The Tiger Print — September 2006 by The Tiger Print

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tigerprint 6001 W. 159th Stilwell, Kan. 66085 Sept. 15, 2006 • Vol. 37 Issue 1

Homecoming festivities come early; students rush to make plans brookethurman

entertainment editor

Homecoming already? With a new year comes new people to meet pages 7-9

nina humphrey

t’s the start of the school year and in the dressing room of Macy’s, freshman Hannah Ebling tries on dresses for her first high school dance. She has many options; yet, it only takes an hour for her to find the perfect one. With the help of her mom she puts the dress in the car and heads home only to discover that her dress bears a strong resemblance to the dress of her senior sister, Katherine Ebling. However both Eblings couldn’t be picky or return the dresses. They had less than one month to make preparations for the dance. “It’s really hard to find a new dress because they’re all last season,” senior Katherine Ebling said. “It’s also hard to get a group together to make plans and reservations.” continued on page 3

Athletes learn the importance of hydration page 14

currentevents

Sept. 15, 2006

Car, bicycle accident occurs outside school lot ‘No one’s to blame’; student body wakes up to pedestrian safety “You should go at most 20-25 mph in a school zone and keep your eyes on the road,” senior Adam Knapp.

“Take no chances; wait for the biggest opening in traffic,” freshman Gavin Weir.

saraster

features editor

rossing 159th Street has always been a dangerous mission, but when freshman Gavin Weir was hit by a car on his way home from school, the whole student body took notice. Although the accident on Thursday Aug. 31 occurred outside school grounds, it has affected students along with the two involved in the accident. It was warm outside and students had already left campus early while others used tutoring time after school. At approximately 2:42 senior Adam Knapp had just exited the east parking lot driving the speed limit and focused on the road. Suddenly, Weir attempted to cross the street on his bicycle and was hit by Knapp’s car. Weir ﬂipped off his bike ﬂying 48 feet through the air landing near the curb. “They said I was conscious the whole time,” Weir said. “But I don’t remember anything.” Weir was taken directly to Children’s Mercy Hospital where he stayed overnight. There were no broken bones. Weir was left with a cut on his forehead, a sore elbow and severe road rash. Although it was an accident, Knapp, the driver, was also left

iger riefs

Environmental Club Hoping to restore local environmental awareness, the Environmental Club will embark on two longterm projects, sponsor Joe Whalen announced at last weeks meeting. The club

also plans to restore Stanley Nature Park, and maneuver the water quality in Blue River. The group will also participate in Walking with Kansas City Wildlife, which hopes to restore native prairies by removing non-native vegetation. “I want to see people get out and get their hands dirty,” Whalen said. The club will also discuss environmental issues and research within the community. The president of the club is senior Kate West, and meets every Wednesday for about an hour.

Sara Ster

Freshman Gavin Weir caught the attention of the student body when he collided with this windsheild Thursday, Aug. 31.

traumatized at the scene. In shock from everything that had occurred, he still had to fill out paperwork. “I know I’m not the only one who has had an accident there,” Knapp said. “It should have a crosswalk.” “It was an accident, and no one’s to blame,” Weir added. The school requested a red light from the city, according to school resouce officers, which would cost $100,000. Even though it would make traffic flow safer, a light would have to come from the city. For now school officers will direct after-school traffic and adjust turning lanes out of the parking lot. Kay Club

Kay Club planned its participation in the Buddy Walk at its ﬁrst meeting Sept. 6. In the meeting they welcomed members and discussed their plans for the year. Buddy Walk is scheduled Sept. 30 to raise money for the Down Syndrome Guild. A candy sale will be held in the cafeteria Sept. 18-22 to raise money and to encourage participation in the Buddy Walk. Kay Club hopes to have more community service activities than last year, according to President Sarah

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Safety Tips

Give full attention to driving (i.e. no cell phones Use crosswalks when Give full attention to crossing driving the street m (i.e., no cell phones) Just be cause you see a car, that Use crosswalks when crossdoes n’t mean the car sees you ingear the street W s eatbelts Just because you see a car, Pay attention that Be prdoesn’t epared mean the car

sees you Wear seatbelts Pay attention Be prepared

Weaver. This semester the club hopes to send cards to hospitals, visit nursing homes, adopt-a-family and paint pumpkins for kids in hospitals for Halloween.

Young Democrats Club The newly-founded Young Democrats Club had its ﬁrst meeting on Sept. 5. The club, which meets every other Tuesday for about half an hour, hopes to perform community service and keep the school politically informed. According to sponsor Jill Gouger, junior

Sean Elliott, junior Alex Scott and sophomore Michael Fitzmorris are the club’s leaders. “We want to spread the democratic vision,” Elliott said. The club plans to work with the state and regional democratic ofﬁces, Gouger said. They also hope to spread the word of their political agenda and belief system, Elliott said, while eliminating political apathy in the school.

currentevents

Sept. 15, 2006

Homecoming: StuCo expects high turnout for dance •Continued from page1

How to get a date by tomorrow

Time is a big concern for the Eblings and many other students. Four and a half weeks into the school year makes for an early Homecoming sarahweaver week. The Homecoming game is tonight and the dance tomorrow. editor-in-chief “I think it kind of snuck up on people,” till, no date? No problem. Okay, a Student Council President Austin Quarles said. little bit of a problem, but not a huge The early Homecoming this year is a major difference for Blue Valley problem. A problem you can overcome. students from the Oct. 22 date last year. According to Athletic Director How to find a date in a day: Bob Whitehead, scheduling Homecoming First, look around. Options takes place almost a year in advance. are among you. With more than “When scheduling we first look at 1,400 students, it is unlikely that how many home football games there everyone has a date. Ask around are,” Whitehead said. “We then look at and keep your eyes open. A the dates of the home football games special someone would probably to judge if the weather will be nice and be preferred by most, but with 24 what other activities are going on.” hours don’t narrow your options There are only four home football games down any more. Ask someone this year, and according to Whitehead unexpected; ask the fun-loving the weekend of the fifteenth was the best friend in your art class who always option. The administration also had to see lets you borrow his pencil. If he if there were any activities during the week says no, your plans are not shot to before Homecoming that could interfere Hades. You have one day and you with the bonfire or other evening activities. can do it. Take your best friend of However, with the early date sponsor the opposite sex or if all else fails, Mark Mosier still expects a good turnout. “It’s the first social [event] this year, and Wearing a costume that rep- go with some other single friends. students will go to the first one,” Mosier resents Patriot Day, senior Hank Now you have a date, but nothing said. “We expect about 800-850 students.” Driskell models for the Homecom- to wear? Wrong. Gentlemen, you have it a tad easier. Chances With Homecoming coming ing Assembly Sept. 7. are you own a pair of dress shoes, slacks, extremely early, spirit week came even earlier. The themes for this week’s spirit week were: a dress shirt and tie. Matching would be Patriotic, Rep Your City, Career, Class Color and Black and preferred, but no need to be picky; you Gold. The Bonfire was Sept. 13, and the parade is today.

Homecoming Highlights

School opts for more money, drops Coca-Cola Students disappointed as Pepsi ﬁlls machines

Royalty Austin Quarles, Erin Lewellenthomas is, Zach Rampy, Vanessa editor-in-chief Abenoja, Marshall Stula, enior Patrick Cooley walked Maggie Haren, Chris Casinto the school on Aug 17 to an unpleasant surprise. The Coke tor, machine where he used to purchase Kelsey Frerking, Hank his Cherry Coke was gone, and in its Driskell, McKenzi Foster, place was a Diet Pepsi machine. “I was depressed and disappointed juniors Justin Prelogger when I found out I had lost my Cherry and Morgan Matile

Today’s Parade Participants Girls’ Golf, Volleyball, Goal Zero, Freshmen Class, Sophomore Class, Junior Class, Senior Class Date & Time Sept. 16, 8 to 11 p.m. in the commons Entertainment D.J. Ron Ruth

are getting ready in about 24 hours. Girls, do what girls do best: look through their friends’ closets. Keep in mind, not everyone remembers what you wore to the dance last year. There is no shame in re-wearing a dress (yours or your pal’s). Remember not to stress when it comes to planning. Pictures, dinner and the afterparty are what you make of it; although, if you wing the whole night you probably won’t get too far. The easiest thing to do would be to join a group, but if that is not possible, don’t fret. Going just the two of you (you and your date) would not be too bad because you were not planning on going the day before. If you and your date are making your own group, there is no need for pictures to be a big show. Look good and snap a few shots for your scrapbook or facebook, and be done with it. Since you have not been saving up for this dance, it may be a good idea to eat ahead of time. This way you can be satisﬁed by an appetizer or salad while out at dinner. When it comes to the dance, have a blast. Be proud of yourself for being able to look so good with so little time. You have a date, a look, and now you’re at a dance you weren’t planning on going to the day before.

Coke,” Cooley said. Other students have gone through the same withdrawal after Pepsi replaced Coca-Cola in the vending machines. Coke reduced its sponsorship fee that they paid the school after a new federal law, public law 108-265, was passed. “There was a federal mandate that was passed that in two years would eliminate regular soft drinks in public schools, and rather than wait for two years Coke and Pepsi both decided to pull all regular products out of public schools now,” Principal Scott Bacon said. With this new law, public schools

must come up with a wellness program and cut back on selling “foods of minimum nutritional value” or food that does not contain at least ﬁve percent of certain nutrients. “It’s caloric content,” Bacon said. “The beverage cannot have over a certain number of calories and that’s why you see energy drinks and some juices.” Because of the new law, Coke and Pepsi were concerned that the number of sales in the school would greatly drop so they both reduced the amount of money they offered their schools, Bacon said. “We had an exclusive contract with Coke, and they paid us a certain amount of money to have that exclusive contract,” Bacon said. “In turn we would turn around and spend that money on our students, for example the T-shirts at the beginning of the year.” When Coke pulled its regular products, it cut that sponsorship fee by 80 percent. Pepsi did the same thing to its schools but later offered more money. “Pepsi came back and said, ‘you know what, if we get all four schools in the district, we’ll give you some extra money on your account for your

students,’” Bacon said. “Coke did not counter that offer.” The reduction of the sponsorship fee is not the reason the prices have increased this year. Pepsi regulates the prices and the school has no control over them, according to Bacon. The school does not get money from the sales but from a sponsorship fee.

“ Coke and Pepsi are scared

that the volume of sales will go way down and that’s why they cut down on the sponsorship fee. I think people will buy what they are offered.

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Pepsi has not permanently replaced Coke. They could still come back next year if they see sales rates similar to last year. “Coke and Pepsi are scared that the volume of sales will go way down and that ‘s why they cut down on the sponsorship fee,” Bacon said. “I think people will buy what they are offered.”

Sept. 15, 2006 ourvoice 4 Change not to be feared, New soda machines not as popular as old; seen as motivator for life students feel they are being ripped off

ears are all around us. Most everyone has a fear if not many. I have a friend, as do many of you, who fears many things. Overall, she fears change. Changing her hair by a simple haircut, changing her style by throwing on some mascara, and changing friends. Why should she fear something that is all around us, like change? I once heard that the only thing that is constant is change. Change is happening all the time. If it didn’t, where would we be today? I feel as though my life is changing more than ever right now. I am in my third year of high school. I have already, to my surprise, made it through two years or what are supposed to be the “best four years of your life.” Half of me cannot believe how old I am getting. The other half of me is ready for bigger and better things: one of those things being college. This is where my fear lies. I do not fear college itself. Oh no, I am ready for college, probably, more than most. I could pack up and leave tomorrow, or so I think. I am afraid of not getting into to college, not knowing where I want to go to college and not being happy where I end up. This is a fear so many high school students hold deep inside them, but usually not this early in the year, yet alone so early in their high school career. This realization of my fear led me to another realization that I need to enjoy the last two years of high school more than ever. I have had a blast the first two years. I kept busy with my social life; oh, and academics were kind of important, too. After having two years behind me, I now know how to enjoy the next two even more. My friends I have around me may not be there in two years, so I need to make all the memories I can now not tomorrow because tomorrow may not be there for too much longer. Do not fear change. Change, along with fear, is all around us and will always be within us. Enjoy whatever year you are in right now, because believe it or not, your high school career will be all over before you know it.

Weaver writes

Sarah Weaver

mitchsmith

staff writer

ast year, students could purchase an ice-cold Coca-Cola product, diet or regular, whether an energy drink or not, for one dollar, all day, every day. This year that has all changed in several ways. One, there is no regular pop. Two, students can’t have any vending drinks until 1:15 and three, once you get to the vending machine, those products cost a quarter more than last year. In a ridiculous effort to reduce childhood obesity, schools across the nation are making the move from regular to diet pop. However, these changes did not have to take effect until the 20082009 school year. Also, there was no reason for anyone, the school or the government, not to allow students to purchase the kinds of drinks they want and not until after lunch. Additionally, students are paying more per bottle for the same products they can buy down the street at Wal-Mart for less. Pepsi, which sets its own prices, negotiated a deal with all four Blue Valley high schools this past summer to pay twice the sponsorship fee to the school district than what Coke was offering. Although Coke products are the best selling sodas in the country, it is the other changes that have created

a rift within the school. An increasingly common scene after fourth lunch period is dozens of thirsty students lining up by the unplugged vending machines praying that someone will turn them on a few minutes early. The ironic thing about this whole situation is that the school is losing money from vending machines since this change. Despite the fact that Pepsi paid more to get the machines in the school, their fee is still reduced and students aren’t getting the products they desire. “Making up the money for student activities is a big concern,” assistant principal Melissa Hansen said. Students are also wondering why they are being asked to pay more money for products (no regular) that they feel is a downgrade from the previous offerings. In a survey of 35 students, everyone preferred the old Coke machines to the new Pepsi machines. Although nobody can deny that teenage obesity is an epidemic in America, punishing the masses for the personal problems of others

Tiger Print Editorial Policy

The Tiger Print is issued nine times a year for the students, faculty and the surrounding community of Blue Valley High School. It is an open forum for student expression. Therefore, the opinions expressed within this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration of Blue Valley School District #229. The goals of this newspaper are to: 1. Inform accurately, objectively, fully and in depth. 2. Entertain. 3. Provide leadership. Editorial comment will be frequent, but only within editorials. 4. Adhere to journalistic standards and ethics. 5. Provide a forum within BVHS for the free exchange of ideas. 6. Support and give publicity to school projects. 7. Validate the concerns of the students and BV community. 8. Acknowledge mistakes and correct them as soon as possible. 9. Avoid endorsing political candidates

isn’t fair for anyone, whether it’s choice of product or when the product is consumed. Faculty and students alike are griping about these new machines. These new vending machines are not a positive change for anyone besides

Gwen Bergerhofer Pepsi, who pays a reduced fee and receives money from a higher-priced product. Also, don’t expect the administration to defend the new machines. “I’m right there with you,” assistant principal Melissa Hansen said, “especially since I’m a Coke drinker.”

Letters to the Editor and other reader contributions are accepted and encouraged. In accordance with communications law, the standards of libel and obscenity will be upheld, and free speech may not be used to disrupt the educational process and must not attack anyone in a personal matter. These letters must be signed, unless the editiorials and managing editors agree that circumstances warrant withholding the name. Special considerations for advertisements are as follows: 1. No political advertising will be accepted. 2. No advertising for products that are illegal for high school students to use or consume will be accepted. 3. The Tiger Print staff reserves the right to decline or edit any advertisement. 4. The Tiger Print staff and its adviser are not liable beyond the cost of the ad for mistakes made within design, editing or production. In summary, the Tiger Print will strive toward verbal and visual excellence. It will aim to be a vital part of the Blue Valley High School Community.

Ryour

ourvoice

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September 15, 2006

How do you feel about diet soda?

voice

Pointless because people will bring other things in place of the diet sodas.

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We should be able to have regular sodas; diet soda is bad for you because there is more acid [in them]. freshman Josh Goode

junior Megan Adams

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Diet Soda is for image and conscious shallow people. junior Griffin Page

I think it’s stupid, and whoever decided must think we’re fat. senior Kacie Davis

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Students skip detentions during ‘05-06 resulting in new detention policy for tardies meganvansooy opinions editor

ave you ever been late to first hour before? Did you receive a 45-minute detention for it? According to the school’s new policy, students who are late to first hour will receive a 45-minute detention as opposed to the less-intense 15-minute detention policy of last year. Why the change? The number of tardies last year were far greater compared to the number of tardies Junior Emily Brown works on her homework during a Friday school.

the year before. The average number of tardies last year during a single quarter was 213, with the highest number recorded being 374 during second hour on Thursday. “The administration wanted to see a drastic reduction,” principal Scott Bacon said. But why such a hardcore impact? Maybe it’s because students just don’t want to do the time. It would be easier if everyone just finished what they started, but apparently, it’s not the case here. Teachers who assigned detentions say that once they gave a detention last year, students usually skipped the

usual 15-minute detention, making it stressful for both the students and the teacher. If students would have stopped procrastinating and served the lesser 15-minute detention, there wouldn’t be a 45-minute detention to complain about. So there you have it: The reason why these detention sentences are getting longer and longer is because teachers assume that students will just skip the 15-minute detention. They also saw a drastic increase in the number of tardies throughout the school year. Maybe, just maybe, if we come to school on time, there will no lingering questions.

Thank you faculty for homework-free summer bradenmiller

circulation manager

ear Faculty, Thank you for not assigning homework during the summer. Every summer, students always look forward to a nice, hot summer, swimming everyday, hanging out with friends and looking forward to a wonderful vacation. In past summers students have had summer homework, for either English, math or history. Without summer homework, students felt happy knowing there was nothing to worry about. In year’s past some students waited until the last minute to finish their summer assignments, while others started as soon as possible. But this summer it didn’t matter. Having no homework can be a good thing, but I realize it can also be a bad thing. Some students may have felt less prepared or forget how to work problems, especially

in advanced classes. Some teachers agree with that viewpoint. “The students need homework so that they understand and comprehend what is coming for them in the future in these kinds of classes,” history teacher Dianne O’Bryan said. But the majority of the student body and some faculty agree that it was a good change not to have summer homework. “We thought that this year, kids could take a break and have a fun summer. Students may feel less prepared for classes when school started after doing nothing for two and a half months, and it probably made a difference in the effect on students study habits. I’m not sure if this will continue for the future, we’ll just have to wait and see,” assistant principal Tonya Merrigan said. Many students had jobs this summer, working four to five days a week, four to six hours a day, and had little time to do what they wanted to do. Having no homework is a good thing, as well as a bad

thing according to students and teachers. “The good thing about having no homework this summer was not having concerns about school and keeping my mom off my back. The . car bad thing about it was I had nothing d n to do when I was bored,” junior Nick ya t i s Noren said. ero n e “It gave them a choice whether to ads ur g read or not because some like reading e o h y r r and some don’t, but the horrible e fo you r g a thing is that I was behind two books hin we c l t in my AP class.” Communication Arts u a r kf s sc teacher Linda Eagleton said. k han s t de Having no homework during the ow u h o s summer, gave students a lot less at y res p g x stress, and they felt more free to do n i ot e sitt whatever they felt like doing without n e n b ca y having their parents watching ds r ma o u everything they did. Even though W Yo some students felt less prepared for this school year, the majority of the student body enjoyed a wonderful summer with kicks and giggles. Thanks again faculty for the free summer.

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a F r ea

ourvoice

Sept. 15, 2006

Crammed, crowded hallways annoy students

s junior Christopher McDermott walked down the hallways on the first day mattkillen of school, he noticed that something news editor had changed. It wasn’t the “healthy” soda machines or the absence of SRO Ken Braden, it was a number of new lockers crowding the 600 halls. “[The lockers] are in the way, and there are too many people; We looked all over the it’s too c r o w d e d ,” school for the least obtruMcDermott sive area to add new locksaid. This past ers summer, the school added about 50 new lockers along one side of the 600 halls. The lockers were built mainly to help make room for the 60 students who are new to BVHS. These new students, along with the new lockers, make passing through the 600 hallway a hassle. There are not only more people at the school, but in the 600 hall there is less space to travel in. As a result the halls are congested. The 600 hallway is probably used more than any other hall, all of the main hallways are connected to it, and until this year it

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served as convenient way to travel between classes. So why would the administration put new lockers in that area of all places? Surprisingly, it was the only option. No matter how annoying the lockers may be, it’s something students will have to live with. “We looked all over the place for the least obtrusive area to add new lockers, and as it turns out, the 600 halls were best,” Principal Scott Bacon said. Some students may recall that the walls in the 600 hallways curved inward, which was partly what made the hallway so easy to travel through. Since the walls indented, they helped to keep the lockers as much out of the way as possible, and kept the lockers so that they didn’t take up most of the hallway (even though more space is gone than we’re used to). The new lockers though, are only the beginning. The school also plans to add new rooms in the east end of the school and another mobile classroom. Even though the addition of lockers in the 600 hall is extremely inconvenient, it is a necessary evil. It was the best option possible, and

hasn’t caused any major problems yet (No teachers along the 600 halls so far have had a student show up late.). Even though the addition of the new lockers is a pain, it is something we’ll have to put up with.

tigerprint

staff

2006-2007 Opinions Editor Megan Van Sooy

Managing Editors Ellen Thomas Sarah Weaver

Features Editors Sara Ster Sarah Weaver

News Matt Killen

Entertainment Editor Brooke Thurman

Photographers Morgan McMahon Gwen Bergerhofer

Photo Editor Nina Humphrey

Reporters Jake Faber Anita Galler Brian Israel Ian Janes Mitch Smith

Cartoonist Garrett Griffin

Advertising Manager Sara Ster

Adviser Susan Agee

Sports Editor Hank Driskell Garrett Griffin

Circulation Manager Braden Miller

Sept. 15, 2006

Meet the... Freshman

I am looking forward to “meeting new people and playing in the games. freshman Kirsten ” Krull

I thought it was going to be scarier.

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meetthe

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freshman Nicollette Earnshaw

[I am looking forward “ to] hot guys, cheerleading and football games.” freshman Jaclyn Hill I was coming here “ thinking the seniors would push you around but they help you out.

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freshman Eric O’Connor

afraid I was going “toI was be put into a locker. ” freshman Brandon Fletcher Nina Humphrey

Willpower on Wheels James Geary comes to high school with goals, high hopes anitagaller

staff writer

ou may have seen him cruising in his wheelchair down the hall with his yellow lab, Schwan, while wondering who is that guy? His name is James Geary. He is a kind and outgoing freshman, according to teacher Jocelyn Rabbitt. “Everyone has been really nice and helpful,” Geary said. “They open doors or help me open things at lunch.” As many freshmen came to high school feeling nervous and fearful, Geary wasn’t nervous at all. “My sister went through this school and she told me all about it,” Geary said. “I kind of knew what to expect already.” Geary, despite his day-to-day challenges, is taking a rigorous schedule, which includes Asia area studies, debate and Honors Communication Arts. The most difﬁcult aspect of Geary’s life is communicating with people. “I’m not always clear, and I tend to change my mind a lot,” he said. Geary entered high school with an ambitious attitude. He ran for freshman class president. “I was vice president at Blue Valley Middle

School,” he said. One of James’s favorite things to do in his free time is read. “I want to be a science ﬁction novelist when I grow up,” Geary said. Already as a freshman, he has set goals for high school such as “becoming independent.” “I want to walk across the stage by myself with only Schwan there to help me,” he said. Schwan lives with Geary at home and is there to help. “She picks things up for me like if I drop the remote or something,” Geary said. “She was trained as soon as she was born to do things like this.” James usually spends two to three hours out of his chair everyday. “I do physical therapy once a week for an hour and a half,” he said. Geary also uses his weight training set with his dad to help get him stronger. “I am in weight training now and can walk by myself in a pool,” Geary said. With all these workouts, James will soon be strong enough to stand on his own and walk around with the help of Schwan. This summer Geary attended a four-day disabilities camp in Colorado.

“It was like a sports camp,” he said. Geary participated in horse back riding, bungee jumping, canoeing and rafting on the Colorado River. “I’m going back next year,” he said. “It’s something that gets me out of my chair.River rafting was my favorite because it was fun and exciting.” Geary is looking forward to the new experiences that high school will bring him and all the experiences he didn’t have in Nina Humphrey middle school. Freshman James Geary can be found Geary eagerly around the school with Schwan by his side and anticipates his a smile on his face. high school years, he said. Despite his disability, he is enthusiastic to achieve all his goals. High school offers many new possibilities that he is ready to try. As he said, “I am deﬁnitely looking forward to all those football games.”

meetthe

Sept. 15, 2006

Meet the...

Officer Mike Thrasher,

third from right, protected the President George W. Bush before coming to protect Blue Valley High. Photo submitted by Mike Thrasher.

foreign exchange Q&A: Q&A: Michael Weenink Holland

Is BV what you expected?

Senior year is supposed to be the best so I decided to [come].

It’s a good school. People in America are very friendly. They seem interested in studying.

What are some differences between here and Holland?

What are some differences between teachers here and in China?

There is much more freedom there [in Holland]. You can pretty much get away with anything. They are much stricter here.

Teachers here are open minded and often discuss in class. The teachers here are very friendly. They communicate well with students.

A: Q: A:

What do you miss most?

My family, friends and the food.

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Everyone has been incredibly nice. counselor Deb Atkinson

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thrasher garrettgriffin

sports editor

leaders

What do you miss most? Student Council Officers are (clockwise) Secretary Alex Sandmoen, Treasurer

Brett Bauer, Vice President Collin Isham and President Austin Quarles “[I Hope] that the school doesn’t fall apart,” Quarles said. The Council meets together weekly to make decisions regarding activites and events. The plan is to make this year go down as the greatest year at Blue Valley High, according to Quarles. “We’re fired up and ready to go,” he said.

My dogs and Chinese food.

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I’m at Blue Valley because I’ve heard so many great things about the drill team here, and I’m very excited to be working with them. drill team Scott Hemphill

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“moment is when I tell my students that my brother goes to West. ” Wade math Adam

My most embarrassing

Blue Valley students welcome new security resource officer

JieLin “Julie” Liu China

Why did you decide to come to BV?

meetthe

Sept. 15, 2006

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I was so embarrassed the other day at practice. We were playing in the gym, and I was standing in the box. I’m a foot above the net, and Lindsay blasted me right in the face like BOOM.

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P.E. Christyn Haberly

hile helicopter blades roar overhead, two Marines wearing dress uniforms ceremoniously take positions on either side of the chopper’s door. The next person to descend the steps to the helipad is President George W. Bush, who promptly salutes his marine guards, while photographers furiously snap pictures from their perimeter. One of those soldiers is Mike Thrasher. Thrasher, the new school resource officer, grew up in Kansas City and Leavenworth. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 18. A year later he was assigned to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (Marine One), which is in charge of protecting Bush whenever he travels by chopper. The marines are always on the ground waiting for the

president to arrive, anywhere in the world. “In the marines I learned self-discipline, responsibility and how to carry myself,” Thrasher said. He joined the marines because he felt it was his duty to serve his country, he said. He recalls the most humorous situation he experienced while serving President Bush. At Camp David, while waiting for the president to board the helicopter, Vice President Dick Cheney began making faces at Thrasher and the other marines in an attempt to make them laugh in front of all the cameras. Thrasher thought it was funny how childish Cheney acted. Thrasher is married and says it was very hard on his wife when he was away so much. So he left the marines after four years to settle down in Kansas with his wife and extended family, eager to escape the strict environment of the military. He joined the Overland Park

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It is logical to learn a foreign language. German Karl Magnuson

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Police Department shortly thereafter. He always wanted to be a policeman. “What I enjoy most about police work is being able to help people. One good moment of helping someone can erase all the bad times,” Thrasher said. After three years as a patrol officer, he volunteered to replace Ken Braden when the former SRO returned to fieldwork. Thrasher was selected because he was well qualified to make the transition. “I’m very lucky to be here. My experience so far has been great. All the staff and students have welcomed me with open arms. I appreciate that,” he said. The most important thing to him, as an SRO, is the safety of the school, he said. He also says he can help and make an impact on the students here, whether they’re in trouble or not.

“

Do not be afraid to be yourself. C.A. Tim Cunningham

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“

My biggest pet peeve is four way stops and the difficulty people have with whose turn it is. business Trevor Sutcliffe

”

“

”

Never give up. math Megan Allam

Other new teachers will be featured in the next issue. Photos by Gwen Bergerhofer, Morgan McMahon and Nina Humphrey.

meetthe

Sept. 15, 2006

Meet the...

Officer Mike Thrasher,

third from right, protected the President George W. Bush before coming to protect Blue Valley High. Photo submitted by Mike Thrasher.

foreign exchange Q&A: Q&A: Michael Weenink Holland

Is BV what you expected?

Senior year is supposed to be the best so I decided to [come].

It’s a good school. People in America are very friendly. They seem interested in studying.

What are some differences between here and Holland?

What are some differences between teachers here and in China?

There is much more freedom there [in Holland]. You can pretty much get away with anything. They are much stricter here.

Teachers here are open minded and often discuss in class. The teachers here are very friendly. They communicate well with students.

A: Q: A:

What do you miss most?

My family, friends and the food.

“

Everyone has been incredibly nice. counselor Deb Atkinson

”

thrasher garrettgriffin

sports editor

leaders

What do you miss most? Student Council Officers are (clockwise) Secretary Alex Sandmoen, Treasurer

My dogs and Chinese food.

“

I’m at Blue Valley because I’ve heard so many great things about the drill team here, and I’m very excited to be working with them. drill team Scott Hemphill

”

“moment is when I tell my students that my brother goes to West. ” Wade math Adam

My most embarrassing

Blue Valley students welcome new security resource officer

JieLin “Julie” Liu China

Why did you decide to come to BV?

meetthe

Sept. 15, 2006

“

I was so embarrassed the other day at practice. We were playing in the gym, and I was standing in the box. I’m a foot above the net, and Lindsay blasted me right in the face like BOOM.

”

P.E. Christyn Haberly

“

It is logical to learn a foreign language. German Karl Magnuson

”

“

Do not be afraid to be yourself. C.A. Tim Cunningham

”

“

My biggest pet peeve is four way stops and the difficulty people have with whose turn it is. business Trevor Sutcliffe

”

“

”

Never give up. math Megan Allam

Other new teachers will be featured in the next issue. Photos by Gwen Bergerhofer, Morgan McMahon and Nina Humphrey.

ourlife

Sweet Summertime Variety of activities keep students engaged during summer break bees,” Chesley said. “ I had to go to the emergency room.” entertainment editor As Chesley was having a river trip. Lots of Cash. medical crisis, juniors Nicole Laboring in Nashville. DeFranco, Alexis Varriano, Camps. Doing absolutely Callie Eaton, Kelly Shay, nothing. Many students can fit Elizabeth Nikoomanesh and into one of these categories when Kelsey Nance played at Softball describing their summer story. Nationals for their team KC Fire. Some students may have wasted The competition was an 18-hour their summer while others don’t drive to McAllen, Texas. know where the time went. “We played really well,” Junior Kristen Madsen went DeFranco said. “We went against to a Mormon girls’ camp at the huge California and Texas beginning of teams.” June. The While some trip was for students went five days away, some on pontoon stayed close boats cruising to home and the Missouri participated in River. camps at school “Every night or regional we would cook universities. around the camp These camps fire and camp out attracted Senior Ellen Thomas on the sandbar,” athletes, debate, and junior Sarah Weaver design Madsen said. journalism and the front page of the Tiger Print “We went to a music students, at the Kansas Journalism Institute new place every to name a few. camp in mid June. night.” F re s h m a n While Madsen Ruben Gomez, was floating a member of the down the Missouri, senior Krista freshman football team, attended Chesley was laboring away on a football camp everyday for a mission trip in Nashville, Tenn. week. Gomez is a wide receiver Chesley went with her church, and linebacker. The Church of the Resurrection, “[We] ran a lot and lifted and they stayed at Belmont weights,” Gomez said. “ It was University for six days. tiring.” “[My favorite part was] night As Gomez was working hard at activities,” Chesley said. “We had football camp, a group of seven worship, a mega race, basketball students went to journalism camp and karaoke.” at The University of Kansas. Three C h e s l e y members were from the Reflection was in a staff and four were from the Tiger g r o u p Print staff. The two staffs spent that did five days working intensely on painting, their productions to prepare for the 2006-2007 school year. Even though alarm clocks construction and are back in use, the memories yard work. of summer 2006 will not be “The first day we were picking forgotten. up trash and I got stung by 11

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Sept. 15, 2006

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redcarpet

Sept. 15, 2006

Missing Summer? hankdriskell sports editor

Students offer guide to cure those summer withdrawals

he lazy days of summer are gone; however, they are no more than the push of a few buttons away. What better way to reminisce about summer than to slide in a DVD and watch it on the silver screen? At the Tiger Print we compiled a list of our top three movies that, for a couple of hours at least, will take you back to those long summer days and even longer summer nights. So kick back, relax, get a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy these classics. THE GOONIES: At number one, this 1985 classic comedy is a top of the line summer comedy. It all begins when Mikey (Sean Astin) and a group of friends find “One-eyed Willy’s” treasure map in the attic. The kids decide, in order to save their homes from being bought by land developers, they must pursue the treasure. This is a classic summer movie filled with adventure, comedy and even a little romance. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION: You just can’t go wrong with an all-American family like the Griswalds. Chevy Chase (Clark) leads a comical cast on a cross-country family trip to the theme park Wally World. The Griswalds all pile into the family station wagon expecting a nice vacation but get far more than they bargained for. This 1983 film is a must watch flick if you’re into the summer scene. THE NOTEBOOK: There’s nothing like a summer romance. For all of you ladies and more gentle gents, this movie defines what summer romance really is. Despite their differing social status, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) fall madly in love. What follows is a roller coaster of romance as the couple finds it is difficult to be together. This is a great story that is bound to take you back to your summer love. Our list has a little bit of everything minus horror because I Know What You Did Last Summer was not list worthy. Nonetheless, this list is guaranteed to give you something to hold on to, something to long for until the final bell tolls.

Stars of the Notebook, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, both have new movies out. Gosling stars in Half Nelson as an inner-city teacher with a drug habit, who forms a close bond with one of his students. McAdams is currently filming Marriage, a movie about a man who decides to kill his wife instead of divorcing her. Photo courtesy of imbd.com.

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PiCkS of THE MoNtH redcarpet

Sept. 15, 2006

Movies Will Ferrell’s latest movie; Talladega Nights, is a story of a NASCAR icon, Ricky Bobby, whose racing ego is challenged by his greatest rival. It is impossible not to think of Anchorman, the unforgettable comedy written by Will Ferrell in 2004.

Online Facebook is the number one leading site for photos. There are 1.5 million pictures uploaded daily. Facebook is the most popular site for students.

Music Television

A video streamed more than 5 million times on “Youtube’s” most-viewed videos was Panic! At the Disco’s “I write Sins not Tragedies” widely known song. The video also won the coveted Video of the Year award during the MTV Video Music Awards.

Concerts

Nina Humphrey

Television and movie photos courtesy of imdb. com.

The American animated comedy, Family Guy; lower-middle class family living with an intellectual talking dog was ﬁrst aired on Fox Broadcasting Company after the 1999 Super Bowl game, which resulted in 22 million viewers. A Family Guy video game will be released in 2006 on the Play Station Portable, Xbox, and Play Station 2.

This summer’s Buzz Beach Ball Festival sponsored by the radio station 96.5 the Buzz was the concert of the summer. Several bands performed including: 311, Dashboard Confessional, Yellowcard, Hawthorne Heights and many more!

tigerturf

Sept. 15, 2006

Are YOU ready? Fall Sports Previews

Tennis

Head Coach: Nelson Elliot Assistant Coach: Azie Taghizadeh Returning Varsity: Nikki Burczyk, Karoline Nunnally, Brianna Ortbals, Shelly Sparling ‘05 Results: 3-7 duals, sixth EKL, Shelly Sparling 8th place (single), Karoline Nunnally and Courtney Kramer 9th (doubles) ‘06 Results: 1-1-1

X-country Head Coach: Diane Huber Assistant Coach: Scott Kreshel Returning Varsity: Ben Loates, Patrick Cooley, Ryan Clark, Devin Wiegers, Devin Freeman, Allie Proll ’05 Results: Boys: Fourth EKL and 10th Regionals. Girls: Sixth EKL and eighth Regionals Quote: “We are a young Quote: “With great leadership team with lots of talent, and from our captains, the team has the girls are playing great,” a bright future,” Huber said. Taghizadeh said.

Football

Volleyball

Head Coach: Christyn Haberly Assistant Coaches: Kathy Cox, Dave Johnson, Peggy Rose, Joleen Vermulm Returning Varsity: Sam Martlee, Andrea Morris, Liz Minoofar, Alyssa Urso, Brittany Noblitt, Lindsey Petrick, Lindsey Mueller ‘05 Record: 11-23 ‘06 Record: 4-5 Upcoming Games: Louisburg Tournament, Sept. 23. Quote: “I expect us to compete in our league and that our kids will improve in competition,” Haberly said.

Golf

Head Coach: Jim Laughlin Assistant Coach: Jason Peres Returning Varsity: LeAnn Stilley, Mary Keegan, Stacy Yowell, Kelsey Frerking ‘05 Record: Qualiﬁed for substate, ﬁnished second in EKL ‘06 Results: Varsity: third out of

eight teams for Topeka West Shootout, fourth out of six, EKL opener. JV: Second in Washburn Rural, Valerie Gaughn (now varsity) ﬁnished ﬁrst overall. First in BVNW Invitational. Upcoming Matches: Sept. 19, BV Invitational

Quote: “We have high expectations to do as well as last year, but it won’t be easy,” Laughlin said. Photos by Jay McPhail, Erin Lewis, Ashley Martinez, Amanda Kistner

Head Coach: Steve Rampy Assistant Coaches: Jeff Tupper, Paul Brown, Eric Driskell, Pat McRoberts, Larry Lindsay, Rick McNerlin, Nick Madelen Returning Varsity: Ben Ehret, Mason Haggerty, Tyler Mikkelson, Trey Hobson, Zach Rampy, Miles Jaben, Hank Driskell, Kyle Hoge, Nate Wiechmann, Ryan Heil ’05 Record: 11-2, 5A State Runner Up ’06 Record: 2-0 Games to look for: “All of them,” Coach Rampy said. Quote: “Our team will go as far as our senior class wants to take us,” Coach Rampy said.

Soccer

Head Coach: K. Dean Snell Assistant coaches: Kelly Edwards, Tim Cunningham, Greg Gerhig Returning Varsity: Chris Castor, Craig Cook, Chris Martin, Adam Foote, Andy Heyen, Quintin Liberty, Chris Martin, Michael McDonald, Joey Mendrala, Scott Pinney, Morgan Snell, James Strieby, Marshall Stula, Nick Zabeck 05 record: 8-9 06 record: 1-3-1 Upcoming Games: 9/19 Miege, 9/21 BVW, 9/25 Ottawa, 9/28 Louisburg, 10/2 Sumner, 10/3 BVNW Quote: “I expect our team to ﬁnish at least third in the EKL this year,” Coach Snell said.

tigerturf

EKL football teams schedule interesting first week games

-2. After the first week under the Friday night lights East Kansas League teams went 42. What does that Hank Driskell say about EKL football this year? There are two possible answers to this question: that the EKL is stacked with talented teams or that they scheduled unworthy first week opponents. Well, it’s a little bit of both Blue Valley North for instance played the oh so powerful Turner Bears. Blue Valley North won that game 37-20. In the 2005 season Turner went 3-7 and lost to Olathe North 59-14 in the first round of the 5A playoffs. Bishop Miege scheduled its first game against Atchison High. Miege lost that battle 3-6. Atchison went 6-4 in 2005; however, they are 4A. They lost in the first round of the playoffs 21-46 to Topeka Hayden, the eventual 4A state runner-up. This is a good first game opponent for Miege. Blue Valley Northwest lost their first game 0-21 to Great Bend, a team that went 7-3 in 2005. Northwest scheduled a good first game. Even though they lost the game they gained more from it than a landslide victory would have given them. Blue Valley West scheduled a 6A opponent, how daring. Wait, they scheduled Emporia, a team that went 1-8 last season and only beat Highland Park, who also went 1-8. West actually had to score two late touchdowns to pull out the come from behind victory, 21-14. Saint Thomas Aquinas beat Washington 73-0. This really isn’t an impressive victory. Last season Washington went 4-5. However, they are a member of the Kansas City Kansas League, a weak league. The Tigers scheduled the Manhattan Indians for their first game. They handled Manhattan well and came home with a 43-7 victory over a highly ranked 6A opponent. The Indians went 8-3 in 2005. Their losses came to a 5A state semifinalist, a 5A state runner-up and a 6A state champion. 43-7, what does that say about the Tigers this year?

Call Me

Hank

Sept. 15, 2006

Quench My Thirst Athletes attempt to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water during practices ianjanes

staff writer

he hot summer sun beat down on senior catcher Connor Ronan, his muscles and head ached from catching an entire nine- inning game. With a win in the tournament, the Tigers had to play another game 10 minutes later. Ronan knew that he was extremely dehydrated, but being the only catcher on the team, he knew there was to be no break in sight. “I felt like my whole body was going to cramp up after it was over,” Ronan said. In the heat of the summer and early fall, sometimes it is hard for athletes to stay well hydrated. No matter how hot or humid the conditions, the athletes at school cannot stop for anything. Staying hydrated is important to the success of the team. “I start drinking water and Gatorade at least 12 hours before a game,” Ronan added. Some athletes have a set plan before they get ready for a physically demanding sport. For these athletes the 24 hours leading up to the game can be just as important as the two- hour- long competition. If dehydration becomes a problem here are some tips to prevent it from happening. According to the Senior Michael McDonald, a member of the soccer team, attempts Mayo Clinic, drinking a lot of fluids can treat most to cool off at Fall Sports Night. The soccer team scrimmaged for over an dehydration cases. Athletes should eat fruits and hour at Fall Sports Night requiring frequent hydration. Staying hydrated vegetables such as bananas because of their high will be a challenge all season in the warm fall weather. Photo by Erin potassium content. During exercise, they should Lewis. consume at least four to six ounces of water or Gatorade every 20 minutes. “If you want to make sure you’re hydrated by better yet prevent dehydration, one should replace all of the game time, start drinking water and sports drinks fluids he has lost. the night before,” nurse Barb Cecil said. “Just because somebody doesn’t play sports doesn’t mean that Dehydration affects everyone. Some symptoms they shouldn’t be aware of their hydration,” Cecil said. of dehydration include extremely dry mouth and With these tips and some preparation any student should be very painful headaches and dizziness. To treat or well prepared for the event he plans to participate in.

Getting to Know Fall Sports Stars Name: Devin Wiegers

Name: Scott Hill

Class: Junior

Class: Senior

Sport: Girls’ Cross-Country Pre-game rituals: I eat chocolate and dance

Favorite Athlete: Steve Prefontaine

Sport: Football Pre-game rituals: Listen to music Favorite Athlete:

The Japanese guy that eats a lot of hot dogs

Memorable Sports Moment:

The state game last year

Most Bitter Rival: Rebecca Stowe

Saint Thomas Aquinas or Blue Valley West

Favorite Stadium, Complex or Track: Rimrock

Favorite stadium, complex or track:

8th in state freshman year

Polls by Gwen Bergerhofer and Morgan McMahon

Most Bitter Rival: Arrowhead Stadium

Players selected by coaches

Sept. 15, 2006

tigerturf

Football team gains national recognition

Sports Illustrated names BVHS best team in Kansas ianjanes

staff writer

oming off a successful 11-2 record in 2005, the football team is getting a lot of hype going into 2006. With an impressive run through the 2005 state playoffs, the Tigers are expected to challenge again for the Kansas 5A state title. “I think we have a strong chance to make it back to the state championship,” senior Nick Viviano said Lately, Stilwell isn’t the only place predicting the Tigers to go far this year. Sports Illustrated has given the Tigers the number one rated football team in Kansas.

“It’s a complement to our program, but it’s just an opinion,” Viviano said. Along with the Sports Illustrated report, the Kansas City Star has also projected the Tigers to go far. The Tigers are expected to win the EKL, and as of September 4 the Tigers were ranked fourth in the metro’s big class poll. “These polls won’t mean anything until the season is over,” senior Brett Bauer said. The coaching staff will not let all of this excitement get into the heads of its players. Everyday is a workday in their eyes and there is always an opportunity to work hard and get better. “We have to work hard everyday; we are what we do,” assistant coach Paul Brown said. With all of this excitement, there

may seem to be a little more pressure on the Tigers this season. The players view this season as an opportunity to get another chance at making it back to the state title game where they lost a year ago. Only this time they hope

to win it all. “In order to make it back to state we can’t stop working; we have to keep getting better every week,” Viviano said.

Jay McPhail

Fort Hays High School came to town on Sept. 9 to play the Tigers. Trey Hobson, pic-

tured above, had two punt returns for touchdowns that were called back due to penalties. However, the Tigers racked up over 570 yards of total offense. Quarterback Zach Rampy threw for a school record 451yards and Kyle Hoge had nine rushes for 109 yards. The Mikkleson twins, Tyler and Drew, had 301 yards receiving total and two touchdowns each.The Tiger offense put on quite a show while the defense held the Hays Indians to 159 total yards in the 49-0 victory.

Soccer off to rocky start on, off field ianjanes

staff writer

aint Thomas Aquinas, acting like the reigning EKL champion, crushed the Tigers, 8-1, Sept. 5. “We didn’t show the same intensity that we showed in some of our previous games,” head coach K. Dean Snell said. Blue Valley has gotten off to a slow start, tying Shawnee Mission West, and finishing seventh with a win and two losses in the Lee’s Summit tournament. They will look to turn their early season problems around with three games in the upcoming week. “We have to relax out on the field and just play our game,” senior Marshall Stula said. The Tigers also hit an unexpected bump in the road when Snell was sent to the hospital with an umbilical hernia. The injury required surgery and kept him out of practice for four days.

“The injury has not affected the way he coaches; he still has the same intensity as when he left,” senior Adam Foote said. The Tiger’s roster is made up of 10 seniors and three juniors, most notable of which is the returning season record holder for goals Marshall Stula. With all of this experience on the roster the Tigers should have a good chance to finish high in the EKL. “I think we have a good chance to finish in the top half of the league,” Stula said. Although the Tigers have a lot of experience, and a lot of talent, those two components cannot carry a team all the way. The most prominent piece of the Tigers’ puzzle is their team chemistry. They are a team that enjoys not only playing together, but just being around each other in general. “We have great team chemistry; they get along really well, and they give and take criticism from each other well,” Snell said.

pictureperfect

Sept. 15, 2006

Shopping at the local

Target, Megan Kormanik browses for a new pair of school shoes in August.

Kathering Elbing

Back to School ‘don’t doubt the dream’ is the BV theme for ‘07

Will Werth

Friday Aug. 18 was a busy day for Blue Valley students. Sodas and pizza were served

during the annual all-school picnic. The Picnic and the Freshman Frenzy were the two main events. Pictured at far left Principal Scott Bacon tries to psych up the students for the upcoming year. At left freshmen Austin Aubuchon and Tom Clancy Byrnes play a rousing game of musical chairs. The Frenzy included games and orientation sessions for the new freshmen class. Jay McPhail

Karen Melton

Jay McPhail