The Tiger Print —May 2004

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TIGER

Vol • Issue

Page 11 Dr. King sent to district office

Blue Valley High School • W th St • Stilwell Kan • Friday May

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seniors count days to graduation

Slide Show

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BVHS during seminar

Senior Picnic

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Shawnee Mision Park 10 a.m.

lue Valley’s Class of 2004 will graduate at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 23 in Kemper Arena. After a sequence of other activities, including Senior Awards Night, Senior Picnic, Baccalaureate and Class Day, these seniors will have officially completed their high school careers. “[These activities] Are just an extra way to celebrate the seniors and their hard work,” associate principal Mark Dalton said.

On Wednesday, April 28, Senior Awards Night acknowledged 128 students, who received various scholarship awards from universities, local organizations and recognition for their educational excellence. The Class of 2004 was awarded with a total of $4.5 million in scholarships, a record-high for Blue Valley. At the awards night, local scholarships were rewarded to students such as: Anna McCallie, Tyler Newton, T.J. Trum and Heather Wise were awarded the: (BVHS PTO Scholarship), Chrissy Whetter (Dr. James C. Thompson Academic Scholarship) and Sarah Metcalfe (Stanley Elementary PTO Scholarship). Departmental awards included McCallie (President’s Leadership Award) and Spanish teacher Anita Lemons (Teacher of the Year).

On Thursday, April 29, Senior Athletic Awards Night celebrated 115 students with athletic awards for participating in sports and debate and forensics while at Blue Valley. The William L. Lowe scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards, was given to Jackie Paschang as female of the year, and Newton as male of the year.

Since the seniors won the class competition, (despite a third place finish in the Penny Wars) seniors will enjoy an afternoon at AMF College Lanes today. Activities include bowling, shooting pool and opening time capsules from their freshmen year.

Some seniors enrolled in yearbook created a senior slide show that will be presented on Thursday, May 13, during Seminar. Also during Seminar, caps and gowns will be distributed.

On Friday, May 14, seniors are required to attend Shawnee Mission Park for the Senior Picnic, but according to Dalton, this is a “great day that nobody would want to miss.” Students should arrive at 10 a.m. and park

“I can’t believe it’s al ready the end—It seems like it just started ” Baccalaureate

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BVHS 1 p.m.

Class Day

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BVHS Gym 9 a.m.

Graduation

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Kemper Arena 2 p.m.

BV publications win awards

close to Shelters 1 and 2.

Two Guys and a Grille will cookout hot dogs and hamburgers, yearbooks will be distributed and the Class of 2004 will take a picture. Students voted on faculty members to attend the picnic as well.

Baccalaureate, the traditionally inspirational ceremony for the graduating seniors and their parents, will be held on Sunday, May 15. This extra, formal ceremony will include performances by the choir, orchestra and band, and speeches by Principal Dr. Dennis King, Anna McCallie and Jake Scriber. This is the last year that there will be a Baccalaureate for Blue Valley students. According to school officials, Baccalaureate is losing its relevance for today’s students. Baccalaureate originated as a religious ceremony, but has evolved into an inspirational ceremony.

The seniors will hand over “the BVHS key” to the juniors on Class Day, Friday, May 21 at 9 a.m. The senior processional will be in the gymnasium, then memorial scholarships will be awarded, the senior/faculty challenge trophy will be presented and Randi Leiker and Krista VanWinkle will speak. The seniors will also cut a ribbon, symbolizing the students cutting their ties with Blue Valley.

Graduation will celebrate each student’s 12 years of educational success. The orchestra, band and choir will perform and the seniors will proceed into Kemper Arena at 2 p.m. The Blue Valley superintendent, along with students Michael Stevens and T.J. Trum will speak. Anyone is welcome to attend Graduation to congratulate the Class of 2004.

“I’m both excited and nervous for speaking at graduation because I want to make this a memorable event for everyone and a great summation of a journey,” Trum said.

“The opportunities to celebrate will mean more to you than you think, because you’ll be with some people for the last time in you life,” Dalton said. “I can’t believe it’s already the end - it seems like it just started. Dr. King said that this could be a benchmark year for Blue Valley, and it really is.”

No Excuses

Nascar ballet reves up

weirdnews:

The publication staffs competed at State last Saturday at the University of Kansas. Junior Michael Johnson took an honorable mention in newswriting and senior Jessie McCampbell won a third place in yearbook design.

The yearbook staff learned last week that the 2004 edition has earned a Gallery of Excellence designation from Walsworth publishing. The Gallery award is only given to the top five percent of yearbooks published by Walsworth.

photo illustration

by Brandon Lutz

Choreographer Jenefer Davies Mansfield staeged a “Nascar Ballet” In April. Twenty dancers performed in unitards with coroporate sponsor patches sewed on. The stage incorporated a banked race track and revving engines sounded in the backround. “Pit crews” even rescued dancers who had crashed and helped them off stage.

Mansfield hoped to capitalize on a Nascar race in Martinsville, Va.

excusesexcuses:

senior schedule:

staffwriter

katieabrahamson

Despite a hematoma in her right hand, senior Victoria Mitchell made no excuses about taking AP tests. She wrote with her injured hand.

“Taking all four tests was hard on my brain and my hand,” Mitchell said. “But I had to finish.”

Mitchell injured her hand in a soccer game.

Senior Count Down: days

nPewsnotes The Drill Team left for San Diego, after school, for the World Championships in Winterguard on April 13. After a long day swimming and sun tanning at the beach on Cornado Island, the A and Open guards competed in prelim competition. The A guard placed forty-seventh, just two spots away from moving on to semifinals, and the Open guard made it into the semis. However, they only placed eighteenth and they had to be in the top 15 to make it into finals.

michaelacross

Drill team tryouts

kimhieber

Drill Team tryouts, for the school year 2004-2005, were held on Monday, May 3 to determine who would make next year’s team.

Members were required to attend evening sessions from Monday, April 26, through Thursday, April 29 and then were given a tryout time, between four and five, on the following Monday.

There are a total of 32 girls on the new team and 18 returning members. The seniors include Rachel Cecil, Theresa Fox, Emily Kramer, Jessica Parker and Ashley Steele. Juniors are Courtney Jerome, Jessica Katzenstein, Allie Mahoney, Lindsay Martin, Jessica Poague, Kim Varner and Meranda Zeckser. Sophomores are Meghan Burns, Vanessa DeSloover, Eliza Gale, Maddie Loughlin, Kristy Veasman and Laura Wong. The newest members to the team, the freshmen, include Megan Adams, Hayley Black, Emily Bowden, Lauren Callison, Ashley Cook, Amanda Donovan, Kristen Ellison, Jillian Goss, Morgan Greenough, Karen Liegbentritt, Sarah Pinney, Casey Sieckman, Megan Stockman and Stacy Yowell.

Cheerleading tryouts

Cheerleading clinic took place during the week of April 19,and tryouts took place that Friday.

Next year the varsity squad will consist of 19 girls. There will be six returning as seniors, seven returning as juniors, and seven new members.

The returning seniors are Cecily Miller, Cecily Halloran, Kendra Kruse, Ally Ross, Jennifer Bantham and Stephanie Grossman.

Other returning members are Nicole Sowden, Kristen Burchett, Kaitlyn Kruse, Stephanie Imber, Lauren Fitzpatrick and Danielle Scarafile. Incoming members include Hope Aguilar, Lauren Schroer, Taylor Hasgents, Ally Paryse, Eryn Hardison, Amanda Dirks and Vanessa Abenoja.

maneezaiqbal

Blood drive a success

Blue Valley hosted its biannual blood drive on April 13. The blood drive committee’s initial goal was to get 60 to 70 people to sign up. They were just short of their goal with 69 attempts, but 58 donations.

“It was good that so many people tried to donate,” blood drive chair Kate Reno said. “The blood drive people were impressed by how many people showed up.”

NFLHS new members inducted

National Foreign Language Honor Society inducted 53 new members Monday, March 29. The new members participated in Spanish, French, German or Latin ceremonies. After the presentation of each languages’ new members, the members recited the NFLHS oath in their different language.

Last year, NFLHS sponsor Anita Lemons presented an outstanding member award to Jessica Schaefer; however, this year Lemons plans to honor outstanding seniors.

The new members include: French students — Regan Gangel, Ayushi Gupta, Maleeha Iqbal, Jessica Katzenstein, Michelle Kim, Megan Kim, Tiffany Mitchell, Caitlin O’Neil, Christine Wang and Sylvia Yang; Spanish students — Marianne Ahlmann, Kelly Baker, Nick Biagioli, Stephen Blumhardt, Aaron Brockmeyer, Emily Brown, Paul Conrad, Jennifer Eliason, Theresa Fox, Stacy Griffin, Mark Gruber, Christine Hansen, Jordan Love, Becky McNaughton, Sarah McRoberts, Erin Mulligan, Timi Okah, Kristen Petrick, JP Prouty, Kate Reno, Manda Richardson, Kelly Schute, Cody Scribner, Ian Smith, Nicole Sowden; German students — Danielle Bacon, Todor Gogov, Corey Gray, Andrea Hiesberger, Michael Kochendorfer, Christopher McGillivray, Christina Miller, Schaeffer Nelson, Tiffany Paulie, Jacob Scribner, Dale Tolley, Carly Wirick. Latin students — Katie Hinsley, Sara Kellerman, Chris Lee, John Liu, Lisa Skultety, Jacob Tupper.

FRIDAY MAY

Traffic tickets on the rise michaeljohnson

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entertainmenteditor

michaelacross

Drill team ends on good note

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he Overland Park Police Department is enforcing police patrol in certain areas due to an increase in traffic accidents. The most-watched of these areas is the construction site on 69 Highway between 119th Street and College Boulevard.

The construction began on April 2 when traffic flow was reduced to one lane in each direction. Since this date there have been nothing but accidents, road rage and traffic violations that has the Kansas Department of Transportation watching.

“We’re hitting that area hard,” Sergeant Chapel said.

“We’re trying to make the area safer by making sure people obey the speed and other laws.”

Drivers are advised to obey all traffic laws, especially in this area until mid-June when the bridge repair is expected to be finished. Southern locals should be aware, however, because the construction marches south after the completion of Highway 69. Roadwork will be in full swing throughout Au-

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gust.

Other areas of Overland Park are under intense watch as well. Accident statistics show that the intersection of Blue Valley Parkway and 119th Street is by far the most dangerous, attracting the attention of police officers.

In 2002, 70 car accidents were reported. This is a small decrease from the 2001 report of 80 accidents.

Quivira and 95th street is being watched as well due to 43 accidents reported in 2002.

Next on the list is the intersection of Metcalf and 110th street, where 39 accidents took place. Metcalf and 75th street is one accident below with 38, and Metcalf and 95th street had 38 accidents. Finally, Metcalf and College Boulevard

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tion by

Jamie

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is also infested with officers due to the 30 accidents reported. In short, beware of Metcalf.

“I got two tickets at 119th St: one for speeding and one for attempted road rage,” junior Kevin Lynch said.

Forensics sweeps state katieabrahamson

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maneezaiqbal

T HE TIGER

he Blue Valley Forensics team won the 5A state tour nament at Topeka Seamen High School on last Saturday. This was the first time the team won state since 1991.

“The kids worked hard, and I’m happy they got what they deserved,” Forensics Coach Chris Riffer said.

At the tournament, students kicked into high gear to prepare for their events. The students helped each other research, write and practice events. Between rounds, students played cards to calm nerves in the pressure-filled at-

mosphere.

Out of 16 events from BV, 14 made it to semifinals, and eight went to finals. The BV forensics team won sweepstakes as most of the students placed.

The BV team competed against top teams including last year’s state winner, McPherson High School.

“There were some good people (competing at state),” Foreign Extempt State Champion, junior Kristen Trum said.

The Forensics team also swept at State Festival last weeked. All students that participated at the festival earned a one rating.

The Forensics team looks to the future to bring home more

state titles. The weight of winning next year falls on the juniors and sophomores.

“I look for a bright future because the core (of the winners) were juniors and sophomores,” Riffer said.

“If we keep going the way we are, we’ll be doing great our senior year,” sophomore Eric Min said.

The students prepared for state by giving in-class performances. Each team and student presented their events and the class gave them feedback. The performances were critiqued on what the team or student did well and what they needed to improve on.

T HE TIGER

Students plan for camp featureseditor

Volleyball camp will work on the basic skills and cooperation.

Other camps include band camp, debate camp and journalism camp.

Band camp will be held July 26 through Aug. 4 at the school and will also be accompanied by the drill team. Members will develop their skills in marching and playing, as well as working as a unit.

Drill team will work on new dances and practice what they already know.

Debate camps will be held throughout the summer at various universities across the country, including KU, Baker University and Gonzaga. Participants will learn to improve their basic debate skills, as well as develop their research abilities. Students will have a chance to apply their new skills in practice rounds. Prices for debate camp range from $600 to $3,000, depending on the camp.

Many journalism camps are available, but seven newspaper and yearbook students will attend Kansas Journalism Institute held at KU June 20-24. Courses range from Newspaper Design to Advertising Design and Sales. Attendants will practice and apply their skills in page design, news writing, sports writing and various other newspaper-publishing abilities.

photo by Katie Abrahamson

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or some people, summer is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy the warm weather. For others, it means three months of work to earn some extra money. However, some choose to take a little time to practice the skills they learned during the year, and summer camps are available to help them.

The more popular camps are the sports camps, held in the months of June and July at the school or various universities. The boys’ basketball camp is still to be announced due to the change in coaches.

Girls’ basketball camp will be held June 21-25. The team will practice new plays as well as train and work on team unity. The camp will be from 4 to 6 p.m.

Speed camp starts June 14 and continues through the rest of the summer, starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 10 a.m. Speed camp gives athletes a chance to stay in shape and prepare for fall sports. There will be no camp the week of June 21-25.

In the month of July, the football and volleyball camps will be held on the 26th through the 30th. Football camp will emphasize teamwork. Members will work on new plays as well as weight training.

news Relay for Life Cancer survivors take the first lap around the gym for the honorary survivor walk. Ten cancer survivors were present to kick off the night.

BV hosts charity for cancer society samboyd

staffwriter

FRIDAY MAY adamlary

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lue Valley welcomed its first an nual Relay For Life on April 23 24. The Relay took place all night from 7 p.m. to 7a.m. Saturday. The Relay was moved from the football field into the main gym because of bad weather.

Blue Valley students raised over $18,000 for the American Cancer Society. The money was raised in three ways: through the registration fee for teams, the number of luminarias purchased, which raised over $150 and the money teams raised on their

own.

Four awards were presented at the Relay.

Team that raised the most money was The Administration, team captain: Eric Min. They also won a Bronze team award which was awarded to any team that raised over $1500. The Tigerretes also won a Bronze team award, team captain: Theresa Fox. Theresa Fox also won the award for individual that raised the most money, raising $865. The award was for the best decorated campsite which was awarded to the Minty Freshettes, team captain: Samantha Boyd.

Activity fee increases cost of registration

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newseditor

t the beginning of each school year, stu dents pay registration fees and buy school supplies. However, next August students will have to dig deeper into their pockets. They will also pay an activity fee of $60.

Blue Valley Board of Education made changes to the 2004-05 budget in a board meeting on April 12.

The board decided to initiate an activity fee for students in grades 6-12. High school students are expected to pay $60 to participate in any school activity.

“The board heard from the community that they would rather pay an activity fee than see academic cuts,” Director of Activities Mike Slagle said.

The $60 fee is a one-time fee that is included in registration fees, so everyone pays it, excluding students with free or reduced lunch. However, at the end of the year, students can apply for a refund of the money

if they can prove that they weren’t involved in any activities.

Activities include clubs, sports, band, choir, newspaper, etc. According to Slagle, any activity that has a sponsor is included in the fee. Yet, this fee doesn’t replace the extra fees that go along with band, cheerleading, drill team, etc. Those activities will have to continue their individual fundraising. The revenue collected from this fee will go to the general operating fund.

“It’s the trickle down theory,” assistant principal Bob Whitehead said. “More money goes to the district budget, [the more] the district helps us.”

Yet, this plan is different from pay to play. Pay to play requires a fee to participate in each activity. This is a one-time fee for all activities. However, many don’t anticipate a drop of involvement from activities.

“I hope parents will encourage their children to be more involved and take advantage of the payment,” Slagle said.

At the previous board meeting, the board decided to reduce teacher extended days by 25 percent. However, the board reversed their decision because the Johnson County Sales Tax generated $1.2 million. The board had more money than anticipated and revised some of the budget decisions. “[The board] had received letters from teachers expressing concerns about the decisions,” assistant superintendent Dr. Al Hanna said. “The board revised the extended day decision because the board didn’t realize how the schools will be affected by it.”

Yet, many believe that these budget cuts could have been avoided if the state legislation adequate funded education.

“In a nut shell,” Slagle said, “the state does not ad-

Students take AP maneezaiqbal

newseditor

maneezaiqbal

Advance placement tests began this week. Students took: the English Language and French Lanuage tests Monday,

May 3; the Computers, Spainish Language and Statistics tests Tuesday, May 4; the Calculus AB &BC and World History tests Wednesday, May 5; the English Literature and German Literature Thursaday, May 6. Students are taking the U.S. History and European History today.

Next week students will take: Biology test on Monday, May 10; Chemistry and Psychology tests on Tuesday, May 11; Government test Wednsday, May 12; Macroeconomics and Microeconomics Thursday, May 13.

T HE TIGER

opinion

PR I N T

FRIDAY MAY

Seniors reflect on BV experience Mission accomplished; Pond evaluates mission statement justpondering

PRINT

Blue Valley High School

6001 W. 159th Street Stilwell, Kan. 66085 (913) 239-4946 The_Tiger_Print@yahoo.com

Staff ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Managing Editor~ Lindsay Pond Opinions Editor~ Kyle Rogers News Editor~ Maneeza Iqbal Sports Editors~ Kevin Loftus & Brandon MurrayMazany Entertainment Editor~ Mike Johnson Features Editor~ Andrew Robinson

Assistant Features Editors~ Adam Lary & Michaela Cross Advertising Manager~ Kim Hieber Adviser~ Susan Agee Reporters~ Sam Boyd, Katie Abrahamson, Chris Bubeck, Nick Speed, Austin Isham, Dusty Riedesel, Matt Galloway Photographers~ Kristen Palmer, Brandon Lutz The Tiger Print is published 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 paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration or Blue Valley School District # 229.

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undecided on how much I should practice sports. Maybe ell, what can I say about I’ll decide to practice and work out more because I am this year, or these last four. going to college on athletic scholarship.

I can’t decide how to In high school it is very easy for me to go “Undecided.” describe them; in fact I’m undecided.

The teachers assigned the work, and I did it or I didn’t I’m undecided about a lot of things. get the grade. Whatever happens after high Sure I’ve decided what school, will be my decision. This is my college I’m going to, but “I was undecided on dilemma. that’s true of almost how much I should I could decide to go to class or not. I anyone who is going to college next year.

Believe it or not, despite what all the study each night I could decide to stay in college or not. I can teachers say, college isn’t for everyone. If decide how hard I want to work to get was undecided on ahead. It’s all my decision. you aren’t very close to picking a college as a second semester senior, save your when I should get a What will I do with my future? Maybe I’ll money and apply for a job at the batting to California to play beach volleyball job and start mak move cages and go to a technical college for two and sell hats on the side of the road. Maybe ing money ” years.

I will get a job with journalism or broadBut I’m not talking about that. I’m casting. It’s always probable that I could talking about what I haven’t decided or what I didn’t formulate the million-dollar idea, like a burrito vending decide. machine.

During these last four years, I was undecided on how But who knows what I’ll decide, I just don’t. Maybe much I should study each night. I was undecided on these past four years have placed the groundwork for when I should get a job and start making money. I was deciding what my life will become.

One man can change history according to DR BV’s world would turn upside down should Chase Fontaine stay

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igh school is nearly over, but all good things must come to an end.

Think though, how good could it have been? Obviously, anyone could have made personal changes, but there are two changes that could have possibly made this the greatest, or worst, athletic class of all-time.

Senior Chase Fontaine goes to Blue Valley as he almost did his freshman year.

Now at a Texas high school and on a full scholarship to the University of Texas next year, he was a rare athlete. His skills would have pushed the baseball team over Miege last year, putting them into the state tournament. Once there, the team of juniors plays the Cinderella story all the way to fourth place in the state, making them a force in 2004, their senior year.

More dramatically, the football team is affected by Fontaine’s presence. Chase Holtom is not forced to carry the load during his freshman year, so he avoids the initial knee injury that starts his history of knee problems. Holtom becomes a dominant player on both sides of the ball.

Beejay McLloyd never decides to go to North, realizing the potential of the class of 2004, and he and Fontaine become not only the best two receivers in the EKL, but also a dominant pair of d-backs that forces teams to avoid passing. The football team makes a run at the state championship in 2002, while absolutely blowing away

every team they play in 2003.

As Tyler Newton sees that he won’t be getting the same playing time in football due to McLloyd and Fontaine, he returns to a former love, soccer. Newton, instead of being an all league football players, becomes an all-league soccer player. Also, Tyler attracts athlete Andrew Lasche, Travis Upah and Parker Snedden to the soccer field. Teamed with John Schaaf, Bryan Swallow and other incumbent players, the soccer team of 2003 is the most athletic Blue Valley soccer team in recent history. They finish just behind St. Thomas Aquinas in the EKL, and take the 5A state championship easily.

As a soccer player, Newton never breaks his arm in a football state championship.

Therefore, he never loses a step when it comes to basketball, a sport he has practiced more being with his dual-sport teammates Lasche, Snedden and Upah.

Tyler averages 11 points and eight assists on the year as the Tigers finish second in the EKL by one game behind Blue Valley Northwest. The Tigers enter state with a 17-5 record and don’t face Highland Park until the state championship game. The game comes down to the last play when Snedden drives the lane and dribbles the ball off his foot. Fortunately Marshal Banks picks it up for a last second lay-up for Blue Valley’s first basketball state championship ever.

Of course, things could have been much

dustinthewind worse.

Marshal Banks

dustinriedesel

Photo Editor~ Jamie Hisle

lence, responsibility and tradition were instilled the first day we walked into Blue Valley, but growth takes longer. Growth comes in years and inches; in four years, the biggest indicator of growth has been outgrowing.

I will never go to another pep assembly or school dance or take another state assessment. In 10 days, I will never eat another school lunch. It’s the end; I’ll miss it, but I’m glad to see it. Nothing would make me want to give up my time at Blue Valley, but nothing could make me want to relive it either. I “done growed up.”

Make up your mind! Isham still can’t decide austinisham

T HE TIGER

know my locker number without looking at it first; I barely know the combination. Honestly, I don’t remember much of anything that’s happened this year.

And I don’t think it’s all a bad thing; I would be worried if I were still as consumed by high school as I was as a freshman. I’m glad that I paid more attention to what came in the mail than what I brought home in my backpack. I’m glad that I count the days to graduation, that I’m a typical, apathetic senior.

I’m glad that I’m outgrowing high school. It means Blue Valley has met the fourth part of its mission: growth; the other three parts, excel-

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remember exactly what I wore on the first day of school freshman year: a blue tank top and khakis. I remember my locker number was 1778, and the combination was 469-12; I had fourth hour gym; I sat next to Rusty Gardner on the bus and in French class. I remember all the details, and I remember thinking every detail was important.

It is ironic what I can remember from freshman year and what I cannot remember from senior year.

I don’t know what I wore the first day of school this year, and I probably didn’t put a lot of thought into it in the first place; I wouldn’t

and Chris Bass stay in Grandview. The basketball team misses Marshal’s dominant inside presence and doesn’t even make it through substate. Brandon MurrayMazany doesn’t even bother to play without his friend Marshal Banks as an influence.

Not only does the football team miss Bass, the defensive line’s anchor, but it also misses a number of other players because Bass is not around to keep them out of trouble. Without Bass’s influence to keep players in line, coach Steve Rampy is forced to throw six players off the team for violation of team policy.

Disgusted with the football team, Tyler Newton returns to a former love, soccer.

Many football players follow him along with athletes that played on the basketball team. Soccer becomes the main sport at Blue Valley, as there are thousands of fans at every game. The sport’s influence reaches throughout the entire school and nearly every guy takes to wearing short shorts, Adidas and growing his hair out.

So in retrospect, I think we should just be thankful for the year, and career, that we had.

T HE TIGER

opinion

FRIDAY MAY

PR I N T

Sound Off: What was your most memorable BV moment?

“Junior year during a pep assembly when we stood silent in protest because the spriit stick competition was rigged.”

“Being a part of the state championship.”

senior Ryan Rehm senior Kristin Driskell

“Sophomore year when Mrs. Eagleton made me sit in the corner, forbid me from talking, and said it was because we were reading 1984.

Yeah, right. (I deserved most of it.)”

senior Bryce Gray

“All the days off. the snowdays, gas leaks, fires... whatever. The days off of school were a blast.” senior Dani Pollock

photo poll compiled by seniors Jamie Hisle and Kristen Palmer

Senior year can be all you want if you handle it correctly jamiehisle

sizzlin’hizzle

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have been ready to be a senior since I entered high school. The goal has always been to make it to 2003, when I would begin my last year at Blue Valley. I finally made it here, and now I wish I would have been as smart about my senior year back in August as I am now. This year has had its ups and downs, but through everything I have learned some lessons, both serious and trivial.

1. Seniors don’t have as many privileges as the underclassmen think. Sure, we get our own lunchroom and we get to choose our lockers, but we still have to follow all of the rules. We still have to eat the cafeteria food, we still have to be in class on time, and we still can’t wear hats in school. Sure, there are advantages to being a senior, but nothing like underclassmen would like to believe.

2. Make more friends. Expand your circle of friends. Get to know everyone you can before it’s too late. You are only going to be around these people for the next 10 months, and then you may

never see them again. This is your last opportunity to get to know the people you have been going to school with for the last four years; take it!

3. In retrospect, nothing in life is worth worrying about. Don’t stress yourself out too much about projects and due dates. The only thing that stress is going to give you is more stress, not to mention the time you spend stressing about a project could be spent actually doing the project. Looking back over the school year, the things that I spent hours freaking out about are very minute in the big scheme of things.

4. Don’t over-exert yourself. Yeah, it might look good on your college resume that you were the president of three clubs, a member in 10, and on the committee for 5 organizations, but it is not worth it.

It only adds more stress to your life and makes your year even more stressful. Choose a couple things to get involved in, things you really care about. If you get too many plates spinning at one time, they are bound to come crashing down on you.

5. Spend as much time with your friends as possible. Yeah, it is important to keep your grades up for college, but it is also important to spend time

with your friends. In less than a year, you will be far away from most of the people you have known, so it is important to have fun and make memories before it is too late.

6. Get your college stuff done early! Believe me, it pays off. If you can, do early action for the colleges you apply to. I applied to three schools, did early action on all of them, and was done with them by the beginning of November. This pays off when you see your classmates rushing around in January trying to meet deadlines while you are relaxing and hearing back from all of your colleges. This also benefits you because you will have it out of the way before the school year really hits you and senioritis kicks in where you don’t want to do anything.

7. Don’t start counting down the days until graduation during October. I have been ready to graduate since August, but it has seemed like the days and weeks have been moving in slow motion.

No matter what you do, graduation is always going to seem like an eternity away, and having to stare at your assignment book saying that you still have 238 more days of school just adds to the pain.

It’s been great but we’ll be on the bottom again this fall

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one out of 1,000 people, I’m one in about 24,000. Also, I currently know about ay 23, 2004, the day we have been thinking about for the past nine 10 to 15 people from here that will be attending KU from our class. months is finally near. It’s graduation and some might call it the end What I’m trying to say is that I will probably never get to experience the of an era. The class of 2004 has left its mark on Blue Valley High comfort level I feel at BV now ever again. Never again will I be at a place School both academically and athletically, but does any of that really even where it seems like almost everyone knows who you are. It’s just kind of a matter? In just three short months, we’re going to be freshmen all over again, somber feeling knowing that high school is almost over and that there will and that’s something that I’m not really sure if I’m looking to do all over never be another time in my life like it. again.

Overall, I really did enjoy high school. Sure it wasn’t always the It took me four years to get to the top of the “food chain” and now best times, but the best times definitely out weighed the bad ones. I I’ll be at the bottom looking up. Granted that this freshman year will loftandfound just want the class of 2005 to remember one thing; you only get one be better than my last freshman year, but this is my first year away senior year of high school and it goes by way too fast. Take it slow, from home. I will also be away from the friendly confines of BV and into the gigantic campus of the University of Kansas. Instead of being and remember it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Goodbye journalists of 2004.

It won’t be the same without you. kevinloftus

-Juniors and sophomores of the newspaper

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

opinion

FRIDAY MAY

Time is winding down; let’s go out like all seniors should katieabrahamson

‘abra’cadabra

S

ixteen days, two hours and 25 minutes. Everyone, myself included, has counted down the days until Graduation since practically Aug. 20, but it’s hard to believe that there’s only 16 official days left. Sixteen days and we’ll never open our locker again, we’ll never eat in the senior lunchroom again and we’ll never scream for the spirit stick again. Even though we’re ecstatic to walk across Kemper Arena’s stage, I hope that everyone will cherish these last 16 days.

It’s been said that senior year is the best year of your life. But lately it seems that everyone wants to “turn the page” in this chapter of their life. I know that we’re thrilled for graduation and the future, but I think there will come a time where we’ll truly miss the halls of Blue Valley.

Now I’m not saying that high school has been a walk in the park. I, like probably

everyone else, have suffered through moments where all I wanted to do was quit school. Granted, we’ve all had our ups and downs in high school, but I think that Blue Valley has really given us the time of our lives.

Even though we’ve all complained about colossal amounts of homework and the ridiculously hard tests, we won’t remember that exam we bombed a year from now.

We’ll remember the first day of our freshmen year, and being squished in the halls like sardines. We’ll remember the BV West split, learning which of our friends were loyal to BV, and who . . . weren’t. We’ll remember outstanding teachers like Mr. Holloway and Mr. Pittman who we have to thank for making classes hilariously fun.

We’ll remember the amazing State Championship football game, and screaming for our peers. But most importantly, we’ll remember our friends; our friends who could always make us smile, laugh and turn every day into a day well worth remembering.

After May 23, we’ll be going our separate

ways and encountering totally new experiences. Never again will we be surrounded by the familiarity and security of high school; we’ll be catapulted into the “real” world where professors could care less about their students and where we learn that life throws you curve balls. Never again will we “Even though many see that person who sat behind you in Spanish or of us are ready to friends you have had since graduate we still kindergarten. need to enjoy these I think that even though many of us are ready to last days ” graduate we still need to enjoy these last 16 days.

After that, we’ll probably never all be together again, but thankfully we’ll still have wonderful memories engrained forever in our hearts. So seniors, do not spend your time counting down these 16 days; carpe diem and have the time of your life, because when will you be a senior in high school again? In 16 days, you’ll know the answer.

S E Forget school; summer will be the time of our lives N I I O R t’s time to kick off our shoes and run in bare feet. It’s time to This summer Kenny Chesney is coming to KC, not once but sit back and relax, to go out with a bang, to smoke ‘em while twice. The pool will be a nice spot to veg out, while killing time we got ‘em, because in about three months we aren’t gonna during the day. Highway 69 leads to I-35 if you’re looking for a have ‘em anymore. road trip, and 435 will take you to see your Royals hit it This summer for seniors will bring about great up and hit it out of the park. And, let’s face it, every BUstinout opportunities that many of us have never had before. night without having to wake up early the next morning When was the last time any of you senior students had is a potential night to p-a-r-t-y. That’s a summer with a a summer without a “crack of dawn” weights or whole lot of potential. conditioning practice of some kind or a game or meet From here on in our summers will be filled with the every other night that destroyed your summer night responsibilities and worries that college life and life? When was the last time you didn’t feel consumed adulthood will bring. Full-time jobs, potential careers by some school-related activity that turned a summer and other responsibilities that come with independence without school into a summer of super school. will cloud our heads and distort our senses of fun. chrisbubeck Friends will fade this summer, some people you may Remember back in the day when you couldn’t wait to go back to school because you just had so much free never see again, so let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Savor the time during the summer. For many of us this is our last chance at flavor, soak up the sun and the fun and live it up. It’s our last chance to focus 110 percent on having a sweet time. that awesome summer.

C O L U M N S

Echo Back: What are you looking forward to about being a senior?

“Being the top of the school, the leaders and going to college.”

“Picking our lockers and the benches in the senior hall.”

“The end of my schooling, but I’m nervous about my college decisions.”

“A lot of hard rockin’ and tubular partyin’.”

junior Jessica Parker

junior Salar Pankonin

junior Lizzie Ewell

junior Chuck Haren photo poll compiled by junior Kyle Rogers

T HE TIGER

feature

FRIDAY MAY

PR I N T

BV Baby Boom Holloway family adopts internationally The following are excerpts from physics teacher John Holloway’s online baby journal, printed with permission.

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Miranda takes a nap in her father’s arms. Teacher John Holloway adopted the nine-month-old girl through Children’s Hope International from Guangszhou, China.

Holloway holds up a happy Miranda. Holloway and his wife left April 9 for Guangszhou to pick up their newly-adopted baby. In this picture, the family is visiting a zoo in China.

pril 15, 2004: Hello to all from the Far East. Miranda is sleeping here in her stroller as Meg and I compose this entry. We are doing very well and discovering many things about the new tiny beautiful member of our family. She eats with a spoon and a sippie cup but will have nothing to do with a bottle. She has a wonderful smile with four little dimples to match her four teeth. She is incredible at making rasberry sounds and she also makes a funny little frog sound as well. We have been calling her tadpole sometimes, and she smiles. This is an amazing place and we are having a wonderful time, and we can’t wait to get home. Three really is a magic number for our family.

April 20, 2004: Today we are celebrating one week of being a family! We are having “We have been a wonderful time exploring Guangzhou and calling her getting into a great routine of life together.

Miranda is one amazing baby -- so active, tadpole somecurious, strong and full of love and smiles times, and she (and rasberries, oo!) for her new Mama and smiles.”

Daddy.

April 25, 2004: Miranda truly lives up to her name -- so peaceful and happy throughout the long journey. She is a wonder. In the insane madness of the hot and crowded Guangszhou airport, she smiled and giggled and said “dadadadada”-- her favorite sound. [On the plane home] she just wanted to play and roll around and see and touch everything. It took us a little while to get her to sleep, and then she did, wonderfully sleeping for about eight and a half hours.

May 2, 2004: Well, it has taken us a week, but morning for Miranda today was morning for the rest of Kansas as well.

Tomorrow her morning starts early so that Daddy can spend some time with her before he sets off to work. Neither Mommy nor I want me to go back to work, but arranging to be gone is a pain.

Vice principal Lyn Rantz featureseditor

michaelacross

Teacher Courtney Buffington, Baby Ella

staffwriter

kimhieber

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iving birth to her very first child, Ella Reese Buffington on Tuesday Feb. 24, social stud ies teacher Courtney Buffington couldn’t be happier. Buffington returned to the classroom last Monday.

As a mother, the first few weeks weren’t as tough as many make them out to be, she said.

“I had a lot of help from my mother and sisters,” she said. “I was very tired though.”

It also helps that Ella is apparently a very good infant.

“She is a beautiful person inside and out,”she said.

“She is also a very easy, laid back baby.”

Taking care of a brand new baby can cause major changes in one’s life. Buffington says her life has drastically changed since her daughter’s birth.

“Having a baby has definitely changed my priorities.

Suddenly things that used to matter, like going out with

friends and sleeping late, don’t matter. I now much prefer spending time with Ella at home,” she said.

A new infant can also change one’s perspective on life. Being a new parent can be tough, but Buffington has high hopes for herself.

“It is amazing how much you can love one person,” she said. “I’d do anything for her. I didn’t realize that this kind of love was possible. I hope to be a patient and compassionate parent who loves Ella unconditionally, as my parents did.”

She and her husband also have high hopes for Ella’s life.

“We hope she grows up to be a confident, intelligent, fun-loving woman,” she said.

Is the Buffington family going to continue to expand in the future?

“I want three children total,” Buffington said. “But in awhile. I’m doing well to manage one right now.”

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ast year, vice-principal Dr. Lyn Rantz gave birth to her first child, Andrew. During the duration of this year, it started to become more obvious that another child was on its way.

Taylor Nicole Rantz is expected to be born toward the end of July, much to the anticipation of her mother.

“We don’t have much prepared,” Dr. Rantz said. “[My Husband and I] were surprised the baby is going to be a girl. We were expecting another boy, but we feel very blessed.”

At this point they are preparing for a room and babyproofing the house. She won’t, however, have to miss work this year.

“I’m not going to miss any work this school year. I worked up to the day I delivered last year,” she said.

“I will miss the beginning of next school year.”

Though excited about the baby, Rantz worries about missing school and not being around the atmosphere that she loves.

Rantz’s son Andrew poses with Buffington’s newborn Ella. Andrew will soon be a big brother.

T HE TIGER

feature

PR I N T

FRIDAY MAY

Graduation: The final cure Key : Kansas

Missouri Cottey College, Drury, Longview Community College, Rockhurst University, Southwest Missouri State, St. Louis University, Truman, University of Missouri-Rolla

Baker University, Barton County Community College,Bethany College,Butler Community College,Emporia State University, JCCC, Kansas City Kansas Community College,Kansas State, Pittsburg State University, University,Mid-America Nazarene,University of Kansas

St. Olaf College, Ferris State University College of St. Benedict

BYU

University of Nebraska AMDA, San Diego Community College, University of California-Santa Barbara University of Southern California

Graceland University, Iowa State University

Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State University

Colle Willia Mary Belmont University, Lipscomb University, Vanderbilt

Oral Roberts University

American Musical and Dramatic Academy Heather Gentry

Butler Community College

Abilene Christian University

Gregory Benson Andrew Bower Chase Holtom Michael Lui

Shannon Boyter

Carson Newman

Baker University Katelin Spear

Baylor Anna Groover

Barton County Community College Jennifer Pearce

Bethany College Sarah Metcalf

Belmont University

Jeremy Bennett

CMSU Andrea Steele

College of St. Benedict Danielle Pollock

Colorado School of Mines Marshal Banks

Colorado State University Rebecca Bing

Cottey College

Laura Allen Patrick Frickleton Jonathan Milkovich Joseph Pearson

Tiffany Paulie

Brigham Young University

Drury

Eric Buell Ryan Mack Dale Tolley

Duke University Samanta Prouty

Colleen Boerner

Emporia State University Josh Koerkenmeier Julie Schilf

Ferris State University

Abilene Christian Baylor LeTourneau University Rice Southern Methodist University Texas Christian University Texas A&M Texas State

James Leland

Kansas Air National Guard

Florida Tech

Karl Johnson-Pickett

Michael Moore

Graceland University Austin Isham

Harvard Anna McCallie

Iowa State University Adam Foster Jason Pollard

JCCC Zain Abydin Courtney Baker Rachael Baker Brandon Branson Chris Buchanan Thanh Bui Cory Devers Alaina Doll Christian Gerber Morgan Haas Robert Handsaker Annalisa Hapke Matthew Hayward Erin Helms Ashley Hintz Jacob Huelsman Taryn Jackson

Melissa Jasnowski Cameron Jonsson Daniel Kellerman Jessica McCampbell Brandon Mitchell Arieana Moore Bryce Morgan John Mundy Arsalan Nazir Lisa Ogden Megan Rawie Ryan Rehm Justin Rousseau Christopher Schedler Clinton Schiller Brian Scott Ryan Sharp Tasia Sheets Geoffrey Shepard Bradley Siebert Maxwell Simon Christina Steinkamp Margaret Steinmeyer Brandon Turner Audra Welty Brian White Amber Woltjer

Kansas State University Austin Apple Chris Bass Sarah Becker Morgan Campbell Andrew Christ Justin Copp Matthew Deflon Michael Denning Nicholas Dreiling Nathan Estrin Sara Eswein James Frazier Russell Gardner Kurt Haberstroh Brandon Hall Evan Helmbrecht Katherine Hensler Craig Hester Aimee Hobbs Nicole Kirkton Ashley Lewis Ashley Love James Mahoney Lindsay McAtee Christopher Morrill Derek O’Dell Brianne Ogilvie

University of Mobile

University of Georgia-Athens

Florida Univers Florida Brian Oliver Danielle Orrick Zach Ostmeyer Adam Pham Eric Redhair Abigail Reinhardt John Schaaf Katie Sobczynski Travis Upah Timothy Updike Stephen Weigel Michael Wilson Heather Wise Danielle Wong

KCKCC Laura Koslowsky

LeTourneau University Michael Kochendorfer

Lipscomb University Ashley Portell

Longview Community College Heidi Pakdel

Mid America Nazarene Melissa Higgins Parker Snedden

feature

FRIDAY MAY

Whitney Fouts

Texas State Courtney Loveless

The College of William and Mary Katherine Harris

Rochester

ge of am and

s

Harvard

Truman State University Seth Freeman

Treveca Nazarene University Military

Emily Varner

Travis Gould Michael Praderio Davia Smith

University of Chicago Michael Stevens

University of Oral Roberts Georgia-Athens University Kristen Palmer

Philip Berkholtz

Pittsburg State University Andrew Newberry Kathy Raymaker

Tech, Rice University sity of Bryce Gray Galina Toneva

Rochester Institute of Technology Laura Motush

Rockhurst University Victoria Mitchell

San Diego Community College Mirela Moore

Southern Methodist University Brandon MurrayMazany

Southwest Missouri State Univeristy Becky McNaughton

St. Louis University Lauren Ibenthal Jennifer Tangney

St. Olaf College Colin Chase

Texas Christian University Ryan Delair Jamie Hisle

Rebecca Norton William Palmer Jacquelyn Paschang Aaron Reinke Mary-Karola Rothbrust Jacob Scribner Andrew Steranko Bryan Swallow TJ Trum Satya Upadhyayula Brendan Weir Christine Whetter Carly Wirick Tracy Young Ryan Zeckser

UMKC Alex Marten Manda Richardson Jenna Strieby

University of Missouri- Rolla Aubrey Tuk

PR I N T

Most likely to live in Stilwell

e to Senioritis Texas A & M

T HE TIGER

Dena Owens and Ryan Sharp

Friendliest Ryan Zeckser and Becca Bedell

Senior Superlatives The best of the Class of 2004

University of University of Mobile California-Santa Kadie McNiel Barbara University of Rebecca Bedell Nebraska Matthew Cantin Universiry of Katelyn Dunleavy Florida Max Jaben

University of Kansas Katie Abrahamson Alison Badali Charlotte Berry Christopher Bubeck Nicole Capolino Karen Cason Natalie Cassell Hilary Clack Siobhan Coman Christina Conrad Michael Cuevas Douglas DeFranco Kristin Driskell Tyler Dryden Jonathan Edwards Joel Ehinger Mckenzie Gabriel Michael Ginger Todor Gogov Mitch Hall Danielle Hurst Darakshan Javed Holly Knearem Rachel Kormanik Lottie Likens Kevin Loftus Lauren McCoy Andy Meyers Sarah Mires Suzanne Muldrew Erin Mulligan Ryan Mundziak Sierra Murray

Cara Knott Randi Leiker

University of Southern California Lindsay Pond

University of St. Mary’s Krystal Sarno

Most likely to be famous

Most artistic

Hayley Podschun and Michael Stevens

Heather Wise and Will Palmer

Vanderbilt Timothy Olson

Washburn University Justin Knutzen

Undecided Calley Cuevas Joseph Cullinan Luke Drimmel Adam Gibson Jacob Grant Jonathon Griego Andrew Lasche Adam Monks Jordan Scafe Andy Shorten

Work Michael Duffy Justin Higgerson Joanna Marshall Don’t blame us: If your name isn’t on this page, you didn’t turn your form into the counseling office.

Most athletic

Biggest flirt

Danielle Orrick and Tyler Newton

Randi Leiker and Dane Hammett

Most likely to succeed Anna McCallie and Tim Olson

P farewell Riding Into T HE TIGER

FRIDAY MAY

RINT

Resignation Retirement Realignment

THE LIST OF TEACHERS LEAVING BVHS

Tylicki joins St. James team michaeljohnson

staffwriter

nickspeed

W

ould anyone feel safe if students were running around the halls with knifes or guns threatening the lives of other people? Of course not. Officer Ken Braden, school resource officer, helps to prevent that terrible scenario from happening. Braden has been at Blue Valley High for almost a decade.

However, the Overland Park Police Department was considering moving Officer Braden back to patrol.

Earlier this week Braden learned that he would be able to stay at BVHS another year.

Braden was not excited about the possibility of being reassigned.

“I would have hated to leave the best job I’ve ever had in the Police Department,” Braden said. “I have the best job in the best school of the district.”

Students are glad that Braden will return.

“Coach Braden has always been there for me when I needed him,” junior Eugene Waters said. “I was not looking forward to seeing him go.”

Braden also coaches football and had hoped that he could continue coaching if he had been reassigned within the police department. Now he won’t have to explore that possibility. He can keep coaching and continue protecting and counseling students.

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hind people and programs he has always cherished, such as friends, coaches, students...and basketball.

“Most of my favorite memories of Blue Valley come from the basketball team,” Tylicki said. “Just hanging out with the players is what I’ll miss the most.”

And the feeling is mutual.

“Coach Tylicki was a great coach,” junior Nick Biagioli said.

“He really grew close to the players and we will carry everything he taught us to next year.”

Tylicki’s family shares much of the same views about the new opportunity. His wife is looking forward to the change because they will be moving closer to family and friends that live in the area around Saint James in west Lenexa. She is, however, nervous to start over. The new opportunity may cause stress on the family since Tylicki is tackling a totally different role. Instead of filling schedules, Tylicki will be hiring coaches. However, the man of experience around Blue Valley, Bob Whitehead, offers encouragement since he knows Tylicki will be

a great Athletic Director.

Tylicki By “He will do The Numbers just fine,” Whitehead said. “He has an excellent Hours of Film rapport around Watched Blue Valley as a coach and a counselor, and I am sorry to see Varsity Games him leave.”

Coached It’s not as if Tylicki doesn’t have experience in athletYears at Blue ics. He has Valley spent three of his six years at Blue Valley as head basketball 5A Substate coach.

The Championthree remainships ing years were spent as assistant coach.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Tylicki said.

183 57 6

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Moody swings into Retirement “I’m going to miss my association with seeing students grow” lindsaypond

managingeditor

Braden will stay as SRO; he won’t join street force

entertainmenteditor

-Harry McDonald -Rosemary Moody -Eric Sheele -Mike Whitescarver -Monica Morak -Jan Hunting -Kelly Berheide -Andy Tylicki -Dennis King -Kim Kuzma -Paul Akin

n entirely new window of opportunity has been opened for coach Andy Tylicki as he looks forward to a new career as Athletic Director and head basketball coach of Saint James Academy.

Tylicki starts at the beginning of next year.

Tylicki is most excited about the opportunity to build a foundation from the ground up. Since Saint James is a brand new Catholic school opening in 2005, Tylicki will set the standards for the entire athletic department.

“It’s a good professional opportunity for me,” Tylicki said. “But it was a difficult decision. Blue Valley is such a great school, and it will be hard to leave.”

Bittersweet is how Tylicki described his attitude toward his transfer. It has its positives and negatives. Tylicki’s advance in his career is the obvious positive, he said, but the personal connection has negatives that made his decision tough. He will be leaving be-

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our year plans, graduation require ments, recommendation letters and transcripts such tasks have filled the days of counselor Rosemary Moody’s 24-year tenure at Blue Valley. She is going to miss it, she says. Moody will retire at the end of the 2004 school year.

“I am going to miss my association with seeing students grow,” Moody said. “Our job as a counselor is much different from that of a teacher. We get to see students grow from year to year. We see the full transformation from freshman to senior.”

Before coming to Blue Valley, Moody began her career as a history teacher in the fall of 1970 in Kansas City, Kan. She taught at West Junior High and Turner High School.

“The first principal I worked under saw me working with students, and he suggested that I might do well as a counselor,” Moody said.

After several years teaching, Moody returned to her alma mater, the University of Kansas, for her masters.

Since then, Moody has counseled a variety of students at Blue Valley with last names ranging “E-K” to her current “Mi-Se.”

Current and former students alike attest to the value of her guidance.

“She’s been my counselor for four years and never steered me wrong,” senior Kristen Palmer said.

“Mrs. Moody knows just about everything about in-state schools,” Kansas State University student Kyle Schmidt said. “She helped me out a lot.”

For many underclassmen, Moody’s retirement presents a stark change for the coming school year.

“Ms. Moody has been a lot more than a counselor to me,” junior Mandy Payton said.

“She has been the person I have run to, crying and screaming most of the time, when I am freaking out about high school and college. She has always been patient with me and helped me with all trouble I get into. I don’t know what I am going to do without her” Although many of her students regret her retirement, students support her in her decision.

“I think she has helped plenty of people,” Payton said. “I will miss her but I definitely understand because she said she wants to travel with her husband.”

Moody may be retiring, but she plans to stay busy.

FRIDAY MAY

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

farewell

photo illustration by:Brandon Lutz

manezzaiqbal newseditor

King heads to district office

W

hen students enter Blue Valley next year, they will see many new faces. The biggest change will be a new principal.

Principal Dr. Dennis King announced his resignation April 23. He is taking a new job at district office as Executive Director of School Improvement. The director of school improvement is a new position created by new superintendent Tom Trigg, King said he hoped to support each BV school in its improvement policies and hopefully increase school involvement with students and teacher leadership.

“I will just have a bigger classroom,” King said. “[There will be] less student interaction and that scares me. I will miss walking down the halls and talking to students. I’m not ready to leave.”

Students feel the same.

“I’m glad he’s getting promoted,” junior Emily Kramer said. “But I’m going to miss all the good he does for our school.”

King started teaching in 1981 at an alternative school in Kansas City as a biology teacher for one semester. He moved to Schlagle High school to teach biology and anatomy there until 1988. In 1988, he taught biology at Blue Valley North for three years and became assistant principal there for another three years.

In 1995, King became principal at Olathe South High school for two years. In 1997, he became principal at Blue Valley High and has been at BV for seven years.

July 14, 1997 was King’s first day at BVHS. To him, a lot of things seemed unorganized.

The senior hallway was under construction and there were only a couple of weeks left be-

“I hope students continue the tradition of excellence”

fore school started. Yet, school started successfully.

“The seniors then weren’t as connected to the school as the seniors are now,” King said.

“I have pride in the school, and I feel good about how the school is built.”

King feels that by taking this new position he will be able to help more students. He wants to help schools create structures that reach out to students and provide a support system. This way students will have a place were they could get help no matter what academic level they are at. He also hopes to increase teacher leadership in order to increase learning opportunities for students. “[I want] to create the structure that allows schools to be successful,” King, said. “I don’t believe in being a bureaucrat. You need to help [students].”

King’s need to help students comes from his own high school experience.

“I went to a big school, [which] didn’t do anything to reach out to me,” King said.

“There was no support structure in place.

People didn’t help you get better.”

King believes that the more support structures that are available the better students will do. The programs that King plans to develop would be designed to reach that goal for all the Blue Valley schools. King looks at this position as a way to help students, but not as a way to move up to superintendent.

“I’m not looking at this as a stepping stone,” King said. “My focus isn’t the aspiration to be superintendent.”

This new position also allows King more time with his family. As principal, King would have to work two to three nights a week at school events. As the Executive of School Improvement, King would be able to spend more time with his children and attend more of their

events. .

The thought of leaving hasn’t hit King yet.

He’s still the principal of Blue Valley for another two months, and he still has events to supervise for the end of the year.

“I don’t see myself as having [a legacy],” King said. “The school is great because of the teachers and the students.”

King still plans on visiting Blue Valley and expects the school to continue as strong as before.

“I hope students will continue the tradition of excellence,” King said.

Bringing home the Bacon Scott Bacon was announced as the new Blue Valley principal at a special faculty meeting Monday afternoon. Bacon, who is currently the principal at Pleasant Ridge Middle School, will assume his new posistion July 1.

Bacon said that he viewed being BV’s principal as ‘the opportunity of a lifetime” and was excited to come “back home.”

Bacon was assistant principal, teacher and wrestling coach at BV from 1989 to 2002. He was assistant principal for curriculum and athletic director. Before being an administrator, he taught German and social studies.

Berheide leaves drill team, FACS mattgalloway

B

lue Valley will be losing one of its most skilled teachers and ace coaches after the school year ends, adding another name to the list of exiting faculty.

Home Economics teacher and Drill Team adviser Kelly Berheide will be transferring to Elkhart, Ind. following the end of this year end-

ing her six-year tenure at BVHS. Berheide learned she would be moving when her husband was transferred. Berheide was shocked and disapointed by the news, but she decided to finish her stay through the entire year.

“I was really sad (when I heard),”Berheide said.

“In fact, the plan was that I would leave after the first semester, but after thinking about it I

wanted to finish here and get closure.”

Berheide has applied to schools in the Elkhart area for various positions, displaying her versatility in the education field. She hasn’t received a response yet, but she remains determined to put her new degree to use.

“I don’t have a position at this point, but I’ve applied for teaching and administration jobs,”

Berhide said. “I just finished my degree in educational leadership, so I’m looking at both options.”

Aside from her teaching contributions, Berheide also led the Drill Team to some of its best performances in school history.

They immediately improved after Berheide took over in 1998, and the team closed out the season placing high at na-

tionals. To Berheide, teaching Drill Team was a task tackled head on from day one.

“I was involved my first year here,” Berheide said.

“The first semester I helped the team as an assistant, and I took over fully the second semester in 1998.”

Although she is leaving, Berheide will continue to remember the fun memories and experiences she

had at BVHS. “There’s so many (favorite memories); I can’t really name one,” Berheide said. “My holiday helpers class in creative cuisine was great, coaching Drill Team was really fun as well. I just enjoyed teaching at Blue Valley and I enjoyed helping students.”

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

entertainment

Concert Preview

Summer Concerts June 4

Train

June 23

Wakarusa Festival

June 18

Tim McGraw John Mayer

July 11 July 27

Dave Mathews

Aug 16

Josh Groban

Aug 16

Summer shows look promising kevinloftus

sportseditor

Kenny Chesney

FRIDAY MAY

S

tart saving your money. That would be a good idea if you were planning on going to any concerts this summer. With big names like the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Incubus and Kenny Chesney coming to town, you might find your wallet to be a little lighter.

“I’m planning on going to three concerts this summer, and it should going to cost me over $100,” senior Ryan Mack said.

There is one way to avoid the high cost of concerts: avoid Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Sure, you’ll miss all the huge acts that are coming to Kansas City, but

you can still probably go to two or three concerts elsewhere for the price of one.

For example, Dashboard Confessional and Thrice will be at the City Market on May 27. After the service charge, tickets are just $28 for this general admission concert. On the other hand, you could go see the Dave Matthews Band at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Aug. 17 for $47 and that is only a lawn seat.

If money really doesn’t matter to you, then here you go. The first major concert is actually a festival, The Wakarusa festival held at Clinton Lake, four miles west of Lawrence. This three-day event, starting June 18, will feature about 70

bands, including O.A.R, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Keller Williams and many more. Tickets are $100 for all three days.

Some other concerts at Verizon include Ozzfest at Verizon on Aug. 10, the Warped Tour, which features such bands at Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard and Story of the Year on July 26. Others include John Mayer, July 27 and Kenny Chesney on June 4.

Overall, the upcoming concert schedule seems pretty solid this summer. Just be sure to bring plenty of money when you are buying tickets. The closest places to purchase tickets are ACE Sports and Ticketmasters.

Local Attractions

New thrill ride has unique ‘twist’ guesteditor

adamlary

I

n 2000, it was the Boomerang. In 2002, it was the Thunderhawk. And now, the newest addition to the Worlds of Fun lineup is the Spinning Dragons.

“We try to stay competitive with other major parks by introducing a new, thrilling ride every year,” Worlds of Fun public relations manager Cristy Welsh said.

Replacing the Orient Express, Spinning Dragons is over a quarter mile of track, coupled with head-spinning turns and heart-in-your-throat action. So what is unique about it? Spinning Dragons has cars that carry four passengers facing each other. Throughout the ride, the car spins independently with every turn, adding a new “twist” to the typical roller coaster.

With 1,345 feet of track, the car speeds along at a maximum of 30 miles per hour, starting with its 50 degree, 54 foot first drop. Lasting approximately one minute and 30 seconds, four passengers are tossed through hairpin turns, inclined banking curves and gut-wrenching Gforces, all the while taking a series of dizzying, unpredictable spins of the car.

“It’s interesting because it’s so unique,” sophomore Whitney Hunt said, who rode the ride last Saturday.

Intended as a family ride, Spinning Dragons was designed for the old, the young and everyone in between, thus sacrificing the speed that some thrill-seekers drool after. Nonetheless, Spinning Dragons is an excellent new addition to the Worlds of Fun amusement park, and should continue to be a success as long as it stands.

Four passengers try out the new thrill ride at Worlds of Fun, Spinning Dragons , after waiting in a n Special thanks to Public Relations Manager Cristy Welsh hour-long line.The cars spin as they progress through the track. photo by Adam Lary for allowing The Tiger Print the opportunity to test the ride.

Movies may be prime source of entertainment for summer staffwriter

kimhieber

T

he Beach Boys once sang “We’ll be having fun all summer long.” Just like the Beach Boys, students will “be having fun all summer long” while watching movies.

Some of the biggest box office hits of the year are about to come out between the months of May and August. Movies of all genres will make their debut this summer. There are action-packed sequels, like Harry Potter and Spiderman, and there are new original hits like Troy.

Peter Parker is back but Spiderman is

not. After a hard decision, Parker has given up crime fighting in order to decomplicate his life. Little does he know, his best friend Harry Osbourne, is about to seek revenge on Spiderman for killing his father, Norman Osbourne, the Green Goblin; however, Harry does not realize that his best friend Peter is Spiderman. Harry hires a new archnemesis, Dr. Octopus, to carry out his devious deed. What happens next is up to audiences, as they will have the opportunity to go see it on June 30.

The more-awaited movie premiere, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,

makes its debut on June 4, 2004. Actionpacked like the previous two movies, this story line is sure to be unforgettable.

New characters will be introduced that will change Harry’s world. Fans are interested to see whether this sequel lives up to the book or not.

“I’m totally stoked about the debut of Harry Potter,” junior Kevin Lynch said.

“I think it will be the best performance y et.”

Finally, perhaps the most awaited movie of the year, Troy, will come out on May 14. This epic myth of the Trojan War has everything from damsels in

distress to jealous husbands; not to mention, two of the hottest actors in Hollywood today, Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom. Though girls may enjoy the physical aspect of this movie a little more, guys are sure to get a thrill from the action, as well as the appearance of the lovely Helen of Troy, who will be played by Helen Kruger.

Whether students choose to go see one or all of these thrillers, they are sure to have a good time.

“This summer will be record-breaking for movies,” sophomore Mila Altman said.

sports

FRIDAY MAY

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

Seniors fall short A valiant effort by class of 2004, but faculty keeps win streak alive

austinisham

staffwriter

Senior Nicole Capolino sets up a teammate for a spike; the seniors lost both volleyball games, one a close 42-41. Senior Andrew Fuller dribbles past the faculty as a “biased” coach Rhoades looks on; the seniors lost the basketball game by four points, due to what many believe to be “unfair calls.” photos by Brandon Lutz

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he much-awaited, much-anticipated Senior-Faculty Challenge. Surely the class of 2004 could break the 10plus year losing streak. After all, they’ve won the most plaques in the senior lunchroom and they have the most names on boards in the gym.

This translates to the most athletes, and a strong enough class to overcome and shame the overconfident faculty. But it was not to be.

“I think we were overconfident, and we were humbled,” senior Tyler Newton said.

The seniors lost both the first volleyball games despite the efforts of seniors Travis Upah, Austin Isham and the rest of the girls’ varsity volleyball team.

“We can only do so much,” senior Becky Bing said, “not to mention the faculty court was about 7 feet too short.”

The rules of the Senior-Faculty Challenge state that time must be evenly split between each participating team. That did not stop Upah from wow-

ing the crowd with his vertical leap and powerful swing.

“I wanted to show the whole school that guys can play volleyball too,” Upah said.

But when the volleyball dust settled, the teachers prevailed on both courts. That means it’s time for basketball.

The seniors took an early lead with scoring sensations Mitch Hall popping threes.

“Age and athletic maturity prevailed,” teacher K. Dean Snell said.

The seniors lead dwindled and was taken away after 3 teams in a row went in and failed to score a point. Add that to teacher Michael Johnson’s underneath presence and some poor officiating and that makes a bad combination.

“I very much disagree with Rhoades’ calls. I think they were bull [feces],” senior Michael Denning said.

A lot of seniors and underclassmen had a lot to say about what seemed to be partial calls by the ref.

“The teachers expect us not to cheat on tests and homework;

yet they do it in the senior faculty challenge,” senior Patrick Frickelton said.

When it was all said and done, the seniors lost the basketball game by four points.

“I think next year we’ll plan our teams better to handle certain teachers, and get a more neutral referee,” junior Ryan Wallace said.

But the afternoon was not a complete loss for the seniors.

Many students say that Adam Foster was a winner with his short shorts and his half-T. “I really enjoyed Adam’s getup; I found myself strangely attracted to him,” senior Andrew Fuller said.

Outfits consisted of Foster short shorts, Bass’s all black, Newton’s BV Tiger throwback basketball and Upah’s floral shorts.

The afternoon was fun and put closure to the 2004 SeniorFaculty Challenge. To put it simply, the challenge consisted of volleyballs that bounced to the walls, a referee that could not see and shorts that were almost too short.

sports

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

Seniors put BV athletics back on track; class of ‘05 must keep it up

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his year has been something spectacular for the class of 2004, a year not to be forgotten.

As a unit we have the brains, we have the athleticism, we have it all. When the seniors this year graduate they will be leaving behind many things: memories, numerous boards in the gym, plaques, trophies and some darn big shoes to fill.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most accomplished classes to come through BV in a long time.

To review, here is a recap of the last two seasons.

Obviously, the football team achieved the highest form of success by taking home a sectional, regional, district, EKL, substate and state championships.

Also this fall was a strong performance from the boys’ soccer team who took a regional championship and a fourth place at state, and a strong performance from the girls’ golf team who won an unprecedented two tournaments. The volleyball and cross-country teams, which also performed exceptionally well, qualified at substate and state respectively.

During the winter, the boys’ basketball team won two tournaments for the first time, a substate championship and a tie for fifth at state. The wrestling team did well taking home EKL and regional firsts, again posting a fifth place finish at state. Also finishing their seasons strong was girls basketball, and boys swimming.

Currently, spring sports are under way, but like the other seasons are literally shooting ‘better than par.’ The golf team has placed well in tournaments, the tennis team has won one and taken fourth in another, the soccer, softball, baseball, swimming, and track teams have all fared well for themselves in without debate, one of the best leagues in the state of Kansas. Not to leave anyone out, the performing arts side of things has more than held their own. Forensics placed first, debate finished third at state, band has been spectacular in its competitions, cheerleading won a national title, and drill team also did exceptionally well. Sure, this all sounds good on this paper, but wait two weeks to open the local papers and find out that our spring teams will have placed well in state, and much of it because of, I’ll say it, the senior class. This year 122 seniors, more than 40 percent of the graduating class, participated in sports which is more than in recent years.

So what does all this mean? What I am trying to say, on behalf of the entire senior class of 2004, is that the rest of the Blue Valley High community needs to step up and fill the shoes this senior class has left. After the opening of BV West, we hit a difficult time; a couple years with losing seasons, but finally BV is back to where it should be. Now, it is your job to keep it there.

“Without a doubt this is one of the most accomplished classes to come through BV in a long time ”

Tylicki leaves program; coaching spot vacant N staffwriter

dustinriedesel

brandonmurray-mazany

brandnewlook

FRIDAY MAY

ow that coach Andy Tylicki has ended his three-year tenure as the boys’ head basketball coach, the search for a replacementwil soon end. While many people will mourn the loss of a coach that built such strong player relationships while turning around a formerly EKL cellar-dwelling program, Athletic director Bob Whitehead is confident that Blue Valley’s next coach will be an adequate successor.

“There are considerations as to how the new coach will fit into the building and with what teaching positions are available,” said Whithead, who is responsible for making a recommendation to principal Dr. Dennis King who will hire the new coach. “Still, I’m looking for a good basketball coach, someone who knows what he’s doing when he calls a timeout.”

This year’s juniors were hit the hardest by Coach T’s leaving, and their opinion of whom the next coach should be would seem valuable. Most of the players give their vote to last year’s assistant coach and resident biology teacher, Chris Hansen. Hansen was an

assistant to Tylicki the last two years and was instrumental in guiding a team that had no seniors from an EKL cellar-dweller to a competitor for the 5A state championship. Prior to coaching at Blue Valley, he coached a Topeka Hayden and led his team to second place in the state. He has also been an assistant at Miege and on KU’s JV team.

“I really hope that it’s Coach Hansen,” junior Jay Vaglio said. “It would be a really easy transition to make, but I’m sure that the administration will make a good choice whoever they pick.”

Coach Hansen already has a strong relationship with the returning players and won’t have to employ a new system, so he would seem to be an obvious and easy choice.

However, who knows what qualifications the new coach possibilities will be.

Mr. Whitehead is in the process of interviewing six applicants that have responded to adds in the newspaper or have heard of the open coaching position.

He expects a selection to have been made and announced soon, maybe by tomorrow.

playerprofile Name: Aubrey Tuk

Name: Chrissy Whetter

Grade: 12

Grade: 12

Sport: Track and Field

Sport: Swimming

Tuk, who runs the 1600m and 3200m for the Tigers, has been running track now for five years.

“I like doing it because I like to be part of a great team, and because I like to improve my times,” Tuk said. “My least favorite part is the eighth lap of the 3200m.”

Her goals for the season include breaking 5.45 in the 1600m and to break 13:00 in the 3200m. “ My personal best so far is 5.57 in the mile and 13.13 in the two-mile,” Tuk said.

To achieve these goals Tuk runs 25-30 miles a week.

“Also, to help me out I listen to music and drink gatorade before meets,” Tuk said. “It’ll come around, hopefully.”

Whetter, who swims for the lady Tigers, has been swimming for three years.

“I like swimming because I get in shape and because it gives me a chance to form great bonds with my team members,” Whetter said. “My least favorite part of (swimming) is the early morning practices.”

Her favorite strokes are the backstroke and freestyle. Like many athletes, she eats pasta dinners before her meets, and as a sort of pre-game ritual Whetter makes sure she shakes hands before diving off the blocks. “It’s a must,” Whetter said.

“For the rest of the season I would like to drop time before EKL and consideration for the relay at state,” Whetter said.

Name: Anna Groover

Name: Jon Edwards

Grade: 12

Grade: 12

Sport: Softball

Sport: Track and Field

Groover, who plays shorstop for the lady Tigers, has been playing now for 12 years, four of them on the varsity squad.

“I love the competitiveness of the sport, and I love running people over. I should have played football,” Groover said. “My least favorite part though, is going to practice everyday. I know I need it, but that doesnt make it any better.”

This year Groover hopes to win regionals and to qualify for state. To make it happen she makes sure she goes through the same routine every pre-game.

“I always try to take a nap before games,” Groover said. “Also, we listen to an 80’s rock CD, which I have to sing and dance to.

Edwards, who throws javelin and discuss for the Tigers is a key part to the track team.

“I have been doing track for four years now,” Edwards said. Currently, his personal records are 192’9’’ in the javelin, and 125’ in the discuss throw, but he is looking to better that mark either this year, or next year where he will be throwing for University of Kansas. This year though, he has plans to do great things.

“I want to throw the javelin 210’ and win state,” Edwards said. It won’t be without work though.

“My least favorite part of practice is getting down to business, but my favorite part is that no one takes it seriously,” Edwards said

Coaches select students for player profile. Photo poll compiled by Jamie Hisle and Kristen Palmer

T HE TIGER

sports

FRIDAY MAY

PR I N T

Spring sports heat up as season winds down Track and Field

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he Blue Valley track team hosted The BV Relays on April 10. The boys team took eighth, while the girls team took fourth. Senior Mike Lui placed second in the discus with a throw of 133 ft.

5 in. Both the girls 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 teams took second with times of 52.9 and 1.54 respectively. Junior Nick Speed placed third in the shot put, throwing 44ft. 5 in. Senior Jon Edwards threw his javelin 152ft 4in. which was good enough for fourth place in that event. SM South won the meet for the boys and Lawrence Free State for the girls.

On April 15, BV hosted a dual between Blue Valley and Bishop Miege. Blue Valley dominated this meet winning almost every event on both the girls’ and boys’ side. This momentum did not last, however, when the teams traveled to SM West for the SM West/ SM South/Blue Valley Triangular. The teams lost, but senior Jamie Hisle set a new girls’ record in the triple jump bounding 35ft. 3in. The old record was 34ft 9in.

Last Friday, the team traveled to Belton High School for the Belton Invitational. Results were not available at press time.

Senior Danielle Orrick warms up during practice.

Orrick’s pitching has helped keep the Tigers in many games. photo by Brandon Lutz

Softball

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he Blue Valley Tigers’ softball team is 4-8 this season after splitting a doubleheader against St. Thomas Aquinas on April 29. The Lady Tigers won the first game 1-0 with senior Danielle Orrick pitching a six-hit shutout. Orrick also pitched the second game, which the Lady Tigers lost 3-0.

“I felt like our hitting was good, but it was unfortunate because they went right to the fielders,” senior Ashley Lewis said concerning the Lady Tigers only scoring one run in two games.

“It’s a good thing that Danielle pitched so well since the hits weren’t falling,” Lewis said.

The Lady Tigers played Blue Valley North on Wednesday, but scores were not available at press time. The Lady Tigers next game is a doubleheader tonight at Bishop Ward that starts at 4 p.m.

Boys’ Golf

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he varsity golf team looks like it is already in state championship form. After five tournaments, the Tigers have racked up a first place finish, two seconds, a third and a fourth. The most

recent tourney was a first place finish at the BV North Invite played at Leawood South on April 28. Sophomore Adam Blue, sophomore Brandon Hermreck and senior JP Leland all finished in the top five shooting 76, 84 and 84, respectively. Blue had the lowest score of the day, winning the tournament.

“I played a solid round,” Blue said. “Hopefully, there will be more to come.”

Before the North Invite, the Tigers played at the Topeka West Invite at Topeka Country Club on April 26.

The Tigers finished third and were again led by Blue who finished fourth with a score of 78.

After a third place finish last year at state, the Tigers are even more hungry this year. With regionals on May 17 at Ottawa Country Club and state on May 24 at Smoky Hills in Hays, things are setting up nicely.

“I expect us to compete at state,” Leland said.

Swimming

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he swim team hosted a five-team invitational April 22. The team competed against Sion, Olathe South, St. Thomas Aquinas and Blue Valley West placing fourth over all.

“We swam really well and had great times,” senior Chrissy Whetter said of the home meet. “We would have placed better, but it was scored as an invitational instead of a dual.”

The Tigers had another chance to compete with Olathe South and Blue Valley West during the following week. The team swam against Olathe South April 27 at Chisolm Trail Junior High and against Blue Valley West April 29.

The team travels to Lawrence for a meet against Lawrence Freestate May 3. The team’s last meet will be at EKL May 12, hosted by Blue Valley North.

“It’s our last chance to qualify for state,” Whetter said.

The team has qualified for state in all three relays, which include 400-meter freestyle relay, 200-meter freestyle relay and the 200-meter medley relay.

Consideration swimmers include junior Kirsten Rottinghaus for the 100-meter breaststroke and the 50meter freestyle, senior Katie Sobczynski for the 50meter freestyle, freshman Meredith McKaig in the 100meter butterfly and junior Katie Chinery in 100-meter backstroke.

“Consideration swimmers have times that are close to qualifying,” senior Nicole Kirkton said. “They get to compete when there are not enough people qualified.

there are still hopes of a bright finish for the Tigers.

May 17-20 will put the regional tournament on the Tigers’ plate and every team’s record is 0-0 as far as the tournament is concerned.

Boys’ Tennis

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he boys’ tennis team continues to do well, as the thought of a regional championship for the first time in 21 years looks hopeful. Last Friday, the varsity team took on Barstow, winning 5-2.

Seniors Tim Olson and Jamie Mahoney, junior Tanner Miller and sophomore Andrew Robinson took home singles victories, while senior Brandon MurrayMazany/Robinson combined efforts in doubles to snatch a win.

On April 27, the boys took on Defending 6A state runner-up BV West in a heart breaker. Mahoney, Olson, and Robinson won their singles, and MurrayMazany/Robinson again won doubles. The team lost with a disappointing 4-5 score.

On April 21 the team ventured down to the Plaza for the Saint Thomas Aquinas Tournament, arguably one of the best in the bi-state area. Teams from all over Missouri and Kansas made the trek for the event.

At the beginning, things got off to a slow start, but picked up soon. Murray-Mazany won his first match against Pembroke, but then suffered tough losses to No. 2 seed Malcolm Harrison from Rockhurst (2-8) and another close loss to Pembroke in Round three.

He finished tied for 12th place. Mahoney/Olson doubles combined efforts to go 3-2, and take 2nd place in the consolation bracket. Senior Ryan Mack and Miller tied for 28th in doubles, and Robinson tied for 28th in singles as well.

The highlight of the year for the team was winning the Bonner Springs Tournament. Murray-Mazany took first in No. 1 singles, Robinson took second in No. 2 singles, Mack/Miller took first in number two doubles, and Mahoney/Olson took third in No. 1 doubles. That week Murray-Mazany was also named Kansas City Star player of the week.

Other results include a team 5-4 win against 5A rival Bishop Miege, and a 3-6 loss to Shawnee Mission East. On Wednesday the team faced off against Blue Valley North in a continuation of a rainout the previous week. Thursday the team faced Olathe East. Results for the two meets were not available at press time.

Looking ahead, the EKL tournament is on May 11, regionals are on May 17, and State is on May 21 and 22.

Baseball

Girls’ Soccer

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he first half of the season opened in a somewhat disappointing fashion as the Tigers now sport a record of 6-7. However, after a self-inflicting loss to the Belton Pirates, head coach Larry Hare rallied his players for a 5-4 win over an impressive Olathe North team, ranked third in 6A. The game was played in Lawrence, Kan., at Hoglund Park Stadium on the KU campus on April 22.

The Tigers scored one run in the second and one run in the third inning. It was not until the sixth inning that the Olathe North Eagles showed some sign of life when the stingy Tiger defense gave up one run, but that wasn’t the last of the Eagles as they rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh. Refusing to go home empty handed, the Tigers scored three runs on a one out, bases loaded, ball hit by Tyler Newton that went errantly through the legs of the Eagles second basemen to cap off the game.

Coming off the high of a big victory over Olathe North, the Tigers hoped to gain some momentum on the downhill side of their 20 game season. However, their momentum met a slight setback as the Tigers lost a tough game to rival Blue Valley West on April 27. The hopes of an EKL title are now slim to none with the Tigers possessing a league record of 2-5.

Although the team has met an unexpected first half,

ith three regular season games remaining, the girls’ soccer team sits at 3-9-1 follow ing a 1-0 loss to St. Thomas Aquinas Tues-

day.

“It was a tough loss because everyone tried so hard and we still didn’t win,” junior co-captain Shay Alford said. “I thought it was the hardest we played all year.”

Aquinas scored a goal within the first five minutes of the second half after the teams played to a 0-0 draw in the first.

“Our defenders left the post,” Alford said, “so I thought she was offside.”

Regardless of appearance, the goal proved to be the game winner.

BV’s best scoring opportunity came in the first half on a restart just outside the goal area. Junior Krista Coulas touched the ball to Alford who took a shot on goal. The Aquinas keeper dove for the ball, bobbled it but regained possession before sophomore Tiffany Mitchell could redirect the ball.

“When she bobbled it I thought Tiff had a real good chance,” Alford said. “[Scoring] would have been a motivator. I think both teams would have picked up their level of play.”

The Tigers play tonight against BV North at the South Soccer Stadium (BV West field). BV fell to North, 3-0, last week.

T HE TIGER

PR I N T

photo essay

Senior Will Palmer and juniors Ashley Steele and Mikhail Mendizabal do a calorimetry experiment in John Holloway’s Physics class. Physics was a very popular science class for both juniors and seniors.

FRIDAY MAY

During one of the four snow days this school year, students play in the snow. While days off were fun, the underclassmen have to stay in school until June 3 instead of the intended May 28.

School’s Out For Summer

As the school year wraps up and everyone gets ready to leave, we reflect back on some of the memories from the year. From the State Football Championship to the fourth annual Community Service Day, 2003-04 has been full of memories that will remain with us for a long time.

Clockwise from top left: Working Hard: After capturing the 5A State Title, seven senior football players signed to play at various colleges. From left: Drew Bower, Butler Community College; Greg Benson, Butler; Justin Knutzen, Washburn University; Brian Olney, Butler; Josh Koerkenmeier, Emporia State University; Chase Holtom, Butler; Mike Lui, Butler.

Kindertransport: Seniors Hayley Podschun and Shannon Boyter performed in the fall play, which made it all the way to national competition. Hard at Work: Students cleaned up the fields behind the school during the Junior/Senior Community Service Day on April 16. Blue Valley juniors and seniors were sent out to various places in the community for a day of service, food and sun.