The Tiger Print –– September 2011

THE

TIGER PRINT BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Vol. 42 Issue 2 September 2011 Stilwell, KS

PARK PROPOSAL District considers plan to expand BV campus into nature center page 3 BEAUTIFUL FLAWS Teens should accept imperfections rather than change them page 8

BLACK BELT Taekwondo gives student confidence boost page 10

The day that changed us: pages 12-13 Illustration by Aubrey Illig, photos by Cary Conover.

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September 2011

inthenews

Project Playground raises nearly $200 with car smash

Swinging away, freshman Peyton Hubbard hits the battered car during the car smash at the Homecoming bonfire. Each student had five swings per $2. All proceeds were donated to the Project Playground cause. Photo by Dakota Behrman.

carolinemeinzenbach staff writer At the annual Homecoming bonfire, students participated in the first BV car smash to benefit Project Playground.

Students beat a donated car with either a sledgehammer or baseball bat and paid $2 for every five hits.

The Project Playground committee raised about $200, which will go towards funds to give the students of Eugene Ware Elementary School a new playground.

“Of course we wish that we would’ve gotten more [money],” senior Sloane Sandmoen said. “We

didn’t really have any expectations since we’ve never done it before.”

Project Playground committee members set up caution tape around the car in the parking lot next to the practice fields. Participants were required to wear gloves and goggles to protect them from injury.

The Santa Fe Towing Company donated the red car used in the smash.

It was spray painted with silver and black paint spelling out “BV WEST” and “BEAT THE JAGUARS” to get students pumped up for Friday’s game.

Sandmoen said getting approval

for the car smash was easy because Blue Valley West does a similar fundraiser.

Even though the turnout wasn’t as good as they had hoped, Sandmoen said everything makes an impact.

“We still have to raise a lot more money,” she said. “We’re going to hopefully get that done this year.”

Sandmoen said the kids who did participate definitely enjoyed it.

One student bought nine tickets.

“I think the guys and girls had a lot of fun,” she said. “There was one kid who just wailed on the car. He was really little, too. It was hilarious.”

Budget cuts create larger class sizes haileymcentee staff writer Students stand in the back of the classroom without desks, hoping that someone will be absent so they can sit.

Some classes have more than 30 students.

Assistant Principal Mark Dalton said the main reason for the increase of students per class is budget cuts.

“Budget cuts have occurred all over the nation,” Dalton said. “It is a challenging thing to deal with, but everyone, including companies, has to deal with it.”

Communication Arts teacher Keil Pittman teaches a class of 31 students.

He said the students must adapt to the larger classes more than the teachers.

“It puts more responsibility on the kids because they have to rely less on the teacher and more on themselves and their peers,” Pittman said. “I try not to change my teaching style.”

Dalton said the large class sizes have a negative effect on the students.

“The large amounts of students diminishes the opportunity to individualize in the classroom, but our teachers have been doing awesome,” he said.

Senior Taylor Leathers is in a class of 31 students and said the learning environment is different.

“When there are so many people in class, it is harder to get your own specific questions answered,” Leathers said. “There is less individual attention, but it will prepare me for college.”

BV listed among top 500 schools in nation by Newsweek magazine abbybamburg staff writer Recently, BVHS cracked the Top 500 Public Schools of America list by Newsweek.

Principal Scott Bacon said anytime the school gets positive recognition, it’s a great accomplishment.

“I’m proud of our kids, and I’m proud of our staff,” Bacon said. “That is one way in which schools are recognized, and we have

been recognized through that means so it’s a very positive thing.”

The five Kansas schools that made the list are BV, BV North, Shawnee Mission East, SM South and SM Northwest.

BV is ranked number 465.

Bacon said BV can only move up from there.

“What we want to do is continue on the path that we’ve been,” he said. “I think we are definitely moving in the right direction.”

Each school’s score is based on six com-

ponents: graduation rate, college matriculation rate, Advanced Placement tests taken per graduate student, average SAT and ACT scores, average AP or International Baccalaureate scores and AP courses offered.

“Our ACT scores are the highest they’ve ever been,” he said. “They are the second highest in the metropolitan area and probably the state of Kansas.”

Bacon says he owes it to the staff and students for all of the hard work they put into this school.

“I think the staff spends a great deal of time in terms of student instruction,” he said. “They basically bend over backwards for this school.”

He says all of these things contribute to our dream of being the best high school in the country.

“Your actions have to decide the results you get such as being on time, turning in assignments,” Bacon said. “If we all work together as a school, it will manifest itself, and we can continue our achievements.”

September 2011

inthenews

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District considers proposal to expand BVHS campus into nature park saranaatz co-editor The Blue Valley School District is considering plans to expand the BVHS campus into Stanley Nature Park.

The proposal includes purchasing the land from the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Key points of the plan: ;^V UL^ ZVM[IHSS ÄLSKZ (unlit) -V\Y UL^ ZVJJLY ÄLSKZ (unlit) Two new parking lots Larger parking spaces More than 300 new parking spaces Another ticket booth for football games A bus drop-off line Sidewalks to the new parking lots A restructured cross country course A small athletic storage building Before the proposal can be put into action, it must be approved by community members in a vote. Deputy Superintendent Al Hanna said the district hopes to use bond funds to finance the project.

If the Board of Education moves forward with the plan, a bond issue election will take place in early 2012, which could include the funds necessary to begin the project.

The district would then need to obtain the land from the county to begin the development of the area.

“They have expressed genuine interest,” Hanna said. “We’re optimistic about making this a better situation for BV commu-

nity members.”

Hanna said one of the main goals of the plan is to improve safety on BVHS grounds.

The new parking lots would allow more room for new drivers, especially at school events such as football games.

He also said the new plan aims to build up the athletic facilities with additional fields.

“We want to make it comparable to other schools in the district,” he said.

“There’s not any other land around the area, so this is our only real opportunity to make this happen.”

Community members were given the chance to respond to the possible plans at an informational open house on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

District officials presented maps and diagrams describing the proposal at the open house. Community members could then fill out forms to express any concerns regarding the plan.

Assistant superintendent Mike Slagle said people living in surrounding neighborhoods feel the most apprehensive about the plans.

“When you take a 40-acre piece of ground and make it [athletic] fields, it’s going to change the look of that,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot different view.”

John Briggs, whose property backs up to the area, worries about the noise and view from his yard.

“My neighbors and I think it’s entirely unfair,” Briggs said. “It will decrease our property values.”

He also voiced his concern about the impact of replacing park land with more athletic fields.

“They are taking a nature park that everyone likes to use and killing it,” he said.

“This is a public park they’re destroying.”

Hanna said community members responded both positively and negatively to the proposed plans.

“We’ve had both sides,” he said. “We’ve had some people very happy about the fields, and others with major concerns.”

Briggs said he and his neighbors filled out comment sheets, but did not expect their opinions to be sufficiently addressed.

“We are going to fill out comment sheets, but they are going to do what they want to do,” he said. “I’ve always voted yes on school board issues. This will be the first issue I’ve voted no, and I don’t like doing that.”

Slagle said the district hopes to deal with community concerns and make concessions when possible.

“We have always eyed that property,” Slagle said. “We are going to listen and do what we can to strike a balance between what our students need and what the community wants.”

Seniors Miranda Loats and David Maricle utilize the Stanley Nature Park during their cross country season. The team uses the course for practice and meets. “In Overland Park, there’s not really another area like this,” Loats said. “There’s a lot of wildlife back here and by tearing it down, we’re just developing way too much.” Photo by Sara Naatz.

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September 2011

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September 2011

outloud

5

Demonstrating kindness should be a habit

courtneywoodworth photo editor

others the way you want to be treated.

You don’t know what people are going through.

You are not superior to anyone else.

We’re all the same. We’re all human.

Maybe I’m the only one, but when I was a child, my parents constantly reminded me to treat others nicely.

And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that treating others with kindness can go a long way. I’ve had customers at work tell me that I made their day better by just smiling at them. If I see people at coffee shops strug-

We always have motivational speakers that tell us to do what is right. To me, that seems a little pointless.

In the beginning of school, we know what we should do.

We should treat others nicely.

We should do our homework.

We should always reach out to others.

But as the year wears on, you simply forget all of these important ideals.

Then we have an assembly.

And you’re reminded, yet again, to be a good person.

You shouldn’t have to be reminded to do what is right.

You shouldn’t have to be reminded to do what you learned in kindergarten — treat

gling to keep up with the rush, I tip them extra.

I’m not saying that I am a saint — not by any means. We all have days when we snap without thinking. It just happens.

But, I don’t understand people who are consistently rude to others.

One day of being nice to someone after a motivational speaker does not outweigh the number of times you’ve put someone down.

It does not change the fact that you are a bully.

It does not change the fact that you are,

to put it simply, not nice.

We’re all growing up and maturing at our own rate.

Maybe that’s it. Maybe you are not mature yet.

There are stories on the news about teens who kill themselves because of bullies. It can affect a person more than he or she lets on.

I don’t understand how you can’t see that — the consequences of your actions.

I hope that one day you will realize what you are doing is wrong.

One day you will look back on how you treated others and feel horrible.

Because right now, your victims feel horrible. They are struggling on a day-today basis beneath a happy façade, when, in reality, they are completely miserable.

Because of what you did or said.

The people that you put down everyday?

They are fighting depression.

That girl you call fat? She’s throwing up in the bathroom.

That kid who sits alone at lunch? He has extreme social anxiety.

You have no right to put people down to make yourself feel better.

Karma will catch up with you some day.

And I can’t wait.

Cartoon by Evelyn Davis.

Learning life skills can ease transition into college

maegankabel web editor Think of life now.

You go to school and come home. A parent probably makes dinner for the family.

Clean clothes hang in your closet. You do homework and possibly spend some time with friends.

Fast forward to college.

Your school is your home. Dinner is hit and miss — it’s whatever you can find or afford. Homework is optional. You could be living with a friend if you wanted to. Your

clothes are in a dirty pile on your floor.

Speaking of clothes, you’ll need that white shirt for an event tomorrow.

You go to the laundromat. Washer.

Dryer.

As you’re folding laundry, you realize the white shirt is now pink, and your jeans shrunk at least one size.

Doesn’t sound like the ideal future, does it?

Now is the time of our lives.

No, high school isn’t ideal, but at least we are fed, clothed and have a way to get from point A to point B. And, best of all, these services come at the cost of maybe a few chores.

The end of the free ride is coming fast.

And, once we are on our own, mommy dearest won’t be there to cook, to clean or to do laundry.

What better time to learn these essential skills than now, when you live with an expert?

Solving the mystery of shrunken pants

will be easier in person now than over the phone at 11 p.m. with a paper due the next day.

The time to step up and start learning to be an adult is now.

Eating healthy, budgeting money, managing our time and doing laundry are all things we’ll have to do on our own, so let’s learn while we have the safety net of our parents.

Take initiative and go grocery shopping with your mom. Learn how much things cost and what goes into your favorite dinner.

Offer to do your own laundry. Learn what gets washed together and when to use hot or cold water.

What brands does your family use?

Figure out the name of that cold medicine now before you’re calling home, feeling like you’re about to die.

Do you know how much you spend on clothes? According to www.collegeboard. com, the average books and supplies cost

$1,137 at an average four-year university.

Those $80 jeans aren’t looking as appealing if that’s the cost for just books. Have your parents give you a budget and see if you can buy your winter or spring wardrobe within the limit.

Learn your family health history. Those questionnaires at the doctor’s office cover more things than you could imagine.

Figure out what kinds of basic bills and taxes your parents pay. You will probably be spending at least one year in on-campus housing, but finding out what to expect if you choose to move to an apartment can’t hurt. Water and electricity bills aren’t the only ones you’ll be racking up.

It may feel useless now, but you will be ahead of the game when moving out, and you won’t have to keep calling home for trivial things when you’d rather be living your own life.

As adults, we will just be able to achieve true independence by being able to manage everything — not only our curfew.

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September 2011

outloud

The lifestyle of an American

Vegetarian emilybrown opinion editor

My 5-year-old self sat at the edge of the low, wooden table. The pine finish shined bright, and my finger traced the lines that were etched into the surface.

I sat crisscross on the grey carpet and considered my lunch. Behind me, my brown-haired mother folded clothes rhythmically on her bed.

The paper plate in front of me had a hot dog covered in more ketchup than necessary. I liked ketchup.

If it had been any other day, I would have eaten it.

“Mom.” “Hmm?” she said, separating the clothes into different piles for each person in our family.

“What are hot dogs made of?”

She froze before turning to look at me. Her frown was answer enough.

“Why are you asking?” she asked cautiously.

“Well, Miss Maker said that it was made from pigs.”

Little-girl me stared at her while she faced a difficult decision.

My mom knew how much I loved animals.

I would be devastated when I found out. But she figured if I did refuse to eat meat, it wouldn’t last long. I was a picky eater, and hot dogs were one of the few things I enjoyed.

“She shouldn’t have told you about that. But, yes, she is right.”

“Oh.” I looked back down at my plate and then back up at my mother.

“Mom, can I have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?” *

*

*

*

*

*

*

I remain a vegetarian to this day. Almost 11 years of no meat.

Well, if you don’t count the time Lauren Reardon snuck a piece of ham into one of my PB&Js. Still haven’t forgotten that, Lauren.

Most people are puzzled by my decision.

I never disliked meat — I loved it.

Hot dogs made up my diet for the first five years of my life.

I’m no health nut. Actually, I’m the complete opposite. I detest anything with too much green. Ironic, isn’t it?

I have no ideas of grandeur about saving the planet. Humans have been eating animals from the very beginning. Unless something

dramatic happens in the next century, I have a feeling that really isn’t going to change much.

And I’m definitely not a hippie.

But eating meat simply didn’t feel right. Yeah, not taste. Feel.

I can’t imagine eating an animal that has the same intelligence level as my pet dog.

I simply can’t. I just feel bad when I eat it. And I don’t think that is any way to live.

So here I am, still going at it, fueled by my stubbornness and sensitivity.

When someone tells me I can’t do something, I prove them wrong.

Eleven years ago, my mom thought my vegetarianism was just a stage.

It has been a pretty long stage.

I’m not saying that you should become a vegetarian, too. Honestly, I don’t care.

But stop hassling me for being one.

I don’t get in your face and mock you for your eating habits.

I don’t care why you are a meat-eater. I truly don’t. So stop trying to explain or defend your reasoning behind it.

And don’t try to convince me my decision is incorrect by pointing out my negative characteristics and blaming it on not eating meat.

I’m not short because I’m a vegetarian. I’m short because it’s in my genes.

My lack of sleep has nothing to do with being a vegetarian. It’s called homework.

My bad skin is not due to my vegetarianism. I’m just a teenager.

I wouldn’t be stronger if I ate meat. I would actually need to go to the gym.

I wouldn’t have better eyesight, hearing or reflexes from eating meat.

I’m perfectly fine with my title of a vegetarian.

I think you should be fine with it, too.

And if you are not, stop preaching at me and go eat a steak.

Surviving

vegetarianism

:H\JLZ HYL RL` ;OL` NP]L TVYL ÅH]VY [V [OPUNZ that would ordinarily taste bland.

Don’t be afraid to order weird things. Most of the time, the people at the counter have served a vegetarian before.

Being a vegetarian does not mean that you have to order a salad when you go out to eat.

I’ve been one for more than a decade, and I can name the times I only ordered a salad.

None.

Fast food veggie style Wendy’s: Single Combo without meat French fries with sea-salt Sweet and sour sauce Burger King: Junior Whopper with cheese, no meat Onion rings Zesty sauce Sonic: Grilled cheese Kids Meal Tator tots Handful of ketchup Winstead’s: Grilled cheese -PM[` ÄM[` Salad with ranch Ketchup Kentucky Fried Chicken: Mac and cheese Biscuit Side of coleslaw Taco Bell: Cheesy bean and rice burrito Hot and mild sauce

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September 2011

Changing up routine makes school less stressful

annawonderlich HKZ THUHNLY The annoying sound of my alarm clock jumpstarts my daily routine at 5:50 every morning: Eat breakfast. Go to school. Club meetings. Go home.

Do homework. Eat dinner. More homework. Back to sleep.

Repeat.

Getting back into the swing of things after summer is hard to do, and I feel like my back-to-school energy can only go so far.

I made it through the first couple weeks of school, but how to survive the rest?

There are a few tricks that I use to stay motivated throughout the school year.

Keep a positive attitude.

You don’t have to love every single thing about school, but focusing on the things you do enjoy can make it not so bad.

This could be anything like a favorite teacher, something interesting you’re learning in class or a

school activity in which you’re involved.

Take the steps to be stress-free.

I know you can’t prevent getting stressed completely, but making an effort to stay organized can help.

Everyone is different, so do whatever works best for you.

Try writing down all your assignment due dates and tests in your planner.

Stay focused.

Pay attention in class and take notes. It could actually make class go by faster.

Don’t get distracted by Facebook, Twitter or texting while doing your homework. Just put it away until you’re finished.

And don’t procrastinate. Homework just stacks up, and the last place you’d like to be sent to is TCB or Overtime.

Make your school year fun.

School doesn’t have to be boring.

Start a study group, make good friends in your classes and establish good relationships with your teachers.

Doing homework at home can get boring after a while, so switch up the location.

Go to a coffee shop or library instead.

Get out of your regular routine by joining a club, doing some community service or eating lunch with people you wouldn’t normally sit with. Just don’t stretch yourself too thin with activities.

Work hard and play hard.

Don’t let one get in the way of the other, but balance your time wisely so you have time to just relax.

Try to do your homework during the week, and your weekends will be more enjoyable.

Set goals for yourself and take school one week at a time.

Work hard until you reach Fridays, weekends

Survival tips Keep a positive attitude Take the steps to be stress-free Stay focused Make your school year fun Work hard and play hard

and days off from school.

The last and most important tip I can give you is remember to sit back and enjoy your time in high school.

Now when my alarm clock makes that dreaded beeping sound, I won’t just go through the motions of school.

7YVÄSPUN PU UH[PVUHS ZLJ\YP[` ZP[\H[PVUZ KLLTLK ULJLZZHY`

jordanhuesers co-editor Racial profiling.

A term popular term ever since airport security tightened after Sept. 11.

Its meaning: using the color of someone’s skin as the basis for suspicion.

The point, the most crucial aspect, is to prevent terrorism against anyone, anywhere.

Is racial profiling fair?

I think most people would agree the answer is no.

That is, of course, excluding the small number of people out there who believe all Muslims are at fault

for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on America.

All governments that implement racial profiling in their airport security systems are simply trying to prevent an attack on their soil.

In America, the debate over if racial profiling should be acceptable in cases of national security was sparked after Sept. 11.

There are two main opposing views.

All in all, the first side stands firm in believing racial profiling is a blatant violation of individual rights.

I can understand this point.

Suspecting a person because of the color of his or her skin is not treating everyone equal.

The chances of a racially profiled man being a terrorist are minuscule, but then again, so was the tragedy of Sept. 11.

The second side simply places more importance on national security than individual rights.

It is more important to put a suspicious looking person through extra security procedures in an airport than to risk that person carrying a bomb onto a plane.

My opinion lies with the latter.

Profiling in situations of national security is 100

percent acceptable, necessary and appropriate.

In dealing with security procedures in airports, it is more important to have a person go through extra procedures than to worry if he or she will be offended.

Are these extra procedures an inconvenience for travelers?

No doubt.

Can they be embarrassing?

Yes, they very well could be.

But, the security personnel in an airport have appropriate rationale in what they are doing.

I say play it on the safe side.

Security should be able to ask a man who they deem “suspicious looking” to undergo a more thorough search.

It could save lives.

Is this racial profiling fair?

No. But, the decision is simple.

It must be done.

Individual rights are important. That matter should not be taken lightly.

However, saving peoples’ lives takes precedent.

No matter what.

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outloud

September 2011

Flaws should be embraced as beauty

anniematheis features editor

Cartoon by Evelyn Davis.

by the numbers

1 10 14 in

in

You are beautiful.

I hope you really let those words sink in.

Especially if you haven’t been told that today.

You need to know you are absolutely beautiful.

Sure, you have flaws. But everyone does. Your flaws are what make you beautiful. If you didn’t have a flaw, you would be a Barbie doll.

And really, who wants that?

In today’s society, beauty is a warped concept.

You either have to be a size 00 or have more plastic parts than real.

It’s normal for teenagers to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

But why?

According to Body Wars: Making Peace with Women’s Bodies, by Dr. Margo Maine, 42 percent of first, second and third grade girls say they wish they were thinner. At age 18, 78 percent of girls admit they are unhappy with their body.

How can you be unhappy with your body?

Your heart beats roughly 100,800 times per day.

You don’t have to tell it to beat. It just does.

You don’t have to consciously tell your lungs to inhale and exhale, your hair to grow or your body to fight off diseases.

How can you be unhappy with something that does so much for you?

Advertisements are flung at teenagers from all directions, encouraging them to get the latest product that will make that pesky pimple go away or make their eyes sparkle.

You can’t go anywhere without being told you

young men are using unapproved supplements and/or steroids

teens would consider undergoing plastic surgery

need something that will make your life better — will make you more “beautiful.”

Whether you realize it or not, those advertisements truly do make a difference.

I know for me, when I see the latest product guaranteeing shiny hair, I think, why not try it just once?

You are beautiful without that product.

Think about Lea Michelle, the star of the hit television show Glee. In her interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she said many managers told her she wasn’t pretty enough to work in show business and that she needed a nose job.

Now she makes around $50,000 for every episode of Glee. I think her career turned out just fine without the nose job.

Unfortunately for our society, that isn’t always the way it works.

In 2009, former Ralph Lauren model Filippa Hamilton was fired for being overweight. At 5 feet 10 inches, she was a mere 120 pounds.

Anybody could look at her and agree she is gorgeous. But because of the twisted standards of the fashion world, she became another victim for not conforming.

I know how hard it can be to struggle with body image issues.

It is so easy to compare yourself with other people.

In today’s competitive society, it just comes naturally.

Everybody wants to be the best at something, including looks. People don’t realize from mere physical appearance that everybody has their own problems.

Teenagers are usually in the midst of some constant battle that no one knows about.

No matter how beautiful and perfect someone may seem, they have problems.

They have something they are insecure about.

Everybody has something about their body they wish they could alter.

But those things you wish you could change are what make you unique.

You are beautiful, and your flaws make you that way.

90% 9

of girls aged 15-17 want to change their appearance

is the age at which the average girl’s self-esteem peaks Statistics from heartofleadership.com

September 2011

staffeditorial

outloud

the tiger print publication co-editors-in-chief Jordan Huesers Sara Naatz website editor Maegan Kabel photo editor Courtney Woodworth news editor Kelly Cordingley features editor Annie Matheis entertainment editor Odi Opole opinion editor Emily Brown sports editor Jordan McEntee

Cartoon by Evelyn Davis.

Curfew does not solve underlying problem staff editorial

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1

disagreed

Crowds of teens, numbering in the high hundreds, have been blocking business entrances, shoving shoppers and starting violent fights at the Country Club Plaza.

Kansas City police had to pepper spray the crowds to disperse several brawls.

After hearing of these incidents, Kansas City Mayor Sly James visited the Plaza and brought back his observations to the City Council.

In response, the Council enacted a new curfew for minors in the Plaza, Westport, Downtown/Central Business District, 18th and Vine and Zona Rosa. These places will have a 9 p.m. curfew for anyone under 18.

The curfew is a solid idea.

If there are no kids causing trouble, then money and, perhaps, lives will be saved.

But will these teenagers listen to a curfew?

Doubtful.

In the 1980s, Bannister Mall in Kansas City, Mo., was the place to be.

But 20 years later, it had earned a reputation for being unsafe.

In May 2007, Bannister Mall closed its doors.

A bunch of teenagers were able to eradicate one mall’s income. Even then, KC had a curfew.

Why would they start suddenly caring now?

They won’t, and enforcing such a curfew effectively will be impossible unless some major changes are made.

Once the teenagers are apprehended, a parent or guardian must be located. This means that the officer must leave the area he or she is patrolling to drop off the individual teenager.

It is possible to create a “Curfew

Center” to drop the teens off after being apprehended. They have a system like this in Baltimore, Md. The officers are able to go on about their jobs and social workers handle the rest of it.

But it would be costly to build the center.

According to citydata.com, the percentage of children living below poverty level in KC is almost 5 percent above Missouri’s average.

This curfew will not solve the real issue.

The City Council should try to consider why youths are pulling guns on each other.

Why the percentage of children living in poverty is so much higher in KC. Why they even have guns.

A curfew center might help, but will it help the underlying issue?

No. The City Council needs to figure out something to solve the issue, not just cover it up.

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ads manager Anna Wonderlich circulation manager Taylor Yeazel staff writers Jansen Hess Maddie Jewett Meghan Kennedy Hailey McEntee Caroline Meinzenbach Abby Bamburg photographers Dakota Behrman Maria Fournier Aubrey Illig Bailey Outlaw Olivia Roudebush Kaelin Storm cartoonist Evelyn Davis adviser Jill Chittum

The Tiger Print is published nine times a year for students, faculty, and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrations of Blue Valley Unified School District #229. Letters to the editor and reader responses are encouraged for publication. The Tiger Print reserves the right to edit all submissions for both language and content and encourages letters to be no more than 350 words. Letters should be submitted to room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@yahoo.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print c/o Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Stilwell, KS 66085 phone: 913-239-4800 Pacemaker finalist, 2009 and 2010.

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September 2011

More than a workout

Taekwondo encourages positive H[[P[\KL NP]LZ JVUÄKLUJL IVVZ[

tayloryeazel circulation manager Kick.

Strike.

Block.

Stance.

Spar.

Junior Chaise Seasholtz started taking taekwondo classes at Ko’s Black Belt Academy three years ago.

Today, he is a first-degree black belt.

“I got interested in it because I was a really shut-in kind of kid,” Seasholtz said. “I didn’t have many friends. I was looking for something that would help me get in shape and help me get some self-confidence.

One day, my mom found this place so we stopped in. I tried my first class, and I loved it from the first day.”

Taekwondo instructor Bronson Ko said when Seasholtz took his first class, he was quiet, introverted and inactive. Today, he said, Seasholtz is completely different.

“He is a lot more outgoing,” Ko said. “He was shy before. Now he’s obviously the complete opposite of that. He is very active. He’s confident in himself. He’s not afraid to speak in front of groups of people. His flexibility has improved 90 percent. He’s definitely gotten a lot stronger and just, overall, his skills have improved dramatically.”

Senior Lauren Burns has seen change in Seasholtz since she started taekwondo a year ago.

“He’s started going every single day, doing private lessons and going to every tournament,” she said. “As a person, he’s more determined to succeed in everything he does, and he’s always there for other people and respects others.”

Those he trains with have become his friends.

“Everyone’s here for a lot of the same reasons,” Seasholtz said. “They want a fun way to get in shape, or they want to learn self-defense.

Whenever someone comes up [to Ko’s Black Belt Academy], it’s really like coming in and having a whole big family.”

Seasholtz said taekwondo is a

Junior Chaise Seasholtz practices a kick at Ko’s Black Belt Academy. Seasholtz started taking lessons about three years ago and is now nationally ranked. “[Being nationally ranked] has really given me a great self-confidence boost,” Seasholtz said. “It’s shown me how far I’ve come and how far I have to go.” Photo by Maria Fournier.

great form of fitness and gives him an escape.

“Whenever I have something going on that’s really stressing me out, I can just come here, get a good workout and not have to worry about anything,” he said. “When I’m doing taekwondo, I really feel on top of the world. It lets me feel like no matter what’s going on, I can beat it.”

Burns said Seasholtz enjoys taekwondo because he can do it anytime, and he is good at it.

“Taekwondo is something he can do,” Burns said. “He doesn’t necessarily need other people around for him to do it.”

Seasholtz said taekwondo gives him self-confidence.

“It does a lot for you as a person,”

he said. “It makes you more responsible and gives you a lot of self-discipline and self-control. It’s an entire transformation.”

Ko said taekwondo has given Seasholtz something to be proud of.

“I think it just kind of gave him some structure and goals, which gave him motivation to get more active and accomplish things,” Ko said. “It’s basically something that has turned into part of his life. He lives and breathes it. He has good discipline. He’s consistent. He’s dedicated. He doesn’t give up. He has really strong perseverance, and he also is confident in himself where he doesn’t care what people think.”

Burns said Seasholtz’s punctuality makes him successful at taekwondo.

“With what we do, you have to be on time with everything that you do,” she said. “You need preciseness.”

Seasholtz trains about 11 hours per week, works as a teacher at the studio for seven hours and does a conditioning program for three hours every week.

“Since it’s such a big time commitment, it makes me think about my time and helps me manage it more effectively,” he said. “As soon as I get home from school, I have to finish my homework because I know I’m going to be up here for two or three hours.”

Burns said Seasholtz’s love of taekwondo makes the time commitment easier for him.

“He’s always there for every practice and we have five poomsae practices a week and then class every night,” Burns said. “If he can’t make one, he’s always at the other.”

Burns said coaching others makes Seasholtz better at taekwondo.

“He was pretty good when I started, but since he’s there all of the time, he’s always there to help others,” Burns said. “When helping others, he improves himself. He’s more accurate all the time.”

In addition to training, working and conditioning, Seasholtz participates in competitions.

He does forms, which are patterns of movements that are put together and made as precise and powerful as possible.

Seasholtz will test for a seconddegree black belt in six months. He aspires to get on the U.S. National Team this year.

Two people who try out will go to the world championship. He tried out in March, but was one point away from the cut.

“It’s the best of the best,” he said.

“I think I didn’t make it last time because I wasn’t very prepared. I was working smarter and not harder.”

Seasholtz has competed in around 12 tournaments and will partake in more this year.

“I’d like to continue taekwondo throughout my whole life,” Seasholtz said. “It means a lot to me, and it’s a big part of my life. Hopefully, it’s something I’ll be able to do until I die.”

September 2011

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Guitarists express interest in music through various outlets, showcase talents Story by Annie Matheis.

Photos by Kaelin Storm.

The teacher

After playing guitar for six years, junior Collin Mardis taught his first lesson this past summer.

Mardis said the teaching process went really well, but there were times it was difficult to communicate what he wanted to say. “[The student] was pretty advanced, so it’s kind of hard to explain the stuff because every rule in music can be broken,” he said. “A lot of stuff you have to figure out on your own to fully understand it, and it’s very difficult to convey that to other people.”

Mardis said he really enjoyed being able to share his hobby with another person.

“It’s fun to be around people that share that common interest and that want to learn,” he said. “I know that

goes for other things other than just music, but it was fun to see what you did inspire someone else to do it, too.”

Mardis said he would be willing to teach other people, but doesn’t want to pressure them to learn.

“If you’re doing something you don’t enjoy, you’re going to hate it,” he said. “If you push something on someone a little bit it might get them to like it more, but it you push it on them a lot it’s going to make them hate it.”

Mardis’ interest in the guitar began after listening to the radio.

He said seeing the main character in Back to the Future perform with a guitar pushed him to learn to play.

Mardis said the guitar is a desirable instrument to learn to play because of the association with rock artists.

“In reality, [rock stars] are not heroic at all — throwing TVs out of windows and drugs and all that stuff,” he said.

“But when you talk about them or see them on TV, they are kind of put in this special light. ” Mardis has four guitars and practices about 10 hours every week.

He said playing guitar makes him really focus on the notes rather than just the lyrics.

“When you are listening to the radio, you hear a lot more than other people,” Mardis said. “It makes music more of a two-way street in that you can analyze it. Most people just hear the lyrics about whatever break-up. When you’re a musician, you can kind of understand it on a deeper level.”

The band member Sophomore Logan Haynes plays guitar in the local alternative punk-pop band The Set-Up. The band played its first show last May at the local venue, the Refuge.

Haynes has been playing guitar for five years. He received his first guitar for Christmas and started to take lessons about a year later.

He prefers the electric guitar, and plays the guitar every day, starting when he arrives home from school and continuing throughout the evening.

“I have friends that don’t practice nearly as much as me and my friends do in my band, and they don’t really get anything out of it,” he said. “But if you’re not having fun playing it, don’t push yourself. It’s really relaxing. You just kind of play. You don’t think of anything else.”

Haynes said he likes the creativity everyone contributes to the band.

“We can just bring anything we want to the table, and we can try to mold it into a song,” he said.

Haynes alternates between six guitars.

He said it took practice to get to the point he is at today with his guitar, but knows it was all worth it.

“There’s this point at around three years where you’ll be practicing a pattern for a long time, and you’ll wake up one day, and you’ll just have it,” he said.

“It’s really cool. One day I was terrible, and the next day I was playing faster and faster and faster.”

The youth group musician Senior Jen Kranjec plays guitar at Cambridge Church. She was inspired to play at her youth group by her older brother, who also played guitar for his youth group when he was in high school.

She likes how playing for youth group gives her the chance to play every week and practice often.

“I just like to play fun, simple songs, and praise music is a great thing for

that,” she said. “That kind of music is what I like to do, where there is just simple chords and you can sing easily along with it. That’s where I’m comfortable.”

Kranjec said she likes that she can use her talents for God and for worship.

“Honestly, I’m not that great — but it’ll happen,” she said. “That’s the great thing about worship music. The purpose is not to be amazing. The purpose

is to just praise the Lord.”

Kranjec has been playing guitar for four years.

She said she likes to take on this role at her church to show the younger kids about leadership.

“Once you get started, and you see everyone just closing their eyes and worshipping, too, [I know] I’m cool with this,” she said. “God’s wanting me to do this, so I’ll do it.”

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indepth

September 2011

9/11 shapes Americans’ views of Middle East

W

Brian Mowry

Manal Siam

Ridaa Khan

saranaatz co-editor

herever Muslims are, there is blood,” the professor said to his class full of students.

It was Sept. 11, 2001. One decade ago.

Eighteen-year-old Manal Siam forced her hand into the air.

“I’m a Muslim, and I’m not killing anyone,” she countered.

“There’s just not enough of you,” he said.

As the professor continued his lecture, Siam remained in her seat, unaware of the implications of his words.

She did not know to walk away. She did not know to defend herself.

“I didn’t know better,” she said.

“When I shared the story with one of my other teachers, it hadn’t really hit what he had said or how he had said it. Now I realize the magnitude of his actions and his words.”

Her parents grew up in Jerusalem.

Siam, who now teaches chemistry, said her Palestinian roots color many people’s view of her and her family.

“Because I have the olive skin and the dark hair, most people assume I am something other than white,” she said.

“Then when they hear my name, they will know that I’m something in the Middle East. When they find out that I’m Palestinian, I’ve seen some people kind of flinch or really react to that knowledge.”

In the years after Sept. 11, Siam said people began to comment more on her heritage and religion.

“It’s a lot of ignorant comments,” she said. “I had never had so many comments like that directed at me before 9/11. I just feel like it is definitely more prevalent. It has brought more attention to that area than before.”

Middle Eastern studies teacher Brian Mowry said the events of Sept.

11 shaped much of Americans’ view of

the Middle East.

“All of the sudden people cared about it,” he said. “Americans tend to see whatever is right in front of us and [before that] there wasn’t much thought about the Middle East. I think 9/11 at least put it on the radar.”

Siam said the men responsible for the attacks on Sept. 11 misrepresented her faith as one of violence.

“I think because of those extremists, especially those who were part of the attacks, all Muslims have been perceived as terrorists,” she said. “The perception of Islam is that it is such a violent faith. That’s not what Islam is about. These people took their poor actions, and it has reflected on our faith.”

Junior Ridaa Khan, a practicing Muslim, said she views the actions of the terrorists to be morally wrong according to the Quran. She said the actions of Al Queda gave Americans a skewed view of the Muslim faith.

“You see discrimination all around just because people think Muslims are violent,” Khan said. “I wear a scarf and that says I’m a Muslim, and people turn away from that.”

Mowry said judging people in daily life based solely on their background shows a lack of effort to learn and accept other groups and cultures.

“Stereotypes and generalizations are the tools of weak minds and minds not willing to learn,” he said. “I think it’s laziness, to be honest. You can say it’s based in hatred; I just think it’s based in ignorance.”

Siam said the lack of understanding of her faith causes much of the ignorance she sees.

“I’ve met people that are very closeminded, and I’ve met people that are very open-minded,” she said. “I know that they may or may not change their beliefs after we have a conversation, but I like knowing that they think about it more. If people can think about something longer than they have previously, I think that’s a success.”

September 2011

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Photo illustration by Aubrey Illig.

Photos by Cary Conover. Used with permission.

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September 2011 maddiejewett staff writer

1987.

Ke$ha was born.

The Simpsons first aired.

Ronald Reagan was president.

The New York Giants won their first Super Bowl.

Larry Hare started teaching Anatomy and Physiology at BV. Hare stayed with Anatomy and Physiology through the years because it’s an elective, and he has fun teaching it.

“The students that are there really want to be there,” Hare said. “I enjoy working with the kids that are eager to learn.”

The summer camp Outdoor Education Laboratory originally sparked his interest in teaching, and he still works there every summer as the director of the camp.

Once he realized he enjoyed working with kids, he became a teacher at BV. He said he enjoys everything about the Anatomy and Physiology class, but his favorite part is the cat dissection unit.

“I love seeing the kids’ facial expressions when they first start dissecting the cats,” Hare said. “Some of the kids can’t believe they’re actually doing it, but then some are like, ‘Wow, this is really cool.’”

Hare said he feels very fortunate to have taught at BV for so long.

“I’ve had lots of great kids and lots of great memories,” he said. “I really like Blue

Science teacher continues 25-year teaching legacy at BV

Valley’s sense of community, and I’m not sure any other schools in our community have that as much as we do here.”

Junior Sarah Hill took Hare’s Anatomy and Physiology class during her sophomore year.

“You can tell he’s really enjoying what he’s teaching,” Hill said. “He takes a different approach than most teachers. Mr. Hare relates the information he is teaching to your everyday life. He does make an effort to get to know you as a person, instead of just as a student like most teachers do.”

Hare trusts that he can keep up his expectations for his class.

“I hope I can continue to stay as energetic as I have been throughout my career,” he said. “I always realize that every hour there

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are 25 or 30 new students coming in that are eager to learn, and that motivates me.”

Hare’s daughter, senior Whitney Hare, said her dad genuinely likes what he does.

“It’s really easy to tell that he loves his job,” she said. “He is very passionate. He never wakes up and dreads going to work.

He enjoys being there and enjoys what he does.”

He said he often learns as much from his students as they learn from him.

“They have taught me that I enjoy helping them through their first step into a variety of possible careers,” he said. “I have learned that many kids find the class their stepping stone. Lots of kids really enjoy the class and will remember it for lots of years.”

Teaching through the

times (Far left) Anatomy and Physiology teacher Larry Hare lectures his fifth hour class. “He explains everything really well,” sophomore Brianna Lemke said. Photo

by Olivia Roudebush.

(Left) Hare appears in the 1988-89 Reflections yearbook.

Hare began teaching at BV in 1987. File photo.

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September 2011

cultureshock Teacher hosts exchange student, shares customs haileymcentee staff writer Number of high schools in the United States: 24,426.

Number of high schools in Kansas: 383.

Number of high schools in the Eastern Kansas League: eight.

But only one Blue Valley High School.

Of all the schools in the United States, sophomore Stella Ahn chose BV. “I picked Blue Valley,” Ahn said. “I knew I wanted to come to Kansas and then I just chose Blue Valley.”

Physics teacher John Holloway and his family decided to host Ahn from South Korea through the Foreign Exchange Program.

Holloway said he has enjoyed getting to know Ahn and her family in the time she has been here and before she arrived.

“It has been a great experience so far,” Holloway said. “From the very beginning it has been fun to get to know Stella and her family through emails and Skype.”

Holloway and his family have also been experiencing Ahn’s culture. They have tried Korean foods such as ramen and a spicy sauce called gochojang.

“My family has tried some of the foods she eats on a normal basis,” Holloway said.

“Their food is really spicy. Also, we started to learn some Korean. It is really hard to

pronounce some of the sounds in their words. It’s fun to get to know her culture.”

While Holloway’s family has been trying Korean food, Ahn’s diet has been adjusting to new American foods.

“I like the food here,” she said. “I like all the kinds of food.”

Of the many things Ahn has had to adjust to, the size of her home has been one of the biggest changes.

“I live in an apartment in Korea,” she said. “The house here is a lot bigger.”

Since Ahn and Holloway are at the same school, they have had the opportunity to interact on an educational level, as well as a personal level.

“It’s nice that I teach at the school she is going to,” Holloway said. “I’m familiar with the schedule and I can talk to her about it and see if she is having any problems. It is nice that I can really touch base with her.”

Holloway said having Ahn stay with their family has been a great experience for his 8-year-old daughter, Miranda.

He said it was great to see his daughter Miranda’s excitement when she got to see Ahn come off the plane the first time.

Holloway said that his favorite part of having Ahn with his family was getting to see everyday things in a new light.

“It is great that we get a chance to see the things we take for granted through different eyes,” he said.

Physics teacher John Holloway shows foreign exchange student sophomore Stella Ahn how to do a math problem. Holloway took Stella in after plans with another host family fell through.

“It has been a great experience so far,” Holloway said. Photo by Bailey Outlaw.

September 2011

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Looking in the rearview Story by Kelly Cordingley Getting a ticket is no fun — here’s a few ways to avoid this experience and make it less painful.

You’re being pulled over and don’t know how to react — here’s a few rules to be sure to follow.

Don’t act like it’s the officer’s fault. Nine out

Do pull in to a safe, well-lit location. It’s for

of 10 times, you know you’ve done something wrong anyway.

Don’t slam on your brakes when you see

your safety and the officer’s. If you’ve seen any Law and Order shows, you know what happens in dark alleys at night.

the flashing lights in your rear-view mirror.

You’re already in trouble. Let’s not add being rear-ended by a police car to your list.

Do keep your hands on the wheel. An officer

Don’t pull over for an unmarked car. If you

cense when you’re driving. The last thing you need is a call to mom and dad from a cop.

don’t know if it is a police car, call police dispatch. There are some bad people out there who prey on teenagers.

Don’t get out of the car. If you do, don’t be

surprised to see a gun pointed at you. Officers are trained to suspect the worst. Remember, they deal with crazy people, not just uninformed teenagers.

When pulling someone over, a police officer turns on his multicolored lights to alert the driver to his or her presence. A driver should pull into a safe place off to the right and follow the officer’s instructions. Photo illustration by Maria Fournier.

So, you’ve been pulled over, what now?

So you’ve been pulled over, now what?

could think you’re reaching for a weapon.

Do have your insurance card and drivers li-

Do pull off to the right. It is just a rule of the road. Get used to it.

Do pay attention to your surroundings. Turn the radio down so you can actually hear the sirens.

After the officer checks to verify your information and looks to see if there any warrants out for your arrest, they’ll decide what your punishment is.

You’ve got three options: a verbal warning with no record, a recorded warning or a ticket.

The officer will explain the ticket procedure: either a court date or how to mail in your fine.

Finally, the officer will return to their car, and you may go on your merry way. If you got a ticket, though, you might not be so chipper.

Check us out on Facebook at Robeks Overland Park.

Expires 11/30/11

Expires 11/30/11

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September 2011

Review: Paddy O’Quigley’s the menu

Paddy O’Quigley’s is located on 151st Street and Nall Avenue. The Bar and Grill replaced Blue Moose, which went out of business late last spring. Photo by Sara Naatz.

kellycordingley news editor Located on 151st Street, between Nall Avenue and Mission Road, Paddy O’Quigley’s is situated where Blue Moose once was.

Walking in, a customer will be greeted with overwhelming green walls, green seats, and fairly loud TVs blaring an array of sports games.

It is the closest thing to an Irish pub one can find in Overland Park.

The inside is dimly lit but otherwise seems like a fun environment to watch a game.

Out back, the patio is very large and comfortable, with a much calmer feel than inside.

The food was great but the wait was anything but.

It took 35 minutes to be served my fries drizzled with queso, sour

cd info “Pumped up Kicks” earned a U.S. Platinum rating Release date: May 23, 2011 Length: 38 minutes, 24 seconds

cream, bacon, onions and tomatoes.

It’s not like they were grilling me a steak.

My waitress was very nice, but didn’t check in enough. As a customer, I felt abandoned, and I had to wait at least 15 minutes for the check.

Along with good food, Paddy’s offers event nights.

They have karaoke, sports trivia nights and a video DJ. Overall, Paddy O’Quigley’s is a fun atmosphere to watch a game and have good food, when you’re watching the game the wait for your food won’t matter quite as much.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing night, head to the patio and enjoy a quiet night with friends.

But don’t go to Paddy’s if you’re looking to dine quickly or if you’re in a rush because you’ll be stuck there for a while.

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Burgers & Paddy’s

Fields O’Green

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Review: Torches: Foster the People anniematheis features editor If you haven’t heard the song “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People, you have probably been living under a rock for the past month.

Everywhere I go, I hear it. It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and plays on nearly every radio station.

What you may not know is this song comes off of the debut Foster the People album, Torches. What you also may not have realized is “Pumped Up Kicks” is not the only song on the CD that is catchy and electronic.

A major strength in this album is the relevant and deep lyrics.

Whether addressing important issues like teenage violence (“Pumped Up Kicks”) or the carefree days of

childhood (“Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)”), the band manages to address deeper issues, rather than just singing a typical love song. It is almost eerie how the band achieves such vibrant beats while singing about serious issues.

One standout track is “Call It What You Want.” The lyrics warn people to not conform to the expectations of others. It manages to get this message across while maintaining a fun vibe.

The only fault is the similar sounds between some songs. A few songs stand out, but most beats tend to blend.

This point aside, Torches is still a great CD that gives a new meaning to powerful lyrics. It’s refreshing to know there are still bands out there that can stay away from the boring love songs.

September 2011

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CAR-acteristics Cars reflect the unique personalities of individuals

Story by Jansen Hess

Mikey Henson 2004 Ford F-150

Jake Kennedy 2008 Chevrolet Impala

Makenzie Hanson 2008 Jeep Liberty

Subwoofers make the pebbles beneath the truck vibrate. The brand new black paint job makes people stop and stare. The black rims are just an added bonus to sophomore Mikey Henson’s 2004 Ford F-150.

“I think I’m fun, loud and athletic, and I know when to have a good time and when to be serious,” Henson said. “Personality-wise, my truck’s fun and different.

His $1,200 subwoofers are a result of his hard work.

“People tell me it’s loud, and it’s pretty sweet,” he said. “But I had to pay for a lot of my truck with my own money.”

He’s been saving since childhood to pay for the extra luxuries in his car.

“Ever since I was 8, I’ve been interested in cars,” Henson said. “I started saving when I was that young, too.”

To save up for his car, Henson did household chores and then started to mow lawns.

Henson said he doesn’t care that he had to pay for a majority of his car.

To him, it doesn’t matter how he got it, he’s just happy he did.

To senior Jake Kennedy, his life is just average, and so is his black 2008 Chevrolet Impala.

His car may be newer, sleeker, and have working AC, but other than that, he says there is nothing particularly special about it.

Kennedy said he and his car have similar characteristics.

“I’d consider myself to be nice, smart and reliable,” Kennedy said. “I have a reliable car that can get me from point A to point B. Pretty much everything functions, and it hasn’t broken down yet.”

Kennedy said he is conservative.

“I’m not very outgoing,” he said. “I’m shy, and I’m the nerd version of an average, everyday Joe Schmoe.”

He sees his car with the same perspective.

“My car’s kind of in the background. It’s not a fast or a really cool car,” Kennedy said. “But it works, and it gets the job done.”

Despite his broken AM radio, Kennedy finds other forms of entertainment.

“Sometimes I make sound effects when I’m in my car,” he said. “My car brings out my inner 4-year-old.”

Cruising down the street in a shiny black, 2008 Jeep Liberty, windows down, Infinity stereo blaring, singing along to the latest hit song.

Junior Makenzie Hanson said her car describes her perfectly when she blares the bass.

“I’m a very loud person, and I have a lot of energy all the time,” she said. “I like being the person who’s always wanting to have fun.”

As much as she loves to crank up the volume, she also enjoys the subtlety of the simple stereo system.

“I’m not a guy, so I wouldn’t want to have subs all over my car,” Hanson said. “But it’s nice just having a good sound system where you can still hear the bass without having it be obnoxious.”

Hanson said people label her as spoiled for having a nice car. But she says she is not spoiled — she chose her car for its reliability.

“I do have a nice car for a teenager and being called spoiled comes along with getting a nice car,” she said. “I just like to have something where I don’t have to worry about driving through the snow and having issues getting through it.”

Sophomore Mikey Henson poses beside his 2004 Ford F-150.

Senior Jake Kennedy poses next to his 2008 Chevrolet Impala.

Junior Makenzie Hanson poses next to her black 2008 Jeep Liberty. Photos by Kaelin Storm.

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September 2011

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Renaissance fair provides enjoyable, unique atmosphere for students emilybrown opinion editor My friend and I bent over a piece of paper, circling particular stores with a pen. We needed a game plan to tackle the hundreds of vendors and stores. However, within two minutes we were interrupted.

“My Ladies, why don’t you get out of the hot sun? We have a nice spot in the shade right here.” A man wearing a feathered hat and tights gestured to a bench next to a band of dancing gypsies.

“And you might just want to dance with one of our men.” He winked, and before we could run for our lives, another man approached. This one was wearing a similar outfit, but he sported a long grey beard. “If you don’t, you will have to dance with me!”

He exclaimed loudly.

I gave a nervous laugh and walked away quickly, my friend not far behind.

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival is, quite simply, an experience. In the beginning, I was pretty freaked out with all of the random people coming up to me, speaking in old-English accents. Yet, it grew on me.

By the end, I was giggling like one of the many costumed fairies fluttering about.

The festival has plenty of options for shopping — everything from homemade candles, blown glass, costumes, jewelry and woodwork. However, be careful before you buy something. Quite a few of the stores sell the same items at differing prices. Look around first to get the best price.

One of my favorite venders sold gypsy jewelry. I bought a silver bell bracelet that would go with anything for only $7.

I’ll be completely honest. I went for the

food, and I wasn’t disappointed. There are dozens and dozens of different food choices.

My favorite was the spanakopita, spinach and melted cheese wrapped in phyllo dough. And of course, everyone raves about the giant turkey legs.

Despite everything else, I was rather disappointed with the entertainment. I wasn’t overly impressed with the comedy shows, but a younger audience would enjoy it. I paid for a camel ride and a giant swing but neither were particularly memorable.

But the shows and rides were not the only entertainment.

There were tarot readers and astrologists.

I was shocked by how accurate my astrology report was.

The lady figured out my time of birth by watching me interact with my friends at the counter. The astrologer was friendly

and warned me about certain weaknesses and pointed out my strengths. She also explained some of the math of her craft and all of the planetary alignments. It was some pretty fascinating stuff.

The costumed workers really complemented the entire experience. I found myself wishing I was wearing that gorgeous pink dress and gaping at some of the outrageous outfits.

But the most exciting part of the day occurred during the brief parade that introduced all the characters.

One of the gypsy men came up and kissed my friend’s hand, begging her to come see his show later. Throughout the day, he would pull her away from the group to chat with her.

This personalized action really made the entire trip more fun.

tigerturf

September 2011

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Brotherhood promotes team unity, senior leadership among Tiger football program

jordanmcentee sports editor It’s 6 a.m. on Nov. 28, 2010.

The day after the BV football team won the 5A State title.

The boys are back in the weight room preparing for the 2011 season.

The day after State.

Senior Justin Fulks said winning State was a big accomplishment for the Tigers.

“It felt like we showed everyone what we were capable of,” he said.

“We went from being nothing to being something really big — like proving our haters wrong.”

Coach Eric Driskell said the best part of last year’s State title was seeing the players’ achievement.

“The cool thing is the excitement and joy of the guys,” he said. “That’s definitely the most fulfilling part of it — seeing those guys on the pinnacle of their season.”

After 32 varsity players graduated last spring, seniors must step up to fill the leadership roles.

“As seniors, we have to lead by example,” senior Kyle Zimmerman said. “You have to do your best to show the younger kids because we’ve been here for four years, so we know what’s expected.”

Fulks said the underclassmen look up to the seniors as role models.

“When we run sprints, you get really tired,” he said. “But you know that people are looking up to you, so you need to work as hard as you possibly can.”

Many of the boys are now getting their chance to start after years on the team.

“We have a lot of guys starting who haven’t been on the field yet,” Driskell said. “It’s not because they’re young, but because they’re just now getting their turn.”

Driskell said, along with senior leadership, the team has many other strengths.

“We have a really strong senior class,” he said. “From the physical aspect, we’ve got a lot of team speed and a great work ethic.”

Zimmerman said the players feel they need to live up to last year’s success after winning the State title.

“There’s pressure, but we’re good enough to overcome that pressure,” he said. “If we all come together, it’ll take care of itself.”

Driskell said the football program is always expected to perform well. ‘“Pressure’s not really the word I would use,” he said. “I’d say it’s just high expectations. We want the guys to give their best everyday.”

Fulks said the team has a great opportunity to do what no team at BV has done before — win back to back

Seniors Logan Winter, Justin Fulks and Jaxon Tupper approach the coin toss prior to the home opener against BVSW. Winter, Fulks, and Tupper are three of the captains for the Tigers and are major players for BV. The Tigers went on to defeat the Timberwolves 33-6. Photo by Olivia Roudebush.

21

state titles.

While the team focuses on the upcoming season, Fulks said they also want to make this year an experience unlike any they’ve had before.

“Our goal is obviously to win State, but we really want to cherish the moments,” he said. “You don’t really understand until you’re seniors.”

Driskell said the team has prepared well for this season.

“This is the best off-season we’ve ever had since I’ve been here — 15 years,” he said. “We’ve been making strides to get better everyday, and if we do that, we’ll be where we want to be by the end.”

Driskell said the team has two main expectations for the year.

“Of course, we want to play for the State championship, but we want the guys to get better week by week and day by day,” he said. “I think if we do that, our ultimate goal can be attained.”

Zimmerman said the team’s brotherhood sets the Tigers apart from any other football team.

“There’s just this love and passion that we all have for each other,” he said. “You look over at the person next to you, and you have to work as hard as you possibly can because you know they’re doing the same thing for you.”

returning seniors

Alex Baird Nick Crissey Chad Curry Davis Dunham Matt Floyd Chris Foster Cole Foster Justin Fulks Aaron Heckmaster Trever Hendrickson Jeff Imber Austin Johnson Austin Katsorelos David Marr Cooper McCoy Jack Porter Joe Rolleston

Kevin Ryan Garrett Schoenfeld Sean Skaggs Clayton Stiver Jaxon Tupper Nick Virgilito Elliott Voss Logan Winter Kyle Zimmerman

The Tigers are back in action tonight at Bishop Miege at 7 p.m.

22

September 2011

tigerturf

Childhood soccer players continue tradition senior year jordanmcentee sports editor

Q: How long have you guys been playing soccer together?

Senior Hunter Browning: “The summer before fifth grade is when we first started on the same team.”

teammates

on and off

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Q: How do you think playing soccer together has made you better friends?

HB: “Well, we’re with each other, like, all the time.”

Senior Jake Hackney: “Playing together for so

long, we know each other’s tendencies and what makes the other person mad.”

Q: What are some memories you guys have from playing soccer when you were little?

HB: “Paul Lawrence.”

JH: “He was our old coach — he was a really, really good coach.”

HB: “Oh and I remember how Jake used to score a lot of

goals from half field — for real. We were talking about it on the bench at the game [against Mill Valley]. There was like a minute left and Jake had the ball, and I was like ‘Jake, just shoot it!’ Everybody else was saying, ‘Uh, he’s 70 yards out,’ and I was like ‘Yeah? What of it?’”

Q: What’s your favorite high school soccer memory?

JH: “Freshman year on JV was pretty fun.”

HB: “Yeah, that was just a good year in general.”

JH: “We pretty much just hung out with Coach Rob [Triano] and the team.”

HB: “There were also a bunch of cool seniors that year.”

Q: What are your goals for the team this season?

JH: “We want to be the EKL champions.”

HB: “Uh, State.”

JH: “Yes, and we want to make a good result at State.”

HB: “I really want us to just play as a team, which we should be able to do because all the guys have been playing together since we were tiny.”

Q: What is something that makes you guys different from any other high school soccer team?

HB: “We’ve all been really good friends since we were little, so we’ve all grown up together. Now that we’ve got so many seniors on the team . . .”

JH: “All the seniors have really good team chemistry from playing together so long.”

Q: What are you guys excited for this season?

HB: “Playing Aquinas and beating them.”

JH: “I’m just excited to see how the season plays out, which

I think should be really good because of who we’ve got on the team and all that. So it should be a good season.”

Seniors Hunter Browning and Jake Hackney played soccer together in elementary school and middle school. The two continue the tradition this year, playing on the high school varsity team. Photo by Olivia Roudebush.

tigerturf

September 2011

With few returning seniors, volleyball players step up to meet team goals jordanhuesers co-editor They competed against Aquinas and BV North.

They lost both games.

After returning to the school, they headed to the gym for an hour workout.

It was 9:00 on a school night.

They ran bleacher to bleacher.

Next, towel pushes, box jumps, ab workouts.

“That game we were not clicking at all and it was really ugly,” senior Hannah Sittig said. “We came back and ran. A few of us were trying, but sometimes it’s just that we are tired.”

To the varsity volleyball team, failure is not an option.

They practice every day for two hours, and focus on working to reach the goals of the season.

“Our goals this year are definitely to win Sub-State, something that hasn’t been done in 10 years, and go to State,” coach Jessica Palmer said. “We have been successful on the court as a team cooperatively. I would say our defense is really cooperative. It works really well in the back row. Experience, as well, is a key we’ve been missing.”

Four seniors play on this year’s team: Sittig, Mackenzie Johnson, Olivia Roudebush and Meghan Mahoney.

Sittig said a difference from past years is the strong relationship between the seniors.

“We are more friendly towards each other,” she said.

“I know last year there was a lot of tension. We are all more friends. All the seniors are close, and we get along.

I feel like that reflects for the younger people on the team.”

Though there were not as many returning seniors than in years past, Palmer said the team would adapt.

“We thought that it was going to be good with seven seniors stepping on, but it actually fell into the right place — who was here and who wasn’t,” Palmer said.

“We felt like everybody made the best choice for themselves and for the program.”

This past summer, the team worked at camps and trained for the upcoming season.

“We had a better idea this year of what we were doing and who was playing where coming into the season than in the past,” Palmer said. “Roles were much more justified before we even began.”

Palmer said the younger players are a strong and important asset to the team even with the senior leadership.

“Our two sophomores are leading in stats,” she said.

“They are strong within the city and state for club, so they’re going to create a very strong future for our program. Our one freshman is filling a void that we are going to be missing next year losing some major defensive players. Even though they are younger, they are a big part of our program now, and they’re just going to get stronger and better as the future comes.”

Sittig said the team’s goal is to win State and said she see’s a lot of potential in reaching that goal.

“We want to try and do the best we can, because we feel like we are really good,” she said. “But sometimes it is hard to prove it.”

The Lady Tigers will play on Sept. 27 at BV West against BVSW and BVW at 5 p.m.

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TIGER

TURF

BV SPORTS

sports in brief FOOTBALL

Previous Action: 9/9 vs BV Southwest (W 33-6) 9/16 vs BV West (W 45-14) Upcoming Action: 9/23 @ Bishop Miege 9/30 @ BV North Record: 3-0

VOLLEYBALL

Previous Action: 9/15 vs Ottawa (W) 9/15 vs St. James Academy (L) Upcoming Action: 9/27 @ BV West, BV Southwest Record: 10-8

BOYS SOCCER

Previous Action: 9/15 vs Topeka Seaman (T 1-1) Upcoming Action: 9/28 vs BV West

9/29 @ Turner

FYI

Save the dates

You can find photos from the Homecoming football game against BV West at bvtigernews.com.

The varsity volleyball team will host BV Northwest on Oct. 4 for Senior Night. The game starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tonight, the Tiger football team will take on the Stags of Bishop Miege.

Game time: 7 p.m. at Miege.

The JV/Varsity cross country teams run at the Rim Rock Invitational tomorrow morning at Rim Rock at the University of Kansas.

in the news Sporting Kansas City’s next two home games before the MLS Playoffs are as follows: 9/23 vs Philadelphia Union 9/28 vs Columbus Crew

The Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 2 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chiefs’ current regular-season record: 0-2

CROSS COUNTRY

Previous Action: 9/17 Blue Springs Invitational Upcoming Action: 9/24 Rim Rock Invitational 10/1 Metro

GIRLS TENNIS

Previous Action: 9/6 vs BV North (L) 9/12 vs SM West (W) Upcoming Action: 9/19 @ Olathe Northwest 9/23 vs Bishop Miege

GIRLS GOLF

Previous Action: 9/15 @ Heritage 9/22 EKL 2nd leg Upcoming Action: 9/28 @ Overland Park 10/4 EKL 3rd leg Results current as of Sept. 19.

24

incolor

September 2011

Floating through

space

Juniors create space-themed Homecoming ÁRDW IRU FODVV FRPSHWLWLRQ Photos by Courtney Woodworth. (below) Junior Oksana Litardo looks over the schedule for building the float. The juniors made a list of things to do for each work day in order to stay organized. “The biggest conflict was not having enough people sometimes,” junior Sammy Gibbs said.

(top) Juniors Sarah Hill, Cherish Cobbins and Sammy Gibbs decorate the back side of the float. The juniors worked at Gibbs’ house. “The overall process was pretty time consuming,” she said. “I’m extremely thankful for everyone who donated money — especially to everyone who came to help.” (right) Painting carefully, junior Ashleigh Bryson creates a sign. In the Homecoming parade, juniors took third place for their space-themed float. “I think our float started out with some small ideas but ended up looking really good,” junior Meggie Hadley said. (far right) To create the appearance of a realistic spaceship, Gibbs places red and orange streamers inside of a traffic cone. The creation of the float took a little more than a week. “Compared to last year, we’ve had a lot more people involved and willing to help,” junior Gaby Lobo said.