The Tiger Print — September 2012

Page 1

THE

TIGER PRINT

BLUE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL Vol. 43 Issue 2 September 2012 Stilwell, Kan.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Blue Valley earns prestigious recognition as a Blue Ribbon recipient for the second time. page 2 COMEDY CREW Fifth Wall Comedy Troupe sets high expectations for this year. page 20 PERFECTING PLAY Boys soccer team focuses on team dynamics, improvement. page 22

Erasing illusions

Club aims to encourage individuality, positive self-image: Pages 12-13. Photo illustration by Bailey Outlaw.

2

inthenews

September 2012

)S\L =HSSL` YLJLP]LZ WYLZ[PNPV\Z H^HYK MVY [OL ÄYZ[ [PTL ZPUJL TLNOHUkennedy Z[HɈ ^YP[LY Friday, Sept. 7, Principal Scott Bacon announced Blue Valley was awarded as a Blue Ribbon School. Out of 269 schools across the country, only 29 public high schools received this honor. Bacon said the award is validation of moving towards the school’s dream of being the best in the country. “Our challenge is to dream bigger and do what we do best — better than we’ve ever done before,” he said. “It’s a very honorable tribute to our school community—it’s something we are very excited about. I think it is the affirmation of the hard work everyone has put in. At the same time, we need to challenge ourselves to be better than we are.” Director of Communications Kristi McNerlin said this award is a reflection of the effect the staff and community have on the school. “The Blue Ribbon Award is one of the highest awards a high school can receive,” she said. “When a school receives this award, you know that it speaks for the quality of education that school provides. Our board and administration are very proud of the accomplishment of Blue Valley High.” This is the second time BV has earned the award. It was named a Blue Ribbon school back in 1988-89 and now this year. “It’s very unique,” he said. “If you go back over the history of Blue Ribbon Awards, there’s really only eight or nine high schools in the state of Kansas to earn that distinction. It’s very difficult to earn it in the first place, but to earn it for a second time, that’s just even more unique.” This year, no other schools in the BV district received this recognition.

Aside from academics, Bacon also said the school atmosphere has changed over the years. “I like to think even beyond academics, about the culture of our school, my hope would be we treat each other better than we used to,” he said. “The entire school community has progressed and we want to continue to do that. We’re not perfect and we obviously have areas we can continue to grow in, but I think over time, this symbolizes that we need to keep trying to get better and better.” McNerlin’s son, senior Ryan McNerlin, attends BV. “As a parent, it feels great to know my children are going to a school in one of the best school districts in the nation,” she said. “I know they’re getting a great education, and they are in a great environment. As a parent, I’m a huge fan of Blue Valley High, but I am also a huge fan of all of our schools. I know Blue Valley is a special place, and it has been a tremendous experience for [my children]. I am very happy with the education they are receiving.” McNerlin said she is looking forward to celebrating with the BV students and staff. “This is an award that speaks so highly of the schools we have in Blue Valley,” she said. “When people hear that, it is just validation of the quality we have in our schools. People are very happy and congratulatory towards the students and staff of Blue Valley High.” Bacon said winning the award takes a team effort. “I’m just really, really proud of our staff, students and the parental community,” he said. “Something like this doesn’t just happen. It takes everybody and I think the reason we’re receiving it is because the students have worked very hard to perform to the best of their ability. I think our staff is the hardest working staff anywhere, and the parental support is the best you’re going to find. And here we are.”

Events calendar Sept. 25 — College planning meeting at 7 p.m. in the PAC Sept. 27 — Yearbook Picture Retakes Sept. 28 — Yearbook Senior Ads Absolute Deadline, 3 p.m. Oct. 4 — Senior Graduation Announcements, Cap & Gown Meeting, 12:30-1:20 p.m. Veteran’s Writing Project, 7-9 p.m. in the BV Library Oct. 5 — Blood Drive Oct. 11 — Veteran’s Writing Project, 7-9 p.m. in the BV Library Oct. 12 — No School, End of First Quarter Oct. 13 — First Annual Talent Show, 7 p.m. in the PAC Week of Oct. 15-19 — No Block Schedule, Testing Oct. 17 — Repertory Theater Show “Twelve Angry Jurors” Oct. 18 — Senior Graduation Announcement Orders, 11:30 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Veteran’s Writing Project, 7-9 p.m. in the BV Library

The Blue Ribbon Award Quick Facts ;OL )S\L 9PIIVU (^HYK PZ HUU\HSS` WYLZLU[LK I` [OL < : +LWHY[TLU[ VM ,K\JH[PVU [V [OL OPNOLZ[ HJOPL]PUN ZJOVVSZ PU [OL JV\U[Y`

0M UVTPUH[LK [OL ZJOVVS OHZ [V HWWS` MVY [OL H^HYK ;OL HWWSPJH[PVU NVLZ [V [OL < : +LWHY[TLU[ VM ,K\JH[PVU HUK P[ PZ ZJY\[PUPaLK I` IV[O Z[H[L HUK UH[PVUHS VɉJPHSZ

;V YLJLP]L [OPZ H^HYK [OL ZJOVVS T\Z[ IL UVTPUH[LK I` HU LK\JH[PVU L_LJ\[P]L PU `V\Y Z[H[L

;OL ZJOVVS T\Z[ TLL[ JLY[HPU ZL[ JYP[LYPH HUK PM P[ PZ TL[ [OL ZJOVVS PZ UV[PÄLK

check out bvtigernews.com to ÄUK TVYL PUMVYTH[PVU on BV’s Blue Ribbon :JOVVS (^HYK

The Eye of the Tiger haileymcentee design & news editor A new exterior wall mural was recently installed as a gift from the class of 2011. However, due to color variation, it was removed and will be replaced at a later date. It will be 50 feet long and 5 or 6 feet tall, made of sheet metal aluminum and spray painted with a weatherable paint. This mural of tiger eyes will be secured to the building and will be seen from the west parking lot. “The class of 2011 decided that, originally, they had wanted to put up a digital sign out in front of our school, but the county said we couldn’t do it,” Principal Scott Bacon said. “So, they came up with a wall mural instead. We worked with a company in Texas and came across an impression of a tiger and decided, ‘Wow, that looks pretty good.’” Science teacher Azie Taghizadeh helps in the process of brainstorming with each senior class. “I think students will be excited to see something different instead of just white walls,” she said. “I hope even visitors coming in will think it makes our school different.” Class gifts are usually decided during

each class’s senior year and funds are raised by that class. “The senior class gifts are a tradition that goes back a long time, and every senior class has the opportunity to leave the school with some sort of remembrance of their class,” Bacon said. From freshman to senior year, each class raises money that ends up going toward their class gift. One of the ways they raise money is through the Senior-Faculty Challenge. Once the seniors have their class picnic at the end of the year, any money left goes toward their class gift. Taghizadeh said classes usually raise between $4,000 and $9,000. She said this year she would like to have more input from the class as a whole on what the senior gift should be. “It would be nice to get suggestions from people other than the executives,” Taghizadeh said. “It would be cool to see their thoughts so they can give back to the school that maybe gave them so much.” Bacon said his favorite thing about class gifts is the creativity. “Typically, I will sit down with the senior class officers, and the first thing they’ll ask is ‘Do we have some pressing needs?’” he said.

Photos by Megan Ball and Ellie Fehlig.

Class gifts from years 2010, 2002 and 1989

2010

2002

1989

September 2012

inthenews

3

Class of 2010 leaves their mark on Blue Valley with new outdoor mural

“And so we kind of go through those pressing needs, and then my directive to them is to try and be creative. If they can come up with something that really meets a need of ours, then great. If they have something a little out of the box that they want to pursue, then that’s great also. But, if they do that, we typically have to get approval.” Bacon said class gifts set our school apart from other schools. “We will have something that no other

school, that I’m aware of, has and ever will have because our tiger is copyrighted,” he said. “So the way ours looks is the only place it is going to look exactly like that. It will be unique to Blue Valley High School.” Bacon said the mural will make a prideful statement. “When people come over the hill towards the school from the west, the first thing they are going to see are the eyes of the tiger,” he said.

4

inthenews

rileymiller Z[HɈ ^YP[LY

September 2012

Collaboration Cause for a

This fall, Blue Valley’s GayStraight Alliance (GSA) and Diversity Club will host a talent show at 7 p.m. SatPreparing for the talent show, two clubs assist each urday, Oct. 13 in the Performing Arts Center to raise awareness for their causes, along with money for other in preparing for the unprecedented event charity. GSA president senior Archana Vasa said the club noticed the GSA and Diversity message wasn’t well accepted last year, and they hope to alter the perceptions people may have and promote what they stand for. “We figured something needed to be done,� she said. “So we decided to try and expand a lot, and we figured the best way to expand was to be doing this fundraiser.� been The students received the idea from Spanish teacher and GSA sponsor done. Jill Gouger, who once did a talent show for two different groups when “It makes she was in high school. me feel good “It was a great way for people, students and faculty alike, to about myself and it showcase their talents, and for all of us to see people outside of makes me feel like I’m the context of the classroom,� Gouger said. making a difference,� she said. Diversity Club co-president senior Anna Zheng said she “It might not be a big difference, thinks it’s a great way to bring different groups together. but I just feel like it will help students at “That’s kind of the whole point of diversity and GSA, Blue Valley feel more welcome and be more kind of just joining together,� she said. “We don’t want involved in things that they normally wouldn’t do.� to exclude anyone.� Students volunteering for the talent show will receive Vasa said she didn’t think one group would be community service hours for being a part of this event. As able to pull off the fundraiser alone. for the audience, there will be a $3 charge to get into the show. “I thought Diversity Club could really Friends, family, or peers can join the cast in raising money for charity. help us,� she said. “Especially because The funds the club raises will go to United Way. This appeals to most of the diversity and GSA go hand-in-hand.� students because it’s a charity that many BV teachers are involved with. Vasa said many students have Zheng said the clubs have decided for half of the funds to go to the charity, and already decided they want to help or the rest will be split between the two clubs. participate in the show. The club The judges will narrow it down to five finalists after all of the participants have permembers looked for students formed. Then the audience will decide who wins. Gift cards to local businesses will be with experience to be part awarded to first, second and third place winners. of the tech crew and help backstage, staff members to judge the show and students to put on the acts. Zheng said over the years she’s been at United Way is the most successful philanthropic BV, nothorganization of its kind in the U.S. ing like this Leading a Gay-Straight Alliance has 2012 marks United Way’s 125 anniversary. club meeting, GSA president

United Way facts

senior Archana Vasa reviews details of the upcoming talent show. The talent show will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Performing Arts Center. “This is a chance for people to showcase their talents in an informal setting,� Vasa said. Photo by Ellie Fehlig.

<UP[LK >H` >VYSK^PKL HPKZ V]LY JV\U[YPLZ HUK territories. In 2007, United Way topped $4 million in revenue MVY [OL Ă„YZ[ [PTL

September 2012

payin’thebills

5

6

outloud

September 2012

Weight World of the

When I was a kid, everyone always asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. There were the typical answers like teacher, vet, singer and the most popular — professional athlete. Often times, parents pressure their kids to be the best athletes. They want their children to excel at every sport they attempt, convinced they have “a gift.” carolinemeinzenbach We’ve all seen them — they stand on the sidelines of opinion editor their child’s game, screaming at the top of their lungs. In our heads, we are thanking our parents for not being that way. In high school, I understand why sports get so crazy. College scholarships can depend on a player’s performance in one game alone. But 11-year-old kids are traveling all over the country for soccer games. It’s too intense. There is so much pressure on these kids to win. At age 11, they should be worrying about their next spelling test, not their next

Clarifying

Clichés

Children experience life’s pressures from parents too soon, should have time to enjoy childhood before making major life decisions

tournament. News flash: most kids are not going to become professional athletes. I always played sports to have fun — not because I was being pressured to win a tournament. I mean, isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? Playing for the love of the game? I think parents want to live vicariously through their children. These parents weren’t good enough at these sports, so they’re praying to God their kids will be. Or they’re afraid to be considered failures as parents if their child fails. But if your child skips a few football practices only to end up with an academic scholarship, what is there to be mad about? Like in the classic chick-flick “A Cinderella Story”, when Austin quits football for Sam in the end, his dad yells, “You’re throwing away your dream.” Austin yells back, “No, Dad, I’m throwing away yours.” And he was. He didn’t like football; he wanted to be a writer. Moral of the story: When it comes to finding your career, start with what you enjoy doing. No one else’s opinion matters but your own.

Popular sayings can be misunderstood, have multiple meanings

Some sayings just never die. I can guarantee many things we say today were once popular in the decades prior to ours. Many of them are the cutesy, cliché quotes that are used in everyday conversations. Some of these well-known sayings, however, can be a double-edged sword.

“Everything happens for a reason.” Probably the most cliché quote ever. But hey, it got me through some tough times. And I’m sure it’s helped you cope with things, too. The universe has a way of working things out. If it’s meant to be, then it most likely will be. When that’s going to happen? I don’t know. But it will. It might require some patience, dedication and hard work, but I’m a firm believer that everything will work out eventually. Unfortunately, though, that doesn’t give anyone an excuse to act like a complete imbecile just because they think “Everything happens for a reason.”

“It’s the little things.” I’ll be the first to agree that it’s the nice, little things people do for you that can make a bad day so much better. For example, I was just having a really tough week a few weeks ago. Naturally, I started venting about it to my friend, telling her how I didn’t know how I was going to make it through the rest of the week without having a mental breakdown. The next morning at school, she was

waiting for me at my locker with my favorite Sonic drink, a raspberry Sprite. My day instantly got better. See? The little things do matter. Unfortunately, it’s also the little things that can destroy a day, as well. For me, it’s when people don’t use their blinker. I mean, really? They’re there for a reason. Use them — preferably before you start braking.

put a damper on five people’s days, just like that. Now, I’m not saying I always speak with the sweetest tone of voice — trust me, I don’t. I’m sarcastic and blunt in just about everything I say. But being sarcastic and blunt is completely different from being condescending.

“It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

One thing that really grinds my gears is when people mistake honesty for being mean. No, I’m not saying this because I want you to hate me, or I want you to go cry in a corner. I’m saying this because you need to know. Plus, if I lied to you, I’d have to use so much effort remembering the details and making sure everyone else involved knew the lie, as well. Honestly, that’s way too much work. Everyone deserves to know the truth. No exaggerations. No omission. Trust me, if I could spare your feelings, I would. But sometimes, that’s not possible. So it’s time to suck it up, accept the truth and move on with life. Because, well, there’s no point in dwelling in the past.

It’s so true on so many levels. The tone of voice used when talking to someone can affect the rest of their day, whether you know it or not. Good moods are contagious. So, if you were to come up and talk to me all happy and excited, chances are I’ll be happy and excited as well, thus putting me in a good mood. But if you talk to me like I’m a five-year-old, well, chances are I’m going to give you a dirty look and walk away. Then I’ll probably complain about it to my friends, which will most likely put them in a bad mood, too. See what you did? One snarky little comment and you’ve

What is the most cliché saying?

Freshman Jillian Bode: “Everything happens for a reason.”

jansenhess sports editor

Sophomore Lizzy Merchant: “Believe in yourself.”

“Honesty is the best policy.” “The truth hurts”

Junior Andrew Lester: “Teaching is its own reward.”

Senior Grant Milbourn: “Everything happens for a reason.”

September 2012

outloud

7

Drivers should consider consequences before texting and driving, getting behind the wheel annawonderlich business manager & managing editor “I’m a good multi-tasker, so nothing will happen if I text and drive.” In a survey with AAA Insurance and Seventeen Magazine, 34% of teens who drive distracted said they’re used to multi-tasking and find it easy to do. “I’m not actually texting, I’m just reading the message my friend sent me.” When reading a text message, your eyes are off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, according to the Ad Council. It might not sound like much, but if you were driving 55 mph, it would be enough time to drive the length of a football field. “If I just send this one text while I’m at a stoplight, it’s no big deal.” Many teens think it’s safer to text at a stoplight, but thousands of accidents occur at intersections every year. This could be because 73% of teens glance at their phones and 60% send texts at red lights, according to an AT&T teen driving survey. No matter what the excuse, texting and driving is dangerous and has not been taken as seriously as it should. Lately, it has become a huge issue among both teenagers and adults.

maddiejewett features editor This summer, I read the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. She wrote this book about her experiences while trying to become “happy.” The author felt she was just going through the motions in life, and was not genuinely happy. In order to change this, she chose specific parts of her life that she thought needed modifying. These categories included patience and acceptance. By the end of the book, Rubin has transformed into a much happier person. After reading the book, I asked myself, “What exactly is happiness? Am I genuinely happy with my life?” People throughout history have tried to pinpoint a single thing that happiness is, but in reality, it can mean different things for everyone.

Look at your phone. Is the last text you sent or received worth getting into an accident for while driving? Drivers are putting their lives at risk just to send a text as simple as “What’s up?” According to the Ad Council, 85% of people who text and drive agree that it is a problem, and 89% recognize it reduces reaction time. My question is, if they know it’s a dangerous habit, why do they still do it? Many drivers overestimate their driving skills and believe an accident could never happen to them. In fact, a Harris Poll said that 57% of people rate themselves as better than the average driver. Not only is texting and driving dangerous, it’s also illegal in most states. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, a Kansas law banned texting while driving and began charging a $60 fine. Drivers can’t “write, send or read a written communication,” so even glancing at your phone when you get a new text, changing the song on your iPod or talking to Siri is distracting. Is sending one text worth $60 and possibly the cost of car damages or even your life? In a world with never-ending communication through technology, I know how tempting it can be to check your phone as soon as it rings, even if you’re in the car. However, driving is already crazy enough — paying attention to the road, going the speed limit, checking your mirrors, looking at signs, etc. — so adding a phone into the mix isn’t a very safe combination. The best ways to avoid this temptation are to put your phone away, turn off the ringer or have another passenger text for you. No matter what you do, next time you’re behind the wheel, please just put the phone down and drive.

The average teen sends 3,000-3,500 text messages per month. (Pew Research Center)

60% of drivers use cell phones while driving. (Harris Poll)

Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to get in an accident than non-texting drivers. (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration)

Positive outlook, friends contribute to overall happiness For some, happiness is seeing their newborn baby for the first time. For others, happiness is getting that job that they’ve worked their whole lives for. People often spend their whole lives searching for happiness. Honestly, they are wasting their time. While reading The Happiness Project, I realized happiness isn’t one achievement or one big moment in our lives — it is our attitude towards life itself. I am a firm believer that the people we surround ourselves with have a huge impact on our happiness. In my life, my friends and family are my rock. They can make me smile and laugh through practically any situation. In short, they are my happiness.

Do the people you surround yourself with make you feel this way? If not, some adjusting in your friend group may be necessary. Another way to create happiness for ourselves is to make those around us happy. One quick smile at a passerby in a hallway at school can create minutes of happiness for both of you. Telling someone you like their hair or any other kind of genuine compliment can also have the same effect. I find happiness in other people’s happiness; therefore, I chose to surround myself with positive, uplifting people. As far as our attitudes towards situations go, in order to be happy, we must take a “glass half-full” approach. Bad things will happen to all of us at

some point in our life — it’s inevitable. But it’s how we deal with these situations and how we change our attitude towards them that dictate our level of happiness at any given time. As self-help author and motivational speaker Brian Tracy once said, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” By letting the bad things go and focusing solely on the good, we are bound to be happy. To me, this quote very closely sums up what happiness is: “Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little and are thankful for the little things in life.”

8

outloud

September 2012

Lost

in translation

Under Republican Party, many women’s rights will no longer be a woman’s decision

kellycordingley editor-in-chief Our mothers and grandmothers went through trials and fought battles that we’ve never experienced in order for the women of this century to have access to the what they did not. Now, the Republican Party seems to be taking steps backwards in regards to women’s rights. If the Republicans take control of the White House, Planned Parenthood funding would be withheld until they agree to stop performing abortions, according to The New York Times online. Right, it is clearly the best option to

completely cut off Planned Parenthood. It isn’t like they do anything except abortions, like help struggling women with nowhere else to turn. Title X, a family-planning program for low-income families that provides birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings and STD screenings, would no longer be funded. Women who cannot afford insurance have a higher risk of falling ill and not receiving treatment if their resources are cut off. A large number of far-right conservatives seem to feel it is appropriate to dictate what a woman may or may not choose to do with her own body. Take conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, for example. In early March, he verbally abused a college student who had spoken at a Congressional hearing about contraception being included in President Barack Obama’s healthcare bill. During his radio broadcast, he called her vulgar names and insinuated she was

Get the facts:

promiscuous to an audience of approximately 14 million people, according to New York Times online. Limbaugh seems to be the spokesperson for the uber-conservative agenda. But who is he to pass any judgement on a woman who wants to protect herself — an adult woman, no less? The student, Sandra Fluke, appeared at the Democratic National Convention on Sept. 5 to give a speech in support of Obama. Not doing too badly for herself, huh Limbaugh? In her speech, she warned the American people that under GOP nominee Mitt Romney, the future for women looks bleak. “During this campaign, we’ve heard about the two profoundly different futures that could await women — and how one of those futures looks like an offensive, obsolete relic of our past,” Fluke said. In another case in early August, Republican Mo. Senate reelect hopeful Todd Akin seemed out of touch with real-

ity and with women by saying during a discussion on pregnancy due to rape that, “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.” Right. Next time some poor woman is raped and impregnated, let’s ask her why she didn’t “shut the whole thing down.” I’m sure he didn’t mean the words to be understood the way they were by the public, but how insensitive and crass. I cannot explain how, why or when it seems the far right of the Republican party returned to such primitive beliefs. The GOP preaches about a hands-off government, yet they want to restrict so much. I guess it is easy for a party dominated by men to assume they know what is best for women, but that assumption couldn’t be more incorrect. Each and every woman has different ideas and beliefs about what is best for her. No one else but her should be making those kind of decisions.

Title X supports six in 10 of all family planning health centers in the United States.

Less than 3% of services provided by Planned Parenthood include abortions.

Access to family planning is directly linked to declines in maternal and infant mortality.

Romney supports cutting aid to Planned Parenthood but allowing States to create abortion laws.

Planned Parenthood aids nearly 3 million people, including men, women and children every year.

Information gathered from Fox News online and plannedparenthoodaction.org

September 2012

outloud

9

staffeditorial TIGER The

PRINT

editor-in-chief Kelly Cordingley website editor Odi Opole photo editor Bailey Outlaw

design and news editor Hailey McEntee features editor Maddie Jewett entertainment editor Abby Bamburg Cartoon by Becky Winegarner.

Tiger Time doesn’t M\SÄSS M\SS WV[LU[PHS !"#$$%&'(")*(#+

17

agree

4

disagree

Almost every Thursday between 4th and 6th hour, students trudge into their respective Tiger Time classrooms. Note the word ‘trudge’ — they aren’t thrilled to be there. Sometimes there is a lesson, sometimes Tiger TV. For the freshman, lessons usually include four-year plans. For the sophomores, lessons usually include four-year plans. Sometimes, junior’s lessons include four-year planning, too. Clearly, seniors aren’t too concerned with a four-year plan for high school.

Lucky seniors. We stick with the same Tiger Time teacher and class during the four years we attend Blue Valley. We’re supposed to bond and get to know the place where we spend most of our time. Oddly enough, Tiger Time doesn’t exactly prepare us for life beyond high school. Those four-year plans don’t need to be repeated over, and over and over again, either. Juniors either don’t care, or have their future classes figured out already. Sophomores are usually too ornery to pay much attention, so it seems the freshman are the only ones who benefit from four-year plans. Students who care enough to plan would do it with or without being told to create a four-year plan, anyway. Tiger Time is a wonderful concept — get to know your peers, grow as a student at BV, plan your life.

But in reality, most students would much rather have an extra 50-some minutes to work on homework, or be released from school early. Maybe it is the monotony of it all — every Thursday seeing the same people, trapped in the same freezing room we don’t want to be in and working on something fairly useless in the grand scheme of life. Our math homework deserves more attention than a Tiger Time lesson does. As far as getting to know our peers, a much better option would be class meetings or class activities. Those 15 or so students we spend time with in Tiger Time are probably bored of seeing the same faces every Thursday for four years. Let’s switch it up some. As previously stated, Tiger Time is a nice concept, but it has so much potential to be something more useful.

opinion editor Caroline Meinzenbach sports editor Jansen Hess

circulation manager, business manager Anna Wonderlich staff writers

Raine Andrews Sally Cochran Colin Gregory Meghan Kennedy Riley Miller Mitch Sundquist Danielle Williams

photographers

Megan Ball Ellie Fehlig Alex Kontopanos

cartoonists Becky Winegarner Katie Wells adviser Michelle Wilmes

The Tiger Print is published 10 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, 2010, 2012. Member, Kansas Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

10

upclose

M

September 2012

olding inds

Due to world travels, teacher has better understanding of classes, students mitchsundquist Z[HɈ ^YP[LY

Social studies teacher Brian Mowry started his sixth year at Blue Valley this year and has taught Area Studies: Asia and Area Studies: Middle East since he began. He also began teaching AP Government when Blue Valley Southwest opened. Students enjoy Mowry as a teacher because he has a unique style of teaching. Senior Dalton Funk, who was in Mowry’s Area Studies: Asia class his junior year, said Mowry is unlike any teacher he has ever had. “He is one of my favorite teachers of all time,” Funk said. “He doesn’t teach how a normal teacher does. He’s really original.” Mowry said he wanted to be a veterinarian from an early age. However, his AP U.S. History and English teachers during his junior year of high school persuaded him to teach. “They were just dynamic and awesome,” he said. “I thought, ‘Yeah, this is the way to go, I think that’s where my talents lie.’” Mowry has lived and traveled around the world. He lived in China for a year and in Israel for two years after he married his wife. Not only do these experiences give him stories to tell, but he said they also provide extended knowledge for the Area Studies classes. “When I got the job [at BV], Principal [Scott] Bacon had talked about how he had those two classes,” he said. “The fact that I lived in China and the Middle East kind of led me to those.” Athletic Director Matt Ortman, Mowry’s brother-in-law, said he believes Mowry’s travels provide his students with an extraordinary learning opportunity. “When he teaches Area Studies: Middle East and Asia, he’s got real-life stories to tell, and he’s very knowledgeable on the subject,” Ortman said. Funk also said Mowry has an extra edge due to his traveling. “He is extremely enthusiastic about what he teaches because he has been through it,” he said. “He wants to share his knowledge.” Mowry is involved with a number of activities at BV, such as coaching freshman basketball and sponsoring the National History Honor Society. Otherwise, he spends his time outside of school in a variety of ways. “I am currently training for a triathlon, so that’s taking up a lot of time because I’m swimming a ton,” Mowry said.

“And I just got a fishing license, so I’m going to try to start fishing.” Mowry said he enjoys teaching at BV because of the collaborative atmosphere. “Teachers work very well here together and are willing to share and experiment,” he said. “It makes it a fun and challenging place to work.” Mowry said he is popular with his students because of his “hands-off ” teaching approach. He said he prefers to let his students motivate themselves and give them a chance to fail, which he believes is a great lesson to learn. “I’m not the best motivator, and it’s partly by design,” Mowry said. “If you’re waiting in your life for people to motivate you, you’re going to live a pretty mediocre life.”

(Top) Sight seeing in Egypt, social studies teacher Brian Mowry jokes around while visiting monuments. Mowry lived in Southern Israel from 2005 to 2008, but he frequently visited the Pyramids in Giza. “It was a day trip,” he said. “You could get there in four hours from where I was living.” Photo courtesy of Brian Mowry. (Bottom) Visiting Giza, Egypt; social studies teacher Brian Mowry poses with his wife and brother-in-law, athletic director Matt Ortman. Mowry visited Egypt in the Winter of 2005 and Spring of 2007. “Whenever someone would visit, they would always say ‘Hey let’s go see the pyramids,’’’ Mowry said. Photo courtesy of Brian Mowry.

September 2012

upclose

11

Understandingthe election Class offered only during election year returns to BV, students analyze campaigns kellycordingley editor-in-chief The battle for the White House has already begun, and will only escalate as election day, Nov. 12, approaches. Each candidate is under constant scrutiny, and every speech is picked apart and analyzed. This year, to help students understand the finer details of our election system and of each campaign, Blue Valley offers the America Decides class to all students. “What’s nice about this course is that there is no book, no set curriculum,” America Decides teacher Kristoffer Barikmo said. “We get to teach about what is happening.” Barikmo is new to BV this year, but is familiar with the area. He attended Rockhurst High School and taught at Notre Dame de Sion High School before teaching for a few years in Colorado. Barikmo said it is essential for citizens to be active in government and informed. “You have to understand what’s going on to know what happens next,” he said. “I firmly believe in 20 years, you’ll use more economics and American government information.” In the age of technology, more information is published through social media sites, and election information and propaganda are no exception. Through the use of technology, Barikmo said he is even more excited to help students understand the logistics of the election “I think, ‘How can I help students understand what’s going on?’” he said. “‘Why did [Mitt] Romney pick that running mate? Why does the election only really rely on nine states when there are 50?’ Those questions are really important for Americans to look at.” Senior Bri Woods said she took the class to become more informed, even though she won’t be able to vote this year. “I used to feel dumb about politics,” she said. “I wanted to be more educated, and I wanted to sound smarter.”

Cartoon by Becky Winegarner.

Woods said the first thing the class learned was the election process, then they started talking about the candidates. “We will go over what each candidate stands for,” she said. “Next time, because I can’t vote this time, I’ll be able to figure this stuff out for myself and not just listen to the media.” Woods said she would be even more interested in the class if she was eligible to vote this year. “If I could vote, I might care more,” Woods said. “I only missed being able to vote by a few days, which really angers me.”

63.3% of Kansans voted in the 2008 Presidential election Kansas has voted Rebublican in the past three elections 46.9% of registered males voted in 2010 47.6% of registered females voted in 2010 Information gathered from the United States Census Bureau online and CNN.com.

12

indepth

September 2012

New cl positiv

kellycordingley editor-in-chief From Hollywood to local malls, images of size 0 models tell young girls how they should look. Collar bones jutting out, every rib traceable, faces gaunt — certainly the way ‘everyone else looks’. Guys are bombarded with the idea they should be big and buff. They see the images of professional athletes with bulging arms and commercials for supplements to build muscle mass quickly. These stereotypes are the ones a new group at Blue Valley plans to rebel against. REbeL was originally started by psychologist Dr. Laura Eickman and Blue Valley Northwest students. Eickman said she got the idea for the club because she realized more and more of her clients were struggling with how they felt about themselves. “I met with high school students, and most of their concerns were about fitting in and their image,” Eickman said. “None were truly confident.” She said she was able to understand where the students were coming from. “I know what it’s like being a female in our culture, feeling like I look good enough,” Eickman said. “I know very few women who like their bodies.” When BV’s school psychologist Julie Seitter found out the program was expanding, she said she jumped at the opportunity to bring it here.

“It sounds cheesy, but we believe everyone is beautiful,” Seitter said. “The media says beauty equals skinny, but really, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.” REbeL is a peer education group, meaning the students are the ones doing the teaching. “The girls in the club are such a nice, diverse group,” she said. “They talk about the obsession in high school to be skinny, and the idea that if you’re not skinny, you’re not worthy. They’re passionate about changing opinions about what is beautiful.” Seitter said the information found on the Internet about weight loss or body image can be destructive. “There’s so much dangerous information online about dieting or steroids for that ‘perfect body,’” Seitter said. “A lot of what girls are doing today is dangerous, unnecessary and unhealthy.” At the end of last year, students filled out an application to become a club member, and sponsors went through them. If they were accepted, the members went through a day of training before this school year. The club only accepts applications once at the end of each school year. Prairie Star Middle School participated in a pilot program of REbeL last year, which allowed many incoming freshmen to participate in the club their first year at BV. “There were many that loved it and wanted to be involved in it here,” Seitter said. “It’s such a great, positive message. Girls can be so vicious sometimes, it’s like, ‘Are we really so jealous that we can’t acknowledge each

other’s gifts?’” REbeL member senior Jennifer Schwe joined the club to help high school girls, e derclassmen, with how they view themsel “I feel like freshman year, there was the sure [to look perfect],” Schweiger said. “W them deal with that.” Seitter said the club will do surprise ac and out of school this year. “We want it to be a surprise because it’ best way to get someone’s attention,” she s ing for great messages throughout the yea Seitter said the main idea of this club i positive message. “We want to generate discussion, and I especially among the girls,” she said. “The just be yourself.” Although the club is all girls currently, both genders, and boys are encouraged to “The goal is to empower individuals to about themselves,” Eickman said. “It isn’t j but guys too.” Even though the REbeL program is loc senior Oksana Spindler said every teenag from the message. “I think every teen in the world has fel different than they should,” she said. “The should change for society, but they’re beau there are. They shouldn’t have to change.”

September 2012

lub promotes ve self-image

eiger said she especially unlves. he most presWe want to help

ctivities, both in

t’s usually the said. “Be lookar.” is to get out a

I think it will, e main idea is to

y, it is aimed and o join. o feel better just for girls,

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disease in the U.S.

indepth

13

An estimated 1015% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.

42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner.

Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet the criteria for depression. Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.

cal, leader ger can benefit

lt they look ey think they autiful the way ”

Showing her friends her sticky note, leader senior Katie Wells works on writing positive messages for REbeL. “We wanted to put the notes up all over the school so the student body could have a positive message right before Homecoming,” Wells said. The club plans to conduct surprise activities throughout the year. Photo by Odi Opole.

Photo illustration by Hailey McEntee. Statistics gathered from The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders online.

14

payin’thebills

September 2012

Like us on Facebook at Robeks Overland Park.

Exp. 10/31/12

Exp. 10/31/12

Professionally Licensed Nail Technician

Nini

color

highlights

texture

skin & nail care

$

20 spa pedicure

Nails & Spa

Hours: M-F: 10am to 8pm Saturday: 10am to 6pm Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

hair services

$

20 new set

14471 Metcalf Avenue Overland Park, KS 66223 (913)-402-4700 www.zhairacademy.com

$

20 shellac manicure

!"##$%&'()*+,%-.'/%%%%0.'1+*23%4*156%78%%%%%$!9/:9$/$;;9

Sharon Stanley

Hours Wed: 12 pm - 8 pm Sun: 10 am - 6 pm

“Waxes from head to toe, and everything in between!”

Certified & Specializing in: Waxes European facial massage High-frequency for acne-prone skin Galvanic for deeper product penetration

Beauty Brands 7501 W. 119th St. Overland Park, KS 66213 (913)-663-4848

THE

TIGER PRINT ONLINE

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

www.bvtigernews.com

September 2012

strengthening the

bond

maddiejewett features editor

upclose

15

Siblings. The first friends we make as children. The ones we share family vacations with. The ones we laugh until we cry and cry until we laugh with. The ones who see us at our worst and our best. The ones who can often be not only our best friends, but our worst enemies.

PETERSONS They are both shy and they speak similarly. They have a similar hair color and the same posture. People have even asked them whether or not they are twins. Kayla Paige Junior Paige Peterson and freshman Kayla Peterson have two classes together this semester — America Decides and Spanish 1. Paige said many people have asked them if they are twins. Paige said she does not particularly enjoy having two classes with her younger sister. “I like having my sister at my school,” she said. “The only thing I don’t like is having a class with her, because everyone thinks we’re twins — I think it’s weird.” Paige said, in order to help her sister transition from middle school to high school, she gave Kayla moral support. “I did give Kayla some advice,” Paige said. “But mostly I just told her that I’d always have her back when she needed me, and obviously to get out of the upperclassmen’s way.” Kayla said Paige helps her when she sees her in the halls at school, along with at home. “It is nice to have an older sister at my school because she is always there for me, and I know she will help me when I need it,” she said. “She helped me find my way to classes and understand the school more.” Kayla said, throughout high school, she expects to become closer to her sister. “I think we will get closer because we will understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses better and give each other help when it is needed,” she said. Kayla said Paige sets a good example for her. “She always does a good job in the things she sets her mind to, so I feel like I have to do a good job at whatever I do, too,” she said. Paige and Kayla feel differently about having classes together. “When I found out we had classes together I was really happy because she could help me in those classes,” Kayla said. “Having classes together will help us understand each other more. Since we have to work together, we will have to get along to finish what we need to.”

OVERMANS “Hey, that’s mine.” Tom Katie “Go away.” “Mom, he’s being annoying.” The Overman siblings have had their ups and downs; however, both of them hope that being in high school together will help them put aside their differences. Senior Katie Overman and freshman Tom Overman haven’t gone to school together since elementary school. Katie said she hopes attending the same school will allow her to build a stronger relationship with her brother. “I think it will make us a lot closer — Tom being at BV,” she said. “We go to school together and can have some mini-bonding during that time and just kind of chit-chat. I also feel like he is a bit more mature and easier to get along with. Him and my little sister have always been really close, so hopefully we can be like that, too.” Tom said going to the same school gives them more things in common. “We see each other more often, and we have some of the same topics to talk about — the dances that are coming up, or something like that,” he said. “I’m glad Katie and I go the same school because she gave me a lot of advice, and we can be a lot closer now.” Katie said being close with her family is important to her. “I think it’s really important for family to get along and be friends,” she said. “In 20 or 30 years, it will be super cool if we could say that we have always been best friends.” Tom said he looks to his sister for advice and guidance. “She gave me tips on what the differences between middle school and high school were,” he said. “Pretty much, she told me who the good teachers and bad teachers were. I really do look up to her. She makes all the right choices and makes pretty good grades. I want to follow in her footsteps and stay away from the bad decisions that lots of people make in high school.” Katie said though there is an age difference, it may help them in the long run. “I’m a senior and he’s a freshman, so we’re in two totally different spectrums,” she said. “He’s excited to be starting high school, and I’m sad to be ending it. We’re both at some of the best times of our lives. It’s great that we get to experience them together.”

September 2012

QandA 16

upclose

Stories by Abby Bamburg.

Wilcoxon

with the Blue Valley VMÄJL Z[HMM

good about getting “ Iupfeelevery morning and coming to school. ”

-Margaret Upchurch

Jan Wilcoxon

Cindy Snell

Question: When did you start working at Blue Valley? Answer: Last school year, in August of 2011.

Question: When did you start working at Blue Valley? Answer: This is my eighth year here, so 2004.

Q: Why did you choose to come to BV? A: My daughter went here, but I had also volunteered in the office for three years. I knew the staff that worked here, and I knew what this job’s responsibilities were, aside from the computer part.

Q: Why did you choose to come to BV? A: I actually worked here one year when Mr. [K. Dean] Snell became a math teacher in 2000 and then, because my son was younger, I got a job somewhere else because it was easier. I came back later because I liked it so much here, and I knew it was a great place to work.

Q: What is your job? A: I job-share with Cathy Porter. So we’re responsible for all the students as they check in and check out. We also record the attendance in the systems when the parents call in or students are gone from classrooms. Q: What is your relationship like with the other staff members? A: They’re great. I love working with the people in the office. Q: And with the students? A: I get to do brief interactions with the students. It’s all coming and going and ‘How are you?’s, depending on the reasons they are coming and going. Q: What do you like about your job? A: First of all, it is a job-share so I work two to three days a week, and Mrs. Porter works the other days. Cathy and I are friends, and we communicate well. I like the school environment because I loved high school myself. Q: What do you dislike? A: Sundays are very hectic. The new system [Synergy] is a little challenging to learn, but I wouldn’t say I don’t like it. It’s just new and different. Q: Describe your schedule for the typical day. A: We start at seven, and the first thing I generally do is listen to the messages that have come in since the day before. Then we’re responsible for entering all of the data into the computer, so I do that basically all day long. We write some reports to see who’s showing up absent in classes, and we haven’t heard from the parents. We will then send out emails to notify them if their child is not there.

Q: What is your job? A: I oversee the workings of the counseling office. I get to be the gatekeeper for the counselors and for the Registrar. I get to meet most of the students here in the building as they come through and ask questions. And [I] also help their parents if they have things they need to find out. Q: What is your relationship like with the other staff members? A: I hope they feel the same way, but it’s excellent. The people here are very easy to work with, and they have a lot of moral character and integrity. They are a lot of fun. So it’s really good to come to work every morning. Q: And with the students? A: It’s fun at this desk because by the time the kids graduate I know almost all of the students in the senior class. I enjoy getting to know them, encouraging them and watching them change and grow as they go through high school. Q: What do you like about your job? A: I love meeting people, and I love talking. It’s the one-onone interaction with people everyday because everyday is a little bit different. Q: What do you dislike? A: I dislike when people have to graduate. Or when other staff members retire or have to take jobs somewhere else because you feel like you’re losing a part of yourself. Q: Describe your schedule for the typical day. A: Usually in the mornings, it’s just servicing students who come in and have different needs. And then, during the day, it’s just answering phone calls and doing specific duties. After school, there is always a lot of activity with students, also.

Snell

Upchurch

Margaret Upchurch Question: When did you start working at Blue Valley? Answer: In December of 1999. Q: Why did you choose to come to BV? A: I had worked here before when it was the only school in the district, and I had three daughters who graduated from here. I knew the secretary here, and she called me and said, ‘I’m retiring and my principal asked for a recommendation. I recommended you. Are you interested?’ I said, ‘Yes,’ because I just love this school. Q: What is your job? A: I’m the administrative assistant to Mr. [Scott] Bacon. I basically assist him in anything that he needs to get done. I’m also the office manager, so I put out a lot of fires. My job is 12 months, so I work all year. Q: What is your relationship like with the other staff members? A: I feel like it’s a wonderful staff. The office staff has an especially great relationship. We’re friends — we do a lot of things together outside of office hours. Everybody gets along and supports each other in their jobs really well. Q: And with the students? A: I don’t get to interact with students as much as I would like to. Just being in the back corner, and most of the things I deal with are not directly related to any particular student. But the ones I do get to interact with, I enjoy very much. I hope they feel like they can come to me when they have questions or need something. Q: What do you like about your job? A: I feel like it’s a wonderful atmosphere with a lot of energy. I love being around the students, because as you get older, it’s easy to lose contact with what’s new and exciting in the world. Being around high school kids keeps you enthusiastic. I feel good about getting up every morning and coming to school. Q: What do you dislike? A: Sometimes there is not enough time to really do a job as well as you’d like to. But, besides that, there’s not much I don’t like. Q: Describe your schedule for the typical day. A: I do morning announcements. I check with the people at the front desks to make sure substitutes are covered and that there are no problems that we need to deal with in the building. I answer emails. It really varies from day to day.

September 2012

upclose

17

Full of FRESHMEN Freshman class size largest in building, adds class sections and staff

1,401 total students Seniors 24%

Freshmen 23%

Juniors 24%

Sophomores 28%

This year’s freshman class crowds the 200 hallway during passing period. This is the largest class in the last few years to come to Blue Valley. “the kids I went to middle school with last year, I wouldn’t even know if they still go here,” Freshman Anna Robacker said. “It is just that packed.” Photo by Bailey Outlaw.

sallycochran Z[HɈ ^YP[LY On Aug. 16, the 200 hall was even more jammed than usual due to the 389 students in this year’s freshman class. “You can tell the difference between the freshman hallway and all the others,” senior Erica Lange said. “Let’s just leave it at that.” According to Registrar Mary Urso, the number of incoming freshmen was fairly evenly split between Blue Valley Middle School and Prairie Star Middle School. Additionally, 30 students came to BV from out-ofstate, private or parochial schools, such as St. Michael the Archangel. “It’s kind of different because you really don’t know everybody,” freshman Lavanya Aggarwal said. “If someone waves at you, you may not know who they are.” Principal Scott Bacon said BV has added staff to accommodate students in classes, programs, clubs and sports. Science teacher Melanie Mahoney said because BV

added more biology sections and a new teacher, her class sizes have decreased from last year. “There is not nearly as much bumping around in class doing labs,” Mahoney said. “Kids seem to respect each other’s space more when there is more space. When we have fewer people and fewer disruptions, I feel that we can get more done.” Although the freshman class is larger than those of recent years, Bacon said he is not worried about problems related to its size. “We’ve been bigger before,” he said. “As far as growing, we’ve experienced this.” Bacon’s challenge for this freshman class is unchanged from the one he has given to those in the past. “I challenge them to be the most accomplished class that ever has set foot in Blue Valley High School,” he said. He said BV’s mission will not be changed by the new freshmen. “We typically have our goals, and dreams and our challenges to pursue,” he said. “The size of class really doesn’t make a difference.”

31

freshmen from V[OLY KPZ[YPJ[Z

389

Students in the freshman class

centerstage

September 2012

Android

vs.

18

Information gathered by Abby Bamburg from ansonalex.com and msnbc.com.

- Facebook and Twitter widgets that speed up the feed

- Game-center - Apple apps

- Game-loft

- Syncs any song from iTunes

- DoubleTwist for music (can play three songs at once)

- Eight megapixel iSight camera

- Google apps (turn-by-turn navigation app)

- 23% of smartphones sold in 2012 - iPhone 5 released Sept. 21

- 59% of smartphones sold in 2012

Erica Lange “Besides mine being so old, I like it. Basically the reason people like iPhone more is just because you can have more of your music on it.” Senior Erica Lange (owns an Android) Photo illustration by Hailey McEntee.

iPhone

Rosie Fisk

Jake Ackland

“I don’t like Android. The whole phone is glitchy and iPhone is way better.” Junior Rosie Fisk (owns an Android)

“I love the iPhone. It’s the only phone I’ve ever had and it can do everything.” Junior Jake Ackland (owns an iPhone)

September 2012

centerstage

19

Hitting

charts

the

:[HɈ TLTILY YL]PL^Z recently released albums

“The

Midsummer Station”

6^S *P[`

Stories by Hailey McEntee. !"#$#%&'#()$*%+&#,&-.(/*%0

Adam Young, otherwise known as Owl City, released his new album, “The Midsummer Station”, Aug. 21. It features 12 songs and one of the most popular songs on the album is “Good Time”, which features Carly Rae Jepsen — who sings the widely popular song “Call Me Maybe.” I really like how she is in the song because she is

becoming a well-known female artist. Also, their voices together sound exceptional. This album can be great to listen to whether you are blasting music in your car or just at home doing homework. “The Midsummer Station” has a good mix of tempos and can suit many musical preferences.

“Eye On It” TobyMac

TobyMac’s new album “Eye On It” was released Aug. 24. It includes 12 songs and a deluxe version of the album is also available, which includes six additional remixed tracks. The top selling song in this album is “Forgiveness” which features Christian hip-hop artist, Lecrae. This album is upbeat and fresh with

its electro-pop style songs. Amidst the modern sounding songs there also lie great messages. The lyrics are very insightful and the music is pleasing to hear. This album can be purchased on iTunes and the deluxe version is the 18th top selling album on iTunes as of September 10th. I strongly suggest checking out “Eye On It”.

Reviews of additional albums are available on bvtigernews.com

Dustin Lynch

Dustin Lynch

Dustin Lynch’s new album was released Aug. 21. For all y’all who like country music, this is the album for you. The music is a great mix of upbeat and slower songs. The most popular song on the album is “Cowboys

and Angels”, which is a ballad with beautiful lyrics. This album consists of 12 songs and one bonus track. Lynch wrote or co-wrote a total of ten of the songs on this album, which is really refreshing because the listener gets to hear some of his feelings through the music.

20

JLU[LYstage

:LW[LTILY

“

Not that we’re better. But we’re better looking.

“

-co-president senior Grayson Yockey

Performing Spit Take, seniors Bri Woods and Grayson Yockey try not to spit at each other. Woods and Yockey are Fifth Wall Comedy Troupe’s co-presidents. “We have to come up with a scene, but talk with water in our mouths,” Woods said. “It is really messy, but a crowd favorite.” Photo by Odi Opole.

JVTLKPJ evolution

Creating new traditions, BV’s Fifth Wall Comedy Troupe incorporates new games, adapts to changes sallycochran Z[HɈ ^YP[LY

Fifth Wall, Blue Valley’s comedy troupe, performed for the first time this year at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7th in the Black Box Theater. “We want to bring a lot more new games and keep some traditions the same,” co-president senior Grayson Yockey said. “We want to evolve each and every game.” This year, the team of acting students is lead by ‘Improvodores,’ a cross between improv and commodores, Yockey and senior Bri Woods. “Both have a great understanding of how improv works,” director Jeff Yarnell said.

Yarnell said they also have individual skills to bring to the team. “One of the great things about Bri is that she has a lot of stage presence and a lot of big energy on stage,” he said. “She’s successful in about every scene she’s in. Grayson has a lot of big ideas. He brings a lot of one-liners to it.” The troupe’s personality changes every year due to incoming members and graduates from the previous year. “Each year the team evolves into something else, and each year we have our strengths and our weaknesses,” Yockey said. Fifth Wall has performed more than all of the other improv teams in the district combined. This year, they expect to perform

about 10 times, six to eight of which will be at BV. Also, the team plans on performing outside of school. “This team is good at adapting,” Yarnell said. “Sometimes we are performing in public, and adults are watching us. It’s a varied audience once we leave the school.” Yarnell and Yockey said this team is set apart with a definite rehearsal schedule. “We will rehearse every week,” Yarnell said. “Most schools either don’t have [a team], or they don’t rehearse as much as us. And some teams don’t even form until second semester.” Yockey says they are different from other improv troupes. “We’re funnier,” he said. “Not that we’re better. But we’re better looking.”

Judging Fifth Wall auditions, co-presidents seniors Bri Woods and Grayson Yockey critique participants. Yockey said this year, Fifth Wall will be working harder than previous years. “We’re going to be helping the people in the teams do games more than we are going to be doing games,” Woods said. Photo by Megan Ball.

*OLJR V\[ [OL ÄYZ[ -PM[O >HSS WLYMVYTHUJL VU I][PNLYUL^Z JVT

September 2012

tigerturf

21

Cross Country

Close Up

Team’s hopes and numbers are high going into new season colingregory Z[HɈ ^YP[LY At the beginning of practice, the members of the Blue Valley Cross Country team run a mile. After stretching, they run some more and keep running. They end up running a total of five miles for every practice. The runners are also expected to train significantly in the off-season. “I ran 35 miles a week and lifted virtually every day,” senior member Alec Butenas said. “It’s about two and a half hours a day, six days a week.” Coach Diana Huber said she believes in maintaining the training regimen. “We encourage the runners to train as much as possible while still being able to enjoy themselves,” she said. With the largest cross country team in BV’s history, Huber said her job becomes more difficult with the growing number of kids. “I have to be figuring out new ways to organize practices and deal with things like clothing demands,” Huber said. There have been other changes made regarding the high number of runners. “Well, we’ve had to add two new coaches in as many years in order to deal with the growing population,” assistant coach Kyle Braden said. “We’ve been forced to become more organized, even when it comes to little things, like posting schedules.”

from

5A to 6A

mitchsundquist Z[HɈ ^YP[LY

On Sept. 20, administrators counted the number of students currently enrolled at Blue Valley. One week later, Sept. 27, BV will find out whether they will be 5A or 6A for all athletics and activities this year, excluding football. Schools are separated into classes to even out the competition. The 32 schools with the highest enrollments are put into 6A, the next 32 into 5A and 4A through 1A are divided into classes of 64 schools. Although class may affect activities and

As a senior leader, runner Colton Donahue said there is an enhanced sense of responsibility. “The enlarged number of people puts more responsibility on me as a senior to keep track of things, as well as to be on time at practice,” Donahue said. He said he holds the responsibility of being a role model for underclassmen. “I try to give them the best tips possible for success,” Donahue said. “I need to be someone who sets an example.” With a record number of cross country participants, Butenas said he knows it is even more important to be a good leader. “I try to help out and give tips whenever possible, especially if I notice [underclassmen] are doing something wrong,” he said. Butenas said, since the start of the season, everybody has had high expectations. “We’re going to win State, man — I really think we can,” Butenas said. “We also want to be in the top 25 of the school’s history.” Huber said she has aspirations for the teams to go to State and for Donahue to be the undefeated State champion. Donahue said he is equally determined. “I want to break my own personal record,” he said. Braden said he enjoys the friendships made with students. “Getting to know all these kids that I wouldn’t ordinarily get to know is why I love coaching cross country,” Braden said.

Practicing with teammates, seniors Colton Donahue and Alec Butenas joke while running warm-up laps. “Everyone’s hard work in the off-season is paying off,” senior Xavier Adams said. Butenas received his first varsity medal of the season on Sept. 8 in Paola.

Warming up prior to practice, senior leader Xavier Adams jogs around the track. “I want to contribute as much as I can at State,” he said. Adams has participated in cross-country all four years. Photos by Megan Ball.

Class size expected to change to 6A; affects activities, athletics

athletics, it doesn’t come into play until State competitions. “Regionals and tournaments are going to be at different sites when you’re in 6A compared to 5A,” Athletic Director Matt Ortman said. Schools are permitted to play other schools outside of their class during the regular season, but may only play schools in their class during State tournament competition. Football is the only sport with the possibility of being in a different class than other sports in a school. This year, football plays in 5A but will be 6A next year, regardless of the student count this year, because it takes the count into effect

every two years. Football player senior Ryan McNerlin said there is usually better competition among 5A schools, but being in 6A has its advantages. “I would prefer playing in 6A because it’s more of a reward to win it all,” McNerlin said. “You can say you’re the best team in Kansas no matter what.” Athletics are not the only activities affected by class. It also determines which schools the non-athletic activities, such as debate, forensics and band, will compete against. Senior Asim Zaidi, a member of the Scholars’ Bowl team, said the competition will be tougher in 6A.

“Six-A is more competitive because when you have bigger schools, you’re likely to have smarter kids,” he said. The Scholars’ Bowl team went undefeated in Regional and State competition last year, but Zaidi said he thinks there will be more of a challenge this year. “More 6A schools compete at a high level,” he said. Other than the competition, there is only a slight difference between class 5A and 6A. Regionals and sub-state tournaments are set up differently between the two classes. Despite the differences in the class, the State tournaments are held on the same dates.

22

tigerturf

September 2012

Change of pace Despite only two returning varsity lettermen, boys soccer team focused on improvement meghankennedy Z[HɈ ^YP[LY When the 2011 State championship game came to a close, the varsity boys soccer team accepted the State runner-up trophy with tears in their eyes. They realized they had not only lost the final game, but that they were losing 18 players and friends as well. As they thought about it, they realized there was always next year to capture their first State title. Coach K. Dean Snell said although the loss was disappointing, he was just happy to have made it that far. “I told the team, in a post-game meeting, ‘There are 32 teams that were looking for the opportunity to play for the state title, but only two could’,” he said. “At that point in the season, we were better than 30 other teams. It was an up and down run to get there. So as time went on, it was a great accomplishment.” Even though they couldn’t claim the state title, current co-captain senior Bryan DeBaun said the game was bittersweet. “It was an awesome experience, but it was awful losing,” he said. “We were all crying after, but to know we were the only team to make it to the State finals [in BV history] was awesome. Especially since the team we lost to has been making it to the state finals for, like, seven years in a row.” DeBaun said the sting of getting second at State pushes the team to reach their full potential this year. “Obviously, we’d like to go to State again, but we’re in 6A this year,” he said. “It’ll be a lot more competitive playing the bigger schools with better athletes. It won’t be easy to make it that far again, but if we play as a team, I think we could do it.” Snell said he has changed the way he coaches to get the team adjusted to the varsity mentality, but his philosophy will remain the same. “The majority of the team last year had been on varsity for at least two years, so I didn’t have to explain as much to them,” he said. “This year, it is a whole new team for me, and I am a whole new coach for them. Some of the more detailed things are what I need to talk to them about.” The team only has two returning varsity lettermen, DeBaun and co-captain junior Ben McDonald. “I think this year will be different because we basically have an entirely new varsity team,” co-captain senior John Lesko said. “We usually have more returning varsity players who can help the new players get used to the faster speed of play, but we don’t have that this year. We really have to push ourselves.” The team also has two sets of siblings. Lesko’s younger

Sliding for the ball, sophomore Nick Allen makes an offensive play. The Varsity soccer team is focusing on playing well as a team this year, not just going to State. Photo by Megan Ball.

brother, sophomore Joey Lesko, and sophomore Carson Funk and senior Dalton Funk are all first-year lettermen. “Between the siblings, there is a lot of mutual respect,” Snell said. “I really don’t think there is a line between the sophomores, juniors and seniors on the team because they all share a common goal, and that’s awesome.” Lesko said the captains, McDonald, DeBaun and himself, plan to bring the team together. “I think the most important thing this season is going to be to learn to play better as a team,” he said. “We’ve been practicing really hard, and we’ve all been encouraging each other and pushing one another to work harder.” DeBaun said the captains all have very different personalities on and off the field. “I’m quiet during school, but when it comes to a game, I’m the loudest one there,” he said. “John Lesko is pretty popular, people tend to like him. He’s easy to look up to. Ben is also popular in school, but he is quiet during the game. We all have very strong opinions on what the team should do in soccer and that helps.” Snell said the group of guys are very coachable. “They listen very well, and the chemistry between them

is very good,” he said. “They do things without being asked, and they always go above and beyond of what I ask them. They are very disciplined and well-trained, as well.” DeBaun said due to limited defense experience, they have problems communicating. “They don’t really tell the other people ‘Forward, forward’ or how to defend the opposing players, so they can make their job easier,” he said. “We are really good at making combination passes. If we pass well and quickly, we can move around the defense pretty efficiently. Last year, we relied more on the talent we had, but this year we need to focus more on possessing it and attack the best we can. We always want to fill the shoes of the seniors from last year, but it’s a different kind of feeling. You just have to live up to what you can do.” Snell said the team just needs to play the best they can, even if it doesn’t show on the scoreboard. “One of our focuses is to improve every day,” he said. “We always want to get better from yesterday and give our best effort. The expectation is [that] we play to the best of our ability. If we work hard, good things won’t happen — great things will.”

September 2012

Longtime teammates look forward to sharing collegiate soccer experience together

tigerturf

23

TIGER

TURF

BV SPORTS

sports in brief

FOOTBALL

Junior Brooke Zimmerman runs after the ball during soccer practice. Zimmerman has played soccer since kindergarten and recently committed to Missouri State University. “I’m excited to be going to a good soccer school, to be with my best friend and for a whole new experience,” she said. Photo by Alex Kontopanos.

jansenhess sports editor Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, junior Brooke Zimmerman practices at the Overland Park Soccer Complex for an hour and a half. All those evenings of training and all those weekends of games and tournaments have paid off. On Aug. 19, she verbally committed to play soccer at Missouri State University (MSU). Zimmerman has been competitively playing soccer since the sixth grade as a right defender. “I play soccer because it just clears my mind,” she said. “I just have fun playing it.” Zimmerman said there were many factors that played into her decision to attend MSU. “Well, I’ve been talking to them for a while,” she said. “I got a pretty good offer from them, I love the campus and one of my best friends is going there. I wanted the team to be good. I wanted to feel comfortable in the atmosphere and have a place that gives the athletes a lot of academic attention.” MSU offered Zimmerman a full scholarship, as long as she scores at least a 24 on her ACT. “I’m in ACT Prep to help me get ready for that,” she said. “I’ll just have to study really hard and keep working really hard.” Zimmerman came into contact with MSU through multiple college showcase tournaments she competed in. Before playing in those tournaments, she emailed college coaches and asked them to come watch her play. As soon as the scout was interested, the coaching staff contacted her club coach. She was also interested in the University of Kansas, the University of Nebraska and Creighton University. Zimmerman said a weight has been lifted off her shoulders since she committed to MSU. “I feel like I have a lot of pressure relieved,” she said. “It’s not like I feel like I have to not work as hard, but I feel more relaxed. I know I have to work really hard in

school, but at soccer practice I just feel more comfortable and relaxed, like I don’t always have to be perfect.” Zimmerman will be playing soccer at MSU with a former teammate, junior Makenzie Pfeiffer of Kearney High School. Zimmerman joined Pfeiffer’s team four years ago. They played on Kansas City Futbol Club (KCFC) Futura Academy together until this year, when they made different Sporting Blue Valley teams. When Zimmerman and Pfeiffer first met, it was upon the request of the Futura coach. Pfeiffer said he had asked her to get Zimmerman acquainted with the team, since she was considered the loud-mouth. “I ended up thinking, ‘Wow this girl’s really cool. I definitely need to hang out with her,’” Pfeiffer said. “We ended up spending the entire practice together. I love her to death. [The team is] best friends now. We all just wish she lived closer to us.” Pfeiffer plays right midfield and has played soccer since she was five years old. Pfeiffer said her decision was more based on how well she would be able to adapt to college life. “I love Springfield, [Mo.],” she said. “The soccer team was awesome, and the girls were nice and accepting. I also know a lot of people who are going there from other towns. I think it was mainly a comfort thing and knowing that I’ll have friends to have fun with. The coach also seemed really nice and I just thought it would be a nice fit for me.” Although the scholarship amount isn’t determined, the school will be funding her tuition and books, so all she has to pay for is room and board. Zimmerman said she is looking forward to spending her college years with one of her closest friends. “Mackenzie is a lot like me,” Zimmerman said. “We’re pretty much the same person. She’s so fun and we always have fun together. I’m sure there will be some times in college where we get sick of each other and we want to kill each other, but I know it’ll be really fun because she’s one of my best friends.”

Previous Action: 9/7 v BVN (47-28 W) 9/14 v Salina South (28-7 L) Upcoming Action: 9/21 @ Bishop Miege 9/28 @ BVNW Record: (1-2)

VOLLEYBALL

Previous Action: 9/18 @ Gardner Upcoming Action: 9/22 @ Fayetteville Invitational 9/25 v Olathe South Record: (7-6)

BOYS SOCCER

Previous Action: 9/17 v Gardner 9/18 @ Bishop Miege Upcoming Action: 9/24 @ BVW 9/27 v Turner Record: (2-5)

CROSS COUNTRY

Previous Action: 9/20 LaCygne Invitational Upcoming Action: 9/22 Rim Rock Invitational 9/29 Metro

GIRLS TENNIS

Previous Action: 9/4 v BVN (W) Upcoming Action: 9/21 @ Miege 9/25 @ Topeka West

Record: (4-2)

GIRLS GOLF

Previous Action: 9/17 Blue Hills Tournament Upcoming Action: 9/26 Overland Park Tournament Results current as of Sept. 16.

24

incolor

September 2012

Burnin’Up

Homecoming tradition fires up students prior to football game through dancing, free food

Photos by Megan Ball. (Above) Seniors Ryan McNerlin and Clay Rhodes place a model of the Salina South High School mascot in the bonfire. Burning the opposing team’s mascot before the Homecoming game has been a BV tradition for years. (Right) Several cheerleaders dance for the crowd at the bonfire. The disc jockeys had multiple dance competitions and gave away prizes based on applause at the bonfire. (Below) Cheerleaders seniors Bethany Pence and Stephanie Woltkamp watch as the cougar burns. Burning the mascot produced a lot of smoke. “I thought it was better than the last years,” Woltkamp said. “It was crazy for the cheerleaders, trying to finish the runthrough.”

(Above) Cheerleader sophomore Meredith Beal does a scorpion pose. Cheerleaders performed for students during the event. (Left) Seniors Clay Rhodes and Jacob Wormington address students. Rhodes and Wormington thanked students for support of the football team.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.