The Tiger Print — Summer 2020

THE TIGER PRINT

blue valley high school | vol. 50 | issue 7 | summer 2020 | bvtigernews.com | overland park, kansas

Live Like Champions A Note From the Editors Even though our senior year was cut short, we still wanted to give the senior class the issue they deserved — and something to be remembered by. We worked remotely to put these stories and designs together in hopes that it makes leaving BV a little more sweet than bitter. We’ve loved being your editors this last year and wish you the best of luck in the future.

-Maddy Kang & Shay Lawson

| DESIGN BY CLAIRE POWELL

2 | summer 2020 | contents

Contents SENIOR FEATURES

5

Matthew’s on a Trip Senior Matthew Grigoratos describes his plans for his mission trip that will last between 18 months and two years.

SENIOR PLANS

8

Anna’s Off Senior Anna Espy discusses her plans to continue her work with children with special needs in the future.

SENIOR SUPERLATIVES

14

Senior Spotlight Read on to page 14 to find out which seniors were given what superlatives.

SENIOR COLUMNS

29

Words of Wisdom Co-Editor in Chief Maddy Kang reflects on her last four years at Blue Valley High School.

| DESIGN BY CHARLIE TRENT

//TIGER PRINT THE

editors-in-chief managing editor Maddy Kang Vince Orozco Shay Lawson staff members Chloe Browning Emily Cummings Liam Dale Isabelle Fletcher Brynn Friesen

Aubrey Herrin Erika Kolseth Stephanie Kontopanos Ani Kreegar Frannie Lamberti

design editor Charlie Trent

adviser Michelle Huss

JD Loftin Harrison Melton Claire Middleton Tymber Moody Spencer Norman Liya Patel

Jaidyn Phillips Claire Powell Mia Rice Olivia Sherlock

“The Tiger Print” is an official publication of Blue Valley High School, an open forum distributed to all students eight times a year. This publication may contain controversial material. Kansas law prohibits the suppression of a student publication solely because it may contain controversial matter. Blue Valley Unified School District No. 229 and its board members, officers and employees may disclaim any responsibility for the content of this publication; it is not an expression of school policy.

Student authors and editors are solely responsible for the content of this publication.

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

Letters should be submitted to Room 450, emailed to thetigerprint@gmail.com or mailed to: The Tiger Print Blue Valley High School 6001 W. 159th St. Overland Park, KS 66085

senior features |summer 2020 |

3

STATS 96%

enjoyed their high school experience

81%

felt a teacher made a significant impact on their life

35%

skipped class at least once

91%

lied to their parents about where they were going at least once

93%

participated in community service

51%

are going to their dream school (or job) next year

Q:

How have you changed since freshman year?

A:

“I have matured and have figured out who I am and where I want to go.”

-Elizabeth Sutton, 12

Q:

What is the most annoying rule at BV?

A:

“Being sent to Tardy Tracker for being a minute late and having that make you even later.”

-Peyton Palmer, 12

Which year of high school was...

Easiest

Hardest

Most enjoyable

Senior Junior Sophomore Freshman

| DESIGN BY LIAM DALE

4 |summer 2020 | senior features

Wizards of Blue Valley Prospective Ivy League students share their thoughts

vince orozco managing editor Now that we have finished our senior year, despite the chaotic nature of its end, college is surely on many of

our minds. This is especially true for three students from the class of 2020, Sivaanii Arunachalam, Avi Misra, and Willy Jiang, who through hard work, determination and a little bit of luck, managed to gain entry into the Ivy League.

1. WHAT IS YOUR INTENDED MAJOR? 2. HOW DID YOU AND YOUR FAMILY REACT WHEN YOU GOT IN? 3. WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT NEXT YEAR? 4. WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT NEXT YEAR? 5. WHAT CAREER PATH DO YOU PLAN ON PURSUING?

SIVAANII – UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA 1. “Economics from the Wharton School of Business and International Studies from the College of Arts and Sciences.”

2. “My family was super excited for me because it’s been my dream school for a very long time. It’s also really nice to see that my hard work and all those sleepless nights actually

meant something.”

3. “I’m super excited to meet a wide variety of people from all around the world. [Also] the connections and opportunities for me at Penn are insane.”

clubs on campus you go through many rounds of interviews, like you would [for] a real job. You start recruiting for your full time job at the end of your sophomore year, so you have to know what you want to do pretty early on.”

4. “Penn is a very pre-professional school. For example, to get into

5. “I want to do consulting for a few years then go on to law school.”

AVI – COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

WILLY – CORNELL UNIVERSITY

1. “Chemical engineering.”

1. “Computer science.”

2. “It was a good stress relief for all of us before winter break.”

2. “I set my expectations low, so it was a pleasant little surprise when I found out.”

3. “I am excited for an opportunity to explore New York City and get an education at one of the worlds best schools”

3. “Everything really — new people, a new environment and new experiences all around.”

4. “There is a lot of uncertainty right now with the pandemic and just generally moving away from home.”

4. “Everything really — new people, a new environment, and new experiences all around.”

5. “End goal is to work in research and/or academia.”

5. “Undecided.”

| DESIGN BY VINCE OROZCO

senior features |summer 2020 |

5

MATTHEW ’S MISSION circumstances propel senior to complete mission

claire powell staff writer After senior Matthew Grigoratos was declined from a collegiate theater program, he decided to join a mission lasting between 18 months and two years.

“I figured if I got into the theater program I wanted to, I’d go for a year and then go on my mission, but since I didn’t get in, I’m going on the mission instead,” Grigoratos said. “[We will be] spreading and preaching the Gospel, doing service and other things to help out the general populace.”

Not only does Grigoratos not know where he’ll be traveling yet, he also does not know with whom. “[I will be] with strangers,” Grigoratos said. “Every missionary has a companion, which is essentially a missionary assigned to the same place as I am. Companions get switched around over the course of a mission, so I’ll never have the same one for a long amount of time.”

Grigoratos said being able to meet new people throughout the entire mission can go one of two ways.

“I’m excited to meet new people,” he said. “Being

together with a companion can either yield a lifelong friendship or a lesson in tension control. Both would be acceptable.”

Though Grigoratos will be missing school for two years, he said Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is very accommodating of his situation.

“With the school I am going to, they hold [a place] for missionaries,” he said. “I’ll have the ability to resume school right where I left off.”

After living in Kansas since 2014, Grigoratos feels mixed emotions about leaving. “[It’s] bittersweet for sure,” he said. “It’s hard to think about leaving all I’ve got behind for such an extended period of time but sweet because it’s something that I really want to do. It also gives a special meaning to the moments I spend with people before I leave.”

Grigoratos said he is eager for the exposure of a new environment.

“I’d really like to see other parts of the world or country,” Grigoratos said. “I would also enjoy being able to see how people act and live differently depending on where I go.”

While the extra bonuses are great, Grigoratos’s ultimate goal during his mission is to spread the word of God. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do since I was young, and my experiences with the gospel have only boosted that want,” Grigoratos said. “My life has been helped by the gospel, and it’s exciting to be able to extend a hand to others for them to experience the same thing.”

| DESIGN BY CHARLIE TRENT

3 seniors plan to pursue performing arts brynn friesen staff writer Bright lights and a stage have been present for seniors Madeline Friesen, Georgia Trent and Elizabeth Phillips during a major part of their lives. Now, they are carrying it to the next level.

Friesen looks forward to her upcoming schooling at the University of North Texas, majoring in vocal performance.

“I’ve wanted to go into vocal performance since freshman year,” Friesen said. “I realized I wanted to focus on music beyond high school and that [singing] was a huge passion of mine.”

She already has a plan set for her future after college, and she knows just how to reach her goal.

“I want to eventually be an opera singer,” Friesen said. “I know I’m going to have to go through an undergrad degree and get masters degree in opera so I can become an opera singer.”

Friesen isn’t the only one with a big future planned. Trent is beginning a whole new experience for herself as she looks toward a career in dance at Oklahoma City University.

“I decided I definitely wanted

a

senior features | summer 2020 |

7

to go to college for dance my sophomore year,” Trent said. “The only other plan I had was to possibly study something with business.”

Trent realizes if she wants this for her future, she has to dance her best to improve before her college experience.

“I knew that if I wanted to pursue a career in dance, I would need to be working on my skills and technique as much as possible,” she said. “I also knew I would need to train with professionals who have been in the business for years.”

Trent said she has been confident in her decision. She knows just where she’s headed after college.

“I would like to be a Radio City Rockette and possibly dance in Broadway shows,” Trent said.

Phillips plans to major in a combination of music and dance: musical theater.

“I wanted to go into musical theatre for college because being a professional performer is something that I have dreamed about for many years,” Phillips said. “I knew I would regret it if I didn’t try to reach for my dreams.”

Now, with her motivation to make it in this industry, she is determined to be on the stage in her life ahead of college.

“Ideally I would love to end up becoming a performer on broadway or national tours,” she said.

“However, I will be content being a professional performer in any capacity.”

All of these majors and careers are said to be difficult areas, but these three are determined to push through those words and achieve their goals and dreams.

“I had a few second thoughts because I know that it’s really hard to make it in the music business in general, and it takes a lot of hard work to become an opera singer, but I thought about it a lot and I knew that it was worth it,” Friesen said. “I’ll experience a lot of setbacks, but I know it’s all going to be worth it in the end. It’s something that I really want to do with my life.”

| DESIGN BY ERIKA KOLSETH

8 | summer 2020 | senior features

the

Senior’s passion leads her through quarantine to future hopeful career tymber moody staff writer

W

orking with special needs children can be a big commitment, but it can also be very rewarding for both the child and the person who’s helping them.

Senior Anna Espy has been working with children with special needs for four years now and has decided to pursue this passion through college and into her future.

While attending Wichita State University, she plans to major in psychology but isn’t quite sure what to specialize in. She’s keeping her options open but is considering early childhood development or autism therapy.

In Wichita, she intends to continue helping families like she does here, all while still acquiring her major.

During the quarantine, many families are having a hard time entertaining and attending to all of the needs of their children, especially with the stress of school now on the parents’ shoulders.

“I know lots of families are struggling,” Espy | DESIGN BY TYMBER MOODY

said. “It’s hard enough to have a child with special needs — and to top it off, they are now having to teach the child as well. A lot of our kids thrive off a routine, so this has been a big change.”

Espy’s work with kids during the quarantine hasn’t had a huge effect on what she can and can’t do, although she has limited the number of kids she works with in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

“I can only work with one of my kids right now,” Espy said. “We take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the child’s family and my own. This is essential work as I am a caretaker, so [quarantine] hasn’t affected it much. I just cannot work with some kids due to their weakened immune systems.”

Espy is currently working a boy named Joshua, and they do a number of activities that help to make Joshua’s life through quarantine more normal and similar to what he’s used to.

“We love to get outside and do fun activities,” Espy said. “Sometimes we go on a walk, bike rides, rollerblading or scootering.”

Alongside these entertaining activities, Espy also incorporates specific therapy-based programs.

Espy works to take care of many

different kids at BV, but she works with others from different companies in the KC area as well. Through these companies, she works as a caretaker, which includes going to the individuals’ home — where the kids feel most comfortable — and caring for them.

Espy loves helping out special needs children and being around them. She found this passion of hers four years ago and has loved it ever since.

“My mom took me to volunteer with special needs kids,” Espy said. “I just instantly fell in love with it.”

On one of Espy’s days with Joshua, they took a picture together. “I love working with Joshua because he is who he is,” Espy said. “He is incredibly hardworking and has achieved so much. I am so grateful to have [him] in my life.”

Photo submitted by Anna Espy.

senior features |summer 2020 |

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Dancer, cheerleader seek to pass on knowledge, experience to youth olivia sherlock staff writer After graduation, most seniors say goodbye to their beloved sports unless they are moving on to a collegiate level, but seniors Sydney Wallick and Caroline Gorley plan to continue with their sports in a different way — by teaching.

Gorley will be teaching at National Cheer Alliance (UCA) over the summer, and Wallick will be teaching at National Dance Alliance (NDA).

“We will essentially be doing the same thing — teaching high school athletes how to do the thing they love while also having fun,” Wallick said.

Gorley participated in cheer throughout high | Wallick school and learned a lot from it.

“High school cheer has taught me flexibility and patience,” Gorley said. “I learned that things never work out exactly the way you plan, and change is good.”

Similarly, Wallick credits a lot of her passion for dance to high school.

“While I have loved being a studio and competitive dancer, high school dance team made me fall in love with dance all over again,” Wallick said. “Dance team brought me to NDA, and I am so fortunate for that.”

Wallick plans to incorporate dance as part of her life for a long time.

“The college dance team is how I am going to continue my love,” Wallick said. “I may even

want to dance professionally as a [Kansas City] Chiefs or Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.”

Before dancing for a professional football team, though, Wallick will join the dance team at Iowa State University.

“I’m so excited to dance in college because I’ll able to perform front a huge crowd at football and basketball games as well as competing at a state and national level,” Wallick said. “I’m so grateful I get to continue doing what I love at a collegiate level” Gorley’s love for cheer and the connection she has with it has made a huge influence in her life.

“I am significantly more confident and outgoing,” Gorley said. “You’ll always catch me with a smile on my face.”

Gorley is excited about her experience and the impact she will make on future cheerleaders.

“Cheerleading is a passion of mine, | Gorley and I want to help younger girls feel the same way,” Gorley said. “I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”

This fall, Gorley will attend the University of Nebraska and be on the cheer team for the Huskers.

“My love for cheer will always be a part of me, but I do not have a definite plan to include cheer in my career,” she said.

Wallick is also excited to spread her love and passion to the people attending her clinics. “[I will] get to work with amazing individuals and groups as part of the NDA organization,” Wallick said. “I get to bond with young dancers and help them do what they love.” | DESIGN BY SPENCER NORMAN

10 | summer 2020 | senior features

Unsure Seniors

some college decisions are more difficult, take more time stephanie kontopanos staff writer Deciding on which college to go to is a process that varies in difficulty from person to person. For seniors Sadie Brownfield and Molly Levinson, the decision process was more difficult and required more time. Despite their similar struggles, the two seniors had very different approaches toward the situation.

sadie brownfield

Senior Sadie Brownfield is a future K-State wildcat, but has yet to decide on her major.

For Brownfield, a school with a vast array of majors and good energy was important.

“Having different options was important for me [as well as] the general feel of the campus,” Brownfield said.

The prospect of college coming up soon would worry some seniors, but time isn’t a big stressor for Brownfield.

“I feel some pressure because it is important, but I also know that I still have some time to explore different options before making a final decision.”

The biggest source of pressure for Brownfield comes from her family, although they continue to provide her with support.

“I mostly feel [pressure] from my parents, but they understand that I still have time.”

Brownfield admits that her parents’ guidance can occasionally become overbearing.

“I would like them to just let me try [to] figure it out by myself and only help me when I ask for [it].”

Brownfield said.

As Brownfield continues her journey to create a vision for her future, her approach to figuring her plans out is hands-on “I am narrowing the search by deciding what I don’t want to do because I feel that is easier.” Brownfield said. I have been taking different types of classes in high school to figure out my interests and what I am good at.”

Although her previous approach to understanding her future was very hands-on, Brownfield plans for college are more indirect.

“I plan to research different majors that interest me and talk to people who have taken classes in that major.”

Brownfield said.

Some may think that being undecided is disadvantageous, but Brownfield sees both sides of the argument.

“It could harm me because I might be behind people who went directly into [their] major.” Brownfield said.

It could [also] help me by allowing me time to make the right choice instead of making a hurried decision and being wrong.”

COLLEGE

senior features |summer 2020 |

30% OF COLLEGE STUDENTS CHANGE THEIR MAJOR KU, AMONG MANY OTHER COLLEGES, OFFERS CAREER PLANNING CLASSES, ONLINE RESOURCES AND OTHER HELPFUL EVENTS

11

THE MAJORITY OF INCOMING STUDENTS AT TULANE UNIVERSITY ARE UNDECIDED

20% HAVE CHANGED MAJORS ONCE

10% HAVE CHANGED MAJORS AT LEAST TWICE

THERE ARE MORE THAN 1,800 COLLEGE MAJORS TO CHOOSE FROM | STATISTICS FROM NCES.ED.GOV

molly levinson

Senior Molly Levinson hasn’t chosen a major yet, but will go to either University of Wisconsin-Madison or Tulane University.

“I’m committed to the University of WisconsinMadison because I’m waitlisted at Tulane University.”

Levinson said. “If I get into Tulane I will decommit from Wisconsin, [but] if I don’t get into Tulane I’ll go to Wisconsin.”

Levinson kept her options open besides one limitation.

“I wanted a school [that was] far away but other than that I was open to anything,” Levinson said.

Although she feels a little bit of pressure, her family and friends alleviate the stress by providing encouragement.

“They’re supportive of my decisions and want me to take my time to ensure I’m happy with what I decide,” Levinson said.

Levinson lets her values guide her future, one she hopes will be dedicated to helping people. “[I think] about what is important to me and what I stand for,” she said.

As she explores her options in college, Levinson plans to be more hands-on. “[I’ll explore majors] by taking many different courses about what I’m interested in,” Levinson said.

Levinson believes her hesitation to decide will have no impact, and feels optimistic about what the future holds.

“I know that i’ll be at a school no matter [what] and I’ll be happy wherever I end up,.” Levinson said. | DESIGN BY STEPHANIA KONTOPANOS

12 | summer 2020 | senior features

How seniors have handled CAPS during this pandemic aubrey herrin & chloe browning staff writers Students in all grades have been greatly affected by the switch to online classes due to the Coronavirus, but many upperclassmen who attended CAPS have had a particularly difficult transition.

Hands-on classes in the medical and engineering strands have been impacted more than others.

Seniors Lexie Jeffries and Caroline Loudenback were in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) strand at CAPS and were both upset to learn of the decision for school to continue online only.

“With the medicine strand, collaboration and labs are key parts, so taking those away makes the learning different and harder,” Loudenback said. “Some content is hands-on and can’t be taught to yourself.”

Another part of the CNA program that can’t be replicated is the certification that students are typically able to test for at the end of the course. | DESIGN BY AUBREY HERRIN

Due to the coronavirus, nursing homes have not allowed students to complete the 25 required clinical hours out of concern for residents’ health.

Johnson County Community College, which administers the exam, has pushed the test date into the summer, but many details remain undecided.

“Mrs. Holloway, our CNA teacher, is working really hard with the [nursing home] locations and other CNA instructors to figure out a way that we can still get our CNA certification,” Jeffries said. “We are very hopeful, but everything is still unknown.”

Despite both students missing many aspects of in-class learning, as well as the independence, opportunities and collaboration that CAPS offered, both Jeffries and Loudenback are maintaining positive attitudes and completing Zoom schoolwork in order to make the most out of their remaining senior year.

“The safety and health of the residents in the nursing homes is obviously the number-one priority, and they can’t risk us coming in and spreading [the virus],” Loudenback said. “It’s disappointing that we won’t have completed our certification, but I’m still positive that we will get it eventually.”

senior superlatives |summer 2020 |

senior superlatives biggest flirt

most spirited

paige faust & tyler kelso

brian mann & sydney scott

most likely to cheer you up

most artistic

brianna jordan & vishnu avva

abby loats & peyton heaney

the sweetest

most likely to be your boss

brooke erdley & maggie bengtson

sivaanii arunachalam & samuel dezube

most likely to be on broadway

most involved

jacob jackson & ryan jacobs

annie wang & anna van brunt

best smile

most dependable

olivia wells & ashton melton

grace godbout, lauren myers & jackson breshears

| DESIGN BY CHARLIE TRENT

13

14 | summer 2020 | senior superlatives

most likely to be a celebrity

most athletic

jenna mccarty, john oldroyd & paris hamilton

trevor lister & evelyn diederich

most attractive

class clown

lexie barash & dylan wipperman

andrew wolfe & evan taylor

most likely to win the hunger games

most likely to be asleep in class

sam hurt & kline corkill

akshay venkat and priyanka kumar

most talented

best dressed

matthew grigoratos & madeline friesen

erin pemberton & macey lewin

most likely to become president

biggest social butterfly

sam fine, surina walia & ronak shah

shay lawson & colin wood

most likely to trip at graduation

most likely to win a nobel peace prize

michael miller & yifan yu

mccall smith & caden mccumber

senior superlatives |summer 2020 |

best glow-up

biggest case of senioritis

jack bowersox & leah jones

william kim & sam holdhusen

best shoulder to cry on

best superfan

molly levinson & riley nowak

davis griffey, eric rooney & nick rofail

most likely to be the next bachelor

best hair

vince orozco & madi murphy grant ketcher & chase taulbee

cutest couple

best exes

juan acuna-viquez & morgan macdonald

will montgomery & julia pettijohn

tristan bennett & elizabeth galindo

kate anderson & tyler warrell

| DESIGN BY CHARLIE TRENT

15

16 | summer 2020 | senior plans

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? KANSAS Baker University Jane Ryan Madi Veatch Blue Valley 18-21 Program Ali Abdul-Rauf Cassie Coleman Addie Hunter Johnnie Kitchin Nathan Kniss Erik Peterson Cole Sherwood Cleveland University Nick Rofail Emporia State University Abby Taylor BradenMcMasters Fort Scott Community College Taylor Tschirhart Johnson County Community College Grace Andrasik Calvin Berger Shelley Berryhill Kyle Buchanan Brett Bulkeley Matthew Carter William Carter Christopher Case Nigel Charlson Kline Corkill Cyrus Cox Jacqueline Cuthbertson

Josie Cuthbertson Isabella DeYoung Gavin Dudley Morgan Freese Jordan Freijat Reece Fuller Elizabeth Galindo Misael Garcia Davis Griffey Molly Grubaugh Scott Hong Skyler Huber Jake Hutchison Tori Karn Stanley Kenyi Kaden Kirby Hayden Knell Grace Lewis Emily Lipham JD Loftin Maddy Lovetere Max Mendizabal Maya Miller Lakota Monson Parker Muir Sophia Nelson Usman Noman Bailey O’Brien Grant Owens Miranda Ozburn Alex Pena Kathryn Pfeffer Jack Ragona Jacquelyn Rains Grant Rogers Eric Rooney Natalie Ryden Zac Sewell Averey Shaw Amia Strange Luke Svilarich Cameron Swarens Rachel Tonkin Shane Towns Camden Veit Tyler Warrell

| DESIGN BY MADDY KANG

Emilio Yepez Gracie Zakeri Madison Zimmerman Kansas City Kansas Community College Piper Newell Grace Runyan Kansas State University Lexie Barash Ethan Bartley Grant Bassett Danielle Berrigan Katie Boehringer Sadie Brownfield Tommy Compton Lukas Courtney Jack Cruz Jack Dillavou Sylvia Fritz Jai Hall Beckett Hampp Riley Hinmon Sam Holdhusen Lauren Jackson Cooper Kaemmer Michael Keleti Regan LeValley Ethan Mayers Ethan McAtee Griffin Miller Michael Miller Riley Nowak Beau Palmer Jet Rawlings Chet Redstone Claire Samuel Olivia Wells Andrew Wolfe Audrey Crawford Zane de la PeĂąa

Brooke Erdley Macey Franko Sarah Gulledge Jordan Hays Halle Hurst Macey Lewin Josh Liechty Ananya Palley Peyton Palmer KateAnn Penrose Stephanie Phillips Annika Rimmer Maddie Rimmer Aidan Siefkes Anna Van Brunt Tori Ward Sophie Zahn Kansas Wesleyan University Thalia Ramirez Ottawa University Alivia Messina Pittsburg State University Evan Taylor Olivia Haley Kaya Lawrence Jessica Wilson University of Kansas Juan Pablo Acosta Reagan Askew Jillian Beal Maddie Bengtson Grace Bodenhamer Jack Bowersox Morgan Campbell Christina Chen Jordan Clark Madeline Dalke Kieran Delaney

Emily Duan Paige Faust Drake Franz Josh Frumkin Tyler Gentet Mukta Gotoor Braxton Hammontree Clay Haney Tucker Hatfield Emma Helms Jenna Hickman Aahil Hirani Sam Hurt John Jeffries Leah Jones Tyler Kelso Jake Kessler Grant Ketcher Stephen Lehman Hunter Lewis Trevor Lister Jordan Lyerla Monica Marni Katherine Mason Karim Masoud Cole Matheny Joshua Meckstroth Max Mettemeyer Will Montgomery Cyren Moody Lauren Morris Ella Morrison Madeline Murphy Preston Murray Emily Nasche Jenna Newkirk Kate Oudejans Marie Pham Sean Pleimann Janie Rainer Nidhi Rao Gracie Ray Olivia Rimmer Cole Ross Abi Sherer

Mahnoor Siddiqui McCall Smith Alex Stark Molly Stasieluk Cade Stout Lauren Tang Taylor Thompson Ethan Watson Zoe Werr Samuel Willeford Alex Willis Colin Wood Arsalan Zafar Cole Conigliaro Avery Gustafson Trace Meier Alex Occhipinto Gabriela Ruiz Marie Shmurak Abigail Smith Beatriz Toro Quintin Wright Washburn University Taylor Dauernheim Kade Prentice Emily Schroer Wichita State University Vishnu Avva Matthew Bostick Megan Brandley Clare Chambers Cameron Cline Anna Espy Jessa Howison Catherine Kellerman Carson Taylor Nathan Walters

MISSOURI

senior plans |summer 2020 |

House of Heavilin Cosmetology School Kat Piatczyc Missouri State University Kennedy Kosic Lindsay Lahr Brooke Nolkemper Elyssa Ward Mary Margaret Wilkinson Missouri University of Science and Technology Olivia Romisch Northwest Missouri State University Megan Bridges Rebecca Bryant

Rockhurst University Cole Zerr Saint Louis University Grant Calvert Southeast Missouri State University Addy McAleer University of Central Missouri Will Buxton Alex Daniels Luke Kornfeind Abby Loats University of Missouri-Kansas City Mitchell Dondlinger Priyanka Kumar Sofia Mancero Bridget O’Brien Haleema Sirhindi Gavin Woodworth

ARKANSAS John Brown University Henry Marshall Kelli Nelson University of Arkansas Grace Andersen Tatum Anderson Lucy Behm Jack Briggs Bryn Deer Livy Fuller Emma Gardner Abby Garretson Grace Godbout

University of Missouri Juan Acuna-Viquez Sammy Behrndt Tristan Bennett Elizabeth Cahalan Olivia Doolittle Allyson Imhoff Shay Lawson Morgan MacDonald Lauren Myers Haley Renkemeyer Lauren Taylor Bella Wingrove Washington University in St. Louis William Kim Yifan Yu William Woods University Alyssa Messina

Quinten Hobbs Joey Kelly Jack Lewis Claire Petersohn Henry Schmidt Elizabeth Shultz Emma Starr Kenneth Stroud Olivia Stroud Chase Taulbee Keely Yang Hayden Young University of Arkansas at Little Rock Jillian Long

IT’S TIC OMA T AU

PLAY THE HUM

OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City University Georgia Trent Oklahoma State University Gavin Sullivan Oral Roberts University Dylan Wipperman

University of Central Oklahoma Maddy Kang University of Oklahoma Brianna Jordan Brock Killmar University of Tulsa Bryce Goswick

TEXAS Southern Methodist University Annie Wang

University of North Texas Madeline Friesen

Texas Tech University Caleb Hoopes

University of Texas at San Antonio Colby Coda Rylie Giddens

University of Houston Keoni Hayes-Hall

NEBRASKA ARIZONA Arizona State University Owen Bienz Alexis Huerter Kareem Khan Jazmin Nava Ellie Oleen Stephen Porter Alexa Turpen Grand Canyon University Julia Pettijohn

Creighton University Elizabeth Willis Hastings College McKenzie Penn Nebraska Wesleyan University Lauren Somerhalder

17

University of Nebraska — Lincoln Ryan Brown Samuel DeZube Eric Dundas Caroline Gorley Peyton Heaney Mary Israel Colby Marsden Caden McCumber Sam Murphy Rachel Summers Madison van Ophem

18 | summer 2020 | senior plans INDIANA DePauw University Katherine Price Indiana University Kate Anderson Jacob Jackson

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Evan Schimmel University of Notre Dame Christian Matthew

GEORGIA

MASSACHUSETTS

Emory University Vince Orozco

Berklee College of Music Ryan Jacobs

Georgia Institute of Technology Sam Fine

Northeastern University Robert Kan

The Savannah College of Art and Design Ashton Melton

Williams College Max Kan

IOWA

CALIFORNIA

ILLINOIS

Drake University Logan Boerner Nick Mohammadi

California State University, Fullerton Alexis Shaffer

DePaul University Cade Lawrence

Iowa State University Audrey Borcherding Courtney Carvajal Sydney Wallick

University of California, Berkeley Ronak Shah

University of Iowa Mason Richman

University of California, Los Angeles Rachel Ma

Millikin University Elizabeth Phillips University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Matthew Wei

Point Loma Nazarene University Lily Damron

FLORIDA

COLORADO

NEW YORK

Keiser University Cheyenne McGowan

Colorado School of Mines Josh Vickers

Columbia University Avi Misra

Rollins College Hunter Myers

University of Colorado Boulder Erin Pemberton

Cornell University Willy Jiang

University of Florida Surina Walia

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Brooke Rupp

New York University Eleanor Dobbles

WISCONSIN

PENNSYLVANIA

MINNESOTA

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Juice Blume

University of Pittsburgh James Parkerson

Southwest Minnesota State University Jacob Owen

University of Wisconsin-Madison Molly Levinson

| DESIGN BY MADDY KANG

University of Pennsylvania Sivaanii Arunachalam

University of Minnesota John Oldroyd

senior plans |summer 2020 |

TENNESSEE

GRRRR RR

University of Tennessee Caroline Loudenback

MICHIGAN University of Michigan Suraj Menon Shivali Patel

RAA

ZEB

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IT IS WHAT IT IS WORST BEHAVIOR

UTAH Brigham Young University McKinley Harwood Katie Jones Weber State University Sydney Scott

SOUTH DAKOTA

NEVADA University of Nevada Jenna McCarty

University of South Dakota Evelyn Diederich

MARYLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

Johns Hopkins University Akshay Venkat

Columbia College James Gardner

KENTUCKY Northern Kentucky University Munene Gatobu

University of Kentucky Lexie Jeffries

MISSISSIPPI ENGLAND University of Roehampton London Paris Hamilton

Mississippi State University Elizabeth Sutton

ALASKA University of Alaska Joseph Murphy

WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia University Brian Mann

ALABAMA University of Alabama Jack Etheridge

OTHER Foreign Exchange Sahra Ahmed Sohila Alahwal Ade Wijaya Gap Year Jay Fritzler Braeden Hinson Alexis Hutton Lauren Mohar Erin O’Connor Jerod Powers Karsen Turner Nathan Vollick Mission Trip Eli Garlitz Matthew Grigoratos

Military Jackson Breshears William Goldman Gavin Gusich Omri Kalman AJ Lietz Garrett Roberts Brandon Weedmark Workforce Jay Babcock Gabe Feliciano Tori Hill Eric Huggins Undecided Ajai-Lene Joseph

Unknown Kaileah Apodaca Kareem Boullaouz Trenton Byrd Reagan Eidemiller Josh Gosen Mark Huggins Gabrielle Kornell Justin Morrison John Nicely Nick Simon Skylar States Trade School Gabe Hughes

20 | summer 2020 | senior features

ASHTON MELTON:

Going to SCAD! Feeling:

Excited

harrison melton staff writer From creating art with random markers as a child to having various artworks displayed in magazines and museums, senior Ashton Melton has decided to pursue her passion for art. This fall, Melton will attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia.

“I will be focusing on photography, drawing and painting at SCAD because they are what I enjoy doing the most,” she said.

“I’m also open to trying other forms of art such as fashion and digital art.”

SCAD offers a variety of courses ranging from production design to writing courses, as well as an extremely diverse student body. The diversity of students and courses allows for various unique activities to be held throughout the school year.

“I’m excited to be able to attend various movie premieres, fashion shows and other events,” Melton said. “I’m most excited to be around people who have the same interests and goals as me.”

| DESIGN BY HARRISON MELTON

| PHOTOS BY ASHTON MELTON

senior features |summer 2020 |

21

students seek careers in medicine despite coronavirus outbreak maddy kang co-editor in chief Seniors Maddie Bengtson and Grace Andersen both aspire to have careers in medicine, even with the current battles that healthcare professionals are facing daily because of COVID-19.

“I decided to go into pre-med my freshman year,” Bengtson said. “I had always wanted to do something that involved helping others and for me, I thought medicine would be a great fit. I also decided to do the CAPS program this year, and after doing the Foundations of Medicine course, it really helped solidify my decision to take the premed track in college.”

Bengtson plans on going into neurology and becoming a neurologist or neurosurgeon — she hopes to major in behavioral neuroscience.

“The virus has definitely increased my interest, and I want to go into the medical field because we are always in need of doctors, nurses and surgeons,” Bengtson said. “This virus has shown we are in desperate need of more healthcare

workers, so I would one day [want] to be apart of a health care team.”

Andersen has similar goals but plans to take a different path to get there.

“I was torn between engineering and medicine for a while, but I made a decision my junior year,” Andersen said.

“I attended a medical camp at Washington University in St. Louis and experienced many opportunities that drew me to medicine.”

Unlike Bengtson, Andersen didn’t take a medical CAPS course this year.

“I’m not sure what specific profession I want to go into in [the medical field] yet,” Andersen said. “I figured I have enough time to decide.”

Even though she isn’t set on a certain career yet, Andersen is sure that medicine is for her because she likes being able to help people in a direct way.

“The virus hasn’t negatively impacted my thoughts of going into medicine at all,” Andersen said. “If anything, it has shown me the importance of all medical professions — which has inspired me even more.”

| DESIGN BY MADDY KANG

22 | summer 2020 | senior features

u o y ank

th

seniors from each activity reflect on experiences

Kade Prentice golf

“My favorite memory has to be the moment I shared with Coach Terrell before I won my first high school tournament junior year. The thing I’ll miss most is competing with my closest friends day-in and day-out and playing the game I cherish most.”

Caden McCumber football

Dylan Wipperman basketball

“My favorite memory is beating BV North in Sectionals. I’ll miss the bond I had with my teammates most — something I’ll never forget.”

“My favorite memory was the trips to Valley Center and to McPherson.

I’m going to miss being around my teammates and the coaches a lot.”

Peyton Palmer cross country

lindsay lahr volleyball

Katherine Price tennis

Michael Miller track / field

Jordan Hays softball

Lauren Tang orchestra

“My favorite memory is being the loudest cheerer on the team and watching my teammate, [sophomore] Tori Wingrove, win State. I also really enjoyed bonding with my XC ‘little sisters.’ I’m going to miss all of our inside jokes, traditions and our pre-meet hype circles.”

“My favorite memory from tennis was from State last year. I was totally blinded by the sun and ended up nailing my partner instead of hitting [the ball] in the open court on the other side. We both died laughing, and I went on to place fifth at State. I will miss being on a team with 39 other amazing girls.”

“My favorite memory from softball is playing with my younger sister, Logan.

It made the season more fun. I’ll miss playing with her a lot, but I’ll also miss the coaches and younger girls. We had all become close, and it’s sad we didn’t get to have the season we wanted.” | DESIGN BY MADDY KANG

“My favorite memory is seeing how [the team] has progressed over the years. My freshman year, we weren’t known as a volleyball school, and then four years later we won the first State title in school history. I’m going to miss our fun group [that] brought a bunch of laughs.”

“My favorite memory from track and field was during my first season on the team. One of the seniors was playing music on a loudspeaker, so he and I walked around the meet with the speaker, marking our territory. I’ll miss the family aspect of track the most — everyone wants to see their teammates succeed.”

“My favorite memory is when we played at a contest and would all get lunch together afterward. I’ll miss the sense of community. Everyone got along, and we all came together to make good music.”

senior features |summer 2020 | Emma Starr soccer

Juan Acuna-Viquez swim / dive

Riley Nowak tigerettes

Evan Taylor wrestling

“My favorite memory is jamming out and dancing like crazy in the locker room before games. I will miss playing alongside my best friends and teammates. We, especially the seniors, all grew so close to each other over the years.”

“My favorite memory is Nationals this year. It was so fun getting to be able to compete and spend a week with my best friends. I’ll miss the family that we have all created together.”

“My favorite memory from swimming is the team dinners before every meet. We would all go to one of our houses after practices and mess around. I think what I’ll miss most about swim is the feeling you get after you swim really well at a meet — you feel accomplished.”

“My favorite memory is from State this year. I [became] a State placer and beat two guys I had never beaten before. I will miss the coaching staff most. They have been incredible role models for me throughout the entire experience.”

Jenna McCarty rep theatre

Samuel DeZube baseball

Olivia Wells choir / chambers

Thalia Ramirez color guard

“My favorite memory would have to be our senior circle for our fall play, ‘Macbeth.’ It was touching to hear how much the department did for all of the seniors and what a family we were. I will miss the people and the traditions — this department is where I met most of my best friends.”

“My favorite memory is all the trips we went on. [They] were such a blessing and we made so many memories. I’ll most miss the people and Mrs. Moeller.

No matter how old you got, the choir room always felt like a second home.”

Owen Bienz band

“My favorite memory has to be our trip to Winter Park, Colorado. My favorite part was going down the slopes with friends and messing around in the village. I’ll miss the people I’ve connected with and being in a group that’s all working for the same thing.”

“My favorite memory was our back-toback State championship wins. There was nothing like sharing that moment on KU’s field with people you care about. I will miss spending time with my teammates. We were always making jokes and having fun even though we all only had one goal in mind — another State championship ring.”

“My favorite memory was when we won first place in our first competition of the season. I will miss performance days the most because we all bonded over the craziness of getting our hair and makeup done.”

Tatum Anderson cheerleading

“My favorite memory was at freshman cheer camp in Oklahoma. We were all supposed to be in bed in our rooms, but the freshmen snuck out. We were messing around when our coaches knocked on the door and caught us. I’ll miss getting to be with all of my cheer friends every day.”

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24 | summer 2020 | senior features

F

shay lawson editor in chief

A

Although getting perfect test scores or learning new information is a rewarding part about going to school, one of the best feelings is waking up every day and getting to see your friends. Seniors Claire Petersohn, Emma Gardner, Grace Godbout and Kelli Nelson have been able to experience this since the first grade.

The girls met in elementary school but their bond formed because they were on the same soccer team.

“When we were younger we did a lot of sports together,” Petersohn said. “That’s when we all became really good friends.”

After their friendship blossomed, the four made countless memories from going on trips together, like California, to even making up an imaginary family when they were young — which they all agree is the funniest memory from their friendship.

“I think it was in fifth grade,” Godbout said. “We made a family of us four with the weirdest names, and we talked in the highest-pitched voices.”

It isn’t easy to maintain a friendship over the primary years of change and the hardships of high school, but Gardner said these four have always kept up with

B

4

each others’ personal lives whether it be a hangout on the weekend or a study session after school.

“Our friendship is really laid back,” Gardner said.

“We’ve all been so close for many years, but we have also been able to branch out beyond just us four to create new bonds. At the same time, we always have each other. We are so close no matter how long it has been since we have hung out.”

Nelson said she believes communication is one of the most important parts of making friendship last.

“If you aren’t talking with one another, you won’t be able to grow in the friendship, and it will eventually die out,” Nelson said.

Gardner said the only real difference between their friendship from freshman year to now is that they do not play sports together anymore. “[Our friendship] hasn’t changed in a sense of us being weird and close,” Gardner said.

“We have made other friends, so we don’t hang out as often [as we once did], but we still do quite a bit. When we [are together,] it’s the same as it’s been for the last 12 years.”

All of the girls said they definitely see their friendship lasting past high school since they will be within 30 minutes of each other and have big plans for the future.

“They will all be bridesmaids at my wedding,” Godbout said.

Friends explain how they have maintained relationship since elementary school

| DESIGN BY SPENCER NORMAN

| PHOTO COURTESY OF GRACE GODBOUT

senior features |summer 2020 |

25

BV students explain ways to stay busy under lockdown claire middleton & liya patel staff writers With an unexpected end to the school year, quarantine gave many students an opportunity to explore and get creative with limited resources and freedom.

As social contact is limited, many of us are encouraged to do what we wouldn’t normally do. From family walks, to exploring new movies, to doing home renovations, quarantine has given students the chance to step outside of the box.

NICK ROFAIL

“During quarantine, I’ve been learning how to play the guitar.”

ANNIE WANG

“I have finally been taking time to further organize my life and started planning for my college dorm room, and of course zooming a ton with my future classmates.”

JOSH FRUMKIN

“I have been working out every day and attempting to stay caught up on my schoolwork.”

ANNA VAN BRUNT

“Basically I’ve been spending most of my time working out and just being outside and enjoying the nice weather — along with lots of baking, of course. I do most of my school work outside on the nice days, which helps me to not feel so stuck in the house. I really miss getting to leave my neighborhood and see my friends the most.”

CHET REDSTONE

“Playing video games, working out and FaceTiming friends — I definitely just miss seeing my friends every day.”

HUNTER MYERS

“I have been painting a lot and fixing things around the house while spending quality time with my family. I miss my friends and having a normal routine in my life, and I missed my senior [soccer] season because of this.”

CLAIRE SAMUEL “I’ve been reading a lot more books, and I go on a lot of runs especially since it’s so nice out.”

Despite the countless missed opportunities, students used the extra time to be constructive and efficient with the situation at hand. While it might have seemed like it was impossible to have fun without social contact, many students showed it was easy to use the objects, people and environment around them to keep themselves busy and motivated. | DESIGN BY SPENCER NORMAN

26 | summer 2020 | senior features

Early Grads

Students share experiences with graduating early liya patel staff writer In what would have been the near end to the infamous “senior season,” many students at BV take the time to prepare and anticipate commencement.

Putting on the cap and gown, walking across the stage for a diploma and moving the tassel from left to right — seniors look forward to all of the traditions.

But in this day and age, the idea of early graduation is not uncommon. Seniors Mason Richman and Emily Nasche were two students who recently went through the process of early graduation at Blue Valley.

With two different paths after college, Nasche and Richman both made the decision to graduate early for various reasons.

From finishing the required credits early and wanting to work more, Nasche saw “no reason to be in school.”

Taking advantage of the extra time before the first semester of college begins has been a goal of Nasche ever since she learned of the opportunity.

“I was working three jobs during [what would have been] the time of school hours and [additionally] outside of school hours,” Nasche said.

Being given more time to work and save is one main reason for her decision.

Richman, on the other hand, saw early graduation as an opportunity to advance his football career at the University of Iowa and get ready for the upcoming football season.

“If you are a student athlete, it could mean sooner playing time during your season,” he said.

For both Richman and Nasche, the extra time gave both students the opportunity to get ahead and |DESIGN BY EMILY CUMMINGS

become familiar with the college lifestyle.

“I enrolled early at the University of Iowa and got some extra time getting used to the college-athlete experience,” Richman said. “I also got to find out how much you have to study for classes.”

Despite both students making the choice to graduate early, the idea of making the recommendation to others, varies.

When explaining her reasoning as to why she decided to graduate early, Nasche said she would “recommend it to others because it was so beneficial.”

Being able to have more time to relax, work and spend time with friends influenced Nasche to take the steps to graduating early.

While it might seem nice to have extra time to prepare, the last moments of high school are what matters most to those like Richman.

“I found myself missing all of the easy things that come in high school including senior spring break, basketball and Prom, even though it didn’t happen. Someone looking into this option should stay and have fun with people who you won’t see for the rest of your life.”

While some might see graduating early as more work than pushing through to the end, the process is quite simple. By consulting with administration and family, filling out a form and waiting for an almost certain approval, the track to graduate early is clear.

The choice to cut their time at BV short resulted in both early grads taking a trip down memory lane.

“I’m going to miss the family aspect of BV,” Nasche said. “I loved all of the assemblies, the games, and any event that was going on. The dances were something I will never forget about high school.”

From times with friends to school events resulting in life-long memories, graduating early puts no hold on the emotional roller coaster that comes with saying goodbye.

The

senior features |summer 2020 |

t n e m e r i t e r f

o BV bids goodbye to 3 retiring teachers

Larry Hare

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On March 17, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly declared all K-12 school buildings would be shut down for the remainder of the scholastic year. This was a reaction to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Larry Hare, Marsha Moeller and Laurie Rue, three teachers at Blue Valley, retired after the 2019-2020 school year. Little did they realize that they would teach their last classes online.

Laurie Rue

Marsha Moeller

Teaching career info

35 years — Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Honors Biology, Field Biology, Zoology, Exploring Health Careers, Life Science; coaching

34 years — Study Skills and Connections; ELA 11

49 years — Choral music; musical producer

If you could tell your students one last thing what would you tell them?

“Try hard at everything you do.

Some students have quit doing work with online school. If anyone could have quit, it could have been me — I am retiring, but I have been working every day and trying my best.”

“I would tell my students that out of all of the qualities needed to be successful in life, grit is the number-one attribute. If you commit to something, see it through. If learning becomes difficult, stick with it — that’s the best kind of learning.”

“I would tell my students ‘Thank You’ for sharing their wonderful talents with the choir department and musical. I really appreciate their time and enthusiasm.”

What is one of your proudest moments at Blue Valley?

“Winning the State baseball championship in 1992 [and] being named teacher of the year on three occasions.”

“I was incredibly humbled last year when I received the Master Teacher of the Year - Secondary Level award. It is so gratifying [because] colleagues and districtlevel personnel vote for the recipient. After 33 years in special education, I was grateful to be honored.”

“Many, many proud moments — too many to name.”

What are you going to do with your retirement?

“Fish, hunt, travel, volunteer and work part time at Scheels.”

“I plan to continue to co-teach a social skills night class at JCCC. I want to formally write up the curriculum for Connections to get it published. My husband and I will continue traveling; we have plans next summer to go on a river trip in eastern Europe, travel to Prague and a few towns in France and end up in Paris.”

“Some traveling in retirement and be with my daughters in Austin and New York more.”

| WORDS & DESIGN BY JAIDYN PHILLIPS

28 | summer 2020 | senior columns “Walking out, I know what I have to say is worth screaming from the rooftops.”

shay lawson co-editor in chief I am thankful for Newspaper.

After reflecting on my high school journey, this class has by far had the biggest impact on me.

I am thankful for the long-lasting friendships I have made through the class and the clarity it has provided for me regarding my future plans.

But, what I am most thankful for, are the lessons that fifth hour has taught me that have made me the person I am. purpose Walking into newspaper I was extremely fearful. I would always second guess myself when it came to speaking to people.

I didn’t think what I had to say was important enough. Sitting in the class, I slowly learned that the stories that we would brainstorm had a serious impact on the student body.

I remember the first Paper Day I was a part of, the thrill on people’s faces as they extended their arms to yank a paper out of my hand.

This was a huge moment for me.

I had a story in that paper, and for people to be excited to read it meant that they cared about the words I had written.

Walking out, I know what I have to say is worth screaming from the rooftops. jump out of comfort zone Newspaper has put me in situa-

tions that I would never engage in my day-to-day life.

Speaking to administrators and adults used to make me uncomfortable.

I thought the idea of an interview was awkward, and when I did them, I would stay to the numbered questions I specifically planned days earlier.

Being in the class for three years, my once strategic method has become more organic. I learned from watching other people in my classes that could put themselves out there with ease and truly strived to write the most entertaining story.

After reading so many great articles, it pushed me to shake away my nerves and just have a conversation with someone. With practice and time I have made the leap out of my guarded personality.

I have gained the ability to speak with intimidating people and make the best story out of it. be myself As the end of my junior year approached, I honestly didn’t think I had the capabilities to be one of the editors of The Tiger Print.

As a staff member looking at the previous students fulfilling the responsibility, I was anxious because I didn’t think I had what it took to be able to manage an entire group of people to create a paper.

I honestly could not have been more wrong.

I got the privilege of having an entire hour where I was able to

strengthen my bond with my favorite teacher, Mrs. Huss. That time honestly made me feel so ready for the year of issues ahead.

And as bias as it sounds, the staff of the 2019-2020 school year has been the best one yet.

Filled with all types of characters who made that hour of my day brighter, it was one with people so willing to go the extra mile.

I always found myself giggling away at the British accents I would hear. I think it is so cool how the people in our little bubble are so comfortable in being themselves, and that is what has amazed me about the class.

The biggest lesson that newspaper has taught me this year is that from the time I entered the door at 12:17 until I left at 1:04, I was always in a space surrounded with the most welcoming people where I learned I could relax and just be myself.

There is no other class I would have wanted to take for three years.

Not only has fifth hour made me a better journalist, it has made me a better person.

It’s made me someone who can ask deep questions and engage with the world around her.

It’s made me girl who is more confident in her own skin and who has learned to connect with a variety of different types of people.

I am going to miss The Tiger Print, but I am never going to forget the way it shaped me. | DESIGNED BY CHLOE BROWNING

senior columns |summer 2020 |

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“I walked out of the doors of BV for good without even knowing it, and I have nothing but thanks to give for the memories, experiences and growth that took place within your halls.” maddy kang co-editor in chief When it’s time to let people, places or experiences go from my life, I like to journal about them. Sometimes I just write about my feelings; other times I write a pretend letter to the said person, place or experience. So, here is my letter to high school.

Dear high school, Thank you. I know I didn’t say it or show it enough, but thank you.

You’ve taught me to always show gratitude to others and to be grateful for everything, no matter the circumstances.

I walked out of the doors of BV for good without even knowing it, and I have nothing but thanks to give for the memories, experiences and growth that took place within your halls.

I want to say I’m sorry for any time I complained about you or the amount of homework I had to do or that one time I got involved in some pointless disagreement with a friend.

Little did I know, the things I complained about would soon be things I wish I could re-experience every day.

Enough of this sappy stuff though — I truly enjoyed high school.

I’ve met so many great people by putting myself out

there, even if it wasn’t easy at first. A lot of my best memories and friendships came from the times I spent playing soccer, cheering or writing for the newspaper.

It’s also impossible to forget the good times outside of school, too — all of the late-night car rides, Friday night lights, homecomings, ice cream runs, spring break and summer days. As I’m writing this though, it’s kind of painful remembering the good times and wishing there were more of them.

I really hope there are more.

Thank you for introducing me to people that I want in my life forever — you didn’t have to do that.

Even though you weren’t perfect, I wouldn’t trade my awkward freshman-self and the roar of “SENIORS, SENIORS” for the world.

The world isn’t perfect right now, and I didn’t even know if I’d get to walk across a stage to receive my diploma a month ago — but high school, you were unforgettable.

You taught me to be strong when things weren’t going well, to always work hard (even when others weren’t watching), to be OK with growth and change, to be ruthless in pursuit of what you’re called to do and to love others so much that when you walk into a room, everything lights up.

I’m going to miss you a lot. Class of 2020, we did it (kind of ?) I think so.

All love, Maddy

| DESIGN BY MADDY KANG

30 | summer 2020 | senior columns “Do things that let you sigh at the mistakes made rather than go wanting for the risk you failed to take.” vince orozco managing editor In Herman Melville’s magnum opus, “Moby-Dick,” the main character, Ishmael, befriends a man from Rokovoko named Queequeg.

In his description, he notes that Queequeg’s home is difficult to find stating: “It is not down in any map; true places never are.”

This statement, while rather passing, is shown to be true both through the rest of the novel and in life in general.

The reason there’s a fondness for explorers, sailors and astronauts is because they, while not always reflecting it in their real life actions, represent an ideal that people hold: the courage to brave the world’s dangers.

It is precisely this willingness to suffer failure in the pursuit of something great that has informed my motto for the past four years at Blue Valley: “When you do eventually reach death’s doorstep, it’s better to be able to say ‘oh well’ rather than ‘what if.’”

Firstly, failure need not be feared. Failure, far too often, is viewed as a moral deficiency. A failure to know something is seen as stupidity, a failure to make a team is viewed as incapacity, and a failure to maintain a relationship is viewed as inadequacy. At the root of each of these scenarios and many like them, failure is ascribed with a much undo profundity.

| DESIGN BY VINCE OROZCO

Rather than being viewed as a blemish on what should supposedly be a perfect existence, failure should be viewed, as cliché as it sounds, as a learning opportunity.

Not only should failure be viewed as a learning opportunity, we should go further. We should not wish our fate to have turned out any other way.

This idea is reflected in German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s notion of amor fati or “love of one’s fate.” Nietzsche believed we should not wish our misfortunes or failures to have turned out differently because they were necessary stepping stones in producing the wisdom that was gained as a result.

In the supposedly perfect world of our minds, we would exist in a state of stagnation. With no failure, we would have no opportunity to transcend ourselves through cycles of failure and success. Now obviously Nietzsche was getting at more with his philosophy that we don’t have time to get into now, but the core point remains — we should not be afraid to embrace failure.

Secondly, failure is something that, while we shouldn’t seek it specifically, should be present as a possibility in the situations we do seek. By this, I mean we should, again at the risk of sounding cliché, take risks. To see the value in risk in the first place, one ought to try and name a good story without conflict.

In essence, risk is a conflict that drives the narrative of our lives just as it drives the stories we

observe. As hinted at earlier, risk is something that allows us to better ourselves.

Would the works of Monet be as well known as they are without Monet having taken the risk of rejecting the Academy’s standards?

Would Mercury and his band be as praised as they are now without having taken the risk of producing a 12-minute song?

Would Mandela be as hailed as he is now without having taken the risk rebelling against the injustice of apartheid?

In each of these scenarios, while obviously different in severity, the value in risk taking to better the self and others in your realm —whether it be art, music, or politics — is clearly demonstrated.

In essence, tell that special person how you really feel, write that poem, sing that song, take up that instrument, pursue that field, simply do things that will let you tell the best story.

Do things that let you sigh at the mistakes made rather than go wanting for the risk you failed to take.

If you, me, and the universe are all going to die anyway, why not take a chance?

I would like to end on a short quote by French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery: “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

senior columns |summer 2020 |

31

“Look to the future and never forget the past.” jd loftin staff writer

wanting to go to the schools games and dances, and did the swim team which I was committed to for all three years I have been at this school.

Change is a bittersweet friend. Change can mean new In Texas, I was not the most model student. I was pretty opportunities that might not have been available to you far from that role. I was depressed and didn’t see the value before. It can be exciting to dive headfirst into a new future in any of the work I did. I used to ditch school a lot — to because of change. But there can also be the bitter sadness the point where if I missed anymore I might have had to of leaving what you had behind — and the fear of not repeat a grade. I took classes that were way too hard for me knowing what comes next. that I couldn’t back out of, and I did not have much of a I wasn’t always a proud Blue Valley tiger. I moved from social group to go to.

Texas to Kansas my sophomore year. Some people would I used to be pretty desperate. However, I overcame that see that as an awkward situation. However, for me I saw it here at Blue Valley. I found myself a part of the Anime as an opportunity to change myself and start over fresh. I Club, surrounded by teachers who had my best interests, came to Kansas with the mentality that I would change my- and the most welcoming school I have ever seen. There self for the better. And with this same mentality, I decided are not many places where there are bonds as strong as a to go by the nickname JD as a testament to me starting over family, and I believe my school represents that. fresh.

As for advice from a senior — don’t procrastinate. Even I am grateful for being given this sudden change in my though I still haven’t broken this habit, it’s something you life to come to Kansas. Without it, I would not have met should break as soon as possible. friends who I wouldn’t trade the world for. And without it, And if you reading this thinking, “ I’m not a procrasI would not have found such a welcoming community. I tinator,” chances are you are one. And just breaking the found clubs that helped me meet new people and amazhabit of procrastination isn’t enough you have to keep ing teachers who would stick their necks out for me even consistent with work. Procrastination is like fending off though I didn’t deserve it. sickness. You can get your self cured of sickness, but it will I used to loath writing anything, no matter the topic. keep coming back — so you have to keep washing your That didn’t change until junior year when I was accepted hands and practice healthy routines to keep it away. onto the newspaper staff. I originally came into newspaper Once you stop those healthy practices the sickness will with the purpose of just doing photography for the paper come back, much like procrastination.

— and it was clear from day one that not writing anything So, look to the future and never forget the past. in a class about writing wasn’t gonna happen.

However, I’m glad I stuck with it — it changed my perspective on writing and it has actually become something I enjoy as long as the topic isn’t awful. But even though I like writing doesn’t mean I didn’t still groan with the rest of the class for having to write an essay over “The Great Gatsby.”

But I love the newspaper staff and everything they have done for me.

Through some kind of twisted luck, I found my future carer path through something I used to hate. That career path is graphic design. I always loved art but was never too good at it until the newspaper told me that they designed their own pages. Once I got to design my own page it might not have been good looking, but I enjoyed it so much.

In Texas, I wasn’t into sports. I didn’t watch them or play them, and it didn’t help that at my old school all sports were cut. I was very nonathletic, but since moving to Blue Valley, my perspective on sports changed. I found myself | DESIGN BY JD LOFTIN

| DESIGN BY CHLOE BROWNING

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9. Brett Bulkeley 10. Brooke Erdley 11. Kaden Kirby 12. Jenna McCarty

5. Haley Renkemeyer 6. Olivia Haley 7. Evan Taylor 8. Brooke Nolkemper

1. Tori Ward 2. Grace Godbout 3. Brian Mann 4. Thalia Ramirez

13. Brock Killmar 14. Kareem Khan 15. Elizabeth Sutton 16. Peyton Heaney

17. Katie Boehringer 18. Nidhi Rao 19. Stephanie Phillips 20. Sammy Behrndt

WHO’S THAT SENIOR? senior features |summer 2020 |

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