’re all just a big group of friends,” he said. “You can tell that by just looking at us.

We have this big group chat, and it’s one heck of a group chat, that’s for sure. It’s something else.”

Snell said having the players get to know each other on and off the field has made a huge difference in the way they play.

“We have done a lot of little things — nothing huge — like working on team chemistry,” he said. “I think that has been a key factor to their performance. I think the biggest goal for us is to get better every day in everything we do. One of the things I tell them everyday is if we continue to improve, the record will speak for itself.”

Macoubrie

McDonald

Raising the Bar:

Since it is their last year, McDonald said all the seniors give their best effort every game.

“The biggest goal for me is for this team to have no regrets after the last game,” he said. “Hopefully, that's at State, but we have some work to do to get there. I just tell [the team] these games we play are going to be what we look back on and remember about high school. Also, just to give it all you got for your teammates out there and play with love in your hearts.”

Roussopoulos said his main hope for the season is to have a winning record.

Snell has coached 25 years,

Roussopoulos

entering his 13th season at BV. “I was an athlete all through high school and college,” he said. “I feel like what I’m doing now is my way of giving back to what I got and the experiences I had when I was competing. I receive a lot of energy from the kids when I see them work hard, and that encourages me to work harder and to be a better coach today than I was yesterday. I’ve always said when you stop having fun with what you’re doing, then you need to stop and ask yourself why you keep doing it. I’m still having fun coaching and as long as I’m still having fun, I’m going to keep doing it.”

Page designed by Anna Wonderlich.

30

tigerturf

October 2013

picking passions cassienichols 3:30-5 p.m. — Team dinner.

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Away volleyball game.

8-10 p.m. — Homework.

And tennis?

Like many other high school students, freshman Lauren Stubbs plays two sports and while managing her schoolwork. But, she has also achieved something many high school athletes have not.

Not only does she play volleyball and tennis, but she is also nationally ranked in both.

Stubbs started tennis when she was four years old and volleyball when she was in the fourth grade. Her volleyball team, KC Power, received second place while competing in nationals, and she has made it to the Sweet 16 Tournament for doubles in tennis.

“Last year, my volleyball team finished 15th in the nation, and I am currently

Stubbs

ranked 383rd nationally for tennis,” Stubbs said.

During the club volleyball season — November through July — Stubbs practices three days a week. However, now that she is playing for the BV varsity volleyball team, she has scheduled mandatory practices every day.

When Stubbs transitioned to high school at BV, she was greeted with a decision. She had to choose between two fall sports she had grown up playing.

“I wish volleyball and tennis were different seasons so I could do both,” she said.

While making the decision, Stubbs said her coaches, parents and friends did not influence her one way or another — they just wanted her to play whatever sport she desired.

“It was really hard to choose, but I chose volleyball because with volleyball I can still find time to play [tennis outside of school],” Stubbs said.

She said varsity volleyball is a large time commitment, especially as a freshman, so lately Stubbs has not been playing tennis as much as she used to. She still enjoys competing in matches whenever she can find the time.

Stubbs said the upperclassmen on the volleyball team are doing an excellent job of making the new team members feel welcome.

“They have all been really nice to us freshmen and haven’t treated us any differently,” she said. “It’s nice to be a part of a team that supports your decisions.”

“Last year, my volleyball team

Stubbs

Photo by Alex Kontopanos.

Page designed by Cassie Nichols and Anna Wonderlich.

October 2013

Cross Country carries on “run about items of interest mattantonic While a cross country runner jogs along during an after-school run and suddenly encounters a little girl’s lost jacket, one thing is going through his or her mind: put it on and claim it as a run find.

Cross Country runners are permitted to take items of interest they find while on their runs around town. Lost toys, shoes and tools are fair game for team members. The items can be claimed and taken back to school, then shown to coaches.

Coach Diana Huber started the tradition five years ago to be a fun and environmentally friendly activity.

“The tradition was started mainly as a way to clean up litter but also to have fun in the process,” she said.

In the beginning, team members took advantage of relatively lax rules, forcing Huber to initiate some policy changes.

“I keep having to change the rules,” she said. “One year, we had a cat skeleton brought it in, so I had to change the rules to exclude anything that used to be living.”

Huber said she has had some very interesting items brought in over the past five years.

“I had someone bring in a lawnmower and a bird cage,” she said. “We also always get little kids clothing that the runners want to wear.”

The current rules allow for a variety of

finds but are very straightforward. Nothing can be taken out of someone’s yard or from the Blue Valley property. Nothing that is or ever was alive can be taken, and items are supposed to be roughly the size of a brown bag. Team members who bring in anything illegal will most likely get a one way ticket to see Campus Police Officer Dennis Randall.

Several team members have come into trouble due to a misjudged attempt on claiming a run find.

A typical after school run turned into quite a debacle for one runner, whose youthful curiosity got the better of him.

While running, he noticed a pair of jumper cables on top of someone’s car.

While the person using them had gone inside, the runner decided to claim the cables as a run find, and took off with them.

However, upon returning to BV, he quickly found Huber was anything but amused, and had to go return them immediately.

Cross country runners who have found some of the more interesting items have not shown any problems with displaying them publicly.

Junior Blake Berger found a pink jacket for a little girl and then proceeded to wear it for the rest of the run.

“I found it at Stanley Elementary in the parking lot,” he said. “I put it on and ran with it, and people said ‘Nice jacket,’ because it was really small and pink. It was a bad idea, though, because it was really hot out that day.”

Past Run Finds:

Little Girl’s Red Jacket

tigerturf

TIGER

TURF BV SPORTS

sports in brief

FOOTBALL

Previous Action: 10/11 @ St. Thomas Aquinas (W 35-3) 10/18 vs. BV Southwest Upcoming Action: 10/25 @ Pittsburg 11/1 vs. BV West Record: 4-2

VOLLEYBALL

Previous Action: 10/14 vs. Ottawa @ St. James (W) 10/14 @ St. James (L) Upcoming Action: 10/25 Sub-State 11/2 State Record: 20-11

BOYS SOCCER

Previous Action: 10/16 vs. Mill Valley (W 1-0) 10/22 vs. BV North Upcoming Action: 10/28 Regionals Record: 11-4

CROSS COUNTRY

Previous Action: 10/10 @ Mill Valley 10/17 EKL @ Lone Elm Park Upcoming Action: 10/26 Regionals @ Lone Elm Park 11/2 State @ Rim Rock Farms

GIRLS TENNIS

Jumper Cables

Previous Action: 10/12 Regionals (3rd) 10/18-10/19 State

Bird Cage

GIRLS GOLF

Lighter Page designed by Meghan Kennedy.

31

Previous Action: 10/10 @ Falcon Lakes Tournament 10/21 State @ Garden City Results current as of Oct. 21.

32

snapshot

October 2013

serving it up

Seniors travel to volunteer sites for community service day on Oct. 16

2.

1.

3.

1. Lifting boxes, seniors Jonah DeBoer, Justin Marin and Joseph Alani participate in Community Service Day. Photo submitted

by Connor Lotz.

2. Senior boys sort through items as they work at the City Union Mission.

“I thought it was really fun getting the opportunity to give back to the community while getting to serve with all my friends and classmates,” senior Riley Stinson said.

Photo submitted

by Kristoffer Barikmo.

5.

3. Posing with their service group, seniors finish the day working at Turnstyles thrift shop. “I loved community service day because we got to do something for the community and spend time with friends,” senior Abby Bamburg said. Photo submitted by Abby Bamburg.

4. Crouching in a locker, senior Troy Goldenburg poses for a picture.

Seniors helped build lockers while volunteering at Catholic Charities. Photo submitted by Ben McDonald.

4.

5. Working at the City Union Mission, seniors build shelves. “It was nice giving back to the community,” senior Dominic Buzzelli said. “It opened my eyes about things outside of where we live.” Photo by Kristoffer Barikmo.